[To think something as spectacular as a spell could be as intrinsic as a reflex makes Neil more than a little jealous. Everyone here has led such remarkable lives...
[But his mood is bright. He holds the makeshift instrument up, ready to tilt it to-and-fro as necessary. He'll just need to wait for Vil to call action.]
[Well, Vil has ever been cast as the villain, and rain happened to make a fine backdrop for villain monologues as fate would have it.
It was easy enough to fall back on an old performance, once he still remembered vividly, and recant his lines without a single mistake. He made for a terrifying villain, without overplaying his acting. Relying more on his perfection and naturally intimidating demeanor took him far, and sprinkling in the unhinged madness the performance called for took it above and beyond.
While he knew there was no avoiding it, he typically did not like showing his hand to others so early. Genuine fear made his performances shine all the more, but there was no avoiding it here. Neil was here to learn and that wouldn't be done without demonstrations.
Once the prop was used, Vil continued his performance while acutely listening to how well the prop functioned. It may need some light adjustments in the number of pins used, but at its core, it worked as Vil claimed it would. Once his monologue was finished, he paused, took a breath, and let the character go with a pleased grin.]
It may need some slight tweaking, but it does the job. That's one tool at our disposal that will set our performances apart from the rest.
[Neil loves to watch Vil perform. If it's scary, it's only because his acting is so convincing, and that makes it wonderful too. For all their differences, Neil has always thought Vil to be someone who's driven by passion. It's hard not to admire up close.]
Wonderful, Vil! [He even claps his hands a few times.]
Even up close, the pins didn't drown out your voice. The spell really worked.
[Vil of course looks quite pleased with himself as well. He always gave 110%, so naturally he was going to peacock a little when all went of perfectly. Still, the performance was over, and standing on top of some rickety old storage boxes was a safety hazard.
So he took a seat, keen to continue discussing matters.]
Magic is a very useful tool, and being able to place my curses and blessings beforehand means I won't have to overtax myself during the performance.
[This meeting session seemed like it would primarily be for brainstorming, which, why not? Good to get out a number of ambitious ideas out first thing, then work on the logistic of it after. Just to let creative juices flow.]
We should probably sort out some similar tools as well. Other ambient sounds that you can't find other places, or even other ideas for effects. Got any ideas to spitball? Since we're here.
[And like before, Neil's idea gave Vil even more ideas, all of which were very ambitious, and possibly not entirely feasible, but the whole point of this was to try and push the limits of what they could do.]
A small shift in temperature would be within the power, though it would take some time to warm the entire theater- perhaps if we make strategic use of the intermission.
[As gimicky and powerful as his signature spell was, it had its limits. It could make an object give off heat, but it would not be able to instantly warm a room.
Still, it would have enough practical applications to pursue, and why let that be their limit? They could take this and run with it.]
And why stop it at only one weather effect? It may be a bit tricky depending on the scene- but I could make it snow inside. I'll need a bit of practice, since this would be water-based magic rather than my signature spell.
The only issue there is if I'm on stage it'll be difficult for me to focus on my performance as well as maintaining the spell...
[Hail or rain would be easier, but there was hardly anything endearing about hale, and rain would cause potential damage to outfits- hence their efforts simulating it. Snow was a hazy in-between. Certainly doable, but would take work.
Though it wasn't as though he was the only mage here. He continues, though his last muttering is almost to himself. He honestly loathed relying on his classmates for this sort of thing. Spudlings, the lot of them.]
...I could try and get my classmates involved... but Kalim's got the attention span of a goldfish... maybe Cater? He's far more reliable, but he might not be able to pull off the spell...
Hold on a second, Vil. [Not said impatiently, and certainly respectfully. Neil's hand is only held halfway up in thought.]
You're one of the most ambitious men I've met, but...
I do think we should consider a few things. First of all, the comfort of the audience is still important. They can't dress for two different types of weather.
And there's something to be said about all the artistry that goes into creating stage effects organically, isn't there? Surely, we don't want to rely on magic for everything...?
[His voice trails off into a bit of a question there, and look! Normally, he is all about magic being involved, but...he's a theater nerd at heart. The rain-making cylinder was cool, and so are magical weather effects, but...they're a bit flashy, too, Neil thinks.]
[He pauses in surprise for a moment and then laughs in spot of himself. Right, Neil was from an older era. Stage plays would have lacked as much of the gimmicks of modern plays he was familiar with.
Though it really was on him for not elaborating what he meant.]
I am getting a bit ahead of myself- I should explain. The snow would be magical in nature, it wouldn’t be reliant on temperature to form. Likewise, I wouldn’t aim to turn the theater into an oven- just warm it a few degrees. Enough for it to feel warmer without causing discomfort.
[ Well, they should probably at least both air it their opinions. Again, Neil was ultimately correct, they couldn’t use magic indefinitely. It was a limiting factor, and no performance should hinge on unusual abilities from one or two people. It could send the theatre in a downward spiral if the person was sent home.
He didn’t see any issues with the effects themselves though, he would try to explain things from his perspective. He wasn’t against a compromise in the end though.]
I don’t think I’m doing too much out of the ordinary- perhaps it’s a time period difference, but back home we have machines that can accomplish similar effects.
Unfortunately, with technology as it is here, I can’t guarantee that we’ll have luxuries such as recording equipment, speakers, fog machines… anything like that. It may not even have indoor heating.
Now we can build these things eventually, but that will take time and money. Think of my magic as a free crutch we can lean on, just until we have the funds to acquire or build tools that even laypeople can use.
Besides, magic does have its limits, and aside from Fairest One of All, my spells are admittedly on the weaker side. I got something of a late start studying it.
Yes, you finish the incantation with the spell’s name to tie it up. Maybe I can give another example…
[Hmm, but which one? It wasn’t like he made any effort to remember incantations of spells he’d never be able to cast… but there was one he’s heard more than a few times…]
Oh here’s one:
“The song ends, the sun sets. Extend mercy upon these poor souls. Now, the contract is binding! It’s a Deal!”
‘It’s a Deal’ is actually a highly advanced spell that can take any ability of someone and hold it in a contract. The one who it belongs to is a suitably smooth talker that lies as easily as he breathes.
[Because Vil rarely has a good thing to say about Azul, but this isn’t about him. Neil was a curious sort, and seemed enchanted (ha!) at the thought of such a custom spell.]
You know, I’ve heard in rare instances people being able to wish for abilities from other worlds. If you’re interested, you could wish for a signature spell of your own.
[Between the two, Neil likes Vil's signature spell a lot better than the business-like "It's a Deal". He doesn't say so, though he's not sure there's much reason to hesitate from insulting a "smooth talker that lies as easily as he breathes". What sort of people does Vil usually hang out with?
[It doesn't matter. Something else catches Neil's attention. His eyebrows raise up high on his head, and he looks at Vil.]
You really think so?
How would I--
Just...come up with what I want it to do, and what to say? I could...
You wouldn’t, it would just come to you one day when you need it most, and it would reflect something about you as a person.
[He rests his chin in his hand and tries to think what sort of spell would best suit Neil. Not something like Riddle’s, that could cut off other’s magic, or Leona’s that could reduce whatever he touched into sand. Neil’s would no doubt give something rather than take it away.
It wouldn’t be something like Ruggie’s either, that forced people to follow his movements, nor Cater’s cloning ability. Neil was too unique to share his spotlight, which also meant manipulative and underhanded spells like Jade and Jamil’s were also out of the question.]
Hmm, for someone like you I would imagine it would be very bold that would work off your passion.
Maybe something like Doodle Suit, or Oasis maker- or even Unleash Beast. Doodle suit is similar to mine, but rather than setting rules to something it allows you to change a singular property of an object temporarily. You could make your furniture light as a feather for ease of movement, or make a disliked meal taste like a favorite sweet. Oasis Maker is exactly what it sounds like, the caster can summon vast quantities of water by exerting only a small amount of power. While the effect itself doesn’t suit you, the idea of bringing forth an abundance of something would be very fitting for you.
And Unleash Beast- that actually belongs to a childhood friend of mine. He can turn into a massive wolf- he struggles to maintain the form sometimes because he flusters easily, but it’s a very bold spell all the same.
Whatever it would be, I think it would be something that creates or commands attention- or perhaps both. You have a lot of yourself that you clearly want to give through your performances, and I believe a unique magic for you would reflect that.
[It - all of it - is more than a bit overwhelming. Neil might want to speak on Doodle Suit, but gets distracted by Oasis Maker, and then Vil is talking about Unleash Beast. He'll have to ask him to write it all down later (he does still prefer traditional notes over being sent information digitally, tedious as it may be), but for now, what strikes him more than anything is Vil's assessment of...
[Well...
[Him. It leaves Neil feeling flustered, a bit pink-faced, exposed.]
That's a big compliment. You're right though. I do want that. [He laughs a bit.] To give everything! Why do anything at all if you don't?
I'm...not sure how much I'd like a second transformation ability, though. I still haven't mastered the first one.
It’s why I decided to take you on and teach you the ins and outs of acting. You have the attitude to succeed.
Don’t let any of that get to your head though, you’re still as green as spud-sprout covered in freshly packed dirt. You have a long way to go before you’re at a passable level for a professional… but I wouldn’t be so hard on you if I didn’t think you could do it.
[Since that red cheeked flustering certainly did not go unnoticed. He knew he didn’t give praise often, mostly because he didn’t see it as praise in this instance. It was just describing Neil.
Maybe he should try to throw in a bit more positivity here and there. Just not so much that he started getting too big for his britches.
But he waves off the topic to continue back on the talk of magic.]
Anyway, it’s unlikely for people to have completely identical signature spells- and two transformations would be quite difficult to maintain. Whatever it would be though, it would be bold yet fun. Might be worth a wish in the future if you’re interested.
; v ; hehe I'll wrap up here WHAT A FUN LIL THREAD
[For Vil to say that he's hard on Neil feels like a sad little joke, only his new friend isn't quite in on it. For as long as he can remember - for as long as he's been alive, he's been under pressure, unrelenting. Acting isn't a profession to him, and it isn't an assignment, a chore - it doesn't feel that way.
[He loves it. And he likes working with Vil too. There's really a lot more he'd have to do to actually upset him.]
I'll give it some thought.
[Though, it feels as though he's already decided. A lot of things have felt that way lately - fantastical ideas in every direction, and Neil wants to grasp them all.
[He'll see what Charlie thinks before he does anything. It's a rule that's kept him relatively grounded so far...
[For now, he checks his watch.]
We usually break around this time...
Let's go get something to eat. I'll finish taking inventory after we're done.
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no subject
[But his mood is bright. He holds the makeshift instrument up, ready to tilt it to-and-fro as necessary. He'll just need to wait for Vil to call action.]
Ready.
no subject
It was easy enough to fall back on an old performance, once he still remembered vividly, and recant his lines without a single mistake. He made for a terrifying villain, without overplaying his acting. Relying more on his perfection and naturally intimidating demeanor took him far, and sprinkling in the unhinged madness the performance called for took it above and beyond.
While he knew there was no avoiding it, he typically did not like showing his hand to others so early. Genuine fear made his performances shine all the more, but there was no avoiding it here. Neil was here to learn and that wouldn't be done without demonstrations.
Once the prop was used, Vil continued his performance while acutely listening to how well the prop functioned. It may need some light adjustments in the number of pins used, but at its core, it worked as Vil claimed it would. Once his monologue was finished, he paused, took a breath, and let the character go with a pleased grin.]
It may need some slight tweaking, but it does the job. That's one tool at our disposal that will set our performances apart from the rest.
no subject
Wonderful, Vil! [He even claps his hands a few times.]
Even up close, the pins didn't drown out your voice. The spell really worked.
no subject
So he took a seat, keen to continue discussing matters.]
Magic is a very useful tool, and being able to place my curses and blessings beforehand means I won't have to overtax myself during the performance.
[This meeting session seemed like it would primarily be for brainstorming, which, why not? Good to get out a number of ambitious ideas out first thing, then work on the logistic of it after. Just to let creative juices flow.]
We should probably sort out some similar tools as well. Other ambient sounds that you can't find other places, or even other ideas for effects. Got any ideas to spitball? Since we're here.
no subject
I suppose a bright light could be enough, but - maybe if the light produced a visual sort of heatwave effect too when it's turned on...
Would that be possible?
no subject
A small shift in temperature would be within the power, though it would take some time to warm the entire theater- perhaps if we make strategic use of the intermission.
[As gimicky and powerful as his signature spell was, it had its limits. It could make an object give off heat, but it would not be able to instantly warm a room.
Still, it would have enough practical applications to pursue, and why let that be their limit? They could take this and run with it.]
And why stop it at only one weather effect? It may be a bit tricky depending on the scene- but I could make it snow inside. I'll need a bit of practice, since this would be water-based magic rather than my signature spell.
The only issue there is if I'm on stage it'll be difficult for me to focus on my performance as well as maintaining the spell...
[Hail or rain would be easier, but there was hardly anything endearing about hale, and rain would cause potential damage to outfits- hence their efforts simulating it. Snow was a hazy in-between. Certainly doable, but would take work.
Though it wasn't as though he was the only mage here. He continues, though his last muttering is almost to himself. He honestly loathed relying on his classmates for this sort of thing. Spudlings, the lot of them.]
...I could try and get my classmates involved... but Kalim's got the attention span of a goldfish... maybe Cater? He's far more reliable, but he might not be able to pull off the spell...
no subject
You're one of the most ambitious men I've met, but...
I do think we should consider a few things. First of all, the comfort of the audience is still important. They can't dress for two different types of weather.
And there's something to be said about all the artistry that goes into creating stage effects organically, isn't there? Surely, we don't want to rely on magic for everything...?
[His voice trails off into a bit of a question there, and look! Normally, he is all about magic being involved, but...he's a theater nerd at heart. The rain-making cylinder was cool, and so are magical weather effects, but...they're a bit flashy, too, Neil thinks.]
no subject
Though it really was on him for not elaborating what he meant.]
I am getting a bit ahead of myself- I should explain. The snow would be magical in nature, it wouldn’t be reliant on temperature to form. Likewise, I wouldn’t aim to turn the theater into an oven- just warm it a few degrees. Enough for it to feel warmer without causing discomfort.
[ Well, they should probably at least both air it their opinions. Again, Neil was ultimately correct, they couldn’t use magic indefinitely. It was a limiting factor, and no performance should hinge on unusual abilities from one or two people. It could send the theatre in a downward spiral if the person was sent home.
He didn’t see any issues with the effects themselves though, he would try to explain things from his perspective. He wasn’t against a compromise in the end though.]
I don’t think I’m doing too much out of the ordinary- perhaps it’s a time period difference, but back home we have machines that can accomplish similar effects.
Unfortunately, with technology as it is here, I can’t guarantee that we’ll have luxuries such as recording equipment, speakers, fog machines… anything like that. It may not even have indoor heating.
Now we can build these things eventually, but that will take time and money. Think of my magic as a free crutch we can lean on, just until we have the funds to acquire or build tools that even laypeople can use.
Besides, magic does have its limits, and aside from Fairest One of All, my spells are admittedly on the weaker side. I got something of a late start studying it.
no subject
no subject
[Hmm, but which one? It wasn’t like he made any effort to remember incantations of spells he’d never be able to cast… but there was one he’s heard more than a few times…]
Oh here’s one:
“The song ends, the sun sets. Extend mercy upon these poor souls. Now, the contract is binding! It’s a Deal!”
‘It’s a Deal’ is actually a highly advanced spell that can take any ability of someone and hold it in a contract. The one who it belongs to is a suitably smooth talker that lies as easily as he breathes.
[Because Vil rarely has a good thing to say about Azul, but this isn’t about him. Neil was a curious sort, and seemed enchanted (ha!) at the thought of such a custom spell.]
You know, I’ve heard in rare instances people being able to wish for abilities from other worlds. If you’re interested, you could wish for a signature spell of your own.
me screaming and cheering AZUL! AZUL!!!
[It doesn't matter. Something else catches Neil's attention. His eyebrows raise up high on his head, and he looks at Vil.]
You really think so?
How would I--
Just...come up with what I want it to do, and what to say? I could...
Azul lore for PAN!
[He rests his chin in his hand and tries to think what sort of spell would best suit Neil. Not something like Riddle’s, that could cut off other’s magic, or Leona’s that could reduce whatever he touched into sand. Neil’s would no doubt give something rather than take it away.
It wouldn’t be something like Ruggie’s either, that forced people to follow his movements, nor Cater’s cloning ability. Neil was too unique to share his spotlight, which also meant manipulative and underhanded spells like Jade and Jamil’s were also out of the question.]
Hmm, for someone like you I would imagine it would be very bold that would work off your passion.
Maybe something like Doodle Suit, or Oasis maker- or even Unleash Beast. Doodle suit is similar to mine, but rather than setting rules to something it allows you to change a singular property of an object temporarily. You could make your furniture light as a feather for ease of movement, or make a disliked meal taste like a favorite sweet. Oasis Maker is exactly what it sounds like, the caster can summon vast quantities of water by exerting only a small amount of power. While the effect itself doesn’t suit you, the idea of bringing forth an abundance of something would be very fitting for you.
And Unleash Beast- that actually belongs to a childhood friend of mine. He can turn into a massive wolf- he struggles to maintain the form sometimes because he flusters easily, but it’s a very bold spell all the same.
Whatever it would be, I think it would be something that creates or commands attention- or perhaps both. You have a lot of yourself that you clearly want to give through your performances, and I believe a unique magic for you would reflect that.
no subject
[Well...
[Him. It leaves Neil feeling flustered, a bit pink-faced, exposed.]
That's a big compliment. You're right though. I do want that. [He laughs a bit.] To give everything! Why do anything at all if you don't?
I'm...not sure how much I'd like a second transformation ability, though. I still haven't mastered the first one.
[Or...even really tried it.]
no subject
Don’t let any of that get to your head though, you’re still as green as spud-sprout covered in freshly packed dirt. You have a long way to go before you’re at a passable level for a professional… but I wouldn’t be so hard on you if I didn’t think you could do it.
[Since that red cheeked flustering certainly did not go unnoticed. He knew he didn’t give praise often, mostly because he didn’t see it as praise in this instance. It was just describing Neil.
Maybe he should try to throw in a bit more positivity here and there. Just not so much that he started getting too big for his britches.
But he waves off the topic to continue back on the talk of magic.]
Anyway, it’s unlikely for people to have completely identical signature spells- and two transformations would be quite difficult to maintain. Whatever it would be though, it would be bold yet fun. Might be worth a wish in the future if you’re interested.
; v ; hehe I'll wrap up here WHAT A FUN LIL THREAD
[He loves it. And he likes working with Vil too. There's really a lot more he'd have to do to actually upset him.]
I'll give it some thought.
[Though, it feels as though he's already decided. A lot of things have felt that way lately - fantastical ideas in every direction, and Neil wants to grasp them all.
[He'll see what Charlie thinks before he does anything. It's a rule that's kept him relatively grounded so far...
[For now, he checks his watch.]
We usually break around this time...
Let's go get something to eat. I'll finish taking inventory after we're done.