Journey of the Elementals RP (Pm if Interested, Started)

[PrinceOfShapeir]

Aden stood there, silently staring at the speech. Everything in his mind just stopped, until the Masters filed out of the room.

"We are betrayed." Aden's voice was quiet, but full of rage. "Humans coming here!? Invited with open arms!? What worm-ridden, mindless imbecile decided this was a good idea!? They have sought to oppress and contain and control us for centuries and now we invite them with open arms, with pledges to send away our best and brightest with them!? This is insanity!"

He clenched his fist and pushed through the crowd, his eyes blazing with rage. The Masters had finally done it, they had turned against their own students, no doubt for promises of some technology or other form of backscratching. His stomach churned, rising nausea threatening to bring up his breakfast.

"I will not stand for this."

 

[blaze96]

We just traded everything we have for some technology. Hopefully the masters know what they are doing. For now I guess we just need to go with it. Not like there is another option really. Hopefully I can still continue my progress.

With the speech over he got up with the others. He decided to try and find out from one of the masters what would be expected of him. Though only after he had gathered his family letters in case he got picked. They could certainly wait that long.

 

[My name is Fiction]

The news slammed into him like a brick wall, it was alot of information in little time.
He felt betrayed a little, not that he invested himself into the school but he had friends.
Slowly he got up and walked to the mountain again thinking of what to do.
To best describe his rationalization of it it would look like he had a devil and an angel on his shoulder.

They are merely sacrificing the few for the many, pure and simple.
Its a good trade-even without consent and being complete dicks about it.
Worst case scenario I end up on one of those airship, hiccup, and then get stabbed by a guard for it!

"Perhaps I will be lucky and not be chosen, with my attendance they would never pick me"
The thought was entertaining but luck wasn't his strong point.

 

[Fragrance of Mtn Dew]

As the rest of the students got up and began filing out, Nydia stayed seated as she contemplated everything she had just heard. Even after she had gone over it in her head multiple times, she was still quite conflicted about this news. She had, of course, heard of Kerbones in her studies. Not that there was very much known about the isolated nation besides it's technological prowess, but still the opportunity to see such powerful technology at work may just be worth the trade. And the idea of visiting a new land with new knowledge for her to acquire was quite exciting.

But on the other hand, she had also heard about how feared her kind were out in the world without magic. And the idea of soldiers with weapons struck Nydia as somewhat barbaric, and she wasn't too thrilled to hear they would be coming to the academy. Not getting too close wouldn't be a problem for her though, as she really had no desire to do so.

Regardless of how she felt though, there were still preparations to be made. Not that she had much to worry about in that area, as she generally presented herself very well and had become accustomed to preparing for important guests at a young age. She finally got up and began to leave as well. I can only hope nothing bad comes of this, although I can already tell this isn't going over well with some of the others. Especially some of the more hot-tempered Pyromancers...

 

[Xero Scythe]

Grana stared at the stage, shell-shocked with the news. "Well. So, the Academy just traded a few mages, who have proved before to be able to wipe out all life on earth, for a couple of crossbows, that you might be able to kill one person with, if you get really lucky? Wow...Talk about trading cash cows for the 7th of the brood." Grana thought, using a common farm analogy. Grana resisted the urge to bleat like a sheep, to show the idiocy of the situation and how the students had no choice in the matter, like lambs to the slaughter. Grana stomped out of the Main Hall, seething with anger.

Grana remembered the absolute fear of the mages he had at his Focusing, how absolutely sure he was that he would be found as a fraud and die on the spot. Grana then imagined the same fear and projected it onto the soldiers who were to arrive, and then married that fear with their ability to kill any of the students with impunity. Finally, Grana just couldn't hold it in anymore. "This is bullshit!" Grana roared. He glared down any who looked at him, thinking his outburst was too much. "Godsdamned little brats. Most of them were probably mages before they turned 8, before they could even reason! I didn't come here until I was 15! I know the fear! The all-consuming fear and hate for us magicians! They want to kill us all, thinking we might kill them first! And now they let in soldiers who can kill us if we sneeze? Fuck... I need someone to duel, to cool my head."

 

[UnusualStranger]

Seth sat for a time after everyone began leaving. He barely even noticed Aden as he stormed off, outraged that the masters had sold them out. He was much more interested in what had been announced.

Kerbones...City of Airships eh? And are randomly going to be choosing people to come along? What exactly are the Masters playing at? I wonder what the hell was paid for this privilege.

"I wonder if they would trade an airship? Now that would be something. Pryos in the sky. HAH!" Seth mused mostly to himself. As he sat there though, he came to realize that other than the classes he was to host, he actually had no idea what he would be doing.

Well, if they are the usual soldiers, chances are that I will actually be able to practice with more than the random mercenary that wanders into the port town. Perhaps an actual challenge. Perhaps I will go practice.

Rising from his seat, he realized he wasn't the only one who had stuck around a while longer. He really couldn't claim to know many of them, but then perhaps he would be chosen with them. Seth found himself chuckling at the thought as he simply wandered the halls, waiting for the crowd to thin out.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

The crowd seemed to be somewhat mixed on reactions. Many of the younger students where much happier that they did not seem to have classes for the next few days, giving them a chance to do what they wanted to. While some were unhappy or downright angry with the decision, the most vocal about these seemed to be the pyromancers, which no one seemed to care or notice as that was usually the case.

However, the weather was more than happy to quickly change any amount of attitudes which were lingering. The storm which had been rumbling and windy before had decided now was the time to unleash it's own fury. It began to rain, with the wind making it much more hectic as the rain slowly seemed to get heavier until it seemed to be coming down in buckets. Students were soon sprinting to their dorms, the mess hall, or anywhere to get some relative shelter from the rain and winds.

Marcus, unlike many other masters who had gone to prepare for tomorrow, patiently waited outside of the pyromancer caves. He knew all too well that he would have the biggest task of all the masters, which was making sure pyromancers didn't get out of hand. He was expecting quite a few visitors, and while he could probably share their fury, he hoped he could get them to understand that the path was chosen before a choice could even be made.

 

[NeoAC]

At least the only thing that Raven could take after the announcement of the Masters' Bargain Basement Student Sell-off was the fact that the weather was improving. A massive storm had kicked up, showering everything, whipping across the campus. Maybe there will be some thunder coming in. That should cheer me up.

She took her time walking back to the dorms, she didn't care if her robes got a little wet. She was enjoying the collective misery of the other students fleeing to shelter. Run, little minions, run. Avoid the fury of nature. Pathetic.

 

[SkyeNeko]

"Drew! Drew let's make lightning!" Fei shouted excitedly. She wasn't much for the wind part of the storm, seeing as she wasn't exactly big enough to not get blown away. The water part made her excited. "This storm is AWESOME!!! Do you think the masters will mind if we make thunder? Or do you think there will already be thunder? I think the Airshifters will make lightning anyways. But you can make the BEST lightning, Drew~"

 

[PrinceOfShapeir]

Under more normal circumstances, Aden would have conjured a sheet of fire to keep him dry from the rain. At the moment, however, he was too angry to even care. Up ahead, he could see Marcus standing at the entry into their caves. He gritted his teeth and approached.

"Marcus!" Right at this moment, he could shove the honorifics up his ass. "What the hell is the meaning of this? You're inviting Humans to come here and then take our most promising students away? Without ever consulting the students, or even the Weavers? Have you completely lost your mind? You know what they do to our kind!" Aden seethed. In his head, he knew that Marcus was probably not one of the ones who had pushed for this, but he was the closest one he could vent his rage to.

"I'm going to warn you - if they try to take anyone against their will, there will be bloodshed."

 

[Mr. Omega]

Drew sighed. "We can do it later. I just want to get back to my room right about now." He started walking back with Fei. "Honestly, we don't have that much to worry about. I'm not exactly the best with Airshifting, and I doubt they're interested in my little talents. And you're too young to go. Just stay out of their way and we should be fine." Who knows? Maybe some of the people I don't like will end up being the ones leaving. One can dream...

The rain didn't bother him that much. He took his time getting back, watching the other students mutter and talk among themselves. He turned back to Fei. "So how was Seth? You two seemed to be having quite the conversation."

 

[My name is Fiction]

Edward just walked outside the great hall and into the rain when he heard someone curse the masters.
He had to smile knowing someone felt the same.
The masters disagread with it too it seemed, all those disaproving looks.
I can guess that one guy made that deal behind their backs.
The rain felt good, his cloths would stick to him later but there was no way to avoid the down pour so why waste his energy against it.
The soil would soon become saturated with water and become muddy.
He took off his shoes and walked along slowly enjoying the sight of the soon comming thunder and lightning.
Many students were running from the water even the Earthshifters too.
How silly its not hail or anything.
Perhaps I should have been a Hydro.
Along the way he looked out for anyone else taking their time.
With out that man and his black chicken he needed someone to talk too.
He saw someone ahead of him and he called out.
"Excuse me? Mind if we walk together?"

 

[UnusualStranger]

"It took you long enough to get here Aden, you crazy bastard. Try not to shout everything, its not like half the Academy needs to hear this." Marcus said, looking about to see no other students willing to get close to both Aden and himself.

"You really think I had a say in this kind of disaster? I thought I made it clear for even braindead fools on stage, but I guess it wasn't clear enough. IT WAS DARNELL. Is that a clear enough message for you? I didn't invite anyone to the goddamned Academy. And by the time any of us got the message, the deal had been made. You know damn well that I wouldn't do something so colossally stupid, so stop being so goddamned hotheaded and try to use that brain that is supposed to exist in your head." Marcus growled, somewhat irritated himself. He took a deeper breath, and sighed.

"Aden, are you familiar at all with the particular city of Kerbones and the technology they have? War machines, tactics, and people?" Marcus said, gesturing into the caverns, mostly an invitation to walk them while they talked.
________________________________________________________________________________________________

With the change in the weather, many students who were at home with the elements. Some of the Airshifters began to play around with the high winds, causing things to spin about, or even causing thunder or lightning in the storms. The Hydromancers were also enjoying the weather, though some of them took to escorting some of the other students to the dorms.

Seth watched from the doorway of the now nearly empty Grand Hall, seeing how many of the students were enjoying the late afternoon weather. He didn't imagine it staying after tomorrow, seeing as it would likely be better weather for their arrivals.

Maybe some blade practice can wait. Too wet, too crowded, and just too damn inconvenient right now. Maybe some food would be better.

Bringing the flames to spin about himself to keep the rain away, Seth wondered when was the last time students had even had a proper break. Things had always seemed so busy, which meant time for entertainment tended to need to be planned. Seth himself wasn't even sure what he should really do other than what he usually did. Seth paused as a particular woman walked past him. A Lightdweller, and one of higher stature if how she walked was any indication.

Perhaps be social or something? That might be fun....Why not? Could be very good times.

"Bit wet to simply be walking back, don't you think? Might be better if you waited for a Hydromancer or something?" Seth said to Nydia as he began to walk next to her. Seth further manipulated his flames to block some additional rain.

Spoiler: Location Descriptions

Towers of Light
A collection of towers which rise in contrast to the darker depths of the Nightshade buildings, the Towers of Light rise higher than many other structures in the Academy so that they always receive the light from the sun. Though, they do not necessarily need it, with large orbs of light in each tower which send light reflecting all throughout the tower they are located in. The center tower, and also the biggest of the Light Towers, also houses the largest gem of light which never goes out even at the darkest night. The lights in the tower are sent about by well placed mirrors, causing light to reflect in many places of the tower. The mirrors can be turned to ultimately stop the shining so that some students may stay at the towers.

Floating Air Islands
The Floating Air Islands are chunks of the island that were taken out years ago. The islands aren't one solid piece, but several pieces held together and changed quite often. They hover so that the tops rest higher than the clouds, leaving the actual Aeromasters' buildings free of any weather changes. The wind up there is constantly changing, from strong gusts to gentle breezes. The buildings aren't quite buildings, but more like an outdoor garden with hidden alcoves. There are a hundred ways to go everywhere, with the ways being closed or open depending on the day.

Caverns of Fire
Deep in the mountain Fluere Igne lies the Caverns of Fire. The only thing that lights these endless caverns are the burning fires and the glow of lava pits. Veins of fire line the smooth rock walls, casting an odd color on all visitors. The tunnels are hot, unwelcoming to most other than Pyromasters and high level Hydromasters. The caverns are in large and spacious, with several open fire pits that both give and take life. At the lowest level of the pits is a wide lake of lava, the Solumque Lake. Odd worms with heavy armor crawl out of the molten rock occasionally, but they're docile and gentle. There are rumors that something more powerful and aggressive lurk under the surface...

Waterfall Fortress
The Waterfall Fortress is behind the Lacri Waterfalls. The walls are crystalline mirrors, with small waterfalls and streams lining the halls. Blues and greens dominate the buildings, with paintings and mosaics mimicing the aquatic animals under the sea. Giant seahorses, colorful sea serpents, and lovely mermaids decorate the walls. Almost all of the fortress is at least partially submerged, with water levels ranging from a couple of inches to knee deep to 100% submerged. The floors are glass, so anyone inside can see the various fish and creatures underwater. Fishes dart back and forth, flashing their metallic scales. At sunset the whole place shines and sparkles, and for a few seconds, the world is seen through a kaleidoscope.

Earth Mountain
The mountain Terrae Filius is neither the tallest nor the longest group of mountains. What is unusual is their composition. The Earth Mountain is made of an odd black material that only Earth mages can break. It is unique to the Terrae Filius range, and cannot be found anywhere else on the island. The mountain is filled with caverns and passages, some dating from the very beginnings of the Academy. The higher levels are easily lit by strategic holes cut in the ceiling and walls. The lower levels are lit by luminescent plants and mushrooms. The air is cool and humid. The tunnels seem endless to other most mages, and the Masters sometimes need to rescue lost students.


Temples of Darkness
Built into the side of Terrae Filius are swirling towers in odd swirls and angles. The walls seem to absorb light, not reflecting any of the sun. There are no windows visible from the outside. Inside, the halls are pitch black. The rooms are large and spacious, but several halls trail around in circles, never seeming to end. Only Nightshades can make it through the maze like rooms without any light. Even with a skilled Lightdweller or Pyromancer, the rooms and halls are perilous, and seem to suck all the light from their sources. The Nightshades' rooms have thin sections in the wall, where some light can filter in should they choose to move the screens.

Reaper Forest
The Reaper Forest is a largely unexplored area in the west area of the island. It's a rainforest with murky air. Life crawls from every crevice, but the mages are forbidden from entering. The forest's beautiful and mysterious facade hides dangerous perils, and many skilled yet overconfident mages have disappeared in into its depths, never to be seen again.

 

[blaze96]

Alexander was walking back towards his room when someone came up and asked if he could walk with him.

"So long as we are going in the same direction I don't see why not. I'm Alexander, and you are?" He asked while extending his hand to shake said part with the other person.

 

[My name is Fiction]

"Edward, nice to meet you Alexander."
He shaked his hand while walking along with him.
"Got to say today was full of more suprises then usual."
"Mind if I call you Alex for short?"

 

[Chaos Incarnate]

Ezekial slowly walked back to the now somewhat deserted cafeteria, spotting an uneaten slice of bread he grabbed it and crushed it into smaller pieces for Sir Taco. Ezekial quickly left and started walking towards the Waterfall Fortress

 

[Fragrance of Mtn Dew]

Nydia had been walking somewhat aimlessly, lost in her thoughts, when suddenly a man approached her, began talking to her, and shielded her from the rain with his flames. "Oh!Thank you, sir. Yes, I suppose I should have waited but... my thoughts were elsewhere."

"Ah, but where are my manners? I am Nydia Freecs, LightDweller Adept. A pleasure to meet you." Nydia introduced herself with her usual smile and slight bow. It had been awhile since she had had to introduce herself though. It wasn't often people came to talk to her and Nydia was usually too busy with her studies to go out and talk to her peers.

 

[blaze96]

"I don't mind at all Edward. As for today, it is more than I expected. Though I hope the masters know what they are doing. To give them information about all of us in exchange for some kind of technology I have to wonder if it is worth it. Not to mention some of us will be going with them. What do you think?" Alexander replied after releasing Edward's hand and starting to continue back to the light temple. He did his best to avoid the outside, he would rather stay as dry as possible.

 

[PrinceOfShapeir]

Aden seethed for a moment, then began breathing slowly. "I apologize, Marcus. You know Humans get me...aggravated." He turned to walk with Marcus. "Darnell did this alone? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the whole idea of the Council to make sure no one of you can make decisions? Expel her from the Council and tell Kerbones that the deal is off. If they decide to refuse to take 'go away' for an answer, we can knock them out of the sky. They're just Humans."

Aden rubbed his chin. "Kerbones is one of the more dangerous of the Human nations from what I've heard. Highly technically advanced. Most of their war machinery is kept secret, but I've talked to traders and travelers who've mentioned massive airships powered by hot air or special gasses. Either both, a mixture, or neither, and the truth is some secret." Aden's eyes gleamed. "I must admit, I would love to see how one worked."

"Still. I don't think they'll be a threat. Army or no army, they need an invasion force. The Hydromancers can block passage by sea and the Airshifters can block passage by airship." He turned his head to face Marcus. "We are going to block them passage, right? We can't possibly allow them to land, start picking the best and brightest of us. That's insanity."

 

[UnusualStranger]

"No worries, the mind is always something interesting to explore. I am Seth. Seth Darius, if you need a last name. A Pyromancer Adept, and it is a pleasure to meet you as well." Seth said, doing his best to return the small bow and smile.

"I simply figured that you could use a companion, especially when you simply started walking into the rain without noting anything....That, and I find myself somewhat unsure of what exactly to do with this 'day off' that we have been given. Too much fighting and teaching, I imagine. So, what exactly are your plans Ms. Freecs?"

Seth walked, along, his mind starting to run, realizing the name, especially the last one, had a familiar ring to it. However, Seth couldn't quite recall who it was had the name.

Lets see.....wasn't distant past I don't think. Who had that name? Hmmm....Well, it will come to me eventually.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Durant had wandered over to the tree where he usually expected to find local drunk and troublemaker, Ezekial Fried. Upon not seeing him there, he proceeded about to see if he could find him just on natural luck. As usual, it won out and he spotted the wayward, and often lazy, hydromancer with his pet chicken. Durant grinned upon seeing the odd boy wandering about, but decided he needed to make sure that Ezekial would not ruin the upcoming project. While what these particular outsiders thought of them didn't matter, he wasn't going to have one of his element killed first because he drunkenly approached a soldier and got himself killed.

"Ezekial. Sir Taco. I have a feeling I need to make sure that you understand that you stay alive during the coming days. Especially with some more violent guests possibly being on the way." Durant said, approaching the hydromancer as the rain and wind flew about.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

"I know Aden, you do not need to apologize. All too well I know your dislike of humans. They are a presence we need to tolerate." Marcus said, taking a look about before he took out a small scroll.

"While the Council is in place to make sure the Academy isn't run by any one entity, there isn't really any way for us to keep tabs on all of us. Especially Darnell. Better off trying to make sure when you sleep your shadow doesn't wander off. And telling Kerbones to simply 'go away' isn't quite valid when they have this." Marcus said, opening the scroll to show a drawing of a particular airship. This one seemed to bristle with all sorts of crossbows, Scorpios , and even some odd steel plating.

"I bought this some time ago. It is one of their airships supposedly. Bristling with bow weaponry, and if I hear correctly, they could even drop metals or rocks on their foes if they wanted. Crossbows which can easily fire several bolts at once, and explosive weaponry, if more legend and hearsay has any truth to it. If we did tell them 'no' and they pushed, I am not so confident that the Airshifters could bring such a monstrosity down, especially with bolts flying at them." Marcus explained as he would point out the many weapons he spotted on the drawn picture.

"And....they will have to land somewhere near here. I don't think anyone anticipated in shaping the land to accommodate an airship, especially if they are as big as this. Also....I don't think they will be taking only the best and brightest. Why would they want all the information on any student they could get if they wanted only the brightest? Something is....off about this, but Darnell right now has the bag of answers. Until our guests arrive, we won't know much more than what Darnell would even say." Marcus said, his frustration growing again, only to sigh, and look to Aden.

"The problem is that they are on their way, and who would tell them to 'go away'? They are likely already almost here, and we know little of these people. They could just want to observe some elements without outside eyes, or perhaps are coming to gauge our strength. Either way, backing out on the deal now would be problematic at best, or catastrophic at worst. We don't need a war right now, especially with someone who we know nothing about." Marcus said, still sounding annoyed with things so far out of his hands.

 

[My name is Fiction]

Edward put his hands back into his pockets keeping to his side of the trail without the trees shade.
"Can't say I am happy, a warning is all I would have wanted."
"Now that I think about it a chance to leave the Acadamy is really huge but I have alot of planning to do just in case I am chosen."
"All my stuff, where to put it."
"It is so much trouble for me."