NationStates Jolt Archive

Magic is a dangerous Thing. It comes in many forms and manifests in many ways. Magic, has no one rule, Science, has a set, definate way. Since Magic is not as widely accepted as Science, This is probably due to the lack of Rules, I am please to announce the creation of The Wizards Council. We will dedicate ourselves to establishing Uniformity and Rules for Magic. We will Teach anyone who is intrested in learning it. We do not serve as an alliance, but we will stick together through thick and thin, helping each other through life. We ask anybody and everybody who wishes to join such an idea, to join us, and help us establish Uniformity, rules, and spread the Knowledge of the powers of Magic. To do so, there are to rules:
1) Post in this thread.
2) go to www.s9.invisionfree.com/The_Wizards_Council and post in the Entrance hall forum. You will need an IC character, for there will be a pair of evaluation tests, to determine how much you truely know. One test will consist of Military knowledge, one will consist of Magical knowledge. There will be two parts to both tests. We suggest you send your most knowledgeable character, for the tests are done entirely IC. This council has been founded by:
The Eternal Dominion of Warhaven
The Shadowy State of Snake Eaters
The Queendom of Kaymiril
The Empire of Balrogga.

We are the founding members.
Current members:
Theao
Serpent Priests
I ask my fellow founding members to Say something.

Bump!

I welcome all who wish to study magick in all it's forms to the Wizard's Council, and hope to hear from many interested students in the near future. I am the person who will adminster the military knowledge testing, and hope to have a high pass rate among my pupils. I accept nothing below 75% currently. However, I look forward to meeting anyone who is interested.

Further Information
My character is Col. James Cougar. He is a special forces operative, and also a mage. His ablity is known as the White Flame, and therefore is unique to him. I warn you, he is powerful in himself. Do not mess with him.

I come by the name of Wyrde Iceni. I am a scholar of European history at Manterquay University. Few have the knowlegde of celtic lore and magiks as I have. I request a place on the council or at least its recognistion.

Then join, and see if you are worthy. You must have some grasp of magick ablity, as a portion of the tests are magickally based. I speak for myself, and do not represent the other founding members of the Council

I am Eru Dari of the DemonLordEnigma Empire. Tell me, what benefits come from this that are worthy of my attention?

Benifits include wider knowledge of magic, access to a wide array of knowledge spanning several Countries, and in general, more friends. There are alliances aplenty, we are diffrent, we wish to bring uniformity rules to a wild and mostly untamed force.

Galvenor Elvarryinn faded into view. He has the translucence of a ghost. When he spoke, those nearby heard it within their mind.

“The goal of the council is to establish a wide recognition of Magic as a usable and balanced force. We would like to establish a center of teaching and knowledge for others to learn the proper way to use Magic. By demonstrating balanced ways to use Power and establishing a community of those who have similar feelings about the use of Magic we can create acceptance among more of the other nations.”

Bump. Bump bump, Bump. Bump bump. Bump. Bump it up!

The Council is here to teach any aspiring mages how to safely and correctly handle their magicks. We are not a community of warmongers, nor are we interested in becoming so.

Bump?

Even if you don't know how to use magic, we can still teach you. the possibility exists within each living thing. This is the perfect way to break into Magic Tech.

My nation has long used incantations to influence local weather patterns. We also have several magiks that allow us to control and direct most reptillian creatures.

We would enjoy the oppertunity to learn other branches of magik and are willing to join the council, once we have learned a little more of its laws and admitance procedures.

High Priest Octavo
The Armed Republic of Serpent Priests

ooc: I'm not getting my validation email on your forum

I noticed that you joined. Try checking your junk email folder, it may appear in there. Also, you appear to have registered as a character rather than a nation. This is not a problem, but I wish to draw your attention to the Registration Booths posted by Warhaven. Could applicants please make sure they follow all instructions

ooc: Sorry - that forum is only available to me when I'm logged out, so I missed that post, and no - it's not in my spam box...

In which case, I am afraid I cannot help. Try resending the validation email, etc. As for the post, don't worry about it

My fault, the forum is on Admin validation. SE, in the Admin CP, there is a section called manage validation new accounts are there, later, I will switch it to Email validation. All new accounts have been approved.

Thanks for the heads up W, had me confused for a while

Bump to the front

Bump to the front.

A letter is sent to the council. The paper is of high quality, smelling of strange plants and with a slight scent of arcane components. The writing upon the paper is a flowing script, one which represents elegence and refinement, and the ink shines very slightly in the light, the black ink having an odd dark blue sheen to it. It seems as if the ink floats slightly above the paper, althoug obviously this is not the case. Upon the envelope are two wax seals, each in adifferent colour. The first is a family crest, one with a heart impaled by a wave blade, which is made from deep red wax. The second is also a family crest, more central than the last. This one has a solitary tree upon it, in the middle of a cornfield. Upon the tree's branch is a crow staring directly at the reader of the letter.

Greetings,

Please allow me to introduce myself, I am Vincent Volaju. I represent the nation of Velmora and it's interest into your organisation. I have been sent by the ruler of Velmora, Kain Brightblade Shentavo, who is also head of the arcane department of our goverment. I would like to join your organisation, in order to learn more of your methods, and possibly to inform you of Velmora's methods.

Velmora is a nation of magic I might add, a nation where the arcane is commonplace and without it, we would have no society. Everything depends upon it, and so we are always looking out for additional methods in order to assist our way of life.

Can you please inform me on how I might join, if I may do so.

Yours in waiting,

Vincent Volaju

OOC: Strictly out of character, this sounds like some sort of lame computer game with some bad graphics. Are you actually serious about this, or are you sitting in front of your computer laughing at everyone who really is. Because I sure as heck am. :p

Reginald Ashley sighed, "Look, Martin, you're the only ranking faculty member we have. Oxnard is busy with the negotiations in the DMZ, and Smithers is working on getting the student body out of the way of those d_mn_d thugs from De Vlaamse Leeuw."

"And I'm not busy?!? My research ..." began Weatherby.

"Is at a sensitive stage. I know, Martin. But this is important. Besides, what is it going to involve? Just apperate over there and put in an appearance."

"You're not going to take no for any answer, are you Reginald?"

"No, Martin."

"Damn."

<CRACK!!!>

Weatherby shook his academic robes into place and strode up to the scribe. Out of his pocket he extracted a card, containing the ancient device of the Great University of Harlack.

"I am Dr. Martin Weatherby, of the Department of Thaumaturgy at the School of the Occult - at the Great University of Harlack, of course. We recieved your invitation and would like to register, although we're not certain of the degree to which we'll participate. Currently quite a lot is happening back home ..."

From: Warfare, Head of the Wizards Council.
To: Vincent Volaju, Representative of Reformed Velmora.
Conserning: Joining.

Dear Sir,
We have recieved your letter and are most anxious for you to join. Please come to the council at your earliest convinence and take the Evaluation Tests. These are necessary to determine where you are at and how much we can help you.
After you take the tests, we will look them over, and then post your results by our offices. Any questions regarding your results can be directed to use in our office. Thank you.

Lady Warfare, Head of the Wizards council.
************************************************************
From: Warfare, Head of the wizards Council.
To: Dr. Martin Weatherby, of the Department of Thaumaturgy.
Conserning: Joining.

Dear Sir,
We have recieved your letter and are most anxious for you to join. Please come to the council at your earliest convinence and take the Evaluation Tests. These are necessary to determine where you are at and how much we can help you.
After you take the tests, we will look them over, and then post your results by our offices. Any questions regarding your results can be directed to use in our office. Do not at this time worry about participation level. Such matters can be discussed at a later date. Thank you.

Lady Warfare, Head of the Wizards council.

OOC: I am as serious as a Heart attack. The Link to the Council Forums is:
www.s9.invisionfree.com/The_Wizards_Council
The Tests are in the Entrance hall Forum at the bottom of the forums.

(OOC I have become a member to your forum, but I cannot access the enterance hall when I am a member. Personally, looking at your forum, you need to make it neater and far less confusing. You have a lot of threads all over the place, saying lots of things. And also, you need to make your posts more "crisp". it seems a tad jarred. By the way, I am a vet here, despite my post count (I have had around four nations.) )

OOC: I post in my own style. I do not know why you cannot access the entrance hall, allow me to wander on over and look, probably something with permissions.

I have been over there and can post in them, I do not know why you can't.

I can access it as a guest, but not as a member. Oddness.

It sends a validation email. Did you go and check that?

it seems like Allemande might have mentioned me before :-D
i have yet signed the creed and wish to be a part of this council, as one of the subjects taught in our main university in 's Gravenwezel (our capital) is magic and the use of it (as also the ethics of the use ;-) )

"Where there is order...There is also Chaos" Gauntlets crackled with dark energy, raising it, conducting it into a flaming sphere that hovered above his hand. "Where there is peace...There is war..." Energy crackled and lept along the staff; the Bedlam Staff, symbol of the power of Chaos..."Where there is light, there is also darkness..." The figure strode forth, its mighty armor crackling with runes, insane scrawlings of Daemonic tongue; as the Sorcerer stood forth. "I have been sent by Chronosia....to observe and join this council..."

A figure, wreathed in white flame, stepped from the darkness,"Welcome, representative of Chronosia. I bid you welcome from the Upper Council" At this man's hip was a Gunblade, carved of darksteel. He looked the Sorcerer up and down, taking in the runes,A servant of the Dark Gods? This is different to what we have normally seen... he will need watching. Warfare will need to be informed...

"I thank you...and cannot wait to begin my...duties as a member of this wise circle" He chuckled wryly. "My Master awaits with the most rapt anticipation"

Let me ask you this: which one of the Dark Gods do you serve?

"I myself serve Tzeentch; but the Imperium serves all of the Dark Gods....Our Emperor, himself ascended to Daemonhood is grand enough to be given the mark of Chaos Ascendant."

Tzeentch? I have heard that name before..."Register, then we must test you..."

Yes, please, all of you, register.

OOC:

I am pleased to see the tendacy of people who wish to join posting in character. Hopefully this is an indicator we will get some good Role Players. It seems they are so hard to find lately...

OOC: All of you that needed validating have been validated. We await your answers on the tests.

Dr. Weatherby looked carefully at the exams.

"Oh, dear," he said. "I think ... I must take this up with the rest of the faculty."

And with that, he apparated back.

OOC: Posting now as Harlack Mensa; the earlier posting as Allemande was in error. DeVlaamseLeeuw, you may now express the proper measure of outrage. I've just taught you how to properly play a puppet.

OOC: Bump

Dr. Weatherby looked carefully at the exams.

"Oh, dear," he said. "I think ... I must take this up with the rest of the faculty."

And with that, he apparated back.<CRACK!!!>

This time there were two professors: the older Weatherby, and a younger man, quite dashing in appearance. It was this younger man who spoke.

"I am Dr. Julian Oxnard, Assistant Dean of the School of Metaphysics at the Greater University of Harlack." He then turned to Weatherby, who handed him the tests the Wizard's Council had offered. Oxnard extended his hand and placed the sheets on the table before him. "I am here to tell you that we will not be taking these tests or joining this Council, and to tell you why."

"We're not especially bothered by your insistence that those who would join your Council take tests. We are surprised at the tests that you ask your applicants to take.

"The magical tests," he continued, "Aren't the problem, even if they are a bit trite. 'What type of energy do you use?!?'" Dr. Oxnard snorted. "Is that a serious question? I don't suppose you'd appreciate it if we answered 'calories liberated through the demobilization of fats and sugars,' although that would technically be a correct response. Better to ask something like, 'From whence do you derive your magical powers?' At least that question would yield useful answers.

"We didn't bother with the hands-on magical examination - the rest of what we saw here convinced us that it probably wasn't worth our while to check it out," the professor continued dryly. "Not much you can say, I suppose, about the standard wizard's test that begins the old cliche, 'Find the wizard...'."

Dr. Oxnard then grimaced before continuing. "But these military tests ... why? The written exam is nothing more than a test of military trivia. Is this a Wizard's Council, or an Armchair Generals' Club?" He shook his head. "Why should a magician even bother to study war? I grant you, there have been many great captains down through history who have used magic to aid their conquests, but that hardly implies that a knowledge of the military arts is something a great 'wizard' ought to have."

"Besides, your military examination tests nothing," said the professor with barely concealed contempt. "Who cares what the initials 'S.A.S.' stand for? Who cares what caliber ammunition NATO uses? Who cares who fought Rommel in the Western Desert? How do any of these questions test an applicant's knowledge of the military art? Better to ask real questions like, 'How does the presence of nuclear weapons on the modern battlefield affect the Principle of Mass?' or 'What advantages are derived from possessing interior lines, and what is needed to utilize such advantages? Conversely, how can they be nullified?' or even 'What were the comparative risks and benefits of the strategies chosen by Napoleon at Austerlitz and Frederick at Leuthen? Which approach appeals to you, and why?' Those would be the sorts of questions that would tell you the degree of an applicant's skill at the Art of War.

He paused, and then continued. "But the combat test is the one we find truly astonishing. 'Choose any assault rifle?!?' Why on Earth would any real mage do such a ridiculous thing?

"I will tell you a story," Oxnard said. "In my youth, I traveled across Greater Harlack, taking in the land and its people. In South Harlack, with some local friends, I had the occasion to visit a seedy wharf-side tavern. Not a nice place, but they had stout to die for.

"This sailor get belligerent and picks a fight with one of the locals. The local leaves, but the sailor is still very drunk and very hostile. The proprietor calls the police, and in a flash there's an officer of the law - but just one. He decides to go it alone, before backup arrives. He confronts the sailor, who continues to be belligerent, and the inevitable happens: the policeman decides to bust the fellow."

Oxnard shook his head. "The fool policeman had a gun in one hand; he didn't put the damned thing away, but just decided to turn the sailor around and begin the standard pat-down. A moment later, the sailor spins around, lashes out, catches the officer, and they go crashing to the floor. So does the gun: it's just lying there, loaded, on the tavern floor, as these two men writhe just a couple of feet away. Both are reaching for it, and its a toss-up as to who gets his hands on it first."

The professor paused for effect. "Fortunately, one of the regular patrons leapt forward to seize the sailor, and others followed. They quickly subdued him and he spent quite a nasty night in the slammer. But that doesn't change the basic point: that gun had no friends. It didn't care who got their hands on it, pointed it, or fired it, or at whom it might be discharged.

"That is one of the great advantages of magic," he concluded. "Other weapons can trade hands and be used against their former owners in a heartbeat. A magician's spells are his own.

"Besides, any good magician should have better to work with than an 'assault rifle'," Dr. Oxnard snorted, "And better things to do with his hands than to waste them carrying such a beast. If anything, a pistol would be preferable, in that it would burden the mage less, leaving one hand free. But that still doesn't change the fact that a good magician shouldn't need any weapon at all - other than those objects required for his Craft.

Dr. Oxnard concluded, "No, playing with guns and maneuvering armies is not what magic is all about, and any organization that says that its members must be adept at such things is really not the fraternal association of magicians that we had hoped for."

The professor looked at the membership of the Council, and finished by saying. "We will be happy to maintain good relations with the individual nations that sit on this council," lingering over DeVaamseLeeuw's representative, "Even - and perhaps especially - those with whom we may have a past history of unfortunate disagreement. Nations that wield magic should avoid warring on each other. But we don't see a place for the Great University of Harlack on this Council."

He turned, and joined Weatherby in walking away.

<CRACK!!!>

"I find the University of Harlack's responses to be on par with a child, convinced his own ways are best. Children do not belong on the Council. Perhaps when The University of Harlack has aged to the point that it can concieve of other ways being apropriate, it will be allowed to rejoin. Until then, The University will be stricken from council records." Warfare said as he heard what The assistant dean said. His divine energies crackled, and Harlack Mensa vanished from Council records, and the the membership for them vanished.

"Then you are a fool," said Cougar, looking over the report,"Military testing is required. If a force of mages to uphold the law is to be established, then I believe a basis of knowledge is essential to it's survival. Not knowing one fact could result in the demise of the operative. I agree with you that a mage may not need a weapon in many cases, but it could be essential to their survival.

If you wish to die at the mercy of a bullet, then be my guest. I have felt magick and bullets, and I would much prefer to die by the path of magick than an unseen bullet."

OOC: And just for the record, I see you as a concieted and arrogant individual. I have heard many criticisms of my testing methods, mostly well-founded from peoples whos opnion I consider to be worthwhile.

Military testing is included due to my wish to achieve a Mage Force, a unit which can apprehend rogue mages and uphold the law for the Council. I need candidates to have a rough knowledge of the basis of combat and certain aspects. Shooting is needed, as is close combat. You cannot establish a force based purely upon magick, for it will be out-maneuevered, and it's members slaughtered. Magick energy can only last so long, and then a bullet is the most lethal thing you can imagine.

"If you kill rats to gain magickal powers," a cloaked mage says dryly from the corner, "then you've obviously completely missed the point. Your lack of vision not only astounds me, it disgusts me. And Cougar...there are advantages to both types of death. Some spells kill quickly...others slowly and painfully. The bullet's kill - or lack thereof - depends on where it hits."

"Death, is still Death." Warfare stated.

But there are better ways to die than others.

I'd prefer to keep my extended life in the manner to which I've become accustomed, if it's all the same to you

True, but sometimes any death is better than life.

True, but sometimes any death is better than life.
I would not wish so desperate a situation on any living being...save for those whose bodies live but their souls do not.

Neither do I, but that still does not account for 90% of creation.

Bump

OOC:

I was wondering if there's any chance of me joining? You see, my nation is a society devoted to science and technology, but I have always thought that it would be quite interesting to see a "technology VS magic" conflict. Or even a blending of technology and magic.

Have you guys ever heard or played the game "Arcanium: Of Steamworks and Magicka"? I played that game quite a few years ago. Also, I have always wondered what would happen in Lord of the Rings, or magical worlds if people were to develop technology.

Perhaps you could help us, we have what is known as the Magitech research facility. It is exclusivly at our off sight forums at www.s9.invisionfree.com/the_wizards_council

Since you know much of science, and seem intrested in magick, the possibility has arisen of us helping each other out. The Magitech reseach Facility, is devoted to blending science and magic. We have several small scale items already developed, like Mana Bullets, which can store any spell known to Mortal wizards and a few known to Gods and unleash it on a target. area spells effect the local area, centered upon wherever the bullet strikes. You help us with blending science and magic, and we'll answer all your questions and even help you develop your own brand of magic. The link above is where you need to go. Click it, join, using your nations name, Sharina, and take four simple tests. Two are magic based, two are military based. The reasons behind them we would be happy to share. After that, we can discuss this further, and at great length. The tests are done ICly, so I would suggesst you send someone knowledgeable. Two are a written exam, one military, one Magic, which is more of a survey then a test. Two are mini RP's, once again, one military, one magic, after that, we review them, and post your results. We will understand if you don't do so well on the magic portion.

For developing magic in your nation, we have a school over there, with classes, dorms, everything. For The Magitech Research Facility, that is its own section. At first, we'll supply the mages, while you supply the science, then we'll ease out as you get better, doesn't mean we'll leave it to you entirely, only that as you prove yourself more and more adept, we'll sit by and watch more and more, always adding our own input.

We also have a creed that it is required that all members agree to.

Once again, join, and we can discuss this at great length at the offsite forums. I give you my word as Head of The Wizards Council, that we will be willing to discuss any and all ideas you may or may not have.

Bump

To: The Wizard's Council
From: Dragonlord Eragon, head of the Saethe, Dominion of Dragon Emperor

This Council sounds like a wonderful idea. I, myself, will personnely take these tests of yours that I have heard of. Please send word if you accept. I will await your reply, be it via letter or mindspeak. We will have alot to learn from each other. I hope we can develop a splendid relationship with each other. I am unable to send any information on the state of magick in the Dominion as I am currently unsure if this letter will be intercepted before it reaches you. Though, please note, I have already sent someone to represent the Dominion to the White Tower, the school of magick you maintain. There is much we need to discuss.

OOC: Sorry about not being able to actually post as a character right now, but my plans are to have the character arrive after getting a response to the letter.

OOC: Bump

From: The Wizards Council
To: Dragonlord Eragon, head of the Saethe, Dominion of Dragon Emperor
Re: Application

Your application is recieved, and as we see that you have begun the testing, please continue in a similar vein.

To: The Wizards Council
From: Fattie Slug

I think that this is a very good idea, and would like to know if I can join this thread.

Further Information: My character is one of very few dwarf mages. He has a special talent, and his races' normal enmity of magic has instead developed into a love of magic in him. He is fairly advanced in his abilities.

To: The Wizard's Council
From: Loki

I am highly interested in joining and training with The Wizard's Council.

Although I am quite young I believe that I can focus my energy and become very learned. Please accept my application so that I may begin training.

From: The Wizards Council
To: All intrested applicants.

Please, step inside our council grounds, though you will be watched till you pass the tests...

OOC: www.s9.invisionfree.com/the_wizards_council

That is the link. Register with your nations name. We use email validation.

With an almost theatrical flash Mystic Won appeared, the wonder of both seaman and merchants in Abream.
Won’s voice, if anyone could remember exactly what sounded like, invoked an image of a tranquil pond, the words the slight lapping of waves across it. "I ask for a position, in all due respect, inside this league of wizards," asked Won. "I promise to have the goodness of trade, culture, and architecture at my heart to uphold."
Won looked at the council members expectantly....

A man fourarmed and cloaked, spoke: "I, Tyrfas of Sonaj, wishes to apply to be taught the power of magick."

OOC: I've already registered, and I'm going to take the tests now...

OOC: Abream, follow the link.

IC: A wild looking woman looked at the two of them. She smelled of nature, and seemed to have roses inextricably woven in her hair. Her symbol, the image of a Roc in flight, was woven accross the clothes she wore, which appeared to be the sort any noblewoman might wear. This woman was Arianna, Goddess of Nature, knowledge, and peace.

When she spoke, her voice was calming, soothing, almost, entrancing. it quickly banished any ill will the listener might have.

A postion you will be granted, if you can but pass a few simple tests, please, make your way down to the classroom by the arena, where you will take two written tests. The procters will instruct you further. I am Arianna, current administrative head of the Wizards Council, feel free to drop by my office anytime. If I'm not availible, then perhaps another upper council member can assist you. Our offices are plainly marked, and not hard to find." she said. she pointed at a wooden door that would lead them to their destination.

OOC: at this point, begin your tests after registration Abream, at our offsite forums.

From: The Wizards Council
To: Dragonlord Eragon, head of the Saethe, Dominion of Dragon Emperor
Re: Application

Your application is recieved, and as we see that you have begun the testing, please continue in a similar vein.

Eragon leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on his desk as he read the letter.

"Well," he said aloud even though he was the only one in the room, "This should be interesting."

He stood up and began packing for his trip.

Maxen Von Otto walked calmly into the most holy of holys inside the wizard world. Even though not looking like a wizard with two long, thin, curved swords on each side and two pistol looking lumbs on his back he looke like a a bounty hunter. He was though the founding member of Moorington's Wizard League. He had come to show the world that the militeristic Dukedoms of Moorington was smart enough the pass any test.

"I have come to ask permission to conduct your.... tests,"he replied in a calm almost confronting voice, "I hope that this will keep to my expectations. I will hope to bring a sense of tactical superiority to the wizards that has been somewhat laking in my opinion."

A red-clad mage looked over this new arrival with some disdain. Others watched, too, from other areas.

This child came in and dared to say such things?

"Colonel Cougar of Snake Eaters provides ample tactical ability in this council, child, even if the rest of us were not seasoned in battle as well as in magick. You may well get hurt with an attitude like that."

Maxen Von Otto raised his eybrows just fractionally, and replied, "I wish to take the test, excuse my thoughts, I am hoping the contribute my skill to our university."

Cougar watched from a distance, using his magick to see who was coming to the Council. As this newcomer arrived from Moorington, claiming to bring tactical superiority to the council, it was all he could do not to curse the newcomer's ignorance.

He is obviously unware of how foolish his words are. We shall see...