Episode 6
Warlock Episode 6: Prodigy
Nova: Warlock Episode 6, Prodigy
Mendel: After an eventful morning, Indy led Class Red to the dormitory, a large featureless building on the edge of the training field. As they approached the building, Nova caught up to Ren.
Nova: So let me get this straight, these recruits are all sorcerers?
Ren: Yeah, just not as skilled as the ones who got into the Tower like us. Maybe they don’t have as much myst, or weak control of their legacy. Think of them as level 0. It goes: recruit, then novice, then sorcerer, then master. We just happened to jump straight to novice.
Nova: Oh, that makes sense. I’m surprised Xarion didn’t send me here instead.
Ren: Probably because he sees the same spark in you that I did. Teach may annoy the hell outta me but he’s got a sharp eye.
Indy: How long have you had your legacy?
Nova: Um, a week.
Indy: A week? I’ve had mine for 6 years and I’m not as skilled as you are! Here, let me get that door for you.
Mendel: As they entered the front door, the recruits quickly returned to their chores, but their eyes kept darting over to them, weak attempts to mask their awe of the three students.
Ren: *sigh* Alright go ahead, but make it quick will ya? We got places to be.
Recruits: Wow, that was incredible blah blah blah.
Nova: Wow, what a warm welcome!
Indy: We’ve all been glued to our windows all morning, forgive them for being so excited. Welcome to the dorms! The rooms aren’t much, but I’ll tell you, the BEDS…also aren’t much. But it’s better than sleeping on the ground!
Ren: By the time I’m done training, I sleep like a rock, so don’t worry about me!
Nova: Ha, you could say that again!
Briar: These beds are…less than desired. I’m happy I live nearby and don’t have to sleep here.
Ren: Oh not up to your taste huh? I could cover the bed in moss, would that make you feel more at home? (joking tone)
Briar: I’m not sure there is a pillow soft enough to counter that hard head of yours
Indy: By the way, you two will be sharing a room, hope that’s ok.
Nova: I used to share a room with my brother, so I have no problem with that. Besides, Ren never wears a shirt anyways, so it’s not like I’m not used to it.
Ren: Sounds Good to me! I’m a great roommate Twinkles, I’ll leave the room anytime ya need privacy! Only issue is I do snore, so, sorry about that.
Indy: My roommate does too! Oh, there he is. Emeka, come here!
Mendel: Emeka walked over to the group. He is a young black man, fairly lean and tall. He has big, curly black hair with a streak of white going through it. He does his best to tie it back in a puffy bun. He has icy blue eyes that seem to send chills down the spines of everyone he looks at and the near-perpetual scowl on his face only makes it worse.
Emeka: Nice to meet you all, that was an impressive fight out there! Your teacher is pretty incredible.
Nova: I knew Xarion was level 13, but I didn’t realize he was THAT strong! It’s amazing to have such a strong teacher, even if he does have unconventional teaching methods....
Briar: Clearly Xarion’s teaching methods work just fine if YOU’ve already shown improvements.
Indy: I think they all are a little unconventional…Felix tends to do some off the wall stuff sometimes, but it works!
Emeka: Works MOST of the time. Some recruits just can’t cut it, Felix doesn’t pull punches, you know?
Nova: Yeah, Xarion doesn’t really pull punches either. Literally.
Ren: I think we just gotta make it so you can take a couple of those punches, Twinkles.
Briar: Agreed.
Awkward pause.
Indy: So, are you hungry? I think we’re gonna go grab a bite to eat before class starts back up. We’d be honored if you would join us.
Emeka: Indy tends to geek out a little bit, if you can’t tell.
Indy: I’m just excited!
Nova: Me too!
Ren: I’m excited for food, how good is the grub around here?
Emeka: Hope you like bland.
Nova: Please don’t fight the cook, Ren.
Ren: Whether I do or don't fight the cook is entirely up to them! Lead the way, I’m starving!
Mendel: Indy led the group to the mess hall, where the rest of the recruits were just sitting down to eat. Ren immediately grabbed a plate and headed to the kitchen with the recruits, returning with a hot meal for all three of them.
Ren: Let’s see just how bland this is.
ALL THREE: Thank you for the meal.
Nova: Emeka, what are you talking about, this is delicious!
Ren: Even I’m impressed! The dishes may seem pretty simple but each of them is cooked to pure perfection. Rather than serving something insane, they perfected the basics! I gotta remember to meet this mystery cook.
Emeka: Not enough spice for me, if it’s not melting my tongue off, it’s boring.
Nova: Ren, give him some of your spice!
Ren: Here you go! Good luck, just a small amount of that will-
Emeka: Nope, boring.
Ren: BORING!!!??? Your taste buds must be broken.
Indy: I was taking notes during your sparring match, your legacies are all amazing! We’ve all seen Briar in action a few times, but those punches and kicks were incredible, Ren! And what is your legacy called, Nova? I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like that before.
Nova: Oh, it’s, um, I call it Astral legacy.
Emeka: Astral, I like it. Is it your mom or dad’s family legacy?
Nova: Hey, um, what about you two? What are yours?
Indy: Oh, well, mine is called Voice of Empowerment, it’s supposed to help people in all sorts of ways, but I just can’t seem to get it to work all the time.
Emeka: And mine is called Umbra, I can create things using shadows. Right now only small items, but I’m working on it.
Ren: Wait did you say Shadows? You and me are gonna have a little chat later, alright?
Emeka: Um, ok.
Nova: Wait, where did Briar go?
Indy: Oh, she went to go sit over there.
Nova: Does she always sit off by herself like that?
Emeka: This is actually the first time I’ve ever seen her eat on campus.
Indy: Yeah, she doesn’t usually associate with us recruits. She comes by every once in a while to check on things. I think she feels a little guilty, with her mom and all. Or maybe she wants us to know sure she’s on our side. Either way, I trust her.
Emeka: Me too, it’s well deserved she got into the Tower.
Mendel: As Briar sat alone at her table, a familiar face approached.
Felix: Mind if I take this spot?
Briar: Why do I feel like you will no matter what I say?
Felix: Because you’re one of the brightest young sorcerers out there.
Briar: Well... you have something to say, don’t you?
Felix: Ah, yes. Cutting right to the chase. Well, I was wondering if you’d consider lending a hand in class the next few days? We have nearly two dozen recruits and we’re working on material that you know backwards and front. I could use a second set of eyes.
Briar: Ugh, if we’re going to be stuck here until Xarion comes back, I suppose I don’t have much of a choice. Besides, it might keep me from dying of boredom.
Felix: Alright, well... that’s the spirit, I suppose. Thank you, Briar. I think you may learn a thing or two from this experience yourself. Meet me at the training ground after you’ve finished with your lunch.
Mendel: As Felix walked off, Briar sat in silence for a few moments before finishing her meal. Her mind dwelling on her mother and the terrible things that took place a year ago.
Ren: Twinkles, c’mon, let’s get out there! I'm challenging everyone here to a little sparring match hehe.
Nova: I doubt even you could take EVERYONE here.
Ren: I like my odds, we won’t know until we find out.
Nova: Let’s go, Briar.
Briar, to herself: Sigh, show them you aren’t her.
Mendel: Everyone gathered at the training field where the fight took place, restored to original shape by Felix.
Nova: Felix said to meet here, right? I don’t see them.
Suddenly, Nova felt a tug on her wrist, she looked down to see a disembodied hand pulling on her robe. As she looked around, she noticed the hand hovering between each student, pulling them towards the other end of the field.
Nova: Wait, is the Headmaster here?
Ren: Twinkles, this is mage hand! Everybody can use them, not just the Headmaster.
FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 2
Nova: Oh! Gotcha. WAIT, so you mean I can learn how to make a little floating hand, too!?
Ren: Oh you just wait, there are a bunch of fun spells I’m sure we’re gonna learn.
Mendel: As the students followed the Mage Hands’ guidance, they approached a smaller training ground, with odd equipment scattered about. Felix leaned against a post, and gave the recruits a sly smile and a wave.
Felix: Nice trick, eh?
Ren: (whispering) Heh maybe if you're seven
Mendel: Nova quickly summoned all her strength and used it to smack Ren right in his gut.
Ren: *wheeze/hurt noise* uhhh i mean, yeah… spectacular
Nova: *internal* worth it but oww my hand!
Felix: haha yeah it may not seem like that much to you Novice ranks, but how about this?
Mendel: Felix twirled their wrist and the mage hand cycle through a variety of colors.
Jackie’s rando character (Bryce): WHAT?
Felix: I’m sure you’ve already guessed by now, but we’re going to be working on Mage Hand today! This is one of the more basic magic skills, we call it a cantrip. Sorcerers can use these without expending any myst. Most sorcerers can only create one at a time, but a few cases have been able to make two. Unless you’re the Headmaster in Oakvale, she can make over a thousand.
Nova: OVER A THOUSAND?
Felix: You see, she wasn’t born with a legacy, so she focused all her time and energy on one single spell and made it her own. That’s why it is so important to learn the basics. Having a dozen flashy spells you aren’t comfortable with won’t do you any good against someone who is a master of one. Briar, why don’t you demonstrate your mage hand?
Mendel: Briar put out her hand in front of her.
Briar: Mage hand
Mendel: A spectral hand appeared in front of her, barely visible, but with a greenish tint.
Felix: Without more training they tend to reflect your myst, it’s almost impossible to make it completely invisible because of this. Now, before we start trying to manifest it, why don’t we all try the vocal and somatic movements together. It’s going to be a few days before you start to feel the myst form-
Nova: Excuse me, Felix? Like this?
Mendel: Everyone turned to see Nova, hand outstretched, a floating hand in front of her. A dark form with flecks of gold floating through it, like a clear night sky.
Felix: Nova, that’s…incredible! Is that your first time using it?
Nova: Um, yeah, I just kind of put my hand out and said mage hand and it appeared.
Mendel: She effortlessly moved it around the space to the awe of the other recruits.
Nova (internal): Are you doing this?
Lady: That’s my myst, but the technique is all yours. Your aptness is impressive, even by my standards. It won’t be long before you are truly useful to me.
Nova: (internal) Wait, what?
Ren: I told you, you’re a quick learner! That’s amazing, Twinkles!
Briar: UGh. I can’t believe it!
Mendel: Briar turned, and quickly stormed off into the forest at the border of the training field.
Nova: Briar? Felix, may I be excused for a moment?
Mendel: Felix gave Nova a small nod, and she took off after Briar.
Nova: Hey wait!! Briar, what’s wrong?
Briar: Just because we’re in the same class doesn’t mean I need to share everything with you.
Mendel: With a flick of her wrist, a vine appeared like a tripwire, along the forest floor it was hardly visible. Recognizing the movement, Nova leapt forward in the air, easily hopping the vine, and landed next to Briar.
Nova: I was pretty sure you were going to try SOMETHING like that.... Briar, please, tell me what’s wrong.
Briar sighs.
Briar: You picked that up so quickly. Much faster than I’ve ever picked up anything before. I thought things came easily to me, but never like that.
Nova: But you already know Mage Hand! You’re already level 3 and everyone here knows who you are. So what if I learned some easy spell quickly, I still don’t know anything compared to you!
Briar: It took me four days to learn that spell. It took you, what, four seconds?
Nova: Wait, really? Well.. I’m sure you can pick up spells in no time now. You must’ve learned that when you were eight.
Briar: Even so, I’ve underestimated you, Nova. I thought you were a novice, but it’s clear you’re more powerful than you’re letting on.
Nova: But I AM a novice.... You’ve had your legacy your whole life, and you’re AMAZING. I didn’t have-- my legacy... didn’t manifest until recently. I know that you’ve gone through a lot to be as powerful as you are, and I’m sorry if that’s made you cold. But please, Briar, I just want a chance to learn from you and WITH you.
Briar: Listen. I have carried the weight of my family my entire life. With my mom…I’ve had to be strong. Prickly, even. And I don’t want you to drain my energy only to surpass me in everything. I’m smarter than that.
Nova: Felix told us what happened... I’m so sorry that that happened to you... I know what it’s like for family to leave you behind.
Briar: What is that supposed to mean?
Nova: Well... my dad is Nox Ravenwood... He’s one of the strongest sorcerers the world has ever seen, he was even nominated to be one of the Pillars! But one day when I was five years old, he just vanished. My brother Magnus, too. No one has seen or heard from them since.
Briar: Now that you mention it, I do remember my mother saying something about that when it happened. I heard…they died.
Nova: A lot of people say that... But their bodies were never found, and I know they’re still out there... they have to be.
Briar: Oh, Nova…you know, if your father could see you now, I believe he’d be proud of how rapidly you’ve grown with your new abilities.
Nova: All I want is to become a powerful sorcerer so I can find them and bring them home. I could sense the same determination in you... that’s why I admire your strength so much. If we can’t be friends, can we at least be teammates?
Briar: I will not hold your hand, but now that I know where you’re coming from, I can give you a chance. And if I do my part to help you along the way, promise me when you are powerful enough to find your family, that you will help me take down my mother.
Nova: I promise. I won’t hold you back.
Briar: Teammates?
Nova: Aw yeah! Teammates!
Mendel: Nova swiftly hugs Briar. Briar is shaken by this sudden movement.
Briar, a little disgruntled: mmk. That-that’s enough. I’m good.
Nova: Ope, sorry.... Uh... Should we go back to class?
Briar: Let’s get back to the others.
As they turned to walk back, they saw Felix walking in their direction.
Felix: Nova! Mind if I talk to you for a second? Briar, if you wouldn’t mind taking over the class for a little bit.
Briar: Uh, sure thing.
Felix: Xarion said you had a knack for picking things up quickly, I’m impressed you could use mage hand on your first try. But he said you were having some trouble with your legacy, is that right?
Nova: Yeah, I just can’t seem to control it as well as I had hoped.
Felix: I’m going to have Briar take over the class for the day, I have an idea. If you’re game, I think I can help you out.
Nova: Well, it’s not like Xarion has taught me anything so far, it’s worth a shot!
Felix: Xarion is all instinct, I think he left you with me because he knew I could help you out. If you’re up for it, why don’t we try a few different techniques. Are you up to the challenge?
Nova: I’ve got nothing else to lose, let’s do it!
Felix: Excellent, let’s get to work!
Nova: I wonder how Xarion is doing with that fire X, anyway, I hope he’s handling everything ok.
Felix: I’m sure he’s fine. After all, he was just toying with him in their fight.
Mendel: Meanwhile, back at the village, Xarion was just closing the cell door on Flint in the local jail, stepping back into the front section of the building.
Xarion: ACHOO! Excuse me! Now, what were you saying?
Sorcerer: We’re glad you grabbed this guy, he must be the one behind all the disappearances lately. I wonder why he’s not wearing that mask, though.
Xarion: Mask? Felix mentioned seeing someone out in the woods, but they didn’t say anything about a mask.
Sorcerer: Oh yeah, a stone one, or something. We had a few sightings the last few days by patrols.
Xarion (Internal): I don’t like that, I have a feeling we’re dealing with a team of X’s here. And I have a feeling this isn’t the strongest one. He was sent on a mission is my guess. But by who?
Sorcerer: What do you want to do?
Xarion: I want to get him to Oakvale for questioning, but I don’t feel comfortable leaving the village for that long, especially if someone is after Nova.
Rick: Can we lend you a hand?
Mendel: Enter Rick Rivers, a tall half elven man with thick bushy eyebrows, brown hair braided into a knot behind his head, and a vibrant blue sorcerer robe. His hands were stained with something red, and he wasn’t wearing any shoes! He carried a blue flag on his back.
Mendel: Standing in the doorway was Rick, along with Kira, Balthazar, and another student, DESCRIBE STUDENT A preteen boy with brown skin and a large afro. His piercing brown eyes were masked behind a pair of unusually shiny rectangular glasses, but he walked with a relaxed, carefree attitude that suggested someone who hadn't felt fear for a very long time.
Xarion: Rick, what are you doing here?
Mendel: Rick Rivers, Legacy: Friction Control. His legacy allows him complete control over the friction of his body.
Rick: What's the matter, Xarion? you think you’re the only class that gets to have a field trip? We had to get our third, too, so the Headmaster asked us to stop by here to make sure everything was ok. Tell me, who’s the one armed fellow?
Xarion: An X that attacked us at the training center, but I managed to take him down pretty easily.
Rick: Well he had one arm, that’s not very fair is it?
Jeremy: Teacher, judging by the wound, I’d say he recently lost that appendage, most likely from a fire attack. It appears to have been an accelerated technique that emitted an incredible amount of heat.
Mendel: Character name : Xander Quarkstream Legacy Quantum Calculator
Xarion: That’s exactly what happened! You must be the last member of Class Blue.
Xander: Correct, I am Xander_Quarkstream. Pleased to make your acquaintance, your reputation precedes you, Professor Xarion. I’m disappointed I didn’t get to see you in action!
Xarion: I’m sure you’ll get your chance. Just how old are you, anyway?
Xander: I’m 13 years old, one of the youngest sorcerers ever accepted into the Tower!
Rick: Try not to be too jealous that we’ve got a true prodigy in our class.
Balthazar: HEY! Don't forget about us! Kira and I can still hear you!
Rick: Good! I want you two to push yourselves even harder to reach his level!
Kira: Sigh, now that we’re all “best friends”, where’s Nova and the cape boy?
Xarion: They’re hard at work as we speak.
Rick: Why don’t we stop by on our way out so we can say hi to your friends?
Balthazar: Bah! I wouldn't call those Yahoo’s friends
Rick: Nonsense! You’re Oakvale sorcerers! Friendship is essential.
Kira (internal): I have to deal with three more years of this?
Xarion: Actually, if you’re heading back home, can you bring this guy with you? It would save me some time!
Rick: Sure thing! In that case, we might crash here for the night, too, it was a few hours out of our way to get here, and I’m sure this rapscallion will slow us down a bit.
Xander: The prisoner would slow us down 25% if he’s cooperative, 45% if he is not.
Balthazar: Works for me. If I have to hear Kira complain about how her feet hurt one more time today I’m going to lose it.
Kira: SHUT YOUR MOUTH, YOU BRAT.
Xarion: I’m sure Felix would love to meet your class!
Xander: The thought of meeting so many new sorcerers is so exciting! I can’t wait to take stock of their legacies, maybe we have time to do a little sparring.
Rick: Seems we’re all in agreement, we’ll head there now! Catch you later, Xarion! Let’s move, Class Blue! I can’t wait to see how you measure up to your classmates!
Xarion: Please don’t make this into a contest, we have midterms for that!
Rick: You know me! LIFE is a contest, my fiendish friend. Everything is!
Xarion: I’m going to stay in town, please just make sure they don’t get into any fights!
Rick: I can’t promise anything!
Mendel: Meanwhile, in a cave outside of town, the masked figure presided over a group of bandits.
Skarn: This is our chance for power! This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Although your legacies may be weak, we have power in numbers! But don’t harm the girl, she’s coming with me! We will make Foundation bend to our will, then NO ONE can stop us! Not even Oakvale. Soon, everyone will bow to the power of Skarn and his warriors. Prepare yourselves.
Nova: Next time on Warlock! Nova begins her training with Felix as the rest of Class Red are disrupted by the appearance of Class Blue. Tensions are high while danger lurks in the shadows.
Briar: I take it these are friends of yours?
Balthazar: I don’t believe we’ve met, but I wouldn’t mind being friends with someone as beautiful as you!
Briar: Excuse me?
Nova: Ignore him! Episode 7: Master Your Power! Nova’s Training, next time on Warlock!
Warlock, episode 6, Prodigy. Nova is played by Claire Clauson, Ren and Balthazar by Nick Akins, Briar by Jackie Webb, Indy by Wilbo Baggins, Emeka by Daniel Oleh, Felix by Layla Orteez, Rick by Issac Otterman, Xander by Jeremy Cobb, Kira by Shelby Hall, Skarn by Matthew Quattlebaum, Mendel and Xarion by Zachary Burrell, with additional voices by Claire Sullivan. Special thanks to Wizards of the Coast. Follow us @warlockdnd on Twitter and Instragram. If you are enjoying the show, please leave us a review on your preferred platform. Thank you for listening.