Spheres of Influence

[Umbrasquall]

A little history: Once upon a time there was a section of the DVs forums called the Adventurer's Hall... It was where bored people gathered to write and role-play in silly stories for fun. When I joined, the forum was not very active. I decided to jot down a random idea and see if anyone would be interested in sketching out a more serious thread. Soon, 1, then 2 and then 4 people were involved. With Spheres of Influence and other stories, we managed to preserve the life of the Adventurer's Hall for close to another two years. EDIT (8/02/05): Since Adventuer's Hall will be deleted, I have moved some of the more important posts like character bios, etc. from the two other threads. There IS magic and magic users. They are born with the innate talent. One specializes in specific types etc. the usual. My character Squall can use Sword-based magic. (Elements don't have to be limited to standard fire, water, etc. Be creative&#33 ----- Well, this is a brief discription of my character. Name::Tidus Forenter Class::Warrior Race:: Human Skills: -Swordsmanship -Survival(able to live off the land) -slight healing abilities -adept at water magic -staff melee(combat with a staff) Weapon(s) of choice: -Longsword -uninchanted staff -water magic Background: Tidus was born in a peasant family who lived in a small cabin off in the backwoods.He has never had many possesions to call his own and is unselfish by nature.He was homeschooled by his mother and was taught the ways of melee by his father.He recently turned 17. Apearence: He has black hair and blue eyes, and has a relatively well built structure.He carries a longsword upon his back. Name::Cloud Vanguard Class::Heavy Swordsman Race:: Human Skills: -Swordsmanship -Adept at fire magic and abilities -High Strength Weapon(s) of choice: -Heavy Black Steel Sword -Fire Magic Background: Cloud was born into a poor family in the lowest shell, his parents died while he was young and he has lived at an orphanage since the age of 10. He is a loner by nature and has little tolerance for the ignorance of others towards him and the lower shell classes. Apearence: He has blonde hair, blue eyes, he wears a thick black cloak with silver buckles and straps on it. He also wears large boots and he usually carries his black sword over his shoulder while he walks. Forgot to do this myself. Name: Squall Evergreen Class: Sword-skill Adept Race: Mostly human, some trace of elven ancestry Apperance: Spiked black hair with a tint of red. Usually dresses in a simple brown tunic for quick movement. Wears his father's weapon on his back as it is a hinderance to carry it in front. The distingushing feature is his eyes. Due to genetic mixing, Squall sports a green left eye and a hazel right. Most people upon this as a sign of blessing. Skills: Blade Adept: Able to use many forms of swords Bow Adept: Hunting from a early age as well as natural talent passed down from his elven ansestors allow Squall to use bow and arrow with precision. Signiture skill: Elemental Blade: Able to harness elemental powers from the physical manifestations of. Example, can charge sword with fire energy for a short period if his sword comes into contact with fire. Weapon(s) of Choice: Father's Sword (Engraved hilt with plain scabbard, the sword itself is the length of a normal long sword, it is however a bit wider than normal), Squall holds it in high regard Background: Born and raised in a small village outside of Lancaster on the 4th shell, Squall was raised as a soldier by his father, especially after he recognized his son as having special qualities with sword play. When he was young he was curious about everything nature had to present, he examined everything from how the flames from campfires fluttered to how the water smoothly moved in the creeks. He was tested as positive for magical abilities during a trip to Lancaster when he was 10, and had secretly trained since then in the backwoods of his small village. Now that he has turned 17, Squall returns for a second time to Lancaster to begin a new life. Name::Etherans age:: 120 (about in his twenties for an elf) Class:riud Race:: Drow/lychan Skills: -druidic magics -adept with bow -dark vision -tiger abilities in hybrid form -a crapload of other technical stuff cause this is a d&d character Weapon(s) of choice: -scyth -Mighty composite longbow -water magic Apearence: 6' 11" 280lbs really really built green eyes white fur with black stripes and dark skin while in humanoid form EDITS: Changed the position of his weapon holsters, adjusted his race and added an R in his last name.(It just sounds better) Name: Raifer Var'Jargedas Class: Theif Race: Lelakon Apperance: Shoulder length white hair, bright green eyes, a long black coat with the left arm of it missing, crimson vest, black pants, Anatis daggers holstered in holders at the base of his back, two large belts with pouches and storage packs attatched. Skills: Thievery: Able to steal many kinds of items. Nimble: Unnaturally fast reflexes. Dagger Skills: Extremely adept with daggers, he uses them with great speed to inflict large amounts of damage. Signiture skill: Inanimate re-animation This skill gives Raifer the ability to reactivate broken machinery, or bring inanimate objects to life and have them fight along side him, and attack his opponents. Weapon(s) of Choice: Magic: He is well skilled in magical Pyrotechnics, used as diversionary tactics. Also has an in-depth knowledge of other magics. Daggers: A pair of daggers, handed down his tribe from generation to generation. They once belonged to Anatis, the greatest theif to have ever lived. These powerful daggers are supposed to bring luck to their user. He inherited these daggers as he is believed to be the direct descendant of Anatis. Items: Raifer carries several pouches full of useful and precious items that he has stolen from monsters and merchants. Background: Born and raised in the nomadic village of the Lelakon tribe, who are classified as a group of theives by the higher shells. Moving from shell-to-shell, Raifer was raised as a theif by his carer, after he was shown to have incredibly fast, cat-like movements. When he was very young, he tried to learn everything he could about the flora and fauna of the shells he visited, meanwhile becoming more skilled in the ways of theivery. He was found to have magical abilities during a visit to the 2nd shell when during a confrontation with a merchant, he destroyed his stall. After that, he was trained to use the Anatis Daggers, also to use his pyrotechnic magic as a diversion. Name: Akia Lovelace http://img40.exs.cx/img40/6475/Akia.jpg Class: Theif Race: Lelakon Apperance: Tall, petite physique, light brown hair, bright green eyes, white thigh high stockings(thief style), a satchel slung over her right shoulder. tank top, short shorts, large dagger holstered to her right arm, several pouches strapped to her arms and legs. Skills: Thievery: Able to steal many kinds of items. Nimble: Very fast reflexes. Distract: Turns enemy attention from her allies toward her. Signiture skill: Time Warp This gives Akia the ability to slow down time for a small while, rendering enemies effectively defenceless. Allowing her to execute extremely fast and devastating attacks on opponents. Weapon(s) of Choice: Dagger: A large dagger she uses with surprising speed. This type of dagger is one of the kinds used in Lelakon theivery training. Magic: Akia specialises in status magicks. Using magic she can inflict ailments on her enemies. Examples are effects such as paralysing or poisoning her foes. Items: In several pouches, Akia carries gold and semi-precious items collected during her thievery training. Background: Born and raised in the nomadic village of the Lelakon tribe, who are classified as a group of theives by the higher shells. Having lived mostly on the 6th shell, she is being trained as a theif by her carers. She has been friends with Raifer since she was very young. She came to the 4th shell for her theiving test, which determines wether or not she is fit to become a full fledged Lelakon theif. ----- I have noticed several inconsistencies which take away at the integrity of the story. I feel like there should be some clarifications. Currently I only have a note about the currency system in the world of SoI. (I realized we already messed up the system a few times, but from now on it'll be helpful to follow this guide.) There are different types of money. Through out the shells including the 4th (current) coins are used. However, several unique forms of money appear on the lower worlds. Here are types of coins, paired with an object in order to compare the value. Stone - (Rarely used, old fashioned and outdated type, 1/10 of a copper) Copper - (Most widely used currency, 3 coppers will buy a small loaf of fresh, seasoned bread (good quality bread), 1-2 will get you a beer at a bar) Bronze - (Higher value then copper, 5 bronze will nab a medium quality dagger) Silver - (2 silvers will get you a good room in an inn, 3 will get a decent weapon such as a sword) Gold - (1 gold is enough to buy a horse, enough said) Platinum - (Extremely rare, worth 15 gold) There's not much inflation here heh? Anyone else have a consistency guide to add? ----- Yea I know 1k already. If you guys think of some guides to add feel free. Two more things. The first is an initiative system. Like when we want the next person to expand on some subject with a clue. To make it clear change the color of the text that includes the clue. [quote]So did you have ‘fun’?’ Tidus smiled wider than ever now. ‘Shut up you. She wasn’t my type.’ Squall grinned back. ‘So what have you guys been up to? Second we need to decide what the landscape of the other shells are. So far I'm planning to make the 5th shell almost all covered by an ocean. I can't think of a good name for the shell however, so far it's Oceania but that sounds stupid. For the 6th shell that's Raifer's homeland. Lomebririon if you want to tell us what it's like that'll be great. The first shell - Celestial Second - Undecided Third - Ditto Fourth - Woodlands Fifth - Oceania Sixth - No-man's Land Seventh - Hell (unofficial) *** EDIT (5/23/04): Well this story has actually lasted quite a quite and is going strong. Thanks to all participating! 1. Read the plotline/proposal thread for character bios. 2. Change of policy, this story is NO LONGER OPEN. No more new players will be accepted. However if you really wish to join, pm me and I'll consider it. 3. The plot/characters/etc. belong to me and the other players. Though the names of several of the characters resemble that of Final Fantasy, they are entirely separate from their Square counterparts. *** Ok I don't know if you guys have started anything yet since I haven't been here in a while. It does look like there is a lack of real role-playing in this forum so I'll try to give it a boost. Oh and sorry if this doesn't seem too refined I'm making this up as I go. The Setting: The planet Equivalean is divided into 7 land shells, stacked upon each other and each one rotating independent of the others around the planet's core. Despite the name, the peoples of the lands are not equal in welfare. Over the ages the peoples of the upper shells have shunned the lesser privileged ones in the lower shells, calling them the 'barbarians of below' and sometimes even refering to the 7th core shell as 'hell', though not entirely without justification, the constant temperatures of the last and closest shell due to its immediate vicinity to the core has plagued the lands with deserts and unstable volcanos. After First Great War, the Council of the Sages was formed to keep peace among the lands, and the peoples of the planet eventually settled down in their respective shells with reluctance, as decreed by the council. Transport and communications between the shells exists through a single, magical light shaft built by the ancients, this shaft is currently also under the control of the Council of Sages. The Conflict: Every one thousand years the plates complete one rotation, and for every one thousand years, there is 24 hours when the light from the stars shines directly onto the core as the shells align themselves. During this 24 hours, the hibernating powers of the core are released. This enourmous amount of power, if harnessed, can bring an age of prosperity, or an age of darkness, to the peoples of every shell for the next millenium... EDIT: Wow I'm such a noob at this ---------------------------------------

[Umbrasquall]

The Story ------------------- Alkiah stumbled into the dusty library, almost knocking over a large pile of books in front of the entrance. Coughing, he started to brush the dust off his robes, though he was soon distracted. Looking up in amazement his jaw dropped. There must be centuries upon centuries of historical accAounts here! Books lined the two wall shelves, each of which were at least six-seven stories tall, and dusty scrolls of knowledge were piled in every corner of the room. Alkiah moved among the pieces with increasing excitement. He had never seen so much of what he loved in one place! Being a scholar who had loved reading since he was just a small child, he'd graduated with high honors from the Lancasters College, the most widely revered school of the Fourth Shell. Now Alkiah was among his element. He grabbed the first thick volume of information he saw, and plopped down on top of some scrolls against the east wall. And, with the brilliant morning sunlight streaming through the somewhat dirty windows, he settled down for a read, and he did not look up for a long time.

[Umbrasquall]

The Recorded Events of My Life, by Squall Evergreen (lol my character) The Year 999 of the Third Age of Prosperity The Woodland (4th shell) “Squall!” I murmured sleepily, still deep in my dreams. “Squall! Wake up! You’re late for the entrance exams!” What? What exams? Oh ****! The exams are today! Squall jumped up from his bed and frantically looked around for his clothes. It was a good thing he had prepared the night before. Quickly scrambling into his clothes, and slinging his aged short sword over his back, he pulled open his drawer in such a hurry that it practically flew out of the dresser. Oops, will have to fix that later. He peered into the empty space and reached into the hole which the drawer had vacated and fished out a small leather pouch. Securely attaching it to the inside of his shirt, he sprinted into the kitchen. “Now Squall, here’s your lunch” said a women standing at the stove, she tossed him a deer skin pouch. “Remember to be careful!” “Thanks mom!” Squall said while looking around, “where’s dad?’ “I’m right here.” A middle aged man wearing a tunic stepped into the room carrying a sheathed sword and belt. Still powerful looking, there was only a trace of gray among the rich black hair. “Squall” He spoke in a powerful voice “I guess it’s time for me to give this to you’ he handed the sword and the belt to the boy. ‘This was my old weapon when I was in the city guard, heh, can’t say it saw much action though. Besides a few practice fights that is.’ The man chuckled a bit more ‘But you don’t have to worry, its still very sharp, and it will protect you if you need it’ Squall accepted the sword, he had been expecting it, but still, feeling the weight of the weapon in his hands is still completely different. He unclipped his own worn practice blade from his back and replaced it with the new one, hefting his shoulders to check the fit, it was perfect. ‘Thanks Dad” he whispered. “Sure son, take good care of it ok? Oh, and you better start off before you miss the registration” “Oh right, bye mom! Bye Dad!” With that Squall opened the front door and stepped over the threshold into the sun. The fresh air quickly wakened him from his stupor of receiving the new weapon and reminded him the tests he had up coming. It was standard for anyone wishing to become a guardian, that is, a member of the city guard protecting the region, to take the entrance exams at the age of 17. Squall had hit that age a week ago. Growing up in the woodland village of Deer Pines, he became familiar with nature as a small child. He was skilled in hunting. And he knew enough to survive and even live a good life in the forestlands around Lancaster. But it was not enough for him, he wanted to be something bigger, which eventually lead him to make the decision to become a guardian and live in the city, and maybe move on to better things. He’s dad was a soldier in the army of Lancaster for the earlier part of his life and took his sons ambitions seriously. Since the age of 8, whenever the he had free time, he would take his son to the forest clearing, and the two would train with the sword. Squall remembered, when at his 11th birthday he was given his first real sword. Smiling at those fond memories and also at the housewives of his village, starting their daily journey to the creek to wash garments, he continued on his way. It took him a little less then an hour to reach the city gates. From there he entered Lancaster for the second time in his life. Immediately after he’d passed the walls, the sounds of birds and the wind vanished, replaced by the chatter of hundreds of merchants, bargaining their prices, and equally numerous shoppers, haggling with the sellers. Squall took his time, the trip had not taken as long as he had thought, so he had around 20 minutes before the registration began. Slowly wandering towards the center of the city, he satisfied his curiosity of the city by stopping now and then at street stands selling a variety of trinkets, books, and food. At last he bought a large piece of seasoned fresh bread from the bakery for 3 coppers, carefully replacing his money pouch to his inner pocket afterwards. He hadn’t had breakfast, after all. A while later, still chewing on the last bit of bread he arrived at his destination. The military academy was a fairly large building at the center of the city, it was made out of solid stone, and had several imposing columns of granite in the front. Squall could see that a few people had already lined up for registration. Strange though, he thought. There seems to be only a few other people there, I thought testing were supposed to accommodate a lot more people? Shaking the thought away, he walked up the stairs in front of the building and joined the band of young people by the main doors. Sorry for the spelling mistakes. Anyways if anyone wants to join in now would be the time. The other testers can all be roleplayed.

[ffx-dreamz]

The Recorded Events of My Life, by Tidus Forenter The Year 999 of the Third Age of Prosperity The Woodland (4th shell) It was early morning, about 6:00am when I had woken up. I decided to get off to an early start so I wouldn't be late for my Entrance Exams.I got dressed, ate a brief breakfast of oatmeal and milk, left a note on the table telling my parents I had left, and went on my way. There was a slight breeze blowing, and the feel of the cool air brushing across my face was wonderful.I walked for two hours enjoying nature, until I came across the city gates.What a view it was!I had never been to the city before. I entered lancaster and stopped by a few merchant shops admiring the wonderful items they were selling.I then headed towards the military academy.It was fairly easy to find considering its size so I got there with no trouble. When I got there it was quite a spectacular sight!I walked through the giant doors and walked towards the short line of people ahead of me.I looked around me and noticed a person chewing on a piece of bread approaching the line... (sorry my story telling is so bad, but im normally not to good at this kind of stuff. )

[Umbrasquall]

No problem mate, I'm new at this too. -------------------------- As Squall reached the top of the stairs he looked up to take in the stone structure in front of him. It seem to reach up and touch the wisps of clouds in the blue sky. Beautiful, he thought. He looked down towards the huddle of people waiting at the main entrance, he noticed a teenager about his age looking towards him. Deciding to start his new life by making a friend, Squall walked up to the him. 'Hi, my name is Squall Evergreen, I guess you are here for the exam?' -------------------------- 'Master Ronin, Masteress Eriss is here.' 'Let her in' A tall women dressed in flowing purple robes entered the chamber as the messenger opened the oaken doors. 'Master Ronin' The woman addressed in a cool tone. ‘They have arrived.’ ‘You mean the testers?’ The man answered, and stood up swiftly. He was dressed in equally dark, purple robes. He had a silver five-pointed star pinned to his chest, symbolizing his rank within the Council of Sages. ‘Yes, they are outside of the building waiting for registration as we speak.’ ‘I assume they are still not aware of new examination procedures?’ ‘No I don’t think so, however I don’t think they will be too surprised, you know it is a delicate time for the Council as well as inter-shell relations, councilor.’ ‘Good then’ Master Ronin said ‘Eriss will you please greet them and tell them about the proceedings.’ Then with a pause he added ‘I have a feeling that this group is a special one…’

[ffx-dreamz]

"Yes"I replied.I then proceded to tell my new found friend my name. Soon after A woman in purple robes came to greet us all. "Welcome to the exams everyone!"She said. She then proceded with roll calling. "Im glad to see that you all made it here on time.A rather small group if I do say so myself." "Well, we are changing things up this year, so I need to go over the new procedures with you all." (I'll let you take it from here squall, not sure what to type)

[Aphius]

The Recorded Events of My Life, by Cloud Vanguard The Year 999 of the Third Age of Prosperity Hell (7th shell) The trip upwards from the lower shell to the 4th where the examination of Guardian candidates was held was a long and tedious one. A man in his teens was riding the shaft upwards to take part in the entrance exams. His hair blew slightly as the people near him looked at him as if he were about to mug them or something. "What?" he asked them in a raspy voice, over the large collar of his thick heat resistant cloak. They all looked away from him as he shifted his heavy black steel sword over his shoulder. "Hmph" He muttered as they reached Shell 4. Upon exiting the shaft onto the platform he looked up and was greeted by the bright light that shone down from the sky, filled with wisps of cloud. "Its too bright here..." he thought to himself as he walked towards the enormous stone structure that lay in the distance. Looking around as he walked, he saw a plethora of small stands with curiously dressed merchants selling things he knew he would have absolutely no need for. He continued on past the stalls selling foods he thought smelled vaguely enticing. Putting his stomach aside for now he wandered towards the entrance of the Military academy drawing stares from merchants and customers alike. When he reached the top of the stone steps past several columns of granite, he saw several applicants greet a woman in a dress coloured in a curiously dark shade of purple. He watched other students talk amongst themselves, as answered his name as it was called on the roll. __________________________________________________ __ I hope this is ok, this RP sounds pretty good.

[Lomebririon]

Hey, nobody move the story past the roll call yet, I want to play too. But I can't introduce myself right now.

[Umbrasquall]

[Sure we can stall for a bit you’re welcome to take the position of any of the testers you’d like. Next time could you post non-story related messages in the other thread? Thanks, I want to keep this one story only.] [ffx, sorry I'm going to extend the conversation that you recorded a bit and introduce a new problem to buy some time, hope you don't mind] A tall woman with deep purple robes had stepped out of the main entrance to the building, the purple symbolized her occupation in the Council, Squall knew however, that nowadays it was judged as a display more of royalty and wealth rather then its original intent of honest integrity. She had shoulder length blond hair and dark blue eyes that seem to match the robes. Behind her followed a young man dressed in white, a messenger, Squall conjectured. Most of the chatter died away as woman stepped up to stand at the head of the group. Though Squall noticed that two testers kept in deep conversation. While the woman spoke Squall realized that she was rather pretty, and more surprisingly quite young, for a Council Member that is. They usually don't inaugurate Councilors until they are well past middle age. Hmm weird, but then again Squall threw this thought aside, its just one of the few new experiences that he has already had. It was the woman's voice that jolted him back to reality. With a clear-cut, commanding tone, and a subtle hint of the power she vested she addressed the group: ‘I am Eriss, Council organizer for exams and induction into the royal guard. Welcome to the exams everyone! Or I hope you are all here for the examinations to become part of the dedicated guardians of Lancaster?’ There was a general nodding of heads and murmur of assent. ‘Good then! Well let’s get this started. Let me check who’s here and then we’ll step inside after I get Koren here to collect your entrance fee of 2 gold pieces.’ As she talked Squall looked around at the other testers, one particularly caught his eye. He was dressed in a thick midnight black cloak, clasped at the front with a silver buckle. Blond hair rose from the collar of the tester in spikes. What really surprised him was the enormous, also black sword, slung over his shoulder. ‘Black metal?’ Squall thought to himself… ‘Why, you can only forge that kind of sword down on the 7th shell…’ The mysterious cloaked young man did not seem to pay much attention to Eriss’s words, but passed the time by gazing around at each of the other testers. Squall met his eye for an instant before the other looked away… ‘What!? An entrance fee?’ Squall looked back at Eriss at these words. Almost instinctively his hand reached towards his money pouch by his left breast. His life savings… He had worked practically 14 years of his life for the small pile of coins he had in his pouch. There wasn’t much opportunity to make money to say the truth, running errands for neighbors at an early age, and helping with physical work in the village later on were his general source of extra income. The one big gain had been when he was 15 years old. He’d won a hunting contest that had awarded him with the largest single amount of money in his life… an entire gold piece. Squall shook the meager pouch now through his tunic. 5 gold 5 silvers, and 8 coppers he had, now this lady wanted 2 of the gold. Thinking a bit, he’s resolve came back, he nodded his head. Yes, it didn’t matter now, there would be much more money to be earned later on. He took out two gold, and, feeling their familiar weight one last time, he deposited it to the young man in white as his name was called. Turning back, he judged the expressions on his fellow testers. Some of them didn’t look two surprised, and by the way they were dressed, Squall did not think they would have as much trouble surrendering the money as he did. However, a few, Squall saw, were in the same position he was, silently debating with themselves about the surprising turn of events. One in fact, looked desperate. 'Well,' Eriss continued 'We are changing things up this year, so I need to go over the new procedures with you all.'

[ffx-dreamz]

"I..I can't afford that!" I yelled. "I only have 1 gold 5 coppers and a silver"said I. This did not seem fair to me at the time, I had worked throughout my life to get what I had and it wasn't even enough to pay the entrance fee. All my life I had been looking forward to this moment..the moment I got to excel in my life, and money, of all things, kept me from it... I thought to myself what I was going to do, but there was no solution..I might have to go home...

[Umbrasquall]

Originally posted by ffx-dreamz \"I..I can't afford that!\" I yelled. I walked over to Tidus at these words. 'There's no reason why someone else shouldn't get the same chance everyone deserves.' I dropped my voice, 'It's stupid how they are now asking for 'entrance fees', just another plan to get richer I think' Tidus looked broken, I could fathom how hopeless he must feel. To reach this stage of this dreams and be turned back. I had to help him. 'Don't worry man,' I pulled out another gold coin from my quickly lightening pouch. 'Here, I'll cover for you.' I smiled and handed the coin to him. 'Don't forget, you owe me!'

[ffx-dreamz]

I was taken aback at the kindness my new friend showed me.It was a wonderful feeling to know that someone was there to help me. "Th..thank you!"I exclaimed. I smiled and he smiled back. I suddenly realized that this person, my friend, was alot like me. Eriss went through the procedures with us. "You are to go into the lobby and have your id checked, then you will head towards Master Ronin's office on the lefthand side of the room, you will fill out the papers and then procede back to the lobby until further notified.I hope we all understand." From there she began roll call. Then Eriss called my name. I took the gold coin out of my pouch and the one in my hand and reluctanly gave Koren the coins.. I then went back over to Squall and thanked him once again. I noticed a person with spiky blonde hair and a black metal sword waiting for his name to be called.He looked like an interesting person, and I wanted to make as many friends as possible, so I made a mental note to go and meet him after he was called up. (im starting way to many sentences with I..)

[ffx-dreamz]

In the meantime, me and squall proceded into the building.It was spectacular!The cealings were at least 30 feet high, and there were four giant chandeleirs(sp?) hung in a straight line providing the main source of lighting.All around were decorative lamps and there was a main desk in the center of the room. Squall and I approached the main desk, where an older lady in green robes asked us for our id cards.I gave mine to her and she looked over it carefully.She then gave it back, and told me to head to the door on the left side of the building.Squall followed suit. (anyone who wants to join in still can, but you must do it soon.)

[Aphius]

Looking around at the announcement that there was to be an entrace fee, Cloud saw that some students were taken aback whilst others he noticed, didn't even flinch at the mention of this. One of the guys he saw earlier seemed to be in a bit of trouble concerning his entrance fee or lack therof. However the other guy he had seen talking to him earlier gave him the required amount of money that allowed him to go and enroll in the academy. Taking his sword off his shoulder, he reached into his coat and pulled out a small dark pouch fashioned out of dragon skin with a tooth hanging from it. Looking inside he rummaged through clumps of ash and dirt to find two dirtied gold coins. Hearing his name called he walked over to the two representatives and stopped in front of them. "A shame" He said as he dumped the coins and all the ash and dirt he could find in his pouch into Korens hand. He nodded his head at them as he walked past laughing quietly to himself. The sound of Korens grumbling and the ruffle of robes being fluttered behind him almost justified the two coin fee. Entering the main hall he was surprised at how extravagant his surroundings were. With extremely high ceilings and a row of chandeliers in the middle of the room, he was admiring his surroundings as he walked towards the desk in the centre of the hall surrounded by decorative lamps. An older woman in green robes greeted him and proceeded to ask him for his ID card. Handing it to her she examined it closely. After taking down something in a book on the counter she handed it back to him and told him to proceed through the door on the left of the hall.

[Lomebririon]

The Recorded Events of My Life, by Raifer Var'Jagedas The Year 999 of the Third Age of Prosperity No-mans Land (6th Shell) *Let me know if this shell has a name* Stepping out of the Shaft at the entrance to the 4th shell, a man in his teens squinted as his eyes adjusted to the sunlight. "Wow!"the youth said loudly to himself in a bright, happy voice. "They said it was bright here, but I had no idea it was like this!" He smiled as he stepped onto the soft grass and was bathed in the warm glow of the sun. The crowd of people who were riding the elevator with him pushed their way out past him rather inconsiderately and made their way to the market down the road. "So inconsiderate!" He huffed. "Oh well, I have the last laugh!" He laughed quietly to himself as he produced a large pile of trinkets and coins taken from the people in the elevator. "Not much of a haul, but it might be enough for a nice sandwich." He walked toward the marketplace with a spring in his step, his pouches and daggers swinging carelessly. He moved around like a small child experiencing everything for the first time. He was mesmirised by all the colours, shapes and noises that surrounded him. He stopped at a food stall and used the small items he had aquired to purchase himself a large sandwich. He was making his way to the large registration building when something caught his eye. He turned and stared at a stall that was full of colourful hats. A large, beautiful Mages hat grabbed his atention. He stared left. Then he stared right. He raised his hand towards a small spot in the road and focused. A large explosion of smoke and sparks rang out. He smiled as he was enveloped in smoke. There were cries of fear and frustration from the crowd. "It's just pyrotechnic magic!" someone called out. When the smoke cleared, no one was hurt, however, the youth and the mages hat were nowhere to be found. Raifer ran up the steps of the large building laughing. He peered under his mages hat and looked at the building. "Where is everyone?" He wondered. Realization struck him like a fireball to the back of the head. "Oh Heck! I'm late!" He raced up the large flight of stairs as fast as he could. He ran through the large doors into the giant entrance hall and toward the registry desk. "Am I too late?" He said to the woman in green robes at the desk between panting and puffing. "You're in luck, you just made it." She said. "Woohoo!" He chirped. She took his name down, and checked his ID card. She told him of the entrance fee and he gave her the coins frivolously. He adjusted his new hat and walked over towards the other applicants while unwrapping his sandwich.

[ffx-dreamz]

(switching from 1st person to 3rd person perspective) Tidus walked through the door on the left along with squall, behind them came the guy with the black metal sword.They all were told to line up single file, and wait your turn to enter the oaken doors.Tidus walked through first, he was not suprised by what he saw, it was a small, grey room with many plaques hanging on the wall with a solitary desk in the middle.Behind the desk stood a member of the Council of sages.He wore purple robes and had a 5 point star pinned to his chest. "Sit down"he said. Tidus sat down in a chair in front of the desk. "You are Tidus, am I correct?"he asked. "Y..yes sir"Tidus stammered. "Good, I am glad you came"he said. "My name is Master Ronin."Said the sage. He then proceded to stand up and asked Tidus do the same. They shook hands. "I need you to fill out these enrollment papers, and I will then send you back outside where you are to wait until further notice." "Ok sir"said Tidus Tidus was handed a pen and the papers. He filled them out, shook hands once again and proceded outside. Then squall entered the office. (Everyone can still join, because everyone has to go through the office to.Wow, I can add to the story and stall.)

[Aphius]

As Cloud watched Tidus exit the office and Squall enter, he noticed a bright looking guy wearing a large mages hat come running in the door at top speeds. Cloud recognised the hat he was wearing from one of the stalls outside in the market place. As he skidded to a halt near the group of people waiting, he spilled some of the contents of a rather large sandwich he was holding onto Cloud's boot. Looking at the stuff on his boot, then at the guy who was holding the sandwich Cloud noticed he still had a price tag attached to the back of his hat. "Woo! Just made it!" exclaimed the newcomer between gasps. Scraping the stuff off his boot with his sword and then wiping it into the shag of a rather large rug that covered most of the floor, he started to eye the guy who just came in. He looked a bit more cheery and light than everyone else here who seemed rather nervous and anxious about this whole thing. Then he laid eyes on that sandwich that he was holding and his stomach started to grumble and gurgle. Remembering how hungry the trip here had made him, he tried to occupy his mind with other things and wait for his turn to enter the office.

[Umbrasquall]

Squall Well it can’t be that hard Squall thought Tidus was only in there for about a minute. Squall stepped into the small room, passing Tidus by the doors. Looking around the room, he saw several plaques hanging on the walls. The room was lit only by the sunlight pouring in from the large windows facing the east. A round desk sat in the center of the room and a purple robed, late middle-aged man sat behind it. Squall read the stone plate sitting upright on the man’s desk. ‘Master Ronin, Head of the Council Department of Safety, Lancaster’ ‘Squall Evergreen?’ The man addressed him. ‘Yea that’s me.’ ‘You’re the sword elementalist aren’t you?’ ‘Wha?’ Squall looked shocked. ‘How did you know about my alignment?’ The man chuckled, ‘Well is not everyday you see a sword elementalist. When you came to the city 7 years ago you drew quite a bit of attention, whether you knew of it or not.’ Really... No wonder father was eager to leave the city after the alignment check. Squall remembered the surprised look on the young apprentice’s face as he brought in his master to confirm Squall’s alignment. ‘Well Squall, here’ Ronin handed him some papers. ‘You just have to fill out these last pieces of documentation before you start the testing.’ Ronin lean back in his chair. ‘I think you will like the new exams Squall.’ Squall quickly filled out all the papers. Liability release forms and all the good stuff he had been prepared to see. Finally something he had expected. As Squall stepped out he heard Eriss say: 'Cloud, your turn' The tester with the large black sword walked in, looking disgruntled about something. Squall noticed a change in the atmosphere in the hall. The apprehensiveness that had filled the air before now all but disappeared. Squall noticed a newcomer in the midst. He had curious white hair and a red vest complete with a coat with one sleeve missing. At the bottom of the vest, an assortment of objects and pouches were attached. He reminds me of what my dad once told me, what was it? Oh yea, a pirate On top of his head was a funny looking mage’s hat that completely clashed with the rest of his attire. To make it even more tacky, a price tag was still dangling from the edge of it. Munching on a sandwich. The cheerful young man was engaged in conversation with Tidus. Who was apparently laughing at a remark of some kind. Squall walked towards them and almost tripped himself when he noticed a large stain on the rug. That wasn’t there before… Cloud stepped out of the doors to the office and started towards them, warily looking at the new tester in the funny hat.

[Umbrasquall]

Squall The four testers had made acquaintance. Raifer was a very charismatic guy, Squall observed. Tidus was already good friends with him and even Cloud’s seemly natural closed countenance opened up a bit after a while. Cloud told about his growing up in the seventh shell. Squall was fascinated with Cloud’s sword, and asked him a few questions concerning it. ‘Ahem’ Eriss had stepped up to the group. ‘I see that you four have already made friends. This is good, as the new tests require an extended amount of teamwork to pass. What do you think? Do you guys want to be in a group for this test?’ Squall nodded his head, sure why not? Tidus seemed to be ok with it. Raifer was still cheerful, gladly accepting the situation. Cloud shrugged. ‘Alright then. Follow me you four, I’ll explain the details as we go.’

[Umbrasquall]

Squall Eriss continued: ‘This year the testing procedures have been changed from a partially written exam. Now testing will be completely physical experience and survival.’ She paused. ‘However this does not mean that knowledge will not be useful. ‘The reasonable quick speed that you four have made acquaintance suggests that you guys will have a good chance of passing this exam. Teamwork is of the most importance.’ ‘The exam will take place in the forest of Terrace. You will be teleported to the far edge of the Lancaster region and are to make your way through the forest to the village of Bran. Once there, a council appointee will greet you and help you back here.’ ‘Terrace?’ Squall wondered out loud. ‘I know those woods! I been there many times when I was young. Those woods don’t contain anything dangerous.’ ‘Times are changing Squall’ Eriss replied ‘Trust me, you will have plenty hard time getting through the exam.’ They had arrived in large room decorated with purple light waves. The waves were swirling about in different patterns. A halo of light streamed from the ground at the center of the floor. ‘If you have no more questions. That portal will take you to the starting point. I wish you good luck.’

[ffx-dreamz]

Squall A flash of light and they were there. Squall faintly remembered the location they were at. Just on the edge of Lancaster kingdom. The forest of Terrace loomed before them, the shadows of the trees hiding its inner regions. Squall gazed at the group. "Well, lets get this over with." ----------------------- Tidus "I say we stick close at all times, do not stray from the group."said Tidus. "We are all in unfimilar territory but Squall." "I hope you can lead us through here, can you squall?"asked Cloud. "Yes, I know where we are, but I sense an unwelcoming feeling of hostility so be on the lookout."said Squall. "We are not alone, I can sense it to" said Tidus. "Everyone keep your weapons at hand, we don't want to not be prepared when attacked"said Raifer. Cloud took his black metal sword out of his sheathe, and everyone followed suit.

[ffx-dreamz]

Squall Squall stepped silently among the fallen leaves. He had expected to feel at home here, deep in the folds of the leaves, his home environment surrounding him. However, something felt… off. No matter how hard he tried, he could not make himself comfortable, something that always came naturally to him when among the trees. Looking up at the canopy. He judged a ray of light that penetrated through to him. ‘It’s almost noon!’ Squall relaxed a little, smiling. ‘Anyone feel like lunch?’ ------------------- Tidus Tidus was glad that Squall broke the silence. They all let off there guard and sat down to eat. Luckily they all had brought lunches from home. They sat down at that spot and got their lunches out of their packs. It was a beautiful place, with birds singing, and tall evergreens spread all about.It was sunny in the spot they chose to eat at, and at the time nothing seemed hostile at all. But then, the birds stopped chirping. And all was quiet.

[Umbrasquall]

Squall A rustling sounded through the leaves and broke the silence. Squall silently stood up. The others followed suit. A crack of someone breaking a branch made everyone jump. Holding up his sword, Squall crept towards the treeline at the edge of the clearing. Then all havoc broke loose. Thundering through the trees came 3 monsters. With a great deal of noise and moderate speed they charged the group. The creatures seemed to be covered in dried tree branchs and caked with mud. Not thinking, Squall sidestepped the first one and thrust out his sword to the right. A clean cut. There was almost no resistance at all as the sword slid effortlessly through the monster, seperating the top from bottom. Squall twisted turned around with a look of satisfaction, which soon turned into one of confusion. The monster was still standing. As Squall continued staring, the cut leaked some water, then sealed itself, as the mud dried again. Made completely out of branches and mud huh? We might have a problem...

[Umbrasquall]

Squall Still a bit disoriented as to what these new creatures are, Squall turned to the other members of the party to see how they were faring. A mudman had taken a liking to Cloud, who, wielding his gigantic black sword was swiftly cutting away at his opponent. However, Squall could sense his frustration as the creature continued to advance, shrugging off all physical attacks to its body. Tidus was dealing with the other mudman. He was doing no better, and as Squall watched. Raifer silently sneaked up behind the mudman while it was distracted with Tidus and dealt it a spectacular blow in the neck with a sharp dagger. However, as the old head rolled away towards the trees, the creature simply grew a new one, and, fresh mud dripping from its latest head, continued it’s assault. This examination took only two seconds, and Squall barely turned back to his mudman in time to block a powerful blow aimed at his skull with his sword. This was no good, the party is being forced to fight on the defensive, and they probably won’t last long at this rate. Then something occurred to him. Back in Lancaster this morning… Cloud was telling him about the black sword… and he mentioned something about his magical alignment… Squall glanced back at the severed head of the mudman… dried mud and wood… It clicked. ‘Cloud!!!’ Squall tried to get the attention of Cloud over the sounds of crashes of battle. ‘Cloud! They are flammable!’ Cloud seemed to be in a trance however, deeply involved in his personal battle with his mudman, and didn’t meet Squall’s eyes. ‘Oomph!!!’ The mudman had dealt Squall a blow to the face which took him off his feet. Squall flew backwards into a tree. Those ****** are strong. He thought as he tried to shake away the stars in his head. He hoped Cloud got the message.

[Aphius]

Cloud, hearing what Squall had said decided it was time to end this. He rushed the mudman and pinned it to a tree with his sword. Seeing the touble the party was having he quickly stepped into the middle of the space where everyone was fighting and proceeded to summon a massive swirl of flame. "Hrraaah!" Cloud shouted as his feet lifted slightly off the ground and he was engulfed by flame. A massive blast of heat and fire knocked everyone to the ground as everything in the immediate area was flamed. Touching back down as if it was no big deal, Cloud looked around and saw that all the trees around him were burnt and everone was shaking off bits of ash and monster. Walking over to the motionless dried mudman pinned to the tree he wrenched his sword out of its chest shattering it. "Shall we continue?" Cloud asked everyone calmly.