June Event and Intro Log

[magicademymods]

June Event and Intro Log Diatu and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Sundering Midterm Results It turns out that inadvertently summoning a horrible demon of immense and terrible power is still worth a passing grade: minus a lot of points for summoning the entirely wrong thing, but enough extra credit for successfully doing something so incredibly over-the-top to make up for it just a little. Meanwhile, something something power of running water, there's a demon imprisoned in the fountain, locked behind a massive magic circle of protection. Its flames neither evaporate the water nor are quenched by it, its lashing pointy tail stabs futilely at the stone in an attempt at petty vandalism, and otherwise it squats with otherworldly patience, claws drumming on its thighs. Till someone comes close, and then it calls out. "Come! It is in my power to grant a wish to those who ask! Speak your desire and I shall grant it!" Of course, the demon's ability to interpret wishes in an extremely jerkass manner is unparalleled by mortal malice. Still, this doesn't stop those students who think they're clever, can outwit a demon, have a background in legal jargon, or just want a turkey sandwich on rye bread with lettuce and mustard and-and they don’t want any zombie turkeys, they don’t want to turn into a turkey themselves, and they don’t want any other weird surprises. Needless to say, it has gone well for none of them -- but will you be the one to break the streak? As for the circle, it is specifically warded against meddling, so no freeing the demon (accidentally or otherwise). Those who try to touch it or cross through it are promptly hurled with pinpoint accuracy into a nearby pond that has been put there explicitly for this purpose. (Except for Minamimoto -- if HE messes with it, his pants rip themselves off his body, wrap around his head, and haul him away while shouting the multiplication tables incorrectly.) Potent Potables Students work hard, and they play hard. Around midterms, this often takes the form of picnics with unreserved and unrestricted access to not just copious amounts of barbecue and potato salad, but also alcohol. From fine wines to barrels of beer to Liverpunch Whiskey, all sorts of offerings pop up at the parties that occupy space along the Walk or outside the Towers and Keep. Anastara, you see, has no legal drinking age; like most of the Tenscore Kingdoms, children grow up with alcohol, and generally its consumption is seen as no major event and no special treat. And it simply hasn't occurred to anyone that other cultures on other worlds might not function the same. So enjoy a picnic, but also enjoy your free access to the wonders of intoxication. Physical Challenge (aka the Prompt Least Likely To Cause Suffering) Healthy body, healthy mind, the saying goes. Professors Trammel and Kith, adherents to this philosophy, have begun holding extracurricular exercise groups during the off hours. Students can learn proper weightlifting techniques for endurance as well as strength, jog around the campus in groups, play impromptu games that get the body moving, or even just practice slow stretches and what other worlds might call 'yoga'. Captain Lominia aggressively prowls the area, looking for people to scoop into bala-inlota exercises -- far more grueling and dangerous to succeed at if you don't want to be badgered onto the student team, but amazing workouts either way. And Headmaster Birony has set up a fairly extreme obstacle course straight out of a ninja challenge, overseen by Professor Porfsin from behind a cannon which magically flings beanbags at the participants. Those who make it through receive a pie from the Headmaster, who it turns out apparently can make a really darn tasty pie. Research On the Sundered With the arrival of the Sundered come those wizards engaged in research on their presence here, now set to investigate what brought them here and how to get them home. All newly-arrived Sundered students are asked to meet with representatives of the research team, to introduce themselves and relate what they will of their homes. In addition, the team requests samples of blood, hair, and skin -- carefully magically collected, and the researchers will sign in the presence of the Sundered a Glyphed contract that forbids them from using the samples for a purpose they know will be harmful. (They quite understand your reasons to be suspicious of this collection! And they will not compel anyone who refuses even given these conditions.) This month, the researchers wish for you to engage in some sort of conflict, clash, or battle with your fellow Sundered. Spars with blunted weapons are the obvious choice, but games of strategy like go, shogi, or Fantastic Foils are also an option. A rousing debate will do as well -- anything that raises passion and energy. The team explains that they've found many of the Sundered who they interviewed have recently been through some sort of conflict or trouble on their world, and they wish to see if there's any magically-measurable aspect they share when challenged. Wonders Await Diatu Magicademy is open to you in all its glory. Except for the fountain. You can't swim in the fountain till they figure out how to banish the demon.

Comments

[daughterofclay]

Physical Challenge

[She throws herself into the bala-inlota exercises with the determination of someone who has something to prove. Which she does. Diatu has done Jude good: she has regained much of her wiry strength, though still not as quickly as she'd like.

Regardless, she's going to be chillingly intense about it. And if you're going to be her workout partner -- well, hopefully you're ready to counter.]

Physical Challenge (II)

[She dusts off her pants and winces at the sizable bruise blooming on her forearm. Judging by her general state of dishevelment, this isn't the first time Jude has fallen off the ninja course.

Nor will it be the last. She squints at it, her mouth grim, then looks over at the person next to her. A thought appears to strike her, because after a moment, she'll make an effort to catch their eye.]

You know...

They never said we couldn't team up.

[Someone really wants that pie.]

Research

[She casts a glance at the supplies in the training room -- training swords, bows and arrows, wargames set up on tables in an adjacent room, and so on. Then she looks over her partner.]

Well-- what are you best at?

[Judging by the sword strapped to her hip, she has a preference, but she probably won't insist on it.]

Research

[mithrarin]

I have a... knack for swords. [She isn't the only one with a sword at her side. Dust has two, each of them bearing glowing runes - one red, one blue. Clear that he has a preference as well.] If they want our best, that's what I'd have to give them.

[daughterofclay]

That's fine with me.

[She unclasps Nightfell -- her sword -- and sets it down, then steps to a rack to select a practice blade. If she's surprised at the appearance of her sparring partner, she doesn't let on, though her curious glance does linger on the runes. She hasn't seen very many magical weapons here, yet.]

[mithrarin]

[Dust doesn't release his swords, but he does scoop up a practice one in turn. He can't help but glance at her weapon, curious to compare it to the Sword of Light and other weapons he'd seen here. Seems like no one has a plain old ordinary sword, somedays.]

I'll try not to go too crazy.

[daughterofclay]

[If ordinary is what he’s looking for, Dust may be in luck -- Nightfell is a regular sword, if by regular one means non-magical. It is, however, still pretty fancy -- the hilt is inset with gemstones, and the craftsmanship is the work a master blacksmith.

She does note that Dust doesn’t take off his (? she assumes her sparring partner is a he, but it’s hard to tell for sure) weaponry. Her own action was meant as a show of good faith -- removing one’s real weaponry before a practice match -- and it does put her mildly on edge not to see it returned. But maybe customs are different where Dust is from. At any rate, she has a number of weapons on her, still; Nightfell was just the most visible one.

She doesn’t really know how to respond to that declaration, either, other than with a mild frown. Instead she takes a breath, pushes back the feeling of unease, and settles into a sparring position.]

I’m ready when you are.

[mithrarin]

[Dust doesn't know any conventions of sparring. He'd never struck with less than lethal intent in all his life, and though he has Cassius's memories and thus memories of how he and General Gaius had tested their skills against each other, those two had always used naked blades as well. Besides, Ahrah is his friend and Furae his familiar; setting them aside feels wrong.]

[Hmm. So she's not making the first move. That's not ideal for him, but if she tends towards reaction and interception, he might be able to overwhelm her with force, speed, technique, or some combination. Well, no way around it but to try.]

[Dust nods, offering her that moment's warning, then launches his first assault; the practice sword whirls into a forehand grip as he lunges forward, slashing it through a wide arc.]

[daughterofclay]

[She's done this a thousand times, but every fight is different. Jude parries the blow; her counterattack comes just as swiftly.

Though probably not quite as skilled as Dust, she's no easy target, either -- her technique has been honed by experts, and she's both creative and quick on her feet. Just a year ago, swordsmanship was the one talent she'd relied on to help her gain status in Faerie society.

With that in mind, it won't take her long at all to realize she's outclassed here. Still, she tries to hold on as long as she can, to give him (and the Researchers) a decent enough fight.]

[mithrarin]

[Dust isn't at his best with this practice sword. The Blade of Ahrah is like an extension of his own arms, barely a conscious effort to wield just how he wishes. This wooden one is not.]

[But still, he retains the experience and knowledge of an assassin and swordsman who spent his life honing his skills, plus his own growth. And he remains fantastically agile. After all, this is what he was quite literally made to do.]

[Jude is no slouch either, though, and truth is, Dust has never gone up against another actual trained swordfighter bar one. So as they parry and counter, slash and... well, Dust's style is almost entirely slashes outside of grappling, which he doesn't employ here -- whatever the case, he's impressed.]

[daughterofclay]

[Alas, all good things come to an end. For a few minutes she loses herself in the pure physical joy of sparring, of a clean fight. It's fun, and it's been a long time since Jude fought for fun, rather than for survival.

But he's just too fast. Sooner or later she misjudges a step, a swipe, misses the chance to feint -- and ends up with a practice blade pointed at a vital spot.

This is when she'll freeze, her breath coming quick and heavy, before holding up her hands in an admittance of defeat.]

I yield.

[The smile on her face is very faint, but it's there.]

Physical Challenge II

[healingincantation]

[Having obtained an outfit she can actually do the challenges comfortably in, Rapunzel had thrown herself into them - but maybe she should have unbraided her hair first. She feels like she'd actually be struggling less if she could use her hair the way she normally does.

Anyway, she's not doing well, but Jude's suggestion makes her smile slyly.]

I think you're right. Did you have a plan?

[daughterofclay]

[That is... a lot of hair, at least for someone who looks human in all the other ways. Jude wonders, for a minute, just how much strength Rapunzel must have to carry all of that weight alone--

But that's not the point. She gives back a faint (very faint) smile, and then directs her attention back to the course.]

Most of the natives are using magic -- but it’s harder to maintain anything like a shield if you’re also trying to scale a wall. If we could switch off on protecting and helping each other each stretch of the way...

[She shrugs.]

I think it's worth a try.

[healingincantation]

[Rapunzel's own smile is far from faint - on the contrary, it goes from a sly smirk to an eager grin.]

Great idea. [She nods, a single and decisive gesture.] Why don't you start climbing, and I'll cover you?

[daughterofclay]

[Jude nods, and gets to work. The wall is rocky -- with narrow, hard-to-see foot and hand holds placed sporadically. Not easy for someone not used to the sport, but then it seems like they've both had a go at it at least a few times. Maybe familiarity will make it easier?

At the very least, she's learned that speed is key, and so is using your legs. She makes her way up reasonably quickly and confidently, though she's definitely out of breath, with sweat beading at her temple. She doesn't look towards the bean bag cannon -- at least for now, she'll trust that Rapunzel can do her part.]

[healingincantation]

[Rapunzel is still getting a handle on using magic in this way, but she is taking Thaumaturgy, luckily, and that's helping her create a magic "shield" to keep the bean bags at bay, repeatedly uttering an incantation as she does so, and only occasionally daring to glance up and see how Jude is doing.]

[daughterofclay]

[A couple near-slips aside, she manages to scramble her way up the wall and heave herself over it. As soon as she's on solid footing again, she'll kneel down on one knee, bending to present a smaller target.]

It worked! [Surprisingly well, in fact. And now it's her turn.]

Hold on.

[Jude has never attempted the Discovery something quite so... large, before, but there's a first time for everything. She draws her wand, and begins inscribing sigils into the air, pronouncing their names as she goes.

The well-trod air beneath Rapunzel's feet may tremble slightly -- and then a tree unfolds itself out of the dust, positioned so its tangled branches and wide trunk shield her. The tree is dried up, silvery from exposure to the elements, long dead (Jude is definitely not skilled enough to produce anything living yet), but...

But hopefully it will stand up to the bean bags long enough. Jude breathes out, and lowers her wand.] Go!

[healingincantation]

[Rapunzel takes a moment to gape up at the tree, not only an impressive feat of magic to the new student, but also a delightfully creative solution. But Jude's demand for action jolts her back to reality, and she begins to make her way up the wall, while she calls up:]

That was a great idea!

[daughterofclay]

[Jude blinks in surprise, and then smiles the tiniest of smiles, unable to help herself at the sight of Rapunzel's enthusiasm. It's been a while since she's met anyone this... sunny.]

Thank you.

[When Rapunzel is close enough, she'll reach out to help pull her over the edge, then turn, still crouching, in anticipation of the next obstacle.] What's next?

Research

[shiningkindness]

U-Um...well...not too much of it, really. I...know a bit of archery, though?

[She can fire a bow and arrow, at least.]

[daughterofclay]

A shooting contest, then?

[There's a rack of bows; actually, she's kind of happy to be in a space with such an expansive choice of weaponry, period. There's a whole assortment of different bow types and sizes, from traditional to complex, magically enhanced crossbows.

Her partner... doesn't look too sure of herself, though Jude knows that can be deceptive. Still, she's not here to win, just to be useful to the researchers.

She sizes up Flutteryshy, then the rack.]

Choose what you're most comfortable with, and I'll follow suit.

[shiningkindness]

[With a nod, Fluttershy looks over the selection of bows before taking one off the rack, then picks up a quiver of arrows.]

Um...w-would it...be okay if I take a few practice shots? It takes me a bit of time to warm up.

[daughterofclay]

[The unkind, suspicious part of her is wondering if this is some kind of ruse to put her at ease. No one is that shy in real life, are they?

...the less paranoid part of her is reminding her that not everyone’s family thrives on violence quite as much as hers.

So she simply nods as she straps on her quiver of arrows, keeping her expression carefully neutral.] Be my guest.

[She’s watching Fluttershy carefully, though…]

[shiningkindness]

[With a nod, she gets her bow and arrow ready.

The first few shots definitely fall short. But each one went a bit farther, until one finally hit the target.]

Okay, I think I'm ready.

[daughterofclay]

[It... does just look like someone inexperienced, after all. Or rather, someone not sure in their capabilities. After all, hitting the target is already better than nothing.

Jude nods, and steps up to the shooting line.]

Best of three?

[She's better at swordplay than she is at archery, but she's... still pretty good at archery. Her movements are careful, practiced, and her own arrow will land pretty close to bullseye.]

[shiningkindness]

[She nods.]

That sounds good.

[Now that she's warmed up, her arrows fly a bit steadier, and lands pretty close to bullseye as well.]

[daughterofclay]

That's not bad.

[She takes her time with the second arrow, lining up the shot carefully. It pays off: the arrow hits closer than before.]

[[ooc: how shall we decide who wins? coin toss?]]