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]

[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.]

[mithrarin]

[One heartbeat later, Dust whirls the practice sword back into a reverse grip, then takes a step back so she can get her bearings and balance back. His own smile is much less subtle.]

You're pretty good. That was a lot of fun.

[daughterofclay]

It was. [There’s a note of surprise in her voice. She wipes at her forehead, and then smiles more openly, to mirror him.

What’s the most decorous option here? Uhhh…

She settles on bowing her head in courtesy.]

You’re very skilled yourself. Where did you learn?

[mithrarin]

You asked. [This question isn't an easy one to answer, after all, though Dust hasn't lost his humor about it. She's going to get more than she bargained for.] One of my souls was an assassin and probably the second-best warrior in all of Falana. I spent my life building on those skills.

[daughterofclay]

[Jude blinks.]

One of your souls?

[Don't get her wrong, the entire story is weird, but that part is... weirdest. She's not entirely sure he's not pulling her leg.]

How many have you got?

[mithrarin]

Two. Whether they're actually mine or not, that's another question entirely. [Dust folds his arms, head lowering slightly. She HAD asked, but... did she really want to know?] The short version of the story is that I was created from two souls that met certain criteria to be a warrior.

[daughterofclay]

[She thinks this over momentarily. It's not-- well, it's not something that she's encountered where she's from, but it's not exactly nonsensical, either. Magic is like that.]

You said one was an assassin. What was the other one?

[mithrarin]

A teenage boy who set out to kill that assassin, in revenge for all the wrongs he'd done.

[Dust is perfectly aware how crazy this all sounds to someone who hasn't lived it.]

[daughterofclay]

...so what, they're locked in eternal battle inside you now?

[Most of all, that sounds impractical.]

[mithrarin]

Yeah, actually. [Dust rubs at one temple with a finger. How'd she guess that, anyway? That's basically exactly how he would put it.] You... haven't come across something like this before, have you?

[daughterofclay]

Not really. But I know what I'd do if I was stuck together with someone I hated.

[Balekin's sharp-featured, cruel face comes to mind. It's a disturbing thought, and she takes a step towards the weapons rack to put away her practice sword in a concerted effort at shaking it off.]

So how do you... function? That sounds like it'd be incredibly distracting.

[mithrarin]

[He folds his arms, then, head bowed slightly. This is a time when his voice grows quieter, but all the more intense for that.]

Cassius drives me to seek battle, to revel in combat, to gain power and test myself. Jin pushes me to be compassionate and kind, to care about others, to do the right thing. So I do both. But I could do neither if I wanted, too. Those two are dead, locked inside me... and I am Dust.

[daughterofclay]

[That's... actually pretty insightful. She's not sure she really understands it, but then the whole thing is pretty strange to begin with.

So after a brief pause, what she says is:]

I'm Jude.

[mithrarin]

It's nice to meet you, Jude. [Dramatics aside, he does mean that. He's only very rarely, and only since coming here, had the pleasure of the company of a swordfighter.] And this is Ahrah and Furae.

[Blue sword, then red sword, respectively.]

[daughterofclay]

Ahrah and Furae.

Do they have souls too?

[Look, it seems as likely as anything at this point. Especially since they're pretty obviously not ordinary weapons.

Speaking of (more or less) ordinary swords, she's going to strap Nightfell back on.]

[mithrarin]

[At the question, the runes on Ahrah flicker as the sword speaks, in time with the syllables.] I am one of the Blades of Elysium. Furae is a familiar, native to this world, so I cannot be certain what rules apply.

[Despite the hat in the way, Jude can probably tell from Dust's wry half-smile that he too is perfectly aware Ahrah didn't answer the question.]

[daughterofclay]

[She tenses when the sword... speaks -- the surprise breaking through her usual stoicism. Her hand tenses on Nightfell's hilt, albeit she seems to catch herself after a moment's time, and relax her grip with a conscious effort.

You know, because it's totally normal to grab for your weapon whenever you're startled. Ha ha.

Also, she doesn't know what to say to that revelation and/or lack of answer. After a moment's awkward silence, she'll venture,]

I see.

[Aaaand the awkwardness is probably a sign it's time to go. She attempts a quick, wan smile, inclining her head as she turns towards the door.]

Well, I'll... see you around.

[mithrarin]

Yeah. And I'm still training to learn two swords, so if you ever want to join me?

[Dust tries to keep that from being a plea. He's never really met anyone else who uses a sword and isn't hostile, let alone someone he could spar with. Sure, he's trying to be more of a student here, but... it's still a huge part of his life, one he can barely express in the relatively peaceful Magicademy.]

[daughterofclay]

[She pauses, caught off guard by the offer. It seems -- genuine?

Also: flattering. Which is a dangerous trap to fall into -- being flattered -- but she can't help the small smile she sends his way.]

I'd like that.

Thank you.

[Aaand she's gone.]