[center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjYwLmMyMTgwMC5UMjVsSUZSb2FYSjBlUSwsLjAA/vtks-demolition.regular.png[/img][/center] The freshman class rose as the bell rang, the other students mostly ignoring it and continuing on with their meals. The campus grounds were quiet and still until students poured out of the dining hall and made their way to their respective classes. [center][b]Mages[/b][/center] [Hider=Lucan and Varis] Both of them got a brief text message that informed them their Human Psychology class had been moved to the Nightingale Hall for the day.[/hider] [hider=Onyx Hall: Dakota, Cassandra, Damien] [color=0EF3AC]“Welcome in, welcome in!”[/color] A cheerful woman at the front of the room called from the front of he room as students started entering. Carina Tinley, as her name plate said on her desk, stood beaming at everyone, hands tucked neatly in front of her as she watched. Her fingers fiddled gently with the fabric of her dress but soon enough she was off, the dress fluttering at her ankles as she picked up a small stack of papers and started walking around, passing them out. A sapphire necklace, unusually tight around her neck, glinted in the lecture hall’s light. [color=0EF3AC]“Oh I’m so excited! Three years teaching and I still am so happy to have landed an early morning lecture!”[/color] Carina chuckled as she went around. Her voice carried evenly across the room despite where she was speaking without growing in volume. [color=0EF3AC]“You’ll understand next semester when you have more control over your schedules. Say goodbye to those pesky 9pm classes. Well, if the upperclassmen let you.”[/color] She finished her task and returned to the front with a little twirl as she beamed at everyone again. [color=0EF3AC]“Oh, so many new faces! I love meeting new people! But no more chit chatting, time for class!”[/color] Unlike the other classes, this room had four monitors behind her and she took a moment to make sure they were all on before continuing. [color=0EF3AC]“Welcome to Spell Theory 101, your first in a long line of classes that’ll teach you all about the fundamental principles and applications of magic and then begin teaching arcane magic! Isn’t that exciting? If fact, I’ll have the honor of teaching you your very first one, the Tenebris Lux spell, informally known as Dark Eyes!”[/color] [color=0EF3AC]“If everyone would take a quick second to look over your syllabus, you’ll notice a long list of expectations, dates, and other fun information like what format to submit the few papers we have. It is posted on Blackboard, our wonderful online facilitation program, in case you lose it but let's take a look at some of the fun stuff on there.”[/color] The images on the four screens moved in tandem, the syllabus popping up and scrolling down to a date that said “Mid-Year Practical Exam” in big, bold, and hot pink font. [color=0EF3AC]“Now this here is a real doozy! During your time here at the Academy, you’ll be tested on your level of magical mastery through these fun little Practicals! Every Practical changes based on the spells being tested and will always include your vampire in one way or the other. This one here will require you to guide a slightly impaired partner out of the woods in the middle of the night so Dark Eyes will be an incredibly important spell.”[/color] The screens scrolled again, stopping on a small block labelled Office Hours and Practical Practices. [color=0EF3AC]“In the event you have questions, comments, or want to do some extra practice, my office is in the upper floor of Onyx. Can’t miss it; it is the only one covered in all sorts of decorations.”[/color] She laughed at it before the screens switched images, the question [b]“What is Magic”[/b] displayed prominently. [color=0EF3AC]“So the most important question of all: What is Magic? Well, it’s not easy to describe but magic has been defined as a natural phenomenon in which organisms manipulate their environment in a manner inconsistent with their biological capacities. This definition originally said “humans” but was amended to living organisms after several documented cases of plants, animals, and even some bacteria displayed magical aptitude.”[/color] The image screens shifted and each one showed a different picture of varying quality: a macaw breathing fire, a stag with an arrow through its eye and whose antlers glowed green, a fishing swimming through a city in a bubble of water, and rain pouring from beneath the leaves of an oak tree. [color=0EF3AC]“Because of their rarity, little is known about how magical aptitude manifests in non-humanoid organisms but magic does, for some reason, appear in other species. What causes their abilities to surface? How do they control them instinctively whereas we rigorously train?”[/color] Carina shrugged. [color=0EF3AC]“However, what we do know is elements fall into four tiers,”[/color] The screens behind her changed each on labelled with a few examples of elements. [color=0EF3AC]“Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and finally, the Conditionals. Our current model organizes Affinities in relation to the four Primaries: Water, Earth, Air, and Fire. The Primaries are the most frequently manifested affinities among mages and are the easiest of all the tiers to control. Mages who manifest these affinities share the closest and strongest bond with their magics, often able to conjure their elements shortly after their Awakenings. It’s this effortless connection that is the tripping point in a primary affinity’s arcane studying; arcane magic strips away the elemental aspect into raw magical energy and the primary affinities are incredibly resistant to that process. Advanced arcane major classes often have a course dedicated to primary affinities. If you’re one of them, good luck!”[/color] She beamed at everyone in the class, her grin nearly a smirk. [color=0EF3AC]“Following those, are the Secondary Affinities! We called them the Combinations because they’re categorized as a relationship between two Primary Affinities. Electricity for example is considered a Secondary Affinity because it has magical traits of both Air and Fire. Plant and Ice, earth and water and water and air respectively, are also Secondary affinities. These affinities begin to lose the natural degree of control the primary affinities have [i]and[/i] begin displaying the tertiary personality traits that make them difficult to manage.”[/color] Carina walked under the third screen, titled Tertiary Affinities. A long list, including metal, gravity, and posion, surrounded the title. [color=0EF3AC]“Tertiary affinities are arguably the most difficult to master. Our model organizes these by subsection of the Primaries rather than a direct connect to them. For example, Metal displays many of the same magical signatures as Earth but focuses far more on its rigidity rather than its potential. Due to this, these affinities take on their own traits and this more often than not creates some degree of friction between the mage and their magic. In order to reduce this friction, tertiary mages have to spend time either figuring out their affinity or finding a divinist.”[/color] Carina continued. [color=0EF3AC]“It is important to note―test question!―that affinities have as many differing personality traits as mages can have so often times those struggling with their magic in the beginning are Tertiary affinities. Not always but mostly.” [/color] [color=0EF3AC]“And finally, we have the Conditionals. These affinities don’t have magical signatures or behaviors that stay within the bounds of our accepted model. The most notables are Light, Shadow, and Life. They are known as Conditionals because all of the expressions of magic we’ve discussed fluctuate outside of the norm for the other three categories. Their behaviors depend far more on external stimuli while maturing than the others so these affinities can be tricky to master or they can be just as compliant as the Primary affinities.”[/color] Carina looked around the class. [color=0EF3AC]“Floor is open to questions before we go into the Alfonsi model!”[/color][/hider] [hider=Rose Hall: Aaron, Lilie] Watching students wander in, Professor Hayes stood at attention with a frown etched deeply in his face. An embroidered dark green robe, gold flowers and vines chasing the fall lines, hung over his vest and dress shirt. He held a small book, the screens behind him still dark. He stayed perfectly still until every student took their seat and even the normal murmuring quieted. [color=DEEB11]“My name is Professor Hayes and I will be your Spell Theory 101 instructor. Your syllabus is on Blackboard; I have no intention of wasting paper and ink. You will find your first assignment on Blackboard is reading and agreeing to it. Other than that, I will not use it. I will not use screens or projections or any other fancy teaching crutch. I recommend you pay close attention or you run the risk of missing something.”[/color] Hayes took a second to look over the group. [color=DEEB11]“The purpose of this class is to explore the machinations behind magic and although I will present you with the most recent information, Spell Theory is always changing. Magic is a difficult phenomenon to categorize because we have little hard data. Data comes in the form of feelings and expressions; little comes in the way of measurements. Yet it is still our duty as mages to understand it to the best of our abilities.”[/color] Hayes started pacing as he spoke, periodically looking up at the group. [color=DEEB11]“The first question spell theory seeks to answer is what is magic? Its definition says a natural phenomenon in which organisms manipulate their environment in a manner inconsistent with their biological capacities. Creatures of any species have the capability to manifest magical aptitude but the conditions for that remain largely unknown. There are a few hypotheses but with so little data, it is difficult to prove anything.”[/color] Hayes flipped a page in his book, scanning it briefly before returning to the lecture. [color=DEEB11]“What we do know is magic manifests itself into a multitude of affinities, defined as a specific expression of magic. Scholars of spell theory have organized these affinities in a four tier system, creatively named the Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and the Conditionals. Each section shares similarities in control and bonding with traits developing the further away from the Primary Affinities a mage is.”[/color] Hayes rubbed absently at his wrist, the hint of a grimace replacing his frown. [color=DEEB11]“Fire, Water, Air, and Earth comprise the Primary affinities. These magics bond quickly, if not instantly, with their mage and respond to even the slightest change in will so much so almost all Primary mages can cast without a focus through the entirety of their lives. Of course, this bond impedes many Primary arcane classes since they struggle to separate the elemental component of their magic from the raw force.”[/color] [color=DEEB11]“Secondary affinities are also known as Combination Affinities. The defining features of a Secondary affinity are two fold. First, the affinity must display the majority characteristics of two Primary affinities. Secondly, the affinity must also display the beginnings of a Tertiary trait. Ice, plant, and electricity are all secondary affinities. Although they share the Primaries’ characteristics, often times their functional fluidity and willing responsiveness, the tertiary trait development demands they use a focus almost from the start. Whereas the Primaries develop resonance, Secondaries and above create dissonance and that negative feedback must be cushioned by a focus to avoid damaging the mage.”[/color] He took a sip of water from a glass on his desk. [color=DEEB11]“We’ll discuss more on magical resonance and dissonance during our next discussion point so save your questions for then.”[/color] [color=DEEB11]“Moving on to Tertiary affinities and this is where the vast majority of our struggling mages fall. Tertiary affinities are organized by connection to a Primary, becoming a subsection of a specific part. Metal is a common Earth Tertiary while Poison is a common Water Tertiary. Tertiary affinities develop what we call a personality, a key trait that forces the mage to adhere to if they want their magic to work. More often than not, the mage and the magic are at odds and must find a resolution to their issues before they can move forward with their education. The Academy strongly suggests mages spend time reflecting on themselves and their experiences but a Diviner can be used to help things along at early stages. However, it is this disconnect that forces Tertiary mages to struggle and sometimes the intrusion of a third party will only widen the divide between magic and mage.”[/color] [color=DEEB11]“Finally, there are the Conditional affinities. These are the outliers because they often change depending on the situations. Light, Shadow, and Life all fall into this category. Their connection to their mage often changes depending on the circumstances of their life. They tend to act like Secondary affinities but they have the capacity to morph into Primary or Tertiary affinities. Studies are still ongoing to determine if the conditions between all the Conditional stages can be quantified.”[/color] He paused, looking around the room expectantly. [color=DEEB11]“We are keeping up, correct?”[/color][/hider] [hider=Cerulean Hall: Maxwell, Salem] A mage sat at the front of the lecture hall, sitting upright in their wheelchair with a soft smile as the students filled in. The mage was bald, a series of intricate geometric tattoos decorating their scalp and falling down over their right eye. The right eye glinted oddly in the light and continued the geometric pattern rather than having a pupil while the left eye roved over the student body. The mage’s hands were folded neatly in his plain purple robes as he waved to the few students who greeted him. A vampire reclined at the instructor’s desk, eyes shut and perfectly still. [color=EA4AFA]“Thank you all for coming. I am Dr. Arjun and that is my partner, Gregor. You can ignore him most of the time. He’ll likely do the same.”[/color] Dr. Arjun smiled as he spoke, his voice soft but managing to carry effortlessly. [color=EA4AFA]“However, you may call me Manuel. I find a first name basis makes it easier to ask for help when you need it. We’ll review the syllabus quickly so please turn your attention to the monitors above my head. And let me know if something is off on the screens. Turning around in this is too much effort to do it every time we change subjects.”[/color] The screens behind him popped up an image of the syllabus. [color=EA4AFA]“You will find your copy on blackboard if you wish to review it yourself. It has the dates for the few written assignments you will have as well as your two practical dates for the Arcane spells we will be covering in a week or two.”[/color] The screen scrolled to a few dates, highlighting them before moving on. [color=EA4AFA]“My office hours, email, and phone number are also listed there in case you have any questions about an assignment or want to discuss something we reviewed in class. If you want to use my phone number, please text first. My primary responsibility at the academy is alchemic research and I often forget to silence my phone in the labs so I’m prone to spilling when startled.”[/color] He chuckled ruefully. [color=EA4AFA]“Otherwise, you may contact me however much you like.”[/color] [color=EA4AFA]“Lets move onwards however. So much to cover and so little time to do it. The goal of this class is to prepare you to understand three fundamental concepts: What is magic, How does magic work, and How do we categorize magic. We will be discussing all three over the course of the semester but we’ll summarize a few points many mages often need help understanding in the beginning.”[/color] Manuel smiled encouragingly at everyone. [color=EA4AFA]“This is a lot to take in, magic and mages and affinities. But we’ll make sure everyone is on the same page by the end of it.”[/color] [color=EA4AFA]“So our first question we hope to answer is What is Magic? How do you define a force that relies on feelings and concepts rather than empirical evidence? Well, what we have currently is magic is a natural phenomenon in which organisms manipulate their environment in a manner inconsistent with their biological capacities.”[/color] He chuckled at it. [color=EA4AFA]“It’s a mouthful and quite vague but there is room for growth in it and that’s all our knowledge of magic has done in the past five centuries. Notice that instead of humans, we’ve used the word “Organisms”. This is because animals and plants also exhibit magical aptitude on occasion.”[/color] The image screens shifted and each one showed a different picture of varying quality: a macaw breathing fire, a stag with an arrow through its eye and whose antlers glowed green, a fishing swimming through a city in a bubble of water, and rain pouring from beneath the leaves of an oak tree. [color=EA4AFA]“There are no confirmed sightings of non-humanoids displaying more than the Primary affinities but it so doesn’t rule out the possibilities. Research is still on going into the conditions necessary to Awaken these creatures.”[/color] [color=EA4AFA]“Now magic is organized into four tiers: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Conditional. The affinities in each tier share similar characteristics that make it a little easier to understand the magics in each group. Earth, Air, Water, and Fire compose the Primary Affinities. This grouping is the easiest to control; it manifests an innate bond with its mage and responds to their will eagerly. They aren’t unlike dogs; they’re eager to love and have fun when they’re puppies but they become the loyalest companion you’ll ever have. Unfortunately, it’s that similarity that makes it difficult to separate the elemental affinity from the raw power for Primaries. Arcane magic is always a struggle but even more so for the Primaries. Primaries, you’ll have to take separate classes later in your schooling for your Arcane major to help with this.”[/color] Manuel sent them an apologetic smile. [color=EA4AFA]“Secondary affinities are also known as Combination affinities, in that they exhibit incredible similarities to at least two Primary affinities [i]and[/i] display the early stages of trait development as exhibited by Tertiary affinities. Ice and Electricity are two common combination disciplines. While still easily manipulated, the development of traits introduces the mages to the concept of dissonance, a disconnect between the magic and the mage which leads to both physical and mental consequences. This is the primary reason for foci and why the Primaries escape their need.”[/color] Manuel clarified, gesturing to a tall staff that leaned behind the vampire. [color=EA4AFA]“We’ll discuss Resonance, Dissonance, and Foci more in our discussion on how magic works.”[/color] [color=EA4AFA]“For now, we’ll continue on to Tertiary affinities. These affinities are grouped into loose association with the Primaries, displaying some similarities but also fully developing a personality that often clashes with its mage. Although the mage can Awaken, the mage and their magic must find common ground before anything can change. I compare the Tertiaries to cats,”[/color] Manuel laughed. [color=EA4AFA]“Wanting everything on their terms rather than working with you but when they want affection, it’s always at the least opportune moment. Hopefully, any Tertiaries we have are cat people. They’ll know how to handle it.”[/color] [color=EA4AFA]“That is a joke of course. Tertiaries must find some equilibrium with their magic, the disconnect between themselves and their magic is something personal. A diviner can help find the edge of the problem but unless you want a mind mage rooting around in your memories―which you do not, if I may add―Tertiaries must spend time considering their own issues. They don’t have to solve everything but finding the starting point of the issue should be enough to get started.”[/color] Manuel looked around somberly. [color=EA4AFA]“If you are struggling with your affinity, feel free to contact me. I was in your shoes only a decade ago.”[/color] [color=EA4AFA]“And last but not least, Conditionals! These affinities, such as Light, Shadow, and Life, can display as any of the tiers. They most often manifest as Secondaries but they can, on occasion, present as Primaries or Tertiaries. This is the group we understand the least about. Why do they change? What conditions develop a Primary versus a Tertiary? Why a Secondary most frequently?”[/color] Manuel shrugged and shook his head. [color=EA4AFA]“Spell Theory scholars are still spending extensive time researching this and hopefully we can one day crack the code. What questions do we have so far?”[/color][/hider] [center][b]Vampires[/b][/center] [Hider=Nightingale Hall: All Vampires] [color=FF69B4]“Good morning my little chickities! Such a wonderful morning it is!”[/color] The vampiress at the front of the class exclaimed in a high pitched voice. She wore a long, flowing silk dress that fell off her right shoulder. Heavy scarring covered her upper arm but it was adorned with a fine silver mesh that glimmered as she clapped her hands together excitedly. Her mage sat at the table, typing dutifully on some assignment, eyes flicking over the students before resuming his duties. A thin collar, made entirely of gold and set with a single emerald, sat delicately on his neck but he paid it no mind as he rolled stiffness out of his shoulders. [color=FF69B4]“My name is Anika Patel, Wolfsbane of the Celestial Court, but Dame Patel will do just fine!”[/color] [color=FF69B4]“And do we know why this morning is wonderful? I get to see all of your smiling faces!”[/color] She beamed, clapping again, and then curtsied to the row of nobles. [color=FF69B4]“And of course, we are honored the noble houses grace us with their presence. I am pleased to take you through Human Psychology 101, although I doubt I may teach a noble much on the subject.”[/color] [color=FF69B4]“Now, we should get on with our lesson hm? The early bat gets the snack after all. Mortal psychology is a delicate thing. Unlike vampires, they lack the vision and perseverance in our mental states. The littlest things―the wrong word, an absent frown, even a greeting to the wrong person at the wrong time―riddles the poor things with anxiety and jealousy. Mortals require the perfect combination of environmental, social, and internal stimuli to avoid depression, anxiety, anger, and an entire mess of disorders. Misplacing a single one of them can send them careening into an endless abyss from which escape is futile.”[/color] She sighed forlornly, gliding over to her mage to caress his cheek. His expression didn’t change as she did, continuing to type away, just tilting his head so she had better access. [color=FF69B4]“Luckily for them, they have such benevolent and attentive masters to guide them dutifully away from such despair. Isn’t that right, Albert?”[/color] Albert gave a quiet, [color=MediumspringGreen]“Yes, Dame Patel”[/color] and she glided away from him, satisfied. [color=FF69B4]“As the keepers of our darlings, we must address one of the most common problems that newly Awoken mages face. For the vast majority of their lives, our mages have walked and bathed in the light of the sun. With their new found responsibilities however, this is no longer the case. Such an abrupt change in environmental stimuli, sunlight specifically, often leads to an upset in a mage’s circadian rhythm and disrupt a mage’s melatonin production. The resulting concoction of apprehension and sleep loss will lead directly into one of those abysses we spoke about. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short, and leads to a variety of complications including substance abuse and depression. Our little darlings don’t deserve such horrific emotions.”[/color] [color=FF69B4]“It’s our duty as their betters to protect them from even their own minds. There are a few ways you can combat this, even with the limited resources the Academy offers for such a nightmarish issue. Firstly, make sure your pet gets plenty of sunlight. I put Albert outside for about an hour at the very least but when he was just a fledgling I put him out for about three hours. I recommend using the dormitory patios for mandatory sunlight time! And if you’re worried your mage may sneak back inside while you fall asleep, I can recommend you a good timer lock. Albert was such a troublesome fledging.”[/color] She laughed as she shook her head. Albert slid down in his seat a little at the mention. [color=FF69B4]“Another thing you should do is brighten up your pet’s room! Keeping a positive and relaxing living space for your mage will help avoid SAD from afflicting your little one. Too many of them enjoy these dark and brooding spaces. Don’t let your pets sabotage themselves. There is a little store in town that sells quaint furnishing by the season. I recommend going through your pet’s plans for furnishings and fixing them with whatever you can find there or ordering something on the online webbing.”[/color] Dame Patel waved her hand dismissively. [color=FF69B4]“And take advantage of the mental health services they offer here. Even if your little one has neither a history of issues nor obvious outwards problems, even having a listening ear can help maintain your little mage’s motivation and attitude through a tumultuous time in their lives. Questions about this so far? We’ll be moving onto curating social circles for our mages next so ask away before it escapes!”[/color][/hider] [Hider=Cardinal Hall: Joryldin] Unlike the other classes, the room that held Vampire Biology was small with individual desks rather than raised ones. Only seven students were enrolled in this class, the seven turned that entered the Academy in the freshman class. Each desk touted a nameplate that designated a student’s spot: Minerva, Mary, Hilda, Daniel, Timothy, Algernon, and Joryldin. A frail, weary looking woman, hair tied back in a tight bun and wearing gold spectacles that hung around her neck, ignored her students as she finished writing her letter. Her own nameplate read “Agitha Talney.” Once everyone took their place, she looked up, took in each of her students, and rose with a nod. [color=F55C41]“Welcome to Vampire Biology. I expect each of you, in your attempts to become model citizens for your new role, to work diligently to catch up with your pureblood peers. Each of you in this room have special circumstances ranging from the safety of connections,”[/color] she glanced at Joryldin and then to Hilda. [color=F55C41]“To the reparations of a vampiric disgrace but one thing remains true, you have been granted an opportunity to ascend to the ranks of the successful and powerful. You have been lifted from the squalor of mortality into the heights of those which you could once only dream. Rejoice.”[/color] She took her glasses off, letting them hang as she folded her pale, veiny hands behind her back. [color=F55C41]“However, this grace comes at a cost. Sunlight will burn and dissolve you. It is one of the most painful experiences a vampire can endure. Although you can ingest and imbibe, you’ll regurgitate the food the same way it travelled down your throat before sunrise. Your physical abilities will grow exponentially soon, likely causing problems along the way. A mage gripped too hard, running into unexpecting bystanders―these actions will have consequences but pay attention to my class and you may be able to avoid a certain disciplinary issue.”[/color] She stepped down the row of desks as she spoke, cold eyes roving over the students. A sharp crack broke the silence and Algernon yelped as the woman smacked a thin metal rod across the vampire’s knuckles. [color=F55C41]“A still pen will do you no good here. I will test you on everything that is discussed here in class, including questions and comments your peers make. I highly recommend you [i]pay attention[/i].”[/color] [color=F55C41]“At this point, vampires created through the Embrace have stopped aging. Mortals believe this false superstition that vampire cells stop dividing, as if mitosis ceases upon the Embrace. This is incorrect. With each division, mortal cells degrade a touch more and their genetic code fails. Vampiric cells only suspend the process of mitosis until an external factor causes cells to break or rupture. In this case, vampiric cells act as if the vampire was killed through beheadment. They wither and decay at a rate dependant on the vampire’s age and then mitosis begins anew.”[/color] Ms. Talney returned to the front of the room, the metal rod sticking out from behind her back. [color=F55C41]“This is how vampire regenerate their own cells when they’ve suffered severe damage, such as a loss of a limb. Blood is converted into lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and is then used to energize the divisions. Blood must be replaced at a rate equal to consumption so it is important to maintain a sizable mage coterie or ample bottles during these times.”[/color] She looked around the room again, eyes still cold but expectant. [color=F55C41]“There is an obvious question I’ve left unanswered. I recommend you ask it.”[/color] [/hider]