[OOC] Arkus Academy

[Katthaj]

@ERode Working on it <3

[Random Kitty]

Orions...I think we are all on the same ship going to the school no matter where we are from. The ship was the meeting place that took everyone to the school.

[SamaraJayne96]

@Random Kitty I spoke with the GM in direct message beforehand and they were cool with it:)

[Crusader Lord]

@DrowsyPangolin Another question of curiosity:

Could someone use Astrology magic, and could there be a Shaman variant that draws upon the power of the stars rather than that of the natural world around them?

[ERode]

But how can you draw power from objects that are tens of light years away, when Shamans can't even draw power from a forest tens of kilometers away?

[DrowsyPangolin]

@DrowsyPangolin Another question of curiosity:

Could someone use Astrology magic, and could there be a Shaman variant that draws upon the power of the stars rather than that of the natural world around them?

@Crusader Lord

Okay, so Astrology magic is perfectly fine as far as like, having magic based on the movements of the cosmos and stuff. The only issue with them being a Shaman would be what @ERode mentioned: drawing mana directly from the stars would be impossible (unless you’re a Warlock maybe, but that would be a more particular kind of star) still, they could be a Shaman and have star-related abilities, but they would still need to draw in mana from nature.

[Crusader Lord]

@DrowsyPangolin@ERode Many thanks!

And i think i will just as the one last i was thinking about for the moment:

What about a different from of Necromancy from Isila, which has a variety of coverage similar to Runecraft. It does this by breaking things down life into several parts, life that is, based on the Ancient Egyptian parts of the soul? (Ka, Re, etc.)

[DrowsyPangolin]

@Crusader Lord That would be really cool, feel free!

[Crusader Lord]

@DrowsyPangolin Alright, here is the first OC. Unsure about the concept for the other, but this place seems too fun to pass up!

The Golden Boy, a Proud Prince of Isila

Name: Ramesses Amenhotep

Age: 16

Appearance:

Behold, the Golden Prince!

-Appearance (and Full Regal Attire, which is used only for the most formal events and/or matters back home)-



-Foreign Casual Clothing Examples-

Stats: (Letter grade S-F, include any bonuses from abilities/spells)
(S=superior in every way, a one-in-amillion standout/A=Super human ability/B=Peak human ability/C=high end of average human ability/D=low end of average human ability /E=below average human ability/F=any ability in this field is almost negligible)

Strength: C

Speed: D

Precision: C

Endurance: C

Mana Reserve: B

Control: B

Spellcasting Class: Mage

Specialization:

-Necromancy (Royal House)-

Ramesses practices a variant of Isilan Necromancy, which has been practiced along the bloodline of his mother’s family for generations since the first of his mother’s line supposedly gleaned it from the teachings of the Sphinxes. As his mother’s family has been of the blood of the past “bodies” of the God-King, and produced many a concubine to be had in the king’s harem, this brand of necromancy has been called “Royal House Necromancy” over time.

It is a complex and varied form of Necromancy that, whilst placed under the general label of “Necromancy” for classification’s sake, is unique and incredibly varied in what it can do. In fact, one can say it is akin to Runecraft in that it can cover the ground of some other schools of magic. This form of Necromancy also differs from the more notable and generally known forms in that it divides the existence of a person into several distinct parts when taking into account its spells and more specialized potential uses:

>Hut (physical body and physical remains)

>Seh (spiritual body, aka: the spiritual extension to the physical body that exists in living things, which allows for interaction with non-physical things and the incorporeal. Is, just like the physical body, controlled by the conciousness of the user.)

>Kej (life force, what allows one to “be alive”)

>Suwt (one’s shadow, a manifestation of one’s essence that in appearance mimics the original form and spiritual form in a 2d manner. It is a representation of them given shape by magic, parallel to how a statue if a king is a representation of them, and can be used magically for tasks or such things.)

>Shm (power, or the mana an individual contained in life which passes on with their death)

>Ren (one’s name, which when evoked magically or with certain spells in this area can call potentially upon their memories and/or conciousness, and even allow conversation with the dead without a proper spirit having to appear for it to occur.)

With this all in mind, the use of this magic is far more than “dealing with the dead”, though it certainly is adept at that to a more minute degree than the standard “necromancy” one might think of in nations like Cresia and Verholt and Levisa. Users in this art are also trained with a level of discipline instilled in them, mainly to prevent the evil misuse of it. However, summoning up skeletons to serve one’s self is incredibly common with himself, his mother, and her family and other practicioners tied to that bloodline. It isn’t seen as a “taboo” to do this, or even summon a zombie to assist one’s self in battle, as the soul and mind are not being used for such these tasks. Likewise, conjuring up the memories of the dead, is seen as merely a means to investigate or learn (much like reading a book, or looking into the lives of past individuals to learn from them or what happened to them).

Royal House Necromancy has been used for legal cases in the court of the God-King on certain occasions when those tied to his mother’s bloodline are working with the case, mainly to discern true guilt, or see from a dead victim’s eyes what happened, or other such things. Further, users of this necromancy tend to conjure undead minions/beings for use rather than grab up actual remains to make into a minion, though the latter is still fully possible but far less popular a concept in Royal House Necromancy.

-Artificery-

(He has taken an interest in it, being a novice himself at it, and has learned of it mostly through reading tomes upon tomes about the subject and watching the artificers in his homeland at work.)

Notable Spells/Techniques:

Hutar- A basic spell for summoning a basic zombie or skeleton minion who will obey commands without hesitation. They don’t have minds of their own, and more or less are remains conjured from the realm of the dead by Royal House Necromancers. Weak individually, they are more or less free labor and servants to be employed in whatever uses the user has for them. They are admittedly stronger in numbers (which can become mana intensive beyond small handfuls), and can be summoned with basic sword/shield and ancient or primitive armaments (though never any proper armor) on them if desired.

As the user gets stronger, so too can the use of this spell be employed for stronger minions to be summoned and called forth. A very basic-level spell, however, it is the first anyone learns when becoming a student of Royal House Necromancy.

Suwtah- A basic spell for controlling one's own shadow, utilizing it to interact with the corporeal or incorporeal. Usually useful for trying to trip up enemies in combat, retrieve objects using the shadow, or frankly perform tricks with it to spook small children.

Renkaj- A spell that allows the user to read/see the memories of the dead, either in their own mind or projected outwards onto a physical space in the form of an illusion of sorts. The caster can flip through it as easy as reading a book, though since the memories are from the original possessor’s perspective they at parts will be naturally imperfect or skewed (say if they saw something whilst half asleep, or were drugged at the time or high on something, or even if didn’t see anything since they were unconcious).

Kejkar- A name meaning “life force infusion”, it is a spell of Royal House Necromancy that recycles a little bit of the lost life force of the dead into a basic all-rounder healing spell. It isn’t great with specialized issues, like specifically treating poison (where specific healing spells would be most effective in this area perhaps), but it sure as anything is great for general ailments and helping improve the condition of someone with multiple ailments (or injuries) at the same time.

Magical Items/Equipment:

>Cane of the Sphinxes (seen in the first pic under the hider used for his appearance)- A magic staff he was given on his 13th birthday, a gift from one of his father’s Viziers who is a close relative. It is an ancient style of tool in Isila that requires a very insignificant of mana to use. When it is used, however, the object will draw in mana from the environment and channel it into the user in a converted and useable form, albeit the item itself is notably less efficient that what a shaman does, it is still a useful item. In other words, it acts as a source of extra mana if the user is getting low or is casting a really big or channeled-over-time spell. In reality was secretly a gift from his father (who had heard about his magic training) that was passed through the Vizier to him.

It is a generally lower-tier, very useful and traditional kind of magical tool in its own way.

Short History:

A son born to one of the God-King of Isila’s concubines...among the hundreds of concubines the God-King has, in fact. Much like other children of such concubines, along with the concubines themselves, this has granted him a special status and level of granted revernece among the populace of Isila.

Personally, however, he is a determined individual who wants to become the strongest and mightiest among all in Isilia. He dersires to rise to the top and help hold his peoples’ ancient nation together in the face of the coming ages, to help it rise in prominence on the world stage, and to assist in raising the numbers of the revered Sphinx population. One could say he has been inspired by his father, the God-King himself, and indeed the young prince aspires to become the next heir if possible. Barring that, if he doesn’t achieve that position, he desires to rise as close to it as possible in life so he can help shoulder the nation’s burdens alongside the next heir to rise as the next vessel of the God-King.

Beyond this, he has enjoyed the palace life in earnest and to its fullest. Flirting with young maid girls, eating the best among foods, sleeping in the softest beds, donning the best clothing, and more. At the same time, however, he has been found wandering among the populace at times and conversating with people ranging from common folk to the God-King’s officials. His face stands out among the many children of the God-King’s concubines, at least in regards to his pursuits and seeming desire for learning. He’s been a regular in the palace library for a decade, even.

He has also worked on his magic for years as well, however, learning as intensely as he could about magic from his mother and more-accessible relatives to help gain power and skill for his desired future. This...until he was one day summoned by his father. It was the first time he was personally summoned to meet the God-King himself, and he most eagerly accepted his father’s following request for him to go to Arkus Academy on behalf of Isila. Not that he’d be representing the entire nation (he wouldn’t), but this left him with a great many opportunities to study foreign magics and observe them. It gave him a chance to interact with the outside world beyond his beloved nation’s borders as well, and perhaps....even potentially prove himself more in his the God-King’s eyes by handling himself out there.

After all, what’s the worst that could happen?

[DrowsyPangolin]

@Crusader Lord Looks good! Feel free to go ahead and add him to the character section. As far as intros go, you’re more than welcome to have already been amongst the group or to arrive separately, I’ll be happy to help out if you need any assistance.

[CavnderOHeart]

@DrowsyPangolin Bro! There's a No More Heros 3 comin' Twenty-Twenty, ain't that shit awesome?!

[Crusader Lord]

@DrowsyPangolin Merely when you have the time, and i have a few more questions i am curious about:

1. How advanced is Nilsova? Bunch of primitive people living in hunts made of mud and grass? Semi-advanced to an extent, but respecting of the land? Superstitious and mysterious folk who dwell communally on the land in a manner reflecting olden times?

2. Based on the lore, i had an idea that makes use of some of it. In particular, the rumors of demons and otherfolk in the depths of the Nilsovan swamps. I am just wanting to check this by you as one potential idea, among a couple of them, i am debating for a second OC.

In this case, a girl born to a human Nilsovan father and a powerful fey mother. Her father was kidnapped out of the blue when hunting with the men of his community (depending on how Nilsovan stuff works, could be just out there to forage or explore or something), taken by her mother who had fallen for his looks. The man and fey spent time together, falling in love and bearing a child. She lived with her parents for a time, but when her father passed from illness her mother knew she couldn't stay. As much as she loved her, she had other family on her human side and needed a better chance at life than seclusion deep into the swamps among Otherfolk.

So the kid, about 7-8 years old, is sent to be found by hunters and taken back to her father's family. Kid gets raised by her human-side family, eventually gets sent to Arkus to learn more and such (etc).

That is the premise summarized, in short. ^^;

Will only mention other idea, ah, once i get it better into words depending.

Sorry to bother you with so much stuff...

[DrowsyPangolin]

@Crusader Lord

1) So the idea of Nilsova being primitive mostly comes from the fact that society in the swamps is much less structured and hierarchical than the other regions, the coexistent, cooperative relationship with nature they tend to have, and the generally isolationist attitude most in Nilsova have toward the world outside the swamps. Now, in actuality, there’s a bit of truth to them being less advanced, in that Nilsova has basically no Magi tech, at least not that they made themselves. There are artificers in Nilsova, but they tend to modify and reverse engineer foreign technology rather than making their own.(you’d be surprised how easy it is to misplace an airship) As far as their actual civilization though, Nilsova has a few larger settlements, though cities might not be the right word. By design, a lot of the region remains wild, but natives are pretty adept at navigating the riverways and swamps. Most people live in smaller settlements. Some don’t live in any fixed location, instead opting to live nomadic lives on riverboats. Basically, there’s a variety of lifestyles in Nilsova that outsiders don’t know about, and while they may seem somewhat primitive, it’s more that they’re just very different compared to their neighbors.

2)That could absolutely work. Hunting parties would totally still exist in Nilsova, as it has probably the most, uh, concerning wildlife out of the regions (excepting maybe the far north of Verholt and the Sphinxes in Isila). It’s not known to outsiders, but Otherfolk still live deep in the swamps as well, and children of mixed lineage are not, strictly speaking, uncommon, though first generations are a bit more rare. For instance, Linxi has faeblood, though it’s a few generations old. Usually these children have unique magical talents, as many Otherfolk have innate magical ability. Your premise sounds like it fits in just fine!

And no worries, ask as many questions as you need, it’s what I’m here for!

[Crusader Lord]

@DrowsyPangolin Ah! Many thanks! So with that in mind...well i am curious about a few thing just lore-wise. :3

1. What kinds of Otherfolk still exist deep in those swamps?

2. Frankly, did anyone ever have a kid with a dragon in the far past? I am getting Skyrim vibes that push me to ask this. XD

[DrowsyPangolin]

@Crusader Lord

1) There are several! Faeries (and other far, thing dryads, pixies, nymphs, satyrs, etc)have lived there practically forever, though their numbers have dwindled in modern times. Goblins are probably the most plentiful Otherfolk in the swamp, but they tend to keep to their caves. Trolls and nighthags also roam the swamps, though few in number and rarely friendly. There’s also a sizable population of lizardfolk who tend to keep to themselves. Fae are generally responsible for most mixed-blooded children, though sometimes love, uh, finds a way.

2) They have, though very few of those lineages remain. Most were in northern Verholt, but the vast majority of those with Draconic blood died in the Last War. Dragons themselves are assumed to be extinct, but there are occasionally reports from the mountains claiming sightings.

[Crusader Lord]

@DrowsyPangolin

though sometimes love, uh, finds a way.

...I am getting Shrek vibes here, and i am scared. lol.

Not that a half-lizardfolk wouldn't have its potential perks. But makes sense the fae are the most...promiscuous of the bunch. Considering there'd probably be a lot of fae types as well to boot. Many thanks!

Most were in northern Verholt, but the vast majority of those with Draconic blood died in the Last War.

Makes sense, but is rather sad overall. At least there are remnants of dragon blood, however, and dragons are now the Verholt version of UFO sightings. Swamp folk living, green dragon-bred dovakhin, anyone? I jest, but it sounds interesting. XD

Alright, this should work for info i think! I...think at least. Haha. Now if only i could compress the backstory into a para or three better. ^^;

[Crusader Lord]

Sorry for that rambling. @_@

[Crusader Lord]

@DrowsyPangolin Alright, I finally got my things together for this second and last OC! You spoke about the fey, and since Nilsova is in a swamp...well I had an idea for a "unique magical ability" for her. Based upon the "will-o'-the-wisp" of fey lore, which itself irl is tied to stuff like swamps.

Ah, I will edit and fix anything to needed specifications, if or as required of course. ^^;

The Fairy Child

Name: Asteria Starwood

Age: 15

Appearance:

Her Usual Appearance

Stats: (Letter grade S-F, include any bonuses from abilities/spells)
(S=superior in every way, a one-in-amillion standout/A=Super human ability/B=Peak human ability/C=high end of average human ability/D=low end of average human ability /E=below average human ability/F=any ability in this field is almost negligible)

Strength: E

Speed: D

Precision: C

Endurance: D

Mana Reserves: A

Control: C

Spellcasting Class: Mage

Specialization: Faelight, Illusion

Faelight is a form of unique magic among the fae, an innate magical talent Asteria has possessed since birth due to her strong Otherfolk lineage and her mother.

Some fae from the Nilsovan swamps can generate what are called “will-o-wisps” or “fae fire”, a magical phenomenon formerly seen across areas of Cresia, Verholt, certain eastern areas of Osunn, and rare areas of Isila when the fae were more numerous in the world. “Fae Fire” itself is most generally (outside of Nilsova) described as: “Pale white or blue fire, usually seen in a ball-like form, that is used as a light source by some types of fae. It has a rumored history of being used to guide lost humans to safety, confuse wicked travelers, and attack those who get on this particular type of fae’s bad side”.

Other varying descriptions can be found of it in the various lands, including rumored uses such as them being “guide posts for the spirits of the dead to help them to the afterlife”. With the supposed extinction or total disappearance of the Otherfolk in modern times, according to the world beyond NIlsova at least, this phenomenon is mainly found within the swamps of Nilsova and is familiar to many locals there. Beyond Nilsova as well, scientific ‘explanation’ of these lights (aka: “swamp gas”) is considered the gernerally accepted ‘truth’ of the matter for the most part in the most advanced nations.

Truth be told, however, these “will-o-wisps”/”fae fire”are not actually balls of fire, though what they are made of certainly looks the part. The “fire” they are made of is instead plasma of a white or blue color, which feels cool/cold in proximity to it and gets more and more so the closer you get to it physically. This being said, this plasma is of an extremely high temperature internally (which is usally self-contained unless the user loses control), and putting one’s hand inside of it would be as bad an idea as sticking their hand inside of an (admittedly very, very hot) fire. Water won’t put out this plasma, though dispelling magic can dispel it with some relatively light struggle to actually “undo” it.

This form of magic’s proper name mainly comes from a nickname for “will-o-wisps”/”fae fire” that scholars once assigned to it for making quick and easier references in an educated setting. Of course this name was, maybe somewhat ironically, used in writing to “disprove” it or “document” its “supposed” sightings in legends and rumors.

Notable Spells/Techniques: Beyond various general applications for Faelight and Illusion, such as invisibility or spooking people or freezing water or the like, she really has no special spells that stand out for her at this point in time. Maybe with development, training, and picking up more magical capabilities she will acquire some “signature” spells of a sort.

Magical Items/Equipment: (none, at least at first)

Short History:

A Nilsovan native, she was born between the union of a Nilsovan man (desended from a mixed-blood line), and a powerful fae named “Titania” living in a fairy kingdom hidden within the deeps of the Nilsovan swamps. From afar Titania admired Asteria’s father, a fourth-generation Nilsovan artificer and overall kindhearted man, for many years. She would visit him at times in dreams and converse with him about the world, watch upon his work from afar using magic during the waking hours, and eventually found herself unable to bear to be without him. Though initially having been kidnapped, Asteria’s father eventually fell in love with her mother, and the two eventually wed and concieved a child: Asteria herself.

Raised with a human father and fae mother among Otherfolk, at least for the first few years of her life, Asteria lived a life that perhaps many could only dream of. But when her father eventually fell ill and died, her mother tearfully sent the then 8 year old Asteria back to her father’s family. This, to ensure the girl had a full life, a life that wasn’t merely isolation from the world whilst living among only fae and such Otherfolk. It was a severe shock to her father’s family, who had asumed her father dead years ago, but they took her in like one of their own without question. To them, family was family even if they were mixed-blooded.

Though while she was raised lovingly, and raised as best as possible to help her grasp her skills and capabilities, eventually it came to light after some years that she needed a better place to learn. She was no shaman who could learn more easily from a local, nor was she enough of a mage to train as an artificer at home at this point in time. So to try to help her along, her father’s family decided to send her to go to Arkus Academy to help hone her skills. It’d also give her some chance to, maybe, pick up some useful knowledge and skills to bring back home as well.

[DrowsyPangolin]

@Crusader Lord Looks good to go!

[Crusader Lord]

@DrowsyPangolin Yay! I suppose at this point, the idea is trying to find where to start with my OC's. XD

There's where the Orions are, and then the rest of the tour group, right???