[The video opens up to the sound of the door opening and closing before the professor comes into view. The video itself is fixed on a desk with various pieces of items found about Discedo: small gears, screws and other small metalwork things like that. Layton waves to the communicator.]

Hello, everyone. I apologize for not being as sociable as a gentleman should be since my arrival. After all, I doubt there's something like the Discedo Times floating around, so keeping up on the communicator seems to be key to learning what's going on. [Layton walks off screen and comes back with some small boxes. They're quite unneatly wrapped. As good as he is with cube puzzles, the professor isn't the best wrapper.]

There's been quite the commotions lately, but it seems things have settled down for the holidays. At least, for a little while. ...Actually, that does remind me of a question I have for everyone. The world I came from celebrated many different holidays, as well as Christmas, during this time. I was just wondering what kind of celebrations you all may have celebrated around this time, if they are similar to ones like Christmas or completely different. That is, if you don't mind indulging my curiosity of course.

Well, that will be all for me from now. Now, just to see if I can get this contraption to work...

[And with a tip of the hat, Layton cuts the feed.]

[Video; Public]

Claire, wait! [The video feed opens to the view of green sneakers (Layton having accidentally kicked the device laying on the ground and causing it to start), and the sound of a clipped, British accent. However, to those that know Layton, those two words, breaking in tone, sound very unlike the composed professor. The shoes shuffle back, as Layton gets a view of his surroundings.]  What in the world--?

[A lengthy pause.] Another incomprehensible twist.

I must... [Layton takes a deep breath, to re-steady his voice.] I must maintain my composure. There is an answer to this mystery. ...Ah! If I am here, then did they-- [Layton steps forward and his foot bumps against the device. This time he notices it.] What is this? [A shadow passes over the feed as Layton bends over to pick it up. He holds it up and now the professor from the shoulder up is visible. He take off a note on the backside of the communicator. He eyes it critically.] Use this? Curious, very curious. A little more detail might be necessary.

Well, what use can this device have? [...] I presume it might be for communication, judging that it looks like some kind of recording device. [Layton clears his voice before speaking again.]

My name is Hershel Layton and I'm a Professor at Gressenheller University in London. I'm unsure as to why I was taken here or how, for that matter. I can get to the bottom of that later. My real concerns lies in those that might have been taken with me. If anyone knows of or seen a boy named Luke and--- [He almost says Claire's name but pushes down the urge with another deep breath. She's gone, Hershel, you need to focus on the present.]---anyone else from London, I would be deeply grateful if you told me. If it's possible, I'd like to get a message down to my office at Gressenheller as well.

It's for Flora Reinhold. If you could tell her I'm terribly sorry for being late [again], that would be helpful. I don't want to worry her too much, as I expect I'll be held up for a while. [With a small smile, Layton manages to find the button that cuts the feed.]

Filling it in when I get bored. :|a

( Everything you wanted to know and more~!Collapse )

magicdraft CR chart:

X [hate/extreme dislike]; when am I ever going to use this...
X [apprehensive of]
X [dislike]
X [neutral]
X [like]
X [friendship]
X [love] pretty much for only one person Claire

[ Good morning, class. I will present to you various mysteries: a civilization vanished under the sea, ruins plagued by specters, a ruler vamprized, time wound into dangerous knots. Together, we will work through the riddles these lost societies present. Just because they are behind us does not mean they don't concern us.

So, my students, I ask of you this! Unravel these mysteries and discover the prizes the past hold for us.

And remember: every mystery, every puzzle, every riddle has a solution. ]

An alternate/elective class to A History of Magic, MMCaLR is a class hosted by Professor Layton with a focus on ancient civilizations and, you guessed it, their various enigmatic claims to fame. The class ranges from Intermediate to Advanced levels, with Advanced coursework usually reserved to Sixth and Seventh years. Younger students can ask for the Advanced class once approved personally by the professor. All years are invited to the Intermediate classes.

Intermediate students can expect weekly homework, focusing on analysis of a civilization from societal to individual and the magical enigma it presents.

Advanced students must pick a civilization, and under Layton's teaching of theory and archeological lectures, uncover, present and resolve a mystery. Some knowledge on Ancient Runes will be required since Lost Ruins will be taking more focus here than in Intermediate levels. Homework is also weekly.

An in-depth essay on the topic covered in class will be required at the end of each term for both levels.

- Layton will be available after class hours for all students who need help.

- Books required for Intermediate: A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot, Ancient Runes Made Easy

- Books require for Advanced: Advanced Rune Translation. Magical Hieroglyphs and Logograms

Recommended Reading (For both Intermediate and Advanced students):

Dreadful Denizens of the Deep
Fifteenth Century Fiends
Rune Dictionary

( Please feel free to comment here, so I don't lose track of who's in his class the professor knows what students he has. Characters younger than their Sixth or Seventh year and are applicable for the Advanced classes can just handwave meeting with the Professor. )
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Students:

Intermediate:

- Alayne Stone | Ravenclaw | 2nd Year
- Elizaveta Hedervary (Hungary) | Gryffindor
- Elise Vogel (Liechtenstein) | Hufflepuff
- Rose Lalonde | Slytherin
- Terezi Pyrope | Slytherin

Advanced:

- Clovis la Britannia | Hufflepuff
- The Doctor | Ravenclaw