fandomhigh | Entries tagged with magical creatures

Bob looked downright gleeful as he greeted all the students. "Well! Finals time, is it?" He clapped his hands together. "Let's see how much attention you've been paying."

The Danger Shop resolved itself into a city with a large, wild-looking park. Both parts were fairly well-populated, and about one-third of that population was...different.

Zombies, vampires, demons, giants, dragons...if it had been covered in class, it was there.

"Points for killing or neutralising them," Bob said. "Extra points for converting them to help you. Minus points for dead civilians. Enjoy!"

Welcome to your final, class.

nuclear_snide

"Good morning!" Bob was rather smug this morning. It probably had something to do with the fact that the island hadn't figured out a way to get him in a stupid sweater.

"One last class before our final," he announced gleefully. "So, this week - cats. Or rather, supernatural felines. Cats themselves can on occasion help with supernatural beings, but that's neither here nor there. As with canines, there are any number of feline creatures from around the world. From the cat sìth and cath palug to the manticore, as well as hybrids like the chimera - even a rather seasonal beast called the Yule cat - felines exist in numerous supernatural forms.

He took a while to explain each, then waved them off and set them loose in the simulated heath of the Danger Shop. "Go meet them. See if your new sweaters count as clothing to fend off the yule cat!"

Current Location: Danger Shop

nuclear_snide

"Right. So," Bob started. "Quite a few of these classes have dealt with how to determine what a magical being wants. What to do and not to do when dealing with them. But what do you do if there is no dealing with them? If what they want is you, dead. Or if they simply want to go from here to there, and you're in their way and they'll kill you regardless?"

He shrugged. "Not everything magical is intelligent, after all. So, since you all seem to love the more practical demonstrations," or keep trying to chase them down and tame them, "I thought we'd do that again."

He gestured, and the Danger Shop was suddenly a city, and at the end of the block were a wave of zombies.

In the distance were some large stomping noises. "That'll be the giants," Bob explained.

The shriek something overhead punctuated his words. "Not sure what that is," he added cheerfully. "We never did find out exactly. Enjoy!"

Sorry, students; your teacher has decided to be a little shit today.

Current Location: Danger Shop

nuclear_snide

"All right, everybody, settle down." Did they need settling down? Probably not. Bob seemed a bit harried and distracted today, though.

"So far in this class, we've been studying based on my own experience and knowledge of creatures. Which, let's be honest, is extensive and thorough." He was modest, too. "But given you all come from different worlds, times, and what-have-you, it's entirely possible that the sorts of creatures you're likely to encounter are ones I haven't covered yet."

Possible. He supposed. Maybe. "Now, you tell me: what creatures does your world have, what creatures are you worried about, that we haven't covered yet? Discussion time!" He clapped his hands together gleefully.

nuclear_snide

The Danger Shop was back to being a classroom this week, so anyone hoping for another week of meeting beasties was probably out of luck.

"We spoke earlier this semester in general terms about making deals with magical creatures," Bob started, "and I mentioned the fair folk. Fairies, sidhe, they go by any number of names in any number of worlds. And all of these terms encompass a wide and varied range of beings. They may look more or less human, or resemble other animals, or look nothing like either. They may be malicious or comparatively helpful. However, there are a few things they have in common."

He wrote them in the air. "Cold iron burns them, running water disrupts their magic and may prevent some of them from travelling over it. Their word is binding, although please remember my earlier cautions on taking that word at face value."

He went over several of the more usually encountered types of fairy.

"So, you've got one after you and several others that you may be able to get to assist you, or that might turn on you. What's your plan?"

Current Location: Danger Shop

nuclear_snide

"Well, since last class went so well," which was to say, few of you had any sense of self-preservation, but at least no one had died, "we'll be going with another simulation." Bob eyed them all. "There are a large number of supernatural beings out there of the canine persuasion. Most of them are not well-intentioned."

He wrote their names in the air as he said them. "The black dog, of which there are various subtypes, cŵn annwn, grim, werewolf and various other lycanthropes, cù sìth, and cerberus - which is a type of dog, not only one, despite the legends.

He described each in detail before turning on the simulation, which this week was low, rolling hills, scrub, and a few small sections of forest. There were also some caves in one area which they would probably discover on their own. "Head out. Observe them in their native habitats. Please, try not to antagonise them."

Current Location: Danger Shop

nuclear_snide

"Equines," Bob said. "For some reason, there seem to be a lot of them about in various magical forms." Illusions of each appeared as he mentioned them. "The Black Horse, Pegasus, Hippocampus, each-uisge, yale, hippogriff, kelpie, nuckelavee, and of course, the unicorn."

He put on a look of long-suffering. "And what seems to have been forgotten in modern children's culture is that most of them want to kill you." He went over the history and characteristics of each. "Now, a practical demonstration." With a wave of his hand, the Danger Shop's classroom display made way for a twilit forest, a river running along one side. "They're all here, roaming about. Catch them, ride them, ignore them - but try not to die, even if it's only simulated."

Current Location: Danger Shop

nuclear_snide

"I hope you all had a good time with the dinosaurs last week," Bob started without preamble. "This week, we'll be discussing their cousins of a sort." He wrote in the air: dragons.

"Now," he said cheerfully, "fortunately there's only one thing you really need to know about dragons. Don't piss them off." An illusion - Danger Shop, Bob, or both - appeared, roared and breathed harmless flame at them, then dissipated. "They're almost all much larger than a human, range from incredible animal cunning to genius-level intelligence, and depending on the world and region, may breathe fire, acid, or lethal gas, and may be able to perform magic.

"If you've got the time and need to deal with them for some reason, again - find out what they want. Research what sort of dragon they are, and what their weaknesses might be. There are an infinite variety. Be polite. Be helpful. Many of the more intelligent ones can be reasoned with, so long as you don't give them reason to hate you. If you're short on time or they're short on patience, for the love of god, run. Or sneak. Or hide. Give them whatever they want, unless it's you as dinner. Just don't piss them off, and get out as soon as you can."

He really hoped that part had sunk in.

"I know some of you have dragons in your own worlds, so let's talk and compare notes. What are yours like? If you don't have them or haven't met any, what do your legends say that they're like? And what sorts of strategies are supposed to work for them?" Bob would grade your legends happily. Anything other than "leave them the hell alone" was getting an F.

Current Location: Danger Shop

nuclear_snide

"Expanding on the theme of last week," Bob said, "being careful of your wording. A great many creatures - through either mischievous designs or simple-mindedness - are liable to be overly literal when adhering to an agreement. Or, conversely, interpret words in novel ways. So, today, we're going to do a little exercise." He pointed at a student randomly. "You. Ask for something. Nothing here is binding, so make it as extravagant as you like. The rest of you, you're all magical beings of some sort. Say what you might do to grant that request in some way the asker isn't intending. Then we'll go around the room, and each of the rest of you do the same. I'll also offer my assistance."

He looked around at them and nodded. "Well. What would you each like?"

Current Location: Danger Shop

nuclear_snide

When Bob showed up in class this week he was somewhat disgruntled.

Not that anybody could probably tell the difference.

"Right. Well, we're now a week behind, thanks to Harry's utter inability to speak to the fair folk without saying precisely the wrong thing." He sighed. "So, rather than speak of any one magical creature this week, we're going to talk about ways to handle all of them."

He wrote in the air: 1. THINK( Read more... )

Current Location: Danger Shop

nuclear_snide

"Vampires," Bob said. He paused. "None of you are, I take it?" He frowned around the room for a moment, then shrugged. "There are a few on the island. Vampires can be tricky, because more than a lot of other supernatural creatures, they seem to be extremely varied. There are three...I suppose you'd call them species; we call them courts...just in my world. Some, the worst you'll get from them is a headache, especially if you try to keep up with them. Some will kill you for the fun of it."

"Other worlds have other kinds. Some are beautiful, some are ugly; some need to kill, some don't; their weaknesses and strengths vary, too. So." He clapped his hands together. "Let's talk vampires. What are they like in your world if you've got them, what do you know about ones from other worlds, and how would you handle one and determine what sort it is?"

Current Location: Danger Shop

nuclear_snide

Bob waited for everyone to join him and settle down, then nodded. "Right. So the first supernatural creature we'll be learning about is ghosts."

After all, teach what you know.

"There are many different kinds; strong emotions can leave impressions upon places, psychic energies can coalesce and gain a sort of presence..." He waved one hand dismissively. "Those sorts don't have any kind of will, and generally speaking the worst you'll get is a bit of a headache, if you're sensitive enough. The sorts we're talking about are the spirits of beings that no longer have bodies - generally because they're ( dead )

Current Location: Danger Shop

nuclear_snide

The Danger Shop was set up like a pleasant room, sunlit polished wood all around. It was comfortable and just slightly dinged up. "Good morning," Bob greeted the students. He looked them over critically, noting the new faces. "This is the Magical Bestiary class, where we plan on learning all about a number of magical creatures - what sorts there are, what you can and should do if faced with them, and how to determine when you're faced with them."

He might have smirked just a little at that and hoped the returning students weren't of a mind to talk. Then again, Bob smirked a lot. When he wasn't scowling.

"This week is the week for introductions. In addition to your names, I should like to know what sorts of magical creatures, if any, you have experience with. If you've had friends among them, fought them, or what have you. To begin, my name for those of you who aren't aware is Hrothbert of Bainbridge. You may all call me Bob, or Sir if you're the formal type." He waved one hand dismissively. "I care less how you address me and more how you learn, since one is more likely to get you killed than the other."

Then the smirk was out in full force. "Although address me too disrespectfully, and I can and will make your life miserable." He went back to smiling pleasantly and pacing a bit. "My world is home to any number of creatures; I have personally encountered vampires, werewolves, ghosts, demons, dragons, natural spirits, and unfortunately even an old god or two. Before coming here," he clarified. "I've also lived with and taught any number of wizards and sorcerers."

He clapped his hands together. "So, names and prior experience, please. And Anders, ~~assuming he's there~~, you'll be my TA again, if you've no objections?"

Current Location: Danger Shop

toteshammered.livejournal.com

When the class met today, they were in a typical classroom rather than the Danger Shop.

"Today is your final examination," Thor reminded them. "And as I have no record of what went on in the earlier portion of this class, we will focus only on those sessions I have taught. With that in mind, please select one of the creatures we disscussed and write me a short paragraph on how you might avoid being killed by it."

Yep. That was it.

When the last student had handed in their paper, Thor addressed the class again. "It was a pleasure working with you, and I hope we'll see each other again, perhaps in the spring semester."

toteshammered.livejournal.com

The island definitely seemed... off, today.

And Thor wasn't just thinking of the strange silvery stuff that had been raining down from the sky (much of which was currently tangled in his hair, naturally). No, it was more like- the population had suddenly expanded, which wasn't unusual, except for the new semester was weeks away yet, and all of the new arrivals seemed to dress similarly. Of course, they'd mostly kept to themselves so far, but Thor was wary. Waaaary. And then there were the new objects popping up around town. Thor didn't trust them. At all.

In any case, it all was very distracting, and Thor's carefully crafted lesson (read: cobbled together via half-remembered tales from his childhood and checking Wikipedia to see how the Midgardian people had interpreted them) had flown out the window by the time he actually arrived to class.

"Something most odd is going on," he said in lieu of his usual greeting. "Have you any theories?"

toteshammered.livejournal.com

The Danger Shop today was programmed to look like a vast field. Standing next to Thor was a large boar wearing... a saddle?

"This," Thor gestured to the boar, "is Hildisvíni, the Battle Swine. As the name might imply, he is ridden in to battle by the Asgardian known to your people as the goddess of the hunt, Freyja. Hildisvíni is known for being unstoppable once he begins to charge. Today, your task is to ride him for as far as you can."

He... was not mentioning the part regarding the rumours that the boar was Freyja's lover transformed. Nope.

toteshammered.livejournal.com

Today, the Danger Shop was once again set up to look like the ocean.

At least this time they were on a proper ship, and not a rowboat.

"Today," Thor began, gesturing for the students to follow him to where they'd have a good view of the ocean before them, "I'd like to talk to you about the Kraken." Those who were especially observant might notice something that appeared to be an island off in the distance.

"The Kraken is a large, many-limbed creature that lives in the oceans here in Midgard. It is especially fond of human flesh, which would lead many to avoid it, except for one very important fact: the fishing near where a Kraken makes its home is exceptionally good. Good enough that some fishermen felt it worth the risk."

As he spoke, they drew closer to the island, or what looked to be an island, because when they got close enough, it was readily apparent that it was definitely not. "It also likes to rest in the water with the top of its head just breaking the surface, creating the illusion of an island that can often draw unwary sailors." They continued to move even closer, and the gentle waves that rocked the boat became increasingly more choppy and violent. "When it senses a ship, it moves its tentacles in such a manner as to create a whirlpool that will prevent it from leaving." He was shouting now, as the ship began to be tossed around in said whirlpool. "Once the Kraken has had enough of toying with its prey, it will reach up and crush the ship with its tentacles, consuming all who inhabit it."

... Uh, was that a tentacle reaching up over the side of the ship?

toteshammered.livejournal.com

"Good afternoon," Thor greeted the students. His manner was cheerful, if a little subdued. Well, subdued for Thor, anyway. "I hope you had an enjoyable weekend." He certainly had, although waking up this morning had resulted in said subdued-ness at the reminder his child-self's behaviour had brought of his own former relationship with his brother.

"Today, I'd like to talk to you about the messenger squirrel, Ratatoskr. In order to do that I must tell you a little of Yggdrasil, the world-tree. Where I am from, there are nine realms, two of which are this one, Midgard, and my home, Asgard. These and seven others reside among the branches of Yggdrasil, kept in balance. There are also many creatures who reside not within a specific realm, but on Yggdrasil itself. Ratatoskr is one of those, and it is his job to carry messages between the Great Eagle who resides at the top, and the dragon Níðhöggr, who lives beneath its roots." He paused here, and smiled ruefully, as the students would likely find this next bit of information awfully familiar, despite not being from Thor's reality: "Unfortunately, this squirrel is a notorious gossip, and often uses his role as messenger to stir up trouble, much like our very own radio squirrels here in Fandom. Fortunately for us, the silence of the radio squirrels can occasionally be bought. That price is typically rum, although I'm told they will accept an offering of nuts in a pinch." Well. They'd take the nuts. But whether that would be bribe enough to actually keep silent was another question. Maybe if you asked really nicely?

toteshammered.livejournal.com

Once again, they were in the Danger Shop for class. At least there was no boat, this time. Instead, they were in the middle of a field. The roar of what sounded like a large animal could be heard in the distance. At Thor's feet was a case of... baked goods?

"Good afternoon, students," Thor greeted. "I trust your weekend has been well?" Without really waiting for a response, he continued. "Today, we're going to talk about the bilgesnipe. The bilgesnipe are creatures native to my realm, huge, perhaps the size of two or three of your large wild cats? With scales, and antlers like..." he started to bring his hands up to the top of his head in an attempt to describe said antlers, but then stopped. "Well. You'll see."

"The bilgesnipe spend much of their time hunting, or if not hunting, engaging in battles for dominance within their packs," and now his voice was raising, as the roaring was getting louder, and the ground starting to shake as... something... approached, "for all their ferocity, however, the bilgesnipe are also very fond of sweets."

Which explained the box of baked goods, yes. Have fun trying to tame your very own scary scaly antlery thing, students!

toteshammered.livejournal.com

When the students entered the Danger Shop, they'd find themselves standing on a small boat in the middle of the ocean. Thor sat at the bow, a pair of oars in hand, and gestured for everyone else to take seats alongside both sides of the boat, where they'd find an oar for themselves. At least the students only had to deal with one oar each, rather than two?

"I will confess that I do not know too much about magical creatures," Thor started, as he began to row, expecting the students to follow suit. Thankfully, this was a simulation, so if anyone's technique was less than perfect... it didn't really matter.

Well, unless they then tried to use said technique out in the real world, thinking it would work just as well, but that wasn't Thor's problem. This was a class on magical creatures, not a class on rowing.

"What I do know about is the creatures of Asgard, some of which have become part of Midgardian legend. And so that is what we're going to be discussing in these classes. One in particular actually lives here in Midgard. Jormungand, the Midgard Serpent." Who was Loki's offspring, but Thor was leaving that part out. "He got his name due to- well," Thor stopped rowing and looked at the water expectantly. Within moments, a large serpentine head rose into view, the resulting waves sending the boat rocking. Don't get seasick, kids!

"Jormungand here lives in the ocean, and is so large his body encircles the entire planet. Typically, he keeps himself insubstantial, otherwise human ships would be running in to him all the time, and that would not be very pleasant, I suppose. Storms, earthquakes, and other natural disasters are often a result of Jormungand compressing his body about the planet. It is said that on the day of Ragnarök, that is, the end of the known universe, he and I shall do battle." The prophecy also said that Thor would die as a result of that battle, but he wasn't gonna tell the kids that part. Mostly because he didn't actually believe that would happen.

"In the meantime, though, how does one 'care' for a creature such as this? Simple. Do not anger it. As I mentioned, Jormungand is capable of initiating many terrible events if angered, and you really don't want to find yourself in the middle of a hurricane while out on the water."

toteshammered.livejournal.com

"Greetings, students!" Thor exclaimed as he burst in through the door, cape fluttering along behind him. And yes, the helmet was perched upon his head as well. He didn't usually dress so formally here in Fandom, but first days of class were one of the exceptions. Even if those "first days" came shortly after the mid-semester break.

"As you may have surmised, your usual teacher has been indisposed for some time. I am Thor of Asgard, and I have taken stewardship of Mr. Minsc's class in his absence. I understand that this class is dedicated to the subject of Magical Creatures, of which my home realm of Asgard has many. Today, though, I thought we might do something a little different. I'm given to understand there is a holiday coming up that deals with what you term 'the supernatural'? I'm afraid my research on the Google has not been terribly forthcoming." That was because Thor's Google skills were still kind of hit and miss, even after all this time. "So. I would like each of you to share with me your favorite creature associated with this holiday."

bigdamnprincipal

When the students arrived in the Danger Shop today, they'd find it looking like a small movie theater, with comfy seats and popcorn and other snacks.

"Good afternoon," Zoe said. "For those of you I haven't had the pleasure of meeting, I'm Principal Winchester. Mr. Minsc is unavailable right now, so I'll be taking care of your class for the time being. I have to admit, this isn't my specific area of expertise, so for today, I thought we could all enjoy a little movie about faeries. It was approved by my daughter, so hopefully you'll all enjoy it too." If they had the attention span of a seven year old, maybe.

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