NationStates Jolt Archive


Tolarian Academy accepting new students

The Jade Star
31-01-2007, 00:46
Greetings esteemed Emperors, Kings, Princes, potentates and various titled rulers of nations,

We are pleased to announce the start of a new term at the Tolarian Academy, school of magic, artifice, and higher learning. Each year one hundred select individuals are allowed to enter the Academy based on observations of traveling mages and testing selection at native schools, as well as applications submited at the Academy itself.
However, this year is somewhat different, we are currently experiencing a slight shortfall in the number of students, as many were killed in an unfourtunate incident last term under a charter contract. In an attempt to bolster the numbers of our students we are allowing applications to be sent in on recommendation from states. We will accept any applications of magically or mechanically gifted individuals for schooling in artifice and magic.
We must limit our acceptance to 20 persons per state, and of course the standard tuition and fees will apply, however these can be reduced in the case of particularly exceptional students as judged by myself.

High Magus Kaima Vanima, (as) Academy Registrar
The Jade Star
31-01-2007, 00:57
(Argh...forgot the 'PT Earth' tag >_<
Sorry, this is limited to that Earth.

EDIT:
Har har, Skgorria, see me laugh :P

However, if you want to play as students, I dont see that Scandenavians would object.)
Uldarious
31-01-2007, 02:52
OOC: I tap you're Academy to give me +2 White mana!
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Seriously, I'll send a few students over, I'll post IC some students arriving sometime later.
The Jade Star
02-02-2007, 10:31
(OOC:
Since PT earth is apparently not responding, this is now open to anybody who wants to jump in.)
The Jade Star
02-02-2007, 18:13
(No interest anymore?)
DMG
03-02-2007, 03:08
Sounds interesting.
The Jade Star
03-02-2007, 04:19
(OOC:
...OK?

*ponders*
DMG
03-02-2007, 22:34
Is it basically like the White Tower or an actual academy with enrollment?
The Jade Star
04-02-2007, 00:17
The Tolarian Academy enrolls students, the 'white towers' refrence has nothing to do with the concept of the Ivory Tower. Most of our studies are quite practical and applicable to the galaxy at large.
Hakurabi
04-02-2007, 01:03
(OOC:Alright, totally unaffiliated character moving in. Based on one of my DnD character concepts. Yes, the Kobold is Vaikwur, as originally conceived. Note that these two, in this incarnation, do not exist as part of PT world.)

Ah yes... I remember that fateful day. It was just after the incident...

The rain had been driving for hours now, and was showing no sign of letting up.

Suddenly, the doors burst open and two figures stumbled in, collapsing from exhaustion. One was a young man in grey hempen robes, the other was a small lizard-like creature wearing a faded green robe which looked three sizes too large.

As the boy collapsed, a bound grey book skittered across the polished floor, coming to a halt at Vanima's feet. The lizard was clutching tightly in its hands an intricately carved staff,which gave off sparks as it fell against the floor.
The Jade Star
04-02-2007, 01:15
Vanima was, needless to say, somewhat suprised. She had been passing through the lobby on her way to the dining hall, but it looked as though dinner was going to be delayed just a bit.
She knelt next to the the boy and cast a curious glance at him, "I suppose its pointless to ask how you got to the island, or why you chose such a fine day to do it. ~desu" Kaima raised an eyebrow at both of them, "But your perserverance is admirable. ~desu"
Kaima placed her left hand on the boy and concentrated for a moment. There brief flash of green, the colour of sunlight filtered through an old forest, and the mage stood back, "There. ~desu Now maybe you would care to explain to me what exactly you two are doing here? Dont stand up too quickly, the spell needs a while to catch. ~desu"
Hakurabi
04-02-2007, 01:43
I was approached by a young mage, who I would later learn was the Archmagus' right hand

The boy coughed as he regained consciousness.

"Catastrophe at Shaladur's..." he said, the fatigue still blighting him. It was clear that the accident had done more than force them to flee.

He collapsed again, barely able to lift himself up. Even as magic was passed through the apprentices' bodies, it was siphoned off again to power the disastrous spell.

It would be two weeks before we awoke again, just as the magical storm subsided.
The Jade Star
04-02-2007, 02:19
Kaima blinked, "Shala-what? ~desu" She gently prodded the boy, when he proved unresponsive she grabbed some students from the crowd that was forming, "Alright, stop staring and make yourselves useful! ~desu Take these two to the infirmary, tell Kor that magic isnt working on them, so he's going to have to do things the old fashioned way. ~desu And somebody shut that damn door!"

---

Two weeks later, despite the best efforts of the Academies Weather Wizards, the storm lifted.
Kaima made her way to the infirmary, walking past the rows of beds that held the various accidents which straight up magic couldnt fix right away. These were usually students recovering simply being in the wrong place during a magical experiment. Getting hit with a blast of raw magic often resulted in an unpleasant death, but those that survived often spent months in the infirmary as the excess mana drained off, leaving them in a state where they could be healed.

This new arrival though, was a special case. Both of them were somewhat isolated from the rest of the patients, covered with magical wards in case of any unseen curses or unpleasant suprises.
The boy appeared to be awake though, Kaima noted. His head was moving at least. She stepped up to the bed.
"Oh, are you awake? ~desu Youve been out for quite a while."
Hakurabi
04-02-2007, 04:39
(OOC: Karathis is an Abjurer and can cast dispel magic spontaneously, while Vaikwur is an Evoker specialist with Fire affinity. Karathis has barred Necromancy and Illusion while Vaikwur has barred Necromancy and Conjuration)

When I did awake, that awful storm had subsided. There were wards all around us. They were taking no chances.

The young apprentice wizard sat up, as the rampant spell stopped siphoning his life force.

"Should never have tried to dispel it..." he muttered. The kobold was already awake and sitting up, though he could not move from the bed thanks to the array of wards.

He patted his robes where his spellbook should be, and his eyes widened as he realised that they were notably missing. Looking about slightly frantically, he noticed the familiar grey leather-bound book on the table beside him, no worse for wear.

Dismissing the arcane lock, he was relieved to see that the precious spells were not destroyed by the weather. Emblazoned proudly on the first page was the words 'Property of Karathis', in bold, flowing script.

Summoning up his lower reserves of power, he muttered a quick spell and dispelled one of the wards, just as the mage he saw last night (or was it? Being unconscious does terrible things to one's perception of time) entered the room.

"Oh, are you awake? ~desu You've been out for quite a while."

"'~desuka'*. The storm has petered out, I take it?" he replied, having himself learned something of the archaic language from which this strange idiosyncrasy had its roots in.

He didn't entirely trust the mage's intentions, given that they apparently had heavily warded him and Vaikwur. He hadn't had time to prepare, but he knew how to abjure with his eyes shut and prepared to counterspell her if she tried anything.

*pronounced 'Des-ka'
The Jade Star
04-02-2007, 04:50
(OOC: Kaima pronounces it 'Day-suu', rather like the charecter she's based on >_>)

"Oh, you know East Agatean? ~desu" Kaima's smile grew slightly, "Of course, thats about how far it looked as though you had walked. The storm has been over for about a day now. ~desu" Kaima switched languages, trying High Latinian, "Do you mind if we use something else though? My Agatean is somewhat rusty. ~desu"
Kaima looked down briefly and withdrew a small device from her dress, quickly drawing a pattern on the floor, breaking all of the wards around both beds, "Just in case you ARE actually a familiar of some sort, know that the Academy defences will send you back to your home dimension in a very painful fashion if you try anything. ~desu" She winked.
Hakurabi
04-02-2007, 05:16
(OOC: 'Desuka' is question form.)

Vaikwur? No, he wasn't always a scrawny lizard creature. His new form was but a side effect of the Incident...

"Of course not! Shaladar is - was - a powerful mage on this island!" complained the kobold, climbing out of the bed and brushing himself off, rather annoyed both at the transformation being permanent and being totally helpless for lack of preparation time.

Karathis climbed off the bed and tucked the spellbook back into his robes. He noted that Vaikwur's robes were still made for someone twice his size.

"You wouldn't be able to tell that now, of course. The tower's nothing more than a heap of molten slag," continued Vaikwur, looking around the bed. "Where's my staff?"

The still-humanoid abjurer was wary enough to be holding a dispel magic ready, just in case.

"Very funny. How long have we been out?"
The Jade Star
04-02-2007, 12:36
"You've been out for two weeks now, I must say that you are a very sound sleeper. ~desu" Kaima indicated a broken window, "I may say that those wards saved your life, though, or at least a few of your limbs. ~desu
"In any case, you mentioned...Shaladar, was it? We cant find it on any of the maps, nor in any refrences. ~desu" Kaima cocked her head, "I dont suppose there are any other survivors? You kept mumbling about the place in your sleep."
It was at this point that a rather large troll ducked into the infirmary, carrying a steaming bowl of something toxic looking.
The mage gestured, "You havent met Kor yet, he's the one who took care of you. ~desu Quite a skilled doctor, people are often a bit suprised, considering his species."
Hakurabi
05-02-2007, 07:22
"In any case, you mentioned...Shaladar, was it? We cant find it on any of the maps, nor in any refrences. ~desu" Kaima cocked her head, "I dont suppose there are any other survivors? You kept mumbling about the place in your sleep."

(OOC: Vaikwur does speak common, you know. I'll flag anything that is of a strange language)

The lizard coughed, still annoyed.

Karathis sighed. "Shaladar was our master, and we were his apprentices, as Vaikwur has already said." Vaikwur looked indignantly at Kaima.

The kobold had already flipped open his own red dragon-leather spellbook and was carefully perusing its pages, muttering under his breath and making hand motions.

"I think we should be alright. The spell seems to have petered out, and has stopped draining our arcane energies." continued Karathis, speeding up a little as he saw the foul-looking broth.

"I'll say." muttered Vaikwur, memorising his spells.

Vaikwur was bitter as always. It didn't help that people ignored him in his new form.
The Scandinvans
05-02-2007, 07:39
The Empire wishes to send 19 Valgardian students along with one extened family Imperial prince to attend you school. We are willing to play in gold and/or silver if you agree?
The Jade Star
05-02-2007, 16:36
(OOC: Vaikwur does speak common, you know. I'll flag anything that is of a strange language)

The lizard coughed, still annoyed.

Karathis sighed. "Shaladar was our master, and we were his apprentices, as Vaikwur has already said." Vaikwur looked indignantly at Kaima.

The kobold had already flipped open his own red dragon-leather spellbook and was carefully perusing its pages, muttering under his breath and making hand motions.

"I think we should be alright. The spell seems to have petered out, and has stopped draining our arcane energies." continued Karathis, speeding up a little as he saw the foul-looking broth.

"I'll say." muttered Vaikwur, memorising his spells.

Vaikwur was bitter as always. It didn't help that people ignored him in his new form.

"I see. ~desu You'll forgive me, I am a bit tired. We've been trying to keep you alive for the last two weeks. ~desu You were not in good shape when you arrived and required a constant supply of energy. ~desu" Kaima looked over at the troll, "And dont worry, the soup isnt for you. ~desu Thats..." She sniffed, "Mineral mud with a sprinkling of...tin. Chicken soup, troll style. ~desu"
She looked over at the Kobold, "You were human once, eh? We may be able to help you if you wish. ~desu It may take some time though, and it can be quite an expensive process. ~desu"
Hakurabi
06-02-2007, 07:41
"I see. ~desu You'll forgive me, I am a bit tired. We've been trying to keep you alive for the last two weeks. ~desu You were not in good shape when you arrived and required a constant supply of energy. ~desu" Kaima looked over at the troll, "And dont worry, the soup isnt for you. ~desu Thats..." She sniffed, "Mineral mud with a sprinkling of...tin. Chicken soup, troll style. ~desu"
She looked over at the Kobold, "You were human once, eh? We may be able to help you if you wish. ~desu It may take some time though, and it can be quite an expensive process. ~desu"

No, he quite enjoyed the side effects of the transformation. He came into the trade quite late in life - he relished the opportunity.

Vaikwur shook his head. "Three years ago, I would have jumped at your offer. These days, not so much. My new form suffers only from prejudice and pathetic physical strength - both matters of little value to arcanists."

What he stopped himself from saying was that this new form was so much younger. He felt as energetic as a child again.

Karathis coughed softly.

"Given that our late master perished in the rampant storm, would it be possible for us to continue our apprenticeship at the Tolarian academy?"
The Jade Star
06-02-2007, 07:59
Kaima nodded, "As you wish. Our librarian experienced a similar accident. ~desu He was careless with a particularly powerful grimoir, and is currently an Orangutan. ~desu I believe we have the only library in the world capable of shelving books with his feet."

Turning her multi-coloured gaze on the still-human former-apprentice, Kaima smiled, "Well, normally its not quite that simple, but I'll have a world with the Archmage. ~desu You are both obviously very skilled magicians though. Tell me, do either of you have experience in Artifice? ~desu Its a sort of combination of magic and mechanics."
Hakurabi
06-02-2007, 08:36
Kaima nodded, "As you wish. Our librarian experienced a similar accident. ~desu He was careless with a particularly powerful grimoir, and is currently an Orangutan. ~desu I believe we have the only library in the world capable of shelving books with his feet."

Turning her multi-coloured gaze on the still-human former-apprentice, Kaima smiled, "Well, normally its not quite that simple, but I'll have a world with the Archmage. ~desu You are both obviously very skilled magicians though. Tell me, do either of you have experience in Artifice? ~desu Its a sort of combination of magic and mechanics."

"Well... We can make some minor magical trinkets. All I've got left on me is a cloak clasp." Karathis tapped a little brooch on his plain robe.

Vaikwur, having finished preparing his spells, raised a hand and produced a small ivory hand on a chain from around his neck.

"I believe we should go through the normal processes - exceptions should not be made on a whim." said Vaikwur.
The Scandinvans
06-02-2007, 08:41
The Empire wishes to send 19 Valgardian students along with one extened family Imperial prince to attend you school. We are willing to play in gold and/or silver if you agree?OOC: You no like me?:(
The Jade Star
06-02-2007, 08:46
After a quick inspection of the proffered items Kaima nodded, "Well, youre both obviously past the basic level, I think we can put you in as Second Years, at least. ~desu Freshmen year is mostly composed of the most basic skills, drawing mana, history, and so on. ~desu"
"We dont organize our particular system as a master/apprentice education, we are more...classroom oriented. ~desu Have either of you dedicated much time to a specific field of study yet? Or would you prefer a more general education? ~desu"
Hakurabi
06-02-2007, 10:00
(OOC: In MTG terms, Karathis would have a blue deck with focus on interrupts, while Vaikwur would have a red burn deck.

In DnD terms, Karathis specialises in defensive spells and dispelling magic, while Vaikwur specialises in spells involving energy forms. Note that they still have access to most other magics.)

It was the first time since the incident we had an opportunity to relax a little. Besides, it was invigorating to excercise magic again.

"Abjurer," said Karathis. "That being said, there's little I can show you with an obvious effect." The abjurer shrugged.

Vaikwur muttered a quick cantrip and a four globes of light materialised over his hand, rotating slowly and moving about in a vague dance. "Evoker."

Seeing an opportunity, Karathis pointed a finger at the dancing lights and they winked out of existence. Vaikwur shot an annoyed, yet friendly look at his fellow apprentice.

"It was only a cantrip." said Karathis, apologetically.
The Jade Star
06-02-2007, 10:17
Kaima's eyes grew wide, "Definitly second year, at the very least. ~desu I could certainly use a skill like that in the Labs. We dont get many blue-mages around here. I take it youre both good with your hands? I'd heard Kobolds made good engineers. ~desu" Kaima withdrew an instrument from the depths of her apparently infinite pockets (actually, they were only about twenty by ten feet, but that was generally enough to store what was needed in the short term).
She held the cube out, it was about three inches to a side and made of some sort of silver-ish metal, which caught the light in odd ways, one side reflected bright sunlight, even though it was still cloudly outside, another was casting a red tinge. "This is a thaumometer. ~desu Basically it measures ambient magic, and can usually pick up the output of spells and most forms of artifact. This one is broken though. ~desu Fix it. No magic, just your hands, I can provide any tools you need. ~desu"
Hakurabi
06-02-2007, 10:43
"Damn it, I'm a wizard, not a mechanic!" said Vaikwur, an exclaimation which reminded Kaima that despite being in the form of a kobold he only inherited the small frame and deft hands.

"I can't just fix this - you need a craftsman for that!" continued Vaikwur. "I could re-build it, I suppose, but not repair."

Their expertise didn't extend to manual item repair - they were perfectly capable of making new ones, but not repairing one.
The Jade Star
06-02-2007, 11:07
"Right answer, wrong reason. ~desu" Kaima nodded, "You cant fix a thaumometer with regular tools, its almost entirly magical, the only 'mechanical' part is the cube itself. If you tried to rebuild it here it would most likely explode, I've never been very good with these anyway." She raised an eyebrow, casting an admonishing glance at Vaikwur, "If you would have looked at it, you would have seen its nature quite clearly. ~desu Hmmm...but you can still learn, you certainly have the confidence."

Kaima stood up and brushed her dress off, "I'll tell Kor to release you and arrange for lodgings in the guest quarters for now. ~desu Theyre far more comfortable than these. You should take the time to look around the Academy, if you have the strength. ~desu If you need me just find a student with oil stains on their robes and ask them for Magus Vanima."
Hakurabi
06-02-2007, 11:44
(OOC: That's why they're apprentices.

Also, I'd like to keep the story of these two going - it's kind of pointless if they get discarded after 'being accepted'.)

Vaikwur blushed, but only insofar as one could discern from his expression, given his scaly skin was not suited to show such things as a blush.

If he was still human, he would have blushed, though.

"Thank you."

The two mages-in-training nodded and gathered their few belongings, leaving for their temporary quarters.

Over the next two days, we learned the lay of the academy. Then, we were summoned for preliminary testing...

Karathis closed his spellbook with a thud, his preparation complete.

"Well, let's get going then."

Karathis and Vaikwur got up and left their room. The door swung quietly shut, and a soft click was heard as the abjurer magically locked the door.
Skgorria
06-02-2007, 14:04
OOC: You still taking applicants? Sorry about the delay, will teach me to actually go on my NS page for once...
Vetaka
06-02-2007, 14:05
OOC: is this Past Tech?
The Jade Star
06-02-2007, 17:33
(OOC:
Oh yeah, dont worry. I can start a thread kinda like that old 'White Tower' thing that got twenty billion posts :P
IC reply will come later, once Im actually awake.

Skgorria:
Serves you right :P

Vetaka:
Its Fantasy/Future-Tech, basedon the idea that suffeciently advanced magic acts like technology ;)
Skgorria
06-02-2007, 17:44
OOC: meh, deserved it didn't I? :p

IC:

Communique From The Skgorrian SS Paranormal Division

We would like to send one of our cadets to train at your facility. His file is enclosed:

Name: Baum, Heinrich
Rank: Storm-Private, Specialist
Age: 23
Education: Pre-school, Middle and High School. 2 years in SS Academy. Forwarded to Paranormal Division after comulsory psychic aptitude tests.
Service record: *classified*
Hakurabi
07-02-2007, 03:29
(OOC: What about me? I'd still like to continue the story of my guys...)
The Jade Star
10-02-2007, 20:33
(Sorry for my late response. Sometimes I get into a mood where I just cant write ICly for a few days. Usually as a result of Jolt eating a post >_>
Anyway, here ya go...)

Skgorrian SS Paranormal Division,

Mr. Baum seems to be prime Academy material, however we would request partial disclousure of his service record in order to better place him in classes suited to his talents. We do not request anything you wish to keep secret from all eyes, but we also assure you of the Academies policy of strict neutrality and non-disclousure. Any information you give us will be kept under the tightest security in the Academy Archives.
Since the only person who can get to the Academy Archives is the Librarian, you are assured that no national secrets will be disclosed, since he is currently an ape and thus cannot speak English.

Talus Archidae, Academy Dept. of Registration

---

After a week in the Guest Quarters, the two new arrivals were subjected to a rather rude awakening.
Kaima Vanima burst into their room at about the same time as the sun was peeking over the hills.
"Good MORNING! ~desu" She was grinning from ear to ear, "Congratulations, gentlemen! You have been accepted by the Archmage himself as Discipulus Viridis Domus ~desu"
A pair of green robes (correctly sized) were produced and hurled into the beds, "Which means, boys, that you are mine from now until you graduate. ~desu Be glad. I gave you an extra two hours of sleep today because youre new, but once youre in the dorm you wake up with everybody else. ~desu"
Hakurabi
10-02-2007, 22:12
(OOC: Don't worry - it happens to everyone.)

The two had been slightly stunned by the sudden entrance of Kaima, and when she had left as quickly as she came, picked up their green apprentice robes.

Vaikwur took a moment to compare the plain green robes with his current emerald-green ones, noting the relatively small difference.

They quickly changed into their stock-issue robes and took a moment to stow away all their possessions upon their new attire. Moments later they emerged from the guest quarters, carrying their old clothing.
The Jade Star
10-02-2007, 22:41
The Green dorm was usually something of a suprise to new arrivals, Unlike the rest of the Academy it was composed mostly of wood, with a number of gardens, courtyards and breezeways, only the long lines of bedrooms were stone, and this was mostly covered in vines of one type or another. It was almost directly adjacent to the Bear house, and the two clashing architectural styles followed a clear line, going so far as to extend to the paint on the fences that encircled the two houses, clearly dividing the universe into 'This side' and 'That side'.

Vaikwur and Karathis were greeted warmly, however, on arrival. A tall, bespectacled and somewhat clumsy looking man greeted them.
"Ah, you must be Mistress Vanima's newest victims, welcome to Green House. I'm Jorrin, part of the Student Council of this house. Ive also got orientation duty today. Good timing, if you two hadnt arrived I would be testing the latest batch of Thuam Cannons." Jorrin waved an arm at the Artifice Tower, where the occasional blast of raw magic was just visible over the walls.
"Its fun, but spending any amount of time as a lizard (no offence) sucks."
Hakurabi
10-02-2007, 22:55
(OOC: I take it Jorrin is the hapless Go-Fer?)

Vaikwur shrugged. "None taken. I didn't choose this either."

"Well, I'm Karathis, and this is Vaikwur." continued Karathis. "So this is Green Dorm, huh? Well, I can certainly see why she said we couldn't miss it."
The Jade Star
10-02-2007, 23:13
(OOC: Kinda, he's a senior student, the kind of person nobody really knows but everybody knows OF. :P)

IC:

"Ah, yes. Most people say ours is one of the nicer dorms, although the Goblin students claim to hate it. Its fairly easy to find your way around, since its basically a big circle. The main hall is in the middle, and the dorms radiate out from it. Everything else that isnt courtyards is kitchens or storage. You two have been placed in room C-7a, as luck would have it. Corridor C being the hall pointing directly West." Jorrin pointed, "There arent any keys, but the door will only open for you two, Council members and the maids, so dont worry much about that." Jorrin opened the door to reveal a somewhat more austere room than the guest quarters.
It contained two simple beds, two large, if somewhat empty, bookshelves, two desks and two chairs. A window on one side provided a view of the courtyard.
"Now, Im not sure about your previous residences, but unfourtunatly running water is not universal here. There are bathrooms at the end of the hall, but if you have to go after curfew, there are buckets under your beds. The last person who broke curfew, and got caught that is, ended up on night watch for a seven days in a row, so I advise caution if you must go out." He paused, "Oh, and just so you know, youre free to modify the furniture as you wish, just take what you dont want to the storage rooms." He pointed to a door with a large 'S' on it, just visible from inside the room, "Lets see...ah, and no magic inside the dorm. If you need to practice, go into the courtyards."
Hakurabi
11-02-2007, 01:56
Karathis and Vaikwur nodded in turn. "Well, I suppose we'll have plenty of time to get the room set up properly." remarked the taller of the two. "Say, when are we supposed to get to our classes?"
The Jade Star
11-02-2007, 02:13
"Vanima said you were to report to the Artifice tower once you were settled, I assume you'll get your class setup there. Ah..." Jorrin squatted next to one of the beds and retrieved a chest from under it, "Theres one of these under the other bed to. You should wear them while youre in the Artifice Tower." He pulled a leather robe from the box, underneath it sat a pair of gloves, boots, and a mask, "This is all enchanted of course, it'll protect you from the worst of the magical blasts you get sometimes, and its got deflection charms on it." He indicated a line of runes running down the seams, "The mask will also filter most poisons from the air as well, provided they arent eating at the spells."
He stood and walked back to the door, "I'd say you have an hour or two before Vanima expects you, you should take a look around the dorm, maybe get a quick nap in before you head up to the tower."
Hakurabi
11-02-2007, 04:59
And that they did, exploring the dormitory seperately and getting a feel for where everything was. After getting their bearings, they collected the protective gear from the chests and headed out to the courtyard for a few moments of practice.

Ten seconds later, they were hurrying down to the Artifice Tower after accidentally gutting their neighbour's room with a fireball. They donned their protective gear as they moved as quickly away from the dorms as possible.

"That's the last time I let you talk me into trying to dispel your fireball in midair."
The Jade Star
11-02-2007, 22:17
Kaima was waiting with, as per usual, a wide grin at the entrance to the Artifice tower.
"Ah, the firebugs. ~desu Good to see you here, I have JUST the task for you two. ~desu" Kaima held up two pairs of gloves, much thicker and more heavily reinforced than the 'regular' pairs, "Youve arrived at such an excellent time, you see, somebody needs to feed the swamp dragons. ~desu"
There was what might have been a snigger behind her, several students were stationed at tables working on various items, most of them were grinning.
Hakurabi
12-02-2007, 01:33
The two took the gloves grudgingly and mentally took down the faces of those in the class. (It would later be referred to as the 'exploding runes' incident.)

As they left for the swamp dragon pens, the kobold grumbled about problems just because he'd had a practical education.
Skgorria
12-02-2007, 18:08
Communique from SS Paranormal Division

Talus Archidae,

we have decided to disclose the following parts of Baum's service record.

During the 3-month psychic evaluation, Baum demonstrated a remarkable and consistent ability to sense emotions and intentions. He also displayed limited ability in implanting suggestions and an almost-useless grasp of telekinesis.

After evaluation, Baum was seconded to Special Action Division where he was trained as a Specialist in information extraction. He was posted to Die Boerstaat and has just returned from a 6-month tour there.

When you give the word, he will be dispatched.
Euroslavia
12-02-2007, 18:21
OOC: I'm considering sending someone here. Are there going to be classes that start up soon? Are you controlling the plot, or are you letting the kids develop it? Or is it a mix of the two?
The Jade Star
12-02-2007, 20:09
(OOC:
Ill probobly mix the two, I'll introduce some sort of event and let things play out from there. Classes will be on a case-by-case basis, IE: We make 'em up as we go.)

IC:

Kiama gestured to a thick and heavily reinforced door at the end of the class.
"Swamp dragons," She said, "are a bit different from your every day Draco Nobilis. ~desu Have either of you ever dealt with them before?"
Another snicker, however this time it was acompanied by a loud thunk, which was in turn followed by a sound like a howler monkey in serious pain, and some swearing. Kaima didnt turn around.

Skgorria SS Paranormal Division,

We have compleated a set of classes for Mr. Baum. On arrival at the Academy he is to report to the Green House, where he will receive further directions.
Mr. Baum's record indicates that we may have a useful posting for him in the Academy Naval Forces. This duty is secondary to his student roll and purely voluntary. However, as ever, the Academy is strictly neutral, and the Academy Navy plays a defensive and exploratory role.
Of course, the standard risks apply, however the Academy will compensate his relatives and/or organization in the event of his death or injury as per Academy regulations.

Talus Archidae
Hakurabi
13-02-2007, 07:34
"I believe they're the ones which explode..." said Karathis, gulping.

Vaikwur quickly thumbed through his spellbook, looking for that one spell.
Skgorria
13-02-2007, 11:22
Communique From SS Paranormal Division

Talus Archidae,

Storm-Private Baum has just been promoted to Storm-Corporal, and will be arriving at your facility shortly. Any military operations will be at the Storm-Corporal's discretion, he is one of the Division's best and we trust his judgement.

---

Storm-Corporal Baum yawned and flexed his tired muscles as he stepped off the transport. The ride from Skgorria was long and boring, and he only had his Field Handbook for reading. There was only so much excitement you could derive from learning about building a bunker or manning an anti-tank gun, so he was glad to finally arrive at the Academy.

He hoisted his large bag over his shoulder and marched towards what appeared to be the main gate. Storm-Corporal Baum would be very easy to spot, as he was dressed in the standard SS Specialist fatigues: black boots, trousers, jacket and field cap. A silver SS rune decorated each of his collars, insignia identifying his rank as a Storm-Corporal in SS Paranormal Division were on each shoulder and on his right arm was a red armband with a swastika within a white circle. Baum resisted the urge to draw the pistol located the holster on his belt, as even though he felt very nervous he was under orders not to provoke anyone.

"Hello?" he called out loud, also sending the same message mentally to anyone nearby, "anyone at home?"
The Jade Star
14-02-2007, 21:30
"Indeed. ~desu" Vanima indicated the scorchmarks on the ceiling, "However, they are generally stable provided they remain calm. ~desu The problem is, they get excited when theyre eating." She withdrew a sack from an alcove just inside the door, "And Magic, Mr. Kobold, is strictly out of the question. ~desu The poor beasts are unstable as it is, if you start throwing magic at them theres a 50/50 chance they'll explode, and we'll lose a lot of valuable alchemical supplies. ~desu However, thats where these come in. ~desu"
Kaima opened the bag, which proved to contain a lot of little white tablets.
"Limestone tablets. ~desu These neutralize certain key elements within the dragons stomachs, which mostly stops them from exploding for a while. ~desu Your job is to make sure that ALL of the dragons get their tablets. ~desu Then you can start feeding them, theres coal in the bags over there. ~desu"
She handed the bag to Karathis and turned to leave, "Oh...one more thing, I suggest removing any relfective objects from your persons, unless youre looking for cheap and easy hair removal. ~desu"

---

"Ah *CLICK* Mr. Baum. *clicklick* A Pleasure to *click* Meet You. *click*" A bronze...man had appeared at one end of the hall, advancing with somewhat of a lurching step, the clicks appearing to come from a large mechanism attached to his back, "I *click* Am Secretary *click* Alakhzar. *click* Pleased *click* to meet you. *click*" The mechanical man extended a hand, which ended in two fingers and a crude thumb.
Skgorria
14-02-2007, 22:12
Baum spun around when he heard the mechanical man's greeting, dropping his bag and reaching for his pistol holster. Calm down fool, it's not a Horde WarDroid he reprimanded himself, stepping forward and acting as if dropping one's bag was a completely normal act. Baum considered saluting, but saw that Alakhzar had extended what appeared to be a hand, and Baum gripped the hand firmly and shook it.
"Storm-Corporal Baum, Skgorrian SS Paranormal Division, a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he smiled, "are you part-human, or an aritificial construct?"
Hakurabi
14-02-2007, 22:39
"Well, that's why we won't throw magic at them." replied Vaikwur, settling on one spell and passing the book over to Karathis.

"Ah, that looks like the one."

Intoning syllables rapidly, they cast a second-circle spell - Resist Energy - and glowed reddish for a moment.

Thus amply protected themselves against any explosion, they took the bags and left for the swamp dragons. They discussed which cantrips and first circle magicks to employ, not particularly keen on feeding the walking explosives by hand. "Mage Hand?" "Well, it'll work for you, at any rate." "Perhaps Unseen Servant?" "Why not. Worth a shot."
The Jade Star
15-02-2007, 01:24
"Ah ha. ha. ha." The clockwork mans laugh was, as expected, rather mechanical, "The masters *click* of the Academy *clickclick* do not approve *click* of the joining of artifice *clickclick* and flesh. *click* I am *click* fully artificial. *click*
"You are *click* here as the new *click* assignment to *click* Magus Vanima's *click* house, correct? *click*
"Please *click* follow me *clickclick*, I will show you to your dormitory. *click* From there Magus *clickclick* Vanima has requested *click* you attend her in the *click* Artifice Tower. *click*"

---

From the various stalls Dragons watched them curiously. One or two short bursts of flame lashed out at them from the darkness.
Ghost Tigers Rise
15-02-2007, 01:24
OOC: *is interested* How do I enroll a student?
And this is Fantasy Tech, right?
Skgorria
15-02-2007, 01:31
"I only asked because...well never mind. My orders tell me to report to Green House, wherever that is," stated Baum. "Lead on, machine." Baum picked up his bag and hoisted it over his shoulder, ready to be led to his room.
Hakurabi
16-02-2007, 03:44
Five minutes later, the two apprentice wizards returned covered in soot, but otherwise none the worse for wear. Clutched in their hands were the smouldering remains of the bags, and the distinct smell of burning charcoal was to be smelt in the air.

Fortunately, there had been no unfortunate 'whuds' during this five minute period, and as far as anybody could tell, they had successfully distributed the limestone before the coal was incinerated. A trail of glowing embers could be seen floating behind them.

"Well, the limestone was no problems, at least." said Karathis, while Vaikwur muttered "Damn #6... Greediest dragon I've ever seen."
The Jade Star
17-02-2007, 18:12
Baum received roughly the same tour as the previous two mages on his arrival at the dormitory, although the charring on the back of his door was explained as 'an unfourtunate training accident in the courtyard'.
After this, he was dispatched, reinforced robes in hand, to the Artifice Tower, whereupon he was redirected to the dragon pens along with Karathis and Vaikwur.
"Ahhh, I see you have finished. ~desu Just my little introduction to life here in the world of artifice. Dirty and unpleasant, but in the end thou shalt receive thy reward. ~desu" Kaima produced a pair of signed parchment rolls, "Priority library passes. These are good for a week, and I expect you to make good use of them, the Librarian demands an entire bunch of bannanas for each of these. ~desu But they'll get you ahead of the line when it comes to guides. ~desu" She winked, dragonfire glinting off of her red eye, before she whirled on Baum, "Ah, our OTHER newest student. ~desu Mister...Baum, correct? ~desu Fine name, yes. ~desu I've always been a bit partial to the German tradition. In any case, you three have been assigned to the weapons development department for now. ~desu Its dangerous and occasionally unpleasant, but you get to blow things up. ~desu" Kaima spoke as if this counterbalanced the possibility of a painful and prolonged death, "Follow me."
Bryn Shander
17-02-2007, 19:37
OOC: Your ways intrigue me. Is it too late to send a student?
The Jade Star
17-02-2007, 19:47
(OOC: 'Course not.
The idea is to (hopefully) generate a self-sustaining RP which wont rely soley on me to generate new ideas for.
Send 'im in.)
Bryn Shander
17-02-2007, 19:51
(OOC: 'Course not.
The idea is to (hopefully) generate a self-sustaining RP which wont rely soley on me to generate new ideas for.
Send 'im in.)

I see what you did there.
Hakurabi
17-02-2007, 22:43
The two apprentices began walking along, looking with interest at Baum.

"So... a government student, huh?"
Skgorria
18-02-2007, 22:28
"My family has a long tradition of German ancestry, one of my ancestors was a German POW who was resettled in Skgorria after the Great Crusade Against Bolshevism," beamed Baum and drawing himself up. "Apparently he could trace his line back to the great Barbarassoa, although I am content with having lineage to the first generation of National Socialist warriors." At the memory of warriors and ages past, Baum snapped a Hitler salute and recited the Skgorrian Youth Legion motto for the fallen.
"Blood And Honour For The Dead," he proclaimed proudly, his voice filled with admiration and worship. Baum then turned to the student who had adressed him,
"Yes, yes, Storm-Corporal Baum at your service," once again saluting. "I'm Skgorrian, SS Paranormal Division. Who might you two be?"
The Jade Star
18-02-2007, 23:00
Kaima smiled, "Dont let Crowly hear you say that. ~desu He hates blood, says it reminds him of the time he died. I beleive he'll be your Summoning professor, so you wont want to be on his bad side. ~desu"
Bryn Shander
19-02-2007, 08:58
Now this is the story all about how Alexander Witt's life got flipped, turned up side down. I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there, and I'll tell you all about how he became the new student of the Tolarian Academy.

In west Ocanthus, born and raised, in the seeing room is where he spent most of his days. Researching, min/maxin, castin all cool and all shootin some magic missiles outside of the scrying pool when a couple of mages who were up to no good started making trouble in his neighborhood. He got in one little mage duel and his teacher got scared and said "You're going to study with the High Magus in the Tolarian Academy.

He whistled for a planar guide and when it came near, his amulet said "Fresh" and he had dice in his eyes. If anything he could say "Now this guide is rare" but thought "Nah, forget it." "Yo holmes, to the Academy!"

He pulled up to the school around seven or eight and he yelled to the guide "Yo holmes, smell you later." He looked at the school, he was finally there, to study some magics, as a student there.
Hakurabi
20-02-2007, 09:01
Karathis invisibly zotted Baum with a cantrip, saying "I do believe this will be quite an interesting first year."

Under Baum's shirt the letters T-O-O-L in draconic appeared on his back, painlessly.
Skgorria
20-02-2007, 13:36
Baum blinked at Kaima's statement.
"What do you mean, 'the time he died', do you mean to tell me that there are necromancers here?" He looked very uncomfortable, and tugged at the swastika armband he'd placed over his robes to reassure himself. "And I'm supposed to be studying under one, and he's a Summoner to boot! We've only encountered a few of them in SS Paranormal, and they tend to be a nasty bunch. I assume you have a reason for keeping such an individual here?"

As he was saying this, Baum's magical senses, though infantile compared to most, picked up that someone was doing something bad to him. He couldn't feel the cantrip, let alone detect who did it, but he was aware that someone was against him.
The Jade Star
21-02-2007, 23:30
"Actually, he's more of a natural zombie. ~desu I understand that he was accidentally impaled by some sort of demon which he summoned. ~desu The next morning he was in his office complaining that just because he was old some fool had stuffed him in a coffin and buried him. ~desu" She glanced back at Karathis and raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.
Hakurabi
22-02-2007, 03:12
"Bah, Conjurers. The whole school's a death wish, I tell you." hissed Vaikwur, showing his dislike of summoners quite clearly. "Well you did neglect it when you started to study evocation." replied Karathis, knowing fully the response which would follow. This repartee had happened a thousand times, and the reply was almost expected. Certainly it would be a good sign of a doppelganger were it neglected.

"Says the wizard who couldn't conjure a picture to save his own mother."

Karathis smiled. "Good to know you're still with us, Vaik."

Vaikwur returned to his original train of thought. "I suppose he'd best steer clear of clerics and necromancers. I don't think undead can resist some of the magic they've got in their repetoire."
Bryn Shander
22-02-2007, 08:57
After arriving at the school, Alexander walked up to the gate, door, or whatever barrier greeted him. After studying it, he rapped on it with his walking stick. A staff, if you will.
Skgorria
24-02-2007, 22:10
"Just goes to show the evils of summoning," smirked Baum, "serves the bloody fool right. Won't catch me summoning nothing, no siree. I'm quite happy with my basic psychic attributes. And what is it with you saying 'desu' all the time? Are you incapable of basic speech?" Chuckled Baum, a sly smirk working its way over his face. He suddenly felt a strange pressure in the side of his head, it usually meant that someone or something was coming.
"Something wicked this way comes..." he whispered, dropping his right arm to where his holster would normally be, except that he had left it along with his weapon in his room.