Here's what I'll do about magic systems, because some people like D&D-type systems, some like Final Fantasy (which I have never played, so I'm clueless), some like who knows what.

Different mages have different "styles" of magic that work for them, and have learned different ways of casting, etc. So whatever system of magic you feel most comfortable using, just send me a PM with a rundown of it so I know what's going on, and you're good.

How it's cast. Like, mana system or preparing spells or whatever.

If you're lost, I suggest choosing some game with magic that you like and using that system.

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...

We ready to go, then?

Oh, I'm ready to go once I send it in. Haven't decided which magic system to use yet.

Well, count me as ready, if I haven't yet outright stated it.

I'm ready, but can't really be present much until Friday evening.

Figured I'd leave this here, since I introduced him to out of nowhere without a description. I'm just following the signup form since it's convenient, I doubt he'll end up coming along with the group, and if he does, it won't be immediate.

Name: Lachlan Unitas.
Race: 75% Human, 25% Elf. (His father is half-elf, and his grandmother is pure elf.)
Area of Origin: Crossways.

Age: Early to mid twenties-ish.
Gender: Male.
Description: Lachlan has black hair that's mostly short, but long in the front. His eyes are a reddish orange color, and his clothing tends to be the same color.
Personality: Lachlan is kind of a slacker, and Redel often covers for him when it comes to written and theoretical assignments. Lachlan is better with people than Redel is, but not by much. The two of them will often have disagreements when deciding who will meet a new student first, usually ending with both of them keeping their distance.

Skills: Lachlan is okay at magic in general. He's no prodigy, and will usually forget things that he was taught long enough ago. In general, he succeeds at the academy, though he often does somewhat poorly on tests.

History: Lachlan has lived in Crossways with his family his whole life. He decided to attend the magic academy on a whim, but has done all right there for the most part. At some point in his time at the academy, Lachlan became friends with Redel, and the two of them are usually together outside of class.
Pokémon: Lachlan has a Leafeon named Bryn. It was because of Bryn and Eira's friendship that Lachlan and Redel became friends.

Since the actual assembling is taking pretty long because Moon's computer hates the second forum, any objections to just timeskipping to when the party has been assembled?

None at all.

My opinion is probably weird, and therefore likely won't reflect the majority, but...

I think it would be fun to write out interactions while traveling. If everyone agrees to skip parts of the travel, though, those parts could be skipped.

As for encounters, they'd be fine, but I'd prefer if there weren't too many of them.

Again, my opinion's probably strange.