Closed Board Exams [Mirage]

The time has arrived for Anna's wizard examination. Will her actions bring success or failure?

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An undead citadel created before the cataclysm, Sahova is devoted to all kinds of magical research. The living may visit the island, if they are willing to obey its rules. [Lore]

Board Exams [Mirage]

Postby Annalisa Marin on January 1st, 2014, 7:31 pm

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20th of Winter, 513 AV


'Twas early, but Anna had never had issue with getting up early at any point in her life. She'd been certain to be well rested for this day, she couldn't afford to look anything less than perfect today. Currently the young Sorceress was making some last minute adjustments to her presentation, creating one final item that would hopefully tip the knife's edge she hung over in her favor. Refined and almost artistic looking Glyphs already adorned her body, intricate and drawn by the brush of an expert. Amaryllis had said look like a wizard, well the Glyphs displayed not only more of her skill but also her caution and preparation for anything. They also made her look like an experienced Sorceress.

The tall woman put the final touches on her current project and looked up from it. The Focus and Barrier were drawn at the top of a piece of parchment, looking as articulate and well formed as ever. Now it was time for the Trigger, which would hopefully be the tipping point she needed to get the Council onside. Silverheart was already guaranteed to make this difficult for her, but if she was skilled enough and showed it then her worth would hopefully be seen as outweighing the risks of taking her. After all, on Sahova if one was useful they were successful. Of course, it was also true that everyone was expendable as well.

If any other than those designated below attempt to read what is on this document, the Trigger will be activated to deactivate the Barrier and release the magic contained within the Focus.

Annalisa Marin


It was a fine Trigger, refined and extremely flexible in terms of alterations. On the document itself she added the praise 'you shouldn't be reading this' in common lettering. She was trying to showcase her skills after all, this would be a tool for her success. With the combination of some simple scrolls Triggered by specifically human blood, advanced in its own right, her Glyphed grenades, and this last item she was certain she would succeed despite the odds. She was certainly at least partially mad but even still she was sane enough to mask it from those who were watching her today.

This completed she rolled up this last project and placed it in a scroll case so it was ready when it was time to be displayed. Six other scroll cases laid nearby, each one a scroll Triggered by human blood being dripped on the glyph. These were stored inside the satchel that had been gifted by Amaryllis, the same was true for the metallic balls. Her presentation ready and stored all that was left was to dress herself for the occasion.

The tall woman ran her hands over the dark silk of her robes, gingerly taking them in her hands and setting about putting them on. They were fine things, the true garment of a proper wizard and reflected her power and strength for all to see. The regular baths she'd been partaking in had certainly helped her image, Amaryllis' provided perfume certainly added a bit of an extra edge. Once she was all dressed and ready Anna halted for a moment, taking up a purple ribbon to tie up her hair in a ponytail.

Then she pondered something and nodded to herself, taking the metal balls out of her satchel and placing them in the voluminous sleeves of her robes. Being a small concealed weapon added to their worth, another edge to display to those judging her. Her performance needed to be immaculate in every possible way.

Her grey eyes fell upon the box laying nearby, always in plain view. Anna opened it gingerly and gazed longingly upon the silver ring within, this little thing would make all her suffering worth the price. She needed this thing as silly as it sounded, it was her vindication for every act she'd taken up to this point. At the same time she hated it for the hold it held over her, that bond she felt towards it. She placed the box in the pocket of her robe, it presence to serve as a reminder during the examination.

Setting the satchel around her shoulder the woman departed her room, looking every inch the powerful Sorceress that she was. She certainly felt it as well, Amaryllis had certainly been thinking ahead when granting her extra meals. It filled out her curves rather nicely and made her look more imposing, which was certainly an image she wished to project. Confident and imposing.

The tall woman entered Amaryllis' office standing primly and ready by all appearances, today was the day after all. Where she either succeeded and became a full Wizard, or failed and remained an Apprentice, likely to die soon afterwards. It all came down to this moment.

"I am ready Amaryllis. I believe its time." She said, eyes upon the Nuit were unclouded by the fog of insanity.
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Board Exams [Mirage]

Postby Mirage on January 2nd, 2014, 3:54 am

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Amaryllis straighten from behind her desk, quickly storing something in her own robes. This day she wore long flowing robes of peacock feathers of deep purple and red. Her hair was loos and flowing, highlights to match her robes and her make up was done to match as well. Folding her hands before her, the ring of diamond clear on her finger, she eyed Annalisa up and down.

"You look like a Wizard." She smiled and walked around the desk, running her hands over the robes, pressing out any creases and picking off lint as she circled the apprentice, "I trust you have prepared your presentation? And the write up for your research as well? You will need to offer one to each of your judges today, but of course we spoke of this before." Coming to a stop in front of Anna she gave her one final up and down, and then extended her hand, "Now, give me your ring."

Once it was handed to her Amaryllis would open the case, picking the small object and raising it before her eyes. Then, without a word she would take Anna's hand and remove the bronze, replacing it with the silver one. The bronze ring she placed in the box, and put it in the folds of her own robes.

Giving a knowing smile Amaryllis explained, "We go to a place where the odds are not in our favor. The cards we have been dealt, and the... mistakes made have created an undesirable situation for us both. Thus we must make a spectacle of ourselves. Wear this ring, show them your skills, and let them see that you are confident that they shall make the correct decision." pushing back her hair from her eyes, the ring glittering on her finger she continued, "Before we go, have you any final questions for me? You may not get another chance to prepare."

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Board Exams [Mirage]

Postby Annalisa Marin on January 2nd, 2014, 5:34 am

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Amaryllis looked radiant, for lack of a better word and certainly reflected the image of power itself in her demeanor. The Sorceress stood straight as the Nuit inspected her appearance, pleased that the Glyphs trailing down her fingers added to the image rather than detracted from it. She was a pale shadow compared to her mistress in terms of appearance but certainly not looking like a bottom rung apprentice. Then again, bottom rung hadn't really described her since she was the Apprentice of the Chief Embalmer.

The Sorceress nodded when Amaryllis inquired to both her preparation and write up, her preparations were finished as far as she was concerned and the write ups were safely in her satchel. The outlined what exactly she'd be researching and the necessary supplies for the endeavors she'd undertake, mostly just generic Glyphing supplies and test subjects. Glyphing was hardly an expensive discipline, but the results of skilled Glyphing were limitless in weapon making capacities.

Anna wordlessly gave Amaryllis the box with the silver ring in it and was rather surprised when the Nuit replaced the Apprentice ring upon her digit with the Wizard ring. She raised an eyebrow slightly at the Nuit from the action as she was indeed rather surprised. It was a very bold statement, one that could very well give the wrong idea or the right one depending on what her goal was. It was as if she was saying that she already knew the Judges would deem her worthy despite her faults. Bold, but in this instance perhaps bold was exactly what was needed.

The Sorceress glanced at the piece of metal around her ring finger, it felt rather right in that place. A symbol of vindication for everything she had suffered for up to this point in time. All the blood shed and the effort put into her work came to this moment, if she succeeded then it was all worth it and if she failed then certainly things wouldn't get any easier. So it then stood to reason that failure was not an option, 'twas a pity Silverheart couldn't just suffer a little accident. Wishful thinking, for now at least.


"I suppose I have a question or two before we jump into the serpent's clutch. Firstly being exactly who will be standing judgment over me here, other than out dearest friend Silverheart? Secondly, should said friend bring up the incident at the Forge, what would be the best course of action?" Anna asked.

This whole thing wasn't so much about her as it was about Amaryllis defending her own image, Anna already knew that. The sub-human no doubt wished to keep her alive long enough so that he could publicly humiliate Amaryllis. That would in turn be a massive blow to her image and thus her position, and place Anna in an uncomfortable position by extension.

Then again there was her journey to the Heartlands to consider. Say, if the gods were cruel, at she faltered today and was refused her advancement. That was a set back certainly but there was already a contingency set up in that event, gaining the favor of Kierra Doma and Qiao by extension. That would very well reverse the whole thing on its head, placing Silverheart in a weaker position and Amaryllis in a stronger one. For if Anna possessed Qiao's favor there wouldn't be many moves the sub-human could take against her. It was how Daren had survived. Anna had possessed much time to think this over in the last few days, the politics as well as her chances of survival.

Amaryllis had laid everything out so carefully, the question that Anna could never answer yet though was why her? She was riddled with madness, marked by Rhysol, certainly a powerful wizard but she lost control at inconvenient times. Why the petch was Amaryllis using her and what the petch she want her for? Anna was a pulser, a member of the living and thus inferior to the Nuit. Yet the Embalmer had healed her wounds, taken her as an apprentice, and cleaned up her mess. Why did she bother? What gain was waiting for her? What favor did she think was so great that Anna could offer it to her?

These were questions she asked herself, never vocalizing them. She might never know, the Embalmer was an enigmatic creature if nothing else. Her own plots and schemes consumed her attention. More question but no answers, ah the joy of insanity.


"Other than that however, I am ready." Anna said confidently enough.
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Board Exams [Mirage]

Postby Mirage on January 5th, 2014, 4:41 am

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Amaryllis crooked her finger, indicating that Anna should follower her from the office to walk and talk. As she closed the door to her office the Embalmer was quick to lock it, storing the keys away before heading toward the entrance to the Palsa Hydrasa.

"As you say, Chief Magecrafter Goron Silverheart will be attending your review, as well as Lectior Qiao himself. Silverheart is our clear oppositon, and as far as we know Qiao is remaining a neutral party. Chief Morpher Nemora Tepest will also be in attendance, but through many favors owed we have all but won her vote. Master Daedeus Markus is to be on the board today as the reimancy consultant. He is well known in the Citadel for both his reimancy skills and his applications of it with glyphs. He, along with a few others, is responsible for the design of many of the magical glyph traps all throughout the island. Besides Qiao, this man should be your main focus. Impress him, and we have all but won the whole hand. As for the last two they are no ones, that need not even be mentioned. You simply need to gain the majority, and through your display we must convince Qiao and Markus to lend their vote to you. Do this, and the rank of Wizard is sure to be yours." They passed through several corridors, bypassing the Courtyard all together as they made their way toward the Gug Andjak, "Should the subject come up of your... mishap in the Forge, you are to say nothing at all. I will handle the negotiations at that point. Even the slightest slip of the tongue and you will find yourself at a very disadvantageous position."

They stopped in the Common Labs on the ground floor, right outside the room where Anna's Judgement had taken place. Amaryllis began making final checks, adjusting cloth here, brushing lint there, all in preparation for the final step, "Now then, last chance for questions. If you have anything to say, anything at all, now is the time to speak it. Any concerns, any worries you have, speak them to me now so that I might prepare for any mishap that might befall us. The time for games is over now Annalisa Marin. Now we walk into the most dangerous of all battle fields.

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Board Exams [Mirage]

Postby Annalisa Marin on January 5th, 2014, 5:40 am

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Anna followed as Amaryllis bid, considering the situation as they strode through the Citadel and the identities of her judges were revealed. Qiao... getting him onside today might very well be a prelude of what was to come, so it was imperative that she definitely catch his eye. Being both a token to the Heartlands and a skilled Sorceress was a definite bump in her worth. So, yes, Qiao would be one of the ones to impress though Anna had to wonder how difficult that would be considering she was living.

This Master Markus... he sounded rather interesting, impressing him would certainly go a long way in her field since it appeared they shared the same magic. Of course, that meant he was going to be much more critical of her abilities and her creativity. Hence why her presentation was going to have three phases to it, each one building upon the last and making the overall display better and better. It would be rather like the ever so deliberate rise of action in a play, the slow beginning, the rising action, before finally the climax was reached.

It would also require something of a dramatic flair thrown in their, for appearances were very important as well. She couldn't afford to come off as too complacent, that might arouse suspicion. Nor could she appear a raving madwoman, rather she intended to revert to the joys of a theatrically crafted guise that fed off of the audience and herself. She was rather good at pretending after all.

So, Silverheart was in the negative, this Tempest was in the positive, and Qiao and Markus were yet to be won over. Anna liked her odds going into this really, they did not appear nearly as bleak as Amaryllis had made them out to be. Petch, if she spun this in just the right way she might very well manage to make Silverheart look like an ass. That would certainly just put a skip in her step, putting a sub-human in their place.

Anna was a little irritated by being told to keep to herself in the event of the Forge incident being brought up. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that and the Isur would be a nice useful little Sub-Human degenerate and keep his petching mouth shut. It was unlikely, but that was always a hope that she kept in her mind. It was also a pity she couldn't just murder the disgusting creature outright, but such was the way of things. Perhaps further down the line that option would open up, but not today.

Amaryllis inquired as to her having further questions, well it all appeared rather straight forward to her. She had everything she needed, her write up, the items in question and her general idea in mind. After that it would all come down to whether or not she was viewed as worthy by the judges or not. Though... thinking back to her comments given to her by the first time around she figured it prudent to ask something.


"Part of my presentation is rather destructive, as in a little more than my Judgment. It involves liberal use of Lightning and Lava. Will that be a problem? Also I'm assuming they simply wish to judge my finished product, or do you suspect they will require I craft something there and then?" Anna said, gazing towards the place where not too long ago she had been first judged before the eyes of Sahova.

Considering that she was making use of Reimancy in a weaponized form it was probably assumed that some degree of destruction would be involved, albeit in only one major part of the presentation. Well... the scrolls did make use of lightning as well, but not as much as her projectiles did. It was best not to make assumptions in light of her experiences.

A horrible though just crossed her mind, and she was quick to vocalize it to Amaryllis though the Nuit had likely already considered it. Still, she had said to vocalize any questions or concerns.


"Qiao being my erstwhile... tracker's patron would one suspect that he might have whispered some poisonous thoughts to the Councilor. Also, if any should be aware of my rather... unpopular allegiances I'm assuming that might end very poorly?" The tall woman said, her suggestions very clear.

If Darren had influenced Qiao to the negative, not an impossible prospect considering the hypnotist would rather her be weak, then she could be far past petched. Worse still, her being a Chaon was known by no less than four individuals though Kouri didn't really count. Celeste was reasonably trustworthy, Amaryllis was her benefactor, which only left dearly disturbed Darren. If someone on that board knew, then that could be very poor for her given the reputation of Chaons.

The woman drew herself up to her full six foot height, straightening her clothes and making certain her hair was right in place. She composed herself, her expression a mix of cordiality and regality and certainly looked confident enough. She made certain her newest silver acquisition was properly displayed, a sign of self assured victory. She looked every inch the Sorceress that she really was.


"I am ready, Amaryllis. 'Tis the opening act, nothing left to do but enter the spotlight. Shall we?" Anna stated, nodding towards the entrance.
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Board Exams [Mirage]

Postby Mirage on January 5th, 2014, 7:56 am

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Amaryllis considered the question for a moment as she began working on her own attire. Smoothing out some spots in her robes and adjusting a few of the feathers as she spoke, "The room will be clear save for the judges and myself, so it should not be a problem. However, to be on the safe side let us inform the judges of the potential hazards and they may very well have us move to just outside the Citadel for that part of your presentation." From the folds of her robes she produced a miniature mirror which she now used to check her lines of makeup, "While it is usually never seen, there have been times where a presenter has been asked to prepare a creation on the spot. Since Daedeous Markus is here today it would be best to have something in mind should the situation arise."

She clapped the mirror closed and replaced it, smiling mysteriously at Anna, "I would not worry. It is true he may have brought some issues to Qiao's attention, which is disadvantageous to us. However, even HE wouldn't dare mention that secret to anyone. Though I cannot kill him, he knows I CAN make his life much more difficult if he interferes too much where my own investments are."

Stepping forward the Embalmer placed a hand on the door, nodding back at Annalisa, "Very well then. Let us give them a performance they will never forget." She pushed open the doors, leading the way down the stairs to the floor in front of the table where the 6 judges sat already prepared. Starting from the left sat Nemora Tepest in her usual female Isur body, which was missing its right arm. Next was a nameless nuit of which Amaryllis felt was of little importance. Then came Markus in the body of a tall Sym, thin fingers gently thrumming on the table. From the right there sat another nameless nuit in a human body, then there was Goron Silver heart, robed in his official wizard Attire, the ring on his finger resembling a mixture of many different kinds of metal twisting in and around itself. Finally there was Lector Qiao who sat between Silverheart and Markus. Anna might notice something strikingly memorable about his face. It was none other than the body she had helped Amaryllis modify in the Palsa Hydrasa not that long ago.

As she hit the last step before reaching the presentation floor Amaryllis opened her arms wide, smiling broadly, "Good gentlemen, and ladies, of the board, I bring with me this day a new hopeful to display her skills. She has my full endorsement. Please allow me to introduce to you, Annalisa Marin." She stepped to one side, beckoning Anna forward to introduce herself to her judges.

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Board Exams [Mirage]

Postby Annalisa Marin on January 5th, 2014, 9:00 am

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Well, so far it sounded rather reassuring in that the preparations seemed to be all thought out and Anna was rather glad she had mentioned the matter. Considering the actual spells in the items it would probably be best to move them outside of the Citadel for that portion, actually it might serve as a bit of dramatic build up to the climax itself. It was always good to keep one's audience on their toes, and more importantly waiting for more. It was the nature of a good drama.

As for being needed to craft something on the spot... Anna had a rather good idea, rather complex and time consuming but a nice layout she'd been toying with. Then again, what had the Nuit to worry over time? They wanted to see skill and strength in her chosen magic, the mark of a skilled Glypher was not only how complex it was but how effective it was. Efficiency was everything.

This creation in mind Anna was put aside for now as she allowed a smirk to cross her features, so her true devotions were safe for now. The blessing of Rhysol remained her edge and really it was all she needed to feel confident about waltzing in there. Rhysol was with her always, his power always present just over her heart as a reminder of who owned her and who she owed that heart to. She would show her love for him by displaying herself with the allure and power due to one touched by his blood.

Anna followed Amaryllis down the stairs and looked to each Judge, really she only recognized three and one was by face and seated position only. There was of course Goron Silverheart, the sub-human filth that would make her task all the more difficult. There was that female Nuit in an Isur's body whom had stood Judgment of her once before already. Nemora Tempest she assumed as she was the only female Anna noted.

Then there was the man in the body she herself had helped prepare with Amaryllis, with that body modification. Could that be him? Could that be the face of the man she was to impress and possibly serve as her salvation against Darren? It seemed a logical assumption that this man was Qiao, why else would Amaryllis had told her to pay attention to it. Even then she had been preparing her for this moment.

Amaryllis was quick to spread her arms and begin with a grand introduction of Anna, who had made certain walk with her head high and her posture resembling its former glory from her days as a Professor. She was confident and there was an ease about it, appearing every inch an expert in her art and one that bordered on near perfection. She stood beside Amaryllis, inclining her head respectfully but not subserviently to the board of Nuit. She then carried out her greeting, which she had spent much time practicing, not in Common, but in the rehearsed Ancient Tongue. First impressions were key.


"I bid you warm greetings, honored Master's and Mistresses, and thank you for convening that I may display to you mine own skills that you may find them worthy of Sahova and the title of Wizard. I am Annalisa Marin, born of Zeltiva, City of Sails, and now a hopeful wishing to serve this true great bastion of Alahea." Anna stated, a slight smirk on her face.

That particular greeting had taken bells over the course of two petching days to get right. The inflections had been difficult to get down at first, but eventually they had flowed together very easily through constant repetition. Of course she had also now just insinuated that she would be fine if the whole exchange was done in the Ancient Tongue, which she was. Any deviation back to Common would be seen as a weakness. Her write ups had been done in Nader-Canoch as well, which had added further time to actually writing them because she had needed to spend painstaking time on translation. Anna was not the most fluent speaker, but she knew more than enough to hold her own here on the stage. She'd interacted enough with the denizens of the island to feel somewhat comfortable in speaking it. It would mean her responses would be simple, but such was the trade off. It was worth it for the first impression.
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Board Exams [Mirage]

Postby Mirage on January 6th, 2014, 7:11 pm

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Amaryllis pressed a hand to her lips to hide her own smile of approval, looking at the judges to see, with some satisfaction, the looks of surprise at the fluency with which the woman spoke the greeting. It was nothing so obvious that Anna would notice, but for Amaryllis, who had played this game for a very long time, the signs were obvious. Stepping forward the Embalmer openly let show her approval and pride in her apprentice, "As you can see, Annalisa holds a strong hold on the Ancient Tongue, and her dedication to the study of this old language is reflected in her hard work in her own research as well. She has spent many bells tolling over this presentation for you today, and we hope you enjoy it to the fullest." Stepping back once more the Embalmer folded her hands at her waist, a confident smile on her lips as she prepared to watch the proceedings.

From his seat Qiao slowly stood, folding his own gloved hands before him as he looked down his nose at Annalisa, "Annalisa Marin. Your name has been spoken of highly by the Chief Embalmer, and I admit that I have heard some tales of you myself, and your exploits here in the Citadel..." He let those words hang in the air a moment before continuing, "I trust that your performance today will leave us all speechless. Now, before we begin, allow me to introduce these who will preside over your review." He extended his right hand, "From the end we have Nemora Tepest, Chief Morpher. Daedeus Markus, Master Reimancer and expert in glyphed traps and applications. Tallius Shorbren, an expert in magical administration and applied theories." Tepest nodded to Anna, while Markus merely folded his arms, giving Anna a critical eye. Qiao raised his left hand, "Goron Silverheart, Chief Magecrafter, and finally Crombel Cramplis, Alchemy Consultant."

Folding his hands once more Qiao returned to his seat, "Now then, please present us with your write up and proceed with the presentation."

The door to the chamber suddenly opened, and Amaryllis turned to see who would dare intrude, and her eyes widened in surprise. A man was walking down the isle now, low robes of various colors, a white beard attached to his old face. In his hand an elegant wizards staff. As he reached the floor Amaryllis inclined her head, "Archwizard, I did not realize you would be attending." Those at the table stood and inclined their heads as well. All but Qiao of course, who simply smiled and said, "Zarik, I am glad you could attend."

Mashaen waved a hand, taking a seat on the front row of the audience, "Of course my friend, I would not miss out on such an opportunity as this. It is not often you show such interest in an apprentice."

The reviewers all returned to their seats, and Qiao motioned to Anna with a smirk, "Now then, please continue Apprentice Marin."

Amaryllis no longer smiled, but simply stared at Qiao, her poker face in place once more. It was clear this was unexpected to her as well. What did it mean for the Archwizard himself to be present? What was Qiao, and maybe even Goron Silverheart, planning?
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Board Exams [Mirage]

Postby Annalisa Marin on January 6th, 2014, 9:04 pm

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Anna couldn't tell at first whether or not her rehearsed greeting was good for her or not, a quick flick of her grey eyes to Amaryllis indicated that this was a move in their favor. A good first impression was key after all, most pulsers here usually arrived with either no knowledge at all or minimal knowledge. This showed that she was rather a cut above that rank and file, so she briefly allowed a thought of thanks aimed towards her language instructors back at the University. Yes, everything was proceeding smoothly.

Amaryllis' words were in common, and were her vindication and saving grace as it was an excuse she needed to return to common herself. She felt a flare of pride swell in her heart, it was all going well so far and already she had made an impression in the positive. Rhysol's hand was on her shoulder here, the Lord of Lies would see her to success this day as she placed her faith in him. Giving brief mental thanks to her god she turned her attention upon Qiao as he spoke.

His introductions named everyone on the board, as well as gave her subtle indications where a few stood. Qiao had stated hearing of exploits in the Citadel, depending on which he knew that would either be favorable or not for her. Holding her own against Maelstrom for instance was favorable, her heated run ins with Darren were not. Still, he appeared mostly neutral for now as Amaryllis had stated.

Tepest and Markus were easier to judge, the former's nod indicating all she needed to know in that Amaryllis was probably right about her having the Nuit's vote. Markus, while not appearing hostile, was certainly looking at her with the eye of one appraising potential merchandise. He practiced both her primary and secondary magic, so he would know exactly what denoted the skill of one possessing advanced Glyphing capabilities. The Triggers were what were important for the Glyphs, the magic within was only for show. It was how the reimancy could be utilized that was important.

Other than Silverheart, who was obviously her opponent here, the other two indeed sounded like nobodies. One sounded like a half baked University Professor with little worth, the other practiced alchemy which had no relevance to her abilities and was more of a magic for bearded quacks in her opinion. With the introductions done Anna moved to open her satchel, stopping and turning when the door opened suddenly.

Her eyebrow knitted in confusion, which vanished when Amaryllis inclined her head respectfully and his title fell from her lips. Anna immediately repeated the Embalmer's actions and inclined her head in a sign of difference for the Archwizard. Her mind was whirling with the implications here, eyes flicking to Qiao and then Silverheart before falling upon Zarik Mashaen, the Archwizard of Sahova himself.

One would have to be deaf and stupid to have never heard of the Archwizard while on Sahova, even in her short time she had heard tales of the legendary Animator. The fact that he was here now presented an unknown variable to this whole event, him taking an interest in an Apprentice and a pulser's review was odd to her mind. Judging from Amaryllis' expression the Embalmer either suspected this was bad for them, or didn't know the implications either.

The Archwizard's words hadn't escaped her either, Qiao had an interest in her? Was that a good or bad thing and was it the kind of interest where he wanted to see what she could do, or the kind where he wanted her dead? The latter was unlikely, if he did then she would be a corpse with but a single word from his lips. Interest could mean a number of things, that she was a curiosity being a possible one.

Recovering quickly and not missing a beat Anna strode forward confidently, masking any reservations she might have with an enigmatic smirk. She couldn't get tripped up by this little wild card being added, she'd just have to redouble her efforts to come off as impressive. Anna reached into the satchel and produced the write ups, mentally pleased with the contents of the write up and the sigil placed on the lower corner of each document.

Translated from Nader-Canoch it would read:

Name: Annalisa Marin
Master: Chief Embalmer Amaryllis
Field of Research Desired: Research of Glyphed Reimantic Weapons Development
Disciplines of Magic Employed: Reimancy and Glyphing. Other magic's might be utilized if desired results can be achieved through them.
Specifics/Reason for Research: To develop more weaponized forms of Reimancy via use of Glyphing. Scroll production is part of it, however research into less conventional and safer delivery methods are also heavily on the agenda.
Materials Likely to be utilized: Parchment, Ink, Inscribing Paint, Material Weapons such as swords, smaller misc. items will be requisitioned on a case by case basis. The odd slave or two.


In the corner was a tiny array of sigils, similar to the one on the document she had prepared for her presentation. There would be another line of Nader-Canoch, this one making up the Trigger. It read:

If any other than the under-designated group/individuals attempt to read what lies upon this document, the Trigger will be activated and lower the Barrier to release the magic contained within the Focus.

The members of the Board reviewing Annalisa Marin
Annalisa Marin
Chief Embalmer Amaryllis


The magic within was a simple wisp of air reimancy, but again the magic was not important it was the purpose behind it. It showed that she was not a woman that took foolish chances or allowed potentially confidential information to fall into the wrong hands. It was that little paranoid touch that most wizards could properly appreciate.

This accomplished Anna took her place in the center of the room, pulling out a single scroll case and balancing it easily in her hand. She opened it and carefully produced a scroll, its surface possessing an array of geometric shapes. The Sigil was no more than a simple scroll sigil, though the Glyphs themselves were highly refined. Again it was the expert hand that created them that mattered, just as much as the magic within.


"A bit of a warm up of sorts. Scroll design is something of a hobby of mine, specifically Triggers. In my experience the scroll is only as good as the Trigger, if its not as refined as possible then you have rather worthless scroll. Naturally the more specific, the better. For instance this particular one is triggered..." Anna said, drawing her dagger from within the folds of her robes.

She pricked the tip of her finger and held the scroll out towards a wall, allowing a single drop of her blood to fall upon the Trigger. The effect was instantaneous as the air seemed to crackle malevolently and Anna could feel the hairs on her neck stand on end. A trio of large purple lances of lightning sprang forth from the Focus, screeching out towards the wall and booming into it thunderously. Were anything in its path they would be reduced to charred chunks of flesh and a fine mist of blood.


"...is Triggered by only human blood. Pure human blood, even those of a mixed heritage will find their efforts foiled in trying to activate it." She explained as she let the remains of the scroll flitter to the ground, drawing another scroll out and removing it from its case.

She repeated her previous action, squeezing a drop of blood from the digit and allowing it to fall upon the Trigger. Rather than lightning, a storm of earthen spikes sprung forth, hurtling towards the wall with incredible speed and shattering into it. It was a much wider attack, no doubt it would have shred multiple unarmored opponents that happened to be in its path. The significance of the attack was not only a repeat demonstration, but also a look for Markus to see just what elements Anna commanded. From lightning there was air and fire, now she also looked to control earth which marked her as a high tier Reimancer.

The Sorceress then produced four other scroll cases, placing each on the ground.


"Each of these four are Triggered by the same thing, with further refinement they could be made to possible react to the blood or ichor of a specific person. A form of personalized weaponry." The woman offered, deciding this would be a good spot to pause.

This was the end of the first phase, it was impressive to some degree but hardly anything unseen before. It displayed skill beyond most apprentices but that was about it, it was the warm up. Now she needed to give the Board time to consider what she had just shown and said.

OOCSorry for the copious length, had a lot to cram into the beginning of this whole thing. ;)
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Board Exams [Mirage]

Postby Mirage on January 9th, 2014, 6:29 pm

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During Anna's performance, Amaryllis took the opportunity to move around behind her, finding a seat near the Archwizards, offering polite greetings to watch the show with this unexpected card in the hand.

Each of the judges would take the parchment handed to them, looking it over while listening to Anna's description of her projects. Qiao, for the most part, seemed disinterested, steepleing his fingers as he watched without a change in his facial expressions. Nemora Tepest shifted in her seat, nodding her approval but not overly impressed. Tallis Shorben had produced a pair of large bifocals from his robes, fitting them onto the bridge of his nose, more interested in the apparent materials needed than the performance itself. Silverheart sat back with his arms folded, respectfully giving his full attention but he seemed neither impressed nor bored with the performance itself.

As Anna finished her first display, Markus straightened in his chair, eyes examining the paper given to him by Anna, "This trigger here," he was indicating the trigger in the upper right of the paper, "How exactly does it know when it is held by a board member?" He lowered a gaze at the Wizard hopeful, "You have no specification of what a board member is, and neither do you have a name for any of us, or even samples of our ichor to be used as a method for identification. So then Annalisa Marin, how does this trigger recognize us as board members and not simply impostors?" Looking back at the paper he ran a finger over the beautifully drawn script, "Glyphing is only as effect as the one who prepares it. A glyph will not know something unless the creator gives it a way to recognize. If you had instead made it so that "Only nuits may touch this" or "Only I, Annalisa Marin" can open this scroll, the glyph would need nothing more than to touch someone to know whether he fits the criteria. What you have here is so very vague, that most anyone who makes claims they are 'A board member' could access this information whether you wanted them to or not." He sat back in his chair, "Explain your reasoning for this trigger, and how you tasked it to recognize something so vague as a board member without any specifications, and then you may continue with your review."

Qiao looked between Markus and Anna, interest now in his eyes as he waited for Anna's answer. Amaryllis frowned ever so slightly, but soon her attention was once more on the Archwizard as the two began their own hushed conversation. All eyes were on Anna for her answer to the question.

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