Comatose

I raise an eyebrow, but otherwise keep my face expressionless. Growing up among the Riverheart elite, I'm not stranger to bartering and striking deals. While the form he is pushing seems decent, it also seems rather specific. Besides, I'm not sure if I'll be able to learn the ins and outs of an entirely new form in time to use it, especially something so different from my other spheres. Besides, my water bender form gives me decent enough fire protection. Eerongal would have benefitted more from this than me, and thanks to him, his fire bear summoning opponent is out of the running. "Impressive," I say. The man doesn't seem to have what I need, otherwise he would have given it to me right away. However, if I imply I'm not interested in his wares I won't be able to rely on any of the information he gives me. I try to remember who I am fighting next, wondering what sorts of forms they will use. After a moment, I continue. "This can hardly be the best you have though. You're obviously really excited to sell it, but save your pitch. A talented guy like you, you could sell this to anyone. I, however, am not just anyone." I give him a small conspiratory smile. "What else do you have?"

River: I nod respectfully to the man. "I'm not to familiar with the mechanics behind spheremounts, but I'm looking for a gated fuser, or something like it. I noticed an amalgam form the other day, and am interested in something similar. Do you know if its possible to fuse more than one form together?" I pause, wishing I knew more about what I was talking about. I hate looking like a fool, but my training focused more on using and maintaining my Spheremount. There were always servants around when I needed some sort of upgrade. "Actually, any sort of upgrade would be helpful," I pull out a wallet, holding it suggestively. "Do you think you could help me out? Or point me in the direction of someone who can?"

River: Well, that was a waste, I think to myself. At least I learned a bit more about Piscun. For one, he's far more open and candid than expected. A noble of Riverheart would be instantly suspect if they behaved in such a way, but I remind myself that in other places, honesty and genuineness are actually valued. The problem are Psicun's superiors, whoever they are. Though both he and Jezebel seem to wield some sort of power here, it is becoming clear they gain their power from elsewhere. They are but the visible hands of the hidden mind who is running this tournament. I have no leads on the ring leader however, and Piscun, Jezebel, are the only officials I have had the opportunity to meet. The other man, with the invisible presence following him, remains a mystery. I decide to leave the arena. It's obvious I need more information before I can start rising through the ranks here and find the people in charge. My pursuit of power will have to wait. I realize that if I don't keep winning, any further plans are pointless. Right now I need to focus on preparing for my next match. I swing by the bracket to check who my next opponent is, asking several likely candidates along the way if they have any information on Piscun, Jezebel, or any of the other 'administrators'. Once I've checked the bracket, I head to the shops. The Jay-El's amalgam form caught my eye on the hill, and I wonder if I can find something similar for myself here. I'm sure I could come up with some devious combinations of my three forms that could make me a dangerous contender. Or at least, more of a danger than I already am.

River: I turn my attention back to the match, now that is obvious Piscun does not want to be bothered. Overall, Eerongal impresses me, though I think I could have done better. He wasted too much time with the bear I think, He should have gone after the girl immediately. His hesitation to kill a child-like form nearly cost him the match. I am more than a little miffed that he managed to end the fight without shifting. I was looking forward to seeing what some of his other forms could do. No that Piscun has declared the match over, I take my chance to speak with him. His comments about loneliness surprise me, as I hadn't expected him to be so candid. "Sorry about earlier," I say. "I should have seen you were busy. I also didn't mean to pry into your personal life. My question was meant to be about this match specifically. I was merely offering to keep you company, if you wished for it." I pause, thinking out my next move carefully. I can't afford to mess things up, and I know it. "So, if you don't mind me asking, how did you end up here, in your current position?"

Also, if you like the character questions thread... we're planning on doing something similar here on 17th shard. Stay posted!

I take it you haven't read Aerouna. True, she's a victim of her circumstances, but... she's also an inquisitor XD

You have to take in account what other characters have planned as well. Daerra has a few nasty things up her sleeve.... (wuhahaha).

As she listened to the explanation, Sayuri kept an eye on Kierra and her tall friend. The more they spoke, the more she became certain the language they were speaking was Masran. The question was, what secret were they hiding that they felt the need to conceal it from the others in the room, even the Healer? Sayuri was beginning to realize that this group was full of secrets and deceptions, and that no matter how nice they might seem, she would have to tread carefully around them. Remember Alexandre, she told herself. He appeared to be kind as well. Her thoughts were interrupted when the energetic Seevlah entered the room. Sayure's experiences with the strange race were limited, but she knew many of their beliefs coincided with that of her people, with the exception of their use of channeling. She also took note of the names Kierra used for her companions, as she had not been introduced to anyone but the young noblewoman. Harran and Akhi she thought, committing them to memory. And Bix, of course. Seevlah were known at the university to be highly intelligent creatures, though sometimes infuriating to talk to. Perhaps this one would have some answers. Whoever he was, he seemed honest, which was more than Sayuri could say of Kierra, her companions, and their secrets. "Greetings Master Bix," she said politely, stepping forward. "My name is Sayuri, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

I'm glad you are enjoying the plot. I still enjoy reading some of those older posts, and Marisha is a favorite character of mine as well. As for the Aldwin thing, I think it very well might have been. Many of the things that are paying off now we've had planned for over a year, and I know the Aldwin/Luci dance was one of them. That being said, we're always coming up with new ideas and plots, so one shouldn't worry about that when thinking about making a new character (hint, hint) . EDIT: And as far as post length goes, I currently hold the record for the shortest. You can try to take that away from me, but it's gotta make sense within the story haha.

I'd like to know Jack's forms eventually too. Also, something I was wondering about transition time. Twenty seconds is a LONG time in a fight (Can you imagine counting to twenty being unable to move while some guy rushes at you with a sword?) Now, in my fight, I tried to compensate, but didn't find many opportunities, which is why I only shifted once. In the current fight however, both Ambro and his opponent seem to be able to shift near instantaneously. Is it just an etiquette thing to wait until the other person switches form, or am I missing something here?

Though she was thankful for the end of her awkward exchange with the mercenaries or dignataries or whatever they were, Sayuri continued to study them, and dissect what she could of thier conversation with the Earth Shell. Now that she seemed to have made up with the Kierra, who was obviously the leader of the group, the others seemed content to leave Sayuri in peace, seemingly forgetting she was even there. She had to admit, the group certainly was interesting, and the Earthshell's explanation of Leyht were enough to spark her curiousity. It all comes back to Xan and his enlightened she thought. Once again, Sayuri cursed the limited education of her childhood. In her channeling classes, many of the materials had to do with Xan and his followers, however most assumed the reader had a basic knowledge of the history of channeling, and Sayuri had been forced to catch up on her own. She envied the Vhaskari girl her easy understanding of ley lines and knowledge of Xanethi history. Perhaps I was hasty in provoking her thought Sayuri. The Vhaskari Highlands were at the forefront of Leht research. Whether she was a princess or not, Kierra would obviously be a valuable resource. Remember Alexandre. You can stand on your own. Your own mind is all the help you need. Though the mantra was familiar, somehow it failed to comfort her. Sayuri caught the quick murmured exchange between Kierra and the tall mercenary, but could not understand what was said. Though the accent was atrocious, it sounded something like Masran. Sayuri brought back her mental image of how the man had looked at the inn. Though his height and length of limb were still not accounted for, his darker skin color had definitely fit the profile of the Masran people. A Masran and a Vhaskari travelling together... however did they meet up? Whatever Kierra had said, her voice and expression both showed extreme concern, though she was trying to stay calm. She had no way of finding out what they were saying, and somehow she doubted they would voluntarily tell her, but something the earthshell said before had piqued Sayuri's interest. "Excuse me," she said, slowly rejoining the group. "I couldn't help but over hear. You spoke of two nodes being destroyed. Do you think such a thing could happen again?"

Some people's children...

I would like to announce that my christmas present has been used up, and my tickets are being booked!!!!! (Love my mom!) Also, when you live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, you need to fly to get pretty much anywhere . Not really, but sometimes it feels like it.

I would like to announce that I am probably most likely going to Utah for the release of Alloy of Law!!!!!!!(Still not for sure for sure, but I am trying to make it so!)

So, she's Vhaskari. Interesting. That explains her skill at channeling. Besides knowing they were home to a famous research facility, Sayuri knew next to nothing of the strange highlands. As she responded, Sayuri continued to face the door. "Maestra Sayuri Tenaho, Academ: Mastery of Mathematics with a Minor in Leyht Studies and Channeling," She rattled off her title indifferently, wanting nothing more than to be done with this group. Hadn't she been embarrassed enough? "And I am not Leyari."

Sayuri's face remained blank, for even she was too disciplined a Leyari to blush in public. Inside, however, she felt herself cringe. She had obviously offended a very powerful person. Despite her embarrassment, Sayuri couldn't help but be irritated by the woman's contrary tone. Not even a Leyari child would have responded so brazenly, displaying their accomplishments or rank in such a way. Sayuri had to remind herself, yet again, that she was in a very different place than the one she had grown up in. It was funny, she had rejected her homeland, but the Leya continued to haunt her, like a vengeful spirit, forever preventing her from fitting in anywhere else. I must remember I am at fault as well. Had I performed that trick in the Leya, I could have been banished for life. It was a good thing for both of them then, that they were in Tolvera, and Cherry Valley was far away. "My apologies then," Sayuri said flatly. "I did not mean to startle anyone. Forgive my foolishness." Finished, Sayuri returned to her seat.

Suddenly, Sayuri felt the room fill with Leyht, and felt three bodies begin to channel. Interesting... I wonder... Her speculations were cut short as the room filled with sand. She felt the stuff scrape against her skin, cover her clothing, fill her nose and mouth, and burning her eyes. Once the flurry subsided, she found herself covered with the stuff. Just look where impulsiveness has gotten me this time. Mother would be so proud. After a few hacking coughs, Sayuri regained her composure. She had not been so humiliated since her last trip to the Leya! What had gotten into her? Channeling again, Sayuri did her best to clean the sand from her hair, skin, and clothing. While she had become decently competent at cleaning with channeling, and often did her laundry that way when pressed for time or traveling, when she was finished, she still wasn't certain she had gotten it all. If my luck holds, the Prince will walk in right now. When the noblewoman spoke, Sayuri did her best to swallow her temper and remain calm as she turned to face the group. She was pretty sure it was the earth shell who had channeled the sand, and she couldn't blame this woman for it. It was her own fault, channeling without any warning. What had she been thinking? When the woman finished, Sayuri raised an eyebrow. In the Leya, it would have been a sharp rebuke, but here, she knew it was necessary to show how she was feeling. The woman meant to impress her by dropping the prince's name so casually. Did she really think Sayuri would believe some random noble would be on a first name basis with the crown prince of Tolvera? "I am interested in truth, milady," she said softly. "I like to know who I am dealing with, and do not appreciate being lied to, even visually."

River: Well, this match is certainly interesting. Still, I wish Eerongal would shift. It would be nice to get an idea of what his other forms can do. Keeping my eye on the fight, I decide to take matters into my own hands, and approach Piscun's balcony. "I understand if you don't want to be disturbed, but I thought you might like some company. It must get lonely, playing the referee by yourself. Here goes nothing...

What am I doing here? Sayuri asked herself for the hundredth time. The page had, after escorting her to the palace, promptly led her to a waiting area and abandoned her there. What did you expect? That the Prince would greet you himself? Sayuri shook her head. It had seemed so exciting, leaving the inn on whim to help solve an intriguing mystery. Now, however, she was having doubts. She had thought coming to the palace would make her feel special. Fool. The Prince has summoned anyone and everyone who even might be an aid in deciphering what the Ohnyrek could mean. She was a mathematician, not a historian or religious scholar. Sayuri had been summoned as a precaution, nothing more. What would my mother say? As she continued to wait, Sayuri began to wonder if she had been better dealing with irate customers. I should leave. As the thought crossed her mind, but before she could rise, the doors opened, and three new comers entered, closely followed by the earth shell from the inn. Sayuri eyed them out of the corner of her eyes, not wanting to involve herself in anything before assessing the situation first. There was something familiar about the three who entered, and after a few moments of study, she realized they were the mercenaries from the inn. The Masran clued her in, though his skin, hair, and voice were different. No matter the illusion used, the extra length in his arms and legs was clearly recognizable. Following that discovery, it was easy to see the way the young noblewoman moved with the grace of a predator rather than that of a dancer, and to see the healer beneath his disguise. A noblewoman... interesting. Sayuri found herself wondering if they were mercenaries disguised as nobles, or the other way around. Having discerned the identities of her companions led Sayuri to another thought. The three had obviously taken significant efforts to change their appearance, and achieved results that could only be the result of channeling. That meant at least one, if not all three, were powerful channelers. I wonder if the Prince will be deceived. Perhaps she could earn her way into his good graces by exposing the imposters. If they were supposed to be here, surely it would not matter what they looked like, but if they were intruders, the Prince would surely want to know. Who am I? Alexandre? The plan seemed like something her former colleague would think up. He had always been a schemer. Sayuri had gotten where she was on her own merit; why should she resort to trickery now? I am sick of these intrigues! Not turning around, Sayuri channeled, creating a brilliant flash of the light in the center of the room, hoping to disrupt any light-based channeling within its radius.

Also, the big city in the middle of the lake seems to be missing, haha.

I don't want to step on any toes here, this is Silas's RP, but I would like to make a few small suggestions. Take them or leave them, as I have no say in the final decision... just my two cents, if you will (Hope you don't mind). First of all, you describe him as tall, but he is only 5'4" The average height for a man is, around 5'7" or 5'8", so Top is quite a bit shorter than the average (Here in Saskatchewan, I often feel short at 5'11" ). Also, I know you were going for symmetry in your prose, but it's kind of hard to have black hair that isn't dark. Lastly, it would be nice to see more exposition on Top's banishment and what he is doing now. Again, these are only suggestions, it's not my RP, and I really don't want to step on any toes. Feel free to discount or ignore any or all of these points. Also, this is a question for Silas about the Kandra form. If, in the kandra form, one were to digest a body, would they keep that face from form to form? Also, could part of the form be a bag of bones like TenSoon had? Thirdly, what are the moral implications of using a kandra form to impersonate another human (since the user is technically still a human themselves)? Frostbourne's app got my brain running, so please excuse my curiosity

Don't want to jinx it... but I am making plans to be there. From Canada. Am I excited? You bet!

Yup, another character. River's still got a lot left in him. His character arc is far from complete.

I shall also second the welcome! The more people the better. Side note, I may or may not be coming up with a new character...

I am interested in winning prizes. This is my submission.