I guess if more events like that happened, but alas, they're not.

How much power does it cost for upkeep of a bonded rift?

Where can I get a copy of the History of the Vernal wars to put in the Gaudiguch library?

Maybe not a simple question...

For abilities that depend on one's level in a skill does it depend on the number of lessons put in the skill, or one's skill rank and percent? e.g. If focus body is 4.5s at inept and 1.5s at trans, would it be 3.0s at expert (half way rank wise) or 4.2s (10% of the way lessons spent wise).

And as a corollary, is it the same for all skills or are some based on rank and others lessons.

Number of lessons put in. 100/1715= % per Lesson.

When there is a numerical variation like you describe it is almost always dependent on lessons invested. I don't know of a single case where the step from Mythical to Trans is worth the same as from Master to Gifted in a numerical measure of efficacy; the choices are usually no change or linear change. Note that linear changes also depend on a second skill, though the second skill contributes much less (I've heard 1/3 or 1/4). For instance, song length depends on Music (plus its specialization skill) lessons, plus a lesser effect from Dramatics lessons.

Somebody took me somewhere called "The Light of Shakiniel", I think it's a manse of some sort, since I can't communicate use the Aether for communication. How might I be able to leave and get back to New Celest?

PORTAL EXIT CELEST ought to take you out.

As Kiradawea said, PORTAL EXIT CELEST would do it - assuming that the ship is docked on Prime.

Newbie and CGT are limitless; you can talk on them anywhere, regardless of Planar ability. Great for situations like this.

Can a rogue demi/ascendant attempt to claim a domoth?

... let's just go with "no" because they're going to die anyways even if it was technically possible to start, heh.

It's entirely possible that manse is on an aetherbubble somewhere. If you can't get ahold of someone using CGT, find something mean looking and kick it. Youll be home in no time.

I'm rather new to influencing, but I've found it to be incredibly fun and useful. I have no idea why I didn't invest in it sooner.

I have no idea how prestige works, however, and I'm having a hard time finding good info about it. Does it basically make your influence attacks more powerful? Or does it just make you influence faster like the Beauty blessing does? Also, where can I find a list of the prestige ranks? Or at least, what's the absolute "worst" one (for best charity influencing) and the best one otherwise?

I think better prestige (except for charity) will mean stronger attacks rather than faster influencing equilibrium (where did you get that the beauty blessing makes it faster?).

I know for sure that the highest prestige (best for all but charity) is "like royalty" while the lowest prestige is naked. However, I think the best for charity is nondescript, which is just one level up. Naked is actually bad for charity.

According to HELP KARMA, Beauty increases Charisma.

According to HELP STATS, Charisma increases influence speed.

I'm confused about the charity one though. It's "negative prestige" for tawdry clothing, though it's actually a step up from naked?

Oh, I see what you mean.

For charity, the lower your prestige the better. However, while naked is below that (so it's worst to be naked than nondescript for other influences), it is actually not good for charity, either. Basically, mobs think you aren't to be taken seriously when you're completely naked.

From HELP INFLUENCE:

I don't think being naked is part of the general scale...just a designation. I might be missing one on the negative side, but it goes like this..

^ Best for Paranoia, Seduction, Weakening, Empowering
| royalty
| opulent
| properous
| well-to-do
| common
nondescript
| tawdry
| shabby
| pathetic
| beggarly
v Best for Charity

The appropriate prestige lowers the amount of attempts it takes to influence something.

Oh, didn't know you can go below non-descript. *gets some bad clothing*

My theory about naked is that each prestige rank will give you an attack boost based on the influence type you're using but naked just gives no boost at all.

'naked fool' as a prestige status is actually bad for influencing. You need proper clothing and jewelry for higher prestige, and tawdry clothes for lower, but naked is a no-no.

Missed one.