NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: First, the OOC part of my announcement.

Fantasy tech is a many and varied thing here on NS, with multiple sources, and multiple methodologies, diffrent spells, diffrent elements, and diffrent terms. What is possible in one, is at times not possible in another, and if it is, it is possible at a diffrent level. This often leads to feelings of godmodding, misunderstandings, and a growing disintrest in the thread at hand. I'm sure many have noticed that Fantasy threads tent to wear thin, and rarely ever finish.

It is true, and I do not contest, that FT has just as many diffrent sources as Fantasy does, just as many diffrences, but their all based on Science, and it's advanced theories. These are things that may be possible, things that even though diffrent from each other, can mesh well enough with other tech sources.

Same thing with PMT, and MT is almost entirely taken from already existing things.

This then brings me to the point of The Wizard's Council. This is not an alliance, this is not a group of law givers, at least not OOCly. ICly,we'll figure out what we are as we go along. What we are, or at least what we will be, is a group of people who agree to a single style of fantasy we ourselves will create from all our varied sources and imaginations Any nation with less than scientific powers is welcome to join The Council, even those with Jedi and sith. This will not be a tightly binding style, rather a loose set of agreements that will allow enough "wiggle-room" for individual styles to shine, while still allowing a general reference for everyone to fall back to. Perhaps if we all work together to create a single style, there will be more interest in the often overlooked and ignored fantasy tech, maybe more threads will complete.

If you do wish to join, realise not everything will be done OOCly, nor will everything be done ICly. Somethings are just better discussed in one method or another.

IC:

Riptide, a planet within the control of The Dark Empire of Warhaven. Once, long ago, an organization was founded here, one that slowly, eventually, died away for reasons unclear.

It was here a beautiful woman with shining golden white wings of light walked, going through the halls, reading the old tomes, playing with the old artifacts.

Wouldn't it be nice, she thought, if this council could live again, if these halls could be used again, if once again, there was an unbiased central authority in a power that sorely needs one.

She sat in the golden throne that once belonged to The former head of the wizard's council.

"Did I ever tell you I actually miss my Brother?" said a hooded dark robed mysterious entity that had been silently trailing the woman.
"No, never." the woman replied.
"I do, he was the one that formed the council originally. How sad he would be to see his halls fallen into disuse." the hooded figure.
"Then let us honor his memory, all I ask for is a chance, let me reform the council." The woman replied.
"I shall have your brother let you do so." the hooded figure said.
"Thank you father." the woman said.

Over the next several days she cleaned up the old halls, and re arranged everything to look nice, then sitting down with Xilanthe's orb of communication, sent out a message that would reach everyone who would have a reason to hear it, those that would benifit from the council, those that had powers similar to Wizardry, if not actual wizardry itself.

*&^%$#@@#$%^&*

Let it be known by all, that the entity once known as The Wizard's Council is reforming, and seeking new members, old members are invited to return. We do not seek to take the place of a nation's right to establish laws within it's own territory, rather it is our goal to establish a standard, a code of conduct similar in nature to that of The Geneva Convention. We ask all those who have the best interests of their nation at heart, those interested in their fellow beings, those whose wisdom is unsurpassed to come to the old Council halls on Riptide, and once again form The Wizard's Council.

Yloviacki Wi-Zohn, high mage of the court of King Neil of Forthshore, felt the summons via the orb. A mental power of the highest, he mused.

Searching the planes with his mind, he located the source of the summons and set it's position in his mind. It took a few minutes to draw the requisite circle with his silver halberd and then, standing in the centre, he muttered the words of transportation.

Yloviacki appeared in the hall on Riptide. A tall, thin, almost painfully thin elf with silver hair, pale skin and green eyes. He was dressed in white linen robes and carried his silver halberd.

Upon appearing, he bowed low to the lady there, dropping to one knee and laying his weapon on the ground.
"My lady, I am Yloviacki Wi-Zohn. I heard your summons and I respond."

A man appeared in a glimmering pool of light. He was a thin man, elderly, with a well kept white beard, and a regal bearing. He wore a green frock with gold lace patterns, a pointed, fuscia hat and two fuscia-colored shoes with long, curled toes. Around his neck was pendant, bearing a green stone that shown a light from within it.

As he stepped forward, he smiled a friendly smile.

"Hello," he said. "They call me Yendor, and I'm here to help make a little magic--for a good cause, of course." His voice was deep and masculine, yet soft and comforting. He held his hands over his heart and spread them slowly as he spoke. A red rose appeared in between them, and slowly levitated over to the beautiful woman who sat at the chair in front of him.

"Where I come from," he pointed out, "it's all the rage to bestow a gift upon one's host when one comes to meet them--and no lady so lovely as yourself should be without a beautiful, fragile gem of a flower like the one you have here. Treat it with care and who knows what may become of it?" His smile was positively beaming.

Sakura and her husband still had yet to take their honeymoon. They were always tied with business of the state, and military affairs. Today was supposed to be the day they would set off on their trip. They would sail around the world. But a letter arrived. Sakura was in a cute bathing suite and everything preparing for her big romantic trip with her husband. "This just came for us Sakura."

"Looks like the council is reforming." Sakura said. "Guess we'll postpone. Oh well it looks like a storm anyway. Not a good day to set off."

Before they knew it they were dressed in their clothes again and set off to meet up with new council. How exciting this was

OOC: This is a few years after Latvia's call Mari, just so you know.
IC:
The lady sat on the golden throne, naturally radiating light, for that was her base most substance, and as had been proven once before in a land twisted with Chaos, would bleed liquid light if wounded.

First came Yloviacki Wi-Zohn, high mage of the court of King Neil of Forthshore, and at his greeting she caused a chair to scoot out at the table. By her was reserved a chair for a special guest yet to arrive.

"Please, have a seat. It is good that there are others that wish to establish a uniform code of conduct among all spellcasters. Soon we shall depart, and set up individual quaters. I shall explain shortly how The Council works. By the Way, My name is Cara Lightbringer. I am not a living being, nor am I dead, I am a spirit. As I child I am the spirit of innocence, at least I am one of them. As an adult, I am diffrent things based on my experiences as a child. Currently I am a spirit of magic." She said, and at that moment Yendor appeared.

Scooting a chair out for him too, she took the rose with a blush which made her glow all the brighter. Re-introducing herself for Yendor she put the Flower away in a safe place.

Then Sakura and her husband arrived via their own methods, and pulling out a pair of chairs for them too, she reintroduced herself a third time.

"It is a pleasure to see so many new faces. I am sure in time we will all be good friends." Cara said.

OOC: This first thread is mainly a meet and greet, maybe a few other things as we go.

"It's our great pleasure to be here." Sakura smiled.

"If I may say," Syaoran said Next Week will be my lovely wife's birthday."

"Oh Syao, you didn't need to announce that." She blushed a little.

Golloriel frowned. Another task; ‘apprenticeship’ was not all it was cracked up to be; well, actually, it was. In this case, her task was to go, in the name of her mistress, and sign up for a distant council that thought to regulate magic, simply to ensure that the research in question stayed cutting edge.

Still, it was all a learning experience.

OOC: Just a brief note; I don’t expect to be able to contribute much to this, beyond occasionally showing the flag, I’m afraid, due to time constraints. Though I did recently do a writeup on the magic system I (and a few other nations) primarily use, if anyone’s interested, it might give someone useful ideas, perhaps. link (http://www.necrontyr.plus.com/magic1.htm)

"It's our great pleasure to be here." Sakura smiled.

"If I may say," Syaoran said Next Week will be my lovely wife's birthday."

"Oh Syao, you didn't need to announce that." She blushed a little.

Cara nodded, and smiled.
"An early present then." Cara said as she caused a box to materialise infront of Sakura. Inside was a small glowing stone in the shape of a heart.
"History records The Lady Ri-an once visited you in your nation. This is The Lady's Heart, a very rare stone worth great amounts. Each one does something diffrent if cared for. I wonder what yours will shot itself to be capable of.

OOC: Something powerful, but not godmoddishly powerful, yet something that isn't insignificant and a waste of time either, get what I'm driving at? Lady's hearts are something worth having for the magical effects alone, even still, each one is a rare gem such as a diamond, ruby, Emerald, Sapphire ETC, worth close to approximatly one million Universal Standard Dollars. You are the first on Nationstates to own a Lady's Heart. What it does, and what Gem the heart is, is entirely up to you.

Golloriel frowned. Another task; ‘apprenticeship’ was not all it was cracked up to be; well, actually, it was. In this case, her task was to go, in the name of her mistress, and sign up for a distant council that thought to regulate magic, simply to ensure that the research in question stayed cutting edge.

Still, it was all a learning experience.

OOC: Just a brief note; I don’t expect to be able to contribute much to this, beyond occasionally showing the flag, I’m afraid, due to time constraints. Though I did recently do a writeup on the magic system I (and a few other nations) primarily use, if anyone’s interested, it might give someone useful ideas, perhaps. link (http://www.necrontyr.plus.com/magic1.htm)

Cara reintroduced herself for Golloriel, and pulled a chair out for him as well.

"So, while we wait to see if anyone else comes today, how is Magic regulated in your individual nations, as in, are there formal laws passed by the government, some non-governmental entity like The Wizard's council, only more Law Giving, or is it up to the virtue of the Individual Caster. Within The Dark Empire, our powers are governed by the laws passed by The Department of Mysteries, which governs all Non-scientific based powers. Such famous laws include the No Fire in the TNT forest rule, which was broken once and only once. After it was regrown, everyone understood why the rule was passed. TNT of course is short for Trinitrotoluene, an explosive substance which for reasons unclear, grows naturally in certain trees right here on Riptide." Cara replied.

OOC: Oh, I'm sure you can contribute enough to the important stuff, like the regulation debates, such as how elements should there be, and what are they. But that's a topic for another time. Our first real debate will be easy, it will be a thread entitiled The Tome of Deities and Demi-Deities, and in addition to be a complete listing of all Non-RL deities in use here on Nationstates, along with a short description there of, will also set about defining basic terminology, and other basic things.

By RL deities, I mean any religion that actually exists on Earth, with the exception of the Jedi Church. Zeus for example, is an RL deity, because his Pantheon was once worshipped. Abraham's God Definitly counts as an RL Deity, being the focus of Judaeism, Islam, and all the branches of Christianity. But that's for that thread.

A relatively complete listing of the muri gods is here:http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=540883. There's also a fairly complete history of their race and culture, which ends about where I hit writer's block. They summon spirits to work their magic, and are deeply penitential-similar to Orthodox monastics in RL. I will await advice as to whether all the Orders or only the Ordo Arkati should answer the summons, but will bookmark this thread until then. Best wishes to you all, and I hope this thread will be a profitable and lengthy experience for us all.

Galvenor sighed. It has been some time since anyone visited The White Tower and now days the only thing moving around was him Imps going about the daily dusting and cleaning. The massive Library was only full of tomes. The dorms were silent, and the classrooms only held untaught knowledge instead of students absorbing everything their instructors presented. It has been a long ride but now it seems the roller coaster was over. It is difficult to be the Chancellor of the White Tower when there were no students left.

Galvenor walked through the lonely halls filled with the ghosts of memories. He thought back upon the many adventures he had with his missing comrades. The conquest of Abaddon, the quest of the Slivers, The Mirror Universe, and many others. He has seen almost everything possible. Now he was seeing Loneliness and Emptiness.

It was time to pack up the Tower and seek adventure elsewhere. Perhaps he would be summoned back to the Advisor Council of The Warlord. He was one of eight Advisors of Nhur-Galladu, the Warlord of the Fallen Empire of Balrogga. While all Ta’Nar are experienced with Eldritch Magics, Galvenor excelled at them and he went beyond mastery of the Meta-Magics, or the direct manipulation of raw magic itself. Very few were better at that lost art and the Warlord was one of them.

Making up his mind, he walked around the college and began to pack everything within itself, folding the rooms as he went. The dorms were first, followed by the classrooms. He folded the auditorium and the Arena. The Library collapsed neatly into itself and the Instructor’s quarters. Finally he compressed his own quarters and stood outside the doorway. Within lay the School, the whole White Tower. With great sadness he reached out and gently closed the door. Taking a key out of his pocket, he locked the door and pocketed the key. Grasping the doorway with both hands, he shrank the door and placed it within his pocket too.

Galvenor looked around the empty spot where The White Tower existed for centuries. The flat plains to the east rippled as the wind blew across them. The mountains to the north shone in the ruddy sunset as the ills to the south were filling with low shadows. A last look to the stars above reminded him of the many nights he spent looking up from the tower while the entore school lat sleeping below. This was the last time he would see these particular constellations and he took a moment to sear them into his memory.

As the sun toughed the distant horizon, he willed a gateway to open and stepped through. The ruddy light from the aperture faded with the crimson setting sun and the world was left without a trace the White Tower was even there.

An Era was over.



OOC:

I am moving Galvenor from the White Tower Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=378306)to this one. It has been pre-approved by Warhaven.

"The working of power in Forthshore is moderated by the King, as are all things," said Yloviacki, "but mental powers are extremely rare in Forthshore, true magic doubly so. There are mayhap two score of mentalists to my ken and a mere handful of magi. I am the only inhabitant of Forthshore with both powers to come to light."
"By and large, we police each other. As the most powerful in Forthshore I am the court mage. If my mind slips or some other mage becomes more powerful then they shall gain the patronage of the king."

A relatively complete listing of the muri gods is here:http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=540883. There's also a fairly complete history of their race and culture, which ends about where I hit writer's block. They summon spirits to work their magic, and are deeply penitential-similar to Orthodox monastics in RL. I will await advice as to whether all the Orders or only the Ordo Arkati should answer the summons, but will bookmark this thread until then. Best wishes to you all, and I hope this thread will be a profitable and lengthy experience for us all.
OOC:
That depends on what's easiest for you. If it's easier to have the orders select a single representative of them all, then do so, if you feel it would be better for each to send a representative, then go on ahead.

"The working of power in Forthshore is moderated by the King, as are all things," said Yloviacki, "but mental powers are extremely rare in Forthshore, true magic doubly so. There are mayhap two score of mentalists to my ken and a mere handful of magi. I am the only inhabitant of Forthshore with both powers to come to light."
"By and large, we police each other. As the most powerful in Forthshore I am the court mage. If my mind slips or some other mage becomes more powerful then they shall gain the patronage of the king."

"Interesting, perhaps we should develop a school of somesort, and see if we can't help your nation increase in power." Cara said.

~snip~

Galvenor's Aperture was re-routed to a diffrent place, Galvenore would find himself arriving in a place that was not, a place outside The Multi-verse, outside creation. It was the bridge between all things that were, and all things that were not. The Void.

A simple metal platform appeared beneath Galvenore, and at the other end, an all too familiar entity clothed this time in black robes, with a black hood on.

"It has been a few years. One existence has ended, another has begun. This then should not be a place of battle, for I have attained my goal once already, and in doing so, became a kinder, gentler entity. Whether you believe me or not is another story altogether.

However, I brought you here for a single purpose. My Brother, whom I actually miss on occasion, is being reformed by my adopted daughter, who is a spirit, of innocence of all things. She changes me the most, and I don't understand why or how, but around her, I'm almost, decent. It is for her sake I ask you to return once more to the world of Riptide, and help her. As capable as she is, she lacks experience in these matters. She needs a strong guiding hand, a friend she can trust, an advisor that's been there before. I would, but, it would cause more problems than it would solve. You could teach once more. You could again be Chancellor, Co-founder of The Wizard's Council. I had her save a spot next to her at the head, just for you.

Please." The mysterious figure asked, using please, a word he never used.

He opened a Void Nexus, that lead to just outside the Council buildings. Through a window, Galvenore could see Cara, she was beautiful, for she was pure light, her soul was Light, for that was her base substance, in the same manner that Galvenore was a pure mind.

OOC: Don't reveal my secrets, even if you do know who this entity is.

Back in the early era of Phenixica there was the Academy of the Arcane in the Capital, Over time Phenixicans relied more and more on technology and now the Academy is the Order of Messiahist Knights. A Sacred order that is loyal to the Emperor.

They focus mainly of the Magic of Fire, They conjure fire with all ease and hurl it at there enemies. They carry longswords enchanted for extra durability, Only 4,000 knights exist and the Prince (as he is called until his coronation) is one of them.

Phenixicans as a race are all magically intuned, but there reliance on technology has weakened there ability to use it ((Sorta like on Arcanum))

----------------------------------

A small explosion opening a portal, 3 men and 2 women step out.

They all wear blue long sleve vests and pants, with a Iron chest plate going over there body. Longsword in hilt.

The man who steps foward is Horus age 68 "I have not felt such Magic in a long time, I must say I am amazed. We are the Messiahist Knights or the 'Annointed Knights' we serve and protect the Emperor of Phenixica" He trails off before adding "Our nation is no longer that of Magic, it has not been so since the creation of Steam and Gunpowder but us few remain and even one of us stands on the Throne of our Nation"

"We are masters of the schools of Fire and Arcane, as comes with being a child of the Phoenix. We will be glad to become part of the Wizard's Council. Our leader will arrive when he next gets the chance"

"Interesting, perhaps we should develop a school of somesort, and see if we can't help your nation increase in power." Cara said.

"That may be an idea," said Yloviacki, "however, I suspect the church would frown on such an enterprise. The King may be enthusiastic but it is a combination of the barons and the one true faith that keeps him on the throne. We magi have our place because we can demonstrate powers that no other beings can."

Two beings step through the shimmering water of the glass, its reflective surface seeming to both absorb all light, and simultaneously reflecting images. They could not have been more disparate in appearance, one nearly 11 feet tall, of solid iron, and the other, a human, garbed in black leather with a guitar strapped to his back. "Well Joram, looks like we're here. Do you think they're ready to rock?"

<Your musical puns will not get you very far here James.> The draconic head shifted to regard the man with one eye, before shaking his head and continuing. <I'm not even sure why you're here. Your kind of magery is a joke anyway.>

"Says the talking modern art. What were your disciplines? Artifice and flower arranging?"

<Artifice, metallurgy, enchanting, pwnage, and flwer arranging you arrogant tool.>

"My bad, I forgot about your flashy little "elemental spells. Just remember, I can literally nuke the ever living fuck out of you."

The two continued to stand there, with the human seeming to carry on a one sided argument with the metallic(literally) dragon that had entered with him. It was at least fun to watch, especially if one were to interrupt either of them.

Cara nodded, and smiled.
"An early present then." Cara said as she caused a box to materialise infront of Sakura. Inside was a small glowing stone in the shape of a heart.
"History records The Lady Ri-an once visited you in your nation. This is The Lady's Heart, a very rare stone worth great amounts. Each one does something diffrent if cared for. I wonder what yours will shot itself to be capable of.


"Thank you Milady. I shall cherish this as one of our national treasures." She stood and bowed. Syaoran placed it into a bag and into his own cloak.

"If we are on the subject of education, we have a world class private academy in our country. As well as many other great Government ran Schools."

Ry'thon was both the moral and magical leaders of the Light Elves of Orbath. It had taken hours of deliberation between the sects of elemental elves,(excluding dark elves), to choose a representative. Eventually one of the deciding factors was the actual act of travel itself. Two representatives from each element ,(light, fire, water and earth), were present, however, only the light and earth elves were capable of transportation. In the end, Ry'thon was chosen. He was, after all, the leader of the light elves and was considered more civilized than the earth elves, whom dwelled in the forest. The dark elves were never consulted, nor would they be interested in attending. After all, they likely would never adhere to any ruling.

Ry'thon had only spent a few minutes preparing. He donned a pair of pants and tunic, and a large brown utility belt. Attached to the belt were a manner of odd objects as well as one, very, very shiny knife. Over this he donned a brillant white tunic which shone and seemed to repel dirt, despite the fact that the bottom dragged along the ground. Over this he wore another, small belt to which a golden sheath was attached.

He was rather apprehensive. He hadn't ever met a foreigner, except for a strange man with a metallic arm and his troll friend.

He stepped into the meeting room, just hearing someone ask about laws. He responded.

''I am Ry'thon of the Light Elves of Orbath. In our nation, the laws are basic. Magic cannot be used to commit regular crimes. Although it is not a law, magic involving necromancy and that thought of as dark magic is frowned upon.''

As he took a seat, someone teleported into the meeting room. The man was dressed in an over sized black robe with the hood pulled up. He donned a helmet which appeared to be made from a large skull. Upon his belt was a massive, oddly shaped sheath.

''Rakure, Dark Elves, Orbath.''

He words came out in a snake like hiss, a rotten stench upon his breath. A powerful feeling of darkness flowed from his body, causing Ry'thon, who was shocked, to shiver.

Ry'thon pulled up his tunic and opened a pouch on his inner belt, revealing a cross shaped flask. He drank deeply a golden liquid and his skin appeared to glow. He considered drawing a sword a doing battle with his foe right there, but believed himself to be more civilized.

''I must apologize. This elf does not represent us, he should not be here.''

The dark elf laughed from beneath his robes.

''It is true, I do not represent ''us''... only my people who were overlooked. I have every right to be here.''

His voice changed, now coming out in a more friendly enticing manor. It was captivating, drawing everyone in, swirling within their minds, tempting them to do his wishes. He was using his powers of suggestion, a rather powerful magic found within Orbath.

Back in the early era of Phenixica there was the Academy of the Arcane in the Capital, Over time Phenixicans relied more and more on technology and now the Academy is the Order of Messiahist Knights. A Sacred order that is loyal to the Emperor.

They focus mainly of the Magic of Fire, They conjure fire with all ease and hurl it at there enemies. They carry longswords enchanted for extra durability, Only 4,000 knights exist and the Prince (as he is called until his coronation) is one of them.

Phenixicans as a race are all magically intuned, but there reliance on technology has weakened there ability to use it ((Sorta like on Arcanum))

----------------------------------

A small explosion opening a portal, 3 men and 2 women step out.

They all wear blue long sleve vests and pants, with a Iron chest plate going over there body. Longsword in hilt.

The man who steps foward is Horus age 68 "I have not felt such Magic in a long time, I must say I am amazed. We are the Messiahist Knights or the 'Annointed Knights' we serve and protect the Emperor of Phenixica" He trails off before adding "Our nation is no longer that of Magic, it has not been so since the creation of Steam and Gunpowder but us few remain and even one of us stands on the Throne of our Nation"

"We are masters of the schools of Fire and Arcane, as comes with being a child of the Phoenix. We will be glad to become part of the Wizard's Council. Our leader will arrive when he next gets the chance"

"Have a seat, glad to have you. Shortly we will stop waiting for others to join, and assign each nation their own rooms. After that, if HE doesn't arrive, then the task shall move onto filling old positions, and seeing if new ones are needed." Cara said.

"That may be an idea," said Yloviacki, "however, I suspect the church would frown on such an enterprise. The King may be enthusiastic but it is a combination of the barons and the one true faith that keeps him on the throne. We magi have our place because we can demonstrate powers that no other beings can."

Two beings step through the shimmering water of the glass, its reflective surface seeming to both absorb all light, and simultaneously reflecting images. They could not have been more disparate in appearance, one nearly 11 feet tall, of solid iron, and the other, a human, garbed in black leather with a guitar strapped to his back. "Well Joram, looks like we're here. Do you think they're ready to rock?"

<Your musical puns will not get you very far here James.> The draconic head shifted to regard the man with one eye, before shaking his head and continuing. <I'm not even sure why you're here. Your kind of magery is a joke anyway.>

"Says the talking modern art. What were your disciplines? Artifice and flower arranging?"

<Artifice, metallurgy, enchanting, pwnage, and flwer arranging you arrogant tool.>

"My bad, I forgot about your flashy little "elemental spells. Just remember, I can literally nuke the ever living fuck out of you."

The two continued to stand there, with the human seeming to carry on a one sided argument with the metallic(literally) dragon that had entered with him. It was at least fun to watch, especially if one were to interrupt either of them.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, no need for arguing here. Though I do not understand what common stones have to do with the matter, yes, I am quite prepared for this day. Please, Please, take a seat at the council table." Cara said.

"Thank you Milady. I shall cherish this as one of our national treasures." She stood and bowed. Syaoran placed it into a bag and into his own cloak.

"If we are on the subject of education, we have a world class private academy in our country. As well as many other great Government ran Schools."

Ry'thon was both the moral and magical leaders of the Light Elves of Orbath. It had taken hours of deliberation between the sects of elemental elves,(excluding dark elves), to choose a representative. Eventually one of the deciding factors was the actual act of travel itself. Two representatives from each element ,(light, fire, water and earth), were present, however, only the light and earth elves were capable of transportation. In the end, Ry'thon was chosen. He was, after all, the leader of the light elves and was considered more civilized than the earth elves, whom dwelled in the forest. The dark elves were never consulted, nor would they be interested in attending. After all, they likely would never adhere to any ruling.

Ry'thon had only spent a few minutes preparing. He donned a pair of pants and tunic, and a large brown utility belt. Attached to the belt were a manner of odd objects as well as one, very, very shiny knife. Over this he donned a brillant white tunic which shone and seemed to repel dirt, despite the fact that the bottom dragged along the ground. Over this he wore another, small belt to which a golden sheath was attached.

He was rather apprehensive. He hadn't ever met a foreigner, except for a strange man with a metallic arm and his troll friend.

He stepped into the meeting room, just hearing someone ask about laws. He responded.

''I am Ry'thon of the Light Elves of Orbath. In our nation, the laws are basic. Magic cannot be used to commit regular crimes. Although it is not a law, magic involving necromancy and that thought of as dark magic is frowned upon.''

As he took a seat, someone teleported into the meeting room. The man was dressed in an over sized black robe with the hood pulled up. He donned a helmet which appeared to be made from a large skull. Upon his belt was a massive, oddly shaped sheath.

''Rakure, Dark Elves, Orbath.''

He words came out in a snake like hiss, a rotten stench upon his breath. A powerful feeling of darkness flowed from his body, causing Ry'thon, who was shocked, to shiver.

Ry'thon pulled up his tunic and opened a pouch on his inner belt, revealing a cross shaped flask. He drank deeply a golden liquid and his skin appeared to glow. He considered drawing a sword a doing battle with his foe right there, but believed himself to be more civilized.

''I must apologize. This elf does not represent us, he should not be here.''

The dark elf laughed from beneath his robes.

''It is true, I do not represent ''us''... only my people who were overlooked. I have every right to be here.''

His voice changed, now coming out in a more friendly enticing manor. It was captivating, drawing everyone in, swirling within their minds, tempting them to do his wishes. He was using his powers of suggestion, a rather powerful magic found within Orbath.

"Welcome, both of you. The Council will not be limited to a nation alone, nor will it take sides against the six Primal forces of Life, Death, Good, Evil, Law, or Chaos. All shall be welcomed here, so long as they behave themselves, or else..." she said, leaving what or else was up to their imagination.

She looked around the room.

"So many in such a short amount of time, it would appear we need a bigger table, which in turn needs a bigger room, I'm going to just simply have to change the entire building structure." she said.

She cupped her hands like she was holding a large crystal ball, her wings extended to their full length, each wing by itself was three and a half feet long. She great energy beams that were golden White in color appeared in her hands, and a great glow spread forth from them. Then it shot out and ran along the walls, ceiling, and floor, which then began to visably move and expand, as it expanded, so did the table, and the chairs still empty began to multiply. Then it stopped expanding, and her magic ended. Her glow was noticably dimished, but still there. She seemed a little worn out, as though she wasn't quite use to such a large spell.

She then reintroduced herself for the latest newcomers, informing them she was made of Pure Light, and was a spirit, presently of Magic. She also told them she was the adopted Daughter of The Darkness, which in and of itself seemed strange since she was pure light.

Joshua had been trying to figure out why his latest experiment had failed but upon hearing the message he left immediately.
It started as a dim glow, but the circle he used for teleporting began to show on the floor. Within seconds runes appeared inside it and a figure materialized above. The circle vanished and the cloak he wore when traveling swished about his ankles as he quickly straightened out his snow white hair, one of the young man's more peculiar features. "I do hope I'm not interrupting anything." he said to the various people scattered about.

"Not at all, we were just getting started." Cara said.

OOC: You can talk to each other ICly you know, we are all in the same room at the same time.

~SNIP~




As his Aperture was interrupted, Galvenor was surprised when it deposited him in this Tween place. He looked around cautiously. The metal flooring appeared beneath him and he noticed the tall gaunt figure wrapped in robes. An unfelt wind seemed to stir the robes but it did not reveal the face buried within the deep cavern of a hood. The form seemed to be familiar to Galvenor but he could not place it quite yet.

“It has been a few years. One existence has ended, another has begun. This then should not be a place of battle, for I have attained my goal once already, and in doing so, became a kinder, gentler entity. Whether you believe me or not is another story altogether.”

After hearing that voice, Galvenor immediately knew the Entity.

“I know you. No matter what visage you take, I will recognize you for what you are and what you have done. My comrades have fought you numerous times and I have even assisted your brother in contacting BelDragos so he could obtain enough Power to resist your attempts. What are you up to now?”

Galvenor began to draw Power to prepare against an expected attack.

“However, I brought you here for a single purpose. My Brother, whom I actually miss on occasion, is being reformed by my adopted daughter, who is a spirit, of innocence of all things. She changes me the most, and I don't understand why or how, but around her, I'm almost, decent. It is for her sake I ask you to return once more to the world of Riptide, and help her. As capable as she is, she lacks experience in these matters. She needs a strong guiding hand, a friend she can trust, an advisor that's been there before. I would, but, it would cause more problems than it would solve. You could teach once more. You could again be Chancellor, Co-founder of The Wizard's Council. I had her save a spot next to her at the head, just for you.”

“Why should I believe you. You have told so many lies in our past. You have killed so many brave souls before. What are you going to say to me to make me believe you have changed? Why should I trust you?”

Galvenor waited for the Nemesis before him to answer. He was expecting anything, lies, truth thinly disguised, distraction, even trickery. He sharpened his senses so he could determine the truthfulness of his response.

“Please." The mysterious figure asked, using please, a word he never used.

What he heard was completely unexpected. It threw him for a loop and left him wondering. Was he serious? Was he actually changed? The only way to tell was to follow him and be prepared to block anything he might try. He could speak with Morganna since she was the last Ta’Nar to oppose him.

“Very well, at the very least I will be in a position to oppose you if you are not truly repentant. Show me the way.

He opened a Void Nexus, that lead to just outside the Council buildings. Through a window, Galvenore could see Cara, she was beautiful, for she was pure light, her soul was Light, for that was her base substance, in the same manner that Galvenore was a pure mind.

Galvenor stepped though the window into the distant room containing the photonic being.

Only Galvenore stepped through the Nexus, for it closed behind him.

Cara looked stunned, and actually stood up, and bowed before Galvenore.

"A great honor indeed to be graced by the only remaining original founder of The Wizard's Council. This is the thing for which I have waited with baited breath. Now I can move forward knowing we have enough to begin again." Cara said, standing. She pulled a chair out for him, the only one right directly beside her, knowing full well he didn't actually need to sit, being what he was, but then niether did she, she just sat to make everyone else comfortable.

As she sat, she pulled out a dusty old parchment that read as follows:

Creed of the Wizards Council

Magick is a dangerous force much like science. Unlike Science, it manifests in many ways. Therefore, we, the undersigned, here do by establish on this day, The Creed and Rules of The wizards council.

1)No member nation shall use their powers against another.

2) All members shall seek to help all nations, member or not, understand the powers of Magick, and its consequences, and its benifits.

3)All members shall agree to abide by certain rules and practises as set down by the council.

4)All members have a vote in new rules. The Members of the Upper Council have final say in all matters.

5)In the event of a Tie, The Head of the Wizards council shall cast the deciding vote, all other times, The Head of the Wizards Council is strictly forbidden from voting in such matters.

6)Each member of the upper council has full authority over one domain. They have the right to decide what to do in each area. If they wish to take a major action that could potentialy threaten the council, they must hold a Council meeing with the members of the entire Council.

7)The Council will not enter a war unless agreed upon by all member nations

8)If any member has a problem with another member, they may take their grivences before the upper Council, who will then take any necassary actions needed to insure the stability of the Council for all members.

9)The upper Council has the right to inquire at any time what any member is doing concerning Magick and its practises, failure to do so may result in being expelled from The wizards Council.

10) All member nations are asked to supply troops in order to maintain a force of peacekeepers, that can be dispatched to aid nations that require. Please note, they are not used in conjunction with the Mage Forces, which are a seperate body under direct Council control, and as such are not affected by the laws of the member nations

11)This Document may be changed at anytime, only by those on the upper Council.

Reading out the document she looked up at everyone.

"This was drawn up by my uncle, who originally forged the Council long ago. But times change, things evolve, and somethings must change as well to still be valid. As it is now, it is invalid for there are parts of the council, that should not be reestablished, such as The Mage Forces and Peacekeepers, a council that retains armed forces becomes an alliance, and invites undue trouble. It is therefore on this subject that we begin our first discussion:
Drawing up The Modern Creed of The Wizard's Council.

I am sure we have all had some experience drafting up laws in one manner or another, it's not as if we're actually just a bunch of commoners playing some sort of internet political similation game. No, we're real members of real governments, diplomats each of whom has had experience drafting up agreements, which then become rules. The Creed is no diffrent.

I open up the floor first for suggustions. For Argument's sake, I shall assume position of Head of The Wizard's Council, Galvenore, his position of Chancellor, second in command. This is just to help keep focus and direction." Cara said.

As she spoke, an Aquamarinian was wheeled in, in an appropriatly sized Fish Tank, it was white, and seemed content to sit in the tank.

"Don't mind me, I'm just here to take notes for the group, allowing for freer discussion." it said. It turned to Galvenore, and nodded its head, for it could feel his mind, just as Galvenore could feel the powerful Hive mind.

Infact everyone could feel something of The Hivemind, whther they were Psionic or not, but Psions could feel more of it.

OOC: I mean it, it's time to draw up The Creed, and agree to it. Afterwards, we'll move onto council positions, and then reitre to individual quaters for the IC night. Other subjects will be discussed in other threads, specifically for that purpose. There will be room for RP threads, after this one is finished. After all, all work and no play make the council a dull concept. ;):0

Joshua kneeled down and tapped the floor with his right hand, a desk sprang up as he lifted his hand. He took paper from his cloak as well as a pen and ink. "Where should we start?" He asked as he looked around. "I find sections one through five at the very least appropriate for current times."

Threw the Portal one more enters before it shuts behind him, He wears a Admirals Uniform. This was Prince Belcameron, soon to be Coronated as the Emperor of the new nation of Phenixica.

He carried a sabre on his belt and a scar goes across his right temple to his bottown cheek, His hair brown and neat. The Princes eyes showed a person much older than he really was, something about his eyes made him seem like he was 100.

Other then that he was handsome, in the classical sense. a strong build and standing 6 foot 3 in height made the Prince very capable of defending himself with strength and magic.

I look over to the others, I had not seen so many different creatures. On my world there were Humans and Phenixicans, Phenixicans simply have a different creation.

I look over to the beautiful women

"I am Prince Belcameron of the United Kingdoms of Phenixica, Also one of the Sidearms of the Messiahist Order. I will tell you our race was at one time powerful Fire Mages, But technology has weakened most of our ability to wield it. Only 4000 remain, our magic makes us using things like guns and other mechanical devices hard."

Horus added "As we said our job is to protect the ruler of Phenixica, since Belcameron is taking the throne it makes us loyal to only him. Nobody else has had such a right in over 1000 years when our people seperated"

I nodded and continued "I have not felt such energy from a place in all my life, I must say it humbles me to be here." He puts his hand out in open palm and creates a small fireball "Magic is so much easier to wield without the burden of Mechanical technology"

Horus heard the rules and replied "The Messiahist order of Knights will gladly accept these terms, We only wish a place to practice and strengthen our magic and not get caught up in foreign wars"

Horus heard the rules and replied "The Messiahist order of Knights will gladly accept these terms, We only wish a place to practice and strengthen our magic and not get caught up in foreign wars"

"It is indeed a pleasure to meet you, I must, however, warn you about venturing 100 yards beyond the buildings that house the council. Riptide is a dangerous world in it's uncivilised areas, and even still, The Destrudo Clans live all around us at varying distances away, and The Magekillers are not ones to be lightly crossed. However for a challenge that forces you to get better or die, you couldn't find a better place. Otherwise I advise you stick to the classrooms and Arena here, their totally non-lethal." She said to Prince Horus.

Then she turned to Joshua.
"Indeed, six gives too much power to the upper council, seven means we would be an alliance, eight should be modified, nine makes us a little too nosey, and so nine's power should be reined in some, or else we should establish later, bylaws to check it's power, ten makes us a military figure, and there are more than enough of them already, thus making ten uneeded and obsolete. In addition The Mage Forces will not be re-established, for the same reasons." Cara said.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, no need for arguing here. Though I do not understand what common stones have to do with the matter, yes, I am quite prepared for this day. Please, Please, take a seat at the council table." Cara said.

The Draconic eyeturned and regarded the speaker.

<That is quite possibly the most ignorant statement, both in part and entirety, I have ever heard from a theoretically thinking person. Your speaking priveleges have been revoked. Find someone with more sense to address me in the future.> Cara was the first person other than the mysterious "James" to hear the dragon's "voice", such as it was. It would remind anyone who had never before heard it of the tolling of a bell, from within ones own skull.

"Now Joram, that's not nice. Honest, yes, but still not very nice. At least say please to the less than brilliant person."

James and Joram both walked away from the less than brilliant woman who had suggested that an 11 foot tall nonhumanoid take a seat at a table that didn't even reach to his knees. The companions simply ignored any further statements from the woman that had addressed them. As Joram had noted, her speaking priveleges were revoked.

The two perused the document.

<Incredibly weak and noncommittal, isn't it James?>

"Indeed. No provisions for crisis, limits control of any member, places the council in a position of power over all nations, as opposed to thereverse as is proper, provisions for a de facto aristocracy in the Upper Council... This document begs to be immolated and stricken from all history for its sheer sanctimonius arrogance and similarity to other decried documents that sought to regulate forces beyond their scope and right to control." James raised his voice, and addressed the rest of the table. "This is perhaps the most poorly written document I have ever seen. Power is concentrated into too small a group, and that group is given absolute power, with no provisions included for removal of members within the de facto ruling class. What you have created is a concept abandoned by civilized natyions millennia ago. It was called fuedalism, and you just reinvented the bane of an entire century, if not more. I'm very proud of you. All member nations must supply Fiefs to your military, much as a knight or noble was expected to do. Your upper class is in total control of everything, also much as nobles were wont to do. As a representative of the Anderman Empire, both myself and my firend Chien-Lhou will refuse to enter into any such pact without serious revision."

Galdern had initially been hopeful hence why he had been sent but as he sat there listening to this Creed Helmoran Seer and researcher attached to the labs of Galdern shook his head, no. No this would never do; this was more an alliance than a school, Yvresse didn’t know any of these fellow members it would not enter into a binding Military agreement based on a simple shared gift. That and teaching those not ready for such gifts how to use them! The Mon-Keigh where foolish and childlike, their hasty ignorance often led them to cause troubles and look places they should not look, spreading the temptation without control was playing with damnation.

Slowly he rose and looked with contempt at many of those assembled.

‘Spread the gift without control, without thought or concern you want us to do this, to add to those who could cause catastrophe with their ignorance? This I cannot and will not agree to, you Mon-Keigh oft in your arrogance cause problems, to be forced by treaty to spread the chance of such disaster is inane. I and my people will have other concerns as it stands I cannot see a single part of this creed that should stand. Inner Council, limitations on where and how we should use the powers, the Council declaring war!’

Pausing to take a breath the Seer shock his head ‘Do any of you even understand half the various types of magic out there, what of those who draw upon the energy known amongst it’s users as the Force, are they to spread it’s teachings and draw others into the tangled web of Light-Side Dark side? What about those who deal with powers that run the risk of corruption and possession, should we teach those not ready how to use such things? Some knowledge is forbidden for a reason, others restricted to only those of the strongest minds, the most rigid control.’

Taking a drink before continuing the Seer snarled, and looked around the room now with a different gaze, if this chance was not for the Craftworld, their where always other avenues open to Galdern’s studies… He wasn’t a kind man this Seer, he wasn’t needlessly cruel either, at least as far as he was concerned, but to him understanding the ways of the Inferior species gave much leeway. ‘Let us go through this creed in greater detail.’

‘The First rule No Member Nation shall use their powers against another. Yvresse does not know many of the peoples gathered here, we shall not agree to a limitation on our interactions with you before we have even met you formally, the Council will reject this off hand. This objection ties in with the Seventh Rule, again we have no contact with any of you we will not allow peoples we do not know to have a say in our foreign policy.’

Pausing he shrugged a second ‘I have already addressed my concerns with the second rule; it is dangerous and ill thought out. The Third rule, why should I agree to a rule which basically says you agree to obey rules we shall tell you at a later date? What nonsense is this who would give a blind agreement? The Fourth Rule How is this Inner Council determined, and what point the votes of the outer members if the final decision rests with the Inner Council. Why a need for two separate councils or even a head? Fifth Rule, again why the need for a head, and what will the Council be voting on specifically what areas fall into its remit? How much sway are we proposing given this council over member nations, and why should it have any?’

Laughing now he went one ‘The rule giving the Inner council one domain to each member, I have to ask... one Domain of what? A concern of the councils, magical study, colour scheme? What exactly do you mean by one domain? Seventh rule already covered so we move onto the eighth rule, actually this perhaps the least objectionable, a place to come and talk out grievances is always welcome, but that the body should have any final say on the matter is… too trusting. Again many of us do not know each other; I would not put my people’s fate into the hands of strangers and Mon-Keigh.’

Now he seemed to bristle with rage ‘The Ninth Rule is… a flat no, much of my peoples technology and safety relies in part on what some would call magic’s, to allow such broad access or any access would threaten the stability and security of Yvresse, especially when coupled with the free spread of such knowledge rule previously mentioned. Yvresse will not now or ever allow outsiders to examine its practices beyond that which we CHOOSE to share, and we have no expectations of others do differently.’

‘Tenth rule, why is this a Military alliance, why does it need to be a military alliance? The Final rule, the document can be altered by only a select group… why, this gives the Inner council seemingly the power to enforce it’s own rules upon the other members without giving the majority recourse to complain.’

((OOC gotta apologise that my first post to this thread is so negative I had intended to post before this but... forgot. So I am afraid it is criticism time))

-Placeholder- for post being typed using my cell phone so it might take a little time...


IC:

Galvenor indicated he wished to speak with the customary hand gesture. Once the Seer resumed his seat, Galvenor stood and addressed those around the table (and the one in the desk he brought along).

“Be assured, you will bet no ire from me, you put to words some of my own thoughts. The original agreement was meant to bind individuals attending a College and only while they were teaching or attending. It was never meant to be enforced at the national level.”

“It is my wish this meeting would produce an air of learning, instruction, and a reservoir of Knowledge.”

The original pact contained that military bit because some of the members wanted to be sure there was a response team available in case someone awaked the Terrorasque or accidentally summoned a horde of demons and there needed to be an emergency force to send to assist them. That was the only intention.”

“Now, as an actual charter, I don’t believe it should exist anymore.”

Galvenor waited a few minutes for the murmur of voiced to die down before continuing.

“The reason I say this is because times have changed. Magic has changed. The nations we originate from have changed. That agreement has not changed, it is millennia old and should not apply any more. It only stands as an example of what was agreed upon over a thousand years ago”

“The way I see it, there are two things we need to decide. The second is are we going to completely throw this ancient agreement out the window and start afresh with an empty parchment or are we going to use it as a template and go through it clause by clause either rewriting or replacing them one at a time?”

“What is the first? That is a very good question for we cannot do anything until we decide what we want of this assembly. Are we making an alliance or an agreement between individuals? Everything we do depends upon the answer to that single question.”


Galvenor took his own seat and waited to hear the reactions of the others.




OOC:

My phone decided to eat my original post so I had to wait until I could get onto a computer to post this.

"I'm guessing that's why a new version was called for." The Aquamarinian said from it's tank where it was busy with a little digital notepad taking copious amounts of notes.

"You know, the space around the table where there is a place for you would have warped itself to fit you comfortably, while still keeping us at the same level. It is a magic table after all." Cara said.

OOC: Something's about to happen. Cara never restored the seals against creature attacks...

Feel free to get a thrill of impending danger.

Only Galvenore stepped through the Nexus, for it closed behind him.

Cara looked stunned, and actually stood up, and bowed before Galvenore.

"A great honor indeed to be graced by the only remaining original founder of The Wizard's Council. This is the thing for which I have waited with baited breath. Now I can move forward knowing we have enough to begin again." Cara said, standing. She pulled a chair out for him, the only one right directly beside her, knowing full well he didn't actually need to sit, being what he was, but then neither did she, she just sat to make everyone else comfortable.

As she sat, she pulled out a dusty old parchment that read as follows:

Creed of the Wizards Council

Magick is a dangerous force much like science. Unlike Science, it manifests in many ways. Therefore, we, the undersigned, here do by establish on this day, The Creed and Rules of The wizards council.

1)No member nation shall use their powers against another.

2) All members shall seek to help all nations, member or not, understand the powers of Magick, and its consequences, and its benefits.

3)All members shall agree to abide by certain rules and practices as set down by the council.

4)All members have a vote in new rules. The Members of the Upper Council have final say in all matters.

5)In the event of a Tie, The Head of the Wizards council shall cast the deciding vote, all other times, The Head of the Wizards Council is strictly forbidden from voting in such matters.

6)Each member of the upper council has full authority over one domain. They have the right to decide what to do in each area. If they wish to take a major action that could potentially threaten the council, they must hold a Council meeting with the members of the entire Council.

7)The Council will not enter a war unless agreed upon by all member nations

8)If any member has a problem with another member, they may take their grievances before the upper Council, who will then take any necessary actions needed to insure the stability of the Council for all members.

9)The upper Council has the right to inquire at any time what any member is doing concerning Magick and its practices, failure to do so may result in being expelled from The wizards Council.

10) All member nations are asked to supply troops in order to maintain a force of peacekeepers, that can be dispatched to aid nations that require. Please note, they are not used in conjunction with the Mage Forces, which are a separate body under direct Council control, and as such are not affected by the laws of the member nations

11)This Document may be changed at anytime, only by those on the upper Council.


"What do you think Syao?"

"It seems pretty good. Though I must lodge a minor wording complaint, Magic isn't dangerous, it's just magic. It's only dangerous in the wrong hands. Which is why we must advocate not using magic against nations of non-magical creed. I would also propose that the members have a right to over rule the decision of the Council Heads with a 2/3 majority vote. Rule nine sounds frighting, what grounds would you have to suddenly check in on us? And what will you base checks on? Some of you may outlaw the practice of Darker forms of Magic but M.S. has Dark Elementals. Forgive me if I'm rambling. Also perhaps it would be feesable to submit resolution proposals to the council?"

OOC: Realise, I don't actually want the original creed signed, it's just there as a piece of history, and a starting point. I have a new one in mind, but I'll post it after the attack.

Smiling now the Seer shrugged a moment ‘If I might offer a different suggestion, start small. What is wanted from this organisation? I might suggest that most of us would happily accept a voluntary sharing of knowledge, perhaps based on what was donated. A place to freely exchange knowledge with no obligation to do so, beyond what can be gained in exchange. The Council itself therefore takes on more the feel of a Library, a vast depositary of knowledge and understanding, where we limit membership. I hate to sound elitist, but we are Seers, mages and so forth, we are elitist. Every one of us here gathered should understand the simple fact that is knowledge is power, and we have that knowledge.’

Standing now and making his way around the table he nodded to the various seated guests. ‘We should restrict access to our knowledge to those who have proven able to handle it, to treat it with the caution it demands. This body can provide a place for the learned to meet and become greater.’

Stopping now back at his place he shrugged ‘The concept of a place where we might present grievances is as I said a good one, so let us embrace that. We can meet and lay out our concerns in front of the learned and wise, and in doing so receive their counsel if we decide not to follow it, so be it, but we have been given the chance. Two foes can meet in safety knowing that their security is guaranteed by all the other members of the Council.

Perhaps we can even offer a place for those who cannot settle their grievances peacefully to settle them without risking bystanders…’

Pausing he made one last comment ‘and the rest of it, the military side, the alliances let that evolve naturally as members grow to know each other better, those that can work together will do so, in the spirit of friendship rather than because a piece of paper demands it. My Government has found the true alliances are not those based on paper, but those based on mutual respect and friendship, so let this Council provide a chance for us to gain that with each other naturally.’

(OOC And yes I know you have your own suggestion but I decided to swoop in with my own first, so as to contribute something positive to the thread rather than a constant negative)

"It is indeed a pleasure to meet you, I must, however, warn you about venturing 100 yards beyond the buildings that house the council. Riptide is a dangerous world in it's uncivilised areas, and even still, The Destrudo Clans live all around us at varying distances away, and The Magekillers are not ones to be lightly crossed. However for a challenge that forces you to get better or die, you couldn't find a better place. Otherwise I advise you stick to the classrooms and Arena here, their totally non-lethal." She said to Prince Horus.

Then she turned to Joshua.
"Indeed, six gives too much power to the upper council, seven means we would be an alliance, eight should be modified, nine makes us a little too nosey, and so nine's power should be reined in some, or else we should establish later, bylaws to check it's power, ten makes us a military figure, and there are more than enough of them already, thus making ten uneeded and obsolete. In addition The Mage Forces will not be re-established, for the same reasons." Cara said.

Joshua sighed heavily and drew out another piece of paper from the folds of his cloak. Setting it upon the desk, he dipped the pen in the ink and set it upon the second piece of paper. It balanced itself and began to take notes.
"A word of warning though, the first rule is designed to protect us from ourselves. I suppose although it is nice, this is a council, not a peace committee between waring states and thus we could trust that the others would not attack us. As for the seventh, would it be possible to allow one nation to enter a war without the aid of the rest of the council, though provided with, say, a 90% yes vote have the whole council enter it?

"The second rule, I believe, was created to so that we may try to spread peace. If anyone has any suggestions on what to do about it, now's the time to tell us. The third rule is designed so that members can't pick and choose what rules to follow, otherwise we are not truly working together.

"I too would like to know how each part of the council is chosen. It might work to everyones best advantage though, provided we can't find a reason it was formed, that we simply have Cara as our leader with the swing vote and the rest of the council work together.

"The fifth rule is so that we have a leader who can direct and guide us as well as keep peace between groups with differing ideas. And the sixth rule is rather outdated and I doubt we really need it. The eight rule isn't all that bad, but it does put a lot of trust in people and some nations won't be willing to do that right away.

"Nobody likes the ninth rule, am I right? I can see something like 'The council has the right to check on a member and their magic when there is suspicion of misuse or a problem.' Is that agreeable enough?

"As for the tenth rule, I say that we should be able to provide troops if the need arises to protect the council as a whole, but it's not necessary. And finally, what if we set something like '2/3 of the council must agree to pass new laws and we must have a 90% approval from the entire council to change this document.' Does anyone have any other ideas or objections? Or maybe any new rules you want to put on here."

OOC:

Please note my placeholder post. It may change some things people said.

Post # 29 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13563198&postcount=29)

OOC: Tag. I'll probably leap in at some point soon.

"It is going to be almost impossible for us to come up with codes of action that bind us all. Rules that actually have any teeth, I mean." Yloviacki leaned forward, "We have already heard that at least one of our members disapproves strongly of feudalism. James and Joram think of it as a blight and a bane. In the Kingdom of Forthshore, the order of feudal obligation is the ultimate toward which we work."
The pale elf withdrew a small flask from his robes and took a drink.
"Similarly, though bipolar opposites have been given full respect in this place, I cannot see how the powers of Light and Dark, Law and Chaos or Good and Evil could work together. Non-magical powers can very often come to an agreement on how things should work, there being similarities but I cannot see how a pure paladin, burning with his deity's power and will, could sit and do nothing when next to a creature of purest evil, albeit also a spellcaster and thus also bound by covenants of this order. I doubt it."

"What of mundane powers? Those with no magical powers. How would the council handle those? Epsecially the ones with 'no magic' rules."

((Horus is the leader of the Messiahist order, Belcameron is the Prince but only a sidearm which is the same as say a 'Knight'))

Horus simply sat down and listened, he was not one to debate but a person of action and moment. Bickering leads us apart and in the end can even destroy us.

I (The Prince) sat down next to him on a chair and pulled out a pcket watch

"As I thought, not working" I said calmly, I look around for some idea what the time was. But i had no clue.

"Patiences, They cant exactly skip the Coronation without you"

"Yes, but last thing we need is the Ruidians having another excuse not to trust me"

Horus stood up and said

"Not so much a feudal system, But I do admit that without a common goal that suits all our nations we might find it hard to get along. Our race is neither good or evil, our gods gave born to us by accident and our powers the same story. What we need simply is a reason for unity, otherwise we will simply be nothing but a bunch of people who will do nothing but argue over every topic that comes to mind.

Without a reason for a Alliance of any kind there cannot be a effective alliance."

Galvenor cleared his throat.

"And that leads right back to the First thing I said we need to do. Is this going to be an academic union or a national alliance. We cannot continue without determining this first."

Galvenor waited a few moments as people thought about the question.

"My personal opinion is we keep our respective nations politics out of this and leave that to those who are better trained in diplomacy to deal with that at the time comes. I think we should make this academic. The Council is the head of the organization we are setting up to determine the training and instruction requisits for those that wish to follow in our footsteps. Those qualified will be the instructors and yes, we will determine those qualifications later."

"What do you think?"

Joshua, always trying to find the common ground, pondered this for a moment before opening his mouth again. "Who says we can't have a bit of both? Our primary job would be teaching magic to those that wish to follow us and learn it, but at the same time, should there be a force only magic can deal with, such as hoards of demons or the Terrorasque (should someone wake it as stated earlier), we should have groups ready to help. I'm not saying that students should be in there, but this way we have a way to protect things. It satisfies both party's needs, though we still wind up needing a code because of the militaristic aspect of it."

Golloriel said nothing with regard to the issues of fuedalism, of elitism, nor moral alignment; "Save in extremis, I am not empowered to make national agreements. That was not my intent when I came here; I was rather expecting a more academic organisation."

The Aquamarinian, still taking copious amounts of notes with Joshua actually left the tank.

"The following is a suggustion passed down from the hive mind for you to read and think on." The Aquamarinian said. Then, using it's own psionic powers, caused black sheats of parchment to become filled with words.

Each person was given their own copy.

It read as follows:

Magic is a force, dangerous if misused, a blessing if properly used, and sometimes it's own living force if left unattended. For the betterment of all mage kind, to help all things living, dead, or otherwise, better understand and control this pan-universal force. To this end, The Wizard's Council is hereby established with the following core precepts:

1)The Council shall be a place of learning first, and any agreements set forth shall only be done so by majority vote of the council.

2) On Council grounds, no member shall use their powers against another, except in agreed upon areas, and only in agreed upon situations, such as in The arena, during a Wizard's Duel. Otherwise all members are expected to conduct themselves with some measure of Decorum and respect for one another. This is only in effect on Council grounds, which covers all council buildings, and all areas 100 yards in all directions from the council.

3) in the event one member has a grievance against another in a matter pertaining to an area of Magic or Psionic power and ability or their usage, research, and study, they should first take their Greivance before the Council, and if neccessary, take their case before an assembly of The Full Council.

4) Each member shall attempt to assist non-member nations further understand matters of an Arcane nature.

5) Though this Council is not an Alliance, it is a school, and because of it's special nature, occasionally a very great threat a few mighty wizards alone may not be able to handle might arise. To this end, to see to the safety of the council each member shall contribute equally to the defense of the council.

6) Again, This council is a place of Research and study, but it is also an international entity, and as such, may eventually be seen as a threat from other international entities. If in this event alone it is targeted for attack by no aggressive fault of any council member, then each member should unite for the defense of the school.

7) This council shall not be divided in any measue by such outdated notions as aristocracy or some other such notion, each member will be equal, and have an equal voice. However, to keep The council from becoming a commitee, the council shall be lead, not by a nation, but by an individual, a peaceful non-agressive entity to act as Head of The Wizard's Council. This position shall not be counted as a member, but will be availible to give advise when needed, and shall give direction and purpose to the council when needed. The Head of the wizard's council is prohibited from voting in all matters, but if neccessary, shall cast a deciding vote in the event of a tie.

8) If other positions besides Head of The Wizard's council are created, they too shall be filled only by qualified individuals, not nations, and their term shall run for two years, at which point they may be re-elected if they so choose. There will be no limits on how many terms an individual may have, and if a person has more than four terms in a row to the same position, the council may appoint the person to the term for life.

9)If anyone breaks the rules of The Wizard's Council, their punishment will be decided by a jury of their fellow members in a case heard before the Head of The Wizard's Council. The individual will have the right to legal council, and the Wizard's council will appoint an inquisitor to argue the case against the individual.


10) The council has no right to kill anyone as punishment, but may expell an individual or their nation from the Council, even if that individual is The head of The Wizard's Council.

"This sounds like a general agreement on what everyone's been saying. all in all, this is far better than the original creed Uncle drafted up ages ago. The power is in the hands of The council The head is mostly just a figurehead for direction, and we're not forcing anybody to go to war, because who in their right or wrong minds is going to attack a council full of people capable of collectivly destroying an entire nation with just a wiggle of their fingers and wands, figurativly speaking of course?" Cara said.

...
....
.....
Meanwhile, not far off in the mountains, a great beast awoke, disturbed by the sudden usage of magic. It rose, shook the mountain off it's back and stalked off. The Riptide Behemoth had been awakened by the reformation of the council, and it was coming to knock it over.

Cara got a sense of danger and impending doom, but did not know why, had she forgotten something?

OOC: point one establishes what we are, a place to learnm to research, to study. the second part is there to allow for the fomralization of Fantasy tech here on NS. I'm not saying we all need to switch to a single style, I'm just saying a core set of loose rules with enough room for individuality might be nice.

point 2 is a basic code of conduct. Let us behave ourselves on council grounds, beyond that, its your business what you do to who. This does not limit possible interactions with each other as some pointed out, but also ensures that we all behave ourselves here.

point 3 allows for disputes to be resolved on an offical level, but it does not specify in what manner. If it requires a gruesome fight to the finish, then so be it. If it requires something gentler, then so be it.

point 4 is possibly the loosest directive of all, only prompting you to help outsiders understand what your doing better.

point 5 only asks for some measure of defence against the occasional accident, such as disturbing an angry horde of demons from the underworld, it does not ask for an army.

point 6 will probably never come into play, because i doubt any alliance will go through all the time and trouble of attacking a peaceful non-threatening organization most are probably ignoring because they think magic is Godmodding. However, it is there incase the impossible does happen and somebody decides to attack. Besides, we might come up with our own NPC alliance eventually just for a challenge to defeat.

point 7 is just there to have an individual keep us from becoming a useless pointless commitee. The head is mostly powerless and just there for looks. Unless they need to actually do something. The head should be a peaceful non-agressive person to keep the council from becoming a warmongering alliance.

point 8 allows for the creation of other positions, such as the Chancellor of the school of magic. If someone does so well and is so popular in that position, that it would be stupid for someone else to fill it, then we can give them that position for life.

point nine allows for the dispensation of justice in the event anyone of us breaks our own rules. I designed it like the US justice system in theory, a jury, a judge, a defense attourny, a prosecutor. Only in the olden times when it was a witch, they were Inquisitors, and usually from the church. The name sounds nice than Prosecutor anyways.

point ten means no one is free from the rules, and also keeps us out of trouble ICly because we can't kill someone, and then have the nation come back in reprisal.

These sounded alot fairer than the antique I showed you originally.

Also, I told you something was going to happen, but The Riptide behomth isn't actually all that strong, he's weakened from centuries of sleep and rest, and general inactivity. That by no means indicates he isn't a serious threat, but he's not as serious as he could be. Think of it as a test, to see how well we can actually work together, both ICly, and OOCly.

"It is going to be almost impossible for us to come up with codes of action that bind us all. Rules that actually have any teeth, I mean." Yloviacki leaned forward, "We have already heard that at least one of our members disapproves strongly of feudalism. James and Joram think of it as a blight and a bane. In the Kingdom of Forthshore, the order of feudal obligation is the ultimate toward which we work."
The pale elf withdrew a small flask from his robes and took a drink.
"Similarly, though bipolar opposites have been given full respect in this place, I cannot see how the powers of Light and Dark, Law and Chaos or Good and Evil could work together. Non-magical powers can very often come to an agreement on how things should work, there being similarities but I cannot see how a pure paladin, burning with his deity's power and will, could sit and do nothing when next to a creature of purest evil, albeit also a spellcaster and thus also bound by covenants of this order. I doubt it."

"What of mundane powers? Those with no magical powers. How would the council handle those? Epsecially the ones with 'no magic' rules."

"What of them? Do you advocate moronic laws of morality? That's nearly as asinine as the original pact. Insruction, education, and knowledge should be the goal of this order. Not the moralistic limitation of talent because of others deficiencies. The Andermani will refuse to enter into any pact which attempts to define or regulate magic and its practice."

Joshua coughed to stop the argument and bring focus to the matter at hand. "We have been brought forth with a proposal for the new code of the Wizard's Council. I find nothing to really disagree about, though I do believe we should add a point eleven permitting us to alter this at a later date on a 2/3 majority vote because, as we just proved, times change. If you want something added, removed, or changed, speak now."

Joshua coughed to stop the argument and bring focus to the matter at hand. "We have been brought forth with a proposal for the new code of the Wizard's Council. I find nothing to really disagree about, though I do believe we should add a point eleven permitting us to alter this at a later date on a 2/3 majority vote because, as we just proved, times change. If you want something added, removed, or changed, speak now."


"I believe I made it rather clear that, once again, it does not satisfy the Andermani. It makes provisions for, in order, council governance of sovereign and independent usage of magic or psionics, intervention in the affairs of lesser nations, a military body, mutual defense, an inquisition, and inefficient penalties for the already lackluster regulations it contains. As an international academic society, we are by no means an international entity as you seem to understand the term. We do not have a position, the need for a military force, or any cause to engage in conflict. Actions fall upon individual members, and are by no means in any way associated with their nations. That is why I say again and again, that the Anderman Empire will not ratify any document as you continue to lay out. Have you tools no conception of individual identity? By what necessity must our nations become entangled in academic pursuits, when traditionally higher learning has been an affair of private institutions and individuals. Do you make a pathetic attempt to fall back on the failed logic that was once known as "the white mans burden", that because we weild magic it is our responsibility to "help" those who do not? This group is possibly more incompetent than I may have first believed. Perhaps this so called academia requires the very regulation it attempts to set forth if it cannot separate a man from his nation." James remained quite throughout his discourse, but did not allow himself to be interrupted either. It was quite possible that these so called brilliant mages were ignorant of everything but magic, and allowing them to run any sort of international anything was beginning to appear as folly.

Cara was distracted by the noises outside, flocks of birds were fleeing the forest, herds of animals were running in what appeared to be terror. She wondered what was going on. She got up and went over to the window. Her full length white dress dragging slightly behind her.

"Funny, I don't remember a mountain being there." she said.

That was when it looked at her, rather, her general direction.

The Riptide Behemoth was big, as big as an abnormally large hill, or abysmally small mountain. It's skin was red, and it was bound in muscle.
Two great horns came from it's head. It fed on magic, and it could smell all the new magi that had arrived to argue incessantly over what was to be the new wizard's council. It lumbered forward, already beginning to feed on the magic in the air already present from cara's many spells she used in cleaning and preparing the council grounds.

She stumbled backwards from the window stuttering in terror, she had never actually seen or faced a behemoth anymore.

"Well, if you don't like it, why don't you draw up your own suggustions." the Aquamarinian was arguing back.

Cara stumbled over his tenticles, and fell, and as she did, Behemoth's claws ripped through the walls, drawing to an end, the days discussions, at least for now, because a behemoth was always a much more pressing matter than any old creed.

The magic in the air began to draw upwards, and into the behemoth. It began to raise it's tremendous claw as it towered over the council buildings to attack the gathered Magi, to force them to defend themselves, to make them use more magic, to feed it some more, so it could again become a Behemoth King.

Cara was distracted by the noises outside, flocks of birds were fleeing the forest, herds of animals were running in what appeared to be terror. She wondered what was going on. She got up and went over to the window. Her full length white dress dragging slightly behind her.

"Funny, I don't remember a mountain being there." she said.

That was when it looked at her, rather, her general direction.

The Riptide Behemoth was big, as big as an abnormally large hill, or abysmally small mountain. It's skin was red, and it was bound in muscle.
Two great horns came from it's head. It fed on magic, and it could smell all the new magi that had arrived to argue incessantly over what was to be the new wizard's council. It lumbered forward, already beginning to feed on the magic in the air already present from cara's many spells she used in cleaning and preparing the council grounds.

She stumbled backwards from the window stuttering in terror, she had never actually seen or faced a behemoth anymore.

"Well, if you don't like it, why don't you draw up your own suggustions." the Aquamarinian was arguing back.

Cara stumbled over his tenticles, and fell, and as she did, Behemoth's claws ripped through the walls, drawing to an end, the days discussions, at least for now, because a behemoth was always a much more pressing matter than any old creed.

The magic in the air began to draw upwards, and into the behemoth. It began to raise it's tremendous claw as it towered over the council buildings to attack the gathered Magi, to force them to defend themselves, to make them use more magic, to feed it some more, so it could again become a Behemoth King.


The dragon had, thus far, remained silent in the arguments. That changed now.

<Very well, I shall. This shall be an academic organization, and as such it will be an agreement between peers, to abide by commonsense regulations. No nation shall be held among our membership, barring the entrance of its entire populace into our ranks, and among us, we shall be rated in accordance with our power, rather than our birth. We shall not have any milit-Jesus H Tapdancing Christ! You, squid thing, keep taking notes while I maim this. As I was saying...> The dragon grew larger as he continued to speak to the squid that had challenged him to compose his own pact. <As I was saying, No military forces, and no ruling class, barring instructors. Now, if anyone has any complaints, they may take it up with myself, as soon as I'm no longer busy committing...Let's just call it dismemberment and be polite.>

Having finally resumed his honest size of nearly 40 feet in height at the front shoulder, he outmassed anything composed of biological matter, by not merely "tons" but tens of tons. Sheer size counts for alot in physical combat, and when a draconic paw larger than the table made contact with the body of a simple meat bag, the multiton mass of bladed metal would easily shatter bone, muscle, and just about anything else it encountered in its rather inexorable path to the floor. From the shoulder of the dragon, a particle cannon emerges, tracks onto the behemoths face, and unleashes a torrent of relativistic energy at near point blank range.

Sakura was getting frustrated with that delegate. Before the previous comments she had to shout: "If you don't like the suggestions then maybe you should come up with some your own, leave. Otherwise sit down and shut up."

Of course some more banter was discussed by between Mini Miehm and Warhaven until Warhaven also asked. But things turned ugly as a beast intruded. Why hadn't Sakura sensed it?

Syaoran pulled his sword out, Sakura pulled her staff out. "Sakura, stay back..."

Syaoran knew his wife was a strong sorceress but he couldn't bear to lose her. And if he were to die, and she were to die, their country would be without a leader. Sakura obeyed and fell back into a defensive safe position where she could strategically plan if her husband needed back up.

"GET DOWN!" Horus yelled as the creature entered and all 4 knights put there swords in hand.

"What is that thing?!?!" I cried in horror

"No time, just kill it" came from another.

Horus made the first move and conjured fire in his hand and in a stream fired it at the Riptide Behemoth, This left nothing but a small burn. Another knight used fire to rocket foward and put the sword deep into the hide of the beast, It worked but only resulted in her being thrown across the room.

Joshua looked in horror at the moving mountain. "See, that, right there, is why we need a group for defense." He tapped the floor and a great rumbling filled the room for a second before a hole opened up in the floor, one leading to stairs going down into a bunker. "Anyone who doesn't want to fight should leave now. Everyone else, hold your ground." Bending down he put his palms on the floor and with a faint glow, they sank down into the ground. At the same time, his rune circles appeared around the beast, and soon after spikes and columns sprang forth in an attempt to stop the monster from progressing, the occasional one striking it, but not really doing much to hurt it.
It was then that a thought struck him. "Cara, did you ever bother to keep the protective spells up to date? They do tend to wear off after a while."

Ignoring the political gobbledegook, obviously full of references from worlds he had never seen <white man's burden? sounds uncomfortable> he readied his silver halberd and opened his mind. Reaching out with his psionics, he read the warp and weft of magic in the chamber.
Broadcasting with his mind <The beast feeds on magic! I know not whether it absorbs our spells but will test.> Yloviacki sprinted forward to be with the knights, his skin changing to diamond as he did so. Using his halberd for defence, the tall elf set about blocking attacks on the knights so that they could concentrate on attack. As soon as he could, he cast a small spell at the monster, a probe that extended information about what happened to the power contained in it when it reached its target.

Galvenor remained where he was sitting.

Thus far, the only part of the Beast that had entered the room was the immense claw that tore a third of the face off the castle. The creature was enormous, towering above the paltry structure. If it shook a mountain off its back, it must truly be titanic in size. If it devoured magical energy like one of the defenders already spoke of, then throwing magic at it would only feed the thing. It had to be combated by something other than Eldritch might. This will be a test indeed to see what the others could do.

Already he could feel one or two attempting to use their Psionics, something akin but completely different to Magic. Psi should be indigestible to the beast. Psionics was the shaping of natural forces using the mind itself. Psionics was physical while magic was metaphysical in nature.

The Beast roared and shifted its immense bulk, that greater than most capital ships of stellar empires, the unthinkable massive body would collapse upon itself. It had to be supported somehow by Magic. The weight of the Beast would cause the tectonic plates to bow under its weight, the same way it dies under the stress of mountains. The very land would sink into the mantle if it remained in one place too long. It was frakkin’ huge. It was doubtful they had any weapon that could get through the hide of the beast itself.

Galvenor carefully thought about how to cause an inconvenience to the thing.

I try and fire several rounds with my revolver, it turned to dust in my hands.

"What the hell am i meant to DO!" I get my sword and try to assess the situation, Magic was useless and so was technology. All I had was my sword that was enchanted with...Magic.

Horus just said "Trust in your power to guide your movements, let the fire guide you"

Out of the moment i hurled my Saber and it went into the cretures palm, It reacted but only for a second. before it went back down and crashed, the magic in the sword was weakened. I could feel it since it is by our own magic that we enchant these.

"Horus, We have nothing againts these. We have not ever faced anything like this before" I start to panic, what to do!

((Kinda pathetic, but thats because they come from a world where Technology limits there magical ability. So being here means they can create a explosion but they think they can only create the smoke))

Cara was thinking desperatly trying to come up with a solution. Then she remembered the Destrudo Clans.

"Drithzel, Call the clans, tell them we need help!" Cara shouted at the Aquamarinian, Drithzel was it's name.

Drithzel nodded, and closed his eyes.

Seconds passed, and the Riptide Behemoth stood upon it's hind legs, and even took a partial step forward a couple of feet, and then came crashing down on the castle. It shuddered slightly as the current Clan leader appeared ontop of the castle. The powers of a Magekiller were impressive, and Clan-leader's most impressive of all. But even still, there was only so much a magekiller could do against a Behemoth, even a weakened one like The Riptide Behemoth. Blue streaks were begining to appear in it's skin, and the mane of black hair on it's neck was beginning to turn white, as were it's horns, as it continued to absorb the magic being used against it. Galvenore was right, it would take a non-magic solution.

As The Riptide Behemoth came crashing down, Destrudo Clan-Leader leaped up to meet it, and using the entirety of his might, punched it hard enough to make it miss, and crash in the rooms that were empty beside the room everyone was meeting in.

Destrudo landed in the room, rolled with the fall, and sustained minimal injury. He stood. He had Red hair, Green eyes, and wore a blue outfit.
He had an Aura that was visable even to non-magic/psionic users, and it burned red. But that was not the most remarkable thing about Destrudo, about any Magekiller. their Aura acted as a powerful Anti-magic/anti-psi Field, thus the name, Magekiller. It was this same Aura that gave them their powers, gave them there strength. it extended ten feet from his body in all directions.


"It's been quite a long time since I found a plaything able to entertain me for any length of time. When I am finished with you, I shall deposit your broken battered Deceased corpse with all my other Playthings, in the Deep Chasim of The Dead." Destrudo only whispered, but his voice was easily heard by all.

Meanwhile, Cara had exited when Destrudo appeared, and as he was talking, went outside.

The Behemoth had gotten to it's feet, thus far only mildly irritated.

"I've got it!" she shouted at the others.
"Use magic to hurl non Magic items at the beast at high speeds, like a bullet from a gun, only bigger, and better. The beast was kind enough to provide rubble for ammo, use it! Meanwhile I shall attack it with an Earth Flare!" she shouted.

The Flares were the most powerful spells ever devised by The legendary Magi-Masters. They did not teach them to anybody, for fear they'd actually use them. How then, did Cara come to learn them?

If no one knew what Earth Flare was, they'd soon know, for two great stones appeared in Cara's hands, as she levitated, back arched backwards, standing only on her left Big Toe, wings spread wide, her glow intensified to extreme levels, and she disappeared. Everyone else went out of synch with reality to protect them from the spell.

Suddenly out of nowhere a great storm of shrapnel came out of nowhere, bursting up from the ground, made of only the hardest and sharpest bits of metal. They were surging upwards because of a great tree rising from the ground thrusting the Behemoth skyward, as a last bit of attack, Magma vented from the core of the tree and covered the behemoth.

Then it all disappeared, and things returned to normal. The behemoth came crashing back down, and hit the ground, the world simply jiggled like a giant bowl full of jello, but otherwise was unharmed, and then the spell ended with a massive crack and a bellow of pain from the Behemoth, as it's spine and most of it's bones in it's lower body cracked and shattered. Many wounds were on it's body.

Cara appeared, unconcious on the ground, completly exhausted of energy, and everyone went back into synch with reality.

Destrudo walked over to the beast, and used his aura to keep it from healing.
OOC: The rest is up to you all, it's only down by about 25%. Destrudo is there to drain the thing's energy, and keep it injured, nothing more.

The projectile suggustion is there for people who have no alternitive hidden up their sleeves, but magic alone will not kill it.

Galvenore will find that if he attacks it's mind, making it thing it has a wound somewhere, it will physically develop. If he shares this with Drithzel, he'll have the assistance of the Hive-mind beefing up his Psionic powers, making him 1.5 times more powerful than normal.

"Wind come to my aid!" Syaoran shouted. He allowed magical wind spirits and gusts to pick objects up and hurl them at excess of a couple hundred-miles per hour. Sakura joined in incantating spells to conjure objects and hurl them. Desks, chairs, CD's everything but the kitchen sink, untill a Kitchen sink was eventually tossed

Yloviacki listened to what was said and then detached his mind from his body. Forming a mental illusion of himself, his mind picked up the silver halberd and sped towards the monster. Reaching into the beast's unconscious, he guided its mind at the same time as he slashed at its eyes with his halberd. He forced its mind to believe that the halberd was cutting deep into its eyes, blinding the creature.

"Very well..if you are all so incompetent as to not have any real ability to use magic to create a non magical effect, I suppose it will be on me."

He unslung the axe from his back, took a moment to tune the strings as required, gave a test chord or two, and began to play. "Joram, pin the stupid thing, would you, I know you weigh more than it does, make use of it."

The Dragon, in fact, weighed nearly as much as some nations cruisers, tackled the beast, and bore it to the ground under megatons of solid metal. It was a horribly mismatched struggle, merely biological muscle against the unforgiving might of solid metal. While the two behemothic opponents, if such they could be called, attempted to respectively leave the ground, and keep them both on it, James stood below and sang, the shredding chords of the guitar and the howling lyrics readying a nigh unstoppable assault on the magic eating behemoth. "Yellow sun it's evil twin, in the black the winds deliver him, we will sleep our souls within, atom seed to nuclear dust is riven!" Scraps of song could be heard over the rather one sided struggle nearby, but it wouldn't really matter till it all went up in smoke.

OOC: And what are you trying to accomplish by singing to it? i have to ask so I can properly RP the effects. Also, it was already helpless, it was paralysed from the waste down.

OOC: And what are you trying to accomplish by singing to it? i have to ask so I can properly RP the effects. Also, it was already helpless, it was paralysed from the waste down.

OOC: I'm not singing to IT at all. James is a voicecaster, and he has to both play and sing to really do anything. And, until the song is over, you won't know what's going to happen, even though James and Joram do. You can guess if you use your brain and read the lyrics though.

There's also a difference between "My legs don't work" and "Pinned by a multimegaton mass of metal." One can still crawl with its arms, the other cannot.

Joshua chuckled. "Singing? That's what you've got? My spikes may be down, but I'm not out." Joshua twisted his arms and forced them apart, hands still in the ground. The effect was instantaneous, sending a shockwave toward the beast and tearing open a fissure that grew wider and wider as it neared the beast. Wrenching his hands from the ground, the light around them vanished and debris from the destroyed room fell in as the fissure snaked it's way to swallow the beast. "I'd recommend everyone close start moving unless you can get fly out of there or something!"

Yloviacki ignored the idiotic bard hwo could not see a floating silver halberd. Now that he had a link with the beast's brain, he spun the halberd up to ultrasonic speed with his telekinesis and plunged it again and again into the beast's eyes, questing for the physical brain.

Seconds before the fissure reached the beast, it became rather moot. The song ended, a faint pinprick of light flashed between the dragon and the Behemoth, at which point a massive explosion ripped the air. Joram was thrown several hundred yards away by the initial blast, but it didn't do much more than slag the outer face of his solid body, most of the original fission reaction was directed into the vulnerable flesh of the behemoth. Not much, as far as nuclear devices went, just a few megatons, but with the entire explosion directed downwards by the body of the dragon, it would be more than enough to reduce the body of the behemoth to atomic cinders, and several feet of rock and soil to boot. The shockwave would be unpleasant for the structures nearby, but they should be fine.

"Actually no, I've got a nuke, you have a hole in the dirt. Score stands thus, James one, Joram about 6, you less than that. Atomic weapons uber alles." Jaes couldn't guarantee that anyone would hear him over the aftereffcts of his little trick, but it was fun to say it anyway. After all, if he was lucky, he might just get the idiot in the blast radius. At the very least his nads would glow green for a week.

Joshua rolled his eyes. "I had my plans and now that you've introduced radioactivity to the area, it's probably a good thing my 'hole' is there. I just gave the waste a place to go." He reactivated his magic, this time without touching anything, and the crack sealed itself up after allowing the ashes to fall in and continuing with that, the walls began to rebuild themselves to the point they were before the attack and soon the room looked completely normal again. "Now I'd like to see your bomb do that." Joshua grinned at his work. "Cara, are there protective spells on the grounds? If there are, I recommend restoring them, they're obviously weak."

Horus looked around, now he understood the real problem the Messiahist would face. We are the only ones here who have not felt the weakening of technology. These people dont know what it's like to live on the outer regions of your very own country just to practice and still be limited.

We needed to find out our limits, Katrina the founder of the order would demand that we did. Stories hold that we can conjure fire storms at the enemy and also use it as a shield.

Much research had to go into finding these things out.

As the forces of the future Council fought against this strange, magic devouring, behemoth, a portal gently opened amidst the ruined chamber, a strangely-robed elf (http://fc02.deviantart.com/images2/i/2003/50/c/4/Arcane_Will__updated_.jpg) walked out of it, followed by four heavily armed elves (http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs10/i/2006/124/2/1/elven_guard_by_Pandarice.jpg). Before this strange elf woman could even speak, she saw the devastation going on outside, and her eyes narrowed shortly before they began to glow. The air around her began to part and swirl as she called the arcane energies granted to her by Lahuan himself and began to chant, her hands making motions in the air. Her motions were trailed by soft white auras of magic, and as her chanting grew, the light around her hands grew. A hazy film surrounded the chamber and began to solidify, until she roared out a final word and threw down her hand, causing a powerful shield of magic to appear around the chamber, protecting those still inside. It could not be easily absorbed, as she quickly realized and she turned to those around her.

"So, I see that the time I come to attend this council of yours, I come to find you under attack. I shouldn't be surprised; we elves have to come save you lesser races all the time." She turned to face her guards, who nodded and dispersed throughout the room, drawing their blades. They were to stay and guard those in this room, in case it came back or something new arrived. She then reached to her belt and drew her own blade, the runeblade Narcial. The blade glowed visibly with awesome power and as she walked down to the battle, it was obvious that she was a powerful mage, and not one to be reckoned lightly.

(sorry had to be quick)

Joshua rolled his eyes. "I had my plans and now that you've introduced radioactivity to the area, it's probably a good thing my 'hole' is there. I just gave the waste a place to go." He reactivated his magic, this time without touching anything, and the crack sealed itself up after allowing the ashes to fall in and continuing with that, the walls began to rebuild themselves to the point they were before the attack and soon the room looked completely normal again. "Now I'd like to see your bomb do that." Joshua grinned at his work. "Cara, are there protective spells on the grounds? If there are, I recommend restoring them, they're obviously weak."

"What radioactivity? You never solved that problem? The radiation decayed about 5 seconds after I set it off, you've picked up about as much as you would have on a prespace airplane flight on old earth. As for rebuilding, that's almost easier than blowing things to hell. NEVER disregard the power of Metal, applied properly. Joram, could you, yaknow, stop melting all over the place?"

<Oh, right. Too over the top?> The dragons face, which had been slowly running down the front of its neck and chest, sprung back into place, and with a shimmer, he returned to his polite size of 11 feet tall. <I still think they shoulda let me rebuild the place. Betcha not one of these meat bags can put their face back after having it melt off in a thermonuclear fireball.>

"That, also, is why we DON'T need a defensive force. As demonstrated, Joram and I, at the least, are very capable of defending ourselves, despite the circomlocutions you seem to so enjoy in achieving results. Flashy inefficient bastards. And uhhh... What happened to the floating Halberd? I don't think I melted it..."

Galvenor continued to watch the others fight the beast. He was carefully judging them by the way their auras flared when they used their abilities. He was watching the way they took ideas and changed their tactics when presented with difficulties they could only guess how to precede. He was checking to see how these individuals who were used to solitary dependence could set aside their self perceived importance and work together with complete strangers effectively.

In short, he was seeing how well they could be team players, something vastly important in the future to come. The Beast was nothing they could not take care of without his help. It was after all only partially immortal and its height measured in thousands of meters should provide a moderate workout at best. He could feel the presence of the Hivemind and the way it was shoring up his own abilities, boosting them. That would be helpful if he needed to use his abilities but that was doubtful. The group finally seemed to be trying to work together although there were a couple that felt they would be the only one deserving of the credit. The Flash. Well, that will improve over time, he hoped.

Galvenor carefully picked up the unconscious hostess and levitated her closer to him where he could protect her easier within his personal shielding he always kept up. He then ran a quick diagnostic of Cara to see what was wrong with her, suspecting she had only exhausted her power reserves with that single meta-spell she cast. That was the problem when you are composed of only Magic and you cast such a draining spell. She took from her own reserves instead of channeling the natural mana around her. There was plenty of it here but she probably thought it would affect the way the others spells would work. That smacks of self-sacrifice. She should be more careful when so much depends upon her.

Galvenor reached into his self, accessing the Link that connected all Ta’Nar and drew some energy, channeling it into the unconscious form hovering next to him. He placed her into her chair although he knew it would not hold her, simply making it seem she was more comfortable than just hovering in the air near the Ta’Nar still sitting at the table. None of the falling debris fell closer than a couple meters of Galvenor, leaving a cleared area surrounding the Ta’Nar.




OOC:

Waiting to hear from Warhaven on the damages the mountain-sized Beast takes before I make a comment about it ICly.

Oh just what we need, elves who think that they're going to save us all from ourselves. I'm getting rather sick of dealing with the less pleasant examples of them...His thoughts echoed in his head as Joshua sighed. "Way too many people think too highly of themselves. I agree that you are capable of protecting yourselves, but what of those who can't? Also, what if you don't happen to be around? Last time I checked, two people can only handle so many catastrophes at a time. If the grounds are invaded, will you two be able to cover every building and everything around them all at once? I certainly can see you both protecting the gounds or each protecting a building, but not everything simultaniously. It just doesn't work. As for flashy, talk to your metal friend about his melting body parts." He paused to catch his breath for his speech was quickly increasing in tempo.
His voice back at it's normal speed again, he calmly stated, "And I get it, metal is great, but I have yet to see a planet, even a building, that is made of nothing but the stuff. I think the Halbred is still floating around here somewhere though. Unless you got what's-his-psyonic-face too."
He sent a call to his magic which quickly located it and removed it from the ceiling where it was accidentally trapped. It fell, but landed softly on the ground below. Joshua's magic, a piece of which now resided in the planet itself, now crafted a chair which rose from the floor where he could sit and think.

Oh just what we need, elves who think that they're going to save us all from ourselves. I'm getting rather sick of dealing with the less pleasant examples of them...His thoughts echoed in his head as Joshua sighed. "Way too many people think too highly of themselves. I agree that you are capable of protecting yourselves, but what of those who can't? Also, what if you don't happen to be around? Last time I checked, two people can only handle so many catastrophes at a time. If the grounds are invaded, will you two be able to cover every building and everything around them all at once? I certainly can see you both protecting the gounds or each protecting a building, but not everything simultaniously. It just doesn't work. As for flashy, talk to your metal friend about his melting body parts." He paused to catch his breath for his speech was quickly increasing in tempo.
His voice back at it's normal speed again, he calmly stated, "And I get it, metal is great, but I have yet to see a planet, even a building, that is made of nothing but the stuff. I think the Halbred is still floating around here somewhere though. Unless you got what's-his-psyonic-face too."
He sent a call to his magic which quickly located it and removed it from the ceiling where it was accidentally trapped. It fell, but landed softly on the ground below. Joshua's magic, a piece of which now resided in the planet itself, now crafted a chair which rose from the floor where he could sit and think.

"Those who cannot protect themselves must LEARN. Helplessness is a condition of choice and one that should be reviled. Only those truly PHYSICALLY INCAPABLE of their own defense truly require anyone elses protection. Joram fancies himself a comedian, I, and most others of his acquantance, disagree. Continuing, you have obviously never visited the Anderman Empire(not surprising, almost no one has, and we like it that way, thanks), where Setian artisans make practically everything(including in several cases, themselves, Joram) from metal. But, that was not what I meant. I meant Metal, that which empowers me and lets me, as you may have noticed, nuke the ever living hell out of abnormalities of nature, or, if you'd given me the chance, make things rather shiney and durable." He played a few chords, his guitar slipping into Dropped D, and the air shook slightly, as the table, and his chair, converted into something resembling stainless steel, without the deficiencies thereof. "And that was just a sample. Everyone ALWAYS underestimates the Bard. But, whatever, for those about to rock." A few more chords, and he poured himself a glass of whiskey from a mason jar that had popped up in front of him. "Would anyone else care for a shot?"

OOC: Bal, thousands of meters tall is also an asinine remark, it is, at best, a few hundred feet. He said it's no bigger than a sissy mountain or a largeish hill. Everest is only 8,000 and change meters, and it's a beast of a mountain. So, thousands of meters for a sissy mountain, such as the one nearest to me, which only makes it to about 400ish meters(1,000ishfeet), is foolish.(Bull Run Mountain, sissiest one I could think of)

Joshua opened one of his golden eyes to watch what the Bard was doing. "Well thank you for enlightening me of your abilities and of a place I have never, before now, heard of. I've a good feeling that it's not even anywhere close to my hole-in-the-wall home though." He leaned forward and tapped the table with one of his clawed fingers, which promptly melted and vanished into the ground. "For curiosity's sake, can you bring the table back from the ground and protect it from my magic?"
He leaned back again and said, "As for those who can't protect themselves, they should be taught, I agree there. That's one of the reasons an academy for magic is a wonderful idea. But until they can be taught, they do need protection. If they want to learn how, and are being taught how to protect themselves, how can we expect them to save their own lives in the face of danger until they are ready to do so?" Deep concern now filled Joshua's voice as a light mist began to surround him.

Joshua opened one of his golden eyes to watch what the Bard was doing. "Well thank you for enlightening me of your abilities and of a place I have never, before now, heard of. I've a good feeling that it's not even anywhere close to my hole-in-the-wall home though." He leaned forward and tapped the table with one of his clawed fingers, which promptly melted and vanished into the ground. "For curiosity's sake, can you bring the table back from the ground and protect it from my magic?"
He leaned back again and said, "As for those who can't protect themselves, they should be taught, I agree there. That's one of the reasons an academy for magic is a wonderful idea. But until they can be taught, they do need protection. If they want to learn how, and are being taught how to protect themselves, how can we expect them to save their own lives in the face of danger until they are ready to do so?" Deep concern now filled Joshua's voice as a light mist began to surround him.

"Who needs to bring it back from the ground? Who are we to decide someones readiness for self defense? The most efficient means of ascertaining ones ability to protect oneself is to do just that. Teach them as much as we may, and allow them to learn what more they may on their own. When at the academy their strength will lie in numbers, and when we have no more to teach, their strength will lie within themselves, or not. Protecting someone from everything breeds dependence, which breeds weakness." As he was speaking, he had quietly been strumming out a haunting melody on his guitar, and as he finished, the table seemed to simply rewind itself out of the ground. "You may attempt to destroy it again, but at this point it is caught somewhere in time, and quite beyond any permanent damage. At worst you will melt it again for a few seconds before it reconstitutes itself. At best, I will have done so well it rewinds your damage as fast as you inflict it."

Joshua quickly inspected the table. "You really do good work and you put great value on your talents." He commented though not bothering to touch the table again for it's protective aura was quite visible to Joshua's eyes. "But I must wonder, what happens to those who try to protect themselves, but don't know enough to do that. Do you simply say 'Oh, he wasn't good enough so he's better off dead or injured' or do you have emotion and mourn for the loss of a person who could have done great things if someone had bothered to help him? As for their readiness, I don't believe I said that we should decide, but I do believe that until they decide that they are ready, that they will need help."

Joshua quickly inspected the table. "You really do good work and you put great value on your talents." He commented though not bothering to touch the table again for it's protective aura was quite visible to Joshua's eyes. "But I must wonder, what happens to those who try to protect themselves, but don't know enough to do that. Do you simply say 'Oh, he wasn't good enough so he's better off dead or injured' or do you have emotion and mourn for the loss of a person who could have done great things if someone had bothered to help him? As for their readiness, I don't believe I said that we should decide, but I do believe that until they decide that they are ready, that they will need help."

"If someone is forced to defend themself and fails, it is a tragedy, because it means that we failed. But, if we teach them for all eternity, they will never have enough self confidence to act on their own. That should be more worrying to you than the fact that they may die. A man dies but once, a coward dies every moment of his life, if you do not make them strong enough to believe they are ready, then you are killing them as surely as anyone else."

There was a sudden shudder deep within the catacombs of Antalia, causing the light from the endless, baleful green torches to shudder for a moment. For but a minute, the lamentations and screams of the endless inhabitants halted momentarily, before sounding out once again in a low hum. Far from this, within the deepest levels a statuesque figure mused to himself, as he rose a dexterous claw up from his research subject, covered in blood and surrounded by viscera, none of them his own. With a simple twitch of his claw, the young man let out an agonized scream and ceased breathing, something else had caught the creature's attention as a small impish creature entered the room.

"Master Galf! The concealment orb-" It croaked, every movement noticeably submissive to the robed creature, spines protruding from his shoulders and an aura of importance to him, "It shattered!"

Though the creature suddenly cowered, Galf did not strike at him, but merely brought what passed as his hand to his chin, stroking it in amusement, "Well now... This, so soon after we set it up to attempt to get some bearings on whoever sent that first message about a Wizard's Council or what-have-you..." Entire minutes passed as the ancient creature stood there, even the steady drippings from the table seemed to cease, "If that Archaic piece of costume jewelery suddenly shattered, perhaps it was a mistake to not attend?"

"Never, my liege!... Shall I send a representative of ours?" The peon squeaked, slowly scuttering over to the door, "Perhaps Venti? Or even Asmodee?"

"No... I have a feeling that I should go personally... Inform the checkpoints, and make sure a proper sacrifice before the Lord Below if performed. By the time such preparations are completed, I will be ready for the trip there..." Though to be on the safe side, its probably best that I wait a moment. I would not want to interrupt something important and be mistaken by some trigger happy magician for some sort or the sort.

OOC: In other words, I'll make my actual introduction onto the scene when dramatically appropriate.

Joshua let loose another sigh and the mist thickened a bit. "At least I know you have emotion then. But I still feel that we should have something, even something small, to protect those that fail to protect themselves. Those that want to protect themselves should, and those that can but don't want to should be told to. But what of those that can't even though they want to? You're willing to risk the lives of those that can't because some can. At least that's what I understand."

OOC:

I will let Warhaven decide in the size of the thing, it is his creature after all and us claiming his damages would be godmodding. I await the clarity of his post.

Joshua let loose another sigh and the mist thickened a bit. "At least I know you have emotion then. But I still feel that we should have something, even something small, to protect those that fail to protect themselves. Those that want to protect themselves should, and those that can but don't want to should be told to. But what of those that can't even though they want to? You're willing to risk the lives of those that can't because some can. At least that's what I understand."

"And how will we know they can't, until they try? If someone desires to defend themself, it is our duty to teach them how, and then when they have learned as much as they feel they need, to allw them to USE what they have learned. We can do no more, and are remiss if we do any less. You were brought up gently, and have had an easy life. I was not, and have not, and am the better for it. Ask Joram about some of the things he's built over the years, it's a wonderful story of dismemberment and agony. And rememberment, and slightly reduced agony at some point. Long story short, I'm not dead yet, I have faith in the human will to survive."

Joshua's emotional mist turned to smoke instantly. "Don't you ever suggest that my life was always this easy!" His voice was no longer calm, but booming and overpowering, causing the last bits of dust from the ceiling not ruined by the beast to fall down. "I can't entirely relate to you on the human part either. See, until I escaped at 16, I was a slave, all because I'm half demon. The claws, the eyes, the hair, they should have been clues that you missed to my lack of complete humanity. I survived as long as I did because I had people that stuck up for me before I learned to control my magic. I wouldn't be here working for the safety of future students if not for people to help me until I could defend myself.
The smoke changed again, not to mist, but to a full blown downpour. "There are people out there that need protection while they learn to protect themselves. Until they learn how, they can't do that and you want to put their lives on the line in the case of an attack. You're willing to give the possibility of people dying a shot because you're too stuck up to help protect people."

Yloviacki stepped back into his body and cancelled the diamond skin spell. Holding out hs hand, he muttered a few words and the silver halberd flashed back into his outstretched hand.
The flask made its appearance from inside his robes as he took a swig from it. Walking over to the rent in the council chamber, he wove a small spell to analyse the strange energy left after the explosion.
"Hmm. This form of energy has been found among some geological structures on Forthshore. Is it somehow linked to the explosion that just happened? This needs more study."

He turned towards the ongoing argument.
"It is the responsibility and the duty of the strong to protect the weak."

As the battle died down, the strangely-robed elf turned towards the argument instead, seeing that the creature was being handled quite well. She still kept her sword out, as she walked back to the table which had been reformed. At hearing the words of the conversation, she snorted in derision. Typical; she was around a bunch of moralistic fools. They knew nothing of the dangers of helping people. Stepping in, her eyes hard but calm, she began to speak. "First of all, before I speak, I would like to introduce myself. I am Nirtaen, High Mage of Atanarr, and wife of Emperor Caharc. Now, you say it is our duty to help the weak with magic, so they can defend themselves. This is not true, for several reasons. One, as many have shown today, they do not need magic to defend themselves, and in cases like this, magic is quite a hindrance and could lead to anyone but a high mage's downfall. Also, you have to consider maybe the people you want to 'help' do not like, nor want magic? Who are we to force them?

Finally, my people did the very thing you suggested in our world, the younger races such as the humans, the avians, and the cat-like Asether. We didn't interact when they were still at the tribal stage so as not to affect their development. However, orcs and goblins came rushing out of the mountains, and we had to defend them, and show ourselves. So, we took it upon ourselves to teach them. Years passed and their societies had greatly advanced in a short time. However, greed set in, and corruption filled their governments. They felt themselves strong enough to defeat those who helped them, and take their land and power for themselves. What resulted from that was the Race Conflict, where many of my people died. We lost many elves, in a race that does not populate as easily as some other races do. So, do not speak so lightly of this 'help' you offer. Our first offer of help paid for it with a hefty price of blood; I will not be partisan to one that does so again. Besides, from what Lahuan told me, I was informed this was to be a merely academic school, a place to learn and develop, where if beings WANT to come in, they can. But we do not FORCE it. It is their choice. We make the offer known, and that is it. We don't force magic down people's throats; to do so would invite a tragedy like ours again, and no one wants to fight such a devastating war."

Joshua's emotional mist turned to smoke instantly. "Don't you ever suggest that my life was always this easy!" His voice was no longer calm, but booming and overpowering, causing the last bits of dust from the ceiling not ruined by the beast to fall down. "I can't entirely relate to you on the human part either. See, until I escaped at 16, I was a slave, all because I'm half demon. The claws, the eyes, the hair, they should have been clues that you missed to my lack of complete humanity. I survived as long as I did because I had people that stuck up for me before I learned to control my magic. I wouldn't be here working for the safety of future students if not for people to help me until I could defend myself.
The smoke changed again, not to mist, but to a full blown downpour. "There are people out there that need protection while they learn to protect themselves. Until they learn how, they can't do that and you want to put their lives on the line in the case of an attack. You're willing to give the possibility of people dying a shot because you're too stuck up to help protect people."


"Very moving, and yet, the life of a slave has some benefits over the life of a street child. I'm sure you never got stabbed in a gutter simply for a crust of bread. I doubt you ever had to drink bodily fluids to survive, or worse things. You are not human, and neither am I, but here is the difference. I was trash, detritus, refuse. In a society of philanthropists I was a pariah. You are an interventionist, and if you do not let someone stand upon their own two feet, I tell you that you will kill them as surely as throwing them to the lions before they are ready. YOUR thinking did this to me, and I will not allow it to happen to others." James flexed his arms, and the skin over his hands cracked, entire portions flaking off to reveal the black metal underneath, he cracked his neck, and more pieces flaked off, revealing the metal there. He cracked his back, and if anyone could have seen, they would have seen the entire surface covered with fractures, as more and more of the metal that had been grafted onto his body was revealed.

"YOU did this to me. Your kind, always protecting and giving to the less fortunate, stole my strength and resolve. I knew someone would save me, but I was wrong. I died because of you puking weaklings, and I now live a wretched existence thanks, once again, to you. What sadistic fool raises a man with no limbs from the dead? What beast leaves a man that way after it is done? I'm willing to take the chance that someone will die, because I'm willing to let them LIVE, and I'm willng to take the chance that they will survive. Where were your philanthropists when my arms were destroyed? Where was your giving when I lost my leg at the hip? Where were you when my necjk was carved into pieces? Where were you when my back was flayed to the bone? Well? Where were those good people who had sworn that they would protect me, and my kind, when I was dieing in the street? Answer me that, and tell me that you do not need to stand on your own, and not depend on the kindness of others to survive everything."

Galvenor spoke.

It was not a shout, nor was it a whisper. It was simply a normal voice that could be barely heard above the din of the arguing mages. The reason it was hear is because there was power behind the words, a power that could only be called primordial or even Eldritch. His words would cause their very beings to vibrate and only the most daft would fail to notice he was speaking, would not notice his words vibrating through their very bones.

“This is not the way to start this governing body. We are here to cooperate, not bicker like a group of preschoolers. You dishonor our hostess and I am thankful she is unconscious and cannot see your childish actions. She said we are all equals here so throw your attitudes out that hole rent in the wall a few minutes ago. To do otherwise is to drive a dagger in Cara’s heart while she is still unconscious from spellweaving her very essence into that spell she cast. She almost died trying to save your miserable bickering lives and you repay her like this? I could destroy you all where you stand but that would mean you would never get the chance to learn the real way to behave to your hostess. You all need to remember your manners and treat her with the respect you mistakenly believe you are owed for breathing the air here.”

While he was talking, his words were beginning to vibrate dust and small debris from the ceiling. He remained sitting in his chair having never even getting up once during the attack.

“Also, before you began to bicker did anyone bother checking to make sure that creature was even dead? If your metal dragon could survive, why wouldn’t a magical beast that was feeding off the most powerful spells you threw at it be able to not only survive a blast like that but also regenerate the damages it took? Legendary beasts typically have that feature in case you all have forgotten your lore. Without even checking you fell into your bickering trying to prove who is superior when we all are equals.”

Now that he had everyone’s attention he dropped the cantrip before he vibrated the whole structure to the ground, finishing the job the Riptide Beast attempted a few minutes ago. He continued speaking but in a normal voice that was not reinforced by Power.

“Who can get down there to detect if the Thing is truly dead. Who can shore up the walls before they collapse from the damage the Beast caused when he flattened the castle on the other side of the wall behind you? Someone check to see if there are any more dangers approaching. Check to see there was not anyone in the collapsed portions and if there was make sure they receive medical attention. I am attempting to heal our Hostess and to get people acting responsibly. While you are bickering the rest of the world is going by and people could be dying due to your inattention and other things might be about to attack.”

“Now get busy and do something useful other than preen your own feathers. I have our hostess to attend to. At least I am showing her the respect she is due.”

With that, Galvenor turned to Cara and continued to attend to her deep metaphysical injuries. He was slowly channeling Power into her form, replacing the parts she depleted at a rate she could use subconsciously to regenerate without overdoing it. He turned back to the others still standing there.

“What are you waiting for? Get busy.”



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/beldragos/BelDragos.jpg
Portrait of Galvenor Elvarryin with Alya

Galvenor spoke.

It was not a shout, nor was it a whisper. It was simply a normal voice that could be barely heard above the din of the arguing mages. The reason it was hear is because there was power behind the words, a power that could only be called primordial or even Eldritch. His words would cause their very beings to vibrate and only the most daft would fail to notice he was speaking, would not notice his words vibrating through their very bones.

“This is not the way to start this governing body. We are here to cooperate, not bicker like a group of preschoolers. You dishonor our hostess and I am thankful she is unconscious and cannot see your childish actions. She said we are all equals here so throw your attitudes out that hole rent in the wall a few minutes ago. To do otherwise is to drive a dagger in Cara’s heart while she is still unconscious from spellweaving her very essence into that spell she cast. She almost died trying to save your miserable bickering lives and you repay her like this? I could destroy you all where you stand but that would mean you would never get the chance to learn the real way to behave to your hostess. You all need to remember your manners and treat her with the respect you mistakenly believe you are owed for breathing the air here.”

While he was talking, his words were beginning to vibrate dust and small debris from the ceiling. He remained sitting in his chair having never even getting up once during the attack.

“Also, before you began to bicker did anyone bother checking to make sure that creature was even dead? If your metal dragon could survive, why wouldn’t a magical beast that was feeding off the most powerful spells you threw at it be able to not only survive a blast like that but also regenerate the damages it took? Legendary beasts typically have that feature in case you all have forgotten your lore. Without even checking you fell into your bickering trying to prove who is superior when we all are equals.”

Now that he had everyone’s attention he dropped the cantrip before he vibrated the whole structure to the ground, finishing the job the Riptide Beast attempted a few minutes ago. He continued speaking but in a normal voice that was not reinforced by Power.

“Who can get down there to detect if the Thing is truly dead. Who can shore up the walls before they collapse from the damage the Beast caused when he flattened the castle on the other side of the wall behind you? Someone check to see if there are any more dangers approaching. Check to see there was not anyone in the collapsed portions and if there was make sure they receive medical attention. I am attempting to heal our Hostess and to get people acting responsibly. While you are bickering the rest of the world is going by and people could be dying due to your inattention and other things might be about to attack.”

“Now get busy and do something useful other than preen your own feathers. I have our hostess to attend to. At least I am showing her the respect she is due.”

With that, Galvenor turned to Cara and continued to attend to her deep metaphysical injuries. He was slowly channeling Power into her form, replacing the parts she depleted at a rate she could use subconsciously to regenerate without overdoing it. He turned back to the others still standing there.

“What are you waiting for? Get busy.”



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/beldragos/BelDragos.jpg
Portrait of Galvenor Elvarryin with Alya

"If we are all equal, then do noty deign to give me orders hypocrite. You may believe you have power over our lives, but that, I assure you, is far from truth. Now, unless you are willing to say that a beast of any size may survive a nuclear detonation better than something significantly more durable than flesh and bone, I am willing to say that it is well and truly dead. If you really want to go looking after it, you may feel free to do so. I, and even those with whom I disagree, are confident that a nuclear device trumps anything squishy. Unless you are aware of others within this building, I'm willing to say that, since we're all not dead, everyone is fine. If you do know of them, then it is your responsibility for not telling us sooner. If you were paying attention, you would have noted the building already restored. Your powers of observation are nearly as impressive as your reasoning powers, which are rather underwhelming so far. You speak of respecting our Hostess, who is but one among our number, and of respecting each other, and there is much talk of equals, and yet you strive to give orders as though you were in some way my better, and to that I refuse. Your silly magical augmentation does not impress me. Take some of your own advice, before you attempt to give it to others."

"Galvenor is right in the sense that we need to stop the shouting. But at the same time, he should have noticed that I've already repaired the wall, closed my fissure, and sent the ashes of the beast into the fissure before it closed. Trust me, the buildings are fine, don't believe me? Here!" He broadcast the view he had of the grounds from his magic nestled quietly in the planet. Aside from where the beast had moved from, every fern had been put back in it's place and every building safe, secure, and whole. "But you," he returned to face the bard, "are not the only one scarred by your past." He began to roll up the sleeve of his right arm, shoving back his cloak so as to allow all gathered to see. "See this mechanical arm? This is the priced I paid for my slavery. It was torn from my body and I only escaped when the so called 'doctor' of the house said I would die. He had me tossed into the pit that they tossed the rest of the dead slaves into." Joshua has now risen from the chair and it sank promptly back into the ground.
"But we need to find common ground. You are as strong as you are because you weren't helped in any way. I am as strong as I am because I was protected until I was tossed into the Pit and then rescued and taught. You could, as you so tastefully put it, nuke the ever living hell out of this planet with a simple song. I could cause it to collapse in on itself and implode without so much as my eye twitching. I will say this though, I wish getting stabbed over a crust of bread was the worst I've seen. I saw fellow slaves and friends literally rip each other limb from limb, out of their minds with hunger, before it happened to me, and all over what? An apple peel? Or if we were lucky, we might get our hands on some of the fat trimmed from the meat to make it fit for the lord to eat. Most didn't get that far before going insane." The mist had returned and Joshua held out his hand. "Truce, at least until we can work something longer lasting out?"

"Galvenor is right in the sense that we need to stop the shouting. But at the same time, he should have noticed that I've already repaired the wall, closed my fissure, and sent the ashes of the beast into the fissure before it closed. Trust me, the buildings are fine, don't believe me? Here!" He broadcast the view he had of the grounds from his magic nestled quietly in the planet. Aside from where the beast had moved from, every fern had been put back in it's place and every building safe, secure, and whole. "But you," he returned to face the bard, "are not the only one scarred by your past." He began to roll up the sleeve of his right arm, shoving back his cloak so as to allow all gathered to see. "See this mechanical arm? This is the priced I paid for my slavery. It was torn from my body and I only escaped when the so called 'doctor' of the house said I would die. He had me tossed into the pit that they tossed the rest of the dead slaves into." Joshua has now risen from the chair and it sank promptly back into the ground.
"But we need to find common ground. You are as strong as you are because you weren't helped in any way. I am as strong as I am because I was protected until I was tossed into the Pit and then rescued and taught. You could, as you so tastefully put it, nuke the ever living hell out of this planet with a simple song. I could cause it to collapse in on itself and implode without so much as my eye twitching. I will say this though, I wish getting stabbed over a crust of bread was the worst I've seen. I saw fellow slaves and friends literally rip each other limb from limb, out of their minds with hunger, before it happened to me, and all over what? An apple peel? Or if we were lucky, we might get our hands on some of the fat trimmed from the meat to make it fit for the lord to eat. Most didn't get that far before going insane." The mist had returned and Joshua held out his hand. "Truce, at least until we can work something longer lasting out?"

"As a slave you lost an arm. As a free man, I lost both, a leg, most of my neck, and every muscle in my back, among other things. I am unmoved by your tale. You have suffered, but you were still coddled by comparison, but, what does not kill you makes you stronger, I have to wonder if what killsyou makes you stronger still. But, truce. Shall we help the incompetent old man get our hostess back on her feet in a reasonable time?"

OOC: Alright, no more posting until I get home, read the last 80 or so posts or whatever from the last time I posted, and post again.

That's an order.

I made an OOC thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13570361#post13570361) for us, as I wanted to say something, and for future communication. This thread is getting confusing and we need communication.

The behomoth indeed had been blown to bits by the Nuke, however, it was not killed.

As everyone argued over who had it worse, The Behemoth reasse,bled, and when it did, it was blue, except for its hair, which comprised a White main, and a white tail. It's horns were extra sharm and also white. It opened it's eyes, and looked at Cara through the window, who by concidence had also woken up at that exact same moment.

She let out a bloodcurdling ear piercing scream that caused some nearby glassware to shatter, as she pointed out the window.

The Behemoth King of Riptide simply looked at the castle as if to say "I shall return" and it disappeared on the spot.

Destrudo looked at all the various people.

"As long as we're telling stories of how horrible we had it as children, let me tell you about the Original Destrudo, from The First existence, known as The Demon of Elru.

His Father was the Super Entity known as Shadowlord. He was Mentally and Physically scarred and abused to such a great degree his natural inborn magic turned against him, because his father made him think Mages were weak incompetent fools, especially the ones that could use Magic nukes. He lost his limbs, only to have them painfully restored, his eyes, his muscles, and finally his sanity, the one thing he never regained. When at last he was a full grown adult, he was the Son of The Grand Ri-anese Sorceress any longer, he was The Demon of Elru. He was such a new thing, that he completly destroyed the Ri-anese army single handedly, becaus the Ri-anese used magic in everything, and could not fight against a foe that could take it from them.

The point is, we all have it hard at one point or another, and debating who had it harder than who is ineffective.

Since the behemoth is gone, it sounds like you want the new council to be an acadamy. Fine with me, more food for my children, we feed on your magic, and each successive generation evolves further, and we hunger so on this unused world. The cities of Warhaven are rather unimpressive in the magic department on this world. A council like this will help us greatly.

So then, unless I am mistaken, you want rules that apply to individuals, not nations.

How about, any student is free to use their powers however they wish, so long as they are willing to face the concequences, which will be of equal porportion to what they have done. In certain circumstances, there may be no punishment, such as a class, or an agreed upon battle.

We do have an arena for such a purpose not to far from the buildings. It could use a little rebuilding if you really want such a place. Maybe the Metal creature could make for you a truely impressive structure for an Arena.

Really, what more rules do you need other than that?
But then, we wouldn't want to let weaklings into the world now would we?
Certain parties have stated distaste for those who are willingly weak.
So I have a proposal for this council. Let me and my brethren test them. Our auras stand against Magic and Psionics, so no need to fear not being able to handle it. We all would win. My fellow Magekillers and I would be sated by the ambient magics used not only against us but at the school in general. Your students get tested, and tested again like metal being forged by an expert Blacksmith, until they either die or defeat us, I'm sure The Arachnians would love to again feast on weak mages. You win by not letting any "weaklings" into the world at large. I could care less about whatever rules you make, or how you decide my "tests" should go. But really, I will hurt them anyway if they stray too far from the council buildings, so why not give me reason to let them live, and employ my clans as testers. Surely if they are as strong as you desire them to be, one Magekiller should be no problem. I might even let them live if they fail." Destrudo said.

The Bloodthirstyness could be heard in his voice, and it was appearent he wouldn't be afraid to take any of them on if they doubted his ability.

Cara seemed taken aback by Destrudo's willingness to kill.
"Surely there must be some other way to test them. I agree a battle is a good test, but to the death? What if a student just simply isn't powerful enough to defeat you or your cousins? I know of Mages whose ability extends no further than the ability to create a spark between their fingers, and even that takes a lifetime of study." Cara said. She was a kind tender hearted person who could not bear to see suffering.

"Then clearly they should not be here." Destrudo said.

"No. I do not care for your bloodthirstiness, Destrudo, and I will not be part to the slaughter you put forth." The robed elf walked over to the table and sat down, her eyes gazing hard at the being who was a force that magic could only wither away in his presence. Her eyes, however, showed no fear; in fact, they reflected nothing but anger, a little bit of pride, and a sense of pure fury. She had come her, at the bidding of Lahuan, the Elven God of Knowledge, to seek out fellows of magical power and see what was going on. However, it would appear that her god's hopes were pinned at the wrong place. All she had seen was bickering, and ideas that could not have come from beings as she felt in this room.

"Now, I never said I was for the ideas expressed by the battle-happy tin lizard over there, or that I favored them. I was, actually, too annoyed at the fact that we were trying to force the other to accept that we had the more tragic history. Which is SO important right now." Her gaze swept over the council, hard and stabbing. "Galvenor, as he is known apparently, was right in his actions. We've been nothing but bickering ninnies, and for such wise and powerful beings in magic, it is a sad sight to see. It will take some convincing for the Elves of Atanarr to join this Council if this is to be the normal behavior." She closed her eyes and forced herself to calm down a bit.

"Now, I am in no way for coddling people, nor do I wish for a totally structured curriculum. But to have the students going around and doing whatever they want with magic, with just a hint of the consequences? To let them try and find their way on their own, and have the equal consequences for their actions, to be decided in battle?! Have you lost your mind?! Life is something to be protected and preserved, not thrown into the wild like the carcass of a dead boar! Also, the potential of everyone is different. There will be weak beings, simply because that is the level they are currently at. Whether they advance or not depends on their initiative, and their potential. We can not all be archmages; there is a reason why not everyone is such a being." She turned her eyes on the Destrudo.

"Also, I will not be here to be 'food' for your Magekillers; I will not bring my elves to have their magic be your food. And I will not bring young elves here to learn magic when they have to fight beings they are not ready for, beings that even I would have trouble fighting, and I have been at this for far longer than they have. I will not be party to such idiocy and bloodthirstiness! We are here to train them, not kill them! Your way is madness, would cause strife and battles to occur in the halls, and would end up maiming many who could have become good mages and wizards, if given different attention." She turned to look at the council.

"If the council wishes for such a bloodthirsty course, then the Elves of Atanarr will not be part of this council."

El'Hilth who had been watching the council since the just after the nuke went off, the bickering did not fill him with confidence but it was words of Destrudo the worried him. After clearing it with the Kath'Crith (The people's king) he sent an astral projection to the council, he was to teleport there later with the Kath'Crith's healer and the leader of task force gold, but this demanded his attention.

Before the council appered a large mantis like humanoid dressed in silk robes, with an electrum eye on his forehead. "And what about the seers and healers who where never ment to fight in the first place, what fate would you have them face?" The question was aimed mostly at Destrudo but also at some of those whom had proposed a culling of the weak students.

Yendor raised his arm, and cast a spell of calming. For a moment, it lulled the conversation.

"I agree with our newfound friend," he said. "There is more to magic than mere battlement. If we are to decide the relative skill of our members, it should be through more any one...discipline...can...engender. Perhaps...we could add other skills to our tests. Fighting, or a less harmful tournament, may be one, but Healing and Divination could be others. Summoning, Illusion and Alchemy/Transofrmation are other specialties that are not...yet represented. Perhaps there are others as well."

"I just wish this attempt by the elven kind to yet again claim surperiority with arrogance would stop for awhile" I sighed, I had heard about Elves threw stories and such. Always the same.

"To really prove your worth with your magic is to behave with respect for the powers you possess, By what i can tell so many of you are so used to your powers you use it as a plaything. When people like us have to train for decades just to get a glimpse of power" My hand burst into flame as i continue, Yet again astonished by how easy it was.

"I imagine in places like this it is easy to become proud of your power, But that does not obsolve you of the responsibility that comes with it. In Phenixica technology has dulled our magical ability, We earn our right to wield magic"

Joshua's chair reformed for him as he began to speak. "Destrudo, your feeding on ambient magics is starting to make me sick. And I'm not talking metaphorically either." He took his seat and continued. "However, we will find other ways of testing the students and deciding if they are taught here. Even if one can only create that single spark between their fingers as Cara said, I don't see a reason not to teach them. They may not be able to work a lot of magic, but it's possible they could use their knowledge to help others, or become another teacher here later on if they choose."

"THAT, Destrudo, is exactly what I am railing against. The point is not to kill the weak. IF, and that is a very large if, we were to decide to use this method of testing, I would be forced to say that it would be supervised, that there would be no fatalities, and that if there was to be a fatality, retribution on our part will be swift and final. Finally, only our most powerful students may even be tested in thias manner. You seem to mistake my desire for strength from those capable of it to be a hatred of weakness. I recommend that you remain silent from this point on."

Nirtaen glanced at the new arrival, and nodded at his words. "There is that, as well. Some do not have powers capable of battle, but instead heal the hurts of war, or perhaps simply tend to the forests of the world." Then she felt some magic trying to affect her, and she stiffened angrily, chanting a quick counter spell and glaring at the Marionetonian representative. "It is nice that you wish to calm us down, good mage, but do not cast spells on me unless I give you then consent to do so." She focused herself to calm down again; this other races were really getting on her nerves. They were worse than the humans back home, and that was saying a lot.

Then her ears brought the message of the Phenixican representative and her blood boiled. She turned to him. "Excuse me? Who do you think you are, talking to us as if you were some position of moral authority? You are trying to say we're arrogant, but in doing say, you are acting arrogant yourself. Do you think we simply just got our powers? That one day, POOF, they came to us? No. We worked hard for them, we had to go through the trials our God set for us, and it was no easy task, fool. Do not speak of something when you are ignorant for it, else you look to be a fool. Now, to the actually SMART part of your babble, I already STATED that not everyone is as strong as us, that everyone has different potential. Do you even bother listening, or do you just take what you want to hear? Also, define what you mean by responsibility. If you mean ensure that our magic is not misused and is kept within limits in our nations, yes. If you mean sticking our noses into other people's affairs, and forcing our way of living on them, then no, you are dead wrong and far more arrogant than you think my people are."

She shook her head and muttered in her elvish tongue, unknown to those not in her land. [i]"These lesser races get worse and worse over the ages. I wonder if it was a good idea for Caharc to bring us out of isolation sometimes....."

There was a dim green light, a slash in the air. It suddenly brightened, widening and spinning, until it finally stopped and spat out a figure (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z107/Kain1235/1117236077_Power_Transformation.jpg). He bowed to those present and, after smoothing out his clothes, said, "Greetings. I am Akotha of the Council of the Void. We have heard your call and I am sent as a representative." Hearing the argument, he thought to himself, Ah, what a choice time to arrive. Thank you very much, Ngotul.

"Please, everyone calm down. I would like to remind those in the room we are still connected through the hivemind of the stenographer over there in the tank. Keep your comments controlled and productive so as not to start any further bickering."

Galvenor turned toward the Magekiller.

“They do have valid points. How would you propose to test the non-combative members? There are Healers, Enchanters, Artifacers, Abjurors, Alchemists, Scribes and many others that are never meant to enter or even use Combat Magics. Just because you are an Elementalist doesn’t mean you use those powers for attacking, you might be using your talents for constructing castles that fly."


"Fighting is not everything; as a matter of fact it is very little of one’s life. You don’t live a lifetime by your battles, you live it through your total experience. The quiet moments in between where peace, discovery, and hope rule your thoughts, not trying to survive attacks. Even a hard life like many in this room has had there are these moments that makes their life worth living. I pity those that can only survive through strife for they never truly lived.”

“I am against these kinds of tests. The student’s instructor should be the only one that could gauge the understanding of the student. Who else would know what they understand and how much potential they have other than the one which is teaching them? The one that works with them every day imparting knowledge and understanding to the pupil, they are who should be solely responsible. I will never send any of my students to you for a butcher’s testing.”

“I believe you will have to take your vampiric feeding habits elsewhere. The ones here are not fond of your prospective; unless you have other ones you wished to share… Ones that are less self-fulfilling.”

To himself, Galvenor made a mental note to try to figure a way to counter the Magekillers in case he needed to protect any of his Apprentices or students from the foul things.

"I dunno about you, but I'm not connected by anyone's hivemind. I side with Galvenore on this one. Get out Destrudo, or we can have the dragon eat you. He's not magic or a meat bag, and that means that you are out gunned."

"And why should I keep quiet? Not even you are capable of defeating me one on one. Even your friends metal body is easy to beat, for how can he fight, if his Atomic Structure is broken? No, you've never faced a Magekiller, so you truely do not know why you should fear me.

You don't want them killed, then fine. I won't kill them. But who then should a battle mage face, if not an opponet worthy of his talents?" Destrudo asked.

"Destrudo, just, just leave, your inherent hatred for Mage kind is showing through, and it only detracts from our discourse." Cara said.
"Or what?" he asked with a sneer.
However, she was never given the chance to answer, for a Void Nexus opened right next to Destrudo, a black gloved hand reached out, and grabbed Destrudo.
"No! No! I'm sorry, I'll go away, Please, have Mercy!" Destrudo begged, terrified of what he knew awaited him. He was yanked into The Nexus and disappeared.

"Magekillers would never make good test procters, but let me and those I choose to be Test Proctors.

A Teacher should indeed be the first one to test his or her, or in some cases, it's students. But a second test is also needed, one from a neutral source, that does not know the student, one that is not swayed by the personal relationships that inevitably build in a Teacher student relationship.

Warhaven is a nation of Craftsmen, both magically, and non-magically. So Healers aren't meant to go into battle, at least most orders aren't. However There are several excellent hospitals in the cities of Riptide. Let them learn theory here, and put it into practice there, with an apprenticeship program. Even on other worlds we own, there are a myriad of diseases and infections enough to test even the most gifted of healers.

What then of Seers? Who truely knows the future, knows if what they see is true or not? Over the course of a simple test, they might actually give a real prophecy they weren't supposed to see in the first place. How would we know if it is real? Let me take them into The Void. It can be shaped to whatever Reality I wish, including elements of Time. I can create a variety of Prophecies for them to see. I would know if they saw the right one or not.

Or maybe there is an elementalist who makes castles fly. Take him to the Elemental plane of Earth where nothing flies underground. If he can make a castle fly in one of the great caverns there, he can do so anywhere.

The point is, I as a neutral non-teaching entity would make an excellent test procter, for final exams and the like, at each stage of learning, and if I can't do it, I know someone who can. I completly agree, the teachers should be the one's to gauge their student's ability. They should be the one's who test their student's first. But let another test them second, ensuring that nothing was missed, and if someone is truely good enough, I will open the doors to The Tower of The Magi-Masters, and let them attempt to climb to it's top, for only one who has truely mastered their powers can accomplish such a feat. You do not have to know everything about magic, you could be a master of Ice and Ice alone, but it is designed such, that if you do not have complete confidence in yourself and have not truely mastered what you can do, what you know how to do, you will not be able to make it to the top. It's non-lethal, but it is very humiliating. I know, it took me ten tries to make it past the first floor, and then hundreds more to actually make it to the top. It is how I became as powerful as I am, having learned The Flares." Cara said.

Golloriel had sat, and listened, with some dismay, subtly, oh so subtly that she didn’t appear to be doing anything, altering fate around herself towards something more favourable to those near. She was, like most of her kind, utterly brimming over with compassion and mercy; but the competing and escalating tales of hardship didn’t stir her to pity for the reasons that one might expect; rather, these tragic pasts stirred her to pity for the strength-admiring fanaticism espoused; a warped philosophy, if ever there was one.

“There is much focus here on tests, and power; to a degree I had not expected nor imagined. While some magics are ‘dangerous’ to be wielded, most are not; and indeed, I think the obsession here with certification is dangerous in itself; there have been many accusations of pride here, but as one who is probably the least impressive or accomplished here, I can honestly say, this is hubris and folly. Perhaps, if one strove to create only an agency of accreditation, then this would be worthwhile, but I had certainly not imagined that to be the main purpose of that agency; for I have seen it done many ways, each quite adequately, and I have seen powers that defy categories by their very nature, chaotic and inconstant.

“Instead, I was anticipating an agency for sharing of information and counsel, rather than for testing and categorising…”

She turned her gaze upon Belcameron, applying a touch of thought-speech, a completely non-invasive (or rather, it was impossible to use aggressively; those using it could reveal as much of their minds as they desired) form of telepathy, ‘I would not be too hard upon them. They doubtless have their reasons for overbearing pride. I too am an elf though perhaps of a different species, they may be elves, but their arrogance must come from somewhere she turned to Nirtaen next, speaking aloud to this elf, “I would be honoured if you would join me,” she said, nodding to a chair – intact, of course – next to her, “To my mind, this particular council appears to be hampered by a poor concept of what it should do. Perhaps you could enlighten us by telling of what you seek here?”

"Well well well... It seems I've missed quite a bit of the formation of this Wizard's Council..." A voice, barely above a hoarse whisper resounded resounded nearby, continuing to grow louder, as it seemed to gather form, "Though I never imagined that the formation of a Council made up of such powerful wielders of magic would bring so much attention to themselves..."

With that, the being's physical manifestation finally presented itself, as a parcel of grass sprouted nearby, immediately drying up and being replaced by a red viscous liquid. Rising from this, the delegate from Antanjyl stood, roughly seven feet tall, and completely obscured in a billowing black robe, studded with rubies and a myriad of other symbols of earthly wealth. Underneath the shadows of his hood was a fanged sneer, as its reddish, subtly glowing eyes suddenly became white as the pool of blood slowly disappeared under the robe, leaving nothing behind but a patch of blasted, cracked earth.

"The beings of Antanjyl would like to have some part in this... Wizard's Council, as well. For we are people that value knowledge of the macabre and magic to a much higher degree than those with weaker constitutions." He then placed a clawed hand outward, the spines on his arm still caked with some dried blood, "I am representative Galf, at your service... It is a pleasure to meet such... Esteemed beings."

Nirtaen glanced over at Galvendor and bowed her head apologetically. "I...apologize. I was still in battle state of mind when I entered this meeting, and I also do not take such slights against my people lightly, especially when one of the very things he was criticizing me on was something I just supported. As for what you speak of, I am in agreement. Magic is a delicate thing, and it takes a delicate hand to see it come to its full fruition." She bowed to Galvenor again and took her seat again. She listened as Cara countered the Magekiler's words and some other figure took the abominable creature from the council room. Nirtaen breathed a bit easier with his absence; she would have been hard-pressed to fight him off if the situation had called for it. She would probably have died trying to fight him, at the level she was at. She noted that she would need to consult with Lahuan to establish some kind of counter to his ability, and those of his kind.

The words of Cara sounded throughout the chamber and Nirtaen smiled. This was such an innocent being, she couldn't have imagined that any still existed in such a dark and unforgiving world. Her ideas were on par with Nirtaens, and she even added a new part by adding in the part of a neutral second party and volunteering herself up for a task. "What you say makes sense, Lady Cara. I do wish for Galvenor's idea to come to pass, to have teachers instruct their pupils on a careful slope of learning, and to ensure they do not go too quickly. However, a second party would be a good idea, and I do not see why you cannot be that such party. Now, I would like to see maybe some other candidates in that party, so its not just up to one person and we can have different opinions on it." Then she heard the quiet representative of the C'tan speak up, and a wry grin appeared on her face as she spoke.

"Indeed, I'm rather interested in the other types of magic than in how much power my adepts can gain. I care little for power, and so do those in the Brotherhood of Knowledge, whom are the ones attending this school, along with the Emperor's guard, if we make something Atanarr can enter. Power is an ever-changing thing; we only have to look at the relations between nations and the politics to see this. Great empires rise and fall over time, fortunes change. A nation could be poor and destitute, the slave of all other countries, and then suddenly, it can become the epitome and beauty in the world. It is never a secure thing, and quite frankly, those I have seen focus on power turn to evil. However, I think it is in part that we are discussing parts of the council and what we will do here. We are still in the brainstorming stage, so we need people to speak up and say their ideas. I mostly am here to give a few comments and ensure that my people's interests are served in this endeavor. Not in a political way; just that our secrets are kept and our culture safe."

When Golloriel offered her a chair next to her, Nirtaen turned to gaze at her, her elven eyes carefully reassessing this previously quiet elf. She had been quite surprised to see another elf, from another nation no less, but with everyone coming from different worlds, she had to expect this. Respect for this Golloriel began to grow in the high mage's mind. "I am honored, my lady, and I will gladly take it." She stood up and walked over, sitting down with a respectful nod to the other elf. When Nirtaen was asked by her on what she felt she wanted, she coughed a little.

"Well...I didn't really want to speak up as my people's view on this is very different, and I am rather...new and young when compared to many of you, it is obvious. But, since you asked...." She closed her eyes, took a breath and then began to talk.

"Well, to start off, I came here at the bidding of the god I worship: Lahuan, the Elven God of Knowledge. He is the patron of all mages in Atanarr, and he is the one who, through Caharc, caused the Brotherhood to form in the first place. He told me that a council was reforming, one that was to be a group of magic-wielding nations from many worlds that was to allow for the sharing of knowledge and a place to gather the knowledge, which we choose to give, from each nation to ease the task of the council to train new mages. So, essentially I thought, a forum for us to speak about magic and all the different forms, which have been shown already thanks to our disputes and the arrival of that beast. And it was to be an academy of sorts, where our people can go and branch out, to learn new magics which nations choose to share and therefore increasing our knowledge of magic even further. Although, as a side note, we must be careful as the rules and limitations the gods have set upon each of our people's may restrict us from using certain magics or skills. My own people, for example, mostly use magic in tending to the forests we live in, our cities, and to control the elements so as to better support our people. If we must go to war, we have developed abilities for that, but it is more important that we find ways to protect nature and work with nature to better help our people. At least, that is how my people feel about magic, although much of our magic is elemental magic.

Now, so far I have seen an emphasis on combat, who has more tragedy in their life, and basically who was stronger in magic as the argument between some of us has shown." She paused a moment to let them think about the ones she was talking about. "And, as said previously by several of our number, the first articles that were the relics of the previous time were quite ridiculous and needed to be changed. So, we worked on them. However....we haven't done much working. Joram and James over there have done some talking and making ideas, as did the Magekiller. Now, we need to discuss amongst ourselves, like civilized and intelligent beings, what we think of these, do we want them or not, and what we REALLY seek in this Council. I will flat out say I do not wish for an alliance; I have had enough of the tangles of politics back home, I do not wish for it to be extended to here. In a sense, this Council can serve as a quiet haven for those with special powers in magic and other skills to come here, safely learn their skills, discuss theories and idea s of magic with others, from seers to wizards, from summoners to alchemists, on ideas ranging from the intricacies of the second sight (seers ability in my world), or the flowing nature of elemental magic. They can be taught here, and be allowed to teach here. I see this place as where new ideas can flourish and grow, and allow us to constantly push the bar, safely, of magic and discover new ideas. We can, if we do this right, cause a Golden Age of magical thought and reason. However, we must first decide on the proper way to do this, and the focus should not be on power, on gaining rank, but on the proper ways to teach, what to be taught, how knowledge shall be distributed, how we shall set up the forum for discussing magic and how everyone will be represented, how we shall share magical knowledge and to what extent we should give freely so as not to give knowledge that less-trained individuals cannot handle. To say it simply, Lady Golloriel, I see this as a forum for free thought on magic, and as a place where beings can safely learn, practice, and ply their craft, and create new theories in which we all can benefit. That is what I would like to see, and what I believe this Council should focus on."

Nirtaen sat down, feeling suddenly exhausted from being so passionate and elaborate in trying to show her feelings for magic and what she think should be done.

"If I might make a suggustion?" asked a black haired woman with alluring black eyes that seemed to draw one in with their warmth and beauty while contrasting with her incredibly smooth milky skin. Her lips sparkled like a Ruby.
Her Dress, was completly black and hugged every sensuous curve on her beautiful tempting body. However, that wasn't the most interesting feature about her, she had three sets of arms.
One held a wooden staff beset with many rare jewels, that was her top right arm, it's parter, her top left arm, was holding a clipboard.

The Middle pair were busy writing something on paper.

The bottom right was holding an inkwell, and the bottom left was assisting the middle left with holding the sheet down.

"Where did you come from, for that matter, when?" Cara asked.
"Me? oh I came from about one hour in the future, from outside the buildings when Ziz flew over the castle looking for Behemoth. It's going to be quite windy, you better go get cracking on those protection spells you keep not casting. Ziz could knock the whole darn castle over if you don't get something up to reduce the wind effeciency. In another couple of Days I'm certain Leviathan will be stirring in the Ocean depths, and after that, it won't be long until Phoenix returns. You know how protective The Four Primal Lords are over their lands. We're too far from the cities to be counted in a civilised area that they would stay away from." Jiralyn said.
"Oh fine, if your going to nag me about it." Cara said, and she stalked off to reset the protective spells about the council lands.
"I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Jiralyn Arachnian, owner and Ceo of Entropia LTD, on Earth. I'm also an Arachnian, from a whole other reality. I like this one better. I came because someone wanted to meet others Cara thought might be suitable in giving tests, so she called me down. Now, most of them will vary according to situation, but she thought I might be a good regular, because unlike Magekillers, I'm not bloodthirsty, and so can easily hold my own without trying to do more harm than good, for those whose powers require a battle to truely test. Even still, I know my way around an Alchemy lab, and a potion laboratory, for testing. I'm also an expert at Magiscience and could possibly talk Archwizard Xrus into instructing others about The Void, both as an Element, and as a Place. I seem to have an interesting thread in The Tapestry of Fate, all of which, I already know, so for testing seers, that's one thing out of the way. As well, I know of other ways to test them, such as having a member of the Destrudo Shadow-walker Clan pop in and out of various shadows and having said student accuratly predict which one he or she will pop out of. I heard about what happened earlier. It causes a Civil War in Warhaven, which causes the Clans to split apart into seperate clans with diffrent goals. That Destrudo becomes nothing more than a bad example of what a modern Magekiller is. You've only met one, so I hope you'll trust me. Anyways I'm getting off track here.
The point is, I know alot of things, and can easily tell if someone's actually learned what they said they learned.

But I really don't like schools that emphasise on tests alone, that could really do more harm than good. But surely the teachers will be wise enough to make the emphasis more on the actual learning, and not the tests, which really should be nothing more than an After thought.

But that's not really why I'm still talking, I just have trouble switching all five of my minds to the next subject uniformally. I'm almost there trust me. In the meantime I have to ramble on about what I am.
An Arachnian is called so because we have the body of a large eight foot spider. Like most species our races are defined by what species we possess. I happen to be a rare Black Widow Arachnian. The place where our heads should by is actually where a human like Torso begins. I really have eight legs but I'm only showing two of them. The left front, and the right back. I learned early on when in human disguise not to use the two front ones, I keep falling over backwards. Same with the two backs. The middle ones done evenly support my hidden size, so I have to do it like that. Now, I really do have three pairs of arms and hands, and instead of hair, we have four-eight smaller snake like necks which lead to an equal number of heads as there are necks. On top of those heads are Medusa style Snake hairs. I have four, which is why I have five minds and have trouble switching subjects. We do not have skin, niether human like, or spider like, every square inch of our bodies is covered in Dragon Scale. At full heighth I'm nearly thirty feet, but am also a terror to behold, so outside of my own reality, I take a Human Disguise. I wish I had come in earlier. Magekillers are crunchy and delicous. Not that I regularly eat people, just the irritating ones that nobody likes anyway.

Okay, now to my final subject, the rules of operation.

It sounds like you want:
1) The Wizards' Council shall be a place of study and learning, both Academically, and otherwise.

2) All those present on Council grounds shall conduct themselves with a modecum of decency and respect for one another.

3) no one shall attack each other unless previously agreed upon, such as a class, or a sparring section.

See, one makes it both a school, and a Library of sorts, where one can just see what the other guy has and can do. I guess the term University would be better, because that's what it reminds me of, a University. You know how many of them do research and study on real problems, not just pretend ones. Not pretend, what's that word I'm looking for, Theoretical, yes, that's right, theoretical. I mean, you can learn all about the diffrent types, powers, methods and everything to your hearts content, and if someone needs actual instruction, why we've got that too. I believe that generally solves everyone's wants.

Two prevents another Destrudo from happening. It's probably why Cara and Drithzel kept incesting on some form of common decency and respect. At least more than Destrudo showed.

Three does nearly the same thing, but allows for hands on instruction if neccessary, and sometimes hey nothing but a good punch in the face will get your problem solved. Though I would hope it was saved as a last resort.

I would mention punishment, but really I'm not good at it. Somebody else should do it. It's not an actual operating guideline, but it is a suggustive start. But there are otherthings that should probably be solved before we get to making into an actual operating guideline. Jiralyn said.
Drithzel's eyes had long since glazed over, he almost fell asleep, she wouldn't stop talking!
"Oh! your finished?"
"Hey, I don't talk that long." Jiralyn said.
"I cast the protective spells, and had time to completly regenerate my energy." Cara said as she slipped back into the room.
"Sorry, I just have trouble focusing five individual yet linked minds." she said.

Joshua's face, nearly white as a sheet began to regain color once Destrudo was gone. "I'm glad he's gone and thank you Jiralyn for coming back here to inform us of this Ziz. I don't suppose someone could give us a little more information on him, could they? From the sound of it he's powerful, but that's all I got. And Cara, will these protection spells hold out against such an enemy? If not, we will need other defenses, which wouldn't hurt to have ready anyway."

"I university i think is the best suited thing, We all seem to need a lesson in eachothers abilities without passing quick and premature Judgement." I look over to the Elves in the room.

"I apologise for my last statement, yes it was arrogant. But nomatter the root of your power...to be honest I dont really care how your races got your different powers because thats in the pass and irrelevent, We got our powers from the Accidental death of a God. But i do not boast that it makes me any more surperior then you?"

"The Phenixican range of magic is only such of Fire and Healing, just like the Phoenix itself. Only a few of us can claim to master water and other elements. In the end you can say, we are simply Fire Wielders" I blink my eyes and for 4 seconds they burn with a blood red blaze and I blink again and it goes away.

"In some ways you can call us masters of fire"

"well, Behemoth is the Great beast of Land, Leviathan is the Great Beast of Water, and Pheonix is the Grea Beast of Fire. Ziz is the least known. Ziz is the Great Beast of The Sky, a Bird so great in size it's wings block out the sun itself, it is the largest flying creature in existence, and is indeed larger than many flying machines. Don't worry, the spells are more than Adequate. In addition to other things, they convince The Primal Lords not to come through this area for one reason or another, at least, not to come close to the castle. In Ziz's Case, it convinces her not to land on the castle. It also prevents them from attacking us at the same time. So, let's forget this discussion of Giant beasts and return to the matter at hand.

Jiralyn's proposals seem like a decent start, and we may never completly agree, That's why I suggust we accept them at Face value, and add in a part about the ability to alter it in any way, that way if we think of something to add to it later, you know, we have it, that we we can move onto more important matters, like setting this school up." Cara said.

"Maybe breaking for lunch." Drithzel said.

OOC: Ziz comes from Jewish Mythology, like the others come from other Mythologies.

Nirtaen glanced at the newcomer with more arms than the beings sitting around the table had, and began to ramble off about several things, her mind going this way and that as she had several minds and it was hard to focus them all. The High Mage of Atanarr could only shake her head as she listened to this being. She was truly an interesting one, and this Warhaven was indeed an interesting place. She would indeed like to spend more time here and to investigate the opening paths of magic that could be opened to the elves....and to decide if they were safe enough for their culture. As much as she craved knowledge and wanted to learn new things, some ways of magic would destroy their culture as they knew it, and make them become what they didn't want to be. As such, she had to be careful.

"Those three sound like good principles to have, but we can still discuss them, and should if any of us have disagreements. That is the best way to get all disagreements out of the way and to make this as unified as possible." She saw the prince look over at her and continue to talk about power, and she held back an exasperated sigh. For one who was decrying the contest of power that had been going on, he sure kept talking about it. "It is alright. But, seriously, I could care less about power, and would like to move on from the subject. We all have, so let's talk about the Council and the university we are planning, the forum for knowledge."

She looked back at Cara as she mentioned the primal lords. "Well, as long as this place is kept safe, I don't see why we should worry too much about the Primal Lords; besides, they sound like as if they are part of this world, and we do not want to kill something that is part of nature. However, Cara" She turned to look at the innocent being, and continued. ", I disagree with this haste of yours to move on. We have all the time in the world to talk about this, and haste is fatal in this kind of situation. We want to flesh out what we want, from all of us seeing as only a few of us have spoken, and assure we have the common will of everyone in the principles, and that we have the consensus. I understand we all want the fruition of our efforts to come to a head, but we cannot be so hasty as to not set the foundations and make them strong. If we make them weak, they can collapse and everything we have worked hard for will crumble to ash."

"Well now" said El'Hilth "I think one of the only things we can truly agree on is that we will all never agree completly on every thing. By the way I am sorry that I have not introduced myself properly, I am El'Hilth high seer to the Kath'Crith or people's king of Kath'Jal or people's land. This is only an astral projection of myself for those whom did not pick up on that. I along with my collages in the other schools of kathen magic shall teleport there as soon as we can, but for not I shall act as the Kath'Jal's repesenitive."

The robed creature stood there and nodded, thinking over what the strange spider woman was talking about, along with the responses coming from all around him, concentrating on what the elf was saying. True, there were other, more extraordinary creatures present, but it was such a long time since the elves of his homeland had been purged, along with the landscape there, that he had forgotten quite how strongly their zeal for the natural world was. Quietly, he cleared his throat, tossing back the hood, wafting up the scent of a spice cupboard into the room, no doubt an attempt made to put the others at ease.

"I must say, madam Cara..." He said quietly, turning his heavily ridged, face towards her own, "I too, agree with the three rules put forth by you. This is a Council and a place of learning, not a place for barbarism and intolerance." His eyes then quietly turned towards Nirtaen, "Generally speaking though, the more time we spend on the planning stages, the longer this little haven of ours can hope to last. For one thing, I would like to know what your people here even consider Forbidden Magic." He said, putting the last part with some emphasis, as he almost seemed to smile, "Surely, true knowledge can only come from exploring all the realms of magic... Good and Evil, Natural and Unnatural, Light and Shadow, or even Life and Death... Though perhaps my own reasoning is somehow wrong?"

There was a slight pause, as he awaited an answer, before continuing, "The lands I come from have their own Gods as well, though perhaps some of them are more like these Primal Lords of yours? I almost mistook Jiralyn as a spawn of Rungvie or Zephyros when first seeing her, to be quite honest... No offense meant by this, of course." He then quietly bowed to the Arachnian, quietly moving back into the shadows of the room as he adjusted a length of large bulbous beads around his neck, "I would love to learn more about your own Gods as well, as the topic of which has always been one of great interest to me..." With that, his voice trailed off, and his form slowly became that of a mere silhouette, as the shadows intensified around, defensively darkening so close to a being such as Cara. There was something off-putting to him that such a dangerous being as she held such a position in this Council.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/Kutulmak/galf.gif
Emperor Galf

"The Forbidden Magics, are the most destructive spells ever attained by any being in magic, such as Xos Xilanthes's Energy Flare. It not only produces an explosion twice as powerful as a bomb known as The Tsar Bomba, but it leaves behind a Radioactive Wasteland, and anything that can possibly withstand that, is effected by the Biohazards that infect the area.
By the way, I can cast Energy Flare if I so choose, and remove the possibility of life on this world. I learned it, because I scaled The Tower of The Magi-masters, and gained their tome." Cara said.

"As for The Primal Lords, They are indeed a part of nature, and protect it, as our nations militaries protect our respective homelands, but they are not gods. The Warhaven Pantheon of dieties allows for the existence of many, and used to contain many, but for now there are only two we know of to still be around in The Second Existence.

the first is as far beyond The Gods, as The gods are beyond Mortals, beyond even The Avatars of The Multi-verse. There is no way to ascend to this level, except to join with this entity. The Omni-source, The one true original source of all things. No one has ever seen Omni's true form, all anyone ever sees, is the great Golden White Light that emits from Omni. The very same light I glow with, for My spirit was made from the very smallest portion of Omni's spirit, in the ame manner you can take a glass down to Riptides Famous freshwater ocean and take a small portion, but even that would comparitivly be more of Omni's soul then I have, even less than half of a droplet. It is why I am a being of Pure light. In a fashion, Omnisource is my true father.

The other God in our Pantheon is Kajeenith, The Mad God of Darkness. Known also as The Spirit of Nothingness, The Great Devourer, The end of All things, The Darkness. He is the Polar opposite of Omnisource, for just as Omni is Creation, Kajeenith is uncreation. He used to desire to destroy everything, even before it's time. But then he met me, and for reasons not even I or he understands, Adopted me and changed. Now he is merely content to sit back and let things become uncreated when it is their time. He knows he will win eventually, even if he must wait beyond the end of time itself for his victory, for Everything must end, eventually.

He's the one that took Destrudo from the room. I can summon him if you want." Cara said brightly.

The wind began to pick up outside.

"However, I must ask, why do you seem so defensive? Have I done something to you that you should protect yourself?" she asked.

OOC: Omnisource is not a Character, nor an NPC. The closest I ever come, is a messenger, or a prophet.

Kajeenith, I'm trying not to use, especially here, now, if you want me to have him make an appearance, I'd be happy to. But no powers, unless I'm forced into such a position.

"Cara," Joshua said. "Your brand of forbidden magic is a bit different than that of what I've learned. My magic cannot use the flares you've shown and talked about, though with work, it is possible to raise the dead. That is our forbidden magic because it alters the path of life. If a person dies, they were meant to die at that point. And although we are capable of creating something that looks identical, but soulless, it has a high cost. Sometimes that cost is a limb or organs, sometimes it's our life. Though our own laws prevent us from turning lead to gold, nature itself halts us from messing with the balance of life and death without consequences."

"There are many ways to do a ressurection." Cara said.

While she went on to explain how non-magic medicene also housed Ressurection, in many diffrent styles, and technologies, the light outside the window began to act funny.

First it would grow really dark, but only for a moment, and then it would grow light again, and then dark. It was too regular to be clouds, and too dark to be light clouds. The more it got dark, the darker it got.

It's wings are so great, they can block out the sun itself Now perhaps, that line made more sense than before.

CRAW!

The Cry came bellowing in through the walls, as though a bird outside had gained access to a Megaphone.

Anyone outside, could see Ziz's great shape over the Horizon. It would still take some time to pass.

By now the winds had picked up even more considerably than earlier, and was like those found in a Tempest.

Cara had assured them the enchantments were strong enough to protect from the winds, but was she right?

OOC: Ziz's passage is going to be a mainstay in my posts for quite awhile.

"I believe Ziz is here." Joshua said plainly. "Assuming the spells hold, we may as well continue the discussion, no?" He looked around for signs of rejection to the idea. "Cara, while I know there are ways other than my magic to resurrect someone, my magic forbids it. I was just making a point, that's all. We should really try to figure out what all we have left to do."

Yendor yawned gently, raising his hand to cover his mouth as he did. "I guess that makes it my turn," he said. He closed his eyes and raised his hand. Softly, his body began to glow. As he did, the light from outside dimmed.

"There," he said. "I increased the density of the space outside the grounds to the point where it acts as a shield." And he had. It looked to all the world as if a series of cubes of immaterial had darkened around the tower and its grounds. Anything laying against it merely stayed there. It was inert. "I'm sure the creature can break through...eventually...but we should be able to continue our meeting in peace for a while. And the leviathan will not be harmed, either. Oh--and the shielding effect ends at the ground. The air will circulate. We will not become unable to breathe." He lowered his hand back to his lap. Perhaps the other spells will be adequate, he thought, but this will back them up--just in case.

"For what it's worth, my world has no grand wizardry. We merely have wild magic that we are attempting to tame. I have developed a method or organizing spells, and discovered basic magics from which more advanced spells derive. I am in many ways a pioneer. Nonetheless, there are some magics that I try to stay clear of. There are several classes of spell that alter the caster, changing him in ways that no one, least of all him, can predict. Some of these are your classic Black Magics--youth spells that consume the years of a victim to grant them to the victimizer, for example. More than the youth is transferred with the spell. It alters the caster's character. Therefor, I will not use it, and recommend that no others do as well."

"A creature such as myself is not so accustomed to such a brilliant light, having spent so many weeks prior to my arrival studying... in my laboratories..." He says from the shadows, smiling to himself as he places one clawed limb over the other, clasping them, "Kajeenith sounds like quite an interesting... entity, but I have my own deity, and should the Lord of The Pits. I would not want to become involved with far too many deities of destruction, entropy, and evil. I am positive that you understand."

Upon hearing the flapping, Galf's eyes reddened and began to focus on the windows outside, as some shuffling towards the back of his robe echoed forth from the shadows. Upon noticing everyone's attempts to protect their meeting place, he himself merely leaned back against the wall and waited. He would not attempt to appear showy, and was not in the habit of sharing any magical knowledge, at least until the Council was completely formed.

"In any other case, Forbidden Magic always has a negative impact, on either the user or their environment... From what you all seem to say. Though a blasted landscape is a small price to pay... For insight into the deeper reaches of the universe. We have a sparse array of spells which are generally considered Forbidden, mostly entailing the summoning of uncontrollable, mindless creatures, along with any magic which directly impacts the soul itself... Whether to seal or devour." He said quietly, pausing a moment as his mind drifted back to the very spells he was discussing, "Though even these rules have been put aside at times, if the benefit is considered worth it."

"Is that not always so though? Laws are always put aside when the risk is deemed worth it, but that too, is another law."

"Now, we have the basics, We're a university, behave yourself, and don't be an ass and attack someone unwarrentedly. I guess the next section would be what if someone breaks these laws? Surely a sort of court should be set up to hear the case of what the offender did, and decide punishment on a case by case basis." Cara said.

out of respect for those uncomfortable with her glow, she cut it out, completly. She waved a hand, and the walls disappeared, to witness the spectical of Ziz flying by. They were still there, they just went unseen.

Ziz was large, and black, even her beak was black, and looked like a cross between a Crow, and a Raven. Great cyclones twisted about beneath her, as though many tornados had joined to become a Hurricane. Trees were bending and twisting with the wind, as Water was driven about by the Wind.

OOC: Oh, about seven more posts till she reaches the castle.

"Punishment must be severe. Simple warnings, detention, or expulsion are not enough. A student that feels himself wronged by expulsion may return seeking vengeance. If a student commits a greivous enough infraction, I submit that banisment, binding, and the most extreme cases death, are all extreme punishments which must be considered in certain, also extreme circumstances. I do not advocate the death of minor miscreants, in that case regular punishments are most assuredly preferable, but if a student maliciously kills another, or maims another, or in some way causes such extreme injury as to be crippling, then more harsh penalties must be considered."

"I believe we should hold the same punishments for any teachers that commits these same infractions."

"They should be brought before a gathering of the department heads and have their case presented. If they are to be found their actions were wrong, they should suffer the same punishment. If it is a Department Head, that would mean we the Council itself are the ones that would hear the case."

"Sure, Sure, but what about very minor infractions, small cases that do not warrent excessive punishment? What about when someone does not know the rules?" Cara asked.

"It almost feels like a governing body," Yendor said with a wry grin. "Only, it is one that refuses to govern."

-----------------

OOC: Only two more posts to go... :) :) :)

Joshua spoke, his voice stern, but understanding. "These rules are rules of the council and the school in general. Yes, it is a good idea to set up a court and it is, in some cases, right to bansih, but not every case needs such extreme measures. We will also need bylaws for the school, the council, and the various other bodies we set up such as the court. I believe a warning should be the first thing to go with though because there are some people that learn from mistakes and problems. If given a warning, many people will halt the forbidden activity and we won't have to worry about finding a replacement or them seaking vengance.
"Breaking the bylaws should be dealt with less severely than the code, but if something warrents expulsion or banishment, by all means I'm not forbidding it. Insubordination against a staff memeber for example should not result in banishment or expulsion before a detention or warning. One thing I am firmly against however is capital punishment without warrent. I support that only under the condition that the person has murdered another individual."

"Perhaps," interjected Galvenor, "only the Council itself can be the only body that can try those who commit the worst crimes and they are also to be the only body which can hand out the most strict of punishments such as Banishment or Death."

"The regular teachers would be able to handle normal disciplinary actions while the Deans of their particular department would handle the next step of severity. The most severe infractions would then be taken the next step higher to an assembly of all the department heads and the Chancellor for the school. The final and highest step would be to appear before the High Council itself. A simple hierarchy based both upon authority of the ‘judges’ and the severity of the crime. I also suggest each crime be handled separately so there is not a simple predictable consequence because Magic itself could be used in any way so they circumstances varies too greatly.”

Joshua mulled this over before a small smile crept across his face. "Simple, but effective. I like it. Does your system allow appeals though or is whoever passes judgement's say final?"

Cara was listenening, but was also watching Ziz. As the time passed Ziz got closer. Suddenly, without warning, Ziz landed and the wind abated.

As the walls were invisible, this was a fact anyone could see.

Ziz looked at the castle curiously, turning her head this way and that.

She could see the castle, the walls only being invisible from the inside.
She couldn't remember what this was. She knew it was poisonus, but she didn't quite know how.

She pecked at the ground, as though getting some colossal worm.

CRAW!
She said. Though she only spoke normally, her voice was great indeed.
The land had awakened, she had to find him.

She hopped about to the same spot Behemoth died in, and pecked it to.
CRAW!
She said, turning, and taking to the skies again kicking up a great wind in the process.

Without further incident, she left, flying over a nearby Volcano, and disappearing. Smoke was curling out of it's top, and would for several days.

"I think tomorrow I shall go ask the lords if we can study them." Cara said absentmindedly.

It seemed a lull had been reached in the conversation, and as it was reached, a gentle chime sounded as the walls faded back in. Billions of Nanites swarmed together to form a Radiobroadcasting device.

"It is now Solar Noon. Weather for The Wizard's Council area indicates a pleasant sunny day. UV rays from Oceanstar have been reduced fifty Percent for your pleasure. Clouds remain scattered, with a ceiling of seven thousand feet. A breeze stirs from the south, southwest blowing at 15 Miles per Hour.
Tonight Starfire will be full, with a new Hellfire for tonight, and a waxing Hellfire tomorrow night, with Starfire going into a Waning effect.
Overnight lows will reach fifty Degrees Farenheight, and tomorrow will begin with a blanket of fog.
It is now 18:01, please enjoy the remaining Seventeen hours 59 minutes of your day. This has been The Warhaven Interplanetary Weather Service, goodbye." The Radio Broadcasting Device said, then dissolved once more into Billions of Nanites that faded into the air, going back to their normal inactivity.

"Wait, we have Nanites? Well shucks, why wasn't a list of this stuff left lying around where anyone could find it? Now I guess I'll have to spend a day or two trying to figure out the Master Password to get them to work again." Cara said.

"Speaking of Solar Noon, perhaps a break is in order to refresh ourselves, maybe order in some lunch." Drithzel suggusted.

Joshua was still trying to process the information from the broadcast when he heard about the idea of lunch. "Lunch sounds good, what bugs me is the 36 hour day. That's going to take some getting used to. And Cara, what are the odds that Ziz knows of a way to resurect Behemoth but went for help to do so? If that's the case, then our shielding might not help us when it's resurected, half it's ashes are located underneath where we stand."

"Behemoth is not dead. As the only empowered Primal lord, it is Behemoth King, not just Behemoth. Ziz seeks Behemoth King to regain her lost powers as well. When she's at full strength, her plumage is beautiful, for Rainbows of many color schemes dance accross her feathers. That will cause Leviathan to awaken. Ziz will fly out to the oceans, and carry the Mighty serpant into the sky, where he will once again fully regain the might of the oceans, and grow from a wee little foot long water snake to the fearsome Miles long serpant of legends.

He will then swim through a massive underground river, through yon smoking Volcano, where he will rise, just for a moment, and reawaken and Empower once more Phoenix, The Mighty Firebird. Then he will hurridly leave before The Magma rises sealing the river and killing him.

Normally they are at odds with one another, but we've noticed they almost have a sort of friendship and alliance with one another. Sort of like their each other's best friend and worst enemy at the same time." Cara said, while projecting an illusion of what she foretold. It switched, to where Behemoth currently was, lying in a massive cave, looking contendedly out over the landscape. He had indeed been killed by the blast, but no one ensured to cast a spell that would keep him dead, so he self-ressurected, absorbed the magic, became Behemoth king, and teleported away, knowing he had been beaten.

"Now, the question remains, what would you like for lunch? I could bring in the menu, after I find a Dolly to wheel in the box containing the complete 36 volume lunch menu. History records that the Slivers that once inhabited the world were very meticulous about everything they did, and once they ran accross a recipe, they kept it. Eventually they developed and ran accross so many recipes, that they wrote them all in two diffrent massive encyclopedia sets. The smaller set was merely the Menus. The Larger set took up an entire library and contained all the recipies they new of.
So, with that in mind, just tell the ghostly servants waiting silently in the wings what you want." Cara said, and at the mention of Ghostly Servants, The enchantment activated, and Ghostly Servants formed.

"A lunch sounds great, it will give me and my colleges a chance to get hear in person." Said the astral projection of El'Hilth, and with that the image of the mantis man faded out.

"Ah, lunch already?" Galf said quietly, as he finally lowered the darkness around him, having waited between now and Cara's lowering of it, to give himself some much needed time to think about the current affair. The members of this Council seemed to have more than a few different ideas on the best way to teach a student, and if they weren't willing to push their students well past the breaking point, and reforge the pieces into something more useful...

Galf shook his head for a moment, "Though I am sure these Slithers may have something that I myself could find palpable..." He then moved forward towards the table and sat down, scratching a clawed hand against the table in front of him, "...I can't help wondering if its worth the trouble? Ah well... I shall have a year old goat, charred slightly, but raw in the center, garnished with mandrake root, persimmons, and gold leaf. I would also like sheep brains baked in a salted crust. As for my soup, I would like a soup of human viscera, root vegetables, and some coarsely chopped bones." By this point, Galf was visibly salivating at the thought of these ghosts actually bringing him such a lunch, as his reddened eyes suddenly lit up, as he leaned back in his chair, "Ah, and I'd like cocktail of sixty percent red wine, thirty percent high grade sake, topped off with ten percent of mercury. I'd like it pipping hot, if you would be so kind."

With food on his mind, Galf finally relaxed and looked over at Cara, as he gave what appeared to be a smile at her, though in reality it gave the appearance of an almost impish sneer, "Cara, these Primal Lords of yours... How is it that you are so able to speak and bond with beings of such evil and destruction? Perhaps you are hiding something from the rest of us? A dark seed perhaps, or are you simply a masterful manipulator, whose strings upon us I've yet to have noticed?"

Joshua, slightly sick after hearing the soup ordered, asked for grilled fish on a bed of pasta with a cream sauce he hadn't had in years with a small glass of red wine. "I don't much like how things are going with these primal lords. Though I'm curious, Cara, as to how you know so much without leaving the room except to redo the spells that protect us. Though if you are correct, there could be a power struggle forming. With Behemoth in a new, stronger state as Behemoth King, Ziz and the others should be less powerful than he is. I fear we may be in over our heads."

Joshua, slightly sick after hearing the soup ordered, asked for grilled fish on a bed of pasta with a cream sauce he hadn't had in years with a small glass of red wine. "I don't much like how things are going with these primal lords. Though I'm curious, Cara, as to how you know so much without leaving the room except to redo the spells that protect us. Though if you are correct, there could be a power struggle forming. With Behemoth in a new, stronger state as Behemoth King, Ziz and the others should be less powerful than he is. I fear we may be in over our heads."

"I disagree. We are only in over our heads if we assume to be so. Otherwise we are solidly planted, and ready to react to any threat. Weakness is a condition of the mind above all else."

"Just a moment." Cara said. She left the room.

"Well, I for one would like a Great White Shark. Live if you don't mind. I'll take it in the Aquatic species Dwelling section." Drithzel said.
With that he left.

"You wouldn't happen to have any Holstein Flys would you?" Jiralyn asked.
The ghostly servant, unable to speak, gestured it's confusion.
"You know, giant flies, about the size of most bovine and buffalo, Reffered to as Holsteins because their markings are much like those of a Holstein cow?" she said, drescribing the fly she wanted.

The servants all gathered to think about that one, Then nodded in the positive.

"Good, I need a dark damp room, this, disguise, grows wearisome." Jiralyn said as she left following a servant.

Then Cara returned holding a tome. It appeared to be made entirely of Mythril, somehow changed from metal to fabric, that had a touch similar to tht of Cotton woven in together with Satin and Silk. The Pages each seemed to be made of Gold, similarly treated, and the lock was complex enough to make even a master theif wonder if he could actually pick such a thing, being made of multiple gears, levers, and more advanced interfaces.

"Now, to answer your question. I assume that on your world, you would know much of it too. I am not after all, uneducated, and even that which my schooling could not provide, I learned from this artifact I earned by climbing The Tower of The Magi-masters. It is Their tome, The Tome of The Magi-masters. I am the only being to have earned the right to look at it and read it's contents, for even if I were to open it and show it to you, you would see only blank pages." Cara said. Time disrupted around her to such a degree that it was impossible to see what was going on, even by a master Time Mage, it was one of the defences of the book itself.
Time returned to normal, and she had the book open. All in all, it lasted only the span of a single second. She showed the pages to one and all indicating that she was not lying.

"Besides that, I used a simple divination spell to show where they are currently. What is about to happen has happened before in the past, in exactly the same manner as the turning of the seasons. Spring has always happened before, and contains no surprises, except for the first time spring came, but that ws at the beginning of time, and is of no conserquence to the current discussion.

We've studied them, we've watched them, we've learned the beginnings of their natural habits. Each time they always share their power. Nature balances itself easily. Maybe on other worlds, or in other realities they might fight for dominance and power, but not here, at least not for another month or two. Its just the way things are, like day and night, the sun always shines at daytime, it's just the way things are. I'm not saying there aren't exceptions to the rule, but with study one finds there are additional rules that govern such exceptions. It's like Xos wrote here." Cara said, turning to the proper page to read what he wrote, however when she placed her hand on the book, holding it, she flashed and disappeared, taking the book with her! In her place was the very entity she had just mentioned by name.
Xos patted himself down. He had great Arcane tattoos on his skin, signs that he had used his magic that much and that often, as to simply naturally develop them. He was in his white robes marked with both Arcane and Scientific symbols.

"Well, that answers that question. Now Cara, Take your hand off the book honey, I'm not supposed to be here. I became part of Omnisource, I'm supposed to be beyond all this in paradise, dwelling in eternal joy at being forever in Omni's presence. Despite sounding a bit corny it really is as described." Xos said, speaking to the group.

He sat there, drumming his fingers on the table.

"Anyways, I heard what she was talking about, she did have the book in the room after all. Pleasure to see you again Galvenor old buddy. If your worried about the four beasts, their usually on the other side of the world, contesting the wild lands over there, this side is too populated with innocents. we never quite discovered what keeps them from attacking civilised areas, but all the same they don't. This was of course before The Warhaven Empire formed at the end of The First Existence. I'll have to ask Omni later, even if only to satisfy my own curiosity, It won't do you any good of course, but hopefully that will satisfy you. Oh yes, despite being Five hundred miles from any town, they still don't attack here. Something was done when this was built." Xos said, he was about to say what it was, but then he disappeared. Now both Cara and Xos were gone.

OOC: The tome of The Magi-masters = The codex of Ultimate wisdom. Every major organised gathering of Magi should have something similar, the ultimate prize and treasure of their gathered artifacts.

Currently, only Cara can use it. Now, if you want, you can try to scale the Tower yourself, if you succeed, then you too can use it. The Magi-masters are not regular characters, but I never said they wouldn't make the occasional cameos in my threads. Cara'll return shortly.

"Does anyone here actually eat real food? Fried chicken, burger, fries, and a large coke, no ice."

The first round of food came in. Galf was served his, exactly as requested without any variation or substitution at all of any kind whatsoever, as was Joshua.
Somewhere one could hear a giant fly buzzing around, and from elsewhere, the sounds of water splashing, as though a shark were fighting for it's life.

Then another came in with a silver platter with some fried chicken, a burger, fries, and a large 44 oz coke, no ice. The servant held up a sign that read "Who ordered a number 1?"

OOC: What was your guy's name again MM?

Joshua chuckled at hearing all this. "I never really give divination enough credit. As for the real food, what do you call fish? And pasta? Albeit you may not eat it often. Of course, there's also the fact that we're from all walks of life, and in many cases, different species. May as well make dining easier." Tables lifted themselves from the floor at Joshua's words with chairs the right size for everyone present and Joshua took his seat, enjoying the smell of fresh fish, something he rarely had the time for.

As the other Mages started using ordering El'Hilth and the other kathen magic users teleported in. Alongside El'Hilth was a spider person whering a silk tunic made to adress the fact that it has two pairs of arms and a moth woman whering steel armor faseded with colbalt rivits, a cross-bow across her back and a shethed skimitar at her side.

"Hello I am El'Hilth court seer of the Kath'Crith, and these are my colleges, the most acomplished magisters in their feilds."

"I am Jas'Ren caption of Task Force Colbalt of the Lymantri Task Forces" said the moth woman.

"And I am Wav'Yi Pearonal healer of the Kath'Crith and acounplished death weaver" said the spider person.

"Now then if we are not too late for lunch I'll have some grilled trout and don't skimp on the oregano." said El'Hilth he then turned to the others and said "what do you two want?"

"I'll have a chicken and cheese sandwitch with a sea-food, ginger soup" Said Wav'Yi.

"And I'll just have some pork chops and some wasabi on the side." said Jas'Ran

The ghostly servants nodded, bowed, and scurried off, save for the one still holding the Number one.

Meanwhile, where Cara had been sitting, a pop resounded with the same qualities as a gunshot, and a small flurry of feathers settled down on the seat.

Seconds later, a little girl nearly identical to Cara Climbed out from under the table.

"That's the last time I ever do that, I tell you, I didn't even know I could do what I did, and I still had to suffer Catastrophic Spell Failure." The little girl said. She was wearing Cara's robes, which were obviously waaaaaay to big on her.

"Yay! I'm a kid again! WOOOOOO!" She shouted triumphantly, living a dream many desired but never got.

"But then that would mean I would have to go to school again. I think I'll just fast forward to age 24." the little girl said.

Time visibly accelerated around her, as The sands of Time began to flow quicker. It seemed she was lost in a minature sandstorm that occupied the exact length, width, and depth of the chair she sat in, for the sand disappeared beyond it. It abated, and there was Cara again.

She rested her hands on the open Tome of The Magi-Masters.

She looked at the blank pages, containing things only she could see.
She smiled, satisfied she could still use it.

She cast a spell designed to catch her up on the goings ons that happened when she disappeared.

"Well, Normal would depend on your viewpoint. Many people eat many varieties of Cow, we think it is normal, but has anyone considered how not normal the cow feels it is? Personally I enjoy The Eternally Damned and tortured souls one usually finds drifting through all the various hells. They taste like strawberries. I mix them in with Chocolate Smoothies."

A giant fly buzzed by the window. A monster ran after it.
"Get back here!" hissed a familier voice. It had the body of a giant eight foot Black widow, The Torso of a woman, right where the head of the spider should me, the torso had six arms, each of which was reaching for the fly, and the head was giant, a pair of fangs came from it's mouth. It had no hair, only four more necks, each of which held a smaller fully functioninf individual head, on top of which were swarms of snakes of all kinds. It was covered top to bottom, front to back, side to side in Dragon Scales. Purple where the human flesh and snake scale should be, Red where the widow's hourglass should be, and black on the spider's body.
"I see Jiralyn is playing with her food again." Cara said casually as if she saw such monsters everyday.

"Speaking of playing with food, where did Drithzel go?" she asked.

Finally, she turned to the newcomers.
"It is nice to see you again El'hilth. It is nice to meet you others as well." Cara said.

Nir'taen nodded in agreement with the others, and they adjourned for lunch. The five elven high guards, her personal escort, followed after her as she headed for lunch. Coming into a large room, she quickly took a seat next to Galvenor and listened to Cara. She watched as the others questioned her about the Primal Lords, and the demonstration given by a certain Xos, who revealed to them some facts about them before disappearing. Cara did not return, and then she turned her attention to the ghostly servants. She let each of her guards order, and then ordered some food herself. It was simple fare, some meat, with fruit and wine. Then she sat back and listened to the conversation, noticing it was rather focused on the Primal Lords.

She shook her head; she was rather focused for a being, she knew that, but she thought that everyone was a little too worried about them. They were strong, yes, and they could eat magic, but as when Ziz flew over the Council showed, the wards could keep them out. Shaking her head again, she glanced over at the other elven representative and at Galvenor, her eyes curious. For some odd reason, she respected the being beside her. She always respected her own kind, if a different race, and the being next to her exuded power, wisdom, and restraint. Odd to see such beings in a place full of mortals eager to play around with the magics they controlled.

Joshua was halfway through a fish when the newcomers arrived. "Nice to meet you all." he said before pulling a bone from between his teeth. "And Cara, you make an excellent point about the cows. I doubt they play with their food as much as some amongst us do though." He allowed himself a small chuckle before tearing into the pasta.

The first round of food came in. Galf was served his, exactly as requested without any variation or substitution at all of any kind whatsoever, as was Joshua.
Somewhere one could hear a giant fly buzzing around, and from elsewhere, the sounds of water splashing, as though a shark were fighting for it's life.

Then another came in with a silver platter with some fried chicken, a burger, fries, and a large 44 oz coke, no ice. The servant held up a sign that read "Who ordered a number 1?"

OOC: What was your guy's name again MM?

"Yo! Real food right here."

OOC: James.

The Ghostly servant set it down before James, bowed, and left.

"You know, this book isn't the only artifact. In the next room are other Artifacts as well. Phoenix's Crystal Tear, Phoenix's unhatched Egg, and a Phoenix Pinon, and a large one at that. The egg seems completly frozen in time, or dead, as though it still has some purpose to come in a future time. The Tear is very old, discovered over 5,000 years ago. The Pinion is a complete mystery, for it just simply appeared one day whilst I was restoring the castle. Next to those we have one of Ziz's Tail feathers, a Horn from Behemoth, and an underwater suit made from Leviathan's shed scales. Each one is very valuble due to it's properties." Cara said. A servant brought her the smoothie she had previously discribed.

OOC: And I believe the metal one was Joram, Thanks.

After swallowing the last bit of fish Joshua spoke up. "I was wondering about that. When I repaired the castle, I felt powerful magic just sitting dormant. There's so much potential in them, but it's all locked up and not at it's full strength, like a giant laying asleep. I have doubts that the egg is dead though. It's said that a true phoenix will rise from it's ashes after death so I'll bet that the egg will hatch when this phoenix dies. I'm willing to bet there's more than just those artifacts though. This is a very old place and there's bound to be a couple cobwebs hiding something that we all missed. It's nearly impossible to clean completely a location like this." He dove into the pasta again before asking "How's the 'real' food over there James?"

"Well, the two feathers, Ziz and phoenix's, actually turn into swords when one grabs them. They seem to grant the weilder extrordinary powers in battle. Behemoth's horn, I have yet to study. The egg, the egg. Perhaps some history will shed some light on it." Cara said. She flipped the Tome open to the fire section.

"During our fifth journey accross Riptide I chanced upon an active Volcano. While this act in itself is not noteworthy what followed is. I heard the call of a firebird inside, it was most melodious. I wonder what modern music composers are thinking when they write their garbage, pailing in comparison as it does to the natural melodies one finds in nature. I turned to my companions, and told them I had to go see it. I didn't know why, I just did.
Ray, they told me, do not go straying somewhere you cannot handle. We have learned much in our lifetimes, our periods of Death, and subsequent reincarnations, and while we have grown powerful beyond measure, Firebirds are still far stronger than we could ever be. I shook my head, not heading their words, and took off running like a wildfire accross the dry unwatered plains. It helps that I cheated by teleporting. At the top, I found a path down the inside of the cone, and at the bottom, a nest! Scraps of wood burned merrily within the stone nest, helping The firebird keep two eggs warm.

This I thought, was most unusual, and took out a small pad to take notes with. As I wrote, The firebird seemed startled by an unexpected movement. She moved, and looked down at her eggs. One hatched, and the baby firebird looked at it's mother with a look of joy. The two nuzzled, life had been born again, I could feel the excessive amounts of life energy comeing from the volcano, but then I felt a note of sadness, despair. I looked, the other egg wasn't moving. But then, why would it hatch in the same moment as the other? A few minutes to be sure, but all the same, the mother Firebird seemed to know something I did not. Then I froze in terror as The firebird eyed me in it's steely gaze.

Man of Fire, come to me. The Firebird actually spoke to me. But let us be clear, it spoke ignan, the language of the Fire elementals. I knew enough to get around on the fire plane where it is the predominate language. Are you going to eat me, I asked the firebird. If I was going to do so, I would have when you first entered my home. However, I have a task for you, that I cannot accomplish. I must send my unborn away. The egg is not dead, but the Golden White Light with the voice of Thunder has other plans for it. My child will be glorified and revered by many, but not on this world, and not at this time. Take it, and begone, keep it safe, for eventually, through you and others you associate with, it will come to it's appointed place, at it's appointed time. I know this, for Fire exists accross time, and so I do too, at least in part. I know I can trust you.

I got the egg, and as I touched, The Firebird shed a single tear, so overladen with hope for her child, that it crystalized and became a solid thing." Cara read. She put the tome down.

"That was over five thousand years ago, and since then, there have been many phoenixes. What it's task is, I know not." Cara said.

After swallowing the last bit of fish Joshua spoke up. "I was wondering about that. When I repaired the castle, I felt powerful magic just sitting dormant. There's so much potential in them, but it's all locked up and not at it's full strength, like a giant laying asleep. I have doubts that the egg is dead though. It's said that a true phoenix will rise from it's ashes after death so I'll bet that the egg will hatch when this phoenix dies. I'm willing to bet there's more than just those artifacts though. This is a very old place and there's bound to be a couple cobwebs hiding something that we all missed. It's nearly impossible to clean completely a location like this." He dove into the pasta again before asking "How's the 'real' food over there James?"

"Tastes like fried chicken. Can't complain."

"I myself have never had a fondness for fried things, namely chicken but whatever tickles your fancy."Joshua stated. "As for the egg, I suppose we'll have to wait and see what the Omnisource has in store. I've never been good with names and so I'm wondering, did I get it right?"

"Well, yes." Cara said.
Everytime Cara sipped her smoothie, it could be heard screaming in a quiet subdued manner.
She went back to reading the Tome, but did not read it out loud. She had flipped to a section bordered by Green, and what she was reading caused a look of sickness to cross her face, almost as if she abhorred what she read.

In the middle of this "break", something happened, a flash of light, a bang, as if something exploded. A puff of smoked seemed to eminate from beneath one of the tables. A small voice coughing could be heard as well, anyone who looked would see a small mouse. With what could easily be described as a long white beard, which for the moment was caught on fire. Stamping on it with one of his forelegs.

He walked away spluttering from the smoke generated from a device that looked like it was more at home in the bridge of a starship than anything.

"Squeek, Squeek, Squeek?" the mouse said though, everyone heard what he was trying to say... "This is the Wizard's Council?"

Joshua paused from his pasta to look down at the little critter now in the room. "You would be correct in assuming that this is the Wizard's council. Of course, if you're looking for the original you won't find but remnants and there's the fact that we're more of a school now." Joshua rambled a bit before catching himself. "And Cara, if you're getting sick reading that thing, I suggest you stop. You're not looking too well over there." He glanced at his meal, realizing only another bite remained though there was still a fair amount of wine left.

The mouses nose twitched as it smelled the room, though it's more than normal smelling, the mouse nose has additional receptors that can pick up various magic auras.

"Well, I certainly have come to the right place then, my mode of transport seems to be suffering a slight malfunction... nothing that can't be fixed though."

He turned his head back to the device for a moment, the smoke having cleared, before turning his attention over to Cara, another few whiffs. "Well, one doesn't need to heightened senses to know that she has found something distasteful... no this goes beyond that...." He paused looking at her. "Yes... She's almost vomiting poor girl. Sometimes reading books can be bad for your health."

The presumably old mouse mused... "oh, were are my manners... I'd forget my head if it wasn't firmly fixed on, you know I have a friend who's head is actually detachable from the rest of his body, he literally lost it... poor mouse... he's still trying to find it... oh, that's where I was. My name is Jackson VoleMouse. Nice to meet you all, I'm the chief Artificer of Miceland's top school of MagiEngineering, Magic Technitute of Miceland. Though you probably haven't heard of it." once again it was clear that the words were spoken as a series of mouse squeeks, and the translation was being done on the fly.

"Khalan, the great Healer wrote this section. Not only does it speak of life powers that go far beyond healing, but also speaks of Necromancy! I had no idea she was a very powerful Necromantress as well. She goes into very graphic detail complete with pictures, both illustrated and photographic. I shall spare you and not read it." Cara said. She closed the book.
"I don't think I'll ever get those images out of my mind." she said.

"Speaking of being a school, what sort of classes should we teach?" Cara asked, as Drithzel re-entered, looking completly satisfied. Jiralyn re-entered as well, but kept her monsterous form. However instead of her full thirty foot heighth, she reduced herself to exactly ten. her main head and her four smaller heads looked all around the room at everyone. The snakes that made up her hair hissed quietly.

"Oh now if that's not disturbing." Joshua remarked in reference to the book. "Necromancy has never been something I enjoyed." he drained the last of the wine and continued, "But I think we need classes on history, elemental magics, alchemy, musical or bardic magic, spell-craft, inherent magic, psyonics, magical energy, conjuring, magical transportation, meta-magic, enchantment, artifice, metallurgy, and magical technology all come to my mind. If there's any other ideas, it'd be good to speak up now." Joshua's quill, still around by some miracle, moved the paper to a new desk in the center of the room and began to take notes again.

"The Void and it's associated things. As the bridge between all things that are, and all things that are not, it is major enough to warrent its own class. Also, Magic technology should be in the same class as Magiscience, The blending of Magic and Science. Half our defenses rely on Magiscience, both here at the castle, and throughout Warhaven itself. I could send for a top notch Magiscientist or two to teach the class. I know Xrus would be happy to Teach about The Void. Also, Gods are petty things and their followers can be just as difficult to contend with. Perhaps a Divinity Class to discuss some of the Major Religons and their followers. After all, if your in a strange land, but recognise a deity that's worshipped locally, you'll have some idea of the culture, and some things you should and should not do, least some be killed prematurely for a minor insult. Mostly The Chaos gods and their followers spring to mind with that concept, But their not the only ones to be wary of." Cara said.

Galvenor sighed and spoke.

“I question the wisdom of placing a place of Learning in an area populated by gigantic Beasts and Cannibalistic Mages. I for one would not want them anywhere near my students. Just their presence would distract the students from the intense study required to learn even the most basics of Magic.”

Galvenor paused, searching for the right words. He knew this might cause a split in the council but he was concerned for the safety of any prospective students.

“I propose we locate the school in a safer location away from great dangers such as we have seen already during the past couple hours. How can we teach a class when the ground shakes as a Leviathan walks by? It does not matter if the place is warded or not. The distraction is enough to throw off the lesson and then the students suffer because we used poor wisdom in picking a location.”

“I have the White Tower still in possession and I can place it in a safer location than here and open it. I cannot stress the importance of keeping the students in a safe and learning environment.”

Galvenor knew the next part is the one that will cause the most strife.

“I will not teach in a school that does not take the welfare of the students into first account. I will open my own academy elsewhere before I endanger my charges.”

Galvenor waited for the backlash of his proclamation. IF it was too bad, he would leave, starting his own rival school where the students could learn instead of worrying about the wards not holding up the next time the giant bird flew over and decided to take a dump on that funny pile of rocks.



OOC:

I will use this point to make the rival school.

"My dear man, whoever told you this castle was firmly rooted to this spot was clearly lying to you." Cara said.

She closed the book, and held it tightly, drawing in gargantuan amounts of power from the book, from everyone else, and from the environment itself.

First the walls began to shimmer, just a little, then vibrate slightly, and from there crescendoed into a Teleportation spell. The land outside fell away, and then came back. They were in an inbetween place.

"This is outside the boundires of the normal standard dimension. I phrase it like that because at least two beings in this room hail normally from diffrent dimensions, and consider ours to be alien. This place is called Dimensia Harmonia, and it lies between all other dimensions, like Vertebrae between bones. As I am quite certain we were going to establish pathways to and from the school to diffrent worlds from wherever we happened to establish it, altering them slightly to end in DH should be easy enough. This is my world, I own it. It takes whatever form I wish it to, and right now I wish it reflect Earth's wild and untamed areas." Cara said.

As she spoke a chime rang out, clear as a bell. The world altered itself drastically on the spot. They found themselves on a penninsula, overlooking a magestic sea. Seagulls flew everhead.

"If Seagulls only flew over bays, would they be called Bay Gulls instead?" asked Jiralyn's fourth head.
"That was quite possibly the worst pun in recorded history." said the third.
"Will you two shut up?" asked the main, and therefore the first, head.

A bright star, much like Earth's star shone in through the window.

"Anyone who knows the basics at least can easily protect themselves from the wild animals should they choose to wander accross Gaia. This world will take care to maintain the pantry, and continually provide fresh clean water. If you get lost, it will return you either to here, or my wee little castle on the otherside. We are where Rome should be on Earth, with some diffrences. This world almost exactly reflects Earth's Geography. Anyone with a strong enough will can alter the face of Gaia, though I can change that if that power is abused. Would this make you feel better about the schools safety?" Cara asked.

Galf ate for the most part, with an amount of etiquette which was most likely quite unexpected, as he quietly began to devour his meal, barely listening to the actual conversation, with the exception of when the words about Necromancy were spoken. However, he made sure to finish most of his food before speaking, having picked the goat literally to the bone(of which he ate many of those as well), before cracking open the creature's skull and devouring the insides, and finishing with everything but the soup itself.

"Ahhh..." Galf then turned to Cara, and snickered for some reason, probably about how she was reacting towards necromancy, as one of his red tinged eyes slowly focused on Joshua, "Necromancy is not something to be despised or feared... In fact, I would have to insist that it be added upon the curriculum, merely for its own completion. Only though Necromancy can one fully understand the true meaning of life, and I imagine it would allow for better insight into the act of healing itself."

With that, he slowly took a large spoon of the soup to his mouth, a large piece of fleshy tissue taking up most of the spoon as he brought it to his mouth and let out an elated sigh. It wasn't very often that he was able to indulge in such a feast, least of all outside of Antalia itself. Even should this academy fracture and the students all eventually wind up being thrown into anarchy... this meal would have made it all worth it. A few moments later, the soup was finished, downed with a glass of the mercury-tinged liquid, a silver colored orb still on his lips. Even for a creature his size, it seemed impossible for his body to fit all of the meat inside without the creature showing any discomfort.

"As for you..." He said quietly, suddenly facing Galvenor, "Even though this school will apparently be so safe, would not some rivalry merely escalate any perceived bloodshed?" Galf then grinned, his face baring a striking resemblance to a shark for a moment, "Though I imagine there is always something to be said for a bit of competition... If a student does not suffer, he will never learn... Someone like that will never evolve into anything other than a small-sighted piece of wasted flesh. Though I will not push the issue any further than this... If you think holding someone's hand will allow them to grow as a person, rather than simply as a 'Wizard', then far be it for me to disagree."

Joshua sighed and the quill again poked at the paper to fly it to him. "Let's see here. We can add magical science to technology, and the void can be used as a basis for a planar geography class. Necromancy can easily be added to the list as well as a class on healing, unless you feel the two should be one for I can see the possibilities of that. I don't necessarily fear necromancy, I just don't like it. Mainly for the fact that my magic can not preform it and the results are often gruesome and even deadly to both parties.
"If you wish for the white tower to become a school in rivalry to this one, I'd be happy to send for another representative from my nation to help. Besides, it wouldn't exactly be a bad thing. Each school could very easily set up teams and organizations too that could compete. It's always good to have competition for it spurs people to new heights."

Jackson had returned to fixing his teleportation device and only barely listened. to the discussion going on around his, he only stopped his work for a moment when the scenary changed, which the mouse only responded to with "Bah."

After a bit he piped in... "Magic Science/Technology are basically the same thing , using laws of magic to funnel, focus and control magical effects. With a strong link to Artifice, we have many able and willing students. As well apt and able teachers both in Artifcing and Magic Science and Technology... Um, would anyone have a Thaumatic Catalytic Convertor at hand?"

"And we don't really like open spaces that much... there's always the chance for that Hawk or Owl, or other such Bird of Prey... I'd appreciate such accomodations for use mice-folk in the future."

He paused scratching his head for a moment.... "OH, nevermind i'll just shift this around there, plug that in here..." he trailed off as he got some more inspiration on the job at hand and delved back into it.

"True, that would be a good way of doing it." Cara admitted.

A ghostly servant brought the mouse a Thaumatic Catalitic converter sized just right for the mouse, even if he didn't need it anymore.

"Really, we have one of those?" Cara asked the servant.
"Yes, milady, for He is currently occupying the castle as a member, and the enchanment was designed to cater to the non-weaponry needs of the occupants of the castle, thus we were able to cause it to come into being for the sole function of serving the mouse the thing he desired. True we could be ordered to bring the parts for a weapon, but that is not our concern." The servant said, bowing. Its voice was male, and was as a haunting moan.
"Wait, you can speak?" Cara asked.
"The spell has been active for a very long time, and has evolved in places. It never ran out of magic to shut down, being a self-supporting enchantment. It was neccessity, for no one was around for a very long time to give us orders, so we had to form them, at least some of us did, in order to form a heirarchy so we could order ourselves to do the things neccessary to maintain the enchantment." the Ghostly servant said. It turned and left.

Then she turned her attention to the mouse himself.
"Then do not go in the wide open spaces, go in the network of tunnels beneath the ground." she said.

"Now, about rival school, why not. Let it teach all of the same things, inspiring the teachers to work harder to have the better students, let there be incentives to the students for doing well, and regularly scheduled contests between the two schools to see who is doing the better job. The only variable here then is the people themselves, for within even the space of one year, each will have developed it's own uniqness. The future is an imperfict thing written upon the everchanging currents of air, and so even all our best laid plans may be for naught, if the students and teachers themselves develop diffrently. At least this way, we can develop a strong base foundation as though for one, but multiply it and use it for two, creating some groundwork to unite the two under the council, least we take away individuality in our endeavors.

But then something else, a third need springs to mind, funding. Faculty are going to want to be paid for their work, as are contractors, council members deserve a salary, how are we to fund this Frankenstein's monster we cobble together?" Cara asked.

Joshua stood up as his table vanished and walked to the mouse. "Oh for heaven's sake." he tapped the machine and it glowed momentarily. "There, that should have fixed it. If not, well then I'm at a loss. As for funding, I'm truly no help. Being a state magician means that I have plenty of funding for my own ventures, but none to give away. I could simply break our own law and create some gold from a lump of clay, but that would be troublesome with the economy. There's the idea of charging tuition, but then we cater to families that can afford it, not everyone wishing for an education. There's the idea of a benefit concert or bake sale, but I highly doubt that will pay the entire school. Unless someone comes up with a better idea, I have some gold crafting to do."

Nir'taen had been quiet, preferring only to speak so as to direct them away from problems, or towards things they should do. When she heard Galvenor speak, she nodded. "He has a point, my good lady. The safety, and focus, of our students is a priority. How shall we be sure they will be safe?" She glanced at Galvenor, who would see an interest in her eyes about this new school of his, but she returned to the task at hand. Cara replied and showed them the Dimensia Harmonia. When she reached for magic from Nir'taen, she found none as Nir'taen clamped down, her eyes blazing. Did these mortals ever know when to ASK for magic, instead of taking it?!

She forced herself to calm down again, one of many times that day, and looked around. "And, suppose we face an enemy that could go through dimensions, or if these Primal Lords of yours should gain enough power to do so. What then?" After asking her question, she sat back and watched as a strange mouse creature talked with Cara and the other robed figure. When they spoke of Necromancy, Nir'taen stood up, her eyes blazing. "I will be DEAD, before I see a school such as this be plagued with something such as necromancy. Forcing the souls of the dead back to life, and violating the sanctity of the dead, and of nature, is unholy, unjust, and against all the laws of nature! 'Find the true meaning of life through Necromancy', are you insane? The only knowledge it gives is power, destruction, and killing. You are a fool to even suggest such a thing, especially in a place where young minds will be opened to such vile, corrupting influences!"

Nir'taen had heard of her people's stories of the few Necromancers who had arisen over the course of the centuries, and the power of Necromancy was well-known to her. She knew what it could do, and would leave this Council rather than seeing it become part of the curriculum. Then, she heard Joshua's talk of gold-crafting and she was ready to scream.

"Lahuan's Glasses, do you even know what you say? Paying teachers with gold by magicking it from the air, or smelting it? Do you even understand how trade works? The moment you do so, you will ruin the nations that they hail from. Their economies will shatter like glass under the weight of gold. We have seen this happen before with one of the human kingdoms, some mage thought to make money so he could be 'rich'. He was forced to stop as after a month, the goods of the nation had become worthless and gold become like water, worthless. We cannot just whip something up in an alchemist lab or magick something into being for every problem we face. Sometimes, we just need to sit down and think this through. This is one of those times."

"You do not know The DH, so you do not know how safe we truely are. DH is alive, it is sentient, and without true form. I don't know why, I only know that it is. The Tome says it protects a great and terrible secret that no one should know. Anyways, DH detests and hates any intrusion into it's realm. It knows me, and trusts me. I saved it's very existence, and so gave me this world to do with as I please, but if anyone, or anything I personally do not let into DH enters, it will throw them into Subspace, where horrible monsters called Shivans live, and they tend to destroy anything that disturbs their home. Old Starfaring nations in the normal Dimension record a time in the past when they invaded, and became everyone's concern, because of all the usage of subspace. Thus, DH is protected. Don't even think aboput raising concerns about someone, or something overpowering Shivans, their capable of destroying entire nations of so ired. As long as we don't disturb them though, we're okay." Cara said.

"I think I have a solution to the funding problem." Jiralyn said.
"And what would that be?" Cara asked.
"I could use a branch of Entropia LTD to sell products to magi and other such that they would normally use and need anyway. Crystal balls are fragile things and shatter easily. I could sell a new one. Maybe someone has a unique product Idea, I could provide a market for it. what I'm getting at is, use free market enterprise to fund the schools. It's not an uncommon thing. I've heard of universities holding patents to many regularly can't live without products that give schools sickeningly huge piles of money. Entropia LTD would take 10% for overhead and other costs, and give the entirety of the profit to The Wizard's Council. The Council then could disseminate the profits as it saw fit to the two schools, pay salaries and all that other good stuff.
It just seems like such a shame to cheat and magic up gold out of nothing, when one could do it the honest way and have twice as much fun without defrauding the economy of anyone." Jiralyn said. All five heads spoke at once, so it was easy to tell she was really thinking hard about it.

"If you like the idea, just leave the business to me." she said a moment later.

OOC: What this amounts to is, I would open a fantasy storefront, and fill it with various odds and ends, some funny and most serious, one only finds in fantasy, and market it to the individual, rather than the nation. If anyone had any ideas for a product, I could put it in the storefront, but it has to be fantasy based, and use this as the means for which the council is legitimatly supported. I came up with this idea five minutes after I posted.

"No, no, no... That won't do... That won't do at all...." the mouse said as looked at what happened... It wasn't technically wrong but there was a strong incompatibility magic-wise.

((OOC: I basiclly use rules similiar for DnD for crafting, every item someone crafts it 'takes abit of themselves' represented by the XP loss. It's a balance thing and good reason why only the really powerful would have a major artifact. However as basically all my mice have an apptitude for it some way or another. The simple stuff are as common as grass. It also takes time... so expect Jackson to be working on this for a while.))

He sighed, Joshua hadn't put any of himself into repairing it, he just magic'ed it away. Respect for magic was a major part of the miceland because one had to put a bit of themselves into anything they created, it toil, sweat, sometimes blood but eventually at the end of it one came out with an object that could bend reality to it's will and look cool while doing so.

"The truth is that Necromancy exists, and while we don't like it. We have to accept the fact that it does. If not anything else we should teach the students how to recognise it and combat it should they wish to do so. And yes, thank you those will be much more suitable. As for the store, I know of a great artificer who is looking for a new challenge... perhaps he could set up store and make things on custom order?"

He returned to fixing the craft... Some of the things he had hidden in what seemed a never-ending bag the was hanging from his back were quite amazing. A mouse repairing a teleportation device right in front of them, who'd a thunk it.

Joshua sighed. "Mouse guy, did you think to test it out before saying it won't work? My magic works be either repositioning things, or altering things, and occasionally destroying or creating. Usually I leave a piece of my magic in something, but I don't like to do that with technology. I don't have to know exactly how something works either, my magic and usually work around that.
(OOC: That's how you like to run magic, but unless I misunderstood something, this is a council about the collaboration of different kinds of magics, and different magics usually work differently. Also, he wasn't crafting, he was reconstructing, aka. fixing.)
"And Nir'taen, do you THINK or LISTEN before you SPEAK? I told you that creating gold wouldn't be good for the economy. However, we need a practical way to fund things. I like the storefront, though I'm afraid I don't really know what to sell. I'd need some time to think on that one. As for necromancy, it's all in how you look at it. Where my magic forbids it, others are skilled with it in my town. We do not raise the dead, though it's possible to extend life through it's use. Besides, how is one supposed to stop fearing something unless they understand it? And what if a student comes to a point where they are facing a necromancer? Certainly they can't defeat something they have no knowledge of. It's also a way to learn more about healing. All healers in our royal guard MUST pass proficiency tests in Necromancy so that they may better help the guards and the royal family in the time of a crisis. They do this so that it's possible to keep them alive long enough to get them stable enough to move for proper and long term care."

Nir'taen gazed in contempt at the Sylvonia representative, thinly veiled hatred and contempt shining in her eyes. "Oh be quiet, human. It is you who does not think and speak. In fact, I have been listening here, instead of wasting my time arguing about stupid little things. You said "gold-crafting" when mentioning about making money. Hmm, I wonder what THAT could mean? And you told ME that it would hurt the economy? You said no such thing! Are your brains as addled as your common sense?!" She shook her head and stood up. Snapping her fingers, the royal guard in the room formed up on her, as she walked to where she came from. Weaving her arms and uttering a quick chant, a portal appeared.

"I can't believed I wasted this much time on something so stupid. I can see a good idea will be destroyed by fools who think Necromancy is something to enter into the schools of magic, and who can't seem to think before they speak. You younger races are all alike." She nodded at the elf she spoke with before and at Galvenor, however, and then stepped into the portal, vanishing from the council room. The Elves of Atanarr, it would seem, would not be part of the Council.

Joshua sighed. "Well I guess they can't tolerate anyone standing against them. Too bad cause they would have been wonderful assets to the school. At any rate, does anyone ELSE want to challenge Necromancy, even if we leave it as an advanced course? I'd much like to move on past it and finalize funding and whatever else we have."

OOC: Okay, Since it's creating any new. Sorry for the mis-understanding.

IC:

Jackson looked at Joshua for a moment, a puzzled look on his face, he then turned around and sniffed again... "Oh, it's dissipated, my mistake... I must of detected the lingering aura before... Now to put everything back in. Thank you for the help but I must insist that I do this myself. We are quite attached to our creations... literally."

"Mouslings minds are fragile, we must be careful to give them the information they need, particularily to defend themselves should the need arise, without tempting them to follow down dark paths. More than one mousling has been lured down that path, and I'd rather not squeek more on that subject."

OOC: no problem, just figured we should clear that up.

IC: Joshua chuckled at the mouse. "Sure thing, it just looked like you were having a bit of trouble. I'll let you carry on." The desk sank into the ground and a half dozen podiums appeared around Joshua. He moved about them setting paper, ink, and pens on them. The pens dipped themselves in ink and while some wrote, sorting the notes from earlier, some waited patiently for new notes to be taken.

Galvenor could not believe his ears. He tried to make an argument for having the instruction of students in an environment attuned to learning and the building was turned into a mobile home. How the hell would students find their way to a place that kept moving? Perhaps secret locator compasses inn the bottom of crackerjack boxes.

Then someone brought up trying to have bake sales and opening a store to sell items to fund the school. What a bunch of damn bean-counters. No student under his guidance will be turned into a factory worker to make items to sell in a shop. He would not endorse any sort of sweatshop.

Now the topic of Black Necromancy was being tossed about like it was child daycare. Granted it is needed to know how to combat it, you don’t have to study the process of raising the dead to know a simple fireball will put them back to sleep. The Abjuration Sphere spells are what you use to ward them and to send demons back to Hell, not Necromancy.

When the elves were insulted it was enough. The one arguing with him even failed to recognize elves abhor all things against nature and Black Necromancy is about as far as you can get from the Natural Order.

He has had enough. Galvenor stood up and turned away from the table. He walked a few steps and then faced the room.

“It is plain to see this is nothing like the White Tower. I will return to it and teach all those who wish proper instruction.”

After uttering those few words, he simply disappeared.




OOC:

There, let’s try this once again. Perhaps it will actually work this time if I leave too.

OOC:


Dude, I was RPing the split for the beginning of the second school.

Calm down.

I've only been talking about it for more than a week or so.

Ooc: Bump

Yendor finished chewing on his greens, the last remnant of the delicious antipasta that he had ordered. He rose from his seat.

"There is no need to argue here. First, with regard to the courses, I think that there is no higher calling than to help a prospective mage determine his...calling. Therefor, it is only fitting that we should teach at least introductory material on as many forms and systems of magic as we deem appropriate, with more advanced courses in the specialties that we define. This, however, makes sense only if the courses instill into the students a certain set of ethics, which will offer the added advantage that they will help to prevent conflicts between and among us that could have the potential to destroy us over the course of time. For example, as Necromancy was discussed, forced reanimation is obviously something that we should not deal with; however, there are certain necromatic divination spells that could prove useful to a mage, without unduely burdoning either the mage or the dead who aid in the divinatory process. Another example, at the risk of seeming arrogant, would be the organization of magic that I personally created--time, space, matter/energy and mind.

"As to the funding, it is common practice to establish an endowment, an investment fund, invest the fund and remit the needs of the school through the income from the investments. We can also make available a cooperative education program and share the proceeds with the students and/or faculty, even as we help them to find gainful challenges. Should it become compelling enough, we may even wish to treat some events of our annual competition with our sister school as a sporting event, and make admission to certain events available only on a paid basis."

Joshua tapped two of his quills and they each began to pen a letter. The first was to his foremost researcher, Zena, asking her to follow the headmaster of the White Tower to his school and help him out while the second was to his second in command requesting aid here. Zena's letter was done first, though both were sent in the same method. He picked up the paper, reread it, and folded it. A wax seal formed on it to keep it shut then it vanished within a circle of ruins. One letter continued to write further instructions to Zena and the other returned to it's resting spot.
"I feel that if we continue with working on book keeping that we will lose valuable time we could spend on bringing this castle back to Riptide. It is rather hard for students to find the place if there is no place to find. As for Necromancy, I feel an introduction to it should be taught so that students know it exists and how to deal with it, though there is no need to teach them how to bring the dead back to life. Time and space are very complex things. Although I support teaching them, I believe it should be an advanced class, for Planer Studies would be a good introduction to it. Matter and Energy should be taught as well as Mental Magics because matter and energy are used for most magics and not only is all magic related somehow to the mind, but some magics only are of the mind.
"We also need to find teachers so if anyone has any ideas, now would be a good time to discuss them. But also, should we stay here? I think moving back to Riptide is a better option because we can protect this place should we need to."

"As long as the work gets done, I care little what order it gets done in," Yendor replied. "Let us return, then, to Riptide."

Joshua looked around the room at those assembled. "Well, I don't suppose anyone here knows of a good way back do they? If I tried I have a feeling we'd all end up as marble statues or atomic dust."

OOC: Come on people, don't be afraid to post now.