[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210302/3e34eb8da93341268107c451662f2b1b.png[/img] January 7th - 10:00pm[/center] [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/181109/b14e03f045e666658118663197a581f8.png[/img][/center] Was it already too late to drop this class? As the instructor--Varis couldn't believe he was forced to consider whatever the abomination of a vampire was as one--spewed vulgarity and disrespected the basic foundation of their entire society, all Varis could wonder was where in the world Ryner managed to find these freaks. This was the problem with a modernist in charge of a learning institution. No respect for any of the rules and expectations that protect that world from crumbling beneath them and everyone wonders why even a Starag acts out. It's obvious when vampires like this manage to cling desperately to positions of authority when they are clearly little more than insects that need to be squashed as quickly as possible. Varis grumbled as the instructor stepped away to gather supplies, turning his attention to his companion. Eris at the very least seemed to be enjoying himself, alluding to his tireless supply of awful and unnecessary commentary, but Varis scowled at the question. [color=f7976a]“Between this break, the boy nearly assaulting me in my own home, and whatever mockery of a class this passes as, I’ve barely had the opportunity to encounter something otherwise. There’s been exactly one pleasant thing since we left the Academy and this moment that even vague registers as something other than unpleasant but I suppose that’s the life of a noble heir.”[/color] Varis grumbled. [color=f7976a]“I suppose you had something at least passingly enjoyable over the break happen?”[/color] [hr] [center][b][u]Mage Classes[/u][/b][/center] [hider=Aaron] [center][u][b]Lighties for Lyfe!!![/b][/u][/center] [color=E4D7A0] “Good evening, Aaron.”[/color] The Professor greeted Aaron, the lights at his fingertips vanishing as he straightened. He grimaced as his back cracked but otherwise ignored it. [color=E4D7A0] “I had some help but the design is mine. Since you’ll be working in two affinity classes at once, I figured I’d combine the two base lessons together in a visual format for easy reference. 102 will focus on using your magic in tandem with another to complete the lattice and 201 will be creating illusions of the animals inside and then working to develop your animation skills. That being said, we’ll still be relying on the light around you as is. Your illusions will still look like light magic until you start to learn how to filter the light you’re manipulating but it’s something that, if you progress quickly enough, we might have some time to start playing with before the end of―”[/color] The Professor shielded his eyes as a brilliant burst of rainbow erupted from the center of the room. Spiraling patterns and shapes whirled around it a dizzying display before coalescing into a vague humanoid shape. The light faded out and instead stood an older student, bundled up in dark winter clothes, with her eyes screwed shut and knuckles white around the metal rod clutched in both hands. Her hoop earrings shimmered with faint, fading rainbows until Russel cleared his throat pointedly and she opened her eyes. She released her death grip on her focus, the elegant runic designs leaving imprints on her skin, and she quickly patted herself down, muttering off body parts as she touched them. [color=E4D7A0]“As you know Aaron, Affinity 102 is a group class but because light affinities are so rare, we had to bring in the only other light mage on campus. Aaron, meet―”[/color] [color=FB007D]“I did it. I did it!”[/color] Aaron’s partner shouted, cutting off the Professor’s introduction. She beamed as she did a short victory dance. [color=FB007D] “Am I good or am I good? Translocation, mastered!”[/color] The Professor clapped as he laughed. [color=E4D7A0]“Very good, Meredith, but why don’t we focus on your punctuality next. As I was saying, Aaron meet Meredith, your senior light mage. She agreed to come in and assist as a Teacher’s Assistant credit.”[/color] Meredith held her fist out for a fist bump. [color=FB007D] “Nice to finally meet you, dude! Last semester was an absolute shithole for me or I’d have swung by earlier, that and the whole terrifying vampires thing, but now we can be lighties! You know, like besties but with light.”[/color][/hider] [hider=Lilie] [center][u][b]Tides and Tribulations[/b][/u][/center] [color=C80BFF] “Lilie!”[/color] Esi exclaimed happily, grinning at her student. [color=C80BFF] “Welcome back to class! Hopefully, you rested over the break because we’re going to push you and your magic to the very brink this semester!”[/color] Esi laughed, the infectious sound filling the room. The dour man next to her smiled, transforming his face from the stiff, dour man into something far more warm and pleasant, and he chuckled along with her. Esi clapped him on the back and wheezed as she knocked the breath out of him. [color=C80BFF]“And this is your other teacher for this class, Baron Gelbero.”[/color] She gestured at her colleague, who nodded a greeting as he struggled to get himself back under control. [color=C80BFF] “He’s doing me a favor and taking a break from his ever important resonance research to help me try out some new teaching exercises! I’m really excited for this semester and I have high expectations!”[/color] She sang the last part excitedly. As she finished, the doors opened again and five more students poured in. Two guys passed melted snow back and forth in a blurring display of control until it smacked one in the face and they broke down laughing, not stopping until they reached the metal barrels. Another girl approached the metal barrels curiously, pulling a thin strand of water up after a quick wave to Esi. ONe more guy slipped in just as he door closed, taking a moment to catch his breath after clearly sprinting here to make it on time. He crossed the room quickly and paused, scanning the room, before settling in line with the others. Esi gave Baron a thumbs up. [color=12D65E]“Welcome to Affinity 102.”[/color] Baron’s voice was rough around the edges, as if it hadn’t been used in a while, but it carried across the room with the effortless ease of someone acclimated to speaking in front of crowds. [color=12D65E] “I am Baron Gelbero, a resonance researcher at the Academy. If it makes you more comfortable, please feel free to call me Bar. This semester, you’ll be learning to manipulate water along with another person. It’s a critical stepping stone to learning how to safely handle channeling larger quantities of magic without running the risk of resonating before you’re ready.”[/color] [color=C80BFF]“So that means, it’s partner time! At barrel number 1, Anabell and Marcus! At barrel number 2, Lilie and Jonathan! At barrel number 3, Kyle and Sean!”[/color] Esi declared, pointing at the left, middle, and right barrels respectively. [color=C80BFF] “Today we’re going to start with something easy. All we’re going to do is pass some water back and forth. Kyle and Jonathan were already practicing but every five minutes, you’re going to gather more and more water until you can’t hold it anymore. We just need you to get comfortable brushing against each other’s magic as you pass the water between each other. [/color] Esi pulled a stream of water out of the center barrel and sent it shooting at Bar without warning. Bar blinked, startled, but the water coiled into a tight ball in front of him nonetheless. He gave her a dry look before much more calmly sending it back to her. [color=C80BFF] “Now, the point of this exercise is to release your control over the water in the same moment as your partner takes it. It'll be a bit of a shock the first few times, literally, so don't be surprised if you drop the water too quickly! Once your comfortable passing passing water back and forth and it feels more like a tingle, we'll move onto mingling your magic longer! Go ahead and get started! Bar and I are just gunna wander around and observe so don't mind us, okay?"[/color] [/hider] [hider=Max] [center][b][u]Clickity Clackity, Roll for Attackity[/u][/b][/center] [color=98B6A5]"I could have but since this is a practical lesson, I believe that standing would keep you more engaged in the exercise."[/color] Professor Artiae explained, closing the binder and setting it off to the side. [color=98B6A5]"Maxwell, meet Ashton. Ashton is a 3rd year student with a metal affinity and agreed to assist us with your lesson this semester."[/color] Ashton finally tucked away his phone and barely spared Max a look. He shoved off the table so he stood properly. His face was blank and expressionless. [color=98B6A5]"This semester we'll be working on combining metals of two different types. Last semester, you mastered melding objects of the same types of metal together. By the end of this, you should be able to do that with two or more different types of metal with the same degree of fluidity. Of course, keeping them together for longer than a few minutes will be a challenge but that's why we have a second mage available."[/color] Artiae gestured to Ashton, who just nodded. [color=98B6A5]"His job will change over the course of the lesson. At first, he'll assist you in combining the metals, getting you used to working in tandem, but towards the end, he'll be actively hampering your ability to do so. It will build your magical strength and build your understanding if you find yourself against another metal mage."[/color] Artiae gestured to the table in front of him. [color=98B6A5]"Each of the cubes are a different material. We'll change the pairings you attempt each week until you are capable of melding portions of all of them and maintaining the form. However, your final exam will include this."[/color] He patted the pyramid in the center. [color=98B6A5]"You will not be manipulating this but rather using it as a standard. You'll have to use all the other metals to match the density of this in the center. In real world application, it is important you can not only manipulate metal to your benefit but form it in such a way that it's structure isn't a continuous drain on your reserves."[/color] Artiae took a step back from the table. [color=98B6A5]"Now, fair warning. Considering your personalities, I wouldn't be surprised if you two struggled with this a little. Normally, magic intertwining creates feedback similar to a light electric shock. You'll build a resistance to it as you become familiar but when magic of firmly independent mages interact, the resulting consequences can cause the metal to reject both magics explosively. I'll catch any unexpected shards before anyone gets hurt of course so please feel free to explore the experience as much as you wish today. We'll start with Maxwell. Please separate one of the blocks into four equal parts and keep them steady while Ashton reassembled them."[/color] Artiae instructed, pulling off his winter gloves to reveal the metal underneath. [color=98B6A5]"Once you've successfully disassembled and reassembled a block three times without it exploding, we'll move onto combining two different metal types in the same manner."[/color] Ashton pulled out a wooden wand, a few feathers dancing off the back. [color=D59283]"You can do it."[/color] Ashton encouraged flatly. Artiae gave Ashton an exasperated glanced but otherwise stayed silent. [/hider] [hider=Salem] [center][b][u]A Rose by Any Other Name[/u][/b][/center] [color=B0D612]"Welcome, welcome! It's good to see everyone again. Are we ready to get down and dirty with some serious magic?"[/color] Leo asked as he fiddled with the rose cutting in his hand. Two of the students were practically bouncing up and down, excited at the prospect of playing with their magic again, while the others… really didn't care for the time of night, their exhaustion in the face of a sudden schedule change muting their excitement. One girl, tall and dressed in gardener's overalls and a plain black long sleeve shirt with her black hair cut short, rolled her eyes in exasperation at the lack of energy. [color=B0D612]"Now, last semester we tested your abilities and guided you into kickstarting early growth and blooming. Now, it sounds like an easy task but most of you learned it's an incredibly delicate process and what the consequences are for failure. But that's okay because you have to start somewhere and it's easier to be careful when you know messing up kills what you're working on."[/color] Leo reassured them. [color=B0D612]"Now, everyone of you managed to get at least one of your seeds growing so now we're going to do that same thing from cuttings! Two of you probably already know this,[/color]" Profess Leo nodded at Salem and the black haired girl, who sent Salem a quizzical look. [color=B0D612]"But cuttings are an easy way to propagate roses. By cutting and replanting specific sections of a rose bush, you can grow any entire plant from just this stem! Aren't plants so cool?"[/color] The Professor beamed excitedly. [color=B0D612]"Of course, we're doing things a teensy Itty bit different. Cuttings are divided into three categories: Softwood, Semi-hard wood, and hardwood. While we'll go into all three types later, we'll be using hardwood cuttings for this semester. Hardwood cuttings are taken from the rose plant during late fall or early winter, just after the newly grown stems of the year have fully matured and already entered dormancy. Out of all three, these are the most difficult to persuade to take root."[/color] Leo explained with a flourish of the cutting in his hand. [color=B0D612]"So why do we use this for a bunch of novic mages? Because it's the perfect multitiered problem for group studies! With the amount of magical stamina you each have currently, you wouldn't even be able to begin touching the necessary reserves to startle these babies out of their slumber but by carefully combining your magical energies and guiding the stem through the process of awakening, you should be able to grow a single, beautiful bloom and start the process for it to continue into a full fledged rose bush! Remember, you'll have to balance all the lessons from your last semester against the overwhelming urge to slam your magic into the poor thing. Balancing what part of the process your magic is stimulating versus how much magic you are applying is the key. Too little magic and the cutting won't respond. Too much magic and the cutting will grow too quickly and die. Now we'll separate into partners…"[/color] Leo patted himself down, checking every pocket as he muttered to himself until finally, he pulled a crumpled piece of paper out of his breast pocket. [color=B0D612]"And here we go! Okay table one, Salem and Angelica. Table two, Evan and Andrew. Table three, Todd and Isabell. Get into your groups, check out your table, and introduce yourself to your partner."[/color] Leo instructed as he pointed out the tables. [color=B0D612]"Don't worry too much if you're struggling at first. Mixing magic like this may be a little frightening at first; most people just experience a bit of a shock for a while but really compatible magic might just click and people that just don't work well with others might find their magic refusing to do anything but fight so don't be too discouraged if your cutting withers away before you even try anything. It's a normal part of first time attempts."[/color] Angelica, the black haired girl who'd given Salem an appraising look, settled in at table one. She immediately went to put on her gloves and smirked at Salem when she joined him. [color=12D6AB]"Looks like we're the only two with a brain here if people don't know about cuttings already. I'm Angelica Brightwood. Ready to show these amaturer's serious magic?"[/color] [/hider] [hr] [center][b][u]Vampire Classes[/u][/b][/center] [hider=Ben, Amaris, Victor] [center][b][u]Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks[/u][/b][/center] [color=FF69B4]“Now that everyone is settled, I'd like to welcome our honored guests of the evening. Countess Marivaldi, Count Astorio, and Count Eve, thank you for giving me the opportunity to guide you through the complicated world of modern technology!"[/color] Dame Patel nodded in their directions before she took off immediately, barely giving her mage the time to set up the introductory slide. [color=FF69B4]"Now in this class, we'll be discussing three modes of communications! The simplest of these is the walkie talkie known as a channel. Next, we'll dive into phones, a simple device that transmits your voice so long as you hold down a button. Once we’ve mastered a walkie talkie, we’ll move onto phone calls and text messages from cellular telephones, also known as Cell Phones to most mages today, and finally we’ll end our semester mastering email on a computer. With all that said, let’s move right into walkie talkies!”[/color] Dame Patel clapped her hands and her mage changed the slide and provided her with a heavy black rectangle with two knobs on top next to a short tube like protrusion. The three screens above her all displayed images of the same item in her hand from overhead, the front, and the left. Each image had lines connecting labels to their appropriate spot. [color=FF69B4]“As I discuss our fantastic mortal contraption, please refer to the images above my head. A walkie talkie, or a radio as some mortals refer to it even though it's a waste of such a whimsical name, transmits your voice from this device to any number of similar ones on the same channel across a specific distance. Of course, it then begs the question: what is a channel? A channel is much like a room. Anyone in that room can hear you but anyone out of that room cannot! Source that the center knob has several numbers around it. Each number represents a channel and the white line on the knob points to the channel you are currently on. For example, the one I have now is on channel 3."[/color] She dipped tilted the one she held towards the class, displaying that it was set to channel 3. She gestured to her mage, who also held a walkie talkie, and he muttered softly into it. The one in her hand crackled to life and her mages voice echoed out. "Testing, testing, one, two, three." The walkie talkie went silent again. [color=FF69B4]"Now see what happens when I change the channel to four."[/color] She twisted the knob, the click quiet in the large space, and the mage once again muttered into his walkie talkie. No noise came out of the device. [color=FF69B4]"See? Relatively simple so far! Any questions?"[/color] [/hider] [hider=Varis,Eris] [center][u][b]Blind, Deaf, and Dumb: What Fun![/b][/u][/center] The emaciated vampire all but tossed one blindfold, a pair of earplugs, and a wickedly sharp dagger at each pair. She smirked, a twisted, sadistic thing, and put her hands on her hips. [color=F9B721]"You shit heads will be working on touch first. Pull the blindfold and earplugs on one of you maggots and the one without all the shit gets the dagger. Pretty sure most of you can guess the game here. Dumbasses in blindfolds, drive up that touch sensitivity. People with the daggers, pick a spot on your partner, trace a number, and have the partner tell you what you traced. Simple as that.”[/color] The vampire explained. [color=F9B721]“So why are we using knives made sharp enough to cut any one of you up like a fucking steak? The whole point of the lesson is to heighten how well we manage our senses so in order to ensure our partners are being as light as vampirically possible, anytime you press any harder than just resting it on the skin, you’ll get cut and for every cut, you lose two points off your grade. Now, get working.”[/color] She barked with a laugh. [/hider]