#galdtrea

[walpurga-nacht-academy]

WNA HALLOWEEN - THE GREAT HIDE & SEEK HUNT!

Did you know that there’s an old legend surrounding the town of Brocken? Apparently a long, long time ago a rich girl was waiting for her beloved to return from his exhibition up the mountain. He claimed that there was gold up there, enough to buy the whole town and finally be worthy of her hand. The girl was beside herself with joy at the prospect - ever since they met, she wanted nothing more than to marry her lover and live happily ever after. Finally, it seemed that her wish would come true.

Unfortunately it was merely a dream. Her beloved went up the mountain but never returned. She waited years and years and years for him, but no matter how much she hoped and prayed she never saw him again. Some claim that the mountain took him. Some say that he ran away to marry another. Others even claimed they saw his ghost wandering around on Halloween looking for his way home. However, the truth remains the same - the lovers were never able to be reunited and the would-have-been bride mourned for him all her life. Dressed in black, she wandered the halls without uttering a single word. Until a tragedy befell her - what sort of tragedy? Well, here it starts to get interesting, my dear. For you see - her body was never actually recovered.

Thus, in this year’s edition of Halloween, the eight dorms of Walpurga Nacht Academy would like to invite you on a little hunt! Go forth and as the faithful lover attempt to reunite with the beloved bride and discover just what tragedy has befallen her in your absence! But make sure to make haste and be cautious, for the halls of this mansion are crawling with ferocious imps ready to throw you out once they catch sight of you! And if they do, you can never return back!

Of course, you will not be left helpless, for you will be allowed two useful tools: a bell to drive away the imps once you have caught them and a guide to open the door to the chamber where your beloved lies!

Now, the only question that remains: will you make it there in time?

Stay inside the shadows, all you girls and boys/ Don't you make a noise, or I am going to find you~

RULES

In order to participate, the guests must buy a ticket for the event!

The rules of the event are simple! Participants must scour the old mansion for clues as to where the Lost Bride is hiding while making sure to avoid capture by the students dressed up as the imps. In order to make sure the rules are respected, Nisse Tomte are found through every nook and cranny observing the going-ons. Once they discover that a student was caught by the imps they throw them out of the mansion as they have been compromised.

The game lasts from dusk until midnight when the chime of the clock indicates that the last ones standing have won the game.

You can either win the game by making sure to avoid detection by the imps until midnight, or by finding the chamber of the Lost Bride.

Once a guest has reached the entrance of the chamber they must wait for the Guide (Yuuki Tsukino) to open the door. Forcing the entry open will result in a disqualification!

Magic is forbidden here! Moreover, so are phones as they will be considered akin to cheating. All caught breaking the rules are disqualified immediately.

Once a guest catches an imp, they attach a little bell to their dress! The imps are still allowed to move after, but it will be easier for guests to navigate the manor after as they will be alerted by the sound.

THE LOST BRIDE

None is more pitiful than the bride who wasted away waiting for her beloved to return - but the manner in which she did so is rather mysterious. None are sure how or when it happened, but suddenly one day she was simply gone. And thus several theories have been born -

THE BRIDE OF ROSES

The students of Rosenhex would like to invite you, brave lover, to advance in the rose garden, where among the bushes and greenery you will find your beloved lying in a grave of roses, the thorns and vines covering her entire body as the last proof of love she will ever give.

Now, awaken your bride!

ROSA: My love- I knew you would come for me at last! Even as the years got harder, I never gave up hope. I closed my ears to the vile rumours they spread about you, and to the doubt that blossomed in my heart as well. I knew that only death could keep you apart from me. So, without any other choice, I’ve decided to let myself be swallowed by the earth as well in hopes of reuniting with you also. It seems my prayers have been answered at last.

THE HANGING BRIDE

The students of Grimmaire would like to invite you, brave lover, to advance in the library, where among the shelves and paintings you will be witness to a gruesome sight - the corpse of your beloved strung up by the noose. Dangling in the air, she makes for horrifying scenery as she opens her eyes, and addresses you full of resentment.

Now, awaken your bride!

BLANCHE: To think that you would dare to set foot here again, you scoundrel. Were the years I have wasted on you not enough? Was my sacrifice in vain after all? I waited for you all this time, hoping you would return and at the end of my life, I realized I wasted it all. What a poor and pitiful soul I must have been, chasing after shadows and false promises at last. But no matter what, at least it seems that you have fared no better than I.

THE BURNING BRIDE

The students of Kriegskald would like to invite you, brave lover, to advance forth in the courtyard, where you’ll see the bride strung up on a pyre. When you approach closer, the body bursts into flames and is completely disintegrated by the temperature, yet somehow a voice still calls out to you from the carnage.

Now, awaken your bride!

MARCIA: Love - to think you would return to me after all this time. It’s a pity our meeting couldn’t have happened sooner. You see, after you disappeared rumours started going around that I bewitched you and sent you in search of gold. They claimed I was a temptress set out to destroy the town and the only way to protect themselves was to punish me for my sins. But that I got to see you here in my last moments should surely speak of my innocence, is that not so?

THE IRON BRIDE

The students of Galdtrea would like to invite you, brave lover, to advance forth in the basement, where you’ll find a most peculiar chamber. It is filled to the brim with tools and off contraptions, and in the middle, there’s an old Iron Maiden, that reeks of blood and carnage. As you approach it, a voice calls out to you, filled with fury.

Now, awaken your bride!

JUNE: So yer- So you returned? You dare show your face here after you abandoned me? After you decided to up and- to desert me like the lowly scoundrel that you are?! And what have you returned for? To gloat to me about how wealthy and happy your life has become? You bas- You monster! I will make you rue the day you betrayed my- my love!

THE DEMURE BRIDE

The students of Monarchia would like to invite you, brave lover, to advance forth in the parlour where you’ll find a young woman having tea by the window. She seems frozen in place and mournful, her gaze betrayed the toll the years have had upon her and when she addresses you, she seems almost content. There is no horror that awaits you, you think, until you notice the crib in the corner.

Now, awaken your bride!

DIANA: Love. How odd - I had come to accept my fate of the widow. But now you return. I have waited for you all these years. I had hoped you would come to find me, though I knew that only death could keep you apart. I’m sorry. I wished the three of us could have spent our days together, but in the end…

THE SLEEPING BRIDE

The students of Oraluna would like to invite you, brave lover, to advance forth in the sleeping chamber where you’ll find a young woman resting among the silk and satin. She looks cold to the touch, like a corpse frozen, but when she opens her eyes, you’re shocked to see the light and warmth in them. She smiles at you and reaches for your hands.

Now, awaken your bride!

CASSANDRA: Um, th-thank you for coming back, my lo-lo-lo-lo-love. I-I have waited for ma-many years, for you to return, um. Even when they said I should lo-lo-lose hope, I never faltered… That is, until, they brought ba-ba-back your watch. The one I had gifted to you when we promised we would we-we-we-we-wed… Um!! Upon seeing such proof, I could lie to myself anymore, and from a broken he-he-heart I have fallen into a deep slumber… I’m so-sorry…

THE BRIDE WHO POISONED

The students of Eliksia would like to invite you, brave lover, to advance forth into the kitchen where you’ll find a young woman hunched over a cauldron. There is a foul smell emanating from it and as you glance around you notice all sorts of elixirs and potions are strewn around. And are those bones in the corner? No, surely not.

Now, awaken your bride!

AGATHA: Welcome… ehehehehe… I… have… waited… so… long… for… you… my… love… Too… long… to… even… remember… when… I… started… to… turn… out… like… this… They… all… said… that… you… deserted… me… but… that’s… not… true… is… it… ? They… all… just… sought… to… keep… us… apart… that’s… why… I… made… sure… they’ll… pay… for… it… ehehhehehehehehe…

THE ETERNAL BRIDE

The students of Noctasis would like to invite you, brave lover, to advance forth into the old family crypt where the cold will freeze your bones and incite you to all manners of horrors. It seems deserted, only perhaps the corpses and skeletons keeping you company, but as you walk deeper in you soon realize it is not so. A woman stands up suddenly and welcomes you warmly, despite the paleness of her visage which makes your blood curdle. What is she doing here among these corpses and old bones?

Now, awaken your bride!

VITA: My heart~ You have at last returned, just as I knew you would. After all, death is nothing but an obstacle for us who love each other so truly. The years have been long and the wait was painful but as you can see - it did not conquer me at all. Just like, I have become eternal~ So, then, my heart, come, let us join together amidst these bones and all this grime. Is that not what you are here for, after all~

OUTFITS

No hunt is truly complete without a nice outfit, and Walpurga Nacht has made sure to provide only the best for its students and guests alike. The dresses of the brides were sewn together by the Nisse Tomte, as were those of the students playing the imps. The material is black to represent the mourning state she was in until her death, and clothes pertaining to her own wardrobe were chosen as examples.

The Brides.

Art provided by the wonderful @anunluckyrabbit!

The Imps.

Art provided by the wonderful @anunluckyrabbit!

The Hunters.

PRIZES

Participating in the hunt isn't just a good way of spending Halloween night doing something exciting with friends, but also to win the chance to visit the grounds of Walpurga Nacht Academy on your own! Those who manage to outlast the imps during the chase will be rewarded with a few magic items chosen at their discretion, but those who find the chamber of the bride will be awarded a tour of Walpurga Nacht's interior including the main campus, its courtyard and the opportunity to chat with one of the Prefects at their own dorm!

Moreover, all profits made from this event will go towards the upkeep of Brocken's landmarks and monuments!

[walpurga-nacht-academy]

Oooh, they all seem like such good girl! 🥺❤❤❤ Paris and Lilian's designs are especially cute tbh! ❤❤

Walpurga Nacht Academy girls

School belong too @walpurga-nacht-academy

•┈••✦ ❤️ ✦••┈•

♡ 𝐼𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑜𝒹𝓊𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 ♡

❣️ Name(s) ➵ Paris Vossen

❣️ Age ➵ 16

❣️ Birthday ➵ September 19

❣️ Gender ➵ Female

❣️ Pronouns ➵ She/Her

❣️ Dorm ➵ Rosenhex

❣️ Likes ➵ Shopping, art and poetry.

❣️ Dislikes ➵ People who thinks she’s spoiled

❣️ More ➵ Her parents are famous musical artists her mom is an hip-hop artist while her dad is a rapper. Very good at singing and rapping because of it.

Class 1-B

︶꒦︶꒷︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶꒷꒦

♡ 𝐼𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑜𝒹𝓊𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 ♡

❣️ Name(s) ➵ Nora Wrinklefog

❣️ Age ➵ 16

❣️ Birthday ➵ July 8

❣️ Gender ➵ Female

❣️ Pronouns ➵ She/Her

❣️ Dorm ➵ Galdtrea

❣️ Likes ➵ Making Tea

❣️ Dislikes ➵ Sudden loud noises, her last name

❣️ More ➵ She’s half fae. She has an affinity to nature-based magic due to this. Lived with her older cousin in a cottage before heading to WNA.

Class 1-C



︶꒦︶꒷︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶꒷꒦

♡ 𝐼𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑜𝒹𝓊𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 ♡

❣️ Name(s) ➵ Lillian Cloven

❣️ Age ➵ 16

❣️ Birthday ➵ March 13

❣️ Gender ➵ Female

❣️ Pronouns ➵ she/her or anything but he/him

❣️ Dorm ➵ Kriegskald

❣️ Likes ➵ Climbing things ( mostly trees)

❣️ Dislikes ➵ Pest (flies, roaches, mice, etc.)

❣️ More ➵ While she wasn’t exactly poor, her family did had struggles when it came to finances, things are just now getting better. Has a two moms and two sisters.

Class 1-D

︶꒦︶꒷︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶꒷꒦

♡ 𝐼𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑜𝒹𝓊𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 ♡

❣️ Name(s) ➵ Celestia Geulimja

❣️ Age ➵ 16

❣️ Birthday ➵ October 31

❣️ Gender ➵ Female

❣️ Pronouns ➵ She/Her

❣️ Dorm ➵ Oraluna

❣️ Likes ➵ Being alone with her thoughts, swimming at night

❣️ Dislikes ➵ Loud chewing.

❣️ More ➵ lives with her Mother and her other Parent in their mansion. Family known for their fortunetelling and other dark practices.

Class 1-A

Surprisingly on good terms with Rachel (my other oc)

︶꒦︶꒷︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶꒷꒦

Picrew

Template by @/knivy-desperanda

[jhoudiey]

Part 1

Yoru: Do I really have to do another one of these?

Crowley: I made the jacket special for you! I Thought you’d want to have a normal birthday like everyone else!

Yoru: You’re not going to publish this one in the paper are you?

Crowley: Well, I had planne-

Yoru: Oh. Then I’m going home. I got enough grief about last year’s and I don’t want to deal with that again.

Crowley: Nugget! You can’t leave! I think I see that your interviewer has arrived!

Yoru: I thought I was supposed to roll some dice or something to choose-

Crowley: Well… normally that is the case but… hmmm…

Floyd: but everyone was too scared to throw a pie at you so I volunteered!

Crowley: Yes! Exactly! Mr Floyd Leech-kun has come to help us in a pinch!

Yoru: We could just skip this whole thing all together

Floyd: Noooooooope~ I wanna hit you with a pie so we gotta do it.

Yoru: Fine whatever, lets get it over with. Whats the first question?

Crowley: Not so fast, Nugget! Floyd Leech-kun must first give you his present!

Yoru: Oh no…

Floyd: Ehhh? What’s that for? Here, Kani-chan gave me something good to give you!

Yoru: You didn’t even wrap it.

Floyd: Well why would I? It’s just a coupon, now we can go to that fancy dessert place you wanted to try.

Crowley: Oohh! Is that for Un Diaman-

Yoru: Wait, if this is my gift I get to choose who to take.

Floyd: well yea, but I know you’ll take me so why even pretend

Yoru: I could always invite Idia. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him.

Crowley: You could bring me!

Floyd: Heeeeehhh?? HotaruIka senpai won’t come back just for desserts

Yoru: I could invite Ortho instead

Crowley: Or me!

Floyd: Clione-chan doesn’t even eat

Crowley: I do!

Yoru: Maybe I’ll invite Azul or Jade instead

Floyd: You won’t though, so we should go tomorrow

Yoru: Over lunch?

Floyd: Sure I’ll come get you

Crowley: What about me?

Yoru and Floyd: huh?

Crowley: I want to… *ahem* I must insist you stay on track for the interview!

Floyd: Oh, right.

PART 2

Floyd: Okay! Here we gooo~ “If you could pick any student from Night Raven College to be your sibling, who would you choose?”

Yoru: I’d probably pick-

Floyd: me right?*

Yoru: not a chance. Ortho for sure.

Floyd: hey! He’s not even really a student, you gotta pick someone better

Yoru: I’m not a student here either so I don’t know why it matters

Floyd: Eugh, whatever. “If you were stuck on a deserted island who would you bring?”

Yoru: Diana

Floyd: you answered way too fast.

Yoru: It makes the most sense

Floyd: Why not me?

Yoru: She can talk to the animals I can’t and when we want to leave she’d be easier to carry.

Floyd: Huh? I’m not even that heavy.

Yoru: heavier than her.

Floyd: well I could catch fish for us!

Yoru: I don’t need help catching fish. Plus if it’s a long way til land I wouldn’t want to get tired while flying and carrying you.

Floyd: I can swim as fast as you can fly, you wouldn’t have to carry me at all.

Yoru: Oh… I hadn’t considered that.

Floyd: See, I’d be better to bring.

Yoru: Okay, I'll change my answer. I’d bring you.

Floyd: Yaaaay~

Yoru: Even though we wouldn’t get stranded in the first place.

Floyd: Aha nooooope~

PART 3

Floyd: Okay, last question “If you were to join any dorm, which dorm would you choose?”

Yoru: Dorm at my school or here? Galdtrea or Monarchia wouldn’t be bad…

Crowley: NRC dorms, Nugget! This is an NRC birthday interview!

Yoru: Oh. Uhhh

Floyd: You’d choose Octavinelle to be with me right?

Yoru: ahahahhahahahahahaha never in a million years. I think I’d chooooose…. Savanaclaw.

Floyd: Ehe~ that’s where I chose too if I had to change.

Yoru: Yea, since I’m no good at magic, if I had any problems I could just beat the shit out of people to settle things. That would be nice.

Crowley: Nugget!

Yoru: What? Wouldn’t you dry up though cause it’s so hot?

Floyd: Hmmmm nah~ not unless I was in my eel form. Would you be like the Monarchia girls and walk around naked all the time?

Yoru: Hmmm maybe if it’s really hot out. I could do whatever I wanted if I were the dorm leader.

Floyd: But you have to be the strongest for that

Yoru: I’m still not seeing the problem here.

Floyd: Well what if I’m the dorm leader?

Yoru: Then I’ll beat the shit out of you and take the title?

Floyd: Like you could

Yoru: You’ve never even see me fight seriously-

Floyd: Don’t need to cause I know you’re suuuuuuuuper~ weak

Crowley: Errr Floyd Leech-kun that’s not a good idea…

Yoru: Hmmm? Forget where we are, Floyd? We’re not in the sea you don’t stand a chance against me up here

Floyd: Ahahaha~ So lets fight then!

Yoru: Don’t complain when you lose!

Floyd: Come on Yoru! Take me down, if you can!

Crowley: Wait! this is supposed to be a friendly… sigh. Nevermind.

*Floyds answer to the sibling question isn't a weird incest thing, it's a "he wants to be Yoru's first choice no matter what" thing.

[fools-of-wna]

Twst OC: Iwao Saitou

“If Ouka’s coming I’m leaving.”

ღBasic Informationღ

Name: Iwao Saitou (斎藤岩御)

Nickname(s)/Alias(es): N/A

Age: 19

Gender: Female

Sexuality: Bisexual, male lean

D.O.B.: 13th July

Horoscope: Cancer

Homeland: the Eastern Isles

ღWNA Fileღ

Dorm: Galdtrea

School Year: 3rd

Class: 3-A

Class No.: 23

Occupation: Student

Club: Ancient Languages

Best Subject: Rune reading

ღAppearanceღ

Height: 5’7”/170 cm

Weight: 137 lbs

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Grey

Jewellery/Others: Freckles, fae features

ღPersonalityღ

Iwao is quite gruff, speaking rather eloquently and brutishly for a heiress of her standing. She is often considered tomboyish and hard to talk to due to her short temper, especially when her younger sister is involved. She has slight violent tendencies and is very easily irritated, especially by people who are often coddled and therefore incapable or helpless in her opinion, as well as those who compare her to Ouka. Yet, she is capable of being calm and is rather grounded, realistic and steady, being more patient than most people would think.

Iwao has an inferiority complex due to being constantly compared to Ouka, failing as the eldest daughter of the household and thus, should have been “perfect”. She dislikes Ouka due to how weak and docile she seems, though it has started to turn more neutral after catching onto her younger sister’s little acts of rebellion when she starts WNA. She feels slightly guilty for being a “failure”, as the brunt of the expectations and harsh training towards her has essentially transferred onto Ouka. However, more than that, she detests her younger sister’s insistence on following her around. She feels as though she cannot be considered as an independent person with Ouka’s presence, and is instead reduced to her less remarkable older sister.

Favourite Food: Nothing in particular

Least Favourite Food: Sakuramochi

Dislikes: Her sister Ouka

Hobby: Gardening

Talent: Gemstone/jewellery appraisal

ღAbilityღ

Unique Magic: Everlasting Strength

Iwao’s UM can extend the effects of another person’s spell/UM. This is symbolised by a glowing green mark on the back of the left hand that resembles rock. Her UM ends when the other person ends their UM.

ღTriviaღ

-Dominant Hand: Right

-CV: N/A

-Twisted from Iwanaga-hime

-She is quite shallow when it comes to her taste in men, though it’s notable that her attitude before and after dating is quite different since she doesn’t really expect to actually be able to date anyone.

-She used to wear makeup often with the help of the servants at her house, but after she started WNA she rarely applies makeup as she finds it uncomfortable and annoying

-She is canonically rather unattractive, often described to be looking quite sullen, foul and mildly angry/annoyed.

-She started WNA a year late due to family interference.

-She sometimes “jokes” that she was set up to fail with her given name (Iwao being a more masculine name as it can be written with the character for “man”) 

[azusawrites]

title. genderbent

rating. T

characters. Epel Felmier (♀️)/June Himalia (♂️)

taglist. @ITSOCXCANONWEEK

Things change in the Genderbent AU to a certain extent in that the two play a little more into their personalities.

Jun (June) is a known Savanaclaw delinquent who starts fights for the smallest reasons and can't keep his anger in check at all, no matter how hard he tries to do that. It usually leads to him being ostracized by others because few people would want to be around such an obviously violent person. Though being a self-described loner seems to suit him to a certain extent, since he just spends his time in the botanical garden looking after the plants.

Apple (Epel) is a feisty Galdtrea girl who is enjoying the dorm life back at Walpurga Nacht Academy, where she can learn more about agriculture in order to help out her village. She's very outspoken and many comment that for such a cute girl, it's a shame that she's being such a tomboy. She tries not to let that bother her too much, since she doesn't care about being feminine either way.

Their first meeting ended up in a big screaming match between the two about plant care and proper maintenance, and it surprised Jun to see this small girl actually stand up to him when most people even tended to avoid him by default. But it spark a rather fascinating relationship between them, since he fell head over heels for her, and Apple enjoyed the fact that for such a "brute" he tends to be a pretty mellow guy and let himself be a follower rather than a leader.

The height difference between them is pretty big, but it's clear that Apple is the one in charge and it's really a sight to see this lumbering, giant guy be bossed around by his tiny girlfriend. Though anybody who dares point that out might not live long enough to laugh about it.

[thetwstwildcard]

My WNA girls

Caera Salix, a nervous second year Galdtrea student. The daughter of the willow maid who was "born" by taking her mother's death flower and planting it at the foot of the fallen willow tree

Maharet Goetia, a mute second year Monarchia student. No one knows the true conditions of her existence, not even herself. She cannot talk on her own, but from her first moment of consciousness she was connected to Notoria(the leucistic crow) who she can "talk" through

[fae-flowers]

Could I ask what Persephone thinks of some of my WNA girls? 👉👈 (i know i have a lot so just pick a few of them is fine-)

I apologize for responding to this so so so late! I was caught up with uni! so unfortunately I didn't get to do as many as I wanted to,, all of your OCs are so lovely! So I picked 2 of my favourites!!

Tamayō Shiseki

Persephone would have met Tamayō at the Rosenhex dorm! Her first impression of Tamayō would be "She looks like a pretty and mysterious senior!"

As they're from the same dorm they would probably see each other quite often! Since Persephone is quite a cordial person, she would make the effort to speak to Tamayō more as she has piqued her interests! Persephone would really like the sound of Tamayō's voice and since Tamayō is intelligent, she would love to converse all sorts of topics with her!

"Tamayō looks like a really interesting person! From our conversation, I can tell that she seems to be quite guarded..? I hope that I didn't say anything to offend her... Overall, she feels like a very reliable and mature senior!"

Ouka Saitou

Persephone would have met Ouka at WNA! Her first impression of Ouka would be "She reminds me...of myself.."

If Ouka and Persephone got to know each other better they would see a lot of similarities between each other! Like how Persephone and Ouka put on facades in front of their parents and their bad tempers! I feel they would bond over their decision of picking a dorm that their parents didn't want them to choose. For Persephone, her parents wanted her to go to Grimmare, but instead, she picked Rosenhex after seeing Rosalia! Just like how Ouka went against her parents' wishes and chose Galdtrea!

"Ouka's presentation of herself perfectly suits her role as an heiress, It reminds me much of myself...I wonder if this is just a front she chooses to display...I would love to get to talk to her more, not because of my parents' wishes for good relations with the Saitou family!"

[walpurga-nacht-academy]

GALDTREA DORM - BIRTHDAY VENUE

SCENE I

PUPPET: [Upon this blessed day, we bring to you an offering that seeks to satisfy your whims. On behalf of us, servants, we present to you the one which the fates considered worthy: RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS.]

RIDDLE: Happy Birthday. Thank you for having me today.

JUNE: Ugh.

RIDDLE: Pardon. Is there a problem?

JUNE: ... Nah. Forget it. Sit down.

RIDDLE: ... Very well. Thank you again for inviting me over today.

JUNE: It wasn't me.

RIDDLE: I'm sorry?

JUNE: I said it wasn't me. Ya deaf or somethin', huh? I ain't gonna repeat myself!

Settin' up all 'his shit like it actually means anythin', ugh... I told them I don't wanna celebrate my birthday and still...

RIDDLE: I understand... In any case, I was really surprised when the puppet came to summon me like this. I never heard of such an invitation procedure before, to be honest. Though I suppose all sort of odd figures could be unearthed from among the world nowadays. There are rumours of an expedition team seeking out an old kingdom that was said to be submerged underwater, did you know?

JUNE: The hell do I care about 'hat shit? It ain't got nothin' to do with me.

RIDDLE: ... That's true, I suppose.

JUNE: ....

RIDDLE: ...

JUNE: ...

RIDDLE: ... The venue looks very nice.

JUNE: It's fine, I guess.

RIDDLE: ... I understand that Galdtrea is the dorm that specializes in caring for plants and magical herbs. We at Heartslaybyul also take care of our own rose garden and maze as decreed by the Queen of Hearts. It's really a lot of hard work. Plants are more fickle than I imagined, but it is very rewarding when they grow up and bloom.

JUNE: ...

RIDDLE: I have a lot of respect for people who dedicate themselves to such a craft.

JUNE: Tch. It ain't 'hat hard to look after stuff. Ya city folks are spoiled, 'hat's all. The venue today... The girls just all worked together for some reason to set it up. It's just some magical plants and all. Ain't 'hat fuckin' hard to realize, ya know?

Can't ya fuckin' tell for yerself, huh?

RIDDLE: That!

JUNE: HUH?!

RIDDLE: ... No, it's still a celebration so it wouldn't do to lose my temper here...

JUNE: WHATCHA SAY, HUH?!

RIDDLE: I was led to understand from this puppet that it was customary to bring a small gift to these events. However, it could not be something that could be bought. It was quite difficult to think of a gift that would be suitable for this occasion, but still, I think that perhaps I have managed to conform to the rules.

JUNE: ... 'hat's this?

RIDDLE: An apple pie that I made myself. Trey informed me that this is your favourite dessert so I thought it might be appropriate for the occasion.

JUNE: ...

RIDDLE: ... It's at least polite to thank somebody for going through all of this. The Queen's rules state that-

JUNE: It's dry.

RIDDLE: !!!

JUNE: It's dry. Tastes off. And ya didn't use the right kind of apples either.

RIDDLE: Dry? Tastes off? The apples?

... Those were the only kind available...

JUNE: Tch. Fuckin' city boys and their shitty apples. Ain't nobody taught you how to cook either, huh?! Ain't ya 17 or somethin'?!

RIDDLE: That's- !!! I will not stand for this sort of-

JUNE: Ya let the crust burn. Ya gotta watch 'hat carefully or it all goes up in flames, ya got it?! Come.

RIDDLE: Come? What are you talking about? Where should I come? Wait! Where are you-

JUNE: I'mma teach ya how to actually fuckin' bake somethin' right since 'hat four-eyes can't even do it by himself. Bet he just sits 'here with his dumb smug face and makes shitty jokes. Who'd be dumb enough to fall for oyster sauce in tarts, huh?!

RIDDLE: ...

JUNE: STOP STALLIN' AND GET A MOVE ON ALREADY! I AIN'T GOT ALL DAY!

... I'd rather be done payin' ya back already so we can move on with this shit.

SCENE II

RIDDLE: That was a very informative crash course, June-senpai. It always struck me as such, but you seem like a very capable person. Being able to cook and look after yourself like that...

JUNE: ... It ain't much. On the farm we all gotta do our part. Me too.

RIDDLE: I suppose that is true. In such an environment it really makes a difference how many people join in the efforts. As I understood, life on farms tends to involve a lot of gruelling work so I imagine the same must have been true for your own upbringing. I admire that sort of dedication to one's responsibilities.

JUNE: ... Ain't there some sort of game we gotta play, huh?

RIDDLE: Ah, that is true. The puppet did mention that we will have to do something like that. At our Unbirthday parties, we usually play croquet together. So I wonder if it might be something similar to that...

JUNE: Doubt it...

PUPPET: [Shall I proceed with the game instructions?]

RIDDLE: Hm? If you will.

PUPPET: [As requested I shall proceed with the game instructions. This part of the interview will require that I ask a question that June Himalia will answer and which Riddle Rosehearts will be tasked with interpreting.]

RIDDLE: ... I see. I've never been good at this sort of thing but I will try my best nonetheless...

PUPPET: [Question: Picture yourself on a stroll through town. The day is beautiful and you're half-lost in a daydream. You turn onto a street that you've never been down before, and as you walk you pass a beautiful house set somewhat back from the street. Pausing a moment to admire this lovely home, you notice the door is half-open. Why is the door ajar?]

RIDDLE: Why is the door ajar... Could it be that the owner simply forgot to lock it?

JUNE: 'hat kind of moron forgets to lock his own door? Huh? Ain't nobody forgettin' anythin' if they want to make it in life.

RIDDLE: Unexpected accidents like this can happen. It's important to learn how to be patient with people. Even if it's difficult.

JUNE: ... Tch. 'hat's easy for ya to say.

RIDDLE: I'm sorry?

PUPPET: [June Himalia please answer the question so that Riddle Rosehearts may interpret it.]

JUNE: Tch. Ain't it obvious 'hat the place is gettin' robbed, huh?! 'hat's there to even interpret, huh? This 'hole fuckin' thing is just stupid...

People are just dumb and naive and can't fuckin' think for themselves. That's why they rely on others like they can't fuckin' solve anythin' by themselves. Puttin' all 'hat crap on other people's shoulders, ugh...

RIDDLE: ... I think it's important to not get carried away in a crisis just because things seem to feel bleak. Sometimes people make mistakes out of oversight, rather than bad intentions so it's important to hear them out. At least that is what I have learned since the first years came to attend school...

JUNE: Ugh, 'hose two... They're always causin' trouble wherever they go.

RIDDLE: Indeed. But sometimes circumstances are beyond their control and it's important to acknowledge that, I think.

On that note... June-senpai, how did you know who I was talking about?

JUNE: Whatcha mean how do I know, huh? They tried to sneak in here last week and I almost punted them before they ran away. It's those two idiots that always come as a pair, ain't they?

RIDDLE: Yes... It is indeed them. I was not aware of this fact, however... Thank you for letting me know.

JUNE: Tch... Just make sure you teach them some manners. Tryin' to sneak into my dorm like 'hat. I went to throw 'hat freakin' statue after them and it broke. Now I gotta pay for the damages...

That's why stickin' with others is just...

As long as I got my plants and my garden I ain't need no fuckin' city apartment to leave the door open. Fuckin' idiots... No wonder they can't do anythin' right. People just gotta accept their limitations...

SCENE III

PUPPET: [Please proceed to the last part of the interview.]

RIDDLE: Very well. I will ask the last question then.

"If you were stuck on a deserted island with somebody, who would you want it to be?"

JUNE: No one.

RIDDLE: That... You should at least attempt to answer it...

JUNE: Tch. If I had to... Diana.

RIDDLE: Diana-senpai? Ah, now that you mention it...

JUNE: She's smart and capable. Can hunt and survive in the wilderness. And I've seen her taking naps with the animals on campus.

RIDDLE: Taking naps? How is that relevant?

JUNE: The weather up here is shit. It's always cold or some fuckin' sylphs are droppin' in like it's nobody's business and it's fuckin' annoyin'!

RIDDLE: I see... And Diana-senpai doesn't mind?

JUNE: Nah. She ain't mindin' anythin' at all, which is freaky as hell, but in the circumstances, it's the best thing ya can get. If I get stuck on a fuckin' island I want somebody who can adapt to that place, ya know? Who can hunt and not mind the weather. And won't be losin' her head over shit like some of the others would.

And she'll be quiet.

RIDDLE: It's true that I haven't seen her speak that much.

JUNE: Yeah. She's the quiet sort. It's good. There's too many yappin' shits around here and it's giving me a headache...

Besides... She's calm.

RIDDLE: Calm?

JUNE: Even when I start to rage, she doesn't seem to mind it at all... She doesn't look scared either. Just tells me to calm down like it's nothin'. Nobody has the guts to do 'hat to me.

Even back in her first year she didn't give a shit. She was smaller too back 'hen and I could have ripped her head off, but she just stood 'here and stared at me like it didn't matter who I was... It was nice.

RIDDLE: Nice? What do you mean?

JUNE: I ain't some fuckin' brute, ya know... It's just 'hat sometimes...

............................................................

RIDDLE: June-senpai?

JUNE: UGH! TALKIN' TO YA IS USELESS! FUCK OFF! WHERE'S 'HAT FUCKIN' PUPPET OFF TO, HUH?! I GOT A LOT OF WORK TO DO, YA SHITHEADS!

RIDDLE: ... I think it's best that we finish the interview also.

[*]

PUPPET: [Congratulations. The interview portion has been completed. Please proceed to the last event of the celebrations. A bottle has already been prepared for you.]

JUNE: ...

RIDDLE: ... Then, if you don't mind...

JUNE: Just get it over with... This whole day ain't been nothin' but a waste of time...

I hate this day, ugh...

RIDDLE: I understand. Then, I apologize but hopefully, it does not end up upsetting you too much.

Happy Birthday, June Himalia!

[champagne pops]

[walpurga-nacht-academy]

If you can find the time and resources to make one, would you consider making a “What Walpurga Nacht Dorm do you belong in?” Quiz?

Hello, Nonnie! Thank you so much for the ask!

I did make a WNA Dorm Sorter a while back actually that I forgot to share here too, whoops. 😅

But I'll leave the link here in case you want to take it! Let me know which dorm you got into~ ❤️

https://uquiz.com/bQpxi5

[walpurga-nacht-academy]

I’ve been meaning to ask you this for a while, but can you make a playlist for vita that reflects her aesthetic and tastes? And could you include the other prefects as well, if you have time?

Oooh, this is a fun one Anon! Thank you for the ask! I'll try to stick to around three songs for each of the girls to make it balanced!

🕷 Vita Dies

you're so dark - arctic monkeys. thank god i'm pretty - emilie autumn. carmen - lana del rey.

Vita's playlist aesthetic could be summed up as "gothic revival of a degenerate beauty queen" with a heavy, sinking aesthetic to it and a very sultry and mature vibe. The major theme would be mourning the innocence one was forced to lose, melancholia and a persistent feeling of dissatisfaction. The highlight is perhaps the manner in which she lets others categorize her in a box from which she feels she cannot escape or evolve. Vita's goal is to live unencumbered by the expectations of others and be true to herself, no matter what, knowing that there are people who accept her for her.

🍓 Rosalia Morgainne

strawberry shortcake - melanie martinez. seventeen - ladytron. she - selena gomez.

If she had a playlist aesthetic it would be something along the lines of "baby, you're more than just a pretty face", with a sort of pop-rock feeling to it and a lot of modern sounds. The major theme would be insecurity, exploitation of women and the fear of losing one's agency. But it would be uplifted with a song of self-affirmation and self-love, as she finally decides to take charge of her own destiny and affirm her femininity on her own terms. The evolution towards a more sexy, mature image is not a downgrade, but a means of liberation.

🐇 Blanche Dion

prom dress - mxmtoon. toxic thoughts - faith marie. lost one's weeping - lizz robinett (cover).

If she had a playlist aesthetic it would be something along the lines of "the gifted kid who's the disappointment of the family", with a slow and almost melancholic feel to it. The major theme would be resentment, regret and the feeling of being trapped, culminating in a feeling of liberation when she finally lets go of others' expectations for her. She learns to value her own life and worth, even if others won't and then comes to the realization that despite her family's words there is love and acceptance in her future.

🧹 Marcia Pyroeis

the hand that feeds - the crane wives. i need a dollar - aloe blacc. i'm still standing - elton john.

Her playlist aesthetic would be described as "breaking your back and your code for just a dollar more", with a folk element to it that is tempered by an almost upbeat rhythm. The major theme would be optimism in the face of catastrophe, knowledge of the harshness that you need to endure and the condition of the human being. She focuses on survival against all odds and hopes to transform her tragedy into an opportunity for growth and success, no matter how low the odds might be.

🐸 June Himalia

blood in the cut - k.flay. brutal - olivia rodrigo. obey - bring me the horizon & yungblud.

If she had a playlist aesthetic it would be best summed up as "rage" with a lot of songs that have an aggressive tempo and also unpleasant energy to them. The major theme would be frustration accumulating and slowly coming to a head when she feels that she's reached a boiling point, and with no way out she manifests her sense of hopelessness in physical actions. It's not that she wants to be brutal but when she's backed into a corner as she always is, she sees no other solution but to attack in return.

🐊 Diana Arrow

oh raven - unlike pluto. don't forget to open your eyes - missio. saturn - sleeping at last.

Her playlist aesthetic would be best described as "the sky is full of stars tonight and it makes me whole" where the songs would be slow, almost hypnotic with a tinge of weight to them. The major theme would be balance and acceptance, one born not from blind optimism but from completely understanding the consequences of her actions and the harshness of reality. Diana's lightness comes from the fact that she is perfectly aware of the darkness in others and in the world around her, but she still chooses to completely and without reservation accept them as part of the natural.

🦋 Cassandra Delphinne

so small and so quiet - isabella fortuna. something to feel good about - will joseph cook. hate myself - dodie.

If she had a playlist aesthetic it would best be described as "i apologize for the wild thumping of my heart" where a lot of songs feel slow and dragging in order to capture that feeling of melancholia. The major themes would be trying to find oneself and feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of the world, fear that you will never find yourself be accepted by anybody and that you are never going to be good enough. Cass' anxiety is for the most part tightly connected with her low self-esteem and communication problems, and the knowledge that as a child who is part of two worlds, she'll never fully fit in either. Yet she keeps persevering, knowing that she must develop herself as a person.

🧪 Agatha Voisin

jealousy, jealousy - olivia rodrigo. hey kids - molina ft. late verlane. running away - vano 3000.

Her playlist aesthetic would be best described as "i'm making my self-loathing everybody else's problem" where a lot of the songs have this experimental vibe to them which makes them feel rather odd and out of place. The major themes would be this resurgence feeling of being unable to fit within the standards of society and the resentment that comes with that, as well as the frustration that often follows after. Agatha's problems are punctuated by a constant wave of negative backlash regarding her appearance and nature. She feels that no matter what she'll do or how she'll change herself, she'll be rejected and then asks herself if it's even worth the effort to do so.

[walpurga-nacht-academy]

WNA HALLOWEEN - THE GREAT HIDE & SEEK HUNT!

HALLOWEEN INTERVIEW - JUNE HIMALIA

SCENE I

[footsteps]

ALKIN: The basement... Just what sort of surprise has Galdtrea prepared for its guests? It is not a tad too predictable? Regardless...

[door opens]

Greetings.

JUNE: WHO THE FUC- Ugh, it's ya.

ALKIN: Have I frightened you perhaps?

JUNE: Ya can fuckin' bet ya did! The 'ell ya sneakin' around here for, huh?! Givin' me the creeps, ugh...

ALKIN: Hm, how odd.

JUNE: Huh?

ALKIN: For somebody who is in charge of frightening others, you certainly seem rather... intimidated?

JUNE: Ay. 'hat's cause I ain't into all 'his Halloween crap or whatever. Fuckin' waste of time, goin' around askin' for candy or tricks. Can't 'hey just buy it from the store, huh? The fuck 'hey need to go around begging?

ALKIN: What a peculiar way of looking at it. So far most have been rather excited at the prospect of celebrating Halloween.

JUNE: ... [mumble]...

ALKIN: Pardon. I did not catch that. Could you repeat it?

JUNE: ... It's coz... It's coz 'hey're not afraid of all 'hat scary crap...

ALKIN: Is that so?

JUNE: I can't fuckin' stand it... Decapitated heads, ghost brides, killer werewolves - who the fuck comes up with 'his sort of shit? 'here's gotta be somethin' wrong with yer head to come up with 'his stuff!

If I could've gotten out of 'his whole thing, I would've but...

ALKIN: ...

JUNE: Ugh, just thinkin' back on the research... At least I could pick the easiest shit.

ALKIN: Ah, that explains it.

JUNE: 'splains 'hat?

ALKIN: Coming here I thought it was quite peculiar that your theme might be so ordinary. Galdtrea is a dorm that specializes in herbology, after all. I would have assumed you'd have done something related to that, and yet...

JUNE: ... Couldn't be bothered. If I had, I'd get nightmares 'bout gardenin' and all that, ya know? Ain't fuckin' worth it.

ALKIN: I see. So the torture chamber...

JUNE: 'hat's 'hat happens in a horror movie, ain't it? All 'hat spooky scrap with some dumbass stuck in 'ere with some weird doctor, or somethin'... 'hat's what I got out of it, anyway.

ALKIN: Hm... It is certainly a way of looking at things. Perhaps quite natural. Though I must admit I am rather curious to see just what the guests' opinions might have been.

JUNE: 'hose fuckers.

ALKIN: Pardon?

JUNE: They fuckin' showed up 'ere in their shitty costumes and started makin' up a fuss. 'hat shitty guy from Pomefrie or 'hatever - kept trying to open up my Iron Maiden for some reason. Fuckin' pissed me off! Like I want to see 'hat shit! 'hat's why I hid inside the damn thing in the first place!

ALKIN: ...

JUNE: Not only 'hat but then 'hat pipsqueak decide to join in too so they got it open already - then they wouldn't 'hut up! Kept gawkin' and starin' like I was some sort of freak show. UGH! Pipsqueak even said 'hat I "clean up nicely" - THE FUCK'S 'HAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN, HUH? IF HE WANTS TO PICK A FIGHT THEN I'LL PUMMEL HIM.

ALKIN: ... Perhaps Morgainne is better off still.

JUNE: HUH?!

ALKIN: No, nothing.

JUNE: ... 'his whole thing is just annoyin'... Damn bastard sayin' we should talk after the event... 'he 'ell he wants, smilin' like 'hat... ?

ALKIN: Goodness grief.

SCENE II

ALKIN: Then, the bride's fate ... ?

JUNE: Ha? 'hat about it?

ALKIN: Do you truly believe she must have been tortured so? There is nothing to suggest such a grisly fate, however.

JUNE: 'he 'ell would I know.

ALKIN: ?

JUNE: She got left by 'hat shmuck? So 'hat? Ain't the last guy on planet or 'hatever. If she was really messed up over it she should have gone lookin' for him. Can't have been that difficult. The mountains 'ere ain't like home at all.

ALKIN: Hm, that is true.

JUNE: If he left, 'hen he left. Probably got a better offer or somethin'... 'here were still arranged marriages back 'hen between peasants, weren't 'here? He must have got mixed up in 'hat or somethin'.

ALKIN: ... A very reasonable assumption. Then the torture chamber was just for show? What about the Iron Maiden?

JUNE: Got it from the mayor... It makes it spookier, I guess. And-

ALKIN: And?

JUNE: It's strong enough to not break when I punch it... so even if I get mad I can't hurt the guests...

ALKIN: A good foresight.

JUNE: Yeah... Guess that our race's still ready to rage, no matter 'hat...

Kinda like 'hat bride.

ALKIN: The bride?

JUNE: ... If some guy thought he could up and leave me without warnin', I'd get pissed too. Especially if he showed up again out of the blue after I died. 'HAT'S THE POINT OF EVEN COMIN' BACK AFTER 'HAT?! HUH?! JUST TO PISS ME OFF?!

ALKIN: ... I suppose romantic ideals are, after all, rather quite subjective...

SCENE III

ALKIN: There is something that I'm curious about.

JUNE: Yeah?

ALKIN: Given your behaviour until now, and our discussion... I get the distinct impression that you are not at all fond of this particular human holiday.

JUNE: 'hat's right.

ALKIN: Hm, so it seems I was correct.

JUNE: ... I told ya I ain't good with scary shit. Halloween's just some excuse to let that all out - can't stand it. 'hat's so fun about dressin' up in 'hat shit and goin' around scarin' people. 'here's work to do, so who the 'ell has time for 'hat?

ALKIN: Then, am I correct to assume that you have not celebrated it with your family before?

JUNE: ... I haven't. 'here's always shit to be done around 'here since 'here's a lot of small brats runnin' around screamin', so we usually just go to town and let 'hem loose, I guess. We make a killin' sellin' pumpkins and apples during this time so ma and pa take us all out to town to help with the stagin' and all that.

ALKIN: Staging?

JUNE: Our village is pretty small, but it always has 'his harvest festival 'here we set up a bunch of food stalls and games for the people. Since our family is pretty famous, it's our job to make sure it goes smoothly - settin' up booths and the like.

ALKIN: Hm, then you've attended them since you were a child?

JUNE: Ay, I worked 'here since I was five.

ALKIN: !!

JUNE: We get big real fast - my nana could lift a cow by that age, is 'hat she said.

ALKIN: That is not... I think it's the first time I heard you mention her.

JUNE: ... We don't get along.

ALKIN: Ah.

JUNE: ... Anyway, I 'eard they have all sorts of stuff there like apple bobbing or pumpkin carvin' and kids goin' 'round singin'.

ALKIN: Singing?

JUNE: Ay - to get candy. Ya gotta give somethin' if ya want to get somethin' in return, after all.

ALKIN: So you have the same then?

JUNE: Nah, I had to man the stalls and look after the younger kids. Ain't got nobody time for 'hat.

... Though 'here was one year, my brother - my sister's husband - took out to the feast. 'hey ain't got no kids and he probably felt bad for me or somethin' so he snuck me out and we went around lookin' at all the stuff 'here. Didn't get any candy 'coz I didn't bring a pumpkin bucket, but he got me a goose leg and 'hat was tasty...

Nana threw a fit 'hen we got back so we never went again... But I still like eatin' goose around 'his time.

ALKIN: ... I never really thought of such a tradition.

JUNE: If ya want some, I can make it for ya.

ALKIN: I would appreciate it. Thank you.

JUNE: ... It's a bit bird. Can't finish it by myself.

I'll see ya later then, I guess. Just don't sneak around anymore or I'll kill ya or somethin'...

ALKIN: Of course.

[door closes]

ALKIN: ... There was once a story you told me, Astra - about a chieftain of the giant tribes who carried the world on his shoulders as punishment for rising against the rulers of the land. He was supposed to only serve for twelve years, but his labour never ended.

I often wondered if he was aware he could have let it all fall off. Or was he too afraid to try?

[walpurga-nacht-academy]

Name Meaning: June Himalia

A female name of Latin origins, June is thought to be derived from the Roman ‘Juno’ meaning “queen of heavens”. Unlike her Greek counterpart, Juno as a goddess held a multitude of functions and titles which were often not thematically linked to her primary role as a goddess of marriage. Among them the most interesting to remark upon were her aspects as a goddess linked to youth, strength, fertility and military prowess. Similarly June is burned with many and cumbersome duties and responsibilities that were thrust upon her by her family, society or even her classmates. Much like Juno she was expected to embody all these images while remaining a pillar of authority, even though she does not like this position at all.

The surname “Himalia” is a reference to the nymph of the same name which was said to reside in Rhodes and bore Zeus’ three sons. It is said that it refers to an ancient Greek word meaning “abundant”. It also refers to a moon of the same name which is noted for its rather irregular shape. 

June’s name references both her maternal role within the family, having been responsible for raising some of her nieces and nephews, and within the dorm, where she is often seen as the ‘mother friend’ among her peer group. Her unhappiness with this position often comes out in displays of anger and ferocity, generally violent in nature, as Juno herself was known for her temper especially when it came to her husband’s infidelity. Her strength as part of the Himalia clan is due to Juno’s own fabled martial prowess, and her ancestry being linked to a race known as Giants is also a reference to Juno’s parentage being attributed to the first generation of Titans. Much like Juno, she is burdened with great responsibility, yet rather powerless overall to assert herself in front of her family, so she takes out her anger on third parties as a way to relieve herself from her fury.

[walpurga-nacht-academy]

Card templates for Walpurga Nacht OCs to use if they need to! All eight dorms and staff included!

[walpurga-nacht-academy]

Thank you so much to @just-patchy for making this spreadsheet and for letting me post the link here as well! ❤️

It does a wonderful job of keeping track of everybody’s class number and seat and makes it all nice and organized! 

[walpurga-nacht-academy]

The Witch Dances

It is said that during the annual gatherings of the eight witches on the Bald Mountain where they would swear obedience to their Master, they would engage in dancing and loud partying for his amusement. They would usually follow the format of a circle dance, the witches coming together around a bonfire, and overcome by frenzy became enticed to spin and sway to unheard melodies among demons and spirits. These dances could and usually did go on throughout the entire night until the break of day. Their laughter and yelps could be heard from the base of the mountain and villagers of Brocken would often be tempted to join them in their revelry. However, this was considered unwise as the dancing was sacred to the witches themselves, and any man caught spying would be immediately struck mad.    

Nowadays, the dances are performed as an homage to the memory of the eight illustrious figures whose teaching inspired the formation of the dorms. Taking place a week before the Sorting ceremony, students who passed the admission exam are invited to attend a ceremony known as the Witch Dances. Its purpose is to help the young girls about to enter Walpurga Nacht decide which particular dorm they might find most helpful for their studies based on its presentation by the Prefects. 

Danse Macabre

Opening the Witch Dances at dusk is an event known as the “Danse Macabre”. In the venue which takes the form of a theatron (ancient Greek theater), a group of twelve students are gathered in the middle around a bonfire that is burning brightly. Dressed in red, loose dresses the girls also wear masks that resemble various animals, among the most common being pigs, wolves and goats. Around them, at a fair distance, is another group of nine girls clad in black and seated down with hangs in their laps or tambourines in their hands. The girls around the bonfire hold hands and as the others students begin to play their instruments start to dance in a circle around the bonfire. The dance is wild and unstructured, accompanied by chanting and punctuated by yelps and shouts as the students twirl and move to the rhythm of the music. The red clothing makes it seem like they are blending in with the fire itself, and the animal masks create a grotesque image of madness and devilry. 

The purpose of this dance is two-fold: to recreate what the atmosphere on the night where the eight witches met on the Bald Mountain must have felt like and to acknowledge the sacred nature of this event. Though information about the witches is scarce, it is said that the eight of them came from very different walks of life based on the textual evidence left behind by their grimoires. The fact that they would assemble each year and treat each other as equals was proof of their respect for each other. The twelve girls dancing around the first are said to represent the months of the year, and the number nine is considered a cursed one but also has connotations of power. 

As a result the twelve dancing girls are girls chosen for the month of their birth, at random, from among the second, third and fourth years. It reinforces the idea that no matter the girl they are all witches at their core. The nine instrumentalists are all chosen from among the music club. The girls usually prepare for this event before the end of the previous school year, after the Prefects for the next year are announced.

The Prefects’ Dances

Once the Danse Macabre is over, all that remains on the stage is a ring of scorch marks and footsteps. What follows is a short speech given by the Headmistress of the school regarding the legends of the eight witches and their teachings, before introducing the Prefects at the start of their performances to the audience.

What follows afterwards are the presentations for the eight dorms according to what the respective Prefect thinks are its most important features. Traditionally, Rosenhex has always had a focus on their mastery of enchantments and charms, either bringing constructions to life or asking for volunteers from the audience in order to cast a charm on them. Grimmaire takes a more methodical approach and almost simulates a classroom lecture, as the Prefect rattles off the many spell compositions and steps to be undertaken when casting. Kriegskald’s performances have usually been focused on showing off their newest creations and mechanisms, or bolder Prefects have gone ahead and attempted to recreate them on stage. Galdtrea’s performances are often cited as lacklustre as there are only so many ways one can talk about and present a collection of herbs and plants. Monarchia presentations are turned usually into a monster show, where tamed beasts are brought to show the audience their various tricks and abilities. Oraluna has focused mainly on showcasing its divination talents and fortune telling by asking for volunteers from the audience. Eliksia has always done a live demonstration of how their alchemical concoctions might be used or what their effect might be, with the Prefect explaining the process. While Noctasis has remained rather controversial with its exhibitions of mummified corpses and pickled organs to this day.

The Danse Macabre portion is allocated thirty minutes, and is followed by a short intermission of fifteen minutes. The Headmistress’ speech is usually an hour and a half, followed also by an intermission. Each Prefect is given 50 minutes to perform their ‘dance’ and it is up to them how they use it. While the dancing witches must wear red and animal masks, and the singing witches must wear black, the Prefects are allowed to dress in any manner they consider fitting. Some may order customized costumes, while others may choose to don the school’s Ceremony Dress. The only request is that whatever clothing they wear, it must remain in the limits of public decency.   

The Witch Dances are not traditionally televised, this being seen as a breach of privacy, however this year, at the request of Prefect Rosalia Morgainne, the school has allowed her manager to livestream the eight performances. It was considered inappropriate for the Danse Macabre to be caught on camera, and the manager considered the Headmistress’ speech irrelevant to the PR campaign he was undertaking. 

Notes: The idea for the Witch Dances comes from several sources. First there is the Disney animated short “Night on the Bald Mountain” where spirits and demons dance for Chernabog’s amusement in infernal fire. The image of the three masks (pig, wolf, goat) correspond to the three animals that appear during a scene in the short. The red dresses are an allusion to the Fire Women that also appear there. Second, there is the image of Walpurgisnacht as shown in Goethe’s Faust, where witches and warlocks dance together on top of the Harz Mountains. Another reference is made to the Iele, which are beings in Romanian folklore who are said to dance so beautifully it drives men mad. The name ‘Danse Macabre’ refers to the artistic allegory on the universality of death: regardless of one’s station in life, death comes for all.

[walpurga-nacht-academy]

WNA Curriculum

Education at WNA

Though many consider the entrance exam to Walpurga Nacht unnecessarily rigorous and strenuous for prospective pupils, it is merely child’s play compared to the programme that awaits them as students of one of the most prestigious magical academies in Twisted Wonderland. Following the system of a university, rather than a high school, Walpurga Nacht requires students to pick a specialization they will study for the following four years out of the eight available. At the end of the four years they will have the choice of either writing a thesis or undergoing an internship under the supervision of the Headmistress herself. 

Each specialization consists of four subjects taught during the first three years, with the fourth one being reserved for practical applications of their specialization subject and the thesis/internship.

Alongside the courses that are part of the specialization package, students also have to attend several other required classes focusing on the fields of humanities, sciences, kinesiology and magic. Unlike the specialization courses these have a broader approach as they are meant to ensure the girls have practical skills as well. 

Moreover, though not obligatory, it is highly encouraged that they pick two electives to study alongside their regular classes each year.

Due to the fact that Walpurga Nacht prides itself on its academic integrity and rigurousity, students that have graduated from this are usually the first pick for universities and scholarships. The school has thus a close relationship with the Magic Ministry, Magical Board of Education, Magic University and the Magical Research Board. It fosters a competitive climate for its students in which academic brilliance is prized, but creativity and thinking out-of-the-box are also highly encouraged. Because of this, students that can’t handle the workload and have fallen behind often face the risk of dorm expulsion: at the request of the Prefect they are forced to switch dorms for the duration of their high school years. The decision is irreversible. There have been so far only three expulsions in the history of Walpurga Nacht so far.  

Core Subjects

Humanities: 

Language and Literature (I, II, III): Study of literature and language as pertaining to magic. It includes a broad range of authors from different cultures, historical periods and known races. 

History (I, II, III): An overview of the major political, cultural and historical events of Twisted Wonderland. It covers all known countries and cultures past and present. 

Sciences: 

Mathematics (I, II, III): Expands upon concepts that had been taught during middle school in regards to mathematics. 

Chemistry (I, II, III): Expands upon concepts that had been taught during middle school in regards to chemistry. 

Biology (I, II, III): Expands upon concepts that had been taught during middle school in regards to biology. 

Physics (I, II, III): Expands upon concepts that had been taught during middle school in regards to physics. 

Kinesiology: 

P.E. (I, II, III): Focuses on teaching students various exercises to improve their physical fitness, and includes activities such as meditation and self-defense techniques.  

Flying (I, II, III): The pride of Walpurga Nacht, the flying lessons the school provides are said to be the most advanced on a high school level in all of Twisted Wonderland. 

Magic: 

History of Magic (I, II): An overview of the advancements and events related to the field of magic ever since its inception.  

Magic and Society (I, II, III): It seeks to explore the relationship between magic users and the society they have built, with a special focus on the impact it had on social roles and technological advancements. 

Philosophy of Magic (I, II, III): Concerned with the foundations, methods and implications of magic regarding logical methods of thinking and its practical uses.  

Principles of Arcane Arts (I, II): Functions as an introduction to basic spell casting techniques and its classification into different schools of thought.  

Arcane Ethics (I, II): Discusses the implications of magic from an ethical and moral perspective. 

Thesis Methodology (IV): One of the two classes fourth year students might take as part of their curriculum. A course which expands upon the methodology necessary for the completion of a written thesis.

Internship (IV): One of the two classes fourth year students might take as part of their curriculum. A course in which the student undergoes a year-long internship employed in the office of the Magic Ministry, Magical Board of Education, Magic University, a Magical corporation or the Magical Research Board. 

Specialization Subjects

Rosenhex: 

History of Enchantments (I, II): An overview of the history of magical enchantments as observed throughout the years.  

Enchantments Practicum (I, II): Provides students with the opportunity to practice their skills in enchantments in a safe and controlled environment.  

Fundamentals of Charms (II, III): Teaches the basic techniques used in charm casting and their practical applications. 

Ethics of Charms (II, III): Discusses the ethical and moral implications of charms and enchantments. It also focuses on the legal ramifications as well.  

Charms Practicum (IV): Provides students with the opportunity to practice their skills in charm casting in a safe and controlled environment. 

Grimmaire: 

Principles of Spell Transcription (I, II): An introduction to spell transcription and its techniques. Special focus is put on calligraphy, choosing the right material and proper structure.  

Grimoire Maintenance (I, II): A course that teaches students the proper use of grimoires, source assembly techniques and maintenance. By the end of this course students are able to put together their own grimoire from scratch. 

Principles of Spellcasting (II, III): An introduction to the basic techniques used in spellcasting, with a focus on spell components and proper etiquette.  

Ancient Languages (II, III): Study of ancient languages from different cultures and races. It provides special focus on grammar, phonetics and vocabulary. 

Spellcasting Practicum (IV): Provides students with the opportunity to practice their skills in spellcasting in a safe and controlled environment. 

Kriegskald: 

History of Artifacts (I, II): An overview of the history of artifacts as observed throughout the years. 

Fundamentals of Machining (I, II): Teaches the basic techniques used in metallurgy, how to use machining tools and technologies. 

Practical Applications of Magic (II, III): Focuses on the practical use of magic when using it in crafting or smithing. 

Artifact Maintenance (II, III): A course that teaches students how to interact with artifacts, proper storing techniques and how to catalogue them. Students are required to also look after the dorm’s artifact collection. 

Magical Artifact Construction (IV): Provides students with the opportunity to practice their skills in artifact crafting in a safe and controlled environment. 

Galdtrea: 

Plant Taxonomy (I, II): An overview of the various flora that is encountered throughout Twisted Wonderland and its magical properties. 

Fundamentals of Herbology (I, II): An introduction into the study of plants and plant lore, and their various applications in magic.  

Principles of Ecology (II, III): An introduction into the notion of ecology, its ethical ramifications and its importance from a magical point of view.  

Garden Maintenance (II, III): Teaches students the proper methods that should be used when looking after a garden, along with techniques for plant preservation.  

Herbology Practicum (IV): Provides students with the opportunity to practice their skills in herbology in a safe and controlled environment. 

Monarchia: 

Animal Languages (I, II): Study of phonetics and grammar as related to animal languages. The course is quite in-depth and is often cited among the best that are offered at a high-school level.  

Theory of Beast Behaviour (I, II): A course that focuses on getting students familiar with the thinking and behavioural patterns displayed by beasts both in the wild and in captivity. 

Ethics of Beast Taming (II, III): Discusses the moral and ethical dimensions of beast taming. It also provides insight into the phenomenon of poaching and possible prevention methods, alongside an overview over how rehabilitation of abused creatures should be carried out. 

Fundamentals of Shapeshifting (II, III): An introduction into the art of shapeshifting, focusing mostly on small and medium sized animals as references.   

Beast Taming Practicum (IV): Provides students with the opportunity to look after rehabilitated monsters and beasts during their recovery process in a controlled environment. 

Oraluna: 

Principles of Divination (I, II): An introduction into the basics of divination, and its many cultural variations.  

Fundamentals of Interpretation (I, II): Teaches the basics of text and sign interpretation. Special focus is given to ensuring the students develop reading comprehension skills.  

Methodology of Divination (II, III): A course which focuses on introducing students to the various methods of divination ranging from tarot cards, to crystal bowls, to scrying, star positions or even hallucinogens.  

Fundamentals of Astrology (II, III): Teaches the basics of astrology and astronomy, with the purpose of ensuring students are able to read star movements with relative ease. 

Divination Practicum (IV): Provides students with the opportunity to polish their divination skills under the supervision of experts in the field. 

Eliksia: 

Principles of Alchemical Research (I, II): An introduction into the basics of alchemical research, with special focus on substance preservation and chemical potency.  

Cauldron Maintenance (I, II): Teaches students the proper methods to employ when cleaning and sanitizing cauldrons, the desired properties a witch should keep an eye out when buying and how to store it correctly as to avoid the appearance of magical mold.  

Magic Potions Seminar (II, III): A free-discussion course where students address topics of special interest to their research and debate possible issues encountered.   

Poison Classification (II, III): A course that teaches students the methods used when trying to classify different poisons and toxic substances to ensure they deal with them safely.  

Alchemy Practicum (IV): A course which requires students to undertake a year long alchemical experimental study and present their findings at the end in front of the Magical Research Board.

Noctasis: 

History of Transmutation (I, II): An overview of the history of transmutation throughout the years. 

Fundamentals of Transmutation (I, II): Teaches the basic techniques used in transmutation and the proper methods that should be employed during the process. 

Ethics of Transmutation (II, III): Discusses the moral and ethical dimension of transmutation, with special focus on the transition from organic to inorganic and vice versa. 

Methodology of Body Preservation (II, III): A course which focuses on introducing students to the various stages in the process of embalming and body preservation.   

Transmutation Practicum (IV): Provides students with the opportunity to practice their transmutation skills in a safe and controlled environment.  

Electives

Ancient Languages

Animal Languages

Archery

Basketball   

Broom Maintenance

Choir

Computer Sciences

Debate

Driver’s Education

Finance Management

Fine Arts

Grimoire Maintenance

Health

Home Economics

Home Management

Horseback Riding

Introduction to: Charms, Enchantments, Magical Construction, Herbology, Beast Taming, Divination, Alchemy, Transmutation

Journalism

Magic and Technology

Martial Arts

Music

Performing Arts

Psychology

Photography

Principles of Unique Magic

Rune Reading

Tennis

Volleyball