recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Behds

behds is a video made by treatsforbeasts. It was uploaded in August 29, 2011.

## Plot

The videos is about a man talking about how he hate birds. He said "Everyday there's these berds in my basement, they bring werms, they bring germs, they make advertisements fer law ferms, they have weird perms, they have meetings and when it's my tern the meeting's adjerned, they have sediments, they throw holy water on me and it berns, it berns, i catch them making berd pern and I'm the one that cleans up the sperm, it's abserd, I just yern fer a time when there were no berds, I wish they'd go and never retern, oh wait, I'll just close the window." There's pictures of these behds while the man is talking.
Men with small hands carry very little treats to give to little girls with the sharpest little teeth

**men with small hands carry very little treats to give to little girls with the sharpest little teeth** is a video by treatsforbeasts. It was uploaded to YouTube on 3rd June 2010.

## Plot

The video shows a man climbing up a hill at night. He enters a shed, where there is a small girl sitting on a stool. Suddenly, the girl turns round and smiles, revealing her sharp teeth. When the girl turns, she is first in color, before looping the video, with her turning in white and black coloring, before the third loop ends with her in flashing colors, where the video proceeds forwards with her in flashing colors that continues and concludes the entire video, zooming into her face as the video concludes.

## Trivia

* It is theorized to be an allegory for child exploitation and child predators. The theory states that the location is a shed on a hill, deemed as a secluded area. The man with small hands carrying the very little treats, is said to be a metaphor for things via grooming the girl, and when he reaches up the hill and the girl reveals her sharpest little teeth, it can be speculated that this represents the destruction of innocence within a young child, let alone one groomed by an adult in a sexually explicit manner.
	+ Other theories include that the sharp teeth represent the self conscious appearance of the girl as a monster, and that the dot on her hand is an S.O.S. sign, and that the teddy bear she holds is a representation of protection.
Booth

**Booth** is a resident of Grey London.

## Personality

He is a simple-minded man who likes to drink.

## Biography

### The black sword

One night in October 1819, Booth stumbles out of the Stone's Throw drunk. He pisses against the tavern's wall, and when he is about to leave the alley, he finds a black sword on the ground; Lila Bard created it with the black stone and threw it out of her room's window earlier. Booth picks up the sword and makes plans to sell it. However, when he tries to let go of it, his hands will not obey him. The sword's magic takes hold of his body and makes him stab himself with the blade.

As Booth dies, the sword dissolves and seeps into his body, taking over it. A possessed Booth then kills several people in Southwark in a futile search for a better host before heading back to the Stone's Throw. Right before the tavern, a carriage drives into Booth, and he turns into ashes.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, VI: Thieves Meet, IV
2. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, X: One White Rook, I
Walk a mile in his shoes

**walk a mile in his shoes** is a song by Hymns for Him, from their album Hymns for Him.

## Lyrics

Saviour of mine

He's a saviour of mine

I will pray to him daily

Offer him money

I will do a list of things he requires me to do

I will paint a man a colour he deserves

I will paint a fan the colour of the world

I will tell a seamstress to make me a dress

Then I'll throw it away immediately

I just walked to church

I just walked to church in sandals

I just walked to church in sandals

I just walked to church in sandals

So I could walk a mile in his shoes

He's the sandaled man

The bearded man

He is Jesus Christ

He's the sandaled man

The bearded man

He is Jesus Christ

Walk a mile in his shoes

Be certain to fall three times with a cross on your shoulder

To walk in his shoes

Be certain to be crucified then put under a boulder

To walk in his shoes

Make certain to resurrect yourself after three days

You'll find that to be the most difficult of all

Because only one man can achieve the unachievable, and he is Jesus the Lord
Parlo

**Parlo** is an *ostra*.

## Biography

### Preparations

Parlo, along with Lisane, was chosen to help organizing the upcoming *Essen Tasch*. In February 1820, they and the royal family go over the room arrangements for their foreign guests: Prince Col and Princess Cora Taskon of Vesk and the Faroan regent Lord Sol-in-Ar.

Later that day, Parlo brings Rhy Maresh the arrangements for the opening ceremonies.

## Trivia

* He speaks High Royal with an Arnesian accent.

## References

1. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, I
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, IV: Londons Calling, I
A technical malfunction

**a technical malfunction** is a song by Hymns for Him, from their album Hymns for Him.

## Lyrics

I think we're back in business

We had a technical malfunction

The microphone stopped sound like I was in a tin box

We touched amps and jiggled cables

To no avail

And then I got down on one knee

Put my hands together as if there was a million \*indecipherable\*

I looked up to my fluorescent mics

Then heaven would be with my \*indecipherable\*

And I said

Buddy, Jesus Christ, my friend

It's just me

And I'm in a bit of a pickle

It seems my microphone makes me sound stupid

And I would certainly hate to sound stupid

Please, take your Jesus hands and brain, and fix my problem, for more songs in your name

And then he told me through my brain

That all I have to do is switch out the microphone cables

And all of a sudden my problems were solved

And now I can sing the most holy songs in his name and he will be so happy

* indecipherable\*
Look at the lovely fjords timothy. i love them rachel, i really love them.

**look at the lovely fjords timothy. i love them rachel, i really love them.** is a video by treatsforbeasts. It was uploaded to YouTube on 27th January 2012.

## Plot

A woman called Rachel tells Timothy to look at the lovely fjords. Timothy says "I love them, Rachel. I really love them". A man with black hair and a grey shirt, transfixed by the fjords, says "Ooh! Ahh! Fjords...".
Black Market of Sasenroche

The **Black Market of Sasenroche** is an infamous secret and illegal marketplace. According to Alucard Emery, it is the blackest black market on land.

## Overview

The massive black market is located in the heart of Sasenroche, in the part of the town that is set within the cliffs. Because Sasenroche is the only place where the three kingdoms touch, the town and its black market are well-known among and frequented by seafarers from Arnes, Faro, and Vesk. This makes the Black Market of Sasenroche the ideal place to get rid of unwanted items and find foreign objects, i.a. weapons and magical mirrors.

The numerous stalls and tents are all warded against theft, and their owners, thus, do not care to guard their wares. Some vendors wear illegal translation amulets to be able to communicate with their customers which hail from all parts of the world.

According to Lila Bard, the black market smells strongly of magic; the magic also feels "erratic" there.

## History

In February 1820, the *Night Spire* docks at Sasenroche because Alucard wants to sell a few objects before returning to Red London. Lila follows him to the black market. There, she finds a stall that sells mirrors. One of them is enchanted: If the mirror is touched, one side shows what one desires and the other part how to acquire this wish. When Lila looks into the mirror, she sees herself older and powerful, wielding water, air, earth, and fire. She wears a monster mask on her head and Kell Maresh's coat, and both her eyes are fully black.

Lila is disturbed by her reflection and her fingers bleed when she takes them away from the mirror. She then leaves the stall and finds Alucard. Together, they head to the Inroads.

## References

1. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, III
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, III-IV
Tarkin

**Tarkin** is an inhabitant of Verose and a participant in Arisa Rasora's tournament.

## Physical description

Tarkin is a dark-skinned man who wears a neck ring and arm protection sleeves which resemble his neck ring. He also has a bald head and pierced ears.

## Biography

### *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*

Around 1790, the Pirate Queen Arisa Rasora returns to Verose after a lengthy absence and holds a tournament to find a new member for her crew. Tarkin enters it alongside eight others and has to watch how Arisa forces one of them to remove himself with her bone magic to make the number of participants even. Afterward, the tournament begins. Tarkin is one of the first to fight—and the first to lose as his opponent Oto can overwhelm him with his fire magic, and Tarkin crashes to the ground.

## References

1. ↑ *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*, Issue 1
2. ↑ *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*, Issue 2
3. ↑ *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*, Issue 3
Five Points

The **Five Points**, formerly known as the **Stone's Throw**, is Grey London's version of the fixed tavern. It is currently owned by Ned Tuttle.

## Overview

As a fixed point, albeit not a source of magic, believers in magic—i.a., Collectors and Enthusiasts—are drawn to the Five Points. For that reason, Kell Maresh used to conduct his smuggling business there.

## Structure

The Five Points is a small, three-storied tavern. When the tavern was still known as the Stone's Throw, it had dingy walls and stained floors. After Ned Tuttle purchases the tavern, the establishment becomes polished: Black patterns, possibly symbols of power, were burned into the tabletops, and the tables arranged throughout the room like wheel spokes. A framed drawing of an element set schematic hangs on a wall; Ned commissioned the artpiece. Curtains flow from the ceiling. The tavern is illuminated by lanterns placed on the tables and hanged from the ceiling beams, and heated with a hearth. According to Kell, the tavern now looks like a "child's idea" of a "place of magic."

On the highest floor, a green door leads to a bedroom which was often used by Lila Bard in the past. Part of the wooden wall is damaged because Kell once bound Lila to it and she had to cut herself free. On the floor below is a hall with multiple rooms. One of them used to be Barron's bedroom. The pub-part of the Five Points is on the first floor.

## History

In October 1819, Lila Bard temporarily moves back into the tavern after leaving it the year before, following an argument with Barron. She then runs into Kell Maresh who tells her about the different Londons and magic. Determined to have an adventure, she follows him to his world.

Not long afterward, Holland Vosijk arrives at the Stone's Throw because he traced Kell's magic to the tavern. He then kills Barron when he attacks him, and leaves. Following Barron's death, the tavern goes up for sale and Ned Tuttle purchases it to prevent it from being destroyed. He renames the tavern to "The Five Points" and redecorates it.

## Known inhabitants

**Current:**

* Ned Tuttle (owner)

**Former:**

* Barron (owner)
* Lila Bard

## Trivia

* During Barron's ownership, the drinks were diluted because he watered them down.
* The tavern opens sometime before noon. Ned later changes the opening hours.
* "Five Points" refers to the schematic of an element set and the five elements: air, fire, water, earth, and bone.

## References

1. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, VII: The Follower, III
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, I: The Traveler, III
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, VIII: An Arrangement, I
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, V
5. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, VI: Thieves Meet, II-IV
6. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, III: Grey Thief, III
7. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, V: Black Stone, V
8. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, VIII: An Arrangement, III
9. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, X: One White Rook, I
A Darker Shade of Magic (Collector's Edition)

***A Darker Shade of Magic: Exclusive Collector's Edition*** is a special edition of *A Darker Shade of Magic*.

## Bonus Content

* **Regular edition:** This edition includes fanart on the end pages, a glossary of Arnesian and *Antari* terms, an interview between V. E. Schwab and her editor, and new stories from the *Shades of Magic* world. The edition also includes a reading ribbon and metallic ink on the cover. Additionally, it is signed.
* **Barnes & Noble edition:** This edition features the extras of the regular edition as well as *Rhy's Guide to Red London*. The B&N website mistakingly states that the exclusive extra is a look at Lila Bard's London. This edition is signed as well.
* **Titan Books (UK):** This edition features the extras of the regular edition. Unlike the other editions, this one is only signed when ordered from Forbidden Planet.

## Bonus stories

* *A Treatise on the Erasure of English Magic*
* *Brothers*
* *Winner Takes All*
* *The Gift of Magic*
* *Rhy's Guide to Red London*

## Gallery

### Covers

Regular edition.B&N Exclusive silver edition.UK edition.
### Featured fanart

Kell Maresh by Lesya.*Brothers* by Malesha Essner.Astrid Dane by Mona May.Athos Dane by Mona May.Lila Bard by Mona May.Holland Vosijk by Lokoba.*Vitari* by Kayla Edgar.
## Trivia

* The lettering underneath the dust jacket that reads "*As Travas*" was done by Crini.

## References

1. ↑ "V.E. Schwab Expanding A Darker Shade of Magic With New Stories, Fan Art" — Tor
2. ↑ "The black US edition and silver US edition are both signed. The UK edition is only signed if you order it specially from Forbidden Planet."
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)
3. ↑ "The silver BN edition has one extra piece (Rhy's Guide to Red London)."
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)
4. ↑ Barnes & Noble (site gone)
5. ↑ "Announcing: A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC: COLLECTOR'S EDITION by V.E. SCHWAB" — Titan Books
6. ↑ "The UK edition is only signed if you order it specially from Forbidden Planet."
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)
7. ↑ "Exclusive Art from the new *A Darker Shade of Magic Collector's Edition*" — Tor/Forge Blog
8. ↑ "Exclusive Fan Art from the New Collector’s Edition of V. E. Schwab's *A Darker Shade of Magic*" — Tor
9. ↑ "my hand lettering was part of a collector's edition of a bestselling series :)"
(Crini on Twitter)
Cora Taskon

**Princess Cora Taskon** is a princess of Vesk and one of Queen Lastra's seven children.

## Physical description

Cora is a tall girl with long, honey-blonde hair and pale blue eyes. Unlike most Veskans, she is not burly; instead, she has a narrow physique that makes her look fragile and petite. She also has a "cherubic smile."

## Biography

### History

Cora and her family visited Red London and the Maresh family twelve years ago. Three years ago, when the *Essen Tasch* was held in Vesk, Cora terrorized Rhy Maresh who came to spectate the tournament with his mother, Queen Emira.

### *Essen Tasch*

In February 1820, Cora and her brother Col Taskon travel to Red London for the *Essen Tasch*. They greet the Arnesian royal family in the Rose Hall, and when it is time to mingle with the gathered guests, Cora immediately approaches Kell Maresh. She tells him that they will dance at the tournament balls, and he accepts. Satisfied, Cora then goes to one of her attendants.

## Appearances

* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *A Conjuring of Light*

## Titles and styles

* **1803/04 — March 1820:** *Her Royal Highness* Princess Cora of Vesk

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *A Gathering of Shadows*, V: Royal Welcome, IV
Grey London

**Grey London** is the capital of the United Kingdom. It is one of the four Londons along with White, Red, and Black London; specifically Grey London sits next to Red London and the farthest away from the source of magic.

Grey London has long forgotten magic; and although there are no magicians anymore, the city—and the world around it—is not fully void of magic.

## Overview

### Geography

Grey London is a city oriented around the River Thames which is still a source of magic despite the world's predominant lack of magic.

## History

Grey London never had much magic. When Black London fell almost three hundred years ago, Red London closed its doors, and the other Londons followed suit, Grey London's magic dwindled even further, whereas its humanity grew stronger. Magic was forgotten in the Grey world. Nowadays, mostly members of the British royal family are privy to the existence of other Londons and magic. They also entrusted this knowledge to a select few in their service. Some outsiders—i.a., Collectors and Enthusiasts—are aware of magic as well.

When Maxim Maresh ascended the throne in Red London, he installed his adoptive son Kell, an *Antari*, as ambassador between the worlds. Since then, the three remaining Londons write to one another regularly, though the correspondence between Grey and Red London is only a formality due to their significant differences and Grey London's magic-less state.

## Known locations

* **Buckingham House:** A royal residence in the City of Westminster.
* **The Five Points:** Grey London's version of the fixed tavern. It used to be known as the Stone's Throw.
* **St. James's Palace:** The main residence of the British royal family since 1698. It is located in the City of Westminster.
* **Westminster Abbey:** An Anglican church in the City of Westminster that has been used for formal occasions for the royal family, specifically coronations and weddings, since 1066.

## Trivia

* Grey London is said to smell of smoke.
* The city is based on the real-world London in 1819, as of *A Darker Shade of Magic*.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, VIII: An Arrangement, I
2. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XII: Sanctuary & Sacrifice, II
3. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, I: The Traveler, III
4. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, I: The Traveler, I-III
5. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IV: White Throne, I
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, I: The Traveler, III
7. ↑ Wikipedia:Buckingham Palace
8. ↑ Wikipedia:St James's Palace
9. ↑ Wikipedia:Westminster Abbey
10. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, I: The Traveler, I
11. ↑ Wikipedia:London
12. ↑ "What's the date in Grey London as of aDSoM?" — "1819."
(V. E. Schwab on Tumblr)
13. ↑ "approximately which time period was ADSOM inspired by or set in?" — "1819."
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)
Grey Barron

The ***Grey Barron***, formerly known as the ***Night Spire*** (*Is Saren Noche*), is Lila Bard's ship. Originally a privateer ship in the service of the Arnesian royal family, the House of Maresh, it is now used for espionage, sabotage, and other purposes no royal vessel can conduct.

## Description

The *Grey Barron* has white sails and a grey, nondescript hull. As the *Night Spire*, the ships sails were either dark blue or black, depending on the light, and its hull and masts were made of dark wood and trimmed in silver. "*Saren Noche*" used to be painted along its hull. If it needs to blend into the dark, the *Barron* dons the *Spire'*s black sails again.

## History

### As the *Night Spire*

In 1817, Alucard Emery became a privateer and captain of the *Night Spire*.

In October 1819, Lila Bard kills Bels and declares herself the *Night Spire'*s new best thief. Amused by her, Alucard allows her to join his crew. Three months later, they capture the *Serpent*, a Faroan ship, off the coast of Korma. The following month, Lila seizes the *Copper Thief* because of a bet, and the *Night Spire* takes the pirate ship's valuables.

After Alucard announces his participation in the upcoming *Essen Tasch*, the *Night Spire* sails to Red London for the first time in four months. In Red London, they stay at the Wandering Road.

### As the *Grey Barron*

After its rechristening, the ship spends a few years sailing as an independent vessel, i.a. the *Grey Barron* sails to Fresa where Vasry falls for Raya. She becomes part of the crew, and they eventually get married.

When frictions among the three empires arise, Alucard asks Lila to use the *Barron* for tasks no royal vessel could do, e.g. espionage or sabotage.

## Crew

* Kell Maresh
* Lila Bard (captain, thief)
* Raya (cook)
* Stross (first mate)
* Tav
* Vasry
* Alucard Emery (captain)
* Bels (thief)
* Kobis
* Lenos (second mate)
* Olo (cook)

## Trivia

* After Lila Bard became its captain, she renamed the ship the *Grey Barron* to honor Barron and her Grey London heritage.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 *The Fragile Threads of Power*, II: The Captain and the Ghost, I
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, III
3. ↑ *A Universe of Wishes*: "A Royal Affair", VI
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, V
5. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, I: Thief at Sea, I-II
6. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, VI
7. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, V: Royal Welcome, VI
8. ↑ *The Fragile Threads of Power*, II: The Captain and the Ghost, III-IV
Powell

**Powell** is the owner of the *Sea King*, a rotting ship in Grey London.

## Personality

Powell is a drunkard and prone to lying and rambling to himself. He gets easily irritated and quickly resorts to violence when drunk.

## Biography

### History

At some point, Powell allowed Lila Bard to stay in a spare room on his ship in exchange for part of the money she steals every day.

### Collection and Death

In October 1819, a drunk Powell enters Lila's cabin to collect today's rent. As payment, Lila gives him a handful of coins but, dissatisfied by the amount, Powell attempts to violate her to make up for the sum. Before he can do anything, Lila attacks and kills him by driving a dagger into his stomach. Lila then pours the whiskey he brought to her room over his corpse and sets him and the *Sea King* on fire before she leaves.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, III: Grey Thief, II
Element set

An **element set** is a wooden box that serves as a testing and training tool for young magicians. It is a very common household item in Red London.

## Overview

An element set is a palm-sized wooden box with metal clasps. It is compartmentalized into five grooves; each holds a bit of a different element: earth, water, sand for air, oil for fire, and a piece of bone. The items do not fall out when the box is tipped or turned over.

Element sets are given to children to find out their magical affinity. Children use it as their first training tool before moving on to more complex versions. One such advanced version consists of five glass balls; again, each of it contains another element.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, I: The Traveler, III
2. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IV: White Throne, I
Berras Emery

**Lord Berras Emery** is the head of the House of Emery. He is the eldest son of Reson Emery and his wife, and the older brother of Alucard and Anisa.

## Physical description

Berras is a burly man with dark brown hair and storm-blue eyes. Like his brother, he has a square jaw. Apart from his coloring which he inherited from his mother, Berras greatly resembles his father, both in appearance and manner.

## Personality

Berras is a brute; he often uses his strength to intimidate and control others, particularly his younger siblings. He is also very hateful and bigoted, e.g. he despises Alucard for being homosexual, as well as calculating.

## Biography

### History

After Berras found out about Alucard's relationship with Rhy Maresh, he intimidated him into ending the affair. When they attended the Summer Feast party at Soner Rast not long afterward, Alucard did as Berras told him; they then left the palace and returned home. However, Alucard sneaked out of the estate that night and went back to the palace. Berras and their father waited for him in his room and beat him up upon his return. Then, they paid the captain of a ship to take Alucard away and "break" him.

After Alucard was caught and imprisoned for piracy, he was brought back to Red London where Berras awaited him. He escorted his brother to see the king and queen who pardoned Alucard; and because Berras told them that Alucard wanted to sail, they appointed Alucard as privateer. Berras then led his brother to his ship, the *Night Spire*.

### The *Essen Tasch*

One night, Alucard—having returned to Red London for the *Essen Tasch* of 1820—visits the Emery Estate. Berras, however, is not happy to see him, and his antagonism makes Alucard cut his visit short.

## Skills and abilities

* **Magic:** Berras has very little magic prowess. According to Alucard, his magic hangs "wisp-thin around him."

## Relationship

### Alucard Emery

Berras and his brother Alucard have a very strained relationship to each other. Alucard is afraid of Berras because of his aggressiveness, and Berras is disgusted by his brother because he is gay.

## Appearances

* *A Royal Affair*
* *A Gathering of Shadows* (first appearance)
* *A Conjuring of Light*
* *The Fragile Threads of Power*

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, II
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 *A Universe of Wishes*: "A Royal Affair", II
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 *A Universe of Wishes*: "A Royal Affair", II-VI
Wraithmarked Creative

**Wraithmarked Creative, LLC** is an independent publishing house founded by Bryce O'Connor in 2020. It primarily publishes fantasy titles.

In 2023, it was announced that Wraithmarked is collaborating with V. E. Schwab to release illustrated deluxe editions of the *Shades of Magic* trilogy, starting with *A Darker Shade of Magic* in 2024. The project will be funded through Kickstarter.

## External links

* Wraithmarked Creative's official site
* Wraithmarked Creative (@Wraithmarked) on Twitter
* Wraithmarked Creative on Facebook

## References

1. ↑ Kickstarter announcement — V. E. Schwab on Twitter
Losen

**Losen** is a former apprentice of Kisimyr Vasrin and participant of the *Essen Tasch* of 1820.

## Physical description

Losen is a young, wiry man with dark skin. He wears gold earrings that run "the length of both ears" to match Kisimyr.

## Biography

### The *Essen Tasch*

Losen enters the *Essen Tasch* of 1820, alongside his teacher Kisimyr. Two nights before the start of the games, he and Kisimyr meet and mingle with the other competitors and their entourages at the Setting Sun.

## Appearances

* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *A Conjuring of Light*

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, IV
Talya

**Talya** was the ex-girlfriend of Holland Vosijk.

## Physical appearance

Talya had honey-colored hair and silver scars at the corners of her eyes. She often wore a red dress.

## Personality

Talya had a bright presence and a breathtaking laugh. Furthermore, she was very fond of the someday king stories which she often told to Holland Vosijk.

## History

Talya met Holland Vosijk for the first time while she was dancing in a square in White London with her friends. They eventually became romantically involved and moved together.

At some point, Talya was approached by an unknown group and offered payment in silver to kill Holland, though it is unclear if this happened before or after they began a relationship together. However, Talya's attempt to kill Holland only resulted in her own death.

## Appearances

* *A Conjuring of Light* (flashback only)
Makt

**Makt** is a country in the White world. Its capital is White London.

## Geography

Makt is an island and the White-world equivalent of Great Britain in Grey London's world. Because of the White world's lack of magic, it is always cold in Makt.

Maps of Makt are largely unmarked because, apart from White London, the country is in constant flux.

## Culture

### Religion and beliefs

Although the world is starving and dying, many hold onto the hope that a strong ruler might bring magic back and save them all. This ruler is known as the someday king.

#### The darkest vein

According to a story, magic used to flow freely until it eventually began to "favor" some people and "abandon" others, depending on how "deserving" of power they were. One day, a king decided to change his fate. He gathered the strongest magicians he could find and killed them to drink their blood. His veins darkened with the rising amount of blood he consumed, and his powers grew until he became the strongest magician in existence. Since then, the White Throne is not inherited but taken.

The king eventually started having nightmares: The magic was warning him to stop, but he did not listen. The king kept killing and accumulating magic out of sheer greed until magic decided to withdraw from the world.

### Languages

*Main article: Maktahn*
Maktahn is the official language of Makt. English is spoken as well, albeit by only a few because most people use translation runes.

## Known rulers

Makt does not have a hereditary monarchy. Instead, the person who claims the throne after the last ruler passes becomes the next one. This person is often the murderer of the last monarch.

* Queen Stol †
* King Gorst †
* King Ros Vortalis †
* King Athos Dane †
* Queen Astrid Dane †
* King Holland Vosijk †

## Trivia

* "Makt" is the Swedish word for "power."

## References

1. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, X: One White Rook, IV
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IV: White Throne, II
3. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, II: Red Royal, III
4. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IV: White Throne, II
5. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, Bonus short story: "Winner Takes All"
6. ↑ Dict.cc — makt
7. ↑ "Fun fact: **Makt**, the country with the White London, is literally the swedish word for *"power".*
(V. E. Schwab on Tumblr)
Nadiya Loreni

**Queen Nadiya Loreni** is the current Queen of Arnes. She is the wife of Rhy Maresh and the mother of Ren.

Being a member of the House of Loreni by birth, Nadiya is a talented inventor.

## Physical description

Nadiya is a beautiful, curvy woman with a heart-shaped face, shoulder-length black hair, and keen hazel eyes. Before she became queen, Nadiya had very long hair; she cut it because it inconvenienced her work.

She rarely displays emotions. If she is amused, she usually only musters a tiny smile that tugs the corner of her mouth.

## Biography

### History

Nadiya married Rhy Maresh five years ago, becoming the queen of Arnes. She chose to marry him not out of love but to get the power to live as she wants. Their daughter, Ren Maresh, was born a year later.

## Skills and abilities

* **Magic:** Nadiya is a strong fireworker.

## Trivia

* Nadiya is a lesbian. She has, however, no desire for a romantic relationship.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *The Fragile Threads of Power*, III: The King's Heart, VII
2. ↑ Character card: Nadiya and Ren — V. E. Schwab on Instagram
3. ↑ *The Fragile Threads of Power*, III: The King's Heart, V-VII
4. ↑ *The Fragile Threads of Power*, III: The King's Heart, VI-VII
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 *The Fragile Threads of Power*, III: The King's Heart, VIII
Titan Publishing Group

**Titan Publishing Group** is an independently-owned British publishing company, established in 1981. It is based at offices in London's Bankside area. The books division has two main areas of publishing: film and television tie-ins, and cinema reference books; and graphic novels and comics references and art titles. The company is a division of Titan Entertainment Group, which also owns Titan Magazines.

**Titan Books** also publishes trade paperbacks and graphic novels in the UK and United States under **Titan Comics**. The company has a backlist of over 1,000 graphic novels.

Titan Books is the UK publisher of the *Shades of Magic* series, the *Villains* and *Monsters of Verity* duologies by V. E. Schwab.

Titan Comics is the publisher of the *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince* comics.

## External links

* Titan Books (@titanbooks) on Twitter
* Titan Books on Facebook
* Titan Comics (@comicstitan) on Twitter
* Titan Comics on Facebook
Tolners

**Tolners** is one of Rhy Maresh's royal guards, along with Vis.

## Physical description

As a royal guard, Tolners wears a red cloak with gold fanning over armor, and a helmet. He also has the "set jaw of an officer" and oftens seems like a statue.

## Personality

According to Kell Maresh, Tolners is "utterly humorless."

## Biography

After the events of the Black Night, Maxim Maresh chose Tolners and Vis as Rhy's new guards. They guarded Maxim before.

### Troublesome princes

In winter 1820, Tolners, along with Vis, Hastra, and Staff, waits for Rhy and Kell to return from their trip into the city. Tolners shows Kell the note Rhy left, telling everyone he was not kidnapped but simply out drinking with Kell, and says this was not "funny."

Despite Rhy's drunk state, neither Vis nor Tolners help Kell bring him to his chambers though; they only scold Kell for taking Rhy outside. Rhy then orders his guards to leave, and they reluctantly comply.

The next day, Tolners and Vis guard Rhy in his room. Tolners eventually relieves Vis who was on the balcony with Rhy and inquires about the prince's wellbeing; Rhy does not answer. Tolners and Vis later accompany Rhy to the royal baths; they leave him alone when Tieren Serense arrives.

## Possessions

* **Short sword:** His primary weapon as a member of the royal guard.

## Appearances

* *A Gathering of Shadows*
* *A Conjuring of Light*

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 *A Gathering of Shadows*, II: Prince at Large, IV
2. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, IV: Londons Calling, I
3. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, IV: Londons Calling, I-II
White Castle

The **White Castle** is the residence and administrative headquarter of the reigning monarch of Makt. It is located in White London, close to the Sijlt.

## Overview

The White Castle is a stone fortress surrounded by a high wall.

During the Dane twins' reign, all guards were bound and controlled by Athos Dane and stood motionless at their posts. Notably, ten guards were usually positioned by the stairs leading up to the castle. Later, after Holland Vosijk became king, more servants and guards tend to the castle and its residents, out of their own free will. Between the twins' and Holland's reigns, the castle was ransacked and emptied.

## Structure

The building resembles a cathedral because of its long, narrow construction and simple layout. The castle has a main entrance on its north side and three smaller entrances on its west, south, and east sides.

A wood door leads to the throne room. A circle of twelve symbols has been carved into it; it functions as a dial or clockface and a code needs to be entered to open the door. In October 1819, the code is 1-7-3-9. The throne room is circular to carry sound better, and lined with a ring of pillars. Two stone thrones rest on a platform in the middle of the room. The flooring is white with lighter specks made of bone. During Holland's reign, the bone pieces were seemingly removed.

Between the wall and the castle lies a stone courtyard; it used to feature the Krös Mejkt, the infamous "Stone Forest" created by Astrid and Athos Dane. The forest consisted fully of statues that had been possibly made by turning people into stone. When Athos fought Kell Maresh, half the forest was destroyed. Later, the forest was fully dismantled.

Now, only two statues of the kneeling Dane twins stand in the courtyard. Astrid's statue shows her in the moment of her death, stabbed and screaming, and Athos is depicted in pain and staring down at the whip in his hands which is wound around his wrists.

## Known residents

* Kosika
* Astrid Dane
* Athos Dane
* Gorst
* Holland Vosijk
* Ros Vortalis
* Stol

## Known staff

* Nasi

**Former:**

* Ojka

## References

1. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XII: Sanctuary & Sacrifice, III
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 *A Darker Shade of Magic*, IV: White Throne, II
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 *A Gathering of Shadows*, II: Prince at Large, V
4. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XIII: The Waiting King, II-III
5. ↑ *A Darker Shade of Magic*, XIII: The Waiting King, II
Kisimyr Vasrin

**Kisimyr Vasrin** is a magician from Arnes and a past *Essen Tasch* champion.

## Physical description

Kisimyr has black hair which she usually threads with gold and keeps in coiling ropes behind her head, and unique, multicolored eyes. She has a catlike or wolfish smile.

## Personality

She is a very bold person, and "exudes" confidence. Kisimyr also has a "low, resonant" voice, except when she speaks English; then, her voice sounds like "rumbling thunder."

## Biography

### History

Kisimyr qualified for the *Essen Tasch* for the first time when she was only sixteen. She competed in every tournament since and even won it in 1817. Her tournament participation and strong magical abilities made Kisimyr popular and well-known; most of the year, she travels through the Maresh Empire and teaches young magicians if they can pay her high fees.

### Back in Red London

In winter 1820, Kisimyr is in Red London for the upcoming *Essen Tasch*. While visiting the Blessed Waters with her entourage, she spots Kell Maresh and sends her pupil Asana to him to send a "message": a kiss. Two nights before the tournament, Kisimyr and her entourage attend a customary party at the Setting Sun where she talks to Alucard Emery, among others.

## Skills and abilities

* **Magic:** Kisimyr is a very skilled magician; she is a dual and can wield both water and earth. Because of her aptitude, she first qualified for the *Essen Tasch* at sixteen, and won nine years later.

## Appearances

* *The Consequence of Triumph*
* *A Gathering of Shadows* (first appearance)
* *A Conjuring of Light*
* *The Fragile Threads of Power* (mentioned only)

## Trivia

* Some believe that, because of her special eyes, Kisimyr can looks into people's souls.
* Everyone in her entourage wears a cat's-eye pendant.
* Kisimyr can speak English (High Royal). However, because she is not from Red London, the words run together and the edges are "hacked off" when she speaks it.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 *A Gathering of Shadows*, II: Prince at Large, III
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, IV
A Conjuring of Light (Collector's Edition)

***A Conjuring of Light: Exclusive Collector's Edition*** is a special edition of *A Conjuring of Light*.

## Bonus Content

* **Regular edition:** This edition includes fanart on the end pages, an updated glossary of Arnesian and *Antari* terms, and a brand new short story from the *Shades of Magic* world which tells Kell Maresh's backstory, *A Life Erased*. The edition also includes a reading ribbon and metallic ink on the cover. The first 15,000 copies are signed.
* **Barnes & Noble edition:** This edition features the extras of the regular edition as well as an additional short story which is a continuation of Stasion Elsor's story from the Barnes and Noble collector's edition of *A Gathering of Shadows*.

## Gallery

### Covers

Regular edition.B&N Exclusive bronze edition.UK edition.
### Featured fanart

Alucard Emery by monolimeRhy Maresh by monolimeHolland Vosijk by monolimeModern AU Kell Maresh, Lila Bard, Holland, Rhy, and Alucard by VeldenmireMaxim and Emira Maresh by hadrihanahHolland by fictographOjka by fictograph*Anoshe* by astrolauu
## Trivia

* The lettering underneath the dust jacket that reads "*Anoshe*" was done by Crini.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "A Conjuring of Light Collector's Edition: A Novel" — Amazon
2. ↑ "You asked, and @torbooks answered. The rest of the SHADES OF MAGIC books will get Collector's Editions :)))"
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)
3. ↑ "I could give you Kell's origin story but OH YEAH that's going in the CONJURING OF LIGHT collector’s edition ;)"
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)
4. ↑ "WHAT IF I read "A Life Erased", which is Kell Maresh's backstory?"
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)
5. ↑ "I'm signing the first 15,000 copies [of the collector's edition]."
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)
6. ↑ "A Conjuring of Light Collector's Edition (B&N Exclusive Edition) (Shades of Magic Series #3)" — Barnes & Noble
7. ↑ "[The B&N short story]'s the second half of Stasion Elsor's tale."
(V. E. Schwab on Twitter)
8. ↑ "my hand lettering was part of a collector's edition of a bestselling series :)"
(Crini on Twitter)
Priest

A **priest** is a special kind of magician that can balance the elements.

## Overview

Priests can wield all common elements: fire, water, earth, air, and bone. They also "possess the [unique] ability to balance the elements and enhance nature." For that reason, in Arnesian myths and history, the saints are usually priests.

## Known priests

* Hastra
* Tieren Serense

## References

1. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, III
2. ↑ "In this system, there are priests–those who possess the ability to balance the elements and enhance nature and choose to dedicate their lives to the balancing of magic on a greater scale–and the saints are priests from myth and history who possessed extraordinary prowess in this way. This is NOT to be confused with Antari, who are in their own rights mythical/blessed/aven.
Interestingly, Antari magicians and priests both possess the ability to speak to all elements, but Antari cannot balance them–they are a flood where nature requires a steady rain to flourish."
(V. E. Schwab on Tumblr)
Mrs. Laros

**Mrs. Laros** is Kell Maresh's biological mother.

## Physical description

Mrs. Laros has the typical appearance of an Arnesian: tanned skin and dark hair, though her hair is also threaded with copper.

She used to wear only long-sleeved clothes to cover her limiter markings.

## History

At some point, Mrs. Laros committed a crime so severe that she was given the highest punishment in Arnes: limiters to bind her magic.

In 1798, she gave birth to a son whom she and her husband named Kastion. Because her son was an *Antari*, she and her husband took him to the *Ferase Stras* to sell him to the Arnesian royal family when he was five years old.

In slight discomfort, Mrs. Laros and her husband watched their son being tested by Maris Patrol. After confirming that he was indeed an *Antari*, Maris' nephew Valick gave Mr. Laros the bounty and freed Mrs. Laros of her limiters. Tieren Serense then pardoned her for her crimes, and Mrs. Laros immediately tested out her magic again.

With the transaction done, Mrs. Laros said goodbye to her son and gave him a small silver dagger before she and her husband left him on the market ship.

## Former possessions

* **Silver dagger:** A knife with the initials "K.L." which she gave to her son.

## Appearances

* *A Life Erased*
* *A Darker Shade of Magic* (first mention)
* *A Gathering of Shadows* (mentioned only)
* *A Conjuring of Light* (mentioned only)

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 *A Conjuring of Light*, Bonus short story: "A Life Erased"
Tor Books

**Tor Books** is the primary imprint of Tom Doherty Associates LLC publishing company, based in New York City, US. It primarily publishes science fiction and fantasy titles, and publishes the online science fiction magazine *Tor.com*.

Tor Books is the US publisher of the *Shades of Magic* series by V. E. Schwab. It publishes Schwab's *Villains* duology as well.

Fischer Tor, Tor Books' German counterpart, publishes the *Shades of Magic* series in Germany.

## External links

* Tor Books's official site
* Community website (Tor.com)
* *Shades of Magic* on Tor
* Tor Books (@tordotcom) on Twitter
* Tor Books on Tumblr
Alox Vosijk

**Alox Vosijk** was the older brother of Holland Vosijk.

## History

Alox was a loving brother to Holland, protecting and caring for him, but one day when they were fifteen and nine years old respectively, Alox attacked his younger brother in his sleep. He wanted to kill him and claim Holland's magic as his own as, in his opinion, magic belonged to those who took it.

However, Holland woke and dodged Alox' attack, and when Alox attacked him again, Holland turned him to stone and let his statue shatter on the ground.

## Appearances

* *A Conjuring of Light* (flashback only)
Essen Tasch

The ***Essen Tasch*** (Element Games) is a tournament that was brought to life to commemorate the end of the last War of Empires.

It ran for over sixty years until 1820 when Cora and Col Taskon used the games as an opportunity to assassinate Emira Maresh. The *Essen Tasch* has since been discontinued.

## Overview

The *Essen Tasch* is an international event in which magicians from all three empires—Arnes, Faro, and Vesk—participate. From each country, twelve magicians compete. The Arnesian participants are selected by the *Aven Essen* of the London Sanctuary.

Magicians that would like to participate need to audition. However, outstanding, well-known magicians might receive formal invitations to the *Essen Tasch*. *Antari* are prohibited from entering the tournament. Every competitor also requires an attendant, their second.

## Known rules

* Every competitor is required to wear a mask or helmet.
* Every competitor is required to wear a white and gold armor consisting of twenty-eight pieces. Upon being hit, the targeted piece lights up and turns grey.
	+ In the finale, the armor is made of thirty-six pieces.
* The first competitor to break ten pieces of their opponent's armor wins, unless their opponent is either unable to continue or admits defeat.
	+ In the finale, the last competitor whose armor is not completely broken wins and becomes the tournament's champion.

## Structure

The *Essen Tasch* runs for one week, precisely for five nights and five days. The days are reserved for the actual tournament, the nights for balls.

### Rounds layout

The tournament consists of four rounds.

* **Round 1:** The thirty-six competitors are paired up and the winning eighteen proceed to the next round. The competitors are allowed to use only one element. Close combat is not allowed.
* **Round 2:** The remaining eighteen competitors are paired up and the winning nine proceed to the next round. The competitors can now use two elements if able.
* **Round 3/The nines:** The remaining nine competitors are sorted into groups of three. From each group, the one with the highest point count qualifies for the finale. Close combat is now allowed. Weapon hilts are offered to the competitors.
* **Round 4/Finale:** The final three competitors have to fight each other to determine the champion.

## Trivia

* There is an unofficial tradition for the local competitors to drink together before the tournament starts.

## References and notes

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 *A Gathering of Shadows*, III: Changing Tides, VI
2. ↑ File:TFTOP Teaser 12.png
3. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, IV: Londons Calling, II
4. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, IV: Londons Calling, III
5. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, III
6. ↑ *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*, Issue 1
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 *A Gathering of Shadows*, V: Royal Welcome, IV
8. ↑ *A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, IV

1. ↑ Jinnar once mistakenly states it took place in Faro.
(*A Gathering of Shadows*, VI: Impostors, IV)
Kolitar

**Kolitar** is an inhabitant of Verose and a participant in Arisa Rasora's tournament.

## Physical description

Kolitar has long brown hair which she keeps in a braid and dark skin.

## Biography

### *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*

Around 1790, the Pirate Queen Arisa Rasora returns to Verose after a lengthy absence and holds a tournament to find a new member for her crew. Kolitar enters it alongside eight others and has to watch how Arisa forces one of them to remove himself with her bone magic to make the number of participants even. Afterward, the tournament begins. Kolitar's match is the third one and she is paired with Satash who she can quickly defeat. In the second round, Kolitar has to fight Isra but loses against her.

## References

1. ↑ *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*, Issue 1
2. ↑ *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*, Issue 2
3. ↑ *Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince*, Issue 3