Valkyrie Corps.

* Atsuko Kagari/Kara the Blazing Flame Valkyrie (In Training)
* Diana Cavendish/Eir the Ice Sword Valkyrie (In Training)
* Ursula Callistis/Geirdriful the Sky Valkyrie

**Valkyrie Corps.** is a legendary coven of witch-warriors themed after the host of female figures of the same name from Norse mythology and major protagonist faction in *Little Witch Academia: Witches of Midgard*.

## Overview

Founded by the ancient Scandinavian kingdom of Thapoli sometime after Ragnarök, the great war between Gods of Asgard and Jötnar, Valkyrie Corps. is a coven whose members dedicated to fight to protect their fellow witches as well as innocent people throughout Midgard. Since immemorial, witches are taught to use their powers for the benefit of all mankind, including combating magical threats. Despite their expertise in magic however, there existed adversaries that are smarter and/or stronger than what they can handle, necessitating the creation of an elite group to face such threats. Valkyrie Corps. was created for that purpose, and its development was made possible by the discovery of Solais Metal that became core material for the coven's weaponry.

Valkyrie Corps. had an intriguing legend behind its motif. Ingrid, the Thapolian witch-blacksmith and the coven's founder, began to lose hope in finding the perfect way to improve her fellow witches' combat abilities until she met a Valkyrie Spirit whom she befriends with. Moved and inspired by both the spirit's encouragement and past as the Allfather's former chooser of the slain, she came up with a solution in form of special suits of armors forged from the newly discovered Solais Metal that can bolster the wearer's strength, speed, and magic to superhuman level. Ingrid's success saw her founded a coven of witches clad in magical armor she developed and themed the group after Valkyrie Spirits themselves. The sole proof of such encounter was a large magical round shield of unknown origin the coven kept in the coven's sanctuary Skjaldarhall, a mead hall built at the center of Mimirsbrunn Camp.

Sometime after the coven's foundation, Ingrid feared that political conflict and corruption in magic government, even in Thapoli, would destroy the coven and decreed that Valkyrie Corps. would not be party to political conflicts of any kind and work independently so it can more actively protect innocent lives throughout Midgard regardless of who they are. Such decision was approved by House of Cavendish who too, abstaining from taking sides in conflicts and even allowed one of its own to join the coven. Despite this, Valkyrie Corps. still maintain its ties with Thapoli and even fight alongside the kingdom against common threats such as during Thapoli-Naglfar War. Since then, Valkyrie Corps. became known as impartial arbiters of honors in addition of being defenders of its people.

Not every Valkyries is created equal. The coven's members are divided into two classes; titled and titleless. **Titleless Valkyries** make up the bulk of the coven and wear mass-produced Valkyrie Armors called Steel Maiden. Although these Valkyries are inferior to their titled sisters in terms of both combat strength and equipment and therefore held in lesser esteem, both groups considered each other equal, not wanting their differences get in the way of their mission as protectors. Veteran titleless Valkyries even gain the privilege to train their titled juniors to further maintain the harmony between both groups in their coven. Since they lacked titles of their own, titleless Valkyries typically identify themselves with a code name of their liking.

### Development and Training

Valkyrie Corps. was founded to create self-sufficient witch-warriors that are highly adept in martial arts (stronger than ordinary spellcasters and greater combat strength against most formidable of enemies) as well as possess strong mental and emotional discipline (to handle their emotions, manage against tainted magic, and see through illusions); a full-fledged Valkyrie is created through a tough and rigorous training in both body and mind. To stay true with their motif, males are excluded from ever becoming a Valkyrie. The only exception of this rule is genderfluid witches since they can change back and forth between their female and male forms.

The first considered candidates are young girls born with magical inheritance since they are more accustomed with magic than first generation ones, but the selection process isn't exclusive to those from magical family; those from mundane families who possess natural magical talents (ex. Akko) are allowed to be trained as well. However, those who have established themselves within the coven are documented and archived with their information as well as their lineage to keep track of their activities. The candidate must undergo initiation ceremony which consists of her reaching for a Valkyrie Bracelet presented on its altar before her. If the Bracelet's worthiness enchantment accepts her, she is considered a member of the coven and thus can start her training. Depending on the situation however, the candidate can bypass this should she managed to prove her worth through genuine courageous deeds (ex. Akko, Lotte, and Sucy are considered worthy through their courage in both saving the world from out-of-control Noir Rod and restoring magic back to Midgard, with cemented by them being accepted by their respective Valkyrie Armors Kara, Geirskogul, Skogul), overcoming a challenge issued by a Master Valkyrie which puts her resolve into a test, or both.

Because of Valkyries' hazardous career, only witches around the age of 16-17 at minimum may allowed to become one. But even the coven only accepts those who truly courageous at heart and importantly, possess strong desire to protect others, two traits they greatly valued over one's appearance and abilities. While a candidate usually begins her training at that age, there are exceptions depending on the circumstances; Diana began her training when she was 14 under tutelage of her family's Pomokai Holoholona guardian Ulf the Fierce due to the promise he made to Bernadette before the latter's passing.

The training to become a full-fledged Valkyrie follows the path of apprenticeship. Up to three trainees are assigned to be trained under the tutelage of a Master Valkyrie, who then teaches them basics that are required for a Valkyrie. These trainees will undergo a rigorous training regiments to strengthen their bodies and minds along with mental/spiritual training to improve their focus and willpower, enabling them to overcome illusions, mental/emotional distractions, and temptations. Along with mastery over Solais Metal-forged equipment, the trainees must master Thapolian Martial Arts, a universal form of fighting techniques Thapoli developed specifically to give magic practitioners an edge in physical combat.

Once their training has matured to a certain level, the trainees will join their mentor and/or senior in their first live mission. This is where the result of their training being put into a test, as they are forced to figure out a means to survive on their own while their mentor and/or senior is fighting; even if they are fully prepared and allowed to bring their Armors, mission fatalities are possible. After completing their first mission, the trainees will be formally inducted into Valkyrie Corps. and may fight alongside their fellow Valkyries in future battles.

### Ranks

* **Trainee**: Newly recruited members who managed to pass initiation ceremony. They are to be taught basics of Valkyrie Corps.' ways and must prove themselves by completing their first mission in order to become full-fledged members of the coven.
* **Sword-maiden of 1st Circle**: Trainees who have overcome their first mission and thus have earned their place among her fellow Valkyries. The 1st Circle members may advance to the next rank once they completed at least seven missions and a trial for promotion.
* **Sword-maiden of 2nd Circle**: A rank above 1st Circle members. Having reached a level of maturity that primarily consists of leadership skills and tactical prowess, 2nd Circle members are qualified to watch over and guide her juniors. They also act as assistants to more experienced Master Valkyries.
* **Master Valkyrie**: Highly experienced Valkyries who are assigned to supervise and train up to three trainees to become competent protectors. They also bring the trainees to live missions to further hone their skills on the field as well as decide when a 1st Circle Sword-maiden may ready to undergo the trial to be promoted to the next rank.
	+ **Council of Five**: A group of five highest ranking (second only to High Valkyrie) and most respected Master Valkyries who gained the privilege to be High Valkyrie's trusted advisors. In addition of assisting her in managing the coven, they also responsible in ensuring the current High Valkyrie remains true to the coven's cause.
* **High Valkyrie**: The highly regarded member of Valkyrie Corps. as well as the coven's leader, able to dispense advice and resolve internal disputes as a mediator. She is also to whom her fellow Valkyries must answer to.

### Oath

*"I shall take upon myself the duty of Valkyries, defenders of our people. I take arms only to protect and bring honor to my sisters in arms instead of for personal gain. My heart beats with the same fury and courage of the one who became our symbol. We are strong alone, but we are stronger together!"*
― Valkyrie Corps.' oath
After proving herself by completing her first mission, a Valkyrie trainee must recite the oath before being promoted to the rank of Sword-maiden of 1st Circle. Once the High Valkyrie agrees to that oath, it is binding and the Valkyrie must live by it for the rest of her days, even after she relinquished her title to a successor. Breaking such oath is considered a worst possible offense since it brings great dishonor to her coven and thus potentially resulted her excommunication. Only the most devoted members are permitted any leeway as far as her oath is concerned.

The oath highlights Valkyrie Corps.' code as protectors. Although the coven is not shy away from using aggressive force and even taking lives if it deemed necessary, it only does so if there's no other way around and for the sake of protecting innocent people. A Valkyrie is also discouraged from using her powers, particularly the magic of her Valkyrie Armor, for selfish purposes as her Armor is the symbol of both her pride and honor as a protector. As much as she is encouraged to work alongside her sisters-in-arms as a team, it doesn't mean that she can overly reliant to them to solve her problems – if she can do that on her own, she will makes do without their help.

### Secret Keepers

**Secret Keepers** refer to selected individuals outside Valkyrie Corps. who are entrusted with the knowledge of a Valkyrie's civilian identity. While a Valkyries is discouraged from revealing her identity for the sake of the safety of both her own and anyone else around her, it doesn't mean she cannot make any exceptions. To maintain her secrecy however, only her most trustworthy friends/allies/family who may become one under her discretion and that the coven will keep an eye on them to make sure they won't make any mistake that potentially cost them her secrecy. Because of this, it's a common occurrence for a Valkyrie to marry her own Secret Keeper. In some cases, if the Secret Keeper in question happened to be a witch, she may become the Valkyrie's immediate successor should anything happened to her or even join her as her sister-in-arms depending on her decision.

### Suspension and expulsion from the coven

If a member breaks any of the coven's code as highlighted by its oath, the violator is temporarily suspended from the coven until the actions are amended. A single offense involves repairing at least 10 damaged Valkyrie Armors. Two offenses require helping a witch/wizard-blacksmith smelting 25 Solais Metal in minimum in addition of the former. Had she committed three or more offenses, she will be expelled.

## Tools & Equipment

### Valkyrie Armor

Special suit of armor forged for Valkyries to better combat dangerous enemies, particularly ones that too much for normal witches to handle.

### Valkyrie Blade

Wand attachment in form of an extendable blade with seven rings on the sides arranged in Big Dipper-like formation similar to Shiny Rod's orbs and even shares the latter's abilities in addition of transforming into different weapons that compliments the user's fighting style.

### Eye of Odin Earring

Eye-themed techno-magic earring with a variety of functions and one of standard equipment for members of Valkyrie Corps. It has several functions such as communication over long distances, capturing and projecting holographic images and recordings, tracking device, and monitoring the wearer's physical condition.

### Skirmisher Robe

Standard issue Solais Metal-woven witch robes for members of Valkyrie Corps. designed after robes utilized by Luna Nova witches. The robe provides enhanced speed and moderate defense along with camouflage ability which useful for reconnaissance missions.

### Magic Wand

As with other witches, Valkyries utilize wands to cast magic and combat their enemies.

### Magic Broom

As with other witches, Valkyrie utilizes magic broom as means of transportation.

### Potions

Valkyries can also use potions for combat or healing purposes.

## Known Valkyries

* Atsuko Kagari/Kara the Blazing Flame Valkyrie (In Training)
* Lotte Yanson/Geirskogul the Courageous Gale Valkyrie (In Training)
* Sucy Manbavaran/Skogul the Scythe Quake Valkyrie(In Training)
* Clarisse/Róta the Blade Storm Valkyrie (Deceased)
* Amanda O'Neill/Róta the Blade Storm Valkyrie (In Training)
* Constanze Amalie von Braunschbank-Albrechtsberger/"The Artillery" (In Training)
* Jasminka Antonenko/"The Nape-Cutter" (In Training)
* Bernadette Cavendish/Eir the Ice Sword Valkyrie (Deceased)
* Diane Cavendish/Eir the Ice Sword Valkyrie (Deceased)
* Diana Cavendish/Eir the Ice Sword Valkyrie (In Training)
* Miranda Holbrooke/Geirdriful the Sky Valkyrie
* Ursula Callistis/Geirdriful the Sky Valkyrie
* Ragnhild McIntyre/Hjorthrimul the Elemental Fury Valkyrie (Deceased)
* Molly McIntyre/Hjorthrimul the Elemental Fury Valkyrie (In Training)
* Newt Ulgrimsdottir/Sigrun the Shadow Cutter Valkyrie
* Eitria Ulgrimsdottir/Skuld-Gunnr the Interceptor Valkyrie
* Alvilda Leafmane/Herfjötur the Valkyrie of Dawn
* Keiko Shōri/Göll the Moonbow Valkyrie
* Helviti/Nevar the Dark Valkyrie (In Training, Fallen)
* Lara (In Training, Fallen)

## Notes and Trivia

* Valkyrie Corps. and Obsidian Dragons shared a mild rivalry since their foundation. According to Havi, the latter was partly founded in response of the former's policy in excluding men from ever becoming Valkyries and both factions weren't on the best of terms up until Thapoli-Naglfar War. It took them facing Naglfar threat in said conflict that they eventually put aside their differences and become true allies.
	+ For the same reason, the romantic relationships between a Valkyrie and a Obsidian Dragons member is rather uncommon, but not unheard of, as Havi remarked that her relationships with Molly being the most recent instance.
* As an independent faction, Valkyrie Corps. is funded by Sindri's Forge, a coven dedicated to train young magic users the way to craft enchanted items which doubles as a company that provides metallic accessories for wands and brooms as well as other equipment. Sindri's Forge even said to be founded by husbands of earliest members of the coven.
* Up to four titleless Valkyries are assigned as the crew of a Council of Five's Karve-class Flying Longship.

## Navigation

Council of Five: Newt Ulgrimsdottir
 **Luna Nova Magical Academy**
Headmistress: Miranda Holbrooke
 **Obsidian Dragons**
 **Sword of Laeradr**
 **Naglfar**
Tower of Frost Serpent: Hrimgandr
 **Thapoli**
Warband of Thapoli: Scudder Holbrooke | Viveka
 **People**
 **Magical Beings and Other Entities**
Ancient Beings: Great Lindworm
Storm Weasels: Nova Clan (Hendrik)
Faeries: Annabel Pen's Faery | Hunger Faery (Mo) | Wispy
Undead: Draugr | Devilclaw | Spirit Minions | Valkyrie Spirits