Durmstrang Uber Alles

(Log) Investigating (Mikhail and Ivan)

2009-11-05T01:29:29Z

Who: Mikhail and Ivan Baikov
When: Wednesday evening
Where: Mikhail's room in the staff quarters
What: Mikhail and Ivan Baikov are back at the school as staff. They have an interesting investigative conversation

The Baikov twins had been back at Durmstrang, working on staff for a week. They had been asked back by the school when some of the older staff decided to leave. They were unaware of any danger and having nothing better to do, the twins accepted. After graduation Ivan and Mikhail headed off to see the world, they had traveled far and wide for months, putting off any further training. They had been staying in Paris when they received the owl asking them back.

Mikhail had been sitting in his room for hours, thinking to himself. His foot bounced on the floor nervously. There was a knock and he was at the door like lightening. "Ivan," he said looking at his brother. "Come in."

Ivan stepped into the room and shut the door behind him. Mikhail was pale and his hair could use a good brush. "You look awful," Ivan said sitting down in a chair. He looked around his brother's room, it looked like an uncharacteristic mess. "And so does your room," he motioned to the mess around them.

"Well… yes… I haven't really had that much time to clean up since we came back," he said looking shaken. "I just… I don't know if we've done the right thing, coming back here."

"It's too late for that," Ian snorted. "We've been here a week it's not like we can just say… oh bugger… someone's died, sorry. The students need us."

"Oh, the students… you hate this place, I don't even know why you came back!"

"Of course I hate this place, anyone in their right mind would hate this place. But they asked us back for a reason."

"Because all of the other sensible staff saw the danger here and left."

Ivan shook his head. "Is that all you really wanted to talk about?"

"No," Mikhail said as he paced back and forth.

"Well…" he shrugged. "We're not leaving, so carry on with what else you just needed to talk about."

Mikhail grabbed a book of records he had been looking at for his new post as dueling club moderator. "I've been looking at some of the old duels that were recorded, just browsing I guess…"

"Why?"

"I wanted to get an idea of how often duels happen and what the typical outcome was. That's not important though."

Ivan smiled, this had to be good. "What did you come up with dork?" he teased.

Mikhail flipped open the page he had last seen and pointed at it. March, eleven, year 1990. Pyotr Baikov (seventh year) challenges Aleksei Baikov (seventh year). P. Baikov wins, A. Baikov suffers fatal wounds.

"Oh," Ivan had no idea what else to say.

"I think dad had a twin brother," Mikhail said. "I've been working on this all week. I even found this," he handed a picture to his brother. If he had been looking quickly he would have thought it was himself and his own brother but it wasn't.

"Weird," he handed the photo back. "Why don't you think dad told us?"

"I don't know," Mikhail said. "But look at the date again. Mom was already pregnant with us. Why would dad fight his twin brother when mom was pregnant with us?"

Ivan quirked an eyebrow and cocked his head to the side. "Tell me Mikhail, why would someone ever duel their twin?"

Mikhail pulled a face and crossed his arms. "Damn it Ivan, I thought you said we were over that. You know dad put me up to it to prove I belonged here. He always wanted me to be the better son and I'm not."

Ian shook his head. "I thought we said we weren't going to live by his standards anymore," Ivan countered.

"You're right," Mikhail finally slumped down into his chair. "So… what now?"

"I think there is only one person who will tell us the truth," Ivan shrugged.

"Dad?"

Ivan laughed. "No way, mother."

Mikhail nodded. "So you're sure you want to stay?"

"Mikhail," he looked at his brother seriously. "We're staying."

Annual Halloween Party

2009-11-01T03:20:42Z

Who: All students and staff, plus a few spirits and perhaps an uninvited guest. Please tag your character when you comment.
What: The annual Halloween party
Where: The Ballroom.
When: 7PM to 1 AM. While the party officially ends at 1 AM, celebrations don't have to.

The hallway leading to the ballroom was dark, only dimly lit by floating candles held by ghostly hands, a levitation charm wrapped in conjuration magic. Decorations lined the walls, everything lending a still, ghostly air to the already dark and quiet school. The doors at the end of the hall opened into the decorated ballroom, swathed in tones of red and blacks, again sparsely lit. Light concentrated by the food, so attendees would be able to see what exactly they were eating, though perhaps that wasn't for the best. The food had been carefully made and cleverly charmed to look positively questionable.

Charmed ghosts hung around corners of the room, pale shadows and translucent white images that were meant to unsettle, not terrify. Along one wall lay the carefully crafted image of rows broken dolls, mingled with what looked like skeletons and a few fleshier bodies. The staff had clearly gone all out this year to infuse the room with the creepy air of Halloween. Some things looked a little too real.

The doors opened precisely at seven PM, as smoky fog rolled along the floor and eerie laughter echoed from somewhere in the rooms. Sounds and screams punctuated the halls, setting the stage for what was going to be one hell of a party.

OOC: We will be putting up time stamps for students to arrive when they wish and interact. After a bit, we will post a new thread with plot bits. Anything posted beneath that post will take place chronologically afterward, and students can react accordingly. Everyone is encouraged to attend, mingle, and be prepared.

Revelio!

2009-10-25T02:51:17Z

Halloween's coming and with it the Annual Dark Path party. Anyone and everyone can attend Halloween, of course. Have a costume in mind already? Or plans to approach the night as a masque? We need a little levity at this school don't you agree? Perhaps someone should plan something...exciting to happen at Halloween. Anyone have any ideas? You know what to do.

Revelio

Revelio!

2009-10-21T14:41:22Z

Looking for more news? According to sources, the white handprints aren't just around Durmstrang. Folks in Durmstadt have been spotting them too, on the sides of establishments, on light poles, benches, anywhere and everywhere. It's almost like someone's trying to leave their mark. Or let people know they're there.

As far as we all know, nothing's actually happened yet. It's just white hands everywhere, as though someone attempting to spread a message that this symbol should be feared. Dare we liken it to the Dark Mark? There's nothing to warrant that, and yet some people already feel that is the intention behind it. That it's no mere prank and it's only a matter of time before something happens to merit the fear they'd like to instill.

What are your thoughts? Revelio.

Revelio!

2009-10-11T14:57:12Z

Consider the following: teachers inform us to stay out of the woods, for something is attacking animals and students alike and lurking about. Teacher have yet to discover what that something is. White hand prints were found - presumably by a student venturing into the woods - on several trees, only shortly before that same mark was found on our very doors. Merely a prank? Possibly. But then, how do we know? Especially in light of last year's occurrences: students vanishing without a trace, students being attacked, teachers leaving on sabbatical mid-year, teachers being killed in class. It was a rough year, wasn't it? Even for Durmstrang standards.

So students, what do you think?

You know what to do.

Revelio

Revelio!

2009-10-11T12:40:41Z

Ever think the administration's keeping secrets from the students? They want us to be formative adults, to be completely self-sufficient. They want exemplary students, role models, completely without failure, weakness, or even fear.

And yet they refuse to inform us what's lurking around our very school. Can it be they're keeping secrets? Or is it worse, and they simply don't know. Which is the worse case? That our esteemed professors won't tell us what's happening outside our walls, or that they truly don't know? For ones who impress up on the value of knowledge, it's a blow to consider their own lack.

Well if you have a voice that wants to be heard, it's time to speak up. Reveal it now. Your thoughts, your desires, your suspicions, and your convictions.

Revelio. It's time we students had our say. Use this charm and send word to your fellow student. Teachers won't know. It's just between us. So, what have you got to say?

(Thread) Durmstadt Drifting (Open)

2009-10-11T05:04:41Z

Petya had needed to replace her cauldron for a few weeks now. She had procrastinated replacing the old, second-hand cauldron and it had held up against her tantrums and outbursts. The cauldron had several cracks and was chipping on the inside, it finally cracked in half when she threw it across an empty room and it hit the wall.

It was getting colder for her usual attire so she grabbed a coat which she permanently borrowed from a boy she met while she was traveling. She traveled down to Durmstadt by herself and perused some of the shops for a new cauldron and some ingredients. Maybe she would treat herself to a chocolate later.

She was looking through some of the cauldrons at a magical supply shop when she knocked over a few and they crashed to the ground. "Oh shit," she muttered as she hurried and tried to scoop them all back up onto the shelf.

There's something out there...

2009-09-15T23:21:22Z

The night is full of sounds from the woods; they are the sounds of beasts howling, chirping, making the nightly noises that students have become used to over the years. Except for one long interminable moment of time when everything is deathly silent. The night slowly passes, and in the morning, there's something unusual to be found.

Scrawled in poor German, across the front steps and door:

"We're coming."

Beneath the words is a white hand print, large and dripping as if placed in white blood.

uber_alles @ 2009-09-06T20:20:00

2009-09-07T00:35:11Z

Who: Matthias Fettkenheuer and OPEN
What: Matthias is lost in thought. Potential for duel or friendship development?
When: Sunday evening, after dinner.
Where: Combative Magic Room.
Rating: PG-13

Matthias sat on a windowsill in the Combative Magic Room, well after dinner was finished. He gazed out the window across the grounds, golden rays streaking across the landscape, night well on its way. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a light layer of stubble reminding him that he needed to shave. What was attacking the students? Or perhaps it was who... He hadn't paid much attention until the most recent announcement; glowing, white handprints...

Was it a prank? It seemed like something a student might do, but he wasn't familiar with such magic. He'd gone through all of his darkest books in search of an answer only to surface with as much knowledge as he'd had before. If it was a student, it was someone very smart...

uber_alles @ 2009-09-04T17:48:00

2009-09-04T21:53:00Z

Who: Kirsten Nordlund and OPEN
What: Kirsten takes a quick break from running.
When: Friday, after classes
Where: Outdoors
Rating: Worksafe

Not being required to try out for the Quidditch team this year was no excuse for Kirsten not to stay in shape. There wasn't much time between tryouts and the start of the season, anyway. Most of her training involved flying, but she knew that she had to do more than that to be at her best. Dressed in a bright blue hoodie over matching leggings and a fitted black tank top, she ran across a "safe" area. While the danger of the forest was intriguing, she didn't need any distractions. The Grey Path team needed to be at their best this year, and that included her. She didn't take much seriously, but Quidditch was always an exception, especially now that she was team captain.

Stopping for a minute, she took a deep breath and unzipped her hoodie. The weather was cool, but she was used to the cold, and felt kind of hot after all that running. She took out her water bottle and sipped, leaning back against the castle.

uber_alles @ 2009-09-04T17:19:00

2009-09-04T21:24:15Z

Who: Antigone Kaligaris and OPEN
What: Antigone attempts to unwind after studying.
When: Friday evening
Where: The atrium
Rating: Worksafe

Okay, this was it. Antigone knew she was pushing herself too hard and needed a break. Putting her Necromancy notes away, she sat back in her seat and let out a sigh. It was nice to have a room to herself, but on the flip side, her dormmates were usually the ones who prevented her from studying too much. It was a lot easier to overwork yourself when there was no one to stop you, and Antigone was determined more than ever to do well on her exams this year. After all, she hadn't made it this far to screw things up.

Picking up her purse, she headed down to the atrium to relax and have a quick smoke. Or two. Antigone tended to only smoke when she was stressed, and she had a feeling she was going to be lighting up a lot this year. It wasn't the best of habits, but it worked for her. She could wait until after final exams to quit.

Just being in the atrium made her feel a little less wound up. There was no one else around, which was more than fine with her. It was nice to just sit there alone and doing nothing, she thought as she lit a cigarette. Doing nothing was a luxury for her these days.

ATTENTION!

2009-09-03T21:22:29Z

ATTENTION

Welcome back, students! We hope you've enjoyed your holidays, and the beginning of the new school year. We also hope you're enjoying the shorter schedules and prospect of clubs to broaden your horizons. Sign-ups for the various clubs will begin on September 14th and last throughout the week.

We'd like to remind our sixth and seventh years about upcoming Quidditch tryouts next week, beginning on the 7th. The schedule is as follows:

Light Path tryouts - Monday, 4 PM on the Quidditch pitch

Grey Path tryouts - Wednesday, 4 PM on the Quidditch pitch

Dark Path tryouts - Friday, 4 PM on the Quidditch pitch

Decisions will be made at the end of each tryout.

I would like now to address the status of the danger in the woods around school. Please note that as we have not determined what the threat is that attacked our students last year, we are not lifting our words of caution. Until we have eradicated the threat, the woods are not safe. I have already heard news that at least one student entered the woods, and reported a strange phenomenon: what appears to be glowing white hand-prints on a number of trees. We have not determined whether this is merely a prank or perhaps something more serious. We ask you please to not conduct your own investigations into the matter. Professors will continue to investigate and determine what is happening within the Black Forest. As always, trips to Durmstadt are allowed and encouraged, but please do not wander about alone. Be sensible and be safe.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please address them to the headmistress's office.

[[OOC:Basically, that last part means comment here if your character has anything to say.]]

(Thread) Back to school (Open!)

2009-08-28T06:29:48Z

Who: Petya Krum and open
When: Thursday afternoon
Where: Outside Durmstrang
What: Petya flew around the Durmstrang grounds and decided to lay in the grass like usual
Rating: G

Back to school, what a strange feeling of excitement. Petya chalked it all up to be the excitement of new adventures in learning, she could never admit that she was just happy to be around other wizards and witches her own age. She was not bored or tired of her lessons and was actually quite glad that her schedule had finally changed to accommodate her chosen path. Aside from all of that, being at school was also another chance to get back on her broom.

She laid in the grass after a long ride on her broom with Besnik loyally perched on the broom which Pet had carelessly tossed to the ground. She held a little golden snitch in her right hand which she let go and grabbed as soon as it started to fly away, she did this continuously and absent mindedly. She started singing a song to herself, a familiar tune that she had heard some of the gypsy mothers singing to their children as they laid down to sleep at night. The Romani language rolled from her lips fluidly as she lost herself in the gentle lyrics and notes of the song. Her singing voice was an almost foreign, sweet thing that she herself barely recognized.

uber_alles @ 2009-08-26T18:32:00

2009-08-26T22:36:51Z

Who: Heinrich Kronenberg & Lidia Gorski
What: Pretty much have a huge fight
When: After classes on Monday.
Where: Lidia's room
Rating: PG-13. ~~May~~ Will get violent.

Heinrich was pissed off. Lidia had been outright avoiding him now, there was no question of it. Heinrich was incensed and immediately following his last class on Monday, taught by none other than new professor Vincenc Reznik, Heinrich stalked out toward the sixth year Dark Pat tower. He would have been pleased Vincenc was teaching, especially teaching his class, if not for the ire at Lidia crowding his mind. He knew he had to take care of this now, before it got further out of hand.

He brushed past classmates as he strode past his own room and headed for Lidia's. He didn't knock, just pushed the door open and growled two words at Lidia's roommate. "Get out." He turned dark, unfathomable eyes on Lidia, and spoke with a low cold fury, only after the roommate scuttled out. "Tell me why you've been avoiding me, and it had better be good."

uber_alles @ 2009-08-26T14:27:00

2009-08-26T18:31:12Z

Who: Misha Vladimirovich & Open
What: Misha discovers something unusual on the grounds.
When: After dinner on Wednesday.
Where: Out on school grounds.
Rating: Worksafe

Misha was already bored. Classes had only just begun, and while he was grateful that he had made it into eighth year, and even more so to be in classes with Sasha again, he was restless. He needed something to do, something fun and he wasn't getting that sitting in classes. It wasn't dark yet as he strolled out onto the grounds. He idly wondered if the beast from before break was still roaming about, and whether the woods had become any safer.

He looked off into the woods, trying to resist the lure of exploring. He nearly did when he noticed something strange on one of the trees, something glowing white, and somewhat small. Curious, he started to approach, heedless off possible danger. He did, however, draw his wand, just in case.

uber_alles @ 2009-08-26T14:23:00

2009-08-26T18:26:44Z

Who: Kazimeras Seraichyk & Ion Laieshi
What: Kaz wants to know what major Ion chose
When: After classes on Wednesday.
Where: Sixth year grey path common room
Rating: Worksafe

Kaz rarely went looking for people, unless it was to satisfy some measure of his own curiosity. That was the case today as he set out to the 6th year Grey Path tower, looking for one Ion Laieshi. He knew the younger student was choosing Grey Path, but when they last spoke, he hadn't chosen a major yet. He would have had to by now, and so Kaz found himself curious as to what choice the younger boy made.

He smiled at a sixth year who stared up at his as she passed, and he asked her to send for Ion Laieshi, if she could. The girl seemed shocked that an eighth year was speaking to her and immediately ran to go get Ion. Kaz sat comfortably in a chair, remembering just two years ago, when this had been his own common room.

uber_alles @ 2009-08-26T14:20:00

2009-08-26T18:24:06Z

Who: Taavi Suullinen & Vincenc Reznik
What: Taavi thinks he's seeing things, but no, Vincenc really is still there.
When: Between classes on Monday.
Where: In the hallways
Rating: Worksafe, maybe.

Taavi thought he was going a bit mad. Twice this morning alone he'd sworn he'd seen a raven. Not just any raven. He swore he saw Stínohra. Where she was, Vincenc was never far behind. But that made no sense. Vincenc had graduated, the was no reason for him to still be at school. At least that's what Taavi had to keep telling himself. Stínohra wasn't there. Simple as that.

Or not, because there she was again, cawing softly, almost as though teasing him. Taavi stopped in his tracks and just stared, feeling a familiar prickling sensation along the back of his neck. He had the sudden distinct feeling, that if he turned around, Vincenc Reznik would be standing right behind him.

Announcement made to staff and students.

2009-08-18T01:51:04Z

ATTENTION

It is my pleasure to announce the upcoming changes in curriculum and extracurricular at the Durmstrang Institute for the 2009-2010 school year. Students will be given a new more condensed schedule of classes, one which will leave them with a bit more time outside of the classroom. While the workload will not decrease, the shortened classes will give students more time to choose an extracurricular activity or several such activities to broaden their horizons as well as develop the body as surely as the mind.

The following new clubs and organizations will debut this school year to be moderated by professors and adjunct staff, and well as contain eighth year student leaders who are interested.

The Dueling Club: Whether a student is a combative magic major or not, all are welcome to join and learn basic dueling techniques, or hone a greater skill.
The Wizard's Chess Club: Strategy and wit combined will make a grand master at this game. Tournaments will be arranged with enough members.
The School Choir: Showcase your musical talents by singing the school praises.
The Linguistics Club: Students at Durmstrang speak a myriad languages, and there's no room in the curriculum to teach them. Come together with fellow students and learn the languages of your friends and peers.
The Archery and Fencing club: A well rounded wizard can defend him or herself with both magical and mundane means. Test your mettle here or learn skills passed down for centuries.
The Young Leaders Society: The best way for a student to learn how to make the right connections, and how to set themselves on a path of status and social prowess. If you plan to be someone, this is the club for you.

Club meeting schedules will be determined by the moderators based on the amount of interest garnered. Sign-ups for clubs will be announced in advance to give students time to plan how to arrange their schedules. Club participation is not mandatory, but is highly encouraged.

Any and all questions may be directed here to the Headmistress's office.

[[OOC:Basically, that last part means comment here if your character has anything to say.]]

Owl to fifteen seperate students

2009-08-18T01:49:32Z

It is my greatest pleasure to announce that the following students have been accepted into the prestigious eighth year at the Durmstrang Institute:

Vilhemina Amsel - Grey Path
Adele Hastenpflug - Dark Path
Antigone Kaligaris - Light Path
Nastasiya Kostenko - Grey Path
Theonia Lekkas - Light Path
Markos Mogensen - Dark Path
Kazimeras Seraichyk - Grey Path
Mykola Vladimirovich - Light Path
Oleksandr Vladimirovich - Grey Path
Kadriye Yilmaz - Dark Path

[+ 1 more Grey Path, 2 more Light Paths, and 2 more Dark Paths, currently unnamed and available to be picked up]

Congratulations on your success, and good luck in your final and most distinguishing year at Durmstrang.

Owl to Vincenc Reznik

2009-07-26T16:11:36Z

Herr Reznik,

I would be most appreciative if you could find a moment in your busy schedule to come to my office. I have something of importance to speak of with you, and it must be done before your departure.

--Headmistress Eberhardt

Quidditch Match

2009-07-26T16:02:18Z

Finals match: Grey vs. Light
Score: Grey: 170, Light: 300

The very last game of the Quidditch season, the finals, for the Quidditch crest. Grey and Light path battled it out, neck and neck throughout the game. It appeared the teams have practiced quite a bit and yet were still nearly evenly matched. Goal for goal, they stayed barely ten points apart for several grueling hours.

The tides only turned when the Snitch made its appearance. The Seekers struggled to catch it first and win the game, and thus te cup, but it was nearly another hour before the Light Path Seeker finally managed to outstrip Grey and catch the snitch, when Grey was 2 goals up. Final score was 300 to 170, in favor of Light Path.

The Quidditch crest will sit in the Light Path tower for one year until next year's finals. Congratulations Light Path!

Quidditch Match

2009-07-19T21:16:02Z

15th match: Dark vs. Light
Score: Dark: 170, Light: 150

The final game of the season before the crest finals has been the most intense all season long. Light Path Chasers were primed and ready for the final match of the season. In short time, after Beater Heliodoros Palos took out the Dark Path Keeper, Light Path pulled ahead 15 runs to 2, driving the both teams hard in an effort to win. After hours of grueling play, the Dark Path Seeker managed to catch the Snitch while Light Path was 13 goals ahead. It was enough to both end and win the game.

However when season-long points were tallied it stood as follows: Light Path took the lead with 1550 points, with Grey Path second at 1530, leaving Dark Path in third place with 1510 points. With these scores, it's clear Light Path and Grey Path are going to the finals next week, for the final game of the season, and for the Quidditch crest.

Birthday gift!

2009-07-14T16:17:00Z

Two owls carry a large package to Kirsten Nordlund's room on Sunday the 12th, with a note that reads, "Happy birthday! Love Taavi."

[OOC: Sorry this is late! I suck!]

Quidditch Match

2009-07-14T16:14:49Z

14th match:Grey vs Light
Score: Grey: 80, Light 250

Light Path takes another win in the 14th game of the season. There's only one game left before the finals, and the two teams who've scored the most wins will go on to face off for the final match of the season on July 25th. It is getting intense out there. Again the two teams were nearly neck and neck, and then due to some combined teamwork, Light path pulled ahead by two goals, only moment before their Seeker managed to catch the snitch.

Grey and Light are currently in the lead with most wins and highest points, with Dark in last place. Next week's game could remove Dark from the equation period, or call for a run-off game between all three teams to determine who's going to the finals.

Helio's birthday! [Open to Helio]

2009-07-14T15:58:33Z

Who: Taavi and Helio
What: It's Helio's birthday and Taavi has a present for him.
When: July 5th, afternoon
Where: Their room
Rating: Probably just PG

Taavi had managed to pick up a few gifts for his roommate over the course of the past week. He'd had a solid idea of what to get him. Taavi always tried to give useful gifts, And this case was no different. He wrapped the gifts himself, a little clumsily, and set them on Helio's desk, before settling back on his own side of the room to work on his school work. Exams were fast approaching and he needed to focus as much as possibly on Potions so he passed the course.

He was a bit distracted though, so he waited for his friend to return. He couldn't concentrate because he just wanted to see the look on Helio's face when he saw his presents. Sighing quietly, he tried to wait patiently for Helio to return from wherever he'd run off to.