Throw an Inquiry at Arylett Charnoa

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

HELIO! HELIO LISK LISK LISK!!! *jumps up and down with excitement*

 

HELIO LISK LISK??

 

 

Whoa there! You're an excitable fellow. But I won't dunk my head down into the chocolate! I'll get chocolate in my mane and the damn thing is already disorganized enough as is.

 

We're both happy then! I shall keep asking more questions about Alterra for the foreseeable future! Most of my questions will probably be about the elements for now since they're really interesting me, but each answer can lead to even more questions, so I don't expect that to last long.

 

What element do you, as a Fox Valstaen, specialize in? Are you notably proficient in any elements other that the one you specialize in?

 

 

My main element is Fire, but sub-element specialty is Light. That means I use more light-based techniques than the typical flame fire most people tend to imagine when they are confronted with this element.

 

I am also proficient in Mind and Life. Mind is my second most powerful element and my ability in it nearly rivals that of Fire. This is because Mind is the purest form of Psyche Energy, which I am very very good at.

Edited August 2, 2014 by Arylett Charnoa

[FortyTwo42 1,287]

Does everyone also specalize in a specific sub-element of the element they specalize in? If so, is this also determined at birth just like how the main element they specalize in is chosen? However it works, if I have to choose a sub-element of Nothing to be especially good at, I'd go with Time.

[Untitled Goose Q 5,138]

Helio Lisk Lisk??

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

Does everyone also specalize in a specific sub-element of the element they specalize in? If so, is this also determined at birth just like how the main element they specalize in is chosen? However it works, if I have to choose a sub-element of Nothing to be especially good at, I'd go with Time.

 

 

Yes, they do. The sub-element isn't really determined at birth though. Within your main element, you're equally proficient at everything when you're first born. As you grow older, you can choose what you want to specialize in. The more time you spend at a sub-element, the better you get at it. People can switch whenever they want, but they generally stick with ones they've chosen earlier on because of the amount of investment put into it.

 

 

Helio Lisk Lisk??

 

 

Okay, I'll pour chocolate on your head then.

 

Edited August 2, 2014 by Arylett Charnoa

[FortyTwo42 1,287]

What are some of the other types of Wyvalists and Valstaens apart from Dragon Wyvalist and Fox Valstaens? Are there a few varieties or lots of varieties?

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

What are some of the other types of Wyvalists and Valstaens apart from Dragon Wyvalist and Fox Valstaens? Are there a few varieties or lots of varieties?

 

 

We haven't quite mapped out all the varieties yet, but I can say that there are quite a few. Let me get a list down here:

 

Valstaens:

• Fox
• Wolf/Dog (Same thing, really)
• Cat (Also includes big cat type things)
• Horse
• Goat/Sheep
• Giraffe
• Deer
• Bear
• Rabbit
• Griffon
• Bird/Owl/Hawk
• Mouse/Rat

Wyvalist

• Dragon
• Snake
• Lizard
• Crocodile

 

Valstaens have more variety, because they are more common and as I said, more nature-oriented, so they tend to have more animal sub-types.

Edited August 2, 2014 by Arylett Charnoa

[Untitled Goose Q 5,138]

Okay, I'll pour chocolate on your head then.

 

 

Helio!!!!! Lisk lisk!!!!!! *is really happy*

 

Lisk??

[FortyTwo42 1,287]

That's quite a big list. A Hawk Valstaen sounds fun if I want to make a second character.

 

Anyway, do only Dragon Wyvalists focus on technology, or are all Wyvalists technologically focused? Also, do Dragon Wyvalists have wings and the ability to fly?

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

Helio!!!!! Lisk lisk!!!!!! *is really happy*

 

Lisk??

 

 

Yes.

 

;;Pours it into your nose;;

 

That's quite a big list. A Hawk Valstaen sounds fun if I want to make a second character.

 

Anyway, do only Dragon Wyvalists focus on technology, or are all Wyvalists technologically focused? Also, do Dragon Wyvalists have wings and the ability to fly?

 

 

All Wyvalists are technology-oriented, in contrast to the Valstaens who, whilst still being technologically focused, use a less... mechanical form of it. And Dragon Wyvalists do have wings/the ability to fly. 

Edited August 2, 2014 by Arylett Charnoa

[FortyTwo42 1,287]

How are the elements used? Are you able to do just about anything as long as it fits in your elements? Or are there specific spells that you can use? Or is it something else?

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

How are the elements used? Are you able to do just about anything as long as it fits in your elements? Or are there specific spells that you can use? Or is it something else?

 

 

Take a sit there, this is going to take some time to explain.

 

Everything in this universe is made up of Energy. All forms of movement, the composition of our bodies, etc. The elements are merely categories of Energy. 

 

You are able to do just about anything in this setting because everything, even if it's not outright stated, is a part of an element. There is no non-elemental. Such is impossible. The elements are intertwined with everything that exists and cannot be disconnected. They are a part of the very fabric of the universe.

 

However, there are specific types of actions/techniques that one can use. They can be used for battle, everyday things, etc.

 

There are two types of Energy - Impulse and Psyche. Impulse is the very definition of taking a physical action, and Psyche is metaphysical, more spiritual action. Kind of like Magic, really, but rather than being a supernatural force, it is a part of the world. 

 

Within Impulse, you can take physical actions known as Skills. Psyche has Spells. Each of these individual techniques have elements assigned to them. One can also use more than one at once, combining two or three elements in a technique.

Edited August 2, 2014 by Arylett Charnoa

[Untitled Goose Q 5,138]

*pulls out a candle lit dinner for two*

 

Helio! Helio Lisk Lisk!!!

[FortyTwo42 1,287]

This is a little difficult to understand, so I'm just going to ask questions to clarify some of these points:

 

When you say 'you are able to do just about anything in this setting', does this mean you are theoretically able to do just about anything with magic, but each person is restricted by both the elements you are able to learn and how proficient you are with them? I imagine it's pretty much impossible to master all eight elements, so there wouldn't be anyone who could do just anything he wants because he's proficient at all eight elements.

 

I'm not sure I really understand what Impulse is. Taking a physical action doesn't sound like it needs magic at all. Would Impulse include actions such as setting a sword your using on fire as you use it to slash opponents?

 

Are there limitations on what spells you can use or how many spells you can use? Would it be possible to use the same spell over and over, or are there limitations that prevent this?

 

I think examples would really help me understand. Could you give me examples of a few skills and spells?

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

*pulls out a candle lit dinner for two*

 

Helio! Helio Lisk Lisk!!!

 

 

No, I don't have dinner with you... I've already got a significant other! Don't just state that like some kind of command!

 

This is a little difficult to understand, so I'm just going to ask questions to clarify some of these points:

 

When you say 'you are able to do just about anything in this setting', does this mean you are theoretically able to do just about anything with magic, but each person is restricted by both the elements you are able to learn and how proficient you are with them? I imagine it's pretty much impossible to master all eight elements, so there wouldn't be anyone who could do just anything he wants because he's proficient at all eight elements.

 

I'm not sure I really understand what Impulse is. Taking a physical action doesn't sound like it needs magic at all. Would Impulse include actions such as setting a sword your using on fire as you use it to slash opponents?

 

Are there limitations on what spells you can use or how many spells you can use? Would it be possible to use the same spell over and over, or are there limitations that prevent this?

 

I think examples would really help me understand. Could you give me examples of a few skills and spells?

 

 

What I was getting at with my previous explanation is that every action, regardless of whether it is outright said to be a Technique or is just something mundane, is part of the elements. For instance, even the action of... say, eating. is part of the Life-element. The action of typing on this computer? Mind and Life. All actions use elements unconsciously without thought, so the elements are always used and always important. It's not like in many other forms of fiction where the elements are solely used as magic spells for combat.

 

Now, theoretically, yes. One could do anything if they had mastery over all eight elements. And as you said, they are limited by their elemental proficiency. This is correct.

 

There are outright elemental actions other than eating, sleeping, etc, known as Techniques. These can be used for combat or for everyday things, but they actually require a conscious effort to perform. They're split into Impulse (Skill) and Psyche (Spell) as I said before.

 

Let me use Pokemon as an example to better explain this. Impulse = Physical. Psyche = Special/Magic. Both of these are a part of Energy, which dictates everything that exists. But yes, Impulse would involve a Technique like setting a sword on fire and bonking someone with it.

 

There are no technical limitations to how many times you can cast a spell or use a spell. It all depends solely on how exhausted and how much of your own personal energy you've used up. More powerful spells will be harder to cast multiple times due to consuming a great deal from the caster though. The better you are at Psyche though, the more you'll be able to cast. Once again, this is dictated by the individual.

 

Now, here are some examples as you have asked. Most of them will be based on combat situations:

 

• Skill: Flame Blade (Fire) - This is setting the sword/any other bladetype thing you happen to have on fire as you said and slashing about.

   

• Spell: Rena Flare (Fire) - Releases a fiery explosion.

   

• Skill: Vital Jab (Life) - Thrust your life-charged appendage into the opponent.

   

• Spell: Lara Flora (Life) - Create a barrage of flowers to assault the opponent.

   

• Skill: Aqua Charge (Water) - Take the form of liquid and ram yourself into something.

   

• Spell: Cete Stream (Water) - Shoot a burst of liquid.

 

Hopefully, this has sufficiently clarified things.

Edited August 2, 2014 by Arylett Charnoa

[FortyTwo42 1,287]

Yep, that really helped explain everything!

 

How advanced is the technology in Alterra? Is it roughly the same as modern technology in real life? Or is it more advanced or less advanced than modern technology?

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

Yep, that really helped explain everything!

 

How advanced is the technology in Alterra? Is it roughly the same as modern technology in real life? Or is it more advanced or less advanced than modern technology?

 

 

The technology is very much dependent on what species we are talking about, but as a whole, it is significantly more hi-tech than real life technology and goes into science fiction territory. Even humans, who have the technology most analogous to modern technology, have some advanced things that don't exist in this world.

 

Wyvalists and Valstaens go further beyond that. Wyvalists as a whole are more technologically focused, so they have the highest levels of technology. But Valstaens are not far behind. Their level of technology is nearly on-par with Wyvalists, but it is also completely different and distinctive from theirs, relying on less mechanical components and more on biological.

Edited August 2, 2014 by Arylett Charnoa

[FortyTwo42 1,287]

Would someone's personality be related to the element they specialize in? For instance, would people who specialize in Life tend to be cheerful and more sociable, or have other personality traits? Or are people's personalities completely independent of the element they specialize in?

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

Would someone's personality be related to the element they specialize in? For instance, would people who specialize in Life tend to be cheerful and more sociable, or have other personality traits? Or are people's personalities completely independent of the element they specialize in?

 

 

There are certain, stereotypical traits that are attributed to elements. Because people are born with their element, there are personality traits that they can be born with. But this is generally very subtle and not something that should be taken extremely. They're only broad generalizations and for as many people as there are who match their stereotype, there are also many who do not.

Edited August 2, 2014 by Arylett Charnoa

[FortyTwo42 1,287]

Can you tell me what the stereotypes are for each element?

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

Can you tell me what the stereotypes are for each element?

 

• Fire - Good-looking, energetic, fiercely loyal to friends, consider friendship very important, passionate, emotional, hyperactive, have offensive and speedy fighting styles. 

   

• Earth - Down to earth, practical, good at doing physical work such as digging/mining/constructing, physically strong and resistant, have defensive fighting styles. 

   

• Reality -  Bleak, pessimistic, cynical, realistic, problematic, have psychological issues, sarcastic, snarky, intelligent, powerful, unsocial, cold and calculating fighting style. 

   

• Mind - Spacey, physically weak, social. Genius-Type: Clever, intelligent, nerds, quick-thinking, have a strategical fighting style which involves indirect effects and careful planning, yet are also flexible. Emotional Type: Emotional, sensitive, considerate, impulsive, reckless, erratic, unpredictable, have a fighting style that is often done on the fly and is mostly offensive. 

   

• Water - Artistic, pretty, graceful, bipolar; are either calm and serene but will go absolutely wild intensely if angered, kind, liberal, cold, harsh, aloof, withdrawn. Basically can either be really nice or really harsh and mean, depending on their mood. Have graceful fighting styles that often are described as "looking like a dance."

   

• Air - Eccentric, unpractical, dreamy, random, perky, fun-lovers, intelligent, skilled, speedy, graceful, creative, artistic, have a fighting style that is massively unpredictable and incorporates a little bit of everything. 

   

• Nothing - Blank, emotionless, stoic, merciless, anti-social, no personality, murderers, pure, clean, logical, holy. 

   

• Life - Varied, generic, mixed, jack-of-all-trades, average joes, irritable, high-energy, physical, athletic, brutal, impatient, caring, kind, passive, laid-back. Their fighting style tends to be energetic, physical, and more offensive. 

Edited August 2, 2014 by Arylett Charnoa

[FortyTwo42 1,287]

Sweet, everyone thinks I'm an emotionless, merciless murderer!

 

How does someone improve their proficiency at magic? Do they just need to use it over and over to practise, or are there exercises they can do to train themselves, or any other methods of improving their abilities?

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

Sweet, everyone thinks I'm an emotionless, merciless murderer!

 

How does someone improve their proficiency at magic? Do they just need to use it over and over to practise, or are there exercises they can do to train themselves, or any other methods of improving their abilities?

 

 

On the bright side, people also think you're holy!

 

Well, there isn't really any magic. (Not anymore, at least. That term is outdated) It's known as Psyche here. But anyways, there are many different ways to improve at it, just as there are in real life to improve at skills. Using it over and over again will certainly help, like if you use a Fire spell many times, you'll generally become better at that one spell and at the Fire element as a whole. And studying the overall mechanics and techniques of how to perform it helps a lot too. There are also training exercises one can perform, training programs, tutors, etc. It's a very broad topic.

 

There's also just some people who are born with a natural talent for it.

Edited August 2, 2014 by Arylett Charnoa

[FortyTwo42 1,287]

What is Wyvalist society and Valstaen society like? What are the values of each one and what ethics and laws do they have? Aside from the technology difference, are there other key differences between Wyvalist society and Valstaen society?

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

What is Wyvalist society and Valstaen society like? What are the values of each one and what ethics and laws do they have? Aside from the technology difference, are there other key differences between Wyvalist society and Valstaen society?

 

 

This hasn't been fully established yet, so I can't go quite into detail, but I can say a few basics about them. The two are very similar, but it is the way they approach things that is different.

 

Wyvalists, because of being so focused on mechanical technology, have a culture focused around improvement. Improving things by building atop them and upgrading them. They are more oriented towards complexity. Their laws and ethics favor this type of progress, and unlike people today, they're not made uncomfortable by the idea of cyborgs and other mechanical augmentations. They're overall a very open-minded and energetic people. But due to all this, they can be pretty ruthless about the way they progress and are often jumping the gun about improving things that might not necessarily need it. They don't like the outdated and are rather eager to leave it behind. This creates conflict with the way they approach humans, which some extremists believe that if they refuse to be augmented to keep up with the power of Wyvalists and Valstaens, then they should simply go extinct.

 

Valstaens are focused on more natural, biological technology. Their culture is also focused around improvement, but they want to create completely new things alongside the old rather than upgrade, so this makes them also more focused on preservation. They're oriented towards simplicity. What one wouldn't expect from such a people, however, is their complete openness to the creation of artificial life and life in general. But not mechanically-based artificial life. Artificial life created through organic components and processes. They believe that the way through improvement is to keep creating new beings and gradually improve/evolve throughout the generations. They're very hesitant about the ideas of artificial augmentation and prefer to keep already-existing things as is. The disadvantages of this are that their lack of desire to build upon old foundations tends to make them very disorganized, chaotic, and inconsistent. They have a tendency to just ignore old things until they go away, and that's basically the extremist view towards humans. Just wait for them to die off.

Edited August 2, 2014 by Arylett Charnoa

[FortyTwo42 1,287]

What is the relationship between the Wyvalists and the Valstaens? Are they peaceful towards each other, or do they have a more negative, perhaps violent relationship?