Musings of a Cubi...

blows dust of journal

2008-03-21T12:46:18Z

Oof! So much to do!

I confess I somewhat forgot I had this journal...things had gotten so busy recently. Odds are no one even knows about this journal anymore.

...excellent...

I'm not dead yet!

2006-02-28T16:09:22Z

Ah! It's been a while...many apologies for disapeering like that. It's been a very crazy time here since I last messaged. While technology is no stranger to the halls of SAIA, it always is a little slow in the times...luckily Fa'Lina has invested in a few computer machines...though they are a bit restrictive at the tme.

Anyways. Busy busy busy! Oh my it's been hectic coming back and getting things ready to start classes. Destania's former office was a mess! While I respect and admire her...I have to wonder how she was able to keep anything organized in the maze that consisted of her office. However I think I've gotten that part under control and am now working out my class outlines. With luck I should be able to start the classes in a few weeks. I already have had several Cubi come to me inquiring about the class, so it's looking to be a good start.

I should depart for now. I just wanted to let everyone know I'm fine and all is well...if not a little busy.

Ta~

Changes

2006-01-06T12:49:51Z

I remember when I first joined SAIA...how happy I was. How proud my parents were. The first day of classes. Meeting and talking with some of the more powerful members of Cubi society. I worked hard to prove myself a top-model student and to impress my superiors. And I recall the pride I felt as those I tutored flourished under my supervision. I never really wanted to go out into the world persay...dealing with adventurers and unkept masses never appealed to me. Which is why for as long as I can remember, it has always been my goal to perhaps one day be a professor myself.

...I suppose it is a bitter irony that what should be the defining day of my four hundred year goal is overshadowed by a heartache caused by a mere sliver of that timespan.

Breaking up. Even when it is you who instigates it...it still seems to hurt. I mean...I care for Merlitz. Perhaps more than I really should. And while it would be easy for me to simply brush it aside as me choosing career over romance...deep down I get the feeling we'd be better off if we broke clean and simple now. It seems the better of all options:

1: Breaking up and going separate ways (and hoping never to cross paths in a time when its Cubi vs. Adventurer...that's just awkwardly tacky)
2: Kill him and seal his soul in some jewelry to keep with me forever (While tempting...I feel oddly uneasy as I know it would upset Merlitz deeply...so no)
3: Kill him and let his soul go into whatever afterlife there is. (Like 2, I feel uneasy at killing him. Granted its the popular way of Cubi/being breakups but still.)
4: Kill eachother in a suicidal love-death-pact. (No)
5: Wipe his memory of me (While Merlitz might deep down be happier from this, all adventurers seem to get really prissy and "my memories are sacred". Go figure that they'd prefer being angsty in their memories than blissful with some lacking.)
6: Keep Merlitz with me at SAIA (Urgh. I'm sure Abel would get a real kick out of that. But no...there are far too many complications and I doubt Merlitz would approve of some Cubi lifestyles)
7: Give up the job and go with Merlitz (Similar to 6, only inverse approval. I can't really see myself as settling down as an adventurer-wife...not to mention on top of that I'd likely outlive Merlitz by far.)

I'm sure there would be other options...but really...its stressful and tiring as is. What's done is done. I'll get over my feelings no doubt and I'm sure sometime later Merlitz will get over his. The sooner he heads back to Lost Lake the better.

Still. It's dreadfully depressing.

Abel

2005-12-05T02:37:37Z

Oh buggering hell...

I suppose it's ironic fate that the one Cubi Merlitz would pick a fight with happens to be Abel. Which I guess is a lucky thing for Merlitz. Still, Abel was the last Cubi I wanted to see during this whole fiasco, much less try to have a confrontation with.

All that would make this whole blasted 'rescue' complete would be for Nirfy to come bounding by. Urgh.

Confrontations

2005-10-14T01:36:06Z

Fa'Lina isn't happy...you can always tell because her form starts to become unstable.

I was worried this was going to happen. However when she didn't do anything the second we arrived onto SAIA, I had sort of hoped she was simply in a very good mood. Moreso after her casual manner while around Merlitz. She can be tolerant of adventurers, but usually she is quick to show her major dislike of them. So I suppose I should be thankful she decided to be formal around Merlitz...

I just hope Merlitz doesn't do anything really dumb while he's wandering around.

Read my lips, read your mind,

2005-10-05T03:30:00Z

I figure I'll give a bit of an expo on the way mind-reading works with Cubi...

Well in the terms of "mind-reading" there are actually 3 various levels.

The most general is thought-reading...which is actually what most beings are guilty of Basically if someone is thinking, the mental pattern is projected like a voice and can be picked up. Hence if you are humming a song in your head or are imagining a pink elephant, a Cubi around you might pick up the tune or comment on it. This however requires no real intrusion and a Cubi can't see anything that one isn't thinking of. (therefore a Cubi wouldnt be able to probe your thoughts with it unless the particular being/creature was actively thinking about it.)

And as one can guess, its not a really reliable method because one can easily think thoughts of the wrong venue as easily as one can speak them. Simple mental exercises can be done to prevent thought-reading, though most will simply add a mental shield with a spell.

Second level requires a bit of skill, and that is where a Cubi can actively prod the mind of someone for data. However its usually done by a method of connections. An active thought of a certain smell can be traced to a particular memory and to a different experience. This method works more on a level of subconcious, requires a lot more skill, but also tends to come up with a whole lot of dead ends due to the connections often being randomly put together in some cases. And unlike the first one, it often requires a bit more cooperation with the subject.

This is also the same level of skill as dream-treading, where a Cubi can wander into a beings dreams...since in a way they are thought-projecting them but the dream contains enough links that a skilled Cubi can pull up stray ideas from the subconcious. It also helps that most beings when asleep are the most relaxed which makes the process a whole lot easier.

Third level is generally a more expert method where a subjects mind is more or less scanned completly. This particular method takes a good amount of time and energy and can actually be pretty dangerous(triply so if the subject is being forced) Only the really powerful or really desparate would bother trying to go for a full mind scan. Granted there are minor versions that only skim certain areas, but the Cubi would need to be really precise in knowing what to look for.

It's slightly ironic in the sense that this particular version is what most beings equate to mind-reading, however it is the method most rarely used by Cubi. (as it requires preparation, and a lot of time/dedication)

Walking...

2005-09-14T06:37:05Z

Been walking forever...if I needed to drink I'd be going "water...need water..."

According to the ratty-mouse girl, we should be getting close soon. Thank God.

The real irony is of course that despite being underground for who knows how long and no other sign of life in sight, I'm still able to get a pretty decent internet access.

Jyrras might be annoying, but I give him credit when it comes to finding a connection.

Mad mad mad.

2005-07-29T02:33:15Z

Everyone is finishing up their packing...I guess that means we'll be leaving soon. I won't lie, I'm in a pretty terrible mood cause of earlier. I found Merlitz packing his things and couldn't help but notice he was bringing along one of his weapons. When confronted about it he said it was something about being prepared for worst scenarios and adventuring habit and some other junk.

Seriously though! What exactly would he be doing in a worst case scenario that would require a flame-blade if all we are doing is going to "talk/find" Dan without any trouble.

Maybe it was just habit. I dont know...I probably should have kept my temper in check. Either way Merlitz isn't talking to me which is going to make this sewer-romp oh so more -wonderful- I just know it. This whole thing is getting more and more foreboding and less like a pleasant visit every minute.

Questions and Answers: 2

2005-07-23T23:01:52Z

Hi again dahlings. Only have a little time to answer questions...we're getting things packed up and ready for their "trip" to the Academy. I admit though even if the reason for the journey is less than ideal, I am a bit excited to going back to see all my friends.

Ok now...question from merryjest :

Considering the misconception that adventurers have about Cubi (ALL Cubi getting their kicks from pain, etc), and their tendency to, well, go after them, I am sure it is not too wild an assumption that the Academy has some sort of pensum that trains its Cubi to identify and deal with Adventurers... you know, something like "The Joy Of Hacks: How To Identify And Deal With Adventurers Before They Deal With You!"

You'd be somewhat right, though the titles are usually more boring than the ones you came up with. Almost all Cubi, even the peaceful ones will take lessons in defense and how to deal with adventurers. There are a few varying levels in that regard, from the simple "stun and flee" approach to more dramatic and epic battle-strategies.

Question from talonr :

What's the difference between feeding off of something's emotions and feeding off of soul-energy? Are both required or is one just more filling than the other or... ?

And are their ever.. *trying to think of term for it* racial cross-breeds? Like... demon/cubi crosses? Angel/cubi, dragon/cubi, gryphon/cubi, things like that?

First question. Emotions and soul energy are rather two different things in a lot of ways. Emotions and just aura-energy(an energy most creatures or beings give off simply by being alive and emotional) are substantial in ways of actual food. A cubi could live very well simply feeding off the emotions of others...in fact many cubi prefer to do that. Emotional feeding is most of the time a passive activity. A cubi doesn't actively have to force emotions(in fact it can often ruin the flavour of certain types) and can just sit back and let emotions surround them. Soul-energy on the other hand is a very hands-on thing and is more 'physical' persay. Cubi don't really use it to "feed" persay so much as it enchances and empowers their magical abilities. It makes them stronger and more powerful, but it doesn't really make them less hungry. Though given enough soul energy, cubi can learn to overcome their dependancy on emotions even.

Second question: It varies from species to species. Angel and Demon have always been easy(no pun intended...much) to crossbreed between themselves, beings, cubi... so a cubi/demon or a cubi/angel crossbreed isn't that uncommon. They generally are just cubi with a particular penchant for either dark or light magic. However...other races aren't exactly genetically compatable even with magic acting as a chaotic counter. I dont think the dragon or insectis race can interspecies breed at all...as well as Gryphons. The firey pheonixs dont really...er...breed...and I've never heard of a Mer-crosspairing. Course I have never heard much of the Mer in general. Mythos will vary...I do remember seing a couple taurish cubi before...Undead cannot breed at all. Never heard of a Were crossbreed...but the Were are also the types to not really be social in the first place. I guess the answer varies. Certain races are completly out due to them being too different to be compatable.

Question from spotweld :

Do all Cubi end up with such keep fashion sense as part of their academy training, or is that just the result of being around long enough to know what looks good as well as feels good?

Heehee. Well most Cubi go through phases. Some will go through a phase where fashion and things are not important to them...others go through a hyper-sense of fashion. It tends to vary. It also doesnt help that the wold outside moves in terms of style much faster than in the Academy. What is stylish now will likely become the big style in 50 years at the Academy. As such, most fashion classes tend to teach the basic principles of good taste rather than what is currently in vogue. Things like symmetry, sense of colours/styles...comfort...as such most cubi leave with a general knowledge of things and are able to choose their personal taste of clothing without having to deal with missing a trend 50 years late.

This has been much fun. I think I will do one more set of questions before I go back to the inane details of my life. Thank you everyone who has had questions so far. Its been very enjoyable.

Question and Answers: 1

2005-07-21T18:09:53Z

jade_darkness :

How do you plan to keep the others from causing havoc and mayham at the acadmy?

Very carefully. If anything I am tempted to see if I can find Fa'Lina and explain the situation and thus the whole thing can be resolved with as little chaos as possible. My biggest concern is of course that like adventurers do, they will probably want to split up. While I think Mab and Pip will be fine...I'm not so sure about the other three...though there is something about the ferret-girl (Wildey? Wilder?) that strikes a chord I can't describe.

Question from talonr :

It's my understanding that Cubi have markings on themselves that reprisent their clan. I'm curious... I'm assuming that Cubi don't normally breed within their own clans, because there's always the possibility of unwanted inbreeding, or I could be wrong and the clans could be so huge that the possibility of that is very rare so they don't worry too much about inter-clan-breeding at which case my question is pointless =0_o= Buuuuut assuming that cubi of two different clans have a kid, which marking does he end up with? Clan marking from the father, clan marking from the mother, one of each, a mixture of the two? Does it have to do with something like which of the two clans is more powerful?

Its generally not common for clans to marry into their own clan. (though there are one or two large enough that it is ok. However there is a slight social taboo even against that) However when two Cubi marry and have a child, the child will often have the marking of the more dominant house. Whichever clan has more magical energy and power behind it usually controls the bloodlines. It should be mentioned though that most clans have a power limit based on numbers. While a large clan can often mean more power, if there are too many Cubi of that clan, lower generations might end up being weaker in magic and skills. So depending on the generation and the goals, most Cubi will try to search for a partner that is beneficial for both sides. Not the most romantic of things I confess...which might explain why a few Cubi prefer to partner with beings on the side.

Question from tug_the_dragon :

Why don't the cubi just feed off each other?

It depends on what you call "feeding" I guess. Anything that has emotions can more or less be considered ideal food by Cubi. One of the reasons the Academy is so recommended nowadays is that it offers an enormous power-boost to those who go there due to the constant emotion spectrum from all the students. It really does give many Cubi a good head start into the world rather than having them need to scrape and become desparate for food/energy/power right off the bat like before. Soul-energy and other forms are more tricky. While it is possible for a Cubi to soul-drain another Cubi, its rather taboo and it usually takes a lot of energy with little gain.(While I'm sure beings don't like their souls being taken, they tend to be much easier targets than someone who can hurl lightning with ease.)

Question from jousterl :

What's the SAIA's policy on technology? Are they as innovative as the next school, or are they strictly magic, and would refuse, say, Jyrras if he were to suddenly display 'cubic tendencies?

Also, is the SAIA more like college in that there's a Don't Ask Don't Tell policy in terms of what goes on outside of class? Or do they care?

SAIA has always been more close to technology and modern times than other schools for Creatures...but even then its a bit under-par in comparison to modern technology. In fact many graduating Cubi will go through a slight culture shock from all the recent technological advances. This has been increasingly moreso though in the past 100 years...as a Cubi going into school when gryphon-carts were the main transportation comes out and discovers cars. There are a few courses from what I heard Fa'Lina was working on that would incorporate more technology into things and research.

To be honest...Jyrras would likely be in a bit of danger if particular Cubi thought he would make an excellent addition to the ranks of Cubi and "turned" him. Sad to say, some creatures aren't so selective or kind when it comes to "inviting" beings into the ranks. (And before you ask, many of the creature races have ways to make a being into one of them. Its just rarely used as its more a bother than anything.)

As for the second question, there isn't much a secret of what goes on...the only secret is how to get there and even that isn't too elusive.(well...it wasnt until I found out there was a basement entrance.) While I'm sure there are a lot of secrets there, they apparently are very well at staying secret. If the walls have ears, they seem to not have a mouth to go with them.

Thats all the questions so far. This is quite fun. If anyone has anymore questions, feel free to ask.

Q & A

2005-07-20T23:10:16Z

Been a while since I typed in this journal...things have been so chaotic and busy and somewhat annoying that I've been too frustrated to post. However I figure I'll spend some time answering questions to anyone if they have any. If there is anything you wish to know about Cubi, myself, anything you think I might have an answer to, just comment and I'll either respond or make a journal entry on it.

Ta dahlings.

Jyrras

2005-06-13T16:38:14Z

It's one thing to have to deal with Mab's little rescue party...but it seems she has decided to invite the little rat that gave Dan one of those patches. I'm not sure how the work, but prior to Dan's abduction he had been using one as an attempt to hide his true nature.

It is kind of ironic in the sense that once a Cubi graduates half the time they go out into the world hiding their true nature...but usually for other reasons. If the little pest wasn't so blasted annoying I probably would have liked to have tested to see if patches could hide clan markings as that would really offer a boon to the Cubi race in terms of disguise. Though judging from Jyrras, I doubt he'd really want to offer any real help to our race if he knew exactly why most Cubi would want to hide their markings.

Blah. This whole thing is going from bad to worse.

Bah! BAH!

2005-05-15T03:20:59Z

Mraww....sorry for such a late journal entry. Things have been just too...annoyingly busy.

Dan's been abducted and Mab seems determined to rescue him though I've tried to tell her that it is a very unwise choice for many reasons. Apparently to make things worse and a bit wierder, she has gained allies with a group of small rats that were living in the basement with Dan.

As a side note...why was Dan living in a basement? It seems so...urgh. It gives a very bad impression and isn't very cultured at all.

But back to the subject. Mab will likely get a few other friends to go with her...which is odd. I am pretty sure if a Fae wanted access to the Academy the board would comply as long as certain regulations were followed. Sometimes no one realizes the paperwork involved in such a thing. For example, if -I- wanted to make a visit, I would have to put in a formal request for visitation and wait for a Warp-Aci response or assistance from a registered Academy member. Only those enrolled in the Academy can warp to and from it easily, or those with proper access. Mab could easily request a visitation and I doubt the Academy would turn her away as Fa'Lina has always been open to opening connections and outreaching.

Urgh...I just know this whole thing is going to involve trudging through some sort of sewers. How those would lead to the Academy is anyones guess but I just know it will. I always does.

Either way, I will probably go with. If not for visiting myself, just to keep whoever Mab takes with her out of trouble.

BAH!

Fa'Lina?!

2005-04-25T05:32:35Z

You'll never believe what a day this has been so far! Well...you probably will since most of you probably won't know who I'm talking about. But anyways.

I was having a picnic with Mab and Azlan when Mab's pet came up and started making quite a fuss. After a brief skirmish with Azlan(the little thing seems to hate anything male...though I am guessing he'd hate anything in general given a chance) it told Mab that Dan had been kidnapped. Which struck me as odd for a moment since even if Dan was a bit of a novice in Cubi ways, his adventuring abilities should have been able to make him quite a challenge to disable.

But apparently his attacker was another Cubi...which was even wierder. Cubi very rarely kidnap other Cubi. And even if one did, once again Dan's adventuring skills would probably have caused some nasty scuffle. Though there would be no reason since Dan seems to know nothing about Cubi that I doubt he'd have encountered any to get any sort of reason for contact.

At least thats what I thought until Mab asked me to alter my looks to match her drake's description. It only took me so long to realize who I was turning into since Fa'Lina is a name most Cubi know quite well. (In hindsight I feel rather dim for not realizing it sooner when the first description was simply "pink poodle") It makes a bit more sense since Dan would have been due to be accepted into the Academy around this time and since Fa'Lina is the owner...

Actually it doesn't make much sense at all. Fa'Lina hardly EVER leaves the Academy herself. Usually she'd send some sort of Warp-Aci creature she is fond of in a letter. Perhaps it is because of Destania that she decided to go personally. I know it couldn't be an adventurer thing since Dan isn't the first Cubi who was originally an unwilling adventurer. Urgh...I seriously hope Dan doesn't throw the amount of fits the previous adventurers did on their arrival.

Anywaaaays. Fa'Lina making an appearence herself is quite rare so this must be an interesting event. It isn't like she needs to go out anymore, heck, she probably is more at risk than she normally is by doing so. Hopefully though she's still around. I remember her from my Academy days and I must say she was probably the most delightful Cubi I had ever known. A bit quirky and hard to read, but I guess that comes with the title.

I best run though. I think Mab is wanting to know about Fa'Lina herself some.

Considering Mab's race and age though I would think she'd already know though. Ah well. Ta dahlings!

Faith

2005-04-22T23:09:48Z

Urgh...I will never understand some beings. Every so often when going around I seem to always find the one cleric or priest or whatever warrior who is simply convinced that simply spraying me down with water blessed by whatever god/gods they follow will render me dead or vulnerable. It is often the case more with Light-based followers than Dark based, though I do remember one incident where a follower of Vrrn tried to lob a holy symbol at me. Considering the symbol was etched onto a vase and how much that hurt...that follower soon found out that it takes more than faith to take down something with sharp claws and a very angry mood.

Don't get me wrong...there are many times when a faithful follower is able to channel great power through their relics and symbols and I have seen and heard of many instances where a particularly potent cleric was able to defeat a demon with their pendant. What many beings fail to mention is that most of those clerics also come weilding big pointy clubs and the pendant doesn't actually do much other than to neutralize the opposite alignment magical forces. (There are also many tales of a cleric going into battle only to find out shortly that his opponent wields two elements of magic)

One simply cannot grab some sprinkled water or scratch a symbol onto things and expect it to become a powerful weapon of destruction. It takes years and years of devotion and practice and learning in ones faith to gain a link to their diety in order to transfer some of the gods energy into said things and even then one shouldn't rely solely on such trinkets.

Relying too heavily on magic or relics or faith or anything in particular leaves you vulnerable if you suddenly find yourself in a spot where those things are not able to help you. Then again I suppose it is a good thing most beings don't get that otherwise who knows how many creatures would lose a meal or a fight against someone dumb enough to think the magical necklace given to them by a wise old man to protect them from magic attacks is nothing more than a giant "kick me" sign around their neck.

Picnics!

2005-04-18T03:22:22Z

Earlier Mab invited me to go on a picnic with her and Azlan. It is quite nice to be able to socialize with other creatures. Don't get me wrong, being around Merlitz is wonderful...but there is just something nice about being able to talk about magical things with other magical beings.

I think this will be a nice day. *smiles*

Wings and Heads and Headwings

2005-04-12T21:26:14Z

In some of the comments, someone mentioned that they notice Cubi with feathered wings tend to have the tentacles resemble animal heads where as batwings tend to be more claws.

The reason for there being claws or clubs or spades or heads or kitchen sinks on the ends of some Cubi tentacles tends to be based more around their clan than the actual feather/batwing...though obviously feathered/batwings also tend to base around clans too so it isn't too far off.

Tentacles that tend to have extra "heads" so to say usually represent a clan that still has its founder alive. A clan is started usually by one(or two) incredibly powerful Cubi who were able to ascend into getting tri-wings thus were then able to assert the power into their own clan thus creating a new one. Clans that still have their founder alive tend to be more powerful and higher up in status than a clan who's founder has been slain(while really really hard to do, it does tend to happen quite a bit sadly) While the clan is usually still pretty powerful, it will start to fade and they will lose some traits unless they become a member of another clan who still has a founder or the original founder's power is transferred to another clan-member. More often than not though, the events that cause a founder to be destroyed tend to leave no chance of transferring.

My particular clan lost its founder well over 24,000 years ago if I remember right in a fight between a dragon-clan. I'm not really sure of the details anymore because one side said it was our Founder attempting to gather even more power from the Dragon Race and another side said it was a double-cross and a third side said it was an assassination from another clan. Conspiracy theories abound. My clan tends to transform our wings into claws and blades though a few of our more powerful and talented ones have been able to simulate the heads...but it takes a lot more energy and concentration as well as the fact the tentacle must be fully manipulated by the Cubi, where as a natural head-tentacle comes quite easily and can act very much like its own entity.

As for the headwings themselves, I'm still unsure myself. There are some rumours and jokes about them being like magic antenni or just decoration or a symbol of the chaotic magics, but all in all they seem to have no especially vital function that I know of. Then again some Cubi who are much higher up in power likely would have a possible reason.

Heehee...

2005-04-09T03:19:50Z

I think I found one of those quizzes Dan was talking about...it does a little dance!

Dance the night away by karchan85
Name
What you Look like
The Music	The Music in your Head

Quiz created with MemeGen!

Hmmm...makes me want to get one of those outfits now...

Bah.

2005-04-08T05:19:19Z

I really need to work on a new outfit. As much as I do love evening gowns, it might be nice to have something more than my black or purple style or the pink shirt/jeans combination. *sigh* I used to be much more creative in designing outfits...perhaps I should go look around for some inspiration...

Quiet...

2005-04-04T05:05:57Z

It's been rather boring these past few days...rather unsettling really. Normally there is something going on. Either a gryphon spotting or a demon battle or something that causes the general stir of beings and creatures.

I've tried watching some of this television things, but it is rather dreary since the device only reflects images and sounds and nothing of the actual emotion or thoughts radiating from the actors themselves. What is the point of watching someone be emotional or entertaining when you can't even feel it? Rather similar to a mirage in the desert...an empty temptation. But I guess some beings enjoy the thing, I'll stick to theatre.

Though that does bring up an interesting thing. Merlitz took me to a movie theatre a while back and it was rather interesting. At first I thought it was going to be like watching tv but then the audience started getting into it. Though it was very odd, since while the audience's reaction would generally reflect the actors, some would vary into very strange results. The best moment was when a strange ringing noise started going off. I wasn't sure what it was, but apparently the entire audience did as their emotions literally shifted to extreme agitation. Then a voice started talking out loud in the middle of the whole theatre and the agitation turned to deep smoldering rage. I almost started laughing since the scene in the movie was suppose to be this highly romantic and heartfelt moment but I was getting an emotional feedback of murder.

Theatre is always nice, though live action theatre still is best.

Old friends...

2005-03-31T05:56:22Z

It just dawned on me how long it has been since I last contacted my old friends at the Academy. I was in such a rush to find Destania that I more or less departed the same day as Graduation.

I really should visit, or at least write and see how everyone is. Most Cubi after their first graduation stick around even longer since the environment tends to give off more than enough energy to last a while. It isn't really surprising for the better students to end up getting a career somewhere in the Academy itself after graduating. I confess before Destania left I myself had plans to become a teacher...but I guess those days are gone. When a Cubi goes off into the world, they tend to rarely come back to settle at the Academy.

But I really should write, I bet many of my old classmates are still enrolled even. It hasn't been that long since I left, definitely less than 30...a rather short time when one thinks about it. It just is so hard going through and trying to locate the proper addresses and make that first step to recontacting. Course it seems just as hard to make new friends, especially ones that are guaranteed to live long enough...

Has anyone else had a problem of moving away and losing touch with old friends?

Clothing for the Cubi.

2005-03-29T04:18:02Z

I should make a note that someone in the comments last time asked about clothing effects and if they tear as an illusion, would it not hurt? Many beginning cubi have a hard time adjusting into such complex things as clothing as it requires a good deal of background knowledge of the material...as well as an ability to discern different types of morphing. It is easy to make one look like they are wearing a shirt, but it takes a bit of skill to make it so that it won't bleed if it gets torn. A good example of how would be with hair. It doesn't hurt to get a haircut, but a cubi can alter it to whatever degree they desire. By that same logic, a Cubi simply needs to adjust certain aspects of what they have as if it was their hair. A lot more complex and complicated no doubt, but it almost always pays off to add this extra touch. Once a Cubi is able to differentiate things like that, some higher levels are even able to go so far as to "remove" the outfit and later absorb it at their choosing. One particular Cubi at the Academy I remember had a deep love of making her own "clothes" dance...especially if another being or Cubi was so unfortunate enough to put it on...

Most Cubi though even with the skill prefer to wear normal clothes. It is convenient...and likewise once a cubi becomes high enough leveled they can adapt the outfit as part of them temporarily to morph it. However "absorbing" exterior items tends to be more draining than beneficial, especially since it is temporary and the Cubi are unable to absorb anything living. Not many creatures have a natural ability to morph their outfits, I think the Were race is the only one who have an innate ability and even that is restricted. (It makes sense though if one thinks about it. How awkward it would be if a Were was to morph and all of their clothes go ripping off...)

Speaking of clothes, I really should get Merlitz to go shopping with me. Maybe if I promise not to threaten the salesclerks endless torture in the abyss this time he'll go...

Clan Markings

2005-03-25T07:10:19Z

When I was younger my parents used to always joke about how I was three times the cubi I should have been. My particular clan, "Hrienth", has the symbol of the purple moon which is located on my shoulder. Though by some twist I also have two purple moon symbols on each cheek as well as Moonesque shapes on my earts and eyelids. However whenever I alter my looks I can leave those particular designs off if I desired.

The marking on the other hand...

I never fully understood why our clan symbol would lead to such a bothersome slipup. It is really the only thing we cannot fully alter(though I hear the really really REALLY powerful Cubi have gained that ability...none that I have met though) We can wear clothes over it, but if we were to alter our physical appearance with pseudo-clothing (Basically many outfits a cubi wears can actually just be part of the actual Cubi since in times of distress, it is far easier to morph ones entire self and their outfit than just themselve and have to deal with the outfit), the marking would appear on the fabric even.

It used to be that it was the surefire way to spotting a cubi. After all. If a large bright coloured symbol is on your girlfriends back, it might very likely not be a tatoo.

One of these days I'll have to show up a list of the various clans and their marking symbols. Theres a few though so I'm being lazy this night. Personally I'm quite happy with the purple moon on my shoulder. It would have been a pain if it was one of the moons on my face. How can a decent succubus pretend to be ANYTHING with a bright purple moon on her face wherever she goes...

Got to have soul...

2005-03-22T06:02:37Z

I always seem to get asked "what is the deal with souls? Why do cubi like souls so much?" so I figured that would make for an interesting entry. To help me illustrate my point I found some nice images from a game I've recently been playing (quite fun!) so hopefully it will make some clearer sense.

Ok...here you have your average succubus...looking all pretty and proper and ready to go in the maze of someones dream. Overall it can be a rather confusing place but a fully skilled cubi should have no problem.

Now those little power pellets...lets say those are emotions. Highly tasty, and offering a cubi energy to get a cubi to another level of power. A cubi can very easily live on nothing but power pellets...er..emotions with no real hazard to their health...however they are only a small energy source.

These things...lets say they are rivals, or adventurers. They don't like you going into dreams and feeding off emotions...so they are going to try to stop you at all costs. And it really does seem that even if you kill them, they just keep coming back. Very annoying.

Now there...there are souls. Much harder to come by than emotions...but they offer an incredible surge of energy and power that many Cubi will use to power their bigger spells and tricks. The only downside is they are a lot more difficult to obtain and while emotions can be harvested easily(to the point they don't even notice at all), most will take mind when you are trying to dislodge their soul from their body. Ah well...

As for this...to be honest I'm not sure. Maybe Merlitz. He is quite rare and tasty. I suppose I should have though more into this. Ah well. Hopefully I made some sense. It seemed like a much more fun idea than simply writing on and on and on the boring details.

Journal Block

2005-03-21T05:47:38Z

Hmph. Does anyone else out there ever feel compelled to write something but have no notion of what one should write about? It seems so wasteful to have a journal like this and then to not write anything worthwhile. And everytime I sit down to jot something down, I'm left with some form of writers block. I mean...I could go on and on about meaningless things of past but those are so dreadfully long-winded and boring.

This is really most aggravating...then again there seems to be a lot of aggravation in the air around this area recently.

Hmph. Very very Hmph.