Author's Note: I have decided, in returning to this fanfiction collection, to also post it to Archive of Our Own. In celebration of that fact, I had a brilliant idea for finally laying the groundwork of my interpretation of the Wizard101 universe in narrative form. In addition to this new prologue, mildly updated versions of the chapters of this work will be uploaded onto this site, ensuring continuity as this story once again lurches forward into the future!
Disclaimer: I don't own Wizard101 or anything in this universe, outside of the personas of the OC's of this story. This is a gritty, dark version of the Wizard101 universe that does not shy from death, violence, drugs, and sex. There will be more of the first two and less of the last two, but they all exist in this mature story.
The Fire Within
Prologue
The Daily Divination
Tuesday, June 1st, Year 2010 E.A.
MALISTAIRE DEFEATED; SPIRAL SAVED
Charles Windwaker – After ten grueling months of enduring the machinations of a madman, it was confirmed on Monday at 10:35 PM by Headmaster Merle Ambrose and Professor Cyrus Drake that the fugitive wizard Malistaire was killed in battle by a strike team of student wizards. According to the strike team report, the battle took place atop the central volcano of Dragonspyre, in the office of the headmaster of the once-esteemed academy. The unthinkable very nearly happened; Malistaire was in the midst of awakening the Titan when they arrived. If not for their unwavering bravery and incomparable magical skills, Wizard City –nay, the Spiral itself- would be overrun by the Dragon Titan's armies by the end of the week.
Details are sparse as much of the battlefield reports are still classified by the Ravenwood administration. From what was made public, the strike team interrupted the awakening ritual by cutting off Malistaire's magical founts, and Professor Drake attempted to reason with his twin brother through a memory-crystal mirage of Sylvia, whose death had driven Malistaire over the edge. "Unfortunately, he was farther gone than I had believed. He not only refused his late wife, but banished me as well," stated Professor Drake. A fierce battle ensued, and in a moment of overwhelming irony, it was a student of Necromancy who dealt the killing blow. "I regrettably could not return to aid the students," explained Professor Drake, "but they rose to the occasion and performed admirably." High praise, to be sure.
For now, the six members of the strike team have been removed from the public –and press- to be allowed them time to recover from the ordeal, as ordered by Headmaster Ambrose. When we will be able to learn whom these heroic souls are, and the horrors they had to go through, is unclear, but Headmaster Ambrose has assured that, when the time is right, they will be returned to the public domain. Until such a time, the Spiral wishes wellness upon them, and a great festival is already being planned in their honor.
If any of our saviors are reading this article, allow me to be the first to say in print: Thank you.
The Ravenwood Bulletin
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 E.A.
Who are the Saviors of the Spiral?
Boris Tallstaff – After weeks of waiting with baited breath, the time has finally come; the Saviors of the Spiral are revealed at last! You've read it here first, at the Ravenwood Bulletin! So, just who are these illustrious heroes who saved our school –and the Spiral- from certain destruction? Read on, fellow students, and know that deeper, juicier, exclusive interviews are certain to come!
Talon Skullflame, Pyromancer, 6th Year
The 21-year-old son of Victor Skullstar and Anita Falmea Skullstar, Talon Skullflame is actually well-known on the Ravenwood campus, not in the least owing to his clownish demeanor. If anyone has stepped foot near the schools of Pyromancy or Theurgy, they have likely gotten a glimpse of this reputation's creation. Always a source of mirth, Talon has a reputation for accidental self-combustion; some suspect it isn't always accidental. Enflamed or not, Talon still stands out in a crowd with his tall frame topped by wildly curled red hair, so bright that rumors often spread that it is dyed purposely to match the colors of his school. Readers shouldn't be surprised to find his name on the list of the strike team; despite his frequent fire hazards he has always been in the top rankings of his class. Colleagues will attest to his fierce sense of justice and virtue as well. And let's not forget that one month into the war Talon was credited with the defeat of the dreaded Lord Nightshade right here in Wizard City, as a fifth-year student.
Fun Fact: Talon breeds unicorns in his treehouse estate, a hobby started in his second year when he discovered a unicorn in his newly purchased cottage property.
Dirty Secret: Victor Skullstar was an infamously dangerous Pyromaniac during his years at Ravenwood. Is Talon Skullflame next in line now that the war is over and his pyromantic outlet is gone?
Rowan Skulldreamer, Necromancer, 6th year
At 21-years-old, Rowan Skulldreamer is the oldest of three daughters of Eliza Suncaller Stormsword. Contrary to custom, she takes her full last name from her father, Roderick Skulldreamer, given by her mother at birth to honor him as he tragically died shortly after. Her mother remarried and birthed her younger sisters with the wealthiest Human timber trader in Grizzleheim, Stag Stormsword. Many readers will likely not know of this young woman; despite being in a relationship with the unabashedly outgoing Talon Skullflame, Rowan is a social recluse of the highest order. It is known that Rowan purchased property in Marleybone during the war, but the public record was scrubbed. Such great secrecy! And yet, it makes sense for a powerful Necromancer to isolate herself; Malistaire's actions have not engendered kindness towards the school of Necromancy, which already suffered from sordid public relations with the outer worlds before the war. Rowan is top of her class in Necromancy, more skilled than even some seventh-year and eighth-year wizards, few and powerful though they are. In a stroke of irony, it was she who struck the killing blow, delivering the Spiral from the dangers of the mad wizard.
Fun Fact: Though she would never enter of her own volition, it is widely agreed that the richly-tanned, black-haired bombshell would win the Wizard City Beauty Pageant with ease. Lucky Talon.
Dirty Secret: Rumors spread during the war that Rowan was personally mentored by then-Professor Malistaire Drake, and was his favorite student; possibly even his disciple or a sympathizer. Thankfully for the Spiral, Headmaster Ambrose took no stock in these rumors.
Kane Darksword, Conjurer, 5th Year
The youngest child of Charles and Su-Ling Darksword, Kane (given name Kanukata, but please don't call him that, for your safety) was the only child to show any proclivity for the magical arts. The 20-year-old Conjurer is a well-studied individual in the arts of war –magical and mundane- as he trained under Master Hinneko of the Water Dojo, a Bovine Samoorai, for years before attending Ravenwood. It is not up for debate that he is one of the favored of Professor Cyrus Drake's classes; and of the ladies, thanks to his deep violet eyes and long, golden hair. And who can ignore that he has the build of an Aquilian god? In direct contradiction, however, he is a recluse who is more often found buried in tomes in the library than anywhere else –including his classes. When not flirting or studying, the Conjurer can be found in the arena, sharpening his battling skills with Duelmaster Diego. It's hardly surprising Headmaster Ambrose chose this man to be a member of the strike team, despite being a fourth-year at the time the war began.
Fun Fact: While no official record exists to verify, it is rumored amongst the wizards who fought in the war that Kane has the highest body count of them all. He doesn't dispute it.
Dirty Secret: On every world the war touched, a cursory investigation can find several females of varying species claiming to have slept with Kane; some even claim to bear fruit.
Miguel Spellblade, Sorcerer, 5th Year
The 20-year-old son of Antonio and Maria Spellblade, Miguel was not actually born into a wizarding family, despite his father being a Sorcerer. Miguel is as Marleybonian a Human as they come, and was raised with the Canine culture and prejudices. He is notably distrusting of any magic not wielded by him, an unusual but not unwise trait amongst wizards. His father took up magic –and enrolled his son in Ravenwood- out of a belief that one day Marleybone would have need of wizards. How prophetic! Miguel is known by his classmates for being well-dressed and mild-mannered, rarely angered or troubled by the situations presented to him. Maybe that is why he is top of his class. And though he strikes a dashing figure in his beige and violet suits, ladies best stay away; he is spoken for by none other than Tasha Stormcaller, another strike team member!
Fun Fact: Miguel has fenced with Duelmaster Diego since his first year, and has beaten him once and tied with him twice!
Dirty Secret: It is rumored that he has been scouted out to work undercover for the Queen of Marleybone!
Tasha Stormcaller, Thaumaturge, 4th Year
Possibly the most surprising member of this team, the 19-year-old Tasha Stormcaller is one of the fraternal twin daughters of Stag Stormsword and Eliza Suncaller Stormsword. Her inclusion is surprising because she has been consistently average in her class rankings, and is well-known for passive aggression and politeness. Classmates describe her as more interested in fashion and dinner parties than magic and war. There is speculation that she was involved in the strike team purely because of her sisters' recommendations to Headmaster Ambrose, and her relationship with Miguel Spellblade. Given that she survived the battle with Malistaire, it is safe to say the war has done well for her skills.
Fun Fact: Tasha rescues and cares for abandoned piggles in a castle she purchased solely for the purpose. She lives in the school dormitories.
Dirty Secret: From researching Tasha, I don't think she ever wanted to attend Ravenwood, let alone fight in the war. She sounds much more at home with getting married and settling down to raise a family.
Alia Sunsword, Diviner, 4th Year
And lastly, we have the other twin, Alia. In contrast to her more full-figured sisters, Alia is as thin and lithe as a Wolf of Grizzleheim, and behaves like one too. Frisky and feisty, she is almost as likely to deck you as she is to flirt with you. And she is very, very flirty, apt at using what little feminine figure she has to woo any man that catches her eye. She has a nasty reputation amongst her female classmates, even though she claims to have never slept with someone's boyfriend. It's probably technically true, since she likely slept with them before they were dating other women. Setting that aside, she is also known for outbursts of anger and lightning, drawing thunderstorms to the square foot of space occupied by whoever earned her wrath. To claim she is unpopular would be both an understatement and a lie; it depends entirely on the gender of the person you ask. Her inclusion in this team is ultimately less surprising than Tasha's though, because she consistently ranks higher than her twin sister in her class. And she is arguably the most war-like woman you'll ever run into in Ravenwood.
Fun Fact: Alia tried to minor in Pyromancy early in her first year at Ravenwood, but quickly found that harnessing the power of both her passion and her impulsiveness simultaneously was uncontrollably potent. Having changed to Theurgy, she has found the peaceful, disciplined teachings to be a great asset to controlling her Divination, and healing any damage from stray thunderbolts.
Dirty Secret: Rumors have persisted for the better part of six months now that she is in a relationship with the heartthrob Kane Darksword, despite them never being seen in public together without the other members of the strike team. With their similar reputations for promiscuity, what future could such a relationship possibly have?
The Daily Divination
Sunday, August 29th, Year 2010 E.A.
Dragonspyre to be Rebuilt, Says Ambrose
Charles Windwaker- Headmaster Merle Ambrose made a historic announcement last night at a press conference in the Fireglobe Theatre, hosted by Fire Elf Prince Alicane Swiftarrow. "Tonight I formally declare that after fifty years of occupation, Dragonspyre is freed of the Dragon Titan's armies," he announced to thunderous applause. "Thanks to the combined efforts of our student wizards and former soldiers of Dragonspyre, the last of the Titan's soldiers has been removed. Justice and peace can finally be given to the poor souls slaughtered by the invaders, and their surviving family."
It was fitting to make the announcement in the Fireglobe Theatre in Firecat Alley. Refugees fleeing the wrath of the Dragon Titan were resettled in the then much smaller district of Wizard City, as it most resembled the climate of their former volcanic home world. And while other worlds such as Mooshu and Marleybone willingly took in refugees as well, integrating them into their Human minority populations, Wizard City accepted the highest number, ballooning the population by several hundred and drawing Headmaster Ambrose's critics out of the shadows. Luckily for Wizard City the Dragonsyprians were anything but a burden, proving to be highly resourceful and entrepreneurial. Two of the finest professors Ravenwood has ever employed are counted among their ranks; Cyrus and Malistaire Drake. (Say what you will of the late Malistaire, but do not forget that before his wife's untimely death he was one of the most beloved and effective professors in the school.)
"In light of this wonderful news," Ambrose added, "it has been decided upon by committee that Dragonspyre shall be rebuilt, the kingdom restored, and the people of Dragonspyre brought back to their homeland." Who was chosen to lead this monumental task? Anita Falmea Skullstar, Secretary of the Prince of the Fire Elves and prominent in the minority Dragonspyrian political sphere, was chosen for the task. While there is some concern that her recovering Pyromaniac husband could be heavily involved, she assured reporters at the conference that he will be given his own minor project to manage, and will not directly assist her in the Dragonspyre Reconstruction Project.
Being in charge of the DRP will be a great boost to the Secretary's political career, which is undoubtedly her reasoning for campaigning for the position. Unless she grossly mismanages the project or makes powerful enemies in the process, she will surely secure herself as headmistress of the rebuilt Dragonspyre Academy of Magical Warfare, one of the highest offices in the former kingdom. In light of the complete extinction of the royal bloodline of Dragonspyre in the attack, she could even make a case for starting a new dynastic bloodline of rulers.
When questioned as to why Professor Cyrus Drake was not leading the project, as he would definitely be a good fit for headmaster or king of the revived Dragonspyre, the Professor was characteristically blunt. "Who else will be able to raise the next class of buffoons into competent Conjurers? I cannot possible teach and oversee the DRP, and have no interest in overseeing an entire academy of students." In regards to Anita's capabilities? "I have complete confidence in her abilities, and will be delighted to see where she takes the future of the kingdom."
The Daily Divination
Tuesday, November 22nd , Year 2011 E.A.
Grendels of Grizzleheim Defeated by Saviors
Charles Windwaker- As other student wizard teams attacked The Coven to bring an end to their schemes to awaken the Frost Giant Titan, three well known heroes delved deep into the Nidavellir ruins beneath Grizzleheim. Their quest? To end the threat posed by the awakening of the ancient Grendel brothers, who were aroused by the Coven to distract Wizard City and Grizzleheim forces from their activities. Unfortunately for the Coven, Kane Darksword, Rowan Skulldreamer, and Alia Sunsword all volunteered to handle the Grendel threat themselves, freeing up other wizards to fight the Coven. While some were hesitant to let the three go alone to fight the brothers, they insisted. Being Saviors of the Spiral comes with a certain authority.
Each of them took on a single Grendel, with Alia fighting Ullik, Rowan fighting Grettir, and Kane taking on Jotun. They didn't emerge from Nidavellir until the next sunset, to a chorus of cheers from the Bears. When asked about the battle, a bloody Kane remarked with a smirk "the bigger they are, the harder they fall."
The Daily Divination
Saturday, January 19th, Year 2013 E.A.
War-Time Lovers Tie the Knot!
Charles Windwaker- The Spiral's darling couple, Miguel Spellblade and Tasha Stormcaller, tie the knot today in what is billed to be a gorgeous winter wonderland ceremony in the foothills of Northguard. Hosted and funded by King Valgard Goldenblade, no expense was spared as winter-kissed pines were planted to guide the eyes to the polished oak altar placed before the Great Hall, with the northern mountains creating a powerful backdrop. The whole of the Great Hall village is decorated as if Christmas has come again, and Professor Lydia Greyrose has ensured that the snow falls in an enchanting, romantic flurry.
For such a high-profile couple, there is of course a high-profile guest list. All the Ravenwood professors and Headmaster Merle Ambrose will be in attendance, as well as emissaries of the royal families of the Spiral. Leaks of the invitation list reveal such big names as Prince Charles of Marleybone, the Jade Champion of Mooshu, Sherlock Bones, and the newly instated Minister of Foreign Affairs for Dragonspyre, Anna Flamewright. For the event Northguard has been declared by the King of Grizzleheim as a neutral zone whose rules will be enforced strictly, demanding that political tensions be left at the Spiral Door on this special occasion. While acceptance of the declaration was begrudging by most, the King has the full support of Headmaster Ambrose, which all but ensures the edicts will be followed.
After the announcement of their engagement a year ago, Tasha and Miguel both have been repeatedly interviewed as to the couple's plans. I had the chance to inquire again, curious if plans had change any. Miguel Spellblade still intends to begin his eighth year at Ravenwood later this year, which is a wise move for anyone studying the incredibly complicated art of Sorcery. Given the school's required courses touch the domains of the other six schools it is such a rigorous, complex field of study that most Sorcerers carrying less than a 6-year Certificate of Achievement from any accredited academy are still considered unqualified for most professions that would have need of Sorcery. After his Completion of Studies he intends to join the Royal Expeditionary Force, which will most assuredly benefit from his talents.
The future Tasha Stormcaller Spellblade, however, has changed her plans and decided to declare her Completion of Studies at the end of this school term, walking at graduation with a Certificate of Achievement for six years of magical study. It is a common decision for students of Thaumaturgy -the easiest of the Elementals to study- to declare Completion of Studies at this point, and comes with no significant professional drawbacks even if Tasha wasn't a Savior. With most jobs in the post-war economy requiring much less than six years of magical studies, she could take her certificate practically anywhere. For now, though, she is content to settle down after the end of term and manage the Spellblade Estate in Marleybone, which has grown considerably bigger thanks to her dowry.
Whatever their plans may be -changing or static, humble and simple or grandiose and complex- the Spiral will together as one wish well upon this amazing couple this day. They have done so much for the Spiral already, for wizards so young in their lives, and we all look forward to seeing what more amazing feats they can accomplish together as husband and wife.
The Ravenwood Bulletin
Monday, June 17th, Year 2013 E.A.
Two Saviors Graduate, Intend to Continue Studies
Tasha Stormcaller Spellblade declares Completion of Studies
Boris Tallstaff- Today's graduation ceremony will be a momentous occasion for the whole Spiral; our eldest Savior couple, Talon Skullflame and Rowan Skulldreamer, is graduating from magical understudies in Ravenwood School of Magic! It is expected to be a larger and more lavish affair than previous graduations, not only because two of the alumni are Saviors of the Spiral. The majority of their graduating class are heroes of the Necromancer's War, all playing some part in the ultimate defeat of the late Malistaire Drake and his allies during their fifth year of studies. This is as much a festival of honor to their martial achievements as it is a ceremony to acknowledge their academic ones.
Many distinguished guests are on the list, including the Emperor Yoshihito of Mooshu and his Jade Champion, Queen Elizabeth of Marleybone, Sergeant Major Sylvester Quimby Talbot III of the Royal Expeditionary Force, Alhazred of the Order of the Fang, and Valgard Goldenblade the King of Grizzleheim. All of these incredibly powerful people owe a tremendous deal to all of these graduating wizards who saved their worlds from the hordes of the late Malistaire's allies, or other enemies. All students of the Class of 2013 who took early Certificates of Achievement and cut their education short are expected to attend as well, to be formally honored beside their former colleagues as war heroes.
In addition, Tasha Stormcaller Spellblade, the recently hitched twin sister of the Saviors of the Spiral, has declared Completion of Studies in Thaumaturgy, minoring in Divination, after six years at Ravenwood. She finishes in 15th in her class, and yet will walk across that stage with more experience, more knowledge, more hard-won wisdom than any of her fellow classmates, as the majority of the Class of 2015 was barred from participating in the war she personally helped win. She intends to take this experience with her to her husband's estate, where the cutthroat nobles of Marleybone will likely bite off more than they can chew.
So what is next for esteemed graduating class? Well, for the Exalted Pyromancer and Necromancer Saviors, at least, they intend to continue their studies at the post-graduate level, with grants from Ravenwood to fund their research. Rowan Skulldreamer is also going to be training under Professor Dworgyn for a future Necromancy Professorship. Expect to see them in their primary school classrooms as teaching assistants next semester, guiding the younger wizards of the next generation to greatness. Or in the case of Talon, to the hospital wing with severe burns.
For all the graduates and Early-Completionists of the Class of 2013, we at the Ravenwood Bulletin thank you for your brave service and sacrifice, and wish you all the luck in the Spiral in your coming pursuits. May Bartleby continue to watch over you all.
The Ravenwood Bulletin
Monday, November 12th, Year 2013 E.A.
Kane Darksword Claims the Spiral Cup
Boris Tallstaff- In a stunning upset sure to be spoken of for years to come in the halls of all academies in the Spiral, eighth-year student and Savior of the Spiral Kane Darksword has taken the Spiral Cup in the Pigswick Tournament of Magic from long-reigning champion Randolf Spellshine, a Wysterian Swine. While Ravenwood has not participated in this widely panned tournament in years due to the rampant allegations of Pigswick cheating to win, Headmaster Ambrose decided that this year, with a Savior of the Spiral as our representative, Ravenwood had a chance.
Many likely remember the qualifying tournament in the Arena, a three-way extravaganza of memorable magical combat between the one seventh-year and two eighth-year student Saviors. The spectacular duel between Miguel Spellblade, Alia Sunsword, and Kane Darksword, however, was merely an appetizer in comparison to the heart-pounding thriller that was the final round of the Pigswick tournament. All spectators who aren't from Pigswick agree: Randolf Spellshine cheated. He repeatedly casted high-level spells out of turn and back to back, and would regularly cast a shatter spell on Kane's shields out of turn, ruining his defenses before striking again. All of which was unnoticed and unpunished by the corrupt referees of the match. The scene brought back painful memories for older students and spectators who were present the last time Ravenwood had bothered to participate in this sham tournament.
And yet, true to his legends, Kane held firm. He took the blows. He erected shields only when necessary to avoid the worst hits. And as a point of pride for the entire school, he never once cheated, obeying every rule of formal magical dueling. It was a sight to behold, as the Conjurer played his opponent like a puppeteer, actually turning the Swine's own cheating ways against him. The result was a match that was almost lost, as the final round had the wizards crossing powerful spells to devastating effect. But in the end, Kane was left standing, and that Swine scurried off sniveling.
It is even more surprising considering this year's tournament was beset by a wicked, ancient former inhabitant of Wysteria, Lord Bramble. The foul Treant had sought to overrun the whole of Wysteria in wild growth, and start a war between Pigswick and Ravenwood as cover for his plot. That alone should have distracted Kane enough to cost him the tournament, but he never faltered. Luckily for all, the other five Saviors of the Spiral were on the case, allowing Kane and the other contestants to keep focused on their matches. Their intervention allowed Kane to finish his preparations, and they recovered the Spiral Cup just in time for him to win the same trophy Headmaster Ambrose and the late Malistaire Drake had won before him.
There is no question now: Kane Darksword is the strongest wizard in the class of 2014!
The Ravenwood Bulletin
Monday, June 16th, Year 2014 E.A.
Two More Saviors Graduate, Go to REF
Boris Tallstaff- The long awaited graduation of the remaining student wizards of the Necromancer War has finally arrived! Today's ceremony will feature the Class of 2014, the youngest group of foot soldier wizards besides the twin-sister Saviors. Like the Class of 2013, this group boasts two Saviors of their own, the Conjurer Kane Darksword and Sorcerer Miguel Spellblade. In addition, though she does not declare Completion of Studies this year, Savior Alia Sunsword will be honored at this ceremony, as her Class of 2015 was predominately barred from participating in the war.
As with last year, many distinguished guests are on the list, including the Emperor Yoshihito of Mooshu and his Jade Champion, Queen Elizabeth of Marleybone, Sergeant Major Sylvester Quimby Talbot III of the Royal Expeditionary Force, Alhazred of the Order of the Fang, and Valgard Goldenblade the King of Grizzleheim. All of these incredibly powerful people owe a great deal to all of these graduating wizards who saved their worlds from the hordes of evil. All students of the Class of 2014 who took early Certificates of Achievement are expected to attend as well, to be formally honored beside their former colleagues as war heroes.
What will be next for our Exalted Conjurer and Sorcerer? Predictably, both wizards have been conscripted into the Royal Expeditionary Force of Marleybone, an organization they have had many dealings with over the course of the war. Kane intends to use his commission to pursue archeological studies in Krokotopia, a land that has fascinated him ever since the wizards of Ambrose's Army liberated it from the tyranny of the resurrected Krokopatra in September of 2009 E.A. Miguel intends to use his commission solely to serve his Queen and country in whatever capacity the Royal Expeditionary Force requires.
As for the last of the Saviors, Alia Sunsword is expected to re-enter Ravenwood at the start of the fall term, to complete her eighth and final year of study in the school of Divination. What she will do afterward is currently unknown even by her, as she has made it plain in past interviews she has no particular ambition beyond the pursuit of greater magical prowess.
For all the graduates and Early-Completionists of the Class of 2014, we at the Ravenwood Bulletin thank you for your brave service and sacrifice, and wish you all the luck in the Spiral in your coming pursuits. May Bartleby continue to watch over you all.
The Daily Divination
Monday, August 4th , Year 2014 E.A.
Ambrose Declares Committee to Formulate Memorial Holiday
Charles Windwaker- With the weight of memory on his shoulders, Headmaster of Ravenwood Merle Ambrose held a press conference in the Commons this morning to commemorate the first week of the Necromancer War. This first week of August is well remembered as the time when late Professor Sylvia Drake's public funeral was held, and Malistaire was noted as absent. Days later, he would strike his first blow in a war that would rage for ten months across the Spiral, summoning the dreaded Lord Nightshade and bringing a host of Undead down upon the streets of Wizard City.
With this dreadful history in mind, Headmaster Ambrose had a moment of remembrance for those lives lost in that first month of war, before a fifth-year and two fourth-year students who would all later become Saviors of the Spiral defeated Lord Nightshade and ended the occupation of Wizard City. What followed was an unexpected announcement: a committee was to be created to begin planning for the first Memorial Day, a formal holiday dedicated to the memories of the lost lives and reverence of the warriors who fought for the Spiral. The date? The last Monday of May, the day the Saviors of the Spiral sent the late Malistaire to join his wife in the grave.
A fitting date to be sure, but what would the festivities entail? That is for the Memorial Day Committee to decide. We will update over the coming months as deliberations continue.