All [Signups & OOC] Celestial University - Hexata’s Door

[dispatch99]

Is this still open?

Yep! Always open. Feel free to join!

 

[_rigel_]

I'll be using an OC I had a long time ago but never got to use; I just gotta adjust his bio and such first

 

[Wolfprincess17]

Name: Amethyst Morgana
Age: 18
Appearance:

Spoiler: Spoiler

Personality: Amethyst is a wild spirit, she often does things that may seem strange to others, but she has never been around those like her before. She is also very loyal to her family and friends, sometimes to a fault, as she would gladly sacrifice her own well-being for those she loves. Amethyst is also very bubbly and usually hides any darker feelings she has with humor. Over all, she is very easy going, but she is passionate about nature and the well-being of all living creatures. Amethyst is still exploring her sexuality, but it is not uncommon on her homeworld for opposite-sex couples or even throuples.
Homeworld: Reneya is a more primitive world, at least to outsiders. Reneyans live with the land and use earthen magic to shape the world instead of destroying it to make way for man-made wonders. There is a council that leads the decision-making; they have a small force of protection but they focus more on farming and education. They also put a higher degree of emphasis on arts, including music, literature, sculpting, and acting. While magic here may be ordinary, it is much more uncommon for those to be born with immense power; those have only been seen every few hundred years and typically to the ruling class. Reneya itself is a dark blue orb covered with lush greenery.
Amethyst's mother, a member of the council, knew she was exceptional from the moment she was born. So she was the one to find the university and enroll her. Even taking her on her ship personally.

Backstory: Amethyst grew up wanting for nothing. Her mother was a member of the ruling council and held a lot of adoration from the people. She oversaw most of the forestry initiatives, among other things. Her father was unknown to her but was said to have died before she was even born. Her mother never talks about it. Amethyst grew up carefree and more interested in the world around her than in studying. Saphira, her familiar, came to her on one of her tracks into Wonderlust wood and has been with her ever since. However, her immense power has steadily grown, and her mother worries for her. That was why she searched for the university because no one on the planet itself had ever seen anything like it.

Style/Form: The use of siphons or focusing stones and crystals is used by her to channel her power. Without it, there can be devastating consequences. The main ones she uses she wears in gold bands around her wrists and a larger Cyrstal Opal that hangs from a necklace.

Affinity/Focus: Amethyst has the power over life forces, the ability to see them in her mind's eye and manipulate them to her will. This is usually seen in the form of growing and nurturing nature or animals. It takes much more time and power to control more sophisticated life forces such as people. She has never been interested in that, so she has not developed that side of powers, nor does she plan to.
Amethyst is also really good at brewing potions and remedies, which is common in her home world, but her affinity is legendary. It may have something to do with the ability to extract the life forces of the plants she uses to add something a bit different to her brews.

Other Skills & Interests: Amethyst is an adept painter and sketch artist, though most of her art revolves around what she sees in nature. Amethyst also likes to brew perfumes, as its a bit similar to the potions she's so good at.

Pet: Saphira, who is a Female Folern Forrest Feline

Spoiler: Appearance

Saphira is a legendary animal from Reneya's Wonderlust Wood and something of a familiar to Amethyst, who is said to have called her from her magic forest when she was young. Saphira grows with Amethyst, but she is about the size of a medium-sized dog now.

 

[dispatch99]

Name: Amethyst Morgana
Age: 18
Appearance:

Spoiler: Spoiler

Personality: Amethyst is a wild spirit, she often does things that may seem strange to others, but she has never been around those like her before. She is also very loyal to her family and friends, sometimes to a fault, as she would gladly sacrifice her own well-being for those she loves. Amethyst is also very bubbly and usually hides any darker feelings she has with humor. Over all, she is very easy going, but she is passionate about nature and the well-being of all living creatures. Amethyst is still exploring her sexuality, but it is not uncommon on her homeworld for opposite-sex couples or even throuples.
Homeworld: Reneya is a more primitive world, at least to outsiders. Reneyans live with the land and use earthen magic to shape the world instead of destroying it to make way for man-made wonders. There is a council that leads the decision-making; they have a small force of protection but they focus more on farming and education. They also put a higher degree of emphasis on arts, including music, literature, sculpting, and acting. While magic here may be ordinary, it is much more uncommon for those to be born with immense power; those have only been seen every few hundred years and typically to the ruling class. Reneya itself is a dark blue orb covered with lush greenery.
Amethyst's mother, a member of the council, knew she was exceptional from the moment she was born. So she was the one to find the university and enroll her. Even taking her on her ship personally.

Backstory: Amethyst grew up wanting for nothing. Her mother was a member of the ruling council and held a lot of adoration from the people. She oversaw most of the forestry initiatives, among other things. Her father was unknown to her but was said to have died before she was even born. Her mother never talks about it. Amethyst grew up carefree and more interested in the world around her than in studying. Saphira, her familiar, came to her on one of her tracks into Wonderlust wood and has been with her ever since. However, her immense power has steadily grown, and her mother worries for her. That was why she searched for the university because no one on the planet itself had ever seen anything like it.

Style/Form: The use of siphons or focusing stones and crystals is used by her to channel her power. Without it, there can be devastating consequences. The main ones she uses she wears in gold bands around her wrists and a larger Cyrstal Opal that hangs from a necklace.

Affinity/Focus: Amethyst has the power over life forces, the ability to see them in her mind's eye and manipulate them to her will. This is usually seen in the form of growing and nurturing nature or animals. It takes much more time and power to control more sophisticated life forces such as people. She has never been interested in that, so she has not developed that side of powers, nor does she plan to.
Amethyst is also really good at brewing potions and remedies, which is common in her home world, but her affinity is legendary. It may have something to do with the ability to extract the life forces of the plants she uses to add something a bit different to her brews.

Other Skills & Interests: Amethyst is an adept painter and sketch artist, though most of her art revolves around what she sees in nature. Amethyst also likes to brew perfumes, as its a bit similar to the potions she's so good at.

Pet: Saphira, who is a Female Folern Forrest Feline

Spoiler: Appearance

Saphira is a legendary animal from Reneya's Wonderlust Wood and something of a familiar to Amethyst, who is said to have called her from her magic forest when she was young. Saphira grows with Amethyst, but she is about the size of a medium-sized dog now.

Looks great: Approved!

 

[dispatch99]

Alright folks, I added a section called Fatal Arts—I highly recommend you read it, since it puts certain types of magic as restricted both IC and OOC.

Once we get another character approved, I'll make an IC thread! The first storyline will be a short orientation: if you want to participate that's fine, if you don't and just want to explore to start off with that is cool too.

I'm glad this got so much interest—super excited for it to start!

 

[Emberoflight]

Name: Jane Doe (litterally, she doesn't know her name) Has been called various names and referred to herself by many more. Rebekah, Justine, Kally, Mis Smith, and even was referred to as Steve. Currently, she's taken a liking to the name: Iris
Age: 24
Gender: female
Appearance:

Spoiler: Iris Solara

She always has the mask on, as if she needed it to breathe the worlds air. Every once in a while, there will be a puff of col mist that spirts out from either side. Her right arm is completely robotic, though the technology is fairly advanced.
Personality: Often times referred to as "The Lone Wolf" this mysterious figured tends to keep to herself. Alone, she wanders the halls, always with her hands shoved in her pockets and earbuds in. In class, she can be seen day dreaming the hours away and yet she always seems to pass every class. However, if one were to listen in on the rumors concerning her, they would find that the geek community has a high respect for the woman. Often times, she will employ their services to work on her homework or give her the answers to upcoming test. She pays quite well and some of the geeks have been able to avoid getting real jobs due to her employment. The jocks have an equal respect for her. Though a woman of few words, she excels when it comes to all things physical, sometimes accidentally so. Rumors of her kicking a ball so hard it dented the goal post were a hot topic one week. It's the queen bees club that resents her the most. She easily garners attention from all around her, be it for her mystery or unique lifestyle, or even her powers. To those who enjoy the limelight, you may have some unintentional competition.
Likes: Iris has a deep love and appreciation for plants. She secretly always wanted to be a botanist, but with the way things turned out when it came to her innate power, she was forced to sacrafice the dream. She also, weirdly enough, loves watching cooking channels or people eating. If you can't find her at combat training, odds are she's sitting in front of her screen watching the latest episode of her favorite chef: Jordan Damsey, or some Mukbang channel. Lastly, she has an incredible passion for swordsmanship and often carries a blade strapped to her side (Unless told otherwise).
Dislikes: It can be safe to assume that Iris HATES school. In every class, she's notorious for sitting in the back and merely staring out the window or secretly watching the cooking channel on her tablet. Why she's attending college is a mystery for everyone. But above all else, she absolutely detests performing in front of others. Coincidentally, she semed to always be out "sick" on speech days.
Romantic orientation: If rumors are anything to go by, many students of any sex or race have visited this mystery womans bed and all come out spouting nothing but praises for her, though no one has been to her bed twice.


Homeworld: Even Iris can't tell you where she's from. Her memory only goes back to the past 6 years and anything before…It has been hypothesized that she emerged from the darkest alleys of the Hollowed Earth and came looking for the University to achieve a better future. That being said, whenever she speaks of the details, they always seem to change. First it was emerging from a dark alley, then it was her coming from a respectable fighting academy, then it was remembering only the previous year then two. Either she's lying…or something is continually messing with her memory…or both

The only thing she truly understands is that the University was the entity to take her in. The reason behind it, she refuses to discuss, though the teachers would know it was because of her volatile powers. She was too dangerous to be left alone.
Backstory: Iris isn't lying when she says her memory is limited. She's only recieved glimpses of her past and all she can really make out was that she was once an orphan who never got the chance at experiencing a family. No one had wanted her or…everyone was detterred from taking her? There was always something wrong with her. She knows today that it has to do with her magic. Never learning how to control it made her a danger to most everyone around her and she could never figure out her trigger.

She does remember the day she lost her arm. She'd found work at the only place that would employ her, a renowned Mafia. Iris always had an affinity for fighting, even though she never could where she'd obtained such skills, her instincts were unprecedented. Unfortunately, the only thing holding her back from becoming a true master was her cursed magic (Not actual Curse magic). She was in a sparring match with a fello member when she lost it. One moment they were sparring and the next, her partner was frozen solid, looking like the very life had been sucked from his flesh…and her arm was in the same state.

The university not only gifted her a new arm, but also offered sanctuary from a murderous mafia head that was now seeking her blood.

Style/Form: Iris likes to consider her swordsmanship a magic art all on its own, which, she isn't wrong. When drawing her blade(s) she will always be seen whispering something while dragging the flat side of the katana under her middle and index finger. Glimmering runes will appear, the sword taking on the embodiment of the words spoken. It could become a sword made of light, or lightning, or stone, become double bladed, whatever she commanded, it would be.
Affinity/Focus: Though her focus is in studying various forms of swordsmanship, her affinity comes down to Ice. When threatened, a large radius around her will explode into ice. When she's especially in a life/death scenario, she can better target where to direct her powers. Something of note, though, what ever is frozen, there is always a direct line ice leading from the target to her.

Other, more rare, moment were when she would wake to her room feeling like a furnace. Indeed, she'd find most of her possessions either melted or charred pieces of ash. How she was somehow alive, she never knew. This has only happened three times as far as she can remember.
Other Skills & Interests: Claims to be able to tie a cherry stem with her tongue, though it's never been confirmed considering she's never without her mask. She also considers herself a profession tv binge watcher, though its usually rewatching "Heavens Cookery"

 

[dispatch99]

Name: Jane Doe (litterally, she doesn't know her name) Has been called various names and referred to herself by many more. Rebekah, Justine, Kally, Mis Smith, and even was referred to as Steve. Currently, she's taken a liking to the name: Iris
Age: 24
Gender: female
Appearance:

Spoiler: Iris Solara

View attachment 86981

She always has the mask on, as if she needed it to breathe the worlds air. Every once in a while, there will be a puff of col mist that spirts out from either side. Her right arm is completely robotic, though the technology is fairly advanced.
Personality: Often times referred to as "The Lone Wolf" this mysterious figured tends to keep to herself. Alone, she wanders the halls, always with her hands shoved in her pockets and earbuds in. In class, she can be seen day dreaming the hours away and yet she always seems to pass every class. However, if one were to listen in on the rumors concerning her, they would find that the geek community has a high respect for the woman. Often times, she will employ their services to work on her homework or give her the answers to upcoming test. She pays quite well and some of the geeks have been able to avoid getting real jobs due to her employment. The jocks have an equal respect for her. Though a woman of few words, she excels when it comes to all things physical, sometimes accidentally so. Rumors of her kicking a ball so hard it dented the goal post were a hot topic one week. It's the queen bees club that resents her the most. She easily garners attention from all around her, be it for her mystery or unique lifestyle, or even her powers. To those who enjoy the limelight, you may have some unintentional competition.
Likes: Iris has a deep love and appreciation for plants. She secretly always wanted to be a botanist, but with the way things turned out when it came to her innate power, she was forced to sacrafice the dream. She also, weirdly enough, loves watching cooking channels or people eating. If you can't find her at combat training, odds are she's sitting in front of her screen watching the latest episode of her favorite chef: Jordan Damsey, or some Mukbang channel. Lastly, she has an incredible passion for swordsmanship and often carries a blade strapped to her side (Unless told otherwise).
Dislikes: It can be safe to assume that Iris HATES school. In every class, she's notorious for sitting in the back and merely staring out the window or secretly watching the cooking channel on her tablet. Why she's attending college is a mystery for everyone. But above all else, she absolutely detests performing in front of others. Coincidentally, she semed to always be out "sick" on speech days.
Romantic orientation: If rumors are anything to go by, many students of any sex or race have visited this mystery womans bed and all come out spouting nothing but praises for her, though no one has been to her bed twice.


Homeworld: Even Iris can't tell you where she's from. Her memory only goes back to the past 6 years and anything before…It has been hypothesized that she emerged from the darkest alleys of the Hollowed Earth and came looking for the University to achieve a better future. That being said, whenever she speaks of the details, they always seem to change. First it was emerging from a dark alley, then it was her coming from a respectable fighting academy, then it was remembering only the previous year then two. Either she's lying…or something is continually messing with her memory…or both

The only thing she truly understands is that the University was the entity to take her in. The reason behind it, she refuses to discuss, though the teachers would know it was because of her volatile powers. She was too dangerous to be left alone.
Backstory: Iris isn't lying when she says her memory is limited. She's only recieved glimpses of her past and all she can really make out was that she was once an orphan who never got the chance at experiencing a family. No one had wanted her or…everyone was detterred from taking her? There was always something wrong with her. She knows today that it has to do with her magic. Never learning how to control it made her a danger to most everyone around her and she could never figure out her trigger.

She does remember the day she lost her arm. She'd found work at the only place that would employ her, a renowned Mafia. Iris always had an affinity for fighting, even though she never could where she'd obtained such skills, her instincts were unprecedented. Unfortunately, the only thing holding her back from becoming a true master was her cursed magic (Not actual Curse magic). She was in a sparring match with a fello member when she lost it. One moment they were sparring and the next, her partner was frozen solid, looking like the very life had been sucked from his flesh…and her arm was in the same state.

The university not only gifted her a new arm, but also offered sanctuary from a murderous mafia head that was now seeking her blood.

Style/Form: Iris likes to consider her swordsmanship a magic art all on its own, which, she isn't wrong. When drawing her blade(s) she will always be seen whispering something while dragging the flat side of the katana under her middle and index finger. Glimmering runes will appear, the sword taking on the embodiment of the words spoken. It could become a sword made of light, or lightning, or stone, become double bladed, whatever she commanded, it would be.
Affinity/Focus: Though her focus is in studying various forms of swordsmanship, her affinity comes down to Ice. When threatened, a large radius around her will explode into ice. When she's especially in a life/death scenario, she can better target where to direct her powers. Something of note, though, what ever is frozen, there is always a direct line ice leading from the target to her.

Other, more rare, moment were when she would wake to her room feeling like a furnace. Indeed, she'd find most of her possessions either melted or charred pieces of ash. How she was somehow alive, she never knew. This has only happened three times as far as she can remember.
Other Skills & Interests: Claims to be able to tie a cherry stem with her tongue, though it's never been confirmed considering she's never without her mask. She also considers herself a profession tv binge watcher, though its usually rewatching "Heavens Cookery"

Iris is… very interesting, lol. I like her! Approved for now, but a couple of minor things that I would like addressed eventually:

-I'm 100% cool with Hollow Earth having advanced technology, but this setting isn't necessarily urban fantasy: the setting is supposed to be some (intentionally) ill-defined ancient "Golden Age" with maybe a Renaissance level of technology familiar to everyone.
Now, that doesn't mean that it's not allowed, just don't be surprised if people don't have cellphones, and don't automatically understand what you're talking about when mentioning "TV" or "Robots".

-I would like some more specifics about her "explodes into ice" power if you don't mind: maximum radius, what exactly explodes into ice, etc. I don't mean to be a stickler, but the wording allows more room for interpretation than I'm super comfortable with (for example, is it "all the water in a room bursts into ice crystals", or "everything alive or dead with water in it for miles around becomes frozen solid"?).

Once we get confirmation on those points (mostly the second one), I'll give full approval. I do think she'll be a really interesting character and fun to work with here!

 

[Emberoflight]

Once we get confirmation on those points (mostly the second one), I'll give full approval. I do think she'll be a really interesting character and fun to work with here!

I'll dm you the specifics. I apologize for the post, I'm really tired, but wanted to get something down.

Ah, I can change that she's from another planet where technology is more advanced. The memory could stop there and then kick starts when she was on Hollowed Earth. What do you think?

Is the University the same technology level? I can change things accordingly.

I'll dm about the super power.

 

[dispatch99]

I'll dm you the specifics. I apologize for the post, I'm really tired, but wanted to get something down.

Ah, I can change that she's from another planet where technology is more advanced. The memory could stop there and then kick starts when she was on Hollowed Earth. What do you think?

Is the University the same technology level? I can change things accordingly.

I'll dm about the super power.

Don't apologize! it was really good, and I'm glad you posted.

Oh no no, the Hollow Earth thing is totally fine—I think it's actually "canon" (insofar as pseudoscience has a canon) that whatever society exists down there is more technologically advanced than what's above, so that's fine. You don't need to change that at all if you don't want to.

The University can… accommodate all technology levels, but you might have a hard time with serious hardware. I'm sure the Procurement Office would be able to assist you though, and they do have Wi-Fi and power outlets.

 

[dispatch99]

Also, I think that makes three! I'll have the IC thread and OP up tonight—on Halloween, how appropriate!

Don't worry if you are still working on your characters: this first "micro-arc" is going to be very low stakes and is designed to be joined at any time.

 

[dispatch99]

ALRIGHT FOLKS, IT'S OFFICIAL: CELESTIAL UNIVERSITY IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON!

https://writerssanctum.com/threads/celestial-university-hexatas-door.35611/

(It is by no means a perfect opener, and a proper OP with your guides arriving will come tomorrow or Thursday: I just HAD to get post 1 up on Halloween, it was too good to give up LOL)

 

[Ai-in Ayan]

So it's like the first day of school again? Where returning students and new students alike enters?

 

[dispatch99]

So it's like the first day of school again? Where returning students and new students alike enters?

Basically—breaks take place in a three week basis centered on the Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn equinoxes. This one is just after the Summer break—you all are arriving sometime in mid-late July.

 

[Ai-in Ayan]

Should we go ahead and start posting? Do we have a sequence?

 

[dispatch99]

Should we go ahead and start posting? Do we have a sequence?

Sure, if you want! I probably won't have my initial NPC post fully ready until Thursday so if you're ready to post before then, that's cool. You all will be starting off at the sky-docks at the south edge of the island.

As for sequences, unless people really want a posting order, I'm planning on having it be a free sequence—post when you're ready!

 

[mistressvalac]

Name: Full name: Jinni Deva Nivanna / Alias: Jinni Fearrior / Nickname: Jin / Known amongst her land as the Yogi of Nā
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Appearance:

Spoiler

Personality:
Jinni is a very easy going person. She radiates sunlight wherever she goes, and can lighten a dim room. Her energy is very mysterious, she walks with confidence that will leave you wondering exactly who she is, and where she came from. She mostly keeps to herself but once you get to know her, people tend to find her charismatic and quite charming. She has a warm presence to her that makes her feel trustworthy to the point that strangers confide their deepest emotions to her completely out of the blue. She can be very attentive to the area around her, scanning for sudden changes or any possible threats. She is a very disciplined woman who knows what she wants & knows how to get it, and doesn't shy away from the hard work or dedication it will require to get it. She loves to be around people, but loves to be alone even more. Jinni is very much a peaceful soul, she rather resolve frustrations with others than leave them the way they are.

• Personality traits:

Positive: Reliable, wise, responsible, generous, active, sociable, patient, supportive, peaceful, confident, independent, dedicated, ambitious, conscientious, truthful in a reasonable way, adaptable, humble, polite.
Neutral: Bold, determined, quick, fierce, mysterious, strange, can be quiet, spontaneous, persuasive, honest.
Negative: Intolerant of foolishness, unselfish, blunt, seems-naive, speaks quickly, can be a kill-joy to irresponsible fun that may result in danger.

Likes: Sunbathing, being out in the sun, swimming, gifting others, making others happy, being naked, warm baths, colorful settings, animals & bugs, jewelry, flashy personalities, people watching, meditating, mantra singing, yoga, studying, learning, reading & writing.​

Dislikes: Rude, arrogant stuck up people, cocky attitudes, pointless arguments, negative criticism, peer pressure, greed, gloomy weather & gloomy moods, negative comments about her hair, being touched inappropriately without permission, hypocrites, complicated issues that seem unsolvable.​

• Sexual orientation: Practicing Celibacy until she finds someone worthy of a sexual soul connection.

Homeworld:
Kumari Kandam known as Lemuria, from the Tamil civilization.
Jinni wandered the lands as a Yogini, aspiring to find a school called Celestial University, where she was told she would be able to accomplish her goal of becoming a Rishi.

Backstory:
Born in Tamil Nadu, in the city under the early rule of the Pandyas dynasty. Jinni was born under a Rishi (hindu sage), Agastya. She was known for her beauty and was offered up as a wife to the king's son by her family, but Agastya declined the request saying she was prophesied for something greater. The king trusted his fellow sage, and allowed her to live within the king's grounds as Agastya's student where he would be a guru to her and teach her all that he knew. After Jinni reached the age 16 after being taught everything Agastya knew, she was sent out to travel the lands of Mu to be an acting ambassador of wisdom for the Tamil civilization. Jinni traveled on a path of self-discipline and aspired to realize the spiritual truth through the lands. Her goal is to become a Rishi herself, to be able to become a holy sage.

Style/Form:
Jinni speaks or sings mantras to the world to summon up power. She sings and hums different tunes according to each ability. She draws different Sahasrara henna patterns onto her body depending what energy she is going to conjure.

Affinity/Focus:
Jinni carries/holds what her religion considers to be esoteric tantric knowledge with her. It is forbidden to share this knowledge with outsiders. She is what her culture calls Siddhi.
The abilities of a Siddhi are considered to be Shamanism/Mysticism. Her main focus is Esoteric power.

• Trouble with: Alchemy, Nature manipulation, levitation - it's fun to do but forbidden due to religious belief unless necessary.
• Weaknesses: Shapeshifting - not because it's hard for her to do but simply because she doesn't like it. Conversion - drains her life force, and puts others in possible danger.
• Strengths: Herbalism, intuitive empathy, astral manipulation, extrasensory perception, aura reading, power detection.
• Limitations: It is forbidden for Jinni to reveal her powers and abilities to others, to use her powers selfishly, or without reason. In her religion the practice must be used ONLY to help others, by kings approval, or under a teacher's permission. Energy manipulation - extremely dangerous, requires complete deterioration of the soul, could be detrimental to those around her but especially to whoever or whatever the cast is done to

Other Skills & Interests:
Jinni loves to dance, especially bharatanatyam, Sadirattam and Karakattam.
She loves tending to plants and animals, taking care of them. She is extremely skilled in yoga, helping others break karmic spells, healing sick ones others with herbs, tattooing, and sword-fighting.
Highly interested in spirituality and philosophy. Absolutely loves to attend festivals. Enjoys music and art, either its making it or taking it in.

Pet:

Spoiler

Chanda is a magical pet, similar to familiar. Chanda and Jinni share a soul-bond. They speak through the spiritual realm and understand each other through astral energy.
Chandra presents as a tiger-salamander but can shapeshift much like Jinni.

 

[dispatch99]

Okay. So.

@mistressvalac , I'm terribly sorry to be doing this in response to your app. I promise you I am not singling you out—the mistake I've made when I created the character apps has just come to a head with yours. That said, buckle in, because I made a pretty big root error of omission that I need to fix right now below.

---

There are two things I would like everyone to keep in mind:

1. Whatever magical abilities you will have access to NEED to be balanced for the story, and the means of making the power balanced should be more or less clear in the app.

I'm sorry if saying this makes it seem like I don't trust you all, but frankly, I don't: I have written with highly experienced RP partners, who had behaved with meticulous level-headedness in terms of game balance for years, suddenly decide to start power-tripping because I passed over something in their apps. If you write something in your character app, and you do not present it with an inherent weakness (i.e. "doing life magic makes me tired"), I will automatically assume you will take it as far as you can, regardless if it makes for a fun or good story. I refuse to let that happen here, but I also don't want to play tyrant, reaching in to change things arbitrarily and constantly: restrictions and limits should be more or less clear from the beginning—at least clear to me, as the GM here.

2. Everyone will have the chance to be able to gain independent access to simple, basic, weak, lesser, and "utility" forms of any other magic, regardless of whether or not this is strictly speaking a part of their repertoire—Affinity/Focus represents specialization, but not exclusivity.

Part of the fun of magic, in my opinion, is all the wild and different ways you can mess with reality. To me, it's no fun if your fire mage is basically just a human flamethrower: they should also be able to twist sculptures out of rock with their mind, fly through the air on a broom, draw moving pictures, and so on. The Affinity/Focus section is not meant to be the full extent of your power, but is supposed to represent expertise—what is your character best at, what spells they make special and can do in their sleep (our fire mage may be able to do all those other things, but they would be most at home with whatever is related to heat and flame). Everyone, with the proper training or story conditions, will be able to fly, brew potions, use healing meditation, and so on—but only a few will be able to do any one of those things at expert level. You won't be AS good at that stuff as you will be with your Affinity/Focus. Just keep in mind that if you are an elemental mage, for example, that doesn't mean you entirely miss out on psychokinetics.

I will try and add these caveats to the application page tomorrow—I am too tired right now and need to rest once I finish this post.

---

So, @mistressvalac , as this relates to you: while I really do absolutely love Jinni and her unique style and powers (to say nothing of the Subcontinental vibes which I genuinely did not think I would get from a PC here and I am very happy to see), your Affinity/Focus section either needs some serious restrictions/weaknesses put on it, or it needs to be narrowed down and recast as simply core strengths (and if you do the latter, it can not be as broad as it is).

Let me know if you have any questions, either here or by DM: I am happy to workshop things with you (or with anyone else, if you're reading this part and want some help). You have provisional approval to post, pending those fixes.

 

[fairysong]

MONTY SELCOURT​ gender age sexuality origin alignment cis male [he/him] 21 years old bisexual, male lean vayu, islevare chaotic good​ out of the dark day, into the brighter night. Personality: Most see the Selcourt heir as a prankster, mischievous with a good sense of humour. Monty can be quite the menace, terrorizing his peers on campus every now and then, and often speaks loudly and unfiltered. Despite his impulsivity, he manages to maintain top marks in most subjects, but sadly is one of those people who coast through academia only by sheer innate intelligence and routine. He studies, but only puts effort into learning things where he doesn't already know the answer, seeing as his parents have drilled him to excel in most fields of study from before he could learn to walk. He likes to use his knowledge for chaos and may spout random magical facts, often in inappropriate situations. He's very clumsy and uncoordinated, bumping into random objects and tripping over himself whenever excitement overtakes him. His snake, Jiya, wraps herself around his ankles a lot, which doesn't help; he often stands up and realizes too late that he has a snake around both of his legs before he can save his face from colliding with the floor. Having grown up an only child, Monty has never had many people to talk to, so he can be emotionally unaware at times, but cares a lot about the very few people he considers his friends. Behind all of his troublemaking lies a deep, genuine longing to be liked by other people, so he can be a bit of a people-pleaser at times. Homeworld: Islevare, which is a world where magic has seemed to always have played a significant role in shaping the political and historical landscape. The origins of magic are shrouded in myth and legend, but many believe it was gifted to certain individuals by powerful spirits or gods. There exist three nations within Islevare: Vayu, Yshtan, and Raksasa. Monty was born and raised in the region called Vayu, known for its agriculturalism and sprawling, idyllic mountains. The people of Vayu have a close relationship with the natural world and are often skilled in herbalism or alchemy, renowned for being the most prosperous and wealthy among Islevare's civilizations. Receiving an invitation from the Celestial University has always been considered the highest honour among Islevare's prominent magic-using families, and the Selcourt house is no exception. Monty's family line is comprised of various generations of former Celestial University alumni, and so he was put through an age-old family tradition when he reached eighteen years old, where he was to attempt a ritual to summon a portal to the University's island campus. He failed twice, only succeeding on his twentieth birthday, and upon being granted his acceptance to the University on behalf of his family's prestigious lineage (as well as his proven magical prowess), he has been a chaotic presence on campus ever since. Backstory: The Selcourt family's longstanding affiliation with the University has loomed over Monty's head his entire childhood, saddling him with many pressures of living up to his parents' expectations. The Selcourts were esteemed Vayuan aristocrats who held onto their noble status through their adept control over magic, and thus failure to follow in previous generations' footsteps was something that was vehemently discouraged, resulting in a very rigid intended future for the young Selcourt heir. Monty felt stifled growing up and became rebellious in response, leaning into troublemaking and seeking excitement whenever he could, if only to satiate the boredom that came with the rigorous and mundane academic tasks given to him by various tutors. Many of these tutors often expressed their exasperation with him using the same sentiment, that he had an innate intelligence but as long as he preferred to use it to outwit others and engage in foolish pursuits, his family name was doomed to be wasted on him. Truth be told, Monty has never before experienced the kind of freedom he currently has as a university student, and intends to make the most of this newfound freedom, much to the amusement (or dismay) of his fellow students. Style/Form: Mages from Islevare primarily use expressive hand movements to generate their power, guided by a strong intention to cast. While some mages may incorporate verbal components into their spells, the Selcourts have mastered the use of non-verbal casting and may often amplify their spells using a bonded item, such as a necklace or staff. Monty uses a wand made of sodalite and silver embellishments, but is able to cast without it (albeit to a lesser extent of his powers) as he often misplaces it anyway. Affinity/Focus: Monty is particularly skilled with water and air magic, but is most fascinated by the freedom and mystery of alchemy. His research focus is driven by this interest, and he is often seen experimenting with exotic ingredients in his dorm room and testing the limits of the University's leniency regarding elixir regulations. Monty's water magic mostly extends to conjuration and manipulation, and this ability is highly adaptable and can be influenced by his emotional state, drawing from his innate magical core and possibly strengthened by any nearby water source within 10 feet of him. Combined with his control over air magic, he can alter the temperature of the water he manipulates, creating ice or steam. He can use this ability for offense and defense, but often uses it for practical applications like refrigerating his alchemy ingredients or warming his dorm room during cold months. Overdependence on water and air magic, however, may lead to Monty having a difficult time regulating his emotions or focusing his attention, as elemental magic in Islevare is heavily tied to the user's inner psyche. Without the presence of natural sources or magically bonded objects, a mage from Islevare is much more likely to fall into magical corruption due to the heavy reliance on their magical core, which has limits depending on genetics. Sodalite, in particular, is a favoured gemstone of Monty's, due to its attunement to attention and increased focus, which is very much needed for a water and air mage like him. Additionally, he has recently been dabbling in illusory magic, which requires control over light in order to alter the perception of minor objects. Other Skills & Interests: He really likes the challenge of magical theory and coming up with new and exciting applications of magic. Other than that, any activity that provides him with high amounts of mental stimulation is guaranteed to keep his interest, including but not limited to planning out elaborate pranks, studying astronomy, and exploring the 'hidden' parts of campus. Pet: His beloved white ball python, Jiya, who was gifted to him on his seventh birthday. She is a relatively harmless and friendly creature, but seems to share her owner's propensity for mischief. However, she doesn't get very far on her own, mostly because she is a bit stupid, but in an oddly endearing way: for example, Monty often has to place dead mice in front of her so that she can feed, otherwise she completely forgets to eat, and even once she has located the mouse, she often lunges just to miss her target entirely. Despite her simplemindedness, Monty adores her with all his heart and spoils her as much as possible. ​ ▶ dream state - son lux < / >​

mind if i drop this guy here real quick [let me know if anything needs to be changed in light of any updates to the application template! just wanted to get this app posted asap]

 

[themajinone]

Name: Lux Fost
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Appearance:

Spoiler

Personality: Blunt, oblivious, and at times unknowingly crass, he has poor social skills. He does, however, tend to say what he means. Theres no hidden message in his words, and he has trouble with people who do not speak clearly. He doesn't always get sarcasm, or backhanded compliments. If he had a friend beyond Noir, he would probably be very loyal and generous. At present he is skeptical of everyone but tries to keep an open mind with any one who can do magic.

Homeworld: Somewhere on his planet, he thinks.

Backstory: On a distant unnamed planet revolving around a yellow star much like earth, a group of cultists were trying to bring about the end of the age of eternity. Magic was taboo, and they wanted the age of magic to come to fruition, so they sought out ancient rituals to try and summon a dark messiah to spearhead the charge against the inquisitors of Eternity.

They First used dark magics and shadowy rituals to conceive a child. Who would be the Light Bringer. Lux was born nine months to the day of the ritual, making him a spring baby. The second thing they did was create a being of living shadow and bound it to the child. The complex nature was supposed to represent the duality of light and dark, creation and destruction. However it went wrong, and there was no light to be had. The child radiated shadow magics, sometimes the darkness swirled about him as if it were smoke.

Lux was treated as a pariah by the cultists that created him. They decided they would try again eventually, but not quite yet. He had only two that cared for him, Noir: the shadow being bound to him, and Fost his caregiver and parent. Fost was a lovely woman, who provided all the motherly affection a growing child needs.

He was sixteen before Fost could even count the days, and Lux was ready to leave the sheltered life of the cult to explore the world. Maybe find a purpose. He set out with Noir and went to explore the known continent of Farsei. He had no formal education to speak of, but he made sure to learn the spell shadow tongue: which allowed him to speak whatever language he heard. As he explored the world for the next six years he found that the world was just as cruel as the cult, and those that feared him often reacted in anger when they discovered he could use magic, and his magic was often beyond his control being a palpable force that surrounded him.

He often had to fight off bounty hunters and inquisitors who specialized in hunting mages, usually he had to run or fake his death. Lux just got lucky most of the time, and ended up getting away or landing a critical blow that would allow him to escape. He was weary of this world, and tried his best to hide the billowing smokey shadow that surrounded him, which as he got older got easier.

It was five years before he discovered the ruins of Celestia, a sort of port where the ancient magicians would gather to enter the college when it came around. But since the outlawing of magic and the inquisition hunting down those that used it, the college had not returned. He was twenty-two years old when he found it, finally. The portal… It took time but his inquisitive nature got the better of him and he finally got it working. With Noir's guidance of course. Lux entered the portal and found himself on a strange floating island with a spire in the dead center.

This must be on another land mass! He had no idea he was on another planet, or really what a continent was, or where he was. Just that this wasn't Farsei. He quickly found that magic was not only prevalent here, but encouraged. Just as quickly, enrolled in his first class.

Style/Form: His movements are fluid, and graceful. The shadows guide him into a dance like motion to perform his spellcraft. He does not require somatic or verbal components but he must be able to move to cast his spells. Be it hand gestures akin to gloving at a rave, or full body movements.

Affinity/Focus: Lux is a shadowmancer, through and through, though bardic is his means of casting. He currently cannot use any other magic, as he was gifted his abilities artificially. Though he was born with the innate talent for magic, his genetics were physically altered by the ritual.

Other Skills & Interests: Music. He loves music and dance, the harder the beat the better, percussion and string are his jam. Anything that conveys a story through music. He isn't big on lyrical content, just the music itself.
Lux also enjoys making shadow puppets and entertaining others (usually just himself as Noir thinks it stupid)

Trouble: Learning any magic not rooted in shadow or darkness. Often he cannot control his magics and his emotions tend make his spells go awry. Sometimes he can't hide the shadow magic that corrupts his aura, making him an easy target for those who consider darker magic to be taboo.

Weakness: cannabinoids. Nuff said. Calms him down and makes him think before he speaks, instead of the unfiltered version of himself usually presented.
Light, bright lights tend to blind him or give him bad headaches.He tends to wear glasses with smoked lenses to help with this.

Strength: He is especially gifted with shadow and dark magic. He can see in the dark better than he can during the day. He is a particularly good dancer.

Pet: Noir

Spoiler

True form Noir

Spoiler

Noir is sassy and often cryptic. He/it is a shadow being bound to Lux via occult experiments done on him as an infant. Noir has always and will always be there. Over time he became a friend of Lux, instead of being a prisoner. If Lux were to die it is unclear what would happen to Noir, so he has a vested interest in Lux's safety.

 

[dispatch99]

This is funny—my plan had been to have the two NPCs as sophomores giving the intro to the Island, but most of the characters here would be like "Uh, I know more than you lmao"