The wooden bookcase stands taller than anyone in the room, reaching almost to the ceiling. Now is no time to brush up on your studies, so you briefly glance over the shelves for anything that stands out. You see a vast collection of magical tomes, from ancient grimoires to modern textbooks used in the academy’s curriculum. There are also volumes filled with tales of legendary witches and wizards who have left their mark on the magical world. You look forward to having the upcoming school year to peruse these at your leisure… if you survive, that is.
Scouring the shelves in search of something unknown is the new Defense against Dark Magic professor, Mortis Grimthorn.
A couple of books in particular catch your eye:
“Thank you for buying our book, A Beginner’s Guide to Wizard’s Chess! Wizard’s Chess is a lot like regular chess, except the pieces are enchanted to move on their own. All you have to do is give the command!
So, if you know how to play regular chess, you don’t need this book! If you’re new to the game, however, then please read!”
“The goal of chess is to checkmate your opponent’s king. Checkmate occurs when the opponent’s king is in a position to be captured (in check), and there is no legal move to escape capture. The player who achieves checkmate wins the game.”
A locked journal of weathered leather. Its cover is etched with mysterious shapes and patterns. The journal is sealed with an ornate, complicated lock. You attempt a basic unlocking spell, but it seems enchanted to guard against such magic. You’ll need a key to open it. Once found, you can input it here:
Mortis Grimthorn, the Defense against Dark Magic professor, presents a striking and imposing figure that sticks out among the other teachers. He has an intense look in his eyes as he scours the shelves of books, a look that would fit the face of a passionate instructor as easily as it would that of a wicked murderer. As the thought crosses your mind, he suddenly turns towards you, the scars on his face making the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end before you collect yourself and approach.
“It appears as though young Mr. Shoehorn has fallen victim to a powerful Slumberweave Spell, indefensible to all but the most adept casters. He probably didn’t even see it coming, a quick and purposeful flick of a wand and then – darkness. Did you know him well?”
The professor’s concerned look turns to one of suspicion, and you feel as if he were staring into your very soul.
“I suppose not. Well, he was a rather common student in my opinion, showing very average aptitude and no great strength in anything. Lysandra Bloodthorne? She was defeated years ago, the result of a great collaboration of witches and wizards in which my own wand played no small part. There is nothing left of the dark witch, despite any dubious prophecies that might say otherwise. Of that fact, I’m certain. Raven the Bloodthirsty, however, is a dangerous individual with a thirst for chaos and power. In light of his escape, we must consider that he might be behind this. Vigilance is your best defense. It seems as though you’re quite proficient in the art of healing magic. I’m afraid to say those skills might come in handy sooner than you think.”
His stern look changes to one of approval.
“I will be speaking with the headmaster to organize a special session on defensive magic and counter-curses, specifically focusing on techniques to protect against threats like Raven. In fact, I was headed back to my office to work on the curriculum when I learned of this mishap. You should strongly consider attending when it’s ready…”
His demeanor changes once more as he stares past you into nothingness.
“One has to wonder how he even managed to get past the school’s defensive enchantments, and if there was someone helping him from the inside. I don’t wish to fan the flames of a rumor, but the Drakonov family was once known to be very close to Raven and his ilk.”
