Hildegard
Hildegard (a.k.a. Hilde)
Character sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/hoihoisado/characters/62701090
She could become the greatest fairy artificer in the world, if not for her tragically short attention span. Hildegard left the Otherworld out of curiosity to learn about the normal magic users and saw a need for magic enhancing items to protect and support her classmates.
She’s usually willing to help, but when bored, she’ll simply fly away (maybe writing her a note would be more helpful). Many classmates owe her favors for the “gifts” she gives them. Hasn't asked anyone to return a favor since arriving at IA.
Depending on her enthusiasm, her creations could range from single use to surprisingly well built.
Your favorite (perhaps only) pocket support!
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Small frame, but strong enough to work with tools.
Body Features
Dragonfly wings, tall, for a fairy and faintly glows in the dark. Commonly seen with wavy hair and bangs.
Facial Features
Freckles, rosy cheeks, small mouth, and often seen wearing glasses with a dazed look. 50/50% chance of active listening
Physical quirks
Ugly crying when upset. Will shock you if you grab her wings.
Special abilities
flight and can squeeze into small spaces when needed. Emits a faint glow around her body.
Apparel & Accessories
While she loves dressing up for special occassions, Hilde often wears black to hide dirt and stains from her various projects. Currently working on clothing with Prestidigitation and Mending matrices woven in.
Her outfits usually have a built in Pocket of Holding, that runs across her waistband, filled with potential upcycled materials, snacks, poisons, and various other items. Her glasses give her night vision so she could work late at night, but her roommate, Bebo routinely stops her from working to get some sleep. Recently, she can be found working on projects in the library sitting on her throne wrapped in a Calm Emotions weighted blanket.
Created momentos to remember her lost friends Cuan and Buta including a copper tongue ring of warmth from a Green Gala copper ingot gift from Cuan and a blue cord bracelet made of the fabric she used to make Buta's last outfit. Sleeps with Zoku's teddy bear, Shoto, while he's away.
She still wears the resin bracelet Cuan made for her, even though she doesn't remember why he gave it to her or who he is beyond her journal notes. Currently making Reverie court dream catcher pendants to turn into a new fashion trend.
Regularly wears her Glamored studded leather armor in case there's an accident or disaster. Started wearing shoes more often for increased storage space.
Recently started wearing a Prestidigitation ring Velo made for her, along with a dragon themed Sending stone earring, and a pearl earring of message for direct commands from Queen Cora.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
It's better to burn out than fade away. Hildegard didn't like the pace of the Otherworld, so she asked Ioth Academy to allow her to attend. Known as Hilde Boom within the Hildeverse. Trades costumes and fixes armor pieces with the other Hildegards (especially Hilde Bard and Hilde Brew) in exchange for food and translation help.
Gender Identity
Cis female. Painfully feminine.
Sexuality
Unknown, perhaps Grey Ace. She was encouraged by Cuan to try kissing for research to gauge her personal interests. Could not come to any conclusions based on her small sample size.
Education
While she didn't have a formal education prior to her admission to Ioth Academy, Hilde is a highly intelligent, high performing student who usually finishes projects quickly, aces most exams, tutors friends, and can create new items to solve various problems.
She is aspiring to join Master Untermauler in the Tower of War. He begrudgingly made a deal with her: admission in exchange for her dreaming and future deal making capabilities.
While she may be book smart, Hilde's poor interpersonal insight is infamous around her peers. She has spent years studying history, but often overlooks social norms.
Employment
entrepeneur specializing in clothing and memories
Accomplishments & Achievements
Helped create FUCKEM and the court of Reverie in an attempt to help fey students and give the academy a chance to represent themselves in the Faerie Games.
Helped organize a relief mission for the Refugee Camp after Boreas attacked the Academy.
Failures & Embarrassments
Accidentally blew up part of the Great Hall in year 4 with her duck cannon, despite being in a designated practice area.
Ugly cried on the first day Untermauler's History of Battle Tactics class when Cuan gave her the handmade bracelet.
Confessed her attraction to Cuan. He cut off his hand soon after and left the academy.
Of her three best friends, two have left for the dark academy. One has had all memories of him erased from existence.
Petty and vindictive with a cannon-like temperament.
Mental Trauma
Left the Otherworld because the Wild Fey pack she belonged to fed off the dawn energy of mortals and often ended addicted to Mordayn.
At the academy, she was picked on by fellow students in the Grove until year 4. In year 5, her friend Buta died after years of struggling with a Grey Jester pact. While Buta was being interrogated by Untermauler and the Munteiori, her Kisjan friends were taken in the middle of the night to be questioned by the Munteiori.
Soon after, Boreas and the Knights of Terranimbus attacked the academy, ripping a hole in the Sphere and destroying the Tarslemoor House Greenhouse roof. Hilde donated most of her belongings to the refugee camp relief mission and gathered the artificers to help with repairs.
A week later, the academy was struck by a collective nightmare. Hilde was working on a late night sewing project, but tried to lend support and wake up her sleeping friends. After the nightmare ended, the Ring started to tilt as if on the verge of collapse. Hilde prepared her friends to use her Undercroft passage to the Hildeverse to escape, but fortunately the rumbling stopped. The next morning, the school heard that Ioth was gone.
Less than a month later, Morco arrived and announced that the academy would be the prize for the winners of the faerie games. Hilde's so-called safe haven from the Otherworld was now up for grabs with the weakened sphere.
On the High Feast of Zeilar, Anachronous attacked the academy. Hilde's roommate, Bebo, a war forged construct refugee from one of the Designer Cities attacked her. She subdued him and searched for Cuan, knowing he aspired to help Anachronous as a Designer one day. He was nowhere to be found.
Above all, Hilde does not want to lose control of her freewill.
She was commanded to make a one way sending stone in the shape of a mechanical eye. She doesn't know who commanded her or for what reason.
Her friends keep leaving for the Dark Academy and she's losing faith in the Mortal World.
Intellectual Characteristics
Hilde will perservere through projects and think outside of the box to find answers or alternatives when faced with challenges.
Despite her high intelligence, Hilde sometimes lacks empathy for those she perceives as not giving equally to relationships. Her interpersonal insight is also infamously poor, leading to misunderstandings or an inability to recognize attraction.
Morality & Philosophy
She desires to help herself and help others. She seeks a community who supports each other and enjoys each others company. When building, she assumes someone will probably use whatever she creates. There have been multiple incidents where her projects have gone missing.
Her low empathy levels lead her to being indifferent to others unless her friends are affected, although she actively tries to think of the greater good and help those in need. She is not above pettiness and will do things out of spite.
She struggles with relationships not based on reciprocity.
Taboos
Don't touch her wings or she will shock you.
Don't threaten her friends.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Hilde believes in making the most of her life. Despite her desire to leave the Otherworld, she continues to try blurring the lines between the Otherworld and the Mortal World through Artifice. She desires to be useful and seen as capable, especially by Untermauler, due to their deal.
She believes that she can do the most helping at risk communities around the world with Velo by her side.
-Supporting her friends
Savvies & Ineptitudes
-Short attention span
-Great at meeting deadlines
-Intellectual, but not wise
-Does not understand Mortal World behavior. Reading books to try and learn.
Likes & Dislikes
Likes:
-Salty foods
-Cuan
-Tall people
-Muscles
-unCommon languages
-the Well
-Greenery
-Enabling
-Reverie court
-Untermauler
-Velo?
Dislikes:
-Repeating herself
-Fair weather friends
-Being touched. Only comfortable with Cuan, Kilgore, Megale, Aoife, and recently Velo.
-Boredom
Virtues & Personality perks
-Can access the Hildeverse to ask Hilde Bard and Hilde Brew for snacks and translation help
-Costume maker
-If short on money in between projects, can ask Hilde Brew for some
-Permission to explore the Undercroft
-Visits the Spire secretaries to drop off snacks after Buta went missing
-Will bend over backwards for friends, no matter the cost
-Unafraid of typically intimidating people
Vices & Personality flaws
-Will cause people to question their life choices by yelling at them when angry
-Always about the aesthetics
-Pushes her luck with authority
-Volunteers her friends to help
Personality Quirks
-Shocks people for defense reflex or to wake Cuan up
-Avoids looking at people directly while conversing. While she's not the most observant when busy, Cuan keeps staring at her trying to count her freckles. The smiling confuses her. She keeps telling him he doesn't need to smile all the time.
-Very lucky
Hygiene
-Depends on which project she's working on and how close she is to a deadline. May ask Aoife for help with Prestidigitation.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Family Ties
None
Social Aptitude
Hilde knows a lot of people, but mostly on an aquaintance level. She joined the Codex for more connections, but is currently ghosting the Codex because it bored her. Appears uninterested in deep connections, but unbothered by people who talk a lot while she works. She has a strange attraction to loners and is unafraid of normally intimidating people, such as Untermauler, Anachronous, and Vindur.
Repeatedly tells everyone how great Untermauler and Vindur are. Cannot tell if anyone likes her. Painfully honest.
Mannerisms
-Will fly away when bored
-Takes breaks by shrinking and sitting on her classmates lapels or heads
-Speaks in short bursts, but will monologue when angry
-Stretches fingers before performing any magic
-When she's losing focus, she puts on her glasses that give her tunnel vision.
Hobbies & Pets
Pet homunculus spider named Talulah who inspired her latest Green Gala gowns.
Hobbies:
Collecting names and clientele. FUCKEM court of Reverie. Costume design/Sewing. Forest bathing (involves visiting a forest in order to slow down, connect with nature, and be more mindful). Now at Tarselmoor, frequents the greenhouse. Dance club. Battle club. Occassional maid at Antioch's cat cafe. Begrudgingly helping Cuan with battle bots. Appreciating languages. Baking/Cooking for friends
Wealth & Financial state
moderate due to commissions and the academy allowance
Kinda tall (for a fairy)*REVERIE*FUCKEM pres*Former dream traveler/parasite*5th year*chaotic neutral*eccentric mixed media artist Projects: memory moss applications, flesh golem creation, mantle of power, crisis mitigation
Character Location
Alignment
Chaotic neutral
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Shadow Queen, Demon fairy, Head Artificer, Weaver of Emotions and Memories, Reverie Court Head of Government, FUCKEM President
Age
(Redacted) Birthday: Forgen 17
Birthplace
Otherworld
Children
Current Residence
Tarslemoor
Gender
Female
Eyes
Hazel
Hair
Brown
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Not sallow, but not tan
Height
2 ft 10.5 inches
Weight
~30 lbs
Quotes & Catchphrases
"What did i say?"
"Let's make it work"
"Hmmm..."
"Big fan"
"Untermeowler sends his regards"
"I'm not sorry."
Related Plots
Year 5 finals
So much has happened this year, it feels like I’ve grown a lot. Despite all the preparations for Fooltide and Reverie’s debut and keeping the academy safe-ish and improving Gildenverge, I’ve managed to ace all of my exams. Especially Untermauler’s class. While studying the hybrid thistles Velo helped create, I’ve been able to manipulate them into a sort of Thorn Whip that I could use to possibly bring ppl closer and depending on if they’re friend or foe…drop them or boom them…or help them, I guess.
I was debating on whether to take Abjuration or Illusion for my 6th year elective, but Velo wants me to sit with him in Abjuration, so Abjuration it shall be. Either one would be helpful for future applications in the Tower of War. I should tell Nizu to join us, although I’m sure he’s planning to take Abjuration anyway.
Arcane Theories & Proofs
Studying: 18
Investigation: 24
Perception: 24
Numerology
Studying: 16
Nature: 28
Insight: 24
Spell Matrices
Studying: 15
Acrobatics or Athletics: 20
Insight or Constitution Save: 21
World Studies
Studying: 17
Insight or Persuasion: 20
Nature: 17
History & Tactics of Battle & Warfare
Studying: 25
History: 31
Insight: 30
FUCKEM update to Commander Untermauler: Student Inquiry
Commander Untermauler,
We received a challenge from the Seelie and Unseelie fey during our weekly FUCKEM meeting in the library to free the fey. We freed the Seelie and Unseelie messengers from their current duty and then a team consisting of myself, Queen Cira, Velo, and Nizu proceeded to the Undercroft where we freed a hag from boredom and freed her from a stone tablet puzzle she had been sleeping on. It led to a secret laboratory of a former professor, Sarnin Goldseeker.
The laboratory held a high level fey referred to as Bayberry along with other lower level Seelie and Unseelie. After dispelling a circle of protection against fey, we were able to analyze Goldseeker’s notes and free the fey. I have kept tallies of our merits to ensure the Seelie, Wild, and Unseelie courts will honor their challenges to the academy and the court of Reverie. Evidently, they already have papers drafted recognizing our court, but will officially acknowledge us on Fooltide, our confirmed debut date.
The hag remained unaffiliated with a court and sought to find her sister who often disguised herself as a student named Rosa. FUCKEM would like to make a formal request for Rosa’s school records. She disappeared approximately four years ago according to the hag we refer to as “You”.
According to my research, Professor Goldseeker was banished from the academy for crimes against the fey. We would like to offer his body to the highest bidding court to help the Otherworld courts find closure and also to further our progress in the Faerie Games. With your approval, FUCKEM seeks to clean the laboratory and use it as an extension for FUCKEM activities to protect the refugees and monitor the Otherworld tree crossing.
Letter to Hilde Brew- Re: Des
Hey Hilde Brew,
Des, the mushroom obsessed kid you like just broke his oath to the Unseelie queen here and swore loyalty to FUCKEM. Cora, our queen, asked me to help…so maybe you could help him out? He needs a new patron, and I have no interest in doing that.
FUCKEM UPdate to Master Untermauler
FUCKEM will continue to try and help the academy. We’ve created a list of action items:
-Work with the caretakers to protect fey students and educate the staff and student body on fey customs
-Create mirror alternatives that would not allow for mirror magic. We’ve tasked Ron with MirRon sales negotiations and will use the upcycled destroyed mirrors in arts and crafts projects.
-Work with the Kisjan to improve relations and provide relief aid for the Refugee Camp.
Thank you for approving our recent requests to ensure a safer student body.
If you hear about a room being pranked…there was a good reason for it. Apologies, kind of…
Impressions after Alyx's Cuan wish
Time period: 5th year, Glas, 4th day of Emberheart
ENDEARING:
Velo: He gave me his blood, bones, and soul. Committed his life to following me around the world and sharing knowledge with the non-Infernal communities to help them thrive. I don't think either of us know what we're doing, despite all the help books, but I love him...and I'm pretty sure he reciprocates...at least he tells me almost every day. I don't want to forget him, so we made a couple rings of mind shielding, and after this weird memory attack, I've been starting to write down as many memories as I can. I want to protect us.
Nizu: I’m so relieved to have Nizu in the Artificer’s workshop and in FUCKEM. He’s my kind of chaotic and so reliable.
Zoku: He’s so brave, but it took him awhile to realize Velo and I are dating. I hope we meet again when things are safer. He was such a great research partner for project memory.
Kilgore: She worked so hard during the Dueling tournament and always is willing to try new things in Pole Dancing. I haven't been going consistently due to FUCKEM, but she's a reliable friend.
Aoife: I tried to check on her after Megale left, but I haven't received a response yet. She's had a rough year what with the relief camp efforts and that nightmare night. I hope she's ok. We still hang out at the picnics from time to time, but she seems preoccupied.
Eva: I think I figured out a way to create a flesh golem construct baby for her. She is so obsessed with becoming some angel mother. It's borderline tedious, but I've learned a lot from observing her interactions with Marcel...and she does help me for a lot of sewing projects...
Marcel: I'm glad you finally moved to Tarslemoor! I can't believe you ran all the way here when Boreas attacked. You're so kind to Eva and watching the two of you has helped me with my own relationship.
Ren: I don't know you that well, but welcome to FUCKEM. Glad to have you on our team. No, I will not join your bubble team. I don't want my wings getting ruined. I didn't realize you were the one who put me to sleep the night the Kisjan were interrogated and the Knights of Terranimbus came searching through Tarslemoor. Next time, please move me back to my room. Fortunately, Untermeowler protected me.
Bebo: Such a good roommate. Sorry I boomed you during the construct night...I hope you're ok. I heard Diffraxus has been mustering an army, so I hope you're unaffected. Let me know if you need any help...or if you received any strange offers.
Untermauler: I’m glad you took the offer. Thank you for being such a supportive advisor to FUCKEM and believing in me. I hope I don't disappoint you, but I really do believe that we need you at the academy. I know we're both trying our best.
Tana: Incredible teacher, impeccable fashion. 2nd favorite behind Untermauler. She's so brilliant.
Rednop: You were put in a difficult position, but thanks for trying to support us. Unlucky Terb targeted you with that mirror. We've been working on mirror alternatives in FUCKEM and submitted a grant proposal to the Tower of War as a way to bolster our defenses against Infernals. RIP.
Ohva: I know you're trying your best in the Kisjan. I hope FUCKjan can keep collaborating together! Hearing how your Refugee Camp connection was a mirror clone is concerning. Let's try and help everyone we can.
Balvarax: Thanks for all your help with Operation FUCKjan...and for keeping me company at the Well when I wasn't feeling great after Buta's death. Go confess to Ohva already. You two make a cute couple.
Buta: I miss you. I wish you didn't suffer alone. But thank you for trying to protect us.
Watch: You've been a great ally and friend. I know you're worried that we may be taking on too much with the increasing threats to the academy, but what else can we do? Let's keep prepping to help as many people as possible.
Des: You're ok. I am kinda harsh on you since you're vapid and shallow, but at least you own it. Protect Cora or else I'll shave your head and glue it to your nostrils.
Cora: Ah my queen. I'm always jealous of how uninhibited she can be. I'm glad she does want to help people...and yeah, the Codex are a bunch of jerks...well the upper echelon...but we got our own thing now, so let's be heroes.
Dubby: Thanks for all your help harvesting dreams for FUCKEM. Oh and thanks for helping Velo with his dream studies.
Antioch: You're always a great client. What's that magnet next to the one that's probably representing me for?
Yannaselle: Thanks for helping Velo on the Dream Team and for tutoring Kilgore.
Athalor: He's not bad, but he's still kinda guarded...or unaware. Not sure which one is worse. But he did commission me for the headband, so I'll gladly work with him. And it seems he's capable enough to work directly with Untermauler, so he can't be terrible.
Garnet: Untermauler seems to respect you, so I think I can trust you. Be careful. If you need anything, let me know...oh and I hope you liked your shoes.
Durina/Renobe: Such a cute couple, I hope they don't let the Codex corrupt them.
Ardath: Our connections have flourished over the year. I know we didn't talk to each other much in the Grove, but it's great to collaborate with you. Thanks for joining FUCKEM. Let's make our mark.
Dart: Reliable friend and mentor. I'm sorry I used the obliviax, but protecting Cora was more important. Thank you for helping me further my studies.
Sventisko: I still don't trust you, but you've helped us get into the Refugee Camp, so you're ok. Don't break Mason's heart.
Mason: Patient, reasonable, willing to share intel, but kind of a pushover sometimes, especially with Sven. I'm glad we're working together for FUCKjan, but we need to think about more than temporary fixes.
Slaahg: Quiet, but supportive. Thanks for all your hard work in FUCKEM.
Arianna: If I didn't know from Untermauler that she was in Irolek, I would have suspected she was dumb enough to follow Alyx from the power of friendship. She was really nice though. Hope she's learning a lot in her new setting.
UNKNOWN:
Cuan: I've read about him in my journal, but I don't remember anything about him. No one does. Apparently, he was important enough that I told him I liked him, but now I feel rather indifferent. I do want to know why I'm wearing this bracelet.
TEDIOUS:
Megale: After all we've been through, she just left. She wouldn't even say where she was going, but said she had some sort of offer. What could be worth it that you would just leave? Also, next time, if you don't want your memories taken, don't lead someone down to a sketchy place while you're monologuing. I hope she finds happiness.
Lex: I don't know why you left the academy, but good fucking riddance. You didn't help during the refugee camp relief mission, you did jack shit in Untermauler's class. Led Ned around like a dog. Go fuck off with Alyx I guess. I don't even know why I made you the Shiftweave and gave you a paper bird.
Ned: I tried to offer you social improvements and they haven't really sunk in, have they? I could help on your stupid Terbovision project, but I don't like that you're not willing to promise not to scry on FUCKEM.
Terberisa: Of course, you would betray the academy. I know the earth and stone person dragging a mirror around the Spire must have been you. Rednop was a good guy and you're just a terrible pawn. If you even try to hurt Velo or my other friends, I'll end you.
Kraius: Shit attitude, doesn't give a shit about the Codex members disappearing without some guidance from Athalor of all people. Come on.
Alyx: Didn't think you were a good leader before, know you're just bad news now. Way to blow your opportunities. What's the point of a dark academy anyways? You're just gonna be used and discarded.
Designer 6: How dare you try and use me. Why would I even care about working with the Machine Prince?
Updated: My Happiest Moment
Secret
The Leavers
I’ve lost another friend. Megale left the academy. She told Cora, but something about it didn’t seem right, so Cora messaged me. Why would Megale try to go down towards the dungeons if she wants to leave?
I activated FUCKEM and sent a sending to Dart telling him that I might need to use the obliviax. I don’t remember what he said in response because there was no time to waste. Caretaker notified, check.
I didn’t want to hurt Megale, but honestly, if she wants to leave so badly, she should have just left. I’ve tried to convince her to stay multiple times and we agreed to go out and look for her friend after graduation, but that wasn’t good enough.
I’ve been so happy building FUCKEM and spending time with Velo. I don’t know what happened today, but trying to figure out who Cuan is and why he left and is probably dead…and now Megale is leaving and didn’t even bother to tell me until I went to help Cora.
At least she said bye.
I handed over Antony to Dart. I don’t know what offer Megale was given. She refused to tell even when given the choice to get her memories back. It’s too suspicious.
Cora said something about a magical place. Megale said something about how the academy wouldn’t admit their flaws. What place is more magical than here? Perhaps the Otherworld, maybe Irolek or the Elemental Wellsprings…but none of those places would be more willing to admit their flaws.
I hope she finds happiness wherever she goes, but honestly, I’m more worried for Zoku. He’s trying to infiltrate the leavers. Was Cuan part of that group? Who else could be there? Lex, Alyx is probably the leader since he left first…I heard the angry girl…XD Terb also left. Most of them are from the Codex, so Zoku should blend in. I just hope we’ve given him enough protection. I know he wants to defeat all the Infernals, but they’ve been in power for so long because of their cunning. I just hope he’s ok.
Nizu suggested we have Untermauler check out all the FUCKEM members for any moles. I think that’s a valid suggestion. If news got out that Zoku was playing for multiple sides, he might not last long. I just want to protect my friends…well I want a lot of things, but I just wanted us to be able to graduate together. At least what’s left of us.
Unknown entity
I wish I had drawn a picture of him.
My best friend is gone and I remember nothing about him. No one seems to remember him. I looked down at myself while testing Cora’s MirRon and realized I didn’t know why I was wearing a flower and metal flake resin bracelet. I didn’t even know who gave it to me.
I used Identify on the bracelet and didn’t pick up any magic. I asked around because why would I bother to wear something if it didn’t serve some sort of purpose? No one knew who gave it to me, but they thought I always had it. My Grove classmates told me they didn’t remember me wearing it until this year. So I looked back in my journal and found Cuan.
I checked around Tarslemoor for his room and found it close by within the Codex block. It was empty. Maybe he left with Lex? Maybe he died? I wish I could remember.
The only memories I have are from my incessant journaling. I wish I had saved my Green Gala sketches. At least I would have had one picture of him, but I tossed them all out before moving to the Ring.
I asked Hilde Brew about him when I visited and she said he was a friend and fellow artificer. I asked for more specifics, but she didn’t say much. Just changed the topic by giving me a new book for Velo to read in the future. Some “big nerd brain” book that was beyond her and caused her bard friend, Tim mental damage so much that she needed to use Greater Restoration on him.
My best friend Cuan gave me this bracelet. He gave me a safe place and companionship in the Grove. I used to like him and he enjoyed head pats.
I want to say that I miss him, but I just feel frustrated that I don’t remember what I miss.
The Journal Entry’s title
Begin writing your story here...
My happiest moment
Secret
Update: Project Memory and the FUCKEM court of Reverie
So much has happened this year. Long story short, the academy has been attacked multiple times, Ioth is gone, Cuan is gone, the Sphere protecting the Academy is weakened, and Morco declared a faerie games over the academy and the pocket of dawn Magic’s future.
Untermauler finally gathered the fey students to address where we stand and how the academy will protect us while also protecting the non-fey students.
You know me, always looking for a third option…so I reminded him that we wanted to create our own court to represent the academy. He didn’t care for the FUCKEM court name and refers to us as the Court of Reverie based on my pitch to use the memories and emotions of the academy inhabitants as power. Beauty, chaos, and darkness are empty without context and emotions, so I think we stand a chance.
I still can’t make deals or Dream. Untermauler prefers to protect me as a student instead of use me as a weapon. I heard from Velo and Zoku that the Sage is giving them special Oneiromancy classes. Perhaps they can help farm. I’ve asked Untermauler to work with the caretakers and other staff to Encode their Thoughts into strands we can manipulate into different objects and perhaps foods to trade.
The weighted Calm Emotions blankets are selling very well and I’ll need to find a way to ramp up production if we introduce them to a larger market.
Cora is filling the role of our queen. I’ve crafted some items to help her with her duties and look the part. Apparently, Untermauler is releasing the satyrs from the containment vault, so that means Cora is no longer held to the geas. I wonder if she’ll be making any more deals with the Seelie court? The academy has a loose armistice with them, but I haven’t heard anything regarding the Wild or Unseelie courts. I’ll try and assuage (read distract) Des with his new Undercroft home.
Final preparations are being made for our court debut at Fooltide. I hope our field trip goes smoothly. I wonder if Velo can make some Sending scrolls in the event we need to reconvene for another emergency?
True name
It’s strange how easily people give out their names. Some are even proud of their foolishness. Maybe that’s part of this world’s false sense of security. The teachers and caregivers also freely share the names of all the students as if no Fey is listening.
Fey Union for Collective Agency
Attn: Commander Untermauler
Re: Increased Fey Presence
Commander Untermauler,
I understand the Academy’s duty is to protect the students, but several measures have hurt the fey students. We deserve to attend this academy just as much as any Mortal world or Alfar refuge individual. The increased concentrations of iron in classrooms is making it very difficult to focus. Please consider alternative safety precautions such as alarm spells that could quickly notify staff of unapproved individuals.
I have created my own task force to advocate for our fey student body, so if you need any assistance, please let us know.
Year 5 Midterms
Oh haha we’re supposed to study for them? Ok, so I’ve been tutoring Megale since she’s been really apprehensive about understanding Spell Matrices and Numerology. But I think she’s starting to understand a little better.
(Update: she did not understand better. I think her mind is preoccupied elsewhere.)
Numerology: PASS (Aced)
Studying: (didn’t roll, but rolled after the exam dirty 20)
I did my homework assignments during class so I would have more time to do club activities. A few times a week, I help Megale understand basic principles, but I let her copy my homework because I don’t think this class is necessarily relevant to Megale’s goals.
Exam: investigation 26, arcana 19 (16+3 student die)
I always aim to finish exams as quickly as possible before I get distracted. While I started off strong, I had to rush because I caught myself wondering what kind of beads Tana used on her robes. Still aced it. Tana seems like fun, but maybe outside of class. Maybe in battle bots? Cuan wanted me to join his battle bots club, but didn’t use one of his favors. He said it was my choice. Funny, the guy who thinks the ‘DeSIgN is InExoraBle’ is giving me choices…
I think I need a break, alone in the greenhouse to re-center. Then, off to pole dancing club. Are we supposed to be helping maid queen today at the Cat Cafe?
Spell Matrices: PASS (Aced)
Studying: Investigation 22
Wow, the wand of detect magic is super useful. I can reverse engineer spells. Even used it to figure out how to make Megale’s modular axe.
Exam: Arcana 14 +4 student die= 18, Insight dirty 20
Well, this was a little harder now that I couldn’t use my wand during the exam. Fortunately, battle bots has actually helped me a bit. I guess a little practical application outside of my normal skill set paid off.
History & Tactics of Battle & Warfare: PASS (Aced)
Studying: Investigation 18
When Commander Untermauler was put on leave, classes and War Games club were canceled. I used some of that time to meet up with Watch and learn Giant, but I knew they wouldn’t just cancel the class halfway through it. I did a case review of the recent battle between the academy and the Sky Kingdom. This seemed rather unprecedented, so I wonder if the rumor that they were seeking Master Elnao is true? If so, I find it strange that she is in charge while Ioth is missing. Coincidence or is there something more to it?
Exam: History 20, Insight 19 + 1 student die= 20
I don’t understand how anyone wouldn’t enjoy Untermauler’s class. It’s presented in a straightforward manner and then followed up with critical thinking questions. Living in this era of demons, you would think this would be important. I’m so happy Untermauler is back to teach and advise our War Games club, but I’m still a little sad I can’t engage in as much tomfoolery since we have our deal…guess I’ll still live vicariously through Cora and Des. Oh that’s right! Midterms…focus! The exam was fine. I even saw a question that related to one of our club events. I hope he knows that he’s a great teacher.
Project: Memory
It seems Eva and Marcel have become my muses. I’ve finally used my cobbler tools to make Marcel some Winged Boots…the prototype seemed to disappear, but oh well.
For Eva, she wants to be an angel, so I made her some prototype wings. Right now, it looks more like a glorified kite, but I think after some modifications, we can improve functionality and aesthetics. I told her to take an Aurai’s wings and she joked about challenging Elnao.
Eva is going to theoretically live forever. Marcel will not. Eva and I were talking about ways to keep her from forgetting him. I remember the first time I met them, they walked into my room and he started playing his lute. So maybe I could find a way to preserve memories? Or sound? A memory orb will only go so far. Maybe we can record his voice or a song, but there’s probably something we can do to preserve more of a person.
Recently, I’ve been spending more time in the Greenhouse with Watch, learning Giant and I was surprised that he’s a wizard and could detect thoughts. I asked him if he could transform thoughts beyond language. We experimented on different thought/memory spells. He found out I couldn’t be charmed or dream…I figured going to the library wouldn’t hurt so I found a spell book containing Encode Thought and after adding it to his spell book, Watch created a strand that looked like him taking his Numerology exam (hope you did ok). I asked if he could try it out on me and he created a strand that looked like Megale sighing as our chainsaw trike gang sped past in the hallway. The threads seemed pliable and we could hold on to them for awhile…what if I created thread from memories? Is it even possible?
I must have been lost in thought when I accidentally flew into Dart’s exam prep tea stand sign. After reaffirming that I was ok, I asked if he happened to know anything about ‘things that could store memories or something’. The first answer was the memory orb, but I asked if there’s anything beyond that…and he mentioned memory moss. Of course! I remember we used to lead some travelers to the black carpet once in awhile back in the Otherworld. I might still have a few spores in my pocket of holding I could grow…I’ll let Dart know about the project, eventually. For now, I’ll be tending to my new pet, Antony. I think I have a lead box somewhere. If the satyr sack works for Untermauler, I can probably build something similar to hold Antony.
(To be continued…)
In Case of Emergency
Always be prepared…(notes for GM)
Impressions
Time period: around 5th year midterms
Kilgore: She’s so amazing. Who would have thought I would learn how to cook and dance this year? It seemed so lonely when she was gone since we do so much together. I tried my best to keep everyone else in better spirits, but you’re irreplaceable.
Megale: I don’t know where I would be if Megale didn’t tell me to have some courage…probably stuck in my room all year. But there’s so much going on in and out of school and I hope we can keep trying our best and growing every day. I hope you find who you are and if you ever need help, I’m just down the hall.
Cuan: Even though we don’t spend every day together, I’m glad we still make time to hang out once in awhile. I didn’t think so many things would happen between us recently, but uh I don’t regret them. Sometimes, I think you’re moving so fast, I can’t keep up. But that’s ok as long as we’re both thriving. I’m proud of you.
Aoife: Smol girl gang! You’ve done so much this year! It’s great now that we live in the same dorm so we can hang out more. It’s been a rough couple weeks, so take care of yourself. Even though we practiced together last year, I didn’t know what to expect at the Dueling Tournament. I’m glad you didn’t give up.
Eva: I can’t believe it, but I’ve learned a lot from you this year. We’re both pretty oblivious when it comes to normal mortal world things, but it’s been interesting and kinda helpful watching you and Marcel interact. You still need to value yourself more.
Marcel: you’re so kind to everyone, but I hope you open up more about yourself to Eva. It seems important to her.
Bebo: Such a good roommate. Sorry about Megale and Aoife sleeping over, that night. Oh and sorry about Cuan during the meeting. I can’t believe him…Hope you can make more friends this year!
Untermauler: I’m disappointed, but I know you would put the school first when push comes to shove. I’ve been reading up on historical battles to prep for our next war games meeting. The offer remains.
Tana: Cuan may not like you, but I feel a kindred energy emanating from your glorious robes. I can’t focus in class, so I have to do my homework because your lectures and outfit distract me if I’m paying attention…sorry! Maybe we can chat over tea? Thanks for advising the battle bots club.
Ohva: I hope you’re feeling better. It must have been scary being summoned in the middle of the night without cause. Let me know if you need anything.
Buta: I hope you’re ok. I know you had worries about being too strong last year, but I’m sure if you relied on your friends a bit, you’ll be fine.
Cora: I’m really jealous of your uninhibited chaos! I have a lot on the line, so I need to play good a bit more. But I’ll live vicariously through you.
Lex: I’m really grateful for all of Cuan’s growth this year and I think you helped enable that. Respect…but stop playing with your food (Ned).
Ned: I really thought we were friends, but then you made things really awkward and called me the fey infiltration, and I’m not sorry for what I said. I’m gonna be pissed if you take advantage of my friends. Grow up.
Terberisa: I thought we were gonna be able to make a connection without getting personal. I was wrong. Good luck on your soul searching journey. Maybe we’ll be able to work together in the future.
Dubby: Haven’t spoken with him in awhile. I heard a rumor the Sage is coming and I wonder if they’ll get to chat? While I’m interested in her, I feel like I should stay away so I don’t get caught up in dream magic.
Antioch: Maid queen. I thought this year I could just enjoy life and have picnics and then she pulled out a magnet board and asked about kissing…and well, it feels like a lot of people are changing around me, and perhaps I’m changing too because of it. I wonder what she’s like when she’s not high?
Yannaselle: Thanks for helping Kilgore with studying. I have so much on my plate even after the Green Gala, I can only tutor Megale. Don’t know you very well, but I guess I’ll see you around.
Athalor: He could be a really nice guy, but he makes some really dumb decisions. Every time I think, oh maybe he’s changed for the better, he goes and does something reckless. Maybe more classes with Untermauler will help you gain more perspective and make better choices.
Garnet: As social as she may be, it doesn’t take away from her competence in school or in battle…but it seems like every time something bad happens, her group mysteriously vanishes.
Kraius: Smart guy, a little stiff, but well meaning. Nice glasses.
Alyx: Leader without a clear vision. I don’t feel comfortable being in the Codex. If I wanted to just foster study groups, it would be easy enough to make one. The Codex seems to isolate the members and hoard resources.
Arianna: I don’t know why she joined the Dueling Tournament. She seems like an ok person, but her friends keep putting her in awkward situations. Sorry about the cannon last year! That was for Athalor.
Durina/Renobe: they look so happy together. I thought they were just roommates, but I guess I was wrong (again)!
Ardath: We’ll keep in touch.
Dart: Best TA. Always so helpful and reliable. He even stumped me with one of his tea stand questions. Guess I need to read more.
Sventisko: I was interested in the Kisjan, but I don’t think I wanna join after they were interrogated and you weren’t there to help.
Come away o human child
For the world’s more full of weeping than you can understand. That’s a lie.
Every so often, the younger fairies are challenged to bring a human child to Our World. Children are so vulnerable when they sleep. What possible place do they live in that grants them such a sense of security?
This time, we’ve been focusing on a red haired child near the Sun Swept lands. But what if instead of guiding him to the Otherworld, I can crossover and see what lies on the other side?
No More Dreams
I haven’t had any dreams since arriving at Ioth Academy. “If you can’t dream, there’s less chance you’ll cause mischief.” It was part of the deal I made with Untermauler to let me in. Funny, the next time I met him was when I blew a hole through the Great Hall.
Wanting to learn and meet new friends like Dubby wasn’t good enough, so I told him I wanted to grow stronger in ways my tribe didn’t value: Artifice. When you can have access to infinite amounts of Dawn energy through dreamers, why bother with building silly contraptions? That’s something for lesser beings. I didn’t have many useful skills, but I could sew and I knew Untermauler was some famous war guy, so I challenged him that I’ll find a way to make myself useful without dream magic. No easy warlock route. I’ll build my way to join him in the tower of war. It worked.
I don’t think I miss it, dreaming. Sometimes, I wonder what I would have become, if I still could. Probably a monster, but that could happen regardless, so not gonna worry about it.
Attn: Commander Inril Untermauler
I would like to request a meeting to discuss the interrogation of my fellow classmates last night. I understand security is of utmost importance, however I cannot rationalize the manner in which my picnic enjoying friends were abducted. You are responsible for the safety of the entire academy, and while I greatly admire your work, please remember that meetings can be arranged and every student matters and depends on you.
If you need help regarding information gathering, please let me know.
-Hildegard
5th year
Am I oversimplifying things or does 5th year seem to be really easy for artificers? Spell matrices and theories are like the basics of artifice and as long as I just do my homework during Numerology, I can admire Tana’s wonderful outfit as she does her thing.
History and War class with Untermauler just helps us understand how we can help the world.
If I can just do all my course work during class, I’ll have more time to pick up more extracurricular activities. I hope I don’t embarrass myself in Kilgore’s dance club…
Future in the Codex
For all this “best of the best” speech, Codex seems just like a giant study group. Ned seems to stick around Kraius like a fanboy and well there doesn’t seem like any good reason to stay. They’re such an insular group and even if I left, I could probably stay at Tarslemoor. Most of my friends aren’t even in Codex.
Bebo has been a great roommate, but recently they’ve been distracted by some noise and I thought I heard them say “The design is inexorable.” That’s what Cuan said when he told me more about himself that night last year. I’m really worried about them, maybe I should summon the courage to ask Cuan about it. Maybe I’ll even ask about the bracelet.
Megale, Aoife, Kilgore, and Buta have been talking about some secret group (possibly Sventisko’s gang) and they seem to actually want to create change. I’m not sure what they would want to change, Ioth Academy is great for the most part providing an upward mobility track for kids around the world. Megale said there’s still so many problems outside of the academy that more needs to be done.
I don’t know what to do, but in the meantime, I’ll keep searching the Undercroft to develop a new fabric. It seems pretty breathable and flexible. Maybe not good for a bag of holding, but perhaps we can use it for the new dance club Kilgore and I are forming, Bardi’s Beats. It would probably also be helpful to Megale and Kilgore’s clans in the Dune.
I wonder how bad the world really is? When I visit the other Hildes, life seems great for them. Hilde Brew even has an automaton pen pal named Nym. She left on some secret mission, but I’m sure she’s fine.
To Dubby:
Hey Dubby!
Did you figure out where you’re going to live next year in the Ring? If you’re looking for space, we have some room at Tarslemoor Manor. I recently joined a group called the Codex, I guess some academic society and we’re all moving there. Fortunately, some of my non-Codex friends are also able to join us. The manor is fully equipped with libraries and classrooms and a greenhouse and a dungeon for me apparently to build in (I need to tell you about the Great Hall boom later). It’s also built on top of a lake, so it’s gorgeous.
Come join the fun! Hope to see you there. I have friends who can teach us to swear in primordial :)
-Squeaky/Hilde
Moving
I just finished moving into my new place. Contrary to my understanding, I guess we still need to share rooms. I didn’t ask for anyone in particular (because I thought I was going to have my own room), but then I saw 8380 (Bebo!) was still looking for a roommate. Apparently, they’re new to the Codex and I’ve never really seen a Warforged before, so why not? I want to grow into a stronger individual, so I think we’ll be a good match. Even though they’re really curious about our new house and my life in the Grove, they’ve been so nice and remind me of Kilgore, Megale, and Aoife. Most of the Codex doesn’t seem very friendly (I guess we deserve each other), but I’m really glad to have Bebo around. They’re open to trying new clothes, so let’s get started!
I thought about asking Cuan, but with the way things ended, it’s better that we both get a chance to reach beyond ourselves and start new. It became clear that I was only holding him back from truly growing. Sorry.
To Athalor. Re: Cape
About your cape. You were trying to figure out how to actively control the interwoven spells. When I use magic, it’s just like breathing, it’s not something I have to actively think about. Artifice helps me learn how things work in this world.
Recently, I was watching a friend’s puppet show and thought that maybe a gauntlet or at least a glove with fibers connecting to your cape could help you better control your spellcasting.
Or you could just do a cape toss everytime and hope for the best.
-Hildegard
Wither
He looks like he’s withering more and more every day and nothing seems to work anymore. It started after I gave him the box. Every time he sleeps, he looks tense. I don’t know why, but tonight I instinctively touched his head to see if I could assess the problem. Nothing. I can’t do anything, so I just sit there and stroke his hair.
Whenever I take the opportunity to catch a ride on someone, I never touch them. Usually, I’ll grab on to a shirt, or use a pin or clip as a chair.
His body relaxes after awhile.
You’re almost rid of me and the Grove. Hang in there.
The box
As I put down the mug of soup, I noticed Cuan finally opened the box. I was going to get the tube just in case he was being stubborn, but it looks like he might be asleep.
The box was probably a little too easy for him to solve, but I put a lot of thought into something that would be useful to him. He’s always such a minimalist, and yet there’s beauty to his simplicity. Something kind of reliable because he always just smiles, even when I tell him he doesn’t need to.
I wanted to try giving freely for once in my life and expect nothing in return. But I wonder if he even liked the gift since it was buried under all of our junk for awhile.
Useful. Even after four years, I barely know him, aside from his habits. I’ve asked him to teach me infernal or tell me about Clockwork City and he just stays silent with a weak smile. Maybe I’m just a waste of time and a social buffer. But I guess even that had its uses. I’m sorry I couldn’t be that useful and that my gifts weren’t worth your time.
Innovation out of necessity
With half a year left and my project complete, I’ve been trying to think of my next step. Still working on my pockets of holding, practicing sigil drawing, maybe could start a project on accelerating movement, but it’s really hard to work with metal without mage hand (or someone who could help close by).
This morning, while staring at my upcycling pile, I had an idea. Instead of using metal, what if I glue wood scraps together and compress them. Then I can shape the composites to anything I need (base parts, joints, etc.). Otherworld didn’t use a lot of metal and we did just fine. I think this could work.
Cuan is broken
My new space is setup! Different, but nice. I thought this would help Cuan refocus, but he keeps reciting pi. Not repeating, it hasn’t stopped…this makes 3 days already and he hasn’t eaten or drank anything.
Should I try and shock him? Maybe I can at least stick a tube up his nose so he won’t die. If the shock doesn’t work, a 1 inch fairy with a tube might do the trick! Please, don’t eat me.
Moving spaces
Now that my Green Gala commissions are done, I finally have time to clean up my workspace. I see Cuan keeps staring at it. With more projects, it’s gonna be harder to keep things uncluttered, so I should find a new place to work. Sorry for the distraction.
Talulah the Weaver
4th year project: Talulah the Weaver
1. Research different handmade fabrics that exist in this world and rank them based on different characteristics (durability, comfort, etc)
HISTORY ROLL: 25
2. Using a small device made with woodworking kit and adding the magically infused wool created during previous years of arts and crafts, create a sample piece
INVESTIGATION ROLL: 24
3. Train homunculus spider loom, Talulah how to perform the pattern.
PERFORMANCE ROLL 15
Cuan in the corner
Life at the Academy seems to have settled down. Ever since Untermauler allowed me to enroll, everyone was like LOOK AT THE FAIRY! YOU’RE SO TINY! TELL US ABOUT THE OTHERWORLD! They helped themselves to poking me and grabbing my wings.
Usually students aren’t allowed to use magic against other students, but given my size, Glaucia suggested I use Shocking Grasp to remind my classmates that I’m not a toy. Sanipkur looks the other way when students cry to her.
I thought this world would give me a chance to grow in peace, but every day gets a little darker. That’s when I noticed a guy standing in the corner. There was a clear distance between him and the others, so I moved closer.
“Hi, I’m Hilde.”
“Cuan.”
We both kept to ourselves and the extra space gave me a chance to work, study, and build connections at my own pace.
Thanks Cuan.
The Grove is flooded
6859
I didn’t know what would happen when the Rupture occurred. The teachers and caregivers told us that magic things acted differently. Honestly, it was no different than any other day in the Otherworld. The fog lifted, but then all the dormitories started flooding. My wings got wet, so I had to walk down the stairs. I didn’t sleep well because I was so nervous, but now I’m exhausted, hangry, and who knows how long it’ll take before we can go back to our dorms?
Green Gala update
WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT PILLAR? I swear if the decorations were destroyed, I'll Shocking Grasp whoever was responsible every day til we graduate. Overheard someone asking how to get down to the Undercroft (guess they can't fly). Don't see Cuan anywhere, he probably wandered off somewhere, and I'm exhausted. Gonna sleep so well tonight. Green Gala was a success, hope whoever is trying to get to the Undercroft wears protective gear. The fumes are awful. Can't imagine walking through all that sludge.
Green Gala & a secret meeting?
Ned wanted to go to some secret meeting (Kraius fanboy…of course). It ended up being a group of students who want to create an elite group called the Codex. I guess it could be a good opportunity to meet new people and make more connections if it really is elite.
Finished my last Green Gala commission this morning and Cuan’s fidget spinner ring. I told him I probably won’t hang out with him the whole time since I’ll be busy with decorations and any fixes that need to be made. My dress looks pretty good for 2 hours of work. The horsehair braid hem will look good and the glitter tulle will diffuse the lights in the seams. Thought about wearing shoes for the special occasion, but I would rather be comfortable.
Hope everything goes well!
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