Touch of Fate 103 The Art of Speaking

Magic department students were arriving in steady streams. Most of them were dressed in the black robes that evidently served as the uniform here.

The students were slowly gravitating towards a large assembly area with a raised podium on one side of the courtyard. Figuring that the ceremony would be starting soon, Mike found himself an out-of-the-way place next to one of the many evenly placed trees that decorated the courtyard. With nothing better to do, he engaged in one of his old past times, people watching. Only in this case, he had access to Appraise as a means of determining interesting information.

Generalized scanning of the crowd revealed that the vast majority were human, and most had titles that seemed to be related to the nobility. There were dozens of Apprentice Mages, several Elementalists, a clustered group of Summoners, and a handful of Priests. A couple more unique classes, were scattered about, but they all had very magic related names.

[I guess it's difficult to acquire magic related skills for people without certain classes.]

In one section of the crowd he saw a pair of twins with platinum blonde hair. The color reminded him of the incident with the noble from yesterday, so he drew closer in order to get a better look.

The two of them were surrounded by a group of sycophantic students that were being kept at arms-length by a pair of muscular guards. Curious as to what kind of VIP warranted that kind of treatment, Mike used Appraise, starting with the female twin.

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Andrea Almir

Age: 17

Race: Human (Star Elf)

Class: Elemental Annihilator

Title: Prime Elementalist

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Andrea was tall and lithe, with wavy blonde hair that reached the middle of her back, and was allowed to flow freely. Her aristocratic face, with high cheekbones and a narrow chin, gave her a slightly severe look, almost as if she was disapproving of everything in her surroundings.

[Judging from the last name that must be the princess those guys were talking about yesterday. Also, there's another elf bloodline. I wonder how that came about. I really need to do some research on elves, or maybe just ask Tal sometime.]

Mike focused on the presumable prince who was standing nearby affecting a disinterested appearance. Despite having nearly identical features, his face was somehow softer, less harsh. Spiky blonde hair and clear green eyes made him look like an anime protagonist.

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Matthew Almir

Age: 17

Race: Human (Star Elf)

Class: Arcanist

Title: Prince

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[That's a little more straightforward. He looks like the more approachable of the two.]

"I wouldn't stare at the royals too much, if I were you. Their bodyguards get a little twitchy at big gatherings like this." A depressed voice distracted him from his thoughts.

Glancing over, he saw a gaunt youth leaning against a nearby tree. So thin was his presence, that Mike didn't even notice him until he started talking. The speaker looked emaciated, with sunken cheeks, dark circles under his eyes, and a wavy unfocused gaze that suggested extreme exhaustion. He was a little on the short side, with a mop of messy dark hair and unhealthily pale skin. A pair of slightly pointed ears betrayed a non-human heritage.

Mike used a quick Appraise before replying.

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Edgar Wentworth

Age: 18

Race: Dhampyr

Class: Necromancer

Title: Beloved of Malgrathia

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[A dhampyr? Isn't that a kind of half-vampire? Are they even allowed to be around humans?]

Reminding himself that he was in another world, which probably had different expectations, Mike tried to school himself, but evidently some of his thoughts were visible on his face.

Looking even more depressed, if that was possible, Edgar sunk lower to the ground, "Its alright. I'm quite used to it after all. Who would want to talk to a monster like me. I'll just go find a hole to crawl into."

Feeling guilty, Mike stopped the man before he had a chance to slink off. "Look, I'm sorry. I've had a few run in with vampires in the past, and I let that color my reaction. Let's start over. I'm Mike, what's your name?" He offered Edgar his hand, in part to help him up.

A look of amazement spread across the dhampyr's face, and he took Mike's hand as if he were partaking in some sacred rite. Edgar's and was cold and dry, but Mike could feel a faint pulse, ensuring him that the other man was alive despite his appearance.

"This is the first time since I left home that anyone was willing to shake my hand." He spoke in a distant tone, as tears began to well up in his eyes.

"Now, now. There's no need for that. Its just a handshake." Mike looked around furtively, hoping that no one was paying attention to the embarrassing scene.

"I'm Edgar, it is a pleasure to meet you, Mike." A smile split his face, easing some of the gaunt austerity which made him look like a living corpse. "I'm sorry I startled you earlier, I know that many of my father's relative can be quite...unpleasant."

"What? Oh, right. That's no problem at all. You certainly can't control it. Although, I have to admit, I'm a little curious why....." He paused, trying to find the right way to word his question.

Edgar interrupted with a veritable stream of personal information, "Why a dhampyr is studying at a school for the rich and powerful? I don't mind answering. My mother is actually Marchioness Wentworth. You may not have heard of her, but she's rather famous for her exploits as an adventurer before inheriting her title. She's also slightly infamous for her 'dalliances,' of which I am one of the products. When I was old enough to have my class determined, and it became clear that I could use magic, I was tutored at home to use my abilities. When I could no longer learn anything from my old teachers, I begged my mother for the chance to study here. She eventually relented."

"I see." Mike replied, starting to regret getting involved with the youth.

"Ah! My apologies. I've rattled on again. Please, forgive me. I had not meant to bore you with my life story." The youth looked panic-stricken at the idea.

"Don't worry about it, I was just taking some time to process what you said. By the way, I can see your a current student by your robes. What course are you following, if you don't mind me asking?" Mike tried to steer the conversation to a safe topic, but ultimately failed.

Looking depressed once more, Edgar answered with some hesitation. "I was forced to take part in the Divine Magic program due to the nature of my skills."

He paused for another long period of time, anxiously twisting his hands. "I'm actually.....well there is no easy way to say this....I'm a necromancer?" His voice twisted into a question at the very end of his statement as winced, as if expecting a blow.

Slightly confused, Mike shrugged, "And?"

That look of surprise, now with a hint of awe, once again crossed his face. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a magically amplified voice.

"Attention students of the Magic Department of the University of Almirn. I am Emmanuel Garthun, your Department Chair. For those of you who are new, let me be the first to congratulate you on your successful entry into our department. For those students who are once again returning to their studies, I welcome you back."

Mike offered Edgar a friendly smile before motioning him to follow as he moved closer to the stage. He saw his advisor speaking animatedly from behind a podium.

"This department has existed since the University's founding over a millennia ago, and through those long years it has sheltered and mentored some of the greatest mages to have ever graced this continent. Mages like Kathleen the Great, J'rthun of Halk, and Palios, the Lord of Storms. You have the opportunity to join these names, and make your mark on the world."

He paused then, to give dramatic emphasis to his next statement. "Take advantage of your time here. Study hard. Learn everything you can. That is the path to greatness."

A smattering of polite applause sounded around the courtyard. Judging from the lack of response, Emmanuel must give a very similar speech at the beginning of each quarter.

Looking unconcerned, he continued to the actual meat of his speech. "I now announce the 3rd quarter of the 6549 A.F. school year officially open. Continuing students may head to the West building to receive their schedules and study materials. New students, please head to the East building for uniform sizing."

Glancing over at Edgar, Mike shrugged, "I guess I have to head over there. Anyway, it was nice meeting you. I'll see you around campus."

"Yeah...." The dhampyr said distantly as Mike started walking away.

[He seems like a decent enough guy, I suppose. I wonder what sort of stigma there is about necromancers. I'll have to ask the others later.]

Mike entered the building farthest to the east according to the cardinal directions and was directed to an office where and elderly man measured him. After a little internal debate, the man handed him three pairs of robes, and told him to come back if he ended up losing or damaging them.

Next, he was directed back to the West building where he got a schedule and a slip of paper he was supposed to turn in at the Science Department in order to get his basic crafting supplies. All of his other classes didn't require special tools or materials.

With nothing pressing left to do, Mike figured he would spend the rest of the day reading. Taking a few moments to review his status, he headed back to the dorm.

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Below is a status update, please feel free to skip to the next chapter.

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Michael Rasmussen

Race: Human

Age: 15

Class: Skill Master

Tier: 3 (Mid)

Title: None

Multiverse Traveler

Blessed One

Hunter of Renown

Battlefield Healer

Kal'Thel

Philanderer

Hero

Dungeon Savior

Undinekath

Saint of Healing

Nemesis of Demons

Antagonist

Wyrmkin (NEW)

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Skills

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Primary Skills:

Communication Magic (Rank 3)

Intermediate Healing Magic (Rank 5)

Analyze (Rank 2)

Journeyman Almiran Military Swordsmanship (Rank 2)

Intermediate Water Magic (Rank 3) (RANK UP)

Intermediate Fire Magic (Rank 3)

Basic Air Magic (Rank 4) (RANK UP)

Basic Earth Magic (Rank 5) (RANK UP)

Basic Light Magic (Rank 1) (NEW)

Blood Collector (Rank 1)

Bind Familiar (Rank 1) (NEW)

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Secondary Skills:

Lifestyle Magic (Rank 0)

Advanced Lovemaking (Rank 3)

Athletics (Rank 2)

Intermediate Evasion (Rank 3)

Basic Dagger Fighting (Rank 2)

Basic Spear Fighting (Rank 5)

Intermediate Sword Fighting (Rank 2)

Intermediate Elemental Magic (Rank 3)

Basic Riding (Rank 3)

Basic Haggling (Rank 3)

Basic Musical Performance (Wind Instrument) (Rank 2)

Basic Unarmed Fighting (Rank 4)

Basic Chanting (Rank 1) (NEW)

Dual Casting (Rank 1) (NEW)

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Passive Skills:

Intermediate Fear Resistance (Rank 2)

Basic Physiological Resistance (Rank 5)

Intermediate Poison Resistance (Rank 5)

Basic Heat Resistance (Rank 4)

Basic Mental Resistance (Rank 3)

Moderate Mana Enhancement (Rank 2)

Moderate Mana Regeneration Enhancement (Rank 2) (RANK UP)

Moderate Endurance Enhancement (Rank 2)

Moderate Agility Enhancement (Rank 1)

Moderate Strength Enhancement (Rank 1)

Basic Willpower Enhancement (Rank 2)

Limit Break (Rank 1)

Detect Hostile Intent (Rank 3)

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Inherent Skills:

Traveler's Luck

Fate-Touched

(BC) Vampiric Regeneration, Lesser

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- Wyrmkin -

You have been bound by destiny or chance to one of the Wyrms, greatest of the dragon races. By virtue of this connection, you inspire respect and fear in these races. Moderate increase to Charisma when interacting with dragons or individuals with a draconic bloodline.

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Skills:

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- Basic Light Magic (Tier 2, Rank 1) -

One of the advanced forms of Elemental Magic. Light magic allows the user to create and manipulate light. It is the fastest of the elements, but lacks substance or offensive techniques. Higher skill levels increase the mana efficiency and power of the magic produced.

- Bind Familiar (Tier 3, Rank 1) -

Through the use of an ancient contract sealed in blood, you have bound a magical creature into your service. This contract connects the souls and destinies of its participants, binding them to one another.

Rank 1 Effects: Soul Link

-Soul Link -

The bond created between master and familiar links their souls together. This allows both participants to gather a rough feeling for where the other is, within a set distance. It also allows particularly strong emotions to be transmitted along the link.

- Basic Chanting (Tier 1, Rank 1) -

Chanting is the practice of shaping magic to a caster's will through the use of the ancient languages of power. Higher levels of skill grant increased chanting speeds, improve the efficiency of magic created with chants, and add a system correction to the memorization and pronunciation of chants.

- Dual Casting (Tier 3, Rank 1) -

Due to the difficulties inherent in the practice of magic, most mages are limited to utilizing one spell at a time. By virtue of practice or natural talent, Dual Casters are not bound by this limitation. Allows the user to cast two spells simultaneously. Higher levels of skill improve efficiency and grant a system correction to concentration and processing speed.

Chapter end