Nothing could POSSIBLY go horribly wrong.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)08:55 No. 129135 ID: f98e0b
File 126582094993.png - (104.66KB , 800x600 , Title.png )

His name is Diometricus Phrale Eregiorium, but you can call him Dio.

He's almost finished with the cicle now, but he's on his last stick of chalk, and it's running low. He hopes he won't...

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)08:57 No. 129136 ID: f98e0b
File 126582103484.png - (95.06KB , 800x600 , 2.png )

Okay, yeah, Dio's run out of chalk.
He probably drew the Dead City of Hardai too thickly, is the problem.

He's not due for another ration of runing chalk for another week. Dammit.

>>129136

Steal chalk, and booze

Does he have anyone he can borrow it from? Or "borrow" it from, if necessary?

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)09:27 No. 129139 ID: f98e0b
File 126582285627.png - (39.37KB , 800x600 , 3.png )

>>129137
No need to steal booze, he can just grab some from the fridge in the common room if he wants. He feels like it's probably a bad idea to summon outsiders while buzzed.

>>129138
Dio ponders that question.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)09:32 No. 129140 ID: f98e0b
File 12658231435.png - (63.61KB , 800x600 , 4.png )

He can think of two people who he can get chalk from at the moment. Most of the other students probably aren't willing to give the stuff away. No one gets a lot per week, and few are willing to part with their allotment.

JAI is his best friend. She's more interested in battle magic and blasting things than drawing any circles. She'd probably be willing to give him some but it's 7 AM and she is not a morning person. At all.

ORPHEO is Dio's mentor. He could ask for some chalk from him, but this rune he's drawing is a, um, extracurricular activity Orpheo probably would not approve of. Dio will need to make up some excuse to get it.

>>129140

Break into Jai's room using STEALTH and GUILE

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)09:44 No. 129143 ID: f98e0b
File 126582387962.png - (37.53KB , 800x600 , 5.png )

Dio is way too CLASSY to just sneak into some young lady's room while she's asleep and steal her precious, expensive chalk from her that she probably has lying all over the place free for the taking.

And even if he did want to, which he totally does not, her door is off the common room. He'd totally be spotted.

Do you know how to use alchemy to make your own chalk? I've always wondered how people make chalk.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)09:54 No. 129145 ID: f98e0b
File 126582445393.png - (68.67KB , 800x600 , 6.png )

This isn't just standard chalk Dio's trying to use, understand. Otherwise he would have just popped down to a classroom or something and grabbed some from there. Ritual chalk is significantly more rare and has to be prepared and enchanted before use. It ensures that there's some power already in the rune and that there aren't any breaks in the line, which makes it much easier to cast spells.

Dio ambles into the common room, shutting his door behind him to conceal the rune. BAILEY is here, cramming for a World History exam.

>>129145

Get a beer to calm your nerves and stop considering breaking into your best friend's room to steal all that sweet, sweet chalk. Stop that. Even though she'd never miss just 1.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)10:11 No. 129148 ID: f98e0b
File 126582546659.png - (66.88KB , 800x600 , 7.png )

>>129146
Dio doesn't really want to drink at 7 AM. He grabs a bottle of soda someone left on the table and drains it instead.

He chooses not to think about stealing from Jai. Really. All he needs to do is just talk to her or maybe Orpheo. It would only take a second, after all. What's he so scared of? He likes to think a powerful apprentice like himself has more important things to do than to simply seek out chalk, for spirits' sake.

>>129148
How's Dio with enchanting? He might want to visit the library and learn how to make special chalk by himself. It's a useful skill to know either way.

>>129148
If you're lucky Jai never went to bed last night so she still is up. And doesn't classes start soonish? It's our obligation as a friend to wake her up.

>>129148
What kind of creature are you anyway?

Bah, and here I thought we'd found someone to finally RELEASE US FROM OUR BONDS!

Anyway, if you're willing to take this all the way, club Bailey over the head, take his key, and drag him into his room before stealing HIS chalk.

Get some regular chalk and fudge the rest of your drawing. Nothing could possibly go horribly go wrong if you do this.

no don't listen to me this is an absolutely terrible idea

>>129135
>>129136

...Did the symbols change just then?

>>129204
The first one has the name of the quest.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)14:16 No. 129208 ID: f98e0b
File 126584019114.png - (62.14KB , 800x600 , 8.png )

>>129185
Dio was a normal young vidder at one point. He's a little more now.

>>129154
Okay. Dio knocks on Jai's door.
"Hey. Jai. HEY. Wake up, classes are starting."
Bailey excuses himself fairly quickly. Dio remembers to start to prepare his...

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)14:17 No. 129209 ID: f98e0b
File 126584023252.png - (93.29KB , 800x600 , 9.png )

...shielding rune. He throws it up just in time to avoid getting blasted onto his ass. He still skids backward from the sheer force.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)14:17 No. 129210 ID: f98e0b
File 126584025763.png - (66.84KB , 800x600 , 10.png )

Jai is standing in her PJ's in the doorway.

"What," she says.

>>129210
"I came to tell you I like your pants. :3"

>>129210

Flip out, and explain while flipping out that you need some chalk like rightright now.

>>129213
This, without the flipping out.

>>129210
Dammit indolant woman don't "whut?" me! And is that sleeping garb I see?

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)14:46 No. 129221 ID: f98e0b
File 126584198831.png - (89.84KB , 800x600 , 11.png )

>>129211
>>129213
>>129215
"Jai. Hey. Um, good morning. Nice pants. Listen, could I maybe borrow some of your runing chalk? I'm working on a pretty big summons and I just ran out." says Dio.

"You didn't go to Orpheo?" asks Jai.

"Well, no, I mean he doesn't exactly know." says Dio. "So I was hoping that since you don't really use it you could give me some?"

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)14:46 No. 129222 ID: f98e0b
File 126584200167.png - (96.71KB , 800x600 , 12.png )

Thok

>>129222
So is she unusually tall or are you just short?

>>129222
Thank her and get back to drawing. You think that's enough?

Give her a little hug... Uhmmm... give her legs a little hug.

Tell her you owe her one. JAI is now YOUR PAL.

>>129208
>Dio was a normal young vidder at one point. He's a little more now.
Does he have an adventurous spirit?

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)15:39 No. 129243 ID: f98e0b
File 126584514779.png - (65.12KB , 800x600 , 13.png )

>>129228
>>129224
"Thank you, Jai." calls Dio. She slams the door in response. She's usually friendly but never when she wakes up.

>>129223
>>129225
DIO'S HEIGHT- Dio's height is simply a result of him not yet completing that particular developmental stage in his life. Besides. It's everyone else who is too tall.

>>129231
Yes, since last he checked.

>>129243
Go finish the circle so that plot will hit us.

>>129245
Yes, to the Plotcave, Plotman!

It's funny how 'plot' doesn't even look like a word anymore.

How old are you anyway?

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)15:56 No. 129250 ID: f98e0b
File 126584620523.png - (113.24KB , 800x600 , 14.png )

Dio is 17 years old. Before you say anything, know that his kind mature slightly slower than normally.

>>129245
Good idea.
Dio places the last few lines in and steps back to admire his handiwork. This will be more than enough to hold anything he summons on this plane for at least a week. If he wants to keep his servant outsider around any longer, he'll have to refresh the spell, but that shouldn't be a problem for a skilled...

Choose Dio's Domain Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)15:57 No. 129251 ID: f98e0b
File 126584624439.png - (58.79KB , 800x600 , domains.png )

Illusionist: Illusion is the magic of the plane of Dream. It allows for psychic manipulation and the creations of glamors and phantoms, as well as the physical manifestation of thought.

Enchanter: Enchantment is the magic of the Arcane plane. It allows for the control of pure energy and force. Enchanters can infuse normal items with arcane energy to create various magical tools or weapons.

Evoker: Evocation is the magic of the Material plane. It allows for direct manipulation of the elements, including earth, fire, water, air, etc.

Thaumaturge: Thaumaturgy is the magic of the divine plane. Thaumaturges can attack the souls of their enemies or call upon the wills of spirits. Some can even invoke the aid of the deities themselves.

>>129251
Enchanter.

Cast my vote for Illusionist.

>>129251
Enchanter!

>>129250
Enchanters suck. Go with Evoker or Thaumaturge. Do you know any gods personally? Or are the gods in your world particularly vengeful/badass? If so, go with the latter, otherwise the former.

>>129251
Evoker

>>129251
Illusionist

>>129251
Evoker!

>>129251
Thaumaturge, I guess.

Or so quoth a pseudorandom number generator I have handy.

Illusionist looks good, as does Evoker.

I would say Illusionist.

>>129251
>make thoughts real
Illusionist, obviously.

Illusionist.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)18:03 No. 129408 ID: f98e0b
File 12658538087.png - (134.11KB , 800x600 , 15.png )

...that shouldn't be a problem for a skilled Illusionist.

Dio prepares the summons, breathing deep the smoke drifting to him from the candles as he forces the dormant parts of his mind into sleep even as his reason remains in the waking world. All life is an anchor between the Dream and Materium, and if we focus, we may use ourselves as a conduit, as a bridge for the Dream into our world.

Dio feels the Dream enter him as he enters the Dream, and he places one hand on the rune, illuminating it with the hazy, semi-real energy of Illusion.

Should he summon a dreamthing, or a nightmare?

>>129408
Nightmare.

>>129408
~ohh Mr. Sandman... send me a dream~

Dreamthing.

>>129408
A nightmare to ride upon, of course!

Dreamthing. Preferably with tits. Isn't that what everyone dreams about?

>>129411
Damn you, now I have that song in my head.

Summon a dreamthing, Illusionist.

Whichever has a lower chance of killing everyone if runs amok.

Probably dreamthing.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)18:16 No. 129422 ID: f98e0b
File 126585461367.png - (447.68KB , 800x600 , 16.png )

>>129411
>>129413
>>129417
>>129418
>>129421

Dio maintains focus with one half of his mind as he feels the other drift off and float in the midst of Dream. He feels the power drawing across his brain, flowing into the world. He channels and shapes it along the rune.

Something's forming in the middle.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)18:18 No. 129424 ID: f98e0b
File 126585468972.png - (252.29KB , 800x600 , 17.png )

"Roit," says the dreamthing, coalescing in the center of the room. "'oo's the bloke wot just summoned me?"

>>129424
OH LAWD SEND IT BACK

Is that your dream Dio?

>>129424
Introduce yourself.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)18:26 No. 129434 ID: f98e0b
File 126585521870.png - (299.42KB , 800x600 , 18.png )

"I am Diometricus Phrale Eregiorium," says Dio. "Apprentice to Orpheo Malefix Dervius. I have summoned you to serve me in the materium."

"Good for you, mate," says the dreamthing, its form shifting and lazily imploding into a burst of chaotic color with a mask in the center that stares at Dio and weeps bloody tears that smell almost to Dio of his mother although he does not remember his mother. "Only that don't sit well with me, right, so I'll be not doin' that."

That's not right. The dreamthing should be bounded to Dio by the four points of the Arboreal Star and the Pyramid of the Dead City. It should be willing to do whatever he wants it to do, that's what it said in the textbook.

>>129434
"Yeah, well, ok then, good talkin' to you, mate, want a beer before I send you back?"

>>129434
"Uh, what'd I do wrong?"

>>129476
Imma guessing the second chalk was off.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)18:55 No. 129509 ID: f98e0b
File 126585694225.png - (449.45KB , 800x600 , 19.png )

>>129476
"What- Um, what did I do wrong?" asks Dio.

"Ah, guv, 'ere's where yer problem is," says the dreamthing, gesturing with one tentacle. "'Sall in the Arboreal Star, innit? It's got an extra line in the trunk yer dint put in. Not to worry, it's a common mistake. Seen it loads of times in first summons, I 'ave."

>>129442
"Got it. Okay, sorry about the mix-up," says Dio. "Would you, um, like a beer before I send you back?"
"'Fraid that ain't an option, guv," says the dreamthing.

>>129509
Ask him what he's going to do.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)18:57 No. 129511 ID: f98e0b
File 126585707448.png - (90.82KB , 800x600 , 20.png )

"Y'see," it says. "I don't take kindly to blokes wot thinks they can summon me and enslave me without my sayin' so, if yer get my drift."

It takes a step toward Dio. "An' how can I be sure you won't just try again. Nuffin' for it but to trash the place, kill ya, an' head back to Dream through yer corpse, sad to say."

>>129511
Erh... shit.

>>129511
Call Jai. She's HUGE, she can deal with the problem.

Well, call for anyone, at least. It doesn't look like you can handle the dreamthing alone.

>>129511
"AAAH I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WOULD HATE IT SO MUUUUCH"

Run away and find someone stronger that can banish it, if you can't.

"I offered you a beer. I didn't mean to be hostile in my summoning, I was just trying something challenging for a change."

>>129511
Uh, that's...

That's really, um.

Is he sure there's not some other thing that can be the result of this.

If he is, uh... run?

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)19:12 No. 129544 ID: f98e0b
File 126585792991.png - (65.94KB , 800x600 , 21.png )

>>129519
>>129521
Dio is not good enough to fight a shifting dreamthing.

>>129518
Jai is not strong enough to fight a shifting dreamthing.

The only person strong enough to fight a shifting dreamthing who Dio knows the location of would be Orpheo, his mentor.

"Why would I try to summon you again if you were going to kill me for it?"

>>129544
Better go get him then. Put an illusion of you hiding behind the couch to buy you a little time.

Brom 2010/02/10(Wed)19:24 No. 129553 ID: f98e0b
File 126585867941.png - (28.11KB , 800x600 , 22.png )

>>129548
Dio throws a quick glamor of himself hiding behind the couch. No sound or reaction or anything, just a still image. There's no time for anything else. He rushes to Orpheo's room and opens it a crack.

Orpheo is sitting and reading at the window overlooking the Arcanopolis. Dio is about to speak when he says,

"Your prescence is not unknown to me, boy,
For you make such a noise with your breathing
It seems almost as if the host of Hell
Were on your heels, their scourges cracking vile.
Come in, dear Diometricus, my boy.
Tell me the trouble that sits with you so."

>>129553
"I DONE FUCKED UP."

>>129557
This is kinda the truth.

>>129553
Not quite hell. But damn close. Dreamthing chasing you.

>>129557
Yeah, this.

Brom 2010/02/11(Thu)12:33 No. 129873 ID: f98e0b
File 126592042266.png - (89.47KB , 800x600 , 23.png )

"Sir Orpheo, um, I just fucked up pretty bad. There's a shifting dreamthing chasing me and it's probably going to try to kill me. Help? Please?"

"Iambic pentameter please, my boy.
You know I deem the use of prose uncouth.
We must not treat our syntax like some toy,
for use as fodder for rambunctious youth."

Dio struggles to find the right words
"A dreamthing's trying to kill me, master.
Do you think we could talk a little faster?"

"Better, although I have qualms about those final trochees," says Orpheo, calmly turning the page. He's always calm. "I suppose in such emergencies we may abandon poetry, Dio, much as it pains me. What exactly did you do to earn the ire of a dreamling?"

>>129873
"I forgot the extra line in the trunk of the Arboreal Star, and then I summoned something, and I did the whole 'WELCOME TO THE REAL, PLEASE SERVE ME' deal, and it went 'Yeah no.' So then I offered it a beer and a way back but it was like 'Yeah no' again and and and IT'S GONNA KILL MEEEEE D:

Halp plz."

>>129873
"Well it seems like he took some objection to being summoned. After kindly pointing out a small mistake he then proceeded to attempt to remove my heart in a very much fatal way. I thought that was a bit of an extreme way to teach a leasson so I got out as fast as I could."

>>129873

I mean you know, tried to bind his will to my own and junk

Brom 2010/02/11(Thu)13:57 No. 129892 ID: f98e0b
File 12659254486.png - (114.40KB , 800x600 , 24.png )

>>129875
>>129876
>>129883
"I attempted a binding summoning of a shifting dreamthing and forgot a line in the trunk of the arboreal star," says Dio. "It's escaped. I locked the door to my room and put up a glamor in the common room. That's not going to delay it for too long."

"Ah yes, the arboreal star. No one gets that right the first time," says Orpheo, closing his book. "I shall bind the dreamling to a single form and weaken it. You can fight a nonshifter, correct?"
"Yes, sir Orpheus."
"That shall be your penance for its summoning, then, and after we have dispatched it we shall speak further," says Orpheo, rising from his seat. "Prepare yourself and lead on, Diometricus."

yeeeahh. How does one defeat a dreamthing anyways? Are you just going to beat it until it unforms or something?

>>129892
How does one use illusionary magic for offensive purposes? The other disciplines seem pretty straightforward on how you kill stuff with them but how do you do it with illusions?

>>129895
Fake a bridge over a cliff?

>>129898
But we seem to be abit low on cliffs, and I doubt we could make it run into a wall at a fatal speed. Maybe that immagination to reality stuff is what allows you to kill things with illusions. But how does that work?

If I had been awake for the voting there would have been one more for enchanter. Probably wouldn't have changed much. But with enchantment we could have taken down the dreamthing with a crossbow that was enchanted for automatic fire and some time and space distorting reloading mechanism, and it would fire highly explosive bolts.

>>129900
If we had gone Enchanter, we wouldn't be summoning dreamthings, now would we?

>>129901
Well I was hoping for a nightmare. But I still think we would have summoned one or the other no matter what school we choose. It seems like if you do it properly then they can advance your magic by a decent bit.

>>129902
Seems to me each school has its own type of summon. Namely dreamthings for Illusionist, elementals for Evoker, Outsiders for Thaumaturge, and probably golems for Enchanter.

And by "dreamthings" I mean nightmares as well, considering they exist only in dreams. I don't know what the consolidated term for both of them is. 'Sleepbeings'? Whatever the case, my point is that each school likely has its own type of summon but it was bound to go awry regardless of our choice.

>>129911
Could be correct. But they can probably all be calssified as outsiders as they come from outside the normal material plane.

Still, having an awesome enchanted crossbow or something similar would wicked. Lets hope illusion can do some cool shit as well.

Anyway. Dio, when fighting the dreamthing. Here is what you need to do, yell out "Za WARDO!!" and trap it in an illusion where you have stopped time and you're throwing 9000 knifes at him.

>>129912
Only 9000? I'm sure 1 more knife can't hurt.

 

>>129912
Here is a reference, Dio.

>>129912
Sorry, I was using "Outsider" in a DnD sense, as in from another plane... as in angel or demon. Yeah, they're all basically outsiders to this reality but that's not what I meant.

It's an illusion from a dream. Use an illusion to fight another illusion. Create random horrors like cart wheel angel.

Brom 2010/02/11(Thu)18:16 No. 129989 ID: f98e0b
File 126594098240.png - (269.54KB , 800x600 , spellbook.png )

A quick primer on magical combat and Dio's power is in order:

Dio has trained in illusion. He is a mighly skilled ritualist, but he's been trained in combat. His powers include:

Greater Glamor, a maintained illusion of anything less than ten feet in diameter Dio can create at will. Reacts realistically to attacks or damage.

Lesser Glamor, can create a larger illusion or multiple illusions without any sound or major reactions.

Nervelock, which causes an enemy's limbs to fail to respond. Hampers spellcasting or physical assault.

Mind Jolt, a direct attack on the enemy's brain. Can cause confusion and bouts of insanity.

Summon Item, Dio's primary attacking spell. He can pull items and weapons infused with his own willpower and subconscious direct from his dreams and has learned to send them flying at his foes.

Brom 2010/02/11(Thu)18:19 No. 129990 ID: f98e0b
File 126594118267.png - (540.73KB , 800x600 , 25.png )

One of Dio's most potent abilities comes with the training Orpheo gave him in illusion.

He can split his mind into two separate entities, maintaining them just long enough to cast two spells at exactly the same time. This lessens the power of both spells, but many spells when linked together can form powerful combinations and new effects. Dio hasn't tried it much because it gives him a headache, but he does know that casting mind jolt and nervelock at the same time, for example, can send his opponents into damaging seizures and spasms.

Dio has time to prepare one rune before entering combat at this time. Should he prepare a shielding rune, like he did with Jai, or a clarifying rune to strengthen his mental fortitude and give his spells extra punch?

>>129990
A clarifying rune, strike fast and hard.

>>129989
Ohhh, sweet. Well then let's get cracking. Use Mindsplit and then say "Za Wardo!" then use Nervelock together with Mind Jolt. Then you pull out and throw as many summoned knifes you can. It's not exactly the effect we're looking for but close enough for now.

>>129990
Oh and a clarifying Rune. Lets take this bastard down fast and hard. How dare he be pissed off when we pull out of his realm to make him our slave?

How much you want to bet that if we combine Mind Jolt with Greater Glamor, you can trap you enemies in an illusion? It's probably not the best approach to take with a dreamthing, though.

So... in terms of fighting it, I think we need to see what form Orpheo locks it into. If it has a single dominant limb, nervelocking that would be wise. If not, we could try hitting it with a mindjolt, though again I doubt the effectiveness that would have on a dreamthing.

Perhaps our best bet, barring an easily nerlocked limb, would be to use a variation of the idea which has already been proposed here: Summon one dagger, and use lesser glamor to create the illusion of many more, surrounding the dreamthing. I have no idea what effect the simultaneous casting might have, but upon doing this, we should compel all of the daggers to dive into the flesh of the dreamthing. We can assess the result of our endeavors then.

Oh yeah, and shielding rune. We only have one body at the moment, let's be sure not to lose it.

How about Lesser Glamour and Summon Item?

10 daggers BUT WHICH ONE IS REAL?

Shield rune, spilt mind to summon 2 knives and glamour 8 other knives.

Or create a large scary illusion with glamour. Next round, summon large stick.

Brom 2010/02/13(Sat)08:45 No. 130467 ID: f98e0b
File 126607953027.png - (42.50KB , 800x600 , 26.png )

The door to Dio's room strains against the hinges.

"You don't got no idea what you're dealin' wiv, do ya, kid?" says the dreamthing on the other side. "This ain't gonna hold me for much longer."

Brom 2010/02/13(Sat)08:46 No. 130468 ID: f98e0b
File 126607961883.png - (209.15KB , 800x600 , 27.png )

A creature with the body of an insect, the head of a kitten, and blades for feet bowls the door over and charges into the common room, straight at the cowering apprentice behind the couch.
"Right, ya little bleeder, game over," it screeches.

Brom 2010/02/13(Sat)08:47 No. 130469 ID: f98e0b
File 126607963822.png - (56.83KB , 800x600 , 28.png )

"Oh, bloody hell."

Brom 2010/02/13(Sat)08:51 No. 130472 ID: f98e0b
File 126607990173.png - (87.60KB , 800x600 , 29.png )

"Come out and play, kid. I promise it'll be nice and quick," it calls.

"Keep in mind, Dio," says Orpheo from three feet behind it, "that we are not, in fact, invisible at this moment. We have simply given the dreamling cause, through illusion, to ignore us. Our greatest weapon against our enemies is their own selves and weaker minds. Now you shall distract the beast and when it enters mid-shift I will use Nervelock combined with a counterspell you have not yet learned to trap it in an unstable form, and you will be able to dispatch it with a minimum of fuss. Whenever you're ready I'll drop the glamor."

>>130472
Well, our name is Dio....

Split Mind:
Summoned Item (Knife/Knives)
Lessor Glamor (fake copies of knives)

Throw storm of knives at target, real knives aimed at eyes. Or, barring that, at least at joints, the neck, or any sort of target Dio thinks he can hit.

THE WORLD

>>130472
We need to distract it, not kill it with a single attack. Start throwing illusionary knives at it, not a whole lot at once or anything. Just enough to keep it dodging.

I just had a brilliant idea. For the distraction, use Greater Glamor to create a double of yourself. Go "Which one is the real me? Choose wisely, for I'll stab you in the back if you attack the illusion!" Then have the illusion scratch its butt.

>>130585
Oh shit this

Brom 2010/02/15(Mon)18:07 No. 132421 ID: f98e0b
File 126628604947.png - (70.68KB , 800x600 , 30.png )

Dio gets to some higher ground, prepares a clarity rune, and nods. Orpheo drops the cloak.

The dreamthing sees him appear out of midair. "Right, kiddo. Dunno how you did that but it don't matter. Get down from there and shut your eyes. It'll only hurt a second."

Brom 2010/02/15(Mon)18:09 No. 132428 ID: f98e0b
File 126628619392.png - (66.12KB , 800x600 , 31.png )

>>130585
>>132004
Split Mind + Summoned Item
New Combo: Checkmate Da, Lesser
Dio's hands suddenly bristle with throwing knives, two of which are real and pulled from his dreams.

"Oh, bugger," says the dreamthing.

>>132428
Start throwing knives. Make him dodge around a lot.

Brom 2010/02/15(Mon)18:49 No. 132485 ID: f98e0b
File 126628859958.png - (81.80KB , 800x600 , 32.png )

Dio does not actually know how to throw knives, but he can make it look like he does through the glamor and through mentally launching the two real ones directly at the dreamthing. He throws a cloud of glamor-knives at it, forcing it to dodge.

It tries to leap away from them, but one of Dio's solid dreamknives catches it in the thorax and it grunts and stumbles backward into the couch. It snarls and starts to shift into a brawnier, tougher shape.

>>132485
Excellent, now wait a moment for Orpheo to trap the dreamthing mid-shift. Summon up a broadsword or spear in preparation to finish it off.

Suggestion 2010/02/15(Mon)19:05 No. 132502 ID: 4ce1b0
File 126628954750.png - (99.31KB , 178x384 , roadsign.png )

>>132485
Cut it's head off with this.

Brom 2010/02/15(Mon)19:23 No. 132521 ID: f98e0b
File 126629060090.png - (186.60KB , 800x600 , 33.png )

>>132489
Dio focuses both sections on pulling a roadsign (he's not entirely sure why a roadsign; it just feels right) from his dreaming mind as he watches the creature start to warp and wills Orpheo to act.

Suddenly, glittering tendrils of magic snake out from where the cloaked Orpeho stands and wrap around the dreamthing, midshift. Its bubbling, warping flesh freezes into a hideous hunchback form and it howls in pain.

"Wgut dgid ygou jgust dgo to mge?" it roars through a ruin of two mashed-together mouths.

Brom 2010/02/15(Mon)19:51 No. 132562 ID: f98e0b
File 126629226111.png - (109.11KB , 800x600 , 34.png )

Dio's summoned the roadsign fully. He leaps the frozen dreamthing.
He mentally forms his hardcore oneliner.

Looks like it's the sign of the apoc--no.

This dreamthing was born under a bad--no.

All signs point to--forget it.

>>132562
I liked where some of yours were going. I have a lot of ideas for one-liners, but you probably wouldn't like them.

Anyway, kill it. This is a sign this dreamthing doesn't belong here.

>>132562
Use the edge.
Sign on the line there.

Brom 2010/02/15(Mon)20:17 No. 132587 ID: f98e0b
File 126629386543.png - (291.52KB , 800x600 , 35.png )

>>132583
Hey wait that's a good one.
"Sign on the-" Dio starts.

Shit.

"NO ENTRY!

GET THE FUCK OUT!"

Or go with one of yours. I liked "SIGNS POINT TO NO!"

"This is Diometricus Phrale Eregiorium, signing off"

Feel awesome as you strike.

Illusion a blindfold onto the enemy. Stab with whatever weapon remains available.

Summon up a Greater Glamor that's still holding onto the sign. Then let go of it, so that it stabs the glamor. Then dispel everything and Summon Item a spear right up its ass.

Brom 2010/02/15(Mon)20:51 No. 132627 ID: f98e0b
File 126629587314.png - (177.52KB , 800x600 , 36.png )

Greater Glamor + Summon Item

Dio sees the dreamthing pulling back for a stab. He throws up a greater glamor and leaps away from the attack.

Behind him, his doppelganger is skewered like a kebab. He lets out a bloodcurdling death scream he is fairly proud of as he summons a spear to finish off the dreamthing. It's a struggle to maintain a glamor and two summon items at once, and he sees the roadsign flickering. Luckily the dreamthing is too drunk on victory and bloodlust to notice.

Aim for the blade leg, then jump back. This will remove one of its weapons and reduce its mobility.

Go for a killing blow. Try to stab it in the guts through the back.

Killing blow!

>>132635
this, and say "It a-spears I have won!"

Brom 2010/02/15(Mon)21:41 No. 132683 ID: f98e0b
File 126629888730.png - (241.06KB , 800x600 , 37.png )

>>132635
>>132666
>>132668
Dio drops the illusions he's set up and snaps his entire focus and attention into the spear. He feels it growing keener and realer in his hands as the Dreamthing's eyes widen in realization. Too late.

The spear enters its side right above the hip and slides through its destabilized form like it was water. "It a-spears I have won!" announces Dio, feeling the dreamthing's death spasm shake the shaft of the polearm. Orpheo snorts.

Do a victory dance!

Leave the spear in it and leap out of striking distance.

>>132683
Pat down for injuries, check for residue, apologise to master.
Remember the thingie on the Arboreal Star next time.

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)12:24 No. 132887 ID: f98e0b
File 126635189038.png - (99.42KB , 800x600 , 38.png )

Dio leaves the spear and leaps backward. The dreamthing lets out a shriek and stumbles backward onto the couch, dead.

He checks for any sort of injuries. Besides a bruise on his knee from falling weird, it looks like he's fully unscathed. Cautiously, other doors in the common room open up as students arrive to investigate what just happened. Jai's door slams open and she dashes out with a ball of summoned fire in her fist. "What the hell just happened?" she asks, staring at the fallen dreamthing. "Diometricus Phrale Eregiorium, what did I tell you about summoning monsters?"

"To take you along?" asks Dio.

"Exactly," says Jai. "Aw, man, I could have used Arcane Implosion on it, I've been dying to try that one out. What is that, a shifter? Did you take this thing down all by yourself?"

>>132887

After Orpheo locked it in a half-form, yes.

>>132887
Apologize to her. Tell her that the next time you will try to summon a horror from beyond for her and you can kill it together if it breaks free.

>>132887
Now that that's all over with, what is up with your heads?

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)14:50 No. 132914 ID: f98e0b
File 126636064655.png - (93.31KB , 800x600 , 39.png )

>>132911
They're helmets, actually. It's sort of a traditional thing, from back in the days when seeing a mage's face could spell all sorts of problems for them.

"Well, not all by myself," Dio says as Jai examines the dreamthing. "Orpheo locked it out of shifting first,"

"That's still pretty outrageous, though," says Jai. "I think it was shifting from an Antpanther to a wargolem. How'd you take it down, anyway?"
"Summoned spear thing," says Dio. "Sorry you couldn't help out. I'll go get you next time I summon a murderous beastie and we can kill it together."
"Sounds fun, but hey, it's fine. You and Orpheo took it down pretty well. Where is he, anyway?"
"I don't know. He was cloaked and with me before-"

"Diometricus to my office, please," calls Orpheo from the intercom.
"Shit, that can't be good," says Jai. "Do you want me to come with you and take some of the blame? I lent you the chalk, after all."

>>132914
Be a gentleman and deny that offer. then go to Orpheo.

>>132914
"I don't think there's anything to worry about. He said fighting the thing would be my punishment."

"No. It was my choice, and I'll face it myself."

You asked, your responsibility. For crap sake man, don't go doing that again. At least not without help.

>>132914
Take full responsibility yourself... It's the gentlemanly thing to do. (also.. I see you sly dog.. I know what you're looking at...)

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)15:39 No. 132926 ID: f98e0b
File 126636356860.png - (50.23KB , 800x600 , 40.png )

>>132923
Dio was not looking at her like that. Well okay he sort of was. Give him a break, he's pubescent. It's not what you think.
He and Jai had an off-and-on thing for a while a couple years ago before her Alienation but things got sort of complicated and she was gone for a while and they both generally moved on. They agreed to remain close friends and they have been ever since.

"No, it was my idea," says Dio. "I should probably face the music for it myself,"
"Whatever you say," says Jai. "Good luck, Didi."

Dio heads to Orpheo's office.

"So Diometricus, are you aware
the summons you performed was unauthorized?" says Orpheo as he enters.
"Yes, Master Orpheo," says Dio.
"Have you defense for what you did today?
A justifying reason for your deeds?
It could have ended in your death, Dio."

"my goal was in learning ahead of time
so that I could be a pro next unit"

"No. I know I messed up, and I won't make excuses for it."

Because you both know that's the truth.

Come to think of it, why did you want to do this in the first place? Did you just think it would be handy to have a servant, or was there something else? You never told us.

>>132931
Iambic pentameter, apprentice!

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)16:01 No. 132944 ID: f98e0b
File 126636491427.png - (51.76KB , 800x600 , 41.png )

>>132932
He thought it would impress Orpheo and his friends, and that it would be fun. He was almost sure he could have done it if not for that one damn line.

"I am at fault, sir, I cannot deny.
I've no excuse for what's been done."
"I see,"
says Orpheo. "The rules state I must be upset with you,
for such a flagrant violation, so
let me state privately," he says, lowering his voice and breaking into prose, "that I am fiercely proud of you, Diometricus. The summons should have been much too advanced for you and you dispatched the creature you summoned in moments. We'll have to speed along your education, I think. I've been underestimating your intelligence.

"Tomorrow we'll work on some of the more advanced illusionary techniques. I think the lecture I had for you today on the rudiments of phantom theory isn't entirely necessary, so you've the afternoon off."

Aw man, isn't Orpheo the best?

Awesome. Got anything in mind you want to get done today? Or just chillin', that works too.

>>132944
It's nice to know Orpheo's got your back. Or... whatever.

Anyway, so. What're you gonna do with your newly acquired free time?

got anyplace you could go to hone your skills or learn some new tricks, perhaps?

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)16:21 No. 132959 ID: f98e0b
File 126636610820.png - (47.73KB , 800x600 , 42.png )

"Thank you, Master Orpheo," says Dio.
"Don't worry about the couch, by the way," says Orpheo. "I'll tell Sophija it was damaged. You are dismissed." He turns away. "Oh, and Diometricus?"
"Master?"
"I fudged the arboreal star, too."

>>132946
>>132948
>>132949
Dio's not sure. He could always study in the library. He's got a quiz in Trigonometry and a test in hexes tomorrow. Also an exam in runing, but he's not worried about that.

The gym on the other side of campus has a good workout room, as well as a place for working on combat spellcasting and refining combos for battle.

He could always just hang out with Bailey or Jai. Bailey's a cool guy when he's not buried in studying and he's been meaning to catch up with Jai anyway, since she only got back from her Alienation a month or two ago. She changed a lot while she was away. She was the same height as Dio before she left, believe it or not.

>>132959
I'd say you should catch up with Jai. Especially since she seemed interested in talking to you just a moment ago anyway.

What is an Alienation? It sounds scary.

>>132959
Also aren't Vidder known for having big ears?

I don't see any ears on you guys. Is that like part of being a mage, like the mask thing, or... what?

>>132959
So, have you had your Alienation yet?

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)16:36 No. 132978 ID: f98e0b
File 126636698450.png - (35.17KB , 800x600 , 43.png )

>>132972
Dio's got ears. He didn't cut them off or anything. He's just got them tucked inside his helmet. Jai keeps them in her hood.

>>132963
Every mage of the Arcanopolis does it when the time comes. They don a wooden mask instead of a helmet and leave home and travel the planes for a while. Generally they come home after a year or two, or when they do some great and noteworthy thing. Jai helped end a war on the Divine Plane by killing some despotic demon.

>>132963
No, not yet. Dio's not far enough along. His Alienation is probably coming up sooner or later. He's a little afraid, but everyone does it and it's exciting at the same time.

So, to Jai then?

>>132978
Well, that's my vote, anyway.

...

I don't think anybody else voted yet.

>>132978
So it's a Rite of Passage.

To Jai. She should be less psychotic at this time, right?

>>132978
Do mages tend to do great evil deeds on their Alienation sometimes, or is that taboo?

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)17:42 No. 133041 ID: f98e0b
File 126637096216.png - (81.85KB , 800x600 , 45.png )

>>133005
Dio has heard stories, of course, and the Ark Fraternity is plenty shady, but he can't imagine many mages do. Why would they?

Jai's waiting for Dio in the hall outside Orpheo's office. "How'd it go? Is your ass intact?"
"I actually think he was happy," says Dio. "He watches out for me, y'know?"

"Awesome," says Jai, handshaking him. "I'd be pretty happy too, man. You fucked that thing up. Is he making you do detention or something?"
"Actually, he completely canceled lessons for today," says Dio. "My afternoon's free. Wanna just hang out?"

"Sure," says Jai. "I've been meaning to ask you, actually. I'm trying to enchant a protection charm but you know how I am with runes. You've got like a 98 in ritualism, could you help me out?"

Well she let you use her chalk, seems only fair.

>>133041
Hell yeah, that's what friends are for right?

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)18:58 No. 133131 ID: f98e0b
File 126637550347.png - (120.75KB , 800x600 , 46.png )

>>133045
>>133056
Dio agrees to help.

They move her stuff out of the center of her room and Jai dicates the runes to Dio. It doesn't seem like any kind of protection amulet Dio's seen before. The runes seem off for it.

"So Dio. Have you considered where you're going to go for your Alienation yet?" says Jai.

"Not sure. You went to the Divine Plane, right?"
"Yeah," sniffs Jai. "Kind of boring. I had to really go looking for trouble. I kind of wanted to go to the Dream plane, but I heard Berillo had already went there, and he's a douchebag."
"Berillo?"
"Beefcake Berillo, remember him?"
"Oh yeah. What happened to Berillo?"
"Settled down with some native chick. He's not coming back. Lucky us. Anyway, you can't go Dream since that's your domain plane, but where were you thinking of heading?"

Arcane or material...

>>133131
Pay very close attention to what you are drawing. I don't think Jai has anything particularly devious in mind here, but "slightly off" runes just earned you a free near-death experience mere minutes ago, y'know?

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)19:51 No. 133183 ID: f98e0b
File 126637869359.png - (121.00KB , 800x600 , 47.png )

>>133140
"I was thinking maybe either Arcane or Material," says Dio.

"Oooh, if you go to the Arcane Plane could you take me as your Second?" asks Jai. "I've always wanted to take an extended trip there." A second in an Alienation acts as a sort of mentor, auditor, and helper for the mage on the Alienation itself. Dio could feasibly choose any mage he wishes.
"Material could be fun too, of course," says Jai. "It could be like a road trip or something."

>>133141
This really seems completely unlike a protection charm. Dio can't recognize any of the normal characters for damage warding or cancellation. "Jai, I have to ask. This rune doesn't seem right. What is this amulet for, again?"

"Oh, you know..." says Jai, suddenly engrossed in her book. "Protection."

>>133183
It's for sexual protection.

I'm talking about contraception and prevention of disease.

>>133183
She's hiding something. You're not that stupid, are you?

Threaten her with a hot dicking, to be delivered if she doesn't come straight out and say it.

Protection against WHAT exactly? Making something without knowing what it does can't be safe.

>>133183
Inform her that you are not stupid. Be sure that levity is obvious in you voice. No more than that is necessary.

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)20:35 No. 133230 ID: f98e0b
File 126638131712.png - (120.24KB , 800x600 , 48.png )

>>133210
"For what, exactly?"
"It's contraception, Dio."
"Oh."

*koff*

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)20:39 No. 133234 ID: f98e0b
File 126638154667.png - (125.38KB , 800x600 , 49.png )

They both break down laughing a second later.
"I would kill," says Jai, "to see your face right now."

"Let us never speak of this moment again," says Dio when he catches his breath.

"I know it's awkward, Didi, but thanks." says Jai. "You're like, the only person I could approach with this. Okay, that just made it sound like you're completely friendzoned or something. But I mean, I wouldn't- you know what I mean."

>>133230
Is she close to anyone else? Is there another student she might be interested in having sex with (besides you)?

IT'S FINE

So who's the lucky guy anyway?

>>133234
Ouch... friend-zoned... she must still see you as a little kid.

Tell her its alright, maybe give a small laugh. People get too damn flustered over those implications anyway.
Uhh, would it be alright to ask who her special someone is, if its not too much to ask?

>>133230
I think she's just trying to say that she trusts you completely.

Brom 2010/02/16(Tue)21:10 No. 133257 ID: f98e0b
File 126638342540.png - (146.03KB , 800x600 , 50.png )

"It's fine," laughs Dio. "So if you don't mind my asking who is he, anyway? Who would you be having sex with? Is it Beefcake Berillo?"

She uses Arcane Throw to heft her book at him, but he knows her too well and he already has his shielding rune up.

"Don't sound so surprised about it," she says. "And no, it's not anyone yet. I just, y'know, want to keep my options open. I'm 18 now, and you know what they say. Contraception's like a crossbow. It doesn't hurt to have it around and you never know when you might need it."
"I had not actually known that's what they say."

"It so is. And to answer the unasked question, Dio, you by no means have dropped out of my proverbial race. It's just you're..."
"A kid?"
"'Short' is the word, I think. I trust you, Dio. And I do think of you like that sometimes. Hell, you've already got her alone in her room, that's what, first base? I don't know. But let's not kick this can of worms over until we're both ready, kiddo. Maybe after your alienation, if we're both still interested. Play the game a little, Didi. Test the waters."

>>133257
She's pretty hot bro, go for it. After your alienation. Or maybe during, if you bring her along if you know what I mean.
Like a two-year-long date, ha!

Well if she comes with you and you start getting more close, now you don't have anything to worry about~

Finish the amulet. Do NOT mess it up.

>>133257
It's sounding like she's thinking about you in the long term. You're who she sees herself with in the future. But she wants to sleep around first, not commit until she's sure. No point rushing it or anything, just let things take their course.

Let's definitely take her with us on the Alienation then.

I'm thinking Arcane.

>>133304
This!

>>133304
Arcane sounds pretty fun. And she should definately come.

>>133304
I like both parts of this plan.

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)08:56 No. 133469 ID: f98e0b
File 126642577186.png - (87.45KB , 800x600 , 51.png )

>>133259
>>133261
>>133262
Dio will think about it, but he's only really just entering the stage of his life where he thinks about Jai like that. For now they're friends, and that's more than good enough.

They place the charm in the center of the rune and Jai pumps some arcane power into its lines. The rune glows with a fiery purple light.
Dio knows this one's going to work.

>>133469
I can't think of anything in particular to tell you to do, so...

==>

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)09:03 No. 133472 ID: f98e0b
File 126642619913.png - (69.35KB , 800x600 , 52.png )

The light dies down, and the charm's left in its center, emitting a soft light. It's warm to the touch.

"That went well," says Jai. "Thanks, Dio."
"No problem," says Dio. "If you ever need any runes drawn just let me know."
"And if you ever want anything enchanted I can supply the power for it." says Jai. "It's really not all that hard if you just focus. Not like the whole drawing things with chalk stuff you do."
"I was always doodling on the sidewalk while kids like you were on the jungle gym or hitting each other with sticks or whatever," says Dio, flinching slightly as Jai punches him in the arm.

He still has plenty of free time. What now? Should he go to the gym, the library, his room, take a walk around campus, or should he just hang around in the common room?

>>133472
Library! Because knowledge is power.

>>133472
Invite her to the gym for some awesome magical sparring.

Library.
We're here to study, after all.

>>133472
Library.

>>133472
I'm gonna go with library.

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)12:18 No. 133487 ID: f98e0b
File 126643789184.png - (140.80KB , 800x600 , 53.png )

Dio decides to head to the library and hit the books. Jai says she'd come but she needs to practice sparring for a bout she's got this evening with someone in her Advanced Combat Spellcasting class.

He heads to the library in the center of campus. The library's pretty quiet since most people are at classes. There are students here and there, including PYRAMUS at one table, cramming for the Hexes test and idly summoning balls of fire. He nods at Dio.

Dio can study for Trig, Hexes, or he can read up on Illusionary Theory and practice to improve his spellcasting.

>>133487
Hexes sounds like it might be useful. And he should go and watch Jais bout once it's time for it.

Hexes. You had a test for that, right?

By the way, why do your kind need to know trigonometry? Is there arithmetic-based magic?

Hexes.

And what's Pyramus like? Is he friendly? If he is, perhaps studying with him is a good way to make new friends.

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)14:20 No. 133528 ID: f98e0b
File 126644522588.png - (334.48KB , 800x600 , 54.png )

>>133490
>Learning Trig
There isn't really any sort of magical application. It's just that this is a school for everything, not just magic. It's a big part of the curriculum, sure, but that doesn't mean things like Physics or Psychology aren't important too.

>>133494
Pyramus is an evoker, around 20 years old, in Dio's Scholar Level Hexes class. Dio doesn't really know him. Before his Alienation he was sort of a tool, but he spent a good three years away and ever since he came back he's changed. Matured, Dio guesses. That's probably the point. Apparently he went to the Arcane Plane and ended up leading an expedition that discovered a sunken city full. Brought back the lost sword of a Qal prince and presented it to the Dean.

"Hey," he says.
"Hey," says Pyramus, extinguishing his flame. "Heard ye took down a shiftin' dreamthing this mornin'. 'Ats pretty outrageous. I'll be honest wi' ye, met onea those once an' it sent me away wi' me tail between me legs."

"Orpheo helped a lot," says Dio. "And it was sort of lacking in the brainpan anyway. Are you studying for the Hexes thing? So am I."
"Pull up a chair, lad. I'll quiz ye."

Oh, quiz? That sounds excellent and possibly painful. Do it.

>>133528
Sounds good.

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)15:04 No. 133561 ID: f98e0b
File 126644789584.png - (134.56KB , 800x600 , 55.png )

"Sounds good," says Dio.

"Right. What was the name o' the mage who came up wi' the Theory of the Shortcomings of Man?"
"Avis Something, right? Avius Fallow"

"An' the theory states?"
"Everyone is fundamentally flawed and the only way to advance in life is to reduce or exploit those flaws, and to Hex is to Exploit."

"What'd he say were the three pillars of the Temple of our Wrongness and how to topple them?"
"The first is Hybris, which is pride and which we topple with pain. The second is Dysthenos, which is love, so we topple it with hatred. The third is Veritas, which is truth which we topple with deception."
"Interesting mind, that Avius."
"There's a reason he had to be assassinated, I suppose." says Dio.

"Aye," says Pyramus, looking up. "List the eight simple Prefixes of the Veritas-class hexes according to addition 6 of his work."
"Eth, Meth, Medr, Vis, Dis, Trop...Vilr...aand it starts with an L... Libt."
"Lizt."
"Right."
"Impressive, though, laddie. This stuff's Scholar level an' ye haven't even gone on your Alienation. Ye ever considered goin' ta the College of Hexes after ye get back from that?"

Hexes can only hurt people, right? Not very versatile...

>>133561
Well, we could go to EVERY college... It seems like Eivr is a brilliant student and could just go for a Masters in everything.

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)18:02 No. 133688 ID: f98e0b
File 126645852197.png - (133.37KB , 800x600 , 56.png )

>>133577
It seems unlikely Dio could go to every College after Alienation. There are thirty-three of them.
Wait, did you just call him Eivr? He's standing on Eivr, that's not his name.

"Okay, laddie," says Pyramus after a while. "It's pretty obvious to me that ye know what yer doing and the only thing ye're gonna accomplish in here is waste life studying and fuck up the grade curve come testin' time. Shoo, Dio. Go do something fun."
"We haven't even gotten to Thio's law..." protests Dio.
"Hang Thio's law. There's more to life, lad. I'll hold up the fort here studying these damnable cantrips."

Alright alright point taken, get to the gym.

What would we do in the gym? Dio is too tiny to get much out of working out. SO TINY. When he starts to grow, then it's the right time to pump iron.

Take a walk around campus.

>>133700
I'm liking this argument.

>>133700
A good point... this one has heard that too much attempt at muscular development can hinder the growth process.

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)18:57 No. 133759 ID: f98e0b
File 126646185664.png - (181.08KB , 800x600 , 57.png )

Diometricus briefly considers working out at the gym, but discards the idea. He got enough of a workout fighting the dreamthing anyway, and no matter how hard he works at it, he can never really progress past "pudgy" when working out anyway.

So instead he walks. He goes to the Timeturn Courtyard in front of Keystone Hall. Myth states the gem here used to be a dragon's heart. He's not sure about that, but it's big as hell and pretty, and enchanted so the pidgeon crap doesn't show up.

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)19:01 No. 133764 ID: f98e0b
File 126646206048.png - (232.76KB , 800x600 , 58.png )

Then he walks out further a ways, down to the docks, where few go anymore, overlooking the Amaranthine Sea. It's purple, just like the sky is purple, from the concentrated arcane energy that's been pulled into this place over the years. Damn if it isn't pretty, though. He watches the fog rolling in for a while.

Anything ominous in that sea to go with its ominous beauty?

>>133769
You know that brilliant violet glow rising from everything? That's Cerenkov radiation. Ominous enough for you?

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)19:45 No. 133801 ID: f98e0b
File 126646472512.png - (218.73KB , 800x600 , 59.png )

>>133769
No. Well, you hear stories, of course. Spooky urban legends, disappearances, giant lungfish. What would you expect about a sea so close to campus.

Dio takes a last smell of the sea air and leaves. It's getting sort of late.

>>133801
Hey man, I once knew a giant lungfish. A wonderful creature with a deep voice... her name was Linda.

Hey, why do you wear those helmets, anyway? Some defense, I'm guessing? Or is it simply a depersonalizing element?

And another thing, I know it's a little weird to ask, but are you holding an orb of infinite psyche or something? I mean, you don't have to answer, but it'd be nice to know where us voices come from.

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)20:05 No. 133823 ID: f98e0b
File 126646595860.png - (65.75KB , 800x600 , 60.png )

Dio wanders back to the common room. There's some reality show about bitchy office workers on. He doesn't really pay attention. He's thinking about the Alienation.

>>133809
Back in the Bad Old Days it could be death for a mage of Dio's order if anyone saw his face. These days it's more a tradition, and Dio also wears it to cover up the stuff going on on his face. Puberty and everything. It's sort of taboo, taking it off in public. There's no one else around though, and the helmet can get sort of stuffy. He considers taking it off.

>>133823
Doooo it. Make a lesser glamor to obscure yourself just in case.

>>133823
C'mon, why not.

Well. I'd wait 'till you're safe in your room. Avoiding awkward conversation and such.

Yeah, might want to at least be in your room if it's frowned upon to do so in public.

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)20:38 No. 133873 ID: f98e0b
File 126646789073.png - (55.88KB , 800x600 , 61.png )

>>133860
True. Dio heads to his room. There's a mirror there anyway and he wants to see how far he's progressed.

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)20:38 No. 133875 ID: f98e0b
File 126646790745.png - (71.80KB , 800x600 , 62.png )

He lets his ears flop out and feels the breeze on his face. Much better. He notes with some approval that his Oculus is growing in nicely. If he focuses hard he can almost see through it.
His old eyes are fading. He's already noted he's having some issues seeing. As soon as they're fully gone, he has to go on his Alienation. You always hear horror stories of people who can't see out of thier Oculus losing their eyes early and going blind or something and being forced out onto the planes blind. Complete bullshit, of course.

>>133875
How do mages get the Oculus?

>>133875
Hey. Nice eye.

>>133875
Uhm woah... so... do all wizards bear the Warp Eye?

You mean you lose two precious organs your mother gave you? Forever?

Take this as you will, but you actually look a lot better than I thought you would.

So... magic comes at the price of binocular vision? I see.

Now, what exactly causes the Oculus' growth?
Does the Oculus perform any functions which could not be performed by normal eyes?

>>133875
Hey Dio; what does it mean when someone has a red Oculus, practices mind-control/stupefying/paralysis magic, and the dabbles in the creation of homunculi?

And does a red Cat's-Eye marble mean anything specific?

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)21:08 No. 133909 ID: f98e0b
File 126646968775.png - (98.87KB , 800x600 , 63.png )

So many questions. It's like you've never seen a Cyclops before. Where to start?

When Dio was a kid, like 7 or 8, he was a slave in the Furlesian Markets. He had the Gift, and he always used to make glamors and illusions for fun. He didn't know there was anything astounding about it. An agent from the Arcanopolis, he's pretty sure it was Orpheo actually, was passing through and bought him to bring him back here.

The Oculus is a unique aspect of the Arcanopolis Magi. It does everything normal eyes would (including 3d vision; magic has a funny way of fixing things), grants improved sight and nightvision, but more importantly it can give the Gift of magic to those who don't normally have it, and for those who do it exponentially increases their strength. It's irreversible, though, so once you're marked as an Arcanopolis Cyclops, you're staying that way.
>>133902
A red cat's eye marble? Sounds like an immature oculus, or one that lost its previous owner. Priceless. See, every mage in the Arcanopolis is given the Oculus when they turn ten. It starts out for all purposes as a normal marble, really, but it's made from some weird mineral that's mined in one of the Planes and alchemically modified, so as the mage's power grows, it does as well. If they ever kick the bucket, the Oculus drops out and can be given to a new owner.
Dio doesn't know about Haemonculi. That's fairly dark magic. Sounds like Ark Fraternity stuff to him.

>>133909
Tell us more about the Ark Fraternity.

...You are adorable. Can a mage have two?

>>133909
So does the Oculus turn back into a 'marble' when its owner.. *ahem* kicks the bucket?

Brom 2010/02/17(Wed)21:29 No. 133953 ID: f98e0b
File 126647096830.png - (116.57KB , 800x600 , 64.png )

>>133934
Yeah.
>>133927
The Arcanopolis isn't exactly swimming in these things. Even if they were Dio doubts it's possible. There's only so much room on your face, you know?

>>133921
Diometricus doesn't really want to talk about the Ark Fraternity. No mage of the Arcanopolis does. They're Magic Supremacists, cultists, secret police. They dabble in the blackest parts of Magic. They have influence and power all across the Arcanopolis. Dio really shouldn't even be thinking about them.

Can they fuck you up if you think about them?

>>133953
Okay, let's stop thinking about them, then... What can we do in your room?

Brom 2010/02/18(Thu)08:32 No. 134233 ID: f98e0b
File 126651074546.png - (64.60KB , 800x600 , 65.png )

>>133954
>>133996
Yeah, the less said about them the better.

There's not much to do in Dio's room. Most students spend life out on campus. He seems to recall Jai's bout starts in about a half an hour. Should he go watch that?

>>134233

No.

>>134233
Of course he should. She is his friend and he should be there and support her. He might also pick up some useful tricks.

Why of course.

>>134233
What better chance to admire her reach and flexibility could there be? And besides, she's your friend; she'd probably appreciate you being there for it.

>>134257
Exactly this. You could even try to improve her performance by casting some illusions.

>>134262
I really don't think she is going to like that. We should just stand in the crowd and cheer like a little girl or something.

>>134262
Interference...
I think this is an official match, so that would probably be a bad idea.

Brom 2010/02/18(Thu)14:38 No. 134321 ID: f98e0b
File 126653268661.png - (77.38KB , 800x600 , 66.png )

(you are now that other one.)

In her ready room, Jai Etra Vostra goes through her battle preparations. She's going to go up against Everett, a thaumaturgist. He's good, but Jai is pretty sure she's better. There are the normal pre-combat butterflies in her stomach as she gets dressed in Battle Uniform. It's chock full of defensive spells to keep her mostly out of danger, and has a counter on the back. Three hits against her and Jai's lost the match. Obviously not the desirable outcome. She hums a Furlesian war song under her breath as she prepares for combat.

Brom 2010/02/18(Thu)14:38 No. 134322 ID: f98e0b
File 126653270133.png - (570.72KB , 800x600 , 67.png )

Her spells include:

Arcane Flame which summons an orb of fire she can either throw or use as a makeshift flamethrower, which is more powerful but close-range.

Arcane Bolt which is a projectile made of pure energy and force. If this wasn’t a practice bout with layer upon layer of protective spell on both combatants, it would have the capacity to blow holes in people.

Counterspell which lets her cancel out a spell being cast or flying through the air toward her with a concussive blast of force.

Arcane Shield which can deflect all but the most powerful magical and physical attacks if she can throw it up quick enough.

Levitate, which, as the name implies, gives Jai the power of flight. She has to maintain it, which slightly weakens any spell she casts while flying, but the advantages are obvious.

Mage Hand which allows her to manipulate smallish objects (Boulders are out, but not swords or chairs, for example) at a distance.

Arcane Throw, a more concentrated, less versatile Mage Hand that can push objects away from Jai and toward her opponents at high speeds.

>>134322
What kinds of weapons is she allowed to bring and how many of the?

Brom 2010/02/18(Thu)14:47 No. 134336 ID: f98e0b
File 126653322781.png - (620.30KB , 800x600 , 68.png )

Jai's no illusionist, so she completely lacks Dio's splitmid abilities. What she does have are spells that pack considerably more of a physical punch and various enchanted items. She's allowed to take one of those in with her to combat, so she has to choose.

She's enchanted her dagger to be a defensive tool. It can be used to cancel out any magical attack directed toward her if she's fast enough.

Her necklace can have any spell cast into it and then be used as a conduit to cast that spell later. The longer the delay, the more powerful the effect. She's got arcane throw on it right now, and it's charged up enough that if she uses it on Everett she'll be able to toss him around like a ragdoll.

>>134336
I would suggest putting Arcane Flame in the necklace, then using Arcane Throw to drag him into range and then let him have at it.

>>134336
The iteams seem pretty good. How fast can Jai follow up with her spells?

>>134336
Take the dagger. If you can block at least two hits with it, it'll be better than the one hit you get by using the necklace. Also, an Arcane Throw like that seems like it might break limbs, even with the protective gear on.

Brom 2010/02/18(Thu)16:54 No. 134533 ID: f98e0b
File 126654088493.png - (67.15KB , 800x600 , 69.png )

Jai takes the dagger, and enters the arena. It's a big, featureless stone cube. Everett is across the arena. He nods to her.

She looks up at the observation window. There's the usual crowd of battlemages here to observe, as well as the Arena Master on call, Jean-Luc. She looks back to Everett, then double takes. Dio is there, looking humorously out of place among the lean warriors watching. He cheerfully waves. Jai bites back laughter. She's glad he's here.

"Okay, mon petit guerrière," says Jean Luc, his voice amplified into the arena. "You know zer rules by now, I am thinking. Three green crystals on your harnesses, vhen zey are all red you are out. Spirits be viz you both, blah blah blah, you may begin."

Brom 2010/02/18(Thu)16:55 No. 134537 ID: f98e0b
File 126654095313.png - (125.14KB , 800x600 , 70.png )

With a simple expenditure of will, Jai gathers arcane energy into her fist. She prepares to cast her first spell. Everett doesn't move. Typical spooky thaumaturges.

>>134537
inb4 datass

>>134547
In after.

>>134537
In 'dat ass'

>>134537
Pick him up by the head and throw him straight down has hard as you can.

He's probably projecting his spirit. Better start dodging immediately while firing at him. Use Levitate to make it harder for him to track you.

Brom 2010/02/18(Thu)17:56 No. 134626 ID: f98e0b
File 126654457059.png - (179.82KB , 800x600 , 71.png )

>>134585
Right. One thaumaturgist pancake, coming up. With a concussive thump that echoes in her chest, Jai fires off a wall of shimmering force designed to pick up and drop the spook, hard, as she blasts herself violently into the air.

But it looks like Everett was ready for it. He calls up a divine shield that ricochets the blast directly back at her, then channels the Positive Thaumaturgical Feedback through the Flames of Dis. He's brewing up a ball of Infernal Flame in his other fist.

Counter?

>>134626
Wait until he's about to drop the shield for an attack, and time an Arcane Bolt to hit him while it's down. Block his flame with your dagger.

>>134533
>Jean-Luc

Is he kind of bald and british? Wears red and black? Likes Earl Grey tea?

Brom 2010/02/18(Thu)18:33 No. 134725 ID: f98e0b
File 126654679766.png - (181.35KB , 800x600 , 72.png )

Jai swerves out of the way of her own Throw, then waits for Everett to attack. When he hurls his fireball, she blasts straight through his weakened shield with Arcane Bolt. He takes it square in the chest and stumbles backward. If not for the suit, his sternum would have shattered. He's temporarily disoriented, and it'll take him a second to counterattack.

"Touché," calls Jean Luc, who as far as Jai knows sports no sort of red and black jumpsuit.

She throws her knife up to block the Infernal Flame, and feels it searing her arm. The dagger pulls the energy in and away from Jai, but if this were a real battle her left arm would probably be useless from the heat.
Oh, shit. Her sleeve is on fire.

>>134725
Can you ... Do a barrel roll?
If not then pat it out on the defensive or just ignore the heat and hope the suit takes care of it while you blast away at him.

Shoot him with whatever spell can be most quickly refired off. Keep him off his feet, I guess...? If the spellcasting isn't like once-a-second highspeed combat, set up a shield.