"Today I want to talk to you about Planar Bindings." Vare says, without pre-amble, moving to his podium which was covered in notes, revealing the drawing more fully to everyone in the class. "As I'm sure some of you are aware by now, we've had a really rough weekend at Avalon. Part of that began on Saturday, when a group of reckless young students attempted to summon a demon outside of the school's walls."
"What I plan to do, is give you all a safe place to practice these types of magics, without having to resort to such insanity to satisfy your curiosity. Planar Bindings are extremely dangerous, even if you are binding Holy agents. One of the first things you must...." and the lecture continues on from this point, Vare going into great detail about the various dangers revolving around Planar Bindings, including the complex political landscapes which mages often don't consider...
Anahita appears to listen to the lecture.
With any reference to something specifically non-magical, she just sits and listens, though when any arcane topic arises, per the skill, depending on the exotic or degree of obscurity to it, her eyes flutter and take on that distant look, or she may actually vanish utterly, the first time the topic is brought up.
Regarding discussion of the planar topics, this oddness does not occur. It seems to primarily occur with regards to 'magic', i.e. the arcane, and only the once.
When the various races of planar beings are mentioned, however, she will occasionally peer to the side, as if someone where speaking into her ear to her right.
Her expression, for the most part, however, remains neutral or pensive. She does occasionally between speaking, peer out at the others in the room.
"Only if those scenarios were programmed into the computer. The latter is. Fighting yourself is a popular training choice. Visiting your ancestral home would require that you find someone willing to program that scenario for you. And would require that you would be willing to telepathically share your memories of the place so they could do so."
Sven Brightedge
"Telepathically? I am familiar with the mental abilities having studied such, but ...are you saying that this facility has mentalists capable of reading minds? Are they members of your facility, or freely roaming about as casually as some of the other non-Firebirds witnessed thus far?"
He motions at Shoshin, Iolth and Halo. He seems to consider adding Toby, but does not.
"Only if those scenarios were programmed into the computer. The latter is. Fighting yourself is a popular training choice. Visiting your ancestral home would require that you find someone willing to program that scenario for you. And would require that you would be willing to telepathically share your memories of the place so they could do so."Sven Brightedge
"Telepathically? I am familiar with the mental abilities having studied such, but ...are you saying that this facility has mentalists capable of reading minds? Are they members of your facility, or freely roaming about as casually as some of the other non-Firebirds witnessed thus far?"
He motions at Shoshin, Iolth and Halo. He seems to consider adding Toby, but does not.
Shoshin's eye twitches slightly, unsure of whether or not that was a valid question or a jibe at beings the haughty firebird considered of lesser status. However, he holds his tongue, not wanting to get into any more trouble than he already has.
After thinking about it, Adina went into the garden area, thankfully free of many students, and casts a spell to recreate the room she and the others had attempted their magic in. as the illusion appeared on her plane of existence she added more detail until it was perfect.
The circle, and intricate of webbed runes, apeared on the floor and each of her fellow mages appeared at their points in it, while she was in the center. She may have forgotten their names and appearances, but they all wore the same robes. Adina looked around, wishing she could remember everything, instead of just this one part before the casting took place.
She saw them lift their arms and begin the gestures needed and then.. nothing. It all went blank as her memory faded. Where had they gone wrong?
Anahita appears to listen to the lecture.
With any reference to something specifically non-magical, she just sits and listens, though when any arcane topic arises, per the skill, depending on the exotic or degree of obscurity to it, her eyes flutter and take on that distant look, or she may actually vanish utterly, the first time the topic is brought up.
Regarding discussion of the planar topics, this oddness does not occur. It seems to primarily occur with regards to 'magic', i.e. the arcane, and only the once.
When the various races of planar beings are mentioned, however, she will occasionally peer to the side, as if someone where speaking into her ear to her right.
Her expression, for the most part, however, remains neutral or pensive. She does occasionally between speaking, peer out at the others in the room.
Midway through the lecture, Illithia - still seated next to the Amazing Vanishing Girl - leans in to whisper to Anahita. "So, is there like some kinda Research Demiplane or something I should know about? It would save alot of studying time."
Vare is as clueless as ever, continuing on with his lecture seemingly without noticing the whispering girl.
Midway through the lecture, Illithia - still seated next to the Amazing Vanishing Girl - leans in to whisper to Anahita. "So, is there like some kinda Research Demiplane or something I should know about? It would save alot of studying time."
Vare is as clueless as ever, continuing on with his lecture seemingly without noticing the whispering girl.
Glancing over at Illithia, Anahita looks back at Vare while he's speaking and says quietly and discretely, "I .. that is, if you are referring to me, seem to have access to tomes, which I'm at times unclear if are visual representations of my memory and what was provided to me, or given, before arriving here. I was never skilled in the arcane, but, now, it appears trivial and familiar, much in the way that the smells and sounds of home would."
She furrows her brow a moment then adds, "I would be delighted to assist you, if you have questions-- the details of these planar beings, however, is new to me. Only some of them are known due to my adventures. Their interactions, do not appear too complicated."
She keeps her attention on Vare, while trying to answer Illithia.
After a moment, "There may easily be a Research Demiplane. I can check, after class, if you wish, or when we have a few seconds." She offers the Halfling a smile at that.
Glancing over at Illithia, Anahita looks back at Vare while he's speaking and says quietly and discretely, "I .. that is, if you are referring to me, seem to have access to tomes, which I'm at times unclear if are visual representations of my memory and what was provided to me, or given, before arriving here. I was never skilled in the arcane, but, now, it appears trivial and familiar, much in the way that the smells and sounds of home would."She furrows her brow a moment then adds, "I would be delighted to assist you, if you have questions-- the details of these planar beings, however, is new to me. Only some of them are known due to my adventures. Their interactions, do not appear too complicated."
She keeps her attention on Vare, while trying to answer Illithia.
After a moment, "There may easily be a Research Demiplane. I can check, after class, if you wish, or when we have a few seconds." She offers the Halfling a smile at that.
"I'm talking about wherever you keep blinking off to, duh." Illy replies, once again having an impish grin on her face, though her tone and volume stay low. "Is that the place with the tomes or whatever?"
"I'm talking about wherever you keep blinking off to, duh." Illy replies, once again having an impish grin on her face, though her tone and volume stay low. "Is that the place with the tomes or whatever?"
Anahita opens her mouth to make the sound 'Oh', but doesn't speak it.
After a moment, she concludes, "I believe it is a physical place. But, in truth, the books I did reference while trapped in said place, were but a small fraction of the total therein. I ... frankly, do not know if it is an actual place, or simply a creation made of my new found knowledge. I am uncertain if I can bring another with. I highly suspect that is not possible."
She frowns lightly at speaking, while Vare speaks, yet, keeps her own voice low, and still listening.
"I am uncertain. To the full details. I may be in error."
Illy just nods to that, listening to Anahita speak to her experience. Illy's tattoo's flicker briefly with a rainbow of colour which seems to race along the lines of 'ink'. "Well, you're definitely leaving here, so you have to be going somewhere else. That makes sense, right?"
"Well, maybe we could try using a spell to reach it? Even if you can't take me with you, I can Plane Shift on my own." she offers in response, excitement clearly growing on her features, as the black ink shifts once again towards the green colour from before. Her voice is losing some of it's discretion too. Even Vare isn't deaf.
Illy just nods to that, listening to Anahita speak to her experience. Illy's tattoo's flicker briefly with a rainbow of colour which seems to race along the lines of 'ink'. "Well, you're definitely leaving here, so you have to be going somewhere else. That makes sense, right?"
"Well, maybe we could try using a spell to reach it? Even if you can't take me with you, I can Plane Shift on my own." she offers in response, excitement clearly growing on her features, as the black ink shifts once again towards the green colour from before. Her voice is losing some of it's discretion too. Even Vare isn't deaf.
Giving Illy a non-verbal look of warning, including Vare, Anahita adds discretely, "Beware of your voice, lest we are heard. I ... am not certain this is another plane of access by anyone save myself. I have the means, and willing can go, though I appear to travel there in fashion ...oddly. I do not wish to deny the opportunity to practice or use magic, however, what if you are rudely rejected? The danger is unknown to me and I sense there is a threat there."
At this point, she unconsciously toys with the silver metal looking chain on her left wrist, entwined with her fingers.
The vulnerable points on the demon will prove to be its undoing, for Renkai is able to hit these points for maximum effect
A single blow lands through the tough skin of the demon, and now their full onslaught begins(28dmg unless your weapon bypasses good dr then 38)
the knight strikes lightly with a mailed fist and utters a demonic phrase
Brhearst leiet!
(touch of corruption to stun)
[dmg=corruption]10d6[/dice](if successful, dc 25 fort or stun 4rounds, also you have -2 to saves while in the antipaladins aura)
the demon then begins his attack at his masters nod
"I won't hurt you either. OK? Are you hurt? Do you need healing?"
He pulls a test tube from the large coat, holding it if she says yes.
Lim-Môr quietly watches the class. Nothing special.
"I won't hurt you either. OK? Are you hurt? Do you need healing?"
He pulls a test tube from the large coat, holding it if she says yes.
Blonde Girl
"Not hurt. The Chosen One can heal. The enemies of the Masters blessed her such gifts. As a sacrifice, the Chosen One's gifts will be forever lost to the world and thus diminished. This is why she is to be sacrificed, or the Dark Lords will rage." Sounds like religious talk she is repeating.
"Hungry. Must empty herself." Hands going without much modesty to indicate her groin and such area as a child who needs to use the restroom might.
Glancing past Kevin, she looked around, "The Thing with no legs? That is okay? Not a servant of the Dark Lords? She has seen such devour other sacrifices." She doesn't appear to flinch, so clearly she's seen some horrific things.
Again, it would depend on Kevin's psychological skills, if any to notice. She clearly isn't sixteen, or close to it.
after taking repo outside, riviarti produces several small white orbs, and commands them to search for ginni within a mile, and if found, to return to her, and they fly off.
"Well, that's done."
after taking repo outside, riviarti produces several small white orbs, and commands them to search for ginni within a mile, and if found, to return to her, and they fly off.
"Well, that's done."
Ginni's body is lying in a small clearing in the woods just outside the wards, to the northeast of the school.
"Tell me about it?" she asked, deciding that pushing the issue was the right choice.Ehos sighs and continues looking a bit distant, before glancing back to Jaiye with a fond smile. 'Alright, well... back when I was in my mid-70s, there was this delegation from the Sun that came to my Mother. I don't really know why they were there, but I didn't really question it. Probably some political maneuvering on my Mother's part.'
He sighs noiselessly, squeezes her hand a little, before continuing on. 'Anyway, the Firebird delegation naturally brought their own servants and such, one of which was a really cute girl. I think her name was Erika.'
'You can pretty much guess my reaction - I wanted to bed her. And we did end up in bed together.'
His face colours slightly as he relives the memory, and he frowns. 'She... I'm pretty sure nobody told her that fire wasn't the same for non-firebirds. We were fooling around, taking clothes off... and she just blasted me with some fire out of nowhere. I was really badly burned, and she started panicking, and ended up running out of the room not wearing any clothes to find help.' he pauses, looking at Jaiye, his frown deepening as he hesitates.
Jaiye's mouth twitches as she tries to hold in a laugh, but then she couldn't keep it in and burst out laughing.
"Oh, my goodness....I'm sure it wasn't funny at the time, but that's just...wow. And I'm guessing that with their attitudes about racial purity and all that she was punished all out of proportion to the offense," she added sympathetically.
Kevin sets hand to the wall and leads to the nearest bathroom.
"OK, so you're a cleric or oracle most likely. And you were going to be killed for it because the abyss would've destroyed something important."
He gently keeps the tea tray in both hands as he leads.
"Yes, the one with no legs is OK. Anyone here is OK. No one here is bad."
They arrive at a door.
"You can relieve yourself in here. I'm going to take this to my room quickly while you do. When you're finished, stay right here. Don't go anywhere without me for now, OK? I'll take you to get food after and then we'll figure out what we're going to do with you."
Ace isn't rattled at all by Professor Sunwake's outburst, and takes her yelling at him in stride "I understand Professor, believe me. Vai is a friend and I will absolutely do what I can to help her. I just still think this is a very bad idea."
He casts a quick spell and walks over to where ever Tyb's room is. He knocks on the door and waits for a reply.
Tybalt removes the pillow from his face, clenching his teeth when the fabric stuck to his face by frozen tears is peeled off.
He sits up and sighs, waving his hand at the door to open it with magic.
"Ye-..."
He begins to say yes before seeing who it is and shrinking back slightly.
"There's always an upside." Ardiente replied optimistically, glancing at Raelle, trying his best not to smile. The situation was still pretty somber after all, but when he looked at her he couldn't help but smile."So I guess the one good thing about having a nervous breakdown is that they let you and your friends eat lots of junk food," Morrivan said, trying to not act as nervous as she felt.
Raelle hugged Morrivan. "You're gonna be okay. I know it."
SIM Room 3
Tryko'Sam spots Vickory approach and pass out some bags, seeing it ignored by Jeran now wolf.
"Get close, this gate will be two way-- if something tries to get through it, as you move in, I'll shut it, but you'll be dropping down in the middle from above. People tend not to look up. Go figure."
That said, and presuming they gather together a bit more, the floor in front of their feet of Casseus, Jeran and Vickory starts to open up to another location-- the summoning room.
Unless they actively move out of the way, there will soon be nothing to stand on, as they will be in the air and gravity pulling them down. The option to 'leap on in' is viable, before the portal's edge gets to them, so they can have their own motion versus merely uncontrolled falling.
-----
** spoiler omitted **...
Jeran will leap using his momentum to dive forward, attempting to bypass the followers and go straight for the throat of one of the main summoners.
The cultists suddenly see a large black wolf leaping down from the sky attacking them.
Nurse Julie heads out looking for Professor Blackscales. She vaguely remembers what he looks like not having seen him much. but she eventually finds him in the infirmary.
Professor Blackscales? I have a note form one of the students here in the infirmary requesting your assistance.
Sven Brightedge
"Telepathically? I am familiar with the mental abilities having studied such, but ...are you saying that this facility has mentalists capable of reading minds? Are they members of your facility, or freely roaming about as casually as some of the other non-Firebirds witnessed thus far?"
He motions at Shoshin, Iolth and Halo. He seems to consider adding Toby, but does not.
"There are both faculty capable of such and students, yes. They are trained to follow a certain code of ethics to prevent breaches of privacy. Sometimes that works better than others. Students with such abilities generally have imperfect control. But the attempt is being made. And yes, students, who are from many different places on Agartha, and even a few from offworld, are generally allowed free run of the school and its grounds."
Halo looks on as APE is under way,
"Wow, so they get hurt but it's not real, just simulated, with real pain, and there's me thinking jogging was hard work. This place is crazy"
She takes some more photos, then looks to find a list of sims, seeing a screen she reads some.
"Hot baths of Rison three, now your talking, so can we book room time for our own use? Because I would love to spend a day in the hot baths"
"Yes, that's right. The rooms are available for student use after classes on a first come first served basis. They're quite popular."
"Are there any other questions about the SIM rooms before we move on to the rest of the tour?"
among the Sim rooms one room has a sign on it:
closed for scientific experiments.
do not enter! very very very dangerous
---Mel Sim room tech
Steeling himself, Ace cuts right to the chase "I know you hate me, and that's fine. You're not the first nor will you be the last person to feel that way about me. However, Melody needs your help, right now, to help save Vai's life. Put aside your vast dislike for me, and come prevent mine and Mel's friend from dying"
Lucas a snorts at the obvious answer to such a stupid question "I am satisfied, "
Halo notes the firebird dandy snorting,
one of them a, a wise guy, more ego than brains, let's give him a nicknametaking a paper tissue from her camera bag she holds it out to him.
"Sounds like you have a cold coming kid, best have it checked out, no one like to have a snotty head, snoot-head"
She then let's it drop on the floor in front of him. and turns her back on him to take photos of more interesting things. Him gone from her mind.
Kevin sets hand to the wall and leads to the nearest bathroom.
"OK, so you're a cleric or oracle most likely. And you were going to be killed for it because the abyss would've destroyed something important."
He gently keeps the tea tray in both hands as he leads.
"Yes, the one with no legs is OK. Anyone here is OK. No one here is bad."
They arrive at a door.
"You can relieve yourself in here. I'm going to take this to my room quickly while you do. When you're finished, stay right here. Don't go anywhere without me for now, OK? I'll take you to get food after and then we'll figure out what we're going to do with you."
Blonde Sacrifice
"But... No slaves to clean the Chosen One? What ... I, understand relieve, but? She will stay in this room for Dragon."
That said, she considers the door and what to do. Clearly simple technology is lost to her, the arrows were quite amazing earlier.
Eventually, she pushes against the door, going inside.
"Yes, that's right. The rooms are available for student use after classes on a first come first served basis. They're quite popular."
"Are there any other questions about the SIM rooms before we move on to the rest of the tour?"
Tall Thin Guy
Smirking at the interaction of Halo with Lucas, the Tall Thin Guy says after a moment, "Your efforts are greatly appreciated Lord del Sol. I, for one, am content to proceed further if this tour is required. The desire to explore without a guide may prove quite stimulating, but, I can understand why you would wish to be presenting these wonders yourself. Let it not be said this establishment is wonderous, and as your invited guest, I most certainly am thankful for the tour. Quite intriguing. I'm curious why this ... These things you speak of we're not presented to our people. Will we be requested not to speak of what we see here? Rooms of illusion weaving for preparing for battle without injuries? What other wonders does this place hold?"
Ulna Terrianos
"Will you set these guardsmen free of their Oaths? Is that acceptable only due to their ties to your House, or is this an act of defiance against our laws? One might consider doing so a violation of our laws..." She seems intrigued. "If others wish to be freed of their Oaths, should we direct them here?"
Sven Brightedge
Sven frowns at the course of the conversation. The Ash Haired Youth merely looks about, back to his calm and meticulous steps.
It doesn't have to be this way. If you follow my master, he may spare your life for now. The living are by far more creative than the unliving in general, the transformation sometimes loses something essential in the process...
Steps through the portal, targets one of the summoners Jeran isn't going after, and opens fire.
Nurse Julie heads out looking for Professor Blackscales. She vaguely remembers what he looks like not having seen him much. but she eventually finds him in the infirmary.
Professor Blackscales? I have a note form one of the students here in the infirmary requesting your assistance.
"Oh?" says taking the note, and reading it. "Of course I will help, where is she?"
"Oh?" says taking the note, and reading it. "Of course I will help, where is she?"Nurse Julie heads out looking for Professor Blackscales. She vaguely remembers what he looks like not having seen him much. but she eventually finds him in the infirmary.
Professor Blackscales? I have a note form one of the students here in the infirmary requesting your assistance.
Of course Professor, right this way Julie escorts him to Morrivan's room
The Owls come don and land on a lrge rock out cropping at the mouth of a huge natural cavern.
the air outside is brisk yet the inside of the cave is rather warm. and comfrtable.
Once everyone is on thier feet and had a chance to stretch thier legs a bit,
This way everyone, I'll show you where the Hot spring is.
Lang, and Chen, lead the group into the cave, Lea stays with the Owls.
the cavern passages wide into the side of the mountain and the temerature begins to rise as well as the humidty levels.
soon the tunnel opens into an even larger cavern with several poosls of water in naturally formed craters scatter the floor.
Each of the pools are bubbling wand steaming hot.
These pools of water are heated by the natural heat of the heart of the mountain. the lava deep under ground heats the water, and the water keeps the lava from coming up to the surface.
Lang points to another passge off to the left. That tunnel over there goes deeper into the mountain and open to a large area. and it echo's your voice perfectly. it really is fun. So who wants to go to Echo cave?
Archena watches the tour with no questions so far.
"You can leave the room when you're finished but stay next to the door. I can't go in after you."
After she goes in, he hurries and sets the tray down in his room, gently running a finger across the edge.
He then hurries back to make sure she doesn't get spooked and run away or wander off.
The vulnerable points on the demon will prove to be its undoing, for Renkai is able to hit these points for maximum effect
A single blow lands through the tough skin of the demon, and now their full onslaught begins(28dmg unless your weapon bypasses good dr then 38)
the knight strikes lightly with a mailed fist and utters a demonic phrase
Brhearst leiet!
(touch of corruption to stun)
(if successful, dc 25 fort or stun 4rounds, also you have -2 to saves while in the antipaladins aura)the demon then begins his attack at his masters nod
The mailed fist crashes into Renkai's chest, cracking four ribs... and then the negative energy pulse is unleashed and wracking pain fires through his entire body.
Barely able to defend himself as the demon attacks, Renkai has a large chunk of his shoulder torn off by the teeth of the creature... the piece of pulpy white flesh quickly is stained red as the blood flows across his arm and chest. The unholy claws of the creature swing toward his chest and Renkai blocks with his one moving arm, but the force behind the attack shears through the pitiful attempt without even slowing.
Renkai collapses to the ground, his flesh rended and torn, his body so broken that he could not even hear the offer of Carlos to join his side.
thump, thump, thump
The fallen rogue cannot raise his head from where it had landed... cheek in the dirt, looking at the feet of the victor..
thump, thump
Renkai silently apologizes to Melody, because he never told her the truth... he couldn't help anyone... all of this was worthless... meaningless... for nothing.
thump
as his vision fades to nothing, Renkai's struggling heart finishes beating, there is not enough blood left to pump, the thirsty street is stained black by the vital fluid, and the rogue lay dead.
Lim-Môr gets very focused on the class, writing down almost everything in high detail. He writes with his left hand in Elvish which luckily reads right to left, so there's no smearing.
Tybalt listens to him, ears held back, but not completely, biting the right side of his bottom lip.
He stands quickly when he says that someone is in danger of dying, throwing off the blanket.
"I try very hard not to hate anyone. Hate is an ugly thing. But... you make that very hard. But this isn't important right now. Show me where. Let's go."
He quickly moves to the door, staying out of arms reach and then is ready to follow.
He seems much more resolute, the mixture of distrust, anger and fear from before is gone for now, replaced with sturdy intention to help someone who needs him. A look similar to the intensity of a warrior ready to fight an enemy.
As they walk he removes the black pinstripe elbow-wrist sleeves, shoving them into his waistband. This leaves him with a sleeveless shirt, vest, and tie, with the same color of black pants to match the vest and sleeves.
After Halo drops the tissue, Shoshin shakes his head. Glancing at Iolth before he bumps into Lucas, drawing his attention away from her for the moment, he walks over to her and whispers in her ear when he gets close "I thought you said 'best behavior from now on'? These glorified chickens deserve it, I'll give ya' that, but it's the first day and all"