Act 0: Just off the boat

Earlier today you first set foot on the island of Avalon. Most of your time has been spent waiting in the grate hall for the last student to arrive. Your belongings are piled by the fare wall.

The Great Hall at Avalon Academy of Arcane Arts is a magnificent and awe-inspiring space, designed to impress and instill a sense of wonder in all who enter. It is the grand setting for the beginning-of-year welcoming ceremony, where the headmaster addresses students and faculty. But when does it start?

Description:



Architecture: The Great Hall is a vast chamber, characterized by its grandeur and a mix of architectural styles. It features a high, vaulted ceiling adorned with intricate patterns of enchanted stars that seem to twinkle in a never-ending night sky. The walls are made of ancient, weathered stone that glows softly with an ethereal, otherworldly light, giving the hall an enchanting atmosphere. Elaborate, towering wooden columns line the sides of the hall, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of magical history.

Seating: The hall is designed to accommodate the entire student body of Avalon Academy, faculty, and guests. Long, polished wooden tables stretch out in parallel rows, flanked by rows of elegant, high-backed wooden chairs. The tables are meticulously set with sparkling silverware, crystal goblets, and fine china plates, awaiting the banquet that will follow the ceremony. A raised dais at the front of the hall is reserved for the headmaster, other school officials, and honoured guests.

Enchanted Decor: The Great Hall is decorated with large, ornate tapestries and banners that hang from the walls. These tapestries depict significant moments in the school's history and scenes of magical wonder, often brought to life with animated enchantments.
There are 4 banners that really catches your eyeAnd the last one is just grey

Ceiling: The ceiling of the Great Hall is a marvel of magical craftsmanship. It appears to be an endless, starry night sky. As the headmaster orates, the stars shift and form patterns, often reflecting the theme or mood of the speech. The ceiling also illuminates in different colors, casting a warm, soft light over the assembly.

Entrance and Exit: The Great Hall has two large, ornate double doors at the rear, which serve as the entrance for students during the welcoming ceremony. These doors open dramatically to allow students to enter. There is also a smaller side door leading to the kitchen, where the banquet feast is prepared and sent out for the celebratory meal after the ceremony.

As you are waiting in this extraordinary setting for the beginning-of-year ceremony, you can't help but feel the magic and history that permeate every stone, tapestry, and candlelit corner of the Great Hall at Avalon Academy of Arcane Arts.

Finally, 3 other students enter and take a seat furthest away from your group. A few moments later 2 other students join them.

Sitting by herself is a girl with tangled Red curly hair. She his newer looking robes that already caked with dirt, paint, and who knows what else.
She talks rapidly to a small blue songbird about all the wonders and amazing things she sees. The bird chatters and signs back to her.

"Well then Bex, I hope Fiero doesn't suffer from separation anxiety while we are in class. Anyway, it's nice to meet you."

Soon after meeting Bex, Seraphina hears a chattering bird and notices the bird owner's fiery red hair. Making a note to herself that the redhead would need instruction on personal grooming she then turns her attention to the student sitting beside her. She looks quite studious, and that is a good quality in Seraphina's estimation.

The curly red head shrugs. "Mother always says Mess is Best. " She giggles cheerfully. "I can never get the charm right to clean them.'
She picks a few stuck sunflower seeds off her robe and feeds it to the chirping bird.

I can teach you one to make it so the dirt doesnt stick.He smiles

Evelyn Ashwood sits a comfortable distance from the others, her blue eyes peering over the rim of her oversized spectacles, observing her peers with a mixture of curiosity and reserve. Clad in a neatly worn school uniform, her long black hair keeps falling into her face. Her backpack was full to the brim with books on magic. It all came together to make her seem like a Withdrawn Bookworm.

Noticing the interaction between her fellow students, Evelyn can't help but feel a slight twinge of longing to join in, but the comfort of her books holds a stronger sway. She overhears the conversation about familiars and cleaning charms, and instinctively reaches for a well-thumbed book on practical spellwork, the gears in her mind already turning on how she might contribute knowledgeably to the discussion.

Clearing her throat gently, she addresses the group, her voice tinged with a soft, unassuming confidence. "Um, excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear. If anyone is interested, I have a rather effective charm for warding off dirt and stains. It's quite handy for keeping robes pristine. And, um, I'm Evelyn, by the way." Her eyes briefly meet each of her peers, offering a tentative smile, the sort that's unpracticed but genuine.

"If you like mess, sure," the spectacled girl says and rolls her eyes a bit. "But I'd go for the cleaning charms if were you."

She looks up when Evelyn Ashwood introduces herself and nods.

"'Day. I'm Evelyn too. Not Evelyn-two-too... Evelyn Evans."

You hear the clocktower strike the hour. Instead of a traditional bell or gong, the clock tower uses a series of enchanting chimes. At the top of each hour, the tower emits a beautiful and melodic chime. The chimes are produced by large, suspended crystals, each representing one of the four elemental forces - earth, air, fire, and water. The combination of the four elements creates a harmonious and magical sound that resonates throughout the school, bringing a sense of enchantment to the experience.

As the chimes ring out, the Enchanted Clock Tower releases bursts of magical light, with each elemental crystal emitting a different color corresponding to its element. This creates a mesmerizing display of colors that bathes the courtyard and the surrounding area in a soft, ethereal glow.In walks Headmaster Agness Wagonblottand, closely followed by the rest of the students milling in to take their seats.

Welcome studens, new and old. I hope that your studies will be fruitful and the friendships you make will last beyond the mist.
Now for the new studets there are some rules that you must abide. She sends a sternlook at some boys in the back on the hall.
And some old students that need a refresher:

- Magic is not allowed in your dormitories!
- In class, you are only allowed to use your magic when prompted by a teacher!
- Any permanent alterations, transformations or modifications to yourself or fellow students are grounds for expulsion.
- Magic that makes the target go against its nature, is also grounds for expulsion, perhaps even being handed over to the authorities.
And this is for the older students!
- There will be no hexing, jinxs or other shenanigans the first week.

She now turns to your table, and speaks to you directly.
It has been a long tradition that students form groups and compete in our game*. We challenge ourselves in orientation, magic ingenuity, stealth and endurance, as each team makes their way through the forest to reach the banner. Once claimed, the returning team is allowed to hang their banner here in the greate hall. Last year, we had The Wolf... A group of boys starts the cheer.
The dears... a group of fit looking girls, stands and cursites
And The Hedgehogs... There is scattered laughter all-round
Each placed the banner on the wall. Since the last group graduated, their banner and familiar animal have faded and is ready for a new group to claim it. Tonight we eat and tomorrow classes will start. Enjoy the feast

As the headmistress entered the hall, Evelyn made sure to sit up just a bit straighter than she had before.
She listened to the seemingly traditional words and warnings and scanned the crowd.

"Uh oh," she whispered to herself while looking a one of the Wolf-Boys in the distance. "That bloke's gonna get himself in detention before the week is over."

As the headmistress explained the rules of the game Evelyn looked at the students around her.
" Are you folks in any groups yet? Ya reckon we'd be mates and team up for this?"

As she offered them to become a team, the doors of the hall opened. Floating mid-air were dishes and trays. Vegetable pies. turkeys, curries and pasta's. Food from all sorts of culture. Plates flew through the air in perfect, organized lines, guiding them selves to the table. As if there was an invasion of invisible waiters all perfectly synchronously aligned. A network of invisible conveyor belt's all delivering food. Evelyn was quite sure none of that was true and the food was just flying in a very orderly formation before it arrived at the tables.

Seraphina follows the headmaster's gaze to the troublesome boys at the back, taking note of their faces. As a prefect, doing her duty would be much easier if she knew ahead of time who could be depended on to cause trouble. Perhaps a word of warning or a simple charm sent their way to cut off the serpent's head ahead of time. One that didn't break the rules of course. Despite what the headmaster said, she could have a lot of fun with this:

Magic that makes the target go against its nature, is also grounds for expulsion. It wasn't as restricting as one might think.

"Just the Prefect group, Evelyn."

"If I may ask," she stood and boldly yet respectfully addressed the headmaster, "Why can't there be some form of permanent reminder of winning teams in the past? It would be a fitting tribute to last through the ages. I'd be happy to form a committee and come up with ideas for past Mystiwood Banner Challenge competitions."

I have to say this game sounds better than my old school's already.... though I don't know what to do with my old equipment then... he blinks. Mates would be nice, youre the first folks to talk to me at all. At least the challenge can be done on a broom. Mine is very sporty

The second Evelyn was rubbing her chin as if trying to make up her mind if she should say what she'd been considering ever since she met her classmates and the other girl named Evelyn.

"Uh, hey everyone, you can call me Charlotte. I used to go by my middle-name Evelyn since my best friend early in life was named Charlotte. Now we've got the opposite problem with duplicate Evelyns!" Feeling like people were staring at her, Charlotte blushed and then rapidly spouted, "Anyway, call me Charlotte, and I'm looking forward to the Mystiwood Banner Challenge!"

The curly red head picks out her dirty robes while the others chat.
When the food lands before her she digs in. Hands fly out grabbing food and stuffing her face.
With a mouth full of food "Parents told me about MBC. Told me about all the gnarly injuries people got. Takes a large bit of sausage. "Dad flew into a tree, broke his leg and arm." She starts laughing loudly and food bits fly out. "Names Dottie... Most call me Dot." She offers a mash potato covered hand to anyone who wishes to shake it.

"Oh." Seraphina was sufficiently cowed by the headmaster to immediately sit back down, a slight flush rushing to her normally pale cheeks.

"Well Dot, they wouldn't be worthwhile if they were easy. I'm sorry about your father though. I imagine he had some healing spells?"

Turning to Evelyn she can't help but chuckle. "It looks like you have the naming problem well in hand. We will call you Charlotte, but ...." The prefect leans in closer to the girl, "You won't want to call the competition MBC. You'll incur the wrath of Mr. Blixencoop. He will consider that blasphemous. Oh and Bex, you might be able to trade your equipment."

He nods, bit looks slightly worried about the tree crash. He sneaks a piece of turkey to his kitten before looking around at the others. I really do agreee...We should form a team. for the challenge, I like that idea.

"Teamwork! Teamwork! What should our team name be?" blurts out Charlotte.

Afterward, she sits down in an oversized stuffed chair that seems like it could swallow her whole. She pulls her backpack of books onto her lap, taking comfort in the tomes as she works through the awkward 'make new friends' stage. She's never been good at this.

Evelyn looks at Dot's attempt to shake hands. But that potato covered hand....
Instead she'll fold her hand into a fist and offers a friendly fist bump greeting to Dot instead.

If Dot accepts she'll try to secretly, afterwards, clean her hand on a napkin.

"Right then. We're all a team now for the game. Now get a name and try to not get flogged. As for a name... uhm... they all name themselves after animals, don't they? "

Evelyn tries to focus on the game's future outcome, but it's probably too uncertain or to important for her visions to give an opinion on.

Dot holds out a piece of sausage. "You have to try this. It is really good" she takes a bit and keeps talking. "Dad said they had healers on standby for the bad injuries. He is fine but got a little limp still. She shoves a spoonful of mixed vegetables in her mouth. "What about something fun. Weasels or Foxes or Ravens? She wipes her dirt hand on her robe and grabs a chunk of nearby cake.

Phantom Foxes? Bex asks taking a bite of his own sausage. Fieros paw shoots out to snag another piece of turkey forcing Bex to move the kitten from sleeve to lap.

Seraphina senses Charlotte's outburst as that of a shy girl overcompensating. It was part of the prefect's job to make the students feel welcome.

"Phantom Foxes sounds great and yes everyone, teamwork is absolutely the key to a winning team. You've got that right."

Evelyn's fastidiousness didn't get by Seraphina's notice either. All these traits would be squirreled away for later use. A harmonious group was an easy group to handle and that meant heading trouble off at the pass before it developed into an incident. Being a perfect prefect was very important to Seraphina.

"We'll need a captain of course. But we should get to know each other better first, and I can help with any questions or advice," including teaching Dot a little about personal cleanliness, she thinks.

"Phantom Foxes it is then. Our first bit of teamwork. Cheers on us!"

Empty trays and dishes floats up and gathers in a single line that takes it all out of the hall. The other students returns to their sleeping area in different areas of the castle.
Once all the dinnerware have left the grate hall your luggage lift off as well, but only about a meter off the ground. As you walk near it, the luggage starts to move, enticing you to follow it.

Following the bouncing chest of her belongings it leads her down a long hallway& up a flight of stairs before going down another shorter hallway. It stops in front of a large oak door. Dot quickly opens it up leaving a smudge of mash potatoes on the handle.

Inside lies a shared room for four. The spacious chamber is adorned with four large, ornately carved beds, each draped in scarlet and gold embroidered curtains.

The room is abundant with assorted furniture; a set of vintage wooden trunks rests at the foot of each bed, serving as both storage and seating. A majestic, circular rug woven with intricate magical symbols and patterns lies at the center of the room, enhancing the mystical ambiance.

A series of elegant writing desks stand against the walls, laden with quills, parchment, and various mystical tomes, each adorned with personalized nameplates and enchanted inkwells. Nearby, a cozy fireplace crackles softly, exuding warmth and radiance.

The wall of windows, adorned with lavish crimson and gold drapes, offers a breathtaking view of the school's vast, enchanted grounds. The windows are enchanted to adjust their opacity based on the time of day, letting in a soft, golden glow during the day and revealing a star-studded sky at night.

Additionally, ornate wardrobes line one side of the room, where magical robes and attire hang neatly on brass hooks, shimmering with hints of subtle enchantments. The magical ambiance is further enhanced by flickering floating candles and intricate tapestries depicting legendary wizards and magical creatures that adorn the walls.


Dot rushes over to one of the beds in the corner, strips her robes off and throws it on the ground behind her. She plops down onto the bed and stares out of the window. With the robes gone she has on a simple silk blue dress shirt and some khaki pants.
"Dibs on this bed!! The chest follows behind her and plops down next to her bed.

Bex follows his luggage as well, tired, but still excited. Not really knowing what to expect, he noticed that he followed the girls, then passed their door. Disappointed, he entered his door, the next one down the hall, and found a room with a set of bunk beds.
Sitting by the fireplace in large comfy chair was another boy about his age, nose buried in a book.
Beyond two chairs by the fire and the beds, were two desks, two dressers, and a cat tree, where a rather fluffy black cat lay asleep.
A chandelier supplied the light for the room. A locked door stood on the wall beside the set of desks, making Bex wonder if it connected to the girls room.
Hey, Im.Bex" he called and shrugged his outer robes off.
Fiero happily scaled the tree and curled up on the platform below the black cat.
The other student waved a hand in acknowledgedment grunted the name "Bruce"
and continued reading.

Following her bouncy luggage with the other students, Seraphina checks out her single dorm room. As a prefect, she was afforded certain privileges including her own bathroom, a larger bedroom/study decorated with inspirational quotes, and bookshelves crying to be filled with wonderful tomes of magic and history. A large comfy bed was tucked underneath a large widow. Above the fluffy pillows stood an ornate headboard inscribed with glowing initials representing the prefects that had come before.

Seraphine calls out to the others before they disappear into their rooms. "See everybody later!"

Immediately behind Dot, Charlotte stops and peaks shyly around the open door as if making sure the room isn't going to bite her. Getting past her shyness, she entered the room.

"I guess I'll take this bed," says Charlotte, waltzing over to a bed opposite Dot.

Charlotte's chest drifts in and collapses onto the floor with a thud, louder that you would expect. "Uh, I brought a lot of books," says Charlotte, turning red.

You all settle in and drift off to sleep, your dreams are about this very old, very kind benevolent huge creature. It rubs the grime off a doorknob, with a slight asperation, but otherwise looks over you, to make sure that you are safely in your beds.

Thus ends the first day of many in Avalon Academy of Arcane Arts.

After breakfast, you are directed to your first class. You are shown the way by a small orb of golden light that take your to a classroom door, where it disappears.

The classroom is a spacious, well-lit, and welcoming space within the Astoria Academy of Arcane Arts. It is located on the second floor of the academy, overlooking the beautiful enchanted forest that surrounds the school. The room has high vaulted ceilings with intricate wooden beams, and the walls are adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of magical creatures and spellcasting. Tall arched windows on one side allow natural light to flood in, creating a warm and inspiring atmosphere.

The classroom is furnished with sturdy wooden desks and chairs, neatly arranged in rows to facilitate group discussions and interaction among the students. Each desk is equipped with an inkwell, quills, and parchment, ready for note-taking and spell practice. A large chalkboard spans one wall, and it is enchanted to move and display intricate magical diagrams and symbols when needed.

In one corner of the room, there is a magical whiteboard where the professor can display diagrams, spells, and notes using a special wand. The professor's lectern is centrally positioned at the front of the room, adorned with ancient spell books and mystical artifacts. A cozy fireplace on one side provides warmth during colder days, and there is a bookshelf filled with magical tomes and scrolls.






Welcome all. Today we will be discussing "Elemental Conjuration."

The students are engrossed in the lesson as Professor Thaddeus, a charismatic and experienced magic teacher, stands at the lectern. He is discussing the intricacies of conjuring elemental beings and the importance of understanding their unique attributes, strengths, and weaknesses.

The chalkboard displays intricate diagrams of elemental circles and symbols associated with the four primary elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Professor Thaddeus explains the rituals and incantations required to summon and control these elements, demonstrating the gestures and intonations necessary for a successful conjuration.

In the corner of the room, a controlled magical summoning circle has been drawn on the floor, where a small flame elemental dances under the professor's guidance. He emphasizes the need for precision and concentration when dealing with elemental magic, as well as the importance of respecting and cooperating with these powerful entities.

Throughout the lesson, students take notes and occasionally practice elemental gestures and incantations under the professor's watchful eye. The classroom resonates with a sense of wonder and excitement as students prepare to master the art of elemental conjuration in the magical world of Astoria Academy.

After lunch, you will visit our library. There you will acquaint yourself with the librarian and prepare a short presentation of an Elemental conjuration of note, from our history

Seraphine feels like she knows the school well. Her parents spoke non-stop about it her entire life and to say much of the place was imprinted on her brain would not be an exaggeration. The current subject matter was a sore spot with her, however. A few years ago she had found a book describing the very spells Professor Thadeus was teaching today. Being young and silly she tried the conjuration herself but when she closed her eyes in concentration ... and as it turns she didn't have to do that ... her kitty had wandered into the circle and was singed down to the poor thing's skin.

Now she was nervous and as a leader in the school, this simply would not do. She'd have to get a hold of herself and be the confident, often haughty, girl that she was.

Feeling a bit sluggish after eating a hearty lunch, Charlotte picked up her school bag and said to her friends, "See you at the library!"

Wandering through the halls of the Academy, Charlotte finally found the library. She'd seen it from the outside but had never gone in.

Pushing her way through the large double doors, Charlotte entered the library. She dropped her bag on the floor and gasped, her jaw dropping in astonishment. Being ever the bookworm, this place was like heaven!The library is vast, with towering shelves that reach up toward the ceiling. The shelves are carved from dark, enchanted wood that whispers secrets of the arcane to those who listen closely. Ladders on rails allow access to the highest books, and the ladders seem to move slightly on their own, as if eager to assist.

The books themselves are an assortment of leather-bound tomes, scrolls wrapped in shimmering ribbons, and ancient manuscripts that glow faintly with enchantment. Some books are flittering above the shelves, held aloft by a gentle levitation charm. There are cozy reading nooks with plush chairs and small tables, lit by floating candles that hover in the air, casting a warm, flickering light over the area. Most of the tables were oddly shaped and asymmetrical. The atmosphere is filled with a subtle scent of parchment, wood, and a hint of something mysterious, like a distant storm.

The room extends into additional wings, suggesting a labyrinth of knowledge waiting to be explored.

In the center of the library stands a large, ornate table with a detailed map of the magical world that moves and shifts, showing live happenings in different regions. The library is mostly silent but for the soft murmur of students whispering incantations over their books and the occasional rustle of a page being turned by an invisible hand.

Charlotte stared for far too long, snapping out of her reverie once the librarian cleared her throat to get Charlotte's attention.

"Uh, hi!" Charlotte picks up her bag and makes her way to the librarian. "My name is Charlotte, and I'm very pleased to meet you." Charlotte does an awkward curtsey.

Bex happily entered the library, hoping that he'd have a chance to find a secret bit of info. About what could have made it so no one seemed to remember his sister.

But first work.
Conjuring elements was not something he had done, and it felt odd entering the school as a new student when he had been to a different school before now. He did like that everyone started a bit older here though. Less childish drama that way.
He slid an apple into his satchel as he walked into the huge room, spying at least 2 of the others, and his roommate, he waved a hand in silent greeting.

Dot enters the Library and follows behind the others. She runs around the library grabbing a books that she thinks are interesting and starts collecting a large stack taller then herself on a single table...

She waves to the others as she sees them while collecting the books.

Dot enters the Library and follows behind the others. She runs around the library grabbing a books that she thinks are interesting and starts collecting a large stack taller then herself on a single table...

She waves to the others as she sees them while collecting the books.

Seraphine ate a light lunch and having composed herself entered the magnificent library and waved to any of the new friends she had made that were in the room too. Striding confidently to the desk, she extended a hand to the old librarian who had spent decades at the school. Long silver hair flowed down the woman's back, and a pair of glasses perched alarmingly near the edge of her long beaky nose threatened to slide off it and onto the desk.

"Hello. I am Seraphine Everhart. You probably knew my parents when they attended here. I've heard so much about this room but I never imagined how amazing it is."

The prefect's plan was to read up on her failed spell of years ago and figure out where she went wrong because being embarrassed in front of her peers simply wouldn't do.