Main Quest Quarter 2 (Graded) (Must-Do Activities to Progress)

Welcome to the Main Quest! These are the self-paced activities you'll be completing to progress at The Academy for the 2nd Quarter of the school year. This is not all you will be doing in day-to-day classes, but you'll have time specifically set-aside to work on these. Every "Quest," "Training Session," "Monster Hunt," and "Weekly Sparring Session," will earn you XP, or experience in your path of study. 

These points are also an easy way to follow your grade in this part of the class. Anything over 140XP = 100% in this part of your grade. You can earn up to 150XP this quarter in the Main Quest, so you'll need to complete almost every activity. You can monitor your progress and grade by following your chart on Google Classroom

Quest #1: Exploring Eras

Knights at The Academy delve deep into history, not merely to grasp tactics and strategies but to understand the epochs that shaped them. By studying the rise and fall of kingdoms, the valor of bygone heroes, and the intricacies of past battles, these defenders gain invaluable insights. This historical lens not only hones their tactical acumen but also cultivates a profound understanding of their role as protectors in the ever-evolving tapestry of time.

Step 1: Choose one of the following eras to explore:

1770s: The American Revolution

The colonies rise against British rule. Key figures: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin. Pivotal events include the Boston Tea Party and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

1780s: Foundations of a New Republic

Post-revolutionary America drafts its blueprint: the U.S. Constitution. Leaders like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton play pivotal roles in shaping the new nation's direction.

1800s-1810s: Expansion and Conflict

Under Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the Louisiana Purchase expands the country's boundaries, while the War of 1812 against Britain solidifies its standing.

1820s-1830s: Age of Jackson and National Growth

Andrew Jackson's presidency, the Indian Removal Act, and the tragic Trail of Tears mark this era, juxtaposed with the construction of the Erie Canal and the First Industrial Revolution.

1840s-1850s: Manifest Destiny and Slavery’s Shadow

While settlers rush westward following the Oregon Trail, tensions over slavery grow, setting the stage for the Civil War. Figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass rise in prominence.

1860s: Civil War and Reconstruction

Abraham Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War seeks to preserve the Union, but his assassination in 1865 ushers in a tumultuous period of Reconstruction.

1870s-1880s: Industrialization and the Gilded Age

Innovators like Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers shine, but this era also sees the rise of powerful industrialists, like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie.

Step 2:  Create a Digital Lesson/In-Depth Discussion of the Era you choose, you can do one of the following:

Each of these presentations should be at least a few minutes in length, include relevant details, and demonstrate time/effort was put into any visual aids used.

Quest #2: Mystery Quest - Student Reading

Amidst the rigorous training and studies, students of The Academy find solace and inspiration in the age-old tales of heroism and valor. Diverse in scope and transcending class boundaries, these stories serve as a beacon, illuminating the ideals that the Academy cherishes. From audacious Bards to tenacious Knights, each tale is a testament to the indomitable spirit, reminding scholars of the heights they too might reach in their own journeys.

Note: This Quest will be completed in-class over several weeks. You may have to read some for homework if you do not complete in class. NOTE: This quest begins at the same time the assignment starts for all other students in the school. 

Quest #3: Mystery Quest - Student Writing

At the midpoint of their Academy year, an enigmatic task awaits every student. More than a mere exam or written assignment, it's a rite of passage, veiled in mystery, beckoning students to plumb the depths of their understanding. The true nature of this challenge remains concealed, but one thing is certain: one's grasp of their class and knowledge acquired will be thoroughly tested. It's whispered that this test not only gauges academic prowess but something deeper within each scholar.

Note: This Quest will be completed in-class. You will not have to work on this for homework. 

Training Session #1 - SOC 1.9 - Civil War

You did it! You completed your first quarter of training at the Academy and leveled up your skills in a class. You decide to begin Quarter 2 training as a member of the Knight class. 

As you are no longer an initiate at The Academy and have become a full-fledged member, you join other students of your class to listen to the opening speech from the Knight Grandmaster, the most powerful Knight at The Academy, (and likely on the western continent as a whole.)

He notes that much of his attention, and the attention of the other highest trainers and masters of The Academy is focused on investigating a growing threat across the Eastern Ocean. Since the most powerful members of The Academy are investigating this mysterious threat, they task you and the other first-year students with investigating a threat closer to home.

A strange corruption has begun to take root in the forest surrounding The Academy. Each class will tackle a separate issue while simultaneously training to discover the reason the forest grows darker and more threatening. 

All First-Year Students 🍄will battle the strange new corrupted monsters of the forest in order to keep the Academy and nearby lands safe. 

Members of the Bard Class 🎵 will do what they can to protect the wildlife of the forest this quarter. While this may seem a task more suited for members of the Ranger Class, or Beastmasters, Bards will protect the wildlife as a whole.

Members of the Beastmaster Class 🐍 will try to use their bonds with creatures to try to learn what they can from the strange creatures and corrupted wildlife.

Members of the Knight Class ⚔️ will try to keep the peace within and outside the walls of The Academy. This strange new evil is unsettling the people, and it is up to them to make sure the peaceful lives of the citizens are not interrupted.

Members of the Ranger Class 🏹will be studying the strange chemical composition of the corruption threatening the forest in an attempt to discover a remedy for the parts already negatively impacted.

Members of the Magician Class 🧙will be attempting to unseal a strange door deep within one of the most dangerous parts of the corrupted forest, to hopefully uncover a hidden source of the problem.

Good Luck!

Training Session #2 - SOC 1.10 - Reconstruction

Amidst the bustle of The Academy's marketplace, a sudden commotion drew attention to an aisle. A black sapling, oozing an ominous sludge, had sprouted from the marble floor. Its spreading roots threatened nearby stalls.

Members of the Knight Class quickly arrived, forming a perimeter around the sapling. As they deliberated on containment, a Magician student erected a barrier around the tree, halting its invasive growth.

Sir Cedric addressed the onlookers, "Stay calm and clear this area. We will handle this." The marketplace resumed its rhythm, but with unease in the air, the mystery of the corruption deepening.

Training Session #3 - SOC 1.11 - Industrialization

Standing at a distance, you find yourself gazing at an old couple at a fruit stall. The man gently hands a golden apple to the lady, her eyes lighting up as she recalls memories of their younger days. Their laughter and shared whispers remind you of a simpler time.

This, right here, is the essence of your purpose as a member of the Knight class. Not just the battles and the glory, but these moments - safeguarding the innocent moments of joy, love, and nostalgia for the people of The Academy. As the elderly pair leaves, arms entwined, you feel a renewed conviction to stand strong against the encroaching darkness. For them, for all.

Training Session #4 - SOC 1.12 - Progressive Era

The market village, once a lively place of trade and chatter, had slowly started to echo with a somber tone. The tendrils of corruption writhed and sneaked from the forest, wrapping around stalls, homes, and the cobblestone pathways. Panic was setting in, and immediate action was required.

In the council chambers of The Academy, you stood with leaders of various classes discussing solutions. A Ranger leader, Captain Venara, dressed in shimmering golden armor that caught the ambient light, stepped forward. She held up a small flask, its contents gleaming in a shade of cerulean.

"This," she declared, "is a concoction I believe can cleanse our market of this plague."

Intrigued, the Knight class leaders leaned in as she continued, "When applied to the corrupted growths, it weakens them, making them highly flammable. A single spark will set them alight, burning away the corruption but leaving our market unharmed." 

You feel a strange sense of doubt. The Captain is well-respected, but you feel like you should consult with some of the other first-year Ranger students on their research first. Before you have a chance to say anything, the group decides that the Knights will immediately begin to spread the concoction in the Market. 

Training Session #5 - SOC 1.13 - Labor Unions

The sun's rays struggled to pierce through the veil of entwining black roots that enveloped the once-bustling Market. The once colorful stalls now lay crushed under the relentless grasp of the corruption, a silent testament to the spreading blight. The very air felt thick, choked with an unnatural aura.

You, alongside fellow Knight students, armored and determined, marched through the main square. Each carried flasks filled with Captain Venara's concoction, applying it to the dark tendrils. The solution hissed and bubbled upon contact, making the roots writhe as if in pain.

Yet, as you worked, a nagging feeling clawed at the back of your mind. The sight of the village, so deeply consumed by the corruption, made you question if burning it all would indeed spare the Market or ignite it in a conflagration. The Knights had sworn to protect, but this mission felt like dancing on the blade's edge.

Training Session #6 - SOC 1.14 - WWI & the Roaring Twenties

The moment the first match made contact, the concoction didn't just burn; it exploded with a ravenous hunger. A tremendous roar of fire erupted, the flames not just orange and red but dancing in shades of violent blue and haunting green. The inferno grew, rising and billowing, hungry and unstoppable.

Panic ensued. Market-goers and stall owners screamed in terror, fleeing from the spreading blaze. The black roots and vines, instead of being eradicated, seemed to be fueling the flames even more, making the situation far worse than anyone could have imagined.

You and your fellow Knights were in shock for a mere second, but training and duty kicked in. Some Knights drew water from nearby wells, creating human chains to pass buckets in a desperate attempt to douse the flames. Others ran straight into the chaos, pulling out those trapped within their homes or stalls, their armor scalding to the touch.

The ringing of the alarm bell resonated throughout The Academy, drawing more help. But the devastation was quick and merciless. The Market, the heart of the community outside The Academy, was being consumed rapidly.

Training Session #7 - SOC 1.15 - Great Depression

The aftermath of the blaze was a sight to behold. The market, with its once-lively stalls and vibrant chatter, was silent, with only the remnants of the fire offering any semblance of movement. Blackened structures stood like haunted memories, but miraculously, most of them were still standing. The Knights had managed to protect the very bones of the market, the people can rebuild. 

Every life had been saved. Knights, in their sturdy armor, had rushed into flames, while Magicians had woven protective barriers and Beastmasters had used their creatures to scout and rescue those trapped in obscured locations. The combined efforts of The Academy's classes had truly shone through the dark hour.

But as the ashes settled, a new storm was brewing. Whispers of Captain Venara's treachery echoed through the ranks. Why would one of the most decorated and respected members of The Academy act in such a malevolent manner? The council convened, and confusion reigned supreme.

"I've known Venara for years; this doesn't make sense," declared Eldric, the elderly magician, his voice heavy with disbelief. Many of the other trainers and leaders are equally perplexed. 

The Market and The Academy are saved, but the cost was too heavy. Captain Venara has seemingly fled, and the corruption has only been temporarily halted. 

Training Session #8 - SOC 1.16 WWII & Cold War

The sun streaked in through your window, casting its golden rays on your weary face. The recovery efforts in the market seemed to be a testament to The Academy's resilience. The town had rebuilt, structures replaced, and livelihoods restored. However, the memories of that day lingered like a stubborn stain.

As you took your morning sip of tea, a knock echoed through your chambers. A young page, in the vibrant colors of The Academy, handed you a small parcel wrapped in rough burlap. With a polite nod, he left, leaving you with the mysterious package.

Upon opening it, the glint of the orange gem caught your eye. It pulsated with a warm, inner light, its surface etched with swirling patterns reminiscent of flames. It felt strangely comforting to hold. But it was the accompanying note that sent a shiver down your spine. "You'll need this, I'm watching."

Who was watching? Why? The ominous message, combined with the gem's enigmatic aura, only deepened the mystery. Your intuition told you this was intrinsically tied to Captain Venara's betrayal and the larger conspiracy at play.

Monster Hunt #1 

Opponent: The Autumn Scarecrow

As the leaves begin to change, knights face their initial challenge, the Autumn Scarecrow. This unassuming adversary takes on the appearance of a small, friendly scarecrow, with straw-filled limbs and a stitched-together smile. While it may appear harmless, the Autumn Scarecrow possesses unexpected tricks up its sleeve.

This creature has an uncanny knack for manipulating its surroundings, particularly the crisp autumn air. It can summon swirling gusts of leaves to obscure vision, making it a master of misdirection. Knights must be cautious and adaptable as they engage in combat, countering the whimsical yet challenging tactics of the Autumn Scarecrow with their combat skills and magical abilities. Despite its unassuming appearance, this adversary proves to be a formidable test of the knights' mettle.

Monster Hunt #2

Opponent: The Ocular Gazer

Knights face the enigmatic Ocular Gazer, a creature with comically oversized eyes dominating its lumpy, blue form. Its trunk-like tentacle limbs add to its eccentric appearance. The Gazer's enormous eyes possess a mesmerizing quality, entrancing those who meet its gaze with swirling patterns. This trance-like state leaves knights vulnerable to the Gazer's surprising agility. In this battle, knights must rely on their training and determination to break free from the captivating stare, emphasizing that appearances can be deceiving in the unpredictable world of monster hunting.

Monster Hunt #3 

Opponent: The Mirestone Behemoth

In the midst of their swampy adventures, knights encounter the formidable Mirestone Behemoth. This terrifying creature boasts a stonelike exterior and immense strength. Its appearance, a fusion of rock and swamp, exudes an aura of dread.

The Mirestone Behemoth thrives in the mucky depths of the swamp, where its sturdy form and sheer power make it a daunting adversary. Its ability to blend into the environment, appearing as a moss-covered stone, adds to the challenge knights face in spotting and engaging with this creature.

Monster Hunt #4 

Opponent: The Obsidian Leaf Elemental

In their swampy encounters, knights come face to face with the mysterious Obsidian Leaf Elemental. This unique creature presents a striking blend of the natural world and the mystical, cloaked in obsidian-coated leaf-like armor.

The Obsidian Leaf Elemental draws its power from the earth itself, making it a formidable and enigmatic adversary. Its obsidian exterior, shimmering with an otherworldly energy, is as beautiful as it is menacing. In this battle, knights must navigate the dual challenge of penetrating its formidable defenses while also treading carefully in the swampy terrain that the Elemental calls home.

Monster Hunt #5

Opponent: The Fungoid Monstrosity

Deep within the heart of the forest, knights confront the grotesque and nightmarish Fungoid Monstrosity. This abhorrent creature is a revolting amalgamation of fungal growths, exuding an aura of repulsion and decay. The Fungoid Monstrosity thrives in the shadowy depths of the forest, where it spreads its fungal tendrils with relentless determination. Its mass is both its strength and weakness, offering protection while also making it a prime target for knights. In this eerie and unsettling battle, knights must combine their combat skills with a strong stomach as they face the nauseating presence of the Fungoid Monstrosity.

Monster Hunt #6 

Opponent: The Thornvine Anomaly

Within the forest's depths, knights confront the Thornvine Anomaly, an entity defying nature's laws. It manifests as a ball of thornlike vines, illuminated by eerie red lights from within, casting an unsettling crimson aura. Despite its captivating appearance, the Anomaly is a menacing adversary. Knights must tread cautiously through the forest's shadows as they confront this vine-based foe. To overcome it, they must employ their combat skills and unravel the secrets concealed within the glowing red lights. This encounter challenges their strength and wit as they face an unnatural anomaly amidst the woods.

Monster Hunt #7 

Opponent: The Quilled Harbinger

In a chilling encounter within the forest, knights face the eerie Quilled Harbinger. This humanoid entity is shrouded in mystery, with a body covered in menacing quills and black, pupilless eyes that seem to pierce the soul.

The Quilled Harbinger speaks to the knights in a haunting tone, welcoming the impending battle with cryptic words. 

Monster Hunt #8 

Opponent: The Ephemeral Howlgeist

In the climactic final battle of the term's monster hunt, knights are thrust into a desperate struggle for survival. Amidst eerie laughter that distorts reality, an unnaturally large and powerful wolf-like adversary, known as the Ephemeral Howlgeist, materializes from the rift in existence.

This enigmatic creature, with spectral fur and an aura of unearthly strength, defies the laws of nature. It appears seemingly out of nowhere, catching the knight off guard. Luckily, there happen to be several Academy guards nearby who run to help, summoned by the dire circumstances to confront this otherworldly menace. 

Weekly Sparring Session #1

Get ready for the first sparring session of the quarter, set to take place in a serene stone circle deep within the untouched part of the autumnal forest. As the foliage turns brilliant hues of orange, gold, and red, the ring provides the perfect backdrop for students from various classes to showcase their combat skills. Not just about individual prowess, this session is an opportunity to demonstrate the collaborative techniques developed with peers. Emphasis will be on teamwork, adaptability, and understanding the surroundings. The natural uneven ground of the stone ring promises to challenge balance and dexterity. So, as leaves turn and the season shifts, come witness a display of martial prowess amidst the beauty we're all striving to protect.

Weekly Sparring Session #2

Step into our converted theater space for the next sparring session, where the grandeur of dramatics meets the thrill of combat. Boasting multi-level platforms and rigged pulley systems, Magicians may find the elevated spaces advantageous for channeling spells from a distance. Knights, on the other hand, will need to navigate the tight corridors backstage, potentially limiting their mobility. Rangers, with their keen senses, could make the most of the shadowy wings and props. Beastmasters, watch your animal companions with the stage mechanisms! It's a setting where theatrical finesse can be as crucial as martial skill. Don't miss this blend of drama and duel!

Weekly Sparring Session #3

Head over to the bustling Market for a sparring session with a twist: this is a battle not of swords, but of words! As students stand atop wooden crates and beckon the crowd, they must weave tales, pitch ideas, and entertain an eager audience of townsfolk. While Bards may have an edge with their musical background, Magicians could captivate with a sprinkling of minor spells to emphasize their points. Rangers, with their firsthand tales from the forest, have countless adventures to recount. Knights, embodying valor and chivalry, can narrate tales of bravery. Who will win the crowd's favor and be deemed the most entertaining? Join us and be swept up in the oratory combat!

Weekly Sparring Session #4

Venture to the testing grounds for a high-octane sparring session against the Clockwork Beasts of Alev! Crafted with precision by the ingenious Gnomes, these mechanical marvels are as beautiful as they are deadly. With spinning gears, sharpened claws, and steam-driven agility, each beast offers a unique challenge. Students will compete to see who can dismantle the most machines without suffering a scratch. Beastmasters may find their animal companions invaluable for distraction, while Magicians could exploit elemental vulnerabilities in the metal. Knights will rely on their sheer strength and combat prowess, and Rangers may take advantage of their sharpshooting skills. As the gears grind and steam hisses, who will emerge as the ultimate Clockwork Conqueror? Join us and witness the metallic mayhem!

Weekly Sparring Session #5

Prepare for an epic showdown within the Academy's most illustrious setting: the Hall of Wonders. Surrounded by soaring marble pillars, intricate statues capturing the essence of history's greatest heroes, and a floor that reflects like still water, combatants will spar under the watchful gaze of the ancients. Every echo of a footstep or clash of weapons will be amplified in this vast chamber of reverie. Bards may find the acoustics advantageous for their sonic spells, while the shadows cast by grand pillars could give Rangers a sneaky edge. Magicians will be inspired by the history surrounding them, potentially boosting their arcane powers, but Knights may need to be wary of the slippery marble underfoot. With each corner holding a secret or artifact, strategy will be just as crucial as strength. Witness grace, power, and strategy intertwine in the Hall of Wonders!

Weekly Sparring Session #6

For this unique sparring session, students will swap swords for brushes and spells for palettes as they engage in a creative battle of colors and canvas. Set within a sunlit atrium adorned with hanging ivy and trickling fountains, the essence of artistry fills the air. Bards, with their inherent touch of creativity and expression, have a clear advantage in capturing the ambiance and intricacies of their subjects. Knights, clad in their weighty armor, may find the finesse required for painting a tad challenging, potentially producing abstract pieces unintentionally. Beastmaster students will have the additional challenge of ensuring their animated animal companions don't get too curious around the paint pots, resulting in accidental art splatters or spilled palettes. With every brushstroke, competitors will showcase a different side of their skills, revealing vulnerability, passion, and imagination in ways the Academy has never seen before. Who will craft the masterpiece that captures the heart of the Academy?

Weekly Sparring Session #7

In the heart of an autumn-hued field, an ensemble of geometrically-perfect geodesic domes stands tall, each crafted immaculately from a rare, uniform wood. As the next sparring session dawns, combatants are enclosed within these wooden structures. The only way out? Dismantle the dome from within. As participants work to break apart their confinements, the field soon reverberates with the echoing thuds of striking and splintering wood. While Knights might use sheer strength to rupture the dome's facets, Rangers could employ precision to target weak points. The unpredictable nature of this sparring session means that once the wooden shards settle, fighters could emerge anywhere and at any time, making for dynamic and unexpected bouts of skill and wit in the midst of the autumn splendor.

Weekly Sparring Session #8

Venturing far from the familiar, the final sparring session of the quarter is set amidst the very nexus of malevolence: the darkest, most corrupted part of the forest encircling The Academy. The atmosphere here is dense with a sinister energy, and the trees seem to whisper twisted secrets. But with risk comes potential reward. The Academy's higher-ups theorize that the sheer force of magical and physical combat might pierce through the darkness and unveil hidden truths about the forest's ailment. As students clash amidst the withered flora and tainted terrain, every spell cast, every blade swung, and every note sung is imbued with the dual purpose of triumph in combat and the desperate hope of restoring the woods. This session is not just about prowess but a fervent plea to the heart of the forest to reveal its mysteries.