GA CHAT Magical Academy

[Nephylim]

I'm getting a little bored now. The instructors are kind but there is only so much that can be done when alone. I study my lessons, practice, gather herbs and walk in the woods with my favourite instructor learning about the trees and spirits and the magic to be found in the simplest things.

 

If I am honest the only time I feel alive is when I am with Marc. He makes me excited by... life. Nothing is the same when I am with him. When we look into a pool we do not see water, we see seething life and that is not just the life that lives within, it is the water itself. Each molecule is frenetically dancing and straining towards the life force that keeps them spinning. The water changes each droplet to a prism and the slivery flash of fishes underneath the surface adds to the magic and dazzles me. With him and the water I learn to find the deep stillness and the foaming energy that needs to be balanced to find true harmony.

 

When we look at a leaf we see the chemical factory that absorbs the light of the sun and changes it into colour and life. With him and the leaf I look at the power of the sun and how each and every living creature can tap into its endless power and use it like a lightbulb in an electrical socket, to shine.

 

When we look at an animal, especially those he treats he shows me a complete and beautiful being. He shows me how we are the same and how we are different and makes me realise that things that I think are very different to me are not so different at all. Just becuase I do not understand a language it does not mean there is no language. Just because I do not understand the ways of action and thought does not mean that mine are any better or worse.

 

More than anything he makes me see that I am only a part of the great stream of the life force. Animal, human, leaf and water are all motes in the stream. Sometimes we are the glitter on the surface and sometimes the darkness of the depths but we are always dancing and always flowing and always moving together.

 

I am no longer dreading the arrival of my fellow students. What i am dreading now is that they will never come; that this year no one else will be found worthy of a place here. The most significant change in me is that I no longer find pride or smugness in this. Now it is fear and sorrow.

[iSimba]

Question 1 = What is your favorite season? - Winter

 

Question 2 = Which of these do you prefer - Lightning Storm

 

Question 3 - Do you like Castles or Quests? - Castle

 

Question 4 - Do you prefer Chariot or Ship? - Ship

 

Question 5 = Which do you prize more? - Firemaking

 

Question 6 = What sounds better, the deception of the hand or the fleetness of the foot? - Deception of the hand

 

Question 7 = Pick one - Intelligence

 

Question 8 = Which is more important? - Knowing your enemies

 

Question 9 = Which do you prefer - ancient and knowing Nile?

 

Question 10 = Which of the following is more accurate - The hand deceives the eye

 

Question 11 = Would you rather die young and glorious

 

Question 12 = Which attracts you more? - A great imperial capital city of murder, intrigue and fortune

[Former Member]

THE FOLLOWERS OF THE RAINBOW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Reader,

 

 

 

The following report was prepared by the Administrative Council of Mages for your enlightenment. The opportunity to enhance your general knowledge of the rainbow lands begins here.

 

 

 

The empire is vast and rules over nearly a third of the planet which is about twice as large as Earth. The world is magical/medieval although there are some astonishing scientific facilities particularly within the Cause, the Imperial Federation of Indiron and some of the nations and rivals outside of the empire. The Mage Imperial (Chief-Mage) of the Rainbow Academy recently reported to the Emperor that the increase of technology seems to diminish the potency of magic.

 

 

The rainbow capital (Imperial Rainbow City) is much larger than the usual medieval fantasy city. It has around 20 million inhabitants. The bulk of the city sits at the end of a thousand league long peninsula in sub tropical climes and is the oldest habitation in the world. It is truly a city that never sleeps. There are major guild retail, commerce and entertainment hubs in many parts of the city culminating in the sprawling 'End of the Rainbow' district where the ancient city center is.

 

 

There is no other city on the planet which even begins to approach the Rainbow city for size and wealth, it is legitimately the economic center of the world and possesses a population larger than that of other countries and even some empires. The city is protected by seven rings of 200 foot high bleached stormstone magic enhanced walls.

 

 

Size and scale is definitely the theme of almost everything of note within the Rainbow Capital. The constructors of the city have made sure that all visitors are suitably impressed or likewise repulsed by the extreme dimensional overkill.

 

 

The official royal resdience is at Rainbowmount - The Rainbowmount Imperial Palace Complex is in fact within, below and upon a great stone mountain with a flat jagged table top. Rainbowmount is located at the Southern tip of the city looming over the End of the Rainbow district. The River Rainbow flows out to sea just to the south/east of the mountain.

 

 

A spectacular system of therapeutic rainbow lighted waterfalls flow out from the jagged tableland tops of the Rainbowmount providing amazing vistas for the multitudes including throngs of pilgrims and tourists who flock to the city. The mountain is also the home of the mythical 'Drakosmika' or Cosmic Dragons who supposedly nest deep below the mountain and will answer the call of the King Emperor in the time of greatest need.

 

 

The Imperial Rainbow City is really a collection of 10-12 large metro-areas joined together, the most densely populated of which is the End of the Rainbow district. There are dozens of notable structures, palaces, bridges and buildings of great fame in the city of cities. Here is a selection of some of the most famous.

 

 

 

 

 

•PROMINENT STRUCTURES

 

 

•Aderixo's Lantern - Incredible magical beacon that beams a wondrous pillar of rainbow fire by day and rainbow light by night high into the heavens. Said to have been constructed by the Diety Aderixo.

 

•Rainbowmount - (7000 feet high and almost 18000 feet around at the base) Said to have been carved by the Rainbow God Aderixo

 

•The Stormbridge - Ancient glasslike bridge rises 1,700 feet over the great river

 

•Fountain of the Nine Universes - Imposing magic rainbow lit fountain of 9 Dragons heads representing the 9 Federations, popular meeting place.

 

•The Rainbow Academy - Ancient Tower keep of the mystics inspired by the horn of a unicorn in luminescent white by day and glittering rainbow bejewelled black by night.

 

•The Palace of the People of Shem - Fabulous museum housing a portion of the Imperial Art and Treasure Collection

 

•Imperial Archives - Built entirely of gold veined onyx and center for the Imperial Records and Histories

 

•Imperial Library - Built entirely of lapis veined crystal and center for the Imperial Bibliotheque

 

•The Crown-Tor - Tallest inhabitable man-made structure in the world, Headquarters of the Bank of the Empire. 3,400 feet high

 

•The Sanctuary of Isolorn - Expansive park of extraordinary beauty and tranquility.

 

•The Prismatic University of the Empire - Largest place of learning in the world

 

•The Rain Port - Gigantic covered naval port

 

•The Forico - Principal stadium capacity 350,000

 

•Imperial Plaza - 12 point Star shaped Civic Center and heart of the city. Can hold crowds of over 2 million.

 

•The Rainbow Way - Major shopping and business artery, known as the street of 10,000 Taverns, 100 leagues long

 

•The Avenue of the Empire - Most Important Processional Route - 24 lanes wide and 50 leagues long from the Sanctuary of Isolorn to the Imperial Plaza. Many Civic buildings as well as the Dynastic Palaces are located along this route.

 

 

 

A further report will follow in one day.

 

 

Regards

 

 

M.S. Violetcrest

 

Knight Administrator

 

Order Pearlescent

[AnimalMorph]

I know i'm a newbie but i have read the stories and still wanna join if that's alright.. It's gonna be like a dream come true YAY!

Ok, on to the questionaire...

 

Question 1 = Winter

Question 2 = Blizzard

Question 3 = Quest

Question 4 = Chariot

Question 5 = Lightmaking

Question 6 = The deception of the hand

Question 7 = Intelligence

Question 8 = Knowing my friends

Question 9 = The ancient and knowing Nile

Question 10 = Wisdom is correct knowledge correctly applied

Question 11 = Young and glorious

Question 12 = Cottage deep in the forest

 

Sidenote:

This may be rude of me, but i need to write this nonetheless.

 

I already discuss this with my family and there is no way we can afford to pay for the yearly tuition let alone the living expenses over at the academy dorm as my family is rather poor.

 

However, i'm not giving up my hope to enroll.

 

I think i have the innate ability of healing although at the moment i can only heal minor injuries. Even healing those kind of injuries exhaust me greatly. (Only my families knows of this ability)

 

So i'm wondering, is this abilities qualify me as a scholarship candidat?

 

If it is not, i plan to work part time over at the imperial plaza or at the rainbow way to cover my expenses. Is this acceptable?

 

As i said before, i am a newbie. I know next to nothing about magic but i can assure you my eagerness and will to learn it is second to none.

 

I'm looking forward for the positive reply and again, i hope i'm not being too rude for writing this kind of informal note.

 

Sincerely yours, Ryudo Roughnight

Edited October 10, 2011 by animalmorph

[Former Member]

Don't you worry darlin, we will get together with you and make it sparkle!

 

 

Love from Joey~

[Former Member]

Dear Readers,

 

I am so grateful to everyone who is reading the thread and also to those who are writing for this project. It is just wonderful, thank you! Thank you for all the lovely messages and comments too!

 

The Magic Academy Project is a Role Play opportunity for lovers of all things fantasy fiction. I am rolling out a fantasy world that will provide a rich backdrop to the exciting stories, discussions, opinions and ideas that bring life and dynamism to this effort.

 

So if you want to write into the storyline please do not hesitate to message me. Likewise if you have suggestions, discussion material, opinions or ideas go straight ahead and post them directly to the thread!

 

Be sure to keep up with the stories so that you can stay in touch with the mystical rainbow world, its inhabitants and the story as it unfolds.

 

Thank you in advance and enjoy the project!

 

Love from Joeypuppy

Convener of Rainbow Initiates~

[Blackwulff]

((I hope I did this right and nothing is too messed up...))

 

Nausea wracked his form and his hands shook almost painfully, he was ghostly pale and his palms were sweating profusely. Most would think him painfully ill. He wasn't, really, he was just phobic… of anything to do with people. He did very, VERY poorly in large crowds and this was helping nothing. He sat, practically vibrating on his mount, a stocky skewbald pony named Tobias, as people pressed in all around him. He had been here many times before, but it was always part of a procession, with people he knew and bodyguards protecting him. Now… now he was very alone as he made his way to the Academy. His pony snorted, well, maybe not entirely alone then, he had Tobi.

 

Finally, finally he reached the Academy, shaking and shell-shocked, why His Most Imperial Highness had sent him to come here was beyond him. He dismounted rather stiffly and handed Tobi off to the stable hand, his eyes on the ground, and saying nothing, before he patted his pony one final time and making his way to the Academy proper. He straightened his dark blue robes, his saddlebags on his shoulders, and his pack on his back as he made his way into the Entrance Hall. There were people everywhere, and he swallowed thickly, making his way to someone who looked of consequence and not a student, "Um… excuse me… I… um, I need to speak with the Headmaster…"

 

"I'm sorry," She looked down at him and gave him a slight sneer of a look, "I didn't quite understand you."

 

He stiffened his jaw and his hand tightened on his bags, "I … need to see the Headmaster…" He mumbled again, his voice steadily dropping off into something hardly intelligible.

 

"I can't hear you, you need to speak up, are you a new student?" She was getting impatient, he could tell, and he started shaking a little.

 

"N-no… I…" How in the god's names was he supposed to teach like this? He could barely speak to one person, let alone a whole class of people. "I'm a.. the new… uh… I'm a teacher, ah, His Most Imperial Highness, he… he sent me here to…" For a 'growing' experience he'd said, he wasn't growing in any form, if anything, he was shrinking in on himself with every word.

 

"Oh!" Her face changed instantly as she spotted the emblem across the back of his robes, "You must be Grandmaster Remeleth!"

 

He burned hotly under her scrutiny and couldn't look her in the eye.

 

"Why didn't you say so?" She asked and patted his back.

 

"I… tried to." He said, swallowing thickly.

 

"Is it true you can hear anyone with magic?" She asked.

 

"I… um, well, I..." He was awfully flustered.

 

"I can't hardly hear a word you say, speak up!" She led him down the hall and he winced.

 

He tried to say something, but all he managed was some manner of high-pitched squeak. He remembered being a student here, that had been an experience, and when he'd been picked up by His Most Serene Grace right out of school, thankfully he didn't have to do a lot of talking, but to His Highness, and some of the others of His Court, but for the most part, he was alone. Save for when his skills were called upon. It was strange to be back in these halls, to be a teacher, His Highness must have some plan. He must.

[Former Member]

Imperial Rainbow City - Rainbow Academy - Salon of Grandmasters

 

 

The spacious Grandmasters lounge was almost empty except for 3 mages playing clover-check on one side and the statuesque woman over at the far writing desk who had just finished composing her letter.

 

 

The woman took a final glance at her handiwork before calling up a burst of rare whitefire. The other mages stopped briefly to stare at the ostentatious use of whitefire. The parchment went up in smoke and not a trace was left.

 

The aged Grand Mistress Mage General, foremost among all gen-kinetic mages sniffed and swept from the room in a haze of psi-gen created sparkles. Her other gift though well known was not evident at all... Premonition.

 

 

***

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sanzion City - First of the nine great capitals of the Empire - 4,854 leagues from the Imperial Rainbow City

 

 

 

 

Former Grand Mistress Mage Compulsory - Kirscha Endrainbow glanced up from her solitary dinner at the sound of the flame chimes. She lowered her fork and raised her hand before pulling a gently smoking scroll out of thin air. It had been too long since she had heard from her beloved. She closed her eyes for a moment to compose herself. Her anger still burned against Prince Friso for exiling her from the Rainbow City. He had sent her to the second greatest city in the world but it was a desperately poor second to her beloved home.

 

She missed the academy, she missed the city but most of all she missed her Isolde, her lover, her life. It was Isolde who scraped a young Kirscha up from the streets, it was Isolde who recognized Kirscha's spark and who helped to foster it until with the help of enhancements it became a raging force of powerful compulsion.

 

She would do anything for her beloved and she had - and now she was sitting here in Sanzion wilting away in the sizzling heat because of it. Responsibility for the horror of the White & Green Riots had been placed firmly at her feet and on the whole that was true. She had just barely escaped summary execution. Once again her beloved had come through for her using all of her not inconsiderable influence to appease an enraged Amscion enough that he decided to exile her instead.

 

Friso probably thought he was doing her a favor by sending her here but it did not matter; he may as well have sent her out into the void. Kirscha was now governess to the precocious children of the High King of Sanzion. She had to smile and wave, curtsey and simply endure the sheer monotony of endless days of being the ever dutiful babysitter of the brats royale. Maybe Friso knew exactly what he was doing after all, this was pure torture.

 

She had been stripped of her rank and Friso's second in command, the Archmage Imperial Lord Harsepp had placed a survey spell upon her to alert him should she use any more than a modicum of her power. It galled her! She was now nothing more than a governess and last line of defence to the royal brats of a paranoid High King whose family were all skilled in the arts of magic, seduction and assasination.

 

At least that brought some excitement. It wasn't dead boring but then again maybe it was. In the past month alone three members of the illustrious Zionfell dynasty had met untimely demises. Would there be any left to sit atop the throne by Winters end? - or at least what passed for Winter here in this oven. The Rainbow City had warm Winters and hot Summers but Sanzion was ferocious all year round. The new High King was still settling in but he had better not get too comfortable. Internal power struggles were not uncommon when so much was at stake but when that family was blessed or perhaps cursed with numerous psycho-kinetic hot-heads then it was a whole new rainbow!

 

Psycho-Kinesis was extremely rare, only Precognition was rarer but the Zionfell dynasty had it in spades and every now and then they were possessed by void-demons and went berserk on one another. This latest family feud had seen the throne vacated twice and now the unblinking gaze of the King Emperor himself was beginning to look this way. Kirscha blinked a little herself releasing her from her reverie. She read her magically produced letter.

 

 

 

 

Dearest Kirscha,

 

It is with great sadness that I must advise you of the death of our cat Mr Nigel. He missed you so much that he would not eat and I found him lying at the end of our garden yesterday morning. May he rest beneath the rainbow.

 

Life is not the same without you my dear but I do pray that somehow our circumstances may change. I have exhausted every avenue to have you return here so now I begin to look at other options. Yesterday I attempted to resign and my resignation was ripped up by the Lord Archmage Imperial. So I am now left with seeking retirement which they cannot refuse outside of war or cataclysm.

 

I am 14 years beyond retirement anyway and my heart has gone out of my work. Not even the excitement of the new intake of recruits and graduate mages seeking advancement has given me any joy. Life without you is so dull my dear. I pray to Aderixo, Erixoia and Isolorn that somehow we might be granted succour.

 

I am concerned for your safety because of the situation there. I know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself but I still fear for you nonetheless because I love you. Remember to be careful not to involve yourself in any way with the machinations of the Zionfells. Just do your job and keep a low profile. The Zionfells are an extremely dangerous and unpredictable lot and I don't really need to remind you that the Crown Princess, our own future Queen and Empress is a Zionfell - but I digress.

 

I met the most unusual young lady the other day although I do not think 'met' is the correct word. You know how we used to joke that Marc has long ago entered his dotage? Well no longer! I went to visit our dear friend Marc and there they were - at it like rabbits! Right there on his camomile lawn bold as brass! Well I did not know where to look!

 

I told him I would visit him another day and swiftly took my leave. I have kept my own counsel since his private life is his own business yet the girl appeared to be a student by her shift which lay on the ground. The aura of a druid moved powerfully within her and I wasn't talking about Marc! I know that mage instructors are not permitted to cavort with their charges. Interestingly I no longer care. And what cheek too considering what bloomed between you and me, my love.

 

Anyway I thought nothing more of the incident until last night when I was overcome by the strongest vision I have had since the one that led me to you so many Summers ago. In my vision I saw you and you had returned home. You were standing in the Imperial Plaza beneath the great lantern of all places and beside you stood the strange druid girl. As always there were great crowds of people all about. Then you amplified your voice and you cried - "Ware, ware, for the great calculation is upon us!"

 

The druid girl (whom I do not believe is actually a student) then raised her hands mightily and the eternal Lantern of Aderixo was extinguished! I feel I can write no further...

 

As always your love is mine and mine yours.

 

 

Your Isolde

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

 

 

The portentious letter sent Kirscha to bed early. Strangely she slept better than she had for months.

[Omnimon]

Question 1 = What is your favorite season? (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)

Spring

 

Question 2 = Which of these do you prefer - Earthquake, Tsunami, Firestorm, Blizzard, Volcanic Eruption,

Lightning Storm, Hurricane?

Lightning storm

Question 3 - Do you like Castles or Quests?

Quests

Question 4 - Do you prefer Chariot or Ship?

Ship

 

Question 5 = Which do you prize more? - Firemaking or lightmaking.

firemaking

Question 6 = What sounds better, the deception of the hand or the fleetness of the foot?

fleetness of the foot

Question 7 = Pick one - Charisma, Dexterity, Constitution, Luck or Intelligence

Dexterity

Question 8 = Which is more important? - Knowing your enemies or Knowing your friends?

knowing your enemies

Question 9 = Which do you prefer - The vast and mysterious Amazon or the ancient and knowing Nile?

Amazon

Question 10 = Which of the following is more accurate - The hand deceives the eye -or- Wisdom is correct

knowledge correctly applied?

Wisdom is knowledge correctly applied

Question 11 = Would you rather die young and glorious or old and experienced?

young

Question 12 = Which attracts you more? - A great imperial capital city of murder, intrigue and fortune or a

cozy warm cottage deep in a far off forest glade?

the city O_O

[Foopy]

Question 1 = Summer (at night)

 

Question 2 = Lightning Storm

 

Question 3 - Castles

 

Question 4 - Ship

 

Question 5 = Firemaking

 

Question 6 = Deception of the hand

 

Question 7 = Intelligence

 

Question 8 = Which is more important? - Knowing your enemies or Knowing your friends? FRIENDS!

 

Question 9 = Amazon

 

Question 10 = Wisdom is correct knowledge correctly applied?

 

Question 11 = Old

 

Question 12 capital city!

[Houdinii]

Question 1 = What is your favorite season? (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter): Summer

 

Question 2 = Which of these do you prefer - Earthquake, Tsunami, Firestorm, Blizzard, Volcanic Eruption,

Lightning Storm, Hurricane? Tornado Hurricane I suppose

 

Question 3 - Do you like Castles or Quests? Castles

 

Question 4 - Do you prefer Chariot or Ship? Chariot

 

Question 5 = Which do you prize more? - Firemaking or lightmaking. Firemaking

 

Question 6 = What sounds better, the deception of the hand or the fleetness of the foot? Deception of Hand

 

Question 7 = Pick one - Charisma, Dexterity, Constitution, Luck or Intelligence. Intelligence

 

Question 8 = Which is more important? - Knowing your enemies or Knowing your friends? Knowing the enemy

 

Question 9 = Which do you prefer - The vast and mysterious Amazon or the ancient and knowing Nile? The Nile

 

Question 10 = Which of the following is more accurate - The hand deceives the eye -or- Wisdom is correct

knowledge correctly applied? The hand deceives the eye

 

Question 11 = Would you rather die young and glorious or old and experienced? Young and glorious.

 

Question 12 = Which attracts you more? - A great imperial capital city of murder, intrigue and fortune or a

cozy warm cottage deep in a far off forest glade? The great city of murder

[Kiltie69]

Imperial Rainbow City - Pier 11734 River Docks - Academy Quarter - 6 Hours before sunfall

 

 

 

 

I stood on the forecastle of the ship watching the rapidly approaching docks, my journey almost over, finally! It had been almost 4 weeks since I had left my home, my family and my friends to start a new life in the Rainbow City.

 

 

I am Dugan Bannatyne, of the Clan McDonald. I am fair of skin, red of hair and eyes of the deepest blue like many of my race. I am stocky reaching only 5 ft 8, or at least I was, but this journey and the heat of the far south has made me lean. Either way I am of good health.

 

 

I also happen to be a wizard in training; I was going to be apprenticed to old Peric at my clan keep. I thought that sometime I would travel to Colcaran to attend specialist lessons at the Rainbow Embassy there, but none of us, least of all me ever dreamed I would be summoned to the imperial capital!

 

 

I was raised on my family's coastal estate near the city of Colcaran, capital of the Lands of Carmanis. One of the northernmost lands of our world. Her Summers are gentle and short, Springtime and Autumn go by quickly at 2 weeks a pop and Winter is long and harsh.

 

 

My family were of noble blood and an ancient lineage, being we were related, through our clan, to his Carmanic Majesty Jonathan the XIII, who had ruled seventy Winters now. My ancestor 14 centuries past had secured the northwestern coastline for the original Jonathan from the dreaded Vulca raiders of Axajian to our North.

 

 

I stood there watching as our rather battered passenger ship headed into the custom docks of the Rainbow Quarter and I reflected back on how I had reached this point, how I had been brought to the city at the centre of the Imperium. It had began one dull day in the magistery chamber of my family keep. Peric, my tutor, and magic instructor had been trying to teach me some new incantations, when a house servant entered followed by a messenger resplendent in the white tabard and rainbow sash of the Royal Prismatic Service.

 

 

At first, I thought the messenger was here because of something to do with me but he ignored me and went straight to Peric. But I was distracted, enough for my incantation to go awry and Peric had to quickly nullify the spell but not before allowing my eyebrows to be singed a little! I was embarrassed but the messenger, who was rather nice looking, completely ignored me and handed a heavily embossed parchment scroll to my grizzled old magister. The parchment was sealed with rainbow wax but I could not quite see the stamp.

 

 

Peric opened the letter and read it, "Excellent." was all he said then he dismissed the messenger and me saying class was concluded for the day. For some reason I felt galled at not being told anything and stormed out nursing my singed brows and pride. I did not care for the smirk on the messengers face or old Peric's cackling either.

 

Little did I know but before the next day was done my life would be forever changed, thanks to that simple parchment. The following day dawned brightly so I was anxious to finish quickly so I could go surfcasting along the shore with my sole retainer and confidante Jamis. But, just before my tuition was to start, Peric bid me to follow him to my father's private library.

 

 

I was always nervous when this happened as it usually meant some form of punishment was about to be meted out for my latest indiscretion. My father was a strict man, believing in temperance, stoutness and study to further oneself and prove oneself a man. But he was a fair man, a well respected Laird of his holdings and a kind if serious father to me. He bade me sit opposite him and then spoke; his accent broad, his voice deep..,

 

 

 

"Son, we hae received great news for you and this family. Peric received wurd fae the Hooses of Magic in Rainbow City, tae say thit you hae bin accepted as a novice wizard."

 

 

 

My eyes grew bigger and bigger as I listened to him from over the other side of his massive oak desk. I looked beyond him to the windows and then down to the beach far below down the rocky hillside. For centuries various Bannatyne's had been pulling these rocks out so that potential invaders would have nothing to hide behind. I was going to be leaving this. I was startled when my sire raised his voice.

 

 

 

"Are ye listening boy! You will be the furst in this family tae train under the great wizards o' thi Imperial Capital. You dae us awe proud Son!"

 

 

 

In fact I was the only one from the entire Federation of Carmanis to receive the nod! Later that night father would read out a special message of congratulations from our King Jonathan about my success! I sat, in shock, it was a great honor to be accepted into the Magical Academy, the mage recruiters only came around every 12 years. I had never thought anything of my chances at the time when Peric took me down to the Rainbow Mission in Colcaran. The testing had been 3 weeks ago.

 

 

The line of people waiting to be tested was very long and that was just the line for nobles such as myself! The common line was like a great fire-wyrm that slithered down into the fishmongers' quarter nearly a league away. To become mage accepted at any academy could transform a life for the better, especially for the poor. Some of the richest and most powerful people were mages who had been raised from the humblest of origins.

 

 

Every adult and any child over the age of 12 years had the right to be tested for the presence of magic. And hopefully there would be enough of a spark in them to gain magehood. Peric said that only one out of every 2000 aspirants would be accepted to a local academy. But only one out of every 7000 had a chance to attend the Imperial School of Magic in the capital.

 

 

Most mages were trained in local schola's or academies and hoped to be accepted for further training to Rainbow Academy later on if they were fortunate enough. I knew that the vast majority of those accepted at the Imperial School of Magic were already established mages doing graduate specialist study and advanced mastery lessons and here I was going to the Rainbow City to magnify my own meager knowledge.

 

 

Peric, who was trained in Rylandar, the venerable city of electrical mages, had told me that every 12 years around 20 ungraduated magical adepts were selected by the Academy because they displayed exceptional potential and prowess. So was I one of them? I didn't even think I was all that spectacular! My mind reeled as I remembered something else Peric had said.

 

 

 

"Every 12 years throughout the empire and the world, nearly a million - maybe more - hopefuls of many ages and competency levels come before the Rainbow Mage-recruiters for testing and less than 50 in total are selected each time."

 

 

 

My heart began to race, when was this to be? How would I travel there? How long would I be gone?

 

My father broke my trance like state.

 

 

 

"You leave by weekend, so you hae' got four days to prepare."

 

 

 

He then went on to talk about my travel route and what was expected of me. So my last few days at home became a blur. I used the time to say goodbye to my family and a few friends and pack for the journey. All to soon my departure day arrived and my family gathered around me as I boarded my father's best coach. It would take me two days to get down to Carmanis, capital city of Colcaran.

 

 

Colcaran is the most important city in the North, the final bastion of the empire before the ice. It lies on a narrow isthmus and therefore has two ports connected by a great canal 10 leagues in length. The Northport opens up onto the Bay of Manis with it's huge rolling seas and ice hazards. The Southport gives access to the monstrous body of fresh water known as the Great Inland Sea which opens up the interior of the empire.

 

 

I love Colcaran because it is exciting and busy, full of all the news from the far North and from the South over the vast inland sea. I love to wander up and down each of Colcaran's twin high streets, one on each side of the grand canal. Even the great imperial merses can sail through the canal.., just. All seven of her bridges can be drawn to allow masted vessels access. I had been looking forward to my coming of age because then I could stay weekends at father's townhouse and enjoy the lively nightlife around the canal. But alas...

 

 

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

 

We set sail from the Southport as soon as we arrived in Colcaran. The journey across the Inland Sea took us two weeks and included one night in the Isle City of Jerhante famous for its firepowders, colored candles and sea-sick voyagers.

 

 

Finally we reached the Prismatic Territories , the lands of the Emperor! We debarked for one night at the city of Araparnasus, a heaving mass of activity and terracotta roofed buildings. The basilica of the rainbow there was beautiful, its famous sapphire dome sparkling in the sunlight. Arapanasus marked the beginning of the mighty River Rainbow.

 

 

Forty percent of all the water in the Inland Sea drained into River Rainbow which became ever wider the closer we got to the capital. We passed many, many cities, towns and villages along the way stopping over in some of them but eventually every town seemed to join together until the countryside disappeared altogether. I had long since given up the idea of Colacaran being a city of great size, but to me it was still better than this new reality. The sheer density of the population here just depressed me. How could so many people live like this? Where did all their food come from?

 

 

 

The sheer number of vessels plying the waters made me feel very small and as I stated before, the numeric hordes and habitations crammed onto each side of the great river just made me ill thinking about it. One day we saw 16 imperial merses moving swiftly and silently just above the surface of the center of the river. Only royal or imperial traffic was permitted the middle of the river. I had never seen more than one merse in any one place at a time so to see 16 of the mysterious hydrovessels was a great sight for me and Jamis.

 

 

 

We finally entered the city proper three days later. The river was 12 leagues wide by that point and there were 12 massive towers of Stormstone across the river. By some feat of engineering they could raise up the massive stormsteel chain that would stop all vessels from going any further towards the capital. It astonished me to discover 6 more of these gigantic constructs before we reached our allotted pier. I was very proud to know that master engineers from my very own home federation had helped design the system.

 

 

 

Just before reaching port we dashed below to dress once again in our home garb. It had been so hot that we had swapped our plaid and boots for linen tunics and sandals. We were determined to be presented as Manismen when we arrived in the city proper.

 

 

 

How we managed to dodge all the other vessels as we turned into our dock which teemed with stevedores, officials and sailors, I'll never know, but we had finally made it. The Rainbow skyline was something I had seen in books, engravings and paintings all my life. Songs were sung about it and many stories had we heard but the reality of it was something else again.

 

 

 

We had actually seen the Lantern of Aderixo almost a week before entering the city, shining unerringly through the smog and cloud and burning brightly in the night. Since then the other great landmarks had made themselves known. Rainbowmount, The Crown Tor, and the myriad palaces. And my home, hopefully, for the next 6 years was there too. The narrow fluted spire of the Rainbow Academy gleamed in delicate perfection almost as if it had been poured out of the sky.

 

 

 

My poetic reverie was shattered by the enraged squealing of several sodden-seeming voices splashing around in the murky green water. I had noticed the customs officer and his lackeys out of the corner of my eye. They had stepped aboard to check the captain's papers and cargo, looking over our humble vessel distastefully and ordering our captain to declare our cargo and passenger numbers in a condescending manner.

 

 

 

And now they were spitting storm nails and pointing directly at me? I had done nothing! I looked down as I often did when I had to think and that's when I noticed the slimy rope. Then I glanced suspiciously to the one standing beside me. Jamis! - whose light complexion was cranberry red and whose hands were quite slimy indeed.

 

 

 

He shrugged and grinned. The captain apologized, the sailors snickered and the customs officials yelled. And there stood I - standing on the deck of the ship, my dagger affixed, my brooch on my breast, seeing my future get off to the worst possible start. I know I will make my family proud.., I hope that I will make my family proud.

 

 

 

I haven't even stepped onto dry land yet...

[Former Member]

The Imperial Royal Family

Dear Reader,


The Rainbow Exalted are reputedly the direct descendants of Aderixo and have ruled uninterrupted for 12 millenia. They have presided over the rise and fall of countless rivals, nations and organizations. Their presence in the world is now beyond mythical - so much in fact that critics feel they are out of touch with the masses. The royal exalted are extremely long lived having lifespans ranging in length from 300-2000 years in length.


Sexual relations between the blood royal and a commoner will either spark magic within a latent non-magic user or super-enhance the powers of a normal practitioner. The exalted will generally possess marvellous psi-magical powers often claiming three orders instead of the usual two. Only the King Emperor can call upon the mysterious cosmic dragons in times of great peril.


The males of the dynasty royal often prefer the company of their own sex but will take wives for the purpose of securing the line. Those who acheive sexual union with a descendant of Aderixo will experience a massive slowing of the aging process. By law, prospective mates male or female must possess rainbow faculties above the threshold of 50% but this law has not always been observed.


The royal family follow a complicated and convoluted pattern of intermarriage using the ancient art of
Stellarcasting presided over by the House of Premonition. Couplings between the dynasty royal and mere 'humans' struggle to reproduce progeny and it is said that attempts by the rainbow-royals to join with the other species such as the elves have proven unsuccessful.

The Royal Family


Dynasty Name :Eras Lux Maxima Eterna
Current Emperor :Ryanis III
Age :1,002
Reign :1,563 years
Stylized :King Emperor, His Most Prismatic Imperial Majesty, King and Emperor, Summoner of Dragons
Sigil :Crowned Bejewelled Dragon on white
Orders :Generation - 100% (Ulturo), Regeneration - 99% (Ulturo) - Instinct - 99% (Ulturo)


Wife & Current Empress :Her Most Imperial Majesty Deonis Lux Maxima a-Deor
Age :733
Reign :1,002 years
Stylized :Queen and Empress, Summoner of the Rainbow Dawn,
Sigil :Emerald Sunburst on a Field of White
Orders :Clairvoyancy 99% (Ulturo) - Psi-Focus 92%


Brother of the Emperor :His Most Serene Grace Amscion Friso I
Age :1633
Reign :767 years
Stylized :His Most Serene Grace, His Most Imperial Highness, Convenor of the Circle of Light, Master of the Council of Ulturo's
Sigil :12 Orange Stars on a Field of Lapis
Orders :Telepathy 99% (Ulturo) - Clairvoyancy 99% (Ulturo) - Generation 95%

Son & Heir :His Most Imperial Highness Ameriso
Age :106
Stylized :Scion of the Morning Star, Caller of the Rainbow
Sigil :Prismatic Star on Black
Orders :Generation 99% (Ulturo) - Tele-Kinesis 96% - Alto-Focus 88%

Daughter in Law :Her Most Imperial Highness, The Princess Adreana, The Crown Princess (Nee Zionfell)
Age :23
Stylized :Imperial Crown Princess, Empress in Waiting
Sigil :The Green Rose of Isolorn on Black
Orders :Regeneration 92% - Psi-Focus 92%

First Daughter :Her Most Imperial Highness, The Princess Karalise, The High Princess Royal
Age :583
Stylized :Daughter of Magic, Servant of the Magestorm
Sigil :White Unicorn on Blue
Orders :Precognition 94% - Compulsion 90% - PsiFocus 76%

Daughter :Her Imperial Highness, The Princess Delar
Age :477
Stylized :Daughter of Portents
Sigil :Red Sparrow on Green
Orders :Instinct 90% Generation 84%

Daughter :Her Imperial Highness The Princess Cianf
Age :360
Stylized :Keeper of the Sanctuary of Isolorn
Sigil :Silver Lightning Bolt on Purple
Orders :Intuition 91% - Instinct 83%

Queen Empress Dowager :Her Imperial Majesty Tehraz (Nee Arronite)
Age :2812
Stylized :Empress Dowager
Sigil :White Lily on Lavender
Orders :Telepathy 95% - Premonition 88%


The Emperor's brother Prince Friso is the supreme leader of all the Magic Orders of the Empire and holds the ancient title of 'Amscion' (Scion of Light). His prismatic faculties are exceeded only by his brother the King Emperor.

A further report will follow in one day.

Regards

M.S. Violetcrest
Knight Administrator

[Former Member]

Question 1 = Winter baby!

 

Question 2 = Blizzard

 

Question 3 - Quests

 

Question 4 - Ship

 

Question 5 = Firemaking

 

Question 6 = Deception of the hand

 

Question 7 = Luck

 

Question 8 = Enemies

 

Question 9 Amazon

 

Question 10 -The hand deceives the eye

 

Question 11 = Young and Glorious

 

Question 12 - cozy warm cottage

[Kiltie69]

Just wanted to say thanks to Joey, and Nephys for all the work they have put into this. Also thanks to all who have contributed to making this a great story, long may it continue.

 

[Nephylim]

A very strange thing happened the other day.

 

There is a house at the fringes of the forest. It is a small but very fine house. As far as I am aware the only occupant is a man who is often standing at his gate when I walk past on my way to Marc's home. He has many visitors, some of whom I am sure are very important, at least from the look of them; however he doesn't seem to have anyone who is always there.

 

We usually acknowledge one another and occasionally exchange pleasantaries.

 

On this particular day I had been walking in the woods with Marc. We had been exploring a new part of the landscape and had spoken to a large bear who gave me a token to ponder on, considering our connection to the Source and, through that, to all things. After our visit to the bear's cave we had sat and looked long into the pool whilst discussing the concept of water: that one drop is, at the same time independent and subsumed in the whole. It was a difficult concept and it commanded my mind as I walked thoughtfully back to the academy.

 

I noticed, as always, the man standing at the gate of the cottage and smiled, as usual, in acknolwedgement. This time, however, he did not smile in return but gave me the strangest look that chilled me and intrigued me at the same time. After regarding me thoughfully for a few moments he motioned for me to approach and, for some reason I felt compelled to do so.

 

As i approached the gate it struck me that the man was not so old as he had appeared. His hair was white as snow and his skin sun weathered; yet his eyes were bright and youthful and there was a sense of vigour and vitality about him that I immediately found surprisingly attractive. I was excited, also, by the obvious power that crackled from his hair and sparked in his eyes. I suddenly became very aware of my muddy dress and disarrayed hair. I was sure, also, that I had mud beneath my fingernails and probably on my face also. i don't know what it is but I always seem to come back from my visits to the woods dirty and begrimed no matter how careful I might be.

 

Smoothing down my robe as best I could I drew close and smiled.

 

"Tell me, child," he said in a voice that was golden as the sun and light as the summer breeze, "where do you go on your many visits to the wood?"

 

"To consult with the Druid Master," I replied and he smiled at me.

 

"I thought that I sensed the power of the earth and the sun in you," he said thoughtfully. "Are you aware of the extent of the power you hold within?"

 

"I do?" I have to admit that I was flattered by his words and the way he was looking at me, and if I had been as I was when I first came to the Academy then it would have made me conceited and I would arrogantly have demanded more. However, I was not as I had been and I felt more embarassed than proud. If anything, my visits with Marc have shown me how little importance my small spark of life has within the roaring fire of creation.

 

"Give me your hand," he commanded softly and without will I responded. Taking my hand he brushed the wrist and palm with his fingers. On the thrid stroke I swear I saw a light kindle within my veins and spread rapidly through my body. I felt as if I were raised from the earth and held, suspended among the stars, light bursting from my eyes and the tips of my finges.

 

Barely aware of my surroundings, somewhere in the back of my mind I was aware of being taken my the hand and led in through the gate. What happened after that is somewhat hazy in my mind but it felt that a fire was kindled in my belly and stoked by pumping bellows into a furnace hot enough to forge a sword and, indeed, there were times when I felt that there was a sword thrust into the furnace to be hammered and then withdrawn to the hiss of the bucket. Sparks filled my eyes and, at some point my mind expanded out of my body to encompass the universe in its glorious entirety.

 

Somewhere in the golden distance a dark cloud loomed but I could not see it as my eyes were too much dazzled by the light of my fire.

 

And then it was over.

 

The next that I knew I was standing at the gate of the Academy with no memory of having got there.

 

On my next visit I mentioned this to Marc and he smiled in an almost feral way. I asked him what it meant and the smile broadnened. "You are very fortunate to have been afforded such an honour," is all that he would say.

 

Whatever the truth may be the experience has changed me. I feel more alive than I have ever been and sometimes when I wake in the night the light from my eyes illuminates the room around me. I have improved in every class and my psychic talents have increased many fold. I ponder the meaning and have come up with nothing.

 

I am waiting to speak with the man in the cottage to see if he can shed light on what happened but I have not seen him since. I wonder why. It is almost as if he is avoiding me

[terryxnova]

HOGWARTS?! LOL

Question 1 = What is your favorite season? Winter of Course

 

Question 2 = Which of these do you prefer - Earthquake, Tsunami, Firestorm, Blizzard, Volcanic Eruption,

Lightning Storm, Hurricane? Hurricanes pack a lot!

 

Question 3 - Do you like Castles or Quests? Quests

 

Question 4 - Do you prefer Chariot or Ship? Ship

 

Question 5 = Which do you prize more? Lightmaking!

 

Question 6 = What sounds better, the deception of the hand or the fleetness of the foot? The Fleetness of the foot!

 

Question 7 = Pick one - Charisma, Dexterity, Constitution, Luck or Intelligence- Always Intelligence

 

Question 8 = Which is more important? - Knowing your enemies or Knowing your friends? Knowing my Friends!

 

Question 9 = Which do you prefer - The vast and mysterious Amazon or the ancient and knowing Nile? The Vast and Mysterious Amazon

 

Question 10 = Which of the following is more accurate - The hand deceives the eye -or- Wisdom is correct

knowledge correctly applied? Wisdom is correct knowledge correctly applied!

 

Question 11 = Would you rather die young and glorious or old and experienced? Old and Experienced!

Question 12 = Which attracts you more? - A great imperial capital city of murder, intrigue and fortune or a

cozy warm cottage deep in a far off forest glade? A great imperial capital city of murder, intrigue and fortune!

[Former Member]

THE MILITARY

Dear Reader,

The following communique is a general report outlining some of the more interesting aspects of the Imperial Military.



LAND FORCES



RAINBOW HOST

Under the supreme command of the Emperor, the Rainbow Host forces consist of around 1 million conscripts and around half a million professional soldiers. This third of the armed forces falls under the oversight of the Imperial Commander General who is always a career soldier and commoner. This is the general army and is stationed throughout the empire. In some federations unapprenticed or guildless men and women are conscripted or may volunteer to become Rainbow-sworn. In the capital all unapprenticed or guildless men and women must serve 3 years in the Rainbow-Host. Headquarters are in the Capital.


INDIGO HOST

The Indigo Host of the Warlord - The second third is controlled by the Warlord who is always a member of the Elite (rainbow aristocracy of the Prismatic Domain). The Indigo Host of the Warlord are well paid professional soldiers. Headquarters are in the Capital.



THE ORDER OF THE LOCUST

The final third of land forces comes under the direction of the Imperial Mage-General and is responsible for the protection of the Imperial family and the Imperial Rainbow City. This force consists of large numbers of magically capable soldiers if not full academically trained mages. Headquarters are in the Capital.



NAVY

Under the supreme command of the Emperor the rainbow naval forces consist of around 300,000 sailors. The Imperial Admiral General heads the 'College of Navigators' who have the oversight of the Imperial Navy. The pride of the fleet is a squadron of 40 giant submarine-like vessels called "Merses". They have torpedo capability and are the result of recent magical-scientific advancements. The bulk of the navy consists of hundreds of general squadrons of ships and boats used for different purposes. The greatest ships of the line are the legendary Arrowsails, huge but fast imperial galleons of fearsome artillery. Main Port is in the Capital.

AIR

The Drakonforce represents the ability of the empire to put a dragonhost into the air for the express purpose of defense. Dragons choose their own allies for their own purposes and can be found assisting several other powerful empires around the world as well as the Rainbow peoples. The King Emperor is the sole person capable of calling up the vaunted Cosmic Dragons who live below Rainbowmount. Great elemental dragons of Fire, Air, Earth and Water also make homes within the empire and have allied themselves to various nations or even families and individuals who usually live nearby. The monstrous 'Infernal Dragons of Sanzion' are the most numerous and active of all dragons. They are fierce defenders and protectors of Sanzions warlike ruling dynasty - the Zionfells. Aerial Headquarters are in the Captial.

SPECIAL FORCES


THE CHRYSANTHEMUM ORDER

A coterie of just 12 elite mage-enhanced knight-troopers known as 'Lanxers' who make up the personal bodyguard of the Emperor. Lanxers wear incredible diamond mirror-armor reputed to have been among a trove of special treasures given to the first Lord of the Rainbow by Aderixo himself.

The full powers of the armour has not been completely revealed. Each Lanxer is a master of the prismatic sword and generally specialize in many other kinds of weapons as well. The lanxers are reputed to be the best fighters in the world. They wear ulturometer halo's granting them daunting magical powers. They are also immune to all other forms of magic. It is said that the only way to deafeat a lanxer is by dragon. Most of the imperial assassins come from within these ranks.

Certain aristocrats, mages and imperial knights are known to be members of this force. Legend has it that the most formidable of the 12 lanxers form a secret trio known as the 'Shadow-Rainbow' and are charged with being ever prepared against a certain foe who is never named. Initiation into the phalanx is said to involve some kind of bonding ceremony with the Emperor which seals the loyalty of the soldier even beyond the power of an ulturometer. They will enjoy extended lives but when the emperor they serve dies, so do they. This force is based at Rainbowmount in the Imperial Capital.


THE SCIENTIFIC ARMY OF INDIRON

A special army of 5,000 soldiers trained using the best offerings of the technological tree. This is the most modern of armies and was created at the behest of King Emperor Maximillian in the Second Age. Their purpose is to operate an armed force fully capable of treating with a magical host using non magical means. Based in Indiron and connected to a group of academic universities known as the 'Instituts de Technologie'. Headquartered in Beauhamelais (Indiron).

IMPERIAL KNIGHT ORDERS

There are in fact dozens of knight orders around the world but only twelve of those orders carry the title 'Imperial'. Imperial Knights are dedicated to the service of the empire. Imperial Knights are highly advanced officers and many of them can be found serving among the wider armed forces as well as their own orders. They are outstanding warriors but also specialize in certain branches of knowledge. Imperial Knights may serve as judges, advocates or direct agents of the crown where none are available. Each Order has its headquarters in the Capital but will also keep large chapter houses in other important locations.

Transcendent Order - This order specializes in the advancement and use of rainbow magic

Radiescent Order - This order specializes in the advancement and use of non-rainbow magic

Luminescent Order - This order specializes in engineering, roads, structures and bridges

Effervescent Order - This order specializes in hydrology, logistics and supply

Incandescent Order - This order specializes in explosives and pyrotechnics

Iridescent Order - This order specializes in defense and siege

Phosphorescent Order - This order specializes in battle and warfare

Fluorescent Order - This order specializes in scouting, tactical warfare and intelligence

Convalescent Order - This order specializes in surgery, medicine and rehabilitation

Ionescent Order - This order specializes in chivalry, diplomacy, politics and hospitality

Pearlescent Order - This order specializes in education, history, culture and archiving

Evanescent Order - This order specializes in the sealing and keeping of knowledge, expertise and secrets

Coalescent Order - This order speacializes in the ultimate unity of the world against the day of the return of the god Aderixo

***

A further report will follow in one day.



Regards

M.S. Violetcrest
Knight Administrator
Order Pearlescent

[Krista]

Question 1 = Autumn

 

Question 2 = Lightning Storm

 

Question 3 - Quests

 

Question 4 - Chariot

 

Question 5 = Fire Making

 

Question 6 = Fleetness of Foot

 

Question 7 = Dexterity

 

Question 8 = Knowing Your Enemy

 

Question 9 = Amazon

 

Question 10 = Wisdom is correct knowledge correctly applied?

 

Question 11 = Young and Glorious

 

Question 12 = The Peaceful Cottage

[baddjake]

awww menz!

 

how 2 be all knights all at once plx!

 

want to be lanxer but not be kissed by icky emperor dude plx menz

[AnimalMorph]

Magical Academy - Zach's Stories Part 1

 

 

In the far reaches of the Federation of Aquamoriah, at the foot of the mountain of Brisingr, lies a small village called Grassland. It’s a small village consisting of only a dozen families, nearly all of them work as carpenters because the wood and log from Brisingr mountain often praised for its durability.

 

 

The Grassland’s residents were rather poor as being a carpenter is not exactly a job that makes a lot money but they never complained. The villager were always thankful to Aderixo and the spirits for everything they had. Even though, most of them only ate a slice of bread as breakfast and dinner.

 

 

Morning almost arises, and a sound of activities can be faintly heard all over the village. Doors unlocked, people in general exchanging greetings and the usual “Good morning”. Woman chatting in the neighborhood, and the adult men start preparing their axes and bag to hold the log.

 

 

One particular teenager though, was still deep in his slumber. Drooling in his bed. Not a care in the world. Not even realizing that the sun is already out. That is, until his little brother tries to wake him up.

 

 

“Zach, c’mon wake up!” Theo looks at his brother hopelessly. Try as he might, he couldn’t wake his brother up. Zach still sleeps with his mouth open. His undershirt wrinkled exposing his stomach. His hand scratching it.

 

 

That gives Theo an idea. He knows that his brother is ticklish. Especially at his rib and underarm area. He will just use that. Oh well, Zach’s can’t blame him for this. It’s not his fault that Zach is so damn hard to be awoken right? A devilish grin appears on Theo’s face.

 

 

He starts to tickle his brother. At first it seems to have no effect. Zach still slept on like a log but suddenly he muttered something intangible and starts laughing uncontrollably.

 

 

“Mmmhhh hhaahah hahahaha. Oh god stop it Theo! Mhahahahaaa. I’m awake! Please Theo have mercy!”

 

 

“It’s about time!” Theo grins widely.

 

 

Zach stands up and tries to control his laughter. He gave his brother a dirty look. “Someday, somehow, I will have my revenge”.

 

 

Theo’s grin just grows even wider. “Nuh-uh. You can’t do anything to me and besides, it’s your fault you slept like a corpse! Don’t you know what day today is?” Theo looks at his brother quizzically.

 

 

Zach’s face darkens almost instantly. Of course he remembers, how can he forget? It was the very reason he overslept. He was thinking his decision over and over again, wondering if he is doing the right thing.

 

He has been accepted as a student in the Rainbow Academy branch in the capital city of Aquamore. The letter even mentioned a possibility of an invitation to the Main Academy at the Rainbow City itself! That was like a dream come true. Now, he can finally learn magic. Anyone with magical capabilities is acceptable as a knight. His family doesn’t have to be poor anymore, but the idea of leaving his family behind to study for years saddens and burdens him greatly.

 

 

Theo knows what his brother’s thinking and sighs. “Zach, we already talked about this. Even Mom and Dad agreed...”

 

 

“But you guys need me!” Zach explodes. “And don’t try to say otherwise because I know better. We barely made it through this year’s winter. You know if I take this offer I can’t help prepare for the next winter!” Zach says it all in one breath. He stops for a second to catch his breath and continues shouting at his brother.

 

 

“What if Dad’s back is acting up again? Huh!? What if Mom got a fever again? You’ll be forced to do ALL the work ALONE! The three of us working can only barely provide food on the table! YOU work alone..? I can’t do that! I won’t allow that! I... I... God!” Zach clenches his fist and hits the wall, trying his hardest to hold back his anger, his sadness, his burden. He can’t bear the thought of Theo working alone chopping woods in the harsh cold of winter. He just can’t.

 

 

Theo looks on dumbfounded. He didn’t know his brother has been holding all of it to himself. His heart ached too, but Theo knows he must be strong so that Zach can go to the Academy with a light heart.

Theo doesn’t know what words can ease his brother, nor can he promise that everything will be alright. He can’t think of anything, but he knows he must do something or else Zach won’t leave. So he steps forward in front of Zach, hesitating a bit, and then he hugs him.

 

 

“I’m okay. We will all be okay... It won’t be easy but I know we’ll make it,” says Theo in a whisper.

 

Zach hugs him back fiercely as if afraid to let go. He swears to himself that he will graduate from the Academy and become a knight. When he did, he will never let this kind of thing happen to his family ever again.

 

 

Zach released the hug. “I’m okay now... Uh, and sorry about that” Zach smiled sheepishly.

 

 

“Hey it’s cool. That’s what brothers are for ain’t it?” Theo grins. “C’mon get dressed and grab your things, Mom and Dad are waiting at the door.”

 

 

“Will do. Now buzz off!“ Zach said smiling.

 

 

“Just be quick about it”. Theo rolls his eyes and jumps out of the room.

 

 

While Zach grabs his leather shirt and pants from behind the door, he recalls the past few events that brought him here. He didn’t know that the letter he sent to the Rainbow Academy would be taken seriously into consideration, let alone the possibility of being accepted. He remembers how excited his Mom and Dad were, his Dad kept saying how proud he was for him and how his Mom said that he will be the most handsome student in the whole academy.

 

 

The letter did say that all the travel and accommodation expenses are paid for, but it doesn’t say anything about the tuition fee and living expenses over at the dorm. They had a heated discussion over this, but eventually his parents insisted that Zach take up the offer. His mother offering her most treasured wedding ring to be sold, while his father gave up his secret savings.

 

 

Zach knows even with that amount of money he can only pay for the first year tuition at most but he didn’t say anything. He will find a way to pay the next year tuition later, whether it’s by working part time or something else. He didn’t want his family to worry although he’s sure Theo knows about this. He couldn’t hide anything from his brother. He chuckles at the thought of that.

 

 

Zach heads to the well and splashes water on his face, hoping it will get rid of the sleepy face he had earlier. He returns to his room, grabs his bag, and proceeds to the door to saying a final parting word to his family.

 

Dad pats his son’s shoulder with a face full of pride. “Go and make me proud son. Make the WHOLE village proud!”

 

 

It’s obvious that Mom cried earlier but she tries to hide that. “Take care Zach, may the spirits protect you, and don’t forget to write us a letter or two, you hear?”

 

 

Theo can’t stop grinning like a fool “Man, you really are the big man now huh, Zach? Maybe after you’re back, you can teach me how to make a love potion or something”. Zach laughs at the joke and playfully punches him in the chest.

 

 

He looks at his family. The most important thing in his whole life. He wishes he could say something but he finds no words can describe what he’s feeling now. Instead he just says “Well, I’m off,” and turns his back. A long journey awaits him as it takes a month from Grassland to the capital by foot.

 

 

“My journey starts now,” Zach says to himself and with that, he starts walking.

 

AN: Special thanks to Frostina. Without your editing, this story won't be as good as it is now. Love you!

Edited October 17, 2011 by AnimalMorph

[Dark]

By the time food arrived at the room given to Haji for his stay at the magical academy, the man in question was long asleep. He sprawled on the bed nude, his hair still wet from bathing. The bathwater, still warm, was now begrimed and waiting patiently behind its privacy screen for servants to empty.

 

Saddlebags slumped where they'd been carelessly tossed upon a circular table. The holey toes of some much-worn socks peeked out as if to peruse the letter set beside a listing candle. The fancy writing glittered upon viewing, swimming about until becoming recognizable to the reader. This had evidently proved too much for an exhausted soldier.

 

Servants came in and dealt with the befouled water. Another cautiously picked up discarded travel wear betwixt finger and thumb and shot a grimace over to his compatriot. By dawn, the room was clean and tidy, and so were the man and his belongings.

 

Haji woke with the dawn as was his custom. His gut twisted deep inside as his brain caught up to his other senses: he was in yet another foreign country far from home. He sighed and sat up, throwing aside the bed covers. Groaning and stretching to loosen sore muscles, Haji dressed, his fingers lingering over clothes that looked better than in many a day. The thoughts and memories of other such skilled and unobtrusive servants brought forth first a smile and then a deep sigh. He hoped that the King was doing well and learning to manage the kingdom. She'd been nothing more than a girl when selected for the trials, and now she was the leader of all their people. Haji thought she had the maturity to survive, but he hated to think what real life would do to her childlike naivete.

 

Stomach now growling, Haji left his rooms and followed his nose toward the smells of food wafting through the air. The more he walked, the more people he saw, but there were few early morning risers such as himself. He remembered that the nobles in his country's capitol had rarely risen before noon, either.

 

He found a quiet corner where he could inhale his food in peace. He read his letter while he ate, taking breaks to massage his temples and watch the people around him. They were an interesting lot, these 'mages.' He set his chin in one hand and let his focus drift back to his letter. Outwardly, he looked lost in thought, but he was a soldier and had a sixth sense for danger. If anyone approached, he wouldn't be taken by surprise.

[Billy Martin]

Question 1 = What is your favorite season? (Spring)

 

Question 2 = Which of these do you prefer - (Lightning Storm)

 

Question 3 - Do you like Castles or Quests? (Quest)

 

Question 4 - Do you prefer Chariot or Ship? (Ship)

 

Question 5 = Which do you prize more? - (lightmaking).

 

Question 6 = What sounds better, the deception of the hand or the fleetness of the foot?

 

Question 7 = Pick one - Charisma, Dexterity, Constitution, Luck or Intelligence

 

Question 8 = Which is more important? - Knowing your enemies or Knowing your friends?

 

Question 9 = Which do you prefer - The vast and mysterious Amazon or the ancient and knowing Nile?

 

Question 10 = Which of the following is more accurate - The hand deceives the eye -or- Wisdom is correct

knowledge correctly applied?

 

Question 11 = Would you rather die young and glorious or old and experienced?

 

Question 12 = Which attracts you more? - A great imperial capital city of murder, intrigue and fortune or a

cozy warm cottage deep in a far off forest glade?

[Former Member]

Dear Readers,

 

 

 

The following is an explanation of the magical system developed by the Imperial Rainbow Academy for the service of its mages. Read and remember.

 

 

THE MAGICAL REGISTER

 

 

 

 

 

Rainbow Magic is extremely linear and can be accurately measured whereas other kinds of magic are often less friendly to the same scrutiny. There are 3 TYPES used to discern an adepts abilities

 

 

 

The Order Types

 

 

ORDERS :Systemic - Knowledge gained from study and experience

 

ELEMENTS :Natural - Environmental effects and enhancments upon the student

 

INHERENT :Genetic - Inherent abilities passed down from ancestors

 

 

The Order Families

 

 

Offensive

 

3 - Psycho Kinesis

6 - Compulsion

 

Offensive/Defensive

 

1 - Generation

4 - Regeneration

7 - Tele-kinesis

8 - Altofocus

 

Defensive

 

5 - Clairvoyancy

13 - Psi-focus

 

Neutral

 

2 - Telepathy

9 - Premonition

10 - Instinct

11 - Intuition

12 - Precognition

 

 

The Order Levels

 

 

Ulturo - 98-100%

Alturo - 95-98%

Prime - 90-95%

Principal - 85-90%

Master - 80-85%

Graduate - 75-80%

Senior - 70-75%

Adept - 65-70%

Acolyte - 60-65%

Intern - 55-60%

Thresher - 50-55%

 

 

According to the guidelines of the Council of Ulturomages the true ability of a practitioner must be measured without the assistance of any enhancements whatsoever. All new students begin as a thresher even in the event that their natural ability exceeds the thresher level. Hopefully students will graduate to their optimum position. For arguments sake a Graduate who with enhancements possesses the abilities of a Prime is still just a Graduate under magical law.

 

With proper training and enhancents a practitioner can push their total magic percentage beyond the recognized 100%. But the excess or bonus raw energy will contribute to the endurance and recovery construct of the practitioner and nothing else.

 

 

ULTUROMETERS

 

 

Ulturometers - were invented by Amscioness Inayamaru almost 10,000 years ago. The device is a

marvellous bejwelled halo or diadem that floats above or sits upon the head of a prospective student. The ulturometer then begins to impute symbols of light in the air above the prospects head revealing the capabilities of the prospective student. An ulturometer can work on members of other races too.

 

Other Uses

 

Ulturometers can been used for certain other purposes depending on the ability of the user. Clairvoyants are the best readers of an ultorometer. The Crowns and Diadems of the Imperial Family are all ulturometers of some kind, each one bestowing certain clusters of magic upon the wearer. Each of the rulers of the federations have either inherited, created or been given their own ulturo-crowns.

 

Ulturometers have certain other uses as well as the decoding of magic potential. They have been used to discern truth from untruth, imprison dangerous magic and non magic users, to execute 'psychomages' and communicate to dragons, animals or those who do not speak or understand 'Rainbow'. Certain 'gemstones' can be inserted into ulturometers and then transmuted to create different effects and potentials.

 

Experienced mages like to use combinations of gemstones fixed into their ulturo-crowns for different purposes. When conjoined with the innate powers of the mage user the combination possibilities are limitless.

 

 

The Major Arcana of 7 Gems

 

 

 

Diamond - The Prismatic stone - Air Stone - Creation, light, magnification, unification, amplification

White Diamond - Authority, power, cosmic balance, abundance

Black Diamond - De-amplification, delusion, division, loss, death

Pink Diamond - Illusion, Sensitivity, openness, cooperation

 

Emerald - The Earth stone - Advancement, All intellect and memory and mastery of nature

 

Ruby - The Fire stone - Physical Power, nurturer of success, destruction, purification

 

Sapphire - The Water stone - Promoter of redaction, communication, purity, clarity

 

Amythest - The Seer stone - The bringer of visions, clarity, serenity, fortelling, and the future

 

Pearl - The Wisdom stone - The giver of perfect knowledge, ancient teaching, and the past

 

Opal - The Awakening stone - Intuition, mystical thinking and understanding, and the present

 

 

The Minor Arcana of 13 Gems

 

 

Lapis - The Spirit stone - Inner truth, peace, emotional healing, stability

 

Garnet - The Armor stone - Protection from physical attack, security, safety and balance

 

Quartz - The Healing Stone - Recovery, rehabilitation, promotion, mediation

 

Jade - The Restoration stone - Wisdom, mercy, harmony, fortuitousness

 

Aquamarine - The Sight stone - Clarity of vision, calm emotions, divining

 

Topaz - The Touchstone - Enhancement of the physical, self confidence and ingenuity

 

Amber - The Energy stone - Physical constitution, positivity, protection from depression

 

Citrine - The Vitality stone - Perspicacity endurance, celerity, dexterity

 

Moonstone - The Erixoian stone - Femininity, creativity, interpersonality

 

Onyx - The Guardian Stone - Strength, reserve, protection, release, ease

 

Malachite - The Shielding Stone - Protection from psychic attack, psychic well-being

 

Turquoise - The Scrying stone - Seeking, finding, identification and solution

 

Agate - The Fey stone - Mystical, unknown, lost, unseen, different, alien

 

 

 

 

THE FACULTIES

• Shields or screens - are the sum total of your combined order totals. Whatever your houses are - you simply add their totals together to get the maximum level for your shield. Shields are your protection against psychic strike and survey probes. This power is found to be strongest among the houses which are neutral or defensive in nature because theirs will last longer.

• (example) - Telepathy (75%) + Intuition (65%) = (140%) - So the shield is registered as 140%

• Psychic Strike - The ability to psychically attack another person sending them into mental or psychological shock. Information about strike capacity is usually kept from students inside the first 3 years of their apprenticeship. This power is found to be strongest among the houses which are both offensive/defensive in nature.

• Primary Strike - Only three Orders are capable of delivering such a blow which at its peak is the most potent of all magical weapons because except for the shields of a Pk - all magical shields are useless against a primary strike. Psycho-kinetics (Pk's) are by far the best exponents of this power followed by Psi-gens (Generators) and Tele-kinetics (Tk's). A Pk can generate three times as much power as a psi-gen and four times as much power as a Tk however a Tk has twice as much range and a Psi-gen can cast the spell for twice as long as a Pk.

• Survey - Surveyance is the key skill in discernment and psychic information gathering. This power is found to be strongest among the houses which are neutral in nature. Enhancers - can be used to add a maximum of 12% to your faculties. The best and most well known form of enhancer is the ulturometer although these are incredibly expensive and are rarely found except among the most elite mage orders and Imperial Royalty. There are all sorts of other enhancers available in the form of talismans, charms and even spells.

• Restore - The power of restoration is directly related to the physical well-being and health of the mage. Recovery and endurance are directly linked to the physical body type of the user. Most PK's are large, athletic and powerfully built. Most Telepaths are slight and lean.

• Linkability - If for example you are a defensive mage, say Clairvoyancy - it is easier for you to link with other defensive orders than offensive orders. Mages belonging to the offensive/defensive bracket are suitable for linking to other off/def houses. Telepathics and other neutral mages can link easily with every order.

• Circles - Mages who form circles can amplify a particular power far beyond the ability of a single person. Circles can be of any size but for every 7 Mages involved you must include a Telepath. Careful selection of the mages taking part in a circle can cause specific desired results. This ancient poem captures the art of the circle perfectly.

7 Telepaths all may know

7 Psi-gens mass create

7 Clairvoyants seek and find

7 Regens healing flow

7 Compulsors truth you state

7 PK's fry and blind

7 Prophets future grow

7 Deathcasters them we hate

56 Mages single mind

 

 

 

 

 

 

A further report will follow in one day.

 

 

 

Regards

 

M.S. Violetcrest

Knight Administrator

Order Pearlescent

[Blackwulff]

Remeleth met with the Head, she was a personality, nearly mowed him over, but then, he could have been mowed over by a mouse. The woman who had escorted him here had departed, much to his relief, and he was free to find his rooms… provided he had a decent working knowledge of where he was to be. It had been too many years since he had last been here; and he couldn't really ask for help. Thankfully, he only got lost four times, and finally, he found his room, tucked in a nice, out of the way alcove.

 

The room was not as luxurious as his one in the palace, but it would serve to keep many out and give him some peace. He sighed, and set down his saddlebags, brushing back the fly-aways from his braid. Shedding his robes, dirtied from travel, he hung them over a bedpost. He moved around absently, looking, as he undid the tie at the base of his braid and painstakingly unwound the thick hair. Long black waves fell immediately into his face and he dug a brush from his bags, setting it next to the steaming tub behind the screen. He was grateful to the servants for having the foresight to draw him a bath.

 

His mind was fried and little slips of conversations flew around his head, the echoes of all the mages in the castle seemed determined to work their way into his skull. He needed silence, too many mages in such tight quarters… Ugh. He shed the rest of his clothing and slid into the water, it served as a buffer to everything as he slid beneath the water. His head didn't throb so badly as the water drove all the whispers away. If he wasn't careful, he'd fall asleep down here, and that was bad when one couldn't breathe underwater.

 

Once he had determined that he was clean (and the bath was nearly freezing) he slid out and toweled off, exhausted and quickly finding his way betwixt the sheets after putting on a nightie, passing out quickly after.

 

In the morning following, he was slow to rise, but the early morning sun beat on his face insistently. He groaned, shifting and rolling from the surprisingly small bed, with a yelp, to the floor, "Hell…" He muttered, rubbing the back of his head, his face contorted in a scowl. Where in the… oh, right, Rainbow Academy, being a teacher, hells bells.

 

He stretched and went through his morning routine as quickly as he could, though his impossibly long tresses were proving difficult to tame. After bathing and then shortly after sleeping on them, he had a variety of extra bumps that he certainly didn't need in already unruly hair. "Hells bells." He muttered mutinously and irritatedly pulled it into a ruthless braid, with curls poking free of the near thigh-length rope. That would have to do, as he approached his door, new fear sprung up from the old seed and he stared at the knob.

 

He took several deep breaths through his nose. No one was going to bite him, no one was going to do anything, he told himself as he shrunk into his robes. He took a couple more breaths, steeling himself, once again, and determinedly, he grabbed the handle and yanked it open, stepping outside.

 

To his relief, there were very few up to greet the sun as early he had been, and he sighed in relief, pulling shut and locking his door behind him. He remembered the way to the eating hall, the closer he got, however, the more people he saw, and the more he shrunk in on himself, keeping his eyes down as he snuck inside to get himself some food, some actual warm, cooked not-by-himself, food. It was heaven.

 

He turned, gulping. Now to find a seat. So many of the tables already were crowded, and he didn't know where other teachers sat, if they had a specified table. Finally, he sighed in relief, he found a table with only one other person. And he looked distracted, so maybe he could sneak over, eat his food, and disappear. He was good at that, he'd always been good at that. He slid over, the man was strange looking, he wasn't from around the Capital or any of the nearest villages, he looked like he'd travelled a long ways. He sat down on the opposite side, and the farthest place from him, trying to be invisible as he picked up a slice of toast and nibbled on it.