http://www.musemart.com/ MuseMart » Tag: magic - Recent Topics en Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:04:44 +0000 http://www.musemart.com/topic/rogue-magic-1#post-138 Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:15:36 +0000 AshiraKitai 138@http://www.musemart.com/ <p>OK, Mark, your turn. Let me know if there is something you want me to change...</p> <p>********</p> <p>“Damn,” Ashira mumbled as she looked down in dismay at her once clean uniform. She reached for a napkin to try and clean up. “of course I’d make a mess today.”</p> <p>“Why do you say that? Just because you have your yearly evaluation before the board today,” Fink said as he sipped his coffee, the drink that Ashira had just spilled on herself.</p> <p>"Wipe that smug look off your face, you still have to pass your 3 month eval,” Ash said as she dabbed at her blue uniform. “At least the uniform is relatively dark.” As she put down her napkin she looked at her partner across the table. He had pale green eyes and brown hair with a lean build but still had enough muscle to knock down a two hundred and fifty pound man in one kick. An impressive feat by Ashira’s standards when she saw him do just that.</p> <p><em>He just might actually last as my partner</em>, Ash thought. For the last year Ash had been going through partners left and right. No one could keep up with her when she was on a case, and they generally quite before their 3 month evaluation. Fink, on the other hand, had managed to keep up with her, more or less. The only person who had ever been able to keep with Ash had been kicked out of the Bureau of Magical Affairs. And he was actually the one who made Ashira keep up with him. He had been kicked off the force about a year ago for illegally tampering with ways to use stronger magic than he was actually capable of using. Most of the time however, the tampering did not work and ended up landing Ashira and Lyton in more trouble than it was worth, no matter how good his intentions. In the end he did something that got him fired.</p> <p>“Copper for your thoughts?” asked Fink.</p> <p>“You’d probably be paying to much for them then,” Ash replied with a snort.</p> <p>“Still, what were you thinking about just then?" Fink asked with concern.</p> <p>“Just a thought to match of course,” Ashira said with a shrug of her thin shoulders. Fink just raised an eyebrow and waited for her to answer his question. Ash ignored him and glanced down at her timekeeper. She had just enough time left in her break to walk back to Headquarters before her evaluation.</p> <p>“Let’s head back, it is almost time,” Ash said.</p> <p>Sighing because he knew he was not going to get an answer out of her, Fink got up with Ash and left some money on their table for their drinks, “Yeah, okay.”</p> <p>After walking out the door to the little café, they entered the press and flow of people that made up everyday life of Serai. With hover cars zipping past on the street and shop owners crying their wares, there was no point to trying to have a decent conversation, which was fine with Ashira. She needed to prepare for her evaluation.</p> <p>Unobtrusively, so no one would see her slight hand gestures, Ashira firmed up the illusion she kept around herself at all times; around her magic. The evaluation would test her control of her magic and to judge her ability to still be a useful working tool of the force. She had no concern about her ability to perform up to standards. After all, she had been doing just that since she joined five years ago.</p> <p>Ashira also seemed to have an uncanny knack for catching some of the harder to trace criminals. Part of why she had not had a steady partner for the last year. Ashira tended to take the hard and dirty way to her target, rather than go the soft and easy route most people paired with a magic user expected. Lyton got her into that habit.</p> <p>Most of the buildings they passed on their way to the headquarters of the Magic Force were only a couple of stories on narrow lanes. Headquarters however was taller and could be seen from a longer distance away. In a few minutes, Ashira and Fink were up the front steps and in the door.</p> <p>As they entered, Lorand, another member of the force, called out, “Ash, wait up!” Ashira waived Fink on to their pair of desks and waited for Lorand to catch up.</p> <p>“Hey, how’s it going?” Ashe asked of the stocky man.</p> <p>“Eh, you know how it is when working the beat. And to top it off Rena's been out sick,” Lorand made a disgusted face. “But that isn’t here nor there at the moment. I just wanted to wish you luck on your evaluation. I know how much they shake you.”</p> <p>“Thanks,” Ash said with a small smile of gratitude. "I hope Rena gets better soon, It really does bite not having your partner around when there is alot of work to get done."</p> <p>"You would know wouldn't you? What number does that poor sap make now? Four or five?" Lor asked with a laughing tone.</p> <p>Grimacing Ash replied, "He is the sixth actually." Casting a glance at her timekeeper again Ash said hurridly, “I’d better get going though else I will be late. That’s the last thing I need right now.” With a wave, Ash headed for her desk to get the papers she needed, her evaluation of herself.</p> <p>“What did Lor want?” asked Fink, looking up from his leftover paperwork from their last case.</p> <p>“To wish me luck, he has done that every year since I started. Kind of looks after me like a little sister or some such. Is the coffee stain noticeable?”</p> <p>“No, but you hair is all over the place,” he replied with a joking twinkle in his eye.</p> <p>“Ha, you’re just saying that. Well here goes. See you later.”</p> <p>“See you and good luck.”</p> <p>When she was out of Fink’s sight however, Ashira ducked into a restroom just to make sure her white blond hair looked neat in its braid down her back. It did, now to go to the evaluation room.</p> <p>The eval room was on the top floor behind a big oaken door that had numerous enchantments laid upon it, for the protection of those not in the room. It only took a minute or so for Ash to get to the room and she paused to take in the door using her magic senses as well as her eyes. She marveled at the intricacies she saw and sensed. She saw the numerous enchantments actually carved into the door in the rolling scroll work of the Old Tongue, and her magic senses recoiled from the feeling of the great power it took to enchant that door.</p> <p>Taking a deep breath she knocked and the door swung silently inward. She stepped into the darkened chamber. </p> http://www.musemart.com/topic/lux-eterna-the-world-originally-posted-by-janus#post-90 Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:15:19 +0000 Audrey 90@http://www.musemart.com/ <p>This thread will be for all the descriptions of stuff that I post--which should be a lot :p.</p> <p>This is something that finally came out of my head yesterday (when I sat down to write other stuff... figures...). It's something I've been visualizing for a few months, as this building actually plays a part in an adventure story set in a world I'm creating.</p> <p>Part of the reason for this detail is that some day I want to create a MUD of this world, and this building will be in the MUD--each room will need to be described in detail, so this will help me later on create more exact descriptions.</p> <p>I've never tried to write a 'general' description of a building in this manner before, so I honestly don't really feel that great about how it came out--It's lacking something, in my mind.</p> <p>Critiques are extremely welcome .</p> <p>FYI (you can skip all of this if you want--just general world information): The City of Avindar is a fairly new city (few hundred years old) that's kept by the northern men, many of whom are decended from the first half-elves. The half-elves once ruled each of the twelve great cities (the Crystal City was one of those) but eventually all of those lines fell out of power, most during a period known as the Heretic's rule.</p> <p>The Heretic's rule is extremely important because it created a split. Before the rule, all people believed in Nahor, the 'true god', and the worship of Negeb (an evil spirit who was once Nahor's highest in command till he turned) was outlawed and his priests hunted down by the clerics of Nahor.</p> <p>Since then, the worship of Negeb has grown, and become no secret. Because of this, there are many truly powerful clerics that follow Negeb--few Clerics of Nahor now have the power to hunt them down, and in many areas there is a growing trend towards Atheism, and the people of those areas throw out any clerics/priests who attempt to kill eachother because they don't want the trouble it brings.</p> <p>Clerical magic of any kind is now often regarded as being a form of 'regular' magic, and as such is outlawed within the bounds of any city, and completely outlawed in a few kingdoms.</p> <p>The reason for magic of any kind being outlawed within cities is because of a very powerful mage named Christopher Vir Kori who, in an attempt to reunite all mages, overthrew the head of the Order of Mages--to do this, he had to enter the city of Manthillos by force, and he basically leveled the city using his own power, and also a large group of other powerful mages.</p> <p>Magic, as a general rule, is not all that powerful as a weapon of mass destruction, however Christopher Vir Kori was an incredibly powerful mage--by nature the most powerful ever known in recorded history. He also had several magical items he used to boost his power, and he actually killed quite a number of mages and stole their magical essence, further boosting his own power.</p> <p>Most mages might be able to cast five or six hand-sized fireballs before they were too tired to even walk straight, but Christopher, when he destroyed the city, started his attack by using a fireball twice the size of a house to take down the main gates and destroy a group of wizards waiting behind them to stop him.</p> <p>Because of this, any person seen, or suspected, of performing magic inside of a city or within a mile of the city walls, is usually killed by the guards instantly. Outside of cities, magic is usually considered highly dangerous and perverted, but is also accepted to a degree.</p> <p>The Fay people are also 'outlawed' now, and hunted down by almost everyone because most people believe that they are creations of Negeb--even many of the people who don't believe in Nahor or Negeb think that they are evil, however they do generally tend to be less biased towards the the Fay than most religious people are.</p> <p>Keep in mind that the Fay people have always been considered dangerous, and this belief that they're evil was actually spread by the priests of Negeb to further split the races and create chaos.</p> <p>Most of the Fay races have the ability to shapeshift, and as such hide themselves within human society when they have to--most refuse to, however.</p> <p>~_~_~_~_~_~~_~_~_~_~_~~_~_~_~_~_~_~~_~_~_~_~_~~_~_ ~_~</p> <p>Deep within the Ice Vale, far to the North of the boarders of the kingdom of Avindar, are the ruins of a great city. When Faylloth fell during the wars before the Heretic’s Rule, it was a haven for the fay races, and was called the Crystal City. The entire city was dedicated to the White Lady by the High Priests of Nahor at the same time as the White City was. Much of the Crystal City was destroyed by the Heretic himself, and more has been destroyed by time, and the fierce northern winds that have erased all roads leading to the ruins.</p> <p>But some remains. The great cathedral, built in honor of the White Lady, still stands intact, nothing broken or touched save for the great altar. It is split in half now, with diamonds and jewels beyond measure and counted wealth lying scattered about the ruins of the dais.</p> <p>Built of the purest white marble, the cathedral’s walls stand taller than ten giants, and the roof itself forms a shelter too high for all shadows to be dispelled from it by any light of the sun. Higher than the walls, towers and parapets rise towards the sky with gargoyles and kings alike decorating their niches and curves, some half hidden by the snow, others seeming untouched by the power of the Northern winds and storms.</p> <p>Greater than any other tower of the cathedral, and higher than any tower now remembered or created by man, the bell tower rears towards the sky like a great marble spear. Higher than the clouds, it’s top vanishes into the mist and swirling snow during the frequent storms. On a clear day, it can be seen for miles. Perched atop it, the likeness of a great white dragon crouches with wings spread wide and head tilted upwards, as if ready to make the short leap from the tower into the stars.</p> <p>Inside, the great wooden doors, half as high as the walls, and wide enough to let fifteen men enter abreast, keep out all of the winter and are unmoved by the most powerful winds. Alone, a single man may open and shut them so cleverly are they hinged. A powerful wooden bar is commanded by mechanisms of chain and wheels, all set to turn at the weight of two massive stone blocks, and controlled by a single lever.</p> <p>Entering, the darkness is lessened in the day by the great stained glass windows. Each is split into three, with a large window that reaches nearly to the floor—twice as tall as it is wide—and a smaller one set ten hands’ breadths above it. Above that is set a round window. Numbering in the hundreds, each window is crafted so masterfully that it seems almost alive with scenes of celestial battles, the births of races, and landscapes as beautiful as the famed gardens of the White City.</p> <p>At night, a pale light comes to life. Beginning as only a wisp of light hovering above the broken altar, it gains radiance as it climbs towards the roof of the cathedral. Fully formed, it hovers above the head and outstretched arms of a great tapestry depicting the White Lady. Shedding light enough to faintly illuminate the entire building, it wanes and vanishes with the rising of the sun.</p> <p>The building itself is set like a great staircase that leads up to the altar. One step leads from the door to a plateau, and then three steps lead to a second plateau. Lastly there are ten great steps leading up to the altar. Standing at the altar, all noise in the cathedral is softer. But a word spoken before the alter will be heard reechoing to the great doors.</p> <p>Winding around and between two great pillars, a staircase near the entrance doors leads to the choir loft. The loft has room enough--and more--for the greatest choir and set of instruments known in any kingdom to be set up comfortably. Elevated and set close together, four platforms of rich and darkly colored wood stand before the marble rail that runs across the front of the loft, and each is large enough for two humans to stand together, up above the heads of any but a tall man. If a soft word may be heard from the altar to the door, a whisper will reecho like ten voices from the platforms.</p> <p>Empty now, except for tapestries and the broken altar, legend alone remembers the pews, smaller altars, paintings, and richly decorated statues that once filled the cathedral. What happened to the richly carved and gilded works is unknown, save for rumors of theft and desecration.</p> <p>Forgotten it stands and waits, perhaps to regain the glory it once contained, or perhaps to remain till the end of time as only a memory in the mind of scholars. </p> http://www.musemart.com/topic/a-history-of-lux-eterna-grand-mage-christopher-vir-kori-originally-by-janus#post-89 Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:14:30 +0000 Audrey 89@http://www.musemart.com/ <p>Vallaria suggested that I should post this, so I shall. Keep in mind that this right here is a rough draft--I didn't have an intro, so I thought I would slap one together before heading to bed. I doubt that I'll leave it as it is... it could use some editing .</p> <p>Basically, I'm writing a history for a world I'm fleshing out. One of the characters, Christopher, is an important part of my world's history, since he changed the rules that allowed only rich nobels to study magic, and then threw out some of the most powerful Mages in the Order.</p> <p>After being thrown out, those Mages banded together and created a group called the Shaddiri. They began to recruit students--not just any students. They scoured the land for students with great magical potential, and the tests they put them through killed the weak ones. The Shaddiri became extremely feared and still are today. There are a few groups and guilds whose work it is to hunt down the Shaddiri. Some Shaddiri choose to hide who they are, while some simply rely on their training to keep them alive.</p> <p>More recently, it's become the practice of some rogue groups to ask for the assistance of the Shaddiri. A Shaddiri is never bought, or even paid--they choose their own alliances, under the guidance of a small ruling council. They are extremely powerful, and know magic that most Mages either refuse to learn, are not powerful enough to wield, or that is outlawed by their Order. In other words, one Shaddiri is usually worth two or three Mages in a fight.</p> <p>Recently (relatively :p), the Shaddiri have learned magic that allows them to take another person as a Guardian, imbuing that person with some of their strength and other unknown abilities in return for the Guardian's protection.</p> <p>In the year 387 A.F., Grand Mage Christopher vir Kori lead the Great Mage Rebellion against the Arch Mage Uritar Poth, temporarily splitting the Order of Mages into three factions, and destroying the fourth Great City, Manthilos. It is well known and documented that this destruction is what lead to the banning of all magic within the Great Cities, and eventully the head hunt for Shaddiri Wizards.</p> <p>The rebellion was not swift in coming, nor in healing, and though two of the factions rejoined in the end, the third left the Order of Mages forever. That rogue faction became the Shaddiri in time, and the blame for the destruction of Manthilos is generally given to them.</p> <p>Christopher vir Kori is well remembered by the histories as possibly the most powerful Mage that has ever lived. He was the only magic wielder powerful enough to destroy the magical protections around Manthilos, and he was responsible for bringing the two factions back together by usurping Uritar, though he failed in the end to bring back the Shaddiri. It is not known for certain if he truly attempted to rejoin them at all, or if he cast them out of the order for their destructive behavior.</p> <p>There are many legends and rumors about Grand Mage Kori, but the following have been gathered and patched together from what is made public of the Grand Mage's diaries...</p> <p>And on the legend goes, as you may read in any history book. An old, estranged friend of Grand Mage Kori's gave ‘notable service’ on the battle field. Because of this, Grand Mage Kori changed the acceptance requirements for studying to be a Mage. Once only the rich and powerful could learn, but now all may come to study. That law remains unchanged today.</p> <p>But the legend is a poor account... the true story is one of envy, arrogance, betrayal, and in the end, friendship. A story fit for any bard's tongue, and true to the last words. No matter how the Mages attempt to exalt the history of their beloved Savior, his true story is remembered by the descendants of those who felt his hand; in punishing and in healing.</p> <p>So come, and I will tell you the story of Grand Mage Christopher vir Kori, and his one time servant, Mage Padrick vir Arkon...</p> <p>~*~ </p> http://www.musemart.com/topic/here-we-go-again-originally-posted-by-lady-of-the-winds#post-78 Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:06:43 +0000 Audrey 78@http://www.musemart.com/ <p>The land was barren, as though blasted by centuries of mage wars. They were on a mountain, the very top of which was flat. Some sort of battle was in progress. She was afraid, she had not had this dream in years and was powerless to stop what she saw. Just as she had seen before, she saw her brother and father surrounded by dragons, about to be flamed to death.</p> <p> Outside the circle of dragons, there were three figures, one of which was easily recognizable because she had seen it often enough at court, Sorceress Edere. The other two figures were obviously male, one young, dark and handsome, the other older, not looking much like the other. Somehow, with the intuition that comes with dreams, the dreamer knew that they were father and son. The elder of the two men seemed to be gloating while the younger seemed to try and take pleasure in what was about to happen, yet was unsure of himself. Why was Edre standing with these men? Why was she not helping the dreamer’s family? </p> <p> Just as the part of the dream the dreamer dreaded came close to occurring, the Burning of her family, the dream froze.</p> <p> “You have the power to keep this dream from coming to pass,” said a female voice right next to Dreamer. Startled, she looked over to see a woman with two different eye colors, much like her own. “You are no ordinary person, you are my Chosen, my champion, to keep this kingdom from ultimate destruction which would come after the death of these two whom you love.”</p> <p> “How..?” was all the dreamer asked once she realized the identity of the strange woman.</p> <p> “When they leave, go with them, one way or another. Along the way you will find those who will aid you, train you in all you need to know. And do not fear, I will be with you should you need any assistance, all you have to do is ask or call for it.”</p> <p> “But..?” Dreamer started.</p> <p> “Do not worry, if you do as I instruct, all will be well.” The woman then gave Dreamer a pendant in the shape of a sylph entangled with a dragon on a plain thong. “If you need me, touch this and call for me and I shall hear.”</p> <p> Nodding the dreamer accepted the necklace.</p> <p> “When you wake, you will not remember all that I have said or what you have dreamed. You will, however, wake with the knowledge that you must accompany your father and brother wherever they may go. Also you will have that,” she indicated the necklace.</p> <p> Clutching the amulet to her chest, the dreamer asked, “Why won’t I remember?”</p> <p> “Because it is my will child, now wake!”</p> <p> The dreamer woke with a start, already forgotten was the dream, but she still had a vague sense of purpose lingering from the dream. Her hand ached from clutching it to her chest. Looking down and opening her hand, she saw a pendent of a dragon and sylph entwined and knew with a certainty that the pendent, and the dream, whatever it was, had been sent by the Goddess Liphia. </p>