Oh sure, anyone could use a magic teapot that could heat itself. Alchemic flamesticks were likewise so user-friendly that anyone who could rub the bulb-end against a scratchy surface could get a brief flame. A thermos was a thermos, a watering can was a watering can, and a magic sword was a magic sword. You didn't need to have a Gift to use the simple stuff unless it was designed to be only usable by the Gifted or required recharging.
There were, after the Great War, Mage Villages. These were pretty mercenary and could hire out mages for a number of specific purposes. Their main job though was the protection of their country. There were Five Mage Nations of the East - defined by having one of those Mage Villages.
They were also, due to tradition, called Hidden Villages. Not that they remained hidden in the 20th Century, but they were called that because of their roots. They DID remain closed to outsiders except in very special cases or when someone wanted to hire a mage of their caliber. As the practice had started in Japan, each of which had a Japanese name (and an English name, and a German name, etc.)
Japan, the Land Of Fire, with its Konohagakure about halfway between Tokyo and Osaka.
China, the Land Of Wind, with the Gobi Desert containing Sunagakure
Indonesia, the Land Of Water, with its Kirigakure.
Tibet, the Land Of Lightning, and its Kumogakure.
Australia, the Land Of Earth, with its Iwagakure. (Though Iwagakure was used less often than Rock Village.)
There were also the Nations of the West.
"So what do we do with this Ranma Saotome?" asked the British wizard from one of the flat crystal displays on a wall.
"We would prefer him to remain in Japan, because he IS Japanese, albeit of a different universe's Japan," said the old Japanese man who sat behind his desk and regarded the various displays. Each of which had a direct connection to one of the other Village Heads or their political appointee.
"His magical power level is powerful, but very limited in scope," said the German representitive, "perhaps he would be better off with a discipline that requires little in the way of magical finesse."
"Clockworks are unlikely to be within the boy's talents," argued the French sorceress. "Nor is he likely to fit within my own country's specialties."
"He could be tested at least," protested the British wizard.
"Enough," said the Chinese proctor. "It is not fitting that a resource such as this be restricted to Japan. His martial arts talents as well as his magical potential are things that should be studied in more detail."
"He isn't a box of tea to be divvied up among a group," pointed out the American wizard.
"Gentlemen, ladies," said the Japanese individual. "I have a compromise already prepared. This outcome was quite predictable, after all."
Ranma grinned as he leapt from tree limb to tree limb.
Trees normally didn't grow to this size in Japan. At least, they didn't unless magic was involved. The forest surrounding the Village Of The Hidden Leaf was carefully tended and had trees that were downright huge. Not the biggest trees in the world, Ranma understood there was some competition between a few different countries on the bragging rights there - but still pretty darn big.
Ranma jagged to the left and heard the thunk of kunai slam into a tree limb where he'd just been going.
He also knew that people had been working on Summons spells since the First Demon War, and that they'd managed a few things since then regarding that. He also knew that's why there were pixies (though most of those were in Great Britain) and elves and such. Summonings that lasted more than a little amount of time.
He also knew that pranking a prankster usually was viewed as fair game, particularly by those who'd been pranked by that prankster.
"I'll get ya for that, RANMA!" yelled that blonde kid as he tried to catch up.
Ranma merely doubled his speed and then doubled back, letting the other kid shoot past his position and chase a shadow.
Now for something a bit more challenging.
(Posted Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:03)
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