I face a foe most sinister; taxes...
My post will eventually be up, hopefully soon.
My post will eventually be up, hopefully soon.
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The cliches are real; I've been exposing myself to too much superhero material.
One of the leaders in Paragon research? thought Travis as he began to listen in on Felix's explanation of the Paragons more in-depth. Travis didn't know what to make of that phrase; it was as if the Catholic mage had unknowingly hinted at more than one individual dedicated to researching these artifacts. But how was that possible? He himself had gone through who knows how many tomes and publications he could get his hands on to even polish the surface of what the Paragons were. He felt uneasy about this, especially being an Aspect trainee of the Societas Academia, a school practically based on the foundation of magic. The very thought of not knowing more about the Paragons startled him; could the Societas Academia really not have any relevant information of these artifacts? Or could it be possible there is in fact a record but only behind closed doors?
Continuing to take in Felix's overwhelming information of the Paragons, the more Travis began to believe why hardly anyone not in any higher echelons of anything would no nothing of these things. These Paragons were practically batteries of forever flowing mana, likely capable of fueling any spell he could even think of. Extraordinarily useful, as they were extraordinarily dangerous. With so much limitless energy of multiple Paragons in one location; the mere thought was was overwhelming. Too true as how the Arch-Magi had put it that a number of Paragons, if not all of them, could even create a literal reality shattering event. Unbelievably spectacular and utterly terrifying at the same time. This was plenty enough reason to hide these things from the rest of the world. Interesting how the Church knew quite a bit about them...
Felix eventually had begun to explain how he was able to find Travis and even know his name. Apparently what sounded like a conspiracy had seemingly taken place in the Catholic Church with the overall goal of locating the Paragons; a proposal that was once shot down for very good reasons but now resurrected and with plenty of steam to be put into motion. But that wasn't even the interesting part. Felix described, or what Travis could conclude to, was an ethereal entity of sorts had reached out to him, warning the Arch-Magi of a terrible calamity that was nearing realization. But what came with a vision of doom, also came with a roster of hope. As if he had become a vessel for this voice, he had unconsciously written down a list of names, or guardians as he put it, and the location of the individuals they belonged to. To even prove this point, Felix had offered Travis the parchment so he could look over. With widened eyes, Travis had found his name there and his exact location on the list of others Felix had mentioned before.
Dumbfounded, Travis stared long and hard at this parchment, nearly speechless of what any of this meant. Was it all true? He didn't want to believe it, but how else could his name have ended up here? Him? Destined to save the world? He was sure nothing special, aside from just scoring an Untalent win in developing mana-effecient spells all the while blowing himself up in the process.Farfetched? No shit, thought Travis as he mentally responded to Felix's assuring explanation, this is the stuff of fairy tails and legends.
This moment of anxiety finally broke as the Arch-Magi mentioned his intention of gathering the Paragons as well but not for the purposes the Church or anyone else has in store. This of course came with the need of simply acquiring a single Paragon in order thoroughly examine it and eventually contain it and more, depriving anyone the chance to destroy the world, if not, the entire universe. The opportunity that Felix had just offered him - not counting his fate-given responsibility - was incredibly alluring. But what of his current expedition? Surely he couldn't abandon that could he? Travis wrestled and debated with that fact and what was presented him, determining what would be worth his time and what could get him tossed out for. Get an honor role or save the world?
"You know what? For as long as I have been here, I have yet to prove if Mesoamerican cultures even had a concept of mana or magic for that matter and I've basically sidetracked my attention in learning a cost-efficient was of blowing my self up. I think its time for a topic change that's actually worthwhile." said Travis as he leaned in and grasped Felix's offered hand in a friendly grip, "Lets find ourselves a Paragon and save the world while we're at it."
He could see it now; Travis McGrath, Guardian of the Mystic World, Keeper of ancient knowledge. Somehow, he liked the ring that.
Continuing to take in Felix's overwhelming information of the Paragons, the more Travis began to believe why hardly anyone not in any higher echelons of anything would no nothing of these things. These Paragons were practically batteries of forever flowing mana, likely capable of fueling any spell he could even think of. Extraordinarily useful, as they were extraordinarily dangerous. With so much limitless energy of multiple Paragons in one location; the mere thought was was overwhelming. Too true as how the Arch-Magi had put it that a number of Paragons, if not all of them, could even create a literal reality shattering event. Unbelievably spectacular and utterly terrifying at the same time. This was plenty enough reason to hide these things from the rest of the world. Interesting how the Church knew quite a bit about them...
Felix eventually had begun to explain how he was able to find Travis and even know his name. Apparently what sounded like a conspiracy had seemingly taken place in the Catholic Church with the overall goal of locating the Paragons; a proposal that was once shot down for very good reasons but now resurrected and with plenty of steam to be put into motion. But that wasn't even the interesting part. Felix described, or what Travis could conclude to, was an ethereal entity of sorts had reached out to him, warning the Arch-Magi of a terrible calamity that was nearing realization. But what came with a vision of doom, also came with a roster of hope. As if he had become a vessel for this voice, he had unconsciously written down a list of names, or guardians as he put it, and the location of the individuals they belonged to. To even prove this point, Felix had offered Travis the parchment so he could look over. With widened eyes, Travis had found his name there and his exact location on the list of others Felix had mentioned before.
Dumbfounded, Travis stared long and hard at this parchment, nearly speechless of what any of this meant. Was it all true? He didn't want to believe it, but how else could his name have ended up here? Him? Destined to save the world? He was sure nothing special, aside from just scoring an Untalent win in developing mana-effecient spells all the while blowing himself up in the process.Farfetched? No shit, thought Travis as he mentally responded to Felix's assuring explanation, this is the stuff of fairy tails and legends.
This moment of anxiety finally broke as the Arch-Magi mentioned his intention of gathering the Paragons as well but not for the purposes the Church or anyone else has in store. This of course came with the need of simply acquiring a single Paragon in order thoroughly examine it and eventually contain it and more, depriving anyone the chance to destroy the world, if not, the entire universe. The opportunity that Felix had just offered him - not counting his fate-given responsibility - was incredibly alluring. But what of his current expedition? Surely he couldn't abandon that could he? Travis wrestled and debated with that fact and what was presented him, determining what would be worth his time and what could get him tossed out for. Get an honor role or save the world?
"You know what? For as long as I have been here, I have yet to prove if Mesoamerican cultures even had a concept of mana or magic for that matter and I've basically sidetracked my attention in learning a cost-efficient was of blowing my self up. I think its time for a topic change that's actually worthwhile." said Travis as he leaned in and grasped Felix's offered hand in a friendly grip, "Lets find ourselves a Paragon and save the world while we're at it."
He could see it now; Travis McGrath, Guardian of the Mystic World, Keeper of ancient knowledge. Somehow, he liked the ring that.
With Prism's assistance, carrying Sklog became a much easier task as they made their way down to Nightscream's lab. Personally, Turbulence believed his Alt mode would have far more efficient in this endeavor but he could only guess that the Decepticon medic had just about enough trouble as is, especially now that the elevator was wrecked. For the time being, they would have to get used to walking up and down the levels in order to reach their intended destinations.
All of a sudden, the hulking Sklog grunted and easily broke free of the Autobot's hold, "H-hey!" Turbulence exclaimed.
Sklog never vocally address what had gotten into him but seemed as if he did not want any help; an odd way of thinking considering his condition. The Decepticon warrior made his way through a portion of the downward stairway before Sklog had lost his balance and began tumbling down the stairs, creating quite a bit ruckus through the process. Turbulence groaned as he and Prism went after him.
Conveniently enough, Sklog had finally landed at their intended floor but soon cried out his name before collapsing again. It appeared that the big the Decepticon had blacked out yet again. Both Autobots had the right idea and once more picked Sklog up to ferry him to the laboratory, but now that Sklog was unconscious and no longer moving on his own, his metallic feet dragged across the hard floor as Turbulence and Prism did their best to orient him up while towing him along.
All of a sudden, the hulking Sklog grunted and easily broke free of the Autobot's hold, "H-hey!" Turbulence exclaimed.
Sklog never vocally address what had gotten into him but seemed as if he did not want any help; an odd way of thinking considering his condition. The Decepticon warrior made his way through a portion of the downward stairway before Sklog had lost his balance and began tumbling down the stairs, creating quite a bit ruckus through the process. Turbulence groaned as he and Prism went after him.
Conveniently enough, Sklog had finally landed at their intended floor but soon cried out his name before collapsing again. It appeared that the big the Decepticon had blacked out yet again. Both Autobots had the right idea and once more picked Sklog up to ferry him to the laboratory, but now that Sklog was unconscious and no longer moving on his own, his metallic feet dragged across the hard floor as Turbulence and Prism did their best to orient him up while towing him along.
<Snipped quote by ShiningSector>
I hadn't thought of that. None come to mind, save just Arch-Mage Felix. If you would like, you could pitch me some of your ideas and we can add them retroactively.
That is okay. Arch-Mage does have a better ring to it than I originally thought. Any other names for honorifics I could think of seem a little nonsensical.
Travis noticed that the Magi appeared almost amused about his faltering composure created by this unusual encounter. Once more, he could not make out any sort of intention or purpose for Felix even being here. At the very least though, this man from the Catholic Church did not appear all that threatening which was a welcomed first than a meeting with any organization Travis has so far encountered.
Eventually, Felix replied to his inquiry by apparently talking to himself on how to approach the question. Unusual at first but Travis quickly caught on when the Catholic mage mentioned 'others' who, by the way he made it sound, perceptibly thought of him as delusional when he explained himself. Travis didn't know what he was referring to or about to explain, however he did not have any reason to doubt Felix or any of his words thus far. This was especially true that he not only knew Travis' name and exact location, but he was also incredibly perceptive and appeared knowledgeable of magic to a degree though Travis was almost sure that well of knowledge was far deeper than it seemed.
With a sudden snap of his fingers, Felix had decided to counter the question asked of him with a question of his own; he simply asked Travis what he knew about the Paragons. For a brief moment, Travis at first didn't appear to know what the Magi was talking about and nearly ignored it until the word began to rang loudly within his mind, unveiling past memories coinciding with that very word. Paragon. It was unusually familiar and quickly began to nag at him.
"Paragon..." Travis said aloud as he attempted to make sense of the word and remember where he recalled it popping up originally, "I've heard that...Term, before...Gimme a moment."
From being almost completely flustered to now devotedly focused through fascinated curiosity, Travis made a beeline to his unfortunately disorganized pile research notes and papers. Shifting through the mess as he muttered to himself, he eventually exclaimed in satisfaction as he pulled out a small notebook notably worn external cover and with folded and nearly tattered slips of paper sticking out of the compressed pages.
"Ah, I knew I read that word before somewhere." said Travis after pulling out of the slips and reading its contents, "I'll be up front and explain I don't know much about these Paragons, but I have found them curiously being mentioned in more than one article of study. Though when I've tried to pry more on the subject, all I get are either shoulder shrugs or awkward declines."
"What I gathered about them," he continued, now invested in this topic, "is that they appear to be artifacts of great power and apparently significant importance in some tenets, including ideological and religious beliefs. Actually, I believe I recall a verse made in one old publication that observed the study of the arcane arts. That verse or phrase - I'm sure I could find it somewhere here - mentioned a Paragon in its dialect. It was pulled from a quote by a rather highly ranked Magi from the...Catholic...Church..."
Travis's voice trailed off as the gears in his mind began to work overtime, compiling a list of reasons why Felix had asked him such a question. It slowly became apparent to him that this encounter between the two was more than convenient meeting of two individuals who knew about or, at the very least, heard of the Paragons before. With that, coupled with the Magi's knowing of his name, finally articulated a reasonable purpose of Felix arrival here.
"...Felix?" queried Travis, addressing the Catholic mage as he slowly turned around to face him, "Are you - I mean - are you looking for these Paragons?"
Eventually, Felix replied to his inquiry by apparently talking to himself on how to approach the question. Unusual at first but Travis quickly caught on when the Catholic mage mentioned 'others' who, by the way he made it sound, perceptibly thought of him as delusional when he explained himself. Travis didn't know what he was referring to or about to explain, however he did not have any reason to doubt Felix or any of his words thus far. This was especially true that he not only knew Travis' name and exact location, but he was also incredibly perceptive and appeared knowledgeable of magic to a degree though Travis was almost sure that well of knowledge was far deeper than it seemed.
With a sudden snap of his fingers, Felix had decided to counter the question asked of him with a question of his own; he simply asked Travis what he knew about the Paragons. For a brief moment, Travis at first didn't appear to know what the Magi was talking about and nearly ignored it until the word began to rang loudly within his mind, unveiling past memories coinciding with that very word. Paragon. It was unusually familiar and quickly began to nag at him.
"Paragon..." Travis said aloud as he attempted to make sense of the word and remember where he recalled it popping up originally, "I've heard that...Term, before...Gimme a moment."
From being almost completely flustered to now devotedly focused through fascinated curiosity, Travis made a beeline to his unfortunately disorganized pile research notes and papers. Shifting through the mess as he muttered to himself, he eventually exclaimed in satisfaction as he pulled out a small notebook notably worn external cover and with folded and nearly tattered slips of paper sticking out of the compressed pages.
"Ah, I knew I read that word before somewhere." said Travis after pulling out of the slips and reading its contents, "I'll be up front and explain I don't know much about these Paragons, but I have found them curiously being mentioned in more than one article of study. Though when I've tried to pry more on the subject, all I get are either shoulder shrugs or awkward declines."
"What I gathered about them," he continued, now invested in this topic, "is that they appear to be artifacts of great power and apparently significant importance in some tenets, including ideological and religious beliefs. Actually, I believe I recall a verse made in one old publication that observed the study of the arcane arts. That verse or phrase - I'm sure I could find it somewhere here - mentioned a Paragon in its dialect. It was pulled from a quote by a rather highly ranked Magi from the...Catholic...Church..."
Travis's voice trailed off as the gears in his mind began to work overtime, compiling a list of reasons why Felix had asked him such a question. It slowly became apparent to him that this encounter between the two was more than convenient meeting of two individuals who knew about or, at the very least, heard of the Paragons before. With that, coupled with the Magi's knowing of his name, finally articulated a reasonable purpose of Felix arrival here.
"...Felix?" queried Travis, addressing the Catholic mage as he slowly turned around to face him, "Are you - I mean - are you looking for these Paragons?"
@Prodigal Son Question; do most of the factions and societies here have any honorifics? Aside from the titles and ranks that are listed, I am mainly curious, especially in Felix's case as an example, how he would be addressed out of respect from anyone of lesser or equal stature? Father and pastor quickly came to mind but I very much doubt those would even add up to Felix's position and calling him Arch-Magi and then first or last name following afterwards kinda sounds weird to me.
This is is mostly out of an idea I had originally for my latest post and was unsure how to go about it.
This is is mostly out of an idea I had originally for my latest post and was unsure how to go about it.
The Church Magi appeared surprisingly unfazed by Travis' awkward behavior and showed no signs of caution or hostility when he had unintentionally revealed his charm, something any sane person who knew what it was would definitely not appreciate its presence. In fact, the Magi didn't even acknowledge his nervous query either; though whether that was good or still a bad thing would later be determined. Completely out of left field, the Magi from the Catholic Church - whom now Travis believed to be of a higher rank than originally perceived - actually whistled in positive recognition to his recent endeavor, even calling him a genius for devising a hybrid rune of ancient and modern knowledge. While Travis himself enjoyed compliments and praises, he couldn't help but notice the mage's extraordinary perception and analysis of the scene to even compile such an accurate result of what happened here minutes ago.
However, that was hardly the most shocking part about the Magi. The astounding thing was that he knew Travis' full name. So many questions exploded in Travis' mind like how this Church official knew who he was and how he was located, especially when he gone through the effort of covering his own mana signature and discreetly managing his activities to avoid major suspicion. Eventually his self-question had abruptly ended when the Magi finally revealed himself as Felix Glasius. Travis slowly lowered his arms and attempted to reply back with as much professional composure as he could muster.
"I-I appreciate the kind gesture, Felix. I go by..."
Idiot. he knows who you are, thought Travis as he reminded himself of Felix's apparent wealth of knowledge, "...If I may ask you openly; how do you know who I am - how did you find me here?"
However, that was hardly the most shocking part about the Magi. The astounding thing was that he knew Travis' full name. So many questions exploded in Travis' mind like how this Church official knew who he was and how he was located, especially when he gone through the effort of covering his own mana signature and discreetly managing his activities to avoid major suspicion. Eventually his self-question had abruptly ended when the Magi finally revealed himself as Felix Glasius. Travis slowly lowered his arms and attempted to reply back with as much professional composure as he could muster.
"I-I appreciate the kind gesture, Felix. I go by..."
Idiot. he knows who you are, thought Travis as he reminded himself of Felix's apparent wealth of knowledge, "...If I may ask you openly; how do you know who I am - how did you find me here?"
Argh! I lost all the progress on the edit, that's about two hours down the drain. Aw well, I can finish it tomorrow.
I hate it when that happens too. Bugs the hell out of me. If it helps, I've usually been either copying my posts first before submitting them and typing out responses on a separate document to ensure nothing like that happens.
@Prodigal Son I already have a post thought up but I won't be posting until much later; my work schedule pushes me into the late evening so I apologize again for any delay.
<Snipped quote by ShiningSector>
Since in your character sheet you did not offer much in the way of aesthetic explanation. I winged it and said your character had, "dark hair." If he doesn't, that could just be the effect of the soot from the explosion.
Nah, I imagined him having black hair, though now that I look at the example image again, it is pretty devoid of much detail. I'll go ahead and get that dealt with.
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