#(ic) a mage's discovery

[wanderlustknightofmagic]

"Rain? I caught some fish and wanted to know if you wanted to cook with me. I know our last little bout was fun, but I think I can best you this time."

"Oooooh fish? Is it native from here or is it from another world? It's fine either way, but I would like to know if this is something you have a little more... familiarity with. After all, I encourage you trying to get an edge up on out-cooking me if you think it'll help," He'd smirk while he'd pull out his hairband to help push his hair back.

[wanderlustknightofmagic]

Rainald went with it and continued to snicker and chuckle while he repositioned himself. "Forgiveness~! He he he~! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I can't seem to help myself. Please, if you tell any stories of me, don't highlight my teasing side! I promise it's not something that is shown often~!" He'd continue before his tone shifts a bit and he gives her a softer smile.

"It's a knight's job to help those who cry out for aid. If the land is one that I can see connecting to my home, you can rest assured that Levonive will do everything to make sure our mutual existence is a beneficial one and that my people do everything to help those of Hyrule against danger. Even if it doesn't, I will always be willing to lend a hand to help out. I'll have to make up for my teasing somehow after all~. He he~! That was the last one, I promise!"

Noelle sighs and breaks out her cigarettes. People casting hate on furries and a heated argument within earshot.

Yeah....she didn't want to deal with this.

[wanderlustknightofmagic]

❗❗❗

The knight would stretch a bit in their room, getting ready for bed when he turned to Valeria. "So what are the plans for-" He was suddenly stopped by his 'wife' kissing him right on the lips. He'd blink rapidly, a hand going up to his lips for a moment as he blushed. "V-Val! What... A-Are we practicing? Y-You could've given me a warning," He'd stutter while trying to shake off the slight flustering.

[ty-bayonet-betteridge]

i just spent the last. several hours. fiddling with the classpects for Sburb Life because im a perfectionist

im still not 100% happy but i think this is a lot better

Grian - Session leader, Prospit dreamer, the Sylph of Dream in the Land of Bread and Sand. Client player Jimmy, server player Scar.

Scar - Prospit dreamer, the Thief of Heart in the Land of Rock and Cacti. Client player Grian, server player Mumbo.

Mumbo - Derse dreamer, the Seer of Flame in the Land of Sparks and Current. Client player Scar, server player Pearl.

Pearl - Derse dreamer, the Witch of Hate in the Land of Love and Snow. Client player Mumbo, server player Gem.

Gem - Prospit dreamer, the Aide of Space in the Land of Blooms and Frogs. Client player Pearl, server player Scott.

Scott - Derse dreamer, the Rogue of Time in the Land of Stars and Bridges. Client player Gem, server player Joel.

Joel - Derse dreamer, the Saint of Rage in the Land of Cliffs and Carnivals. Client player Scott, server player Etho.

Etho - Derse dreamer, the Mage of Truth in the Land of Wool and Secrets. Client player Joel, server player BDubs.

BDubs - Prospit dreamer, the Priest of Void in the Land of Keeps and Clocks. Client player Etho, server player Impulse.

Impulse - Prospit dreamer, the Guide of Hope in the Land of Coal and Bones. Client player BDubs, server player Tango.

Tango - Prospit dreamer, the Sage of Mind in the Land of Heat and Bulls. Client player Impulse, server player Skizz.

Skizz - Prospit dreamer, the Maid of Blood in the Land of Lakes and Cherries. Client player Tango, server player BigB.

BigB - Derse dreamer, the Heir of Ice in the Land of Fissures and Chocolate. Client player Skizz, server player Cleo.

Cleo - Derse dreamer, the Bard of Breath in the Land of Wind and Marble. Client player BigB, server player Lizzie.

Lizzie - Derse dreamer, the Knight of Life in the Land of Trees and Axolotls. Client player Cleo, server player Ren.

Ren - Prospit dreamer, the Prince of Peace in the Land of Shadow and Stillness. Client player Lizzie, server player Martyn.

Martyn - Derse dreamer, the Dame of Light in the Land of Eyes and Coral. Client player Ren, server player Jimmy.

Jimmy - Prospit dreamer, the Page of Doom in the Land of Clay and Dust. Client player Martyn, server player Grian.

also explanation of the custom classes and aspects under the cut

Aspects:

Truth - Truth is the aspect of discovery and revelation. The Truth-bound are difficult to fool, and keep their focus on what is in front of them. They act with practicality, and the aspect itself is tied to rational thought. Its counterpart in the fabric of Paradox Space is Dream. At their best they are rational and calm guides for their friends; at their worst they are uncaring and judgemental.

Dream - Dream is the aspect of lies and imagination. The Dream-bound live in worlds of their own, and their goals are not always obvious to those around them; the aspect itself deals in the nature of falsehoods. Its counterpart in the fabric of Paradox Space is Truth. At their best they brighten the room with their imaginative nature; at their worst they are frustratingly absorbed in their fantasies.

Peace - Peace is the aspect of calmness and protection. The Peace-bound are dedicated to maintaining the status quo, and preventing quarrels amongst their friends. The aspect itself deals with stagnation, love, and comfort. Its counterpart in the fabric of Paradox Space is Hate. At their best they are mediators and lovers who hold their allies together; at their worst they are resistant to change and even oppressive.

Hate - Hate is the aspect of emotion and strength. The Hate-bound hold grudges easily, and will tear down the things they see as being in their way. A Hero of Hate would rather die than allow something that hurts them to continue. Its counterpart in the fabric of Paradox Space is Peace. At their best they are firebrands and leaders, working against oppression; at their worst they are spiteful agitators unwilling to let things go for the greater good.

Flame - Flame is the aspect of change and discovery. The Flame-bound are seekers of the truth, though they are prone to flying too close to the sun and being hurt by that which they seek. They would rather burn the world down and build a new one than try to fix the one that exists. Its counterpart in the fabric of Paradox Space is Ice. At their best they are great artists and leaders, inspiring their allies to change that which they must; at their worst they destroy themselves and those around them with their quests for things beyond their reach.

Ice - Ice is the aspect of isolation and steadiness. The Ice-bound put up walls around themselves, pushing people away to protect themselves and cutting their emotions off. A Hero of Ice is likely to have few true friends, and none who they allow to see every facet of themselves, out of fear. Its counterpart in the fabric of Paradox Space is Flame. At their best they are reliable and steadfast, a source of stability for their allies; at their worst they are cold and unwilling to stand up for themselves, locking away their true thoughts.

Classes:

Saint - Saint is an active class, and its passive counterpart is the Priest. A Saint lives their life by the rules of their aspect, using the structures it sets up to climb to the top of a world they see as ruled by its teaching. As the role of a Saint is highly tied to their aspect, their role in a session varies heavily - A Saint of Life or Space, for instance, will likely be a strong driving force behind the group's success, while a Saint of Doom or Ice may spell the end for the session by their very nature.

Priest - Priest is a passive class, and its active counterpart is the Saint. A Priest allows the rules of their aspect to spread out from them, allowing themself and their allies to use its nature to their advantage. A Priest's aspect will often come to typify much of the session as they spread its teachings amongst their fellow players.

Dame - Dame is an active class, and its passive counterpart is the Aide. The Dame defies the very nature of their aspect, and often bear little resemblance to the archetypal player of that aspect. Their journey through the session is often highly personal, a struggle directly between them and their aspect, though once they are at the end of their journey, they are a force to be reckoned with, having taken the aspects of it that benefit them and left the rest behind.

Aide - Aide is a passive class, and its active counterpart is the Dame. The Aide is a gateway for their aspect, letting its nature out through themselves to defy the enemies of the group. They are highly in tune with their aspects, though not always in a way that others will immediately recognize. An Aide's involvement in a session is often as an unlikely leader, giving the other players something to rally behind when they feel devoid of the Aide's aspect.

Sage - Sage is an active class, and its passive counterpart is the Guide. The Sage is a student of their aspect, seeking to understand everything about its nature; rather than having the information to understand their aspect, like a Seer, a Sage is restricted to seeking understanding through more traditional means. Sages often become the most knowledgeable within their sessions, throwing themselves into their personal quests and embracing the role of the tactician with gusto.

Guide - Guide is a passive class, and its active counterpart is the Sage. The Guide seeks their aspect in order to bring it to their allies; they will often be a confidant and a source of aid or comfort for their allies. A fully realized Guide released into Paradox Space will often come to act as a sort of tutor for another player of the same aspect. Within their sessions, Guides are a centerpoint for the group, assisting other players wherever and however needed.

[typingatlightspeed]

TF2 Fanfic - Dear Mama

The letters Heavy's written to his Mama since the start of 1970, giving her and his sisters some life updates, and responding to theirs. He's come to an important decision.

Ao3 Link! Part of Monstrous Intent!

I've been wanting to do something with Heavy and his family for a little bit, and just kind of his side of everything that's been happening. Because he's generally such a quiet guy sometimes he tends to react to things rather than drive them, and most of the time when I have him drive action it's sex, lol. Wanted to showcase some more of his internality and the poetic way he wields his native language. Giving his family life updates while artfully dancing around the fact that like 60% of his free time is sucking and fucking, lmao. Also: spot the Simpsons joke!

---------

Dear Mama,

I hope you've been well. I'm sorry I haven't gotten a letter to you in a while; it's hard to get mail down off of the frozen mountain where I'd been stationed since the start of the year. You know how it is. Thankfully, we've been reassigned back to the desert, so I'll have easier access to the postal system. So my letters should once again be more frequent.

I've been well, all things considered. The team didn't take as well to ice-rimed mountains as I did, so while it'll take some time for me to adjust to the temperature change, the team's been overjoyed. Especially Scout. He's a very thin man, so his tolerance for cold only goes so far. He's from cooler climates, but even so, the mountains had him nearly rattling apart from shivering! Ludwig, however, was unflappably enthusiastic, as always.

Speaking of Ludwig; his magical training has been progressing swimmingly, and he's developed into quite the nascent mage. It's truly impressive what he can do when he sets his focus on it. His determination is beyond dogged, and his passion boundless. I can't argue with his results!

Which brings me to interesting news: Ludwig has mastered an old spell from seiðr traditions that allows him to harness the jotun blood that runs through my veins, and give me the form of a full jotun, like Papa. When the excitement of discovery and novelty calmed down, however, I found myself struck by how strong my resemblance to Papa was. And though I haven't voiced it to him, it's made me realize how far divorced I am from that side of my ancestry, save for how it's shaped my appearance. I know Papa had a bit of ice and storm magic at his disposal, but also that he didn't use it much. He was far more invested in the movements of the world and the politics of men, I know. So that's something I might try to do some reading on in the near future. If you have any knowledge, Mama, I would love you to share it. I know Papa tried to keep us sheltered from the world of monsters, but like it or not, that world has come to me, and I feel it irresponsible not to explore that side of my own nature.

On a similar, but less somber note, Ludwig gave me a ring last week.

Don't get too excited, Mama. It ended up not being what I'm sure you hoped. I admit, I hoped the same, but I think my dear doctor isn't the type to think of such gestures of his own accord. He's a man of passion, not tradition. It'd be almost frustrating if his obliviousness weren't deeply endearing.

The ring is a magic item, a way to activate that seiðr spell on command should I choose, and he enchanted it himself. It's the culmination of quite a bit of work, and honestly I feel like that in itself is as much a statement of intent as a ring of more traditional meaning. It in itself is a promise.

It's no secret that our lifespans will differ, now. Ludwig, as a garuda, can live forever if he's careful. Scout, as a faun, can do the same. Their lifespans are functionally infinite. Ageless, timeless, and beautiful for eternity. Meanwhile, though I know my life will be longer than a human's, it does have a limit. I think that knowledge has been weighing on Ludwig a bit, and making him dig into my supernatural side as a result. Whether that will yield fruit, who knows? But it warms my heart to know that he desires to be by my side for all of eternity. Whether he realizes it or not (and knowing him so well, I deeply suspect not), that ring was a proposal, phrased in different terms.

I'm sorry, Mama. I'm sure I'm boring you with such fanciful thoughts when I should be keeping you updated on my life. But I suppose my life might have taken a turn for the fanciful.

Ludwig sends his love, and his thanks for a lovely Smissmas together. Scout hopes to meet you all someday sooner than later, but isn't sure when he'll be able to join me for a trip. He has a large, very tightly-knit family, so holiday travel is unlikely to deviate away from his mother's house. I hope to meet her someday. He speaks highly of her, and she sounds like a lovely woman. Certainly, she raised a wonderful son. Something the two of you have in common!

Give my best to Zhanna, Yana, and Bronislava, and let them know I can easily receive mail again. It's been a strange kind of lonely so far this year, unable to write with you all, and I'm eager to read what my dear baby sisters have to say.

All of my love, Misha

*

Dear Mama,

Thank you for your last letter. I hadn't realized just how much variation there was in jotunkind. I'd thought all of us merely hrímþurs, the frost giants, so it is honestly eye-opening to learn of the others descended from the jötunn. I'll have to do more reading on the subject, sometime. I'm sure Ludwig would appreciate learning more as well. Perhaps that wizard he bought his first magic book from might have something.

That said, I hope this letter finds you well. Work's been stable, with a few minor transfers across the region but staying largely in the desert. We've mostly been stationed at one base and then taken transports to satellite bases as the need arises. It's been less hectic than packing up and moving bases entirely constantly, but I won't deny that the times we don't use teleporters between our home base and the satellite bases make for terribly boring mornings. The team's taken to singing on those trains and busses, seeing how long it takes the driver to yell at us.

The train conductor is surprisingly resilient.

We've been helping Scout learn to control his small bit of magic lately, which has been an interesting effort. It's definitely been building teamwork between us, however, and been very good for our cohesion overall. And Scout's been quite happy for the extra attention.

Ludwig's been working on healing magics, and trying to replicate the effects of his specialized medical equipment using magic. To what end I'm not entirely sure, but it stands to reason it'll be helpful should an emergency arise when he doesn't have his equipment ready to hand. He's very clever about never letting himself be completely caught without a way to improvise a Plan B for situations.

That's all I'll say about Ludwig this time. I promise. After Zhanna's scathing letter and Yana and Bronislava mocking me endlessly, I'll spare you all the gooey romantic musings of a smitten old man.

Aside from work, life's been quiet for me. I read that romance novel that Yana sent with her letter, and enjoyed it far more than I expected! I'll be sending it back along with a novel that had a similar description on the back cover, which I found in town recently. I haven't had the time to read it, though, so please, Yana, don't hate me if it isn't very good.

Lastly, I hope you enjoy the small box of shortbread cookies I'm also sending with this! They were baked by our team's Demoman, who sends his best. He takes care of his elderly mother, and when he heard I was sitting down to write my mama a letter, offered to make sure it came with a gift. He wouldn't take no for an answer.

All of my love,

Misha

*

Dear Mama,

I'm glad you enjoyed the cookies! I'll be sure to let Demoman know, and give him your thanks. As always, Ludwig and Scout send their love.

Things have been busy of late. We finally had a nice, week-long furlough, our first of the year and entirely too overdue. I took the opportunity to simply spend time with Ludwig, though I'll admit I've slacked on the research I said I intended to do. Following Yana's next book recommendation, I ended up visiting a local bookstore and walking out with far more novels than I'd intended. I won't lie; I used to look down on books like these, but as the years go by I realize more and more that not every word committed to page needs to be come world-changing insight. Sometimes a story can simply be fun, and that's enough.

Also, I don't need a French-to-Russian dictionary in hand for these books, which is a blessing in itself. I don't miss those long, sleepless nights working on my doctorate! And I like to think this has been helping my reading skills in English, which is its own reward. Scout isn't a particularly strong reader, so I hope to help him practice. As such, I need to improve as well. It's good motivation so that I don't get lazy about language acquisition.

After our furlough, there was a company event. A gala of sorts with all of BLU's various teams, at a rather nice venue with a frankly obscenely expansive bar. They even had cocktails I enjoyed, and you know how rare that is. The news was sprung on us quite abruptly, but thankfully our Spy was able to outfit us with custom suits, thanks to being a shapeshifter who knows an excellent tailor. Ludwig gets clothes made by the same person; they do wonderful work. I've never seen my dove so elegant. The whole team looked very handsome, dressed in such fine clothes. We almost looked like a bunch of gentlemen! Very unlike us, I know. We even managed to not make too much trouble at the event itself, which was a small mercy. (I was on my best behaviour; don't worry, Mama.)

We took a few photos before leaving for the event, so I asked our handler for some copies. I'm including a group shot of all of us, and one with Ludwig, Scout and I.

And before she writes back anything about that photo to me, please tell Bronislava, again, that our Sniper is not single, and to please stop asking me about it. He's dating our Demoman. Don't ask me about that, either. I'm not about to divulge the details of my friends' love lives.

All of my love,

Misha

*

Dear Mama,

Please tell Yana that our Spy is also taken, and to please stop asking me questions about him and his love life.

Also please tell Zhanna that I'm not hogging every handsome man on earth for myself. She's being ridiculous.

That said, I hope this letter finds you well. Thank you for your sweet words about my photos. I've passed on the compliments to Ludwig, Scout, and the rest of the team, who were all very flattered and grateful.

We recently had another week-long furlough, which we ended up spending on-base, mostly for lack of plans. It was nice to be able to relax, though. I read the next book Yana sent, and have sent a few more with this package, as well as a letter for her to discuss the books in-depth. I'll spare you and the whole family our ramblings. I'm glad the trading post there has been sourcing more books for her voracious literary appetite, though. It's been nice to read fiction in Russian again. It's more relaxing than practicing my English, to be sure. I'll be sure to return her books with the next package. I fear this one is already too large.

Scout was away for the week, off with our Sniper and Spy on an outside job in Japan. It sounded very eventful, though in the interim our Demoman, who I think I mentioned is dating our Sniper, was inconsolable most of the time. It was pathetic, yes, but also very sweet. I would like to think I would be in better spirits should Ludwig have to spend a week away, but to say I'm sure would be hubris. After all, we go together, as I like to say.

It turns out that the Japan job was to help Spy's sister with a mess that had ended up on her doorstep thanks to his own past. News of this, among a few other things, has had me thinking. Getting in and out of Russia has always been difficult, which is why I attempt the crossing so rarely. It's only by the grace of the power of Builder's League United that I'm afforded such frequent correspondence with you all. And I can't help but worry that my own larger profile on the scene of mercenary operations might find you all, remote as your hiding place may be. I still worry that your location is less secure than I think. And I worry that if something should happen to me, or to my employment here, what sort of lurch that would leave you four in.

Also, Zhanna has been most vocal on the matter of men. Where are the men? When do I get to meet any men? Why am I not meeting any men now? And so on.

As such, I've decided to begin the process of working toward bringing you all to America in the next few years, where you will be truly safe from the KGB, and able to flourish as you deserve. It's not enough anymore just to try and keep you safe at home. Not when you deserve so much more.

It's with no small amount of guilt that I make this decision. While I have been working hard, and sending you the majority of my money, I feel as though my idleness such as my last furlough is cruel when you all yet live in fear and isolation. I'm here working for you, but in doing so, I have a surprising amount of leisure, like a great predator lounging between hunts, and it worries me that I'm being unduly selfish. After all, I have two beautiful lovers, a team of close friends, food and comfort when I want it, and peace when there isn't bloodshed. We fight a war with no personal stakes by day and play by night, eating and drinking our fill and passing our free time with games and romance, far away from the civilized world, in a place so private that Ludwig can walk about on talons with his wings proudly on display, and Scout can prance on hooves and try his best not to clatter his antlers into the lower doorways. It's our own private, violent Eden in its way, and it feels cruel to enjoy this life when you still hunt bear meat for your meals.

Ludwig's tried to assuage my feelings, to explain that being with him and Scout merely expands my family, and that I shouldn't make myself miserable as some penance, but I find it hard not to hold that guilt within me regardless. Especially when I use his ring to transform and see a bald reflection of Papa staring back at me in the mirror.

You four are the most important thing in the world. Not just my world. The world. And I want to give you that world. I've already requested information from my handler regarding the steps I would need to take in this, as she would likely be the conduit through which all of this happens. The process will be slow, and delicate, but I'm hoping that within two years, you will never have to eat bear again.

Zhanna, no dirty jokes.

I know this is exciting news, and I'm sorry it's on such a long timeline, but I wanted to make you all this promise now, so that you know there is an end in sight—a light at the end of this frozen, lonely tunnel. In the meanwhile, if there's anything you'd like me to send in these packages, please don't hesitate to ask. As it is, I've included some cakes Scout brought back for me from Japan. He says they're called 'manju', and are quite tasty.

All of my love,

Misha

[wanderlustknightofmagic]

Casually Topless

Rainald had left the door to the room slightly ajar as he was changing. Since he, Sivir, and Lief were all going to spend the day together, he didn't need his armor and could wear some more casual clothes. With his back to the door, he thought he would even remove his top as well. It's when he removed it that the door opened, though he was still unaware. Sivir would be able to see that his back had quite a few scars, the most noticeable of the bunch was a large diagonal one.

When he had finally noticed Sivir, he turned around quickly and chuckled a bit. "O-Oh... Hey Sivir... Um... D-Didn't hear you come in," He'd pause for a moment before looking at her. "I'm guessing Lief's getting impatient right? I'll be done in a moment."

[vir-tanadahl]

As the Moon Rises

Chapter 8: Of Wicked Hearts and Secret Desires

I’m eagerly rewriting As the Moon Rises, which was originally written back in 2017, in anticipation of Dragon Age: Veilguard, channeling my excitement into refining the story. Summary: Isera Lavellan, at her mother’s behest, is sent to assist her twin brother, Banreas—the Inquisitor—in his mission to stop a force determined to bring about the world’s end. Together, they uncover long-buried secrets of their shared family history while Isera finds herself drawn to a mysterious non-Dalish elven mage whose knowledge of her heritage runs far deeper than she could have imagined. As the stakes rise, Isera must navigate this dangerous journey of discovery, where the past holds as much peril as the looming threats of the present. Solas x F!Lavellan.

[Ch1][Ch2][Ch3][Ch4][Ch5][Ch6][Ch7] [Ch8]

TW: implied rape.

---

The men guided her to the off-limits area of the eastern wing, and Isera maintained her flirtatious demeanor throughout the journey, effortlessly stroking their egos. Her mother had once said that men often believe women find them attractive, but Isera found these particular nobles repulsive. Their blatant fetish for elves was unsettling, and she felt a wave of unease as they led her into a lavish bedroom.

In the corner, an elf woman cowered, naked and trembling, and Isera’s heart sank at the sight. The stark contrast between the opulence of the room and the vulnerability of the woman was jarring, stirring a protective instinct within her. The atmosphere shifted, and Isera realized that what had seemed like a playful adventure was quickly spiraling into something far more sinister

“Look! We brought you a friend!” the man in blue exclaimed with delight, a cruel grin spreading across his face. “This one thinks she can play noble!” Without warning, he roughly shoved Isera to her knees, ripping off her mask in a swift motion. A sharp pain radiated through her back as he kicked her, and she gasped, struggling to catch her breath. The man in yellow gripped her chin, forcing her face up to meet his gaze. Fear surged through her, but Isera fought to steady herself, determined not to show weakness in the face of their aggression.

“Wait! She’s blind!” the man in blue exclaimed, peering into Isera's eyes as if seeking confirmation. “Who cares?” the shorter one snapped dismissively. Taking a deep breath, Isera centered herself, channeling her magic through the pain. “I’m not blind, but you will be,” she replied calmly, her voice steady despite the chaos around her.

With a swift motion, Isera conjured a spell that transformed her breath into a chilling mist. She exhaled rapidly onto the man’s face, ice crystals forming instantly as they filled his corneas. He began to scream in agony, the sound piercing the air, but Isera was quick to act. In a surge of determination, she sealed his mouth with ice, cutting off his cries and creating a momentary barrier against his torment.

The other man stood frozen in fear, his eyes wide with panic. “I—what? P-please… don’t hurt me,” he stammered, his bravado evaporating. Isera silenced him with a wave of her hand, her voice low and commanding. “Stay quiet.”

With a flick of her wrist, she used her magic to force him against the wall, watching as ice began to creep over his body, trapping him in place. The chilling tendrils snaked around him, solidifying and binding him to the surface. Isera’s heart raced, a mix of adrenaline and resolve coursing through her as she asserted her power, refusing to let fear dictate her fate.

The elven woman remained silent, still cowering in the corner. Isera approached her with quiet steps and deliberate, slow movements, wanting to convey a sense of safety. “It’s okay. I’m a friend. I won’t let them hurt you again,” she whispered softly, her voice calm and reassuring.

Isera glanced at the nearby bed, then pulled the blankets off and gently handed one to the girl. “Here…” she offered, her expression warm as she extended the fabric, hoping to provide comfort and warmth in the midst of the chaos. The woman hesitated for a moment, but Isera remained steady, willing to be a source of solace in this dark moment.

“You’re a witch!” the elven woman exclaimed in a hushed tone, her eyes widening in whispered horror as she wrapped herself tighter in the blankets. The fear in her voice pierced through Isera’s heart, but she remained resolute, understanding the weight of the word in their culture. “I’m Isera. I’m not here to harm you,” Isera reassured gently, hoping to dispel the fear that clung to the air between them. “I just want to help.”

The woman nodded slowly, gathering her courage. “Mariane. Did you kill them?” she asked, her voice steadier now as she stood tall, pulling her shoulders back with newfound strength. There was a spark of defiance in her eyes, a flicker of resilience that Isera admired. Isera met her gaze, feeling the weight of the moment as they shared a bond forged during chaos.

“Uh,” Isera hesitated, glancing back at the two men. “No, they’re just frozen. One will lose his sight, though.” She offered a wry smile, trying to lighten the mood despite the gravity of the situation. The truth of her words hung in the air, and she could sense Mariane’s uncertainty as she processed what had just happened. Isera turned back to her, hoping to reassure her that they were no longer in immediate danger.

Mariane glared at her, tugging fiercely at the blanket. “They kidnap us! Tell us that if we don’t do what they say, they’ll accuse us of stealing! They’d have us maimed or killed.” The anger in her voice was palpable, and Isera felt a surge of empathy for the woman’s plight.

Isera glanced back at the men, her expression hardening.

In a low voice, she muttered a spell under her breath, the air around her shimmering with magic. The ice would slowly begin to encase their bodies, a fate she knew would bring them a slow and painful death. It was a fitting punishment for the fear and suffering they had inflicted on others.

“They won’t any longer,” Isera assured her, turning her gaze to the woman with determination. “Maybe you can help me, then. Which room would have a collection of old antiques? I was told the Empress enjoys history.”

Mariane nodded, her trust in Isera evident despite the circumstances. “She does. I’ll show you,’ she replied, her tone shifting from fear to a sense of purpose. The tension between them eased slightly as they shared a common goal, united against the threats that loomed in the palace.

Isera grabbed her mask and swiftly retrieved the key from the man's pocket, following Mariane as she led the way. The servant paused at the doorway, glancing back with a knowing look. “I did not see you,” she said, a hint of understanding in her voice. “Nor I you,” Isera replied, closing the door behind her with a decisive click.

Inside, the room was filled with objects that pulsed with various magical energies, each telling a story of its own. However, the brightest glow emanated from the back, drawing Isera closer. She rushed toward it, her heart racing as she recognized the object—a circlet, elven-made and imbued with magic. Just as she reached for it, a loud bell chimed, echoing through the palace and snapping her back to reality. The dances were about to begin, and the urgency of the evening pressed in on her.

Isera quickly slipped the circlet onto her head, feeling its magic resonate with her own. She rushed out of the room, adjusting her mask just as she entered one of the vestibules. Her eyes landed on the elven woman she had helped earlier, now fully clothed and returning to her duties. Their gazes met, and Isera offered a subtle nod of acknowledgment, a silent promise of solidarity before she turned and made her way toward the ballroom.

The atmosphere shifted as she approached, the sounds of laughter and music growing louder, pulling her into the vibrant heart of the celebration. With each step, her resolve strengthened, ready to navigate the intricacies of the evening ahead.

Isera calmly walked into the ballroom, her heart steady despite the swirling excitement around her. The dance was about to begin, and she quickly spotted the Grand Duke’s sister, Florianne, as she pulled her brother away into a conversation that seemed both animated and intimate.

Scanning the room, Isera's gaze landed on Solas, who stood at the edge of the railing, overlooking the dance floor. His posture was relaxed, yet there was an intensity in his expression as he observed the festivities, as if he were contemplating the significance of it all. Isera felt a pull toward him, a desire to bridge the distance between them amidst the grandeur of the evening.

Isera walked up to Solas, her heart racing slightly as she approached him. He glanced at her with an air of disinterest, his expression inscrutable. “Did you enjoy your time away?” he asked, his words flat and devoid of warmth.

Isera nodded, a dry smile tugging at her lips. “I most definitely did,” she replied, her tone intentionally curt. She had no desire to elaborate further, feeling the weight of his indifference wash over her. The moment hung between them, charged with unspoken tension as the music of the ballroom swelled around them.

“I’m sure the gentlemen will be joining us soon?” Solas inquired, his tone still flat.

“I'm afraid not,” Isera replied, her gaze drifting to where her brother twirled across the dance floor, seemingly unfazed. “A cold spell hit them, and they are quite ill.”

She paused, a playful glint in her eye as she turned back to him. “Would you care to dance?” she inquired, a challenge lacing her words. The ballroom was alive with movement and music, and she felt a surge of boldness, hoping to draw him out of his contemplative shell.

Solas glanced at her, processing her words with a mixture of intrigue and caution. “Dancing with an apostate? Even as the Inquisitor’s sibling, the court would hardly approve,”he remarked, his tone edged with seriousness. He paused, a flicker of something indecipherable passing through his eyes.

“Perhaps once our goal is complete.” His response was a reminder of the complexities that surrounded them, yet Isera couldn’t shake the feeling that he was holding back, caught between duty and desire.

As the dancing came to a close, Isera turned to head back toward the location of the advisors. Before she could approach them, Banreas caught her arm, his expression serious. “Isera, we’re heading into the elven quarters. There have been some issues reported there.”

Isera nodded, a smile playing on her lips despite the gravity of the situation. “I will inform them of your moment of absence. But do be quick,” she replied, a teasing lilt in her voice. The familiarity of their banter brought a sense of comfort amidst the evening's unfolding chaos

Her brother resurfaced an hour later, and Isera stood with the advisors as he relayed his findings. “Briala attempted to murder a servant who knew about her relationship with the Empress,” he began, his voice steady but laden with urgency. The atmosphere shifted as the gravity of his words sank in.

“The Grand Duke has his men posted secretly throughout the building,” he continued, glancing at each advisor to gauge their reactions. “His sister is vying for the throne, and as for Celene… she had a man tied to the bedpost.” Isera exchanged glances with the advisors, the implications of Banreas's report setting the stage for a whirlwind of political maneuvering. The web of intrigue deepened, and she could sense the tension in the air as they braced themselves for the challenges ahead.

“And,” Banreas added, his voice tinged with disappointment, “we were unable to locate the elven artifact. We don’t have time to search the rest of the palace.” The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, a reminder of the urgency pressing upon them.

The advisors exchanged concerned glances, the stakes of their mission becoming increasingly clear. Isera felt a knot tighten in her stomach, understanding the implications of their failure to retrieve such an important item. The night was fraught with tension, and she knew they needed a plan to move forward.

For a moment, the advisors bickered about their next steps, their voices overlapping in a frantic murmur. “Wait here, Cullen. I’m going to have a word with the Grand Duchess,” Banreas announced, determination etched on his face. Cullen's eyes widened in panic.  “What? There’s no time! The Empress will begin her speech any moment!”

Isera remained silent, her heart racing. She made no move to indicate that she had indeed found the artifact; there was no time for that. Banreas was already rushing off toward the ballroom, where the Empress was soon to be at risk of assassination. The weight of the moment pressed down on her, urgency fueling her resolve as she prepared to follow him.

Grand Duchess Florianne was just beginning her ascent to see the Empress when Banreas leaped from the railing onto the banister, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. The court gasped collectively at the audacity of his stunt, eyes widening in shock and surprise. The atmosphere shifted, a mix of intrigue and disbelief rippling through the crowd as all attention turned to him, curious about his unexpected interruption.

“We owe the court one more show, Your Grace,” Banreas announced with a smirk, his voice light and teasing. Florianne turned gracefully, her composure unwavering despite the sight of him perched on the banister. “Inquisitor,” she acknowledged, her tone smooth and unflustered.

As Banreas began ascending the steps, he added, “The eyes of every noble in the empire are upon us, Your Grace. Remember to smile.” His playful tone contrasted sharply with the weight of the moment, a reminder of the performance they were all part of in this intricate game of power and perception.

It was well into the twilight as the companions made their way back to the château, the air buzzing with the echoes of the night's tumultuous events. Empress Celene had handed the Grand Duchess over to the Inquisition, leaving them to deal with her, while simultaneously arranging for the Grand Duke's execution. In a bold move, she named Briala the Marquise of the Dales, solidifying her position in the political landscape.

As it turned out, the two men Isera had dispatched were minor nobles with land in the Dales, and their murders had been conveniently blamed on the magic of the Venatori. Orlais stood strong that night, united in its support for the Inquisition. The Empress had even gone so far as to donate the land to the Inquisition, a gesture that promised to strengthen their influence and resources moving forward.

Banreas let out a yawn, the exhaustion of the evening settling in. “Too bad we didn’t find that artifact,” he remarked, a hint of disappointment threading through his voice. Despite the victories they had secured, the absence of the artifact loomed over him like a shadow, a reminder of the mission that had slipped through their fingers.

“Like I said, boss. Too much magic at play,” Iron Bull replied, attempting to stretch out his massive frame as they made their way back. His voice was gruff but tinged with a hint of camaraderie. The evening's events had been filled with intrigue and danger, and he seemed eager to shake off the tension that had hung in the air. “We’ll just have to keep our eyes peeled for the next opportunity.”

Isera hummed playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Oh, you mean like this elven artifact?” With a flourish, she removed her mask, revealing the circlet nestled in her hair. The shimmering artifact caught the fading twilight light, casting a radiant glow that momentarily silenced the group. A sense of triumph radiated from her as she met their astonished expressions, a reminder that even in a night filled with chaos, she had secured a piece of their mission.

How did you—

“She’s a thief!” Sera's laughter erupted in the carriage, bright and infectious, as she playfully punched Iron Bull in the arm.

“Orlesian men have elven fetishes,” Isera shrugged, a broad, mischievous smile spreading across her face. Banreas stared blankly at her, the memory of his meeting with the Empress flooding back—two minor lords frozen solid in a bedroom filled with sex toys, all in the east wing. “You killed people over this?” he snapped, pulling away from his sister as if her words were a physical blow. The weight of the situation hung heavily in the air, the jovial mood shifting as Banreas grappled with the implications of her actions.

Isera recoiled, shaking her head emphatically. “Not for this!” she shouted, her voice rising in defiance. The playful banter evaporated in an instant, replaced by a fierce determination in her eyes. “I didn’t kill them for a stupid fetish! They were a threat, and I did what I had to do!” Her words hung in the air, filled with conviction and the weight of her choices.

“Then why?” he demanded, his voice firm and commanding. In that moment, he was acting as the Inquisitor, not her brother, the weight of leadership evident in his gaze.

Isera paused, feeling the intensity of his scrutiny. “Because they were using their power to manipulate and threaten others,” she replied, her voice steady but tinged with frustration. “It wasn’t just about them being nobles; they had crossed a line, and I won’t stand by while people like us are treated as less than human.” The conviction in her words echoed in the carriage, challenging his perspective while affirming her resolve.

Isera stared at him, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “Because they were hurting people. Trying to leave them dead and desperate on the inside. Our people. Banreas, I know you would shed no tears for flat ears, but I would help them.” Her voice was hot and offended, the intensity of her emotions radiating between them. “And, honestly, do you plan on giving me a morality speech, given your own deeds?”

The challenge in her words hung in the air, the weight of their shared history and the choices they had both made pressing down on them. Isera's gaze held steady, refusing to back down from the confrontation."

The carriage came to a halt, and Isera forced herself out first, her anger boiling beneath the surface as she stormed inside the château. Frustration coursed through her; the Inquisition wanted the damned artifact, yet Banreas had unleashed a bloodbath of Venatori to protect their interests. But when she had killed two men who sought to harm one of their own, regardless of their beliefs, somehow she was the one deemed in the wrong.

The injustice of it all weighed heavily on her, igniting a fire within her as she moved through the halls, determined to prove her worth in a world that seemed intent on dismissing her actions. Her heart pounded, fueled by a mix of indignation and resolve, as she prepared to face whatever awaited her inside.

Isera spent the next few minutes pacing her room, her frustration manifesting in restless movements. She mumbled to herself, words tumbling out in a mix of indignation and confusion.

The walls felt like they were closing in as she replayed the events in her mind, grappling with the conflict between her choices and the judgments of those around her. Each step echoed her growing determination to find her place within the Inquisition, even as her anger simmered just beneath the surface.

There was a loud knock at the door, and Isera spun around, throwing it open with the intention of confronting Banreas. Instead, she found Solas standing outside, her mask held delicately in his hands.

They stared at each other for a moment, the air thick with unspoken words. Isera could hear her heart pounding in her ears, the sound amplifying the tension between them. His expression was unreadable, but there was a softness in his gaze that made her breath catch. In that instant, everything else faded away, leaving just the two of them standing on the threshold of understanding.

“I believe this is yours,” Solas stated, raising the mask slightly for her to take. Isera cocked her head to the side, studying him for a brief moment. Instead of reaching for the mask, she stepped back and opened the door wider, inviting him inside.

The gesture felt significant, a silent invitation that spoke volumes about her desire for connection amidst the turmoil. Solas hesitated for a heartbeat before stepping over the threshold, the atmosphere shifting as the door closed behind him, sealing them in a space where the outside world and its judgments faded away.

Wordlessly, Solas walked into the room, and Isera shut the door behind him, her gaze locked onto his. She found him intoxicating, the air thick with unacknowledged tension. He placed the mask gently on the side table, and they began to circle each other, the space between them charged with a desire that had long been ignored.

Solas loosened his cuff links, the movement fluid and deliberate, before bowing slightly, an invitation for her to come closer. It was a dance, the one they had missed at the ball, a moment suspended in time where the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them in this intimate space

Isera moved towards him, and Solas’s hand enveloped hers, his fingers lacing with hers in a comforting grip. His free hand pressed against her lower back, pulling her close, and she gasped as her chest collided with his. The warmth radiating from him sent a thrill through her, and she placed her hand against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart.

As he began to lead, her steps felt awkward against his, but Solas was patient. He slowed his movements, guiding her gently as he silently taught her the steps. The dance became a conversation without words, each sway and shift drawing them closer, weaving a connection that transcended their earlier conflicts.

His eyes looked different tonight, but Isera was too captivated to notice why. Solas twirled her around effortlessly before drawing her close again, their bodies fitting together like pieces of a puzzle.

She found herself staring at his lips, a hunger rising within her to taste them. Though she would never openly admit it, she had felt an attraction to him from the moment she arrived in Skyhold. As his hand traveled from her lower back to the nape of her neck, she held her breath, anticipation thrumming in the air between them.

With deft fingers, he began to remove the pins from her hair, each one falling to the ground with soft clinks. He laced his fingers through her hair, his nails grazing her scalp as he gently pulled her down, his gaze locked on hers. In that moment, the world outside faded, leaving only the two of them suspended in a dance of longing and connection.

Isera let out a soft moan, a fire igniting in her belly—she wanted him. Solas responded instantly, his mouth consuming hers, using her cry to his advantage. His tongue slid into her mouth, quick and inviting, flicking against hers as if to coax her deeper into the kiss.

Isera melted into him, responding earnestly as she pulled him closer, nipping playfully at his lower lip.

A low growl of pleasure escaped him, reverberating through their connection. They danced toward the edge of the bed, and with a gentle but firm push, Solas lowered her onto the soft mattress, the world outside their embrace fading into oblivion.

He stares down at her watching as she begins unclipping the clasp at her neck. He has already started unbuttoning his shirt, letting it fall to the ground. His skin looks soft in the moonlight. She traces the light scars that have long since healed on his chest with her eyes. The boots he wore are left on the floor of the bed as he climbs above her into bed.

His face is stoic, but Isera see there is a hunger in his eyes that makes her ache for him. His mouth trails down her neck as one hand traces up her leg, pushing her dress up to her waist.

Solas traces his fingers against the wetness between her legs causing her to moan in desire. She bucks against his fingers wanting more of him. He moves his hand away, ignoring her protest, and begins to unlace the bodice of her dress.

Once free, his tongue makes quick work of her nipples. His tongue is warm against her skin as he swirls tongue around the erect bud. He begins sucking on them, moving between the two, as he presses his fingers against her heat once more. He starts making a circular motion, enjoying the feeling as she squirms and moans in pleasure beneath him. She makes a whining mewl as he moves too slowly for her. She bucks into his hand again begging for more.

Solas grins as he slides his two fingers into her. Her hands grasp the bed sheets as his fingers pump faster. Her wavy black hair is sprawled against the bed and stuck to her face. The moonlight bounces against her gleaning copper skin given her an ethereal look about her. Solas is enchanted with her.

Isera makes a noise of protest as she grabs his wrist, stopping his fingers from going back inside her. She licks her lips as she takes his fingers into her mouth, her tongue swirling around his finger. She sucks on his fingers before releasing the with a loud ‘pop.’ Isera grins as she rolls him onto his back and straddles him. She slows her hips as she grinds against him enjoying his hardness. Solas breathes out, his dick pulsing against her.

His fingers trace up her torso, cupping her breasts and pushing them together. He is rubbing her nipples between his fingers as she bucks her hips against him. She slowly removes her dress that is still hanging from her waist. She is naked before him, and he groans with each roll of her hips. His hands slid down to her waist as he presses her harder into him. She moves and deftly unstrings his pants, pulling them lower relieving his hardening dick.

Isera licks her lips as she grabs him and slowly begins to tease him with her hand. She presses herself against him, her wetness arousing him more. Solas grabs her and holds her still. He angles himself to slide into her and slowly brings her onto him. Isera moans loudly as he fills her. She quickly adjusts to having him inside of her as she begins to ride him. His hands are tight on her hips as he presses her harder onto him with each roll of her hips. He groans with pleasure as he feels her tighten around him before a cry release from her lips.

She relaxes for a moment at the release, and he uses this to flip her onto her back. Isera gasps at the change in position. But Solas moves quickly, and he is back inside her thrusting into her with heighten need. She wraps her legs around his waist as she meets his thrusts. She drags her nails up his back, and it drives him to thrust faster and faster. She moans louder with each push. She comes again, and he comes inside her. He rolls to the side of her, breathing hard as he closes his eyes.

Isera stares at him for a moment, still catching her breath, before rolling over and crawling under the blankets. She tugs at his arm, beckoning him to join her. He pulls back the sheets and slides in next to her. Isera pulls him closer, snuggling into his side, playfully nipping at his shoulder. Solas chuckles as he wraps his arm around her.

Sleep came quickly for both of them, enveloping them in a cocoon of warmth and intimacy. The world outside faded away, leaving only the soft sound of their breaths mingling in the quiet room. In each other's arms, they found solace, drifting into dreams that intertwined with the magic of the night.

[honourablejester]

Numenera Character Concept

Okay. So the Dungeon Dudes recently did a video on 5 non-D&D ttrpgs they played in 2023, and one of the ones they mentioned was Numenera, from the Cypher System. And I’ve been curious about that for a while because the Fast Character online character builder (throws up quick pre-gens for D&D 5e) also supports the Cypher System, and the whole concept of the character descriptors intrigued me. I can choose to be a ‘craven’ character, and that has mechanical impact. That’s fascinating. So I decided to browse this system/setting a bit. I got the Numenera Players Guide pdf (the Cypher System Core book and the two Numenera Core setting books will have to wait until I have more free cash). Just, you know. To see.

And, first thing. I do like this setting. It’s a science fantasy setting where the whole is a billion years old and all the ‘magic’ comes from ancient lost nanotechnology from previous civilisations that no one understands or often even knows exists anymore. The whole concept of the setting is that your characters are exploring a strange, deadly world littered with the ruins and ancient unknown magic/technology of previous lost civilisations. Artefacts of that technology are a main gameplay element, as ‘cyphers’, one shot artefacts that produce effects, are things your character constantly discovers and equips, along with ‘artifacts’ (multi-use objects) and ‘oddities’ (weird little bits and bobs, like ancient photo displays and doorbells and other weird bits of junk).

Also, the emphasis is, at least from the descriptions, on exploration and discovery, not combat. You don’t get XP from combat or killing things, you get XP from dealing with complications and problems your DM throws your character mid-flow, and from your party’s overall actions and what they’ve discovered. That’s cool to me. I’ve mentioned before that I really want a game experience that’s about exploration, so this system/setting already sounds awesome. So.

The book I got is mostly a 64-page player facing character creation guide, with a little bit of preface on the system and the setting. Judging from the options as compared to Fast Character, this are very much the core, basic, PHB sort of character options. Just your essentials. But. Something did immediately catch my eye. And not the descriptors. A character focus instead, actually.

Characters in Cypher follow the pattern of an [adjective] [noun] who [verbs]. The noun is your character type, essentially your class, there’s 3 options in this book, the adjective is your character descriptor, or personality, and the verb is your character focus, the thing they do in the world, which can be wild. You’ve got options like ‘Works the Back Alleys’ and ‘Carries a Quiver’, and then ones like ‘Murders’, and then ones like ‘Howls at the Moon’ and ‘Exists Partially Out of Phase’. So the structure is who you are, what you are, and what you do. And. The thing that caught my eye was ‘Wears a Sheen of Ice’. Which is basically an ice mage. Cold damage my under-appreciated beloved. So. Here we go.

Of the three character type options, I am tempted by Jack, the rogue/skilled option, but ice mages are mages, so we’ll go with Nano. And the thing I actually had the hardest time with was the descriptor, despite those being the thing that drew me towards Numenera in the first place, but it came down to two: Tough, and Strong-Willed. Strong-Willed has a flaw/inability that’s tricky for me, on a character that wants to explore, in that it’s harder for a strong-willed character to solve puzzles and use/remember lore, which feels weird for a high-intellect explorer character, but … I’ll do Tough on a different character. For my ice mage, I feel like being stubborn.

So. Juvenna Rorkh, a Strong-Willed Nano who Wears A Sheen of Ice.

As a Tier 1, starting Nano, with everything added up, I’ll have a Might Pool of 10, a Speed Pool of 10, and an Intellect Pool of 18. I’ll have an Effort of 1, an Intellect Edge of 1, and Might and Speed Edges of 0. I can bear 3 cyphers at a time, I’m practiced with light weapons, and I’m trained in understanding, or at least attempting to understand, the numenera (the cyphers/artefacts/etc).

For my Nano background, the source of my abilities … Forbidden Knowledge is tempting, given exploration, but we’re not Learned or Intelligent, we’re Strong-Willed. We don’t like things to be fussy or complicated. No piecing together information and puzzles. No, I think we’re going to be Psionic. We interface with the mystical nano-machines of this world by raw force of will. And I think we gained our psionic abilities from the suggested ‘natural result of extreme exposure to technology’. We got flooded by a nanite cloud, maybe not an Iron Wind, but definitely some concentration of nano-machines, and our raw stubborn kicked on and helped us survive and take some of them with us.

For my background connection, I decided to roll on the table, and the result was that I trained for a while with a group of Aeon Priests, presumably to develop my psionics, and they still regard me pretty fondly.

For my two starting esoteries (magic powers from technology), I could go Ward, for a +1 to Armour, since I don’t have any yet, but I’ll get Ice Armour from Wears a Sheen of Ice, which is also a +1 for 10mins. I could still take Ward, because they stack. But. I want Onslaught (basically an energy attack), for an offensive option, plus something for my Ice Esoteries to change to cold damage. And I want Scan, because I do still want some exploration-focused options. So. Maybe we’ll get a chance to pick up Ward later.  

I also get 3 GM-chosen starting cyphers, and a starting oddity.

From Strong-Willed, I got a +4 to my Intellect Pool that brought me up to 18. I’m trained in resisting mental effects, and in tasks that require focus or concentration, but the difficulty of any task that involves figuring out puzzles or problems, memorizing things, or using lore is increased by one step.

And from my Sheen of Ice, I get a nice stronglass weapon that looks like ice. I get Ice Esoteries, which influences any other esoteries I might have to be ice-themed if possible. My minor/major effects when I roll a 19/20 will have ice themes as well, the suggestion is for minor to produce slippery ice around the target to make footing dangerous, and the major to coat them in ice for a minute, making everything they try 1 step more difficult. And I get Ice Armour, which will coat my body in a sheen of ice when I wish it, giving me a +1 to Armour for the duration, I feel no discomfort from normal cold enviroments, and I get an extra +2 to Armour against cold damage specifically (I’m not sure if that’s total +2 against cold, or +2 extra after the base +1).

You also get a connection to the other players from your focus, and I love the one from Wears a Sheen of Ice. I get to pick one member of my party and, due to a weird quirk on the part of the numenera/nanites that give me my powers, if they’re standing next to me when I ice-armour up, they also get the benefits of my Ice Armour. So, like. One of your buddies, your nanites just like them. I love that.

So. Juvenne Rorkh. A highly intelligence, pig-stubborn, single-minded psionic ice mage, who doesn’t like things to be fussy or complicated, and whose nanites are weirdly fond of one person in particular. My first attempt at a Numenera character.

[cinning-at-midnight]

ATTENTION! SPOILERS FOR UNDER THE OAK TREE BOOK 7 UNDER THE BREAK...

LAST WARNING!

Read the whole e-book series (and support the Author Suji Kim) by reading the Manwa Webtoon series or purchasing the written books for download here:

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

So, this most recently published web novel is the START of season 2, and emotions have been high.

Maxi takes an agreement from a high mage at the Mage Tower, which will allow her to essentially graduate a year early. She has high prowess in Earth and Water elements and receives an Earth rune for her assistance on an expedition.

Nobody at the Mage Tower knew of her title as Lady Calypse, that was, until the group of travelers made a pit stop in Anatol. With them, were the Temple Knights, assigned by the church to protect the mages, as they are treated like a marginalized group, as their abilities are much needed in all the kingdoms.

With her return to Anatol (albeit a brief one), she learns that Riftan has been called to another battlefield and is not home. Discouraged, Maxi finds that Riftan was keeping her letters to him over the last three years (and some prior) safely locked in a chest by the bed. She finds comfort and hope in this discovery, despite their long separation caused by the feud with her father.

What we know of their relationship thus far, has been conflict after conflict with emotional vulnerability being their weakest point, mutually. Riftan wants to protect and serve her, with her never lifting a finger or being at risk. Maxi wants to find herself outside of the prison walls that were her fathers' castle, and discover what her place truly is in life.

By matter of, again conflict, Maxi was forced into joining the Mage Tower and studying there for three years (potentially four), in order to protect Riftan from his own self-destruction.

Back to book 7, our couple finally reunites because Riftan gets word of Maxi's brief return, and learns that she's part of an expedition traveling through monster-ridden paths. Their first encounter leaves Maxi feeling iced out by Riftan's cold stare. She pines for him and serves him meals but he spends weeks giving her short gruff responses and ushering her to safety away from him.

When the book is reaching it's conclusion, the couple has not reconciled yet.

Do not despair!

Listen, I know Maxi needs growth because she's spent her whole life being shrunken inside of herself afraid to even speak. However, while she spent three years doing everything she could in order to allow herself growth and to protect the man she loves, Riftan spent three years locking his heart in a chest (the letters) and building up Anatol to be a large city popular for merchants. Great progress but it's not emotional or spiritual growth.

Now, at the end of our story, Maxi has given up chasing after the bull-headed Riftan. Stubborn as he was, she felt he did not earn her efforts and that if he was truly disinterested in her, she would stop embarrassing herself in front of the other mages (some of whom are her friends).

Riftan starts to notice the changes within her and begins looking after her more closely. Appearing from behind without so much as a word, draping a fur coat on her shoulders. Giving her his attention in ways that are protective and endearing... But are they necessarily the actions of a lover?

Great conflict is needed for great change to occur and I believe book 8 will be a page-turning story of battles and emotional growth and reconciliation. Better yet, compromise, from our most stubborn knight!

I know I am eagerly waiting to see what Suji Kim has up her sleeve for the continuation of the second season!

[gryptids]

do all your ocs know each other or do they have subgroups?

EEE thank u for asking!! The OCs I tag for on Tumblr generally fall into three universes/stories. (Also I had to rewrite this like 3 times bcuz Tumblr's ctrl+z function is broken and I kept doing it reflexively, so apologies if this makes no sense lol)

As The World Caves In (#culecore): A 70s-inspired eldritch horror romcom about a woman on the verge of a nervous breakthrough. When a one-night stand leads to world-shattering revelations about her connection to a distant eldritch god, Cara (far left) must confront love, loss, forgiveness, and her community in order to halt an impending apocalypse. Dealing with centuries of relationship drama from her demigod paramours is just the icing on the cake. Messy, queer, and unapologetically indulgent, this is essentially a creative sandbox that I play in almost 24/7!! I love smashing together these terrible little bitches like dolls :]

From left to right we have Carolyn Klein (main character, cuntress supreme, can easily whip a dish that will bring you to tears), Saoirse Ross (not-really-tortured artist, grappling with the world's most protracted identity crisis, eldritch splinter of Chaos), Jude Collins (walking Leyendecker illustration, Captain Autismo, eldritch splinter of Light), and Victor Ward (depressed line cook energy, massive flirt, eldritch splinter of Void).

Threads of Gossamer and Glass (#tgg): A high fantasy political thriller about what comes after survival, reinventing your mind upon meeting someone new, and trying to not break the world in half a second time. This is a novel-length work I'm currently working on, which means I have a novel-style blurb for it LOL:

"Maria has worked her entire life to secure a seat in the Artea Crea, an artist's guild that serves as the highest governing body in her home nation of Trevigi. But when her sister's illegal magical abilities are discovered, she's given an impossible choice; play diplomat in a suicide mission to a land of savage mages, or see her sister hanged. However, Maria quickly discovers that there's more to Peykangraz that meets the eye; deadly games of magic and politics, a mountain range that appears to be shifting, and a powerful mage who is as confounding as he is alluring. With every new ally, deal, and discovery, she begins to glimpse the buried truth that lies between the land and her mission. But what is she willing to risk -- and to lose -- in pursuing what she believes in?"

(art by the lovely @dying_anniris on Twitter!!)

&Lavender (#&lav): In a story that extrapolates the machinations of the fae courts onto high-class mob politics, Lav finds themself walking the razor edge between worlds when their quiet life collides with the unknown. As a jeweler specializing in intricate gem faceting, Lav creates flashy pieces for humans and fae alike, performing humanity for their clients through a combination of glamour magic and ascerbic wit. The Courts ignore them, and they ignore them right back. As a wyldfae -- too unimportant to be considered Seelie or Unseelie -- they're used to the lack of interest. But when a dangerous artifact comes into their possession, they must risk everything and forge an alliance with a member of the Unseelie Court to protect it. What follows is a saga of lust, destruction, and all the terrible things that happen when you understand how much you're truly worth.

Plus, I've got a few miscellaneous OCs (including Beverly, a waifish Texas cannibal, and Ariadne, a vampiric Oath of Conquest paladin) who fall into their own individual universes! Together they form the Insane Blood-Splattered Women Brigade <3

TYSM for asking!!! I love the chance to talk abt my guys... feel free 2 ask more questions abt them if you're curious!!!!

[wanderlustknightofmagic]

Are you never in the mood Rain?

Rain pulls out a spray bottle and was able to spritz the grey before pausing and then sighing. "I have been, I can be, and I know I'm capable of such, I just tend to be more reserved about it. I also don't ever plan on showing such while I'm in public." There was a pause. "Though some... 'unnamed parties' have so very 'kindly convinced' me about... There is nothing wrong with it, neither feeling it in public, or acting on it. It's perfectly natural and shouldn't be shamed." Another pause. "HOWEVER. There is a time and place for it. If it's allowed in a public setting and space, or encouraged by those who rule the land, then don't let me be the person to stop you from engaging in such. If it's not? Don't be 'that person'."

[wanderlustknightofmagic]

The knight gave a small inhale, small smile, and clasped his hands together before clearing his throat and beginning. "All I asked was if you needed assistance carrying what you were. I never had any doubts about your strength, my own mother can still lift me to this day... with my armor on... and me actively trying to free myself from her grasp. At this point, if anyone ever doubts someone from a task due to their gender or size, I pity them for they are in for the shock of a life-time. That said, I am slightly curious, but also quite... startled? I... I don't know how I feel actually. Specially since... I'm pretty sure that rod was not hallow on the inside. This is the first time, in all my years of traveling, that I've ever witnessed something like this... so thank you for the experience."

“Want to see how strong I am?” Sothis questioned. In her hands was a thick metal rod, which she put in her mouth. And seconds later, tore it apart simply with her sharp teeth.

“Want another demonstration or are you impressed?”

[dailycharacteroption]

Energy Scientist (Alchemist Archetype)

 Though your average alchemist knows that what substances can be broken down into pure “elements” is much bigger than a poetic four or five, there is no denying that the elemental planes exist, and that those environs and the energies associated with them are very real.

Indeed, how those realms interact with the material world, as well as the unique substances that can only be found there, hold a certain mystery and mystique for alchemists looking to understand the chemistry and physics of the wider multiverse.

These so-called energy scientists (not to be confused with the energists of two weeks ago, though their focus is somewhat similar) devote themselves to mastering and understanding the four elemental planes, and potentially any others that may exist as well, attuning themselves to those elements to better understand them, as well as utilize and protect themselves from them.

This attunement ties back into the First Edition paradigm of how alchemists attune their personal magical aura to their concoctions to give them power, something that the Second Edition alchemist lacks. Even still, this flexibility can prove quite useful, but it has limitations which we will soon discuss.

 Each day, when preparing their concoctions, these alchemists choose an element, be it air, earth, fire, or water. Their bombs become charged with the corresponding energy type, be it electricity, acid, fire, or cold respectively. However, they still can use discoveries that let them change their bombs to a different element, but changing the element in this way reduces the potency of the bomb, dealing less harm.

Their focus on the energies themselves also means they prepare less extracts each day. What’s more, when they are attuned to an element, they cannot prepare extracts that utilize other elements or energies. For example, when attuned to water and cold, they could not prepare an extract that lets them breathe fire.

Additionally, when so attuned, their bodies, minds, and reflexes become more prepared to resist those elements and energies as well, a resistance that only grows as they do. Later on, this grows strong enough to ward them from the effects of the elemental planes.

Finally, these alchemists have a knack for extracting rare elements from the bodies of slain elementals, allowing them to create mundane alchemical weapons from them. Alchemist fire for fire and magma elementals, bottled lightning from air and lightning elementals, deadground dust from earth and mud elementals, and liquid ice from water and ice elementals.

Interested in playing with an alchemist built for the elemental planes? This archetype might be for you. The flexibility of their elements means they can gear themselves for different foes each day. I would recommend spending money on extracts of different elements so you have options each day. As for your discoveries, you can go heavy on bomb modifiers so you can switch to other elements if you find yourself in a bad matchup, or focus on non-bombing options so you don’t have to rely on your explosives.

 Of course, the only thing that these alchemists don’t have is an actual way to travel the planes on their own, requiring them to have a powerful mage friend or access to a network of portals to travel the planes. However, even without this, they can still be compelling characters. Consider the energy scientist who struggles in the early days of their adventures, eager to seek out any scrap of elemental lore and encounter that comes their way until the time they can finally travel to those planes for themselves and their research.

  Lifetime after lifetime, the samsaran Jirandi returns to their magnum opus, a cataloguing of all the energies and substances of the elemental planes, as well as their properties. They have been a mighty elementalist mage, a shapeshifter with elemental forms, and more. Their most recent incarnation is that of an alchemist, and they are seeking to return to their hidden laboratory, and are in need of an escort they can trust to not betray and pillage the many secrets within.

 In the Blasted Depths, there are crystals that gleam with a killing light. Many an alchemist interested in the element of earth has traveled there attempting to harvest them, and many more have perished, rising again as glowing dead things, who themselves are a spreading blight.

 A magma elemental’s sulferous heart, an air elemental’s song trapped in resin, and an ice elemental’s blood. Rare and impossible ingredients to some, but the Market of Wonders offers these and more. Seeking this travelling market of the planes is difficult, but for any elementalists regardless of discipline, it is worth seeking out. They say this year an especially rare option, a bottled genie’s wish, is up for auction too.

[thedragonsprincecomic]

✨🔮 Hey Tumblr fam! Let's dive into a world of enchantment and explore some fascinating types of magical magics! ✨🌟

🔥 Fire Magic: Harnessing the power of flames, fire magic ignites with intensity and passion. It can be both destructive and transformative, embodying the essence of creation and destruction.

🌳 Wood Magic: Rooted in nature, wood magic connects with the ancient wisdom of trees and plants. It resonates with growth, healing, and harmony, allowing wielders to communicate with the spirits of the forest.

💧 Water Magic: Flowing with the currents, water magic taps into the ebb and flow of emotions. It grants control over the tides, healing properties, and the ability to shape water to the mage's will.

🌍 Earth Magic: Grounded and resilient, earth magic draws strength from the very essence of the planet. It grants the power to manipulate soil, rocks, and minerals, as well as communicate with creatures of the earth.

⚙️ Metal Magic: Forging a connection with metal, this magic allows manipulation of alloys, shaping metals with precision, and even bestowing enchanted properties. It embodies strength, durability, and craftsmanship.

🌑 Darklighter Magic: Balancing light and shadow, darklighter magic dances on the edge of duality. It grants the power to manipulate shadows, create illusions, and tap into the mysterious forces of the night.

🌈 Rainbow's Cosmic Magic: Bursting with vibrant hues, cosmic magic channels the energy of the universe. It weaves together the power of the stars, planets, and celestial bodies, allowing wielders to manipulate cosmic forces.

🐠 Fish Magic: Immersed in the depths of the ocean, fish magic grants the ability to communicate with marine life, control water currents, and even transform into aquatic creatures.

🎣 Fisherman's Magic: Bound to the world of fishing, this magic enhances skills in angling, providing knowledge of the best spots, predicting fish behavior, and even summoning magical fishing tools.

❄️ Iced Magic: Embracing the frigid chill, iced magic commands the power of ice and frost. From creating ice constructs to manipulating temperature, it brings a sense of enchanting cold to the world.

⚫ Black Iced Magic: A darker and more mysterious variant of iced magic, black iced magic delves into the realm of shadows and frozen darkness. It embodies icy coldness with an eerie twist.

🔒 Copyright Magic: A unique and modern form of magic, copyright magic safeguards intellectual creations. It shields original works, ensures fair use, and even punishes those who infringe upon creative rights.

📀 Bootlegger's Magic: A mischievous and secretive magic, bootlegger's magic allows the creation and manipulation of counterfeit items. It encompasses illusions, sleight of hand, and the art of deception.

🐀 Rat Magic: Embracing the cunning nature of rodents, rat magic grants control over these creatures. It allows communication with rats, summoning swarms, and even transforming into a rat form.

⏳ Spacetime Magic: Manipulating the very fabric of reality, spacetime magic bends the laws of physics. It grants the power to teleport, manipulate time, and journey through different dimensions.

🔬 Science-Magic: Merging the worlds of science and magic, this hybrid discipline explores the boundaries of what is possible. It combines scientific principles with mystical energies, unlocking new realms of discovery.

🧚‍♀️ Fairytale Magic: Stepping straight out of storybooks, fairytale magic enchants with whimsy and wonder. It brings fairy godmothers, talking animals, and magical transformations to life, reminding us of the power of imagination.

✨🌟 These are just a few glimpses into the vast tapestry of magical magics that exist in our imagination. So, let your dreams soar and your creativity flow, and imagine the endless possibilities of the mystical realms! ✨🔮

[dowonnn]

I Pioneered Scientific Magic - Chapter 2

‘Fantasy world?’

In the face of something as extraordinary as magic, Linn's natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge overcame the fear instilled by being pursued by the Inquisition.

The allure of the arcane arts beckoned him, igniting a deep-seated desire to explore this newfound realm of wonder.

Despite the ever-looming threat of the Inquisition, Linn's insatiable appetite for discovery eclipsed his fear.

Having spent just over half a year as a sorcerer's apprentice, Karl's understanding of magic was still in its infancy, encompassing only a handful of spells.

Among his limited repertoire were three fundamental zero-circle spells: [Primary Material Deconstruction], [Water Condensation], and [Mage's Hand].

While these spells held crucial importance in various practical applications, they lacked significant offensive capabilities.

At least at their current level.

Delving into the realm of first-circle magic, Karl had encountered [Fireball], a more advanced spell.

However, its execution required the consumption of specific magical materials, making it somewhat resource-dependent. Another first-circle spell, [Ice Blade], remained beyond his current grasp, eluding his mastery.

Linn carefully inspected the contents of his pouch, taking stock of his limited resources.

His findings included two red firestones, three Sekas silver coins, several bronze coins, seven intricately inscribed drafts of magic formulas, a weathered copy of Elemental Analysis, and a small bag of grey powder—the crucial casting material for the formidable [Fireball] spell, known as the [Embers of Crimson Fire].

Excitement welled up within Linn as he held the small bag of grey powder. Within Karl's memories lay the complete instructions for casting the [Fireball] spell, and Linn was eager to put this knowledge into practice.

With the step-by-step instructions fresh in his mind, Linn meticulously prepared for the casting process. He began by utilizing [Primary Material Deconstruction] to analyze and parse the spell material.

Then, employing [Mage's Hand], he manipulated the [Embers of Crimson Fire], causing them to vibrate at a specific frequency, effectively activating the magic within.

Although the process might seem laborious, the time-consuming aspect of resolving the spell-casting materials could be accomplished in advance.

With sufficient skill and precision, activating the [Fireball] spell could be accomplished in a mere second.

Linn's excitement to unleash this supernatural power surged within him, yet he exercised caution, hesitating to rush into the unknown.

'No. I shouldn't.'

Fully aware of the risks and the potential consequences of his actions, he chose to bide his time, awaiting the opportune moment to wield his magical abilities.

Considering the value of the limited [Embers of Crimson Fire], which amounted to only five Sekas silver coins—just enough for three [Fireball] spells—Linn decided to exercise caution and avoid any unnecessary waste.

After careful contemplation, he settled on [Water Condensation] as the first spell to cast. Regarded as one of the essential zero-circle magics, it held a significant place in the curriculum of apprentice sorcerers.

If [Primary Material Deconstruction] served as the gateway to manipulating magical materials and [Mage's Hand] stood as the invaluable tool for sorcerers, then [Water Condensation] was the introductory lesson that initiated apprentices into the world of magic.

With the basic magic [Water Condensation] and its advanced counterpart [Ice Blade], the process of casting these spells did not require the prior preparation of specific spellcasting materials.

Instead, the required elemental components could be directly extracted from the mystical realm.

Drawing upon the knowledge ingrained in his memory, Linn closed his eyes and entered a state of meditation.

The solid foundation laid by the original Karl proved beneficial, as within a mere two or three seconds, he successfully unlocked the gateway to a new world.

Closing his physical eyes revealed a wondrous sight—a realm teeming with magical energy. Through his spiritual senses, he could perceive that the entire room was suffused with countless shimmering magical elements.

'A billion? Ten billions? Hundred billions?'

Attempting to quantify their number proved futile, for they stretched far beyond human comprehension, akin to an endless expanse of stars scattered across a vast cosmic canvas.

Within this realm of magic, the elements displayed a vibrant dynamism, continuously shifting and reorienting themselves. Among them, the most abundant element was known as [Thalu], comprising approximately 70% of the total elemental presence.

Curiously, Linn recalled that his mentor, Koru, had dismissed [Thalu] as useless.

'Useless?'

After taking a moment to absorb the awe-inspiring spectacle before him, Linn redirected his attention to the practical application of magic. With focused determination, he began to harness the power of the elements.

The process of casting [Water Condensation] involved extracting two specific water-related elements from the elemental world and combining them in a two-to-one ratio.

While one of the elements was relatively abundant, comprising around twenty to thirty percent of the elemental world, the other was rarer and required more effort to locate.

Fortunately, there was a simpler alternative. The elemental world itself contained a small quantity of readily available water elements, which could be harnessed and reassembled using the [Primary Material Deconstruction Technique].

Thanks to the original Karl's unwavering dedication to magic, these fundamental spells had been practiced countless times, resulting in a solid foundation. Therefore, Linn quickly grasped the method after initially experiencing some discomfort.

Strangely enough, this realm of elemental magic felt oddly familiar to him.

As Linn opened his eyes once again, he found a marble-sized mass of water hovering gently in his palm, upheld by the power of [Mage's Hand].

"...It worked?"

Linn's momentary lapse of concentration led to the disintegration of the water mass, which trickled through his fingers. It served as a reminder, akin to a splash of cold water, that he couldn't afford to be complacent with such a minor accomplishment.

As an apprentice sorcerer on the run from the Church, he couldn't afford to lose focus. The small success of conjuring a marble-sized mass of water held no practical value in a battle.

It wouldn't even suffice to quench an enemy's thirst, let alone serve as a weapon or defense.

With the image of Koru's impressive display of [Water Condensation] leading to the powerful [Mass - Ice Blade] still fresh in his mind.

However, he had witnessed his predecessor's mentor, Koru, employing Water Condensation as a preliminary step to unleash the second-circle spell known as [Mass - Ice Blade] against his adversaries.

In an instant, a collection of a dozen fist-sized water spheres swiftly congealed, metamorphosing into sharp ice blades resembling diamonds. These projectiles were swiftly launched towards the approaching bandits, akin to a swarm of locusts in flight.

With a single devastating strike, the encroaching enemy was obliterated!

Inspired by this achievement, Linn was determined to attune himself to the elemental realm and make another attempt.

Due to the merging of memories upon crossing over, Linn's spiritual power became significantly more abundant compared to his original body, Karl. Furthermore, he found himself capable of harnessing a greater amount of magical energy.

Utilizing the [Water Condensation] earlier had exerted only a minimal toll on him, and he sensed that he could achieve even greater feats.

Closing his eyes, Linn delved once again into the realm of elemental forces. This time, he refrained from hastily employing [Water Condensation] and instead sought to employ his spiritual power to influence every element within his vicinity.

These elements possessed a striking diversity in appearance, evoking within Linn a vague sense of familiarity. Some elements felt remarkably weighty, to the point where the slightest manipulation left him mentally fatigued.

Fully immersed in this endeavor, Linn suddenly observed a peculiar phenomenon.

The elements suspended before him gravitated towards his body with an uncanny rhythm, only to be subsequently expelled in an unbroken cycle.

Did it mean that a wizard's physique required a regular intake of these magical elements?

This query abruptly surfaced in Linn's mind. Upon closer scrutiny, he made an even more astounding revelation: the phenomenon was evidently triggered by his own breath...

"Wait a minute. Isn't this oxygen? What's happening?"

Linn experienced a moment of profound perplexity, causing him to involuntarily draw in a sharp breath as the grand and enigmatic image of magical elements shattered before his eyes.

Initially, he had failed to recognize them because he hadn't perceived these elements visually.

Instead, he had sensed them on a more ethereal level through his spiritual power, subsequently utilizing his magic to exert influence...

Furthermore, the composition of chemical elements in the atmosphere of this world varied somewhat from his previous realm. Hence, Linn hadn't even considered this possibility initially.

However, armed with this realization, a fresh explanation emerged for the process of harnessing elements to create water currents that he had undertaken previously.

Water is an inorganic compound composed of two chemical elements: hydrogen and oxygen.

It became evident that the air held a minute quantity of water vapor, possibly representing the elemental water in the context of a wizard's understanding.

So, rather than employing magic, was Linn actually engaging in a pursuit of chemistry?

Did it mean that wizards were essentially a group of chemists?

"Huh?"

Upon reaching this conclusion, Linn experienced a momentary freeze, but he swiftly shook his head in dismissal.

After all, this world contained a mystical force known as magic, and based on the spell he had recently performed, it appeared that magic had the potential to manipulate matter at a microscopic scale.

If there were no constraints, then a sorcerer could attain god-like power.

Drawing from the scientific theories of his previous life, Linn understood that all matter in the world was composed of atoms.

If magic possessed the ability to manipulate matter on such a fundamental level, it had the potential to create or annihilate anything.

"That's..."

Lost in deep contemplation, Linn became acutely aware of the immense potential that would emerge from merging his knowledge of chemistry and physics from his previous life with the power of magic.

If the scientific theories of his past had been geared towards constructing various machinery to shape the world, a sorcerer possessed the ability to directly transmute these theories into magical manifestations, embodying greatness within themselves.

Once again extending his hand, Linn witnessed as the hydrogen and oxygen present in the surrounding air were stripped away and coalesced into a small mass of water, resting in his palm.

However, this prompted some lingering uncertainties within his mind.

Typically, the combination of hydrogen and oxygen to form water involves a combustion reaction. But where did the resulting heat and energy dissipate during this process?

Could it be possible that they were absorbed by the magic itself?

The realm of magic held countless possibilities, and Linn acknowledged that definitive answers to such inquiries could only be sought at a later time, once he had the necessary resources and conditions for experimentation.

If his suspicions were accurate, the underlying purpose of the First Circle spell known as [Ice Blade] was to alter the state of water from a liquid to a solid, thereby heightening its lethality.

To achieve this, the temperature of the water had to be lowered...

Recalling his knowledge of physics from his previous life, Linn recollected that temperature signified the average kinetic energy among molecules within an object, with molecular collisions generating and transferring heat.

This indicated that he needed to decelerate the motion of the water molecules, right?

With a mere thought from Linn, the remarkably lively water molecules within his palm gradually decelerated, compelled by the force of his magic.

They clustered together tightly, and within an instant, the small water mass transformed into a transparent ice crystal.

Amidst Linn's astonishment at the confirmation of his suspicions, a sudden beep resonated within his mind.

[Special energy detected... Source unknown. No records found in the database. Would you like to create a file?]

"Who?"

Linn found himself momentarily stunned, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face.

The voice he heard seemed eerily familiar, all too reminiscent of his past experiences.

However, hadn't he crossed over into a different world? His physical form had been altered, and the auxiliary chip he had once possessed should no longer exist...

"071, is that you?" Linn queried, his voice filled with anticipation. "Do you h knowledge regarding our crossing over? Is there any record within the system?"

In response, the voice intoned, [Due to unknown circumstances, the system experienced a shutdown and subsequent reboot. Consequently, there is no existing record of the said process.]

Linn's expression soured momentarily, disappointment creeping in. Nevertheless, he swiftly regained composure and posed another question.

"How long will the remaining energy sustain your operation?"

Aware of the constant danger surrounding him in this unfamiliar realm, Linn felt compelled to ensure his own survival to the best of his abilities.

The unexpected presence of the auxiliary intelligence was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise.

While the capabilities of his personal implanted auxiliary chip had been restricted due to the Federal Amendment Act, the vast reservoir of technological knowledge stored within 071, thanks to Linn's previous role as a data storer, presented a valuable advantage.

In a world where science and magic intertwined, the significance of such information could not be overstated...

[37.6% energy remaining. Special energy detected, capable of sustaining system operation...]

'Does the special energy... refer to magic power?' Linn pondered, his mind swirling with thoughts.

The awe-inspiring qualities of magic power filled him with profound wonder. If he were still in his previous life, he would have eagerly immersed himself in laboratory experiments.

However, the current circumstances weighed heavily upon him. As a lowly apprentice sorcerer, devoid of wealth and influence, he found himself hunted by the Church.

The uncertainty of whether he would see the sun rise on the morrow loomed over him.

With a sigh, Linn composed himself and spoke with solemn determination.

"071, create a new folder and designate this special energy as magic."

[Loading database...]

Seizing the opportunity, Linn turned his gaze towards the diamond-shaped ice blade suspended in the palm of his hand.

Thanks to the infusion of magical power, this ice blade differed from the solid ice he had encountered in his previous life.

It emanated a constant frigid aura, featuring a tapered, cone-shaped tip and a streamlined overall form.

In fact, it would be more appropriate to describe it as an ice arrow rather than an ice blade.

This particular shape was known as the [Koru configuration], designed to minimize air resistance.

It became evident that Linn's mentor, Koru, possessed a commendable understanding of fluid mechanics...

Linn inwardly sighed, feeling a sense of disappointment. His expression turned slightly puzzled as he compared the ice blade in his hand to the one he had seen Koru unleash in the past.

Surprisingly, the one in his hand appeared smaller.

Despite the higher concentration of hydrogen in the air of this world compared to his previous life, even if Linn were to gather all available hydrogen, it still wouldn't be sufficient to create a substantial amount of water.

Contemplating this, Linn couldn't help but wonder how his mentor had managed to cast the Second Circle Magic, [Mass - Ice Blade].

It seemed implausible that Koru could instantly extract hydrogen, oxygen, and water vapor from a radius of hundreds of meters.

If that were the case, Koru would have no need to cast [Mass - Ice Blades], as his enemies would have perished from oxygen deprivation alone.

"...Then how?"

Momentarily unable to comprehend the mystery, Linn chose not to dwell on it too deeply. Instead, he focused his attention on the ice blades hovering before him, struck by a sudden idea.

"071, retrieve relevant information regarding armor-piercing arrows and barbed arrows," Linn silently commanded within his mind.

In the blink of an eye, a vast stream of data cascaded across his retinas.

Countless images, information, and three-dimensional models flooded his senses, causing his head to momentarily spin.

"Replace the materials with ice and optimize the design for stability, reduced air resistance, and maximum lethality."

As quickly as the images had appeared, they faded away, only to be replaced by a new, pristine three-dimensional graphic within a mere second.

Linn firmly etched the three-dimensional image before him into his memory. With a subtle twist of his right hand, the suspended ice blade disintegrated instantaneously.

Zero Circle Magic - [Primary Matter Deconstruction].

The ice blade, now reduced to its elemental essence, tightened within the grasp of Linn's hand under the influence of magic power.

It underwent constant transformations, gradually aligning itself with the image imprinted on his retina until it reached a stable state.

The reformed ice blade was noticeably narrower than before, and its pointed cone-shaped head had been reshaped into a triclinic form, ideal for piercing armor and inflicting deep wounds.

Two long barbs adorned its underside. It was evident that once this ice blade struck its target and embedded itself into flesh, the opponent would be left speechless with agonizing pleasure.

"Oh, this is nice."

The success of the magic improvement experiment infused Linn with a renewed sense of hope for his survival.

However, he recognized the limitations of [Ice Blade], realizing that achieving significant further enhancements would prove challenging even with shape optimization.

With this in mind, Linn swiftly shifted his focus to the second First Circle magic Karl had mastered—[Fireball].

Unlike [Ice Blade], which could extract its "raw matter" from the air, [Fireball] required the usage of a specific magical substance known as the [Embers of Crimson Fire] for activation.

Linn speculated that these ashes were a highly flammable substance, capable of rapidly swelling and igniting when subjected to friction under the control of magic power.

If his assumption held true, it raised the question of whether he could utilize other flammable materials to unleash this magic...

"071," silently in his mind, Linn said, "Look up information on the production and usage of white phosphorus.'"

White phosphorus, a colorless or pale yellow translucent wax-like substance, possesses a strong irritant and an extremely low ignition point.

Upon contact with oxygen, it ignites vigorously, generating temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees Celsius.

What is even more alarming is the challenging task of extinguishing a white phosphorus fire due to its strong adhesion properties.

Upon contact with the human body, it rapidly burns through the skin, muscles, and penetrates deep into the bone marrow. Furthermore, the gas produced during combustion is highly toxic.

In Linn's previous life as a data storer, he witnessed the launch of the Federation's new white phosphorus bombs, an utterly horrifying spectacle that remains etched in his memory.

As the missile detonated in the air, a relentless shower of fiery rain cascaded from the sky, engulfing the surroundings in an unquenchable inferno that stretched for kilometers.

The intense heat, combined with the material's impervious properties and terrifying toxicity, ensured that even taking refuge in a shelter provided no means of escaping certain death.

White phosphorus bombs are deemed highly abhorrent, having been prohibited as weapons against humanity since the previous century.

Consequently, the Federal District cautiously conducted clandestine research on them, aware of the severe repercussions they carried.

The process of producing white phosphorus is not overly complicated, and a comprehensive guide is stored within the auxiliary intelligence brain. Therefore, with the availability of necessary materials, Linn could manufacture it even without the aid of specialized equipment.

As Linn pondered this, a heavy thumping sound suddenly reverberated from the door behind him.

A sharp change in expression swept across Linn's face.

He currently sought refuge within the slums of the Nordland Territory, a location rarely disturbed by anyone.

Unless...

The witch-hunting team dispatched by the Inquisitorial Court had arrived.

[wanderlustknightofmagic]

Rain's face was still red even after he finished filling this out, handing the forum to Valeria. "Here... I'm assuming this was needed for the trip... right?"

//Tagged by: @arcane-torrent Tagging: Anyone who needs an excuse