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>>1541044

The Codex Excelsis sits atop a desk of myriad drawers; beside it, a clay pot houses a single white lily that has yet to wilt for lack of water. On the bed, the Pale Tome remains untouched. You sit beside it just to get off your feet for a moment. It’s the early afternoon, but you feel already as though time has been slipping by. You will have to depart soon if you wish to meet with Dr. Solana today.

> Recall or research particular information. (Write-in.)
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1541047
>meet dr.solana
alternatively read up on shamblers or however they are called

>>1541047
>Let's meet with the doctor. And after that, we're going to seriously throw ourselves into studying. We can't let her down.

>>1541047
>meet with Dr. Solana today.

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>>1541318
>>1541111
>>1541335

One thing has changed since you last crossed the Arcanum green just a while ago – you look significantly more confident, appearing almost as if you belong as a student at this school. You return to the Hall of Spark, this time making your way through the ground floor of the building. When you pass the administrative offices and common areas, you enter a system of snaking hallways and classrooms and detect, in the air, a strangely earthen scent. The greenhouse appears to you just when you feel you’re on the right path; glass double-doors open to a hemmed-in garden that makes you feel as if you have entered another world. The sun shines down on you from above, and you wander for several minutes between tree lawns and tables of potted plants, including exotic flowers and strange, coiled vines that curl gently towards you as you pass them by.

The outer perimeter has two levels; there’s some doors on the floor, and stairs leading up to a catwalk that leads across two walls with a few more entrances to other windowed areas. These, you think, must be the offices and research areas. A few people, too, are wandering about. Some of them appear to be just using this area as a place to relax, while others walk with purpose, tending plants or traveling back and forth between the main door and other entrances.

> Look for something among the plants. (Write-in.)
> Ask someone something. (Write-in.)
> Look for Solana’s lab.

>>1541416
>> Look for something among the plants. (Write-in.)
see if there are any plants that look similar to the thing that attacked

>>1541416
>Straight to the lab.

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>>1541428

You remember the thing that invaded your room vividly: a mass of leaves and twisted vegetation with innards like wicker draped in heaping algae, laden with moisture, blooming into a bright bulb with the last bit of vitality that anchored it to the real. As you wander for several minutes in a bit of a daze around the seemingly endless rows of shrubs and flowers, you don’t see anything that matches the description – though that’s foremost because there’s no animate creatures stomping around the place. You’re about to give up the search, until you pass under a vine-draped archway and are met with a soft, yellow light.

Lingering before you, hanging from a stalk, is a bioluminescent fruiting body. The translucent surface allows its golden glow from within to pass through and meet your eyes. You are in an area like a small garden clearing with more of them, scattered around. Staring, you’re not sure how to feel. Your hand hovers in the air inches away from it, trembling a bit…

“Go on.” There’s a soft voice from behind you, and you visibly start in place. “Touch it.”

The girl saunters up beside you as you slowly turn to face her, giving the bloom a playful tap. At her touch, it emits a reverberating chime not unlike a musical instrument.

“Wha—?” You ask, stumbling over your phrase.

“Spiritcipher.” She says, giving you a deliberate look before giggling. Shaking her head, she continues past. “Fun, isn’t it? These all make different sounds, so you can play a song if you want to. We’re really trying to figure them out upstairs – show people what kind of interesting things you can do with them.”

“What’s…?”

“Sorry!” The girl laughs, skipping off and disappearing beyond the opposite archway and around the corner. “I’m way late for class!”

>>1541534

Still moving a little warily, you cross back through the garden in search of the Doctor, and have to check all of the doors on the lower floor before proceeding up to the scaffolding where you find the entrance to another open area: an independent laboratory with a gold plaque adjacent the door labeled ‘Solana Group’. With a nod, you cross the threshold. It’s quiet inside; one wall is stocked with laboratory desks and alchemical implements, while a lawn through the center of the room seems to be devoted to a veritable garden of what look like thick willows, but closer in size to a man than a proper tree. There is little air flow in this room, but they give the strange impression of motion as you look at them. Locked steel cabinets line up along the far wall; to your right, you see a half-open office door. It’s closed to the sky overhead, but you see it’s illuminated by candlelight within and can hear the quiet clinking of glassware.

> Knock on the doorframe.
> Peek inside.
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1541682
>> Peek inside., then knock

>>1541682
> Knock on the doorframe. Gently.

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>>1541695
>>1541744

A quick look inside reveals the small and dimly lit room – also laden with various smaller potted plants of myriad types, some ferns, some vines, some bioluminescent, some carnivorous – is inhabited by a single person, who’s hunched at his work desk and facing away from the door.

Leaning back outside, you raise a fist to the door frame to knock, but hear his dryly-intoned voice ring out before your hand can reach the metal. “Come in.”

> Introduce yourself and ask the Doctor something. (Write-in.)

>>1541761
Enter the room, leave the door opened fully. Ask some things about shamblers. Try to avoid implicating the questions with the attack.

>>1541761
I guess just ask about...I dunno. Some sort of help? What are we here for again?

I don't think we should be asking this stuff so early.

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>>1541851

“Dr. Solana?” You ask, demurely stepping inside and making sure to leave the door entirely opened. It seems pretty quiet in the independent lab, but you've about had your fill of people sneaking up on you.

“The very same.” He’s a little younger than you expected – though you get the impression that he’s younger than he looks. Solana’s voice is gentle, though he talks fast and sounds smart; the way he’s currently working, you imagine he’d be just as at home over in a proper laboratory of alchemy. “At least, that’s what it says on my standoff. Can I help you?”

“My name’s Amelia – I’m a student here…”

“Well, I should hope so!” He interjects, swirling a flask in hand.

“…and I just wanted to ask a few questions.” You continue, shaking your head. “Do you know anything about plant shamblers?”

“Could you be more specific?” Solana pauses from his work to swivel around in his stool to face you, legs crossed. “They’re one of the model organisms here in my group, so that’s a pretty broad area you’re trying to cover already.”

> “How do I take care of a shambler death-bloom?”
> “Can shamblers be used as weapons?”
> “I’m interested in your research group. What can you tell me about it?”
> “What is a Spiritcipher?”
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1541949
> “I’m interested in your research group. What can you tell me about it?”

>>1541930
truthfully, I was wondering the same thing. There's really no reason to be here. The whole thing pertaining to this last session was a complete fabrication.

>>1541949
> “I’m interested in your research group. What can you tell me about it?”
Specifically, I've heard from my friends that there are some interesting things that can be made with them that sound like they might be really useful.

>>1542012
I guess we're setting up an alibi or something? Iunno. I'm still playing because I want to shank/Phantom Zone bitches eventually.

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>>1542012
>>1541954

“It’s actually your group I was interested in.” You nod, smiling; relating it to him will probably make this easier on you. “What can you tell me about it?”

“Well, let’s see – there’s quite a bit. I can answer any questions you have, though I’d have to see your credentials if you were interested in joining! There aren’t currently a lot of positions available, unless you can provide your own funding, of course.” Solana grins, continuing. “Our work primarily concerns the elements of vitality as they pertain to plants, including those of the animate variety. My group studies secondary compounds, for example, so – we can breed or augment these organisms to produce alchemical catalysts that are useful to us, or compounds we couldn’t otherwise create easily, such as certain medicines.”

“I’ve heard of those kinds of things from my friends here in the department.” You nod. “They sound like they could be really useful! Is that all you do?”

“They certainly are – we’ve plenty of papers on the subject, if you were ever interested in learning more about the underlying theory. And – Lords, no! That’s merely the beginning.” Solana chuckles. “I’m also mentoring two post-graduates who are working on their own studies, with their own research assistants.”

“Oh, really? What are they studying, if you don’t mind my asking?” You ask. There aren’t any seats that aren’t within a vine’s reach of plants, so you elect not to invite yourself into one.

“Ander’s team is currently working with the use of exotic plant matter as alternative structural materials, such as for buildings, clothing, or even weapons and armor.” He nods, looking like he’s thinking for a moment. “Since you asked about shamblers, though, you might have been thinking of Thorne – with my assistance, she’s been doing some incredible things with Spiritciphers. Have you seen the musical display out in the courtyard? Those blooms were bred and grown by her assistants.”

> “Were those grown from animated plants?”
> “What is a Spiritcipher?”
> “Can you recommend me any references for learning Sorceries of vitality?”
> “Do you know anything about the explosion that occurred at one of the residence halls last night?”
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1542073
Okay, so joining the club is out of the question.

> “What is a Spiritcipher?”

And then we'll move to the moving plants thing.

>>1542073
> “What is a Spiritcipher?”

>>1542044
Speaking of actually, QM, would you mind answering some questions about Pale magic?
Two things really. As it is, I'm getting the impression that it's not a very popular discipline, and that it BTFO traditional rules of magic that apply to the other disciplines. Also, is there a department/group that's dedicated to the Pale?

>>1542180
Seconding. I'm largely assuming Pale magic is somewhat related to Void-style stuff, considering how it was described and what we could do in the choices for our first spell.

>>1542209
And I mean seconding the question.

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>>1542180
>>1542209

Pausing from typing up the next update for this. Feel free to request more exposition as far as things about Arcanum culture, the arts, or specific terminology; for a non-practitioner, Amelia is pretty savvy, so I'm not likely to keep a lot of secrets apropos of this unless they're somehow story-vital or it's something she'd have absolutely no way to know about - in which case I'd say so.

The Pale is the least popular of the traditional disciplines because it’s considered the most esoteric and difficult to master, as well as because many of its fundamentalists apply semi-permanent or permanent magical seals to one of their eyes to improve their ability to perform manipulations and apprise themselves to opposing Pale arts; though this is not overtly offensive or dangerous in any way, it carries a particularly sinister connotation due to its ominous appearance and its perversion of facial symmetry, which can result in a degree of social ostracism. Most of the Arcanum’s classes on Pale arts focus on theory rather than practice, and its devoted practitioners within the university secret themselves away as either individuals or within cabal-like clubs. Any research underway regarding the Pale highlights its importance as it pertains to its relationship with the other disciplines.

Manipulating it abides by the same tenets of the other disciplines – namely, channeling magical power through the use of particular mental anchors – which makes sense, as the Pale is also one of reality’s fundamental forces, even if it doesn’t happen to exist within reality.

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>>1542134
>>1542180

“What is a Spiritcipher, exactly? I’ve heard people talking about them around here, but I’m not entirely familiar with the term.” Amelia says.

“Ah, I see. Have you ever done any sigilcraft work?” Solana asks, folding his arms.

You shake your head.

“Well,” He continues, “It’s similar – it’s a name for the art of bestowing a Sorcery into the body of a living being as a means of storage, like a spell scroll or a glyph, locked away until the requisite conditions are met. It allows us to grant powers to these creatures for our own convenience. They were core to my doctorate work, so it’s only natural that Ms. Thorne would fall into my mentorship. She and I have discovered some peculiar characteristics of their heritability; by breeding these organisms, the components of these Sorcerous powers can be seen in their progeny. Thus, we can change the very biology of some of these organisms, and make them behave in ways we never believed possible.”

“The musical display was created by breeding shamblers with special magical properties?” You ask.

“Very interesting, isn’t it?” The Doctor nods. “I’m petitioning to have a laboratory course opened up – I’d love to teach about it, but can’t imagine the lesson plan and haven’t the support for anything more than an independent study, unfortunately. I suppose those with a vested interest should stick to sigilcraft anyway, as it is much more practical in most aspects!”

> “Could you make one blow up?”
> “Where can I meet Ms. Thorne?”
> “Can you recommend me any references for learning Sorceries of vitality?”
> “I’m sure you’ll figure it out! Thanks for everything – this has been very informative.”
> Other (Write-in)

>>1542409
> “Can you recommend me any references for learning Sorceries of vitality?”

I'm not 100% sure why we would want this, but it showed up twice, so why not.

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>>1542491

“It certainly sounds interesting, though. Is there anything in particular you’d recommend for someone who wants to learn about Sorceries of vitality?” You ask. “You seem like the person to talk to.”

“You wouldn’t be off-base in thinking so.” He says, then reaches to the shelf overhead, producing a hefty volume of text. “I abide by the Almanac of Fey Beasts and Aberrant Biology in most of my introductory classes. It’s hardly a spellbook, but it’s a fantastic resource for learning the underlying theory and defining useful mental anchors. Don’t buy it – it’s expensive. You should be able to find it in the library, though I’m sure it’s a popular one...”

“I don’t think I’ll have any trouble.” You nod.

> “Thanks for everything. This has been very informative!” Head back home.
> “Do you know where I could meet Ms. Thorne?” Express continued interest in plant shamblers.
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1542609
>> “Thanks for everything. This has been very informative!” Head back home.

We're keeping to ourselves for now.

>>1542609
> “Thanks for everything. This has been very informative!” Head back home.

Lets take another look at the Codex. See if we can pull up this almanac in it. Maybe use the Emergency Guide? I believe it had a section devoted to translating the Codex.

>>1542673
>>1542843

“Thanks for everything, Dr. Solana. This has been a very informative discussion.” You nod.

“You’re welcome! I’m not sure exactly what you were looking for, but I hope I could satisfy your curiosity regardless.” He says, swiveling back around in his chair and returning to carefully mixing and measuring extracts. “Feel free to come back if you have more questions – or if you think you’ve discovered something new…”

You exit through the open door, and the willows sway gently towards you as you walk to the room’s exit. It’s strange. You’ve got the only pair of eyes in the room, and you feel as if you are being watched – so you pick up your step, moving quickly to the courtyard and lingering in the courtyard only for as long as it takes for you to clear your thoughts. There are aberrant creatures bred – or at least used as the subject of studies – here, in a nexus of those who practice the arts of vitality and of summoning and commanding. If there was a shambler lingering on campus, it must have come from somewhere in this place. You take one last look at the courtyard over your shoulder before exiting and making your way out onto the Arcanum green. It’s not a long walk back to your residence – but you still feel hazy and surreal with regards to life and time. The sun will set before you know it.

As predicted, your subdued attire leaves you looking plain and uninteresting – you don’t even seem to catch an eye on the way back, even as you make it through the hall’s common area. The most paranoid part of you, though, suggests that only someone truly dangerous would expect danger from someone looking so plain. You return to your bedroom, taking a seat on your bed beside the Pale Tome. There’s only so much left that you can do today.

> Examine Ophelia’s emergency notes or the contents of her chest.
> Study. Look up resources for a doctrine or practice you aren’t familiar with in the Codex.
> Study. Continue working with Pale manipulation.
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1543050
>> Study. Continue working with Pale manipulation.

>>1542268
Am I correct in assuming mental anchors act as spell slots? That is to say, to learn and cast spells, there must be an associated anchor to it?

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>>1543123

Something to that end, but there isn’t a particular limit on how many Sorceries one can know beyond their pure capacity for rote memorization. A Sorcery is a codified manipulation – discovered, practiced, and somehow recorded – that always behaves the same way, even if that way is merely ‘uniformly unpredictable’. In order for two people to perform the same Sorcery, their mind must shape channeled power through the same or a very similar thought process; these defined anchors exist as mechanisms of learning, means of placing diverse minds with similar understanding of language and magical theory into a similar regime.

From a meta point of view, there’s nothing Vancian about it, for lack of a better descriptor, as one can’t necessarily force themselves to forget something or somehow choose which spells they don’t want to know anymore when their mind truly has no further capacity to store these complex processes.

>>1543050
>> Study. Continue working with Pale manipulation.

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>>1543123
>>1543259

You know of the Pale, but you know little. It is, at once, stability and chaos. It ensures that the other fundamental powers do not run wild, though it is itself incogitable.

All you understand of it is by Ophelia’s grace, her influence in your mind ensuring that your thoughts never strayed too far from the absolute truth of Sorcery.

It will bring you close – but you are now on your own. You grit your teeth, seating yourself at your desk, and watch the sky fade orange through the little crack in your window shade as you work. The Codex Excelsis contains myriad modern works, but you know many of the pure Pale manipulations detailed in such texts will be sterilized, privileged for their practicality and framed through the ways in which they interact with the other disciplines. The older, more fundamentalist works will carry more pure teachings of the art, but with considerable risk of danger and chaos that can only truly be known by witnessing them for yourself; this is the route along which you will learn exactly why students of the Pale are secretive and often ostracized.

> Seek new Sorcery from a modern source in the Codex; these arts will be practical, controlled, and well-documented.
> Seek new Sorcery from the Pale Tome or an older source in the Codex; though chaotic and aberrant, you might accomplish otherwise impossible things.
> Focus on improving your channeling and manipulation before delving further into Sorcery.

>>1543489
> Seek new Sorcery from the Pale Tome or an older source in the Codex; though chaotic and aberrant, you might accomplish otherwise impossible things.

>>1543244
as a comparison, learning a spell would be like riding a bicycle? To make the bicycle move forward (cast the spell), you have to pedal (channel power) and keep balanced (anchor).

>>1543489
>> Seek new Sorcery from the Pale Tome or an older source in the Codex; though chaotic and aberrant, you might accomplish otherwise impossible things.

Normally I'm a 'play it safe' kinda player with quests, but considering we're on a rather tight timetable...yeah. Let's roll the dice a bit.

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>>1543536
>>1543644

You’re on borrowed time in a lot of ways.

If you’re hoping to make it, you’re not going to do so by playing it safe. So you forge ahead into the Pale Tome, resolving foremost to finish what you started.

The work is no different than you remember it, but you pay closer attention, scrutinizing the text. Examined so, you see that everything within seems to be described as a means to an end. The author – assuming there’s only one – is obsessed with achieving some sort of apotheosis, described as ‘opening the Pale void within the self, such that the real and the Pale become one’. You wonder how that turned out for them.

The Tome describes the ideal adherent as always practicing manipulation, minutely affecting reality or surrounding oneself with the void as a cloak; in this way, Sorcery becomes one’s default state of mind. Strangely-drawn figures depict individuals walking along recursive paths through optical illusions, classic drawings of impossible architecture such as stairs that never end or paths that cannot logically be traversed.

The second-to-last page shows an elaborate sigil. Created through a Sorcerous ritual, it brands the flesh to lock away the eye so that the Pale can clearly be seen.

The final page is an illustration of a humanoid figure. Cast in an imperishable shadow, it devours all that it touches.

> Focus on Sorcery that manipulates the properties of space.
> Focus on Sorcery that can expose others and the environment to the Pale.
> Focus on safely handling Pale intersections at very close proximities to your own body.
> Seal your eye.

>>1543727
>> Focus on safely handling Pale intersections at very close proximities to your own body.

I want to do space, but I feel like it can wait juuuust a bit. This can be useful, too.

Also this is my last one before I conk out for the night. Later.

>>1543727
>>1543748
I was feeling partial to sealing the eye, but I'll support this instead.
>> Focus on safely handling Pale intersections at very close proximities to your own body.

Continuing after sleep and a break to do actual things for the first time in a while. Responses appreciated as ever.

>>1543727
>> Focus on Sorcery that manipulates the properties of space.

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>>1543748
>>1543766

When you began, Ophelia noted that your channeling was adequate, and that it would be fine manipulation that came with time. If ever there existed a way to learn by necessity from within the comfort of your own dormitory, this is it. The text details common means of accessing the art, but glosses over the fine details and the challenges you know intuitively that you will face. Foremost, the intersections you create must be precisely positioned. Too close, and you risk irradiating yourself with raw chaotic energy; too far, and you will strain yourself to no particular end. Maintaining the art requires a deep well of power to draw from, as well as a level of physical attunement; to do so while moving, for example, requires you to be acutely aware of the position of your own body in terms of both the relative positions of the parts of your body in relation to one another and the absolute position of your body in space. It is taxing, but it will come with time. The book didn’t say anything about this being easy, and neither did she.

Your first attempt leaves a cold burn on the back of your wrist, a mistake you won’t make again. The Pale gives off and absorbs power, and has no compunctions about harming you with its or swallowing yours. In the trial-and-error process, you begin learning the ways of directing the energy it sheds from within in a more controlled manner.

> Manipulation Acquired: Attempt to prepare the Pale as an active defense, which will soften blows from energy or elemental-based attacks.
> Study Progress: Create energy-absorbing intersections at a distance (Close to learning), evoke chaotic Pale energy (Some progress), Pale passive defense (Requires improved manipulation skill, practice).
> Other Techniques: Space manipulation Sorcery (known of, not studied).

It’s getting late; already, it’s later than you expected. Lanterns around the room begin to emit a healthy glow when the last vestiges of sunlight fade from the sky, and you study into the night.

You’ve been exerting yourself almost constantly. You’ve used more of your power than you ever have before – and you’re not exhausted at all yet.

> Work on something through the night, staying awake until you’re supposed to meet with Kye and company.
> Sleep now, then wake up around sunrise and continue working.
> Work a while longer, then get a good night’s sleep.
> Occupy yourself with something else in the room.

>>1546374
Dropped trip.

>>1546374
> Work a while longer, then get a good night’s sleep.

Problem with burning the candle at both ends for most people is diminishing returns. You need rest when exercising your head OR your body. We're gonna be fast, but we're also going to be optimal about it.

>>1546789
This sounds good.

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>>1546789
>>1546860

You continue working, honing your familiarity with the requisite manipulations until it comes time for you to rest. It’s an unusual feeling to prepare yourself for bed in an unfamiliar place, but you manage.

In the corner of the wardrobe is a set of silken nightclothes; lavender in color, they are embroidered with delicate floral patterns. A touch reveals they’re imbued with the same sigil as all of the other ensembles in the armoire, which coats them in a shield – glossy to the touch but invisible to the eye – that is designed to protect the wearer from harm. You never would have imagined she slept like this. She can’t have slept much. You crawl into bed and try, as you might, to rest as if you can somehow make up for that lost time. Your mind is still alight, and you feel uneasy and anxious; eventually, though, you’re taken by sleep.

You dream of a faint and timid whimpering, buried beneath the black.

What’s much more familiar to you is waking up in the late morning, a mere couple hours before noon. Sun shines in through the crack in your window shades; you feel only a little refreshed, but no more or less rested. Breakfast is available at your hall during the week; you don’t have to go far, so it doesn’t take more than a few minutes for you to feed and dress yourself. As of this year, you don’t have many close contacts immediately surrounding you, and you don’t particularly seem like you’re looking for conversation; likewise, most students are actively busy in the way of trying to get an early start, so you pass there and back without event.

> Keep working with the Pale Tome until you have to leave to meet Kye and Davion.
> Keep studying and skip the meeting; you’ll figure out what you’re enrolling in on your own time.
> Spend the late morning experimenting with Ophelia’s other belongings.

>>1547031
>> Spend the late morning experimenting with Ophelia’s other belongings.

Make a more thorough inspection of the room. From what we've seen thus far, it wouldn't be surprising that Ophelia has a hidden compartment somewhere in the room. Loose floorboards, ceiling panel, faux wall covering, hell, under the bed or in the mattress/pillows.

>>1547031
> Spend the late morning experimenting with Ophelia’s other belongings.

Could be useful to us. I feel like knowing what we will be enrolling in is important enough for us to bother going in, but I don't think will exactly be in the mood for any real partying or friendly interaction for a while. We have a promise to keep.

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>>1547080
>>1547095

You’ve taken stock, for the most part, of what you’ve got available to you. But it dawns on you that you should probably give the room a once-over more thoroughly, just in case there’s something hidden around that you have yet to find. The contents of the oaken chest are the same as you left them: gold bars and pemmican wafers, an elaborate and elegant rapier which you elected not to touch for the time being, and a set of notes notating some of the characteristics or safety warnings of these items, as well as emergency protocol. Likewise, the Codex waits on the desk, numberless books within its trappings.

But you’re taking a more detailed approach. First, you look to the armoire, pushing the rows of clothes aside; on a small shelf in the back in a closed jewelry box, you find a black choker that seats a brilliantly-cut onyx jewel, enshrined in a frame of glinting silver, firmly between the wearer’s collarbones. You don’t find anything of note in the washroom, so you go next to her drawers. Within are alchemical supplies – vials, flasks, and racks for safe keeping – and hand tools such as small hammers and chisels. The centermost desk contains a long and jagged asymmetrical knife; it’s an old-looking kris forged of iron, handle wrapped in cloth bands the color of blood. You breathe a sigh as you take stock of everything mentally. Then, you go to the floorboards, searching for any trap doors or anything of the sort.

You’re almost surprised when you don’t find anything, until you peer beneath her bed. There’s a black circular rug drawn up right under it that doesn’t seem to be decorating or covering anything in particular. It’s cold to the touch.

> Take or inspect something from Ophelia’s belongings. (Write-in.)
> Experiment further with the Codex Excelsis.
> Pull the rug.

>>1547204
> Experiment further with the Codex Excelsis.

We'll get back to the Kris later. The rug screams 'advanced magic implement' so we'll put a pin in that one.

Kinda want to take the jeweled choker just because.

>>1547204
> Experiment further with the Codex Excelsis.
Not sure what we'll learn from this, but since we're at it, I guess take note of any books that deal with Pale manipulation. (The passive defense seems like it will be really useful. Especially for opening door that happen to have shamblers on the other side of them.)

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>>1547250
>>1547629

Provided in Ophelia’s emergency protocol is a page that suffices as an introductory guide to reading runescript; in order to activate sealed spells, the written words must be intoned a certain way and with a certain sort of power to back them up. Such a guide can only help one so much, however, as the script is less a symbolic language and more of a logical system. It’s not as if there’s an exact pronunciation or translation guide; the page suffices as more of a list of rules and exceptions for audibly deciphering the symbols. If you wish to learn to operate the Codex Excelsis, which seems like it will be an invaluable aid in your study, you’ll have to do this at some point anyway, so starting now isn’t the most unreasonable thing for you to do.

You scan the book for anything that might be of use to you – especially entries with few enough or simple enough codes that you can both get some good practice in and access them in a manner that isn’t too time-limiting.

> Locate and bookmark introductory texts for non-Pale Sorcery doctrines.
> Take a more detailed look at what more modern Pale arts can offer.
> Find a resource about plant shamblers.
> Examine the contents of Entry 303 – which sounds to be a written means of revitalizing a magically-damaged mind.
> Examine the contents of Entry 320 – the instructions said not to actually follow them, so it’d be useful to know what they are.

I'm torn between

> Take a more detailed look at what more modern Pale arts can offer.
and
> Locate and bookmark introductory texts for non-Pale Sorcery doctrines.

I feel it'd behoove us to at least have a BIT of a general understanding of what's what before we start into the Pale Sorcery stuff.

>>1547643
Look up and bookmark the Almanac of Fey Beasts and Aberrant Biology before continuing on to
> Take a more detailed look at what more modern Pale arts can offer.

>>1547643
>> Take a more detailed look at what more modern Pale arts can offer.
Particularly offensive magics.
Night yall.

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>>1547706
>>1547676
>>1547867

Between the use of makeshift parchment dividing tabs and your idea to implement a personal reference page – your own table of contents, which you’ll be sure to keep on hand when using the Codex – you establish a system which will obviate much of the hassle in navigating between Codex entries assuming you know already what you’re looking for, making the Almanac mentioned by Dr. Solana the first resource you store therein.

Next, you decide, out of curiosity, to examine what exactly modern Pale arts are capable of. You spend half an hour accessing simple resources, the runes sealing them numbering merely one or two each, and trace a series of short essays noting the unsavory and dangerous nature of the old Pale arts and discussing the place of Pale manipulation in modern arcane canon to something that’s closer to what you’re looking for; utilized commonly as a reference that demonstrates the invaluable nature of understanding the Pale’s purpose is a ledger that seems to contain the kinds of arts you’re looking for: “Profound Measures and the New Ways of the Pale Void”.

The difference between old and new, phrased in the simplest possible way, is a matter of safety. The modern arts seem to suggest that becoming closely affiliated with the Pale and tearing open intersections close to one’s own body is an abhorrent and self-destructive practice, while the Pale Tome seems to approve of doing such things exclusively, to an end of ‘opening the Pale void within the self’. While Measures concedes that Second Sight is useful for beginners in the arts to better understand the procedures underway in their manipulation, it claims that the old way of sealing the eye is, at absolute best, unnecessary, and seems to disavow the importance of Second Sight to the craft as a whole – except as it pertains to a postulated means of tracking the position of moving objects in real space.

Techniques that Measures seems to approve of, however, include invisibility and concealment; you remember Cosette’s four daggers were hidden not just beneath her cloak, but secreted away from the real itself such that they would be both undetectable and easily accessible to her. It suggests using these manipulations in minor ways that can protect oneself from danger and even make many mundane tasks much easier – without the risk of straying too close to the abyss. Using Pale arts as a means of direct offense seems to be practically unheard of in the modern doctrine.

> Send ahead to Kye that you won’t be meeting him today, as you’ve still three more days after this to select classes; instead, continue studying the Pale arts.
> Examine something else in the Codex, such as information about plant shamblers or one of Ophelia’s private entries.
> Take or inspect something of Ophelia’s belongings. (Write-in.)

>>1547899
Take some wafers. Some pocket change doesn't seem a bad idea. Maybe put on the choker as well before meeting up with Kye.

>>1548006
Basically this. Let's make what will increasingly become a rare appearance in public.

>>1547899

> Examine something else in the codex: Entry 303.

I've been terribly curious since it was introduced, and this seems like a good moment to skim over it quickly before doing normal-person things >>1548006

>>1548042
I mean, it's curious, but how's it relevant?

>>1548043

Hopefully it's not relevant.

I'm of the belief a "normal result" from investigating will a whole lot of not much; and a "good result" will learning something interesting about Ophelia. Still, there's a vanishingly small chance someone Amelia met at one of her parties was less friendly than they presented themselves, and left something behind in Amelia's mind. I'm sure that's nothing more than paranoia speaking, of course. Sure, this is a magical murder academy, but Amelia's a social butterfly of zero importance. Nobody's going to waste time or magic on a failure. I really am asking to investigate for pure curiosity's sake, with no real expectation of relevance.

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>>1548006
>>1548030
You pocket a few pemmican wafers, in case you’re without food later; they’re surprisingly nourishing, and you far from mind the taste.

The solid gold bars in the chest – the kind shaped to a uniform weight for trading – are magnitudes more valuable than anything you could imagine buying on a short excursion out. They’re the stuff you’d find locked away in kingdom vaults—items of pure liquid value that you’d imagine taking with you to the rare sorts of locales that utilize foreign currencies or barter. Likewise, you haven’t a whole lot of money to your name proper at the moment; most of what you’d ordinarily purchase at the Arcanum is merely allotted to the balance that your House is to pay the school for your attendance. Instead, you scrape together a handful of silver coins from what was left of your own belongings, tucking them away in a pouch in your other pocket, again: just in case.

Finally, you return to the armoire long enough to retrieve and don the black choker, securing it around your neck. The silver-framed crystal rests against your bare flesh, concealed beneath the cut of your blouse; freezing cold, it glows faintly for a few instants before settling, warming to meet your body temperature. You probably don’t have to leave just yet, but decide it might be advantageous to you to start a little early just to reacquaint yourself with your surroundings. You exit the room and begin into the hallway.

As you begin on the path out of your hall, you can’t help but notice a commotion in your old room; you slow as you pass by the door to look inside, wherein man-sized masses of sack cloth – summoned servants, no doubt – float about, manipulating push-brooms, dust-pans, and trash bins that gently move through the air alongside them. The place is almost bare, now; most of all of the destroyed objects have been disposed of or displaced to a single corner, but no one’s even started on a structure damage.

“Amelia.” There’s a voice from behind you. Vaguely familiar, it’s stoic and authoritative to an almost chilling degree. Slowly, you turn away from the door-less room and face the Dean, who stands with his back to the opposite wall. It’s like he’s a goddamn shadow, a ghost – how could you even have missed him standing there?

>...

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>>1548088

“Dr. Varator.” You can’t help but look a bit concerned.

“I see you’ve – taken to Ophelia’s attire.” He says, cocking an eyebrow and tilting his head a bit as if a proper look over you has interrupted his current thought.

“I—well, I didn’t have anything else.” Your gaze drifts down and away. “I didn’t mean…”

“Please – I understand. We found most everything that remained in your room mere ashes. What matters is you’re alive and well.” Varator nods. “I’m sure she would not be offended. She was quite the magnanimous type. Until this situation is properly reconciled, it’s best you make use of whatever you need to so as not to interrupt in your studies. I’m told that this year is a very important one for you.”

After another pause, you nod. You can’t do anything but concede that point, and you’re sure he knows the stakes, especially given he seems to be invested in the situation.

> “What are you doing here?”
> “You… knew Ophelia?”
> “Can you tell me what’s going to happen now?”
> “Your grace is appreciated, but I need to get going.”

>>1548091

> “You… knew Ophelia?”

>>1548091
>> “You… knew Ophelia?”
> “What are you doing here?”

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>>1548108
>>1548102

“You…” You continue after a momentary stall. “You knew Ophelia?”

“Of course. Forward-thinking and supremely talented. I supervised her entrance exam to the post-graduate program and worked with her for a short-time afterward. She went her own ways for a while before she decided mentorship was in the cards for her – thus, she returned here, and was promptly assigned to you.” Varator is calm and serious, his expression not conveying any particular emotion or belief. “Her knowledge of such a diverse array of arts was indistinguishable from a true Magus. Her desire to learn was – in a word, sagacious. An accident like this was unprecedented. Truly a tragedy.”

“I see.” You afford a firm nod, doing your absolute best to straighten up. “Is that why you’re here?”

“I’m here not only because I wanted to make an assessment of the damages – this is the first I’ve seen of the room since – but also because I was hoping to find you. To see how you were doing.” Varator says. “I can’t say how the two of you might have gotten along, but I’m told by some of her peers - those she was close to - that she had a certain effect on people. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling.”


I
> Explain your emotions on the subject.
> “I’m well."

II
> "What's going to happen now?”
> "I'm guessing she didn't get along with everyone?"
> “You really think this was an accident?”

>>1548126
>I'm well
>Whats going to happen now ?

>>1548126

I
> "I haven't fallen apart. Yet. I've been focusing on my studies since. I don't want to let her down."
I'm not sure how detailed we should get with him, especially in a public hallway. Something like this is probably vague enough to be safe.

II
> "What's going to happen now?"
As tempting as it is to challenge the "accident" narrative, asking in public is just asking for the official story to be repeated. Maybe he'll answer honestly somewhere like the privacy of his own office.

>>1548126

I
>"I feel...a lot of things. Like I'm lost in the dark without a light anymore. Or maybe like I'm drowning and trying to learn how to swim at the same time. It's...hard to describe, really. Guess I can't imagine how I'm feeling too well, either."

This is a lie because we know what the game is and fuck giving him any inclination as to what we plan on doing. I've a suspicion that he knew about the hit and probably 'approved' of it in a roundabout way- sort of like a death or glory test.

II
> "What's going to happen now?”
We know it was a hit, he probably knows it was a hit, no use in asking what we already know out in public where someone could get a reason to call a hit on US.

Honestly, I'm already wondering if the dude's got an ulterior motive.

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>>1548131
>>1548134
>>1548130

“I haven’t fallen apart.” You’re wearing a weak little smile. “Yet. I’ve been focusing on my studies—it’s like drowning and trying to learn to swim at the same time. I’m not sure I can imagine how I’m feeling either.”

“Understandable.” Varator says solemnly, before looking back up to the situation in the room. “This is a difficult time, after all. If you like, do let me know when you’ve finished your course registration—provided you haven’t already. I’ll be sure your instructors afford you a degree of lenience given your situation.”

“What’s going to happen now?” You ask.

“Ophelia came to us from the Capital, and that is where what legacy she leaves behind – to my understanding, an elderly mother and a small number of family friends – will bid her goodbye. When those arrangements are finalized, and after we’ve sorted out what will become of your housing situation—which will take some time, don’t worry—we will tend to the matter of her abandoned belongings in recognition of their instructions; at that time, the Council will determine if she leaves behind any incomplete work worthy of canonization.” Varator nods, looking briefly into the leatherbound journal he carries before continuing. “We’ve also elected to hold an evening vigil at the Archive come this week’s end. Not a proper funeral service, of course, but somewhere those that were close to her here can leave their regards as a means of sending off the departed. I wanted to notify you of this as well, such that you might attend if you wish. If it might ease your mind.”

Your head swims, conversation stalling once more.

“For now, though, I believe all this has been accorded. If we discover anything else of yours was found scattered about, I’ll ensure it reaches you as soon as possible; likewise, I’ll be in touch when the housing department finds a way to reconcile this dilemma so you can be situated somewhere more comfortable.” He snaps shut his book, and there’s a hollow whistling sound as the ghostly servants and cleaning implements in the room give way to dust in the wind, leaving nothing but a bare dormitory with scorched walls and floors. “Be well, Amelia, and stay safe.”

He’s prompt to make his egress, walking down the hallway in the opposite direction you’re headed. He is gone by the time you turn around.

> Head to the Archive to meet Kye and Davion.
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1548146
>> Head to the Archive to meet Kye and Davion.

Hm. Alright. Methinks we should head to that vigil later. For now, let's get registered.

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See >>1543831 - maybe added emphasis on the doing actual things. We'll continue with the Archive when I return, unless there's a desire to do something else.

>>1548126
I
I... I don't know what to feel really. Just before the incident, we were talking and something just clicked between us. Before, we were just roommates, But I can say without a doubt we were friends... if only for a far too brief a time.

II
Will you let me know when the ceremony is? And would it be alright if I came by later to speak with you?

>>1548134
I think his interest in this is because he considered Ophelia to be within his sphere of influence. One of his allies. So someone killing her probably seems like a move against him. Really, I feel like this meeting was a test to see where we might land on the issue or if we're even playing the game at all.

>>1548169

>Really, I feel like this meeting was a test to see where we might land on the issue or if we're even playing the game at all.

That's just it- so do I.

So I don't want him to think we're playing the game at all. I mean, we ARE- or rather, WILL BE. But he doesn't have to know that.

>>1548178
Whether or not he knows, it seems that hes planning on introducing it to us either way. That open invitation to see him, and the implied threat of taking Ophelia's things from us insures that we'll have to go see him.

>>1548146
>> Head to the Archive to meet Kye and Davion.

Okay, so, for all the players here; just so we're on the same page, what's the plan? I had figured it was (in VERY broad strokes, mind)

-Obtain the Power of the Pale/Void/Nothingness
-Graduate.
-Kill Cosette (if she was indeed the murderess, if not, replace with name of murderer.)
-Destroy the Council since they're promoting this sick game of death.

Sound about right or what?

>>1548241

> Obain the Power of the Pale Void
> Graduate
> Kill the assassin
> If the assassin was acting on another's instruction, kill them too

I 100% support these. I want to burn a bitch alive from the inside out. I'm a bit torn between going home immediately after, and going after the council before going home. It's a noble goal, and someone's gotta do it. And it can be us, but it doesn't have to be us. I feel like maybe that should be a team effort.

> Cosette (if she was indeed the murderess,

She's another Pale user, right? So if she's involved, she hired a plant user like Thorne, and didn't act directly. I also got a weird impression during our conversation that she knows and will be joining the game, but hasn't yet. The combination of her friendship with Kye and her description as "a young overachiever" left me feeling she's still an undergrad, not one of the post-grads already in the game. Of course, even if she's innocent of this, she knows the score far too well to be safe.

>>1548377
>>1548241
we should try and take over the council if anything, as long as we stay alive fuck others

>>1548377
>>1548241
Personally, I think one of our short term goals ought to be to gain an ally. Kye, Davion and as unpopular as it might be, Cosette, would be my first picks. Davion, because of our homeland ties. We are clearly of higher standing then he is. So he would have incentive to help us, if only to climb the social ladder back home. Cosette, I doubt had involvement in the assassination. She seems to be about the same level as us right now in terms of influence. It's because of this that I can't seem to find a compelling enough motive for her to have been involved with killing Ophelia. Kye is the only one I have doubt still as we haven't really disproved his involvement yet.

As for the objectives
>Master Pale magic
>Graduate
>Kill assassin
>his friends too
I can agree with.

>>1548377
>>1548399

The way she was acting when we spoke to her was very much like someone trying to feel us out/subtly threaten us for asking too much. I think she's involved in the murder at least, if not the assassin herself.

>>1548682

> The way she was acting when we spoke to her was very much like someone trying to feel us out/subtly threaten us for asking too much.

I completely agree with this much. I disagree with what you said after. I believe she absolutely was trying to feel us out/subtly threaten us... because that's part of how the game is played. Because, like Fight Club, you don't talk about it explicitly, and never in public. Because she is (or will be soon) playing and she doesn't want to die. When we walked in and hinted we knew the game, then used our second sight on her, we suddenly upgraded ourselves (in her view, at least) from "harmless socialite" to "player of this stupid murder game I fully intend to win."

She's dangerous, and we need to be cautious as we take our turn feeling out where she fits into all this. But it's too early to say "she's playing" with any certainty, let alone "she's the player who orchestrated Ophelia's assassination." If she's actually a post-grad student competing for a position in the Council, as Ophelia was, I'll gladly upgrade her from "dangerous third party" to "dangerous murder suspect, likely colluding with Thorne."

I'm not willing to consider recruiting her to our proposed party of adventurers until we know where she stands. But if it turns out she isn't involved, and merely knows the score, she could be a great asset. Let's tread carefully, yeah?

>>1548884
Fair enough. We both agree on using caution with dealing with her, at least. I'm not entirely sold on the 'make a group/party' idea, personally- feels like one too many chances for someone to go 'hey, I bet if I assassinate her AFTER she's helped get rid of everyone else I'd be a shoo-in for the Council/take over as sole Council member!' or something akin.

I'd personally prefer we kept everyone at arms length, but that's malleable as the situation changes, I guess. We'll see.

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The Archive is an ancient-feeling building. The walls are dark, wide arching hallways looking faded in comparison to the Arcanum’s other facilities, grit visible in the gaps between the bricks on every surface. You give a wave to the desk attendant as you pass, rounding the corner into the stairwell. It feels, at first, as if you are descending into a castle dungeon; you cross the threshold at the bottom, though, into the library proper, rows of ceiling-high bookshelves forming aisles and stretching along the walls for what feels like as far as you can see. You don’t waste time or make conversation; likewise, anyone with business among these books likely isn’t in the mood for idle chat. Instead, you continue from one end of the area to the other, crossing through a set of ornate wooden double-doors into another open area. Past more reading rooms and to a small lounge, almost secreted away in the depths of this place; this is where you encounter Kye and Davion, at a table apart from any of the room’s handful of other inhabitants. They’re looking together at a notebook, and their conversation appears to be a bit of a quiet ruckus from a distance.

“Hey.” You nod as you approach.

“Hiya, Millie.~ Feeling any better?” Kye gives you a smile. “You manage to link up with Solana? He’s an interesting guy, isn’t he – real know-it-all, right?”

“I guess.” You shrug. “You two come to any decisions?”

“I happen to be done.” Davion says, nodding firmly. “Kye, as usual, can’t make up his mind.”

“What? C’mon.” Kye rolls his eyes. “I’m just thinking like – total blow-off year, right, minimum necessary input. I literally just have to take classes and I’m out of here. It doesn’t even matter what they are. I’m just, like, is that the right thing? Y’know.”

“You’re going to do whatever you want regardless of what I say.” Davion gives him a flat look. “It’s pointless to ask!”

“No, I mean it! I’m really looking for advice!” Kye groans. You make your way over to a seat at the table and he slides the notebook of courses over to you as if he’s done with it. “Millie, take baby-competition-dueling with us! Davion’s gonna give me top marks, and we’re totally gonna get to shoot stuff.”

>...

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>>1548983

“I am not! You’ll still have to earn them, unfortunately for you. The department head is in charge of grading the material anyway; I’m merely providing some of the lessons.” Davion sighs. “And for the last time – the core material of the course is about defending oneself. Not ‘shooting stuff’. Competition dueling is a pure and sporting test of one Sorcerer’s martial skill against another, but there is no reason the same tenets don’t apply to proper self-defense, as well as such virtues as honor and discipline.”

Looking to you, Kye subtly points to himself, then makes a finger-snap ‘zap!’ gesture toward the opposite end of the room, giving you a little wink. He can’t help himself but giggle afterwards – at which Davion thwacks him about the head with a stack of folded papers. He gives a little bit of a groan, then leans over your shoulder to look at the book while you peruse.

I
> “It’s not dangerous, is it, Davion?”
> Ask something else. (Write-in.)

II
> Complete blow-off year. Minimal hours, easy courses, night courses, and laboratory courses – most of which will have nothing to do with proper Sorcery. You’ll have most of your time to yourself.
> Relaxed year. Find something good that pertains to the Sorcery or theory you’re interested in, and supplement it with a vocational course such as sigilcraft, alchemy, or dueling.
> All-in. You’ll be able to learn a lot about spellcraft and diverse doctrines of Sorcery, but you’ll have to spend most of your time studying for courses in order to survive.

Might be in and out with updates. I'll announce in advance when I'm actually going to be posting for a while.

>>1548988

> Ask something else: "What other self-defense courses are available?"
We don't need to publicly admit we're looking for something a bit less virtuous and a bit more useful. We just need to survive.

> All-in.
As tempted as I am to suggest a relaxed year so we have more time for self-study of the Pale Void, we are going to graduate. Period.

>>1549020
Seconding.

>>1549020
Yeah. Same. Really want to focus on the Pale Void, but...Eh.

We have a promise to keep.

I feel like we could do something in between this that let us have a bit of time to look more into the Pale Void.

>>1548988
>> All-in. You’ll be able to learn a lot about spellcraft and diverse doctrines of Sorcery, but you’ll have to spend most of your time studying for courses in order to survive.

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>>1549020
>>1549032
>>1549041
>>1549054

“Damn, girl.” Kye says as he looms over your shoulder, watching you as you produce a piece of paper and begin scribbling. “What are you doing? That’s like, what – two years’ worth of requisites, plus…”

“I’m catching up on some things.” You respond curtly. “Davion, what other self-defense courses are available, do you know?”

“None further in the art of dueling that don’t require either the introductory course or departmental approval, I’m afraid.” Davion says. “You’d have to look into extracurricular activities. There’s a useful course – Traditional Interactions – on the interplay between the doctrines, and how some arts can be used to defeat others; I’d suggest that as a springboard if you wanted to begin an independent study.”

“Don’t you have, like, swordsmanship buddies or something?” Kye asks, tilting his head toward Davion.

“I prefer to practice that on my own.” Davion nods.

There are problems with this route besides the obvious. Foremost, even if you pack everything in so, you won’t be able to manage more than about two years’ worth of what you’ll need to do; given you’ve barely a year’s worth of credit under your belt after three out of the four most spend as Arcanum undergraduates, you’ll still come up short, meaning you’ll have to find some way to circumvent the system or otherwise prove yourself a valid diploma-holder. You’re not surprised by this, though you can’t help but wonder exactly what Ophelia had planned if she still believed it was possible knowing this. Second of all, in order to do so, you’ll have to take a number of classes concurrently with their prerequisites, which will require departmental or higher approval. You don’t have the best track record for academics, but it seems unlikely that you could find anyone who’d…

You grit your teeth, eyes widening for a moment.

> Sign your name on the sheet, and seek Dean Varator’s approval.
> Dial it back a bit. You’ll just have to find another way.

>>1549099
>> Dial it back a bit. You’ll just have to find another way.

Okay, people, let's powow a bit. I'm wondering if there's a way we can kind of get self-study credits- eventually allow us to 'test out' of certain programs or get some credits that way. But I think that as much as this idea SEEMS good on paper, I'm not positive it'll work out well for us in the long run. Just trying to bulldoze everything is risky- we need to find some way to subvert and go around the usual methods.

So we need to brainstorm, I think.

>>1549120
As long as we still have the major "learn to use magic" class, and the self defense class. We can learn other pale tricks in our off time.

>>1549120
> I'm wondering if there's a way we can kind of get self-study credits- eventually allow us to 'test out' of certain programs or get some credits that way.

I can agree with this. We may need to speak to an academic advisor of some kind to learn how the process actually works, and which classes we'll be unable to test out of. Kye and Davion may know something useful. We should ask them before we run off to find an advisor.

>>1549099
> Dial it back a bit. You'll just have to find another way.

>>1549129
My concern is that if we go full tilt, we won't HAVE much off-time to speak of; I'm moderately certain that's what the choice implies.

>>1549157
A nice middle ground between classes and free time would be acceptable. And the things we learn independently, we can keep secret, so we can have an ace up our sleeve.

>>1549166
That'd be my ideal, yeah.

It may be worthwhile to pick up an eyepatch at some point, to make longer periods of second sight easier without advertising it to the whole world with a sealed eye. Just stuff the eyepatch in a pocket or handbag when we're not using it.

>>1549191
What would be our excuse for wearing it otherwise, though?

>>1549194
If we're likely to be caught by someone we can at least partially trust, "The Pale is really hard, why did I ever agree to this?!"

If we're likely to be caught by someone we can't trust, we don't have to wear it.

>>1549216
Shouldn't that be reversed?

>>1549099
>> Dial it back a bit. You’ll just have to find another way.
to
>> Relaxed year. Find something good that pertains to the Sorcery or theory you’re interested in, and supplement it with a vocational course such as sigilcraft, alchemy, or dueling.

ask Davion what class is best taken with dueling. Try to avoid blatantly Pale classes.

>>1549191
take dueling so we can use this suggestion. I'd also like to see about Alchemy as well. No point letting Ophelia's components collection go to waste.

>>1549194
black eye from dueling

>>1549219
I'm not sure I follow. As I see it, if we can trust a person, we can admit we're a Pale practitioner. Perhaps pretending we're less skilled with it than we truly are, hence the faked "it's hard!" whining, but we can at least admit we dabble. Right? But if we can't trust them, we should keep it secret.

That's what I was thinking, anyway. Am I missing something important?

>>1549237
I don't think we should let anyone know about our Pale affinity.

>>1549261
Cosette caught us using it, and indirectly told both Kye and Davion. She also claimed we must not actually be any good at it, as we still have both our eyes. (Which ties in to the "it's hard!" whine.)

>>1549237
I was under the impression that it'd be obvious to people without an eyepatch, so basically we'd be hiding it from friends for no major reason if we only wear it around them, but obviously give it away if we don't wear it around someone we don't trust.

I'd have figured it'd be the other way- don't wear it around people we can trust, but wear it around anyone else so that we don't give away what our 'power level' is since either way people will know we're working with the Pale.

There's two spells I hope we can pull off- magical disintegration with a touch, and 'erasing' ala The Hand or Cream in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

>>1549278
She only caught us using Second Sight. Literally the most elementary Pale spell there is. Let her continue thinking we idly flipped through a Pale spell book prior to meeting with them, instead of actively studying the Pale.

>>1547899
>" While Measures concedes that Second Sight is useful for beginners in the arts to better understand the procedures underway in their manipulation, it claims that the old way of sealing the eye is, at absolute best, unnecessary, and seems to disavow the importance of Second Sight to the craft as a whole..."

>>1549413
That reminds me. We're not ditching the Pale Tome, right? I'm VERY interested in the 'old ways'.

>>1549464
Not until we've gotten all we can from it. I mean, Pale Tome is just an introductory text. But yes, I'd like to follow the 'old way' as well. Maybe take a look at the new ways for the invisibility spells. Though I suspect old tomes probably have their own methods for that same effect.

>>1549396
I think I see the confusion now. I was under the impression Cosette only caught us because she's experienced with the Pale, and those inexperienced (Kye, Davion) never noticed because there was nothing for them to see.

As a result, I wasn't suggesting the eyepatch with the intent to hide anything - I was suggesting it because apparently we need to block sight in one eye to make second sight work at all, and an eyepatch leaves both our hands free while still blocking sight. So far, every time we've used it, we've covered an eye with a hand, and I wanted an easy-to-hide way to quit doing that.

Also, I was under the belief that if someone we couldn't trust showed up, we'd immediately drop second sight instead of continuing to use it in their presence. Since that would be easier with a hand over an eye instead of an eyepatch, I figured we'd do without the patch in more public situations.

>>1549413
>Let her continue thinking we idly flipped through a Pale spell book prior to meeting with them, instead of actively studying the Pale.

If we can pull it off, sure. But to do that, it's probably better simply to never let her catch us using Pale again. No matter how good our acting is, if she catches us with Pale spells more than once, she's not going to buy an act of incompetence. This goes doubly if she never sees us use more "normal" spells.

>>1549464
I second the vote to keep it. The "new" ways seem to me... I don't know, like a boring supplement to the old ways that actually matter. Not that they're bad, but that we probably want all the Pale we can get our hands on, and the new is too safe to be sufficiently complete.

I wish the QM could post more. This is one of the better nu-quests on this board.

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>>1549120
>>1549151

You fold the piece of paper and set it aside for the moment. You’re overreacting. You need to stop and think; what would she do? “Either of you guys know anything about self-study credits? I’m just – looking to see if I can test out of some things, maybe pick up some extra hours.”

”Cosette’s in – what, second year, third year?” Kye asks, looking over to Davion, who returns a shrug. “I’m pretty sure she started in the third-year equivalent on manipulation and channeling.”

“She had a testing opportunity because she was coming in – and as a Sage Exemplar, no less.” Davion says. “It’s not unheard of, though you can’t take tests to get out of classes for no reason. If you could petition to someone in the department or higher, though, you could be allowed to advance and earn those credits. The only other opportunities I know of are private studies with professors. I’ve some friends who’ve picked up quite a few additional hours from that, without a whole lot of extra coursework; really, it’s more like having a job – like my assistantship in the Training Hall, for example.”

You feel your aura burning with power you don’t recognize from within yourself. Ophelia said your channeling was adequate – what is adequate, though to a Sage aspirant? You know you could make it, with a little more practice under your belt and someone to give you a chance. You wonder if Varator would continue to be so acquiescent. You wonder why he’s remained so involved.

“Know anyone who’s offering?” You ask.

“You have to be interested – it’s got to be a person you like, and a field you’re trying to learn about or make advances in, rather than just something you do to pass the time. If you asked around the departments, I’m sure you could find someone looking for a private study, though there’d be credentials you had to meet beforehand…” Davion muses.

“Or.~ If you wanted to join a research group? Just buy your way in, assuming you’re just trying to get the hours and don’t care about accolades or being a part of a fellowship.” Kye slowly turns to you, wearing a bare-toothed grin. “Funding is more of a hot topic than most anyone is willing to address in public. I know for a fact there are professors over at Spark who’d bend right over for anyone with a fat coin-purse and a decent hypothesis.”

You’ve still got a couple of days after this to finalize your decision – to talk to people around the Arcanum and make deals or petitions if you need to.

> Try to find one or two useful classes for now – Traditional Interactions sounds interesting – and a craft or hobby.
> Complete 180 into blow-offs. You *need* this time to yourself, and what you’re doing is no one’s business but your own.
> Ignore signing up for the moment. You’ve got to see if you can break the sequence somewhere before you know for sure.
> Ask something. (Write-in.)

Amelia's character sheet is up to date. I'll be stepping out for a bit, after which I'll resume regular updates until late tonight.

>>1549740

> Try to find one or two useful classes for now – Traditional Interactions sounds interesting – and a craft or hobby.

It sounds like our best bet for now. Prefer it if we could maybe sign up for a couple now, and then look around later for others. But I'm kind of open for this one.

But we aren't slacking off. And we need an alibi.

>>1549740
> Try to find one or two useful classes for now – Traditional Interactions sounds interesting – and a craft or hobby.

>>1549740
>> Try to find one or two useful classes for now – Traditional Interactions sounds interesting – and Alchemy.

Sounds like we're going to have to find where all the Pale kids hang out.
also, looking at the updated character sheet and considering we're going for speed, it seems we would get the most benefit the sooner we commit to the eye seal rather then later.

>>1549910
Why alchemy?

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>>1549836
>>1549831
>>1549910

You’ve got two things decided; the course Davion mentioned sounds like it’ll be a good starting point for you to get a grip on the theories you’re looking for and doesn’t have any major prerequisites. Likewise, a vocational or pastime-oriented choice seems pretty obvious; you’ll learn the basics of a craft that you can potentially teach yourself later or bolster on your own time without an incredibly significant required time investment outside class.

A page details the works underway at the Conservatory. You know of Alchemy, the use of common elements to create magical brews called extracts, which are even capable of healing the sick and empowering the weak. It’s a very studious practice where innovations are always underway and talented innovators are extolled and celebrated; it crosses disciplines, too, with Conservatory alchemists researching secondary compounds produced from plants at the greenhouse. You could attempt to familiarize yourself with some of the underlying theory, or even seek out a practical class to put it into practice without biting you’re your own free time. Sigilcraft would rightfully bar you from taking any more than the most basic of courses, but even this would be useful in advancing your ability to translate the Codex Excelsis—which you should really try to hang on to, aside. Were you to actually learn the art, you can’t imagine all of the potential uses of sealing away fully formed Sorcery into a glyph or scroll, but it is decidedly not a trade for the weak or careless. Those skilled in Shape and Ether manipulations both often fancy themselves as Artificers or Enchanters; though they often call upon basic Sigilcrafting principles in their work, their trade is of imbuing mundane items with abnormal properties, or utilizing their arts to create objects with properties that would not otherwise be possible.

You could also devote the time to dueling; if this course on the interactions between traditionally-used Sorcerous disciplines isn’t sufficient for awakening you to means to counter opposing arts, it would give you a cut of time to be around people you know, and put some of your theory into practice. You’re certain it’d be easy to come out of it with a passing grade; it’s an introductory course, and the assistant teacher looks up to you in at least some way. But, were you keen, you could also seek out the hobby either recreationally on the level of a club, or enter proper competitions – hopefully sanctioned ones! – some of which you’re aware don’t actually require club or team membership.

> Pick a course in alchemy.
> Pick a course in Sigilcraft.
> Pick a course in artifice or enchanting.
> Pick ‘baby competition dueling’, as Kye put it.
> Choose nothing and seek a private study or petition. It'll save time and keep you open to other opportunities.

>>1549932
I was thinking alchemy before, but after reading this
>> Pick a course in Sigilcraft.
Through I wouldn't be adverse to
>> Pick a course in artifice or enchanting.

>>1549932
> Pick a course in Sigilcraft

This is mostly so we can translate the Codex Excelsis; it'll be a net boon for us no matter the depth we go into it, and we'd want to translate the thing eventually anyway- learning it for class is just a bonus.

>>1549932
We definitely need Sigilcraft eventually, and Alchemy has obvious uses considering our goals, so I'll support either one. It's a shame we almost certainly won't have time for both.

While Artificing and Enchanting could be useful, they seem less vital with our current plans. "Baby Competition Dueling" doesn't seem useful - honor and discipline may be fine in a duel or on a battlefield, but if we're ever forced to fight, we've fucked up, and we need to kill or maim as quickly as possible so we can flee. It won't be a "fight" when we finally corner the assassin that executed Ophelia.

>>1550064
Basically how I feel about it.

[spoilers]When we get the bastard hopefully all we'll have to do is hit them once and then enjoy the screaming as they dissipate.[/spoilers]

>>1550100
Apparently I can't into spoiler tags.

>>1550107
I think it's "spoiler", singular. You can highlight the text then hold Ctrl and press S if you don't feel like risking a typo.

>>1550100
I'm thinking once we get good enough we can just teleport him straight into the void. Literally delete them from existing.

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>>1549972
>>1550018

Sigilcraft, you think, is the choice for you, who seeks to devour all that the Codex Excelsis has to offer.

To meet your minimum requirements, you’ll also need to register for some level of the practical course in Channeling and Manipulation. You owe some of your talent in this area to a degree of natural affinity, but mostly to the fact that you actually bothered to attend the first-year course; there was no real outside work beyond practicing to maintain your ability, and it didn’t require a whole lot of your attention span. By second year, though, you were mostly done with such things as attending classes, so you’ll have to start there.

You could also attempt to test out of it – or forego it entirely, as for you to accomplish what it is you’re trying to do will require you go beyond what’s normal for the curriculum on a number of different levels.

> Sign up for the second-year course.
> Seek Varator later and petition to test out.
> Ignore it entirely and look for private studies, research, or other backdoor options later.

>>1550297
Wow, I can't believe I was still waiting in the previous thread.

Amazing how these choices might seem so simple, but I'm agonizing over each and every one of them because I feel like they're all going to be really definitive as to how we progress from here.

>>1550297
>> Seek Varator later and petition to test out.

is there a limit as to when we can do this? Also, what's the duration on the classes? Yearly, Semesters, Quarter?

>>1550297
>> Sign up for the second-year course.

Reason being I see no reason to attempt to reinvent the wheel- chances are the course will at least go over some stuff we'd end up researching ourselves- we can just take what they teach us, master, then innovate like a madwoman. We can probably do a bit of

>look for private studies, research, or other backdoor options later.

On the side a bit as well.

>>1550355

Classes at the Arcanum are yearly commitments. An innovative degree of independent study is expected, and participation in extracurricular or vocational activities is encouraged.

>>1550297
Right. As I recall we had a decent hold on Channeling (according to Ophelia) and needed to improve our Manipulation a fair bit. Seems like signing up on this course would hit three birds with the same stone.

>>1550443
to clarify I mean:
>Sign up for the second-year course

>>1550579
>Stay behind to talk with Kye
Old friends, then new friends.

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>>1550387
>>1550450

“I think that’s it for me.” You nod, finalizing – for now – the sheet with your selection of the second-year course. All you’ve got to do is take it up to the administrative department in the Archives – which you can do any time today or for two more days afterward.

“Aw! Was really hoping I’d sell you on that class. I guess I’ll – actually, just bug me if you’re free.” Kye nods. “We’ll find some time, yeah?”

“Of course. Last year.” You face him, but have trouble returning his smile. “Maybe we’ll still wreak some havoc.”

“It’s been good seeing you again, Ms. Moughbury.” Davion nods, rising to part company. “I’ve a meeting with my instructor soon, and I’d like to turn this in beforehand.”

> Stay behind to talk to Kye.
> Walk with Davion.
> Bid farewell and leave on your own.

I actually wonder if we can do anything special if we combine different sorceries.

>>1550598
>> Bid farewell and leave on your own.

Let's get this handled, turned in, and focus on other stuff for the next two days.

>>1550598
>> Bid farewell and leave on your own.
I guess take the sheet upstairs to go through the bureaucracy.

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>>1550662
>>1551050

“I’ve got to be off too.”

“See you later, Millie?” Kye asks, and he sounds as if he’s legitimately not sure.

“Yeah.” You respond, turning and nodding. “I’ll be in touch.”

You leave the would-be dungeon as if you’re in a hurry, making your way up to the administrative offices and leaving the sheet with the attendant. Your two lectures, one practical and one theoretical – the Channeling course and the Interactions course – will meet in the late mornings on the first, third, and fifth days of the week, though attendance is only mandatory for the former (starting, of course, when the registrar is finalized at the beginning of next week). The schedule for your Sigilcraft course is in flux, typically meeting in the afternoon on the second and fourth; sometimes these periods will not be utilized, and sometimes attendance will be mandated at additional times decided in advance, as the class must make concessions for both lectures and practical demonstrations.

It's early in the afternoon when you make it back to your room. You replicate your schedule, then locate and bookmark the necessary volumes for your coursework in the Codex Excelsis.

> Study Pale sorcery until evening.
> Seek particular information or other doctrines in the Codex Excelsis.
> Experiment with Ophelia’s other belongings.
> Seek Dean Varator before evening to inquire about petitions and private studies.

>>1551204
>> Seek particular information or other doctrines in the Codex Excelsis.

Mostly I just want to see if there's anything in particular that might be interest- asking for a Table of Contents of sorts more than committing.

>>1551204
>Study Pale sorcery until evening

Well, if we're not socialising, we best be getting gud.

>>1551210
I can change to
> Study Pale sorcery until evening.
if needed. I was just hoping to get a bit of a preview on what else we could look at.

>>1551204
>> Study Pale sorcery until evening
>>1551379
We'll encounter them soon enough with the Interactions course

>>1552071
Perhaps.

Thinking about it, we're going to have to be very careful with maneuvering to figure out who the murderer is. We can't do like we did with Cosette again and just be halfway blatant about it. We're going to have to attack it from a lot of obtuse angles. Asking things that generally relate to the subject at hand, from various individuals and the sort. Ideally, we can just make ourselves look like a despondent girl who's just trying to fulfill her friend's wish (which we are, we're just doing something else at the same time), and thus be under major suspicion.

The trick is not to be off everyone's radar- but to be juuuust on the edge of it.

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>>1551265
>>1551379
>>1552071

Renewed after a night’s sleep and a day of handling business, you seat yourself at your desk and forge back into your studies.

This time, though, you have a choice – between continuing where you left off or attempting to pick up some of the modern, practical forms of Pale Sorcery.

> Continue learning Sorcery via the Pale Tome.
> Begin working on Sorcery from Measures.
> Practice manipulation skill.

>>1552312
>> Continue learning Sorcery via the Pale Tome.

Finally, an easy one.

>>1552312
> Continue learning Sorcery via the Pale Tome.
I somewhat think we should also do manipulation since that pretty important also does anyone else think we should use our socialite trait to it's fullest and learn from the other students on the campus?

>>1552312
>> Practice manipulation skill.

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>>1552352
>>1552326

The choice, you think, is simple. You study from the Pale Tome, perhaps intrigued by the nature of the ultimate ascension detailed by the author. You will learn quickly whether or not it is an attainable goal.

> Continue work on defensive and reflexive use of Pale intersections.
> Begin work on Sorcery that manipulates the properties of space.
> Search for codified techniques that make use of chaotic energy latent within the Pale.

>>1552396
> Continue work on defensive and reflexive use of Pale intersections.

>>1552396
>> Continue work on defensive and reflexive use of Pale intersections.

>>1552396
>> Begin work on Sorcery that manipulates the properties of space.

TELEPORTING, guys!

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>>1552406
>>1552410

Somehow, you feel more powerful. The overlap between real and Pale grows wider as you allow it. It blooms into real-space like a three-dimensional field of blurry static, and you know that you can orient it such that it absorbs energy rather than releases it.

> Sorcery Acquired: “Absorption Field” – Creates a small area of empty space in which arcane and elemental energy is rapidly attenuated, weakening the effects of those Sorceries as they cross through the field. Indirectly-targeted effects can be dampened from a single direction, but will simply wrap around the field if they are large or powerful enough.

You’ve learned a new Sorcery in the process of following this doctrine, but your attempts to do exactly what it says – to wear the Pale as a cloak, maintaining these intersections close to yourself as a way of being – have not improved significantly. It is almost evening. Though your mind is growing tired, newfound taste for pure academics truly fueled only by your desire not to fail or let your mentor down, you feel as if your well of power has far from run dry.

> Work on other Sorcery from the Tome until night.
> Practice manipulation skill until night.
> Take a break to experiment with Ophelia’s other belongings.
> Other (Write-in.)

>>1552462
> Practice manipulation skill until night.
Manipulation is to be honest the most important thing to focus on.

>>1552462
>> Take a break to experiment with Ophelia’s other belongings.

>>1552475
Anon what could we possible gain right now from her other belongings? Most of them will be of little use until we start classes.

>>1552462
> Practice manipulation skill until night.

Sure.

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>>1552474
>>1552564

You push your limitations in the way of advancing your manipulation skill; there is no other way. You must hone your conscious mind in order to correctly channel power, but must also train your kinesthetic senses in order to project the Pale around yourself as a second skin.

When you take care to project the energy away – slowly anchoring yourself to the feeling, the thoughts required to take purchase within the void, recalling the effect of Ophelia’s manipulation upon your mind – you feel that the Pale is neither hot nor cold. You expose your fingertips first, then your hand and wrist, sinking further into this ocean as you walk slowly in circles around the room. It is as a blanket of comforting darkness. It is a cloudy and cabalistic bed upon which you lie.

For a while, it is as you are in a trance, taken by your careful studies. You’ve returned to your seat when you awaken; it takes a bit of conscious effort on your part to loosen your face from a compulsory wince, since you’ve been keeping one eye closed for the duration. It’s made no better by the fact that you can’t help but do so as tightly as possible; the less of the light from the real that reaches you, the more clearly you can envisage the Pale. It’s dark outside now – probably a little more than an hour until midnight – and you feel somewhere between stiff and sore physically from the way you’ve been carrying yourself.

> Turn in early.
> Continue working.
> Search for information in the Codex Excelsis.
> Experiment with Ophelia’s other belongings.
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1552786
> Turn in early
if our first class is tomorrow morning.

>Continue working
if classes don't start until end of week.

>>1552935
I'll go with what this guy said.

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>>1552935
>>1553050

You know, though, that your first course in sigilcrafting won’t be until tomorrow afternoon – so you can spare a bit more time.

You rise and continue into the night. Facial muscles twitch as you close your eye, brow arching, face contorting into a scowl as you give up your vision to Second Sight once more; the true nature of the Pale is seen with one eye blinded to the real, and you can see it all around you as you walk in slow circles through the room, blurring throughout your environment. When you tire, teeth grit, you continue still, pressing your hand tight against your eye to hide it form the light, and the Pale Void begins to rise around your ankles and your calves as you walk.

The spark buried beneath your chest is growing, ever so slowly—or at least, you’d like to think so as you look at it. As you seize control of your emotions – though feeling somehow cold, somehow distant – your affinity to the Pale is strengthened. Your spark is enshrined in bare white light. It is as the birth of a new star, suspended in empty space.

Apologizes for the delays today! I'll be continuing in a new thread when I'm ready and a little more available. Replies soundly appreciated as always.

>>1552935
We've still two more days for registration. I can't imagine that class would start immediately afterwards. If anything, depending on the day of the week it is, we have the rest of this week and the weekend before starting classes. I'm guessing that today is Monday, so we have a week to do things in.

Speaking of what to do in that week. I think we ought to give the dean a visit after we wake up. Or at least some time tomorrow.

>>1552786
> it takes a bit of conscious effort on your part to loosen your face from a compulsory wince, since you’ve been keeping one eye closed for the duration.
>>1553421
> Facial muscles twitch as you close your eye, brow arching, face contorting into a scowl as you give up your vision to Second Sight once more;

This is why I want an eyepatch. This shit right here.

>>1553463
I wonder if we can enchant an eyepatch to seal our eye while we wear it.

>>1553457
Classes do actually begin during the first week - it's not totally dead space - but schedules are in flux, the registrar isn't finalized, and nothing really gets accomplished lesson-wise beyond syllabus, orientation, and review. Attendance isn't actually mandatory for anything during this time, and more lenient instructors cut periods short; only the most draconian assign proper material and coursework during this duration, and Amelia's made sure to avoid those in her registration.

Her class tomorrow isn't until evening, and we'll decide whether or not we want to go at that juncture.

>>1553421
Cool. I'm really enjoying this. Keep up the good work, your writing is wonderful.

Ah, I missed one, but it was about what I would've voted.

>>1553476
>>1553463
That makes sense.

Also would make for a dramatic reveal sometimes.

So does this thing have a Twitter or anything? Can't wait for more.

New thread:
>>1556245