Alric Caelegart (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
knighterrantofthedragon) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
xavier_institute_logs2014-10-08 07:55 pm
knighterrantofthedragon) wrote in xavier_institute_logs2014-10-08 07:55 pm
Third Trial - By Water
WHO: Alric and Anyone
WHAT: Alric practicing with his powers
WHERE: Out over the lake
WHEN: At some quiet time of the day when he's not expecting an audience, a few days during the week
WARNING(S): None anticipated
Alric has been looking for opportunities to cut loose with his powers a little, but short of access to the Danger Room or some other environment designed for the purpose, he's not had a lot of luck. However, the lake makes for a pretty ideal testing ground when it's not populated: he can't really light it on fire or damage it, and the water's huge heat capacity means he can dump a lot of power into it without doing any harm.
In particular, he's working on refining his control with plasma jets to practice hovering--which is the other half of what makes the lake ideal: no harm done if he falls in the water, except maybe to his vanity.
Depending on when someone shows up, he may already look like he's taken a dip or two, or he may be working on some other practice exercise.
WHAT: Alric practicing with his powers
WHERE: Out over the lake
WHEN: At some quiet time of the day when he's not expecting an audience, a few days during the week
WARNING(S): None anticipated
Alric has been looking for opportunities to cut loose with his powers a little, but short of access to the Danger Room or some other environment designed for the purpose, he's not had a lot of luck. However, the lake makes for a pretty ideal testing ground when it's not populated: he can't really light it on fire or damage it, and the water's huge heat capacity means he can dump a lot of power into it without doing any harm.
In particular, he's working on refining his control with plasma jets to practice hovering--which is the other half of what makes the lake ideal: no harm done if he falls in the water, except maybe to his vanity.
Depending on when someone shows up, he may already look like he's taken a dip or two, or he may be working on some other practice exercise.
no subject
"Indeed it would." Power limiters are known to exist, yes, but not more than that. "Perhaps someone skilled in our midst could make a venture at it, but I'm afraid I am at as much of as a loss as you are."
He's honed his own control by willpower alone, but he can see why it would be difficult for many others.
no subject
"I'm afraid--for now, at least--I'll have to go about it the old-fashioned way, and continue to practice vigorously."
Of course he's not actually particularly afraid of it at all, but no need to express it in so contradictory a manner in an otherwise pleasant conversation. However, his smile does pale a bit as he grows more pensive.
"...if I may... I have an only vaguely related question. What, in your opinion, characterizes a useful X-team? It's something I've been thinking about for some time, but I've had... difficulty getting an instructive answer from anyone, and yet--in my experience, at least--forming such an opinion without at least hearing the thoughts of a trusted adviser is the height of arrogance, particularly for someone with thoughts of leadership."
no subject
He says this before he can even fully process the words through his head - something very uncharacteristic of him, but attributed to the wellspring of pre-reincarnation memories that always lurked at the back of his mind. He had organized many battles in his previous life, after all.
"A team needs a good leader, someone who is able to negotiate and maintain a clear, logical stance in all situations. There must also be another who can take on the role of second-in command, to watch over the well-being of the members, give feedback on their behaviour and encourage self-reflection. A third member to balance this out would be someone with the willpower and inventiveness to think up plans and implement them, as well as knowing which risks to take and which to avoid.
Lastly, there needs to be cohesiveness in the group as a whole - respect is key, and getting to know each other will enable everyone to work together well. In times of crisis, your teammates will be the ones who will need to watch your back."
There is a pause.
"I used to be a leader once upon a time, though no longer. It has been quite a while since I was in active service, but I hope this can be of use to you."
no subject
"I've been told that before seeking to establish a team, myself, I should decide on a particular objective--an objective within the context of the school's mission."
He pauses a moment.
"I must confess, however, I'm not entirely clear, yet, what that's meant to entail. One fellow student speak of forming a team specializing in defense of the school; a praiseworthy intention, of course, but not unique to the school, really. Another, I believe a teaching assistant, seems to have the somewhat nebulous purpose of doing something-or-other with respect to these 'U-Men,' but was... for lack of a better word, combative when I sought his advice."
He flashed a small, sheepish smile, scratching at the back of his head.
"...I do have some experience in leadership, but not as a student, in a new school, in America, with little access to advice and uncooperative colleagues. We were facing an emergency situation, I would be less concerned with seeming... imperious, but assembling a team here seems more like a... group project, I suppose, if that makes sense."
no subject
"It does." He answers with a nod, looking thoughtful. "After all, this is a school, and the X-Teams are composed mostly of students. The majority of the population have been educated in a mainstream manner, and thus they would take to this task at how they would do projects. Admittedly it may not necessarily be the best way to look at it. In situations of crisis X-Teams are expected to put their lives on the line, and without sufficient trust the team can fall apart - something that group work never requires."
A pause.
"I am afraid my previous experience was also in a situation very different from this one. Different people have different motives and different ways in which they choose to employ their powers, and that is something that you must be aware of. But you have potential in leadership, Alric - with finesse, I am sure some of us here will answer your call for whatever goal you eventually choose."
no subject
"Perhaps if you could give me some sense of the sort of missions undertaken by the X-men? Being, as far as I'm aware, not legally licensed, I imagine there are... limitations on the sort of actions we're permitted to take. It can be a fine line between concerned citizens protecting a community, and vigilantism. ...but I have taken oaths to uphold justice, to defend those who cannot defend themselves, where possible... and while those oaths are between myself and my Order, they do not strike me as being incompatible with the objectives of the school--not in general, at least. Do you know details of the restrictions on when we are permitted to render aid?"
no subject
"Regrettably, no." Takakage pauses here to adjust the sails - the winds had changed, and they may be blown onto the shore if the conversation drags too long. "I have not been in active duty for quite some time, so I am rather unfamiliar with the protocols for such action." And that's something a little contradictory, given his youthful appearance. "I believe Professor Xavier does have guidelines set in place. I can enquire about this matter for you, if you'd like."
It's the best he can offer at the moment, given that he served mostly as medic and backup.
no subject
no subject
It's heartening to see new students taking up the mantle of leadership. More X-Teams are always needed, what with the rising unrest and tensions in the area. For someone who cannot fight, the best he could do is assist as much as he can.
"I wish you luck in your endeavours, Alric."
no subject
"Mm, and I appreciate your support. Ah... I suppose I ought to return to my practice, though."
no subject
"Shall I send you back to the shore?" The student might fall in again, though if he wanted to use the boat as a starting point then it could be arranged.
But in preparation for that, he starts rigging the sails a little differently.
no subject
"I am most grateful for the offer, of course, but I believe I'll be all right on my own--although you might wish to stabilize the boat, if you're able."
no subject
He does it the best it can, rigging the sails and buffering the boat with the water around them.
no subject
He smiles, standing, offering a polite, even formal bow... and then takes a step up to the edge of the boat before leaping off--certainly hard enough to set it rocking and bobbing a good bit if it weren't steadied by the water--reaching his hands out and downward, as a bright violet jet like a rocket exhaust crackles and flares from either hand, down onto the surface of the water as he catches himself in the air, hovering a moment... then leans slightly, directing himself off toward the shore.