NoriWasHere

The Return of Magic - An intro

The Return of Magic - An intro.

Magical was once as essential to the development of mankind as fire or even the wheel. The witches and warlocks of our past worked hard to uplift their fellow humans and push them forward toward the future. However, as you know, our history books make no mention of our magically adept ancestors. No mention of the great wonders they built or the evil they defeated and banished away. This is by design. Those who could not wield the magic felt jealous, afraid even, by those who could and hunted them to extinction. It has been a thousand years since the last spell was cast, five hundred years since the last authentic trial and one hundred years since those whose bloodline was devoted to the murder of magic sheathed their blades and considered their quest completed.

Yet magic stirs once more in the realm of mortals. A new day dawns on a new generation of witches and warlocks, and only questions remain. Are they ready for the perils that await them? The monsters of the night that have been locked away seek to break the chains that bound them. Most importantly, would they be ready to stand up to the whole of humanity and face the wrath of their fear? These questions will not be answered overnight. As such, an invitation was sent to each of those that the magic returned to, inviting them to a place where they can learn to harness their powers.

They should do well to learn quickly. In the quiet corners of the internet, people have begun to report strange creatures, and people have started to disappear randomly. Could it be a coincidence, or could the return of magic be tied to something much more sinister?

** Howdy **

Hey!

Whale here looking to do this magic-themed RP again. I think the IRL medical issues that sidelined this are under control again and I look forward to advancing through the story/

The basic premise is magic was once a natural part of our world. After years of hunting witches and warlocks to extinction, magic, among other things, disappeared seemingly for good. Now that magic has returned, and with it, the monsters of old, a new era of witches and warlocks much rise to the challenge. I plan to allow players to have some liberty with the magic their character can wield, but remember that you *just* got these powers. You will not be powerful yet.

Let me know if anyone has any questions! I am aiming for 4-6 players and could be happy to start with more or less than that!

The Lore that is given

Humanity has long benefited from magic, even if it has been dormant. In the early years, those who could wield magic helped propel the human race toward the future. Those who could command the water helped spread life in the most inhospitable places, while wind mages helped humanity sail the seas.

While humanity benefited greatly, their lack of powers relative to those who wielded magic led to a collective distrust. As this distrust grew, so did fear. As the fear dwelled in the hearts of man, so too did anger. Eventually, this hostile atmosphere blew up in the year 1200 BC, and a great war was fought all across the globe. Water mages flooded fields, fire mages burned soldiers to a crisp, and force mages crushed whole armies inside their armor. Though as powerful as they were, humanity had numbers and could weather the storm and thus humanity eventually won the war.

What followed was centuries of hunts that led to the eradication of magic and all its users. This did not stop those whose purpose was to find, capture and kill warlocks and witches. If anything, these hunters grew even more wicked and cruel in their search. Many innocent lives were lost at the pyre, and many more lived in fear of these monstrous humans and their ways.

Everything wrong can eventually give way to what is good. The hunts ended nearly a hundred years ago, and those who devoted their lives to eradicating any trace of magic could leave that life behind and join the modern world.

The Lore that is Learned

The hunters were very thorough in their mission to eradicate magic and all traces of its existence. You will find it hard to learn any information about the magical world, and what you see may be impossible to decipher. Some tomes may offer insights into your magic powers and they could help turn the tide against the enemies we will face. Thus far, we have not encountered much in the way of our mystical foes. That will change. As we discover and defeat our enemies, we will learn how to best them again.

The People We Meet

Thus far the only name of mention is the mysterious benefactor. Their name, motives, and appearance are all a mystery,

Important Places

A Cabin in the Woods

The mansion where we start our journey is a run-down, old victorian style mansion. Vines snake around the outside of the estate, the wooden floor has grown weak and creaky, and the air inside feels stagnant and pungent. Nature has already begun to take back what was once hers and hers alone. The mansion bellows disturbing energy as if someone or something is always watching out from the windows. Inside, you may hear strange sounds that can not be explained.

The strangest of most is the size of the doors and passageways. The inside and outdoor frames tower above most others at fifteen feet tall. Was this a style choice, or was this place built for a massive occupant?

Magic and combat

How does magic work? Magic will work on a similar level to most skills. To master it, you must hone it through practice and experience. At the start, you can do a few things, but throughout the story, you will be able to expand.

A fire mage can conjure fire, a wind mage can push enemies away, and a water mage can change the course of a river without a single thought. To use these powers, it will be less chanting and more doing. Like running, you do not need to think about the action to act on it. Thus, your usage of magic will be something you can do without much in the way of it. As you progress through the magic, there may come a time when you have to use a spell book, a chant, or even a prepared spell to achieve a higher level.

At all times, you can run the risk of over-exerting your magic. Like running, you can hurt yourself if you try to run too fast for too long. The damage can be minor or very bad if you try to push through the pain. A fire mage could feel their temperature rising at the start, but the magic can quickly spiral out of control consuming the fire mage in a blazing inferno. A force mage could find their body breaking under the stress of their magic. This risk is true for all schools of magic.

Combat will be a simple "I take this action" on your part, followed by my response to the action. Each enemy and monstrous foe will have a weakness that the player can exploit. That said, you may not be able to brute force your way through an encounter, and brute force could spell trouble. If there are ten enemies in front of the party, and you rush in the middle of them trying to do something extraordinary, that may be problematic for your character. Don't do stupid stuff! Death is something I will reserve but potentially could bring out for PC during the story.

Rules

1. Thou shall not control another character unless permission is granted.
2. Thou shall not argue.
3. Thou shall not overlook these rules.
4 Thou shall know our enemies called you stupid.
5. Thou shall know I want to know if you agree.
6. Thou shall know I want a PM with your response.
7. Thou shall have fun.

CS

Name:
[picture]
"Character quote"

Gender:


Age:

Appearance:

What does your character look like? What do they wear? Images work in conjunction, but I ask that we do not use overly anime or cartoon-styled pictures. It is not a hard rule, so feel free to use said pictures if that is what you want for your character :)

Personality:
{Three}{charater}{traits}

Please include a concise description of who your character is.

History:
{Acomplishments}{and}{failures}{equal}{amounts}

Be as detailed as you'd like. I would include all pertinent information about what your character has done or has been through. Keep in mind these characters are from the modern world and, for the most part, will have lived a life that is not mystical. While that is quickly changing, the base point remains! Please also include what it was like for them when they got their powers and how they learned they had them!

Equipment:

Any item they carry :)

Magic:

What magic does your character have? What can they do with it currently?

I would like enough information to know what your powers are and what weaknesses you feel are appropriate. We are going to start limited with these powers and grow into them. Below, you will find an example used in my own CS.

Example: Alora's magic allows her to exert control over plant life. Thus far, she can manipulate her green friends to grow at a faster rate, sway on command, and can magically graft one plant onto another. This ability has grown stronger since she was first gifted her powers. At the start, she could only command a plant to follow her hand. As the weeks turned into a month, Alora noticed that she was becoming in tune with the plant life. While she can not see through them or hear, she can get a glimpse of what they feel around them. What scents are in the air, and what grounds have been stepped on?

These powers come with downsides, as all do. The more Alora tries to exert her control over plants, the more lost she can become in the networks of green life. There is a near-infinite number of plant life in a forest, from the pedals of grass to the massive mycelium colonies buried deep in the ground and all the pollen in the air. If she spends too long in tune with nature, her mind may as well be lost in it. As well, when she first discovered and started to use her power, she over-exerted herself. Her skin began to harden for a brief moment and appeared like bark. Alora would do well to avoid prolonged use of her powers, as one can not see the forest if one is a tree.

Invitation Letter

To whom it may concern,

Welcome to a world unlike any other. You have noticed that you have a magical gift and may be wondering how I have located you. Let's say I, too, am gifted in the mystic arts. It is important to note that you are the first generation of warlocks and witches our world has seen in thousands of years. This development is an exciting time for you, me, and humanity.

Not all will see it this way, and not all that is magical will be a friend. As magic has returned, so too have the creatures that the mages of old banished. If I can sense you, so too will the hunters. You are now in danger, and your life will be different forever.

I extend an invitation. I offer a tutor to help you in your magical journey and a safe place to conduct these affairs. Enclosed you will find the address and a prepaid card. Use this money and make your way to
666 Mystic Lane, North Reading, MA.

May your journey be safe,

~Benefactor

The Court of the Gods

APATE

Hermes’ first stop and delivery was not too far from Olympus proper. Moments after teleporting away from the scene of Zeus’ death and turning off all the unnecessary flare that normally accompanied the action, Hermes anticlimactically bled into view in a storage room to retrieve a small handheld device from his cloak. It was an old throwback device similar in nature to a pager. By pressing the only button available on its surface, he triggered the diminutive LED light on its partner, which likewise possessed a similar button linked to his own.

It was the compromise he and the Goddess of Deceit had reached for signaling each other whenever they needed to meet. She was simply far too caught up in her own divine role to have any of her preferences and options for IRIS enabled - meaning she was one of the few deities Hermes could not effortlessly pinpoint at every hour of the day. Likewise, Hermes had similarly rendered himself difficult to locate using IRIS just in case the former Zeus ever decided to try and use the Kerykeion - the real Kerykeion, not the glorified prop that Hermes carried with him - to locate him.

The arrangement between the two deities was simple. After pressing the button, Hermes then waited for the led on his device to blink twice rapidly, pause, and then blink three times rapidly. That was the signal indicating that the Goddess of Deceit had noticed and was available to meet at the predetermined location.

The site in question was the atrium of a waypoint temple on the road leading up to Mt. Olympus. The shrine was barely maintained, with no interior camera coverage. Eschewing any fanfare, Hermes promptly teleported directly there, his form bleeding out of existence upon Olympus and bleeding into the largely abandoned, ran-down atrium like water seeping into sand, with no dramatic sounds or lights accompanying the transition.

Apate was in her temple when she noticed the beeping of the crude device. She had held it in her hand for a few minutes, expecting the inevitable call that would come. A sigh escaped her lips as she slid the device into one of her pockets, away from view. She knew what this meeting was for, as did everyone in her inner circle. That did not stop reality from slamming into her all the same. Zeus was dead, and no one was any the wiser as to who murdered him. Apate had a feeling that much of the blame for his death would fall on her shoulders for failing to spot the threat ahead of time, and not spotting the assailant as they were in the act or fleeing. Apate knew she could not dwell on that and instead she and her acolytes would need to focus and find any clue that could point the High Pantheon in the direction of their enemy. Her role in that search would have to wait, Apate knew, and she set off out the temple doors after signaling to Hermes she was on her way.

Apate walked through the alleys, back roads, and even through a tunnel or two, as she made her way to the atrium temple. The path she walked, as she always did, was one that would keep her from the sight of both mortals and gods alike. She was a blight on the otherwise perfect appeal of most who resided in Olympus. Her dark black, halter-top dress flowed down to her ankles and stood in stark contrast to her pale skin and the holy glow of the capital city. She knew this, but still, she wore what she normally would help mask any knowledge she may have of what may have happened. Eventually, she found her way to the Waypoint Temple and stopped just short of entering the door. With a deep breath, she mustered her wit and walked in.

“I really hate what you’ve done with the place. Really, they say a man’s temple is a reflection of who they really are, and this,” Apate motioned around to the destroyed pillars, and the rubble-covered floors, “Actually, this really does fit you forget I said anything. Pray to tell, Hermes, what prompted you to call for me this time?”

“I designed and tidied the place with you in mind.” Hermes quipped as he nonchalantly tossed the Kerykeion to the side to clatter against the ground. Both he and Apate knew it to be a mere prop rather than the true article - keeping up appearances here was pointless. “Though I must say, I would have had more time to make it truly miserable had you been the one to contact me. How long have you known Zeus was dead? You should have signaled me the moment you learned rather than waiting for the reverse.”

“Mere moments,” Apate responded as she moved to the side, “if you had only waited a minute or so long you would have got my message.” Apate paused her step and stared into her counterpart’s faceted visor for a brief moment before she tore them away and continued her steps. She once again gazed at the room around her, letting her eyes linger for a moment too long on the stone and dust that adorned the place. “You have outdone yourself, this place is a stunning rendition of myself.” Apate paused as her eyes darted around the room. “Cold, dark, and with more spiders than either of us care to admit.” She shifted her focus back onto the visor once more. “I ask again. What prompted you to call for me?”

“Oh, Zeus’ first official order as King of the Gods was to instruct me to deliver these invitations along with verbal notice that all of the High Pantheon and their scions are to attend him upon Mt. Olympus at the stated place and time.” Hermes rattled off, flicking his wrist and producing a black letter with gold filigree from thin air. With a flourish, he sent it drifting through the air like a leaf on the unseen wind towards Apate. “It is strange - despite his vow that the perpetrator of Zeus murder shall be found, he has yet to even think of contacting you. I suppose he has other more pressing concerns and people on his mind.”

Apate chuckled as she caught the letter and opened it. She read the instructions briefly before she put them back together. “You’re right. He has you hand delivering these messages and yet I have yet to hear from our father. If I was a weaker goddess I may just weep at the thought of being left out.” She paused as she feigned a feint by throwing one hand up high and leaning back. “Zeus does have more pressing concerns and people on his mind, and yet not one of them is me. It is almost as if he is not concerned with me nor my ability to deliver for him.”

“Not concerned, or not convinced?” Hermes shot back with a lazy tone as he sidled over to a nearby pillar to lean against it irreverently. “Or, if we are being honest for a moment here, something I think we both know he is not interested in.”

“And yet he keeps you around and you keep yourself around him. Are you hoping that one day he may forget who and what you are? That he would get careless with his grip around your precious Key?” Apate paused as she leaned her back against a pillar. “If we’re being honest, I don’t know if I should be flattered or offended that this mail dog found his bite.”

“I knew I should not have used the word honest, it always triggers you so.” Hermes tutted. “Read my lips:” He gestured to his completely inscrutable, faceted visor with both hands. “What I meant to imply is that I do not think we should expect a culprit to be identified anytime soon.”

“Neither do I,” Apate spoke honestly once again, “whoever killed Zeus did so with no warning and did so without being seen by any guards, servants, or by any of my spiders.” Apate pulled herself from the pillar and began pacing the room. “Not many can manage that feat and then they had the power to take down our father. They are either incredibly strong or incredibly connected.” She paused as she let out a deep breath and locked eyes with the visor once more. “I wonder which option scares you more, more powerful than Zeus or more connected than Apate?”

“Do I sound scared to you?” Hermes actually laughed then, an echoing titter that echoed throughout the atrium. “If this hypothetical assailant was either, they would have no need for duplicity.”

“So be it,” Apate sighed. Speaking to Hermes always tested her patience and this time was no different. “I will return to my temple and prepare myself for tomorrow's journey to Mt. Olympus. Thank you for the timely delivery of this message and for your conversational skills, wit, and” she paused as she jestered across the dilapidated room “this stunning rendition of me.”

“As decrepit and hoary as it was the last time we met here.” Hermes quipped. He then stared expectantly at Apate for several long moments, a heavy silence filling the air between them. Eventually, he stooped low and retrieved the Kerykeion replica, and teleported away once more without any accompanying fanfare - simply seeming to seep out of existence like water dribbling away in sand.

It was but a moment later that Apate realized the letter Hermes had given to her - which she had never read - was missing.

“Awww Hermes, is my presence not enough of a gift for your services,” Apate asked the sky with a sly grin. She had known that Zeus instructed Hermes to deliver these messages to each member of the high pantheon instructing them to arrive the following afternoon to swear their fealty to the newly crowned father of all. Apate wondered what Hermes would do with the invitation with her name on it. Regardless, Apate had work to do and she would begin her search at once for the culprit behind the murder. She would also begin her work molding the new Zeus to better serve her station. She set off towards home. Apate had work to do. When she arrived back she was first greeted by Eris.

“What news did Hermes bring?”

“Nothing we did not already know,” Apate paused, “I am requested to attend the coronation of our new lord tomorrow. I want to have something, anything, that I can deliver.”

“Nemesis and Moros are running down leads as we speak. Nemesis is combing through the web of information from the mortal empires and Moros is doing the same through the godly ones.”

“And S.I.H.T?”

“Obscured.”

Apate walked over to a console attached to a large holo-table and typed in a command. After a few flickers, the table projected out a reconstruction of the terrace and showed Zeus. A moment later an unnatural fog had descended over and obscured the view. After it dissipated, Zeus was seen on the ground rapidly decaying as the nanites dissolved his flesh and bone. A few moments later the servant girl entered the scene, screamed, and ran to alert the guards.

“I see two possibilities, both equally hard to prove. Either another god, with the knowledge to hack into the city's weather control systems, killed Zeus and used the weather to hide it and their involvement from sight or the old man killed himself and his final act was to rob us of the pleasure of ever witnessing his suffering.” Apate paused as she rubbed her chin. “Keep trying to locate any possible witness, pay close attention to the interrogators and what their captives say, and tell Nemesis and Moros to double their efforts.”

“Yes, Goddess.”

“Have the servants prepare my wardrobe, I wish to make a statement at the coronation tomorrow.”

The Court of the Gods

Apate, Goddess of Deceit

The Web Layer

Apate is a very secretive woman who hides behind her identity as the Goddess of Deceit. She was born and raised as a Goddess among mortals and thus, was never given a mortal name. Through her subterfuge, she has taken on many a moniker when it suited her.

Appearance

Hider

Apate is a tall, lithe woman with hair that is a burnt red color. She appears to be very young, and youthful, and she has a look that suggests that she takes very good care of her skin and body. Apate is not one for high fashion, and her wardrobe is more of a means to her goals. In her temples, she will dress in all black and will adorn a dress and jewelry to add an air of regality to her visage. When she is in Olympus, she will dress to both make herself seen and to fit in at least a little with their fashion. Often she will still wear a dress that features a mesh top and bottom that reveals more of her body.

Apate will often have a solemn, stern look on her face when interacting with most of her fellow deities and mortals alike. Her smiles tend to appear to never be genuine and serve more to keep up her visage as the cold, calculating woman she is known to be. Her makeup is often kept very plain as well with the color used to compliment her natural hair and nothing more. She has various tattoos across her body. While mortals will never see her tattoos it is still her form of self-expression.

Personality

Hider

Apate views herself as a product of her upbringing. She is cold, calculating, and completely detached from the needs of her fellow deities. She helps when she benefits, but otherwise, she pays them very little of her attention for free. Apate will be willing to listen, however, and she has a desire to help those in true need. She will still expect payment or a favor in return but she is not without heart.

Apate also views herself as a product of her upbringing. With the expectations that were placed on her from birth, she became who she is and often she would rather be the person she wanted to be. She often takes pleasure in how she plays the game, but at the same time, she would rather spend her time admiring the beauty of this world as well as sharing in mortal delights. This will never be a path that she travels down, and instead, she will continue to find her joy in the missteps of the other gods and the misfortune she brings to the mortal realm. This is all she has ever known and all she will know.

When her mother opened Pandora’s Box and unleashed her children onto the world, she made sure that each one embodied the characteristics of these deities. The one thing that remained in the box was hope, and that is the ultimate trait that Apate embodies. Hope that she can keep up her ascent in the pantheon, hope that her schemes will always place her on top, and hope for a better future for herself one day.

Persona

Hider

Her fellow deities would also describe Apate as a cold, calculating, and cunning woman who plays the grand game as well as anyone else. They all know she is not one to play her hand early and she is known to wait for the other to make a mistake, misspeak, or misremember a situation before pouncing on them and laying her cards bare She takes great delight in watching her fellow deities stumble, and will often go out of her way to ensure that they do. This isn’t to say that she dislikes the others. She has lived a storied life that has grown boring and is seeking entertainment through another's misfortune. She is also not against helping other gods as well. As long as the pot is sweet enough Apate will be willing to lend assistance in most matters.

She is indifferent to the plight of mortals on an average day, but not against lending a hand when she can. At the end of the day, each mortal she helps could prove to be another spider in her web. If it costs her some food to get information that is a better deal than most. There are days when she yearns to do more to help but rarely will she act on these desires.

Titles and Roles

Hider

Grand Spymaster of the Gods, Army of Zeus Liaison, Information Broker

Apate is the Grand Spymaster of the Gods. After establishing independent intelligence networks across the realms, her ascension up the ladder was all but assured. Each intelligence network reports directly to her providing up-to-date information on the motives of those who may wish to threaten the status quo. This includes information on technological advancements, plots against the gods, as well as other information that could develop into serious situations. While she is not as powerful of a goddess as others, many would do well to curry favor with Apate. Her information networks expand not only into the mortal realm but into the godly one as well. She makes it a point to be the Goddess who knows all, and thus if another god finds themselves in a dispute Apate will be able to provide information that could help in these matters. Apate also has access to the Artifact S.I.H.T, a comprehensive and powerful satellite array that has coverage across the globe. The feed is locked behind her temple doors and only she can access it; the only exception is Zeus with his control. With her information networks and the S.I.H.T Satellite array, Apate is a force to be reckoned with.

With her pervasive information networks, she is often alerted of threats to the city and acts as an information liaison in the Army. Whether it is a disgruntled demigod or a full-fledged attack by a scorned mortal Apate will know in advance. How she will react to these threats is up to how minor or massive it is. If the threat is minor and she has nothing to gain by withholding the information she will alert the Army of Zeus. If she has something to gain, whether, in intelligence or standing, she may withhold the information until it proves beneficial to reveal. She may even let the threat play itself out for entertainment and to remind the other deities that her services are vital.

Apate is also considered a broker for information. She has troves of data that is useless to the gods and their purpose, but to a mortal who seeks a throne, it could prove valuable. Apate will trade her secrets for knowledge, coin, and often a combination of both. While she does not need the money herself it does help fund her networks of informants and keep them loyal to her. When it comes to sharing information with the other gods she will often request payment in the forms of minor to major Artifacts depending on the information. While most can not meet this request, and instead they will barter down to something more reasonable, a few have provided useful tools for her work.

Artifacts of power and renown:

Hider

S.I.H.T (Sight) Satellite- AKA The Eye of Nyx

The Semi-Autonomous, Internal-Fabricator, High-resolution microsatellite camera, and Tracking Satellite Array, is one of the most powerful tools at Apate, and the gods at large's disposal. This was gifted to her by her mother when she embraced the title of Goddess of Deceit. It is a satellite that can observe, track, and highlight key targets all without the push of a button. Each satellite has an Internal Fabricator and its Semi-Autonomous nature allows it to constantly repair itself thus extending its lifespan. When Apate does want to see something specific somewhere, she can control where it looks and then save any relevant data. She can collect photos and videos when controlled as such. The satellite system itself when in its autonomous mode will delete any data it recovers if Apate does not save it herself. While this is a powerful tool, it will still provide a birds' eye view of the situation on the ground. Even if it is incredibly detailed she uses it to confirm reports, spot potential threats, and keep an eye on the gods when they are away. The satellites are also able to send their imagery and videos to certain members of the pantheon on demand including a detailed rendition of the whole planet that can be zoomed in on if needed.

As the satellite streaks across the night sky and is a large object it is often seen by the mortals below who have come to refer to it as the Eye of Nyx. The followers of Apate and Nyx will often pray to either at the sight of it streaking across the sky hoping they see the prayers below. As well, her followers will often travel to her temples to offer payments to the Goddess and ask that she bestow her devious nature onto them so that they may right some wrongs in her life.

S.I.H.T Personal Data Display

Apate has access to small tablets that allow a user to view real-time information and assume control over a small section of the satellite array. Apate and her support staff often limit access to the array depending on who asked to borrow the tablet. These tablets all appear to be a translucent rectangular panes of glass that will illuminate a detailed rendition of the needed area, including topographical information. Zeus has a more robust and customized version of this technology built into a staff that he carries with him. With his unlimited access to the systems, he can tap into a trove of real-time information at will and project the needed information at will.

S.A.L.A

S.A.L.A, the Smoke, and Light Apparatus is a swarm of drones that will work together to form a shape out of the cloud of smoke as well as emit light when needed. This is a remote-controlled system that Apate acquired in exchange for information from another god. She utilizes this system when she wants to visit a mortal to further her status. The smoke it billows will dissipate quickly, lending a ghastly appearance while she causes the drones to illuminate the eyes.

Wrist-mounted Chemical Disbursement tool

Apate, and her acolytes, will often use this tool to spread chemicals that encourage either a sense of dread or fear among an unsuspecting population. This is always accompanied by a gas filtration system that protects the user. The wrist-mounted tool has numerous cylindrical groves where the user can mount the canisters of their specific chemical. A display on the side allows the user to choose what is used and how. Whether this is used as a liquid to put the agent in a water supply or a gaseous form to overwhelm an area, the wearer has this option.

This tool was designed for agriculture on the ship but was modified and produced in numbers to assist the gods in sowing disorder.

E.I.S Camera Drone and associated control system

The Eye in the Sky camera drone is an artifact that Apate will lend to her acolytes who are not entrusted with access to S.I.H.T. Is a simple, round drone with a repulsor lift engine that allows it to fly through the air quietly and quickly. The drone itself is fitted with an array of powerful cameras and other tools. Developed to assist the crew with surveying the land ahead in more level detail than what S.I.H.T allowed, it has become a mainstay tool at Apate’s disposal. Its feed is also linked to the same system and can be viewed by Apate in her command center. It is small enough and colored in a way that it is silhouetted against the sky above, preventing the mortals from seeing it.

The drone is controlled by a translucent control tablet that allows the user to either see the images and videos in 2D or to have them displayed as a hologram. The drone’s onboard software is also capable of recording certain information about a person, namely their gait. With this tool, Apate can get verification of a potential target and then use the more powerful S.I.H.T array from there.

S.A.M System

S.A.M, Smoke And Mirror, the system is a decoy hologram system that enables the wearer to create either a singular or multiple detailed holographic replicas of themself. Apate helped develop this technology with her devious nature in mind. This is used when she feels threatened as she can create these mimic versions of herself and get to safety or await help. It also keeps with the theme of her temples.

Brothels and Taverns

Apate has bought or has a controlling interest in almost every tavern and bar across the realms. She always makes sure the prices are low and the booze strong, as these establishments serve as an important information-gathering site. These locations are littered with cameras and microphones that supply information in a near real-time fashion to her command post at Olympus. As well, some of the workers in these establishments are her own acolytes and use the taverns as a meeting place or drop-off point for information gathered in the realm.

Apate pays the workers at these establishments far and above what they would normally make, and she has invested heavily in the security of her workers.

Background and Relationships:

Hider

NYX

Apate’s mother was known as Olivia Skor, though with her ascension to godhood she adopted the name Nyx. She was the ship's original Psychiatrist and served the crew in this capacity. Her primary focus was on the mission first, the crew second, and the people who would become subservient to her third. This is not to say that she did not care for the crew, so, she held each in high regard and attempted to assist them in many ways. When Zeus had begun to show signs of his slip into his tyrannical future self she attempted to dissuade him and to help him through medicated means. He would refuse, and eventually convert her to his cause. With her knowledge of how the human mind worked, and how certain chemicals interact with it, she was learning ways she could manipulate the mortals to her cause. She became the first Grand Spymaster for Zeus, a role she worked and perfected in her way.

Nyx would decide to have children. She would bear 15 children, each with a different father. Moros, Ker, Thanatos, Hypnos, Oneiroi, Momos, Oizys, Hesperides, Moirai, Keres, Nemesis, Apate, Philotes, Geras, and Eris. Her intent was for each child to serve a particular function in support of the pantheon as a whole. Thus, each child was trained in a particular field and developed their own set of skills. Only Apate would ascend above the rest and become one of the most influential goddesses to ever grace the Pantheon.

Thus, with each child having their father and none of them knowing who it was, the topic of their parentage has become a much-debated topic behind closed doors. The only one who knows for sure was Nyx and she carried the secrets of her love life to the grave. As well, Nyx ignored much of her earthly training and raised her children at an arm's distance. She was never the most loving or supportive mother, instead, she focused on turning her children into the most ideal supporting cast. Though when Apate began her ascent upwards in the Pantheon she was all too pleased with the results as it allowed Nyx more room to brag and ascend herself.

ZEUS

Apate’s relationship with Zeus was positive at first glance, even if the two barely interacted, however, Apate did have a deep mistrust of his motives. This stemmed from his perverted nature, as well as his illusions of further grandeur. It was not Apate’s place to ever question his rule, nor has she ever confided in anyone her feelings about the deceased Zeus, but she was quite happy that his clone was more malleable to her cause.

As most gods did, Apate made sure that Zeus knew she was devoted to his cause. She made sure that the S.I.H.T arrays were in working order and had complete coverage of the world, passed on threats dedicated to Zeus himself, and often let him decide how to counter the threats posed, and she made sure that she showered him with pleasantries with each interaction.

HADES

Apate views Hades with more love and admiration than the rest of the pantheon combined. Hades and Nyx were close during her life, both before ascension and after, thus whenever Hades made his journey to Olympus he made sure to visit. Out of all the children, the only one who appreciated his visits was Apate. They have had many conversations over the years, and he has been instrumental in her development and her ascension. As a reward, Hades is the only god to have seen Apate’s true authentic smile and is given information without cost, and is given heartfelt compliments.

While he remarks that Apate bears a strong resemblance to her late mother, he has never been able to bring either of them into his kingdom as Zeus, in all his wisdom, would never allow such a trip.

HERMES

The cocky little shit is forever on Apate’s list of people she wants to screw over. The favoritism the other high gods bestow upon him for no other reason than his ability to deliver mail in a timely fashion is exhausting. While the two have interacted, Apate prefers to keep him at an arm's length away for fear that his stupidity is contagious.

DEMETER

Apate has a very neutral relationship with this goddess. The two remain cordial, and professional to one another at least in Apate’s mind. She does not disrupt her plans for the world, at least yet. Thus, Apate has not experienced the wrath of mother nature scorned.

HEBE DIA

Apate can always sense there is something more to Hebe than she lets on. As the daughter of Zeus she has known nothing but luxury. As well, like Hermes, she did not need to work as hard for her station as the others had. This does not mean that Apate views her in the same light. Indeed, Hebe Dia seems kind, and well-intentioned. The two share a very similar upbringing, as they are daughters of some of the most powerful gods to exist. Apate remains jealous that she did not get the same luxury of life that Hebe did, as Apate was pushed from a young age to be anything other than herself. There are rumors that she would want to invite Apate to an all-goddess sleeping party. Apate shudders at the thought.

Thus, Apate keeps a weary and often jealous eye on Hebe Dia.

EROS

Eros is an enigma due to their ever-changing nature. Apate would have loved to claim the brothels as her own space, and she still has ambitions to do so. There is no finer place for information gathering.

SIBLINGS

Apate is one of the youngest of her siblings and bears the most striking resemblance to their late mother. She is also the most decorated, the most powerful, and the most influential of them all. Despite her younger age, Apate was always the one with the biggest appetite for power. While she would have rather gone down a different path, her mother pushed her further and further down her own and this helped develop these desires. As she grew and grew more powerful, Apate made sure to sabotage any of her siblings in their quests for power as well. A few were content in their supportive roles, and they flocked to her side and have served her ever since.

Eris, Nemesis, and Moros all serve Apate in many forms both in the capital and in the field.

Acolytes and Temples

Apate has numerous acolytes that serve under her. These include her informants, spies, demigods in the city, and her siblings. These acolytes will carry out her demands without hesitation and without fear.

Scattered throughout the realms are small temples devoted to Apate. These temples are usually small, with a single altar for gifts to the goddess. These alters will then take the gifts and an acolyte will then remove them and bring them to Olympus. Her grand Temple is located in Olympus. It features a mirrored maze that distorts and confuses would-be devoted followers. If they get lost, they may perish amongst the mirrored versions of themselves with nary a soul to assist them in their trials. Those who do make it through will be able to ask the goddess for a favor, and only one. If it is within her power, and within reason, Apate will often answer these prayers.

The Court of the Gods

Here is my current WIP

Apate

Apate, Goddess of Deceit

The Web Layer

Apate is a very secretive woman who hides behind her identity as the Goddess of Deceit. She was born and raised as a Goddess among mortals and thus, was never given a mortal name. Through her subterfuge, she has taken on many a moniker when it suited her.

Appearance

Hider

Apate is a tall, lithe woman with hair that is a burnt red color. She appears to be very young, and youthful, and she has a look that suggests that she takes very good care of her skin and body. Apate is not one for high fashion, and her wardrobe is more of a means to her goals. In her temples, she will dress in all black and will adorn a dress and jewelry to add an air of regality to her visage. When she is in Olympus, she will dress to both make herself seen and to fit in at least a little with their fashion. Often she will still wear a dress that features a mesh top and bottom that reveals more of her body.

Apate will often have a solemn, stern look on her face when interacting with most of her fellow deities and mortals alike. Her smiles tend to appear to never be genuine and serve more to keep up her visage as the cold, calculating woman she is known to be. Her makeup is often kept very plain as well with the color used to compliment her natural hair and nothing more. She has various tattoos across her body. While mortals will never see her tattoos it is still her form of self-expression.

Personality

Hider

Apate views herself as a product of her upbringing. She is cold, calculating, and completely detached from the needs of her fellow deities. She helps when she benefits, but otherwise, she pays them very little of her attention for free. Apate will be willing to listen, however, and she has a desire to help those in true need. She will still expect payment or a favor in return but she is not without heart.

Apate also views herself as a product of her upbringing. With the expectations that were placed on her from birth, she became who she is and often she would rather be the person she wanted to be. She often takes pleasure in how she plays the game, but at the same time, she would rather spend her time admiring the beauty of this world as well as sharing in mortal delights. This will never be a path that she travels down, and instead, she will continue to find her joy in the missteps of the other gods and the misfortune she brings to the mortal realm. This is all she has ever known and all she will know.

When her mother opened Pandora’s Box and unleashed her children onto the world, she made sure that each one embodied the characteristics of these deities. The one thing that remained in the box was hope, and that is the ultimate trait that Apate embodies. Hope that she can keep up her ascent in the pantheon, hope that her schemes will always place her on top, and hope for a better future for herself one day.

Persona

Hider

Her fellow deities would also describe Apate as a cold, calculating, and cunning woman who plays the grand game as well as anyone else. They all know she is not one to play her hand early and she is known to wait for the other to make a mistake, misspeak, or misremember a situation before pouncing on them and laying her cards bare She takes great delight in watching her fellow deities stumble, and will often go out of her way to ensure that they do. This isn’t to say that she dislikes the others. She has lived a storied life that has grown boring and is seeking entertainment through another's misfortune. She is also not against helping other gods as well. As long as the pot is sweet enough Apate will be willing to lend assistance in most matters.

She is indifferent to the plight of mortals on an average day, but not against lending a hand when she can. At the end of the day, each mortal she helps could prove to be another spider in her web. If it costs her some food to get information that is a better deal than most. There are days when she yearns to do more to help but rarely will she act on these desires.

Titles and Roles

Hider

Grand Spymaster of the Gods, Army of Zeus Liaison, Information Broker

Apate is the Grand Spymaster of the Gods. After establishing independent intelligence networks across the realms, her ascension up the ladder was all but assured. Each intelligence network reports directly to her providing up-to-date information on the motives of those who may wish to threaten the status quo. This includes information on technological advancements, plots against the gods, as well as other information that could develop into serious situations. While she is not as powerful of a goddess as others, many would do well to curry favor with Apate. Her information networks expand not only into the mortal realm but into the godly one as well. She makes it a point to be the Goddess who knows all, and thus if another god finds themselves in a dispute Apate will be able to provide information that could help in these matters. Apate also has access to the Artifact S.I.H.T, a comprehensive and powerful satellite array that has coverage across the globe. The feed is locked behind her temple doors and only she can access it; the only exception is Zeus with his control. With her information networks and the S.I.H.T Satellite array, Apate is a force to be reckoned with.

With her pervasive information networks, she is often alerted of threats to the city and acts as an information liaison in the Army. Whether it is a disgruntled demigod or a full-fledged attack by a scorned mortal Apate will know in advance. How she will react to these threats is up to how minor or massive it is. If the threat is minor and she has nothing to gain by withholding the information she will alert the Army of Zeus. If she has something to gain, whether, in intelligence or standing, she may withhold the information until it proves beneficial to reveal. She may even let the threat play itself out for entertainment and to remind the other deities that her services are vital.

Apate is also considered a broker for information. She has troves of data that is useless to the gods and their purpose, but to a mortal who seeks a throne, it could prove valuable. Apate will trade her secrets for knowledge, coin, and often a combination of both. While she does not need the money herself it does help fund her networks of informants and keep them loyal to her. When it comes to sharing information with the other gods she will often request payment in the forms of minor to major Artifacts depending on the information. While most can not meet this request, and instead they will barter down to something more reasonable, a few have provided useful tools for her work.

Artifacts of power and renown:

Hider

S.I.H.T (Sight) Satellite- AKA The Eye of Nyx

The Semi-Autonomous, Internal-Fabricator, High-resolution microsatellite camera, and Tracking Satellite Array, is one of the most powerful tools at Apate, and the gods at large's disposal. This was gifted to her by her mother when she embraced the title of Goddess of Deceit. It is a satellite that can observe, track, and highlight key targets all without the push of a button. Each satellite has an Internal Fabricator and its Semi-Autonomous nature allows it to constantly repair itself thus extending its lifespan. When Apate does want to see something specific somewhere, she can control where it looks and then save any relevant data. She can collect photos and videos when controlled as such. The satellite system itself when in its autonomous mode will delete any data it recovers if Apate does not save it herself. While this is a powerful tool, it will still provide a birds' eye view of the situation on the ground. Even if it is incredibly detailed she uses it to confirm reports, spot potential threats, and keep an eye on the gods when they are away. The satellites are also able to send their imagery and videos to certain members of the pantheon on demand including a detailed rendition of the whole planet that can be zoomed in on if needed.

As the satellite streaks across the night sky and is a large object it is often seen by the mortals below who have come to refer to it as the Eye of Nyx. The followers of Apate and Nyx will often pray to either at the sight of it streaking across the sky hoping they see the prayers below. As well, her followers will often travel to her temples to offer payments to the Goddess and ask that she bestow her devious nature onto them so that they may right some wrongs in her life.

S.I.H.T Personal Data Display

Apate has access to small tablets that allow a user to view real-time information and assume control over a small section of the satellite array. Apate and her support staff often limit access to the array depending on who asked to borrow the tablet. These tablets all appear to be a translucent rectangular panes of glass that will illuminate a detailed rendition of the needed area, including topographical information. Zeus has a more robust and customized version of this technology built into a staff that he carries with him. With his unlimited access to the systems, he can tap into a trove of real-time information at will and project the needed information at will.

S.A.L.A

S.A.L.A, the Smoke, and Light Apparatus is a swarm of drones that will work together to form a shape out of the cloud of smoke as well as emit light when needed. This is a remote-controlled system that Apate acquired in exchange for information from another god. She utilizes this system when she wants to visit a mortal to further her status. The smoke it billows will dissipate quickly, lending a ghastly appearance while she causes the drones to illuminate the eyes.

Wrist-mounted Chemical Disbursement tool

Apate, and her acolytes, will often use this tool to spread chemicals that encourage either a sense of dread or fear among an unsuspecting population. This is always accompanied by a gas filtration system that protects the user. The wrist-mounted tool has numerous cylindrical groves where the user can mount the canisters of their specific chemical. A display on the side allows the user to choose what is used and how. Whether this is used as a liquid to put the agent in a water supply or a gaseous form to overwhelm an area, the wearer has this option.

This tool was designed for agriculture on the ship but was modified and produced in numbers to assist the gods in sowing disorder.

E.I.S Camera Drone and associated control system

The Eye in the Sky camera drone is an artifact that Apate will lend to her acolytes who are not entrusted with access to S.I.H.T. Is a simple, round drone with a repulsor lift engine that allows it to fly through the air quietly and quickly. The drone itself is fitted with an array of powerful cameras and other tools. Developed to assist the crew with surveying the land ahead in more level detail than what S.I.H.T allowed, it has become a mainstay tool at Apate’s disposal. Its feed is also linked to the same system and can be viewed by Apate in her command center. It is small enough and colored in a way that it is silhouetted against the sky above, preventing the mortals from seeing it.

The drone is controlled by a translucent control tablet that allows the user to either see the images and videos in 2D or to have them displayed as a hologram. The drone’s onboard software is also capable of recording certain information about a person, namely their gait. With this tool, Apate can get verification of a potential target and then use the more powerful S.I.H.T array from there.

S.A.M System

S.A.M, Smoke And Mirror, the system is a decoy hologram system that enables the wearer to create either a singular or multiple detailed holographic replicas of themself. Apate helped develop this technology with her devious nature in mind. This is used when she feels threatened as she can create these mimic versions of herself and get to safety or await help. It also keeps with the theme of her temples.

Background and Relationships:

Hider

NYX

Apate’s mother was known as Olivia Skor, though with her ascension to godhood she adopted the name Nyx. She was the ship's original Psychiatrist and served the crew in this capacity. Her primary focus was on the mission first, the crew second, and the people who would become subservient to her third. This is not to say that she did not care for the crew, so, she held each in high regard and attempted to assist them in many ways. When Zeus had begun to show signs of his slip into his tyrannical future self she attempted to dissuade him and to help him through medicated means. He would refuse, and eventually convert her to his cause. With her knowledge of how the human mind worked, and how certain chemicals interact with it, she was learning ways she could manipulate the mortals to her cause. She became the first Grand Spymaster for Zeus, a role she worked and perfected in her way.

Nyx would decide to have children. She would bear 15 children, each with a different father. Moros, Ker, Thanatos, Hypnos, Oneiroi, Momos, Oizys, Hesperides, Moirai, Keres, Nemesis, Apate, Philotes, Geras, and Eris. Her intent was for each child to serve a particular function in support of the pantheon as a whole. Thus, each child was trained in a particular field and developed their own set of skills. Only Apate would ascend above the rest and become one of the most influential goddesses to ever grace the Pantheon.

Thus, with each child having their father and none of them knowing who it was, the topic of their parentage has become a much-debated topic behind closed doors. The only one who knows for sure was Nyx and she carried the secrets of her love life to the grave. As well, Nyx ignored much of her earthly training and raised her children at an arm's distance. She was never the most loving or supportive mother, instead, she focused on turning her children into the most ideal supporting cast. Though when Apate began her ascent upwards in the Pantheon she was all too pleased with the results as it allowed Nyx more room to brag and ascend herself.

ZEUS

Apate’s relationship with Zeus was positive at first glance, even if the two barely interacted, however, Apate did have a deep mistrust of his motives. This stemmed from his perverted nature, as well as his illusions of further grandeur. It was not Apate’s place to ever question his rule, nor has she ever confided in anyone her feelings about the deceased Zeus, but she was quite happy that his clone was more malleable to her cause.

As most gods did, Apate made sure that Zeus knew she was devoted to his cause. She made sure that the S.I.H.T arrays were in working order and had complete coverage of the world, passed on threats dedicated to Zeus himself, and often let him decide how to counter the threats posed, and she made sure that she showered him with pleasantries with each interaction.

HADES

Apate views Hades with more love and admiration than the rest of the pantheon combined. Hades and Nyx were close during her life, both before ascension and after, thus whenever Hades made his journey to Olympus he made sure to visit. Out of all the children, the only one who appreciated his visits was Apate. They have had many conversations over the years, and he has been instrumental in her development and her ascension. As a reward, Hades is the only god to have seen Apate’s true authentic smile and is given information without cost, and is given heartfelt compliments.

While he remarks that Apate bears a strong resemblance to her late mother, he has never been able to bring either of them into his kingdom as Zeus, in all his wisdom, would never allow such a trip.

HERMES

The cocky little shit is forever on Apate’s list of people she wants to screw over. The favoritism the other high gods bestow upon him for no other reason than his ability to deliver mail in a timely fashion is exhausting. While the two have interacted, Apate prefers to keep him at an arm's length away for fear that his stupidity is contagious.

DEMETER

Apate has a very neutral relationship with this goddess. The two remain cordial, and professional to one another at least in Apate’s mind. She does not disrupt her plans for the world, at least yet. Thus, Apate has not experienced the wrath of mother nature scorned.

SIBLINGS

Apate is one of the youngest of her siblings and bears the most striking resemblance to their late mother. She is also the most decorated, the most powerful, and the most influential of them all. Despite her younger age, Apate was always the one with the biggest appetite for power. While she would have rather gone down a different path, her mother pushed her further and further down her own and this helped develop these desires. As she grew and grew more powerful, Apate made sure to sabotage any of her siblings in their quests for power as well. A few were content in their supportive roles, and they flocked to her side and have served her ever since.

Eris, Nemesis, and Moros all serve Apate in many forms both in the capital and in the field.

Acolytes and Temples

Apate has numerous acolytes that serve under her. These include her informants, spies, demigods in the city, and her siblings. These acolytes will carry out her demands without hesitation and without fear.

Scattered throughout the realms are small temples devoted to Apate. These temples are usually small, with a single altar for gifts to the goddess. These alters will then take the gifts and an acolyte will then remove them and bring them to Olympus. Her grand Temple is located in Olympus. It features a mirrored maze that distorts and confuses would-be devoted followers. If they get lost, they may perish amongst the mirrored versions of themselves with nary a soul to assist them in their trials. Those who do make it through will be able to ask the goddess for a favor, and only one. If it is within her power, and within reason, Apate will often answer these prayers.

The Return of Magic - The intro

Hey!

I’ll be opening up a spot or two due to drop outs. Feel free to IM me or we can talk here!

The Court of the Gods

I do find myself interested. Let me take a deeper look in the morning!

The Return of Magic - An Intro

Mae and Sam

Mae stood in silence as the house consumed the mages. Nothing had prepared her to witness the haunting of the hill house. While her nerves were already primed by a real-life spell that portaled in, they unraveled more. There was no doubting the scene that unfolded before her and that made it harder to actually take in everything she was seeing.

"Holy shit," she spoke aloud. While she was someone who was online since she was young, she was never exposed to actual magic and actual ghosts. Was it ghosts? Mae followed the thought for a moment. If it was a ghost how would she know? Would it simply reveal itself, or would it try and possess her? Would it do something more extreme than the complete home makeover?

"Well, I still have no clue who this benefactor is, but I can tell you this much. They could make a fortune flipping houses."

Ghost girl joked but she had a point. Mae turned her body towards the young woman. "If the house is haunted, and if this person can see the dead, that means..." Mae paused as she brought her hand to her chin. "That means if something has our friends, they can handle it. Right? That's how talking to the dead works ?" Mae asked before another voice made its presence known.

"Hello? Mr. House?"

“Hey! I think it’s safe to come in!”

The others had all started to move inside. While there was still a small crowd outside, Mae began to think she needed to make her way in. Thoughts and doubts flooded her mind and began to take root. She lacked a familiar feeling of control in the real world. She could not back out of a sketchy situation by severing a connection. She could not hide behind anonymity. This was real, and it was happening right in front of her.

"All right." A single voice next to Mae pulled her from the spiral. She looked over and saw a young, gruff man that had arrived.

"That was all the proof I needed to know that this," he paused as he flashed his invitation, "was true. Magic. That's going to take some getting used to." His eyes darted across the remaining group outside the house. "If we're all here, and if everyone is safe inside then we should head in."

While he presented this challenging, and rugged exterior Sam's mind was also racked with the same fear that gripped Mae. Watching the house pull people inside through an invisible force made it so... real. Yet he still stood firm. Now was not the time nor the place to show his fear to the rest of the group. "I can have a moment alone to show my fear, but not right now," Sam thought as he took a deep breath.

"Anyway, I can control the wind."

"Wind?" Mae asked.

Sam pushed forth a gust from his hand. The burst was weak but was strong enough to blow through Mae's hair. "Yep, wind. How about you?"

Mae paused as she recoiled from the sensation for a brief moment. The wind carried with it a strange sensation. It felt like wind, but it different from a crisp autumn breeze or a warm summer gust. It felt unnatural. It felt magical. Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, Mae shot her eyes down to the ground and then back up to Sam. "I call myself a technomancer. I can access electronic devices, and make them do stuff. Internet devices can be tricky but I have access to them all the same."

Sam took a step back. Taking a deep breath, he tapped his phone that resided in his pocket. "Please don't view my browsing history."

Mae let out an uncontrolled laugh that she reigned in after a moment. "I am not new to the internet, I know what you guys do in the dark. I value my sanity too much to ever give it a look."

Sam smiled in response. "I am Sam," he paused as he shot out his hand, "pleasure to meet you and know that I am not alone in this magical adventure.

"Mae, likewise."

Sam motioned for Mae to follow him and the duo entered the house together. As Mae walked and Sam and anyone else followed they would notice the lights would begin to flicker. With each bout of darkness, the house would once again appear to be in a state of disrepair. It would feel different than before. A strange sensation would hang in the air that would force everyone to remain alert to a possible unseen threat.

- - -

Alora and the group

Alora watched as the group began to enter the room. Again, as with the first few, drinks and snacks would float through the air offering themselves to the guests. Her breath still felt stolen from her as she took in the sight. One member of the group, however, decided to make a mockery of the situation.

"First, don't call me princess ever again," she paused as she flashed a finger. "Second, I haven't had magic long and I could not find even the smallest bit of information online about this magic. Forgive me if I seem amiss." Pausing again as she flashed two fingers. "Third, if wanted to hear your advice I would ask you for it." The third finger flew up as a dull thud could be heard. The noise was soft, almost rhythmic, and seemed to be coming from a far corner of the house. Alora paused as she turned her head back to the center of the room, back to the man, and back to the center of the room. "And fourth, and finally, why did the ghost stop sweeping?"

Alora's eyes did not move from the dustpan. It was held about two feet off the ground and trembled ever so as it held its position. As it shook, the lights would flicker with it with each flicker sending the house back into darkness. With each bout of darkness, the house would appear to be once again in a state of disrepair. The group would hear the soft thud reveal itself to be a heavy footstep. They would know that it had begun to make its way towards the living room. Step by step, the thuds closed in . They would each feel a collective dread fall over their room. This would be a sensation that they had never felt that would also feel known. It is as if their body and souls know something they do not.

*THUD* *THUD* *THUD* *THUD*

As the steps continued to get closer, the dustpan would begin to shake slightly. As they got closer, it would shake ever more so. As it shook, the lights in the house would start to flicker. The source of the footsteps would be revealed as a tall, well-dressed figure as he stepped into the room. He wore a dark three-piece suit that was tailored to him. We carried a cane in his off-hand and he leaned up against the frame of the door. The cane itself had a massive red ruby on its head that seemed to make up its entire length.

"Welcome," the man's voice bellowed. It was deep, and his accent sounded almost English but mixed with something older. "We have much to discuss. You may call me the benefactor." The group would feel that intense feeling of uneasy surge and would also find it difficult to keep their eyes on the benefactor. It was as if a long-since dormant part of their mind was screaming at them to run.

Alora would find her breathing and take a deep one. She had her eyes fixated on the benefactor despite the protest of her brain. His features were stunning. His chiseled jaw, his well-maintained and cared-for hair, and his eyes were so blue that Alora thought she could hop in a take a swim. Meanwhile, Mae would have her gaze averted. While she lacked the ability to ignore her brain like Alora, it did not mean that she was not also interested in who he was. With a breath, she closed her eyes and searched out for an electronic device on the benefactor. Finding one, she set about breaking in. Sam, meanwhile, also had his focus fixed on the benefactor. His look was more curious than Alora's. While he felt the same sensation as the rest, he could overlook it.

"You all must have questions that demand answers," the benefactor spoke with gravitas, "I intend to answer them in kind." The benefactor finished as he shifted his weight onto his cane.

The Return of Magic - An Intro

@MagusDream

Approved- feel free to move it over and feel free to join the discord!!

The Return of Magic - An Intro

@MagusDream

We did just have a spot open up! I plan to leave this open all the same so if anyone is interested feel free to sign up!

discord.gg/H2WC4Zdw

The Return of Magic - An Intro

The Return of Magic:

Act 1 - An Intro

Scene two - The house beckons

The sound of the others arriving caught Alora by surprise. Her attention had been locked on the house itself. She turned around, raising her hands up as she did, and conjured forth her magic. She did not mean to but she still did not control her power. Two lines of flowers sprouted forth towards the source of the noise, hitting the feet of a mage who had stepped out of a portal. The flowers were a variety of colors and types, though they were pretty. Alora breathed a sigh of relief as the group appeared to have been invited by the benefactor as well.

"Makes sense," Alora whispered as she took the mages in. There was no way she could be the only one who had magic bestowed on her. She was not the main character even in her own story. She was curious though, as it was evident that each mage had a power unique to themself. One could do some form of portal magic, one mentioned they could speak to the dead. The others had yet to reveal their powers, and Alora wanted to know more about these individuals. She rubbed her temple as dark thoughts entered her mind once again. Could she trust them? While she had no reason to not, the letter made no mention of any other. She scanned the faces of the mages before a calming sense fell over her. None of these people felt like a threat, at least on the surface. Yet, her attention lingered on Matthew for a brief moment. There was something about him that seemed off.

Alora took a deep breath and flashed a quick, but genuine smile. "I was not crazy, I knew this was real," she whispered. "I, uh, can control and feel nature? I can also cause plants to grow," she motioned to the flowers on the ground, "that is the best way I can describe it." Alora paused as took in a deep breath. "I'm Alora, and I am guessing that you all got the same letter from a benefactor. Does anyone.. anyone kn-..," Alora's voice trailed off as a strange sensation fell over her body. "What does.. Does anyone feel strange?" The confusion grew on her face as her body was pulled around against her wishes. It soon faced the door. To the others, it looked like she turned around. Alora started to panic as she could no longer move nor could she divert her attention from the front door.

Something inside the house forced her focus onto the structure itself and prevented her from tearing it away. There was something hidden underneath the facade of this dilapidated mansion and it had begun to make its presence known. Alora's breathing began to quicken as she tried to fight whatever spell she was under. She could not speak, nor could she move a muscle. Each second that passed felt like more and more senses became muted. Her breathing quickened and soon its sound filled the air. She could not sense the clothes she wore and the only thing she could hear was a rhythmic wind. It seemed to emanate from the door out of the house. The wind rushed over her body out to the forest before it pulled itself back. Again and again, Alora felt this sensation. Again and again, this wind washed over her body and she felt like her energy was draining.

Was the house breathing?

Alora was not alone in her stasis. Matthew, and Ashe, would feel their focus fixed on the mansion. No matter what they would try they would be unable to break the spell. Something inside the house had the trio under its control. If any of the other mages attempted to touch or pull them out of their trance they would feel a pulsating vibration. As the spell reached its peak over the trio, it broke and they would have complete control over their bodies again. They would feel a slight weakness as if they ran a mile and back. Alora looked around at the group as she took a step back.

"What the fu-" Alora started as she breathed in and out before the sight of a lone individual reaching for the doorknob caught her attention. As he went for it Alora, Matthew, and Ashe would all feel the sensation of the spell taking over again. This time felt different. It felt calmer, and they could now move their bodies. Alora sensed that if that door was opened something would happen. "No don't open that doo-" Alora tried to shout but the wind billowed forth from the house again and it was deafening. Alora groaned as her hands struggled to cover her ears. The rest of the group would feel the rush of this wind for the first time. Once his hand connected with the doorknob the door itself slammed open and James would be thrown back against the railing.

Alora, Ashe, Matthew, and James would all rise in the air before they were pulled inside by the unseen force. As they flew through the air, a trail of flowers were conjured forth in the dirt behind Alora. The only words that would leave her mouth were "HOLY SHIT." The rest of the group would be unaffected by whatever spell was cast.

- - - -

From the outside, those who remained would start to see a very curious sight. The house itself would start repairing. The broken floorboards of the porch would start to become whole once again. The tree that broke the side of the house would groan as it was pulled away and find itself planted in the ground once again. The tree would sprout with leaves in a violent visual explosion of color. Glass would rise from the ground and find its home back in their panes. And finally, once the exterior of the house looked pristine, the group would see the interior light up and pull it back together. As the commotion of the repair subsided, the group outside would hear a faint song playing from within.

- - - -

The group pulled inside would find themselves planted on a couch in a massive living room. Adorned with various pieces of art and expensive-looking decorations, the room had a very regal look to it. In the corner, they would notice a record player that had begun to play a song. A door on the far side of the room would swing open. They would see a few cans of soda float into the room, as well as various snacks. The snacks would find a home on a table in front of the couch while the drinks would float in front of each person.

The drinks would move forwards and backward. First a coke, then a Pepsi, and then water, and so on and so forth. Was it asking them which one they preferred? Alora pointed with a shaky finger towards a can of coke and it shot towards her hand. As she grabbed it she watched as the can opened. She looked down at the drink and back up with a bewildered look on her face. A broom and dustpan floated into the room and started to sweep the floor. In the room behind the door, the sound of a stove being lit could be heard.

Alora, drink open and in hand, could only shout one thing.

"WHAT THE FUCK."