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#Post#: 10--------------------------------------------------
New Arrivals
By: Evil Squeegee Date: November 29, 2024, 1:06 pm
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[float=right max=45%]
HTML https://i.imgur.com/qHf1398.jpeg[/float]
[center]Kelly Anderson
HTML https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A74oySPKFFs4Ld75r3M9mS8w6s3o0It5UCgAbYQ5bww/edit?tab=t.0
And I can still see your dad
Runnin' after me with a shovel in his hand
I don't remember much after that[/center]
[hr]
“YEAH MOM, I’M STUDYING!” my voice barely carries over the music
blaring on my stereo.[br]
Well, it’s not REALLY a lie. I am studying, I’m just not
studying for school. I’m reading the Book.[br]
I’m lying stomach-down on the bed, with my feet up in the air
and my chin resting on my hand. Just… speed-reading. Turning the
pages. There’s so much magic in this thing, I can’t even make
sense of it all right now. But I’ve never met a book I couldn’t
crack. I relish the challenge. Even if the Book is different
every time I open it up, and even if every time I turn the page,
I’m learning something new.[br]
One moment I’m reading about the mystical nature of Life
patterns, and the next I’m reading about some interdimensional
cafe called Anywhere.[br]
…Wait what?[br]
I pause, and scan the paragraphs talking about this place again,
reading for real instead of speedreading it this time. It sounds
amazing! There are other wizards? They hang out there? [br]
I’m marveling at the very concept itself when a key drops out
from in between the pages of the book and ting-ting-ting’s
across the floor. This isn’t a weird occurrence, really, if you
ignore the timing. There’s all sorts of crap stuffed into this
book - leaves, feathers, taped up dead butterflies, loose pages
all askew.[br]
Thing is, I can’t ignore the timing.[br]
“...Okay,” I say to the Book, just in case it can hear me. I
climb out of the bed and slide across the hardwood bedroom floor
in my sock-feet, coming to a stop just in time to snatch the key
up off the ground. That’s when I hear the THUD of the book
falling off the bed behind me.[br]
Weird. It shouldn’t have been able to do that, it was securely
on the bed. This is getting really mysteriously eerie… I go to
pick the book up and it’s open to a full two-page spread of a
technical blueprint of a building with a big red X marked on
it.[br]
A key? A blueprint? This isn’t exactly a huge mystery, even with
all the questions it’s raising. Game logic dictates that I have
a map and a key and therefore I am being lead to the next
level.[br]
“Is… that my house?” I blink, looking not in disbelief but in
awe and curiosity. That red X is marking my bedroom door. [br]
I close up the book, and - on a hunch - toss it into my bookbag,
toss the bookbag over my shoulder, and investigate my bedroom
door. I try opening it, closing it. From both sides. It takes me
a few minutes to notice but there’s a keyhole in the door that
wasn’t there before, and I roll my eyes. Of COURSE there’s a
keyhole.[br]
I close the door, insert the key and turn.[br]
Nothing seems to happen at first. At least, of course, until I
open the door. As the door opens, the key drops to the floor
again, and in my haste to pick it up I bump my head on the door
- “Ow!” - and then as I catch my balance, I kick the key under
the door by accident. Little do I know, the key vanishes as soon
as I can’t see it.[br]
I completely forget to go looking for the key anyways. The door
opens to a whole new place…[br]
…it opens to the Anywhere Cafe.[br]
“Woooow,” I whisper as I step in and close the door behind
myself absentmindedly, completely oblivious to the fact that I’m
a stranger with a massively magical, completely uncloaked
artifact in her backpack wandering into an invite-only wizard’s
club.
#Post#: 11--------------------------------------------------
Re: New Arrivals
By: Chance Date: November 29, 2024, 1:34 pm
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Lucien [NPC]
[float=right max=45%][img
width=250]
HTML https://anywhere.infinimata.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lucien-1.jpg[/img][/float]
The room she enters is colorful, bustling, filled with murals on
some walls, exposed brick on others, and a kitchen down the end.
To her left is a coffee bar with a rather handsome fellow,
smiling with a charm that is otherworldly and, frankly, a touch
excessive. He notes that she enters without trouble, and then
studies her carefully, assessing. He then waves her over to the
counter.
"Hullo there, miss," he offers in an indeterminate but precise
English accent. "I assume you weren't expecting to end up here,
so welcome to the Anywhere Café. Could I make you a drink of
some sort, perhaps? Quintessence-Spiced Latte perhaps? First
one's free, after all, as a welcome-aboard."
-----
[float=right
max=45%]
HTML https://anywhere.infinimata.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ailey13-225x300.jpg[/float]
Ailey Huxley
"Only you can set you free."
Off to one side, at a table with two armchairs and a small pile
of books, a petite blonde woman watches with a friendly but
assessing mien. She looks to be perhaps in her mid-twenties, and
is definitely not hiding her interest in this exchange. Her
eyebrows flick upward in surprise at something she sees, but
it's anyone's guess what.
She's dressed like a college girl, pretty much -- loose, soft
cardigan sweater in a pale blue exactly the shade of her eyes
behind her large spectacles, a white scoop-necked top beneath
the cardigan, and a pair of worn, faded jeans over black ankle
boots. Her makeup is subtle but definitely there, and she holds
a large mug in one hand.
The mug is placed neatly on the tabletop, and then she picks up
her phone and texts something with two rapid thumbs flying over
the technology-slab's surface. A pause, while she waits on a
reply, and then another flurry of two-digit typing... and then
she seems to be done as she studies whatever reply she gets,
puts the phone down, and looks over to the counter once more.
Off to the side, in what may be a complete coincidence, a sleek
Siamese cat gets up from a window perch, yawns, stretches, and
heads over to where the blonde woman sits, jumping into her lap.
#Post#: 12--------------------------------------------------
Re: New Arrivals
By: Evil Squeegee Date: November 29, 2024, 1:55 pm
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[float=right max=45%]
HTML https://i.imgur.com/qHf1398.jpeg[/float]
[center]Kelly Anderson
HTML https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A74oySPKFFs4Ld75r3M9mS8w6s3o0It5UCgAbYQ5bww/edit?tab=t.0
And I can still see your dad
Runnin' after me with a shovel in his hand
I don't remember much after that[/center]
[hr]
Big. Wide-eyed. Staring at everyone without meaning to. I stick
out like a sore thumb.
“Quintessence?” I blurt out before I realize he must mean Mana.
Spell points. Energy. The stuff that fuels the wizardry. That’s
a cool name for it: Quintessence. Probably derived from the word
Quintessentially. Talking about the most perfect or typical
example of a quality.
That says a lot about magic, actually. I should make a note of
that.
“Oh. Right. that’d be great!” I say, only slightly sure of
myself. Free is good, mostly on account of my not having any
dosh.
I hoist my bookbag up onto both shoulders, and climb up onto a
chair at the counter. I notice the blonde girl who probably
isn’t THAT much older than me watching out of the corner of her
eye.
With a cat.
Oh my god I bet that’s her FAMILIAR.
This is so giving Harry Potter, minus the bigotry!
…
Staring. Right.
“Hi.” I wave to her. “I’m K-”
Uhhhh wizard names? Should I have one? Is that a thing? I don’t
remember reading about it. But I probably shouldn’t be handing
out my True Name to a wizard anyways.
“I mean, uh. I’m new here.”
Obviously. Duh.
#Post#: 13--------------------------------------------------
Re: New Arrivals
By: Chance Date: November 29, 2024, 4:21 pm
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Lucien [NPC]
The baristo grins and begins making a drink. It smells like
coffee, but like... the best possible coffee one can imagine,
with both the slightly bitter richness and a smooth intensity.
There is a milk froth, but it's faintly lambent, almost
iridescent, as he pours it into the mug. The whipped cream on
top has little sparkly bits in it that look like starshine.
Did I mention it smells like heaven and is presented in one of
those giant latte mugs?
It is placed in front of Kelly with a flourish, and an affable,
"If you need anything else, I'm Lucien. But make sure you don't
lose the key you had, if you want to come back."
Ailey Huxley
HTML https://anywhere.infinimata.com/ooc-information/room-host-and-staff/chance/ailey/
[float=right
max=45%]
HTML https://anywhere.infinimata.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ailey13-225x300.jpg[/float]
There's no judgment for the staring; the blonde woman seems more
amused, or just in-a-good-mood-ish. The cat in her lap peers up
as well and tilts its head to one side, blue eyes that match
Ailey's keen as they gaze upon Kelly.
"You're new, yes," she agrees with a welcoming smile. Her voice
is warm, low, and cultured, with a posh English accent. "And
you're welcome to join me if you like?" She pauses, and then
adds, "I'm Ailey Huxley."
The first name is pronounced like 'Bailey' without the B;
unusual, but then again, what isn't, here? She motions toward
the open chair opposite her with a graceful gesture and then
pushes her glasses back up the bridge of her nose from where
they slid a bit.
#Post#: 14--------------------------------------------------
Re: New Arrivals
By: Evil Squeegee Date: November 29, 2024, 4:56 pm
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[float=right max=45%]
HTML https://i.imgur.com/qHf1398.jpeg[/float]
[center]Kelly Anderson
HTML https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A74oySPKFFs4Ld75r3M9mS8w6s3o0It5UCgAbYQ5bww/edit?tab=t.0
And I can still see your dad
Runnin' after me with a shovel in his hand
I don't remember much after that[/center]
[hr]
I take my latte and move over to Ailey’s table. I can’t mask my
curiosity or wonder, but I chide myself in my head, reminding me
to play it cool.
“Hi. You can call me Kelly.” I’m going to guess True Names are
like, full legal names. I can give her the first name and be
safe. She’s gotta know what to call me, right? I know better
than to try and play the Mrs. Mysterious card. I’m more of a
Peter Parker than I am a Natasha Romanov.
I’m very careful to bring my book-bag with me, and set it down
in the chair next to me.
“So!”
Cmooooon Kelly. Make conversation. You’re finally in a place
where you can publicly discuss magic, right?
“Uh.”
Kelly. Don’t fail me now. Speak up. Say something smooth. Cool.
Invite her to conversation. Ask a simple question!
“...Okay so can like is magic a birthright thing or just an
unexplored science like I think it is? Is that your familiar? Is
there a school or something? Do I have to worry about
inquisitions or witch-hunters? If magic is real, what about
other things? Are there fairies and angels or vampires?”
Shut up kelly. Shut up shut up shut uuuuuuuup--
“I think my dad was a wizard, too. I found this book in his
attic after he died. We’re sworn to secrecy, right? That’s the
only reason I can think that he didn’t tell me he had it. But
then again it seems like the book does whatever it wants so
maybe it just showed itself to me? Is that normal? What about
evil wizards? Is there black magic and white magic or all colors
of the pride flag?”
Panic setting in. Hyperventilating. Oh god. I’m an idiot. I look
like an idiot in front of my first wizard. I am going to die now
thank you.
I shut myself up by just about slamming the Quintessence Latte
into my face. Can’t talk if I’m drinking!
“...holy crap that’s good,” I set it down, staring at it.
#Post#: 29--------------------------------------------------
Re: New Arrivals
By: Chance Date: November 30, 2024, 10:37 am
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Ailey Huxley
HTML https://anywhere.infinimata.com/ooc-information/room-host-and-staff/chance/ailey/
[float=right
max=45%]
HTML https://anywhere.infinimata.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ailey13-225x300.jpg[/float]
[hr]
Ailey listens, and smiles. "It's good to meet you, Kelly," she
says, in a sincere tone that doesn't seem to take in the
awkwardness at all. She extends a hand to shake, her left; it is
graceful and petite, with a wedding band set on the ring finger.
"Okay--let's hit on all the topics. One, magic is learned. It
involves a moment of clarity, which can come all at once or over
time. Some people have a stronger innate capability than others,
but any human being who Awakens can learn magic. It's... well,
some see it as a science, some as an art, some as a religious
practice. There are as many ways to see it as there are Mages."
She slips into an easy, calm, warm cadence; she's clearly been a
teacher of some sort for a while.
"There are schools, yes. We call them teaching chantries. I run
one, myself. It's in a small town on the East Coast of the
United States, but there are portals -- basically, doorways
through space -- that let you travel from there to other places,
like this one. We have teaching chantries for the safety of both
the world and the students -- because if you're not careful,
your magic can blow up in your face rather spectacularly, and
having more experienced mages there can help to ensure that
doesn't happen."
Her lips twist. "Unfortunately, you *do* have to worry about
being hunted if you're not subtle in your Arts. There are groups
that oppose Mages, and there are enemy factions within our
number. Right now, though, I would mostly worry about keeping
the truth quiet, except in places like this, or a chantry, or
among other Mages."
The question about the many Night-Folk makes her laugh softly.
"Oh, yes. Vampires and faeries and werewolves are all very real.
Ghosts and spirits, angels and demons. And other beings that are
less easy to explain. Not all of the various sorts of
interesting folk get along as a rule, though this place is a
safe haven. I am guessing that Fate decided to bring you here to
help you get some more answers to your questions."
The information about her father makes Ailey nod, and reach for
her own mug. She sips with a happy expression, giving a moment
over to the pure enjoyment of her Quintaccino. Then she tackles
the next bits.
"He likely didn't tell you because we all are supposed to
maintain something called Shade. We refer to ourselves as
Awakened, because we have come out of a sleeplike state to see
the truth. Those who are unaware are often called Sleepers --
and we are charged with protecting them against truths most of
them could not accept easily, or at all. The Rule of Shade tells
us to be subtle in our Arts, because the disbelief of those who
Sleep can do us harm, but can also do harm to them."
A pause, as she looks over at that book bag Kelly is holding
onto for dear life. She asks, gently, "Could I see this book? I
don't need to touch it, just look at it. You can keep it in your
hands if you prefer. I'd just like to assess the nature of it."
[quote]roll: 10d10 / Intelligence + Awareness vs 6. Spec on Int
applies.
2, 9, 4, 5, 10, 6, 3, 2, 5, 1 = 3 successes. Sad, but it'll do.
[/quote]
[[Assuming Kelly complies...]]
Ailey considers the book at some length, peering through her
glasses at The Book.
"Oh, my. I've never seen one of those first-hand before," she
says with curiosity and perhaps a touch of delight. She doesn't
reach forth, but does tilt her head a little for a different
angle. She then pauses and waves a hand around her, making a
circular gesture encompassing the whole table.
[quote]Roll: Arete / Forces 3, Noise dampening circle. Diff 5
(unnecessary implement used, coincidental)
6, 3, 6, 5, 6, 3, 10 = 5 successes. [/quote]
The sound of the bustle of the coffee shop around them fades,
down to a whisper.
"I've just given us some privacy. Don't worry. Anything you say
past this point will only be heard by the three of us," and she
motions to the cat in her lap, who stretches, looks up and
offers Kelly something like a catsmile.
"This is Zephyr Selene. She also answers to Zia. She's my
familiar, as you already figured out. And she doesn't talk to
anyone without my knowledge, because... well, the bond between a
mage and her familiar is that close, really." She reaches down,
scritches the kitty's ears.
The cat comments, "Little to the left..."
Her hand adjusts accordingly. Ailey chuckles. "Okay. Now, what I
was going to say is... this book? It is the source of your
magic. Most Mages carry ours around inside of us; you have yours
within this tome. It does have a will and a mind of its own; it
also most likely has a name. Don't share that name with others.
Not even someone like me. That... well, in essence, it's a piece
of your father's soul, which is now linking with yours to make
you a Mage. Did you actually Awaken, or did it just suddenly
happen when you touched the book?"
She seems very curious about all of this, but in a benign,
scholarly manner. THe English accent probably only contributes
to that appearance.
"And yes, unfortunately. There are evil Mages, too. And mad
ones, who are just as dangerous. And I mean 'mad' in the sense
of 'we're all mad here' from Alice in Wonderland. So we have to
watch out for that, too. If I were to hazard a guess, you were
sent here to make connections with other Mages -- like me -- and
find someone to teach you the things that will keep you alive
and well."
She laughs brightly at the reply to the Quint Latte.
"Oh, yes, they're delightful. Nothing like them when you've been
doing some intense magical work and need a pick-me-up."
#Post#: 31--------------------------------------------------
Re: New Arrivals
By: Evil Squeegee Date: November 30, 2024, 11:12 am
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[float=right max=45%]
HTML https://i.imgur.com/qHf1398.jpeg[/float]
[center]Kelly Anderson
HTML https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A74oySPKFFs4Ld75r3M9mS8w6s3o0It5UCgAbYQ5bww/edit?tab=t.0
And I can still see your dad
Runnin' after me with a shovel in his hand
I don't remember much after that[/center]
[hr]
Oh thank god she actually answers questions instead of staring
at me like I’m an idiot. I mean, I wouldn’t blame her if she
did. Only an idiot opens up about this stuff like this, right?
But where else am I going to get this information?
I listen, intently, as she explains - and I even let her study
or touch the book if she wants to. I nod along, making mental
notes as she explains.
I wiggle my fingers shyly at the talking cat, because TALKING
CAT?
This. Is. So. Cool.
[quote] WP: 10, 10, 9, 7, 1 [/quote]
My eyes settle on the book when she describes it as being a part
of my father’s soul. Cheesy, I know. Nobody wants to watch a kid
tear up thinking about recently deceased daddy. But I’m driven,
now, to learn more magic than I was even before. Before, it was
just oh magic so cool it’s real omg but now it’s a way to keep
my dad with me.
I rub my eyes and inhale sharply, focusing on the subject at
hand. I take a second to think about her question. Focus on
that, instead of on feelings. Feelings can wait until later.
Wizard might be temporary.
“I mean, I don’t know? I just read the book and it made sense. I
feel like anyone with an open mind could learn from it, just
like they learn from a textbook. Does that count as Awakening?
The book contains loads of information on magic, and I’ve been
reading it ever since I found it a few weeks ago. I’ve got a
basic grasp on everything, I think. There’s so much more in
there to learn, though. I’m especially interested in the
alchemical properties of energy and matter, which are more
distinct than my education in physics would have lead me to
believe.”
I nod as she says I was sent here. That makes sense; destiny and
fate are forces in the universe just like kinetic energy and
friction. Heck, one could even argue that fate is to time as
energy is to space.
Man I sound so cool in my head.
#Post#: 34--------------------------------------------------
Re: New Arrivals
By: Chance Date: November 30, 2024, 11:46 am
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Ailey Huxley
HTML https://anywhere.infinimata.com/ooc-information/room-host-and-staff/chance/ailey/
[float=right
max=45%]
HTML https://anywhere.infinimata.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ailey13-225x300.jpg[/float]
[hr]
There's something truly beautiful in the expression of someone
seeking knowledge for the sake of itself; Ailey appreciates this
more than most, her little smile crooked and simple. There's no
judgment of any negative sort in her eyes.
Zia lifts a paw, waving back, and settles in to watch and
half-doze, her blue eyes rapt and bright amidst the black
markings on her face.
As Kelly blinks back tears, Ailey fishes out an honest-to-dog
handkerchief, clean and neatly folded, and hands it over to
Kelly. It's a soft linen, but not embroidered or anything.
Unfancy, but nice.
She listens more deeply as Kelly explains, and Ailey huhs and
hmms throughout. "Oh, yes. The mundane sciences don't even begin
to scratch the surface. I honestly wish we could open more of
the truth to people, but given how this world is right now,
there's so much room for abuse of younger or less experienced
mages. Someone makes you big promises, puts you in a position of
some power, and then demands you use your Arts to their ends.
Even the earliest parts of what we can learn have so many
incredible uses. Understanding the world around you is so
important; yet, a lot of us gloss over the sensory Arts and move
ahead to the more direct applications without much thought. I
admit to doing that because I was curious and driven."
She chuckles. "I still am. But now I've learned to appreciate
the journey more."
Her slow nod takes it all in, and she says, "Okay. How... can
you explain to me how you work magic in general? Tools, methods,
all of it? Knowing that will help me figure out where you might
best fit among us. Your point of view will matter, too; some
Traditions of magic expect certain things of their members that
may not fit your worldview or beliefs."
She takes another sip from her Quintaccino. The level in it
doesn't seem to drop as she drinks, but she's definitely
drinking. Cheater -- she's refilling the cup as she drinks!
#Post#: 42--------------------------------------------------
Re: New Arrivals
By: Evil Squeegee Date: November 30, 2024, 2:30 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[float=right max=45%]
HTML https://i.imgur.com/qHf1398.jpeg[/float]
[center]Kelly Anderson
HTML https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A74oySPKFFs4Ld75r3M9mS8w6s3o0It5UCgAbYQ5bww/edit?tab=t.0
And I can still see your dad
Runnin' after me with a shovel in his hand
I don't remember much after that[/center]
[hr]
I light up as she asks me to explain magic to her.
Oh man.
“Okay so I’m more like a wizard than a sorcerer,” I say. “Dr
Strange, rather than Wanda Maximoff. The universe is like a
machine - if you know the blueprint, you’re better equipped to
interfere with it. For me, anyways? I think you’re implying that
not everyone’s magic works the same, which would make sense:
It’s magic. But anyways.”
I swallow. I’m talking too fast. I need to slow down.
“So, like, magic is all around us. Dungeons and Dragons calls it
the Weave, so I’ll run with that -- you can hook your will into
it with intent. But that in and of itself isn’t enough, once
your will is hooked into the weave, you gotta say the right
words, make the right gestures, and channel that will correctly.
Anything is possible, as long as you understand how the Weave
filters itself into reality. Sometimes you need to spend mana --
your mystical energy -- to fuel a change by giving your intended
spell a little kickstart, too. ”
I pull a wand out of my backpack, and lay it gently on the table
-- treating it with the same respect you’re supposed to treat a
weapon with. I look around a little, making sure I’m not
committing some kind of social faux pas, and then continue.
“The Book is filled with instructions, tables, references,
examples and so on - everything you need to extrapolate how to
do your own magic. Like, uhm.”
I look around, and then notice her cup is still full. Mine is
about half way empty. That’s a perfect example.
I take the wand and wave it over the cup, tracing fulthark runes
in the air.
“Kwuroth de’Sal,” I intone.
[quote]Matter 1 + Forces 1 + Prime 1!
Arete 1: Spending a WP for an auto-success.
Dice result: 5. Good thing she spent that WP![/quote]
The cup fills up. It takes a little mana. It almost spills over,
but I open my hand and close it into a fist over the top and
fill it to precisely the brim, and no more.
“Spells aren’t set in stone or memorized ahead of time, they’re
the result of my weaving gestures and words and intent together
into a change in reality.”
I take a sip from my newly-refilled latte.
Oh man I nailed it. So hard. It’s even the perfect temperature.
#Post#: 61--------------------------------------------------
Re: New Arrivals
By: Chance Date: December 1, 2024, 9:46 am
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Ailey Huxley
HTML https://anywhere.infinimata.com/ooc-information/room-host-and-staff/chance/ailey/
[float=right
max=45%]
HTML https://anywhere.infinimata.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ailey13-225x300.jpg[/float]
[hr]
Ailey grins at the mention of sorcery and wizardry, and notes,
"I'm not sure what one would call my style of working. Witchery
of some sort, perhaps. But... yes, if you're seeing the universe
in a more mechanistic manner, but you're definitely seeing it as
magic, it sounds like your view is more Hermetically-oriented.
Have you been referred to Crowley or Regardie or any of the
Victorian mystics who worked in angel-forms and ciphers and
such? Like the OTO or the Order of the Golden Dawn, if any of
that sounds familiar?"
She doesn't seem to be having any trouble keeping up; more,
she's keeping pace with every point and losing none of them.
"That's a mystick's view. There is a code, a language, that
allows a key to every locked door of mystery. The inclusion of
Quintessence adds a level of power to the craft as well." She
watches as the young woman draws out a wand, and nods. She may
not use that sort of implement, but she understands its
significance and value, especially to a beginning mage.
She observes as Kelly works her Art and Will, and nods slowly,
smiling with appreciation for a spell well done.
"That is a well-spun spell, or 'effect' as most of us call it.
But 'spell' works, too. Most spells are a matter of drawing on
the units, if you will, of the parts you understand and
assembling them into a greater whole. But it seems like you get
that already. While it's not my metaphor, I do know a lot about
it from years of working with other mages. I think what we need
to do is find you a Hermetic teacher. Mages are members of
various groups called Traditions, in the sect I belong to. The
mystics who work with magic-as-language-and-symbol sort are the
Order of Hermes, which has several smaller groups under its
umbrella depending on your basic temperament and world-view, or
paradigm."
She adds, "As it stands, my full, proper Mage introduction is
Doctor Divya Adele Huxley bani Sahajiya, meaning, of the house
of Sahajiya. My rank is Diyva, or 'Master,' but I don't stand on
ceremony as a rule because honestly, I have too many titles
already." She smiles, and adds, "My Tradition is called the
Sahajiya, which is a very old name. The more common name is the
Ecstatics, or the Cult of Ecstasy, but most of us dislike the
'Cult' nomenclature and chose to go back to our old name."
Ailey stops, and chooses to take a sip of her own Quintaccino.
Zia, the cat, offers, in her weirdly catlike voice, "Ecstatics
work through personal passions and emotion. All of their magic
is linked to their soul's passions. They also tend to be a
pretty self-indulgent bunch. Most of them, anyway. Ailey is
happily married, unlike most Ecstatics. But she's more of an
intellectual than most Ecstatics, anyway."
Ailey cuts in with, "That's not entirely true. There are some
brilliant minds among my Tradition, they just don't always have
the over-educated vocabulary to sound impressive."
She laughs, and the English accent takes on a slight edge,
teasing about herself: "But I'm ridiculously overeducated. I'm a
Philosophy professor in my mundane life, though I can't live in
the mundane world all the time any more. After a while, your
power as a Mage starts to exceed the world's capacity to accept
your reality, and you have to stay in places like this one, here
in the Horizon. Oh. Did your book have anything about the
various planes and the Umbra? If so, you may want to explore it
on the basic level. Because where you are, right now, is a
Horizon Realm. Which is a small pocket of reality outside of the
mundane, normal world. Which is why magic is so easy here."
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