MerakSpielman
First Post
The Graduates of Bluetower Academy
--------------------------------
The main hall of the Bluetower Academy of Magic has been bedecked with festive decorations of all types, magical and mundane. The hopeful fifth year students are assembled nervously in a bunch near the narrow end of the hall, while the upper classmen are seated comfortable around tables, many of them with hand-held scrying mirrors to watch the upcoming Tests. All in all, there are perhaps a hundred people in the hall, fifteen of them fifth year students like you. Fine food and drink are in abundance, but you feel too nervous to partake of either.
Despite the party atmosphere, you are all well aware that students do not always pass the Test. They are rarely injured too severely, and hardly ever killed, but the sting of failure can linger even after the Test is long past.
In the center of the room is a simple doorway made of three simple timbers, two standing up about seven feet off the floor and the third about three feet long connecting the tops. You know that when the elders wish, this simple appearing device acts as a magical portal to the Testing Grounds. You await only the ceremony to mark the beginning of the Tests.
A stately middle aged man with blond hair and beard stands up to address the crowd. You recognize him as Professor Markel.
"Welcome to the four hundred and tenth annual student Testing!" There are a few polite claps, "I have the honor this year of presenting an all new Testing ground, completely revised from last year to emphasize creativity over brutality. The illustrious mages to assist in the construction were..." he drones on and on, honoring various members of the faculty for various accomplishments during the past year. Soon, however, he comes to the dramatic moment, "Students awaiting the Test! You have studied long and hard for five years, and are already beyond the level of expertise of most mages educated outside these walls. The time has come for you to progress to the next level in your quest for mastery. Are you ready for the Test?"
You all join in the chorus of Yesses.
"Very well! The first group to be tested will be drawn randomly from this basket," He hold up a small basket full of paper slips, "The names of the members of Group One are:"
He pauses for dramatic effect as he pulls out a slip of paper.
"Elwent Leondrahne!"
Applause. He reaches into the basket again.
"Inkar the Banished!"
Applause again.
"Kera Nightshade!"
More applause.
"And Amisel Vesca!"
To the sounds of celebration you four stand forward. You have indeed studied hard to get this far. You hope it's enough.
"Without further ado, let the Testing begin!" Markel lifts his arms and the air beteen the struts of the portal begins to shimmer, taking on a water-like appearance. You know you have no choice but to step through... So you do.
The other side opens in to what appears to be the inside of a large but simple tent. The canvas walls move and rustle from a slight breeze outside. There is no sign of the portal that brought you here. There is one flap that exits the tent to the North.
Markel's voice echos around you, "Remember, you have only to overcome the ten challenges of the course and step through the portal at the other end. Any method is allowed as long as you actually deal with each challenge and don't try to skip any! Good Luck!"
His voice fades out, leaving you in the tent with each other. During your studies, you had little time to get to know one another. Perhaps this would be a good time to talk about yourselves briefly - before trying to overcome challenges together.
--------------------------------
The main hall of the Bluetower Academy of Magic has been bedecked with festive decorations of all types, magical and mundane. The hopeful fifth year students are assembled nervously in a bunch near the narrow end of the hall, while the upper classmen are seated comfortable around tables, many of them with hand-held scrying mirrors to watch the upcoming Tests. All in all, there are perhaps a hundred people in the hall, fifteen of them fifth year students like you. Fine food and drink are in abundance, but you feel too nervous to partake of either.
Despite the party atmosphere, you are all well aware that students do not always pass the Test. They are rarely injured too severely, and hardly ever killed, but the sting of failure can linger even after the Test is long past.
In the center of the room is a simple doorway made of three simple timbers, two standing up about seven feet off the floor and the third about three feet long connecting the tops. You know that when the elders wish, this simple appearing device acts as a magical portal to the Testing Grounds. You await only the ceremony to mark the beginning of the Tests.
A stately middle aged man with blond hair and beard stands up to address the crowd. You recognize him as Professor Markel.
"Welcome to the four hundred and tenth annual student Testing!" There are a few polite claps, "I have the honor this year of presenting an all new Testing ground, completely revised from last year to emphasize creativity over brutality. The illustrious mages to assist in the construction were..." he drones on and on, honoring various members of the faculty for various accomplishments during the past year. Soon, however, he comes to the dramatic moment, "Students awaiting the Test! You have studied long and hard for five years, and are already beyond the level of expertise of most mages educated outside these walls. The time has come for you to progress to the next level in your quest for mastery. Are you ready for the Test?"
You all join in the chorus of Yesses.
"Very well! The first group to be tested will be drawn randomly from this basket," He hold up a small basket full of paper slips, "The names of the members of Group One are:"
He pauses for dramatic effect as he pulls out a slip of paper.
"Elwent Leondrahne!"
Applause. He reaches into the basket again.
"Inkar the Banished!"
Applause again.
"Kera Nightshade!"
More applause.
"And Amisel Vesca!"
To the sounds of celebration you four stand forward. You have indeed studied hard to get this far. You hope it's enough.
"Without further ado, let the Testing begin!" Markel lifts his arms and the air beteen the struts of the portal begins to shimmer, taking on a water-like appearance. You know you have no choice but to step through... So you do.
The other side opens in to what appears to be the inside of a large but simple tent. The canvas walls move and rustle from a slight breeze outside. There is no sign of the portal that brought you here. There is one flap that exits the tent to the North.
Markel's voice echos around you, "Remember, you have only to overcome the ten challenges of the course and step through the portal at the other end. Any method is allowed as long as you actually deal with each challenge and don't try to skip any! Good Luck!"
His voice fades out, leaving you in the tent with each other. During your studies, you had little time to get to know one another. Perhaps this would be a good time to talk about yourselves briefly - before trying to overcome challenges together.
