Blood- Chapter one; The Inferno

[Warden of War]

BLOOD

Aaron sighed and placed his quill to the side, rubbing his sore hand. Before him were several new applicant sheets, and he expected the newcomers to arrive at any time. He stood up and began pacing around his room, passing his ancient desk, canopied bed, and the bronze brazier which burned with supernatural flame. There were many things on his mind, and his hand automatically went to the Archmage's Amulet around his neck, as it always did when he was nervous. He sighed once again, re-seated himself at his desk, and returned to writing.
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Aerta college, from a distance, just seems like a single, blinding light on top of a hill. It is surrounded by lush grasslands, with a few trees scattered about. The college itself is made nearly entirely of whitewashed stone, and it's architecture is a mixture of several different styles. As one approaches, the first thing that is made clear is that it is well protected. The dirt road leading up to the college becomes cobbled, each stone having a single rune on it, though many have obscure meanings. As one comes closer, they can see the tall walls, which are also runed, and battlemages of different bloods and classes patrol it. The iron gates that lead into the college are mostly decorative, but entrance must be granted by the sentry there.
Right through the gates, you enter into a large courtyard, which is mostly bare, except for a life-size statue of some ancient mage raising his hands to the sky. A few other students stand about, some chatting, some rushing to their classes, some practicing minor magic. Directly north of the gates, across the courtyard, is a gargantuan hall, with massive domed ceilings and gothic-styled arches. To the east is a slightly less decorated building, with the words 'Hall of Blood' carved into the stone above it's double oaken doors. To the west is a rather bland hall, with a single wooden sign hanging above the door which reads, 'Hall of Dreams'.
A chubby, elderly man jogs up to you and tells you, in his nasally voice, that the Archmage's office is in the Grand Hall, the one with the domes. He advises you to go there immediately and speak with him, to be admitted fully.
As you enter the Grand Hall, several Battlemages, who act as guards, point you in the direction of the Archmage's office. The hall is round, and loops back upon itself. There are doors in the central part of the wall, and several on the outer walls. Following the Guard's directions, you find yourself at a single, maple-carved door.

((It would be nice to rp your character's thoughts, feelings, etc. as they approach the college. You will not all come in as a group; all of you will speak with Aaron separately. First come first serve. If you are confused about anything, tell me in the OOC.))

[Valendreth]

Rendar made his way up the hill toward the college. He had heard many tales of Aerta College, some good, some bad. Nevertheless, this is where he wanted to be. To train his magical abilities and master the art of Electromancy. He approached the runed walls and was stopped by a man in a lightweight armor with a hood. "What is your business in Aerta College?" asked the guard.

"I was accepted by the Archmage to come learn," he said, holding up his copy of the application sheet.

"Alright then. Behave yourself." the guard replied.

Rendar entered through the gates into the large courtyard. He looked around at all the other mages practicing a variety of different magics. He imagined himself among them, laughing and learning with friends he would meet during his time here. However, his daydreaming was soon interrupted when a rather round man jogged up to him and directed him to the Grand Hall. Having just arrived, he figured it would be a good place to start, so he entered through the large doors and was directed to the Archmage's office by the Battlemages stationed within. He approached the wooden doors and could feel very powerful magical energy beyond them. He was in the right place. Not knowing what else to do, Rendar simply knocked. He didn't want to disrespect the Archmage on his first day.

[Warden of War]

Aaron glanced up at the knock, and with a wave of his hand, the door swung open, to reveal a large office and bedroom coupled. The walls were lined with paintings, each showing a scene that would fit one of the classes of Magebloods. Tapestries hung upon the wall at intervals, one for each Mageblood, each displaying that Blood's seal. Directly above Aaron's bed was the Arcane tapestry, and at the foot of his bed was the brazier which burned with purple fire. Right in front of the Brazier sat Aaron, in his highly decorated and carved chair, and he leaned over the old desk which all Archmages before him used. He looked up at the newcomer, and gave him a warm smile.
"Why hello there, please, come in, sit." He motioned to another chair which sat at the other end of the desk, letting both of them have a clear view of each other.
"I am Archmage Talron. It is a pleasure to meet you. I presume you are one of the Novices accepted?"

[Lucius Cypher]

Karnage walked up to the large, imposing gates, dragging his cart along with him. Inside were his wares; only a small portion of the many things he had created over the years. He was unaware of it at the time, but he though that this place he was heading towards was some sort of market. He even tried to barter with some of the locals, though a communication barrier made this difficult. Tried as he might, no one really could or wanted to do business with him, and he was forced to simply follow the wave of other people as he marched into the large fortified place. Soon, humanoid creatures began to speak, though Karnage knew only a little of what they were saying. It has been quite some time since he had last listen to the language of the humanoids. He only remembered his own clan's language, and being that he spent the last hundreds of years on his own, even that was a bit rusty.

As he trudged on through, one of the humanoids, presumably a guard of sorts, eyed him questionably and began to speak to him. Karnage picked up a few words, but none of them really helped him decipher what the humanoid was saying. After a few minutes of failed communication, the guard directed Karnage to large hall of sorts. The guard said one word that Karnage knew; Archmage. "-.. .-. .- / .- .-. -.-. .... -- .- --. . / . -.-. / .-. .- -. .- ..--.. / -.-. -.. -. -.-- .... -.- .- .-.-.- / . / -.. .-. ..- .. -.- .-. -.. / -.. .-. . -.-. / ..-. -.-- -.-. / -.-- / ... -.-- -. --. .- -.. -... -- -.-- .-.. .- .-.-.- .-.-.- .-.-.-" Karnage clicked his tongue multiple times, the same way he would if he was talking to his calm mates. Or himself. None the less, he knew that the Archmage was here. He could feel it, the intense magical presence here. This would be interesting. Reaching into his cart, he took out one of his goods: a steel battle axe. Producing a whet stone, he began to sharpen his axe.

Lucilia had to take careful precautions to get to the college. Mostly it was just that she needed to take her parasol with her to protect her from the sun. "Well well, I'd never thought I'd be back here, after all those years." She tried to remember what her last experience was like, but most of her memories were hazy. The results of her memory-wiping medicine and nearly seventy years of living like a hermit. But from what she did remember, it was rather enjoyable. She made many friends, but he doubt that any of them were alive now. Or remember her. This made her sad.

Entering the courtyard, she took a sharp breath when she saw the large statue. "What that here last time?" As she wondered about, a large man directed the students to the Archmage. She was going to go see him, but someone beat her to it. "Oh hum. I guess I'll wait then." Lucilia wondered about, noticing some of the flora decorating the courtyard. They was pretty, but where she came from, such things tend to have a double-meaning. But seeing that she was in a populated place, she didn't have to worry about the double-meaning. As she wandered, she noticed a monstrous looking creature with an axe, but hid her face as she laughed at him. "Such a hideous creature..."

[Warden of War]

Talron, as he spoke to Rendar, felt the presence of two newcomers to the College. One, had a strong Demonic force. A new Demonomancer? He briefly thought of communing with it, but decided otherwise. If it was one of the Novices, it would come meet him itself. And then, another presence made itself apparent. A woman, he knew, and a cursed one, most likely with Vampirism. He sent a mental nudge at her, to see if he knew her, and dull memories of seeing the woman at the college before he was Archmage surfaced. He'd have to call on her after his current conversation, he mentally noted, then went back to speaking with Rendar.

[Valendreth]

"Yes sir." Rendar nodded, and then bowed. "I am Rendar Gulch. My mageblood is that of climate." Rendar walked up to the desk and sat down across from the Archmage. "I just want to say how honored I feel to be accepted into such an esteemed school, and that I will try my best to become all that I can." Rendar said, obviously a bit nervous. He knew first impressions meant a lot, so he cleared his throat and sat up straight, looking the Archmage in the eye. They held a sort of mysticism in them, as well as age, as if he had been alive for a very long time. He had, of course. Rendar knew that. "I hope I can learn well here. I was originally going to join the Imperial guard but I discovered my mageblood, and I want to learn more about it instead."

[Warden of War]

Aaron eyed Rendar with a look of assessment, and, eventually, spoke up.
"There is no need to be honored, child. All are welcome here, who are willing to learn."
He watched as the man wiggled around, and Aaron caught a hint of nervousness from him.
"I'm sure you shall learn well here, Rendar. You seem like a responsible type. And please, relax. I am the Archmage, not the Emperor.
Think of me as a friend, for that is what I am."
He again smiled warmly, but this time magically sent a dim feeling of security and relaxation to Rendar's mind. (Assuming you don't mind. If so, tell me.)
"You may be wondering a few things, so I might as well go ahead and explain. There are three halls which make up Aerta, and I hope you noticed them. One, is the Grand Hall, which you are in now. It consists of the outer ring, where this room is, as well as the Grandmasters of the classes, and the inner ring; the doors on the other side of the hall. Through those is the Arcanium, basically an auditorium. Second is the Hall of Dreams; the dormitories. Speaking of," He reached under his desk and produced a small, silver key.
"You are room three-hundred and twelve. Here is your key." He handed it over, then continued.
"And lastly, there is the Hall of Blood. There, your classes will be. You will receive a schedule tomorrow at dawn, brought to you in your dorm. As much as I wish I could chat with you all day, my duties prevent it. Any questions?"

[InkedWolf]

Vitalimancy is often used to treat a series of woulds, by understanding how the body works. You can strengthen, mend and even repair injuries beyond most mortal physicians...

Pylia continued to study her books as the carriage continued towards the college. She knew very little of the school, as Hope wasn't exactly a bastion of knowledge to the outside. She had discovered her mageblood within the temple, and chose to dedicate herself to the art of healing and protection of those seeking aid. The priests were overjoyed to have a vitalimancer in their ranks. As their kind are often kept at the more kept temples though the land. Pylia felt that was not the best route, as aid should not be reserved to the rich, or the gifted. Which often had her tending to the warriors, the poor, and sick.

She never really imagined a life outside the temple. She was needed there, the outside world could deal with itself. Then the letter arrived, the head priest had decided that she should really continue her training and refinement of mageblood in a proper environment. She was a talented healer, and nobody could argue that. With training, she could become something much more. The old priest, she often viewed as the father she never had. The old man doted upon her, taught her what he could of mageblood, and the world. He explained that she needed so much more.

Including protection, Pyromancy. Pylia wasn't sure how to feel about that magic. It was part of her, she used heat to cauterize many types of wounds. To use her magic to fight, seemed alien to her. She probably wouldn't make the journey on her own, thankfully a caravan had need for a medic. The offer of a vitalimancer was a greater gift then they could ask for. She happily treated those who needed aid, and learned many wonderful stories on the journey.

Valgrin tapped the side of the carriage as the vehicle came to a halt. "We're here Pylia, I'll get your bags for ya." The gruff man who got off the carriage had offered to drive her the distance the caravan did not. He was a hired sword for the caravan, he had a daughter that needed treatment. She spent several days just tending to the small child. Now she's running and playing with her friends in place of laying ill in bed. The man swore a bloodoath afterwards that if she needed anything, no matter how insignificant to send word and he'd be there. Pylia felt this was a little extreme, but was reminded later that Vitalimancy was a rare gift to use as she did freely.

Valgrin opened the door, he already had her pack tied to his back. The man extended a battle scarred arm to assist her to the ground. She smiled to him as they proceeded to the college. "So Miss Pylia, I hope you don't mind me stating this. Be careful in a place like this, everyone has their own game they wish to succeed in. They may see you as just a stepping stone to the next stage." Pylia nodded as she weighed his words.

"Thank you Valgrin, I promise you I'll be careful." The gruff man just chuckled as they met the guard. The guard set a heavy hand upon his weapon as he addressed the pair.

"What is your business in the College?" Pylia placed the letter in his hand before responding.

"I am Pylia Keltafer, Light Mageblood, I am here to study." The guard nodded as he waved her through. As the pair walked through the gates, Valgrin was stopped.

"Mageblood only, your hired thug can stay here." Valgrin grabbed the man's hand as he chose his next words through gritted teeth."

"Son, I am not a hired thug. The lady here cured my daughter. Now I am escorting here to the college, and I leave when I feel she's safe. So I will request you let me through, or the kind lady here will show you how talented she can mend bones." The guard looked towards Pylia for a moment as she added.

"Please sir, I would request that he help me take my pack to the college. It's a little heavy for me." The guard thought about this for another moment before giving a sigh and waving both through. As they were out of earshot Pylia added, "Valgrin, please in future, don't threaten someone on my behalf." The man gave a hearty laugh before replying.

"Miss Pylia, I wouldn't touch a hair on the boy's head. Some fights can be avoided with a little bravado. You may take good note of that in the future." She nodded as they approached the Archmage's office. Valgrin noted the others before handing the pack to Pylia. "Allright, I think this is where I shall bid safe travels for now Pylia. If you ever need me again, you know how to find me." The man gave a bow before departure.

Pylia cautiously took a seat among the others as she awaited her time with the Archmage. She honestly wasn't sure what to expect.

[Zessoku]

Zessoku Yachiyo was in quite a predicament. On one hand, she was sure this was the right location for Aerta College. On the other, it looked secure enough to be a prision. With the walls, the guards, and the magic runes, she couldn't believe this was the reknown magical learning facility. But this is where Aerta College was located, and so this must be Aerta College. ... Zessoku made an annoyed sigh out of her mouth. Being confused was harder than it seemed. She thought that it would be easy enough to wonder about the truth of things, but when the truth was clear it was impossible to do. Resigning herself to clear thoughts, she made her way up the road to the entrance of the college. being admitted in once she informed the sentry of her purpose. Once in, she could tell it would take time to find the archmage. Likely he was in the more elaborate of the three buildings, but that might not be the case. Still, it would be fun to wander around, inturupting classes, asking about for the Archmage as if she had dire news for him...

Which was when a heavy-built Elder came along with clear content, Zessoku made another annoyed sigh. Being annoyed sure was entertaining. The smallest things could become ever so important. As expected, the old guy disclosed the location of the Archmage's office. Rather unexpectedly though, someone was already in there so she was told to wait. She considered being annoyed about that, but she had already been annoyed at the forthcoming location of the archmage. She now had free time, so it would be contradictory to be annoyed against that. She thanked the old man, and took a look around the Courtyard. There were quite a few students, but something in particular was out of place.

Someone. It was pointless to act rude in her mind, since arrogance wasn't something she allowed herself to have in such an unfamiliar place. A rough-looking male humanoid made out of what seemed to be dull metal with lots of points and edges. Well, since the Archmage was occupied, it'd be good to kill some time. She knew where he was, and she knew she had some time. So, why not do something interesting, even if it was just for a short bit?

Zessoku purposely strode past Karnage, walking a few steps before turning around and facing him. She noted his posture and mirrored it. The woman then followed his hand movements, sharpening an imaginary axe that was not there with a whetstone that did not exist.

[Lucius Cypher]

Karnage felt the edge of his axe with his thumb, pressing it slightly against the blade. He dared not to move it, for if he did, he would surely cut his finger. Placing the axe into his cart, he noticed that a girl was near him, copying his movements. He looked at her for a moment with his beady black eyes, and then spoke. "--.. -. . -.. / . .... .. / .- -.-- --- / - -.-- ..- .-. -.- ..--.." As he spoke to the girl, he took out another weapon he needed to maintain. He sharpened this zwiehander while he looked at this girl, not noticing the other girl who had stolen one of his weapons.

Lucilia felt like causing a bit of a stir. She figured that the monster would provide the most entertainment, and he seemed to be the type to horde his collection. While she was figuring out how to direct the monster's attention, someone else provided her an ample distraction. The monster stared at the girl who was copying the monster's movement, allowing Lucilia to sneak around and take a weapon. When she took it away, she saw what sort of brutish tool of death she took. She examined this object, feeling it's hefty weight in her hand. "What an ugly thing."