Magic The Gathering - Axys Adventures (Revamp-Now accepting) • Young Writers Society

Caesar · 2012-05-18T09:25:28Z

We are still accepting characters and planeswalker. PM me if you're interested. Disclaimer: the five wheel color scheme was originally created by Wizards of the Coast, as the planeswalker concept. Everything else was designed by me. The Multiverse. A diverse and unimaginably vast area, divided into smaller ‘planes’, territories, some interlinked, most uniquely different. The universe is regulated by a primal magical force known as mana. All planes – the creatures, the nature, the magic – thrive and depend on mana to survive. It can be harnessed, it can be exploited, but most coexist peacefully alongside it, some not even questioning its purpose and existence. You are a planeswalker—a powerful wizard who fights other planeswalkers for glory, knowledge, and conquest, with the ability to jump from plane – territory – to plane. You possess a vast arsenal of spells, creatures and artifacts at your disposal to aid you in this conquest, and with each new creature you encounter, spell you learn, and land you travel to, your arsenal expands. Mana can be ‘gathered’ by mages and planeswalkers in certain ways: • Gathering power from the land itself. Most mages in magic picture a certain spot from their memory, like mountains or an island or beach (...etc) and accumulate the magic in their mind. From there they can shape it into spells. However, one must be careful not to overload the mana gathered this way, lest it burns the mage to ashes. • Powerful artifacts can supply power to fuel spells, though they must already be stored with said energy beforehand. Most artifacts are found in nature, created by gods or whatever superpowered deity in question, though some extremely talented wizards, artificers, can spend enormous amounts of energy to create an artifact. There are five principal ‘colors’, or types, of mana: • White, the color of order, healing, justice, and light but also authoritarianism, subjugation and beaurocracy. It's produced by plains in nature. • Blue, the color of knowledge, reason, and trickery, as well as air and water. It's produced by islands in nature. • Black, the color of death, darkness, despair, selfishness, and amorality, but also individuality and ambition. It's produced by swamps in nature. • Red, the color of chaos, destruction, war, and fury, as well as lightning and fire. It's produced by mountains in nature. • Green, the color of life, nature, growth, instinct, and interdependence. It's produced by forests in nature. Each of the five colors of magic has two ally colors and two enemy colors, therefore mages of those color – or colors, for mages can master multiple or even all five – get along better or worse with those colors. In depth mana profile: White: White mana comes from sprawling plains, sunlit savannahs, and windswept meadows. In Magic, white is the color of law, order, and structure. White magic heals and protects and is often a force for justice and honor. When a white mage fights, legions of troops thunder across the battlefield with their banners held high. Enemy hordes are routed outside the gates of a castle. When white unleashes its wrath, the battlefield is cleansed of all life. Order, protection, light, law: These are white magic's values. White mages achieve balance through strategy and organization. For white mages, society is more important than the individual. They build strong defenses, rally the troops, and protect their allies. White magic heals injured soldiers so they can answer the call of battle again and again. White mages amass enormous armies, but sometimes a single, awesome champion is necessary to teach the enemy a lesson. At their best, white mages are self-sacrificing and moral. At their worst, they are uncreative and even authoritarian. Examples of white spells include cleansing and healing magic, blinding light, and devastating waves of purifying energy. White-aligned creatures are orderly, defensive, and cooperative. They gather fast and strike first. White mages can summon majestic angels to devastate the unworthy. Legions of soldiers and knights form effective armies under a white mage's command. The soldiers might be small individually, but together they are overwhelming. White is allied with green and blue. White mana and green mana share values of holism, order, and community. White and blue mana share values of thoughtfulness, structure, and progress. White mana opposes red mana through the conflicts of order vs. chaos, defense vs. offense, and strategy vs. spontaneity. White mana opposes black mana through the conflicts of light vs. darkness, purity vs. corruption, and the needs of the many vs. the needs of the individual. Blue: Islands provide blue mana—the magic of the deep sea and the endless sky. Blue magic is about deceit, logic, and illusion. To a blue mage, information and knowledge are paramount. Blue mages want to know everything, and they'll go to any lengths to do so. When a blue mage fights, tidal waves crash against rocky cliffs, the wind whips out of stormy skies, and an enemy's spells fail as their creatures vanish into thin air. Knowledge, manipulation, wind, and wave: These are the blue mage's tools. Blue magic is reactive, calculated, and methodical. Its strength lies in patience and intelligence. Blue mages work behind the scenes, scheming and stealing secrets. They control their environments completely before making a move. Blue spells and abilities focus on prediction and illusion. Blue is also the color of technology and artifice. At their best, blue mages are inventive and progressive. At their worst, they are manipulative and treacherous. Examples of blue spells include crashing waves, whirlpools of Æther, and even manipulations of time itself. Blue-aligned creatures try to deceive their opponents or trick them into using magic in a way they didn't intend. Blue-aligned creatures often confuse, disguise themselves, or steal things from their enemies. Blue mages call wizards and weird beasts of the air and oceans to serve them. They summon crafty sphinxes, ferocious drakes, and elusive sprites. Titanic leviathans surface from the depths of the ocean to do their bidding. Blue is allied with white and black. Blue and white mana share values of thoughtfulness, structure, and progress. Blue and black mana share values of secrecy, manipulation, and desire for omniscience. Blue mana opposes red mana through the conflicts of water vs. fire, logic vs. emotion, and thought vs. action. Blue mana opposes green mana through the conflicts of the artificial vs. the natural, illusion vs. reality, and stultification vs. growth. Black: Black mana comes from dank swamps, where things fester and rot. Shadowy wastelands, haunted catacombs, and fetid bogs are all prime sources of black mana. Black is the color of death, fear, and amorality—these are the twisted values of the darkness. Black magic is powerful and easy to wield, but it comes with a high price. Black mages are self-centered and self-serving. They will do anything to get power—no matter what the cost. Death, ambition, and darkness are the stock and trade of black mages. Black mana offers a host of gruesome spells. Black magic can unearth the dead from their graves and make them walk again. It can spread a pestilence across the landscape and drain the life from all who live there. Black spells can curse victims in horrible and enduring ways. They can warp the mind, poison the land, and kill creatures instantly. But the price is high and the risks are many. At their best, black mages are ambitious and unashamed. At their worst, they are enslaving and devouring. Examples of black spells are tendrils of corrupting shadow, command over the undead, and projection of crippling nightmares into the minds of enemies. Undead skeletons and ghouls, unspeakable horrors, and diabolical demons are native to places of black mana, and they're as self-serving and treacherous as the mages who control them. Black magic isn't limited to these abominations, though—death-cultists and secret societies of assassins carry out black mages' nefarious plans under cover of darkness. Black mages control the most horrifying of creatures, but always at a price. Black is allied with red and blue. Black and blue mana share the values of secrecy, manipulation, and desire for omniscience. Black and red mana share the values of individualism, instant gratification, and self-interest. Black mana opposes white mana through the conflicts of darkness vs. light, corruption vs. purity, and the needs of the individual vs. the needs of the many. Black mana opposes green mana through the conflicts of death vs. life, decay vs. growth, and greed vs. abundance. Red: Red mana flows from rugged mountain ranges, rocky crags, and the fiery heart of volcanoes. Red magic is about fury and passion. When a red mage fights, lightning arcs across the blood-red sky, lava erupts from the earth, and flash fires consume the land. Red mages can channel their wild emotions to raze a city or to harness flames into deadly weapons. Freedom, fire, and impulse are the lifeblood of every red mage. Red mages have no patience for talk or subtlety. They act quickly and recklessly. With red mana, a mage controls the power of fire and earth. Red mages scorch their enemies with fireballs or call down electricity from the sky. They can rattle the foundations of civilizations and destroy the land itself. At their best, red mages are dynamic, passionate, and unbound. At their worst, they are shortsighted, temperamental, and destructive. Examples of red spells include rains of meteors, searing bolts of lightning, and huge gouts of flame. Red-aligned creatures are warlike, frenzied, and dangerous. Red mages summon mighty dragons to dominate the skies. They send hordes of bloodthirsty barbarians or rampaging goblins to lay waste to their enemies. They also channel mystical energy and summon fire elementals of merciless power and destruction. Red creatures rage across the landscape cutting down anything that stands in their way. Red is allied with black and green. Red mana and black mana share the values of individualism, instant gratification, and self-interest. Red and green mana share the values of action, base urges, and connection to the earth. Red mana opposes white mana through the conflicts of chaos vs. order, offense vs. defense, and opportunity vs. strategy. Red mana opposes blue mana through the conflicts of fire vs. water, emotion vs. logic, and action vs. thought. Green: The teeming forests overflow with green mana, the pulse of nature. Green magic is about growth, life, and brute force. When a green mage fights, massive creatures crash through the undergrowth, animals enlarge to gargantuan size, and wounds close before blood spills onto the ground. Strength, ferocity, and life: These are the values that sustain the green mage. Green mages understand that the world obeys the law of the jungle—everything is either predator or prey. Green mages do what they can to accelerate and protect nature: jungles expand, artifacts crumble, and creatures regenerate themselves. For green mages, even the plants become lethal weapons. At their best, green mages are instinctual and adaptive. At their worst, they are savage, unthinking, and predatory. Examples of green spells include wild, lush growth, sudden predatory hunger, and the might of an entire stampede. Green mages summon a huge variety of creatures, from forest-dwelling animals to territorial elves and awe-inspiring behemoths. Some green creatures are living wellsprings of mana; others overrun their foes in a mighty rush of ferocious power. From towering nature elementals to carnivorous wurms, green creatures are the biggest and mightiest around. Green is allied with white and red mana. Green mana and white mana share the values of holism, order, and community. Green and red mana share values of action, base urges, and connection to the earth. Green mana opposes blue mana through the conflicts of the natural vs. the artificial, reality vs. illusion, and growth vs. stultification. Green mana opposes black mana through the conflicts of life vs. death, growth vs. decay, and greed vs. abundance. The Principle of Summoning Creatures can be summoned in one of two ways: Bending : A planeswalker exerts his or her will over a lower-minded creature nearby to control them for a time. This requires little to no mana expenditure, but is a technique lost to many planeswalkers after the Great Mending, and is somewhat faulty, as a strong-minded creature can break out of the planeswalker's control. Pulling : A planeswalker literally pulls a creature from the aether, creating a very 3D, living illusion of the summoned creature, which can be dismissed after a time. This, however, requires incredible amounts of aether, the more the bigger and smarter the creature. …However, there is a disturbance in the flow of mana now. Ten planeswalkers, two of every color, are sucked into a mana vortex and into the realm of Axys. It is a diverse realm, with many wonders and dangers. Your goal is to find a way to return back to your home realm… or make conquests in this one. The realm in ringed to the north and south by mountain ranges. To the south, they’re known as the Sunflare mountains, and populated by beasts such as orcs, goblins, golems, and, of course, dragons. Red mana is abundant in that region, and many fire mages have set up societies there. To the north they’re known as the Frostpeak Rim, snowy and cold, inhabited by frost giants, sage owls, and more dragons. Viking-like human populations inhabit them. In depth mountain profiles – Sunflare Mountains: not as tall as their northern counterparts, the Sunflare Mountains enjoy more genteel, rocky slopes, running all the way down to the ocean, the vegetation along the lines of tall grasses and olive trees, and the Mediterranean climate is compensated by cool ocean breezes. Many rich noblemen have beach homes along the mountains because of this. Rocky canyons dot the mountains, hidden caves lead to tantalizing secrets for those bold enough. Dwarves mine the underground, rarely venturing above, constantly struggling with the goblins that pilfer their gems and donate them to the mighty dragons they worship in exchange for protection. One such dragon inhabits the tallest peak, Vulcan Summit. The dragon remains dormant, but the goblins steadily do their best to awaken the beast and wreak havoc upon the land. Wurms burrow their way even deeper under the surface, devouring those that fall into their pit traps. Stone Golems patrol the ridges of the mountains, many ownerless and wild. Despite these dangers, many pleasant towns, constructed of wood but mainly stone, line the crests and hills of the mountains, and intrepid explorers can find the very best hiking gear sold here. Mages usually are the town chiefs or advisors, and harness the powerful mana present to keep the villages safe, but most red mages born here venture out in the world, returning once they are old and wise to lead future generations. Many highly talented mages have been birthed by these mountains, and spells unique to this area are zealously guarded secrets. Frostpeak Rim: Impossibly tall, sheer peaks rip into the air, constantly berated by snowstorms. Lightning and hail pound down on the icy ground, capable of giving way at any moment, plunging those that stand on it to the abysses below. Very few tend to venture here, scared off by the creatures – snow giants, and, the most deadly by far, the colony of dragons that inhabit the tallest peaks, known as Doomfang Crests – and the deadly climate. What little vegetation survives takes the form of mighty pine trees and tough undergrowth. Human population is scarce, though a tribe of Vikings does make the mountains their home, the Rimlanders. Rim mages have strong connections to ice and the weather in particular, and their magic tends to be brutal, albeit short-lived. There is no government in either of the mountains, each tribal chief is supreme ruler of that one village, and so it has been. To the east, thick forests dominate the landscape, forming another impassable barrier. Elves and other forest creatures populate the massive oak and sequoia trees, forming an art-loving, shelter society, away from most of the cares and troubles of the outside world. However, one malady plagues the elves: a powerful demon, Vicaria, once claimed the land as his. A great war was fought, and Vicaria was trapped and imprisoned deep into an area of the forest, but traces of his influence still remain. The area where he, statuesque, is confined, has turned into a deadly marsh where none dare venture. Liches and wraiths populate the area, feeding of those stupid enough to fall into the marshe’s sticky clutches. And communing with Vicaira is another, more shadowy force… demons steadily gain their power. Most mages in the forest are elves, and as such their magic extends to communicating with animals and powerful healing abilities. However, long-lived human druids also call the forest their home, and spend their lives in a contemplative state. Many powerful spell-scrolls can be found, bought, or traded for in the elven cities, though they guard their secrets zealously. In-depth forest profile – All elven cities – for the forests are mainly inhabited by them – are built on the trees, which are still granted life by the most skilled elven mages. Elves are mostly vegetarian, and spend their lives laughing, singing and composing art. However, they are also skilled athletes and warriors, craftsmen of the strongest weapons and powerful artificers. Their capital, Galvania, is located at the very center of the forest, bordered by a massive lake, the Syl, which then becomes the largest river in the nation, cutting all the way to the ocean opposite in a diagonal course. A powerful and highly coveted talisman is held in Galvania’s royal palace – a hundred story tall sequoia tree – a gift given by the dragons and humans after the War in which all sides fought at the beginning of time: the Gauntlets of the Sage. With these artifacts, any dragon must obey, and the devastating magic within is a prize to any human mage. Therefore many harbor resentment towards the elves, and wish to possess the artifact. After many long centuries, the dragons forget the reason why they gifted the elves with the talismans, humans grow greedy. Elven cities, save Galvania, have around a couple of hundred inhabitants. Elves value the rights of freedom and liberty of speech, and as such theirs is a democracy, each person allowed to vote. Pockets of swamps dot the landscape, in concealed areas of the forest, or a surprising decay in mountainous landscapes. This bleak area is usually because of a battle where a strong curse was cast, or where a terrible entity is imprisoned. Black is not a powerful element in the mainland. The main dark creatures are zombies, wraiths, and the undead in general, but they tend to have short lives, courtesy of the many hunters. Some human lords, however, secretly learn the dark arts, biding their time, a part of a larger, darker conspiracy. Most of the landscape in Axys is dominated by plains, tall grasses, and corn fields, broken by occasional patches of cultivated areas or towns. Here the humans make their home, a diverse population, all orderly, most prosperous. It’s been ages since the shadow of war loomed above the human lands, but that might just change. Rumors are spreading of a certain lord Makdaw, power-hungry and ruthless, aiming to expand his Province into a unified kingdom. For indeed, the land of the humans is divided into Provinces, the largest being Imperia, where the royal family resides. The rest is split into other Provinces, each lord owing their allegiance to the King, Duncan. The political system is a feudal one, and not always the people’s rights are respected. This causes a certain amount of malcontent amongst certain activists. In depth plain profile – Most humans live off of their farms, the main produce being wheat and vegetables, though there are plenty of cattle areas. The houses are mainly wood with shingled roofs, though the richer provinces are luxurious, and the building materials more sturdy. The largest Provinces are centers of knowledge, with many a spell and artifact housed in the temples and castles. The main god worshiped is Evys, omnipotent and benevolent, the supreme source of white mana. However, the Church of Evys is regarded as corrupt and secretive, though they hold supreme power over most of what goes on. Many skilled human warriors join the many Guilds that thrive in the land and venture out on quests to retrieve artifacts, or hire themselves out as mercenaries. Many white mages act as judges or in positions of the law, but most are members of the Evys Church. Though blue is not found in the mainland, save for some creatures in rivers and the birds of the air, the ocean teem with creatures such as mermaids, leviathans, and naiads. Around a day away by boat lie the Emeral Isles, a series of islands, interconnected by bridges and constructions. No roads are present, but waterways are diligently constructed, and the cities loom in towering spires. Blue is the only mana source, along with a few pockets of black, under the form of cultists and the feared Assassin’s Guild of the Isles. The strongest blue mages thrive in the realm of politics there. In depth Isle profile – The islands are of varying size, small and rocky, vegetation along the lines of algae and more beach-like trees and bushes. It’s constantly misty there, courtesy of the landscape, and drizzles and squalls are common. Black rock is the primary construction materials, and the Isles pay good money for wood, as their gondolas and boats are constructed out of it. The political system is what keeps the Isles in such delicate balance: there are many different political parties, many different sects and Guilds, all vying for power. Anyone can rise to prominence, but only the truly powerful can stay on top of this deadly game. This is why many preeminent politicians and mages – usually they’re both – hire assassins to ‘take care’ of their strongest adversaries and keep a spy network always updated. Currently, the strongest political families are the Nighteyes and the Gemini. Most side with either of the two, but both have radically different views. The Gemini are those for a more democratic approach, whilst the Nighteyes are ruthless and manifest more oppressive views. They are all atheist, and some choose to consort with demons, making most dubious individuals to trust. A brief summary of the various Guilds Guild of Mercenaries and Warriors : the first and foremost of all guilds, they reside in the capital of the Imperia region, Imperia. You can regonize the building by the huge drape with their symbol, a bloody sword crossed over a bag of gold, in gold silk hanging over the impressive double-doors and the stark, stone building itself, free of any decoration. They're mages, warriors, former criminals, anything. The Guild isn't picky about whom they induct, and the mercenaries aren't picky about whom they serve, so long as they have money. But, in dealings with them, beware. They'd much rather slit your throat and steal what you have than risk your neck, though there are exceptions. The Guild has been involved in many a scandal, first and foremost the fact that the Guildmaster is, in fact, Dimitri Norton, the most notorious serial killer in Axys, though he repented ten years before when the SB beings and founded the Guild of Mercenaries. King Duncan acts as direct supervisor, but the mercenaries get what they want most of the time. A planeswalker, Marisa, known as 'Fury's Vengeance', is one of the top members. Guild of Allied Mages : They're just that: a coalition of mages, from necromancers to illusionists, who formed an order so that the wizards can earn a living. However, almost half the wizards in Axys haven't joined, as they usually work alone, out of arrogance or paranoia, some forming small groups of three at most. The building is erected where the river Syl forms a lake, on top of an elaborate system of elegant fluted columns. Indeed, the whole building, made of white marble, is like a gothic cathedral, projecting upwards. The Guildmaster is a wise and venerable sage, Aristotle. http://static.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/38838-bigthumbnail.jpg (a pic) The Guild of Assassins : shady, darkness-loving, the assassins have their headquarters in the capital of the Emerald Islands, Vass, and are one of the highest grossing organizations in Axys. They accept anyone, much like the Guild of Mercenaries and Warriors, but the training they undergo is much darker and death-oriented. They do, however, have a code of honor, if somewhat perverted, which the Mercenaries don't. The Guildmaster also happens to be head of the Nighteye family, Lord Barses. His daughter, Vanessa, is also a highly efficient assassin. https://d44ytnim3cfy5.cloudfront.net/assets/3017053/lightbox/Dark%20Castle.jpg?1297618277 (pic) Oh, and these aren't all the Guilds, just the three major ones. Other smaller Guilds are: the Guild of Alchemists and Mercenaries, the Guild of Travelers, Mapmakers, and Explorers, and so on. The Character Profiles [b]Name[/b]: [b]Age[/b]: [b]Gender[/b]: [b]Race[/b](can be elf, can be vampire, can be dwarf, can be pretty much anything. Though please hit up magic the gathering wikia and read up about the and from which plane they come from if you opt to be something else other than human): [b]Appearance[/b](Pic & Description, please a full body one, anime is fine, if you don't find it immediately that's okay, though please be descriptive): [b]Personality[/b](make the individuals believable): [b]History[/b] (if you're a MTG fan, then something brief on what other plane they inhabited. If you're not, have them suffer memory loss, maybe remember something important in their past): [b]Color[/b](pick one, though they can have tendencies towards another): [b]Particular skills[/b](depending on their color, of course): [b]Other[/b](pretty much anything, make it believable): Oh, and btw, even though it may seem obvious, your characters don't need to stay the same fixed person throught the whole SB. They, like people do, change and adapt, and there are many opportunities for that. Says who you might not become a Guildmaster, of even create your own, for example? Or become famous for one reason or another? Of course, that doesn't mean your characters have to change. This is just a reminder. Available Spots White Planeswalker M: EloquentDragon White Planeswalker F: Betheny Red Planeswalker M: Red Planeswalker F: noninjaspresent Green Planeswalker M: xxmusicaxx Green Planeswalker F: DragonGirl11 Black Planeswalker M: AnnieBauthor Black Planeswalker F: PixieStix Blue Planeswalker M: That would be me Blue Planeswaker F: barefootrunner A female elf is claimed by: thestorygirl If you're interested in how to play: this The Rules -No Godmodding -No graphic sex scenes -Listen to me at all times when it comes to cards, planeswalker, and powers as well. -No killing off other characters without permission -350 word minimum Link to DT

Caesar

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Fri May 25, 2012 4:35 pm

Caesar says... · Fri May 25, 2012 4:35 pm

Yush. Your PW does not, as a matter of fact, have a job with mercenaries - not in Axys - as he just got here.
Also as black, he's corrupted and greedy, or at least has negative traits. Have you read the black part? Oh well, kudos for him not being your average typecast dude... perhaps the corruption can come later

vulgus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur

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Fri May 25, 2012 10:55 pm

SirenCymbaline says... · Fri May 25, 2012 10:55 pm

The mercenary thing was BEFORE he magically ended up in Axys, I thought you'd figure that out. And yes, I plan to corrupt him later.

Spoiler

I was thinking that maybe, just maybe, he could eventually go mad from hearing that voice and be willing to do anything, anything to get rid of it. Maybe he'll decide to just do what it tells him to do and be done with it. Or find a way to get rid of it, but at a horrible cost. Maybe even someone elses' cost. Something big and bad, anyway, I guess.

Sorry for the complications.

Bad souls have born better sons, better souls born worse ones -St Vincent

Caesar

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Sat May 26, 2012 6:36 am

Caesar says... · Sat May 26, 2012 6:36 am

Spoiler

Or maybe the voice in his head turns out to be Xavyncanroth. Melikey. If you'd prefer, we can work out the details in titanpad or PM.

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Sat May 26, 2012 8:38 am

Caesar says... · Sat May 26, 2012 8:38 am

Spoiler

We begin!

Zane Thanos ~ By a cathedral in Vass ~ Early morning

“Ugh,” I grunted, as my breath was knocked out of me. I had landed – painfully – on a wooden crate. I struggled to my feet, massaging my chest. Only when I was certain nothing had broken I looked around myself. My first realization was this place wasn’t Ravnica.
The first thing that hit me was the smell: salt and rotten fish. It was almost overpowering. So I must be close to the sea… there was also an undertone of mana in the air, cool and soothing, tinged with the same salty tang. Blue. But there was also a hint of something, rotten, dark. Black. I grinned. My home elements. I focused on the smell and opened my consciousness, reaching out. Yes, blue mana was certainly strong here, wherever ‘here’ was. Confident I could repel an attack, I looked around.
I was standing under the shadow of an impressively large, cathedral-like building, towers and ornate buttresses spearing up into the sky. I ran my palm over the wall. It was made of a smooth, black stone, cool to the touch, damp and slick with moisture. Grey light barely filtered down, losing itself in the deep shadows.
I was about to take a step forward, then backtracked immediately when I saw that there was no street, only watery canals. Mist hung like a delicate blanket above the murky blue-black water, further impeding light from passing. The canal was fairly large, and, through the mist, I could barely see the other end, though I was pretty sure I caught a glimpse of another large shadow, probably another building.
“What now?” I mused, stroking my chin. I was in an unknown place, and I had no idea how I got here. Last thing I remembered, I was conducting experiments in my laboratory… where? Strange. It seemed I had gone down with a case of amnesia. I did remember being sucked into something, a portal. Of course! I snapped my fingers in triumph. It seemed I had created a mana vortex, and the successive disturbance had altered the flow of the Ravnican mana and transported me to another place, akin to my colors. Now all I needed to do was to figure out how to get home. However, I couldn’t resist exploring. How often does one get such a chance?
I made my way around the building slowly, hugging the walls, staying as far back into the shadows as I could. The building must have been large indeed, for it took me around five minutes to get to the entrance. As soon as I saw the massive black-double doors, engraved with odd carvings, the stained glass windows, I guessed immediately it was a church. I rotated in a full circle, trying to pick up as many details as possible. Two grotesque stone gargoyles – at least, I hoped they weren’t real – were perched on tall columns besides the doors. The church itself faced a wide, watery plaza, five different canals leading into it. A few gondolas bobbed low in the water, docked at the narrow strips of land that bordered the buildings, but I could see no-one. So it must be early morning, not cloudy as I had first assumed.
“Nothing for it, then.” I shrugged and placed a hand on the doors, hoping they weren’t locked. The carvings flared dark blue, and the doors swung soundlessly inwards, opening onto a massive space. Awestruck, I walked forward slowly, my boots echoing on the polished black marble floors. Rows of mahogany benches lined the floor on either side, facing the altar. The whole church was permeated with the smell of death. Black mana must be strong here. I continued forward, entranced by the altar. It was around chest-height, delicate and simple compared to the lavish gothic decoration around it, only a black snake curling around it, mouth agape. If I concentrated, I could spot a faint black glow around it… so it must be an artifact of power.
Murmured chanting wafted towards me. I whirled around and saw a man hunched at a bench, completely obscured by a plain black robe, cowl pulled down low over his face. The music was haunting and ethereal, and it bounced over the walls, which I guessed must have been specially designed to echo this way. My own bedroom was like that… you never knew when somebody might sneak up on you.
“Excuse me,” I said, going over to the man. No reaction. He continued praying, swaying slightly. “Excuse me.” Still nothing. The ominous chant rose and fell. Uncomfortable, I sat down besides the old man, staring ahead, not glancing at him.
“You asked for me?” I jumped slightly. The man had stopped chanting. I had gone into a trance of sorts, lulled by the voice. The man was old: a white moustache covered his top lip, and his eyebrows were silver. His sickly face was deeply lined.
“Yes,” I said, uncertainly. “I seem to be lost. Could you point me to the nearest inn?”
The man grinned crookedly. “There are no inns in Vass,” he said. “You must be checked in at the Security Offices. From there they will direct you to where your business takes you.” He extended one arm and pointed to the east. “The largest building directly in front of the cathedral is the Security Offices. You can’t miss them, trust me.”
“Thank you, I said.” I turned on my heel and walked out briskly. No inns… politically, that was a wise move. That meant nobody could walk into the city without being registered at these Security Offices and therefore known to the government… I imagined that one who didn’t do so would find his movement severely hampered and apprehended soon. Nothing for it. I had no idea where I was and no-one to turn to. The Security offices were the best option, for now.
Once I exited the cathedral, my next problem hit me. I couldn’t get to the Security Offices. I had no gondola, and there still was nobody to ferry me across. Well, I wasn’t a blue mage for nothing. Concentrating on the mana sources, I drew the strength into me. I did have Mox stones set into my gloves, but I preferred to keep those for an emergency. I was in no rush yet. After a couple of minutes, I stepped onto the water and crossed the canal in a hurry. I had no idea how long the magic would last… the mana here was different. Tainted, for some reason.
The old man had been right: the Security Offices couldn’t be missed. They were as wide as the cathedral was tall, and I could see several bridges connected its various areas, so it must have spanned multiple islands. The door was open, and dim yellow light spilled onto the water. I walked into the building and was immediately lost. Desks lined the wall to my left, stacked with papers. Clerks scribbled furiously, bent over rolls of paper. In front of me, stairs spiraled upwards.
“Sir, over here,” said a voice. I turned to face the speaker, and saw a middle-aged clerk motioning me over. I walked forward, uneasy. As I drew nearer, I grasped just how much paperwork these guys had to cover.
“Um yes, I’d like to be registered,” I said, hesitantly.
The clerk barely looked at me. He produced a slip of paper and dipped a quill pen in a bottle of ink.
“Name and surname?”
“Mark Moonspell,” I said. I was sure they had no way to confirm my true identity, and I was absolutely convinced giving out my true name was not a good idea.
“What brings you here?”
“Honestly? Nothing. I’m a planeswalker, and was sucked into here through a portal,” I said, sheepishly. “I can’t seem to planeswalk back to my realm.”
The clerk looked up for a second, but said nothing.
“We will assign a servant to show you to your lodge,” he said, finally. “Come back here when you wish to leave.”

vulgus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur

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noninjaes

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Sat May 26, 2012 12:49 pm

noninjaes says... · Sat May 26, 2012 12:49 pm

Venitre Tamora ~ Lone Beach, at the base of the cliff side resort called Octalias's Retreat at the base of the Sunflare Mountains ~ Early Morning

I let out a ragged cry as my dagger impaled itself in- sand? I stood up in surprise and examined my surroundings in confusion. In front of me was a vast, crystal ocean, glimmering below the surprisingly warm early-morning sun that. Now this certainly isn't Borgardan, and what the hell happened to Aedan? I turn around and freeze. In front of me sits quite the amazing site: A very decorative array of gleaming buildings intricately carved into the side of a black granite cliff-face. I stare forth with marvel, dumbstruck that such a building could exist. So much that I almost fail to react when I am tapped on the shoulder.

"Excuse me miss," says a man dressed in a tailored black suit that has to be way to hot for the fine weather, "but this is private property and loitering will not be tolerated by trespassers." His pompous tone really makes me want to punch him, but I restrain my urges, more focused on finding out where I am.

"Where exactly might this private property be?" I ask, sweetly, laying on as much charm as possible. The man gives an annoyed scowl.

"You're standing on it!"

"No, what I mean is where in the world might this private property be?"

"The Sunflare Mountains. Where else could this be?"

"And the Sunflare Mountains are where?" The man really looks exasperated now.

"Axys! You know what, I'm going to get security now." He swiftly turns and starts walking towards the buildings.

"Wait!" I call out, but he just keeps on walking. I let out a huff of air and bend down to pick up my dagger, taking a moment to really feel my surroundings. Even though the sun is bright and hot, a cool breeze stops it from being too uncomfortable. This breeze carries the scent of fresh salt through the air, and a faint trace of the cool tang of blue mana. The majestic mountains that sit atop the cliff bombard me with the wild, bitter-sweet heat of red mana. I breathe it in heavily, enjoying the feeling of power it radiates through me. I smile at the familiar feeling.

Unfortunately though, my enjoyment is cut short as an angry shout cuts through the air behind me. I turn again to face the mountains. That dude was serious about security? I scowl as I turn to my left and run, kicking sand up behind me as I sprint towards wherever it is that lies beyond the sand dune ahead of me. "This is going to be a long day," I begin to think, but this notion is interrupted as I find myself sprawled out in the sand for the second time today.

Noni Naps Through Nano
NaPoWriMo 2016
Stories Not Otherwise My Own

Annie•Jae•Payne
The Three Ninjateers
Being awesome since Jan 2012.

PixieStix

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Sat May 26, 2012 1:31 pm

PixieStix says... · Sat May 26, 2012 1:31 pm

Jacey~Start of Elven Forest at sunrise~

I walked through the forest, trying to get to my stupid destination. I sensed my own mana...Black, Of course. The birds were flying atop me and I hissed, not liking them at all. Not one bit. I saw the mountains ahead, more or less about five miles. I grunted and saw an person walking towards the mountains too. Personally, I thought the mountains would be a good start. So, I quickly made my way over to the person. They werent a person. Once I realized what they were I ran. I swung on tree's branches ans kept my feet steady, my aim locked

Mountains, Jacey. Your in for the mountains.

I kept running, getting overly exausted. I forged some of my power or energy from black mana to assist me, thank god the swamps here are cursed with it. It comes in handy in a time's being. My eyes turned back to the perfect red and my thirst status became bitter. Before I knew it, I was stepping in a marsh and fell face-first. I groaned and stood, sighing. "Fine." I muttered, keeping my pace again.

Only four more miles towards the mountains and I freeze, feeling another mana besides black. Blue. I nod, happy that atleast we arent as much rivals as we are with the others. No trouble there. I keep sprinting my way through logs, marshes, puddles, mud, ivy and all the posion oak that are poised in the ground. What I really needed was something to drink. Being a vampire and all, I need blood atleast once a mooncycle. I haven't drank anything in the last day. I glanced around for any nearby humans. None. This place is empty. Besides the faint tweet of birds every ten seconds. I could deal with animals, they give me more strength anyway.

I heard it. The tweet and holly growl of the wolves. But they werent wolves. Iooked up to find house-like burrows in the tree's. Oh god. I face-palm myself dumbstanded on how I hadn't realized this earlier. Elves. I heard laughing and playing. People swung from trees and chased eachother around like they were having a party or something. I tried to ignore them. I tried to not cause as much trouble for myself then I already have. But wait...Do Elves have blood?

I finally got to the center of the forest. Galvania. This is where the fun starts. I saw a lake, a bigger one than usual bordering it on one side. The tree was almost like a building. I remember what someone told me about it back in the Isles, The dragons have gave it to them as a gift. Not like they needed one... The other part of the story is just a blurr. It'll come back to me when the time comes. Once I got to the tree, people ran in all directions and locked themselves in houses. Was it me they were afraid of? I looked above me and a dragon soared high, looking down at the woods. Nope. Just a dragon. I made my way out of Galvania, and kept making my way towards the mountains. Just three more miles. Just three.

After a while I started smelling Black mana again. I was in the cursed part of the forest again. The glimmering marshes came to me. I sensed the death. Beautiful death. I breathed it in, grinning at all this. More power came to me and I crouched down by the swamp. It was pitch black mud, fog was rising from the dirty water. Somehow this reminded me of home in the mountains. I looked upwards and smelled rotting...Sweet, death again. I stood and looked at the mud in my fingers. The mud was just wet enough for me to tell I wasn't done here. It was almsot moisturized, Very dirty to be exact. Though I loved how this part of the forest didn't have those all-time happy Elves. Sometimes you need some death. I turned around and kept walking through the same part. Just two more miles.

Last edited by PixieStix on Sun May 27, 2012 12:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Payne

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Sun May 27, 2012 7:25 am

Payne says... · Sun May 27, 2012 7:25 am

Aedan Richter ~ Near the base of the Frostpeak Rim ~ Morning

I coughed, taking in a lungful of freezing air. Something hard was pelting my face, striking so violently that I didn't dare open my eyes. As I regained consciousness bit-by-bit, I realized that my spine was almost numb from the cold ground beneath it. What the hell was going on?

When I had finally managed to sit up and shield my face from the projectiles--which I now identified as hail--I inched open one eye. I was not pleased with what I saw. My surroundings were composed of ice, rock, and more ice. While that fact was irritating enough, I was more concerned about the how, and the why. I had been sparring with Ve in Bordgardan, in fact the dagger was still in my hand, but now she was nowhere to be seen. I was all alone in the frozen landscape, with only the towering peaks for company.

Cursing, I gathered my cloak more tightly around me, and stood. Lightning ripped through the gray sky, giving me a measure of comfort. I turned to further survey the area.

To my right was a great chasm. It was as black and bottomless as a merchant's soul, and so I decided to keep my distance.

To the left, away from the mountains, was an icy plain. It was evidently west, because the newly-risen sun was at my back. On the horizon, I could see a little black speck, which I desperately hoped would turn out to be a village.

I began to trudge toward it, and after a while the hail subsided. The sky was still ominous, crackling with electricity. Presently, I saw movement on the horizon; the black speck, which was indeed getting larger and now looking like some sort of settlement, was giving birth to a string of figures headed in my direction. I waved, and broke into a run to meet them.

The men were huge. Their leader was dressed in warm-looking furs, carried a broadsword longer than my arm, and had a tangled mess of hair and beard. "What brings you here, stranger?"

"That is exactly what I've been asking myself." I cleared my throat as lightning lit up the sky, calling to me. "Where exactly am I?"

He growled. "What kind of question is that?"

"I honestly don't know how or why I am here. All I know is that I'm cold and irritated, and would like to get out of this frozen hellhole."

"This is our home," one of the men said, his eyes hard beneath his hood. "Choose your words wisely."

"Sorry." I forced a smile. "I didn't mean that as an insult to you or your people, I'm just a little...confused."

The leader gave a noncommittal grunt and said, "Very well. Come back to the village, and we will discuss this matter."

Breathing a sigh of relief, I followed them.

I aim to misbehave.

Is it weird in here, or is it just me? --Steven Wright

Betheny

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Sun May 27, 2012 12:48 pm

Betheny says... · Sun May 27, 2012 12:48 pm

Okami Vahdin | The Grasslands of Imperia | Morning

I woke and stretched my limbs after decades of slumber in my Innistrad tomb, but I felt the sun beating down on me; gentle heat warmed by aching bones. Opening my eyes I found that I had to close them once again imediately due to a bright orb of light above me. Slowly opening my eyes, I let them adjust to the newly risen sun hovering in the sky with light poofy clouds floating by. The ground beneath me felt soft and springy compared to the usual stone slab on which I slept. Sitting up I found myself flooded by the sense that white mana was strong in these fields, pure too. Ragged people were approaching me with farming implaments and various, dangerous looking, tools. I held my hands up showing that I posed no threat as I stood.
"Who are you girl, and why are you in my field?" The eldest of them asked.
"Okami," I replied, "I mean no offense in asking this but... Where am I?" Some looked confused, others looked wary of me.
"Imperia," The oldest man said, "From where do you hail? You don't look like you're from 'round 'ere girl," He then turned to his fellow men and barked the orders, "Get back to work! This field isn't going to plow itself you know!" He handed over his rake to another as they returned to their work. The man himself though, he walked over to me and took me by the arm and led me away. "Don't worry, Okami, we'll sort you out. Stranger things have happened than people appearing in my field,"

We were sat in a little wooden house with a shingle roof and a small fire burning under the stove.
"So, girl. Tell me, what brings you here?" The old man asked.
"I don't know, I woke up here. Well there, in your field..." On the way here he had told that his name was Euan and that he was the leader of a small farming community in the grasslands of Imperia. Somewhere I'd never acutally heard of and I'd been many places in my lives. He went to tell me that Imperia was renown for it's Church of Evys and how that it had once been seen as one of the purest orders in the realm but was now rumoured to be corrupt. That may have been the white mana I sensed. "Could you take me to this Church of Evys, please?" I was curious of these rumours of curruption, I hadn't felt any corruption but I could just be out of sorts after my long rest.

Spoiler

Hope this is okay

"The world existed to be read. And I read it." - L.S Schwartz, Ruined by Reading

Caesar

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Mon May 28, 2012 2:44 pm

Caesar says... · Mon May 28, 2012 2:44 pm

Spoiler

Excellent. But alas, my friends, I was indefinitely banned from YWS, so you won't be hearing from me much. Please refrain from progressing the SB much, though I see it hasn't gone anywhere. If nobody else posts in two days after this, go on after I've given the okay.
Everyone else that hasn't posted still can, though.

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DragonGirl11

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Tue May 29, 2012 5:25 pm

DragonGirl11 says... · Tue May 29, 2012 5:25 pm

Tari Awanye ~ Northern part of the forest ~ Early morning

I skidded through the dirt and needles on my behind and heels, my legs bent up in front of me. Where did I come from? Dominaria, of course. I was going to visit somebody. Who? I pondered for less than a moment, then decided I'd remember in time. The more important matter was where I was now. I was in a pine forest. I felt mana resonating all around me. I smiled, taking a few moments to simply enjoy it. My travels had taken me away from forests for too long.

If I strained my eyes a bit, I could see the lights of a settlement to the north. The sun was just beginning to warm up the lower layers of the forest, but I happened to be wearing furs - where in Dominaria was I going? There didn't seem to be much in any other direction, just forest, forest, forest. Mana in all directions. I got up and brushed myself off. Picking up my spear and slinging my shield on my back, I headed north.

My footsteps fell softly on the forest floor, and I listened carefully for any activity in the woods. Birds and squirrels chattered above me, and the occasional rabbit crossed my path. I saw a moose not far away on my left, chewing on sprouts. Half of one antler was broken off. I walked up to it slowly on the side of the broken antler, murmuring a calming spell. It looked at me, for a moment almost curious. I held out my hand gentley moving toward its shoulder. It let me stroke it once or twice, looking me over.

Suddenly, it jerked its head up and it dashed away. Other animals scattered in all directions but west. I turned around slowly to face the disturbance, assuming it was some kind of predator. A tall, lean man and woman were standing there, with arrows aimed straight at me. They both wore green clothes, and had long blonde hair. I raised my hands in a gesture of peace. A closer observation revealed their sharp features and pointed ears, marking them plainly as elves. "Where did you come from?" The man said, "How did you get here?"

"I am a Planeswalker. Most recently, I hail from Dominaria," I said.

The elves looked at each other. "Never heard of it. You'd better come with us," said the woman

They directed me north, to the settlement, where I was headed anyway. They had me walk between the two of them. I got the feeling they didn't trust me. "So, where exactly am I?" I said.

"This part of the forest is known as Lúthien. Ahead is our city, Felagund," the man said gruffly, looking straight ahead. I nodded and let my mind drift as we walked the remaining distance to the elves' city.

~*~

"You could look at the raindrops on your window, or you could look through the window and see the rainbow."

~K.C. Oxford

<YWS>

EloquentDragon

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Wed May 30, 2012 3:36 am

EloquentDragon says... · Wed May 30, 2012 3:36 am

Raven---Random Axys Sea Coast--Late Morning

I opened my eyes slowly, and found myself lying face down amidst gray rocks and sea water. With a groan I pushed myself up. My limbs were stiff and bruised, and the sea had done an excellent job with permeating my clothes with a salty dampness. I stood up, slowly, and surveyed my surroundings.

To the west the gray green waters of the sea crashed up against massive granite boulders. A springy type of moss clung to the rocks, and gulls carved through the air. The sky was overcast, steel toned clouds brooding on the horizon. But there would be no storm coming....last night the weather had already raged. I frowned, trying to recall exactly what had happened. I remembered being tossed about violently in the icy waves in the midst of the storm. The water had battered relentlessly, and despite my attempts to break through the waves with mana, I had been pulled under into black depths at the last. I did not remember how I had got into the sea to begin with, and I assumed it was my casting upon the rocks which had at last erased any knowledge of what it was I had been doing before the storm had hit...

I shook my head and began my climb through the boulder littered cliff side coast. I headed north, not for any particular reason, but felt that was a generally agreeable direction. As I walked my head began to clear. I could sense that this place---wherever I was, was heavy with the scent of blue mana. I concealed my own mana, hoping that my presence would go unnoticed, whatever or whoever might be here.

After about a half an hour's trek, I came across a group of fishermen. They were struggling in their tiny, old swollen craft to untangle a mass of tangled net from the rocks. I approached their group.
"He-o there stranger!" one of the men called. "Mind helpin' us get this net undone?" I obliged, and soon the net was safely in the boat. The men hopped out---the three of them, and dragged the boat up onto the slate covered shore.
"Thanks much stranger." he said in his quaint accent. I nodded.
"It's no problem, really." I said. I looked up at the gray skies and watched as a bird of prey dived smoothly towards the water's surface.
"You're not from around here are you?" The youngest of the three men asked.
"No...would you mind telling me exactly where "here" is?" I said, casually enough.
"You're just south of Burke." He said "But if ya' don't mind me askin', how did you come to be here?"
"I'm not entirely sure myself," I answered truthfully enough. "I believe my ship was blown off course in the storm."
"Ah yes. You did seem to me to be some sort of swell. If that's your case you can ride with us---we're heading back to port as it so happens."
"Actually, might I ask where the nearest city lies?" I said.
"It's El Tearah...some miles up the river, east of here." one of the men said.
"I’ll be heading there directly. Thanks again." With that I started up the steep coast, away from the men.
"Are ye sure you won't be needin' anything from town?" one of the men called after me. I waved and continued on. Soon I had reached the top of the shore line and had vanished past their view down below the ridge. No, I said to myself. I would not be needing any help. So this was Axys then. I wasn't entirely surprised. The only thing left for me to do then, was to find a way to leave here.

Spoiler

Also, is there a reason why we're all writing in first person POV here? I would find it more freeing to write in third-limited.

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Enter, if you dare.

Caesar

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Wed May 30, 2012 6:38 pm

Caesar says... · Wed May 30, 2012 6:38 pm

Spoiler

First is what must be done. Also, where are you, ED?