Chronicla/1/1 (Lorica)

Chapter 1: The Prince Gone Incognito

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:25%%.png]]


 * In the Citadel's High Court. An angry emperor presides over a meeting and demands to know why Altair still hasn't found a wife.
 * Altair sets his sights really, really high - coupled with his smarts, and that means finding a suitable wife is next to impossible.


 * Renin tries to calm them down but instead is threatened with loss of his title if Altair doesn't find a wife within the week.
 * Altair and Renin set out the next morning and walk around Originum (capital), but Altair fails to find a suitable woman.
 * Three days later, they teleport over to Irisfal, which is holding the vestal virgin search for all of northwest Ethaya.
 * Altair and Renin get a good spot; Altair 'tags' all the contestants, the search is underway, during which Qura is slightly scarred.
 * Altair meets up with all the chosen vestals one by one at "dates" without revealing his true identity. (Qura has been excluded.)
 * Altair isn't pleased by the chosen vestals. Renin obtains info on who all the contestants are, and they set off in search of them all.

Chapter 2: Turning of Age

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * Flashback to 2 weeks ago (which lasts for a few chapters). Qura and Tyl are in a heated game of 'Magick'.
 * It's also one of children's favorite games - but frowned upon by parents who are worried they'll get 'ideas'.


 * Just as Qura is about to win, their parents berate them for playing Magick and end the party early. Tyl leaves.
 * Qura returns to studying Prismatic; she already knows the material well, has even begun developing mana for air magic...
 * Prismatic is the main religious tome of Lorica which sets social rules and is required for using air magic (priesthood).


 * Qura's parents have a talk with Qura about Magick, which quickly heats into an argument about becoming a Mage.
 * Qura argues that her dream is to be a mage - and talks about how she already has "it all planned out".


 * Sara also states that no one (most people) knows just what being a mage entails, while being a wife/priestess is obvious.
 * Teal prevents Qura from protesting and orders that Qura's free spirit must be subdued (by marrying her off).
 * Qura goes to sleep weeping over her powerlessness of being a girl in a male-dominated society, and being unable to escape.

Chapter 3: Brideshow

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * A day later Teal comes in saying he's already found Qura a husband, and the Elysants begin carting in bride-price.
 * Qura tries to resist. Furious, Teal punishes Qura via blood magic, then orders her to cook lunch and sew her skirt.
 * A skirt is a symbol of delicateness and Qura hates being forced to wear it. In reality it is also a symbol of the nobility.
 * After having seen what Magick (the game) has to offer, it's impossible for Qura to be content as a submissive wife.
 * Qura finds such work denigrating and futile, and Sara shouts at her when she works carelessly (thinking of Maging).


 * Shortly after lunch parents take Qura to the Elysants. She is afraid of being with strangers (and her future masters).
 * Qura had been told by Teal to behave or she would be punished, which is at odds with Qura's 'free' personality.


 * They start off by having Qura sing and dance for them. While Qura is embarrassed, Teal and the Elysants enjoy it.
 * Paul Elysant (the husband-to-be) tries to court Qura (who isn't responsive); her parents say she will adjust in time.
 * Then Qura is told to look after and teach the family's youngest, 8-year-old Nick Elysant, as her brideshow.
 * This takes the form of teaching basic algebra - something Qura has to teach herself before teaching it to Nick.


 * Everything being all right, the wedding takes place and Qura is bonded (submissively) to Paul via blood magic.

Chapter 4: A Taste of the High Life

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * Within days it's apparent to the Elysants Qura doesn't enjoy her status as wife, but Paul doesn't want to harm her.
 * Instead, Paul challenges her to try surviving on her own after an argument about what what women 'should' be able to do.


 * Qura goes around looking for a job but doesn't qualify for any of them, b/c she's female, has no experience, and is weak.
 * The only job that works for her is as a local waitress. After a crash course she starts handling customers.
 * Qura lands herself an assignment to look after Darryl (a local admin and kleptocrat with bad tempers, and a womanizer).
 * Overhearing the customers, Qura handles herself very well and soon is tending after the officials (and learns their ways).
 * The officials play a game of chess. Qura, being very attractive, soon gets them teaching her how to play and learns quickly.
 * Qura is also made aware of the vestal ceremony happening in just one week, and decides to convince Paul to attend.
 * Next day her parents come in and immediately realize what she's up to. They tell bad lies about her to the boss, Qura protests.
 * Qura is punished for 'filial nonpiety' and fired. She returns in defeat to Paul and for the moment the Elysants think it's settled.
 * Qura spends only one day at the restaurant. Looking back she realizes that she can't be satisfied as a commoner either.


 * The Elysants over-tirade her and Qura finds her new family unbearable. She is made to teach Nick more algebra/geometry.

Chapter 5: Vestal Virgins

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * A week later Qura and friend Tyl arrive at Irisfal for the vestal ceremony along with Paul (who wants to see belles).
 * The vestal position is a third alternative for women to take (after wife hood and priesthood) and smiled upon.


 * Once they get there Qura tries to abandon Paul (whom she doesn't have much interest in) and participate in the ceremony.
 * The position requires perfect beauty and adeptness at air magic. Qura has both and wants to escape marriage this way.


 * At the first test Tyl is disqualified b/c she doesn't know air magic; Paul is stopped from entering for the virgins' safety.
 * Vestal virgins are given significant air-magic and water-magic powers, but women must be totally unmarred to become one.


 * Qura's exceptional beauty stands out as she lines up for the second (beauty) test. They are in plain view of the public.
 * Paul throws a rock at her, it bruises her, and Qura is disqualified. Paul then berates her for trying to abandon him. They leave.
 * Spirit not crushed, Qura decides to try waitressing again, this time at a restaurant in Iutarru, and gets off to a good start.

Chapter 6: Saphrona's Jewel

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:75%%.png]]


 * Shortly thereafter Altair uses true magic to locate Qura and enters (acting as a commoner) along with Renin.
 * Immediately they strike up an exquisite dialogue filled with hidden meaning. Qura has no idea that Altair is the prince.
 * Qura acts the way she does because she has had a good experience with the local officials and doesn't like her husband.


 * They then get around to playing a game of chess (also filled with hidden meaning). Altair totally falls in love with her.
 * Altair (a mediocre chess player) is defeated at the game and dejectedly ports to the Citadel (Renin is terrified).
 * When questioned by Jet, Altair claims that he's found his wife and will bring her over the next day (gray lie).
 * The next day Altair and Renin port back to the restaurant. Altair, finding Qura working in a backroom, play chess with her.
 * Altair reveals his dragon brooch (indicative of his royal status), which totally freaks Qura out, causing her to lose the match.
 * Altair spirits a stunned/terrified Qura off to the Citadel without Paul knowing about it.

Chapter 7: The Prince's New Bride

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:25%%.png]]


 * The entire time Altair and Renin fool Qura into thinking she's going to be executed for playing chess with Altair (a crime).
 * The Citadel rises out of Laga Originum with all its grandeur to welcome Qura's arrival to the palace.
 * Qura is brought over to the Citadel's wedding temple all the while thinking it is the execution stand.
 * Then suddenly, with a pleased Jet present, Altair 'rescues' Qura, who 'romantically' falls into his arms (before slapping him).
 * Qura is coronated a princess and enchanted with the hex-set Reginylgyna (which has several important functions).

Chapter 8: So You Want to Be a Mage

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * Qura lays on her bed, totally stunned by what had just transpired, and wonders exactly what it's all about.
 * Qura, now a member of the royalty, gets treated as such, being given jewelry, a squad of handmaidens, etc.
 * Qura wanders around the Citadel, getting used to the place and learning about the royal family and royal high magic.
 * Qura meets Altair again and talk about this entire event while saying she wants to be a Mage. Altair says that's for princes.
 * Jet summons them, and assigns Altair to Probe the channeling Academy of Invara, and Altair orders Qura to come with him.
 * They fly all the way to Invara. Qura wants to get a crash course in magic but Altair refuses, saying it's not for her.
 * Qura gets into an argument with Altair moments after they leave the city. Qura ends up desperate to learn about it.
 * Qura tries to get away from Altair but he easily summons her back to him. Qura makes life unbearable for him.
 * Qura declares she doesn't want to see Altair again and will set off on her own. Altair lets her realizing she is adamant.
 * Right before she leaves, Altair teaches how to be safe (which is another term for a teleport spell); Qura doesn't realize it.

Chapter 9: Flight of the Clipped Bird

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * Now deep in the woods, Qura is at peace with nature, feeling utterly free from parental rules and confines.
 * She arrives at the edge of a lake and, while taking a late-evening bath, finds a Pulsphere and gets blinded.
 * It's been hours of trekking and dark, so she starts a fire and eats; looking at her map dismays her (no progress).
 * Then she hears the sounds of wolves - ill omen in wild areas - and panics, running off blindly without her stuff.
 * Qura, terrified, gets chased up a tree by a pack of wolves. The wolves take turns watching. Qura makes to sleep.
 * Morning. The wolves are gone. She almost gets down - and they pounce back. A long wait ensues. Qura is hungry.
 * Seeing a campfire a long way off, she takes to screaming for help until she goes hoarse, uses Pulsphere as a beacon.
 * Richard (at the campfire) hears and comes to her aid. He easily dispatches of the wolves via channeling.
 * Richard was going to study at Invara Academy. Qura wants to join and together they go there, planning to study.
 * As they continue on their journey Richard starts teaching Qura the basics of channeling and basic moves.

Chapter 10: Invara Academy

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * They finally reach an inn at Invara just in time after two weeks of traveling, Richard being her all that time.
 * Qura now trusts Richard deeply for he has taken good care of her and even taught her to be okay at channeling.


 * They and many others register at the Academy the next morning. They take a quiz which determines their focus.
 * When asked who Qura is, she replies that she's a princess, which the registrar totally does not believe.


 * Before school begins, the principal urges the newcomers not to fight each other like every class before them did.
 * Qura's air channeling teacher Rigel is a nice lady and Qura instantly builds friendship with her. Richard is into earth.
 * The Academy's environment is very different from those in most towns; the students are free to do as they like.


 * The air channeling class practices wind dances. Qura makes quite a few friends who are also into air.
 * Qura is into air magic because it connects with her endless aspirations and dreams.

Chapter 11: Elemental Chemistry

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * That evening a fight breaks out in the dorm regarding students' magic abilities. Qura identifies bullies as enemies.
 * Qura stays out of the fight even as her friends are beaten up because she has never fought and doesn't want to.


 * That evening they are given a dorm based on their focus. Qura's dorm-mates are all air channelers and soon friends.
 * Expecting the fire channelers to strike again, they help each other improve their wind dances (which is protective).
 * The next day they have to take the other 3 (nonfocus) classes. Qura learns fire, earth, and water channeling; it's hard.
 * Walking on water; igniting fire; molding earth. Qura is barely successful at them; in fact few are.


 * In earth class the fire bullies take on the air and water channelers. Qura's air channeling isn't very effective.
 * The water channelers use the nearby beach to their advantage, but both they and air channelers are on the defensive.


 * However, when Qura becomes their target she wills it all to stop and suddenly everyone is frozen in time, to her awe.

Chapter 12: Chasing Shadows

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * Qura has fled into her room in shocked confusion. Rigel soon follows to Qura's room and asks how she managed to do it.
 * Qura replies she has no idea. Rigel expresses worry and offers to give Qura escorts to "protect" her. Qura refuses.


 * After Rigel leaves, Qura rushes to practice with using the freezing magic, and gradually gets used to it.
 * For once she realizes just how much her royal magic is overpowered compared to all else. Puts things in perspective.


 * That afternoon as her roommates return they ask her what happened; she lies, saying she has no clue.
 * Early morning on day 3, the fire channelers launch a sneak attack, and Qura wakes up to find herself sedated.
 * The place burns down, but Qura is too weak to call for help. It seems a miracle that she survived the fire in her state.
 * Qura storms into Orange Dorm, halting attacks in midair, freezes the fire channelers and interrogates them.
 * At lunch Rigel treats the class to some wine (which isn't illegal). Suspecting attempted poisoning, Qura drops dirt in hers.
 * Then she asks for the wine Rigel already drank from and gets it. Halfway through class Qura collapses from the poison.

Chapter 13: Flaw in the Trap

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * Richard rushes Qura to the local healers, and she is restored. The healers claim that the poison should have killed her.
 * The principal, Tiresias, meets Qura and voices his suspicion that Rigel is up to something more dire than just killing Qura.
 * Together with the air channelers who share the Violet Dorm, they devise a plot that would reveal Rigel.
 * The plan is for Rigel to stumble upon a captive and alone Qura, whereupon she would try to kill her - but then the others
 * would intercept, with the principal bearing witness.


 * Shortly after they bind Qura, the air channelers are entrapped and defeated by water channelers, who then free Qura.
 * Rigel happens upon them at roughly the same time, and starts fighting the water channelers who appear to be binding her.
 * With superior magic Rigel defeats the others, then proceeds to free Qura. Qura says the water channelers didn't do it.
 * Instead she claims the fire channelers did so, and Rigel goes off to roundly beat them. Qura no longer knows who to trust.
 * Later, Qura goes to meet the water channelers, claiming the fire channelers did it. They call her BS and drag out an
 * air channeler, Kay, who had evidently spilled the beans on Qura's plan because she believed it was too risky for Qura.


 * Qura flees out of Blue Dorm with the enraged water channelers in pursuit.

Chapter 14: The Turncoat

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * Qura waits for the turncoat to return to their dorm, too angry to sleep. When Kay arrives, Qura lambasts her.
 * When she chastises Qura back, accusing her of having a very bad plan, an outraged Qura zaps Kay with lightning.
 * Having entirely surprised herself with this act of murder, Qura lets the air channelers bind and take her to see the principal.


 * Teresias and Rigel argue over her punishment; Rigel wants her executed for witchcraft but Teresias wants Qura to live.
 * Qura is put in the Academy dungeon. Rigel comes and laments that Qura had to do so many bad things.
 * These are things Qura never actually did, so she believes someone has been feeding Rigel lies.
 * Rigel turns Qura's cell into an icy prison. But before Qura suffers from hypothermia she manages to blink and teleport.


 * She suddenly finds herself naked in Altair's hotel room. After getting dressed, she reveals what had happened.
 * Qura asks about the spells she's been using and Altair explains it's all because of Reginylgynae, and that there's more.
 * Qura has by now been partially reconciled with Altair - as long as he doesn't get in the way of her free spirit.

Chapter 15: Revelation

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * The next day, Qura returns, while Altair arrives as a "late student". Qura tells everyone she's looking for Rigel.
 * When Rigel fails to show up, she is convinced Rigel is trying to kill her. Meeting up with Tiresias, they find Rigel.
 * Tiresias overcomes and kills Rigel with Qura's consent, saying that everything will now return to normal.
 * Along with her friends, they go into Rigel's room looking for stuff a rogue mage would take, but don't see them.
 * Suspicious, Qura rushes into Tiresias's room and finds the man entirely petrified, and rushes out in fear.
 * Qura talks to Altair, saying how Rigel must have done this. Annoyingly however, Altair is not paying much attention.
 * When Qura is indignant at having been treated so, Altair tells Qura that Tiresias was the rogue mage, telling his story:
 * Altair, having heard Qura's story, meanwhile wasn't convinced. In a duel with Tiresias, he forces the principal to slip.
 * Tiresias casts magic to protect himself from high magic (creae darta) that only rogue magi would know to be deadly.
 * Qura had been sent in first because Tiresias knew which face to watch out for (Altair) and would then cease his work.
 * But with Qura going in first, Tiresias's "alarm" didn't go off and so he let slip his desire to capture Qura for knowledge.


 * Altair forces Tiresias to confess, then uses a golden scroll to bring his verdict: death.

Chapter 16: Reunion

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * Before leaving, Qura says she wants to meet her family again. The trio fly to Bahasa, enjoying the scenery.
 * A few hours later they have arrived. The Tranquilaes are shocked to see how far Qura has come.
 * Only now has Paul finally returned from Iutarru, and gathering his allies, comes to seek retribution.
 * The Elysants demand Qura be returned to them and speak badly of whoever snatched Qura from Paul.
 * This of course makes Altair angry but he keeps it to himself until after the Elysants claim they'll kill "that person".
 * Then Altair reveals himself and the Elysants are suddenly terrified and apologize profusely, running away.


 * They flee. Altair gives the family a bride-gift - a royal haircomb and a decorative scroll with his writing on it.

Chapter 17: Anatomy of a Spell

 * Planning: [[Image:100%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]


 * Teleporting back to the Citadel at Originum, the two are greeted by cheers. King Jet congratulates them.
 * Altair tells Jet about Qura's role in it all. Jet is at first displeased, but then gives Qura a gift: a weird.


 * Altair tells Qura that the royal family wants its magic to stay low-profile, and that Qura must control her magic.
 * In their own rooms, Altair is working with his spells and Qura is in a nearby room, learning how to use the weird.
 * Remembering creae darta, she uses it - and ends up shooting herself. Altair rushes to the rescue, rapidly healing her.
 * When Qura awakens, Altair tells her a gray lie about what happened, leaving Qura unsure healing magic was used.
 * Seeing Qura is adamant on learning magic, Altair teaches Qura a lot - enough for her to ponder on for a while.
 * Qura wanders around the Citadel, casting magic throughout its parks and extending the concepts she's learned.
 * Qura meets up with Renin, who gives a proper introduction and is quick to befriend her and teach her more magic.

Chapter 18: ?

 * Planning: [[Image:0%%.png]] | Writing: [[Image:0%%.png]]

<!--
 * Qura can't stand staying in the family anymore and losing her freedom, later takes her belongings, and runs away.

Chapter 3: Be Witch Or Warlock

 * Morning. Qura and Richard arrive at Bahasa but are diverted by the cries of a 'rain shaman' (target of a chant).
 * The priests won't stand for this, so high priest Old Randy takes the challenge, using air magic to bring a drizzle.
 * Qura and co. watch with awe as the 'rain shaman' brings a downpour out of clear sky, but also are suspicious of him.
 * Amazed, Qura and several others rush to ask the shaman questions, but the shaman acts like he's very secretive.
 * Priests convict the shaman a warlock. He is tied to the stake but the fire doesn't harm him.
 * Qura is frightened by the prospect of becoming a Mage only to be thus executed.


 * Since Protect From Fire is air magic, 'obviously' he is trusted by the deities. Then the priests chop his head off.
 * Teal is attracted by the commotion and goes there. He finds Qura and drags her unhappily home.

Chapter 6: To Leave Or To Stay

 * Tyl is shocked to find Qura chained, and rushes off to get a lock-picker, who quickly sets Qura free.
 * But Qura locks herself back up and startles Tyl by saying that her parents were right; there's only two paths.
 * Tyl then tries to reason with Qura, who knows there's few things a girl can become but wants to be a Mage.
 * Tyl tells her about the premier Academy at Invara (for channeling) and suggests they go there one day.
 * Qura knows she can't successfully run away, but the priesthood would offer her safety and welcome.
 * Qura runs to Bahasa's Temple and is welcomed by the priest at the gate.

Chapter 10: Fall Of Innocence

 * Arrival at another village along the way. The three go looking for jobs separately.


 * Tyl is too "fresh" or weak or amateur to find an entry level job as a tailor, farm hand, aide, herbalist, etc.
 * She realizes that getting a job is incredibly time-consuming and tedious, thinks her parents might be right after all.
 * Tyl finally comes across a restaurant and temps as a waitress, paying a ripoff 50g for a worthless uniform (IOU).
 * The restaurant work is just as hard, all tips must be given to the boss, and the boss ill-treats her as well.
 * Being a waitress is barely better than being a slave - Tyl is forced to be subservient to customers.


 * Tyl breaks several teapots by accident and is forced to pay 25g for them (IOU) and is fired without any pay.
 * Her uniform is confiscated. In protest, Tyl uses her channeling to attack the boss. The boss calls the guards.
 * The guards easily subdue Tyl and shut her in the same prison cell as other criminals. They abuse and terrify her.
 * Paul comes to the rescue, paying off Tyl's debts. Tyl realizes she doesn't have a path outside of marriage.
 * Qura returns, showing the money she earned from working as a governess. Tyl has a surge of hope.
 * Qura mentions the various things she taught (and learned) at her job (mostly algebra and geometry).

Chapter 11: Breaking Away

 * A week later, they get to Oraganta, sustaining themselves as tramps. They tour Oraganta's large Temple.
 * Qura enters to see if she can become a vestal virgin. Paul won't let this happen and scars her, ruining her chances.
 * This makes them sore enemies. Qura is distrustful of Paul, and with Tyl they run off to another tavern that night.
 * Their parents are notified by blood magic of their escape, and set out by horse once again to intercept them.

Chapter 12: Finding Friends and Family
-->
 * Qura and Tyl find refuge in Richard's hideout and are welcomed and introduced to the gang.
 * Richard gives Qura money and an escort to go to a tailor's and get proper (better) clothes.
 * For the first time in weeks, Qura is treated to a feast (gang member induction) and eats like a pig.
 * While Qura massages Richard's back, the gangsters tell each other what they did or saw that day.
 * Qura then tells the others her story, says she's interested in magic. Richard mentions a friend who's an alchemist.
 * Richard decides to ride off with Qura to nearby Telia, making Michael his temporary lieutenant.
 * After packing their belongings and getting supplies (and healing gems), the trio ride north.