It was the first day of another new term at Durmstrang yet Jannick Pritzlaff had none of the nerves of a new teacher. At nearly 100 years old, Jannick was the oldest professor at the institute by far. He had been teaching, albeit tutoring individual pupils rather than in a room full of them, for nearly half a century. He knew his subject as well or better than anyone alive. He had no reason to be nervous. On top of that, he was here as much for the school’s benefit as anything else. Necromancy was not something that could be taught by just anyone. For it to be done right, it needed to be someone who understood the delicate balance of art and science in necromantic magics. He was the most logical choice the institute could have made. They needed an expert, so they had come to him; enough said.

Gathering his instruments, Jannick made his way down the flight of stairs from his office to his classroom. Laying everything out meticulously, Jannick gave a lazy flick of his wand at the board and his welcome began inscribing itself. As it did so, Jannick took a polishing cloth from his bag and ensured that each instrument, his various knives, his scales, the vials and other containers each shone with a brilliance due to items of such quality and craftsmanship. He had worked with the finest metallurgists across the continent to assemble his collection and he wanted that to be evident from the very first moment the students saw each piece. They needed to understand how important it was to take care of one’s tools of the trade.

As he finished polishing the last crystalline vial, Jannick heard the students begin filling in. Gently replacing the vial in its place, Jannick strode round the table and took a seat looking out at the students as they found their seats. A quick survey of the group gave him little hope that any would truly embrace the subtly required to excel in his subject. There would be those who could passably do what was necessary for the course, sure, but he had little hope any of them would follow in his steps and dedicate their lives to the art.

As the last student filed in, Jannick rose and rapped the table with his knuckle loudly. “Quiet!” his voice cut through any remaining chatter like the knives he was so comfortable with. “When you pass through that door, each of you should consider that you are leaving behind the world of life and death. You are entering a space between, a space that has no time for your idle chatter. Necromancy is both art and science. A careful combination of technical skill, careful preparation, and meticulous attention to detail. Doubtless, few of you will have the patience or natural skill required to begin the path towards mastering this craft; but perhaps there is one or two who may. I am professor Pritzlaff. You may call me such. I have been a practitioner of the necromantic arts longer than many of your parents or even grandparents have been living. Should you chose to apply yourself, with a bit of luck you may learn a thing or two during our time together; but before we can get to that point, I first need to see what you know.”

With another lazy wave of his wand, Jannik’s prepared quiz materialized before each of the students. He was aware this was their first day; he didn’t care. The quiz would be simple enough for any with a brain, and for those without, it was better that he identify them on his first day rather than waste his time trying to squeeze water from a rock. Returning to his seat, Jannick turned over an hourglass. “When the last of the sand has dropped, your time will be over. Begin!”

OOC: Each quiz is made up of five questions from this list. Choose any five and answer them as best as your character would know. Some questions may not have “real” answers or answers given in canon so extra points for more creative answers. Post your answers as part of your reply. When sufficient time has been given for replies, we will continue with the lesson. Good luck 😊

1.   Name four of the primary arteries in the human body.
2.   Name four of the primary veins in the human body.
3.   What quantity of blood is sufficient for the animation of a human skeleton?
4.   Provide 7 of the 12 uses for dragon’s blood.
5.   What type of knife should be used in the harvesting of blood from magical creatures or individuals?
6.   List possible side effects of using non-magical blood as a part of a necromantic ritual.
7.   Order the following sigils appropriately for a standard summoning spell: “air” “breath” “ground” “blood” “bone”
8.   Under what lunar conditions should the creation of inferi be conducted?
9.   What are two natural conditions that can negatively impact the summoning of undead?
10.   How much time may pass before harvested blood is considered to have lost its freshness?