Professor Aldor, History of Magic
Anonymous:I am Professor Tychus Aldor, onetime cleric of Pelor, now professor of History of Magic at Noctem de Magia. I've been teaching here for going on thirty years now, and so far I've yet to be able to choose a favorite year of students--they seem to always manage to outdo each other, in more ways than one.
I realize that for most teenagers, history tends to be rather...dull. I can't tell you how many times I fell asleep in my classes when I was a teen...nor the things I would do in said classes. I usually try my best to make my lessons interactive, and avoid droning on like some of my old teachers. I look forward to meeting this incoming class, and seeing if they outdo last year's.
Professor Arctus, Astronomy
Anonymous:
I'm Professor Arctus, teacher of Astronomy and Physics, as well as head of the school newspaper. I've been teaching here for nearly as long as Professor Silph, but I can assure you that I am wholly human *laughs*.
In classes I try to ensure that the hard science isn't hard at all to understand. As much as I have to keep to the curriculum, I take a page out of Professor Dara's book and let my students work on projects at their own pace.
The mark on my face? That's a...personal matter.
Professor Daegon, Shadow Studies
Anonymous:I am Professor Daegon. I teach Shadow Studies. I am skilled at my craft and do not tolerate time-wasters in my class, so if you are not serious about pursuing the shadow arts, I suggest you go elsewhere. I will not pander to those who only wish to impress their friends with how "cool" you are.
As for those of you who are serious about my craft...it is difficult. You will fail more than you succeed, and I will not allow anyone to attempt any rituals until I am there to supervise. If any of you children decide to violate this rule of my classroom, the consequences are yours to deal with.
Professor Dara, Potions and Alchemy
Anonymous:
I am Professor Dara Thomson, though y'all can call me Dara. Or Professor Dara, if you're uncomfortable without the formality. I hate being called "Mrs. Thomson" or "Professor Thomson", it makes me feel old. Plus, it sounds stuffy.
Anyway. I teach Potions and Alchemy. I like to keep my classroom relaxed, and I don't care how much Daegon bitches about it. I'm a firm believer in letting students work at their own pace, on the projects they want to rather than what the curriculum says they have to--and it works. As long as my students follow school rules, put all the supplies back where they found them, and don't melt a hole through the floor (that has happened, several times), I don't see any reason to change it.
I will supervise exams and the advanced classes, however. I may keep my class relaxed, but I don't allow anything that'll get kids hurt.
Professor Deukhalion, Swordsmanship
Anonymous:I am Professor Deukhalion, head of swordsmanship. And despite what the upperclassment have told you of my reputation as a "hardass", I do enjoy teaching. And no, I don't eat students. That is a rumor spread by Mr. Cast, and I can assure you it is false.
Regardless, I run a tight ship. Not for the same reasons as Daegon, but because swords are not toys. There is a reason I don't allow students to practice with the actual weapons until senior year, and even then the blades are dulled. As much as I like my students and enjoy teaching classes, playing with the weapons gets you instant detention. I'd rather everyone pass without any casualties--I may be a demon, but I'm not heartless.
Professor Feuer, Beast-Taming
Anonymous:
I'm Professor Feuer, and in answer to the inevitable questions as to my heritage, I'm an ifrit. For those wondering what an ifrit is, it's someone with a fire genasi ancestor. The longer explanation's more complicated I'm sure, but I'm a teacher. Not a geneticist.
As for what I teach, it's the care, handling, and training of magical creatures. Fire salamanders, elemental sprites, griffins and wyverns...I'm here to teach you how to ally with, train, and care for the creatures of the magical world.
Professor "Erika", Magical Defense
Anonymous:Ah, hello~o! I am Professor Erika (or Erik) Rosseau, Head of House Dragonscale and teacher of Magical Defense at our beautiful school. And while I do enjoy teaching, I also hope that my lessons will never, ever have to be used.
You see, in a perfect world, we wouldn't have to worry about defending ourselves using magic. But alas, this is not a perfect world, and there are those who would do harm. I am here to ensure that you are prepared with defensive spells and techniques, in the event you're in a situation they're necessary.
Professor Haldir, Archery and Flight
Anonymous:
Welcome, students, to Noctem de Magia! I am Professor Tyrelian Haldir, head of the school anime club and instructor of archery and flight classes. I also handle referree duties for most of the sporting events at this school, and am coach of the archery team.
Unlike the rest of the faculty, I don't teach any advanced classes, so many of my duties lie outside of the classroom.
Professor Ignis, Mysticism and Psionics
Anonymous:Ahh, hello there. I am Professor Eilas Ignis, and I am here to teach those few of you talented in psionics in how to properly control, use, and master your gift. In my class, you will unlock the secrets of the mind, tame them, control them...and ultimately, control anything you wish. From lifting a pebble, to manipulating memories...or even entire psyches. It's one thing to utterly break someone's mind from within, but it's something else entirely to make it yours without so much as a whisper....
Professor Iris, Herbology
Anonymous:
Oh! My, sorry for not paying attention; the moonblooms have been needing a little encouragement as of late. Ahem, my name is professor Iris, and I teach Herbology here at Noctem de Magia. Many people liken herbology to simply "magical gardening", but it is much more than that; it is knowing the needs of each plant, both mundane and magical...and how to tease out the magical qualities that make them useful.
In addition to my teaching duties, I am head of House Feyspark and coach for the school hockey team. Beware the faerie with a hockey stick.
Professor Kekkai, Unarmed Combat
Anonymous:I'm Professor Kekkai, resident school disciplinarian and teacher of Unarmed Combat. I am trained in several different fighting styles--both unarmed and armed, though from my title I assume you can guess which I prefer--and I will teach you the basics in unarmed, physical self-defense. And for those of you who wish to advance beyond the basics, the abilities of ki that will augment your physical abilities.
While I have no problems with magic, it's not the answer to all problems involving violence. More often than not, magic will fail where physical might won't. That being said, I am in full agreement with Professor Rosseau about preferring my lessons to not have to be put into use.
Professor Lapis, Healing
Anonymous:
Welcome to my class, dear students. I am Professor Iilrea Lapis, instructor of Healing and head of House Briarbloom. While my class is a core requirement, meant to teach all of you the basics of magical first-aid, I tend to go beyond just the basics and strive to give a full knowledge of how to heal most wounds and cure many common illnesses--yes, spells and potions to help ease the flu are part of my course curriculum. As is basic triage, combat medicine--which you will hopefully be able to put out of your minds upon graduating--and the medicinal properties of many magical plants.
Yes, there is quite a lot of overlap between my classes and Professor Iris's.
Professor Lyceriata, Necromancy and Demonology
Anonymous:Ahhh, hello there dear students! I am Professor Marius Lyceriata, head of House Owlwood, and I welcome you to my classroom!
I teach Necromancy and Demonology at this fine school, and I have absolutely no shame in admitting that I'm rather...fascinated by both. You see, the skills required to reanimate the dead and call spirits from the great beyond are quite, how shall I say it...tricky to master. It's very easy for it to go awry, and believe me when I say that you do not want spells of necromancy to rebound upon you, my children. The results would be very, ahh...catastrophic indeed.
As for demonology, well...summoning demons can be similarly taxing. Oh yes, I am well aware that there are demons teaching at this school, but they came here of their own will. No, summoning demons to do your bidding is very advanced magic, and requires absolute focus, lest you end up the one being controlled. Or worse....
Professor Raine, Music and Spellweaving
Anonymous:
Welcome to my class, students. I am Professor Sylvia Raine, and I'm head of the music department and your instructor on Spellweaving.
What is Spellweaving? Admittedly, it's a bit of a trick. The art of Spellweaving is taking a spell you already know, and 'weaving' it with another to create something new, a hybrid spell as it were. Those who are particularly talented in this craft--such as myself--can even weave entirely new spells, no need to merge two that you already know.
As difficult as many find this skill, it can be quite useful in many situations. From solving a household problem, to knocking past enemies on the battlefield. Either way, I do hope that at least some of you will find my classes interesting enough to continue past the first year.
Professor Rilaz, Alteration
Anonymous:Good afternoon. I am Professor Antonio Rilaz, Profesor of Alteration Studies and Deputy Headmaster of Noctem de Magia Academy.
For the inevitable questions, yes; Alteration does include th practice of Transfiguration, or changing one object or animal into another. But that is simply one aspect of the larger school of Alteration.
Alteration allows you not simply turn a thing into something else, however. It includes spells such as Waterbreathing, Stoneflesh, and--the mage's staple--Magelight. Naturally, I'll start you off with the basics; Magelight and Detect Life being two of the first.
Oh, and as for why I don't teach the transmutation spells (yes, I am aware that they are within the Alteraton school), it has less to do with difficulty (although they are rather difficult), and more to do with illegality.
Professor Silph, Battlemancy
Anonymous:
Careful, there! Just because the blades aren't sharpened doesn't mean they can't still do damage, and with those weapons don't need sharpened blades to maim. See the runes?
In any case, I'm Professor Silph, your instructor in Battlemancy--or, the art of mixing the arcane and martial arts. As such, many of my classes overlap with Deukhalion's--and indeed, you'll find yourselves in more than a few double classes with the both of us.
My class sizes tend to be on the small size, as becoming a battlemage isn't a path meant for everyone. But for those of you willing to take the crazy route...well, buckle up.
Professor Tourmaline, Charms
Anonymous:Hullo there~ I'm Professor Gem Tourmaline, and I'm your charms teacher. Illusions, levitation, summmoning and banishment charms and the like. Despite what Rilaz or Erika might tell you, Charms are quite possibly the most important spells in any magician's arsenal. Yes, yes, magelights are more than a little bit helpful and it doesn't hurt to be able to knock back an attacker if you're mugged. But when it comes for sheer everyday usefulness, few schools are more use than Charms.
Of course, there are a few that are geared more towards fighting than around-the-house. The abilities to charm someone temporarily, for example...but for those, you'd have to go to another school, sorry.
Professor Valadia, Runes & Linguistics
Anonymous:
Good morning, my dear students. I am Professor Eryn Valadia, your teacher of Runes and Linguistics. Rune Magic is a...tricky class of magic, one that relies as much upon the words of the spell as much as how you place them in your spell. Runes are both an alphabet used for mundane writing, as well as scribing spells, so learning how to use them in a magical sense can be...difficult.
Here I will teach you how to read these runes, imbue them with magic, and how to read, speak, and write the ancient languages these spells come from.
Professor Westfield, Core Studies
Anonymous:Huh? Oh, ahm, hello there. I'm Zane Westfield, Head of House Underwild and Profesor of Core Studies...which is exactly how it sounds. I don't teach any advanced magics or swordplay, no looking into the future or past. What I teach are the basics; math, science, english, history, writing...the core classes you'll need outside of your chosen magical studies. Because even mages need to know how gravity works, what happens when you drop potassium into water (yes, it does explode and no, do not do it in this or Dara's classroom), and how to use proper grammar.
And no, my class is not an elective.
Professor Xavier, Artifice
Anonymous:
Come on in, sit down...and leave the window open, it's hot as hell in here and smells like a furnace. Comfortable? Good. Welcome to Artifice and Crafting, taught by me; Professor Sidonius Xavier, Archmage of Enchantment and master artificer. And yes, I really am a vampire. And no, garlic is not a good vampire-deterrent...unless it's rotten. Then it'll keep everyone away.
Anyway, artifice. What is it? At it's basics, artifice is the crafting of items and imbuing those items with enchantments and spells to give them abilities beyond the normal. Whether it's a sword that trails flame, armor with enhanced durability, or simply a smartphone battery than can go more than a couple hours on a charge.
What makes these different than normal objects, with an enchantment cast on them? The stage at which the magic is cast in the first place. You see, in a regular enchanted item, the enchantment is cast over it--be it a sword, a suit of armor, or a hat--after it has been made. Typically, these enchantments tend to be temporary, and need to be routinely recharged or re-cast.
A proper artificer, however, works those enchantments into their creation. For a sword or armor, it's forged into the metal as part of the alloy. For an item of clothing, it's woven into the fabric itself. For something like a phone...you get the picture. The magic is bound into the item at a fundamental level, far more intrinsically than an ordinary enchantment. Becoming an artificer takes as much skill with the crafting and building of objects as it does skills with spells.
Professor Yorora, Divination
Anonymous:Welcome, young students, to my class. I am Professor Hadzia Yorora, and I teach Divination--or 'That Stupid Fortune-Telling Nonsense' as Lyceriata calls it--here at Noctem de Magia Academy. Here, you will not learn how to weave spells or brew potions or summon the dead...instead, you will look to the future to see what may be, and into the past to aid you in your journeys in the here and now.
I admit, my school of magic is...misunderstood. To look to the future is not to see what will come to pass, but rather one of the many possible routes a given path could take. Seeing the death of someone in the crystal ball does not mean it is guaranteed to happen, only that one day it might...and to be aware of one of many potential ends. And, regretfully, many of you here will lack the ability...but of course, the only way to find if you carry the spark of a diviner in you is to try. Divination is one of those skills that can't really be learned, you must already have it in you before you even open a book.
But if you do have the ability to See in your soul, together we will find it and cultivate it...so as not to end up as a madperson.
Professor Zaladiel, Mythology
Anonymous:
Good morning students. My name is Professor Zaladiel, and I teach Mythology at Noctem de Magia. Here you'll learn about ancient civilizations and the great events and magics that formed them, and led to where we stand today...and why they fell. With luck, you'll learn from those mistakes. Whether our politicians will, on the other hand...that remains to be seen.
In any case, I expect you all to pay attention in my class. If you slack off and sleep, I will not hold the rest of the class back just so you can sleep the day away. If you don't do the work, I will fail you. End of story.
Dr. Iceheart, School Doctor
Anonymous:Oh dear gods, what now--oh, you're not hurt. Thank the gods...there's been a bout of faerie pox going around lately, and between that and Silph managing to set himself on fire for the third time this month...I've been a bit busy.
In any case, my name's Doctor Lasinda Iceheart. I'm the doctor in charge of the school's infirmary, which means I get to handle the illnesses and injuries that come through here on a daily basis...both of the students and the teachers. Both of which can get more than a little bit...interesting.
Cast, School Librarian
[/color]
Anonymous:
Aiiieeee!! Put that book down! It's fragile! And ancient! And fragile! And way, way, way older than you! And probably me!
*ahem* Ahh, just...give me the book. I'll reshelf it...it belongs in the restricted section anyway. Anyways, you may call me Cast. I'm the librarian here at Noctem de Magia, and I've been here almost as long as our Headmistress has. Please follow the rules that've been posted at the door, break them and I kick you out. Keep breaking them, and you get banned. And when you check out a book, please return it on time and undamaged...or else.
Oh, and be careful not to get on Deukhalion's bad side. He has a tendency to eat students who don't pay attention in class...
