Nexus University IC

[WhiteKnight777]

Nexus University: Orientation Day

It's amazing what the mind can grow used to. Even the extraordinary becomes blase with repeated exposure. The wondrous can easily become the mundane through something as simply as seeing it over and over again.

This capability of the mind to cope with the unimaginable is likely the only reason anyone ever gets anything done at all at Nexus University. The sheer size of the place was nothing short of awesome, and very few languages had words to accurately convey the sheer majesty of some of the campus' locations. However, there wasn't much majestic about the room you found yourself in at the moment. Like almost all travel through the myraid dimensions that made up the university, you arrived here, still a bit bewildered from the flurry of moving-in activities, using a small pass-token which activated the University's incredibly complex Magitech transportation system. You noticed a number of other beings here - though it was hard to tell, they looked like students, mostly because they were on time. Fifteen minutes after the scheduled start, a silver-haired elf appeared out of thin air, dressed in a black uniform that had a vaguely military look to it. Producing a glowing touchboard, he ran his eyes over the lot of you, ticking off items quickly and muttering softly under his breath. At last he snapped his fingers, sending the glowing blue device back into the etherspace whence it had come - or possibly to clerk's office. It was difficult to tell. Then he gave you all a bright, slightly brittle smile and began to speak, in tones of almost unhealthy good cheer.

Ahhh.. Welcome, welcome one and all... I'm not sure if all of you have recieved a formal welcome yet... You will have noticed by now that despite our best efforts in the Administrative department, the University exists in more or less a state of controlled chaos at any given point. I do believe one of the professors has created a device to try to model it - though last I checked, it had started spouting smoke and repeating verses from the Necronomicon backwards... He trailed off, blinking, then seemed to realize where he was once more. I do apologize... too much work, not enough Reverie, you know... in any case, welcome to the university. You've all been accepted as graduate students, and so before you go to meet your respective professors I'm here to see if you have any general questions about the university. We in the Administrative department understand the transition to such an... imposing campus can be difficult, so we're trying to ease the process out a bit... One of the ways we do that is by encouraging new students to exchange information and get to know other new students, so you can engage in the learning process together, in a more efficient and enjoyable way.

Beaming brightly at all of you, he paused for a moment before continuing, looking vaguely disappointed at the lack of applause, for just a moment. Now, you've all been settled into your quarters as appropriate to your needs, and each of you have been given the code that you can use with your Universal Transport Key that links to your particular residence hall or off-campus housing location, so feel free to exchange codes if you want. I'll give you a few moments to introduce yourselves, and when you're ready, see me and I'll give you the code to transfer yourself to your private meeting with the professor who you'll be instructed by and working for. And if you have any general questions about the campus or the University, ask and I will answer to the best of my ability.

So saying, the elf moved to a corner, seating himself in a simple wooden chair and quickly becoming absorbed in paperwork

[Dorizzit]

Markus runs a hand through his hair for about the seventh time that day. He is very nervous, never having been away from Silvanus before. He was also never very good at social interaction. He looks around, trying to pick out someone normal looking from the crowd. He eventually settles on what appears to be an ordinary human (Coin), and walks over. "Hello, what's your name? I'm Markus."

[GnomeNinja]

Mark squinted his eyes a little to see past the others, but he knew something wasn't right from the moment he was dropped in the room. He heard glimpses of the elf's speech, but what really caught his attention was the, "... Accepted as graduate students." He closed his eyes, thinking, I think the Magitech system messed up again... When he heard no more from the elf, he stepped through the jumble of people, walking leisurely up to him.

"Sir, no disrespect, but I think the Magitech system had a problem again. I'm, um, I'm an undergrad, so..." His voice trailed off a little as he motioned towards the others in the room. He continued, asking,"Do you know to where I should be going?"

[puppyavenger]

John looked around for a while, eventually, he walked over to the giant crystal-man and spoke telepathcly saying "How are you? and speaking of that who are you?

[puppyavenger]

John looked around for a while, then, eventually went over to the crystal golem and, speaking telepathcly said "Who are you? what are you? Where are you from? When are you from? how are you? would you like some food?

[Smiley_]

The large Stone-man, carrying whal looks like a large stone shere, flinches as it recieves the telepathic messages and tries unsuccessfully to shrink back against the wall in an almost comical fashion.

((A mind is a mind, so telepathy should work, however, gleaning information from the mind may be a bit more difficult, seeing as Geode has no "brain" so to speak))

What returns to John through the telepathy is a garble of grinding and clicking noises accompanied by flashes of yellow and dull red light. Though the method is strange, it is obviously a display of discomfort and apprehension and also...understanding?

A sound issued from an opening on the creature's back (yes, back) as it pointed to itself. It sounds are muffled by the grinding of stone and a loud humm, but a name is discernable.

Geode

The giant then poined to John with a large, jagged finger of layered rock. A flash of geen and yellowish light suggesting inquisitivness issued from the crystals composing the visible parts of Geode's interrior.

((I will allow further probing of the mind if Jhon want's to try it, but Geode is old. The torrent of information may be a bit much to handle, Especially if pressed with Who or What questions))

[Djinn_in_Tonic]

Hearing the voice at his shoulder, Charles Henry Anstron springs from his chair, spinning around in a blur. As he does so, Markus' hand begins to rise almost of its own volition.

"Hey Markus!"

The high-five hits with such exuberant force that Markus' hand stings slightly, although it is obvious that no ill intent was meant.

"Wonderful to meet you an' all that! Name's Charles, but don't use that boring moniker. Call me Coin."

This is obviously not someone with Markus' social difficulties. From his styilistically tossled blond hair to the soles of his brilliantly white dress shoes the man drips exuberance and charisma, and seems to be, at least for the moment, brimming with excess energy.

Coin claps Markus on the shoulder and gives him a good-natured grin, the brilliance of which almost lights up the room.

"'Scuse me a moment, won't ya? Thanks, Markus...knew I could count on ya!"

It is only after Coin departs that Markus realizes that he didn't, in fact, tell him yes.


*****

Watching Coin's progress through the room is like watching a cyclone. He doesn't stop; he just keeps walking, talking, waving, and smiling until everyone in the room knows his name and face. When he finally makes his way back to Markus, he cups his hands around his mouth and speaks to the room at large.

"ATTENTION PLEASE! IF WE'RE ALL INTRODUCING OURSELVES ANYWAY, LET'S MAKE THIS EASY. EVERYONE OVER HERE, PLEASE!"

A wave of his hand later the university chairs have been flung against the walls--barely missing the administrator--and a motley collection of far more comfortable chairs have arranged themselves in a circle in the center of the room. It looks like someone has put an antique store on shuffle, but it's better than the university's hard wooden affairs.

Coin sits down, snaps his fingers, and takes a long sip of the resulting beverage before setting it down in disgust.

"Also, can anyone here summon a decent martini on the first try? I keep getting whiskey..."

[puppyavenger]

Switching to draconic
Sorry, do you speak any languages? He then tries it again in whatever pidgin speech is spoken around Campus.
Turning to Coin
I'll take the whiskey
Names John, well, not actually John, but no-one can pronounce my proper name, not even my parents.. Anyway, who are you? speaking of which, what are you? Since, you know, most people can't summon alcohol at will, you could make millions man!

[GnomeNinja]

Mark plugs his ears as he hears the yell from behind him, and swivels around just in time to dodge a chair flying at him. He stumbles out of the way, looking up to see the other students befiddled as well as more comfortable chairs pop into place. He the hears a young man ask, confidently, about conjuring a martini. A student on the side shouts, "What the Nine? A martini? You just did this kreife, and you can't make alchohol?"

Mark looks down at himself, straightening his pants.

"Oy, boy, did he say make a martini? Well, you see, all you have to do is take a bit of gin, add some flavor, probably orange and some olive or lemon, and..." A voice invaded Mark's mind, that of one of his some-amoun-of-greats-grandfather. He rolled his eyes, trying to shut him out, but another voice invaded, No, you ninny, he mean making one magically. Honestly, why my mother married you, I have no idea... Anyways, Mark, deary, I think you learned some Liquid Creation spells last semester. A martini exactly, though, that might be tough. Here's a suggestion...". Mark responded mentally, "Yes, thank you, I think I can handle it. How about some ... badminton?" He projected them back into his mind for them to play.

He waved his hand in the air, saying a few words and using the modifiers his female ancestor had suggested. A liquid and a lemon slice appeared in the air, hovering for a second before falling onto the floor. He had forgotten to make a glass.

[puppyavenger]

Seems you forgot something telepathically
He then shoots a small jet of flame at the martini and sees what happens.

[GnomeNinja]

Marcus hears the voice in his head, and responds telepathically, "Get out of my head, and please stay out." He then plays around with a few magical gestures, seeing if he can get any sort of glass to appear, after a couple of tries and a handful of sand, he stops.

He turns again to the elf, asking, "Please sir, I'd like to know where I should be going. I'm a second-semester undergraduate student here. Thank you so much." He fidgets a little with the bag strap across his chest as he asks.

[Dorizzit]

Markus raises his eyebrows briefly. Hoo-boy...this will be interesting. He walks over, pulling up a chair.

[ForzaFiori]

Names Mike. Well, I guess it really isn't, but thats something you can pronounce. You hear come in a voice that hisses and pops like a fire as it speaks.I'm a salamander, hence the rather...fiery look I have. Anyone who looks can tell what he means. He has a humanoid shape, but flaming (literally) red hair, orange skin, and blue eyes, but not the normal blue. Those near him can feel the heat coming off of him. He waves his hands and mutters, trying for a martini, but unfortunately makes a margarita. Dang. I always confuse those two. Anyone want this? He asks, holding the glass up. Its a bit warm, but still good.

[Djinn_in_Tonic]

Coin carefully edges his spotless shoes away from the now burning alcohol on the ground. Then he raises a hand, snaps his fingers, and, from where once was nothing but air, tosses a golden disc towards John.

"I'm Coin, remember? That's my calling card. As for what I am, I'm just an ordinary guy with a bit of a magic problem. And I'm afraid I couldn't really make a killing with the alcohol...can't exactly sell something if you're not sure what you're about to make, and it's awkward to inadvertently sell someone bottled aardvark."

[puppyavenger]

eh, why not. Walking over,? being carefull not to hit anyone with his chair and speaking telepathicly. Anyway, hope no-one minds the mind-speak. I'm still working on my accent for mouth-speak.
If the margarita is passed over, he holds it with his tounge and drains it into his throat.
So, does anyone besides the Currency guy have a prouncable full name?
To Coin
We're in a University were half the people don't have a concept of currency. I'm pretty sure no-one will care what they're drinking halfway through a frat party. Turning his snought and blowing a bit of steam at the undergrad You might even stop someone like him from growing up to be a drunk

[GnomeNinja]

Mark turns as he feels the large dragon pass by him. As he hears the question in his mind, he first of all says, "I do mind the telepathy. I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesn't want foreign thoughts in his mind, for one reason or another." He then sighs a little and adds, again verbally, "Well, I'm Mark. But I shouldn't even be here, and I guess I'll be going soon. Oh, and I don't drink. I've, uh, seen what it does to people, plus people of my family are forbidden."

[Dorizzit]

Markus gets comfortable in his chair, swinging a leg over the side. He takes out a piece of...something. It looks like a red circle. Markus pops it in his mouth and begins chewing. He then looks at John. "Please don't be condescending. Arrogance isn't a good personality trait."

[puppyavenger]

Snorting loudly and with much steam
Likthe Thatssss Stoped anyone befooore than, a few seconds laterin mind-speech (not to Mark) Yes! got the accent!

[Smiley_]

Geode was stil getting used to these strange creatures. The flying chairs did nothing to calm him down. The people from the university that had first approached him told him that there would be no trouble, but he was starting to have doubts. He tried to sneak, unsuccessfuly, behind the dragon. It was obviously not human and seemed agreeable enough. As he settled the large sphere down he accidentally tripped on the dragon's tail.

Sitting in the large crater he made in the floor, he said meekley.

I don't drink.

[GnomeNinja]

"It's stopped my entire family, dragon." He points at the dragon a she talks, his other hand resting against his messenger bag. "Actually, not me, or Elsa, and probably some others... but you're on the right track boy." The voice reverberates in his head; his anger must have lowered the blocks too much. He looks at the floor and blinks a little, regaining his concentration. He then looks back up at the dragon, finishing with "And I'm sure plenty of others as well. You're not even humanoid; do you even know my culture or many others?"

[Dorizzit]

Markus looks at Mark, still chewing. "Your entire family doesn't drink? That seems...odd. Are they some form of priesthood?" He draws his leg back down, leaning forward.

[Smiley_]

Curiosly, Geode extended a finger towards a puddle of spilled drink. The finger began to flow into a slender spire and as the tip touched the puddle, the molecules settled on the finger, Geode became confused.

Humans poison themselves willingly?

He paused as his crystals shed a light blue collor.

What is, Culture?

[Dorizzit]

Markus looks at Geode. "Yes. It's all psychological." he taps his head. "It isn't a fast poison, or even one that usually poisons the drinker, physically at least. Some people enjoy the taste, while others like to be drunk. In some cases, it helps them forget about whatever troubles they have in their lives. Now then, culture...how does one explain culture? It's like...common acts or things that people are supposed to do as part of a society or group. Like greeting people who you know or, in fact, drinking."

[GnomeNinja]

Mark looks at the fellow in the chair, brushing a strand of hair out of his face, and responds, In a manner of speaking. I don't know where you come from, but my family is roughly equivalent to more highly cultured shamans." He then hears a rough voice, and turns around to see a moving statue. Not that he's surprised by much at the academy, but he sees it change colors and shape slightly. He makes out a question, though he notices it doesn't seem to come from the beings 'face,' as it were. He responds to what he thinks it asked, "Technically poison, no. Destroy minds and consciences, as well as resiavi yes." He smiles a little and takes a seat in one of the comfortable chairs. Well, might as well get comfortable. This is an interesting crowd.

[Dorizzit]

Markus shifts his head to the side at Mark's answer. "I...see. That makes sense. I've heard of roughly forty seven similar positions. Is there a particular reason for it, or is it just TWTAD?"

[GnomeNinja]

Mark looks at Markus and turns his head to the side, asking "TWTAD? What's that? And who are you, anyways?"

[Dorizzit]

Markus smiles. "T.W.T.A.D. stands for The Way Things Are Done. It's a fairly common expression where I come from. You see, I am from the plane of Silvanus, a plane highly advanced both magically and technologically. We have a great deal of knowledge about the nature of other planes and specific planes as well, although that isn't really my area of expertise. As for me..." he stands, crossing his straightened right and diagnally across his chest as he bows. "I am Markus Eventee."

[GnomeNinja]

Mark stands up as well and attempts to mimic Markus' bow. "Sounds like an interesting place. And yes, I suppose it is just the way things are done. Nerics just don't drink; I'd guess it came about because making people who have naliedi - oh, what is the closest word? I guess, 'special powers,' - So, giving alchohol to people with powers sometimes would be a distinctly bad idea." He sits back down and scratches the back of his head, giving a small smile.

[Smiley_]

Addressing Markus, the crystals became a bright orange.

Then you may be interested in this.

He placed his hand on the stone sphere. The surface rippled and flowed away as Geode withdrew something from it's depths. As he did, no hole was left behind. He held up a medium sized, seemingly unremarkable rock, but on closer inspection, is filled with tiny crystals and intricate ridges.

He stroked a protrusion on the rock, and it erupted in light, projecting "darkness" instead of light. From the darkness shone bright lights of many colors; blue, red, orange, white, blue and even brown. It is apparent that they are stars and planets in vivid details.

This is the world from which I came.

With a few ripples of the stone that made his fingers, the stellar map rotated and focused on an enlarging point. A medium sized yellow star and a green and blue planet.

This is what I saw, what I remembered when I first became conscious of my being. The whole...galaxy was it called?...it may be of interest to you.

[Djinn_in_Tonic]

Coin, now sitting happily with something vaguely resembling the desired martini, albeit a lurid green color, nods his head toward Mark and Markus.

"Man's right, Markus. Alcohol and magic don't mix. Remember that."

He takes another sip and grins widely.

"Lucky for me mine is already out of control, eh?"

[Eldan]

"Hi, everyone!"
A young, fair haired man in a white shirt steps inside the circle, and climbs a chair, smiling all the time.
"Sorry for not introducing myself earlier, I was busy finding out where exactly we are. So, I hope you are all fine, my name is Jim, nice to meet you."
He than set down, looking around with his still bright smile and an interested look on his face.

[Dorizzit]

Markus holds up his hands. "Hey, you don't need to tell me. I've seen plenty of aftereffects of badly applied magic, even if I personally can't use mine."

[puppyavenger]

Brought out of a momentary reveier, John turned over to Geode I'd apriciate it if you didn't do that wincing.
Yes it's my first time speaking the language, what can I say, people studiying Socerory and social theory generaly don't care.

[Dorizzit]

Markus again raises his hands. "Hey, it's cool. Wait, I thought dragons were good with languages?"

[puppyavenger]

what can I say, I didn't bother learning a thousand worlds languages. Also, that was my first time pseaking that.

[GnomeNinja]

Mark turns his head to the dragon. "Languages aren't too bad. Besides, if there's one language you need to know here, it's English. Seems to be the universal one around here. Too bad no one seems to know one anothers' real native tongues." Mark smiles and turns back forwards, waving his hand to summon a bottle of water from his room. He was beginning to feel akin to these students, younger though he may be.

[puppyavenger]

Yes, seems that way. Have you met anyone who has it asd a first language?
Turning to the elf.
So, shall we meet our proffesers?

[GnomeNinja]

Mark smiles a little, "Yes, it comes from a few independently evolved planes. Interestingly, the languages are almost identical, and all skare the same name. From what I remember, there are some planes like Rette, Earth, Camw, and those are the only I know of. Linguistically, it's a cumbersome language, but it serves communicatory purposes well. As the dragon asked the question, Mark remembered that he was not where he was supposed to be. He jumped out of the chair and looked at the elf, who seemed to just be observing the students' interactions.

[WhiteKnight777]

OOC You can feel free to ask to be moved now, or you can wait and interact with the others some more... however, when you ask to go you'll be transported to a one-on-one meeting, just so you understand

[puppyavenger]

intresting, how many of them have magic? well, since the conversation seems to be dieing down, I'll be taking my leave. Turning to the elf.I'll be meeting the teachers now please.

[Smiley_]

Geode deactivated his device and crammed it back into the sphere. As he stood up,the crater he left when he fell was gone. Taking on a green tin, hhe speaks to the elf and dragon.

I will accompany you. Iwish to learn more of this place.

OOC: How big is the dragon again, because I want to know if john is larger or smaller than geode so I can plan accordingly. Geode is 24 feet tall.

[GnomeNinja]

Mark walks towards the elf, but hears the dragon's question. "Depends on what you mean. Apparently, some of them can make small voids of destruction using large metal tubes called "colliders;" while not technically magic, it feel like a ritual." He then walks to the elf, and says, "Sorry, sir, but I need to go to where I have to be. I mean, I think some of these people are newer here than I, but I need to get with other undergrads. Thank you."

[Eldan]

"Well, from what I heard, english is also spoken on the plane of Abuto, where they have some kind of rune magic, which has some interesting aspects.
Apart from that, english is my first language. The professors who raised me spoke it."

[Dorizzit]

Markus stands up and stretches. "This has been an...enlightening conversation, but I think I should go now. I want to get familiar with as much of campus as possible before class starts."

OOC
I'm ready to move.

[ForzaFiori]

A member of my family once sstudied on Midkemia, It hass the King'ss Tongue, which iss what I'm sspopeaking...I asssume it iss your "english". They also have very powerful magic. I would doubt many popeopople here have english ass a firsst language though, for while we've named 5 or 6 poplaness with englissh, how many more have non-english languagess. Earth and Midkemia have both even. I would asssume they sspopeak englissh here due to a founder or ssomething. Mike says again in his odd hissing and poping language. Regarding the glass that once had alcohol, Mike laughs Alcohol iss ssuch an odd thing issn't it? Geode iss right, in a way. What ssentient being would popoisson their sself? And yet the from what i've heard, the popoisson there caussess ssome ssort of good feeling? I dont really know. I poperssonally can't drink...It ignitess when it hitss the insside of my body. Its popretty hot in there if you couldn't tell.

(i did the speak in what the accent would sound likes... I'm currently debating whether to continue in it. It takes time, and makes it harder to understand, but it adds that little layer of characterization...)

[Eldan]

OOC:

I'm also for moving on.
And for the accent: it's a good idea. When overdone, accents can become annoying, but yours is okay.
By the way: I actively try to keep my character somewhat nondescript, since that's basically what he is. "I guess he's a nice guy."

[puppyavenger]

Intresting..., , well, I'd be happy to have you with me Geode, what coures you taking? and that goes for all of you.
I'm taking Sorcerory, Soicial theory, Empire buidling, Terrorising 101, Interplanar demographics, hero fighting, magic theory and economics.

@ Geode. At his full high his about 30 feet, but usualy he's about 20 high and 30 long.

[Dorizzit]

Markus looks at John. "Classes? Sure, why not. I'm taking Unusual Weapons Combat, Mecha Piloting 101, Magitech Maintenence, Interplanar Lit, Interplanar Law, and Advanced Writing."

[ForzaFiori]

I'm taking Massterss Fire Magics, Advancsed Universsal Magics, Anatomy and Physsiology of Humanoid Life, Englissh Ass a Ssecond Language, Magic Theory, and Poplaner Geography

[Smiley_]

Turning to John the dragon, I am sorry, but I believe our classes diverge. As for what I am taking, Astrology, advanced engineering, advanced chemistry and nuclear physics.

addressing markus.

However, our paths may yet converge, small one. Machines are art, are they not? They must be understood and maintained.

[WhiteKnight777]

(OOC)
All right... since things seem to be moving in that direction anyway, I'll give you folks till the end of tonight to wrap things up, then I'll be moving you all on at one time, since it's easier for me that way.

[puppyavenger]

sure, I'm ready to go

[Dorizzit]

Markus smiles happily at Geode. "Of course! In my plane the highest form of art is considered to be the creation of an Eidolon."

[puppyavenger]

Hey, anyone need a place to stay? I"ve got room for a roomate, and the place seems a bit canvernous with just me.

[Dorizzit]

Markus considers for a second before nodding at the dragon. "Sure, I'd be happy to room with you. It sounds like quite the experience."

[Smiley_]

Room...Mate?

Geode seemed to be condused with the term.

A room...As in a chamber for solitude...and you share this...with a mate?

Then, his crystals shone forth in a bright, yellow light and he clasped his hads together in front of him.

I see! Congradulations! I am so happy for you two.

[GnomeNinja]

Mark chuckles a little, listening to the others' conversation. He then turns around, brushing a little hair out of his face. "No, the 'mate' part comes from 'mate' as in 'friend,' but I can understand the confusion. So not as much congratulations are in order as you think." An ornery smile spreads across his face. "Of course, you two would make the loveliest couple..."

[WhiteKnight777]

The elf looks around nervously, his tongue darting out to moisten his lips. At last, he seems to reach a decision. Pulling a number of small metal tabs from within his jacket, he hands one to each of you, speaking aloud in that same dreadfully cheery voice he used earlier "Excellent... now that you're all.. er.. acquainted, you can use these keys to attend the individual meetings with our professors. You should probably move along; here at Nexus University, we consider punctuality a key virtue, no matter what path your life may take. He smiles, licking his lips once more, and you get the impression that he probably memorized these words by heart. Not that the preparation did him any good. However, when he gets to Jonersinesphirthin, he looks at his list again, becoming flustered and looking up at the great beast anxiously.

Oh my.. oh my my my... There appears to have been an... error. I'm afraid that you're not actually a graduate student. I'm afraid I'll have to see what is to be done... for now, you can return to your room. You'll be contacted soon.

As for the rest of you - You can step into the transporters whenever you're ready.

[Eldan]

"Nice."
Once again there is a bright smile on Jim's face.
"I say, let's go then. Punctuality and all that."

[ForzaFiori]

Letss go. The ssooner we sstart, the ssooner we can get out. Mike says, stepping onto the teleporter

[puppyavenger]

I'm gonna agree lets be moing.

[Dorizzit]

Markus quickly steps over into a transporter.

[puppyavenger]

So does John

[Eldan]

And Jim, of course.

[GnomeNinja]

No, puppyavenger, the elf wanted tot talk to you for some reason.Mark looks at the elf, his mouth agape, "Sir, I'm an undergrad, as I said. Did this not strike you as odd as well?" He turns the key in his hand over, and then asks, "Will this even take me to where I need to go?" He brushed a strand of hair out of his face, looking at the elf while tryiholding his anger back.

[puppyavenger]

Realising what the gnome had said.Soo, how exactly do I get back to my room?

[jagadaishio]

Peter Volokhev

Throughout the course of the students introducing themselves, Peter stays out of the way, observing instead of interacting. He doesn't hide or anything of the sort; when the chairs are summoned he sits, he stands in the crowd, and he gathers with everyone else to collect the keys. He just doesn't do much to actively interact with the others.

But what he observes is very interesting.

The rock creature has a mind structure extremely alien to Peter. The teetotaler has a central mind with thousands in orbit around it, small barriers erected between the central one and the outer ones. Those two were the most interesting that he saw, but he took a cursory glance at the minds of every student there.

As soon as the keys are offered, he walks over and takes one, stepping onto the teleportation pad's surface immediately thereafter.

OOC:
Sorry I took so long to post. My power was out for a few days, followed by an actual university orientation, but I'm good to go now.

[Smiley_]

OOC: Onto the transporter then, I guess.

[WhiteKnight777]

OOC

[/spoiler]Sorry about the delay. My original writings were deleted an I had a bout of writer's block before I finally got this out. Enjoy[/spoiler]


The transporter pulls you along the infinite avenues of the University. The journey has the disconcerting feel of at once standing in place and moving at great speed. Here and there you see circles in the darkness about you, showing various scenes - classrooms, empty plains - and more exotic locales - long beaches of glittering white sand under strange stars, a pier reaching out into a boundless ocean while playful sea creatures frolic about it, the water in which they swim reflecting the light of other planets in the dim twilight sky as a lone figure looks out over the water. A ship sailing across a storm-wracked sea. A desert of black sand with a gibbous moon looking down, giving the entire expanse an eldritch glow. But after some length of time, you emerge...

Coin


Your particular journey seems to take an unusually large time compared to the one you experienced earlier. As you move farther and farther along, you see fewer and fewer portals, and they lead into more and more unusual places. In some, the sky and the grounds eem to have switched places, and in others, there seems no seperation at all. In some, you can see nothing. Perhaps they are sealed, but at last you emerge...

Into the light. all there is is light. No, that's not correct.. there's light, true enough, but the only reason that it is all you see is because it is all there is. you're drifting, peacefully in a vast expanse of infinite white. No features mar it. Despite the absence of anything, however, this place does not feel dead... merely waiting.

At last, you hear a sound behind you. A sharp, clicking sound like tiny, purposeful hammerblows. As you turn, you see a woman advancing on you, somehow striding forward despite the lack of anything to stand on. Looking at her features, she could be a model - even in the plain, even severe dark grey dress she wears, it's plain that she has a stunning figure. However, looking at her face leaves no doubt that she's a teacher. Something in the firm set of the sculpted jawline gives it away.

Control, young man... something absolutely necessary for a person of your potential... yet something you have a shocking lack of. She speaks without any preamble, adding as an afterthought I'm professor Thorpe. You'll be working for me, and I'll be trying to teach you something


Mark


Your journey passes fairly swiftly, and you find yourself settled in a large, leather armchair before a comfortable fire. The air in the room is warm and comforting, and smells of old books and comfortable use, with perhaps a tinge of cherry pipe-smoke. A rotund, elderly gentleman looks up from where he was, until a moment ago, reading a thick tome and smoking a pipe, the aroma of which was, indeed cherry flavored. He looks you over for a moment before speaking up in a gruff but not unfriendly voice.

Who're you? ah, yes, bless me, slipped my mind.... young lad they were sending over, whazzit, student, eh? He smiles good-naturedly Excellent. Thaddeus Q. Mapleton, Esquire. Professor of applied linguistics and Thaumotology. I understand you're to be my student for this year or semester or whatever they have at the moment, eh?


Markus



You spend some time in transit, and it seems to you that most of the places you pass seem to be training grounds - or workshops. It is into one of these that you emerge, finding yourself in a vast storage hanger - so high, in fact, that the roof would disappear into darkness if not for the vast array of lights hanging. Staring straight up at the ceiling, and the lights hung therein, is like staring up at the stars. But more impressive even than the size is what the hangar contains - dozens, if not hundreds of different mecha, running from sleek, elegant war machines to massive, baroque constructions that appear to have castles or cathedrals stuck atop them, to even stranger constructions - one, for example, appears to be made of living crystal, while another looks like a steamwork monstrosity - all brass and guild, levers, wheels, steam and sparks

A gruff, grizzled man in a flight jacket approaches you. He has several scars running accross his face, and he chomps a cigar as he gives you a long, steady stare. After a moment, he grunts at you

Eh, you must be this Markus kid, eh? Well lucky you... you get to run with me. You're my new assistant. I expect you to work yer butt of kid. But if ya do, I'll make you the best damn pilot yer world's ever seen. With me so far?



Jonersinesphirthin

To no surprise, you find yourself back in your room. Well, there are no classes today, so you can feel free to do as you like. Visit off campus, go shopping, or just spend time goofing off. It's your choice.

Jim


The space you eventually find yourself in can only be described as epic. You're standing on a simple metal platform, on which sits a desk, behind which a woman in glasses peers at you over the top of them for a moment before speaking into what appears to be an intercom. But your eyes are elsewhere. All around you, in every direction, are books. Legions of books, miles and miles of books reaching off into empty space. Each in its place, organized by topic, author name, and world of origin... more knowledge than anyone could absorb in a thousand lifetimes. Between the shelves flit figures, some obviously students, others seem to be professors. Gravity, it seems, has no hold here.

As you turn about, you find a handsome, smartly dressed woman staring at you with a small smirk on her painted ruby lips. you would be Jim, eh? Well, they told me that you wanted to know everything... this seemed like a good place to start. Welcome to the library.



Peter

You find yourself in something that looks like it came out of either a pulp novel or a comic book - the typical mad scientist's lair. Beakers bubble, Tesla coils rise like sinister towers with arcs of blue-white electricity sparking between them, and from the shadows comes a mad laughter - albeit cone capped by a hacking cough and a faint apology.

A tall, thin man in laboratory goggles and a white coat strides like a phantom out of the gloom, his thick black rubber gloves still dripping something sticky. his hawk-like eyes look you over for a moment, and his pointed face grins at you. Ah, my new assistant! So very good of you to come! I understand you're interested in... the mind, yes? well, that happens to be my area of expertise. I hope you're comfortable with getting your hands dirty, my lad.



Geode



The destination at which you arrive has, at least, a grand view - you appear to be on the bridge of a starship, the entire long, curved wall in front of you a transparent display. you find yourself on a raised platform, next to a pale-skinned creature with huge, dark eyes, pointed ears, and long-fingered, two-jointed hands, dressed in a simple robe embroidered with flowing, hypnotic designs that pulse and change with many hues. It looks up at you with a gentle smile on its face.

Ah... good day to you. You would be the new student I've been expecting, yes? So good to meet you it is. Now, I'm given to understand that you have been working with energy fields as of late. Tell me about that.



Mike



You emerge from the tunnel in a room filled with flickering lights. It appears to be a practice range, where spellcasters fling all variety of offensive magics at mobile targets arranged on a large, open field that rapidly repairs itself. Striding accross the lawn towards you is a short, stumpy dwarf, rapidly muttering to himself in his own language. At last he arrives and looks up at you, his hands on his hips.

You're my new graduate assistant, eh? Well, we'll see about that. Yer' application form says that you've had a great deal o' trainin and natr'l talent, but the page where it describes what yer' here for is a wee bit singed. So, what kind o' magic did ye come here ta learn about, lad?

[jagadaishio]

Peter

You find yourself in something that looks like it came out of either a pulp novel or a comic book - the typical mad scientist's lair. Beakers bubble, Tesla coils rise like sinister towers with arcs of blue-white electricity sparking between them, and from the shadows comes a mad laughter - albeit cone capped by a hacking cough and a faint apology.

A tall, thin man in laboratory goggles and a white coat strides like a phantom out of the gloom, his thick black rubber gloves still dripping something sticky. his hawk-like eyes look you over for a moment, and his pointed face grins at you. Ah, my new assistant! So very good of you to come! I understand you're interested in... the mind, yes? well, that happens to be my area of expertise. I hope you're comfortable with getting your hands dirty, my lad.


Peter Volokhev

"Well, that really depends on what I'm going to be dirtying them with," says Peter with a smile. He cranes his neck to get a better view of all of the devices and experiments in the room, hoping to spot a label on something in order to help him better understand what anything is.

"I'm okay with dirt and blood, but I would rather not get anything toxic on them," he says, still smiling and clearly not serious. He takes a look at the (presumed) professor and tries to bring up a display in his own vision of the (presumed) professor's mind. "My name is Peter Volokhev," he says, extending his hand and hoping that the custom of shaking hands is common to both of their origins.

[Eldan]

Jim


The space you eventually find yourself in can only be described as epic. You're standing on a simple metal platform, on which sits a desk, behind which a woman in glasses peers at you over the top of them for a moment before speaking into what appears to be an intercom. But your eyes are elsewhere. All around you, in every direction, are books. Legions of books, miles and miles of books reaching off into empty space. Each in its place, organized by topic, author name, and world of origin... more knowledge than anyone could absorb in a thousand lifetimes. Between the shelves flit figures, some obviously students, others seem to be professors. Gravity, it seems, has no hold here.

As you turn about, you find a handsome, smartly dressed woman staring at you with a small smirk on her painted ruby lips. you would be Jim, eh? Well, they told me that you wanted to know everything... this seemed like a good place to start. Welcome to the library.




"Ah, the Library. Could have guessed.", Jim says, with a smile on his face, looking over the endless rows of books.
"I am indeed Jim. And who would you be?"
A little bow of the head, a vague gesture with the hand, and a very broad smile accompany this sentence.
"Anyway, going by the size of this place, even attempting to know everything in here would be rather pointless, wouldn't it? I guess I should attempt to get at least a general overview of part of it, instead. At least for now."

[GnomeNinja]

Your journey passes fairly swiftly, and you find yourself settled in a large, leather armchair before a comfortable fire. The air in the room is warm and comforting, and smells of old books and comfortable use, with perhaps a tinge of cherry pipe-smoke. A rotund, elderly gentleman looks up from where he was, until a moment ago, reading a thick tome and smoking a pipe, the aroma of which was, indeed cherry flavored. He looks you over for a moment before speaking up in a gruff but not unfriendly voice.

Who're you? ah, yes, bless me, slipped my mind.... young lad they were sending over, whazzit, student, eh? He smiles good-naturedly Excellent. Thaddeus Q. Mapleton, Esquire. Professor of applied linguistics and Thaumotology. I understand you're to be my student for this year or semester or whatever they have at the moment, eh?
Used to the teleportation system, Mark does a small turn at the end to avoid losing his balance. When he sees the old, rotund man, he walks forward to him, trying to be as quiet as possible to avoid disturbing his reading. When the man sets his book down, Mark visibly relaxes.

Mark shifts the messenger bag at his side as the elderly gentleman speaks. An absent-minded, quirky professor, obviously, but those kinds were certainly interesting. He smiles as the man finishes, and takes a seat in a nearby wooden chair. "I think they've been using the semester system for a good 11 and a half years, but like everythign here, it's fairly morphic. My name is Mark Neric, second-semester undergaduate student. It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor Mapleton." He nods his head, asking, "Esquire? A lawyer practicing magic and the sciences? That's fairly unique." He then remembers the elf's mistaking him for a grad student, and adds, with a concerned look drowing on his face, "You did know I was an undergraduate, correct? Because there seems to be a bit of a mix-up recently."

[puppyavenger]

John

Shrugging, he go's through his normal routine of setting up the various traps and alarms than leaves the plane to the nearest plane that has an entertainment industry.

[ForzaFiori]

Mike:


zSorry about the singes sir, paper that touches me tends to do that. I'm here to learn about fire magic by the way sir. I'm a salamander, so learning to control a flame is natural...Its almost an extension of my body now. So what do you wish me to do? I'm up for pretty much anything.

[Smiley_]

Geode scrutinizes the being for a moment before settling his stone sphere down. With a hefty blow to it's top, it falls into four quarters, revealing several apparatusses. Geode picks one up and strokes a stone finger across it. A bluish sphere of transparent light eminates from the device as it is activated.

Passing his hand through the shell
It is not too spectacular when it is dormant, but when the tachyon field becomes agitated...I will show you.

Geode picked up one of the stone pieces left from the sphere and brought it down onto the tachyon shell. There was a loud WHUNG as the shell flashed bright blue on the point that was struck.

However, it cannot hold for long under stress before dissapating.

[Smiley_]

By the way, Geode will change shape to adapt to the lower gravity environment over the course of a couple of hours. Eleven fingers per hand, thiner limbs, more legs and a longer, thiner body should compensate for the low-G environment. By the way, is this still up?

[puppyavenger]

so..is this dead?

[WhiteKnight777]

I think so. The more I try to work out plots, the more things slip through my grasp. If anyone wants to take things over, however, I'm welcome. My fault, really... I'm good at concepts, but frankly I tend to be a terrible DM.

[GnomeNinja]

Sorry, I hope this doesn't die, but I think I figured it would. This would be really hard to work out for separate people. I think it's inevitably going to fail unless we all come together under one plot, at most two.

Just a suggestion so this lives.

[Dorizzit]

I wish to post agreement with Gnomeninja's statement.