Malkavian Madness Network
New World of Darkness => Mage: the Awakening => Collegia Supernal => Topic started by: MrParaduo on April 05, 2021, 04:39:30 PM
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Dear applicant, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to the Collegia Supernal at the Five-Fold Tower. Neither your attendance nor response is mandatory, although, should you choose to enroll, you shall learn the mysteries the Art within one of the greatest of Awakened academies in the Fallen World. The path forward shall be revealed to you. All you need do is step through.
Yours sincerely,
The Board of Deans
...
It was a warm, spring morning in the month of April. Athena stood within a room she had never been in, surrounded by people she had never met before, but all of which were carrying a letter just like hers: a blue sheet of folded paper emblazoned with the pentacle, written in swirling, gold-colored ink. The room itself was quiet but for the murmuring of its occupants, and the sound of a ticking of a grandfather clock. Overstuffed furniture lined the walls, while rugs softened the clatter of feet against the floorboards. And at the far side of the room, a sign written in both High Speech and English read: "Welcome!"
[Alright, describe yourself, and proceed from there.]
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Athena brushed her brown hair out of her face as she entered the room. The acceptance letter had been strange, to say the least. She didn't even remember applying. But it had been interesting, so she'd put it in her bag and gone about her day. And then proceeded to kick a can down the street in a way that bumped into the generator of a nearby food truck, causing it to short out. The guy inside had bent over to look at it, and knocked over a bottle of sauce that squirted onto the ground, just barely missing her as she took in the sight. Stepping around the mess, the light had changed, so the car that sped past the red light didn't hit her. Shaken, she decided to go back home for the day, but when she opened the door, she was here.
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[Take a beat.]
Suddenly, from the bottom of Athena's line of vision, a young woman of Asian-descent popped into view.
"Hi!" she said, beaming. "I'm Teresa! Want a mint?"
Looking down, Athena saw the girl was carrying a bowl of the candies, each mint wrapped in transparent plastic.
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"Sure, don't mind if I do. I'm Athena, nice to meet you!" she said, taking the mint and popping it into her mouth after she introduced herself.
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"Did you fall down a manhole after being chased by a pack of wolverines, too~?"
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"Nope, I opened my front door after taking a walk and almost getting hit by a car except for a whole Rube Goldberg cycle of events. I feel bad for the halal cart guy, though. He had to fix his generator and lost a bottle of sauce to the whole thing. So, where are you from, anyway?"
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"Lexington Kentucky, but that's just my Consilium, I can't actually tell you about where I'm from, although I totally would--my mentor kept scolding me over it. He's such a nice guy, but so meeeeean!"
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Athena raised an eyebrow, "He...doesn't let you tell people where you're from? That seems pretty neurotic to me."
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"I think he just a spoop because of all my ex-boyfriends were trying to kill me that one time in Phoenix."
A pregnant pause fell over the two women, Teresa smile never once subsiding.
"...Ooh!" she said, her head turning a sharp 90, revealing her ponytail in the process. "That guy's playing Galaga!"
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"Galaga, huh? I preferred Tyrian when I had a retro kick. So what Path are you, anyway? I'm an Obrimos, but actually pretty good in Matter. I heard about the Forge Masters and decided to really go for it. I like building things."
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"Hm? Oh! I'm--"
She stopped. Everyone went silent, just as Athena felt the pull of the supernatural. All present turned their attention towards the back of the room, staring at the welcome sign. Already, some people were gesturing in the air or taking combative stances. Then, in the blink of an eye, the sign was replaced by a man. Dressed in a voluminous cloak of starkest grey, beneath which were a buttoned vest and red tie, the figure stepped forward, looking down at a clipboard he had in front of him.
"Afternoon to you all," he said, thumb pushing on the button of his pen. "My name is Professor Hendrickson, thank you for waiting so long, I am here to personally welcome you to the Collegia Supernal. I'm sure you all have questions, so by all means, ask away."
[Btw, how does Athena's unseen senses ping? Does she get goosebumps? Feel a dull pressure in her head? Taste or smell something in the air?]
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Athena's head whipped over to the welcome banner as she felt a wave of warm heat rush over her, pinging her unseen senses in a rush of magic. Apparently this man was one of their professors? "Um, excuse me sir, but did everyone get brought here through a series of wild coincidences? And if so, why?"
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[Take an arcane beat.]
"Ah, a very astute question. You are absolutely correct, my dear. To ensure the safety of all enrollees - and visitors - magic was used to lead you here. The Five-Fold Tower is an institution well regarded across the many a consillia, and the threat of infiltration or attack is taken very seriously, here."
The professor glanced upward as another person's hand was raised, this time a male with a cowlick.
"Yes, you there."
"Is this it?" he asked, his accent decidedly cockney.
"Is what it?"
"Like, this room? Is this the whole school?"
"Not at all," said Hendrickson. "Think of this as the gate-house before you enter the school proper. Once we're done here, I'll show you the Iris. Don't you worry."
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Athena waiting patiently for the rest of the questions to be answered, and for them all to be taken to the Iris.
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The list of questions went on, at one point being undermined by one guy asking irrelevant details or for ones with obvious answers. Yet not once did Hendrickson lose momentum or give pause, answering every one of them, clear and concise.
"Right, that’s enough questions for now," he said, smiling. "One last point of order: beyond this point, and for as long as you remain on the grounds, you are to follow the Lex Magica and treat the Collegia as a collective Consilium. That means no vandalizing, antagonizing, theft, or similarly harmful activity towards it and your fellow awakened. If this does not agree with you, please see yourself out the door you came in."
A couple of people began to ask more questions, but Hendrickson was already turning around. He lifted his hand upwards, revealing a pentacle medallion that soon burned bright as the sun. A sound like that of a temple bell rang, the medallion now floating towards the far wall, where it stretched and grew, the star inside its ring spinning faster and faster. Sparks of every color flickered like fireflies from the periphery, the star twisting into a vortex. Then, its hollow center widened, too, only instead of the wall behind it, Athena saw a verdant hill of shimmering blue grass.
Despite audible consternation from some, everyone followed the professor as he stepped through the portal.
The fresh air kissed at Athena’s face as she surveyed the new locale. The group stood at the base of a natural trench, surrounded by blue grass and the occasional rock. Hendrickson was already moving up the incline, only looking over his shoulder to gesture everyone to follow. Past narrow canyons and around polished rock formations, the professor ended the trek at the top of a hill. It was here that he turned to face the throng of magi, smiling with chin raise high as he stretched his arm at the horizon.
"Welcome," he said, "to the Five-Fold Tower."
As Athena reached the summit, she beheld a valley radiant in the light of the sun. Soaring peaks of snow-capped mountains, veiled in ponderous clouds of silver-white. Emerald forests bejeweled by lakes of the deepest blue, whose rivers stretched onto plains and arid plateaus. And at the center of it all, a tower stood miles high, it architecture familiar yet alien, as though made from different eras, nations, and styles, yet somehow brought into harmony.
Mood Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NknjE2SBPxw&ab_channel=Savathor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NknjE2SBPxw&ab_channel=Savathor)
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Well hot damn, that was a hell of a sight, "Fuck that's awesome. Coming here was the right idea."
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"Well said," mused Hendrickson. "Now some of you may already know this, but the academy is divided into five colleges, with the Tower – right there – acting as the administrative center and commons. Fun fact: each college is equally spaced out across the valley to form a pentacle, adding to the sacred geometry of the institution as a whole. Each college is also dedicated to one of the five paths every mage awakens to, with the students and faculty of a given college being of the same path. This is to ensure the best environment in which to study and practice the Art, while also familiarizing people with the nature, philosophies and symbolism of their path."
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Athena nodded, that at least was pretty typical of what she expected from an academy like this. She wondered what the insides of those towers would be like.
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As the rest of the group climb up to share in the view, Hendrickson to monologue, soon guiding everyone along a zigzagging path down the cliff.
"The academy’s pipeline program enables underaged Awakened free lodging and education while studying here, up till they are eighteen years of age. At which point, they are moved from the Tower to join the others of their path in their associated college. After the first year, they are then required to pay tuition like all the rest of us."
"About that," said one mage. "How do we pay for all this?"
"Oh, the academy’s flexible in that regard. Depending on your knowledge, skills, and experience, tuition can range from assisted maintenance of the school’s facilities, publication of research, sponsorships, work study, etc. You can ask the front desk for further details on the matter."
The group soon reached the base of the cliff, following a long road that Hendrickson warned people not to step off of or wander away from. Nobody was surprised, later on, when rumors of two of their number weren’t anywhere to be seen.
Once through a series of archways, Hendrickson brought everything to a halt. Before them all stood the Five-fold Tower. A massive commons surrounded the structure, decorated with small gardens, stone benches and pavement. Other people could be seen wandering about, giving on the most cursory of glances to the newcomers as they went about their business.
"Well," said Hendrickson, "Here we are. The Tower is the very heart of our institution, and also where general topics of the arcane can be studied. Like the five campuses, it contains an Athenaeum, scriptorium, cafeteria, and recreation center. It also hosts a number of other instillations, as you will come to find during your time here. Now, I know you’re all itching to explore the place, so when you’re ready to start your education, see the front desk inside. Once again, welcome to the Five-fold Tower."
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Athena sidled over to Teresa as they all walked towards the front desk, "So, are you an Obrimos too, or are we gonna be in different towers?"
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"I'm a witch!" said Teresa, still holding the bowl of mints from earlier. "I'm gonna be studying with the Acanthus. But I might get bored, so I'll definitely be wandering around anywhere and everywhere. Mint?"
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"Don't mind if I do. I'm hoping to specialize a bunch so I'll probably be around less - but we can definitely work out something to catch up and stuff."
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The two mystics walked across the courtyard, winding around a fountain depicting a mage standing before a table; with a rod in one hand raised towards the heavens. Upon reaching the front of the tower, they passed through a pair of reinforced, double-doors. This was where they found a lobby more in keeping with an airport concourse. Windows high above allowing sunlight to pour in, onto polished, stone flooring; long, padded benches, even the literal front desk blended marble, wood, and glass. But there was also a sense of antiquity, as Athena saw in the symbol carved into the center of the desk: five dragon wings forming the shape of a star within a gilded ring. A similar image was emblazoned on a massive tapestry on the wall behind the desk, with greater detail added in the form of Supernal symbolism, and those of the Orders.
"Good morning," said the clerk, dressed in robes of black and brown. "How can I help you?"
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"We're new students, Professor Hendrickson told us to come up here when we're ready to start learning?"
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Athena felt a wave of heat as the clerk waved a hand from left to right at her and Teresa. The book in front of him then opened on its own, its pages flipping without so much as a breeze.
"Athena and Teresa," chanted the clerk as he traced his finger down the length of the book. "Ah, yes! Just sign here in the registry."
"Are we signing away our souls?" asked Teresa, still beaming as she bounced on her heels.
The clerk chuckled, turning the book to face the girls. "This is to make sure we have a record of you arriving here, as well as confirmation that you have read, understood, and accepted the rules of studying at the Collegia." He then opened a drawer, procuring two brochures for the mages. "Most applicants are expected to have already read this, but it never hurts to have a refresher on hand."
[If you read the brochure, roll Intelligence + Wits.]
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2021-04-13 10:53:06 Athena rolls 7 dice to Reading Comprehension 9,6,8,3,10, 3,4,8 (4 successes)
Athena took a moment to flip through the brochure.
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Reading, the theurge found the expected laws of a consilium, from iron to gold. However, there were a few alterations that bore noting:
1. Theft or destruction of a soulstone belonging to the Collegia Supernal is grounds for immediate expulsion if found guilty. Any favors demanded by the culprit must be denied.
2. Non-attending cabal mates visiting the Collegia Supernal are restricted to the Halfway House unless otherwise permitted.
3. Any and all mysteries pertaining to academy property are to be studied at a gradual pace - thereby avoiding contamination via one's nimbus. Rushing such examinations is grounds for punishment.
4. Attempts at entering the Headmaster's sanctum are forbidden. No exceptions.
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Nodding at the extra rules, Athena signed the paperwork.
(Maybe put the rules in a setting info post?)
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Again, Athena felt a rush of heat, once for when she wrote her shadow name, and then again for when Teresa wrote hers.
"Excellent," said the clerk. "One for Sky Crown and one for Emerald Falls." Turning the registry back into place, he then handed a map and compass to Athena. "Follow the road leading north, Sky Crown'll be at the top of valley."
"Ooh! Ooh! Do I get anything?" asked Teresa.
"No need. Just head on into the woods south-east of the tower."
"Mint?"
"Oh, thanks! Don't mind if I do."
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As they left the building before splitting off, Athena said, "Something pinged off my peripheral sight when we signed up. Probably a Fate thing linking us to the name we signed, but I'm not the expert there."
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"Yep yep," said the witch, having left her bowl at the front desk. "It was an intermediate patterning keyed to the signature nimbus and shadow name to ensure none of the school's security measures triggered or perceive us as intruders."
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"Good to know, thanks. Alright though, gotta head over to the other side of things. I'll see you around, yeah?"
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"Okay. Watch out for that lightning bolt~!"
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"Don't lose track of time and walk into the dumpster full of honey badgers!"
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The enchantress giggled, before her expression became dire, eyes wide and unblinking. "But seriously, watch out for that lightning bolt." she said. And as quickly as it came, Teresa returned to grinning, her hand waving back at Athena as they parted ways. "See you later!"
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Athena blinked for a moment. Well then. She smiled and waved Teresa off before heading to her new home.
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In spite of its size, Athena managed to quickly reach the northern exit to the academy commons. With compass in hand, she followed the path leading towards the distant mountains, even spotting two people ahead of her going in the same direction.
[Alright, roll me Stamina + Athletics.]
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2021-04-15 14:39:38 Athena rolls 6 dice to Powerwalking 10,1,8,8,1, 8,6 (4 successes)
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*Rollz*
Again, Athena noticed how unusually fast her sojourn to the mountains was, taking what would have likely been hours to trekking and compressing it into a half-hour. The rolling hills and grass lands glimmered and gleamed in the sun, and as the wind picked up, birds past overhead. When Athena reached the base of the mountain, however, her attention fell squarely on the two mystics sitting on a large rock at the side of the road. Right where a vague set of stone stairs began climbing up the steep mountain-side.
"You new here?" one of them asked, a blonde man with peridot eyes.
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She nodded, "Yup, I'm Athena. New student and everything."
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"Told you," said the other man, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and poncho. "Would have recognized her if she wasn't."
"I'm Chaucer, and this is Heimdall," said the blonde. "Would you mind helping us with a research project? We'll make it worth your while."
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"What've you got in mind?"
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"People say they notice strange things the first time they climb the path up to Skycrown. Ranging from a voice on the wind speaking in High Speech, to finding stone grimoires carved from the rock, even discovering a stream of tass."
"Before you go getting your hopes up," said Heimdall. "Nobody's seen the tass stream but the one time."
"Same goes for every other iteration," said Chaucer. "Which brings us right back around to the project. All you have to do is climb the path to Skycrown, and document everything you come across. Be as detailed as you can, especially about anything supernatural you find. Then come find us later to recount the experience."
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"And what do I get out of this? Sounds like you get a free froshie to do research for you while you kick back and relax."
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The pair exchanged looks.
"We can show you a shortcut for getting up and down the mountain," said Heimdall, shrugging. "I can also give you a few pointers on the Space arcanum. Chaucer's not half bad with Fate, either."
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Athena took a moment to think about it, then nodded. "Sounds good to me. I'm actually better with Matter than Forces or Prime, so that kind of trade is in my wheelhouse too."
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"Oh cool. You imbue anything?"
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"Not yet, but I'm hoping to soon. I heard of the Forge Masters and they're totally my jam. Hope I can get in."
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"You'll wanna talk to one of the deans," said Heimdall. "They'll tell you if a legacy member's on campus. Not sure what else is involved."
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"Thanks for the heads up, and I'll come down with my notes once I'm settled in."
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"Thanks again," said Chaucer, both mages waving as Athena began her ascent.
[Alright, here's how this is gonna go down. This is an Extended check, but you can deviate between two types of rolls. To climb the slope is Stamina + Athletics, with a +1 from equipment. You'll have a limit of said-rolls based on your [Stamina + Athletics] rating before you begin suffering a cumulative -1 penalty. However, the second choice of roll, Wits + Intelligence, will subtract the penalty by 1 as you gather your bearings, and potentially find something interesting. If you fail to reach the summit [read: achieve the threshold no. of successes], you'll suffer the Lost Tilt, and have to retrace your steps. You'll only learn the threshold number if you fail the extended check. Each dicepool equals 20 minutes.]
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2021-04-20 08:51:46 Athena rolls 6 dice to Pathfinding 9,10,4,5,4, 2,1 (2 successes)
2021-04-20 08:51:53 Athena rolls 6 dice to Pathfinding 8,9,10,10,10, 10,9,5,2,2 (7 successes)
2021-04-20 08:51:55 Athena rolls 6 dice to Pathfinding 9,6,7,9,9, 6 (3 successes)
2021-04-20 08:51:58 Athena rolls 6 dice to Pathfinding 3,7,4,3,10, 4,2 (1 success)
2021-04-20 08:52:00 Athena rolls 6 dice to Pathfinding 6,2,9,1,2, 4 (1 success)
2021-04-20 08:52:01 Athena rolls 6 dice to Pathfinding 7,9,4,6,5, 2 (1 success)
(Did the max number of safe pathfinding rolls first. If she still needs more, we'll do some reorientation rolls)
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The path up the mountain was long and crooked, with little in the way of vegetation. At times it even split in multiple directions, or became punctuated by a random series of stone steps. Shade was almost impossible to come by, exposing Athena to the harshness of the sun’s rays. Strong winds would buffet her, trailed by clouds of dust and powdered soil. The higher she climbed, the lighter her head felt, till at last she needed to stop and catch her breath.
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Athena took a few moments to catch her breath and look at the views from the outcropping she was on. Wow. It was something else entirely. And then she went back to the climb. Hopefully she wouldn't have to repeat the climb each time she came and left the tower.
2021-04-29 07:14:57 Athena rolls 5 dice to Pathfinding 8,10,9,3,3, 2 (3 successes)
2021-04-29 07:15:07 Athena rolls 4 dice to Pathfinding 10,8,5,6,10, 6 (3 successes)
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Yet before the theurge could press on, she caught a glint of light out from the corner of her eye. There, in the rock of a nearby boulder. A prismatic seam no bigger than a thread of hair. It almost appeared to glow from within...
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Athena frowned, and walked over to the seam, taking a closer look at it.
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[Roll Wits + Investigation.]
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2021-04-30 07:56:46 Athena rolls 4 dice to Looking 1,1,9,1 (1 success)
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Initial examinations revealed that the seam did indeed glow as Athena cast her shadow over it. Upon touching it, she then discovered that it thrummed, and was warm to the touch...
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Athena frowned, and activated her Mage Sight, attuning it to Forces and Prime.
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Athena opened her mind's eye, and through it beheld the sovereign truths of the Aether inscribed upon reality. A faint mandala encircled the stone she gazed upon; arrows rising from the ring and all within its border. Meanwhile, the mage saw the symbol of Pluto descend into the earth, its bottom point piercing the symbol for center of gravity as Athena visualized things three-dimensionally.
But the seam in the rock resonated brighter than these other images. Burning diamond-white, it was shaped like a thunderbolt, diving deep into the stone and at an angle. That bolt then became embellished, the Sephiroth appearing in the backdrop, only for Athena to see it become blueprints for a Tesla Coil!
[Translation: you see mundane forces like heat and gravity affecting the rock, but also see something imbedded in the rock as being either a mage's spell, tass, or both.]
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Athena reached out with her magic to whatever was embedded inside, trying to make contact with it.
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[Spend 1 WP to Scrutinize, then roll Gnosis + Prime.]
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2021-05-15 07:50:30 Athena rolls 4 dice to Scrutiny 8,3,10,10,10, 6,6 (4 successes)
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Emblems of the Supernal burnt away under Athena's gaze, the mystery growing clearer as she focused her mind. The scent of ozone invaded her nostrils, leaving a metallic tang in her mouth. The tesla coil she had bore witness to became set atop a holy hand grenade, within which was marked the Atlantean glyph for Forces under the practice of Ruling!
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Well even Athena could figure that one out. She cast Control Electricity at the thing.
2021-05-20 11:41:21 Athena rolls 4 dice to Control Electricity 2,5,6,10,2 (1 success)
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Just as Athena was about to cast her spell, she felt the presence of magic other than her own. Looking to the heavens, she saw lightening gather - a downward Jacob's ladder forming a bow aimed directly at her!
[Alright, since you already rolled (and passed), I'll let you redirect the lightning bolt. Describe how you cast the spell for an arcane beat.]
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As she formed the mudras to cast the spell, and saw the gathering storm above, Athena refocused her efforts from ahead to above. She released the spell, grasping hold of the bolt of lightning and redirecting it into the Mystery she had unraveled instead.
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[Was tempted to punish you for touching it without magical protection, but I'll let it slide this time. ;) ]
[Take an AB]
By the strength of will and the precision of her spellcraft, the theurge did thusly. Yet as she made contact, her mind was besieged by a vision that wracked body and soul! The world engulfed in coruscating mother-of-pearl, pierced by rhythmic harmonies borne of shimmering gold! Images raced across its entirety, too fast for the naked eye - the music began warping - too fast - TOO FAST!! Someone was screaming! Everything is on fire! MAKE IT STOP!!
As quick as it came, the vision ended. Smoke fizzled from Athena's palms; the sky was clear as can be. Her heart was pounding in her throat, but eventually she turned her attentions back to the stone. The thing was split wide open, revealing a geode of white crystals that glowed in the shadow of the newly formed cavity.
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Athena took a closer look, and lightly tapped them with the back of her hand.
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To the naked eye, the crystals appear to be a type of quartz, though immediate contact resulted in a nip of static shock. Yet through the lens of the Aethyr, Athena's magesight deduced these crystals were a form of tass, and might even serve as a yantra or reagent for electrical-based magics.
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She grinned and took a few minutes to peel all of the Tass out of the geode.
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[Alright, how do you go about peeling? ;) ]
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(Rip and tear, but gently?)
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[Hmm... roll me Dexterity + Larceny.]
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2021-05-29 08:23:19 Athena rolls 2 dice to Prying 5,2 (0 successes)
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[Try again with a -1 penalty?]
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(Hmm. Channeling Mana and Tass and stuff is Prime 3, but would just physically moving it be possible with Prime 2?)
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[How do you mean?]
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(Just physically moving it)
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[Sure. Where?]
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(Out of the geode.)
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[Right, but where are you transplanting it? Or are you just releasing it into the wild?]
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(Into her hands, so she can hold it. Imagine it flowing out of the geode and reforming in her hands)
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[Alright, roll it.]
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Date/Time Roll description Result
2021-06-06 19:41:22 Athena rolls 4 dice to Thaumaturgy 3,7,9,8 (2 successes)
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Through raw will alone, the theurge compelled opalescent light to pour forth from the hewn crystals, and so did liquid gold that shimmered like the stars become cradled within Athena's hands. Tass: mana made manifest.
[If you drink, gain +2 Mana]
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Well, she was full up on Mana, but she wasn't going to put liquid in her pockets. So she drank it.
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Perhaps it was from the ambient ozone, but Athena found the liquid tass heavily ionized as it touched her tongue. One could even say it was electrolyte?
Regardless, the theurge could feel her Pattern overflowing with mana; an odd sensation that left her wobbly. Or maybe that was just altitude sickness finally kicking in.
[New Tilt: Saturated Pattern: You suffer a -2 penalty to non-magic skill checks while you retain more mana than your maximum rate. Supernatural abilities related to detecting a mage's nimbus gain a +2 modifier. The tilt ends when the excess mana is spent.]
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Athena sat down, giggling as she overflowed with mana. What a high.
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[Gonna need a little bit more to work with than that. ^^; ]
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After composing herself again, Athena began looking around for a way to continue the climb.
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Woozy as she was, Athena continued her ascent, fighting off the fog dancing about the periphery of her mind.
And then she saw it: shining above her. Past the ledge, she climbed over and onto a plateau dominated by a series of radiant structures. Like rivers of polished, white stone, they wound through the rocky terrain, only to rise and spiral into one another as spires and bastions. It was like something out of science fiction.
A wave of heat warned the theurge of magic, and sure enough, a bubble of what looked like pure tass rose up in front of her. It twisted and warped as she stared at it, watching as it took on the vaguest shape of a translucent humanoid.
"Hi!" it said, voice bubbly – no pun intended – as it waved. "I'm Eidi the Eidolon! Welcome to Sky Crown! Congratulations on reaching the top!"
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"Uhh, thanks Eidi. Can you show me the way to the dorms, please? I'm a bit overdosed on some tass I found on the ascent and don't think I can guide my own way," she said, taking in the sights.
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"Of course," said the eidolon, smiling as its features slowly grew more feminine over time. Gesturing for Athena to follow, Eidi bowed then turned towards the school, her feet never touching the ground. "Please be careful when outside the college grounds, as the area is prone to adverse weather conditions. All students interested in meteoromancy are required to speak with Dean Thales or vetted faculty members before experimenting on site."
The eidolon would continue to go over similar rules and regulations as the two went on - though it was hard to keep track of such details with a brain full of tass. At some point, the air dramatically changed in temperature, going from abusively hot to temperate and inviting. The stone beneath Athena's feet was granite, yet made little to no echo as she stepped through a side-entrance. From there she walked the length of an edgeless hallway, till she arrived at a circular chamber, where a small number of people were lounging on stuffed and padded furniture. A number of corridors branched off from the chamber, and all were illuminated despite a visible light-source.
"Here we are," chimed Eidi, turning around to face Athena. "Your dorm room is 127. Please remember to respect the privacy of your fellow dormmates. If you have any questions, always feel free to ask."
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"Thanks, and when do classes start? Also, is there a way up here that doesn't require a mountain hike?"
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"Classes start depending on subject matter and curriculum," said the eidolon. "Have you decided on what you wish to study? If not, the Colleges offer a number of degrees both mundane and mystical in nature, as well as opportunities for extra-curricular study."
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"I'm interested in creating Perfected Metals, Imbued Items and other assorted and relevant fields."
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"Perfected Metallurgy is a highly vaunted discipline! Skycrown offers an excellent Sophiad on the subject, requiring you take additional classes in Thaumatology, Mundane Metallurgy, and Chemistry. You may also wish to minor in other fields to expand your repertoire, such as Occultism and Alchemy. Are you already familiar with the Sophiad format?"
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"Nope, what is it?"
-
"Originally, the Sophiad was a form of methodology devised by the Mysterium, pertaining to the observation and study of the Mystery. Contrary to popular belief, the Mysterium is not just about academic research. All endeavors made to form an more intuitive, less systematic state of knowing within an Awakened mind. A balancing of intuition and rationality. The Sophiad does this by dividing the path of cultivating enlightenment down three disciplines: the High, Central, and Common paths. Here at the Five-fold Tower, earning a degree requires touching on each of these disciplines, at least in some part. As for the paths themselves, they are as follows: the High Path, or Soriology, focuses on the study of magic, mages, and the Supernal Realms. The Central Path, or Esotology, focuses on the hidden and the supernatural of the Fallen World. And finally, the Common Path, or Exoterics, encompasses all arts and sciences known to Sleepers. By combining each of the three, your education will not only become more well-rounded, but your ability to utilize, even synergize such knowledge will magnify your potential. Both as a scholar, and a mage."
[Gain +1 Arcane Beat]
-
Athena's eyes widened, "Wow, that's very comprehensive. Consider me interested - where do I sign up?"
-
"Each dorm is equipped with an up-to-date copy of all available degrees, prerequisite classes, time schedules, and - for those inclined - Legacies. When you have selected your desired degree, simply sign one of the forms - which can also be found in the dormitories - and deliver it to either one of Skycrown's illustrious deans: Dean Thales or Dean Orea. Both maintain the curriculum of the college, acting as its stewards and representatives within the Five-fold Tower. Each is also a master of one of the Innate Arcana known to all mages touched by the Aether, and can advise any interested parties on how best to improve their studies of said-arcana."
-
Athena nodded excitedly, "Thanks Eidi! Gotta go check that out!" she said before dashing forwards to get ahold of the document.
-
"You're welcome!" she chimed, the eidolon waving close to her chest before she disappeared without a trace.
Inside the dorm, Athena found a deep contrast from what she had seen of Skycrown thus far. Instead of grandiose amenities, the cell was spartan, containing a twin-sized bed with a locker directly beneath it; a desk and chair, with a bookshelf above it, and a lamp that was hooked up to the room's only power outlet. Beside her and the door was a framed set of rules, the typical stuff, keep the room clean, no damaging the furniture, etc. On the desk, a cup full of pens and pencils sat beside a series of printed-out forms, no doubt the same ones Eidi had mentioned.
-
Athena plunked down on the bed for a moment, catching her breath from the climb. She then went over to the desk to take a look at the forms more closely.
-
[Hmm... Roll Resolve + Stamina, first, with a -1 from Fatigue, and a -2 from condition]
-
2021-07-12 14:09:05 Athena rolls 2 dice to Studying 4,6 (0 successes)
-
Through erudite conditioning, Athena managed to avoid succumbing to exhaustion and oversleeping. Which was fortunate, as the moment she sat down at her dorm's desk, she found the list of courses and degrees Eidi had mentioned. The thing was exhaustive, spanning even the most niche of subjects, some of which would be outright laughed at by most mundane academia. So too did it come with a list of tuition payments for specific professors, lecturers, and tutors.
[Alright, for this part we're gonna cheat a little and avoid giving exact numbers for things like credits, to avoid making things too complicated. For a Sophiad in Perfected Metallurgy, you'll need to take the following courses: Thaumatology, Occultism, Metallurgy/Chemistry. You'll get introductory classes to each of the big 3, and from there can explore different fields within said-subjects (eg: Thaumatology offers classes in High Speech, enchantment, alchemy, etc). You'll also require arcana to be at a certain level or above, but we'll get to that.]
-
(Sounds good to me)
With her classes more or less established - pending further refinement and exploration within-field - Athena decided it was time to crash. She promptly changed and lay down on her bed, and fell asleep.
-
...
The next day came without fanfare. Though the bed had proven to be less than stellar, the lack of windows within Athena's cell had at least kept her from waking prematurely. It was when she left the room that she met with surprise, for Heimdall was standing directly at her.
"Morning neighbor," he chuckled, hands in pockets. "Sorry about yesterday. Was hoping to see you when you got here, but me and Chaucer got caught up with something at the last minute."
-
Athena shrugged, "It's fine. I ran across a Tass vein and got a bit high from the overflow when I drank it up. Did the initial check-in and crashed hard."
-
The mage paused, his expression shifting in the blink of an eye. "Tass vein?" he echoed. "What do you mean?"
-
"Found a geode full of liquid Tass on the climb up. There's probably more inside the mountain if I had to guess."
-
"Not necessarily, but also not impossible," reasoned Heimdall, holding his chin as he cast his eyes to the floor. "And you're sure that's all you saw? Nothing unusual leading up to that?"
-
Athena shook her head, "Nope, just a long hike otherwise. Say, there's a faster way up in the future, right?"
-
"Yep. Near the overlook, there's an elevator that goes down into the valley. A glamour's put over the exit, but once you've been through, it's easy to find your way back. Just be careful not to cast any spells while you're on it. The staff gets really annoyed when you do."
-
"Thanks for the heads-up. I guess I should start getting my stuff together for class. Don't want to miss it!"
-
"Sure you don't want to grab something to eat first? We have a cafeteria."
-
Athena frowned in thought for a moment, then nodded. "Lead the way?"
-
[Changed my mind. We didn't start this game of magical academia just so we could get bogged down in the cafeteria before your first fookin' lesson. >|3 ]
...
"Morning, everyone! Shalom and welcome to your class 101 in Thaumatology. My name is Jhoira, and I will be your instructor this semester."
In an oblong room, Athena and fellow Obrimos all sat at tables the length of the terraces they rested upon, in a classic indoor amphitheater setting. Athena all too easily recognized Professor Jhoira's accent as being New Jersey, and somewhere in their mid-to-late thirties. Her short hair was brown, highlighted deep red, yet she wore an almost punk-rocker aesthetic more fitting of an explorer than an college professor.
"Before we get started," he said, ducking her head as she scanned the room. "Is anyone here new to Skycrown? Maybe this is your first class?"
-
Athena raised her hand, "Yes, Professor - it's my first class here."
-
"Oh nice! I hope you - and everyone else new here - is liking what we've got at Five-fold. When you hear the words: "awakened magic," what springs to mind?"
-
"I'd say infinite possibility. There's nothing that one of the Arcana can't accomplish. It's just a matter of figuring out how."
-
"I like that answer," said Jhoira. "And it's true! From a theoretical standpoint, anything can be accomplished with the right application of Arcana, willpower, and imagination. In this class, we're going to open your minds to new avenues of applying your spellcraft, and hopefully expand your grasp on the fundamentals. For example: did you know that it's possible to replicate similar results using completely different Arcana? I'm not talking about blasting rocks with fireballs with Forces as opposed to fireballs made with Matter -- although -- no, I'm talking about effects such as healing through the cauterization of wounds or timely jumpstarting of a pulse through precise amounts of electricity! Macgyver yourselves some answers with some healthy improv! Who knows? You might even invent new forms of magic along the way!" The theurge then turned back to Athena. "Let's brainstorm right now. Think of a problem that could easily be solved with one Arcanum, but that you don't have any training with. Find a way to apply an answer using an alternative Arcanum."
-
"Well, Time magic would be pretty good for telling the weather. With Forces I could probably do something to perceive wind currents and precipitation flows and sort of become a weather station for the surrounding area?"
-
[Gain +1 Arcane Beat]
"Great! That's exactly what we're looking for! See, the Arcana are not so overspecialized that they are rigid and unwieldy. Each has a little of the others inside it, especially once combined with others!" Jhoira turned to face the class. "Lateral thinking! That's what separates a good mage from a great mage! I want all of you to explore and apply yourselves and your magic. To do this, you'll each write a paper no shorter than five hundred words for next week, on how you utilized creative thaumaturgy in pursuit of a goal. Be it your Obsessions, a Mystery, or something you otherwise couldn't do without magic! The more inventive, the better!"
-
Athena nodded along as she took notes on the assignment, wondering what she was going to write about.
-
"Is that it?" said a voice. Everyone turned their heads. There, sitting in the front row was a bronze-colored man with a hawkish nose and piercing cobalt eyes. "Not to disrespect you or anything, professor," he said, arms folded. "But even newly Awakened know how to use unconventional creative thaumaturgy. I was under the impression we'd be learning more advanced principles at this academy."
"Ah, yes," said Jhoira, her tone growing sardonic, "I suppose you'd want me to teach you how to put lightning in a bottle on your first day, maybe?"
"I'm merely saying that for all the work we put in getting here, and the "tuition" needed to stay, this isn't impressing me."
"I see, and whom might you be?"
The man raised his chin, smirking. "Marte," he said. "Future Hierarch of Firenze."
"Well, mister hotshot, last I checked, the deans decide what the curriculum is, so if you're feeling like raising a fuss on the very first class of your semester, I'm sure they'd love to hear it."
-
Athena grumbled under her breath over the self-important jerk, as she packed up her bags and headed towards the exit.
-
[Alright, you leave the class. You have--]
*Rollz*
[3 hours until your next class. Where shalt thee blaze a trail?]
-
Well, she was in a school, right? Time to check out the library and see what they had.
(Uhh, oops)
-
[Oops what?]
-
(Long ass time between posts)
-
[Hmm... roll meeee Wits + Composure.]
-
2023-05-24 14:00:25 Athena rolls 6 dice to Wits + Composure 9,9,4,7,2, 10,7 (3 successes)
-
The campus library was tall, well over five stories, and each with a balcony view of the lower levels. On the ground floor, a number of tables and writing desks were set up; each in a perfect row with their neighbors on either side of the a carpet the bisected the room. Following said-carpet led Athena straight to the front desk, where a man in white robes sat reading a hardcover book. He was far from the only soul there, however, as others could be seen perusing the shelves or talking to one another, their voices never reaching beyond a quiet muffle.
"Something I can help you with?"
Athena turned. Approaching her was a black-haired woman in a white and blue robe, her hands clasped together as she bowed her head.
-
Athena smiled at the woman, "Hi, I'm Athena. I'm new to the college and wanted to explore the library. Do you work here?"
-
"I do!" she said. "My name's Keera. Welcome to Skycrown's Library and Athenaeum. Is there something in particular you wanted to explore? We have books on hundreds of different topics, both mundane and mystical, though some of the latter are restricted following school policy."
-
Athena smiled, "I was wondering if you could show me to the magical materials sciences section. I'm interested in the Forge Masters legacy and wanted to learn more on how to use Perfected materials."
-
"Certainly. You'll find dissertations on the subject here on the ground floor. Anything more extensive, you'll have to ask the front desk."
"Don't waste your time," said a familiar voice. Turning, Athena saw Chaucer approaching from one of the stacks, a flat smile on his face. "Anything worth a damn's locked up. You want the good stuff, you gotta trade for it. Favors for favors, that kind of bullshit."
-
"Thank you, that's very helpful. And thanks, Chaucer. I'll keep it in mind for when I'm not completely green and ready to learn more than the basics. Can't say I'm looking forward to politicking, hopefully I'll be able to trade with forge time or something once I get my bearings."
She thanked Keera with a smile and started heading to the dissertations she had mentioned. Maybe she could get some reading in before her next class. And she probably had to check in with the Obrimos deans soon, too.
-
*Rollz*
As Athena turned away from the pair, she noticed noticed the stink eye Keera was giving Chaucer. If either said anything, however, it was too quiet for her to catch.
Within the stacks, Athena found books of varying sizes, decoration, and script. Some were little more than piles of yellowing scrolls, and she was pretty sure one was a roll of bamboo-sticks tied together with thread. Eventually, she found a section of the library centered around crafting, smithing, and architecture. 'Highborn Materials' read one such paper, written by Parlance, three-fold Apprentice of the Golden Key. The opening paragraphs prove dry, discussing the practicalities of applying the Matter arcanum to construction materials. In doing so, a would be imbuer creates not only superior durability, but endows the final products with a resonance of sorts, one that reflects the symbolic nature of said-material, and potentially enables the channeling of the Supernal as if a dedicated tool...
-
Athena opened up a notebook and began to write down the key points of the paper. She knew that some Matter spells could be made Lasting with some effort, or at the higher levels of Mastery. Perhaps imbuing the mundane objects with a permanent magical enhancement could bring them closer to the Supernal? It definitely merited investigation, and at the least it would result in more durable mundane materials. It would be interesting to see what applying temporary enhancements repeatedly could do, too.
-
While pouring over the document, Athena caught something scribbled in the margins. Perfection through sacrifice, it read, followed by the Atlantean runes for the practices of Perfecting and Fraying, both of which combined with the symbol for Matter.
-
Athena saw it, and frowned. She copied the note into her notebook and took a closer look at it, paying attention to her Peripheral Mage Sight. She wasn't ready to go deeper without skimming first.
-
The clanging of distant hammers echoed within the theurge's mind as her nimbus colored her perception of magic. However, no doubt in small part due to the activities of other Awakened, she couldn't tell whether any of it had to do with her, nor how close in proximity to where she was...
-
(Does my Keen Periphery merit show anything? It's from Signs of Sorcery if you need to check the text.)
-
[Ah, totally forgot! Thanks for the save!]
*Rollz*
Though difficult at first, the would-be forge master began to make out the separate tines and elements of magic. The ticking of clocks; a number of sonorous bells like those in a monastery meant to that quiet the mind; and the hammering of gross matter upon a stone anvil. Of them, the closest seemed the hammers, yet each was distracting in its own way...
-
Athena frowned, and took a moment to enter her Active sight, taking advantage of her excess mana to add Matter to the filter along with her Ruling Arcana.
(Active Mage Sight for Forces, Prime, and Matter. If I'm not mistaken it costs mana to add extra Arcana to the filter beyond Ruling?)
-
[Yep, Common and Inferior Arcanum cost 1 Mana]
The presence of so much magic was staggering. Everywhere she looked, Prime sigils wreathed in cold, smokeless white fire burned bright. Each of said-sigils was surrounded by mandalas detailing the supernal laws of physics, turning like wheels in complex machinery. Matter revealed the blueprints of every given object as though etched into surface, detailing depth, measurement, weakness, and durability. But these weren't the cause behind her senses acting up. Through the vertigo of stimulation, she could see soundwaves bouncing off the walls, fading the moment they drew close to the Prime sigils. Looking down at the paper, she saw that the scribble was written in a different ink than the paper, its integrity showing it to have been added long after the paper was penned. Prime revealed the runes to be magical, but devoid of enchantment - as far as she could tell. Indeed, no spells lay on the dissertation's pattern at all...
-
That...was a lot of input. Wow. Athena squinted and limited her attention to the page, tapping her pen as she puzzled over the pages. She copied down the overlaid runes before getting up to find a reference book for the Matter Arcanum to try to get some help in parsing the text.
-
[Hmm... roll me Intelligence + Academics, with a +1 from research.]
-
2023-06-05 10:34:46 Athena rolls 9 dice to Intelligence + Academics 3,1,5,1,4, 6,3,7,1 (0 successes)
Even including my extra +1 from the specialty. Wow.
-
[Hmm... I'll let you roll again with a -1 penalty.]
-
2023-06-05 16:07:54 Athena rolls 8 dice to Intelligence + Academics 9,2,9,5,5, 2,4,4 (2 successes)
I'll take it, but oof.
-
Perhaps due to the constant pinging of her mage senses, or because of the odd word choices of the dissertation, it took Athena far longer to grasp the fundaments of what she was reading. Even with the help of the reference book she acquired - which had taken too much time in and of itself - some of the text was denser than Osmium. Still, the theurge persevered, her mind taking in the key points presented.
[Gain the Informed Condition tagged to supernatural crafting materials.]
Just as she finished, pouring over the text, Athena felt her senses go off as a wave of heat. A familiar bubble of pure tass rose up five feet away from her, twisting and warping into the vaguest shape of a translucent humanoid.
"Student Athena," said Eidi, the eidolon's smiling as before. "Dean Orea requires your presence in her office. Please make for the White Spire at your earliest convenience."
-
She sighed, and closed the dissertation up.
"You got it. Um, just maybe give me the directions first?" she asked sheepishly as she packed up her research supplies.
-
"Oh, it would be my pleasure to personally guide you there. If you would please follow me~"
Turning, the eidolon began walking without a sound to her footsteps. At times, she would quit the floor all together by floating above it, gliding whenever Athena picked up the pace. Eidi always managed to remain several feet ahead of the mage, never looking back to see if Athena was still following.
At the center of the campus, the White Spire was connected to the main building by a skyway. From the windows, Athena could see a cloister ringed the surrounding space, with students walking the grounds. The moment's distraction almost caused the theurge to pass straight through Eidi, however. Indeed, the eidolon had stopped as though all forward-momentum had been lost in an instant. Faster than anything natural, at the very least.
"The Spire houses as the main offices and sanctums of Skycrown's tenured professors and deans," said Eidi. "You will find Dean Orea's office at the top of the Spire, alongside Dean Thales'. Please remain on your best behavior while inside the Spire. You may choose to access the other floors via the elevator, or the stairwell."
-
Athena nodded, thanking Eidi before she started moving towards the elevator.
-
The elevator stood at the center of a room devoid of furniture save for a pair of stone benches flanking either side of the entrance. The Obrimos glyph was engraved on the doors, and on opening, revealed a compartment that wouldn't be out of place in a well-tended corporate building. When Athena pressed the topmost button, the theurge didn't even feel the engine stir to life beneath her feet. Just a metallic *ding* as the doors closed, then opened again a second later. Gone was the austere room she'd left behind, replaced by a carpeted hallway with only one door to either side of her.
"Unacceptable," she heard a man say. Turning, Athena saw the door to her left was ajar. "You told me the hallows were stable! What are we going to tell the board when the mana dries up?!"
"But the hallows are stable," said a woman, her voice silvery compared to the rumbling of the man's. "Honestly, you worry too much. We've had dry spells before, haven't we? It'll be over with none the wiser."
-
Athena's eyebrows raised as she overheard the conversation, but she wasn't a snoop, so she knocked on the doorframe.
-
The voices fell quiet. "Come in~" said the woman's voice.
Athena opened the door as she stepped inside. The room beyond was bathed in the gold- and rose-colored light of stained glass windows. The white stone walls, almost porcelain in their sheen, were carved in such a way as to appear like they had flowed into shape; petrified rivers glistening into the light as they wrapped around the blue marble floors. The vaulted ceiling revealed an upper floor that overlooked a lounge area, yet for a lounge, there stood a desk of glass so clear the girl almost didn't realize it was there, but for the reddish gold of the furniture's support frame. And there, standing on either side of the desk stood two figures. To the right stood a man with cracked, leathery skin. So brilliant was the orange of his beard and wild mane of hair it could have been mistaken for living flame. But it was the bald woman on the left that drew Athena's attention most. Tall and dark of skin, the woman stood dressed in a windowed gown of white and yellow that glowed in the light of the room. Everything about her spoke of high fashion, from the golden necklaces adorning her neck, to the poise with which she held herself.
"Well?" growled the red-maned man. "Speak, girl. What's with the interruption?"
"Peace, Thales," said the tall woman. "This is my office, now. I've been expecting someone to drop by."
-
Athena took a moment to compose herself before looking at Dean Orea, "New student Athena, ma'am. I was collected from the library by Eidi and told you wanted to see me."
-
The taller woman smiled. "That I do," she said. "Welcome to Skycrown, my dear. As you've already put together, we are the deans of this illustrious citadel. I am Dean Orea, and this tempestuous fellow is Dean Thales."
Thales grunted, folding his arms as he regarded Athena.
Orea continued. "As tradition, each aspirant to our campus meets with the deans to discuss their aspirations for studying at the Collegia Supernal. That means you've the luck of meeting with us both at the same time rather than waiting for Thales."
"I'm a busy man, Orea. That I manage to meet with every new student before the week's out is a miracle in itself."
"Hmhmhm, you're apprentice-level with Time, Thales, you're argument is invalid. But enough about us, this is about you, my dear. How have you taken to Skycrown? I'm told you've already had your first class here, yes?"
-
"Thaumatology 101 with Professor Jhoira, ma'am. Skycrown has been an adjustment, but I'll get used to it soon enough. I expect my other classes will help me get into the swing of things. I'm planning on a Sophiad in Perfected Metallurgy, and hopefully earning admission into The Forge Masters. I always liked doing things with my hands, and when I read about what we can do with magic and metal, I was hooked."
-
"Forge Masters?" echoed Thales.
"A new student who already knows what Legacy she's after," said Orea. "Even among the Golden Key, few newcomers have such clear ideas of how they'll mature as Awakened. To that end, we can introduce you to the Collegia's personal Forge Master. A Moros by the shadow name Vulcan."
Thales coughed into a fist. "It's not that simple," he said.
For the first time, Orea's smile laxed as she turned to face her colleague.
"Vulcan keeps to himself," said Thales. "As per the traditions of his Legacy, the man has high standards, compounded by - frankly - a sexist attitude towards female initiates. If you're going to write a letter of introduction, Athena here will need a solid argument on why she should be allowed to join the Forge Masters. That means top marks, an impeccable work ethic, and a gift showcasing her potential."
-
Athena's lip curled as Dean Thales explained the challenges she'd face. "I can accomplish those. I can't say I'm enthusiastic about the idea of being subjected to sexism in order to develop my soul and magic as I desire. If, when I have everything in order that would make me suitable for admission, I get rejected when a man would be accepted, well - I'll do it myself."
-
[Take a beat]
Dean Orea raised a hand up. "You have nothing to fear, darling," she said. "As traditional as Vulcan is regarding the Legacy, he remains professional. You have my word that - should you meet the prerequisites expected of all would-be initiates - he will mentor you."
-
Athena nodded, "I'm glad to hear that. Is there anything else important about Skycrown I should know? Advice, tips, suggestions for new students?"
-
"Don't waste time waiting for answers to come to you," said Thales. "Explore the College when time and energy permit, or you'll be old and grey before you get anywhere."
"But never at the expense of your fellow Awakened," added Orea. "The connections you make here between student and faculty can help change the course of your career. Be willing to find common ground, and opportunities will rise to meet you in good stead."
-
Athena nodded, "Thank you very much, Professors. I'll definitely take that to heart."
(Do we want to call the scene, or move on to somewhere else?)
-
[We can move on.]
Nodding to the aspiring theurge, the deans bade Athena farewell; Orea with a radiant smile, and Thales with a softening frown. In truth, it was difficult to tell whether the latter dean always had a look of consternation chiseled to his face.
...
The classroom was all a stir with back chatter. Far smaller than Jhoira's, the space had little to no furniture beyond desks and a whiteboard. All talk came to a crashing halt as the door burst open behind the students.
"Yes, yes," said the man storming towards the teacher's desk. "I'm a minute late. You would be too if you had pull double shift as someone's substitute. Don't think for a moment that'll excuse tardiness from the rest of you."
Leaning to see who the stranger was, Athena saw him as a man with an angular face, the light of the room betraying three scars under his chin in the shape of claw marks. A white streak ran from widows peak all the way to the back of his black mullet, and the dark circles under his eyes only grew deeper as he drew closer.
"Let me be clear," he said, reaching his desk. "Just because something is not of the Supernal does not make it any less dangerous or important. If you think Occultism is a pigeon hole class, you're in for a rude awakening." Pulling out a marker, the man began writing in pseudo-cursive across the white board. "My name is Damocles. I teach both Occultism 101 and everything that comes after. Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and the accursed, the Fallen World is rife with the supernatural, and you will do well to watch your step. Even everyday objects can turn out to be bound to rules that no Awakened cosmology can safely categorize. Can anyone give me an example?"
-
Athena frowned as the professor spoke and took down his lecture in her notes. She wasn't sure of any examples of what he was asking.
-
The mage next to Athena peeked his hand from under the desk.
"Yes, you there," said Damocles.
"The Gauntlet, sir?"
"Do tell."
The mage scanned the room, shrinking as all eyes were on him.
"Isn't the Gauntlet itself a phenomenon that didn't exist prior to the fall of the Time Before?"
"Indeed," said the professor. "According to Athenae the world over, the Gauntlet is a barrier that formed to separate the physical from the more psychoactive elements of the spirit world, known as the Shadow. It has no mention within Atlantean texts, yet has seemingly existed since almost Neolithic times. It should be noted that it is not a reflection of the Primal Wilds like the Shadow is, nor is it a frequency of Twilight. Awakened fully versed in Spirit Arcanum can pass through the barrier, or even rend it apart, but it always reasserts itself over time. Some mages have even been known to implement the Gauntlet in crafting esoteric materials, though most rely on Twilight when developing perfected materials."
-
Athena perked up and raised her hand. Finally a chance to figure out some of the finer details!
-
"Yes?" said Damocles, without missing a beat as he began pacing.
-
"Could you please explain the difference between using the Gauntlet versus Twilight for crafting perfected or esoteric materials? I had no idea using an alternative medium was possible," she said.
-
"Indeed so. Much like folding steel to enhance its durability, a mage can perfect mundane materials by phasing them between states of reality. This is meant to remove Fallen World impurities, and can only be achieved with Adept-level skill in the Arcana, predominantly Prime and Matter, though to access Twilight or the Gauntlet may require supplements such as Mind, Spirit, or Death." Turning, Damocles pulled out a marker and began writing down his own words. "Do note, however, that certain perfected materials are hazardous, Alkahest, or perfected water, is a universal solvent. For those of you without a chemistry background, that means it'll melt your flesh as readily as acid. Such articles require perfected equivalents to contain, such as perfected glass or metal. But I digress. This is Occultism. If you want to know more about perfected materials and the crafting of magical items, I suggest you aim at taking the prerequisite courses. We CAN, however, discuss materials that High Magic cannot so easily replicate, such as cold iron or vampiric Vitae."
-
Athena nodded thanks and continued taking notes on the lecture, making sure to note the specifically crafting related section with a sticky tab. Good thing she would have her Materials classes later to go into more detail.
(I assume basic study supplies are pretty much freely available in a variety of payment methods?)
-
[Yeah, anything you could get at a dollar store or ~$20 we'll assume you can get no problem.]
[Take an Arcane Beat. Then roll me Intelligence + Wits.]
-
2023-07-01 15:34:20 Athena rolls 7 dice to Wits + Intelligence 8,5,3,9,3, 10,6,2 (3 successes)
-
The theurge made good on memorizing Damocles' lecture, taking short-hand notes in a blur of pen on paper without falling behind.
"For the remainder of class," said Damocles. "I require each and every one of you to explore Skycrown, be it indoors or the surrounding plateau. Your goal is to find examples of phenomena that cannot be understood through mage sight alone. Mysteries, you see -- and will find -- are not limited to the Supernal. Even here, the unknowable is what truly draws the mind of our Awakened state. Not the paradoxical impossibility of the Abyss, no, but the knowledge that truth exists no matter the conundrum or presentation thereof. The first five to approach me with examples, be they written or physical, I will reward with a stick of tass. You have until next class to deliver me your findings. Ask Eidi and she'll direct you to my office, etc."
-
After her hike and exploring outside, Athena decided to look for indoors phenomena this time. She leaned over to the person next to her as they packed up, "Any idea on how to find something? I'm not sure blindly walking around will work, except that it just might."
-
[Hmm... roll Presence + Socialize or Persuasion.]
-
(With what attribute?)
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2023-07-04 11:18:11 Athena rolls 1 die to Presence + Socialize 7 (0 successes)
Not unexpected.
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"I dunno," said her neighbor, shrugging. "Try looking into rumors? It's a school campus, there's plenty of gossip."
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Well, that was at least somewhere to start. Checking out the student bulletin board wasn't a terrible idea, maybe there'd be something there.
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[Hmm... roll Wits + Investigation.]
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2023-07-05 20:16:26 Athena rolls 4 dice to Wits + Investigation 7,8,3,5 (1 success)
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Down in the cafeteria, Athena found a board near buried in posters, papers, even neon-colored sticky notes. Most of the messages were advertisements for clubs and events, with the occasional missing apparel or person's notice breaking the monotony. The language barrier was also an issue, as everything from English to Sanskrit was fighting for Athena's attention.
"Hey, new girl." Athena turned. Leaning against a nearby railing, Chaucer waved at the fellow theurge before pushing himself back on his feet. "Looking for something? Been staring at the board for a while, now."
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"Heya, yeah. Professor Damocles wants us to find a phenomenon we can't explain purely through mage sight. Figured the board might have a rumor or two I could dig into," she said with a wave.
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"Sometimes," he said, nodding sideways. "Most people around here like to keep the good stuff to themselves, unless it's something they really need help with but can't get the school to back them up on." Chaucer walked over to the board, scrutinizing the chaos. "Actually... y'know, I heard something about people running into boxes down in the basement. They turn a corner and one'll be just sitting there, with nothing in it. The moment you look away, though, and poof! It's gone."
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"That sounds interesting, I do love weird office supplies. If the basement is full of retro concrete decor then I'll have a blast in there. Thanks for the tip!"
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"Pfft, no problem. Mind if I tag along? If it turns out to be legit, I can say I helped a student to get credit towards my next class." Chaucer then coughed into his fist. "Also Heimdall's busy, so I've got no one to nag."
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Athena shrugged and motioned for him to lead the way.
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...
The lower levels of Skycrown were quiet, its halls lacking the same foot-traffic as above. The thin hum of florescent lighting followed Athena and Chaucer everywhere; the only sound outside the pair's footfalls against the concrete floor.
"That's the second ceiling light that's started bugging out," said Chaucer, the blond pausing to look up as a bulb began flickering. "Think it's electromagnetic interference, or just dying?"
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(Could I modify Tune In or Receiver to see into the EM spectrum? I have Forces 2 and those are 1-dot spells, if it helps.)
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[I don't see why not. I'll even give you a +1 bonus if you describe the imago as you cast the spell.]
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(Brain isn't feeling creative, sorry. Spending Reach on Instant Casting and Advanced Duration, using her magical tool as a Yantra for +1)
2023-07-14 05:17:11 Athena rolls 5 dice to Spellcasting 7,7,10,2,5, 8 (2 successes)
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Casting her spell, Athena opened herself to the electromagnetic spectrum, the magic of the Aether translating it into knowledge she could understand. Little under a minute, she could tell there was a fluctuation in power, the circuitry of the campus growing less and less viable the lower one traveled. Yet a pattern stood out even amongst the slipshod wiring. Too precise to be coincidental, almost like musical notes or Morse code. If the latter, then it wasn't something Athena's spell was able to interpret beyond a tempo, rhythm and sound.
"See anything?" asked Chaucer.
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"Yeah, there's some kind of pattern of EM signals. Can't really figure out what it is, but there's definitely something there."
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A grin crossed Chaucer's face. "Iiiiinteresting," he said. "No sign of the box, and we're already finding something to work with." The male theurge then pulled a notepad out of his jacket, handing it over to Athena. "Heimdall's taught me some pointers on the Space arcanum," he said. "Between that, Forces, your knowhow with Matter, we can combine spells to fully transpose the data on paper."
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"Sounds like a plan. Let's get started?"
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[Alright, Teamwork Spellcasting. Athena is the primary actor. Chaucer's only going to use Space to give Athena enhanced spatial awareness, granting a +1 to her spellcasting.]
*Rollz*
[Add an extra +2 to your dicepool.]
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(Which Arcana am I rolling? Forces or Matter?)
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[Matter.]
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2023-08-23 17:52:36 Athena rolls 7 dice to Spellcasting 1,1,2,9,10, 1,7,5 (2 successes)
Reach for Instant Casting, and using up the overflow mana from the Tass found.
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The sound of hammers rang out in Athena's mind as both her and Chaucer's magic took hold. Before their eyes, scribblings danced along the paper to form a blueprint, the pigment of the page darkening in place of pencil-lead and ink. No sooner had it manifested than the page flipped to the next of its own accord. Then the next, and the next. Everything, down to the last decimal, was noted, before - as one - the pages flopped back into place, the air hinted with smoke.
"Well crap," said Chaucer. "Now I'm out of a notepad..."
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"Sure, but we're up a blueprint. Let's see if we can puzzle out whatever the hell it means?"
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Chaucer chuckled. "I'm no electrician," he said. "But I think that'll take all day to look over."
The male theurge continued to talk, yet Athena found her attention wander as she caught a glint of something from the corner of her eye. A moment's glance in that direction showed only more of the same empty corridor, only now a chill ran down her neck.
"Athena?" Looking back at Chaucer, Athena saw her fellow mage staring at her, brow furrowed. "You okay?"
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"I thought I saw something down the hallway, but now I just have a chill down my neck. Want to go deeper or cut and run?" she asked nervously, taking a step away from the hallway.
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"Heh?" Chaucer followed Athena's line of sight, eyes narrowing on the hallway. "Oh come on," he said. "Maybe it's the box monster. If we catch it, we can totally show it off to the deans."
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"...Box monster?" she asked, confused.
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"You know, the box! I mean, it's gotta be a cryptid, right?"
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"Ugh, fine, but if we get eaten I'm blaming you for this. Now let's see if I can get this assignment done, yeah?"
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Chuckling, Chaucer crept shoulder-to-shoulder with his colleague. Yet when the pair turned the corner, Athena heard the sound of hammers--no, a sledgehammer emanated from behind. Chaucer must have felt it, too, for as one the theurges turned around just as part of the floor rose up and blocked the way back.
"What the-" Chaucer didn't finish. Again, hammers clanged and pounded at Athena's attention, this time from ahead of the two. Ceiling panels dropped, warping in shape as they fell. By the time they reached the floor, they did so on spider-like appendages, their bodies animated by clockwork mechanisms. "Jesus Christ!" said Chaucer. "The hell are those?!" As if in protest, one of the creatures leapt forward, lunging towards the mages with a snapping maw that whirred with miniature sawblades.
[Roll Dexterity + Athletics]
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2023-10-06 09:39:23 Athena rolls 6 dice to Dex + Athletics 4,10,6,7,4, 2,6 (1 success)
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*Rollz*
React though she did, Athena couldn't move fast enough to dodge the mechanized horror. The creature slammed into her forearm, biting at it as sawblades carved at the surface!
[Take 2 Bashing.]