Path of Glory (Original / Quest)

[ReinZero]

Path of Glory​

Index
Character Sheet
Misc. Info
Character Generation Backlog (Prior to QQ)
Final Part of Character Generation
​

 

[ReinZero]

Name: Victor Dollan

Age: 11 (Almost 12)
Gender: Male
Appearance: Tall, blonde, and physically imposing, Victor is an ideal example of a noble of the Brockton Empire.

Magic Affinity:

(Natural) Aether
+2 Rank to Aether
Not Capped by Magic Theory
Aether Efficiency +50%
Aether Pool +50%
Other Benefits?

(Artificial) Magic Theory
Starting Magic Theory Set to B Rank instead of C Rank
Can naturally progress past EX Rank in Magic Theory
Misc. Potential Benefits waiting to be Unlocked~
From your Mixed Lineage Potential Stuffs?

Physical Stats:
Strength – C (As strong as a Average child your age)
Agility – B ('Above Average' compared to a child your age)
Endurance – B ('Above Average' compared to a child your age)

Weapon Skill:

Sword (General; Single Handed) – B
Taught by your Mother and Father, your general skill with swords is quite... mundane. Then again, you haven't had as much time with it as you have with your magic, and haven't settled on a specific sort to fit your fancy.
Shield (General) – B
You learned the Shield alongside the sword as to compliment your ability to protect yourself. Your teacher in this case, was mostly your Father as your Mother does not use a shield. Then again, you've been warned that you shouldn't try to 'specialize' with shields as it'd leave you at worse odds when using magic to supplement it.

Note: General Weapons Skill are 2 Ranks lower in ability to comparable specialized Weapon Skills. However, they cover most weapons under that category.

Magic Capacity: (Current # / Max #)

Aether – S Rank: (750/750 + 150%) = 1125/1125
Aether Affinity - N/a Rank
Aether Efficiency +50%
Aether Pool +50%
Fire – C Rank: 200/200
Water – C Rank: 200/200
Ice – C Rank: 200/200
Wind – B Rank: 350/350
Lightning – A Rank: 500/500
Earth – C Rank: 200/200


Magic Skill:

Magic Theory – A
Your grasp of Magic Theory is above average and isn't particularly difficult for you to learn. In fact, it was rather easy when you first started, but has since tapered off. This is due in no small part thanks to your Artificial Affinity for it due to your Mixed Lineage. You are aware, informed, and sure that you'll be seeing the benefits of it- more if you manage to figure out what might benefit it more. At this Rank, you're already sure of some of the possible things you can do. You just need to set aside time to experiment!
Innate Magic Conversion - N/a (Mixed Lineage)
You are able to subconsciously draw upon other magics of different elements to fuel the spell of another element. It is effective enough that even opposite elements are converted at a 1:1 ratio! As its from your Mixed Lineage, there may be more from it...?
Innate Magic Analysis - N/a (Mixed Lineage)
You are able to switch between normal vision and analysis vision. In the latter, you are able to subconsciously analyze magic you see, granting you information that you did not opt to filter out on the magic being used. The extent and amount of information gained is determined by your filters, which you can change on the fly. However, the information gained can only be retained through ones own effort after a unspecified amount of time has passed, which varies based on what magic is used, filters, etc. It should also be noted that without filtering sufficiently, the complex and complicated nature of such analysis will result in sensory overload which will temporarily disable Innate Magic Analysis.
Aether – S
Impressive skill. You are capable of making extremely high use of Aether through magics that make use of it. Though, otherwise, it is somewhat limited due to lack of direct use without other magics. However, with your Potions and Curses, you are able to make more than proper use of them.
Fire – C
Average skill. You are not capable of using AoE spells of any significance or large scale.
Water – C
Average skill. You are not capable of using AoE spells of any significance or large scale.
Earth – C
Average skill. You are not capable of using AoE spells of any significance or large scale.
Wind – B
Above Average skill. You are not capable of using AoE spells of any significance or large scale. Though with as so much skill in it, you are able to make viable use of it for combat, just the limitation in range poses some problem still, as well as against those who use Fire magic.
Ice – C
Average skill. You are not capable of using AoE spells of any significance or large scale.
Lightning – A
Superior skill. Although you are not capable of using AoE spells with it, that is par norm as Lightning is more towards 'support'. However, at A Rank, there are much more viable options beginning to open up, as well as fairly useful Lightning element support spells.
Curses- A
Superior skill. Due to your Rank in Aether and possession of Innate Magic Conversion, you are quite very much able to sustain Curses over long periods of time. And furthermore, you are quite capable of most common curses and even uncommon ones. Combat application exists, though your Mother did state to not over rely on it for that. Mass cursing is a thing, though you do need to factor in your enemy's power into account as well and the drain on your reserves. You can only manage up to approx. B Rank Curses when mass cursing.
Potions- A
Superior skill. With your Rank in Aether and your Affinity combined, you are able to make excellent use of your Superior skill in Potions. Ingredient problems don't exist for common stuff, while for higher stuff... well, you have a fairly wide range you can work with while the amount needed is also fairly easy to meet. Though, A Rank Potions themselves are more problematic without preparations due to more hefty- in comparison to other Potions you can make- but in terms of power, its a non-issue.

Personal Skills:

Instinct – C [Fixed]
You have a consistent ability to notice things... though, it is not much more so than a normal person. Just how often you are able to, is at least far more common. For what, why, etc. however, is not necessarily obvious if even known to you at all. Coincidences doesn't help in the slightest.

 

[ReinZero]

[Misc. Info.]​

Ranking/Level information & reference
There are 8 Ranks/Levels with two 'in between' sub-section for each one. The highest is L while D is the lowest, normally.

L > EX > S > A > B > C > D >> F​

The 'in between' of each one is a +/-. A + means it is 1/3rd to the next Rank/Level, whereas a - means it is 1/3rd from the Rank/Level it is attached to. Magic Capacity-wise, it rounds down to the nearest 10's.
F = Non-Existant; It's there, but almost the same as not having what the F Rank/Level is attached to. For magic, this is a nessassary minimum rank for an element to learn magic of that element within any reasonable amount of time; Magic Capacity = 0
D = Below Average / Sub-par; Is technically two ranks/levels above F; Magic Capacity = 100
C = Average / Normal; Magic Capacity = 200
B = Above Average / Strong; In comparison to C rank/level; Magic Capacity = 350
A = Superior; In comparison to C rank/level; Magic Capacity = 500
S = Powerful / Impressive; Magic Capacity = 750
EX = Extraordinary / Extreme; Much beyond the norm, it is pariticularly impressive; Magic Capacity = 1500
L = Legendary; Also has no upper limit. Exact minimum power (for non PC) is gauged by # of +s. At least rank/level, it can break physics, though doing so is at a cost to power behind the act/etc.; Magic Capacity = 3000

Magic Capacity can also be modified/affected by various other factors, such as affinity or talent.

Click to shrink...

 

[ReinZero]

Born into a family of Nobles, in the South Central region of the world, you lived a different life than that of those below or as they're called, Commoners. Though, unlike Nobles in other regions, and those who claim superiority in some way, you and your family lack such a glorious position that the position would command elsewhere. Not a fault of their own, but a grating thing nonetheless. As the son and heir of your family you are its future.

The name of your family is...
[X] Dallon

Your family is a Noble family, one that is a...
[X] Rewarded Nobility - Your grandparents had once contributed greatly to the nation, at least enough to earn a title of Nobility and that which comes with it. Which is admittedly less than that of other regions, but the fact of matter that your grandparents had achieved it through their own abilities as opposed to those who buy their way into such a position. Your parents upbringing and, by extension, yours reflects such. There are those who see such a rise as an affront to them.

Located within a...
[X] Fledgling Empire - A Empire of only a hundred odd years of history. Young by standards of other regions, but a success case within the South Central. However, its rise and history is another matter entirely, not all are pleased with the rise of an Empire.

And lastly... your name and appearance? (A description will suffice, or a picture.)
[X] Victor
[X] Tall, blonde, and physically imposing, Victor is an ideal example of a noble of the Brockton Empire.

The Dallon were Barons within the Brockton Empire, a fine example of those whom are rewarded for great- or extraordinary as some would put it- service to the Empire. Though a fair number considered the position lacking for the deeds done, others recognize the difference that older noble families or 'Proper Nobles' as some call them, possess and thus the limitation in the exact positions presentable under the circumstances.

In your family's view, the general opinion of the matter is… Includes your view.
[X] It matters not. After all, it is only a matter of time.

Though despite the difference, the Dallon enjoy a few… boons over other Barons. (Pick up to 3)
[X] Popular Support of the Masses.
[X] An Inheritance of sorts from your Mother's side.
[X] Use of Aether (Element)

You are the…
[X] First Son There was no doubt, no?

Your favored Element was…
[X] Aether Only if you took Aether prior.

 

[ReinZero]

With popular support of the masses, the Dallon Barony has little trouble or issue within its lands, or rather, instead the opposite. However, with rather limited connections to those in... useful positions or ones who have influence with such people, it rather shows as plans to improve educational facilities and institutions within the Dallon Barony, rendering the Dallon in that regard, the same as most other Barons.

However, unlike the majority of newer 'lesser' Nobility, the 2nd Generation of the Dallon, your father, married the 3rd daughter from one of the branch families belonging to one of the lower 'Proper' Nobility. A slight political mess, or so it would have been usually, but the position that the Dallon had been in due to the reason for their, limited, ascent rendered it somewhat moot. But a factor nonetheless that worked against your father in the political and social arenas. But that didn't concern the Dallon. After all, It matters not. It is only a matter of time.

Your Mother was from a 'Proper' Noble Family from the...
[ ] North Western Region
[ ] East Region
[ ] Far Eastern Region
[ ] South Central Region of course! Where else? Random Selection out of the above three with some difference.

From your Mother's side, you inherited a Mixed Lineage, though somewhat diluted due to the difference between your Father's strength and your Mother's Mixed Lineage and strength. But the loss, so you've heard, isn't worth concern over as your parents and grandparents say. Though in addition to it, you inherited the ability to use the Element of Aether. In simpler terms, the base Element that the four primary Elements- Fire, Water, Earth, Wind- derive from and by extension, the two secondary Elements of Ice and Lightning from Water and Wind respectively. Fortunately, you do have an Affinity.

But before that... what your Mixed Lineage composes? (Pick 3)
[ ] Dual Natural Affinity (Pick one)
---[Fire / Water / Wind / Earth /Ice / Lightning]
[ ] Dual (or Single) Artificial Affinity (Pick Two)
---[Potions / Enchantment / Curses / Healing / Grimore] (Counts as 1 each)
---[Runes / Alchemy / Magic Theory / Shikigami] (Counts as 2 each)
[ ] Reserve for Affinity (Once Only & Cannot Take Dual Natural Affinity)
[ ] Reinforced
[ ] Innate Magic Conversion
[ ] Innate Magic Analysis (Counts as 2)
---Counts as 1 if Magic Theory is taken as Artificial Affinity
[ ] Striking Distance (Counts as 2)
---Requires Affinity of one of the following Elements: Lightning, Wind, or Aether
---Counts as 1 if two of the above Elements are taken as Affinity (Yes I realize the implausibility of one combination.)

And your Affinity is...? (Pick ONLY One of Course)
[ ] Pick One: Fire / Water / Wind / Earth / Ice / Lightning
[ ] Aether (Reduce to Normal Affinity Option due to prior choices & Cannot take if taking Dual Natural Affinity)
[ ] Pick One: Potions / Enchantment / Curses / Healing / Grimore (Cannot Overlap with Artificial Affinity)
[ ] Pick One: Runes / Alchemy / Shikigami (Cannot Overlap with Artificial Affinity & Requires Reserve for Affinity)

Though, not everything was particularly swimmingly well. Some things, just couldn't be helped. Others, well, some people just can't handle the reality of things- even if its self causal. In any case, the Dallon Barony's... personal problems were also rather usual as well, though still tame compared to what some Nobles have to deal with regularly.

Of such problems, the major ones of note were... (Pick 2)
[ ] The occasional assassination attempts on the Family. Including, yourself and- those around you, unfortunately.
[ ] In regards to some of the Loyalist Nobles, for some reason or another, they do not accept the Dallon Barony as Nobility.
[ ] Due to unfortunate circumstances, the Family is a bit... unpopular with merchants in general, though not to the point where they won't do business. Just the difficulty of procuring certain things without added costs and other such problems.
[ ] 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 first years of life was quite... normal, average one could say. Though with a lack of proper context or peers of your age or siblings, you had nothing to reference other than the words of your Mother. Of course, that was more than enough, after all, she wouldn't lie about it, right? But it extended beyond a lack of peers, a lack of friends or companions of your age- a factor caused in no small part by the limited connections your parents could draw upon.

But... the realization never hit you early on, unlike what your Mother had seemed to expect. No. You were too busy trying to follow the standard set down by your grandparents on your Father's side. Even if you didn't have a formal teacher at the time. Weapons were regarded as a bit... excessive and risky for a young child, so to sate your desire, your education in magic began rather earlier than usual by two years.

---
Name suggestions for your parents is welcome. If none, they will default to GM choice then.

 

[ReinZero]

Transplanted Tally from SB (Last Vote was postmarked 2:12 AM PST on 2/2/2014 by mc2rpg)

[4] North Western Region
EagleBlue, Wing101, lordofchaos99, mc2rpg

[4] Innate Magic Conversion
EagleBlue, Wing101, lordofchaos99, mc2rpg
[4] Innate Magic Analysis (Counts as 2)
EagleBlue, Wing101, lordofchaos99, mc2rpg

[4] Aether (Reduce to Normal Affinity Option due to prior choices & Cannot take if taking Dual Natural Affinity)
EagleBlue, Wing101, lordofchaos99, mc2rpg

[4] The occasional assassination attempts on the Family. Including, yourself and- those around you, unfortunately.
EagleBlue, Wing101, lordofchaos99, mc2rpg
[3] 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.
EagleBlue, Wing101, lordofchaos99
[1] In regards to some of the Loyalist Nobles, for some reason or another, they do not accept the Dallon Barony as Nobility.
mc2rpg

---

You may post now. Transcribed stuff over.

 

[kinglugia]

Us:

Father: Jacques Dallon

 

[Bloodshifter]

[X] Far Eastern Region

[X] Innate Magic Conversion
[X] Innate Magic Analysis (Counts as 2)

[X] Aether (Reduce to Normal Affinity Option due to prior choices & Cannot take if taking Dual Natural Affinity)

[X] Due to unfortunate circumstances, the Family is a bit... unpopular with merchants in general, though not to the point where they won't do business. Just the difficulty of procuring certain things without added costs and other such problems.
[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.

 

[kinglugia]

[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] Healing

[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.
[X] Due to unfortunate circumstances, the Family is a bit... unpopular with merchants in general, though not to the point where they won't do business. Just the difficulty of procuring certain things without added costs and other such problems.

Alright, here's my reasoning:
Artificial Magic Affinity is literally cheaper, as in pick 2 for one, but Innate Magic Analysis seems to be the bandwagon, so I got Magic Theory basically for free, as IMA counts as 1 if Magic Theory is taken as Artificial Affinity.
Innate Magic Conversion will help us a lot more due to our Aether element, and yes, even if we do not choose it as an Affinity, we can still have it due to prior choices.
Healing as our affinity? I want to have a melee character that have one of the most feared ability ever: the ability to heal even the most grievous of injuries in the matter of seconds. And due to the border, we'll need healing if we have to survive.

 

[Happerry]

[X] Far Eastern Region

[X] Innate Magic Conversion
[X] Innate Magic Analysis (Counts as 2)

[X] Aether (Reduce to Normal Affinity Option due to prior choices & Cannot take if taking Dual Natural Affinity)

[X] Due to unfortunate circumstances, the Family is a bit... unpopular with merchants in general, though not to the point where they won't do business. Just the difficulty of procuring certain things without added costs and other such problems.
[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.

 

[kinglugia]

Gm has said on IRC that Artificial Affinities is a pick 2 for the price of one.
Which means, if we get Innate Magic Analysis, we can still get Magic Theory to aid us!
Come on people, change your votes a little!
Edit: Potions / Enchantment / Curses / Healing / Grimore are also under natural affinity to note, but cannot overlap with artificial.
And it has some differences between the two.
GM refuses to comment on the nature of the difference.

 

[ReinZero]

Gm has said on IRC that Artificial Affinities is a pick 2 for the price of one.
Which means, if we get Innate Magic Analysis, we can still get Magic Theory to aid us!
Come on people, change your votes a little!

Click to shrink...

I'm not sure how you guys missed it. Probably the lack of invis text.

That aside, do keep in mind if no one is against kinglugia's proposed name for parent(s) and picture(s) for them, then they will be used unless I rule otherwise. Yes you can submit other prospective names and pics people.

 

[fitzgerald]

[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] Due to unfortunate circumstances, the Family is a bit... unpopular with merchants in general, though not to the point where they won't do business. Just the difficulty of procuring certain things without added costs and other such problems.
[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.

 

[Pipeman]

Gm has said on IRC that Artificial Affinities is a pick 2 for the price of one.
Which means, if we get Innate Magic Analysis, we can still get Magic Theory to aid us!
Come on people, change your votes a little!
Edit: Potions / Enchantment / Curses / Healing / Grimore are also under natural affinity to note, but cannot overlap with artificial.
And it has some differences between the two.
GM refuses to comment on the nature of the difference.

Click to shrink...

If you've cleared this with the GM, I see no reason not to go with this.

As for the difference, I'd guess one is an acquired trait and the other isn't.
That's usually the difference between artificial and natural things.


[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.


Edit:

I'm not sure how you guys missed it. Probably the lack of invis text.

Click to shrink...

For me it was that it was thinking the "Counts as 2 each" referred to "Pick 3" and not "Pick two" and being to damn tired to even think of the alternative and ask.

That aside, do keep in mind if no one is against kinglugia's proposed name for parent(s) and picture(s) for them, then they will be used unless I rule otherwise. Yes you can submit other prospective names and pics people.

Click to shrink...

Regarding the name, no real issue with it, if it's culturally fitting, but not really liking the pic for the father.
That said, I kind of don't have the time to look for an alteranitve right now anyways.

 

[Robotninja]

[X]Pipeman.

 

[EagleBlue]

[X] North Western Region

[X] Single Artificial Affinity
---[Magic Theory]
[X] Innate Magic Conversion
[X] Innate Magic Analysis (Counts as 2)

[X] Pick One: Wind

[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.
[X] Due to unfortunate circumstances, the Family is a bit... unpopular with merchants in general, though not to the point where they won't do business. Just the difficulty of procuring certain things without added costs and other such problems.

Right, I asked Rein since we took Aether before we'll still have it as an affinity so I changed it. (Though Rein you may want to explain of the others for those who don't know what they are.)

Gave it some thought and assassination was a bad choice to pick. These too still suck but not as bad. They also sound better when combined. Our barony's situation makes merchants uneasy to do business since we're so close to a potential warzone.

 

[ReinZero]

Finalizing/Locking Votes in a hour or three. (ie. when I have time to start on update.)

In the meantime, please make any final changes (or not).


Edit: Back for a moment. Are you guys sure? Because, if you insist on taking Innate Magic Analysis as a Counts as 2 manner... then it will count as such.

Voting not closed yet.

 

[protoss16]

[X]Pipeman.

 

[ReinZero]

Argh, vote tally (between SB and QQ thread) mess. >_<

Closing voting.

 

[ReinZero]

[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.

Click to shrink...

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.)

 

[Robotninja]

A rank Magic Theory
A rank Potions
A rank Curses
B rank Enchantment

Potions and Curses are limited to magic theory as well, right?

 

[ReinZero]

Potions and Curses are limited to magic theory as well, right?

Click to shrink...

Correct, as you don't have an affinity for either of them respectively.

 

[Robotninja]

Not too much of a limit given our affinity for magic theory. Is having A rank in Curses enough for good combat performance with A rank potion support?

 

[ReinZero]

Not too much of a limit given our affinity for magic theory. Is having A rank in Curses enough for good combat performance with A rank potion support?

Click to shrink...

I had updated the character sheet onto the relevant post in the thread.

That varies depending on various factors. And are you sure you want to do it that way?

 

[Robotninja]

Well, this isn't so much for the combat as much as enough to get by in combat while having loads of bullshit noncombat uses. The ability to subtly curse rivals, make potions to help allies, and other such things is quite useful in politics, and Aether is rather rare as an affinity. Having our enemies suffer loads of "bad luck" on their investments in ways they cannot prove our involvement in seems like a useful way to pay people back for the assassins they send.

 

[Pipeman]

I'm not too oposed to a focus on indirect stuff, but Enchantment seems a rather poor choice without any Elements to use it with.

 

[kinglugia]

[X] Shield

[X] Improve Magic Theory to A Rank (Cost 1 Point)
[X] Improve Lightning by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Improve Lightning by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Improve Wind by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---Capped by Magic Theory. Can take multiple times/elements.
[X] Learn Curses (Costs 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[X] Improve Curses by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---[X] Improve Curses by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Learn Potions (Costs 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[X] Improve Potions by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---[X] Improve Potions by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)

[X] Check out the Marketplace.

 

[Pipeman]

Magic Theory at A Rank also seems of questionable use when you are not planning to raise anything to A.

 

[Robotninja]

I'm not too oposed to a focus on indirect stuff, but Enchantment seems a rather poor choice without any Elements to use it with.

Click to shrink...

We have C rank Elements.

 

[Pipeman]

We have C rank Elements.

Click to shrink...

Which is kind of not very good at all.