(no subject)

[experiencepoints]

Who: Nightingale, and you!
Broadcast: Video, fleetwide
Action: Bishop, if you need her
When: Now

[When the video starts, Nightingale can be seen, a large wooden staff leaned up on the wall next to her.]

I've been here for a few months now. Nearly half a year, even. And in that time, I've noticed that there's a ton of different worlds represented here, and most of them have different forms of magic. I'm a mage myself, so I find it pretty interesting.

So, I'd like to hear about all the forms of magic represented here. Especially if it's possible for you to teach it, or at least the basic principles and rules behind it. I'm trying to research if principles from one form can be applied to other forms from other worlds. Maybe combining magics from other worlds that aren't supposed to interact could be our way out of here.

[She levitates her staff from the wall to her hand, where it promptly vanishes- No point in discussing all of this magic without a demonstration, right?]

On a different note, I'm still working on a guide for new arrivals here. If anyone is willing to help give information that isn't contained in the guide I have, it would be a big help. Thanks.

[The feed ends there, but the video has a file attached to it that opens up to her introduction guide.]

Comments

video;

[hymnals]

I'm a priest of the Light. It's a universal force--it can be taught to anyone willing to learn.

video;

[experiencepoints]

Can you tell me a bit more about that?

[hymnals]

It's healing magic. For the body, for the soul. The Light takes all believers, but it functions best when a practitioner has an altruistic interest. A desire to put something good into the universe.

[experiencepoints]

... My soul isn't exactly in the best state, so I could use some healing magic for that, definitely.

[that's an understatement- her soul is literally in pieces and half of it is missing.]

What do you mean by 'believers'?

[hymnals]

As with any magic, you have to believe it's real for it to work. There's a religious component, too, but ...

[He sighs, as though this fact pains him.]

... a practitioner need not believe that the Light is divine. Only that it's real, and works.

[experiencepoints]

... I was really hoping you weren't going to say that.

I obviously know magic is real, but I don't think I can get involved in something religious.

[hymnals]

[He shrugs.]

Suit yourself.

[experiencepoints]

Sorry. And thanks for the offer. People from my world just can't get involved in that.

[hymnals]

[He sighs. The Light invites; it doesn't force, or coerce.]

That's a strangely broad brush.

[experiencepoints]

My world got rid of all our gods a few hundred years ago.

['got rid of', because let's not tell the religious guy about serial deicide.]

For good reason. So we don't do the religion thing anymore.

[hymnals]

[He makes an irritated noise in his throat.]

The Light is not a god, and none of its followers pray to one. As I said, it is a universal force. Don't ask questions if you're not prepared to listen.

[experiencepoints]

I did listen. You're the one who said there's a religious component.

[hymnals]

There is. Not every religion has a god. Religion is philosophy. Doctrine. It's faith, and hope, and community.

[experiencepoints]

What's the difference between a force and a god in this context?

[hymnals]

What's the difference between a god and the air you breathe?

[experiencepoints]

... Okay, I understand you're trying to draw a comparison here, but the air doesn't grant you magic, so I'm a little lost.

[hymnals]

You've never heard of a shaman?

[experiencepoints]

I've heard the word, but that's all I know.

[hymnals]

Well, number one, you absolutely can draw magic from the air. As with all elements.

[experiencepoints]

[She lifts a finger, and a small green-tinged whirlwind appears on the tip before dissipating.]

I can use magic to create and manipulate the elements, but drawing magic out of them... You mean like recovering MP from them or something? Because that sounds like something I want to learn.

[hymnals]

[What the what is MP?]

Sorry; that can't be taught.

[experiencepoints]

I should have guessed.