[center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjYwLmMyMTgwMC5VMlZ3ZEdWdFltVnlJRVp2ZFhKMGFBLCwuMAAAAAAA/vtks-demolition.regular.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjM2LmMyMTgwMC5UbWx1WlNCVWFHbHlkSGtnLjAAAAAAAAAA/vtks-demolition.regular.png[/img][/center] [center][b][u]Mages[/u][/b][/center] Energy and anticipation buzzed through the mage halls. Most of the high level classes started half an hour later so only first years poured into the buildings, excited to stretch their magic for the first time. As students entered their Affinity Mastery class, they were directed to the walls of the smaller room. Ten tables with two chairs and an awakening crystal set into a wooden base filled the room. Each table had a number marker on it. Two older students, both wearing TA badges, either checked the crystals one last time while the other kept the incoming students along the wall. Above the room, a small balcony ran its length which vampires would use during the last fifteen minutes of class to observe their mage’s progress and interactions. [Hider=Onyx Hall: Maxwell/Dakota] [sub][right]Interacting with: [@Scribe of Thoth][@WeepingLiberty][/right][/sub] An older gentleman dressed in long robes that spilled over the semi-translucent disk he sat on looked around the room, waiting until he shut the door with a whisper and a gesture. The man wore thick rimmed glasses that caught on the end of his bulbous nose yet he still squinted as he examined everyone. He cleared his throat and the TAs quickly fell into place at his side, cheery smiles in harsh contrast to the professor’s surly frown. [color=ed1c24]“Good morning class. Today is a big step in your careers!”[/color] The Professor’s voice rasped deep in his throat. [color=ed1c24]“I am Professor Devan Rathshrew. You are all here before me because one of two things are true, either you do not know your affinity or your connection to your magic is too weak to expect rapid control over your power. Do not fret, my affinity didn’t reveal itself to me until the end of my first year at my school. These issues are more common than you may think so do not despair; I will train you all into great mages and draw out the outstanding potential in each one of you.”[/color] He pulled a bottle of water from inside his robe and drank deeply. [color=ed1c24]“The purpose of this class is to teach you the basic control exercises needed to tap into your power without losing hold over it and to strengthen your magic through repetitive practice. You will struggle at first. That is a given. But you will wield your magic by the end of it as long as you are determined and focused.”[/color] The Professor’s disk floated to one of the tables. [color=ed1c24]“As you are all aware, this is an awakening crystal. Once the rituals that bring your magic out are performed, these crystal act as a natural conduit and glow in direct response to the magic flowing through it.”[/color] He put his hand on the crystal and it burned brightly. [color=ed1c24]“Our first exercise is regulating the flow of magic. You will have to reduce and increase the flow slowly throughout your time here, alternating with the other person at the table, so the glow in the crystal dims and brightens.”[/color] As he said that, the crystal did just as he said, dimming to the light of a candle before flaring up brighter and down again. [color=ed1c24]“This acts like push ups for your magic, strengthening it and reinforcing your connection to it. And if you don’t know your affinity yet, the light will change color once your magic has developed enough. You could find your affinity today, you could find it next week, you could find it next year but you will find it and its important to remember that. Giving up is never the answer!” [/color] [color=ed1c24]“Now, these two troublemakers will assign you your table partners. These will be your partners for the rest of the semester and this will be important once you move onto the next control exercise. I [i]highly[/i] recommend getting to know your partner outside of class. Being on good terms with the person whose magic will interact regularly with yours makes the second exercise go much easier.” [/color] [color=ed1c24]“When you sit down, only one person will have their hand on the crystal at a time. Take a few minutes to get a feel of how your magic feels flowing between you and the crystal. Remember it flows both ways, circling out and back into you. Feel how your magic responds and emulate that as you let more or less flow out.” [/color] The two TAs, name tags reading Joey Beech and Sera Aser, went around the room handing out table numbers and partner names. Sera approached Max with a little slip of paper. [color=00aeef]“Alrighty, table two wiiiiiith…”[/color] She checked the slip. [color=00aeef]“Dakota Brookes. We'll be over to check on you in just a bit okay?”[/color] She handed him the little slip and moved to the next person. At the same time, Joey just reached Dakota. [color=fff200]“Hey there, welcome in!”[/color] Joey beamed as he checked for their slip. [color=fff200]“Dakota right? Let's see. Table two with Maxwell Alderman! Okay, head on over and get settled. We'll be over soon to help you if you need it. Good luck, you're going to do great.”[/color] He flashed them a grin and moved on after handing then the slip.[/hider] [hider=Rose Hall: Lilie/Dakota] [sub][right]Interacting with:[@Hero][@Gisk][/right][/sub] A woman in a crisp grey three pieces suit stood at the front if the room, hands folded neatly behind her back. In a crisp grey three piece suit and her greying hair braided tightly down the front of her shoulder, she watched students file in with an impassive face Small bell earrings adorned her ears and a silver necklace wrapped around her neck. Her TAs closed the doors once 9:30 passed and a warm smile softened the steely demeanor she wore originally. Her heels clicked on the floor as she strode into the center if the room, looking around at the students lining the walls. [color=f6989d]“I'm pleased everyone came in such high spirits! Magic is an exciting thing and it should be treated as such!”[/color] She spoke loudly, her voice used to carrying authority. [color=f6989d]“I am Professor Allison Baker but you may call me Allison for ease. We are all students of magic here; there's no need for silly titles. I also teach a variety of the mental magic classes that is one of the arcane disciplines you may choose to learn. But that's a tad advanced for you if I may say, so today we'll focus on the basic building blocks of all spell work: control.” [/color] [color=f6989d]“I'm sure everyone here recognizes an awakening crystal. Most of you just recently underwent the Awakening ritual and this stone was used to determine if and what your magic was. Now that your magic has awoken, the crystal will act like a natural conduit and glows when you touch it like this.”[/color] She rested her hand on one and it flared to life before settling on a warm golden glow with sparks of green inside. [color=f6989d]“As you can see, my affinity is Life. Some if your were not as dramatic as this; in fact, I would say most of hours weren't. But as you gain control over your magic and your magic grows stronger, touching the crystal will produce more and more interesting effects!”[/color] [color=f6989d]“Now, our first exercise in control is relatively easy.”[/color] As she spoke, the light in the crystal brighten and dimmed. [color=f6989d]“When you touch the crystal your magic naturally flows into it and then back again, creating a magical circuit that you’ll learn to control! The point of the first exercise is brightening and dimming the light steadily and evenly. If it grows too bright too fast, it’ll go out and leave you exhausted. If it dims too quickly, the light will vanish before you have a chance to increase your flow of magic.”[/color] [color=f6989d]“When you take your seats, take turns placing your hands on the crystal. Take a moment to get used to the flow of your magic. I or my wonderful assistants will be around to help talk you through the process. Once you’ve completed this exercise to my satisfaction, three days of this class will be done with an affinity specific teacher outside of the classroom while you will return to me the other two days for further control lessons.”[/color] Kanalie Harper gave a thumbs up and a bright smile to everyone in the room while Aine Wainwright gave a shy smile and waved before the pair broke off, handing out slips with table numbers and partner names. Kanalie, white hair cut cut just beneath her ears with several colorful clips along her bangs, made the rounds, chatting excitedly with each student. It was easy to tell Kanalie had a passion for magic and was more than happy to share her knowledge, just as excited to see others excel where they could. She reached Lilie after a few minutes and blinked for a few moments as she looked the freshman up and down. A bright grin broke out on her face. [color=00aeef]“What are the chances?!”[/color] She exclaimed. [color=00aeef]“We could pass as sisters! That’s so cool! Oh gosh, I wish we could talk more! Maybe after class at some point?”[/color] Allison cleared her throat loudly and sent an amused look Kanalie’s way. [color=00aeef]“Oops, my bad, my bad. Alrighty, so looks like you’re at table six wiiiiith Cassandra Roth! Okay, good luck and have fun!”[/color] Kanalie beamed before moving to the next student. On the other side, Aine spoke softer but no less kindly. She seemed a bit timid but moved from student to student, encouraging everyone as she passed out their assignments. [color=bc8dbf]“Okay, Cassandra right?”[/color] Aine confirmed with the girl and smiled. [color=bc8dbf]“I like your name. I’m a little jealous. Everyone pronounces mine wrong and yours flows so nicely. I think you’re going to be a natural.”[/color] She smiled shyly before passing over her slip. [color=bc8dbf]“You’re at table six with Lilie Dionne. Good luck; you’re gonna do great!” [/color]She waved a little before moving on.[/hider] [hider=Cerulean Hall: Aaron/Salem] [sub][right]Interacting with: [@ObsceneSymphony][@Trainerblue192][/right][/sub] As students poured into this room, it was much cooler in here than outside. The TAs stood at the front of the room with enough of a gap between them that it was obvious a teacher should be there and yet there was not. As the time to close the door came, Ralph Westerhouse shrugged in his winter coat and went to shut the doors. Ariclie Accai shrugged at him and pulled out her headphones, wrapping them haphazardly around her phone and dropping it into her pocket. She missed and it clattered to the floor as she dove for it, returning Ralph’s deadpan with a sheepish smile. It was quickly tucked away into her pocket. [color=82ca9d]“Well, I guess since the instructor isn’t here, we’ll be-”[/color] Ariclie was cut off as water shot out from beneath the hall door and whirled together in front of her. Light shimmered inside it and the water solidified into an out of breath man clutching his knees. He seemed barely older than his two assistants, dressed in a simple button up and slacks. A bow tie popped up at his collar and he smoothed out the wrinkles in his clothes as he caught his breath. [color=fff200]“Okay, hi hello! Sorry ‘bout that.”[/color] He said cheerfully as he straightened. He rubbed his hands together excitedly. [color=fff200]“Welcome to Freshman Affinity Mastery! I’m your host, Mr. Martin! I don’t quite feel like I have the whole “Professor vibe” so we’ll avoid that.This is my second year teaching but I haven’t lost a student yet so you’ve got that going for you!” He chuckled as he spoke, pacing the room. “I graduated from this school two years ago myself and… Ralph can you stop that? We don’t all like to freeze.”[/color] He gave the ice mage a look. The room warmed a little but Ralph’s breath was visible. [color=fff200]“Thank you. As I was saying, I graduated two years ago and was immediately hired on at graduation so I still remember and actually care about what you guys are going through! Outside of teaching this delightful class, I am an assistant research lead for the summoning department so if anyone decides they want to go that route, come talk to me and I can give you some tips on how to get into the program!” [/color] [color=fff200]“Anyways, onto the most fundamental aspect of all magic. Control! Really exciting stuff, not really, but the most important lesson you will ever learn in this school. Without it, you overextend your magic, start projects you aren’t ready or don’t have the energy to finish, r you don’t use enough. Non-mages and vampires all have this notion that you cast your spell, it takes up magic, and you keep going. That’s just not true. You can choose how much magic goes into a spell. Too little and the spell fails, too much and the spell can backfire horrifically. Most of my colleagues think we should keep that information quiet but in the line of work I’m in, that is such an important piece of information.”[/color] His face turned completely serious but lightened again once he he finished. [color=fff200]“Anyways, now that I’ve terrified you all, onto the show! Today we’ll be learning the simplest control exercise. Basically, you just touch the crystal and it glows. Those of you who know your affinity will already be familiar with the color.” [/color]Mr. Martin touched the crystal and it shone a soft blue. It slowly started brightening and dimming as he continued to speak. [color=fff200]“The point of this exercise is controlling the flow of magic between the crystal and you. The crystal acts as an extension of yourself, allowing magic to flow in a cycle between it and you. Your job is to regulate that flow in a steady and safe manner. Give too much,” And the blue flared brightly before vanishing. “And it stops. Give too little and it also stops.” [/color] [color=fff200]“Now, my helping hands here will be around with your table assignments. I [i]highly[/i] recommend getting to know your partner better outside of this class. It’ll make everything a little easier in the future!”[/color] He shouted over the excited din as Ralph and Ariclie started handing out papers. As Ralph moved down the line, people shivered as he passed. He approached Aaron and the temperature plummeted, his breath now visible. Ralph looked down at his paper, up at Aaron, and back down at the slip. [color=0076a3]“Great. The guy whose family enslaved us. Welcome on.”[/color] Ralph’s said flatly. He handed the paper over to Aaron. “Table three, Salem Spellman. Don’t fuck up.” He moved on down the line and the air around Aaron warmed as the other students shivered. Salem on the other hand, had to pick his paper up off the floor after the girl dropped it three times trying to hand it to him. [color=82ca9d]“I’m so sorry. I’m such a clutz. Seriously, if I touch it, its guaranteed to hit the ground. It's a talent.”[/color] She sighed.[color=82ca9d] “Anyways, your tattoos are pretty cool. Are they a casting focus? If so, wicked. If not, they’re still pretty nice. You’re at table six with Aaron Starag. Good luck; heard he got some girl sent to the mines last night. But you’re going to do great, I’m sure!”[/color][/hider] [center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjYwLmMyMTgwMC5VMlZ3ZEdWdFltVnlJRVp2ZFhKMGFBLCwuMAAAAAAA/vtks-demolition.regular.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjM2LmMyMTgwMC5UbWx1WlNCVWFHbHlkSGtnLjAAAAAAAAAA/vtks-demolition.regular.png[/img][/center] [center][b][u]Vampires[/u][/b][/center] Unlike the mage halls, the vampire buildings were usually quiet early in the evening. Many of the younger vampires passed up feeding for extra sleep and their sluggish conversation reflected that. A few bats passed above the crowd, some filtering in and out of special alcoves meant for the vampires’ shifted form. Inside their rooms, a small series of raised seats similar to the orientation auditorium looked down over the a podium, three screens side by side, and a small table. Four seats with the House crest on the back comprised the entire first row. [hider=Mockingbird Hall: Joryldin/Victor] [sub][right]Interacting with: [@Jade Blades][@ReusableSword][/right][/sub] As the class shuffled in, a tall woman in [url=https://recollections.biz/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/792SK-1032SK_2.jpg]a red victorian style dress[/url] swept in with a meek mage stumbling in behind her, the mousey looking man carrying a laptop back and a black umbrella. He deposited everything on the side table and sat down facing the class, setting up the laptop without making eye contact with anyone. She stood just in front of the podium as she eyed the classroom critically. [color=ed1c24]“Very well, I guess you’ll all do. My name is Countess Marcella, but you may address me as Professor or Ma’am. Now, there are a few policies to discuss before we get into our discussions today. I do not tolerate tardiness. My classroom doors will be locked at 9:31 on the dot according to my time, not yours. If you are not in this room [i]and[/i] visibly in your seat, you will not be counted as attending. Having your mage open a temporary portal at 9:31 for you to slip through does not fall into that category. Grand unveiling displays do not fall into that category.”[/color] As she spoke, the clicking of her heels on the floor disappeared as the mage connected the laptop to the displays and the syllabus popped up on two of the screens. On the third, a school website flashed and refreshed. [color=ed1c24]“My syllabus is on the left and center screen. It has every assignment and due dates as well as several guidelines on how to submit assignments. Many of the teachers have switched to online submission but technology is a crutch that I will not allow my students to rely on so exclusively. I will not accept this and that wasn’t working as an excuse. Everything will be hand written and submitted according to my guidelines. Messy or illegible handwriting will be grounds for a grade reduction or complete invalidation.”[/color] She paced past the first two screens and used a pointer to draw attention to the third. [color=ed1c24]“Dwight will explain the school’s central blackboard system. Pay attention as he take you through it.”[/color] [color=fff79a]“Um, yes, well,”[/color] Dwight started, pushing his thick rimmed glasses back up his nose, [color=fff79a]“Blackboard is the central hub that all of your professors will be storing most of their information: office hours, study sessions, syllabi, and more. Many have switched to online assignment submissions but not everyone. Um, you’ll need to set up your school email before you can register for the site. I’ll have you register here before you leave class so its taken care of and then you can lg in and set up your password for blackboard later.”[/color] Dwight logged into the program, opening up the class titled [b]Mortal Biology[/b]. It showed all the information the mage outlined earlier and a download copy of the syllabus. [color=ed1c24]“If you have any further questions about [i]this[/i],”[/color] disdain dripped from the word as she gestured to the screen. [color=ed1c24]“You may direct them to the student service clerks in the administrative building. Now, we will discuss the fragility of our mortal companions. Unlike the vampiric condition, mortal biology is soft and weak, requiring careful supervision, maintenance, and care. This class will teach you the proper ways to care for your mortal and the importance of these decisions.”[/color] She tapped the long pointer to the podium once and Dwight changed the screens, displaying a diagram of the circulatory system. [color=ed1c24]“We will cover the mortal's circulatory system in further detail later in the semester but for now, we will discuss appropriate feeding points and protocol. The academy has suffered an embarrassing increase in feeding accidents of late and it should not be tolerated. With the turned, it is understandable but purebloods...”[/color] She shook her head in disbelief as the screens changed, showing a naked male and female with little red dots over their body. [color=ed1c24]“A vampire is responsible for the mortal in his or her care while feeding. It is recommended that a mortal be relatively comfortable before feeding as they often become delirious, inebriated, or otherwise incapacitated. Rarely, the mortal becomes aroused or experiences pain but these responses can be conditioned depending on your taste preferences. When feeding, a vampire should focus on drinking arterial sustenance rather than venous. Taking in rich, oxygenated blood leaving the heart and recently cleaned by the mortals’ liver will ensure plenty of energy through the day and will have the freshest taste. The colored dots on the models are recommended feeding points for vampires of various familiarity with the process and we will cycle through them by region.”[/color] The image shifted, zooming in on both model’s necks where two red dots hovered. [color=ed1c24]“The neck is an easy area to feed and is often the most comfortable for vampires of similar height. Blood here is some of the freshest available in the body but there is a high risk of injury to the mortal. It is not recommend a vampire drink here if they are squeamish or have an unsteady touch. The two points on here represent the carotid artery and jugular vein. The carotid artery is the optimal drinking spot. The throat should be extended, stretching the muscle to reduce piercing effort, and the mouth should form a full seal over the wound to prevent spillage. Due to the rate of bleed lose, drinking from this spot should take little time.” While she explained, Marcella demonstrated on Dwight,tipping his head back and pushing up slightly to keep his neck extended. “It is important that the vampire maintain full control over their mortal because if anything moves unexpectedly, it is all too easy to nick the jugular vein and miss it in the thrall of feeding. Even if quickly rectified, the mortal would likely be too drained to feed from and should be taken to a medical professional to be evaluated.” [/color]The image shifted as she stepped away from Dwight and the inside bends of the elbow appeared on screen, a red dot just at the top of the bend. [color=ed1c24]“The brachial artery is another easily accessed area through the thin spot in the skin of the elbow joint. However, it runs similar risks as the throat. Accidental flinching or movement may cause a tear in the artery wall and lead to hemorrhaging. The arm must be extended and pinned to reduce the risk presented to the mortal.” The image moved down to the wrist. “The wrist also allows access to the brachial artery and drastically reduces risk to the mortal. Drinking from the wrist reduces panic and stress because it allows them to maintain a degree of personal space and the illusion of control over the feeding. This is highly recommended for nervous drinkers, those forced to abstain from feeding for a short period, and those with nervous or excitable mortals.”[/color] Professor Marcella faced the class, looking over them again. [color=ed1c24]“And make sure you are taking notes. There will be a practical with your mage so I am satisfied no damage will occur accidentally.”[/color] She resumed pacing as the image changed, falling down to the groin area where two red dots hovered over the left leg. [color=ed1c24]“The femoral artery is an excellent feeding area for vampires indulging in sexual activity with their mortal or intend to condition them to experience arousal during feeding. If a mortal suffers pain or other physical discomfort during feeding, conditioning them in this manner is usually the suggested correction. The femoral artery can be accessed through the top of the inner thigh but often requires two piercings, increases the chance of rupturing the femoral vein, and usually causes unnecessary pain so is often used by vampires using feeding as a punitive device.”[/color] The screen shifted to the lower of the two dots on both models and shifted up to the soft skin in the bend of the groin. [color=ed1c24]“It is better to access the femoral artery via the femoral fold. The thin skin acts as both an erogenous zone for mortals and makes it much easier to accurately puncture the artery instead of the vein.” [/color] [color=ed1c24]“It can also be accessed at the back of the knee.” [/color]She continued as the graphic moved, the models spinning and showing the red dot at the joint. [color=ed1c24]“Similar to the elbow, it presents all the same benefits and problems with two notable additions. This area acts as an erogenous zone for many mortals but many more are quite volatile when interacted here, prone to flailing and laughing. If a vampire prefers feeding here despite the difficulty of access, it is recommended the mortal be enthralled.”[/color] The graphic cut down to the ankle, where several red dots covered the ankle. The Professor wrinkled her nose in disdain. [color=ed1c24]“The ankle is similar to the wrist, though strips the mortal of the illusion of control. Low risk and easily accessed. However, I find mortal foot hygiene incredibly lacking so I recommend supervising a short washing before feeding.”[/color] She stopped at the front of the class and turned sharply. [color=ed1c24]“Any questions?”[/color] [/hider] [hider=Cardinal Hall:Amaris/Mariette] [sub][right]Interacting with: [@WeepingLiberty][@MsMorningstar][/right][/sub] The first thing students filling into Cardinal Hall would notice is a hunchbacked old vampire dancing across a stage with an old walkman in one hand and a pineapple in another, wearing a tacky button up shirt with the print of a tie set on a bunch of flowers and khaki shorts that did little to stop him from cracking his knobby knees together. Manfred Mann's “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” could be heard playing faintly from the headphones as he picked up a pineapple off the podium and swung it around. A mage set up a pair of laptops, frowned at the bag, and muttered an incantation with a snap, two charging cables popping into neat coils around her hand, all while dodging the obnoxious vampire with a sigh. One of the screens crackled to life a moment later, a website called Blackboard displayed. Two name plates in front of the laptops read [i]Nasir ibn Tariq[/i] and [i]Lucille Valade[/i]. [color=ed145b]“Good morning class. Welcome to Mortal Biology.”[/color] Lucille gave Nasir an unimpressed look as he continued to dance around the hall. [color=ed145b]“Professor Tariq just discovered portable music so he’ll be… distracted until he gets it out of his system. Until then, we’ll walk through the Blackboard system you’ll use the rest of your careers here. If you want your mage to be ahead, walk them through this once you finish your registration. They’ll sign up once they enter their first academic class after treaty law but it wouldn’t hurt to be familiar with the system before hand.”[/color] Lucille raised an eyebrow and with another snap, a cell phone popped into her hand. [color=ed145b]“And while I lack eyes in the back of my hand, I do have complete control over the space in this room and will not hesitate to keep you on task. You may retrieve [i]this[/i] after class. Now if you will turn your attention to the right hand screen, we can begin.” [/color] “[color=ed145b]Blackboard is an online education tool most academic classes employ.”[/color] The screen changed as she logged in and clicked Tutorial. She stepped back to the front of the class, a remote clicker in hand. The screen blinked and a powerpoint presentation appeared on screen. [color=ed145b]“Most classes will post dates and assignments on here as well as their syllabus. All assignments should be loaded into the calendar on their due dates, which you can access via the specific class’s hyperlink on the calendar application.”[/color] As she spoke, the slides moved with her, highlighting the sections on the screen shots. [color=ed145b]“As you can see here-” [/color]She cut off abruptly as Nasir held the pineapple in front of her face, sliding the walkman into his pocket and letting the headphones slide around his neck. [color=f26522]“Thank you thank you Lucille!”[/color] The vampire spoke energetically. [color=f26522]“The whippersnappers can see you during the last thirty minutes to register and all that but we have mandatory feeding lessons to cover. Too many accidents according to her high and mightiness.”[/color] Lucille gave her vampire a look before shaking her head and taking a seat behind the laptops. [color=f26522]“What? I’m fourteen hundred and seventy three. Just blame it on my age.”[/color] He snorted a laugh and turned to face the class. “[color=f26522]Alrighty, my little doe eyed dumb dumbs! Lets get chuggin’ right along here shall we? Normally, we’d have a fun pop quiz to see what you know but since younger generations are mauling their partners while feeding, we get to have the responsible drinking talk! Wheeeee!”[/color] The vampire did a little tap dance and spun as the other two screens turned on, nude models of each gender appearing on screen. Red dots hovered over several sections of their body. [color=f26522]“Where to start, where to start. We will start with…”[/color] Nasir snapped his fingers. [color=f26522]“Weaklings! Mortals are comparatively weaker than their vampiric counterparts. It is a vampire’s responsibility to ensure their mortal doesn’t suffer complications as a result of feeding while here at the academy. Outside of the academy, who cares as long as they aren’t dead and you don’t mind wasting your time, but here it matters! Feeding improperly can lead to permanent disfigurement, loss of body functions, and death but with a little help from me, we’ll get you on the right track! And yes, there is an test on this so move those wigglers!”[/color] He held his fingers up and wiggled them to demonstrate. [color=f26522]“Now when feeding, consider the following. Is it arterial? Is it near the surface? Is it lightly covered? If the answer to any of these is no, [i]do not feed from it[/i]. The only exception is the first one but arterial blood is often freshly cleaned, fully oxygenated, and recently left the heart, adding a refreshing quality to the blood that venous blood lacks. Feeding from areas that fail the three question test will hurt your mage immensely before the saliva can reach the bloodstream. An excellent choice if you want your mage to suffer but eventually their brains are conditioned that feeding equals pain and all they do is scream and writhe and make a mess of themselves. Tried that, thought is was neat, but never again. Too much work.”[/color] Nasir waved off the memory with a shrug. [color=f26522]“So instead I’ll walk you through a few different arteries and where to access them and the pros and cons of each spot.”[/color] The screen shifted down to the arm and wrist. [color=f26522]“Lucille, come here.”[/color] Clicker in hand, she approached arm extended. He held it by the wrist and tapped a point on the writs. [color=f26522]“You can follow on the floaty picture but I like props. This spot here gives direct access to the brachial artery. I recommend feeding here for new mages because it gives them space and control over the feeding. Plus, very little chance of damage if something goes wrong, only blood loss.”[/color] He pulled her closer, keeping hold on her wrist and bracing her elbow with his other hand. [color=f26522]“The inside of the elbow is another area to access the same artery but runs the risk of hemorrhaging in the event of even the slightest movement. Bracing the arm just above the joint and at the wrist will greatly reduce that issue. Mages are also ticklish here so probably test that first before feeding here. We can’t lick that kind of damage away.”[/color] He spun Lucille against him, her back against his chest, his hand pushing her head up to expose her throat, and his other pulling the left shoulder down. The screen drifted up to the throats of the models as Lucille continued to presentation, unfazed by the vampire manhandling her. [color=f26522]“This is often the most popular spot, for both ease of access and the popularization of the mainstream media. Messing up here means nine times out of ten, a funeral to pay for! Do not suggest for shakey drinkers or nervous partners. The carotid artery is one of the best tasting sources, in my humble opinion, but the jugular is just so easy to nick in the passion of feeding. If you draw both of them, mage generally bleeds out before the feeding rush clears and you have a mess. Trust me, cleaning blood out of [i]anything[/i] is not worth the time. Just throw it away and replace it. Much easier.”[/color] Nasir dipped his head and pressed his fangs lightly to the woman’s throat, just barely drawing blood.[color=f26522] “Take a moment to note the angle of the punctures. Approach it from that direction and you’ll never go wrong!”[/color] Lucille closed her eyes and her lips moved, her bracelets shimmering lightly as she did so. Nasir’s hands went for her pants button. [color=f26522]“The next choice is the femoral artery but most mages are particularly squeamish abo-Oof!”[/color] Lucille faded away, letting Nasir face plant into the floor,and reappeared a foot behind the vampire. [color=f26522]“Lucille!”[/color] [color=ed145b]“We discussed this Nasir.”[/color] Lucille responded, stepping away from the vampire to lean against the table with amusement clear on her face. [color=ed145b]“No disrobing in front of students.” [/color] [color=f26522]“Yes, right. We did agree to that.”[/color] Nasir shrugged and continued lecturing from the floor. [color=f26522]“As I was saying, mages are squeamish because its most easily accessed immediately next to the groin in the femoral fold. I find mages’ distaste for nudity odd. They live for so little time and they care about clothes when they can ignore the rules of most mortal’s reality? Quite queer, quite queer indeed.”[/color] Nasir popped up and picked up his pineapple, tossing it up in the air like a ball. [color=f26522]“Anyways, its an absolute delight. Just the teeny tiniest of presses and jackpot! Blood for all! And if arousal is a taste you enjoy, its easy to condition a mage to experience it there. Again, a waste of time since they live one day and die the next but its your choice! It can also be accessed at the top of the inner thigh but consider the three questions for feeding. Is it near the surface? No. Is it arterial? Yes! Is it lightly covered? No! Two nos and a yes mean doable but guaranteed to be painful. Excellent choice if you need to punish or your mage is into the whole pain game but otherwise…”[/color] He crossed his arms in a big X. [color=f26522]“Avooooooid!”[/color] [color=f26522]“You can also access it behind the knee and at the ankle but I’ll be honest, same issues and concerns as the elbows and wrists but just oilier. Save yourself the time and just don’t. There are easier spots unless you’ve had to restrain your mage and the ankle or knee are the only accessible areas- that's just bad planning really-and you are desperate.”[/color] He bounced on his heels, looking around expectantly.[color=f26522]”Questions? Questions?”[/color] [/hider]