Sokie Undertown (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
weirdnecro) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
middaeg2020-01-08 09:43 pm
weirdnecro) wrote in middaeg2020-01-08 09:43 pm
Entry tags:
Practically Magic [Open! Practical Magical lessons!]
Who: Sokie and you!
When: Pre and Post Snatchedbecause people may need the outlet later
Where: Mainly around Sokie's yard in Aef, maybe outside of the city
What: Sokie is teaching some practical magic to anyone interested.
Warnings: TBA, maybe some mild violence, swearing?
Most of the lessons start off in a yard, sand swept- though sometimes it's just outside of the Bright wall, away from any of the encampments to give them space- and well, in case things explode or are set on fire. She's good about making announcements before the classes take place on the network, just in case the location changes.
It usually starts off with a hello and a declaration of what they're going to go over today. Sometimes it's how to avoid being caught by illusion and charm spells; sometimes it's on how they can use various runes in every day life.
New students, Sokie likes to take to the side and assess for herself to see what level they're at, before sticking them in one of three groups which she calls: ducklings, flip flops, and eaglets.She doesn't act like one is better then the other, just that the flip flops won't set the whole place on fire by accident.
Usually there's a quick talk, with demonstrations during, before she checks to see if there's anyone who needs help with understanding. After the check in, she smiles. It's time to put the knowledge to use.
A: Magic Dodgeball
It's not exactly regular dodgeball. True, there is some ball throwing, but- there's a twist. One team has to use magic (witch or monster!) to confuse, distract, or otherwise trip up their opponents, while the other has to resist without falling back on magic. Don't worry-they'll get to switch eventually! But no hitting people in the face with the ball, teleporting to the other side of the field, nor any truly dangerous magic- whoever tries something dirty gets an automatic out and whatever punishment Sokie feels like that day. Whatever it is, it won't be pleasant.
Now DODGE!
B: Changing hot potato
You thought that was the only game Sokie had in mind? No? Good! Because this one is a leg up from dodgeball. Because this lesson was on transmutation, and she has a specific idea in mind: she wants the witches to change the ball into different objects. Nothing too complicated! It could be as simple as changing its temperature, or making it glittery. Advanced students will be asked to make something a little more complicated, like making it into a plush doll.
And once it's changed, the next witch has to change it back. Monsters will be in the middle of the circle, making things more complicated by interfering with the tossed ball.
Which gives the witches less time. Oh, you didn't know there was a time limit? There is- and when the time is up, the ball, transmuted or not, will make a loud farting noise and coat the witch with a noxious fume. It's all illusionary of course- but it sure makes the eyes water! Don't worry, it'll fade in ten minutes or less.
C: Always be kind to your healer
Sokie is surprisingly intense about the healing lessons, and doesn't let as much go for much joking as she is about the other lessons. But then again, as she puts to the witches and the monsters- there can be no guarantee that there will be someone there to care for bruises and worse. There's the witch lessons of simple healing spells, but all are taught alchemy for simple blood restoration potions, regeneration potions, and things of that ilk. She's also all about teaching how to assess-basically first aid, but in magic land.
Which means...there are a lot of opportunities to partner up for learning potions, and a lot of excuses to doze off when being used as the first aid dummy.
Don't worry. There's a reason why she's conducting the lesson out of the city-so if there's an explosion, she can contain it. She does have a specialty of making barriers and all.
D: We wash this city
While this may seem to be just a class for the merfolk and the witches, the others have some lessons too- and this one is a wandering one. For where the places that have been cleaned up, or haven't been tagged yet, rune written paper is encouraged to slap against the walls, buildings, and houses. This may at least keep them from being vandalized for a time.
Plus, for the witches and monsters who do this instead of playing soapy power washer, they may get a better feeling for doing the magic. Of course, these papers were created if not that day, then the prior workshop slash class by witches so they get the feeling of making runes for minor shields.
E: It's time to DUEL!
And of course, it's time for a bit of fun. By fun, it's possible danger. But it's fine! That's what they made all those health potions for, right? These can be mixed with monster-monster, witch-witch, and witch-monster.
It's to surrender, or disable-with an emphasis of trying not to cause lasting damage. So don't get carried away with fire balls!
Can't seem to get a handle on them? It's all right. There's a timer. She's giving every pair off five minutes, and everyone has been paired off randomly!
Well. Mostly. Unless she thinks this might help somewhat.
When: Pre and Post Snatched
Where: Mainly around Sokie's yard in Aef, maybe outside of the city
What: Sokie is teaching some practical magic to anyone interested.
Warnings: TBA, maybe some mild violence, swearing?
Most of the lessons start off in a yard, sand swept- though sometimes it's just outside of the Bright wall, away from any of the encampments to give them space- and well, in case things explode or are set on fire. She's good about making announcements before the classes take place on the network, just in case the location changes.
It usually starts off with a hello and a declaration of what they're going to go over today. Sometimes it's how to avoid being caught by illusion and charm spells; sometimes it's on how they can use various runes in every day life.
New students, Sokie likes to take to the side and assess for herself to see what level they're at, before sticking them in one of three groups which she calls: ducklings, flip flops, and eaglets.
Usually there's a quick talk, with demonstrations during, before she checks to see if there's anyone who needs help with understanding. After the check in, she smiles. It's time to put the knowledge to use.
A: Magic Dodgeball
It's not exactly regular dodgeball. True, there is some ball throwing, but- there's a twist. One team has to use magic (witch or monster!) to confuse, distract, or otherwise trip up their opponents, while the other has to resist without falling back on magic. Don't worry-they'll get to switch eventually! But no hitting people in the face with the ball, teleporting to the other side of the field, nor any truly dangerous magic- whoever tries something dirty gets an automatic out and whatever punishment Sokie feels like that day. Whatever it is, it won't be pleasant.
Now DODGE!
B: Changing hot potato
You thought that was the only game Sokie had in mind? No? Good! Because this one is a leg up from dodgeball. Because this lesson was on transmutation, and she has a specific idea in mind: she wants the witches to change the ball into different objects. Nothing too complicated! It could be as simple as changing its temperature, or making it glittery. Advanced students will be asked to make something a little more complicated, like making it into a plush doll.
And once it's changed, the next witch has to change it back. Monsters will be in the middle of the circle, making things more complicated by interfering with the tossed ball.
Which gives the witches less time. Oh, you didn't know there was a time limit? There is- and when the time is up, the ball, transmuted or not, will make a loud farting noise and coat the witch with a noxious fume. It's all illusionary of course- but it sure makes the eyes water! Don't worry, it'll fade in ten minutes or less.
C: Always be kind to your healer
Sokie is surprisingly intense about the healing lessons, and doesn't let as much go for much joking as she is about the other lessons. But then again, as she puts to the witches and the monsters- there can be no guarantee that there will be someone there to care for bruises and worse. There's the witch lessons of simple healing spells, but all are taught alchemy for simple blood restoration potions, regeneration potions, and things of that ilk. She's also all about teaching how to assess-basically first aid, but in magic land.
Which means...there are a lot of opportunities to partner up for learning potions, and a lot of excuses to doze off when being used as the first aid dummy.
Don't worry. There's a reason why she's conducting the lesson out of the city-so if there's an explosion, she can contain it. She does have a specialty of making barriers and all.
D: We wash this city
While this may seem to be just a class for the merfolk and the witches, the others have some lessons too- and this one is a wandering one. For where the places that have been cleaned up, or haven't been tagged yet, rune written paper is encouraged to slap against the walls, buildings, and houses. This may at least keep them from being vandalized for a time.
Plus, for the witches and monsters who do this instead of playing soapy power washer, they may get a better feeling for doing the magic. Of course, these papers were created if not that day, then the prior workshop slash class by witches so they get the feeling of making runes for minor shields.
E: It's time to DUEL!
And of course, it's time for a bit of fun. By fun, it's possible danger. But it's fine! That's what they made all those health potions for, right? These can be mixed with monster-monster, witch-witch, and witch-monster.
It's to surrender, or disable-with an emphasis of trying not to cause lasting damage. So don't get carried away with fire balls!
Can't seem to get a handle on them? It's all right. There's a timer. She's giving every pair off five minutes, and everyone has been paired off randomly!
Well. Mostly. Unless she thinks this might help somewhat.
no subject
He takes a slow breath in and lets it out before answering, with at least a little humor,] Drink, rut, and commune with nature, or so I'm told. [He's only half-good at one of them, but.]
Charms don't work on me and you could bash me about the head all day without much effect. Know where I am anywhere I am, too. But growing plants and speaking with animals--I can't do it, no matter how I've tried.
[And he's tried not to be self-pitying about it either but Maker, how much longer would he have to wait to feel even a tenth the mage he'd been?]
no subject
Charms being unworkable was interesting though, and the hard head? A given. Still...]
You have nature magic. Those two fall into that category, but if you think a little more, there may be other things that fall into it as well.
But if you want to deal with those two, we can do that.
I have another question for you Myr. Do you feel a connection to this world?
no subject
They're the ones most like what I had back home, [he admits.] Anything growing or creeping in the Realm of Opposition is in Creation's remit.
[What else might it be possible for him to do? Perhaps he's been so fixated on something like what he had back on Thedas he's missed other avenues entirely...
Her second question catches him crossways in the midst of considering that; if he'd blink in surprise, he would. As it is he lifts his antlered head, expression between troubled and thoughtful.]
I--don't know I do. Certainly not the way I felt connected to Thedas through the Fade. [If he's truly, brutally truthful with himself...]
...I think, [slowly,] I haven't wanted to. Because that would mean I've begun to think of it as home, with no chance of going back.
no subject
But here's the thing. While you do have your own beliefs, your way of seeing the world when it comes to magic...
There is no Fade here. The is only you, and the bonds that you can create here, and let go.
[She sighed. Then:]
And that may be why you can't conduct the magic here. Because you think it has to be one way or the other. That if you're able to do one thing in this world, that you've given up.
Magic is a tool Myr. And it may be the only tool we have in returning to our worlds.
no subject
Maker, do I know it--and if it really is that, that I simply need to connect with the world somehow other than making Bonds, then you're right, I'm a fool, [she didn't say that, Myr,] for not trying sooner and this all my own idiot fault for resisting it out of fear.
But I--I don't even know if I'm meant to go home. [His voice drops, tone suddenly bleak.] We're here for a reason, aren't we? [And he'd had reasons, rashly or not, to promise as much of his life as he could give: Everett. L. Dorchacht's refugees.
That forecluded putting everything he had into escaping, didn't it?]
Half my heart's here, and half's in Thedas. I don't know how to choose between them, and anything that feels like choosing... [He trails off.]
no subject
And yet, he thought he had to choose one or the other. Which is why, she had to murmur a spell to protect her fingers.
So she could flick him on the forehead.]
Choose both.
Honestly Myr, did you think I would learn magic if it meant I was stuck here?
no subject
He recoils from the flick, knocked out of his pity-party and mightily disgruntled about it.]
How?
[...oh, wait--]
You're saying going home doesn't have to be one-way.
no subject
I'm saying things don't have to be absolute. Home doesn't have to be one-way, and home itself is something you choose for it to be.
The rest is static.
no subject
other than he'd be so insufferable to himself after the first five minutes he'd voluntarily step in front of a moving wagon
is this all suicide prevention??
He considers Sokie's words, though, and shakes his head.]
There are some absolutes. The Maker put me on Thedas for a reason. [A pause, then ruefully,] And let me fall out of it for a reason, too. I can't--I won't--give up that claim on me.
[But. But...] You're right, though, that that doesn't mean I can't give some of myself to Geardagas.
[And those from places beyond it. Already had, really. So what was a little more, if it meant having magic again?
Tentatively,] You think that's what I've been missing all along?
no subject
But really it's because she doesn't want him feeling bad about himself, like the teacher she is.]
You don't have to give up anything. That's what I'm trying to tell you, silly.
[She chuckled lightly. Oh Myr.]
I think you're too much into the absolutes. But here.
Come over here and let me hug you.
no subject
He also gives her (general direction) a Look that immediately softens into a chagrined smile as she points that out, about the absolutes.]
Someone's got to be, and I'm good at it.
[Might as well be him!!
Things he's also good at: Hugs. He brightens--and oh, dear, is that a little bit of a blush?--at Sokie's offer, and immediately goes right over there for a hug.]
no subject
Sometimes, you don't always have to be good or even great at a thing either.
[She chuckles quietly, and moved right in for the hug. Right in for it, and there was also some head patting.
Just because.]
no subject
But also, Sokie, also: There are so many things to care about and they are all important.
...He's gonna really lean into the hug, is what he's going to do right now. And enjoy the headpats.
Muffled,]
I needed that. [The hug and the talking-to.]
no subject
And she's still patting his hair. This is nice.]
I needed this. I don't think I've started a hug hug for awhile.
[Asura's spooning doesn't count.]
no subject
But this IS nice, and he's more than happy to lean in to the patting: A Supremely Content Deer.]
Well, [with warm amusement,] you've only got to ask and I'm up for it. You're good at these. [He gives her back a solid pat for emphasis. 10/10 hug.
And then because his brain never really turns off, just gets on a different topic for a while,] I'll try what you've recommended, too.
no subject
But this is nice. Usually when she hugs these days, she's also trying to take someone's pants off. Not that she'd do that to Myr. Not unless he needed a wound looked at or something.
Still, she laughed.]
So are you. It helps that you're like...I don't know, a cute little brother or something.
[Though that is...a particular feeling. Saying that. Oh boy.]
But yeah. That can't hurt. Maybe once you feel more balanced- we can give it another try.
no subject
That's the look of somebody with a c-r-u-s-h getting his hopes squished right out of existence.
...Though he is more than old enough, and experienced enough, to know having them so-squished is ultimately for the best. But, oof. Oof. Even if he's laughing along with her, and not more than a little at himself.]
Better the cute sort than the obnoxious sort, I s'pose. But when, [not if, so this is definitely progress,] I've got my magic figured out I can certainly put spiders in your shoes or whatever it is a little brother's supposed to do to his big sister.
no subject
She didn't even know he had a crush! Oh no! She stepped on the feelings!]
Ew, don't do that.
[She's laughing though.]
Okay, I take it back, take it completely back. Actually, I don't like that. Brother. That's not the right word for it. Because siblings are a pain in the ass, and you're not a pain in the ass.
You're...I'm fond of you. And that's not something I can say easily, so. No spiders, all right?
no subject
...Possibly because it was also a Very Conflicted Crush.
His expression softens to a kinder smile than the one he'd been wearing for the spider threat, hearing her express that.]
All right. No spiders, and no pains in the ass. You've been a dear enough friend to me to deserve something completely saccharine, like a plague of butterflies and a new rose garden.
[T e a s i n g, but also utterly, completely earnest. Get loved on, Sokie!!]
no subject
Oh, you can still be a pain in the ass. Not that I can picture you being a real pain- not unless you hit my fingers with your stick.
[She snorted though, and leaned down, kissing the top of his head.]
It just sounds like you want more attention from me. How about you don't, and you just come over for hugs and hair petting? You can make my room mates jealous.
no subject
Especially with license to come over for all the pets.
He puts up his hands with a helpless laugh at her assessment.]
Am I that transparent? [you know you are, Myr.] Well--since you've found me out, I'll not hesitate to take you up on that offer. How much jealousy d'your roommates need in their lives?
[i.e. how often does he get to come over, hoho.]
no subject
Tiny bit.
[A lot but she spoils him. But hey, more head pats for Myr!]
Give them a reason to moan and wail. They should work for my attention every so often.