The Barony of Carpathia is a small landlocked country sandwiched between Ukraine, Moldova and Rumania that exemplifies the chaotic turmoil in Eastern Europe during much of its history. It has been a playground of various empires, but it has recently emerged from that history as a fully independent state. The first mentions of this territory … Continue reading Carpathia

It had been a very, very, long week, even though it was still only Wednesday. Gus and Chris were walking quietly back to their ‘cell block’ after school, both lost deep in their own thoughts. Chris was focusing on mentally trying to hack his new replacement commlink, though he also desperately wanted to try to … Continue reading Bluebook Session 7a – The Most Powerful Weapon…

“Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that there are three kinds of magic in this world; the first is real, consisting of mystical manipulation of reality, the second type is staged illusion, trickery and misdirection, the third is Arthur C. Clarke magic - technology so advanced it seems mystical. For the next few hours, I intend … Continue reading Claremont Academy Session 7 – Close Encounter of the Third Kind

The following Monday Afternoon (BDL) (Before the Death of his father’s Lawyer) A cloudy, somewhat misty day was the backdrop to Gustav's otherwise smooth and unremarkable school day. He enjoyed the pleasantries, the interesting and well-taught lessons, but he was also slightly irritated by the occasional friendly, yet somehow invasive "Are you OK?" question from … Continue reading Bluebook Session 6b – The Journey of a Thousand Steps

Claremont Academy, outside the Reception Block The driver was tall, easily seven feet, but extremely slim and gangly, his skin exceptionally pale against his grey chauffeurs’ uniform. He seemed more automaton that man, as he reached down to open the limousine door for him. “Salut,” he said, continuing in Carpathian, “I am instructed to transport … Continue reading Bluebook Session 6a – A Touch of Homecoming Sickness

Prequel It was Friday, immediately after school, and the last thing Gus’ needed was a call to Dave Dean’s office – again. Still, since all he had to look forward to that night, was a trip to Wessex and he knew  Chris would coerce him to spend at least part of the evening at that … Continue reading Claremont Academy Session 6 – Things that Go Bump in the Night.

What the hell had they done, or more precisely, what could they have been caught doing? Chris was busy trying to think through everything he or Gus’ had done recently that might warrant both of them being called to Dave Dean’s office immediately after school. Gus hung his head in shame as a sudden realisation rushed … Continue reading Bluebook Session 5b – In Opposition to Isolation

After what had happened in St. Mary Mede during their first weekend away from the school and then the incident with the aliens the following Monday, Gustav was relieved that things had taken a bit of a quiet turn in the weeks since. Well, ‘quiet’ if you believe that helping Bethany on multiple occasions to … Continue reading Bluebook Session 5a – Hey Presto

Down Below, earlier that morning It was the Monday after the Friday before; a Friday that had been packed with unexpected encounters with Tattered Men, time-crossed twins and apparently mystical pendants. Ashen was now sat in the changing room ‘down below’ attaching a special lined cowl to his training uniform. He needed to have the … Continue reading Claremont Academy Session 5 – “It’s Not the Stars that Hold Our Destiny”

Inspired by the Young Justice Episode “Misplaced” Friday Lunchtime Chris’ and Gustav immediately closed their copies of Lord of the Flies (their book reports were required for English class on Monday morning) when they learnt that two members of The Balance were finally visiting the school.  That meant a Special Assembly starting after lunch instead … Continue reading Claremont Academy Session 4 – Never the Twain Shall Meet