Stonefist Academy - The Beginning

[ahayford]

As Lune stepped back, Daelyn stared a little too longingly at the pot of ink. He could sense the magic power held within. Daelyn snapped out of his day dream, remembering it was promises of power that had gotten him in this mess in the first place. He did not believe this magic to be dark at all, since it seemed to draw upon the will of the bearer. He would have to do more research when he had a spare moment, for now, he would accept the brand and the power it would bring him. It certainly couldn't hurt...


Thank you for your gift Maximo. If you please, I would like the mark on my right forearm. I will endeavor to make good use of it.

 

[Axel]

Olek

Olek was greatly reassured by Maximo's appearance, and his physical presence. That is a noble man, and one I can learn a great deal from. Strange that he does not show the scars of his battle with the dragon...

Stepping forward, Olek bows as low as his physical stature permits. "Master Maximo, you honour me and my clan with your words and actions. I will gladly wear your mark on my arm. This will give it the place and honour such a mark is due." He then unbuckles the left side of his scale mail, exposing his left shoulder to the magical ink.

Olek steps back into the group, but does not re-fasten his armour immediately. Rather, he watches the ink blotch to see what form it will take.

 

[Graybeard]

Miranda

Miranda stares at the ink with curiosity. She had seen magical ink before at her mentor's residence. It was nothing like this though. The ink she had used previously was intended for secretive writing. The ink would turn invisible within seconds after it touched the parchment or paper. This was something completely different and quite interesting. She would have to learn more about its properties and ask her former teacher about it.

After some of the others had stepped forward to receive their markings, Miranda walked up to the desk herself. This Maximo person seemed honest enough and he had no reason to cause harm to the students at this time. Sometimes she wished she had learned how to tell a person's intentions from their body language like her father could. Oh well, this is not the time to think about such things.

Pulling down the left corner of her tunic slightly to bare her shoulder, she addressed Maximo.

Mr. Maximo, I would like my marking to be here close to my heart. My mentor used to tell me that my power flowed from my heart and as long as my heart was true and good, my abilities would grow. It is an honor to become a student here and I swear to Pelor that I will not let you or this institution down."

 

[Dragonwriter]

Ararion calmly steps forward and holds the front edge of his dark hair back from his forehead. He says nothing before or after the ink in placed, just steps back and withdraws a small steel mirror from his pack to see what shape the tattoo takes.

 

[Fangor the Fierce]

With a proud step forward, Lune says "I will have it placed on my hand, as a reminder to use what I have learned here to defend those against injustice."

			Then may this guide your hand against injustice.

He says, as the ink drop is placed on Lune's hand. You all watch as the ink does not let gravity take its course and it stays in place, even when Lune moves his hand. The ink then begins swirling through colors as if a living rainbow was inside of it before it brightens to the yellow of the sun. The ink then stretches across his skin, a bolt of lightning now can be seen. The ink then creates another image within the bolt, that of a scene of battle. Maximo raises an eyebrow. The ink continues to draw and depict the symbol in great detail until it is finished with showing the bolt with a battle inside of it.

Silvas steps forward and extends his right arm with his palm facing up and points to the spot that parallels the scar he has on his left forearm a few inches below the elbow.

"Master Maximo, it is an honor to study at the prestigious school."

			The honor is ours, for your deeds are payment enough.

He places the feather back into the inkwell and then releases the single drop onto Silvas' right forearm. The ink swirls in colors and settles on a the outline of a bow made of bones from a horned animal. Two spikes protrude from the grip and both ends of the bow are spiked as well. It would be a fine bow to see in real life as the image sharpens to show the craftsmanship and engraving it would take to create such a beauty.

Thank you for your gift Maximo. If you please, I would like the mark on my right forearm. I will endeavor to make good use of it.

			It truly is a gift, and one that should be taken care of.

Again, Maximo renews the ink on the feather and places the drop where asked. The pattern continues and darkens to a brownish tinge, depicting an aged tome. Two iron bands bind the tome, along with a lock. The cover is splotched and worn but looks like leather or hide. There is no text on the tome to reveal its secrets within.

"Master Maximo, you honor me and my clan with your words and actions. I will gladly wear your mark on my arm. This will give it the place and honor such a mark is due."

			Well spoken! And may your clan bestow its honor to our school, if we are found worthy.

He finishes placing the ink and watches the colors swirl. They seem to come to life, as an emblazoning fire depicts a forge. The burning coals and flames seem familiar to Olek, as the tattoo finished its creation.

Mr. Maximo, I would like my marking to be here close to my heart. My mentor used to tell me that my power flowed from my heart and as long as my heart was true and good, my abilities would grow. It is an honor to become a student here and I swear to Pelor that I will not let you or this institution down."

			Then let your heart guide you in what is to come. Have faith in what you can accomplish, and in friendship.

The ink expands and then contracts with a metallic silver color. The image spreads wings and sprouts a tail. The figure is unmistakeable, as the silver dragon opens its mouth just before the image stops moving.

Ararion calmly steps forward and holds the front edge of his dark hair back from his forehead.

			A bold statement, having the marking in your forehead. Only one other has been as bold, and he stands there waiting.

Ferro bows slightly to Ararion, the symbol on his forehead flaring briefly. Maximo drops the ink onto Ararions skin and watches the colors and movement with interest. Again, the flames come forth, but begin swirling until they remain in place. The shape they form is that of a fiery eye, staring at everything and nothing.

			And that leaves one more.

Maximo beckons Leilani forward, as he lays the last drop on her skin. The ink is placed where Leilani requests, as it immediately turns to a pinkish metallic hue. The shape evens out to that of a mask with a peculiar design. The eyes are empty and it would only cover the nose and eyes if it were only real.

Maximo steps back and places the contents back into the chest. He locks the chest and puts it away before turning back to you all.

			Any questions?

 

[Axel]

Olek

"I have many, Master Maximo. All are mundane however and concern things that are beneath you. The most worthy of them may perhaps be summarised as what would you have me do now?"

 

[Herobizkit]

OOC: I'm gearing up to move for school this weekend. My posting will be mostly non-existent until at least Monday. Incidentally, Leilani will have her tattoo on the base of her lower back... the 'tramp stamp' location.

 

[Graybeard]

Miranda stares at her tattoo. It was a thing of beauty.

How odd that it took the shape of the namesake of my family's business. Could it be more than a coincidence? Could it somehow be connected to me and my abilities? these questions swirled through her head as she continued to look at he new tattoo.

Taking a brief moment to look at the others, all their tattoos seemed to represent something about themselves. Fires of a forge for the dwarf Olek, the symbol of Heironius for Lune, a bow for Silvas, and more.

No, it is no coincidence that my tattoo should take the shape of a great silver dragon. It must be connected to me in ways more than just a family business. This will require further study.

So lost in her own thoughts Miranda was that she nearly didn't hear Maximo ask if there were any questions.

"None that you can answer for me Sir Maximo." she replied, still looking at her tattoo in wonderment.

Returning her attention to Maximo out of respect,

"The questions I have right now are ones I believe can only be answered in time. I thank you for the opportunity to study here. There is much about myself that, until now, I had not realized was unknown to me. I an anxious to begin that discovery."

 

[Fangor the Fierce]

			You will meet the trainers today, for they will be the ones you deal with on a daily basis. You have already met Ferro, who is second in command here. While I am gone, he is in charge. He also is the head arcane master here at the Academy. Then there is Baylen. He's a large guy with the ritual tattoos all over, due to his heritage. Giant blood courses through his veins. You will know him when you see him. He is the head melee combat master. For ranged combat, you will be instructed by Eralni. She's a bit blunt, but knows what she's doing. I must warn you, we accept all manners of students. Racial tensions will be put to the test at times, but know this; there will be no tolerance for acts of cruelty. Eralni is drow, and though her kin are known as evil and malicious, she has proven not to follow in their ways. She has earned my trust, and I hope that you will treat them both with the respect they have earned. They are the head trainers. There are others, and once they return, you will be introduced to them.

As Maximo finishes, the door is knocked upon and opened from outside. You spy a female drow enter, yet the sunlight behind her has gone away. It was sunny outside, yet something is blocking out the brightness. You see the darkness move, as a towering figure leans underneath the doorway to enter behind the drow.

He stands easily eight feet tall with stoney grey eyes focused on you all. His head is decorated with various dark lines on his stonelike flesh. He wears stitched hide armor with fur lined padding underneath. His arms are also covered in the same runic lines as his head. He does not carry any weapon, or seem to have need of one with his sheer size. His face is devoid of emotion.

The drow wears a dark green cloak with en etched design along the whole edge. Her glowing amber eyes are devoid of any hint at feelings, as she simply glances at the group, and then turns her attention to Maximo. Her black hair hangs loosely beneath the hooded cloak and her pale blue skin seems unblemished. Slung on her back is a dark colored bow, with blue runes on both ends.

These must be Eralni and Baylen, the head trainers.

			You have need of us, Maximo?

the drow asks, waiting for Maximo's reply.

Maximo answers,

			Yes, these are the new students. Olek, Miranda, Ararion, Leilani, Lune, Silvas and Daelyn. They have each pledged their agreement to the Academy's terms. I know that we have just finished the ceremonies, and today is supposed to be a day off, but perhaps we can see just how the new students work together as a team. I am sure that you would be interested in seeing just what their strengths and weaknesses are, am I right?

Ferro's eyes light up, as he quickly speaks up.

			A test then! Their first one! I can take care of this, and we can all see just how they do with their first task. Old man Ghentir sent a messenger this morning. I was heading here to speak to you about it when I spotted them in the entryway. Seems he has some trouble over on his farm just outside of town to the south. Something ate a sheep and then ran off with another one. I figured we would have to take care of it, since the students are not in session today, but I guess Lady Luck has shown these seven to our doors.

Maximo nods, turning to the group.

			One of the responsibilities of being a student here is to assist in manners that require our personal attention. People come from all over pleading for aid in one way or another. There are plenty of requests, and this can be a constant thing, if you feel so inclined. Right now, it would seem that Ferro is right, in that Lady Luck has shown you to our doors when there was need of you. All jobs taken by students grant them both the chance to use what they learn as well as earn funds for their own use. We only ask that you act according to our beliefs. Fairness, honesty, protection and justice are a few of these beliefs. Will you accept this request? To find out what is killing old man Ghentir's livestock and deal with it? It will give us a chance to see how you work together as well as each of your abilities. Otherwise, there is not much else to do today, for the students have the day off, as well as the other trainers. Your studies will begin tomorrow, at sunrise either way.

OOC: No worries Herobizkit, I will just have Miranda Leilani go along with the group if you can't post and NPC her if needed.

​

 

[ahayford]

Daegan bows to each of his new teachers in turn. Then looks to his fellow students.


I've been looking itching to see the famed libraries of this place....but I must admit. My journey here has drained what meager funds I had. If I'm to eat tomorrow I could use a little extra coin. Besides, maybe a grateful old man Ghentir might have some choice meats to share. Its been a while since I had a nice steak. The books will still be here when I get back. I will aid in the investigation with any of the other students that wish to go.