Sitting to the immediate left of the Adept was Dexter himself, cane long since dispelled and hands folded neatly on his lap with all of the stress and anxious anticipation from recent events hidden behind a thin veneer of stoic placidity. Being as fixated as he was on the upcoming proceedings, the Orphan spared little time to appreciate the multitude of various stunning works of art on display. A shame, he mused sadly, since the venue chosen to hold the upcoming trial had been a place he'd considered visiting on a number of occasions (upon repeated recommendation from a certain carefree and starry-eyed stage-magician). He had never committed to doing so however for whatever excuse, whether real or contrived, he'd come up with at that time.
Looking over at his Council-affiliated associates, Dexter could tell that the apprehension he felt was far from exclusive. Several times he'd entertained the idea of asking them about the finer details of Council Law and immediately discarded the notion soon after. He suspected that whatever questions he might have would be answered soon enough with the onset of the trial, and whatever doubts that might linger afterwards... well he could always ask for clarification from Eric he supposed.
Chapter 1: __________ is Magic
Moderator: ManWithDoor
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Hermit
- Level 12
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Re: Chapter 1: __________ is Magic
''At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.'' - Lao-Tzu
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ManWithDoor
- Moderator
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- Location: California, USA
- Title: Imperial Psyker
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Re: Chapter 1: __________ is Magic
Unlike at the before-Party, this venue has only sparse snacks on the side tables, although the drinks are still plentiful. The tables themselves are being moved into the main area as you walk up. The Sleepwalkers here aren't servants, but valued members of the extended society. They may not be Magi in their own right, but many of them are extended family or good friends, lab assistants, valued scholars, or a number of other important positions. While the Mages of a Cabal get all the name recognition, the Traditions would be lost without the rest of their support system. Whatever each Sleepwalker is doing in preparation, they look to be moving with purpose and efficiency. Evidently putting on an event such as this isn't a small thing.
As the helpers withdraw, a darkened figure appears on the dais. A large wooden staff is in his hand, and in a ritualistic manner he strikes the ground three times, the retort resounding throughout the room each time. "As Primus of the Council of San Francisco, I call to order this Council Meeting. Praetor Sparrow?" He waits precisely three seconds. "Close the Circle."
Dark maroon curtains drop from the ceiling, partitioning the large room and dais from the rest of the Museum. Two figures walk the perimeter, magically sealing the Meeting from the rest of mundane reality. One you recognize, and one you don't. The familiar face is that of Sparrow, Praetor of the Council. His enforcement duties clearly extend beyond simple investigation and law enforcement, as he and his assistant enact ritual protections. The Akashic wears his functional grey robes, and his right forearm is encircled by 108 Tibetan prayer beads, each signifying the mortal sins of humanity. In his right hand he carries a Dorje, the intricate item symbolizing the male aspect of belief - the method. Pairing it in his left hand he rings a Buddhist prayer bell every pace. While the bell balances the sexes with the female aspect of wisdom, the bell evokes protection from deities, the sound the voice of Buddha, carrying the weight of heavenly law. An aura of golden light builds emanates from Sparrow, and the curtains billow at his passage.
After the pair finish circling the room, the presiding individual steps forward into the light. Only those involves in the Council would recognize him by sight. "The Circle is Closed. Let all those present rest safely in the protections of the Council, as the Nine Traditions have since the beginning. I, Master Samuel Robertson bani Tytalus, Denouncer of the 8th Host, Keeper of the Jade Secret, and Opener of the Utmost Gate, call us to Order." He strikes his staff a final time on the floor, finishing his ritualistic introduction.
As the helpers withdraw, a darkened figure appears on the dais. A large wooden staff is in his hand, and in a ritualistic manner he strikes the ground three times, the retort resounding throughout the room each time. "As Primus of the Council of San Francisco, I call to order this Council Meeting. Praetor Sparrow?" He waits precisely three seconds. "Close the Circle."
Dark maroon curtains drop from the ceiling, partitioning the large room and dais from the rest of the Museum. Two figures walk the perimeter, magically sealing the Meeting from the rest of mundane reality. One you recognize, and one you don't. The familiar face is that of Sparrow, Praetor of the Council. His enforcement duties clearly extend beyond simple investigation and law enforcement, as he and his assistant enact ritual protections. The Akashic wears his functional grey robes, and his right forearm is encircled by 108 Tibetan prayer beads, each signifying the mortal sins of humanity. In his right hand he carries a Dorje, the intricate item symbolizing the male aspect of belief - the method. Pairing it in his left hand he rings a Buddhist prayer bell every pace. While the bell balances the sexes with the female aspect of wisdom, the bell evokes protection from deities, the sound the voice of Buddha, carrying the weight of heavenly law. An aura of golden light builds emanates from Sparrow, and the curtains billow at his passage.
You're working in the background currently, but still feel free to describe yourself and your interactions, maybe add in flavor on how you do your Magic in this case, as your methods are distinctly different from Sparrow. Maybe post your character image as well? Rule Number 12: "A soft answer turneth away wrath. Once wrath is looking the other way, shoot it in the head."
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RorytheRomulan
- Level 12
- Posts: 1838
- Location: US
Re: Chapter 1: __________ is Magic
The new guy is a college-age boy, can't be older than 20, with the hallmarks of Asian descent and a bit of a tan going. He wears a pair of skinny jeans, tennis shoes, a sports-brand polo shirt, and a waist bag. His outfit, his lax posture, and soft eyes, all leave the impression that he's a pretty casual dude (yes, "dude" is the word that comes to mind).
New Guy sizes up the people who stand out, noting the sharply-dressed 20-something, and the priest (wow, you meet all kinds here), and the purple-haired chick with piercings. He lingers on her a bit (and then looks away quickly because he thinks she caught him), before spying a looker among the Sleepwalkers. As if in response, bubbles (which only he can see) waft up into his vision, and his eyes dart down to see the back of a marine creature. A rather large bubble snorts its way out of its blowhole and almost seems to home in on New Guy's face - almost. /Try not to trip on the curtains, tiger,/ he hears, before it makes little snickering squawk.
Tiger frowns for a second. I won't.
At the point when Robertson begins to speak, New Guy's demeanor changes, becoming straight-backed and all business.
/You sure?/
Yeah yeah, I'm chill, now let me focus.
Just before the curtains drop, New Guy takes a deep - deep - whiff of something from a pouch he produces, and then stows it in his waist bag. as he walks around the inside of the curtain in the circle, he belts a long, low sound that seems to come from deep in his chest, down past the larynx. With respect to the importance the Hermetic seems to place on the number three, he shifts the "ooh", "ee", etc. in his voice twice before drawing a breath, effectively sounding out three notes per breath. He can't quite finish his side of the circle on a number of breaths divisible by three, but it's the thought that counts - that's what he figures, anyway.
And as he passes by, nearby folks might get a scent, like he'd just come from the beach. Was it some herbs inside that pouch?
New Guy sizes up the people who stand out, noting the sharply-dressed 20-something, and the priest (wow, you meet all kinds here), and the purple-haired chick with piercings. He lingers on her a bit (and then looks away quickly because he thinks she caught him), before spying a looker among the Sleepwalkers. As if in response, bubbles (which only he can see) waft up into his vision, and his eyes dart down to see the back of a marine creature. A rather large bubble snorts its way out of its blowhole and almost seems to home in on New Guy's face - almost. /Try not to trip on the curtains, tiger,/ he hears, before it makes little snickering squawk.
Tiger frowns for a second. I won't.
At the point when Robertson begins to speak, New Guy's demeanor changes, becoming straight-backed and all business.
/You sure?/
Yeah yeah, I'm chill, now let me focus.
Just before the curtains drop, New Guy takes a deep - deep - whiff of something from a pouch he produces, and then stows it in his waist bag. as he walks around the inside of the curtain in the circle, he belts a long, low sound that seems to come from deep in his chest, down past the larynx. With respect to the importance the Hermetic seems to place on the number three, he shifts the "ooh", "ee", etc. in his voice twice before drawing a breath, effectively sounding out three notes per breath. He can't quite finish his side of the circle on a number of breaths divisible by three, but it's the thought that counts - that's what he figures, anyway.
And as he passes by, nearby folks might get a scent, like he'd just come from the beach. Was it some herbs inside that pouch?
Last edited by RorytheRomulan on Thu Jan 02, 2020 3:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Muskrat
- Level 21 Elite
- Posts: 10518
- Location: The Secret Places Beneath the Earth
- Title: Keeper of the Hidden Word
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- User Class: Scholar
Re: Chapter 1: __________ is Magic
Pixel studies everything going on as carefully as she can, given her nervous state. She derives some amusement from the contrast between the formality and traditionalism of both Phoenix and Robertson and the informality of Phoenix's assistant. The assistant smells like ... Pixel can't put her finger on it. It's something familiar, but something she doesn't expect in this context, so she can't name it. She finds this mildly annoying, but tries to put it out of her mind to focus on the proceedings.
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Hermit
- Level 12
- Posts: 1190
- User Class: Trader
Re: Chapter 1: __________ is Magic
Of all the things Dexter had speculated that might transpire during this trial, detecting the pungent scent of an ocean breeze within a fully enclosed building was not one of them. Tentatively deducing the source of this unexpected aroma to have coincided with the passing of Sparrow’s young assistant during the "Closing of the Circle”, any further speculation on this anomalous odor fell to the way side as the Orphan’s eyes closed unconsciously and his mind began removing itself from the current proceedings in favor of reliving a childhood memory with his family at China Beach.
With significant effort and regret, Dexter tore himself away from his indulgence in nostalgic reverie and back to the present just in time to watch the cloaked man with the ornate wooden staff from earlier step forward and introduce himself as Samuel Robertson, along with an impressive litany of titles that the Orphan would likely need to hear repeated several times before fully committing to memory. As impertinent as his thoughts may have been about this convoluted and drawn out introduction, Dexter had to admit there was a part of him that exulted in such displays of lofty mysticism and histrionics in equal measure. After all, what better way to captivate your audience and keep things interesting than with a healthy dose of showmanship?
Now that introductions had seemingly been made, Dexter leaned ever so slightly forward in his seat, curious to see where and how this trial would proceed from here on out.
With significant effort and regret, Dexter tore himself away from his indulgence in nostalgic reverie and back to the present just in time to watch the cloaked man with the ornate wooden staff from earlier step forward and introduce himself as Samuel Robertson, along with an impressive litany of titles that the Orphan would likely need to hear repeated several times before fully committing to memory. As impertinent as his thoughts may have been about this convoluted and drawn out introduction, Dexter had to admit there was a part of him that exulted in such displays of lofty mysticism and histrionics in equal measure. After all, what better way to captivate your audience and keep things interesting than with a healthy dose of showmanship?
Now that introductions had seemingly been made, Dexter leaned ever so slightly forward in his seat, curious to see where and how this trial would proceed from here on out.
''At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.'' - Lao-Tzu
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ManWithDoor
- Moderator
- Posts: 9305
- Location: California, USA
- Title: Imperial Psyker
- User Class: Imperial Psyker
Re: Chapter 1: __________ is Magic
The repeated soundings of the Buddhist prayer bell and the guttural soundings of the young man reverberate throughout the Museum. Despite their very different looks and methodologies, the mystic energy of the two men synergize and build upon each other. They harmonize, and a thin veil of light builds upon the lowered curtains, imbuing them with a supernal glow. Despite this being indoors, the fabric ripples in time with the low larynx sounds, and an herbaceous scent spontaneously manifests.
The Primus nods with respect at Sparrow and his partner, leaving them to their own devices once the metaphysical protection is constructed fully. "The Council is now gathered, patterned after the old ways. Our safety entrusted to the learning and might of our brethren, Sparrow and Ray. Convened for wisdom, that all Magi might come together for the Ascension of all mankind. May the insight of the Oracles be upon us." His staff begins glowing along its entire length with an amber glow. Runic writings carved across its length brighten to an actinic blue. "As Primus of the Council, I guarantee the integrity of these proceedings with my Word, and my Life." He releases the staff and moves fully up to the dias, gripping the sides with his hands. The artifact stays upright, slowing spinning in place.
"Our first order of business is one that I have been looking forward to for some time, my fellow colleagues. You all know of the losses we have suffered in recent times. Losses that the world can ill afford. Darkness creeps upon the face of the earth, with fewer beacons standing sentinel against the dying of the light." The newcomers haven't heard anything about these mentioned losses, but none of them have been heavily invested in the Mage community in the past. Regardless, he continues on. "But champions step up in the most trying times. Ones willing to stand when others flee, demonstrating with actions rather than just words the depth of their character."
He turns his gaze towards the new group, ready or not. His serious face slowly softens with a broad smile, his formal authority earlier becoming friendly and welcoming. "Lady and gentlemen, your exploits will be presented for the edification of all. I welcome you to introduce yourselves as you wish, by whatever means you feel best communicates who you are." The floor is open to you now. From as simple as a wave and a name, a short biography, or even a time-consuming demonstration of ability. The time is yours.
The Primus nods with respect at Sparrow and his partner, leaving them to their own devices once the metaphysical protection is constructed fully. "The Council is now gathered, patterned after the old ways. Our safety entrusted to the learning and might of our brethren, Sparrow and Ray. Convened for wisdom, that all Magi might come together for the Ascension of all mankind. May the insight of the Oracles be upon us." His staff begins glowing along its entire length with an amber glow. Runic writings carved across its length brighten to an actinic blue. "As Primus of the Council, I guarantee the integrity of these proceedings with my Word, and my Life." He releases the staff and moves fully up to the dias, gripping the sides with his hands. The artifact stays upright, slowing spinning in place.
"Our first order of business is one that I have been looking forward to for some time, my fellow colleagues. You all know of the losses we have suffered in recent times. Losses that the world can ill afford. Darkness creeps upon the face of the earth, with fewer beacons standing sentinel against the dying of the light." The newcomers haven't heard anything about these mentioned losses, but none of them have been heavily invested in the Mage community in the past. Regardless, he continues on. "But champions step up in the most trying times. Ones willing to stand when others flee, demonstrating with actions rather than just words the depth of their character."
He turns his gaze towards the new group, ready or not. His serious face slowly softens with a broad smile, his formal authority earlier becoming friendly and welcoming. "Lady and gentlemen, your exploits will be presented for the edification of all. I welcome you to introduce yourselves as you wish, by whatever means you feel best communicates who you are." The floor is open to you now. From as simple as a wave and a name, a short biography, or even a time-consuming demonstration of ability. The time is yours.
Rule Number 12: "A soft answer turneth away wrath. Once wrath is looking the other way, shoot it in the head."
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Muskrat
- Level 21 Elite
- Posts: 10518
- Location: The Secret Places Beneath the Earth
- Title: Keeper of the Hidden Word
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- User Class: Scholar
Re: Chapter 1: __________ is Magic
Pixel feels blindsided by this simple, friendly invitation to introduce herself. She stands up and waves vaguely at the group. "Uh, hi, I'm Pixel." She shakes head, trying to pull herself together. "I'm a Virtual Adept. I've only really operated at the fringes of the Council till now. It's, ah, it's an honor to be invited here and recognized." Actually, she thought a lot of the hierarchy she saw was bullshit, but now didn't seem like the time to raise the issue.
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RorytheRomulan
- Level 12
- Posts: 1838
- Location: US
Re: Chapter 1: __________ is Magic
"Ray" nods respectfully to the Primus. He rolls his shoulders and neck, loosening up after this ritual, and pops a small pinch of herbs in his mouth. He joins the Praetor away from the proceedings between the hermetic and the others while they introduce themselves, at a distance he finds comfortable, and the sea breeze wafts away with him. He leans a little on either leg before settling into a lax stance with his arms crossed, chill and stoic for the moment.
He regards everyone in the room with sponge-like curiosity.
He regards everyone in the room with sponge-like curiosity.
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Hermit
- Level 12
- Posts: 1190
- User Class: Trader
Re: Chapter 1: __________ is Magic
Dexter fared little better than his associate in maintaining his calmness, looking off to the side in order to hide the sour expression and the silently mouthed Fuck that accompanied it in response to this cordial appeal for them to introduce themselves. To his relief and astonishment Pixel had decided to take the plunge first, giving ample time for the Orphan to compose himself and, more importantly, figure out how best to repay Pixel in the near future for her selfless sacrifice.
By the time that Pixel’s introductions were over, Dexter was more than ready for his own debut. He pauses to allow for the young man that had assisted Sparow earlier introduce himself as simply Ray before standing up from his chair. Falling back on pointers he’d picked up from June on stagecraft from their years of association with one another, Dexter swept his smoky green eyes across the crowd, eventually settling on Roberts without looking directly at him, instead fixating on a point just above the old man’s head.
Without further ado the Orphan launched into a stylish curtain call he’d recalled June enacting at the end of several of her performances, with one hand folded across his waist while the other was held out in a wide gesture as if holding some invisible hat or prop within his grasp. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” intoned Dexter sonorously as if he were opening on Broadway or some magic show on the Las Vegas Strip. “You may refer to me as,” he paused, clearly for dramatic effect, “Khulai.” he finished with a whimsical smile.
Returning to a standing position he continued. “In case any of you are wondering, I’m an Orphan.” The smile on Dexter’s face widened a fraction, clearly showing how little, if at all, such a supposedly derogatory term affected him. Apparently Magi have no originality or flair when it comes to derogatory name calling or insults. For a moment it looked as though the young magi might have more to say, but instead he merely nodded in the direction of Roberts and casually sat back down, the playful grin slipping back into a familiar dispassionate frown.
By the time that Pixel’s introductions were over, Dexter was more than ready for his own debut. He pauses to allow for the young man that had assisted Sparow earlier introduce himself as simply Ray before standing up from his chair. Falling back on pointers he’d picked up from June on stagecraft from their years of association with one another, Dexter swept his smoky green eyes across the crowd, eventually settling on Roberts without looking directly at him, instead fixating on a point just above the old man’s head.
Without further ado the Orphan launched into a stylish curtain call he’d recalled June enacting at the end of several of her performances, with one hand folded across his waist while the other was held out in a wide gesture as if holding some invisible hat or prop within his grasp. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” intoned Dexter sonorously as if he were opening on Broadway or some magic show on the Las Vegas Strip. “You may refer to me as,” he paused, clearly for dramatic effect, “Khulai.” he finished with a whimsical smile.
Returning to a standing position he continued. “In case any of you are wondering, I’m an Orphan.” The smile on Dexter’s face widened a fraction, clearly showing how little, if at all, such a supposedly derogatory term affected him. Apparently Magi have no originality or flair when it comes to derogatory name calling or insults. For a moment it looked as though the young magi might have more to say, but instead he merely nodded in the direction of Roberts and casually sat back down, the playful grin slipping back into a familiar dispassionate frown.
Last edited by Hermit on Fri Feb 07, 2020 9:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
''At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.'' - Lao-Tzu
-
Muskrat
- Level 21 Elite
- Posts: 10518
- Location: The Secret Places Beneath the Earth
- Title: Keeper of the Hidden Word
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- User Class: Scholar
Re: Chapter 1: __________ is Magic
Pixel mouthed the name, "Khulai," silently to herself, to make sure she remembered it, when she spoke to Dexter at official gatherings like this.