[X] Far Eastern Region
[X] Single Artificial Affinity
---[Magic Theory]
[X] Innate Magic Conversion
[X] Innate Magic Analysis (Counts as 2)
---Counts as 1 if Magic Theory is taken as Artificial Affinity
[X] Aether (Reduce to Normal Affinity Option due to prior choices & Cannot take if taking Dual Natural Affinity)
[X] The occasional assassination attempts on the Family. Including, yourself and- those around you, unfortunately.
[X] The Barony's position near the borders, specifically the part that borders one of the nations that the Empire is on stormy relations with, with the occasional skirmish and border clash.
Your Mother was born in the Far East, but moved to South Central with the rest of her family. The circumstances of it are rather vague, but the general idea appeared to be a lack of a liege or whatever they call theirs in the region- you've been told its fine if you don't understand- and their appearance in the South Central being mostly due accident during a somewhat hastily arranged relocation of their Clan via the Distorted Range near their location at the time.
From what you've heard, it'd seem it was more a case of love at first sight... to which your Father's left eye never fails to start twitching at the mention of it every time. It'd appear it was slightly traumatizing for him. Then again, given what you know about how magic affects one's self in terms of age and physical state... you figure that the experience was quite jarring. It worked out well in the end, though at times its like your Mother is doting on Father like one would to a younger sibling.... Yes, your Father seems to recognize that- an endless source of frustration at times, not that he could actually stay frustrated very long since Mother doesn't intentionally do it... more a force of habit due her age.
Of course, this also means she's somewhat familiar with the nuisances of being born with a Mixed Lineage and shoo'd away your Father from trying to teach you himself. Which you realized when you where 6 the differences between you and your Father due to your Mixed Lineage inherited from your Mother. Although different from your Mother's, being born into a Clan whose members have Mixed Lineage and much experience with them, she was able to pick out the fact you were able to recognize magic used in ways you never seen before, without prior knowledge of 'how' it was done and specific details that would otherwise be unknown or difficult for the common person to identify- like habits or traits that show up across a person's use of magic- almost as if it were natural.
It matched a specific type of magic termed 'Magic Analysis' of which is possible to obtain through fairly convoluted means unless one has certain factors to their advantage to begin with- or most optimally, being born with it. Then again, with a Lineage one had a chance of obtaining it later on in life, but there was no guarantee. The difference between being born with it either naturally- a rarity- or due a Lineage rather than acquiring through effort is the degree of control and extent one can use it.
Magic Analysis normally has a limitation on how likely it is to active, the degree of information that one can gain from it as well. Furthermore, retaining the information through it is rather difficult unless one has a memory that can accommodate it freely as well. Likewise, the degree of information possible to gleam acts as a limiting factor as excess could potentially cause a sensory overload, thus cause it and some other magic to be unusable as well. However, Innate Magic Analysis has no such problem with activation and can filter information based upon what one needs, though information that's filtered out at the time is not retained, while attempting to use it without sufficient filter can still result in sensory overload.
Of course, it wasn't the only thing you had due to your Mixed Lineage. You were also quite able to convert your elements from one element to another with astounding ease that only one who had it naturally could do. After all, obtaining a efficient ratio for
conflicting elements isn't possible if one lacks it naturally- except to and from Aether, for natural reasons. It was a bit harder to find due to that very fact, as converting Aether into other elements to supply them further is rather common. The only reason it came to light was when you were rather bored and decided to experiment a bit waiting for your Mother... only to be caught doing so by her due your slip of tongue at the time.
Though that wasn't the last of it, the last was but rather... confusing. Mostly as it was the revelation that you had an Artificial Affinity... alongside your Affinity proper. An Artificial Affinity pertaining Magic Theory, which is rather uncommon- or rare, depending on region- and more easily mistaken for something else,
especially since you had a Mixed Lineage. In terms of the differences it brought upon you, the fact that Magic Theory came rather easily at the start, but tapered off to more normal range of difficult after reaching about an average understanding of it. But it wasn't hard. As for other benefits... it was this lack that caught attention, as the change in ease of learning Magic Theory itself was a sign of its own. However, your Mother assures you that it has its own benefits... just they're not as readily available like Innate Magic Analysis.
Of course, then there is your Affinity proper, which was Aether. Somewhat unsurprising, but good in a ways... yet less so for you due to your family having Aether through both your Grandparents and your Father. Your Mother having a Mixed Lineage and being of sufficient power all but ensured you would have Aether
anyways. Aether itself, for one thing, is the most difficult to acquire other means of bolstering one's capacity- so says your Mother. Furthermore, it would seem to also, otherwise be entirely reliant- though your Mother's exact manner of speaking of it... seemed a bit off- on how powerful your other elements were. But in your case, as you have it as an Affinity, that is not entirely true, just... difficult to improve on its own. To your questions about that, you were told that Curses and Potions both
required Aether to be learned and used, thus being the only ones that could potentially bring it up separate of the elements.
As for your Family holdings... assassination attempts occurred occasionally, at more than a few times, members of the household staff winded up caught up in it, either as victims or assassins that had sneaked in under guise of prospective staff replacements. The latter were a worse sort of problem than the former. The problem was such that your Mother oft kept you close by or under watch by more... trusted few personnel under the household employ. As a consequence, you didn't have much opportunity to go out very far- least of all, out of your Mother's watch. Though you've been assured its only until you could fend for yourself... or once you're of age. You're sure the two things are basically tied together though.
On a lighter note, though troubling at times, is the fact the Barony is located near the border area between the Brockton Empire and the Aries Confederation. As the latter is but a coalition, less than a nation, it is rather difficult to pin them properly when they start causing trouble. A fact that irks those along the border as a constant potential threat to them, and by extension those whose lands are closely behind them like your family's. More than once have they claimed a false alarm... though, the losses sustained at times by some along the border is anything but that of a minor border skirmish.
---
You study, learn, and practice... until a few days after your 8th birthday when the question finally comes to mind: Why weren't there anyone of your age to socialize or play with? The answer you received was rather... upsetting really. Just because of the occasional assassinations? Well, that was understandable, but still. It irked you. Especially since you also came to the realization that it was the very same fact that you couldn't really go out anywhere.
But... that didn't stop you from trying to get your parents to allow you to do so. Mostly a futile attempt from your initial efforts but... it seemed the fact also grated on your parents just as much. So eventually. Eventually they gave it some consideration. Or so they said. You didn't press the issue too hard after that but... you did bring it up from time to time as a reminder.
In preparation for the day you would be able to, you worked hard in your studies. After all, that was the one way that you could influence when you'll meet the standards set forth by your parents for your sake.
During this time, you learned how to use the sword in general and also the…
[ ] Shield
[ ] Bow
[ ] Spear
Though unfortunately, you lack the physical strength and constitution still to properly use two handed swords. Especially ones that could work for one handed… with one hand.
As for your magic, with the impasse that your Aether faced, you had no choice but to wor.k on the other Elements as well. But… well, how you handled that was up to you after all, no? At the very least, you think, getting them up to at least average would be sufficient. Though if you spent time on all of them equally, you'd probably get nowhere in terms of a solid base to work with early on as they'd all be too weak in all likelihood against potential threats to your life. Then again, you considered learning some other magics as well to help yourself out.
From what you managed to hear and learn from your Mother, technically, Contracts are also a valid magic that requires Aether… but the problems and limitations in face of your current situation with assassinations renders it rather pointless. Whereas Curses could be used to impair or disrupt the targets at minimum in battle- to an extent- while potions have some uses. But your Mother isn't sure how exactly, just that she's heard it from a reliable source of information, though she advises you to not rely on it any more than as a support when in combat. Likewise, Healing is useful, though there's only so much you can do without dedicating much time and effort into it, but its still useful to consider.
As for other potential magic, Runes are a possibility as they help increase the cost to effect ratio, though the problem with learning them after a point becomes enough to be troublesome should one lack an affinity for them. The same is true for Alchemy, though it doesn't seem to scale as badly… yet starts off harder than most other fields. In the case of Runes, they don't do anything you can't do with magic already as is, whereas Alchemy is more 'permanent' than Enchantment magic.
Though Alchemy takes more power to create things, they at least lack the 'upkeep' that Enchantment poses. However, Enchantment enables your created things to retain the strength of your magic without resorting to purely dumping additional magic into it
and hampered at least somewhat by your ability in Alchemy. That's not to say they can't work together or the like.
Your Mother does, however, refuse to consider teaching you Talismans, Grimores, Invocation, Incantation, and Shikigami. The last though, is more because she doesn't know it, whereas Invocation and Incantation she does know, but emphasises that they're not very much worth learning at this point if you're bothering with them at all. That's putting it nicely. Very. While Talisman and Grimore more due your current lack of a solid core… or any means of capitalizing on learning them presently.
Split 12 'Points' Between the below:
[ ] Improve Magic Theory to A Rank (Cost 1 Point)
[ ] Improve *Insert Element* (Except Aether) by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---Capped by Magic Theory. Can take multiple times/elements.
[ ] Learn Curses (Costs 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[ ] Improve Curses by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[ ] Learn Potions (Costs 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[ ] Improve Potions by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[ ] Learn Enchantment (Cost 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[ ] Improve Enchantment by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[ ] Learn Runes (Cost 2 Points; Gain at D Rank)
---[ ] Improve Runes to C Rank (Cost 2 Points)
[ ] Learn Alchemy (Cost 3 Points; Gain at D Rank)
---[ ] Improve Alchemy to C Rank (Cost 4 Points)
[ ] Learn Healing (Cost 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[ ]Improve Healing to B Rank (Cost 1 Point)
---
Two months before your 12th birthday, your parents called you out across from them. A simple meeting. Yet... you knew in your heart that it was the news you were waiting for.
"In a week's time, the Marquess of Shirefield is holding a gathering for fellow nobles in the region in light of recent… events," announces your Father.
"... The newly minted Marquess?" You say, as if confirming the fact. After all, at least two had survived reports of their deaths.
"Correct," replies your Father, "And he seems to wish to establish… relations with those with history in the area."
In other words, he's seeking out allies. Which means something might be up, though all the same, it could be otherwise. And if he's also sending it out to the Dallon, then that means he isn't picky.
Of course, that simply also works as an excuse for you to tag along as for such an event, lacking security would undermine the newly minted Marquess's authority
and humiliate him. As such, it should be able to handle the occasional assassinations that plague your family.
Though you do recognize it might tip it over too much. But is there a risk then? Is it worth it if there is? But if you don't, when will your next opportunity be? Then again, you Mother hasn't been able to go to any gatherings either since you were born. So… what should you do? Its a simple decision.
"May I attend as well then Father?" you say with rather ill concealed eagerness in your voice.
"Well… I've discussed this with your Mother so…," your Father trails off rather awkwardly as he seemed more preoccupied with your expression.
"Yes dear, I'm sure the Marquess won't disappoint," your Mother simply smiles at the last part.
After all, the last Marquess died during a border skirmish due to failing to properly prepare contingency forces, but instead opted to
actually believe the Confederation's lies on their supposed limitation on armed border patrols and sweet talk about not wanting conflict and such things. Despite the rumors of them selling their services to other nations and other less than savory dealings.
This is in spite of his prior predecessor having been called off elsewhere due to being
too good at keeping them in line that the Confederation rallied its neighbors to push for getting him relocated or 'else' so they claimed. Surprisingly,
some Nobles were pleased with his reassignment… in spite of the fact he was responsible for managing to achieve a period of peace along the border for the months before he was relocated.
The rest of the family meeting is… as usual. Nothing particularly notable, though you do note that your Father is quite pleased. After all, it'll be the first time in… forever that the family's gone out together. Grandparents not withstanding as they
are still technically the head of the Dallon family- just not for
all purposes. Mostly due fact that eventually they'll retire, but before then, what they're best at is what also benefits the family while allowing your Father time to develop as well, thus ensuring the prolonged survival of the family and a fluid succession.
But that doesn't mean you can't start building your own connections! Soon, soon! Soon you'll be able to make friends, meet peers, and maybe more? Its a happy thought you take to bed with you. One in, you hope, the first of many soon to come.
---
Arrival Time = 24
You arrive in the bustling walled citadel of Shirefield… exactly an entire day ahead of time. Not as planned for your parents. But… well, AWESOME!
"Mother, Father, may I please take a view around the city?" you ask, your eyes sparkling- figuratively of course, why it'd be nice if they did sparkle!
Exploration Plea!
Your Mother closes her eyes for a moment to think on the matter… like she does when trying to give equal weight between your safety… and what's acceptable in her eyes towards your wants. On the other hand…
"No Victor," replies your Father. He stares at you with a stern gaze, though you recognize the fact it isn't of the 'absolute' sort of intent. You think anyways, as there hasn't been precedent for
this kind of circumstances.
For a moment, you blink in stupefied silence. Then, the image of glass shattering greets your poor FANTASTIC dreams… from last night. Mentally that is. But… will you give up that easily? No! You can't let your first time die this easily without a fight! Besides, if you acquiesce now, you're sure you won't manage to get to view the city tomorrow! Never mind after the festivities' over.
"Bu..t…," you start slowly, trying to build up a different approach.
Plea again! +
Exploration Plea! = ?
"Its fine dear," your Mother says as she strokes your Father's hands. "We'll only be out for a few hours. And we'll have all of tomorrow together as a family."
Exploration Moves
Your Father sighs before pausing for a few moments to consider things. "All right. Five hours then."
"Thank you dear." Your Mother smiles gently as her hand drifts over to your Father's head….
---
With that, it's settled! You have FIVE HOURS to explore the city. Or well, more like visit and spend time in places of interest to you.
So… where do you go first? (Going to a area and viewing wares/etc. there will take up an Hour.)
[ ] Check out the stalls set up for the Festival.
Festival stalls? Maybe an opportunity?
[ ] Check out the Marketplace.
Hm… maybe you'll find something here given the wide variety?
[ ] Check out some of the Shops.
So those are the formal places commoners buy stuff at?
[ ] Check out the Citadel's Keep (Additional 1 Hour Cost)
[ ] Somewhere else? (Write In. Subject to GM approval.)
