Name: Natalia Jean-Louis
Strength: 11
Agility: 16
Body: 13
Intelligence: 19
Will: 17
Charisma: 17

Health: 51
Reflex: 58
Resist Magic: 59
Study: 63

Quirks:
Crush! (needs to be specified)
Inheritance

Talents:
Determination
Lightning Reflexes

Wand:
Sphinx Mane Core (+5 to Knowledge and Fight, -2 to initiative), Aspen Wood (+10 Charms, +5 Dueling), Quite Long, Rigid

PREVIOUS THREAD: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27556544/

“Hey Little-bit, are you hungry?” You slowly flutter your eyes open to see your father’s ebony face and broad white smile. The morning sun shines slightly off of his freshly shaved head.

After a disorienting moment you realize that you had drifted off to sleep in the back of Helen’s ‘Ack-Horrd’ with Snowball curled up peacefully in your lap.

Helen hands you a white paper bag from her seat in the front when you sit up.

“What is it?” You mumble while rubbing your drowsy brown eyes.

“Ham and cheese kolache.” She answered. “My Mom always used to get us some on our first day of school.”

You flash an approving smile and pull your small roll of the bag. The car sputters to life once more while you take your first bite. It’s still baffling that such a thing could even move at the speeds it does without magic. Was it a series of gears set into action by the pedals? Then how does that simple motion make it respond so well?

“Sleep well?” Dad asks as his hand goes up to the assisting handle above the car door. “You passed out as soon as we got into the care and didn’t even wake up when we stopped to get breakfast.”

“Yeah I guess.” You mumble with bits of cheese, bread, and meat in your mouth. “How much longer?”

“Not long,” He pauses for a moment. “I think?”

“We’re about thirty minutes out.” Helen assures.

The nervous butterflies flutter around in your stomach all too similar to the ones you got last evening.

How do you wish to stay occupied?

>Ask your Dad what you can expect from your first boat ride and sorting.
>Ask Helen about her Kitchen Witchery book and what she thinks of it.
>Ask Helen about muggle cars.
>Read one of your textbooks (Pick from: Witching History, Potions: Year One, Transfiguration: Introduction to the Moldable World, Dueling Year One: Jinx, Hex, and Defend Against your Enemies, Beginner’s Charms, The Witching World and The Wilderness, and Alchemy for Beginners)
>Other

>>27609041
>Crush! (needs to be specified)
And ruin all the fun?

Be creative.

>>27609183
>Ask Helen about muggle cars.
We're an inquisitive kid, and it seems pretty interesting for a muggle thing.

>>27608908
Oh yeah, rules of how stuff gets decided:

Since it's still starting off pretty small, I think the first 5 votes that link to my posts get counted.
If I call for a roll, I'll generally take the best of the first three, barring crit success or failures.

If I decide otherwise I'll tell you guys before I implement the change.

>>27609183
>>Ask Helen about muggle cars.
They are pretty puzzling to us. Since she is going to be a fixture in our father's life, it is probably wise to learn more about her part of the world.

>>27609200
I agree. This would be something that would be fun for the OP to define. Perhaps have it start in one of the upcoming scenes.

>>27609252
>>27609427
“Hey Helen.” You wonder out loud. “How do these car things work anyways? How can it even move without magic or anything?”

Helen seems to be a bit surprised at your question. “Oh, well, it’s really a series of devices powered by a fluid called gasoline. The engine is a large machine in the front of the car that is powered off of the fumes caused by the gasoline. I use these pedals in the front to control the amount of gasoline that the engine uses. The more gas, the faster the car goes. A different pedal slows the car down by hitting the breaks which activate pads that rub against the wheels and slowing their rotation.”

“So it’s all powered off this fuel called ‘gazz-oh-leen?’. Is it hard to control?” You respond.

“No, not really. I can teach you how to drive when you’re old enough.”

“Old enough?” you wonder. How on earth could a machine know your age?

“Yeah, you have to be sixteen to drive a car.” Helen states, not giving it much thought.

“But how does it know?” you mutter to yourself. Muggles don’t have magic but they seem to be able to create interesting inventions regardless.

>>27609471
This conversation doesn’t seem to be soothing your anxiety much. Sentient cars. Ridiculous.
There’s still some time until you reach the harbor.

>Ask your Dad what you can expect from your first boat ride and sorting.
>Ask Helen about her Kitchen Witchery book and what she thinks of it.
>Read one of your textbooks (Pick from: Witching History, Potions: Year One, Transfiguration: Introduction to the Moldable World, Dueling Year One: Jinx, Hex, and Defend Against your Enemies, Beginner’s Charms, The Witching World and The Wilderness, and Alchemy for Beginners)
>Other

>>27609471
Oh come on.

There are age limits on how to become an animagus, or learn how to apparate, and things like that.

We should be able to figure that out.

>>27609503
>Ask your Dad what you can expect from your first boat ride and sorting.

Can't hurt to know what we're getting in for.

>>27609503
>Ask your Dad what you can expect from your first boat ride and sorting.
Unlike cars, boats are certified magician-approved, but they're still wack. And sorting is important.

>>27609503
>>Ask your Dad what you can expect from your first boat ride and sorting.
Getting a lay of the land might be nice. I like the world building so far.

>>27609743
>>27609596
>>27609564

“So how is the sorting done Dad?” You ask him, maybe if you knew what you are in for you’ll feel better.

“Well I don’t want to ruin all of the surprise for you but it’s certainly an interesting process.” He thinks for a moment to phrase it correctly. “They do a ceremony that the House leaders come to the school to practice a few days before the rest of the students arrive. During this ceremony they initiate you into the house you’ll be in. You know: Octopus, Eel, Starfish, or Turtle.”

“Wait, what?” Helen asks, with a confused look.

“Yeah, they sort you into different dormitories based on your personality and the way you think. Like how if you’re an artistic, out-of-the-box thinker you tend to be in Octopus House, if you excel at integrating the magical into the physical world, you go to Eel House, if you pride yourself on your sense of community and bold nature, Starfish House is for you. And you know, if you’re boring you go to Turtle house.”

“Daaad.” You complain.

“Fine, fine.” He waves his hand a bit. “If you are a linear thinker who likes to learn about philosophy or magical theories then you tend to end up in Turtle house.”

“Which one were you in?” Helen inquires.

“Starfish of course! You couldn’t tell? We also tend to be the best looking.” He gives her a playful nudge which causes her release a puff of laughter. “There is a lot more to them than that but we could talk for hours about the complexity that each house symbolizes. Its best just to find out on your own. No matter where you end up you’ll be sure to be with people who think in similar ways as you.”

-CONT-

>>27609861
“The boat ride is fun,” He continues. “Very straight forward too. You get in line, you get checked in, they take your bags, Helen and I sniff loudly as you leave, and you go below deck to sit and socialize with other first-years before you arrive at school.”

This does make you feel a bit better. At least you kind of know what is going to happen when you arrive.

Soon you can see the harbor just over the horizon. After some instruction Helen is able to find the right pier and park the car. Snowball blinks awake and lets out a small yawn. You give him a quick scratch between the ears before placing him into his small plastic carrier. Opening the car door you are overwhelmed with the salty smell of the body of water known as ‘Salem Sound’.

Your Father goes to the back of the car to get your suitcase out. He has a puzzled look on his face as he studies the door to the trunk. Helen sighs and hits a button by the driver’s side door causing the tail end to pop up. Your Father jumps a bit but mutters the word ‘fascinating’ before pulling the luggage out of the compartment and closing the door.

“Are you sure we are at the right place?” Helen asks as she looks around the harbor. The only doc that extended out seemed in ruins and ended abruptly after five feet.

“Just an illusion.” Your father remarked. “Come on, I’ll show you. You’ll need to hold my hand though.”

She grasps his hand tightly, obviously a bet nervous about this whole process, and you grab his sleeve.

Your feet make loud echoes on the warped wood as you walk close and closer to the edge. Finally you are right where the wood ends. You take a deep breath and close your eyes, for a moment doubting that there would be anything on the other side. Fortunately, instead of water your feet meet solid wood.

-CONT-

>>27609861
I don't understand. Where are the good and evil houses?

>>27609892
When you open your eyes you are in the middle of a long crowded pier. Children of all ages have come with their families to be dropped off. You can hear Helen gasp in amazement, as she looks at your surroundings. The ship sits at the very end of the doc, a large clipper ship with high masts with long white sails bundled up at the top. You notice that the dock’s wood is a higher quality than the one that you started out on. Illusion magic at it’s best.

You enter the long line of students boarding the ship and take this time to study the boat in front of you. It is truly a magnificent creation and much larger than you expected. Large windows of thick glass crop up on the side of the ship a few feet down from the deck. Obviously those are the cabin areas for the students. The most interesting thing about it, however, is that instead of the classic woman carving at the bow there’s an intricate carving of golden vines going up the bow of the ship and spiraling at the top. The rest of the boat was crafted from very fine black walnut with accents of deep mahogany.

Your Father and Mother (when she was alive) would mention the beauty of the ship in passing but none of these conversations could ever do it justice.

“Name please?” An older voice said, breaking you from your inner thoughts.

“Natalia Jean-Louis.” You state to the older wizard as he signs something on a tag and then ties it to your suitcase.

“I’ll take care of your bags. You can take your critter on board but keep him in his carrier.” He states as he grips the handle to your bag and rolls it off to a pile of similar ones as a team of young men run back and forth loading up the ship.

You turn to Dad and Helen, you won’t be seeing them again until Christmas time. Your father pulls you into a tight hug.

How do you respond?
>Hug him back.
>Awkward back pat
>Other

How do you say goodbye to Helen?
>Give her a quick hug.
>Side hug
>Just wave goodbye
>Other

>>27609915
>Hug him back.

Hug our dad full force. We aren't going to see him for a while.

>Give her a quick hug.

It'd be rude not to give her a proper hug.

>>27609896
>>27609896
This is America. The are all evil.

>>27609896
Yeah where the hell is House Hero and House Rich Racist Villain?

>>27608908
>-LAST TIME ON SALEM INSTITUTE QUEST-
Got a link to previous threads?

>>27609915
Hug him back, and a quick hug for Helen.

She tries.

>>27609915
>>Hug him back.
And
>>Give her a quick hug.

We should at least try to make her feel welcome. She seems nice enough, so far.

>>27609934
>>27609927
>>27609896
I lol'd.

Actually I spent a lot of time thinking about this, and I'm almost positive that Harry and Draco would both end up in Starfish House.

Just a little tidbit for you guys.

>>27609915
>Awkward back pat.
Don't want to look too mushy for the other kids after all.

>Side hug
If the other kids cotton to the fact that she's not your real mom (except those you trust enough to tell of course) some will be assholes about it. Admittedly the chance of anyone noticing and remembering is slim, but these are the things that make an observant witch. Oh yeah, and also it helps the atmosphere and making her feel welcome and stuff. But not a real hug because she's not your real mom.

>>27609950
It's in the second post at the bottom.

>>27609915
>>Side hug
>Hug him back.

>having houses at all
It seems to me it's a bit contrived to force the existence of one of those dystopic British schools in America.

>>27609950
>http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27556544/

>>27609953
>>27609951
>>27609924

You wrap your arms around your father tightly as you are hit with a sudden wave of home-sickness. As you release your embrace and you give Helen a quick hug good bye too. She has really grown on you these past few weeks and it would be a lie to say you wouldn’t miss her.

Your group exchanges its good byes and you take a quick breath in. Now or never, Natalia.

You take your first steps up the ramp to your first boat ride to The Institute. When you get to the top you turn around to wave farewell to Helen and Dad. They wave back, you can tell that both of them are happy to see you on your way but also a little bit sad to see you go. You take one last moment to take a mental image of them before turning and walking on to the deck.

Sailors busily prepare the boat to set sail as students walk hurriedly to the stairwells to the cabins below. You follow the organized commotion.

You walk down below deck to find a place to sit for the duration of your ride. There are smaller compartments of benches to sit upon but most of them are already full or filling up fast. Fortunately you are able to find four that still has some room.

>>27609950
see >>27609041

>>27610029
The first cabin has three people in it. Two boys sit by the window talking to themselves and a young girl with short blond hair seems to be engrossed in her copy of Moonlight Press. You can make out the title of the cover story from the corridor, something important going on with The Society. Your family left so early this morning the newspaper hadn’t even arrived yet.

You hear a boisterous conversation coming from the second cabin. Glancing into it you see a girl with porcelain white skin, dark eyes under slanted lids, and black hair braided neatly on either side of her head. A tan girl with equally dark hair sits across from her laughing at nearly everything her cabin partner says.

The third cabin contains two boys deeply engrossed in a card game. You can’t exactly tell what type of game it is just by glancing in but it seems vaguely familiar.

The final cabin has a girl sitting by herself reading a book titled Numerology: Myths, Math, and Magic. Her bags were for some reason not taken by the bag check men because they are all over the cabin.

Which cabin do you choose?
>Cabin 1
>Cabin 2
>Cabin 3
>Cabin 4

>>27610060
>Cabin 4

Rolled 1

>>27610060
The dice foretell our fate!

>>27610060
>>Cabin 4

>>27610060
>The third cabin contains two boys deeply engrossed in a card game. You can’t exactly tell what type of game it is just by glancing in but it seems vaguely familiar.
See if we can get them to deal us in.

>>27610060
Cabin 2 sounds good.

>>27610060
1 sounds too generic, 3 sounds too lame. I feel like /tg/ would usually go 4, so:

2 it is!

>>27610060
>Cabin 4

This will not go wrong in any way whatsoever.

>>27610060
>4

Rolled 1

>>27610075
>>27610102
>>27610087
>>27610140

Rolling for Tiebreaker.
On a 1 we go to Cabin 4, on a 2 we go to Cabin 2

>>27610077
Not counting this.

>>27610185
Of course /tg/ would pick cabin 4.

>>27610185
Alright, if we secure a quirky friend we can escape that niche!

>>27610185
You go down to the fourth cabin, knock quietly on the door, then turn the handle and step inside. The door bangs into something wedged next to the wall. Yep, more bags.

“Um, is this seat taken?” you ask.

The girl looks up from her book with her wide blue eyes. She pauses for a moment before shaking her head.

She returns to reading her book.

How do you proceed?

>Hi my name is Natalia
>What’s up with the bags? Did they not take them?
>How’s the book?
>Other

>>27610254
>>How’s the book?

>>27610254
>Hi my name is Natalia

Introduce ourself first before we start on other things.

>>27610254
>How’s the book?
We know how to make conversation.

>>27610299
>>27610265

“How’s the book?” You say after you are able to find a patch of the bench that wasn’t occupied by luggage.

“It discusses the crytographical sequences pioneered by John Dee. It’s quite complicated but I’m managing to keep up.” Her little shoulders shrug a bit. “I’m sure most first years wouldn’t get it though.”

You’re not really sure how to take this exactly. “Oh, alright.”

>Show her your book. (Alchemy for Beginners)
>Ask more about Math-magics.
>Change the subject. (Muggle cars?)

>>27610430
>Change the subject. (Muggle cars?)
yeah, muggle cars

>>27610430
>Ask more about Math-magics.

Show interest. Acquire conversation.

>Ask more about Math-magics.

>>27610430
>Ask more about Math-magics.
Sounds mystical man. Also if she's gonna learn Arithmetic FFT-style we're gonna want to be on her good side.

>>27610430
>Math Magics
pls

So is Natalia black or white?

>>27610638
Caribbean! So, brown.

>>27610638
Given that our Dad was described as ebony earlier, we're probably pretty brown.

>>27610542
>>27610486
>>27610620
>>27610623

The mention of complex arithmancy piques your interest. You don’t know much about the subject unfortunately, as it has never been your father’s strong suit, so you decide to ask about it.

“I don’t know much about math-magics, but I’ve always found it intriguing. What kind of applications does it have?

“Oh!” She perks up slightly. “It’s very interesting, even if it is a bit overly complicated. By exploring the relationships between different numbers, you can tell all sorts of things about a person, item, or even situations. Skilled numerologists are even able to predict the future with some degree of certainty. Not to mention the usefulness in the enchanting and evoking arts.”

You nod along as she explains a few of the basic principles of arithmancy (the basic form of math-magic).

-+2 to MATH-MAGIC-

>Show her your book. (Alchemy for Beginners)
>Change the subject. (Muggle cars?)
>Other

>>27610707
Caribbean is pretty broad.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Ethnic_groups_in_the_Caribbean
If you mean indigenous Caribbe, that's pretty unlikely.

>>27610742
>dat loli vocabulary
Let's maybe show her our book I guess, I reckon she won't be impresser though so just do it kind of off-hand.

>>27610742
Should we specify our crush now?

>>27610742
>>Change the subject. (Muggle cars?)

>>27610742
>Show her your book. (Alchemy for Beginners)

We can talk about alchemy and cooking, assuming we know how to cook, and I certainly hope we know some cooking considering Caribbean cuisine is delicious.

>>27610742
>Show her your book.
this one pls

>>27610742
>Introduce yourself.
Now that we got her attention somewhat it's time for politeness.

>>27610742
Show her your "book".

>>27610743
I like to imagine that we're descended from Agasu One Arm, a twin from Africa who participated in the liberation of Haiti from the French.
>>27610742
>Show her your book.

>>27610743
Sure, but anons aren't anthropologists. If someone's described as 'nordic' people're gonna assume they look white as fuck and probably tall/blonde, not ask whether they're sami. If Japanese, people won't ponder the possibility of Ainu heritage. Same thing here. I guess QuestFag could specify further if it's important.

>>27610742
> Show her your book
> Introduce yourself
"I'll let you get back to your book, I'm going to read mine. Maybe we can swap when we're done? Oh, I'm Natalia, by the way.

>>27610874
Nordic is an ethnic group, albeit a not super specific one. Caribbean though, isn't an ethnicity at all.

>>27610894
Afro-Caribbean then, if it's so important. It's been established that our father at least is black.

>>27610894
Yeah, but your average person have no idea that's the case.

>>27610790
>wanting to be a lesbian loli

>>27610743
She's specified as Haitian decent last thread.

>>27610917
What does your "average person" think is Caribbean then? I'm pretty sure your average person from a Caribbean country knows that.

>>27610919
Let's face it, this quest was doomed to at least minor bitchfests when the crush trait was rolled.

>>27610942
They think brown.

>>27610919
no

>>27610830
>>27610811
>>27610798
>>27610772

After testing the waters a bit you feel more comfortable opening up about your own interests. You pull out Alchemy for Beginners out of one of your robe pockets.

“I’m actually really interested in Alchemy myself. I picked this up from one of the book stores in Crispin’s Row.”

She gives the book a quick look over. “That one is very good! I read it last year. How far into it are you?”

“Halfway through the third chapter.” You recall, you would have read more if you could concentrate instead of just waiting anxiously for the days to pass by.

“It gets much more interesting later on. I promise,” she assures you.

Suddenly there is a lurch in the ship, jostling you slightly. The girl’s eyes go wide. “We’re docking!” she exclaims excitedly. The feeling in your stomach returns.

-CONT-

>>27610980
HAHA
TIME FOR CTHULU HOUSE

>>27610980
Is this kid older than us? That would be a tweeest. Admittedly her personality is convincingly bookworm-y so I assume she's just over-accomplishing like Hermione, but still.

>>27610980
The two of you turn your attention to the window but you are on the wrong side of the ship and can only see a snippet of the beach side.

The sailors first release the seventh and sixth years, then the fifth and fourth years, and so on and so forth until the first years are allowed to leave.

A powerful gust of wind miffs your hair as you walk up the stairs to the deck once more. Encompassing most of your vision is the large crescent shaped island that the school inhabits. To your right you see steep rocky ridge build up that will become the cliff sides at the back of the island. Along this ridge you see puffs of smoke sporadically being released from an unknown source.

To your right is a sandy beach that extends to most of the front of the island. You can vaguely make out some sort of statues at this end as well as a large grey dome.

As you study the rest of the island you notice something floating out in the harbor. It looks something like an over-sized muggle houseboat but where the roof would be there seems to be a surprisingly large amount of foliage adorning it.

Someone bumps into you, reminding you that looking at the scenic views can wait. You need to get off this boat first.

You walk down the ramp to see what must be a 7th year waiting for the pack of first years. He smiles warmly at your group and once everyone is off the boat and on solid ground he speaks.

“Hello First Years! My name is Robert and I have the honor of giving you a brief introduction to the school as well as lead you to the Main House for your sorting ceremony.” His eyes twinkle as he glances around to get a good look at the group.

“First things first. Do any of you have any questions I can answer and get out of the way?”

Well, do you?
>Ask a question (specify)
>Remain silent

>>27611061
>Ask a question (specify)
"What house are you in?"

>>27611061
It's going to take a minute to write up the next part, so discuss among yourselves if you want to ask a specific question.

In regards to Natalia's heritage, it will be explored more in depth later in the story, but since you are apparently getting hung-up on this:
>>27610935
>>27610914
She is primarily of Haitian descent.

>>27611061
There's smoke on the ridge. Why?

>>27611061
>Ask a question (specify)

"Why is there smoke over there?"

File: 1381106176830.png-(401 KB, 325x638, homer.png)

401 KB PNG

>>27611115
>She is primarily of Haitian descent.
Well that sure answered the question.

>>27611184
>>27611220

Robert chuckles at this question as if he was expecting it.
“That’s the smoke and steam from the Eel house forges.” He replies effortlessly. “I’ve never seen them myself, but if you get sorted in there you’ll get to use them all the time.”

Robert fields a few more questions from your classmates involving the locations of various places around the island, and is soon convinced that your group is at ease.

“Well. Let’s get started then, shall we?” he says with a grin.
He turns and starts walking up the cobblestone path to a large brick mansion with two towers connected to either side of it. The Main House, you think to yourself, you had only seen pictures of it before.

You make a quick note of the old stone sign reading “Welcome To The Salem Witches’ Institute”. There is a scene of young girls with wands carved at the bottom, reminding you that there was a time when boys were not permitted to study here.

Soon you are at the doors to the large red-brick house. Robert grasps the the black metal handle to one of the double doors and opens it for your group. You all file inside, a silence falls over your group.

You view a large open room with rows of tables and benches, most likely used for meals and meetings, arranged in a circular pattern. In the middle of the room is a large wooden platform, behind it a lively fire bellows only contained by a large circular silver dish. You can make out a line of people standing behind it. They seem to be wearing masks of some kind, but it’s hard to pick out the details at this distance.

Suddenly, a wild drum beat breaks the silence and the fire roars higher, illuminating the room full of students and teachers alike. The ceiling above you lights up with a stain-glass motif of an ocean floor. Fish, turtles, shells, clams, and all kinds of marine life ripple across the glass in their own world.

-CONT-

>>27611372
A boisterous crowd starts cheering around you, welcoming the new students to their academic home for the next seven years. The whole experience is overwhelming. So much is going on that you can’t seem to focus on one thing except for the excited buzz in the room as your group makes its way down the main aisle to the large platform.

Suddenly, a figure emerges from the side of the platform. It is a woman in her mid-fifties clad in a black robe which almost blends into her skin. Her hair is wrapped in a nearly metallic orange and red turban. She raises her hands to command the silence of the crowd, they respond and cease their drums and cheers, taking their seats. The figures beyond the fire remain standing in tense posture, waiting for the next phase of the ceremony to begin.

“Welcome!” She beams, showing off her pearly white teeth. “Welcome, new students to your sorting! I am Theliza Strombourg. I have the honor of being the head-mistress here. It was not long ago when I was the one nervously standing in that aisle with my classmates.”

She beckons the group to come closer, the mass complies, and begins to circle up close to the platform.

“Such an exciting time.” She continues once she’s satisfied with your arrangement and steps down to the ground floor. “We will call you one at a time and you will stand on the podium until your house is determined.”

With a flick of her wand she produces a long piece of parchment. It hovers in the air obediently as she calls out the first name. “Angela Copland!”

That name sounds vaguely familiar. The young girl with short blond hair from the first cabin walks up. She seems strangely at ease about the whole thing. The air grows thick with tension as she walks to the middle of the platform. With a quick turn on her heel she faces your group and closes her eyes calmly.

-CONT-

>>27611390
The flames behind let out a low hissing sound. Smoke begins to flood the ceiling above, blocking the scene. All stands still and silent as a loud crack peels through the air and a large eel materializes in the smoke above her.

“Eel house!” Theliza bellows and the north east side of the room begins to clap wildly with a few cheers here and there. Angela steps down and does an excited little half walk half run to her housemates.

Theliza turns to the next name, already hovering next to her.

“Sophia Dahl!”

The girl beside you that you traveled in the cabin with gives you a quick half smile and walks up to be sorted. Again the smoke bellows up to the ceiling, and without much delay a turtle emerges from the air. Subdued applause comes from the south west corner of the room as she joins them.

One after one the first years come up to the platform and go to their respective houses. The loudest house appears to be Starfish seeing as they keep chanting ‘STAR! STAR! STAR!’ after each first year is admitted.

Then Theliza’s steady voice calls out “Natalia Jean-Louis!”.

Your blood runs cold. Take a deep breath and take the stage. It's time.

-ROLL 1d12 PLEASE-

Rolled 2

>>27611434

Rolled 11

>>27611434

>>27611459
Shit, we got Turtle.

>>27611459
>>27611461
>>27611476
I'm going to need more rolls, guys.

Rolled 2

>>27611564
Alright.

>>27611594
...Well I'm not rolling again.

Rolled 9

>>27611434

Rolled 2

>>27611434

Rolled 2

>>27611564

Rolled 7

>>27611459
>>27611594
>>27611629
>>27611630
That's just improbable.

Rolled 7

>>27611630
>>27611629
>>27611594
The dice gods have spaken!

>>27611459
>>27611594
>>27611629
>>27611630
Why can't I hold all these twos?!

I needed a large-ish set of data to determine a mode,but jesus christ you guys

Thanks! Writing!

Rolled 2

>>27611656
>>27611658
Speaking of improbable...

>>27611677
Well fuck.

Rolled 6

>>27611459
>>27611594
>>27611629
>>27611630
>>27611656
>>27611658
>>27611678

2's and 7's, eh?

>>27611677
HAHA
TIME FORTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtleTurtle

Rolled 11

>>27611434

>>27611677
The world seems to vibrate around you as you take your place in the middle of the platform. You glance quickly through the fire at the now imposing figures that you glimpsed earlier.You look slowly back and forth at each one, now each mask seen clearly to be a representation of a house. As you look back and forth between each one, the shadows from the fire play across the masks, making appear monstrous… yet hypnotic in a way. One mask in particular catches the attention of your now half-closed eyes. A large tentacled mask with orb-like eyes looks back at you. Slowly a throbbing in your head intensifies, the jet-black gaze transfixing you, causing pinpricks to run up your neck, and points of light to appear at the edge of your vision.

You close your eyes fully, seeking to steady yourself and find some sort of solace. The world seems strange to your senses.

The air around you suddenly shifts and the commotion around you seems to vanish. A salty smell stings your nostrils. Your eyes flutter open and you find yourself on the shores of the Institute. Your feet are bare and they dig in deeply into the sand. Looking to your left and right you see that you are completely alone. The school almost looks abandoned from this area. A blubbering arises from the water before you, and the sound captures your attention.

A large serpentine figure bursts from the depths, spraying a fountain of water into the sky. It is a massive eel. The creature stares at you as the water falls from the sky, returning to the ocean. You stare for a moment, uncertain of what to do. Slowly she raises her snout, indicating the thick forest behind the main buildings of the school. You cast a look over your shoulder to look at it, but you don’t see anything unusual.

You turn back and lock eyes with her stoney black ones. “What is it?” you manage to say.

Slowly, her jaws open.

-CONT-

>>27611873
>>CHOMP

WE BLACK MAMI NAO

>>27611899
CHOMP TIME.

>>27611873
Huh, the octopus got our attention, but we saw a giant eel.

Guess that means turtle.

>>27611873
A low static like sound comes out. The sound grows and grows until it fills your every pore, and it feels like the universe itself is nothing but white noise.

“Eel house!” Theliza’s thundering voice snaps you back to reality.

Your eyes blink around as you take wobbly steps down from the platform. What happened? Was this normal? Mind still racing you make your way over to the north east side of the room where your house is.

You need to clear your head. After a few deep breaths you steady yourself. As you take a seat among your new house you notice something new about this room. On the very back wall there is a large mural of an old black woman and a younger white one side by side with their wands drawn. The mural obviously depicts the two founders of the school, Tituba and Anne, as your mother told you when you were a little girl. What the strange part about it is that the picture is completely still. You study it further to make sure your observation is correct. The whole painting is completely still and there seems to be something strange about their eyes. There is a certain life-ness to them.

An older boy in front of you turns his head. He must notice that you are visibly anxious about something.

“Don’t worry.” He assures you. “The worst is over. You’re part of the family now.”

This makes you feel better, you thank him before he turns around to talk to his friends again. The mass around you breaks out into more cheers and applause. It seems like you have gained yet another classmate.

What would you like to do?
>Try to meet new people in your house
>Pay attention to the ceremony
>Greet the new Eel house first year
>Other

File: 1381108604083.jpg-(170 KB, 800x800, mami-lego.jpg)

170 KB JPG

>>27611922
Did someone say we Mami nao?

>>27611940
>Greet the new Eel House first year

>>27611940
>>Try to meet new people in your house

>>27611961
>>27611983
What exactly is the difference between these?

>>27611983
>>27611961

A figure about your height skirts around to your side of the room. When he gets closer you see that it’s a young boy, slightly pudgy, and with large brown eyes and scruffy brown hair. He looks pale, to the point of possibly being ill.

You give him a smile, he whimpers a ‘hello’ while he tries to regain his composure.

You exchange pleasantries with some of the older members of the house. Overall they seem very warm, if gruff, with hearty slaps on the back given with no regard to your status as a first year. You get the feeling that this house respects actions more than words.

You look back at the brown-haired boy. He’s still a bit pale, but seems to be recovering.

How do you approach him?

>Hey, you okay?
>Hi! I’m Natalia.
>Did you see anything weird while you were up there?
>Other


>>27612113
Yeah I realized that, so I combined them.

>>27612153
>Hi! I’m Natalia.

Then maybe ask if he's okay.

>>27612153
>Hi! I’m Natalia.

Introductions first, it's friendly. Then ask if he's okay.

>>27612153
>>Hey, you okay?
Would suck if he croaked right after getting sorted.

>>27612153
>>Hey, you okay?

>>27612175
>>27612186
>>27612187
>>27612234

“Hi! I’m Natalia.” You extend your hand for a shake and are surprised to see him rise from his seat to shake your hand with surprising vigor.

“Todd Finch.” He responds with a curt nod. He is clearly making an effort to disguise is current status.

“You are feeling okay, right?” You ask cautiously. Now not so sure if it is appropriate to show concern for him.

“Yeah.” He fires back a bit too quickly. “Just all the…” He swirls his hand around in the air, indicate the vague nothingness.

“The build up?”

“Yeah. That.” Todd lets out a sigh and sits back down onto the bench.
Another cheer erupts from your section. Another new member of the Eel House family.

“Nice to meet you by the way,” he says.

The ceremony draws to a close. Soon the fire dies down to a warm sizzle and the room is fully illuminated now with its usual lighting. The masked figures file out of the auditorium.

The headmistress sits back into her extravagant seat.
“The welcome feast begins!” she exclaims as the entire room fills with cheering.

>>27612391
Alright I'm going to take a short 20-30 minute break, I need to eat.

COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK:
-Natalia and SNOWBALL themselves!
-Natalia and other first years head to the dorms

SO STAY TUNED!

>>27612459
-Natalia and SNOWBALL gorge** themselves

>>27612459
>>27612482
I totally read that as a missing name, and 'snowball', the verb. I've clearly been on 4chan too long...

Soon, you hear some whirring sounds and out of the crevices between the many columns that line the rooms, you see a line of automatons wearing tiny tuxedos emerge with trays of food. They begin serving food to the students in your section. They walk on pairs of sturdy, yet slender, legs, with clockwork clicking delicately beneath their joints as they walk. Something catches your eye as one approaches; you can see is a small orb that glows with an ambient light fitted in the center of their chest. Their eyes also aglow with the same eerie light.

These are quite a bit more advanced than the few that you’ve seen in the Crispin’s Row shops, even in the homes of the other pureblood families you know. These are more elegant, sleeker. The automaton sets a dish in front of you and you note the intricate lines of runes that twist around it’s casing.

You cautiously open your dish and begin to eat- grilled chicken, rice pilaf, and assorted steamed vegetables. As you begin to eat you feel a small nip on your ankle, and you pause to look at the rest of the table. Lots of the other children have released their familiars when you weren’t paying attention, evidently. You unlock the carrier that contains Snowball and he scrambles up your leg to your lap. You giggle at the prickly sensation, and tear him a piece of the chicken.

“So,” Todd says halfway through a munch on his salmon filet.

-CONT-

>>27613193
“Have you heard about what happened with the Society?” he says through mouthfuls of fish. You notice that his rosy complexion with undertones of olive has returned.

“Hm?” You swallow your food quickly, “No but I saw a girl reading a newspaper about it. What’s going on?”

“Apparently some people broke into one of the store houses and stole something.” He leans in with a hushed voice. “No one is saying anything about it, you know how The Society is about that stuff. All the papers are speculating on it, though. One thing is for certain: The Society is mad and they are looking for someone to pay.”

An involuntary shudder runs through you. “The Society”, Magical America’s government, was tasked with keeping the Witching community in the US organized. They were known for being extremely unpleasant when dealing with their foes. It wasn’t uncommon for those guilty to just simply ‘vanish’. You always had a sinking suspicion that more goes on than just that but your Father has only said little about it. He always maintained that it was just ‘important to behave’.

“Anyways,” He shrugs and returns to his meal. “Not much worth in worrying about it, right?”

>Ask him if he has a paper on him.
>Change the subject. (Ask him what he’s excited about learning)
>End your conversation and try to talk to someone else.
>Other

>>27613276
>>Ask him if he has a paper on him.

>>27613276
>Ask him if he has a paper on him.

Rolled 5

>>27613276
>Ask him if he has a paper on him.

Hey guess what guys,

I live in Salem. It's pretty sweet. But the level of tourists around this time of year is too damn high.

>>27613276
>>Ask him if he has a paper on him.
"Hard to say off hand, do you have the paper on you? What do you think, Angela?""

what system is this and where can i find it

>>27613296
>>27613337
>>27613360
>>27613430

“Do you have a paper on you?” You ask quizzingly. Worrying about it wouldn’t do any good, but over-curiosity has always been one of your vices. Dad says there’s nothing wrong with a healthy curiosity, but you’ve never been completely convinced.

“Yeah, sure.” He rummages around and pulls a folded up paper from the interior of his robe. Todd hands it to you.

‘Society Break In! Thief Still At Large!’ Is printed in thick block text on the front. Your eyes glance up, the publication is ‘Broomstick Weekly’ which is known for watering down stories a bit unlike its competitor ‘Moonlight Press’. This will have to do for now.

You read on. There isn’t too much more to get from it than what Todd already told you. Only that the break in happened at an undisclosed warehouse with high security and that it happened sometime last week. The article is frustratingly vague. Looks like you’ll have to wait for tomorrow until you can get a better paper.

“So you’re reading about that huh?” A voice with a melodic southern twang comes from your left. It was the girl with short blond hair that you saw reading the paper. “I’m tellin’ ya’ it’s gotta be some sorta weapon. That’s what daddy says.”

>Nobody asked you.
>Oh? (Explain)
>Ummm thanks? (ignore her, go back to what you were doing)
>Other

>>27613530
>>Oh? (Explain)

>>27613530
>>Ummm thanks? (ignore her, go back to what you were doing)

>>27613530
"I could see that, could also just be something very expensive. Really though, if they're going to be this vague, why bother publishing an article at all?"

>>27613530
>>Oh? (Explain)

File: 1381114216042.pdf-(247 KB, PDF, HP Official Table Top.pdf)

247 KB PDF

>>27613491
The base system is this pdf. My approach to this quest, rule-wise, is more like guidelines.

I've also been working on a Salem Expansion for the rpg which tells all about Magical America and the Salem Institute. This quest is based on that.

>>27613530
>Other

"It could be. But the information I've seen is vague enough that it could very well be something else.

Why, does your Daddy know something we don't?"

>>27613592
Probably best to paraphrase this, if it'll be used.

>>27613592
>>27613632
>>27613558
>>27613593

“Just think ‘bout it for a sec,” she take a sip off her goblet, “middle o’ nowhere storage space gotta be some kinda danger to others. ‘High security level’? Why is it high if what they are lookin’ at isn’t something they are going to use. Break in happens at night, all mysterious and the like. The thieves get away in a large one of them muggle vahnns.”

Your eyebrows raise at the mention of muggle vehicles being involved.

“Yeah, seems to make sense to me,” Todd nods after some contemplation.

“And to answer your other question, Daddy’s able to speculate because Ma’ works for The Society. She ain’t supposed to, but she lets things slip once and a while.” She takes another sip from her goblet, processing the final part of your question, then shrugs. “ Maybe they are trying to make the guy sweat. The last thing I would want if I did somethin’ naughty is for every so-and-so to know about it.”

>Agree with them.
>Disagree (bring up your points)
>Change topic
>Press for more information
>Other

>>27613799
>>Agree with them.

>Just got here
>Fuckin' kolaches in the first post
>Set muh tummy to rumblin'.
Damn it, OP.

>>27613799
>Agree
It adds up.

Also introduce ourselves?

>>27613799
>>Other
"Sounds reasonably, but if you mom works for them like that, you should be careful about sharing that information. It could have bad consequences if the wrong thing leaked. What do you think Angelica"

>>27613799
>>Press for more information

>>27613799
>>Agree with them.
And
>Change topic
Maybe just introduce ourselves? Ask what classes they're excited about?

>>27613871
>What do you think Angelica
Who?

>>27613954
The blonde chick that we spoke to on the way in. I could have sworn she got sorted into eel as well.

>>27613831
>>27613866
>>27613908
You nod in agreement with Todd. Her logic makes sense. They wouldn’t keep something that wasn’t extremely dangerous out in the middle of nowhere like that.

“I’m Natalia, by the way, and this is Snowball” you say, indicating your albino ferret and offering your hand. The blonde girl returns the gesture and gives you a firm handshake.

“Angela Copeland” she says with a bright smile.

Todd’s fork clatters against his plate. He dropped it.
“As in the Savannah Copelands? Descendants of Lucille Copeland?” he says, mouth agape.

You recall a story your mother told you when you were young of a strange and powerful witch, Lucille Copeland, high up in the Society that single-handedly located and defeated a large group of underground anarchists. You gulp and smile. This was one of her descendants.

“The very same!” she exclaims enthusiastically and then sits down to finish eating.

The rest of the feast continues in relative silence around your area of the table. Soon most of the students are finished eating and the leaders of the Houses begin ushering their respective first years out the sides. You deposit Snowball back into his carrier and follow Robert, who has gathered the Eel House newbies around him.

-CONT-

>>27614162
You emerge from the main house with surprise to see that the sun is already quickly setting. With all the festivities and excitement the day passed by with little notice. Robert leads you eastward, past the thick grove of trees and past a large collection of log cabins. The wooden sign designating one of them as ‘Potions Lab’ lets you know that those are classrooms.

Finally the group comes to a young asian man standing a few feet away from the collection of cabins. Robert greets him with a large hand shake and turns to your group.

“Okay so this is Stephen, he’s your House Leader and will be taking you the rest of the way.” Stephen waves a greeting to all of you. “I’m off to my dorm and I’ll see you guys around. Don’t hesitate to flag me down with any questions.”

The group exchanges goodbye’s and thank you’s to him then turn their attention to Stephen. There is a beat of silence before Stephen speaks.

“So I’m tired. How about you guys?” He states with a sigh. Your classmates murmur in agreement. “Good. Let’s head home, then.”

Stephen turns and promptly starts marching into the thick grove of trees right where the ridge starts to incline. In a few moments your group is trekking up a well worn rocky path to a large stone door in the side of the collection of boulders. Upon further inspection there is a large intricate gear mechanism to the right of the door.

-CONT-

>>27614335
“So this is the task you have to complete everyday. It will help keep your mind and hands sharp and in top form. However, it will get more and more difficult as the year goes on. I’ll show you how to do it tonight though.” He reaches up and starts fiddling with the various gears and levers. Working out various sequences till he finds the correct one. The large stone door shudders into life and rolls to the side. “There you go, everyone in.”

The front entryway is lit up by small red glowing glass orbs. The first thing you see is a large floor to ceiling portrait of a stern looking woman with harsh cheekbones and long razor straight black hair staring back at you. Her icy blue eyes move over your crowd as she studies all of you. It is no other than the Matilda, the founder of Eel house. To her right is a tunnel leading up, to her left is one leading downwards.

The House Leader makes no note of it and simply says to the group with little fanfare “Down here,” He gestures to the tunnel with the decline. “Is the entrance to the work rooms and forges. And up here.” He motions to the other one. “Goes up towards the dorms and the lounge rooms.”

Stephen starts up the incline and you follow. The hallway is lined with similar glowing stones. You get to the end of the corridor to see a spiral staircase leading up. The group pauses until the House Leader goes to the front.

“Alright guys here’s the steps leading up to the dorms. First years get the seventh floor and you move down a floor every year.” He steps on to the first step and the shuttering of an out-of-sight mechanism is heard. Slowly the steps start to move voluntarily on their own. “Hop on guys!”

You step on quickly, not wanting to be left last in line and there for last be given last pick to where you sleep. The steps ascend slowly to the top, the large sky light at the roof becoming closer and closer with each passing moment.

-CONT-

>>27614385
You hop off when the moment is right and file into the very large room labeled ‘First Year Girl’s Dormitory’.

You say goodnight to Todd as he leaves for the opposite side for his dorm, he says the same to you. When you enter your dorm rooms you see that it is not broken up into smaller rooms but is one large room with round windows looking out over the forest and beds all along the border. The beds are already assigned but you find that you lucked out and have one right by a window.

You unpack your things quickly, and decide that you have just enough energy to read one book before you get too tired. You release Snowball and collapse on to your bed, gazing at the titles in the small bookshelf next to your bed.

Pick a book to study from:
>Witching History
>Potions: Year One
>Transfiguration: Introduction to the Moldable World
>Dueling Year One: Jinx, Hex, and Defend Against your Enemies
>Beginner’s Charms
>The Witching World and The Wilderness
>Alchemy for Beginners)

>>27614482
>>Potions: Year One

>>27614482
>Dueling Year One: Jinx, Hex, and Defend Against your Enemies

You never know when you have to hex a bitch.

>>27614385
>It is no other than the Matilda, the founder of Eel house
A portrait of the house founder?

Fancy.

Though I guess it makes sense, seeing as this school is younger than Hogwarts.

>>27614482
>Dueling Year One: Jinx, Hex, and Defend Against your Enemies
Sounds fun.

>>27614482
>Alchemy for Beginners
We've already started, might a well keep at it.

>Alchemy for Beginners

>>27608908
>New HP quest.

Fuck yus, reading, hoping to contribute later.

>>27614529
>>27614482
Changing vote to Alchemy

>>27614636
>>27614552

You crack open the surprisingly heavy book, and learn about how even the slightest pressure added or reduced to a flick of a wand during a hex or defensive spell can enhance or completely fail a spell. You will remember this for tomorrow.

>+5 to Dueling for next day of classes only

After closing the book and casting it onto the floor beside you exhaustedly, you settle down for bed and blow out the candle on your nightstand. Your furry friend curls up under your chin and just as you are drifting off you find yourself gazing out your bedroom window into the thick grove of trees.

You see a figure looking directly back at you from across the field.

-NEXT TIME ON SALEM INSTITUTE QUEST-
-Natalia wakes up!
-BREKKERS BIATCH.
-First day of classes!
-Explorin’!

Q&A starts now.

>>27614790
Ok, So about the guys in the other cabins, can you tell us more about them?

>>27614836
The Cabins are classrooms. Were you talking about the other Houses? (Starfish, Turtle, and Octopus)

Hope that this isn't too wall-of-text-y for you guys. I try to insert choices at critical moments, rather than frivolous ones. You'll be doing a lot more rolling and stuff from now on, though.

>>27614955
>cabin
I was referring to the ones on the ship

>>27614790
What house did the chick we talked with on the boat ride get sorted into? Did we catch her name?

>>27615047
EHHHHHHHHHH I don't want to give too much away.

You have the opportunity to run into the npcs from the other cabins if you choose. Some have the capacity to be good friends of yours, others great enemies. It's largely up to you.

>>27615074
see >>27611434
>"Sophi Dahl!"

>>27615104
How knowledgeable is the wizarding society in America about muggles?

>>27615130
Tough question. It largely depends on the individual family. Some families are very integrated with muggles (although they still maintain the veil of secrecy), and some keep their family sequestered and segregated.

Overall, the American magical community is more knowledgeable than the one in Great Britain and definitely France. The Society doesn't really give a fuck as long as you keep magic a secret.

>>27615228
Another question.
The houses, what were their attributes?

>>27615104
Derp, thank you!

>>27615278
Unlike in Hogwarts, the Houses in Salem do not represent facets or attributes of personality, they are reflections of a pattern of thinking.

Turtle- Linear, theory, big-picture thinking
Octopus- Lateral, Out of the box, intuitive approach
Starfish- Community-based, straightforward, pragmatic
Eel- Practical, detail-oriented, technical approach

>>27615363
No problem! Would love to hear your thoughts!

>>27615228
You said you were making a Salem setting expansion, could you post some excerpts from that detailing local knowledge we should have for the American wizarding world?

>>27615436
The majority of it is very rough and it's very much a work in progress. Also I'd rather you guys learn that stuff through the story.

That being said, if it gets to a point where theres a need for it I can post some of it, but I much prefer the organic approach. There's something to be said of the experience of learning the backstory as a player. I wouldn't want to interfere with that.

If you have specific questions, I may answer them.

>>27615568
is there an analogue to Hogsmead in this setting?

>>27615592
Honestly at the time being, no. There is a shop on campus, though. I don't know whether that will change or not, it kind just depends on whether the story calls for it or not.

Most likely not though. I want Salem to be more than "Hogwarts with a funny hat on". It's something unique that has been the fusion of many different influences, and has a sordid and rather mysterious history for such a (relatively) young school.

>>27615568
I can get behind that. Who's the president/minister/CEO of the Society? Do portraits talk in this setting?

>>27615712
Are we allowed to go to muggle Salem for shits and giggles?

>>27615745
Magical portraits almost always do, yes. A High Council rules the Society. The Council is elected through an extensive democratic process.

>>27615747
You're CERTAINLY not allowed to. How would you even get off the island, anyway? You'd really have to get creative, wouldn't you.

In any case Im getting very tired and want to sleep.

ww.twitter . com/Salem_Institute
I'll post an update on the twitter, as well as updates in the Quest Thread General.

Next update is TENTATIVELY set for Friday night.

Have a good night, you guys, and thanks for participating!

>>27615862
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27608908/

Oh yeah, I also archived this.