On their way out, the four girls encountered Jackie who was following along the path of glowing moss Apple Bloom had left. He glanced around at the five of them, then sighed ruefully. "I want to be angry with you four for going too far from the camp and stumbling into yet another adventure without proper adult supervision. That sort of thing is just too dangerous, and I worry about you all." His eyes then moved to Xu Lin. "However, in this case I don't think I can blame you all." He knelt before Xu Lin. "Temple Guardian?"
"Yes sir," Xu Lin offered nervously.
"Trapped here against your will?"
"Yes sir."
"Girls figured out the loophole about intruders and came to help?"
"Yes sir."
"Have a way out?"
"Yes sir!" she offered more enthusiastically.
He nodded. "Then I can't hold this against the girls." Turning, he indicated the box on Apple Bloom's back. "And this?"
"Box of holding," Sweetie explained. "Has a magically crafted copy of every scroll and book in the library. Would have looked for artifacts, too...but the librarian didn't approve."
Jackie blinked in surprise. "There's a librarian?"
"She was nice, if a little weird," Scootaloo observed.
"And you had the spells for copies and fast packing prepared already?" Jackie inquired of Sweetie Belle.
"We were out here looking for a magical library," Apple Bloom pointed out logically. "Kinda figured we'd be pressed fer time one way or anot'er."
He sighed ruefully. "Then I can't really complain. It's hardly your fault you girls are drawn to magic." Bending over, he hefted up the box. "Let's go."
Getting Xu Lin out of the Temple proved easy enough, and Sweetie Belle conscientiously levitated the armor back into the Temple once they were done, right where they'd picked it up from. As interesting as it would have been to study armor connected to such magic, they decided it was better to not actually take anything out of the Temple save knowledge. As they left the area immediately surrounding the Temple, Apple Bloom felt guidance from the bamboo, allowing them to walk straight to Xu Lin's village, reuniting her with her parents.
The monk, meanwhile, noticed the group leaving the Temple one person strong. Realizing there was no longer a Temple Guardian, he moved freely to enter the Temple, making his way unerringly to the Library in search of the Scroll of Hung Chao, which contained secrets of ancient power.
Unknown to him, Luna had removed any scrolls with actual magic power imbued or recorded in them into her personal study after the girls had left. Since the Temple was receiving visitors and no longer had a Guardian, she felt it better to keep track of anything that was actually dangerous. This meant the monk's search was fruitless...and continued well past dawn, as the library had no windows to protect the parchment from changing light conditions. Luna felt the new Guardian would work out splendidly. Driven by greed, he would never ask anyone to assist him as he would fear having the power he sought stolen from him...and he'd never seek to leave until he found that which he sought. And one without innate Moon magic could not touch the scrolls save while the Temple was within the real world under full moon light.
The Temple would be secure for quite some time to become...and it troubled her mind not at all that an old man who sought to use magic for personal gain be trapped for an unknown length of time by his own greed.
While Jackie and the others were investigating the Lotus Temple, Captain Black had his own research to contend with. He'd finally received his information packet regarding the Veil and everything involved with it. Thankfully, the initial packet was the same for everyone, giving him the 'For Dummies' lowdown on the new world he found himself in. This would help him to adjust to the world as it was, and figure out exactly what the laws were and weren't now so he could act against Valmont more efficiently. At the moment, he'd reached the segment covering the 'Class' levels of various living beings. He decided to read through it aloud, just to make sure he was understanding it.
"All things are rated by the magical Class system, ranked from 10 to zero. Identifying the proper Class of what you're dealing with is fundamental to dealing with it properly, as misClassifying a being can cause any number of problems. However, with rare exception, it's relatively easy to determine what Class of being you're dealing with.
"The lowest is Class 10, the fully Mundane..." Captain Black paused as he read that. After all, Mr. Long had referred to him as 'fully Mundane'. This was important to read. "These are beings - humans mostly, but also domestic and wild animals - that have no inherent magical ability or talent. From the perspective of Magical Law Enforcement (MLE), these are civilians, the ones meant to be protected. Mundane means and only the smallest of magics should be necessary for dealing with these." He sat back to stare at the ceiling briefly. "Yeah...that was my world not too long ago..."
After a time, he turned back to the document. "Class 9 have latent magic, but can only use it to maintain the overall balance and functionality of the world. These include the Minish - also called Wee Folk or Borrowers, amongst other names - and Nature Sprites. These can be more or less ignored, as they do their jobs and take care of themselves.
"Class 8 are inherently magical, but have no means of expressing that magic. Examples are difficult to give, as this most commonly manifests randomly amongst Class 10. More often than not, Class 8 tends to be the subject of illegal trafficking, and otherwise will not become an issue.
"Class 7 are beings with inherent magical power that they are able to use by their own will. This is the level most 'magical creatures' will be classified in, such as griffons, manticores, salamanders, and pixies. Specific countermeasures for those magic should be utilized, but otherwise can be handled like normal wild animals, or be reasoned with.
"Class 6 includes any inherently magical being with the capacity to either project its magic as a projectile or spread its magic to other beings. This includes the weaker Fae, vampires, were-creatures, and other similar entities. These must be treated very carefully. Special notation re: The Big Man." Captain Black frowned at that part, but made a note to look at that if he saw it mentioned again.
"Class 5 are those with some ability to command the magical fields naturally," Captain Black continued, pausing here. After all, this was the rank that was apparently important. "This includes magical creatures that work spells, wizards, witches, warlocks, sorcerers...you get the idea." He frowned at the fact 'you get the idea' was written into actual official documentation. However, he quickly discarded his upset and continued reading. "However, one can only be Class 5 if they are above a certain level of capacity to influence the magical fields, the exact judgement of which varies from region to region.
"Class 4 can be divided into two primary categories. The first are magical hybrids who - due to their magical heritage - have a capacity to influence both events and the magical fields above and beyond most normal beings. The second category are magi who have enough power and skill to meet Class 3 entities on an even footing." Captain Black set the papers down for a time. "Uncle...can meet demons on an even footing? ...wow..."
Picking the papers back up, he continued to read. "Class 3 are immortals. This specifically refers to creatures that will not die natural deaths. This can be achieved via various forms of Apotheosis, or impressing the beings of The Jade Council to a degree that it is awarded. However, none have been granted this award since the Eight Immortals that sealed the Demon Brotherhood. Demon Sorcerers, Archangels, Arch Fiends, and other such beings are in this Class.
"Class 2 is demi-gods. There are three types of entities classified as such. The first and smallest group are those whose power is so great that they rival the divine. The second are those who have some degree of divine power, generally through heritage. It is important to note that in this case there is no correlation between 'divine' and 'holy', as it refers to a specific type of magical energy that is not bound by normal magical laws. After all, there are Demon Gods, just as there are Sacred Ones." Captain Black blinked in surprise. "Demon gods? That's...concerning..." He quickly read on. "The third group are those Gods who - for whatever reason - have been removed from The Jade Council. While retaining the full strength of their divine power, they have sacrificed much of their rights as far as its exercise in this regard, and are governed by The Jade Council as all are.
"Class 1, as can thus be deduced, are the Gods. All Gods - whatever their alignment - are members of The Jade Council ever since The Unification which led to The Balance, which allows civilization to continue to grow. The Council is divided into three factions. The Jade Emperor nominally leads The Good faction out of seniority. Oberon, ruler of the Fae, leads The Wild faction. Lucifer Morningstar nominally leads The Dark faction. These three factions debate the laws of Divine which manage magic within the world, and maintain the Veil. So long as they do not break the Laws of the Council, they are allowed free reign within the regions of their power base. The only exception is for Santa Claus, Re: The Big Man."
Seeing this mentioned again, Captain Black flipped ahead to the segment in question. "Santa Claus is classified generally as a Class 6, as 364 days out of the year he is only a focal point of Good Magic. However, in the 24 hours starting on Christmas Eve he is a Class 1 Heirarch, as during that time he can use his magic anywhere in the world to do anything within his dominion, the granting of Christmas wishes. The only thing he is incapable of doing during this time is anything requiring the exercise of magic outside that period of time, and he is not bound by the Laws of the Council in that time."
Captain Black slumped back in his chair as he thought about that. Learning Santa Claus was real was hard enough. Learning that he outranked the Gods on Christmas...he banished the thoughts and turned back to the segment on Class Zero. However, the first thing he noticed was a notification not to read the segment aloud. Curious, he continued.
Class Zero entities are those capable of altering the very fabric of reality with a thought. There are only two Class Zero entities in existence. One is The Creator, the one who with thoughts brings existence into existence. The other is Beast Ragnarok, who with thoughts can erase things from existence. They are equal and opposite, balancing each other. It is one of the duties of The Jade Council to ensure no other beings of Class Zero ever arise, for fear that the possibility of alliance undo that balance and cast all of existence into eternal chaos.
It is for this reason Australia is No Man's Land for magic, and violation of this edict save on direct orders from The Jade Council is punishable by immediate execution and destruction of the Soul.
Surprised, Captain Black quickly flipped through the packet for the segment on Australia...only to find it completely blacked out. Plainly, his security clearance wasn't quite that high...
It's wonderful when things are spelled out like this. Also, good name selections.
Xu Lin is free and Captain Black has his work cut out for him (nice touch with the subtle Fortresshy reference and/or possible Chekhov's Gun there at the end); also, the greedy monk's fate was a fitting one: he wanted the Temple's power and now he has it; it would be funny if it wasn't also a tad bit disturbing...
"It is for this reason Australia is No Man's Land for magic"
This makes me think that something's there can make you a class zero...
So, Jade would be (potentially) class 5, advancing to level 4 & the Crusaders class 4 or 5. Being an Element Bearer puts you in Class 4 when they are active, otherwise no effect.
Discord would be at least class 2, the Tree at least class 4 & IMO at least as high as Discord
Well, this puts things into perspective. I love Santa Clause has his own section.
As for Australia does this mean the Book of Ages will come into play? From what I remember even the Demon Sorcerers didn't want to use it until they had no choice, and they seem pretty successful with Valmont's help.
ok... santa... on christmas you are a motherbucking badass
She is so LN.
And it seems the mask of Dark Earth got a bit out of hand in this time line.
8180879
Creatures of Equestria have a different class system, as an individual creature's magic can vary anywhere from Class 10 to Class 1 even within a 24 hour period depending on situation. Instead, they are only in three categories.
Shining Faust - creatures who are rather firmly aligned with Harmony, and thus will work to maintain the Balance. (Examples include Diarchs, Mane 6, etc)
Dark Faust - creatures motivated purely by selfish desire and Equestria's Dark Magic. (Examples include Sombra, Chrysalis, Tirek, etc)
Shadow Faust - creatures whose motives cannot be predicted. (Discord, etc)
Guess Augustus is gonna have a hard time maintaining that Fully Mundane outlook on life now.
Probably too bad the monk can't scroll through the materials as he'd like to. Probably.
Guess Xu Lin is full of yes in this chapter.
The Book of Ages is a Class Zero artifact, whoever has it in their possession becomes a Class Zero being. Even humans.
8180920
Not quite. There are a lot of restrictions inbuilt into the Book of Ages, though defining them isn't easy.
Oh stars... does that mean we'll get to see the Wee Free Men at some point of this story?
8180923
... Does that mean there's another reason/artifact in Australia that has the Gods put a giant "KEEP OUT" sign on the bloody continent, or is it that Magic can somehow be used to exceed The Book's limitations?
Personally, I think I would prefer if the continent was off limits due to being the location of multiple hidden class 1 artifacts (VERY preferably scattered across the landscape and all inaccessible without magic) over the idea of anything having a detectable physical existence anywhere that can elevate even a strong class one to the level of a class 0.
8180903
... actually, I would say this fits LE almost as well; I'd say any lawful, but most Lawful Good (or, as some of the less charitable players I've known over the years would call them, Lawful Stupid) would object to using even an evil being as a conscripted guardian. The main thing that keeps Luna from being a "pure" LE in my eyes is that she's moral enough to let a child leave. (There's a reason D&D has 17 outer planes but only 9 Alignments. If she were from the outer planes, I would peg her as an inhabitant of Acheron over Mechanus, or possibly of Baator on the outside...)
Ah! Using a version of the Super Weight Scale, eh? Nice touch.
8180909 I am more surprise that Captain Black didn't notice ponies are not listed in the document anywhere.
... I think I get it. Australia is the land where everything is out to kill you, including the magic. And life has this neat quirk where what doesn't kill it will make it stronger. So, if a magical was to somehow survive Australia long enough, it may lead into a magically induced Apotheosis... or worse, Ascendance.
Oh hell... I just realized Discord is a Class 0... and no one knows!
This ought to be good...
Something tells me that "God" doesn't mean the same thing to them as it does here... since only the Class Zero entities would qualify for that... and assuming they got "Ragnarok's" identity and modus operandi wrong (the real one being Biblical Satan), he wouldn't qualify for God status either yet still be too powerful for Class One.
Of course, this all assumes their fears of other Class Zero entities are completely unfounded, otherwise that group would ALSO be majorly outclassed by... let's call it Class Negative One.
You know what they say, take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Interesting ranking system.
8180998 Atually, I think he was classed onder Class 2.
In his own Pawny story he defenatly Class 0 but even he know there are beings above him oex: Tatsuru
8180909
1) Can class zero individuals perform magic, at least in a more ritualized fashion (as opposed to Uncle, Daolon, etc..free spellcasting)?
2) What about Australian traditional shamans? are they under the protection of the Jade Council?
Did someone say Minish?
img10.deviantart.net/30c1/i/2011/097/8/4/minish_by_poketix-d3dfoyf.jpg
Australia.
If the snakes and spiders don't kill you...
The heat will...
Unless you survive that then you better be Class 10.
Australia.
Where Friendship can't be Magic...
Because Magic leads to execution...
Unless you're Jack Sparrow or Wendy's. You do you.
8180998 Discord knows.... also what class would deadpool be?
8181052 I cringe to say such a cliche thing... but he's in a class all his own.
However, being serious, these Classes amount to magical beings. Deadpool, reality warping though he may be, is by no means magical. If I did however stick him on Tatsurou's Class sheet... maybe somewhere between 3 and 2.
All of Australia is redacted. Lol
8181035 aren't they (on average) the cutest?
Also, Luna SO needs a high five for her dealing with the monk the way she did
ALL THESE LANDS ARE YOURS - EXCEPT AUSTRALIA. ATTEMPT NO MAGIC THERE.
That old man's fate's too good for him, honestly
Like how the information about the Veil is put into more perspective, ranking included.
It'd be funny if the King of All, his angels, and the Gods of Destruction were involved, but that'd be too much
Wow, once again another reason not to mess with Australia. In this adjusted time line I wonder how the near summoning of Cuthulu went several chapters back? That might have tripped several warnings across the world.
8181058 ok ill give you that... Aside from him owning an ifinity stone.... why marvelllll why
8180998
I think the author already stated Australia was where the most ultrapowerful magical artifacts (those created by the combination of Wild, Divine and Dark Chi) are stored. Considering The Book of Ages is the least dangerous of them, you can figure out why the Gods don't want wizards even in the same continent than them.
8181163 Oh yeah, I forgot about the book. I wonder if It will be the Crusaders that grab their pages instead of Jade this time.
8181154 Yeah, I wanna see if Tats works that back into the story. I honestly doubt you can almost accidentally summon Cthulhu without getting into huge trouble.
8180878
Australium, perhaps?
Love the Zelda reference.
Wait... So Discord is a Class 1 or a Class 0?
He call himself "God of chaos" he can transform reality in a whim, and we managed to see that he can do almost everything. Even invite beings from other dimensions or create a breach to other dimensions (The Gala episode)
I can guess Luna and Celestia are Class 2 or Class 3. With Twilight and Cadence Class 4. And if Luna is related to the demon of gravity, Celestia being her sister is the same.
Maybe Starlight and Sombra are High Class 5 near low 4 but I'm not sure.
Not sure where to classify "The Smooze" or Chrysalis as "The Smooze" changed from the original and Chrysalis managed to 'defeat' Celestia.
8180964
Probably the Tempus Simia.
8181192 their actions might be classified Shining Faust and swept under the bear serving as a rug
8181031
1) Yes
2) No. Their job is to ensure that Australia remains unclaimed.
8181615 Shining Faust?
8181365
Nope, it's not Australium. I know what it is, but will not say because of potential future spoilers. I will, however, say that it is something from the show (Jackie Chan Adventures). If I'm right about what it is, anyway.
8181799 yes, Shining Faust, refer to Tats post on the pony classification, they noticed the Summonong of Fakethulu, then saw pwnies were involved and rationalized it as honest-Miztake-in-training...
8181720
Sorry, I actually wanted to ask about level 10 aka baseline humans.
And now I wonder if Daolon will have the balls to try traveling to Australia. He tried to steal Santa´s mojo in the show, after all.
And now I wonder what class have Fausticorn and Bonniecorn.
Chapter One Hundred Sixteen
"Aiyah!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 46
"One More Thing!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 80
Ho ho holy crap. Australia must be magic-heavy.
I'm in New Zealand! Go me!
8181497
I'd put Discord at Class 2; major alterations of reality in a limited area with none of the special restrictions to maintain the balance that ALL Class 1 beings are bound to as members of the Jade Council. For Class 0, he'd need the power to literally create the entire universe (GOD of the Abrahamic Traditions, as opposed to the various Class 1 polytheistic gods) OR the power to end the entire universe. Or, to put another way, a level of power that prevents direct interaction with reality, as any attempt to interact on such a small scale will cause vast amounts of damage. If Celestia and Luna are true immortals, they would be Class 3. Otherwise, they are Class 4. Since Class 4 includes mortals that can face Class 3 on a near even footing, this is where Chrysalis would fall.
At least, if I were setting power classes for these beings, that is where they would fall.
8182060 But what is "Balance"? We don't know too much of Discord or the Jade council, but for me "Balance" is like Ying and Yang, he comment it in many fics, it's no good have too much "Harmony" without a touch of "Chaos" to help things.
Thanks for answer :) In the end Tatsurou commented me after sending him a MP that he put in another comment that the Equestria beings can't be classed because they change from 1 to 10 too much.
8182465
Actually, in this case 'Harmony' isn't balanced by Chaos. One aspect of 'Harmony' is the balance of Chaos and Order. Or Good and Evil. Or Light and Dark.
A creature of Equestria aligned to Harmony would be Shining Faust because they would want to help maintain the magical status quo.
Why am I not surprised that this is the treatment given to the land where Everything Is Trying To Kill You???
Good chapter, it appears from what I read that the Crusaders are Class 6... which makes me wonder about the rest of Equestria.