paradisa | fifty-sixth labyrinth

[It was immediately obvious this morning that all was back to normal when he'd lacked the overwhelming urge to crow at daybreak, even if he did wake up both naked and wearing a necklace made of ribbon.

The biggest annoyance of the whole mess had been his inability to properly keep abreast of what was happening with the expedition and the castle via the journal. Chicken feet were not the best at turning pages. So, the second thing he did, after making himself feel properly human again with a bath and the comforting feeling of clothing on his skin, was to get out his journal and began to make up for lost time.]

Well, that was fun. I can't believe it's been over a year since I had to deal with a loss. I've never felt particularly lucky, so maybe it actually does have some sort of association with the amount of wishing you do.

[Rooster filter]

If you didn't realize it, the rooster you spoke or interacted with was me. I'd like to properly thank those of you who even attempted to be helpful during my loss.

And for those of you that weren't...it might be good to remember that any animals you might encounter here are not always normal animals. Sometimes, they are wizards in disguise, who object very highly be being hung upside down by their ankles.

That is all.

[Outpost wards filter]

Things have gotten a little off course, it would seem. Inevitable really, what with the castle's love of interruptions.

It's time we finished things. I think the weekend after the expedition returns should suffice, unless you have objections.

[Chimera filter]

How many of you do I have left?

[Which reminds, him...]

[Recruitment filter]

For those of you who don't yet know me, my name is Felix Harrowgate. I am a wizard. I have been living in Paradisa for nearly two years, and for a majority of that time, I've devoted myself to learning all I can about magic. To that end I started Chimera - an official name for what is essentially a loose organization magic users. We have three general goals - study and catalog the magic of the residents, learn what we can of the magic of the castle and this world, and lastly, provide our talents to help defend the residents in times of crisis. I can guarantee you such times will happen, if you haven't been here long enough to know.

If one or any of those things interest you, I'd be grateful if you joined us. If it doesn't, I at least ask that you speak to me and let me learn a little of your magic.

Should you have reservations or questions, I am here to answer anything you may want to know. And if that doesn't suffice, I can provide character references.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It varieties depending on the wizard’s specialty, but cats are best known for managing Earth’s worldgates. They work at the terminals, making repairs and such.

I also know a feline bard, but I don’t think she is a wizard…

A bard? Like a musician?

Basically. She yowls poetry about Irish history.

hm...no...that doesn't sound like the same thing. But, then again, what do I know about feline wizards?

Don't tell Tualha that. She thinks so highly of [~~herself~~] her job.

No much from what I can guess. Does your world literally have only human wizards?

Unless the cats aren't telling us something, yes. Then again, we don't have your Ordeals that initiate us into power. Wizards simply are.

It's possible. Cats are rather secretive creatures after all.

True. Must be nice... not having to do death-defying tests to obtain your wizardry.

If only we did. Then perhaps only the right people would end up with it.

[Dairine shakes her head.] If only it was that easy.

[Her words are heavy, as she thinks about the overshadowed wizard that her sister had encountered. But then she brightens up a tad.]

Still, I wouldn't be the same person without my Ordeal, so I don't mind the trouble that much.

[That much. Not 'at all', he notes privately. And he doesn't blame her for that.]

I'm not sure what I would have done if I had not proved to be a wizard. Ended up as a scribe or something dull like that, probably...

[Or the catamite to a noble, like Vincent had]

[Don't get her wrong; she loves being a wizard. But the work can be... stressing at times.

Dairine shutters.] I'd rather not think about it. Being stuck with a boring job and a boring life while Neets got to have all the fun. Nooo way.

Of course, I'll need to get an ordinary job too. Eventually. But at least I'll have something meaningful to do on the side.

There isn't work you can with your magic?

Not if I want to make a living. Errantry is strictly non-profit work.

That's part of the bargain?