Long Lost Cafe [Open][T]

[Spirit™]

Tsukiko sat in a huge red cushioned chair. A large textbook and a steaming mug of hot chocolate rested on a small, round polished oak table that sat directly in front of the right arm rest of the chair. She had already sipped from the mug and scalded her tongue once for just a taste of the sweet liquid that she fancied so much. Now she was waiting for it to cool down just a little bit, so she could truly enjoy it.

She eyed the textbook on the table, knowing she should get some studying in but she was still having a hard time bringing herself to open it and get started. So instead she allowed her gaze to wander through the wide pane glass windows that covered the entire eastern wall on the right side of her chair, and watched as the snow fell heavily outside. The evergreen forest that surrounded and shrouded the cafe was all heavily shaded white, as was the ground for as far as she could see. And with her bloodline, she could see quite far.

She began thinking back to the day that she had gotten lost in these very same woods. Weary and lost she had stumbled upon it, happy for their baked goods and hot beverages, even happier for the roasty temperature of the interior. Now she visited the establishment at the end of every work day to relieve some stress and relax in a place that didn't chill her to the bone.

There were a few other people in the cafe, no more than five, who were doing similar things; reading books, chatting lightly, sipping hot drinks. The dim lighting and classical music set a mood, one that Tsukiko cherished greatly. There was a huge empty chair directly adjacent to her own, but she didn't expect it to get occupied anytime soon. She opened the textbook in front of her with a sigh. No better time than the present. She thought quietly to herself.

[Mutzy]

He had heard of a café out in the woods on the outskirts of the village. Fresh baked goods and tea were their main wares and in a place like Yukigakure there was plenty of demand for it. Kabel had yet to do anything related yet to being a genin, no teams were assigned, no personal training, at the moment he was using this free time to pursue his own interests.

Lost in thought as he entered the café out in the forest, his body went through the motions. Robe taken off and shaken of the snow that had collected on it just before opening the door, bandaged feet dried off by the hem of the same robe, and shirt sleeves rolled up. Despite the overcast skies, Kabel still had his sunglasses on and behind he took a quick perusal of the other customers in the café. The only one of particular interest was the older looking girl with pinkish hair. Genetic or coloring was the question that came to Kabel at first, the second question came what rank was she when he noticed that she was a Yuki shinobi as well.

He ran his hand through his black hair and refocused his attention on the menu that was available. Today was a day of relaxation, not analyzing other people. A bun and some hot black tea was his order as he took his newly acquired foods and took a seat that was facing the girl from earlier, but his focus was on the food. Kabel let the tea sit and cool a bit and first turned his attention to the bun. As he took off his sunglasses, he clipped them to the front of his shirt and then tore the bun in half, inspecting the texture and consistency. He took out a small piece of just the inside of the bread and tasted it. Satisfied with what he acquired, he took a sip of tea and it was then that he recognized the classical music in the background. Looks like it was going to be a nice day after all.

[Spirit™]

Dimple Runes (Braille) x1 48/125
Rank: "E"
Skill: Skill
Effect: Ancient Writing using Markings which can be read by the blind.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Writing Markings which can be read by the blind or persons unable to see for other reasons, such as being in the dark or blindfolded. This secretive type of writing was developed by a group of Chakra Users who had been blinded in punishment for using forbidden Techniques. As a result, there are many ancient scrolls and writings written in this language hidden away in secret locations around the world. This also lets the character use Dimple Runs in their writing. Each time learned user gets 5 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---
0/5

Tsukiko slid the large textbook open, the scent of weathered parchment hitting her nose when she did so. The smell made her nostalgic of the few good times she had as a child, gleaning knowledge from books just like this one. In between the frequent beatings for her failures of course, that had left a great many scars littered across her back. She tried to evade those memories whenever she could, and even now she began to eliminate them from her mind as found the last page she had left off at in the large book.

She had spent a small amount of time learning the basics to Braille, and was already familiar with the lettering and wording that made it's structure. Completely into her reading, she didn't even notice when a young man sat directly across from her. She closed her eyes, and let her fingers do the reading for her. The braille was a series of dots and indentations that were raised on the paper so that one could "feel" the words that they couldn't see if they were blind. Such was the purpose of Braille.

The book contained small passages from other novels that she would try to decipher, using only her fingers. If she opened her eyes she felt as if she were cheating, so she held them tightly closed as she focused on what each series of dots and indentations meant.
"The Penguin And The Polar Bear." She read the title with her fingers. It was a story she recognized from her youth, a fable from a book of similar stories that usually had a moral for a young child to learn. She continued "reading".

"There once was a young Penguin, smarter than most penguins his age. He was also bigger and stronger than most other Penguins at his young age, which gave him a great deal of confidence when it came to the world. His parents took great pride in their son's accomplishments, always praising him whenever they could. He swam fast, he hunted huge fish, and they knew that soon he would have his pick of any female in their village. The only problem they ever had, was that since he was so smart, he always thought it was okay to break the rules whenever it suited him.

One day, the penguin was out swimming as he usually did, looking for a big fish to take home for his mother and father. He had swam farther than he was allowed, but thought it was okay since he was just going to bring home a large fish anyway. Large chunks of ice floated around out here, giving resting places to the land dwellers that lived outside his village, namely the Polar Bears. As he swam past one such chunk of ice, he could see a huge fish swimming just underneath it when a large furry white paw broke the surface of the water and snatched the large fish. Curious as to what just happened, he rose to the surface, and came face to face with an old Polar Bear.


Tsukiko opened her eyes to find her hot chocolate, her thirst for the hot and sweet beverage taking over. She had already decided to give her fingers a short break from her reading to enjoy the drink before it got cold. When she glanced up to find the cup, she was surprised to see a young man sitting across from her in the large chair. He had dark black hair and circular rimmed glasses, his clothes a drab ensemble of grey clothing. Her eyes fell to his left arm, where a Yukikagure headband was visible. She had never seen this particular ninja around before, but that didn't mean she couldn't be friendly. Besides, he seemed to be enjoying the comforts of the cafe almost as much as she was, so she decided to introduce herself.

"Hi," she said in a low voice so as not to startle him, her tone friendly. "I am also a ninja here in this lonely place." She pointed her thumb at the Yuki band she wore on her forehead. "My name is Tsukiko." She said with a smile. "What's your name?"


Book: Textbook (Overview) Dimple Runes (Braille)
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Book, Textbook
Effect: A book used as a standard work for the study of a particular subject.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A textbook or coursebook is a manual of instruction in any branch of study. Textbooks are produced according to the demands of educational institutions.
Limit: These items may be bought inside any Book Shop.
Cost: 3,500 Ryo

Able Learner
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: The user has great aptitude for learning.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: When learning a skill, the skill states how many times a die roll may be applied to show how much they learned within that skill. Example, when a user learns "Botany" they gain 5 die rolls. This "trait" increases the amount of die rolls by 1.5 rounded to the highest number at 1 die roll per learning, however any number higher than 1 die roll is rounded down. For example: User learns Botany and gains 5 die rolls. With this Trait they will gain 7 die rolls. However if a user learns Lockpicking they normally get 1 die roll, however with this Trait they will gain 2 die rolls.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 2 Freebies.

Weathered Emissary
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: User travels in the wildlands gave them insight into how to survive their dangers and communicate with their inhabitants.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +5 trait bonus on all Language skills and Tracking checks, and gain a +1 per die roll when learning a Language Skill. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Unintentional Linguist
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: User can speak with outsiders.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +5 trait bonus on all Language checks, gain a +1 per die roll when learning the skill, and begin play knowing one of the following languages: Abyssal, Celestial, Ignan, Infernal, or Terran. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

[Celaena Kamyuja]

+5
+44SP
92|125

[Mutzy]

Uh, must not have been paying attention, ending up seating across from the girl instead of table currently directly behind him. A little awkward tingle travelled down in his spine at his social faux pas. He looked over at the girl and saw that she was concentrating on reading a book and from what little even could see didn’t make any sense nor would it right side up let alone upside like he was currently viewing it. Must be another language and his fellow café-goer is most likely some sort of academic. Wonderful, he knew a little about blowing things up and what points to put the explosives, but studying a foreign language? Not in his short life time.

Oh great, now she noticed that he was there and not somewhere else. Wonderful. He was already weirded out by finding himself sitting and not exactly where he thought was sitting, so speaking in a low voice didn’t do anything to lower the amount of embarrassment he felt over his predicament, Kabel could feel his forehead get a little hot and he hoped it would pass as simply the temperature of the room and the tea he had been drinking instead of the nervousness he actually felt. For all vaunted self-discipline, he was still a young teenage boy across from an attractive female who was older than him.

Hi she said, her name Tsukiko she said, what is your name she said. Well that last question become a little harder with that smile. A little unfair the social advantage that girls had especially on such impressionable young men. Kabel managed to mentally regroup himself and replied in a monotone voice, “Hello, I am Kabel.” He was lucky to get that much out before he said something stupid. If the conversation was going to continue, he was going to need to find his balls again as they seem to have mentally disappeared on him.

[Spirit™]

Dimple Runes (Braille) x1 92/125
Rank: "E"
Skill: Skill
Effect: Ancient Writing using Markings which can be read by the blind.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Writing Markings which can be read by the blind or persons unable to see for other reasons, such as being in the dark or blindfolded. This secretive type of writing was developed by a group of Chakra Users who had been blinded in punishment for using forbidden Techniques. As a result, there are many ancient scrolls and writings written in this language hidden away in secret locations around the world. This also lets the character use Dimple Runs in their writing. Each time learned user gets 5 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---
0/5

"Hi Kabel. Nice to meet you." Tsukiko said warmly in a low tone before she went back to her hot chocolate which was closer to lukewarm than hot. Taking a few sips, she set the mug down and returned her attention to the large textbook. She was definitely getting better at deciphering Braille with her fingers and pretty soon it would be as easy as reading a book written in Common.

Focusing herself onto the task at hand, Tsukiko closed her eyes and let out her breath slowly before running her fingers over the page so she could find the exact spot in the story that she had left off at. Her fingers brushed over the various dots and indentations on the page, her mind working quickly to translate what her fingers were reading on the page.

"The old polar bear was stunned for a brief moment as he looked down at the Penguin with a mouthful of the large fish he had just caught. Even though the Polar Bear was eating the fish, the sight of the penguin made his mouth water and his stomach grumble. The Polar Bear continued eating the fish, as he eyed the Penguin with a tremendous hunger. The penguin watched the polar bear until he couldn't stand the silence any longer.

'Hello Mr.Bear. I was wondering, how is it that you were able to catch a fish so easily? I can swim really fast.' He swam quick circles around the chunk of ice the Polar Bear was eating on. 'I too can catch a large fish.' He swam around for a few minutes, doing his best to catch a fish. Finally he caught one, almost as large as the Polar Bear's. 'But how can you do it, when you are so slow, and so old?' The Polar Bear stayed quiet, a look of confusion etched on his face.

'I'm sorry sonny,' He whispered in an old weathered voice. 'But I can't hear you very well, you need to come closer.' The penguin thought it over for a moment before he inched himself out of the water and onto the ice.
'Can you hear me now?' He asked.
'You have to come a bit closer youngster.' Came the old bear's whispered reply. The penguin inched even closer, until he was closer to the bear than the water.
'Can you hear me now?' He yelled at the bear. The penguin was caught entirely off guard as the large bear pounced on him, pinning him to the ice as he struggled to get free in vain.
'Patience.' The bear whispered to the Penguin before devouring the poor young bird whole.

Moral: Listen to your parents."

Tsukiko closed the book and opened her eyes, her thoughts lost entirely on the poor penguin. Pretty morbid for a children's tale. She thought while suppressing a shiver.
"Sorry for ignoring you for a moment Kabel. Sometimes I get so enveloped in my studies." She giggled, the volume of her amusement low, keeping with the ambiance of the cafe.
"So what brings you here Kabel?"


Book: Textbook (Overview) Dimple Runes (Braille)
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Book, Textbook
Effect: A book used as a standard work for the study of a particular subject.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A textbook or coursebook is a manual of instruction in any branch of study. Textbooks are produced according to the demands of educational institutions.
Limit: These items may be bought inside any Book Shop.
Cost: 3,500 Ryo

Able Learner
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: The user has great aptitude for learning.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: When learning a skill, the skill states how many times a die roll may be applied to show how much they learned within that skill. Example, when a user learns "Botany" they gain 5 die rolls. This "trait" increases the amount of die rolls by 1.5 rounded to the highest number at 1 die roll per learning, however any number higher than 1 die roll is rounded down. For example: User learns Botany and gains 5 die rolls. With this Trait they will gain 7 die rolls. However if a user learns Lockpicking they normally get 1 die roll, however with this Trait they will gain 2 die rolls.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 2 Freebies.

Weathered Emissary
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: User travels in the wildlands gave them insight into how to survive their dangers and communicate with their inhabitants.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +5 trait bonus on all Language skills and Tracking checks, and gain a +1 per die roll when learning a Language Skill. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Unintentional Linguist
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: User can speak with outsiders.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +5 trait bonus on all Language checks, gain a +1 per die roll when learning the skill, and begin play knowing one of the following languages: Abyssal, Celestial, Ignan, Infernal, or Terran. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

[Father 'Suke]

+5 TP
+30 SP
122|125

[Mutzy]

He wasn’t really sure where this conversation was going, but so far so good on avoiding pitfalls. It helps that the questions have been pretty lowball and easy to handle. Name, check. Why he showed up here, was next on the list. Trying to keep the same monotone voice, “Oh I overheard a couple of people back in the village talking about the pastries here and since I have no current obligations, I decided to walk out here for some relaxation before being assigned to a team or start training. I heard the chuunin exams are supposed to happen in the near future.”

He took a sip of his tea to gather his thoughts, “I actually don’t know much about the village, I was an immigrant eight years back and never had someone explain things to me.” He didn’t want to say much else, things were hard enough as they were and he didn’t want to elicit pity out of Tsukiko. Kabel wasn’t exactly sure where this conversation was going to go, since she seemed to be mostly focusing on her studies, which he had zero clue about what they were and couldn’t hold a conversation about it besides asking general insipid questions. He didn’t really have much to say and he wasn’t particularly confident in asking more personal questions, so Kabel would remain quiet till it the direction of the conversation became obvious.

[Spirit™]

Aquan (Tongue of the Sea) x1 51/125
Rank: "D"
Skill: Skill
Effect: A language spoken by Aquatic and water-based creatures.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The so-called "tongue of the sea" is spoken primarily in the sunken world—those who trade frequently with the ocean lovers often speak this tongue as well. Aquan grew from a proto-elemental language which was the progenitor of all elemental languages. Much of its vocabulary is taken up with water-related terms. It is a guttural language with many long syllables made up of dense, throaty sounds. Each time learned user gets 5 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

0/10

Tsukiko took the large textbook off the small table and put it in her sack, replacing it with an equally large text book and a single pencil.
"At least someone told you about this place Kabel, I discovered it on my own." Tsukiko opened the textbook, taking a brief second to find the book mark somewhere in the middle of the book. The last page she was on was a test page, questions that had to do with the last chapter of the book. This was usually the best part of her day when it came to these type of studies, a chance to put her knowledge to the test.

Tsukiko wasn't sure how much she should say to Kabel, but she was starting to think that it wouldn't be too hard to open up a bit since she didn't have a great many friends in the village.... Or any at all for that matter.
"I'm an immigrant myself. Things were very hard for me when I got here, being an orphan and all. But things can change in the blink of an eye." She smiled at Kabel. "As for the the Chuunin Exams, I have passed them and if you're interested, I wouldn't mind helping you get prepared."

Tsukiko quickly delved into her textbook, staring at the first question without waiting for a response from Kabel. She had just read a similar passage in her last book, but now she would have to answer questions about the one she had read already. Now that she thought about it, she should read the passage over again just to rejog her memory since Aquan was not an easy language to read.
"Atlantis, The Lost Continent

Atlantis was once the primary power of the entire globe. The technologies that Atlantis possessed was supposedly thousands of years ahead of every other nation on the planet, even more technologically advanced than the most advanced nations of the present day. Descriptions of Atlantis include three large pyramids carved entirely out of crystal that housed the three entities of government for nation. The various vehicles that traveled the island nation were capable of defying gravity and traveling at speeds faster than the speed of sound. Lastly, every citizen of Atlantis was gifted with a small device that housed a small crystal. This device provided longevity in terms of life expectancy and was also capable of healing moderate wounds and sicknesses.

The three separate entities of government were considered equal in their power, but also had different rites of ascension to power within each entity. The first were astute in their studies of theology, as the national religion of Atlantis worshiped the sun goddess Sola, goddess of the Sun. They were responsible for making laws that dealt with both good and evil, the foremost evil in their minds being Atheism. The second entity dealt with the sciences, mainly technology and medicines. The knowledge they possessed is what quickly gave Atlantis their rise to power and also the weaponry to keep them there. The third entity was the royal family. Most warriors and commanders of war came from the Royal Family, although it wasn't uncommon for members of their Military to come from the other two branches. The Royal Family was also considered the face of the nation. The Aquan language itself is believed to have first been spoken by members of the Royal family and then passed down until the entire nation spoke the language.

At the height of it's power, every nation paid homage to Atlantis in the form of precious metals, slaves, and livestock. These offerings were given as a means of keeping Atlantis from entirely obliterating an entire nation off the map as such was their power. This formula of offering was successful for three thousand years until the unification of the outsider nations and the subsequent war that followed, along with the destruction and abandonment of Atlantis as a result.


Tsukiko had read it all in a few minutes, processing the information faster from having read the passage once already. Unfortunately it was only half the passage. Tsukiko felt a tad bit guilty for ignoring her new friend, and decided to give the textbook a rest for a moment before continuing on. She looked over at Kabel, not sure if he had answered her proposal already.
"So, what do you say Kabel? Would you like to be tutored for the exams?"



Book: Textbook (Overview) Aquan (Tongue of the Sea)
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Book, Textbook
Effect: A book used as a standard work for the study of a particular subject.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A textbook or coursebook is a manual of instruction in any branch of study. Textbooks are produced according to the demands of educational institutions.
Limit: These items may be bought inside any Book Shop.
Cost: 3,500 Ryo

Able Learner
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: The user has great aptitude for learning.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: When learning a skill, the skill states how many times a die roll may be applied to show how much they learned within that skill. Example, when a user learns "Botany" they gain 5 die rolls. This "trait" increases the amount of die rolls by 1.5 rounded to the highest number at 1 die roll per learning, however any number higher than 1 die roll is rounded down. For example: User learns Botany and gains 5 die rolls. With this Trait they will gain 7 die rolls. However if a user learns Lockpicking they normally get 1 die roll, however with this Trait they will gain 2 die rolls.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 2 Freebies.

Weathered Emissary
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: User travels in the wildlands gave them insight into how to survive their dangers and communicate with their inhabitants.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +5 trait bonus on all Language skills and Tracking checks, and gain a +1 per die roll when learning a Language Skill. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Unintentional Linguist
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: User can speak with outsiders.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +5 trait bonus on all Language checks, gain a +1 per die roll when learning the skill, and begin play knowing one of the following languages: Abyssal, Celestial, Ignan, Infernal, or Terran. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

[Father 'Suke]

+10 TP
+36 SP
87|125

[Mutzy]

Another orphan? It seems conflict finds itself having quite a large following. “I have a pretty nontraditional style of combat, the arrogant side of me would say that I practice a very modern form of combat, but besides that there is much which I do not know and would appreciate the knowledge that you could give me. I haven’t gotten around to going to the castle to check on whether the teams have been assigned yet. That is going to be my next destination after my visit here is at an end.” Kabel wasn’t sure exactly of the kind of knowledge that is required to pass the chuunin exams, but he assumed that is going to be more than how to blow up structures and/or people. What actually was more curious at this time was who from his graduating class was going to be assigned to his team or anyone at all, there wasn’t exactly a whole lot of genin, but he still didn’t remember any of their names or particularly what they looked like. He had rather isolated himself with the help of the behavior of his classmates, but Kabel wasn’t one to hold grudges and so had no reason to keep track of such details.

[Spirit™]

Tsukiko closed the large textbook in front of her, bringing her full attention to Kabel.
"Well, sorry for being rude. Studies tend to take up a great deal of my time. So you say you practice a modern form of combat? I'm gonna assume that you mean taijutsu, in which case I wouldn't mind a demonstration whenever you have the chance just to get a feeling for how advanced you are. I like to think of myself as being well rounded, seeing as I have a bit of knowledge in taijutsu, as well as knowledge in the wind and water elements."

Tsukiko considered whether she should fill him in any further on her abilities, but decided it wasn't necessary at this point, not only because she wasn't sure if she could trust Kabel, but also because she didn't want to share the full extent of her abilities just yet. She quickly moved on.
"If we're talking preparation for the Chunnin Exams, my suggestion would be to study a form of taijutsu until you feel comfortable using it in battle, and also to have some knowledge in an element of your choice if you're capable of such a feat. Something that can be used both defensively and offensively."

She gave her words a moment to set in before continuing.
"Your best bet would be to learn some techniques that allow you to attack at both short and long range since you never know if you will be alone or working with others in a team atmosphere. The glory and notoriety you will gain for having passed the exams in almost unimaginable." Tsukiko's thoughts shifted back to the large celebration the previous Yukikage had thrown for herself and the two others that had passed the exams that year. She also remembered spotting her birth father in the crowd that day, and the shivers it gave her every time she thought about it since she had never seen him since. The scars on her back began to itch and she had to fight the impulse to tear off her shirt and scratch them until they bled...

"Anyways," She continued, shaking the disturbing thoughts from her mind. "We should probably head over to the tower and introduce you to the Yukikage if you've never met him before. Once that formality is dispensed with, we can get you started on some missions so you can qualify for the Chuunin exams, maybe even get some training started since death is an inevitable possible outcome of the exams if you're not careful."

Tsu glanced over at the now cold remnants of "hot" chocolate in her mug. She knew it would taste horrible like that and so she ignored it.
"Let me know when you want to get under way. Also, if you have any specific questions I will be happy to address them before we leave. Lastly, if you truly wish for me to get you in shape for the exams, you can address me as Sensei, or Lady Tsukiko, whichever you prefer." She knew she had just given Kabel much to assimilate, so she would give him time to get his thoughts in order.

[Mutzy]

Though he did know a little bit of taijutsu, that wasn’t what he meant by his style of combat, the demonstration that she wanted would be more of a lecture. Long range, short range, were soon to be archaic terms that still served some use in describing what the current majority of shinobi were still using, but Kabel planned on bringing a more asymmetrical paradigm to combat. Maybe he should become an academic on the art of war if he survived long enough to retire from his chosen profession, he had plenty of ideas with which to share. “Sorry, Sensei, I’m not really doing this for some notion of glory, I’m just rather tired of having to move around all the time and would much rather have a place intact that I could call home and return to. I have simple goals.” A slight smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth came after this reply, a mixture of sadness and something one could call contentment with his current situation. Kabel was quite fine with addressing his superior with the title she wanted, at the moment he was already prepping his demonstration/lecture with the information he was being told.

“I agree, we should head out to the castle, this place was quite pleasant will have to return at some point.” Kabel stared into the empty tea cup that was on the table as he got up, he wondered whether the café imported their tea or grew it in a greenhouse locally, the flavor didn’t seem local, but he didn’t exactly know what kind of flavor a local grown tea would have here, since growing food must be incredibly hard in this climate. “What sort of person is the Yukikage? Male? Female? I would imagine he or she would personify what the physical embodiment of the village would be.” He pushed in his chair as he fully stood and put his sunglasses back on. “I just need to grab my coat and we can be off.”

[Spirit™]

Tsukiko had to admit, she was slightly impressed with Kabel.
"Trying to keep yourself on that simple path will be very difficult, since things in the ninja world can become a bit complicated at times..." Tsukiko knew this firsthand. "But it's good that you're not in this for the glory, there are a lot of things that happen behind the scenes that people will never know about. Things you can never take credit for depending on what kind of shinobi you become. As for the Yukikage, you will just have to find out."

Tsukiko rose from her comfortable chair, packing her large books away as she did so.
"Meet me at the castle, I will be waiting for you there." And with that Tsu would throw on her old hooded wool cloak, and exit out of the cafe and into the bitter cold.

EXIT

[Mutzy]

Kabel was throwing his cloak around his shoulders as his new teacher left the café. He reflected upon what she told him as he followed her out of the café. Nothing worth achieving takes an easy path; often times the simpler the goal is, the harder the path that is required to achieve said goal. Oh well, enough of the philosophical questioning, time to get down to business. Kabel took one last look at the interior of the café and then proceeded walk back out into the snow.

[Spirit™]

Aquan (Tongue of the Sea) x2 87/125
Rank: "D"
Skill: Skill
Effect: A language spoken by Aquatic and water-based creatures.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The so-called "tongue of the sea" is spoken primarily in the sunken world—those who trade frequently with the ocean lovers often speak this tongue as well. Aquan grew from a proto-elemental language which was the progenitor of all elemental languages. Much of its vocabulary is taken up with water-related terms. It is a guttural language with many long syllables made up of dense, throaty sounds. Each time learned user gets 5 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

Tsukiko sat in her favorite oversized red chair, sinking into the soft cushions. A steaming mug of hot chocolate sat on a small pine table that was just in reach, a small comfort against the cold. Even in the summer, the lands in Yuki could be entirely unforgiving. Tsu had a large textbook in front of her, bookmarked from the last time she studied from its pages. She opened the large book and was greeted by the familiar scent of worn pages.

Feeling a bit too comfortable, Tsukiko looked around to gauge her surroundings. The café was mostly empty as it usually was every night. There was a couple snuggled in the far corner by the fireplace that seemed unable to keep their hands off of each other. An older man sat with his back turned to Tsu, his thick white sweater and tousled black hair reminded her of someone she couldnt quite put her finger on. The café waitress had disappeared somewhere, but that inconsequential to Tsu as she already had everything she needed. Well, she thought, time to get started.

Tsukiko began reading from where she last left off.
Chapter 8: War In Paradise
The Atlantis empire spanned three continents, while the remaining landmasses were annexed and the nations that inhabited them were subjugated in one form or another. Heavy taxes and stiff penalties for late offerings placed a great deal of pressure on the economies of those nations and caused a great deal of resentment towards the central Atlantis government. Resistance movements began slowly in several nations, but they were quickly located and eradicated swiftly with profound consequences for both sides.

The civilians casualties that occurred due to the attacks from Atlantis caused an uproar amongst the governments from those nations as well as their populations. These nations called for a world Congress, in order to discuss ways to deal with the Atlantean threat. A great many measures were taken in order to ensure that Atlantis would not get word of the meeting between the nations. With their higher levels of technology and organization this was simply not possible.

Atlantis did catch wind of the meeting and allowed it to go on, sending spies to gather intelligence. This ranged from what nations were involved to what tactics that would employ. What the Atlantean government was unaware of was that this initial meeting was a decoy, spreading misinformation up through and all the way through the Atlantean government. Meanwhile the actual conference was discussing war strategies and chains of sustainment."

Tsukiko sipped from her mug, enjoying the sweet taste. She was happy that she understood the language enough to read from the pages. She wanted to continue but she knew a small break would refresh her mind and keep her translations smooth and concise. Taking another glance around the café she could see that the couple had left, no doubt to somewhere more personal and that the café batista had returned. She ran her fingers through her hair and readied herself to start reading again.


Book: Textbook (Overview) Aquan (Tongue of the Sea)
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Book, Textbook
Effect: A book used as a standard work for the study of a particular subject.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A textbook or coursebook is a manual of instruction in any branch of study. Textbooks are produced according to the demands of educational institutions.
Limit: These items may be bought inside any Book Shop.
Cost: 3,500 Ryo

Able Learner
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: The user has great aptitude for learning.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: When learning a skill, the skill states how many times a die roll may be applied to show how much they learned within that skill. Example, when a user learns "Botany" they gain 5 die rolls. This "trait" increases the amount of die rolls by 1.5 rounded to the highest number at 1 die roll per learning, however any number higher than 1 die roll is rounded down. For example: User learns Botany and gains 5 die rolls. With this Trait they will gain 7 die rolls. However if a user learns Lockpicking they normally get 1 die roll, however with this Trait they will gain 2 die rolls.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 2 Freebies.

Weathered Emissary
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: User travels in the wildlands gave them insight into how to survive their dangers and communicate with their inhabitants.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +5 trait bonus on all Language skills and Tracking checks, and gain a +1 per die roll when learning a Language Skill. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Unintentional Linguist
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: User can speak with outsiders.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +5 trait bonus on all Language checks, gain a +1 per die roll when learning the skill, and begin play knowing one of the following languages: Abyssal, Celestial, Ignan, Infernal, or Terran. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

[Solus]

+10 TP

You go to +26 SP so you go to 113 SP

Just note, Weathered Emissary and Unintentional Linguist do not stack since those are both bonuses from social traits so you get only +1 per roll

[Spirit™]

Aquan (Tongue of the Sea) x3 113/125
Rank: "D"
Skill: Skill
Effect: A language spoken by Aquatic and water-based creatures.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The so-called "tongue of the sea" is spoken primarily in the sunken world—those who trade frequently with the ocean lovers often speak this tongue as well. Aquan grew from a proto-elemental language which was the progenitor of all elemental languages. Much of its vocabulary is taken up with water-related terms. It is a guttural language with many long syllables made up of dense, throaty sounds. Each time learned user gets 5 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

Tsukiko began reading again after another sip of her scalding hot beverage, fully engrossed in the subject matter at hand.
The nations of the world had delegated tasks and duties in preparation for all out war against Atlantis. During the meeting of the world congress, a vote was passed of 52-1, for the approval of war. This information never reached the Atlantean government or military because of the fake meeting of the world congress which voted against any aggressive acts against Atlantis and their supposed "divine power". The peace that had lasted for several centuries was about to be disturbed and in a big way.

The attacks began a few weeks later. The summer festival, which was huge religious festival in Atlantis, called for the nations of the world to bring their offerings to the main land of Atlantis. These nations shipped most of the goods in by boat, and were spread around the various ports of Atlantis. Most of these ships were carrying goods, but all had explosives hidden in their cargo. When the ships docked at various ports they were to be inspected. The battle plan against Atlantis called for simultaneous detonations of their payloads. The attacks sacrificed many sailors and ahips but what highly successful. Over 80% of all Atlantean ports were severely damaged or destroyed, and the Atlantean naval fleet was at less than 30% combat effectiveness due to the bombings. The war had begun.

The coalition of nations had sacrificed only older sailors, the elderly ones, the sick, the terminally ill. The majority of ships used in the attacks were older vessels, refitted to serve their single purpose. The newer ships began their bombardment of Atlantis and other naval assets. Even with limited supply ports and a low name effectiveness, the Atlantean navy possessed superior technology and destroyed coalition ships at a ratio of 5-1. The problem was, the Atlantis navy was greatly outnumbered and every lost ship was a countdown to their eventual loss. The coalition navy fought so fiercely, that Atlantis had trouble bringing soldiers to foreign shores where they could dominate on the ground.

Thus, the Atlantean air force was called in, and they evened the fight for Atlantis. Atlantis maintained air superiority and slowly began to overwhelm coalition forces. What saved the fight for the coalition was the capture of an Atlantean vessel and subsequent use of its superior technology against the mainland of Atlantis. Coalition scientists scrambled for a plan knowing that this was their last chance for victory. What occurred was known as the great deluge. Coalition forces used the ship to trigger a massive worldwide flood that started just off the north coast of Atlantis. It is not known if they meant to cause as much damage as they eventually did, what is known is that it sunk Atlantis under the sea, and flooded much of the world, causing a reset to known civilization.


Tsukiko picked her head up from the book. She shook her in disbelief. If the story was true, man's lust for power had caused this war and ended civilisation as it was known back then. She was sure she would never understand these type of men and the people who followed them, but then again that wasnt her place. All those children... Gone. And for what? She would never allow something of that nature to happen to her village. Tsu looked around wondering if she should continue reading or take a breather for a bit.



Book: Textbook (Overview) Aquan (Tongue of the Sea)
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Book, Textbook
Effect: A book used as a standard work for the study of a particular subject.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A textbook or coursebook is a manual of instruction in any branch of study. Textbooks are produced according to the demands of educational institutions.
Limit: These items may be bought inside any Book Shop.
Cost: 3,500 Ryo

Able Learner
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: The user has great aptitude for learning.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: When learning a skill, the skill states how many times a die roll may be applied to show how much they learned within that skill. Example, when a user learns "Botany" they gain 5 die rolls. This "trait" increases the amount of die rolls by 1.5 rounded to the highest number at 1 die roll per learning, however any number higher than 1 die roll is rounded down. For example: User learns Botany and gains 5 die rolls. With this Trait they will gain 7 die rolls. However if a user learns Lockpicking they normally get 1 die roll, however with this Trait they will gain 2 die rolls.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 2 Freebies.

Weathered Emissary
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: User travels in the wildlands gave them insight into how to survive their dangers and communicate with their inhabitants.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +5 trait bonus on all Language skills and Tracking checks, and gain a +1 per die roll when learning a Language Skill. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

[The Bearer of Bad News]

+10, derp >_>

+23 skill

points beyond the cap being irrelevant, welcome to 125/125