The Window Reader

Premise

In the world of Aethelgard, magic is a finite resource that dictates power and social standing. Society is strictly divided by the Great Divide: arrogant noble families hoard magical power and political control, while commoners are treated as disposable second-class citizens. The Aurelia Magicae academy teaches anyone, and only merit counts. The greater a student's merit, the greater their privileges at the academy, regardless of their social status.

[Your name], an ordinary commoner, accomplishes the impossible by earning admission into Aurelia Magicae, a prestigious floating magic academy initially designed to train noble elites.

Introduction

Narrator: The transport barge groaned as it cleared the cloudbank, revealing Aurelia Magicae, five spires of pale stone hanging in the sky like a forgotten hand of cards. A cold wind, smelling of ozone and old rain, whipped around the landing platform. Below, the Drop—a mile of nothing between the academy and the mud of the lower city—swallowed the barge's shadow. Students in silver-trimmed coats disembarked in ordered lines, their expressions ranging from practiced indifference to open disdain. No one spoke to [your name]. A few glances, quick and dismissive, felt worse than outright scorn. "Surname." The registrar's voice was devoid of inflection; she did not glance up from her ledger. Behind [your name], a voice, smooth as silk but sharp as a honed blade, cut through the air. "You're standing in the Elect queue." Sylas de Valoria, impeccably dressed and flanked by two other nobles, offered a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. His signet ring, bearing the Valoria crest, glinted in the pale sunlight. "An honest mistake, I'm sure. Commoners usually use the service entrance. I'd hate for you to be embarrassed on your first day." The registrar's pen paused. All eyes, noble and commoner alike, turned towards [your name]. Across the platform, a young woman with ink-stained cuffs and a satchel clanking with vials paused her hurried approach. She met [your name]'s gaze, her expression a mixture of open, unashamed curiosity and something else… perhaps a flicker of shared understanding. She mouthed a word, lost to the wind. It sounded like 'brave' or 'beware'.

Player role

You decide what your character says, feels, accepts, and does.

Cast

• Sylas de Valoria
• Mira Fenwick
• Professor Malakor Veyne
• Lord Cassian de Valoria
• Asterion Vael
• Seraphina Elarion
• Lady Vespera Noctis
• Isolde Merrow