1/11 Necroratsy for Kids

LONG DISTANCE TO: Amelia Locke pyr Aertas}: Dear Amelia,

How's the academic life? Find any promising students amongst the pitter pattering of young blood? I'm sure you have; best damn artificer in the archipelago better have found some boy geniuses to pass on her knowledge to. I'd be shocked otherwise.

I have not sent a letter in a long time; admittedly the world affairs have found years passing in the blink of an eye for me. I did not want to break the alliance Luca, yourself, and I established; I was and am still excited to break barriers of technology and magic alike. Cyril warned me of Matryona's bitterness, but even I thought she would have not sunk so low as to try and sabotage our work together.

Your great mind is not some meaningless tool to be abused.

The kraken has been hunted. It's goddamn gigantic, and there's only one woman who's up to the task with myself. I'd like to meet one of these days; the project is more important than anything as silly as meaningless conflict over posturing.

Fondly,
Maertock Reave

Cee holds their gloved hand out towards Camie expectantly after they'd spoken in a hushed hummed tone. Before nodding their head vigerously at the girl's response to them. Their wide grin was hidden away behind the mask they'd gone and shoved unto their face but hey! Judging by the fidgeting they were excited! And nervous.

Probably a bit of both.


(Cee)
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Maertock would appear from the shadows, late as usual.
(Maertock Reave)
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 Maertock Reave exclaims, "First time I've broken into a school for a lesson!"
 Well, he's not too surprised the other two Razuka were missing this lecture with how Trik screeched. Faint reminders of his earlier hangover's headache drone in his head as the horrid screech of his great uncle fills the room. His jaw clenches as the ears press to his skull, but the pause aids in calming him down.

A relieved sigh passes from him, his own chunk of blue mercury produced... In due time he begins to gnaw upon it.

Turning that sienna gaze towards his dear twin he'd reach out to briefly poke his kin. He's never one for touching another person, but he'd grown used to it with Lucky at least!

"Ya 'n' I, yeh?.. Yeh?" Baring a grin his ears settle back upwards.
(Charlie)
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 Mori Reave says, "...Da' fuck Uncle."
 Sylvia Inavyre asks, "First time for everything right?"

 Lad, the enterprising Siren, was seemingly so unconcerned that not only was he not wearing some manner of identity disguising cloak.... but he was openly taking notes in his ordinary class notebook.

Subtlety was apparently not this particular fishes strong suite.

Still, he offered the pirate captain a shark-like smile. "G'day Captain! I weren't expecting to see you here!"

Still, he would turn to look to Mori, "Teams?" He would offer the other Siren, hand out.
(Lad)
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 Maertock Reave says, "Quite so. I wouldn't miss a chance to help my original mentor teach some proper dark arts! "


 While he may, or may not have been present at the first lesson, Lucky was going to make sure he was here for the second one! That, and he wanted to see his great-uncle.

Hel, he had even showed up early to do so.

Which is why, as the Gutterruner begins his lesson, the rodent produces a chunk of his own blue mercury to gnaw upon. When the mention of getting a partner arises, he simply glances over toward his twin, ceasing his gnawing to flash a wide grin, as he nodded his head.

"Yer' god damn right."

His gaze shifts over towards the approaching captain, offering a squint, before turning his attention back to Trik. Oh, and of course he starts gnawing on the blue mercury again.
(Lucky)
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 A partner...a partner. Looking left and right? There seemed to be a bit of distrust, or perhaps distaste in the air for the Orca. Though there was at least one person he could truly trust with his life.

Even without paper for notes...All before that whale of a smile was flashed towards Lad. The man read his bloody mind.

"Ya' know it Lad. Thick as thieves...but before that-" A cough before a bottle of Alcohol was chucked at Maertock. Its always 5' o clock somewhere after all.
(Mori Reave)
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 Sylvia Inavyre says, "Aye i could use a partner if you don't mind pairing up with me."
 Maertock would catch the bottle of sake with a wink to his nephew, smashing it against the nearby wall as his inky shadows manifested to shotgun it directly into his serrated gullet. The shadow shark would sigh in refreshment, his dry brain once more made wet by a bit of slosh.

"Now I'm awake. Attention please to Master Gutterrunner, he's the finest necroratster around."
(Maertock Reave)
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 Seems they had no problem picking their friends to be partners.

But it seems they didn't quite pick up what he meant on how the lesson was going to be conducted.

Clapping at how quickly they all seemed to team up, the Razuka gestured between one student to another, "Good-good! Now that partners have been chosen-picked, time to learn-grasp the lesson.

Objective-task is to... find-seek the circuit-mana! Use any method wished to use-use. Trik not care-care! All that matters is that student-learners work to find-seek circuit-mana!"

Granted, one didn't have to go slicing and dicing but that mean they wouldn't. Sometimes, the best way to learn was through vile action, "No switch-changing now! Either learn-learn from partner or..."

A gesture down to the horrid man-shark that was Maertock, "Reave-captain will help-assist!"
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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 Trik Gutterrunner exclaims, "The violence-danger is implied!"
 Maertock Reave exclaims, "Yes yes!"
 Cee scratches at the back of their head while they try to think up of a method to find-seek the circuit-mana.
(Cee)
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 Oh.

Oh, that made sense now.

Pausing his gnawing upon the blue mercury he'd spill a glance towards his brother. How in the Hel was one to do that..? Such a skill was bound to assist him when it came to healing people, so there's at least a need to figure out how to do such.

"Righty... So!" Relenting a sharp huff he'd tuck the gnaw-rock into his satchel. Charles' frame turn on a dime, fully facing his twin as he brings his hands together in a singular motion. "Thinkin' I got an idea buuut I wanna 'ear if ya got 'ny first. 'el, do ya wanna try 'n' find mine first or ya own?

S'up ta ya... N'ain't really mind either option." Dipping his head in a brief nod he'd allow his brother to speak. "'cause my idea s'mostly jus' drawin' blood 'n' usin' blood magic ta seek it out..."
(Charlie)
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 Lad would grin, well it was a good thing he'd chosen Mori. Others might not quite take so easily to Lad's chosen method of finding the mana circuits.

Though he was rather excited to try his method on a live partner! Still, manners dictated it would be better to let Mori have his go first.

"So, I've been experimenting with finding 'em by immersing things in water that I'm controlling. How about you?" The Fish's eyes dark to the point of blackness as he smiled at Mori. "We can go, one after the other and try to find the circuits."
(Lad)
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"Ya' wanna dig in first Lad? I can, probably mend myself with ma' blood magic. But...if ya' want ta' go first? Go ahead I don't mind bein' cut." A pause before the Orca shrugged and gave a wide smirk.

Finding a mana circuit? That shouldn't be too hard...it was one of those, stringy bits inside a person right or was that something else. Though upon hearing lad speak? There was a pause.

"I missed da' first class...so I think its best if ya' go first so I can get a glimpse of it at least. Plus....my methods are, probably more than likely extremely messy."
(Mori Reave)
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 Trik is just squatting on the bridge, gnawing on the chunk of blue mercury. A nod was given to Hohei, "Yes-yes! Find-seek. Fundamental to all Necroratcy! Without... nothing can happen-occur."

And a small hourglass was pulled out. Cracked and leaking sand, the aged Razuka turned it over, letting the sand fall.

"When the top is empty... Trik hope-hope student-learners made progress. Remember... the body will resist-fight! Sometimes... stab-stab needed."
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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 Maertock would nod firmly as he offered a two fingered salute whistling softly as he leaned back against the nearby wall. The shadow shark would snap his fingers as in contemplation. The young students needed a bit of demonstration for one of the most important parts of the task; he'd offer what insight he could.

"Think of your circuits as the strings of a marionette. They dictate the flow of your being, your movement and progress throughout life. It only stands to measure it would also manage this in unlife."

The Captain would gesture to the group of students with a soft whistle of amusement.

"Now, I'll give you a little hint. If you make one of your partners strip off their clothing most ways, force a bunch of mana through them...well, where do you think mana goes when it's inside of you?"

Maertock would nod sagely, gesturing as black strings stretched forth into tendrils above the room.

"Fill inthe blanks."
(Maertock Reave)
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 The instructions had been given out, which meant it was time to actually attempt the aforementioned instructions.

Beady sienna eyes slowly drifted away from their teacher, and over towards his twin, studying the man carefully as he spoke, before slowly nodding his head.

"Well, I got a few ideas." Okay he had one idea, but he wanted to make it seem like he had more. "I overheard Paca sayin' somethin' about pulsing yer' mana through someone." Though before he says more, Maertock's words catch his attention.

It seems like he was on the right track.

So without fear in his heart, he'd toss his jacket onto the floor of the sewers, before rolling up the sleeve on his right arm completely. "Ya' heard tha' shark." He'd mutter, as the aforementioned arm is extended out for Chalie to work on.

There would be no stab-stab required here!

"Try yer' theory, and if it ain't work, go fer' his. It ain't matter t'me. I trust ya'."
(Lucky)
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 Nodding, Lad would draw his staff, it was easier to use existing pools water, but the Siren would focus, conjuring up a bubble of water from the air, clean fortunately, or at least no more dirty than the air he'd pulled the moisture from. "Right, so I'm gonna immerse you in this N'you need to breath deep so the water gets inside you, just like when you're swimming in the ocean."

Needless to say, it was probably for the best it was Mori he'd partnered with. Since a human would find these instructions a little more worrying than just a few cuts.

"After, I'll let you read my notes, and you can try on me."

And with that, lad would engulf Mori in the sphere of clean water.
(Lad)
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 Pulsing one's mana through another, more than likely, would be a far more harmless idea! There's a soft hum held as their idea is proposed and the Captain's words are noted.

It was the far simpler way to go about this.

Yet it's the idea of touching that still makes him a bit uneasy. It's quite visible, in fact, as the ratling damn near begins shaking on the spot. Was he actually a clone right now or was he him? Constantly questioning his existence had proven rather detrimental to the tinkerer!

"Right, right... Pulsin' mana, easy," he'd murmur to himself. Shrugging off his jacket to the floor he'd roll up his own right sleeve. "If s'the theory, of course, then could prolly light up both circuitry by jus'... Pourin' mana from one ta 'nother, right? A closed circuit."

This made sense to the tinkerer in the least! Reaching out his breathing actually halts before he snags hold of Lucky's arm. Nope, not a clone... A relieved sigh parts from him as he immediately knits his brow.

Pressing a surge of mana through the extended digits into Lucky's skin he'd seek out that circuitry... While it definitely lit it up, it sure as fuck was painful.

Lucky would more than likely feel a fair amount of stress placed on their circuitry. Charles sure as fuck didn't see it bar the faint image of the channels and canals within his brother's mana circuitry within his head.
(Charlie)
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[1 Immersion in water? It was defiantly for the best that Mori was Lad's partner for this. Who knew if anyone where could hold their breath well over the required time...or didn't drown.

"Ta' da' bottom of da' sea Lad. Send me under." One last puff of smoke from the Sirenian before hat sphere of air encased him. And with one motion? He breathed in deep. Deep enough to almost sputter in truth before a weathered grin shown through. It almost felt...light.

Like he was floating all over again. A slight thumbs up was given in truth to Lad for him to continue. Maybe before the sirenian ends up drifting into a different train of thought.
(Mori Reave)
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 Glissando had fallen asleep on her feet. Something she didn't know she was capable off. However from the look of things it seems she need a partner. It seemed all of the students were taken leaving her with one choice.

Walking up to Maertock, Glissando opens her mouth. Speaking in a tone that holds minor confusion to the situation going on.

"Can you be my partner for this please?"

Awaiting an answer, Glissando prays she can catch up to the rest of the class.
(Glissando Legato)
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 The rodent was quite.

His sienna eyes remained trained on his brother, as he felt his grubby mitts take hold of his arm. Which meant that one thing. The process was about to begin.

The world around him began to fade away, as he focused on the sensation of his siblings mana pouring throughout his own circuitries. Lucky himself, had never even attempted anything even remotely similar to this, so he was trying to get a feel of how his twin was managing it.

Though the strain on his circuitry wasn't pleasant, he grits his teeth, and endures the pain. "Cha' find anythin'?" He'd mutter, as he glanced down towards his exposed flesh.

Nothing.

While his brother may be able to visualize it within his head, Lucky sees fuck all. "Do ya' wanna keep goin', or do ya' wanna let me give it ago. Yer' call."
(Lucky)
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 Lad would focus, following the intake of water into Mori's gills and lungs beyond. Following those little streams of water he'd charged with his mana into the thousand capillaries of Mori's body.

And he found them, compared to the fish and plants he'd tried soaking or drowning before, Mori's mana circuit practically lit up like a Christmas tree.

Then again, Mori was a Mage. So that made sense. When was the last time you saw a tree hurl a bolt of lightning or conjure a typhoon? Unless of course weather was a kind of tree magic.... and the forests were all working in concert in a kind of giant arborial ritua- FOCUS LAD! He would get back to his work, mapping out Mori's mana circuit starting from his gills outwards, slowly working out a better and better picture of his fellow Siren's circuits as his partner took in water.

Completing his sketch of the circuits, Lad would give Mori a thumbs up and drop the spell holding the bubble of water. Letting it dissipate into the sewers.

"Right, I think I got it!"

Holding out his notebook he would wait for Mori to look it over and take his turn.

"Second chapter is the one for this class."
(Lad)
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[17:01] Hohei's only response was to visibly tighten his jaw. The muscles along his jaw-line tensed, but the moment finger-tips pressed  Maertock would nod steadily as the young lass approached the towering shadow shark; the rough skinned teaching aid of dark magic cackling with amusement at the inquiry of the young lass. With a firm nod, he'd remove his black silks and arcanic plate, revealing the immense, sinuous physicality of the shark necromancer as he nodded lightly.

"That is what I'm here for, yes. Well, that and a bit of catching up with my old mentors, discussion of grand and intoxicating plans and achievements of necroratsy to come. It might very well be that the very students of this class will get an opportunity to work upon the corpse of a titanic monster."

The Captain would cackle with amusement at that, spreading his arms wide as shadow tendrils flowed forth around him with an only mildly ominous candor.

"Consider my massive frame a cadaver with which to experiment. How best do you believe you could reveal my blackened mana circuitry? If you succeed, the lines of shadow will appear with certainty."
(Maertock Reave)
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["Nah... Nah I got it."

Charles' reply came out more as a murmur than anything. Lips remain pressed in an uneasy, thin line as he glanced back towards Trik. They were supposed to find it, but what after..?

Not one to merely hog all the fun of learning such depraved arts he'd give a nudge of his head towards his arm. "Go 'ead 'n' try it... Got the image of what'cha got in my 'ead.- Preeeetty sure s'ya circuitry..?" Maybe it was his own..?

Perhaps that would help him get over this fear...

Releasing a slow exhale Lucky's arm and circuitry are eventually released. Offering up his own bare right arm he'd chime, "Go 'ead, see what'cha can find."
(Charlie)
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[17:04] Camie grabs Cee's shoulders, hoping to hold them steady if needed, a big guilty expression pasted across her face as she realises she might have tried a little too hard for a class she was only trying to kill time in.

Still it seems she found the circuits after all, now it was just a matter of being a test subject for Cee's own experimentation.

"Alright, you definitely owe me just as much. Do whatever you gotta do. I'll bear it. Just don't scar the face."
(Camie Vega)
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 This guy was gigantic! Much bigger then her which may prove difficult. However she would not deter from gaining the experience she needed. Watching him spread his arms wide, She notices tendrils had begun to flow.

Flow, It was important to this situation. If she wanted to reveal his blackened mana circuitry.

"Most might say cutting you open somewhere such as your arms might be the first step. Which is what I agree with. However if I may I plan to use my mastery over audio to try and reveal it. If don't mind uh..."

Glissando gulps, This guy towered over her in such a manner she couldn't help but feel intimidated. However despite the intimidation Glissando displays her confidence.

"If you wouldn't mind revealing your ear to me along with lowering yourself down a couple of inches so I may thrust intense vibrating mana through it."


(Glissando Legato)
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 Drifting, Through and endless blank. Being underwater was a different feeling than what he usually experienced. However, it was much better than smoking. Rather, much more exhilarating than smoking.

Though with the ball of water dropped? Slithering deep into the corners of the sewer there was a single gasp of air before the sirenian? All but returned to the cig he was smoking to release two quick puffs.


"Gah, I miss da' sea. However..." There was a small pause before the sirenian flipped through the notes ever so quickly before smiling and digging into his pocket. "Where's da' bloody...aha!" And he soon pulled out....his effigy of clay! Motioning for Lad to cup his hands in truth before holding the effigy over it.

"When I cut it, I need ya' ta' drink da' liquid that comes out. I have a fantastic idea." A grin even more wilder than some of his rare moments. All before he cut the effigyabove Lad's hands! Would the lad drink the strange shiny liquid?
(Mori Reave)
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[ Unlike with Charlie, there would be no hesitation from Lucky. He had no near constant existential crisis going on within his mind. Just y'know, a crippling fear of being alone, but- We don't really need to go into that right now.

That's something better left to a therapist thirty years from now.

So- His own hand reaches out, taking hold of Charlie's exposed flesh, and moments later his own mana would begin to pour out from his hand, and into his brother's arm, slowly seeping into the man's circuitry.

The strain of which would be rather uncomfortable, but it allows Lucky to actually see his brother's circuits, or at least what he assumes to be them.

The whole concept was still a foreign one to him. Slowly, but surely though, his mind was starting to grasp it. "Found 'em." He'd mutter, as he released his grip on his brother's arm, hands retracting down to his side.

"At least I think I did."
(Lucky)
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Of course the lad would drink the liquid. They were friends after all. Cupping his hands, he would bring the strange fluid to his mouth, and take a long drink.

Admittedly, he had no idea what he was drinking, but given Mori had let him drown him moments ago, it was only fair.

"What is that stuff anyway?"
(Lad)
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[17:14] Maertock would snort as he extended his body as a utility of learning for the young person. It helped that the Captain of the Deep Company was larger than most everyone else in the room. It was odd to him; such had not always been the case. Once upon a time, Murtock had been the tallest around....

How time had flown.

"Cutting is an option; my earliest lessons used a direct route and micro-razors of shadow accompanying my tendrils when regarding a cadaver. Damaging the important four organs that govern a successful flesh puppet is to be avoided."

The Captain did not know what Trik had taught the students yet, but he wouldn't spoil the most important part of learning. Discovery.

Falling to one knee, he'd extend one of his massive ears to the young lady.

"I don't mind little lady. Just don't scramble my brains more than my decades of alcoholism have."
(Maertock Reave)
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Fuck clones, ok? Just fuck them.

Another reminder is delivered that he's not a clone as Lucky's hand makes contact with his flesh. Parting with a bated breath he finds his relaxation short lived as the mana begins to pour into his circuitry.

An oddity, really, but a strain he'd be able to handle for the sake of the lesson and his brother alike. Gritting his jaw crunch up his button nose as a few seconds drifted by.

Did this feel like what he did to his brother..? Terrible, truly.

Upon Lucky's words he'd give a faint nod of his head. "Yeh, yeh-- Looks real weird right..? Sorta like what'cha see while castin' buuuut… Different. Unfamiliar, kinda." Such were his own observations at least.

Once the grip leaves his arm he'd begin rolling his hand upon the previously held flesh of his. "Wonder if I could pour what I use illusion-wise inta people... Kinda pop some fears inta 'em, y'know?"
(Charlie)
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 Trik just looked across the class, gnawing upon his usual rock. A stare out at each of them as he watched their progress. Maertock had largely given them all the additional advice they would need, seeing as the students were going through this without much problem.

Of course, he had an eye on some of them. Whether to potentially step in or to see if they needed help, he just lurked on the bridge. The first step was for them to find the mana circuit.

The next would be... more fun.
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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 A few swift nod of the Razuka's head follows his brother's statements, as he slowly turns to face Trik once more. The duo of Razuka were already done, so it was time to wait!

Though that much should be expected from them.

"S'not a bad idea. Could allow ya' t'do some real fucky shit." Nod. Nod. "And yeh, real weird. S'gonna take a bit t'get used t'."
(Lucky)
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 From under her hood, It's clear by the smile visible she appreciates his cooperation greatly. Along with his explanation of what makes cutting an option. Now puffing her cheeks, Glissando leans in.

Opening both of her hand she moves her cheeks inward creating a concentrated popping sound. To most it might sound like the cracking of a bone. But with all the mana she afforded to conjure the noise, To Maertock it should sound like a mortar landing.

She hoped through his ear she could rattle his nervous system hard enough that his mana circuitry picked up on the vibrations becoming prone to the mana that had been weaved inside of the noise.

Taking her hood off, She watches with excitement and horror. Speaking with an honest expression.

"If I accidentally hurt you. You can hurt me back it's only fair. After all I might learn even more if that's the case."
(Glissando Legato)
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"No clue. Uncle here gave it ta' me. But I think its some type of...star liquid? Who knows." There was a knowing glance towards Maertock before the sirenian closed his eyes.

A deep breath followed in before there was that sinister glint in his eyes as he observed Lad. A clawed hand soon grabbing ahold of Lad's arm. That ever so faint shine seemed to claw through the other sirenians skin. Almost completely illuminating....everything far too brightly. Lad might even feel a bit...sick? Something akin to moon poisoning if that even existed.

"Okay-..Okay shit, shit too bright. Maybe-...maybe we need ta' give it a minute. Saints above that hurt ma' eyes." Bad attempt at using that strange liquid. Sure, it made a great drink but, it was almost too blinding.

"Note...give me a couple seconds. Also- ignore any laughing you hear, that's just from the liquid."
(Mori Reave)
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Maertock would nod steadily as he took a drag from his cigar, the Captain of the Deep Company considering the matter at hand as he continued to lean down and in. Glissando was allowed full purchase of his massive body with which to do as she needed; the Captain was nearly deadened to pain with his long history of drug abuse and alcoholism.

The mortar of sound would explode forth in his ear with a ringing cacophony, his gray matter rattling as his eyesight became frankly blurry. The shark would snort with amusement as a bit of blood dripped down from is nose, but he didn't appear to be angered by the gesture at the least.

As if to reward the cacaphonic pulsation throughout his form, blackened lines of shadow would appear to manifest with vibrations across the massive frame of the shark. Vibrating carefully as the young lady's sound magic might very well grow familiar with the flow of mana throughout the body.

"I can feel it in my teeth. Means it's working. Don't worry none about hurting me; worry about getting familiar with the flow of mana throughout circuitry. Echo your music through it until you remember its passage with your eyes closed."
(Maertock Reave)
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Laughing, well, laughing was apparently normal when you drink moon juice. Not that Lad knew what moon juice was. Still he would blink, as he felt his stomach churn.

He knew he shouldn't have eaten that third fish. The Siren would however, cough, and pulling a mug from a cloak pocket fill it with water and wash the liquid down. Clearing that thick feeling from his throat.

"S'why does it laugh Mori?"
(Lad)
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"Probably because its...cursed ta' some degree- Speaking of....I actually have a shit ton of cursed things on ma' person...I hope ma' uncle didn't set me up." There it goes again. That faint child-like laughter ringing in his head as he continued to stare at Lad's wrists. That shine?

Didn't die down. It almost seemed to get brighter just a smidge. All which was vexing and irritating to Mori. "Swear if I have ta' draw da' sword just ta' see this shit i'm going ta' be angry."

There was a lingering font of irritation upon his face before he glanced at the time. Maybe...just maybe a couple more seconds would be enough? "Hope this shit works...else I just poisoned ya' fer no reason."
(Mori Reave)
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 Glissandos resolve can be seen in her expression. With his words it's clear she is determined to get more results. Watching his blackened lines of mana appear on his frame was comforting. It without a doubt boosted her confidence in the form of Hemomancy she was attempting to create.

Opening her mouth once more. Instead of a singular sound a melody creeps out. A violent acapella. One that was intense in nature more so created to assault the Pirates circuitry. If he could feel it in his teeth then she had to continue without faltering.

As the melody intensifies more and more mana is being outputted by her. Causing the sound to grow more dense evolving it from a melody which sought to explore to a thundering ambience track. One which was looking to claim real estate in the mana circuitry of Maertock.

Now closing her eyes. Glissando attempts to get familiar with the flow of mana throughout his circuitry. Trying to visualize it through the vibrations conjured out of her voice.
(Glissando Legato)
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 Focusing for a moment, Lad would take in a breath and charge up his circuits, allowing a basic essence shroud to surround him as he channeled Mana through his body, hoping to light up the circuits so Mori could see them.

Still, the laughter was unsettling. Greatly unsettling. "Cursed? Poison? How bad of a curse or poison?" Lad would ask, seeming.... cheerful. Was he really just cheerful rustic sailor-charm all the way down to his core?

Perhaps, aside from the parts that were made of meat and gristle and bone and the raw stuff of the cosmos pouring through a fragile lattice of energy.
(Lad)
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 Their eyes dart searchingly left and right over Camie's face. Like someone searching for something. Maybe the young teen just wasn't perceptive enough to notice it! But? They somehow looked relieved! Like they'd been a bit freaked out about something or another. They'd still keep her upright, until Camie stood on her own! Otherwise? Cee was perfectly content on being a sort of 'shoulder to lean on'.

Their gaze shifts away and they were soon opting to observe how the other students went about understanding the 'mana circuit' that their tutor wanted them to find.

If it weren't for the turnout, the razuka, and a pirate captain? They would've continued to assume that Trik was just some crazy sewer hobo pretending to be a professor. It looks like they'd been wrong about that.
(Cee)
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 Maertock would remain silent for this portion of her examination; aiding to a degree as his form seemed to almost become...etheric, translucent. Phantom like; as if made of shadow itself. The tendrils of flowing mana throughout his form; pulsed by the sound waves that the young woman offered, would become clearly visible in the spectrum of light offered by the sewers.

"Now, this is the key part. A body's mana circuitry remains intact even after death. This is how one begins to understand introductory animation, but simply running your mana blindly through the circuits will not stir life into a carcass. It'll just make it wiggle, maybe explode."

The shark spoke clearly from personal experience. So many blown up rats...

"Focus not just how your mana flows through the circuitry, but how all of the systems are connected to each other. Consider how the stomach binds to the spinal cord, how the spinal cord binds to the heart andbrain, and how it all comes together."
(Maertock Reave)
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[17:48] "On a scale of one to I shouldn't be around most people? I can't exactly fight most people.....Pretty much everything I have is cursed thanks ta' ma' uncle here." A half pause before the Sirenian blinked twice and squinted.

There it was, a faint shimmering in that blinding light thanks to Lad flaring up the basic essence within him. And ever so slightly clawing an outline of it into his palm before giving a thumbs up to lad.

"Gah that was...bright to look at but, I got ya' circuit down Lad. Thanks fer' lettin' me try that. I need a better way ta' do it of course.." For sure, he would certainly need it.

Poisoning people with the stars? Not on his agenda.
(Mori Reave)
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[] Listening to the words of Maertock, Glissando begins to understand just a little bit more. She had to focus on how things were connected inside of a body. Opening her eyes just a tad, She takes a gander at the now translucent figure of Maertock. Watching the pulsating circuitry with awe.

"So! During death the circuitry of a person stays intact. Running mana into the body willy nilly does not resuscitate it. Leading to possible explosion!"

She sounded too excited by that one. Way too excited.

"So if I'm understanding correctly...If I can comprehend how all the systems of the body are intertwined. I can do low level animation by focusing my mana through the circuit system of a corpse?"

Looking at Maertock with a tilted head. Glissando's cobalt hues seek further instruction on the matter.
(Glissando Legato)
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 "A snack? Gladly...Always love a good dose of salmon."

And that strip? Swallowed whole.
(Mori Reave)
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Maertock Reave says, "An excellent time for Master Gutterrunner to answer your questions."
 Trik is just watching his students go about what they were doing. Granted, it seemed like almost all of them were done with the learning about the mana circuit. Only a few were having problems, but some just had natural deficiencies.

After all, not everyone could be a Razuka.

Finally rising to his feet, the aged Razuka just kicks over the hourglass he had set up, letting it shatter on the floor. Grains of sand scattering before becoming wet amid the cobble stonework of the floor.

"Trik very impressed-glad with class! Many caught onto find-seek of circuit-mana quick! Others... Trik is glad some can do their best-efforts. Is but first-first step to greatness! Many more lessons to happen but...

Class not over-done!"

A lean forward as he perched on the bridge, looking between each of them, waving a finger in the air, "Before Trik continue, have to show-show..."

A pause and his hand disappeared into the depths of his robes. From it, he pulled forth, a crystal. A gem of foul energies of a cruel primal. There is no warmth from it, no hope. Only a gnawing hunger that radiates, trying to steal from all around.

A shard of Achlys, the Forgotten Son.

"Trik have no need-use of this but... Trik sure-sure newest student-learners will like-want. Not sure-sure how to decide but... Trik will give to greatest-BEST student of Academy.

Eventually-later."
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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[ It seems he had their full attention. That was good.

Granted, he had to pause at Peppy's comment. Not because he found it silly or stupid, far from it. The aged Razuka had to stare at her for a long while as he wondered why he hadn't used it to sharpen his teeth yet.

Perhaps... he should...

Sanity won over as he quickly stashed the shard, looking over the students. While he was sure that some would try to just kill their competition, that wasn't what he wanted. After all, it would just hinder any progress as a Cabal of Fleshcrafters.

"Fret-worry not, student-learners! Trik will reveal-show how the winner will be chosen later! Just focus on work-study! Many project-tasks ahead. While Trik would find-find it funny to have student-learners kill-kill one another..."

A pause as he looked over each, frowning deeply. Despite one eye squinting, the other remained open wide, staring wildly.

"TRIK WILL USE ANY STUPID-FOOL ENOUGH TO BETRAY AS ONE OF CREATION-SPAWN. TRIK WILL FLAY-RIP SKIN FROM MUSCLE AND WEAR AS HAT-HAT. NO USE-USE FOR SNEAK-SCHEME BACKSTABBERY."

After all, only Trik was allowed to betray people.

"Plus, Maertock-captain will likely eat-chew any stupid-fool enough to do so. Must work-work together! Learn together, yes-yes. Those not seeking to learn-study GLORIOUS NECRORATCY... Feel free to use-use as experiment-subjects."

And of course, came the crux of learning about mana circuits.

"For now-now... manipulation, yes-yes! Much harder than find-seek, often impossible. Not going to have-have students test-try on one another... Will only lead to harm-death! Trik think... student-learners too... err... too..."

A pause as he looked at the faces of his students. The impressionable, young faces looking to him for guidance and word on their abilities.

"Too stupid-fool to controland know when to stop-stop. So... Trik need-need volunteer! For demonstration-show! Only because Trik failed to grab-take man-thing for this part."
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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 Maertock Reave says, "Yes I will."
 Maertock Reave says, "These teeth are not just for looking."
 Maertock Reave says, "Sirenians are carnivores."

 Mori Reave says, "Met one that wasn't...But. People ARE tasty."

 Glissando makes sure she takes in every single word Trik speaks. No betrayal of any kind. She understood that, She hated traitors due to a personal issue. Secondly, working together was going to be how they learned glorious necroratcy. She and Noiret were already ahead on that one.

After all they did kidnap some random homeless dude.

Sadly, Somebody had already volunteered.

"Wait! Is it too late to Volunteer? If he get's cold feet I don't mind going up there."
(Glissando Legato)
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 Lad just gives a shark-toothed grin.
(Lad)
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 And so, Trik just grabs the young Razuka's arm with one of his grimy, clawed hands. Long nails that pierce into the flesh of Lucky, holding him close as the free hand moves over it.

As he had done many times before, his will was exerted to find the mana circuits of the young Razuka. To isolate those in the arm. Pathways that were always unique to the mage but predictable to those that could see them.

And with it, the blood of the young rat. Already seeing the traces of mercury, Trik chuckled as his miasmatic magic swelled forth. The sickly sweet smell of blood rose around him as he brought forth all he had to twist and manipulate.

A slow process and one that wasn't very visually interesting to start. After all, Trik was, for once, trying to be careful. To take care of his own kin and not horrifically maim the teen.

Much harder to explain away a missing arm.

"Now-now, Trik hope Lucky-kin is prepared-ready. Trik… Hrmm… Trik will do something simple-basic!

Just going to grow extra finger-claw."

Granted, he wouldn't get anywhere if the young rat resisted. With him conscious, the very guards of the soul would prevent such manipulation unless allowed.
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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 Maertock would actually pay close attention himself to this lesson, taking keen notes on the master fleshcrafter's technique on a living subject as he hummed thoughtfully in contemplation. Such expertise was beyond his own mastery; perhaps a recollection of the basics and the mastery of flesh would be key for the dread projects ahead.

The kraken's corpse awaited to be stirred with a chironic heart. But why stop at just a kraken? Flesh was malleable. Flesh.....could be shaped.

"One of the key points to take away from this is that you must discard any belief that the body is sacred. Flesh is malleable like clay. It can be shaped, it can be sapped, it can be stripped and remade. Additional sinew and tendons can be weaved in to increase physicality and flexibility. Flesh...is but a canvas."
(Maertock Reave)
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 Could he do this to himself?

There was a nod from the Razuka. A gesture over his hunched and foul form. If only they knew that he was actively keeping himself alive. The ravages of blue mercury upon his nerves and old age upon his body, staved off by such raw control over the self. To keep his muscles at the ready to beat someone to death.

But somethings were lost.

"Trik once could tap-tap into special abilities, yes-yes. Function of Razuka-kin powers, will show-show later.

Most of this can easily be done to corpse-meats. Living flesh-meats? Much harder-riskier. SO... Trik will assign new home work-work! Trik want all student-learners to... try to manipulate circuit-mana! Find... any creature-thing or man-thing!

Trik imagine will be small-tiny changes, not even permanent lasting. But Trik want student-learners to try-try. If any help-aid is needed... come find-seek Trik! Or Maertock-Captain. Or Nidaz-Councillor!

BUT...!"

A pause as he looks around at them all, his wide eye staring intensely.

"Make sure-sure to NOT TELL-TELL OTHER MAN-THINGS."

As it turns out, a lot of people did not look kindly on his art. Who knew?!

"If any man-thing asks... lie-fib! Tell-tell new... medical process! Moxtli-tribe and Osrona-city will... well..."

His own claw was dragged along his neck, a thin line of blood flowing forth.
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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 Maertock would whistle a soft, siren song as he leaned back against a manifested swelling of shadows, the Captain of the Deep company leaning back in his manifested throne of darkness as he mulled properly upon the matters at hand. It was a good lesson of course, but its locale had once more reminded him with clarity that Achyon's upper crust never did give Trik the honor he deserved.

"Master Gutterrunner, truly this is nostalgic. I admit, it's a bit different from the Achyon city park where you taught me all those years ago, but then, I think this scenery is far more thematic. It's a good place to teach this next generation how to do as they please."

The Captain would nod steadily at that, humming with soft consideration.

"You're growing older by the day, you ought to have some nice sun and relaxation in your advanced years. No more scurrying about hoping Matryona doesn't try to pin you for nonsense at least."

Maertock would nod firmly.

"I have a massive, cursed cave system buried under the Reef where we do dread rituals. The perfect place for a mad scientist's laboratory. I also have the carcass of a legendary kraken, and a chiron gem. To put it plainly..."

The captain would smile up to his old mentor.

"Would you like to move into the cave and do some mad science, Master? It'd be yours to do with as you please under my protection, all resources from my vast wealth offered forth."
(Maertock Reave)
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 Trik was still squatting on the bridge, staring down at the three before him. It was a good offer but Trik knew it didn't come from nowhere. After all, the Deep Company and Achyon were not on the best of terms. Not that he cared. After all, the petty squabbles of cities only got in the way of his one true desire.

To, eventually, figure out how to turn normal humans into Razuka.

"Yes-yes. Trik can help-aid with project. Make good base for new Cabal of shape-molds of flesh! Trik not care-care about Achyon-city or politics! Only man-thing Trik likes is Walter-lord. While Docro-family might be all about Barsburg-Empire...

Trik not care-care.

Only have one goal-dream. Make world Razuka-world. All others not matter-care."

Trik was never the most loyal. Just a selfish rat with a healthy fear of those far more powerful than him.
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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Maertock would nod steadily at that, in truth having always appreciated Trik for being straight forward in his ruthless nature. The Captain of the Deep Company was nothing if not an admirer of predators, and while the old rat was up in his years, his heart was as black as the void.

A man who understood the greater things in life.

"That's the mentor I know. Always looking for the next big trik to pull. Ain't gonna hold ya, most of the Docros are saps these days. All under Matryona's thumb, useless piece of garbage that she is. No imagination, no thought on pushing the true limits of science. All by the goddamn book."

The reaver lord of the soputh coast would spit a glob of ink upon the ground at that with a firm hum.

"Need to meet with Nidaz as well, but I reckon that can wait. Once you have the keys to the cave, it'll be easy to have him meet us on the beach outside the pryin' eyes of cogs and stars./"

The shadow shark would whistle at that.

"Back to the beach then Trik. Come around and I'll give you your keys, we can start talking shop. Lot of flesh to examine, plenty of left over mass for you to use in your own projects no doubt."
(Maertock Reave)
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 Back to the beach. To home, and preferably? A long awaited dip in the ocean. Or maybe even longer for that instance. A long night away from the academy, and preferably? A good chance to at least start his necromancy homework.


"I hope my favorite swimming spot by da' ocean is still there..."
(Mori Reave)
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Lad would raise his arms up in celebration. "Well that's wonderful! Professor Trik is gonna be our neighbor." The Siren would give the aging Razuka an earnest smile. And with that the young sirenian would give Trik and Maertock a slight bow, before whistling a jaunty tune as he began to make his way out of the sewers.

Though he only whistled to begin with, they might hear humming and then eventually singing as he got further away.
(Lad)
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[20:19] Trik just waddles behind!
(Trik Gutterrunner)