Jan 25, 2026 2:41 pm
1 - Wren Thorne
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Jan 25, 2026 2:57 pm
Despite Wren’s best efforts, or perhaps because of it, they were about to be late for school.
How did this happen? What will you do, if anything, to try to make it in time?
Apart from the prompt, consider a brief mention of: How did you spend summer break? What were you most looking forward to at school this year? What are you dreading?
How did this happen? What will you do, if anything, to try to make it in time?
OOC:
Welcome to your first post, but read the main thread first! Apart from the prompt, consider a brief mention of: How did you spend summer break? What were you most looking forward to at school this year? What are you dreading?
Jan 25, 2026 6:51 pm
The plan had been simple: wake up early, get to school with time to spare, ease back into normalcy.
Instead, Wren stood in her room with her headphones around her neck, staring at her phone.
She'd put them on at 7:30. Just for a few minutes, just to settle her nerves, just to quiet the hum that had been building since she woke up - that constant underlying tone that had gotten worse over the summer. The playlist was supposed to help: familiar songs, safe rhythms, something to anchor to.
Somewhere between the third and fourth track, time had... slipped.
She'd closed her eyes and let the music fill the spaces where the wrong sensations lived. When she opened them again, the clock had jumped forward in a way that didn't make sense.
Shit.
Wren grabbed her backpack and skateboard and was out the door before her parents could ask questions. The morning air was crisp, early fall promising itself, and she pushed off hard. Movement helped. All those hours over the summer - shooting baskets until her arms ached, skating empty parking lots with Jamie, swimming laps until exhaustion - they'd helped too. For a while.
She pushed harder, leaning into the turns, and for a moment everything felt smooth. Too smooth. Like she was riding something invisible and vast, like momentum was carrying her further than it should -
Wren eased off, felt the reassuring scrape of wheels on asphalt.
Just adrenaline. Just anxiety. Just first-day nerves.
Normal. Stay normal.
The arched gates of Ashford State came into view. Students streaming through in clusters, the STEM Magnet Labs gleaming ahead, the older buildings sprawling behind. She could hear the greetings, feel the crowds converging.
The building hummed. Or maybe it didn't.
(It wasn't just in her head. It hadn't been just in her head all summer.)
Wren glanced at her watch as she pushed through the gates, hood pulled up, trying not to think about Founders Hall or assemblies or the fact that maybe, this year, even normal school days wouldn't work the way they used to.
Instead, Wren stood in her room with her headphones around her neck, staring at her phone.
She'd put them on at 7:30. Just for a few minutes, just to settle her nerves, just to quiet the hum that had been building since she woke up - that constant underlying tone that had gotten worse over the summer. The playlist was supposed to help: familiar songs, safe rhythms, something to anchor to.
Somewhere between the third and fourth track, time had... slipped.
She'd closed her eyes and let the music fill the spaces where the wrong sensations lived. When she opened them again, the clock had jumped forward in a way that didn't make sense.
Shit.
Wren grabbed her backpack and skateboard and was out the door before her parents could ask questions. The morning air was crisp, early fall promising itself, and she pushed off hard. Movement helped. All those hours over the summer - shooting baskets until her arms ached, skating empty parking lots with Jamie, swimming laps until exhaustion - they'd helped too. For a while.
She pushed harder, leaning into the turns, and for a moment everything felt smooth. Too smooth. Like she was riding something invisible and vast, like momentum was carrying her further than it should -
Wren eased off, felt the reassuring scrape of wheels on asphalt.
Just adrenaline. Just anxiety. Just first-day nerves.
Normal. Stay normal.
The arched gates of Ashford State came into view. Students streaming through in clusters, the STEM Magnet Labs gleaming ahead, the older buildings sprawling behind. She could hear the greetings, feel the crowds converging.
The building hummed. Or maybe it didn't.
(It wasn't just in her head. It hadn't been just in her head all summer.)
Wren glanced at her watch as she pushed through the gates, hood pulled up, trying not to think about Founders Hall or assemblies or the fact that maybe, this year, even normal school days wouldn't work the way they used to.
Jan 28, 2026 1:38 pm
Teenagers on the cusp of adulthood weren't typically given to superstition and other such easily-dismissed thoughts. But if there were a chance for hindsight years from now, the Awakened ones of the Class of '26 might be able look back to as early as their first day of school to realise that change was in the ether. Perhaps it was the greater weave of fate that pushed against their coming back, as if delaying them, keeping them away from the penumbral shores, from what was about to happen.
But they wouldn't have known that of course. To them, the situation was simply that they would be late. Wren's skateboard was nowhere as fast as the buses crawling up the long driveway to disgorge their student passengers at the drop-off bay, and certainly she had to always be mindful of the cars whizzing past her for the same reason. Skating up the incline was a sure way to break out a sweat, but surely if she overtook enough students she wouldn't be considered late!
But they wouldn't have known that of course. To them, the situation was simply that they would be late. Wren's skateboard was nowhere as fast as the buses crawling up the long driveway to disgorge their student passengers at the drop-off bay, and certainly she had to always be mindful of the cars whizzing past her for the same reason. Skating up the incline was a sure way to break out a sweat, but surely if she overtook enough students she wouldn't be considered late!
OOC:
Time to warm up your dice! You will be late for school unless you make a succesful Ability roll of your choice. Narratively justify in your next post whichever one you choose to roll. Alternatively you may use a relevant Sphere power, which for this particular situation will automatically succeed as coincidental magic, but magic was used nonetheless ;) Jan 28, 2026 7:01 pm
The incline up to school wasn't steep, but it was long enough to burn. Wren pushed harder, legs pumping, weaving between groups of students who were taking their time.
Not late. She couldn't be late. Not on the first day. Not when she was already holding herself together with music and denial and sheer stubborn will.
She carved around a cluster of freshmen, leaned into the turn, found her rhythm. The board responded - just the board, just her, just skill and muscle memory from a summer spent skating until her thoughts went quiet.
The drop-off bay was ahead. The crowd was thinning. Founders Hall beyond.
Not late. She couldn't be late. Not on the first day. Not when she was already holding herself together with music and denial and sheer stubborn will.
She carved around a cluster of freshmen, leaned into the turn, found her rhythm. The board responded - just the board, just her, just skill and muscle memory from a summer spent skating until her thoughts went quiet.
The drop-off bay was ahead. The crowd was thinning. Founders Hall beyond.
OOC:
Alright, rolling dice does not work like this... There's no WoD roll type though, not for me at least. Anyway, assuming difficulty 6 I count 2 successes.Last edited January 28, 2026 7:05 pm
Rolls
DEX (hand-eye) + Drive (skateboard) - (4d10+2d10)
(5639) + (32) = 28
Jan 30, 2026 4:14 am
Skateboard to the rescue! Faster than being on foot, and even more nimble than those on bicycle, Wren deftly sped through the bottleneck near the gate, earning a flash of a frown from 'Officer' Harris, but she made sure to stay safely clear of the larger vehicles. She didn't even have to park. There was no time to drop off the board in her homeroom though, she'd have to heft it all the way to the auditorium.
Oh btw, when you post, if you want your avatar to show, in the box that says Post As, select your character. You'll see Wren's name and face, instead of eldarin.
Now head over the main thread!
OOC:
No worries about how to do the rolls. You can easily just type 6d10 in this case. Default difficulty is 6 unless otherwise stated, so you have two successes here, which is enough.Oh btw, when you post, if you want your avatar to show, in the box that says Post As, select your character. You'll see Wren's name and face, instead of eldarin.
Now head over the main thread!
Jan 30, 2026 2:07 pm
Officer Harris's frown barely registered. Wren was through, skateboard under her arm, breath still coming fast from the climb. No time to stop at her homeroom - she'd have to carry it all the way to the auditorium.
She pulled her hood down and headed for Founders Hall, trying to ignore the way the old building seemed to resonate at a frequency she couldn't quite name.
She pulled her hood down and headed for Founders Hall, trying to ignore the way the old building seemed to resonate at a frequency she couldn't quite name.
OOC:
Heading over to the main thread now.Mar 5, 2026 2:25 pm
Dr Veritas raised an eyebrow when Wren stood up to accompany Daniela, but made no further comment, simply waving Daniela to follow her. She said nothing either when Daniela tentatively linked an elbow with Wren; Wren could still feel her trembling a little, with her hyperventilated breathing still ragged through the sobs.
They were headed for the counselling centre. That was housed in the Redevelopment Wing, or the Burned Wing; the nickname was hard to shake over the years. Wren did not have a good feeling about the entire thing. Of course she knew that Ashford High, like many other schools, had a care centre: sickbay, nurse's office, counselling rooms, counsellor's office, etc. And now Wren knew that the two new educational guidance counsellors she saw this morning would also be housed here. Could Necht and Nixon have anything to do with the blackout today? Wren's mind wandered. But they weren't even present in the orientation venues.
They entered the lobby of the Redevelopment Wing when Veritas' phone rang. She whipped it out of her pocket with a flash of impatience, which was momentarily contrastive to the calm demeanour she had projected when walking Daniela and Wren. She put up a hand to signal for the two girls to wait in the lobby while she took the call, and strode towards an office door and entered it. All Wren could hear were the words "Yes what is it I'm with a student -" before the door closed, leaving her and Daniela temporarily unattended.
They were headed for the counselling centre. That was housed in the Redevelopment Wing, or the Burned Wing; the nickname was hard to shake over the years. Wren did not have a good feeling about the entire thing. Of course she knew that Ashford High, like many other schools, had a care centre: sickbay, nurse's office, counselling rooms, counsellor's office, etc. And now Wren knew that the two new educational guidance counsellors she saw this morning would also be housed here. Could Necht and Nixon have anything to do with the blackout today? Wren's mind wandered. But they weren't even present in the orientation venues.
They entered the lobby of the Redevelopment Wing when Veritas' phone rang. She whipped it out of her pocket with a flash of impatience, which was momentarily contrastive to the calm demeanour she had projected when walking Daniela and Wren. She put up a hand to signal for the two girls to wait in the lobby while she took the call, and strode towards an office door and entered it. All Wren could hear were the words "Yes what is it I'm with a student -" before the door closed, leaving her and Daniela temporarily unattended.
OOC:
Good use of Willpower. Veritas permits Wren to tag along. Pausing for a moment in case you want to react at this point. Mar 7, 2026 12:01 pm
Wren waited until Veritas closed the office door.
She turned to Daniela, keeping her voice low. "Watch out," Wren said quietly. "Let me know if anyone’s coming. I want to know what’s so important that it couldn’t wait when she was so eager to get you here."
She moved closer to the door before Daniela could object, pressing her ear against it. Veritas’s voice was muffled but audible through the wood - fragments of conversation, tone, urgency. Wren focused on listening, trying to catch whatever she could of what was being said.
OOC: Rolling Perception + Alertness to eavesdrop on Veritas’s side of the phone conversation. If the idea with Correspondence and Forces 1 would work to overhear what the phone speakers give away I am happy to add a magic roll - but you sounded it wouldn't over on Discord.
She turned to Daniela, keeping her voice low. "Watch out," Wren said quietly. "Let me know if anyone’s coming. I want to know what’s so important that it couldn’t wait when she was so eager to get you here."
She moved closer to the door before Daniela could object, pressing her ear against it. Veritas’s voice was muffled but audible through the wood - fragments of conversation, tone, urgency. Wren focused on listening, trying to catch whatever she could of what was being said.
OOC: Rolling Perception + Alertness to eavesdrop on Veritas’s side of the phone conversation. If the idea with Correspondence and Forces 1 would work to overhear what the phone speakers give away I am happy to add a magic roll - but you sounded it wouldn't over on Discord.
Rolls
PER (sharp senses) + Alertness and -2 difficulty through Acute Sense Merit - (5d10diff5+2d10diff5)
(54552) + (83) + 10 = 42
Mar 9, 2026 3:11 pm
"Wren!" Daniela came to her senses a little, to protest, for the assistant clerk that manned the reception of the care centre, while not currently present, was surely nearby and likely to return at any moment. But Wren seemed undeterred.
"... who else knows about the Vance boy?" Wren could hear Veritas pacing inside her counselling office, for the already muffled voice was alternatingly nearer and farther, audible and inaudible.
"This is the first time I'm hearing about a girlfriend!" That was no way for Wren to hear who was speaking on the other side of the line, or what was being said.
Veritas snorted a short laugh, "No one calls it a sanatorium anymore ..."
"... I will be speaking to the others tomorrow ..."
Wren had been focussing on pressing her ear against the door, until she noticed that Daniela, ever the instinctive school photographer, had taken out her phone to snap a picture of Wren doing so. That was when Wren remembered that the school premises had security cameras in the general areas on campus.
"I think we better go Wren. We're going to be in a helluva lot of trouble." Daniela had regained a bit more composure, and seemed to have come to the conclusion that it was a bad idea to hang out, despite Veritas having brought her here. She got up to go, and beckoned to Wren to leave with her before they were discovered.
"... who else knows about the Vance boy?" Wren could hear Veritas pacing inside her counselling office, for the already muffled voice was alternatingly nearer and farther, audible and inaudible.
"This is the first time I'm hearing about a girlfriend!" That was no way for Wren to hear who was speaking on the other side of the line, or what was being said.
Veritas snorted a short laugh, "No one calls it a sanatorium anymore ..."
"... I will be speaking to the others tomorrow ..."
Wren had been focussing on pressing her ear against the door, until she noticed that Daniela, ever the instinctive school photographer, had taken out her phone to snap a picture of Wren doing so. That was when Wren remembered that the school premises had security cameras in the general areas on campus.
"I think we better go Wren. We're going to be in a helluva lot of trouble." Daniela had regained a bit more composure, and seemed to have come to the conclusion that it was a bad idea to hang out, despite Veritas having brought her here. She got up to go, and beckoned to Wren to leave with her before they were discovered.
Mar 9, 2026 4:02 pm
Wren pulled away from the door immediately, following Daniela toward the exit. The cameras - she should have thought of that. They needed to leave before anyone reviewed the footage or the clerk came back.
Once they were outside the Redevelopment Wing, back in the fresh air away from the building's oppressive resonance, Wren kept her voice low.
"Daniela," she said quietly as they walked. "What did you see? About Alex. You said he left, that he's not coming back. What happened?"
Once they were outside the Redevelopment Wing, back in the fresh air away from the building's oppressive resonance, Wren kept her voice low.
"Daniela," she said quietly as they walked. "What did you see? About Alex. You said he left, that he's not coming back. What happened?"
Mar 10, 2026 12:46 pm
Daniela's breathing became shallow again, but she quickened her step, as if to get away from everyone else. "Tell me you saw something as well Wren! Earlier, when the lights went out. Did you see Alex? I saw him leave and enter the black. it was dark, and the black swallowed him up. It felt - permanent, final." The words came out in a rush, deflating her. "What did you see Wren? I can tell you saw something!"
Mar 11, 2026 6:18 pm
Tell me you saw something.
For the first time all day Wren let herself be still. The assembly, the headphones - the way Joe had blazed through them like a speaker blown past its limit. The piano bench, Emily beside her, that wrong note hanging in the air. And then the lights going out and five hundred people becoming something else entirely, a weight she had no word for pressing in from every direction at once. Then the note still ringing, and the bench empty, and Daniela in the corner coming apart over a boy who wasn't even there. And Veritas arriving too fast, the door closing on fragments that didn't fit together yet.
She hadn't had a second to really process any of it until now.
She held Daniela's gaze and let herself listen - the way she listened before playing, not to the noise but underneath it. Daniela's breathing, the catch in it. Whatever was or wasn't there.
"The note kept ringing," Wren said absently. "After."
For the first time all day Wren let herself be still. The assembly, the headphones - the way Joe had blazed through them like a speaker blown past its limit. The piano bench, Emily beside her, that wrong note hanging in the air. And then the lights going out and five hundred people becoming something else entirely, a weight she had no word for pressing in from every direction at once. Then the note still ringing, and the bench empty, and Daniela in the corner coming apart over a boy who wasn't even there. And Veritas arriving too fast, the door closing on fragments that didn't fit together yet.
She hadn't had a second to really process any of it until now.
She held Daniela's gaze and let herself listen - the way she listened before playing, not to the noise but underneath it. Daniela's breathing, the catch in it. Whatever was or wasn't there.
"The note kept ringing," Wren said absently. "After."
OOC:
I'll include a roll of Perception + Awareness for some aura reading on Daniela.Rolls
PER (sharp senses) + Awareness (resonance) - (9d10)
(638328649) = 49
Mar 13, 2026 2:51 pm
Daniela was also someone who was different. Her aura was unmistakeable to Wren. Wren hadn't been thinking of her friends this way until today. Sure, her empathy allowed her to feel deeply about others, and she always associated it with her emotions, or perhaps her synaesthesia, which was where people could perceive their feelings almost as if through their senses. For her it was always through music.
But since this morning, Wren felt the connection in a different way. And somehow Daniela's character seemed to deeply resonate with her too, a fellow empath of some sort, whatever that meant. Daniela was now staring at her intently, when Wren mentioned the ringing note. She looked as if she was going to tear again, but this time not out of fear but out of distress.
"We'll be in so much trouble tomorrow." Daniela gripped Wren's hand tightly, as if to thank her, and then departed quickly to get out of school as soon as she could.
But since this morning, Wren felt the connection in a different way. And somehow Daniela's character seemed to deeply resonate with her too, a fellow empath of some sort, whatever that meant. Daniela was now staring at her intently, when Wren mentioned the ringing note. She looked as if she was going to tear again, but this time not out of fear but out of distress.
"We'll be in so much trouble tomorrow." Daniela gripped Wren's hand tightly, as if to thank her, and then departed quickly to get out of school as soon as she could.
OOC:
Putting a wrap on this, gonna move us to the next scene.Mar 13, 2026 2:57 pm
"Have a seat." Despite the serious formality of the title of Doctor, Veritas was generally regarded as a motherly figure amongst the staff, more youthful in appearance than one might guess her true age to be, though her chopped bob and bangs, slightly streaked in grey, gave her some kindly gravitas to match.
The counselling room was furnished with soft armchairs and a table for the counsellor, carpeted but enclosed with no natural light. A small shelf sat to one side with a tray of glasses and a water flask.
Today though the shelf was partially blocked by a third person in the room."Ms Nixon will join us today as well, as part of the school's efforts to improve our care programme." The woman looked as proper as she did yesterday, again in nearly the same shade of grey suit. In her hand was a tablet and stylus.
"How are you doing at the moment Wren? You were here with Ms Flores yesterday, but left before we could speak. I am concerned about your well-being. Can you tell about what's going on with you right now? I'm ready to listen if you're willing to share."
Her tone was gentle, but nonetheless probing..
The counselling room was furnished with soft armchairs and a table for the counsellor, carpeted but enclosed with no natural light. A small shelf sat to one side with a tray of glasses and a water flask.
Today though the shelf was partially blocked by a third person in the room."Ms Nixon will join us today as well, as part of the school's efforts to improve our care programme." The woman looked as proper as she did yesterday, again in nearly the same shade of grey suit. In her hand was a tablet and stylus.
"How are you doing at the moment Wren? You were here with Ms Flores yesterday, but left before we could speak. I am concerned about your well-being. Can you tell about what's going on with you right now? I'm ready to listen if you're willing to share."
Her tone was gentle, but nonetheless probing..
OOC:
As mentioned, this is your individual scene within the main thread, where you have to see the counsellor. The overall conversation in the waiting room was and is still ongoing, and when you leave this session the other six are still outside talking. (I’m running this simultaneously across all threads so we don’t hold up the main thread too much.)Mar 13, 2026 4:36 pm
Wren felt the grip of Daniela's hand and held it for just a moment before she let go.
"We'll figure it out," she said quietly, then watched her go and made her own way home.
Skateboard to the ground, headphones over the ears and off she went. A quick text to Jamie, she needed someone to talk before heading home. A quick check of and reply to the class chat.
The third person in the room was the first thing Wren noticed.
She took the offered seat, set her backpack against the chair leg, and kept her expression neutral. Nixon. The grey suit, the tablet, the same careful posture from the stage yesterday. Wren had felt her then - felt both of them - before the assembly had even properly started. Having her here now, stylus poised, felt less like a care programme initiative and more like being observed through glass.
Veritas was warm and measured, the way she always was. The question itself was reasonable. Wren had left before they could speak. Of course there would be a follow-up.
"I'm fine," Wren said. "Yesterday was a lot. I just needed some air."
She left it there, hands relaxed in her lap, and waited.
"We'll figure it out," she said quietly, then watched her go and made her own way home.
Skateboard to the ground, headphones over the ears and off she went. A quick text to Jamie, she needed someone to talk before heading home. A quick check of and reply to the class chat.
OOC:
Fine with the wrap up and no need to play out a scene with Jamie (her best friend).The third person in the room was the first thing Wren noticed.
She took the offered seat, set her backpack against the chair leg, and kept her expression neutral. Nixon. The grey suit, the tablet, the same careful posture from the stage yesterday. Wren had felt her then - felt both of them - before the assembly had even properly started. Having her here now, stylus poised, felt less like a care programme initiative and more like being observed through glass.
Veritas was warm and measured, the way she always was. The question itself was reasonable. Wren had left before they could speak. Of course there would be a follow-up.
"I'm fine," Wren said. "Yesterday was a lot. I just needed some air."
She left it there, hands relaxed in her lap, and waited.
Mar 19, 2026 1:13 am
The oppressively disconcerting feeling Wren had yesterday as her eyes darted to Nixon was amplified, for the guidance counsellor from the Board of Education revealed no expression throughout, save for the occasional scribing on her tablet. This was regardless of what Wren said or how she said it, nothing seemed to garner a response.
Veritas was in contrast warmer and much more assuring in her manner. "Stress can sometimes make events feel exhausting. Tell me one thing that was difficult for you. What did you and Daniela talk about? I am glad you were brave to accompany her here. Did you talk to anyone else about yesterday?"
Perhaps Veritas could tell that Wren hadn't revealed anything yet, that the mention of her basic emotional state was a deflection of sorts. Veritas had prompted for Wren to give her version of the story, and also wanted to her if she had spoken with anyone else. Now it was up to Wren to decide what and how to tell it.
Wren had the feeling though that the version of the story she chose to tell was somehow important to herself personally. That it would shape how she dealt with her newly experienced reality in some way.
On a related note, while we didn't play it out, we could establish that Wren did chat with Jamie last night. This affects the answer Wren might give to Veritas. Background-wise, is Jamie a schoolmate or classmate?
Veritas was in contrast warmer and much more assuring in her manner. "Stress can sometimes make events feel exhausting. Tell me one thing that was difficult for you. What did you and Daniela talk about? I am glad you were brave to accompany her here. Did you talk to anyone else about yesterday?"
Perhaps Veritas could tell that Wren hadn't revealed anything yet, that the mention of her basic emotional state was a deflection of sorts. Veritas had prompted for Wren to give her version of the story, and also wanted to her if she had spoken with anyone else. Now it was up to Wren to decide what and how to tell it.
Wren had the feeling though that the version of the story she chose to tell was somehow important to herself personally. That it would shape how she dealt with her newly experienced reality in some way.
OOC:
Time for a Manipulation+Subterfuge roll, at difficulty 7, and you'll need 3 successes, representing the wisdom of the adults in the room when dealing with teens and their tales. Sanctity gives you a 2 die bonus to this roll.On a related note, while we didn't play it out, we could establish that Wren did chat with Jamie last night. This affects the answer Wren might give to Veritas. Background-wise, is Jamie a schoolmate or classmate?
Mar 20, 2026 10:49 pm
Nixon sent shivers down her spine. Wren had felt that yesterday, and she felt that now, and Dr. Veritas was not let her go with just "I'm fine".
She wasn't good at pretending. Her strategy was staying quiet and letting the moment pass. That wasn't going to work here. She started to tap a rhythm on her thigh - barely audible even to herself. Two taps, three taps.
But maybe she wouldn't need to. Nothing must slip between the lines, she thought. Three taps, two taps.
We'll figure it out. She'd meant it when she said it to Daniela. Two taps, three taps.
And she had heard her classmates. Which means we keep our lips zipped.
Or were they more than classmates? We're going to have to do some poking around on our own but no one needs to be alone doing so.
Three taps, two taps. And the rhythm had found its peak.
"The day got difficult early," she said. "Made it to Founders Hall, but just in time. Then you know I don't do well with the noise. Joe fainting didn't help. Music booth the rest of the afternoon. A lot of talking with freshmen"
"Then the blackout. Daniela needed someone. She would have done the same."
"I talked to Jamie after. My best friend. I told him the day was stressful. He listened. That helped."
She looked at Veritas. "Why are you so concerned, should I be as well?"
Coincidental Mind 1 is difficulty 4, but Wren would channel a point of Quintessence to get it to 3.
She wasn't good at pretending. Her strategy was staying quiet and letting the moment pass. That wasn't going to work here. She started to tap a rhythm on her thigh - barely audible even to herself. Two taps, three taps.
Dr. Veritas says:
Tell me one thing that was difficult for you.Dr. Veritas says:
What did you and Daniela talk about?Dr. Veritas says:
Did you talk to anyone else about yesterday?Or were they more than classmates? We're going to have to do some poking around on our own but no one needs to be alone doing so.
Three taps, two taps. And the rhythm had found its peak.
"The day got difficult early," she said. "Made it to Founders Hall, but just in time. Then you know I don't do well with the noise. Joe fainting didn't help. Music booth the rest of the afternoon. A lot of talking with freshmen"
"Then the blackout. Daniela needed someone. She would have done the same."
"I talked to Jamie after. My best friend. I told him the day was stressful. He listened. That helped."
She looked at Veritas. "Why are you so concerned, should I be as well?"
OOC:
Rolling Arete first and will then add the Manipulation+Subterfuge roll.Coincidental Mind 1 is difficulty 4, but Wren would channel a point of Quintessence to get it to 3.
Rolls
Arete - (2d10diff4)
(79) + 4 = 20
MAN + Subterfuge + 2 for Sanctity - (5d10diff5)
(19188) + 5 = 32
Mar 30, 2026 9:42 am
Wren could feel herself willing her narrative to be more convincing. It wasn't like she was actively trying to present falsehoods, but she knew something was afoot, and she had some truth to protect. In fact, it alarmed her a little when she saw Veritas make a small note on her notepad when Wren mentioned Jamie. "I am pleased to hear that you had a chance to talk about your day with Jamie. Did you talk with Daniela too?" Daniela and Wren were in class together this morning, but there was no opportunity to exchange words yet.
Her tapping was yet another form of physical regulation as she bent her thoughts around keeping them secure and guileless. The rhythm worked for her; she could sense her narrative leaning in to that rhythm, just enough to hold Veritas back from pressing too hard. But again in the periphery of her vision, she wondered if Nixon was watching her tapping, whether it simply came across as stimming or something else. If Nixon thought otherwise, the expressionless, cold-eyed guidance advisor said nothing. This bothered Wren.
"I am concerned that Daniela and you were both here to see me yesterday, but left without meeting with me. Ashford High is proud to have a student like yourself who is so supportive of her friends. It sounded like you had concerns, and I am here to listen." It seemed that Wren had at least convinced Veritas that she was here purely for Daniela, and if Wren continued to deflect in that manner, there was little else Veritas would want from her directly.
Her tapping was yet another form of physical regulation as she bent her thoughts around keeping them secure and guileless. The rhythm worked for her; she could sense her narrative leaning in to that rhythm, just enough to hold Veritas back from pressing too hard. But again in the periphery of her vision, she wondered if Nixon was watching her tapping, whether it simply came across as stimming or something else. If Nixon thought otherwise, the expressionless, cold-eyed guidance advisor said nothing. This bothered Wren.
"I am concerned that Daniela and you were both here to see me yesterday, but left without meeting with me. Ashford High is proud to have a student like yourself who is so supportive of her friends. It sounded like you had concerns, and I am here to listen." It seemed that Wren had at least convinced Veritas that she was here purely for Daniela, and if Wren continued to deflect in that manner, there was little else Veritas would want from her directly.
OOC:
I had meant to let you roll 2 extra dice because of Sanctity, as opposed to lowering the difficulty. But no matter, since you're using some magic presumably to shield or smoothen the deflecting. I'll grant we have the requisite 3 sucesses. Wren can get out of this, go ahead and wind up the convo! That said, bold of Wren to attempt magic in a small room in front of two people, one whom Wren suspects might know more about these things than others.Mar 31, 2026 11:03 am
"Briefly this morning - we had class together but no real chance to talk. Daniela got quite shaken by the blackout, more than most. But she seemed fine when we left, and this morning in class she was okay." A small shrug. "I think it just hit her harder in the moment."
She reached for her bag. "I'll check in on her. Thank you, Dr. Veritas."
She reached for her bag. "I'll check in on her. Thank you, Dr. Veritas."
Apr 4, 2026 6:46 am
Wren felt Nixon's eyes boring into the back of her head as she walked out of the room. It gave her the sensation that whatever magic she did in the room, if it could be called magic, did not go entirely unnoticed. But Veritas didn't say anything about it if she was aware of such things, and neither did Nixon, though Wren was convinced Nixon knew. But in this predicament there was little else Wren could do to get to the truth directly; she could only infer.
OOC:
Yep, right back out!May 10, 2026 3:58 pm
Quote:
OOC:
Eldarin, good time to confirm with me again the backstory status of Wren's parents in our character sheet.OOC:
Haven't thought about them in a while and generally kept this wide open as I wasn't quite sure what role it will play.They have not played this openly with her, but there might be quite some effort they spent to silently prepare her. The musical education, Archery, Meditation - all covered as helping her with the hypersensitivity, but possibly well aware that this was a long process of awakening...
Anyway, what do you need about them?
May 12, 2026 8:02 am
OOC:
One of the premises of this game was absent parents, so most of the PCs don't have them around. But I do remember us starting Wren out with parents, and that's okay. Since we've left it very open, shall we assume they are both present, they live in town all this while. Did you imagine them to be mages or sleepers? (or even that they haven't ever spoken about magick to Wren yet)
May 12, 2026 5:20 pm
OOC:
So, I would indeed go for "that they haven't ever spoken about magick to Wren yet", but have seen both as mages (which I initially thought was part pf the premise of the game).I initially had thought about a rather troublesome home for Wren, because her parents kinda ignored what was going on with her. Meanwhile, I am not sure if I would want to push that conflict/tension or if we'd rather play it as they did what they could without bluntly talking about Magick with a then sleeper or sleepwalker child. Looking at some of her abilities, like Music, Archery, Meditation - they might have just silently guided her - could even have an Akashik background...
But I am also open for whatever fits the game most.
Either way, after hearing from Cass what she said about "the Thornes", I am pretty sure she would confront them with this...
May 17, 2026 12:54 pm
The skateboard hit the floor by the door. Headphones around her neck.
Both of them were in the kitchen. Wren didn't sit down, didn't take off her bag.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
She waited.
Both of them were in the kitchen. Wren didn't sit down, didn't take off her bag.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
She waited.
May 18, 2026 3:44 pm
"Tell you what dear?" Julian Thorne, Wren's father, had just left his desk by the study corner of the living room, his computer screen flickering with whatever it was that he was working on before he was summoned by her mother, Lyra, somewhere in the kitchen, to set the table for dinner. It was he who greeted Wren as she stepped into the kitchen. Her brother was somewhere upstairs in his own room, no doubt. The Thornes were happily average in the household demographic, Wren grew up unexceptionally in that regard, though her hypersensitivity had been an ongoing concern as she grew into her teenage years. "Go wash up quickly, dinner soon!" Lyra's voice was further back, nearer the stoves.
Still, nothing rocked the boat, it was a Tuesday like any other Tuesday in the Thorne household.
All that was about to change.
Still, nothing rocked the boat, it was a Tuesday like any other Tuesday in the Thorne household.
All that was about to change.
OOC:
Let's play this out! Where appropriate I'll need a relevant roll or two. And let's see if magic will be involved.May 18, 2026 4:36 pm
"Dad."
Wren's eyes held his - steady, reproachful. The bag stayed on her shoulder.
"You know what I'm talking about."
appearing over Wren's open hand...
Wren's eyes held his - steady, reproachful. The bag stayed on her shoulder.
"You know what I'm talking about."
OOC:
No magic yet from my side, but I am inclined to either do Prime Sight or Awareness - if Wrens dad keeps playing normal Tuesday. Or even something likely vulgar - like Prime 2 from Core page 520 Quote:
Through similar applications of energy, the mage can also conjure a simple Body of Light: an idealized self projected from ephemeral energy.May 20, 2026 3:36 pm
"What's going on Wren? No I don't know what you're talking about. Did something happen at school?" Julian could tell his daughter was totally serious, his genial expression now furrowed to understand where Wren was coming from. Again from further back, mom could be heard, "What is it honey?" Did her parents intend to keep up this pretense? Why did they hide essentially her entire life from her?
Wren considered something more drastic...
Wren considered something more drastic...
OOC:
Perception + Awareness could give Wren some basic sense first, or Manipulation or Wits + Empathy or Intimidation could draw out a favourable response less confrontationally. But I think you might as well cut to the chase and magic something if we enjoying the escalation in tension and immediacy and want the truth to spill out! :)May 21, 2026 5:42 pm
So, he was going to pretend still...
She had not expected otherwise, but it still puzzled her how stubbornly he kept playing the same charade both her parents always had.
It wasn't really Wren being angry with her father, but something grew in her. She tried to concentrate on the hum around her, feel the hum, pick up the hum and fell in with the hum. Somehow, the tone soured and split, scraped sharp against itself, you knew, what was going on, you knew...
Then she took full control, fell back into harmony with the hum "Mmmmhhhhh" and once she looked down at her hands she was seeing a glowing stream of light going out one hand and in the other.
She looked up at her dad again, tears filling her eyes. "Do you still say you've got no idea?"
I'll spend Willpower, not because Wren considers this particular important - she didn't even really intend to do magic anyway - spending Willpower to make sure this doesn't get embarrassing. I counted this as vulgar with witnesses, although I am actually not sure if it is vulgar and whether there are any sleeper witnesses.
Edit: No idea what happened to the dice, but good I took the WP.
She had not expected otherwise, but it still puzzled her how stubbornly he kept playing the same charade both her parents always had.
It wasn't really Wren being angry with her father, but something grew in her. She tried to concentrate on the hum around her, feel the hum, pick up the hum and fell in with the hum. Somehow, the tone soured and split, scraped sharp against itself, you knew, what was going on, you knew...
Then she took full control, fell back into harmony with the hum "Mmmmhhhhh" and once she looked down at her hands she was seeing a glowing stream of light going out one hand and in the other.
She looked up at her dad again, tears filling her eyes. "Do you still say you've got no idea?"
OOC:
Rolling Arete for Prime 2 - I interpreted relatively freely that the light effect would be close enough to the Body of Light described in Core page 520 to also fall under Prime 2.I'll spend Willpower, not because Wren considers this particular important - she didn't even really intend to do magic anyway - spending Willpower to make sure this doesn't get embarrassing. I counted this as vulgar with witnesses, although I am actually not sure if it is vulgar and whether there are any sleeper witnesses.
Edit: No idea what happened to the dice, but good I took the WP.
Last edited May 21, 2026 5:43 pm
Rolls
Arete for Prime 2 vulgar with WP - (2d10diff7)
(53) + 7 = 15
May 24, 2026 1:59 pm
The sound of the casserole pot smashing onto the kitchen floor was second to the scream Wren heard from her mother as the manifestation of raw light filled the kitchen with an unnatural brightness. "What are you doing Wren? Stop it, stop it now!" She had never heard her father's voice so upset. Even in his angriest moments when dealing with their children, Julian Thorne did not raise his voice as he did now. He instinctively raised his hands in front of him to block the light as he stepped back to reach Lyra, torn between trying to protect his wife from whatever it was that Wren was doing, and wanting to reach Wren to grab hold of her and prevent her from doing whatever she was doing. "Just stop it Wren and calm down, you're scaring your mom!"
OOC:
Excellent use of Willpower though, especially because vulgar use incurs Paradox. Willpower might've negated that, but let's use it to enable Wren to succeed. So note down 2 points of Paradox. Now let's see if Wren can read the room. You'll need Perception + Empathy, but the difficulty is 9 because whatever Wren's parents aren't revealing (assuming they are hiding something) is so secret that they kept it for Wren's entire life. Alteratively, if you're committing to the Mind sphere you could try to read thoughts. (You haven't locked in all your spheres in your character sheet yet right?) May 27, 2026 12:20 pm
"I am scared myself, Dad" - Wren says - looking between Julian and her hands.
Edit: What a roll :( phew that I used willpower. Let's see what that one success reveals. If that is not so much yet, would this potentially be an extended roll to accumulate more over the scene?
OOC:
Rolling Perception+Empathy with Willpower and waiting for any insight this brings for Wren before I have her do or say anything else. Edit: What a roll :( phew that I used willpower. Let's see what that one success reveals. If that is not so much yet, would this potentially be an extended roll to accumulate more over the scene?
Last edited May 27, 2026 12:21 pm
Rolls
PER (sharp senses) + Empathy + WP - (6d10diff9)
(223235) + 9 = 26
May 30, 2026 1:27 pm
"We're always here for you Wren. I'll protect you, us." Dad had let go of his wife for a moment, even though Lyra was aghast at the scene of her daugther's manifestation. Julian reached for Wren, first to hold her hands without the similar fear that Lyra was emoting, and then to wrap his arms around his daughter in reassurance. "It's okay, we can figure this out together, whatever this is. Everything will be okay." He turned his head to look at his wife while still holding Wren tightly, "It's okay honey, she's alright, she'll be alright."
Wren had only known love and care from her parents, and more recently they had also been more concerned about any potential special needs Wren might have when Wren had talked about her increased sensitivities. At this moment she could still feel the same love from her father, even if she hadn't see her father in such an emotionally reactive state.
Was Cassandra wrong about what she implied about the Thornes? The council president spoke so convictedly, and there was no reason for her to lie; it was true Wren had powers, like some of the others. Myra was probably doing the same thing now, trying to find out if her parents were also mages. But dad and mum here seemed totally clueless. They couldn't have possibly lied to Wren for the past sixteen years. Julian was equally distraught, but one word he said stuck in Wren's mind. One of the first things her father said was 'protect'.
Wren had only known love and care from her parents, and more recently they had also been more concerned about any potential special needs Wren might have when Wren had talked about her increased sensitivities. At this moment she could still feel the same love from her father, even if she hadn't see her father in such an emotionally reactive state.
Was Cassandra wrong about what she implied about the Thornes? The council president spoke so convictedly, and there was no reason for her to lie; it was true Wren had powers, like some of the others. Myra was probably doing the same thing now, trying to find out if her parents were also mages. But dad and mum here seemed totally clueless. They couldn't have possibly lied to Wren for the past sixteen years. Julian was equally distraught, but one word he said stuck in Wren's mind. One of the first things her father said was 'protect'.
OOC:
I like how the dice spoke true, even at regular difficulty there would've been no successes. But good use of a Willpower point. It helps Wren keep alive the suspicion that something is hidden from her, but motivated by something more significant than revealing the truth to her.Jun 3, 2026 12:13 pm
Julian's arms were around her before she'd decided to allow them, but she let herself sink into it. Somewhen in that moment, the light died and her hands were looking normal again and she returned the embrace.
He was scared. Not at her. For her.
She was about to feel foolish about her thoughts that her parents had withheld this from her, had pretended everything had been normal. But then, she realized something about what Julian said and how he said it - I will protect you, us - and somehow, it again felt like being left out, being kept in the dark.
"Let me help protect then", and whispering into his ears, "you don't have to carry this alone."
He was scared. Not at her. For her.
She was about to feel foolish about her thoughts that her parents had withheld this from her, had pretended everything had been normal. But then, she realized something about what Julian said and how he said it - I will protect you, us - and somehow, it again felt like being left out, being kept in the dark.
"Let me help protect then", and whispering into his ears, "you don't have to carry this alone."
Jun 18, 2026 8:25 am
"What happened -- why is this happening -- are you alright -- will you be okay -- what are we going to do --" Mom was equal parts fearful and distraught and worried. Questions came tumbling out of her mouth one after another. All her maternal instincts wanted to comfort her daughter but found herself caught up reacting and rationalising what was happening.
At her moment of procesing and bewilderment it was Wren's father who took the reins as head of the family. Wren's awareness picked up on the next question he asked, "Did this happen in school? Did you tell your teachers? Who else knows?" Did Julian not hear what Wren whispered, or did he choose to ignore it?
She would discover later from her friends that Myra was putting forth the suggestion that her parents were somehow preparing her to know about the world of magic, by ensuring that their home library contained some of the necessary knowledge to illuminate her situation. Though at this point Wren was experiencing the opposite, that her parents, if they knew, had kept the truth from her. Maybe they had had to keep the truth hidden, for even in Myra's case, she was not (could not?) be told directly, even grandmother Lockwood did not know. This led Wren to believe that there was a deeper reason for all this concealment, that it was for their own good and safety. She had to try to find out why this was the case.
At her moment of procesing and bewilderment it was Wren's father who took the reins as head of the family. Wren's awareness picked up on the next question he asked, "Did this happen in school? Did you tell your teachers? Who else knows?" Did Julian not hear what Wren whispered, or did he choose to ignore it?
She would discover later from her friends that Myra was putting forth the suggestion that her parents were somehow preparing her to know about the world of magic, by ensuring that their home library contained some of the necessary knowledge to illuminate her situation. Though at this point Wren was experiencing the opposite, that her parents, if they knew, had kept the truth from her. Maybe they had had to keep the truth hidden, for even in Myra's case, she was not (could not?) be told directly, even grandmother Lockwood did not know. This led Wren to believe that there was a deeper reason for all this concealment, that it was for their own good and safety. She had to try to find out why this was the case.
OOC:
Here's the reaction, but I'm also added a link to what is happening in the other thread so you can see the context: Wren's checking her own family, whilst Myra and Joe and hitting the books, two different ways to get to the truth. The third way is what Jonathan and Minsoo are doing, talking to someone in the know.Jun 20, 2026 6:51 pm
"I'll be okay, Mom." She said it without looking away from Julian. "I think."
He hadn't asked what it was, or how, or why. He had asked who saw it. Did this happen at school. Who else knows.
She let the quiet stretch a moment before she answered.
"Not many. No one who'd talk."
Her eyes stayed on him.
"You heard me, Dad."
So she had been right all along, he knew at least something. She hoped there was a good reason not to tell her earlier and she hoped that reason finally vanished and he'd talk.
He hadn't asked what it was, or how, or why. He had asked who saw it. Did this happen at school. Who else knows.
She let the quiet stretch a moment before she answered.
"Not many. No one who'd talk."
Her eyes stayed on him.
"You heard me, Dad."
So she had been right all along, he knew at least something. She hoped there was a good reason not to tell her earlier and she hoped that reason finally vanished and he'd talk.
OOC:
Yeah, enjoying the little cat and mouse game with Wren's dad. And much more in Wren's register than going through books.Jun 22, 2026 3:55 pm
"I know you're confused Wren, I don't have an explanation for this that will make you feel better. But everything will be fine, I promise. We can see someone about this, but for now this remains within the family." Julian spoke that authoritatively, whether or not he believed himself. "We'll be okay, hon." He reached to wrap his other arm around Lyra.
By now Wren knew she wasn't going to arm twist anything out of her father. Whatever was going on was larger than even her direct confrontation and her overt display of magic. But how would she find out the truth? Who could she talk to about her family history? Or would she have to dig through her parents' private possessions to look for evidence? Or spy on her own father? Or wait to find out who her father meant when he said they could see someone about the situation? Julian seemed wary of school. Did school know something? Was Torrance on to something when he broke into the counselling room archives and found their case files, which would include health records and family history?
Something else dawned on Wren. Did her friends' parents know about their children? Or were they clueless? If she couldn't find out from her own father, could she find out from someone else's?
By now Wren knew she wasn't going to arm twist anything out of her father. Whatever was going on was larger than even her direct confrontation and her overt display of magic. But how would she find out the truth? Who could she talk to about her family history? Or would she have to dig through her parents' private possessions to look for evidence? Or spy on her own father? Or wait to find out who her father meant when he said they could see someone about the situation? Julian seemed wary of school. Did school know something? Was Torrance on to something when he broke into the counselling room archives and found their case files, which would include health records and family history?
Something else dawned on Wren. Did her friends' parents know about their children? Or were they clueless? If she couldn't find out from her own father, could she find out from someone else's?
Jun 23, 2026 10:01 pm
She stepped back.
For a moment she just looked at him, and the disbelief in her face hardened.
"You don't get to keep me in the dark and then tell me to stay quiet."
Then her expression changed. The anger didn't leave, but it pulled back behind her eyes, and the corner of her mouth moved.
"Remains within the family." She said it almost gently. Then she turned to the hallway. "Kieran!"
She looked back at Julian and waited.
For a moment she just looked at him, and the disbelief in her face hardened.
"You don't get to keep me in the dark and then tell me to stay quiet."
Then her expression changed. The anger didn't leave, but it pulled back behind her eyes, and the corner of her mouth moved.
"Remains within the family." She said it almost gently. Then she turned to the hallway. "Kieran!"
She looked back at Julian and waited.
Jun 25, 2026 2:56 am
"Wren Thorne, whatever this is, stop this now!" It was now her father's turn to check his rising anger. "End of discussion. You will go to your room and think about the way you're talking to us." Julian had put his foot down. Was Wren about to defy her parents, or would she cool off in the privacy of her room.
"What? I'm coming!" came the reply from upstairs, Kieran presumably putting down his headphones by his computer, assuming that he had been summoned because it was dinner time. Wren heard his steps as he came down, through the living room and then finally into the ultra tense scene in the dining doorway leading to the kitchen.
"What? I'm coming!" came the reply from upstairs, Kieran presumably putting down his headphones by his computer, assuming that he had been summoned because it was dinner time. Wren heard his steps as he came down, through the living room and then finally into the ultra tense scene in the dining doorway leading to the kitchen.
OOC:
Quick check on Kieran's age. And does he go / did he go to Ashford High?Jun 25, 2026 6:37 am
She looked at her brother in the doorway.
"Hi Kieran."
Then back to Julian.
"When you stop lying to us, I'll talk differently to you."
She picked up her skateboard and went for the door.
"Hi Kieran."
Then back to Julian.
"When you stop lying to us, I'll talk differently to you."
She picked up her skateboard and went for the door.
Jun 28, 2026 3:05 pm
The front door slammed shut. This was not something Wren had ever done, to walk out of home. Where would she even go? And would her parents race after her to look for her, if she stayed out too late and didn't come back?
It so happened though that tonight Wren did have a place she wanted to be at critically. Her awakened friends were meeting at Myra's place, all of them dealing with the aftermath of their personal transformations, all keenly trying to figure out how and why this was happening. Wren had thought speaking with her own family first was the wisest option, but things did not play out the way she expected. The thing she could confirm was that she, and possibly her friends as well, all had secrets surrounding their families. It was something else to get to the bottom of. Perhaps the others made some headway.
She sped off with a fierce determination to get to the bottom of something or other today. There were already too many questions and not enough answers.
For now, you may pop out of your thread, but instead of heading over to Myra's please go back to the main thread instead.
It so happened though that tonight Wren did have a place she wanted to be at critically. Her awakened friends were meeting at Myra's place, all of them dealing with the aftermath of their personal transformations, all keenly trying to figure out how and why this was happening. Wren had thought speaking with her own family first was the wisest option, but things did not play out the way she expected. The thing she could confirm was that she, and possibly her friends as well, all had secrets surrounding their families. It was something else to get to the bottom of. Perhaps the others made some headway.
She sped off with a fierce determination to get to the bottom of something or other today. There were already too many questions and not enough answers.
OOC:
I haven't forgotten Wren has Ally 1 and also interestingly Retainer 1 (wondering if there's a chance to factor them in here, or perhaps much later.For now, you may pop out of your thread, but instead of heading over to Myra's please go back to the main thread instead.