Magical Teacher Professor Landry! - Discussion 4: Battles Take Too Long!

[Teal Mage]

Are we still in the Prologue!? :aaa: :crying:

Curse my horrendously slow posting schedule! But, we have filled 3 Discussions and a Sign-Up now, which is never a bad sign. Let's get the usual points up. First, PCs!

Jay Miles (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1060198&postcount=10) (Overcast), dressed light.
Jackson Hall (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1060309&postcount=14) (Dracorion), still wishes he was a better wizard.
Dalbhach Nuada (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1060334&postcount=15) (Krylo), the least gay fairy ever.
Astarte Whitewrap (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1060408&postcount=19) (Armored Bishoujo), needs singing lessons.
Sean Castevet (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1061007&postcount=52) (BardTheFifthLightWarrior), Canadians cheat!?
Johanna Imirsdotter (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1061230&postcount=63) (Arhra), still a snowcone.
Diana Tear (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1061547&postcount=80) (Steel Shadow), possibly in trouble!
Sao Opallios (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1065752&postcount=45) (Riin Whitewind), might be the class rep!
Shinobu Meguro (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1072142&postcount=28) (Girasol of Chaos), crazy and violent!
Kohana Akecheta (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1086199&postcount=51) (SinrXIII), no shirt, no shoes, all fan service!

I don't know if Krogoth is still in, but if he is, I'll repost his character bio link. In any event!

Map time! This is focused in on the tower.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd116/Tealmage_photos/MadnessWorld-6.jpg

Comments about the post!

1) The crystal walls are super flimsy. It won't be hard to break them if you try. A solid punch should be more than enough to punch a hole in them.

2) Dal could conceivably reach the top of the tower by the end of his action post, because of his Flight Ability. Any one else will need to spend a post in transit, at minimum. Astarte is the closest to the top, when it comes to pure distance, with Jay in second and Sao/Shin third. None of you should reach a position to attack this turn. Well, Astarte could throw a shoe at Hannah when she reaches the tower, I suppose. She's not in melee range, but a long-range attack is an option.

3) Unfortunately, Hannah's root spear flew off course and is now laying on the tower's ramp. Jay and everyone else who intends to walk up will need to find a way around it. It shouldn't be too much trouble - its surface has plenty of handholds, so climbing over it would be easy. There's even a small gap between it and the ramp's wall, which you could crawl through if you wanted.

4) Shuyin and Hannah will have full character sheets up, probably by tomorrow, in this thread. Will probably edit them in, so, watch for them (may double post instead though). Might also throw Zet and Al's finalized bios in too.

I'm pretty tired right now, so I'm sure I missed something. If you have questions, I'll be online (on my IMs) tomorrow. If I'm not, just post here in the OoC, or PM me. Comments and feedback are also appreciated!

Anyway, I hope all enjoyed this latest post. Will make the next one sooner if the players who I consider vital actors to the scene post quicker. Most of you are stuck in transit positions anyway, alas.


Edit!

I was going to make the appropriate character sheets, but they're excessive, and OoC. So! I changed my mind.

[Teal Mage]

Lots of information this time, most of it unrelated to the last post. Seems reasonable to double post; especially because Discussion Threads for this RP seem more like player-wide announcement threads than for OoC discussion. I'm not sure if that should worry me or not!

First up! Map.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd116/Tealmage_photos/MadnessTower-1.jpg

As a reminder, the root bisecting the field is easy to climb.

Next, boss bios! Not all abilities are fully elaborated on, but they should have information in here for you to accurately react to them if you're hit.

Name: Alphonse Shuyin
Gender: Male
Aura: Light Orange-Pink
Race: Parahuman (Magical Teacher)

Appearance: 5'10, slimly built, well-muscled, amber eyed and with a hint of a tan on his flawless skin, Shuyin's a good example of an adult Bishonen. Has azure blue hair, which hangs down to the small of his back. Extending from his back are four gold-orange wings, seemingly made from folding paper fans, emblazoned with a white crane in flight.

Presently, the bluenette Professor has foregone his usual tuxedo in favor of a more Eastern-style robe. Made of flawless white material, the robes are decorated with purple clouds and orange-gold crane prints, similar to the ones found on his folding fans and wings. The edges of a vivid purple underrobe are also visible around the triangular neckline and broad sleeve-ends. In place of shoes, he wears a pari of Tabi - japanese socks - on his feet.

Level: 12

Abilities:
Eyes of Gold - Shuyin's eyes are an unnerving gold colour and possess cat-like slitted pupils; its not hard to guess that they hold some mysterious power. But, it will be up to you to determine what exactly they do.

Generate: Tea Cup - A White Generation Ability which creates a handleless cup of steaming, levitating, green tea. Only one may be generated at a time, but there is no limit to the number of tea cups that may exist simultaneously. Shuyin periodically uses these as projectiles; they are very delicate, and easily break, causing burns and a small amount of cuts.

Summon Weapon: Jian - Standard Summoning Ability, it creates a straight and double-edged sword - of slightly less than standard length - in the Chinese style. The blade is a brightly gleaming silver, while the hilt and guard appear to be done in bronze. The handle is wrapped in a dark and well-worn leather strap. No special properties.

Summon Artifact: Fan of Swirling Ash - Summons a folding paper fan, depicting a mass of pink-grey powder on a pale backdrop, with dark wood covers. Though not designed for battle, effective for parrying and passible as an improvised weapon in a pinch. The true purpose of the Fan of Swirling Ash is found in a destructive Eastern Ritual designed for use in Mass Combat; has high destructive potential, but also requires a fair set-up. Hope you never learn what it precisely does.

Ceremonial Torrent - A spell that fires a massive column of scalding green tea in a powerful straight-line blast. Easily capable of lifting a fully grown human from their feet, breaking bones, causing serious burns and pulverizing stone. This is the Mastery Version of Teanne's Tea Bomb.

Perfect Palm Defense - Funneling qi into his hand, Shuyin creates a kinetic energy canceling barrier over his palm. Effectively, if he can fit an attack in his hand, he stop it. May not be as perfect a defense as the name implies.

Shuyin Style: Soaring Crane Strike - Shuyin's signature attack. When he launches a melee attack, armed or not, he can suppliments it with an explosive blast of qi. An ethereal white crane appears over him during the attack, which can pass through barriers, will send the victim flying and deal unusually great damage, if it hits.

Levitation - Professor Shuyin can levitate - though the precise mechanics of this isn't entirely clear. What is clear that he's able to move through the air, as if there was solid ground beneath him, and, by beating his fan-like wings, is capable of putting on sudden bursts of speed. Though this is not equivilant to Flash-Step, it is still far faster than he could run normally. Obviously, this ability may also be used to increase jumping distance and negate falling damage.


Name: Hannah Iruimi
Gender: Female
Aura: Light Blue
Race: Parahuman (Magical Archer)

Appearance: Standing at 5'7, Hannah has shining, and faintly wavey, blond hair and glittering green eyes. Her figure is slim, but well proportioned enough to make most models jealous. Despite her soft appearance, she is in fact quite strong, due to special martial arts training. Hannah is never seen without her green-tinted silver necklace, which is stylized like three vines twinned around each other, though she sometimes wears it as an anklet or bracelet.

Normally wears designer clothes, which, like her soft appearance, are a ruse. Presently, however, she seems to have taken to wearing something that belongs in an anime - or a fantasy story, but might be a better fit to her personality. Encircling her brow, and nestled amid her blond hair, is a silver circlet. A deep green leotard – almost black –, overlaid with vivid blue in a camouflage-like pattern, and shot through with bronze veins, covers her chest, leaving her legs, arms and neck exposed. Below, a short spring-green pleated mini-skirt extends to almost cover her to the knees, in a style reminiscent of Sailor Moon. A short cloak, bordered in bronze, in the same spring-green hangs off her shoulders, stopping just short of her waist. Ankle height boots and gloves that extend just past her wrists both vivid blue, made from leather, trimmed with bronze and cuffed at their tops, complete the outfit.

In short: Something like a Sailor Scout, under a cloak, and with fancier boots/gloves.

Level: 19

Abilities:
Living Ivy - Hannah's trademark fashion accessory, a trio of stylized vines twinned around one another, made of green tinted silver. Possesses mysterious properties, such as the ability to change into a bow, or a shield wall; likely has other abilities as well. Arrows generated by Ivy are made with Hannah's inner power, and unless she is extremely angry, will barely pierce their target's skin; though they are still quite capable of bruising and breaking a victim's bones.

Goddess of Futile Earth - Once a Black Ability, now awakened to its full power. With a touch, Hannah can create plant life of any form on any surface and empower it with great size, strength and durability. They seem to possess varying levels of intelligence. What limits this ability has is unclear.

Arrows of Stone - A common Western Battle Spell. With an incantation, Hannah creates magical beams of light, often three times the size of her normal arrows and heavy as solid rock. Unlike her normal arrows, these deal strictly blunt damage – though are heavy enough to easily break bones, and most physical barriers. By modifying the incantation slightly, Hannah is able to direct these arrows after firing and, using a truncated one, she may fire up to three of them from her hand.

Flash Step - The standard long-range instant movement ability.

Stone Saber - A modified Western Battle Spell. It generates a rapier of hewn stone, magically strengthened to be the equivalent of most metal weapons. Uses a truncated incantation.

Iruimi Special - An attack developed with Professor Shuyin, which combines Hannah's Qi, Magic and Inner Power with a melee attack. Her weapon glows green, and the next attack will leave a brilliant green gash, it hits. Vines explode from the gash, to entangle the target, which also feed on the victim's magical power while they're at it. Despite appearances, this attack deals no physical damage, only pain. If used on something that is only supported by magic (Marisa's Fire Wall, for instance) the thing in question will collapse shortly.

The Earth Goddess Weeps - An original spell developed by Hannah, one that Supernatural Organizations would classify as a War spell, if they saw it. Its designed to cause mass destruction. Requires a long incantation, highly draining. Hope I never need to elaborate on the precise effect.

Golem Creation - With a little mud, and a lot of time, Hannah can sculpt and animate an artificial human to assist her. She's only able to support two of them at once, but they're both surprisingly intelligent for piles of magical mud, and because of subsequent improvements on this technique, each possess their own unique Supernatural abilities. Their natural conditions are stronger than all but the most athletic of humans, and because they, by and large, lack internal organs, are extremely difficult to kill.



With the two bosses power sets defined, a lot of players have leveled up since this started! In fact, several did in my last post alone. Here's a list that details your current aura colours, levels (a pretty meaningless number, since your ability in battle is independent of your level), and instructions as to how to use any new levels you've gotten, if you have any say in how to use it, that is. Below it is a list of all newly gained abilities. Oh, and levels will be slower the more you get.

Free Levels may be used to buy an entirely new skill, or upgrade a pre-existing one. Its your decision, but I recommend thinking about what your character would think they need in this situation. Also keep in mind that certain abilities require training to use, so a Free Level may not buy them. Submit ability requests/proposals either here or in PM!

Kohana Akecheta, Level 5, Dusty Green-Yellow Aura. No Level.
Sean Castevet, Level 4, Orange-Yellow (as of Level 3) Aura. Free Level.
Jackson Hall, Level 6, Light Blue Aura (as of Level 4). Gale Fist Levelled up, and you have a Free Level on top of it.
Johanna Imirsdotter, Level 5, Faintly Green tinted Yellow Aura. No Level.
Shinobu Meguro/Chou Meguro, Level 7, Dark Orange Aura (as of 6). Free Level.
Jay Miles, Level 5, Black (currently Pale Yellow, with a hint of Green) Aura. No Level.
Dalbhach Nuada, Level 6, Light Yellow (as of Level 5). Free Level.
Sao Opallios, Level 7, Light Green-Yellow (as of Level 6). Free Level.
Diana Tear, Level 4, Black Aura. No Level.
Astarte Whitewrap, Level 4, Yellow Aura. No Level.

Summon: Guardian Wolf (Pup)
User: Kohana Akecheta
Element: Black
Level: 1
An ability that summons Kohana's guardian Wolf Spirit, though because it relies on Kohana's spiritual power on this side, it can only manifest as a puppy. Like most summon animals, it's unusually tough and in good shape, but is still, well, a puppy. Not very threatening. It does, however, project a weak magic deadening shield, which can weaken supernatural abilities inside of its area of influence. Because Kohana doesn't have a grasp of how to control when the Puppy manifests, it's a Black Ability, for now.

Now I see you…
User: Kohana Akecheta
Element: Blue
Level: 1
Because Now You See Me… wasn't very useful, this is a continuity shift of that ability. Through Shaman training, Kohana has obtained the ability to draw out the spirits possessing objects, people or locations, and force them into physical form. After that, he can, well, kick them – or something. Also works on items gifted with artificial intelligence, including AIs in Computers. Requires physical contact. Has a secondary effect of letting Kohana sense when a spirit is near; they make his tail bristle. He can also smell them.

Aura Reading (Detailed)
User: Jackson Hall
Element: White
Level: 2
A refinement of Jack's innate ability to decipher the hidden meaning of Auras. Now, more detailed and inclusive information regarding the target's power set is revealed when he studies a flared Aura (unflared auras can be read, with greater time and study). Often includes information, in Western Wizarding terms, of the target's race.

Mirror Strike
User: Johanna Imirsdotter
Element: Red
Level: 1
When Johanna launches a physical attack on an enemy, on that foe's opposite side, a second Johanna appears in a burst of mist. It mirrors the original's attack, allowing Jo to strike simultaneously from two directions. Once the attack concludes, the new Jo vanishes back into mist. This ability is fairly draining, two rapid bursts will tire the user, and the limit is three in succession. Only works with hand-to-hand attacks, or melee attacks with ice weapons created by Jo's abilities.

Mist Form
User: Johanna Imirsdotter
Element: Yellow
Level: 1
The Jotun are a difficult breed to kill. This ability is Jo's proof. Upon activation, she transforms into intangible white mist, which may move through physical objects like a ghost. The mist has limited levitation powers as well, but this is not outright flight – Jo must remain near a surface to move of her own violation. She can not breathe in this state, and may only remain in it as long as she can hold her breath. The exception to this rule is if she is currently passing through something, or something is passing through her; though she still can not breath, she will not be able to reform until her Mist body is no longer disturbed. It may be triggered reflexively, but exhausts Jo quickly, and she must catch her breath between uses.

HP Drain
User: Shinubo Meguro/Chou Meguro
Element: Yellow
Level: 1
This ability allows Shinobu to draw on the pain she inflicts on her foes, and use it to heal her own body, restore her expended energy, and - if she happens to be entirely fresh - improve her combat abilities. The more serious the injury she inflicts, the greater the healing effect is. Chou variant unspecified.

Blue Oni/Red Oni
User: Shinubo Meguro/Chou Meguro
Element: Black
Level: 1
Even Supernaturals develop mental disorders. For Shin, its multiple personalities disorder. Her two personalities, Shin and Chou respectively, come and go, with Shin seeming to be the dominant of the two. When Shin is in control, her skin, horns and eyes are bright red. With Chou in control, they're blue. Though this ability is mainly a superficial and favor one, the abilities Shinubo and Chou have access to may differ depending on which personality is in control.

Summon: Baseball Uniform
User: Jay Miles
Element: Black
Level: 1
A standard Black Summoning Ability, under normal circumstances. When Jay needs it, his trademark white and black Love & Fightiology Baseball Uniform will appear folded near him. Like most Black Summon Abilities, this only works if Jay does not consciously try to make it appear. The outfit has no special properties, save that, after it is put away and out of Jay's sight, it will slowly begin to repair and clean itself. Attempts to measure or record this phenomenon will prevent it from happening.

Healing Stream
User: Sao Opallios
Element: Blue, White
Level: 1
A small blessing that Sao can bestow, in the form of a healing salve. After being applied to the general area of the wound by Sao, the regenerative magic will seek out the wound – internal or external – and regenerate it quickly. Until the healing is complete, the wound in question will feel cool and wet. Sao must physically touch the target to pass this blessing.

Corrodere
User: Sao Opallios
Element: Yellow
Level: 1
A small curse that Sao can bestow, in the form of an acidic salve. Highly corrosive in nature, it will eat through anything it touches quickly, with the exception of Sao and her clothes. She is not, however, able to pass this immunity on to others.

Deathly Gaze
User: Astarte Whitewrap
Element: White
Level: 1
Astarte's eyes fill with the unearthly light of undeath, causing her irises to become the same color as her aura, and emit a soft light. If she catches the eyes of anyone while this ability is active, they will be overcome with a paralyzing sense of fear - so long as the eye contact is maintained. A lingering sense of fear remains with the target, even after eye contact is broken. Deathly Gaze's full paralysis is less effective after the first exposure to it. This ability may cause severe mental damage to its victim, if eye contact is maintained for a long time, but prolonged use also gives Astarte headaches. May be activated reflexively, but the curse takes a few moments to 'warm up' before becoming viable.

Anyway, the usual way to end a post, any questions?

I'd prefer if you submitted new power proposals in-thread, incidentially. I feel less like I'm talking to myself, that way.

Oh, and I have PM for Kohana. SinrXIII? Please don't post until you get it. Will write it tomorrow.

[Bard The 5th LW]

So are we all capable of seeing Professor Landry's corpse? Or is it just not there anymore?

[Dracorion]

Turned into black sparkles.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Well then I'm crossing off 'Berserker Rage' from the list of reactions, because I don't think Sean was in a position to see it before it melted away.

[Dracorion]

Well, Jack's pretty pissed.

But also, he thinks the whole thing is stupid.

Also, he's pretty sure Landry is dead, or worse, going to haunt her students forever.

[Bard The 5th LW]

I mean, Sean just flat doesn't even know she's dead. His reaction would be pretty similar if he saw her get killed.

[Krylo]

I'd prefer if you submitted new power proposals in-thread, incidentially. I feel less like I'm talking to myself, that way.

Fiiiiiine.


Desynch-Glamour Upgrade
Element: White, I would assume.
Effect: Dal is able to manipulate the illusions around himself to make it appear as though he is slightly behind or ahead of himself in time by about a second.

Further explanation: We shall use a combat situation to further explain how this would work in practice (as it is an application of his illusions that Dal created specifically for swordplay back in the day).

Example 1: Dal moves to attack, but due to this ability his strike seems to be coming earlier than it really is. His opponent moves to block, and Dal is able to pull back to strike from a new angle, adjust to strike around the guard, or otherwise alter his attack with what appears to be super human reflexes to anyone watching. In reality, however, Dal has been moving at the same speed as ever, and has simply had a little extra time to react to his opponents defense. The illusion of speed is due to his glamour catching up to his actual body.

Example 2: Dal moves to attack once more, but this time the strike seems to be coming a fraction of a second later. The opponent guards too late and Dal's strike lands. In this situation, however, there would be no seeming supernatural speed. Indeed, it might even appear as if Dal is recovering from the block more slowly than he should be. Further, due to the fact that glamour fools all five senses, the opponent would feel themselves blocking successfully and would not feel any pain from their wound, and, assuming it is non-fatal, would be unlikely to even notice it until, or unless, it is pointed out. Spectators would be even less likely to notice the wound.

Example 3: The defense. Due to the fact that Dal is never exactly where he appears to be (unless the battle has broken enough for him to be standing still), the opponent's strikes find it much more difficult to find openings in the Fae's defense that are actually still there when the attack is made.

However, unless he specifically keeps the ability synched in a particular direction (ahead or behind him--which has its own issues) its use is rather obvious. Not that there is an illusion about him persay, but that there is SOMETHING wrong, as his body seems to jerk and sway, with bursts of stuttering unnatural speed, or equally unnatural (for a battle, anyway) and stuttering lethargy.


Or if that one is not okay, or not okay YET, then wing upgrade to allow flight at running speeds.

[Girasol of Chaos]

Shin/Chou got a level up! This is what I'd like to request as their new ability.

Threat-based aura: Varies on the oni currently active. The respective threat aura can be toggled on and off, but will slowly drain the oni's energy while active.

Shin's threat aura: Fear - Activated with a roar, a provoking cry is let loose from the red oni. Any opponents in a close vicinity will consider Shin more of a threat and act accordingly. Unless the enemy is strong-willed, Shin's form will seem more intimidating and monstorous. Toggled off when Shin makes a weak cry or when combat ends

Chou's threat aura: Disregard- Activated by whispering 'apacchAya' (u-pahch-AH-ya). Any opponents in close range will consider Chou less of a threat and act accordingly. She will be less intimidating and in some cases, easy to overlook unless the opponent is very specifically targeting her. Toggled off if she roars or when combat ends.

At higher levels these auras will possibly be more effective- Shin's would cause more fear than aggro, and Chou's would make her less noticable in battle.


Previous abilities, Chou versions:

Human Illusion- The only difference between Chou and Shin with the illusion up that is visible is the eye color. Hair styling and clothes may be different daily.

Wall walk- In place of strength surge, Chou, after using handsigns, will gain the ability to walk on any surface as if it could sustain her, but her energy will constantly drain. Being level 2, this includes water.

Oni Club remains unchanged.

HP drain remains unchanged, but Chou is much less likely to attack.

[Teal Mage]

But also, he thinks the whole thing is stupid.

I haven't the slightest idea why!

Well then I'm crossing off 'Berserker Rage' from the list of reactions, because I don't think Sean was in a position to see it before it melted away.

Sean, Jo, Sao and Chou were teleported up just after Landry dissolved, so no, they wouldn't know what happened to her. Kohana would have missed it too, since she was on the other side of the vine. Other than Jack, only Jay would have seen everything that happened to Landry. Astarte would have arrived too late to see the impaling, but she'd have seen Landry hanging limply in the vines, the blood one her chest, and heard her last words -

"Let you touch my students!"

- which are, granted, a little misleading as they are. After that, Astarte would have seen the Professor evaporate into sparks - then the explosion would have floored her and, well, you know the rest. Dal would have been much the same, though he'd only have caught the barest glimpse of Landry before she turned to sparkles; might not have been enough time for him to catch the details of her injuries.

Hope that helps everyone?

Desynch-Glamour Upgrade
Element: White, I would assume.
Effect: Dal is able to manipulate the illusions around himself to make it appear as though he is slightly behind or ahead of himself in time by about a second.

This particular application of Glamour is White - oh wait, its a Full Glamour. Uh. We'll have to see how it comes out. To start:

I won't be allowing this to have a full Glamour effect; limiting it to strictly visual. It gets really confusing when you're talking attacks that can't be felt. I'd be willing to allow said Full Glamour, but only if the ability is single-target. Would either need to be touch based, trigger after a successful attack (what that means would need to be determined) or trigger after a projectile blast of some kind. Not crazy about making it an Eye-Based power, but mostly because I'm not sure how to work it. I'll look at a proposal for one, if you want, though.

Essentially, to get a Full Glamour, it needs to be single-targeting, and have a way to hit that target. AoE version (I think that's what this is supposed to be?) would be strictly visual. Or maybe extremely draining and with a moderate range of influence - but that would still have a projectile-like agent of transference. Additionally, two questions:

1) When he activates it, does the real him vanish entirely? In the event he does, I should mention that his aura would extend to surround both the Illusion Dal and the real one. A smart enemy would get wise to this indicator of his position eventually.

2) Does he have to consciously control what the Fake Dal does? There's two ways I could see it working. Either a consciously misleading illusion, or, what I'd call Psuedo Future Sight - it does exactly what Dal is planning to do a second or so in the future, he can't make a misleading image, but the attack's timing would be unexpected. The later's simpler for Dal to handle, but less variable. The former would require greater concentration on Dal's part; multitasking would be hard.

If you're not cool with any of these restraints, may want to think of something else. Reminds me a bit of (lol)Aizen as it stands.

Or if that one is not okay, or not okay YET, then wing upgrade to allow flight at running speeds.

Oh, and I'm just going to say that Dal can fly at running speed, no level needed. In retrospect, flying at walking speed only is a little silly - I'm not sure why I was so hard-line about it. Running speed - or using the Jump-Bursts - in-mid air is fine, but should have the same stamina constraints that Dal would have, if he was one the ground while using them.

Threat-based aura: Varies on the Oni currently active. The respective threat aura can be toggled on and off, but will slowly drain the Oni's energy while active.

So, is Shin's Fear Aura something that you need to hear her roar to be affected by, or is that simply the method of turning it on and off? If it isn't activated by hearing the roar, would the Fear Aura kick in when Shin got close to someone, or does that person need to see Shin (at least once) while the Aura is active to be affected?

Chou's version is fine.

Previous abilities

Modification to the Human Illusion and Strength Surge to account for Shin/Chou variation is fine.

[Girasol of Chaos]

So, is Shin's Fear Aura something that you need to hear her roar to be affected by, or is that simply the method of turning it on and off? If it isn't activated by hearing the roar, would the Fear Aura kick in when Shin got close to someone, or does that person need to see Shin (at least once) while the Aura is active to be affected?

Chou's version is fine.

Modification to the Human Illusion and Strength Surge to account for Shin/Chou variation is fine.

The roar is to activate. My logic here is you won't hear Chou utter anything, but the aura will still trigger. It may help with the intimidation, though.

It would naturally occur when Shin gets close to someone, but once again seeing her would strengthen the effect by a small amount. If she hasn't been seen it will trigger something akin to how most people react to someone unseen breathing down their neck.

[Teal Mage]

Alright, Threat Aura (both versions) is approved.

[Krylo]

I won't be allowing this to have a full Glamour effect; limiting it to strictly visual.Not even an auditory? Laaaaame.

1) When he activates it, does the real him vanish entirely? In the event he does, I should mention that his aura would extend to surround both the Illusion Dal and the real one. A smart enemy would get wise to this indicator of his position eventually.He does, but he'd never be far out of range of his illusion. A second isn't a very long time!

2) Does he have to consciously control what the Fake Dal does? There's two ways I could see it working. Either a consciously misleading illusion, or, what I'd call Psuedo Future Sight - it does exactly what Dal is planning to do a second or so in the future, he can't make a misleading image, but the attack's timing would be unexpected. The later's simpler for Dal to handle, but less variable. The former would require greater concentration on Dal's part; multitasking would be hard.The one that does exactly what Dal is planning to do is the plan. Though it could happen either before or after him (in the latter it would be doing what Dal already did).


Reminds me a bit of (lol)Aizen as it stands.Naaah. That has no constraints on it. Dal will always be pretty close to, and usually mostly within his illusion. Unless he's combining it with a dash of some sort his torso will almost always be entirely within the illusion, for example.

Also, I never really thought of THAT use until just now, and I think is a little more juiced than I had wanted this to be. The illusion isn't meant to be like 'full invisibility + illusion' but rather 'invisibility for parts of Dal's body + illusion'. Which is to say I'd be okay with a certain percentage of his body always having to be within the illusion of what he's doing and the illusion getting drug along with him if he dashes or runs out of it so that it's covering at least half of him at any given time.

[Teal Mage]

Not even an auditory? Laaaaame.

If you'd like the illusion to include scent and sound, sure? Dal would always be close to his double, so I don't really see the point of that extra piece of effort on his part, but, your character. It's the fake Texture that worries me - especially the bits about phantom wounds and real ones that the people can't see or feel.

The one that does exactly what Dal is planning to do is the plan.

Alright, so. Dal creates an illusionary double of himself and places it in front of himself. That double, effectively, launches the attack that Dal would have, a second earlier than it actually happens - making the opponent (at least, probably) react to the illusionary attack, thinking it was the real one. In that instant, Dal is able to use this new information (how they would have reacted) and modify his real attack just slightly (a second isn't long) to account for their reaction, and presumably, get around their block?

If so, it seems fine. The double will have a bigger aura than usual (because it also encompasses an invisible Dal) - and I'd probably add a slight Mental enhancement to the ability itself, because he'd need lightning quick reflexes to be able to process and use the new information at all, given the timeframe he has to work with. Would make it slightly more draining, since there's an enhancement involved, but the difference would be like, 1 MP to 2 MP per turn (3 if you want sound and scent, for whatever reason).

This particular form wouldn't allow Dal to do something like consciously manipulate his illusion-self, just so you know. So, making it duck low and slash, while his real attack is coming high, wouldn't be possible. At least, not without like, a post spent focusing/charging/preparing said illusion and not moving first. Would also need to tell me what you're planning in advance.

The illusion isn't meant to be like 'full invisibility + illusion' but rather 'invisibility for parts of Dal's body + illusion'.

Well, if you were just going with misleading attacks, a simpler illusion route would be one that makes Dal's rapier appear longer/larger than it is. Should function similarly. Or hell, just an illusionary blade generation ability could work, and be more variable. Granted, one would be more draining than another.

Which is to say I'd be okay with a certain percentage of his body always having to be within the illusion of what he's doing and the illusion getting drug along with him if he dashes or runs out of it so that it's covering at least half of him at any given time.

Nah, I don't see a need for such a prevision. A second isn't a very long time to be out of sync with the real Dal (even if we use 'a second' as an approximate term, rather than an absolute) so a moderately size attack would still hit him. Besides, even when he's dashing - and therefore has the greatest distance possible between himself and the illusion - his aura would still cover both him and the illusionary double (although it would look like a comet-tail while it was doing that), so it isn't like he can't be found/attacked by an enemy.

Incidentally, would set MP costs for abilities, and MP bars be something players would appreciate? My explanations for the drain mechanics of these powers are pretty vague. Wouldn't make them as 'hard' or 'finite' as they are in most games (could still cast spells, even if you don't have the MP for them – but it would have consequences) but it might be useful as a guide to see how often you can throw out particular abilities, and how costly they are in comparison to each other.

/is always looking for ways to improve his game mechanics.

[Krylo]

If you'd like the illusion to include scent and sound, sure? Dal would always be close to his double, so I don't really see the point of that extra piece of effort on his part, but, your character. It's the fake Texture that worries me - especially the bits about phantom wounds and real ones that the people can't see or feel.Acceptable!

I like the idea of phantom wounds but see where they could get worrying and/or confusing.

I like the idea of sound because otherwise I just know there's eventually going to be one of those martial arts mystic blind samurai types or someshit that are just gonna be like "Bam closed my eyes, now what?"

Scent is pretty unimportant.
Alright, so. Dal creates an illusionary double of himself and places it in front of himself. That double, effectively, launches the attack that Dal would have, a second earlier than it actually happens - making the opponent (at least, probably) react to the illusionary attack, thinking it was the real one. In that instant, Dal is able to use this new information (how they would have reacted) and modify his real attack just slightly (a second isn't long) to account for their reaction, and presumably, get around their block?Yes! Exactly!

Though, addendum: The illusion can also be behind Dal, meaning he'd attack before the illusion would. The stuttering between being ahead of and behind him would be what makes his use of it somewhat obvious.

The double will have a bigger aura than usual (because it also encompasses an invisible Dal) - and I'd probably add a slight Mental enhancement to the ability itself, because he'd need lightning quick reflexes to be able to process and use the new information at all, given the timeframe he has to work with. Would make it slightly more draining, since there's an enhancement involved, but the difference would be like, 1 MP to 2 MP per turn (3 if you want sound and scent, for whatever reason).I'm okay with having lightning fast reflexes.

Though the idea wasn't that he could fully abort an attack, but he could alter slightly or begin pulling back before he normally would. Turning a normal attack into something that would feel and act more like a feint (as he's already pulling back even as his blade meets the block).

This particular form wouldn't allow Dal to do something like consciously manipulate his illusion-self, just so you know. So, making it duck low and slash, while his real attack is coming high, wouldn't be possible. At least, not without like, a post spent focusing/charging/preparing said illusion and not moving first. Would also need to tell me what you're planning in advance.I never planned on using like this, but if you want to give it that functionality, with pre-requisite charging times, I'm okay with it.

Well, if you were just going with misleading attacks, a simpler illusion route would be one that makes Dal's rapier appear longer/larger than it is. Should function similarly. Or hell, just an illusionary blade generation ability could work, and be more variable. Granted, one would be more draining than another.Was actually thinking of picking up something like the former eventually, and might pick up 'Illusionary Doubles' at some point.

And while I realize the sword thing would have a similar effect and be 'easier' I kind of like the flavor of this one. Particularly the way it'd make Dal's movements look jerky and strange (kind of like drunken boxing but without the the wavering) as the illusion switches from before and after him.

Nah, I don't see a need for such a prevision. A second isn't a very long time to be out of sync with the real Dal (even if we use 'a second' as an approximate term, rather than an absolute) so a moderately size attack would still hit him. Besides, even when he's dashing - and therefore has the greatest distance possible between himself and the illusion - his aura would still cover both him and the illusionary double (although it would look like a comet-tail while it was doing that), so it isn't like he can't be found/attacked by an enemy.Works for me!

Incidentally, would set MP costs for abilities, and MP bars be something players would appreciate? My explanations for the drain mechanics of these powers are pretty vague. Wouldn't make them as 'hard' or 'finite' as they are in most games (could still cast spells, even if you don't have the MP for them – but it would have consequences) but it might be useful as a guide to see how often you can throw out particular abilities, and how costly they are in comparison to each other.

/is always looking for ways to improve his game mechanics.

I'm ambivalent on this.

[Dracorion]

I like the idea of sound because otherwise I just know there's eventually going to be one of those martial arts mystic blind samurai types or someshit that are just gonna be like "Bam closed my eyes, now what?"

Jack doesn't believe in that bullshit.

And/or wasn't trained in it.

Probably.

Anyway, I'm not sure about strict MP, but having some more definition on what it costs to use each ability would be nice. It's a bitch to gauge how much something drains a character right now.

[Girasol of Chaos]

I was asked to post a quick explanation of the gesture Chou did, you can think of it similar to the ninja gestures commonly used.

A Mudra is a symbolic hand gesture used in Hinduism, Buddhism or certain martial arts, among other things. The gesture is typically spiritual and can be used to communicate very specific ideas.

The particular one I picked is a more common one- in Japan. It's named after Vajras, a type of bronze (or iron) weapon used by Hindu characters (A noted one is Indra) and a ritual device to represent wisdom. It is the culmination if inner strength and stability.

The gesture named after this idea invokes knowledge and the protection of the elements.

It looks like two fists, but with the right hand's fingers encircling the left index finger.

/the more you know!

[Dracorion]

Right, so. I had a long conversation with Teal where we clarified a bunch of stuff, so here's both of Jack's new skills:

Wind Screen
Element: Blue
Level: 1
Jack can create a transparent pale blue barrier of enchanted air that protects against both physical and magical attacks, and dismiss it at will. Focusing on maintaining the shield strengthens it, though he's unable to move while doing this. Normally, it's as tall as a person and three times as wide, but with some focus, Jack can expand the shape and size after it's summoned, which also affects it's power: it has less strength when spread out further and more when contracted. Jack can make the barrier appear anywhere within a person-length of himself, but once it's summoned it can't be moved until dismissed.

Gale Fist
Element: Blue/White
Level: 2
A refinement of Gale Fist, with a specific effect added. When a wind-ball strikes a magic user, it drains a small bit of magical energy away from them.

[Teal Mage]

Oh my, I forgot to say how Shin/Chou's aura has changed. Its Dark Gold now; the precise shade is Dark Goldenrod (wonderfully, Girasol PM'd me and already asked).

I like the idea of phantom wounds but see where they could get worrying and/or confusing.

I do actually like the idea of them, but its a pretty powerful ability. I'd prefer they be an effect be part of a particular attack, than something that's rolled into a Buff-esque thing like the Desync Glamour. Anyway, generates sounds, scents and...etc, is fine. Its a good illusion, and, though the False Dal is essentially a ghost, you'd need to touch him to know that.

I'm okay with having lightning fast reflexes.

Not to overblow the boost! Dal processes information quicker while Desync Glamour's active, and he can react slightly quicker to adapt his attack slightly to make use of his opponent's, you know, being tricked. Mostly flavour, really - although not entirely flavour, I guess. If this was Exalted it would boost his Wits score by like, one. Or more if that wasn't enough to make use of the new information.

Either way, skill's approved.

Dal's aura is now Faint Yellow. Pretty much as close to White as Dal can get.

I never planned on using like this, but if you want to give it that functionality, with pre-requisite charging times, I'm okay with it.

Mhm. Most abilities have that, to varying degrees anyway.

Next!

Wind Screen (1): Blue
Jack can create a transparent pale blue barrier of enchanted air that protects against both physical and magical attacks...etc

Gale Fist (2): Blue/White
A refinement of Gale Fist, with a specific effect added. When a wind-ball strikes a magic user, it drains a small bit of magical energy...etc

Approved. No noticeable change to Jack's aura, still Light Blue.

[Overcast]

Jay requests his classmates not run full fury into the heart of the storm without first discussing how they can each be properly picked off by the boss.

[Girasol of Chaos]

Not that it matters much Bard, but the "yes" Chou gave was the answer to your question- she said it as she passed Sean.

In other news, I may not be able to reply for a couple of days, it depends on my access to the internet. If I am disconnected, see you folks when I get back!

[Steel Shadow]

Well I'm sure there's no way this could end terribly.

Big reveal: Diana is not an only child!

[Teal Mage]

Jay requests his classmates not run full fury into the heart of the storm without first discussing how they can each be properly picked off by the boss.

I think your request was denied. By Canada of all people!

I'll wait until after the weekend, at least, before my next update, I think. The good news for everyone is, you've attacked in a way that doesn't activate any of my trap cards! The bad news is, that means I have no idea how Hannah will react, right this second. Still waiting on Bishoujo, Sinr and Arhra, so, perhaps by the time the three of them reply, I'll have a better idea. That'll make my next GM post easier to write!

But, in the event that they don't post before the weekend ends, I'll start working on my next GM post anyway. I'm sure Hannah will do something.

If she does get beat down quickly, I suppose that will prove my point that High Level =/= High Difficulty, though. This is always positive!

Big reveal: Diana is not an only child!

This can not possibly backfire!

What's the little brat like?

[Steel Shadow]

Brats plural! Except without the toy line. *Shudder*

She has one younger Brother and one younger Sister! The Brother is 4 years younger than her, so currently 12, while the Sister is 8 years younger, so currently 8! The Brother is juuust starting his little brat phase, but is quite scared to death of his older Sister, who has put down many of his attempts to usurp the top dog position! The Sister is still deeply entrenched in the pink sparkly rainbow unicorn phase, and idolises Diana in that way that little kids sometimes do.

...Both of them know to avoid her when she's in one of her strange Director moods. She can get... Intense.

[Arhra]

Teal helpfully supplied some lines for Adeline. Hurrah!

Surely we can just talk this out over a nice cup of tea?

Or at least taunt Hannah and Shuyin into dropping some plot crumbs.

[SinrXIII]

Just as like, an FYI, in case any of you were wondering?

Finding a Lakota-to-English dictionary that you don't have to buy is fuckin' hard.

[krogothwolf]

I'm sorta surprised this thing is still going on! It's cool though. Not sure if I'm allowed to come back now that I've got my personal life all sorted out. Sorta anyways. If not that's cool I'll keep on reading it though.

[Steel Shadow]

As if the power of Love and fightology could be snuffed out so easily!

...Unless you mean this fight. 'Cuz yeah, we're pretty shocked about that too.

[Overcast]

Also you totally lost spite-interest duties! Those have been passed on to...I dunno that Canadian dude.

[Steel Shadow]

Oh, and I may have depressed Teal by mentioning to him that this RP hit it's first birthday back on the 10th. Happy birthday, Magical Teacher!

It's really pretty impressive that we're mostly still all here and playing. 'S a cool RP, and we rock like that, I suppose.

[Teal Mage]

I'm sorta surprised this thing is still going on! It's cool though. Not sure if I'm allowed to come back now that I've got my personal life all sorted out. Sorta anyways. If not that's cool I'll keep on reading it though.

Its a little tricky to get back in right this second, but contact me on MSN, I can probably work something out. But if not, you're welcome to join in again when Shuyin's pretty face is smashed into the pavement!

But, either way, let's just start by chatting on IM, shall we?

Oh, and I may have depressed Teal by mentioning to him that this RP hit it's first birthday back on the 10th. Happy birthday, Magical Teacher!

Curses! What? No! Don't say that here Steel! It makes my slow posting schedule look worse than it already is! Prologues (okay it has too much plot to be a Prologue now) aren't supposed to take a year! Th-this is!

Actually, for an NPF RP, this is pretty good. Professor Landry thanks all of you devoted students for you time and attention! Here's hoping my bosses will hurry up and die so the game can get moving again. Because gah! Battles take too long. Still, I did promise that, so long as players remain interested in playing this game, I will continue to run it! Even if I do sometimes take three months off to write an essay.

On the topic of my next update; I'm about 72% done, I think. With luck, it'll be up by tomorrow morning.

[Dracorion]

What the hell do you mean we've been going at this for a year?!

[SinrXIII]

You know what they say about time and fun and flying.

The fun of flight is directly proportional to how much time you have left before you hit the ground. Or something.

[Teal Mage]

Luck was not with me! It turns out.

Post is, alas, not to be finished tonight. I'd give a new ETA, but the way my track record is already, I think that would be irresponsible! Suffice to say that I'm working on it, and hopefully, it will be complete soon. In the mean time, I would like to see Steel Shadow and Dracorion over IM, if they have time, since I have a few questions for them both! It relates to my latest update.

Nothing vital! I'd just like a little more information on your character's actions, so I can incorporate them into my next post.

[krogothwolf]

Well, I can wait if need to be. Don't want to come back and interrupt the flow of things.

[Teal Mage]

As the GM, I'm pretty sure that I can find a way to work you in. In fact, I already have a few thoughts! One of which I love, by the way. However, the further this particular scene goes, the harder it'll be to find a way to bring Dean back in, from an in-game perspective. The spooooky Ghost of Landry teleported her precious students to the Tower last turn!

Unless they were already really close to the top, in the cases of Dal, Jay, Astarte, Kohana and Jack.

The main reason I'd like to see you on MSN is because, as I recall, before you left you had a variety of concerns about how I was running the game. Particularly during the duel with Hannah et all. While I don't discourage criticism, it struck me that you seemed very frustrated and, in general, it seemed like you simply weren't enjoying how things were going. Chances are, these things haven't changed. Before I let you rejoin, I think we really should have a chat about those things - if only to make sure you know what you're getting into.

So, if you'd get on MSN before I get this post done, that'id be great?

[krogothwolf]

Well, I keep going on randomly but you're never around :p

[Krylo]

Try in about 15 minutes, Krogs.

[Teal Mage]

Alright, unless I am spectacularly tired, terribly writer's blocked, sick or something else unexpected comes up and I'm just too busy, I should be able to complete the next update's final scene (just a handful of descriptive paragraphs left) tomorrow evening. After which, I need to proof-read it, then it will be posted for your viewing pleasures later that night! Or really, really, early the following morning. Map will follow, possibly edited into this post, in the likely event that no one else posts in the OoC before then.

Still waiting for Krogoth to be around and available to chat, if he can catch me tomorrow, I'll toss in a scene that'll give him a wonderful entrance! If not, he'll have to wait a while longer.

Also: If I say I'm taking a shower, expect me to be much longer than 15 minutes.

[Krylo]

Also: If I say I'm taking a shower, expect me to be much longer than 15 minutes.

That was, like, 15-20 minutes after you left.

[Riin Whitewind]

Speaking of rampant water abuse by our favorite GM, I forgot to uh, post my idea for my leveled skill.

For like two weeks. Uhm. Yeah.

Anyway, formerly Meltwater:


Pegaea

Element: White, Yellow
Level: 2
Effect: A gift of her race, Sao is able to shift at will from her human guise to a form of liquid water. While still young by the standards of other naiads, Sao is learning control over her dual nature.

As she has refined her technique, she is now able to be more selective about which limbs undergo their watery transformation. More skill has also allowed her to re-form her limbs into their human shapes more quickly.

This ability should still not be used around temperature extremes, as her liquid state is not immune to freezing or evaporation.

[Teal Mage]

Map will follow, possibly edited into this post, in the likely event that no one else posts in the OoC before then.

That was, like, 15-20 minutes after you left.

Speaking of rampant water abuse by our favorite GM, I forgot to uh, post my idea for my leveled skill.

!

D=

Curses, my expectations have been dashed! Why would you betray me like this Riin!? Krylo I understand. But you? I-I f-feel so-so hurt! :crying:

Yeah, as you can see, there's no post and (according to my clock) its also 6:30 am. Faaaar too late to proof read, and I'm also tired. Will try to post tomorrow. Oh, if you need to blame someone for the delay, blame Steel, because he's the one who distracted me with a free trial of a new MMO. I will, of course, resist playing more until the post is up!

Incidentially, Riin's post (approved) reminded me that I still haven't heard from Bard on the matter of his new skill! So Bard, what'll it be? Hmmm? Hmmm!?

[Steel Shadow]

I regret nothing, I've been trying to get you to play that game for months!

[Bard The 5th LW]

Incidentially, Riin's post (approved) reminded me that I still haven't heard from Bard on the matter of his new skill! So Bard, what'll it be? Hmmm? Hmmm!?

Ill send a PM over to you soon to get your opinion on it.

[Teal Mage]

Map. I'm not sure if everyone's been paying attention to these! Please do. Especially since you weren't all mentioned in my last post.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd116/Tealmage_photos/MadnessTower-4.jpg

In case it isn't clear, Jo, Dal and Shuyin were teleported in starbursts of black light, into a Magical Tea House (Pavilion, in the map) that was also newly teleported to the top of the Field. It appeared in front of Chou and Astarte, but behind Sean, who is still running toward Hannah.

Questions? I'm not sure how clear my post was.

Edit: Ninja'd Bard! Oh, and speaking of Bard, Sean's Blizzard spell was mysteriously boosted by something. That is why it turned black and orange!

Edit2: Oh, and yes, Jay was ignored. Astarte, Kohana and Chou weren't directly addressed either, but I remember you're there. Feel free to join any of the scenes in progress. I'll be PMing Overcast and Drac soon as well.

Edit3: Overcaaaaast, clear some space in your Inbox!

* * *

Alright boys and girls, because one of the scenes is now officially a Social Combat one, in which multiple people are talking to a single person, I'm going to put some special rules in place for the people in the Shuyin Tent. Right now, its just Arhra and Krylo, so, it'll be pretty simple. One of them will post (Krylo, in this case), then Shuyin will reply to them, afterward the other player will post (Arhra, in this round's case), and Shuyin will reply to them. This'll go on until I decide that it'll stop for the turn.

If one of the players wants to skip their turn and let the other continue their line of conversation uninterrupted, I request that they post in the OoC that they pass.

In regards to the other Fighty Fight scenes (concerning Vines and Hannah respectively) the standard rules will apply here. However, I will only be waiting for the players directly involved and committed to these scenes to post, before posting myself. I suspect there'll be at least a day's delay between this, probably more though.

To review.

1) Sean, Jack and Kohana are the people I'm waiting for in the Hannah Scene.
2) Sao's the only Player I'll be waiting for in the Vine Scene.
3) Jo and Dal are the only players currently active in the Shuyin scene.

To the rest of you (Astarte, Chou and Jay) it'll be up to you to make your own individual entrances to the scenes. I won't wait for you unless you contact me over PM and ask for it.

Questions anyone?

[Arhra]

And so Jo reveals her true power: switching the speaker whenever she feels like it.

Also, all signs point to The Conspiracy.

[Krylo]

The Conspiracy.

Shuyin is Illuminati.

[Overcast]

Apologies dear, would have done this sooner would I have not had several days of anti-internet. The inbox should be clearer about ten minutes after this post. On my mark.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Greater Blizzard: With this newer and improved version of the older blizzard ability, Sean is now capable of dealing a more noticeable impact upon his target then the snowball that was the original attack. At level two, it is basically an overall upgrade. The range and width of attack is slightly longer and larger, and the effect carries a stronger impact overall. The shards of ice are sharper and thicker, capable of leaving marks without taking as much time to charge. It has drawbacks though. The more powerful nature of it requires Sean to hold steady ground, meaning that there is no running and gunning to be done. It takes a stronger physical toll as well, fatiguing Sean psychically and some of the attack even recoils, leaving a weak sheet of ice and snow on Sean's hands.

It may also have some other mysterious not yet defined improvisational uses! The previous ability has been renamed 'lesser blizzard.'

A post will be done when its done.

[Teal Mage]

And now, one of the PCs has a move that is equivilant to Shuyin's Ceremonial Torrent.

Grats!

Also approved. It should be noted that the Greater Blizzard ability's size is variable, but the default is roughly equal to a basketball. Not quite as bit as Ceremonial Torrent, but still roughly as strong!

Also: I'm not sure when my next post will be, I'm probably going to be busy over the weekend.

[Steel Shadow]

Am... Am I last? Damnit! This post just didn't want to write itself.

In my defence, Rift extended it's double rewards week by another week. Who can resist that sort of temptation?!

[Steel Shadow]

So, I did a terrible thing. (http://edupad.ch/utWD6aU2Aq)

[Teal Mage]

I did a worse one.

I actually posted! First half is found in the Episode 3, Bad End. (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showthread.php?p=1155279#post1155279) Second half in Episode 4, The Lady in White. (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showthread.php?t=40744) Please read both and reply in the latter! I thought I'd try this way, as an experiment.

Map:

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd116/Tealmage_photos/MadnessTower-5.jpg

Dracorion and Bard may want to PM the beginning of their actions next turn to me, so I can feed them reactions. Others may also possibly need to that too, but those two almost definitely need to.

To review: Inside the pavilion, Dal, Jo and Astarte aren't able to see out, but are treated to a shadow version of the battle outside. The sounds and images imply that the battle is going well. In general, you shouldn't believe you're needed outside.

Questions?

Edit: Oh, and for the sake of speeding things along, I coordinated this post with players, to try and get small reactions from their characters and add them to my post. The fights, hopefully, will take less time if I don't need to pause every few seconds to get a reaction to each failed punch, or surprise evasion.

[Teal Mage]

This is a Magical Teacher Professor Landry GM Service Announcement!

After about two weeks of being buried under work/sick, I've finally started to work on my next Update again. Turns out I've run into a little snag in-post though! Bard, your Inbox on the Forums is full. I require some clarification/input on an excellent opportunity for Sean in-game!

Hannah is open! You have a charged attack! You might want to blow her up!

Unfortunately, your In-Box is full and you don't use the Landry EduPad (I don't blame you), so (double) posting in the Discussion is the only way I can contact you. Here's hoping you check! I'll give you further details of the exact scene in PM, if you desire, over PM (but you need to clean out your Inbox first). But, if you don't contact me in some way before I finish the other scenes (probably by Sunday or Monday), I'll decide if Sean makes the attack myself, using your previous post as a guideline.

Here's a hint! He'll probably shoot her. Its a great opening and he seems mad!

[Bard The 5th LW]

INBOX EMPTY

[Teal Mage]

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd116/Tealmage_photos/MadnessTower-6.jpg

Very delayed post! I cut some things out because it was taking too long already. Reviewing big changes!

1) Diana is back and possibly more powerful than ever!

2) There is some random Old Lady behind Kohana. I'm sure she's entirely pointless.

3) Hannah's down, maybe!

4) The weird illusions on Shuyin's tea-house are now gone.

5) Jay's been tied up.

6) Sao's legs have been covered in quartz. This may be broken by some concerted effort! But, Sao will need to be helped by Chou if she wants out immedidately, since she's kinda tired after getting magic highjacked...somehow. It is mysterious.

Anyway, to address Jay's sudden being tied up; normally, I wouldn't do that sort of thing so aburptly. However! I understand that some people, ahem, leaked what I told them in confidence about the results of Jay's unedited action, and that caused Overcast to change his mind about the post. This is, effectively, the very definition of Meta-Gaming. Using out-of-character knowledge (like the results of an action) to alter the way your character would act in game.

I don't tolerate this. If you're gonna edit your actions, they better get more in-character, not less. So! Jay has been tied up with Hannah's standard vines. They're not breakable without Magic. Fortunately, Jay has a Strength Surge skill, if he can get the emotional intensity up to care and trigger his powers, they won't be hard to break. However, it'll cost him magic in-game.

Anyway, questions?

[Steel Shadow]

Angel of death is South East bound and closing fast! Is this the time to start panicking?

[Bard The 5th LW]

The edpad resulted in this

http://sadpanda.us/images/695583-B4Z8GXL.gif

Bees, if you're out there, we need you.

[Teal Mage]

*ahem*

Will be finishing up the last of my PMs tonight, probably. As you can see, I posted! Also updated the Map (as of my GM post - Chou's moved since):

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd116/Tealmage_photos/MadnessTower-8.jpg

...I would assume AB knows that Astarte's just sorta standing there threateningly right now, right? Her spells are cast, but she's still beside Sean (nothing about 'moving' in that post) and Shuyin's a fair distance off, behind what-might-be some magic curtains. Chances are, he can't hear you, but you can see his back. If you want to edit the post to some effect, feel free. Otherwise, I'll read it as is.

Oh, and Bard needs to clear out his inbox again!

[Arhra]

Hey AB, you might want to consider swearing by the Ennead (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ennead), because "Egyptian gods" just sounds weird and redundant.

Can you imagine someone swearing by their 'Christian God' or similar? It boggles the mind!

[Teal Mage]

Hello again! A late discussion post in regards to my latest in-game one. First, a map! Positions correspond to my last GM post. Note that the lines of sight assume a player is standing in the middle of one of the Pavilion Walls. Also note that looking into the Pavilion means you're looking into the alternate dimension - you can no longer see straight through from the north-side to the south-side, for instance.

I will work on PMs to clarify what everyone is seeing tomorrow, as I am tired. Will also post a narration of Adeline's battle with the robots (though, this would only be visible to Kohana, Jay and, if they were paying attention to her, Dal and Jo, at present) on Wednesday, if time allows. It is worth noting that she's outnumbered and, given the nature of her opponents, may be in trouble shortly.

May also have Shuyin reply to Dal and take care of a few other things, like Hannah's response to Jack, but we'll see what my energy's like.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd116/Tealmage_photos/MadnessTower-10.jpg

Additionally, I wasn't entirely sure what to do with Astarte, so I'm going to leave her positioning for Bishoujo to decide. Because he didn't clarify whether Astarte was moving toward Shuyin in-game, I will say that her earliest possible chance of attacking him would come at the end of my post. She would likely have stepped through the south-curtain-wall right after Shuyin started approaching Jo (assuming she went into the now-glowing structure), so, it would take her a moment to get her bearings and attack.

But, since the pavilion is obviously glowing - to everyone who isn't Jay and Diana - she may decide to abort her attack at the last minute. Leaving that call to AB.

In the event that AB doesn't post this week, I'll just leave Astarte where she is on the map.

[Astral Harmony]

In that case, I'll just delete my post, reread what's going on, and figure out what to do from there.

Okay, I read it. I can't see Astarte being motivated to take any action this time.

[Bard The 5th LW]

I dunno, Astarte can probably help us out right now

[Steel Shadow]

A lot, possibly.

[Teal Mage]

Small update!

The main take-away from this is the Mannerquins are a threat, Shuyin either doesn't know what the people outside the Infinite Ballroom are doing or doesn't care (and is disregarding you), Adeline's in trouble (of course, so are Jo and Dal, to varying degrees) and Shuyin is preparing to do something big. Only Jay and Kohana, as currently placed, can view Adeline's battle. If players move to the East or North Walls, this will change. For Jo's battle, players must move to the North Wall.

Oh, and Hannah's talking too. Mustn't forget that.

Shuyin won't be firing any of his torrents immediately, so players should leave that part to me. He's effectively charging! In practice, its pretty safe to assume they will not be fired in your immediate actions, though he could change his mind if any of you decide to do something that's threatening enough to him. Say, charging recklessly at him, or something.

I don't mind interrupting the people inside the Ballroom's actions, if it would make sense, of course. This map is hard!

But surprisingly, not too much remains.

[Arhra]

In case I'm not able to post anything in an expedient ammount of time, Jo will proceed forwards towards Shuyin to avoid stabs.

Would love to do something clever involving showing a mannequin another mannequin's stabs but fear that lies outside Jo's competency zone.

[Teal Mage]

Oh my god I can't believe I actually finished that. Forgive the typoes (or point them out to me!), because I've been looking at that post for three weeks. Ended up cutting a few things out too.

Uh, right, first I guess I'll put this map up.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd116/Tealmage_photos/MadnessTower-15.jpg

I have a couple PMs to send out still, which I'm working on now. But in general, Adeline and Jay are both out of the battle temporarily. Jo may be as well, but she has some options because of her Mist Form technique - will need to discuss with Arhra. Astarte is still MIA, so I haven't done anything with her, but AB's still welcome to post if he wants.

Questions?

Edit: Blargh, I messed up on the Hannah/Landry scene tone. Fixed now, at 4:21 am. Map altered accordingly.

[Teal Mage]

Aaaand double post.

Alright! Woo! Shuyin’s finally dead and the game moves on!

Bad news is, turns out it was all a dream. Kinda. Sorta. Best ignore the new clothes, added memories, spontaneous dye jobs and all that other stuff that seems to have carried over (if I didn't mention you finding items in your room, they aren't there). I've tried to send out PMs that explicitly explain away all odd phenomena, but if I missed something, fill in the blank with something logical and reasonable. This is memory manipulation that isn’t supposed to have seams – s'not half-assed.

There are a couple exceptions (sorta), but they were limited to Sao, Shin/Chou and sorta Astarte, kinda. If you think you’ve found something entirely unexplainable, ask me in PM. Chances are, it can be explained. If it can’t, it'll be a seem. Certain pieces of information carried over from the dream, as well. The assumption is either that your character is allowing information to bleed over from the Dream (and, if they examine it, they will come to this conclusion, but for some reason, will not feel this discredits it) or, that they will have a memory that explains it.

Again though, shouldn't have a seam here.

Hm. Additional notes of clarification.

If any characters happened to take notice of Adeline's eyes, or Jay’s face before the Field of Honour incident, their memories have been changed to reflect the fact that Adeline always had one gold eye, and one pale green one, and that Jay has a faded scar over one of his temples. Similarly, Diana has always had dark red hair, as she does now. Non-human characters will have always found her somewhat unnerving. Only Sao can presently sense Curses, but that has always been there too...she just didn't notice 'til now.

NPCs are all under my control for the duration of the game. If players are looking for a particular NPC to have a scene with, or want to include some NPCs in a new scene, PM me a request or contact me another way. I’ll probably say yes, but sometimes, NPCs don’t want to be found, or are too busy to be involved. Similarly, I’d like be able to describe the area you want to have a scene in, before you do it. Amaranth has a facility for pretty much anything you can imagine, buuuut you never know.

Oh, and if I haven't specifically placed your character in my post for this round and you’d like to start a scene on your own, PM me first. ^^

Its worth noting that the only way for a character to be in the Hotsprings/at the Tea Party with Sao would be to have followed Sao from class. Its not a marked route. Doing this without Sao's permission will mean the NPC she’s talking to (Willow is her name) will have tied them up (or something similar, to prevent eavesdropping) some distance away, out of earshot. If your character only happened to follow Sao to the hot springs and decided to chill out with Kohana there, that would be fine (you'd have just arrived). Willow would only…deal with you, if you tried to spy, magically or otherwise. She's powerful enough to deal with anything you have up your sleeve, 'fraid.

Questions?

Oh, remember to look at the Edupad (http://edupad.ch/utWD6aU2Aq) frequently. I apologize for numberous spelling errors in my PMs, additionally. I basically wrote them all at once, and they're too similar for me to edit. Hope the gist of it makes sense.

[Steel Shadow]

Interrupting Teal's combo before he hits a triple!

Uh, AB, I know you don't visit the Landry Edupad, so I'll mention it here! The club retcon was external, they've actually always been that way, unlike our memories of the field and such. The new club names and such are nothing new in game.

[Astral Harmony]

Grazie. Fixing it now.

[Teal Mage]

Right, scenes are technically over.

Players may entend them by on-screen interactions, if they so choose. If not, it can be handled over PM or on the Pad. I'll leave that in your capable hands, beloved students. My next post is likely to be a timeskip.

Oh, and remember to have your clubs finalized. They affect level ups.

[Riin Whitewind]

Brb taking eight clubs to maximize exp gain. :dance:

[Teal Mage]

Right, I've decided to try a different approach for the remaining scenes of this arc. Please check the pad, everyone! We will be coordinating private scenes there, and then posting them in a game thread afterward, for public record sakes.

Riin, Sin's waiting on your response in-game. Since that scene should end soon-ish, you two finish up there. Arhra, I think you and Drac should move your scene to the pad, knowing how quickly the pair of you post in-game. I'd rather not belabour that one scene too long, after all.

I've created a list of scenes between PCs that I feel should happen. Mostly related to clubs. NPCs will be involved in these scenes, at my discretion. PCs may also request scenes specifically involving NPCs and themselves on the pad, but again, these will be subject to my discretion - only ones that will further the game will be included. In other words, if you just want to interact with your own characters, chances are that won't be allowed. You're already friends!

Exceptional circumstances may permit exceptions to that general rule, though.

[Astral Harmony]

I've tried several times to post things onto the edupad. All it does is disconnect and cancel all changes I made. I blame shoddy internet connectivity here but it's not going to get any better so I just won't be involved in any private scenes.

Or probably 'cause I'm downloading stuff at the same time, whichever.

Don't worry about it, I actually kinda prefer it that way.

[SinrXIII]

You do realize those scenes are where a large portion of levelups and powerups come from, and that they're semi-important to you and the other players involved, right? If nothing else, you should probably copy/paste the scene setup and run the scene over PM, and send Teal the results. Or something.

[Girasol of Chaos]

AB, we can continue in PM if you'd like for our scene, at the very least.