Practical Magics
Evangeline Storm Craefter’s personal history is quite mysterious. She was apparently an Enigmus House student of such undistinguished grades and appearance that no one is quite sure when she was enrolled. It is known that the Craefters have been in the Americas since before Avistrum was founded in 1697. She is married, and although her husband does not hold a teaching position at Avistrum, it is rumored that he may have some connection with the Headmaster’s Dark Hunters.
From the occasional remarks she has let slip, it seems that she taught Practical Magics previously at Avistrum for some years before the current faculty and staff became students. She apparently left the school for several years in the mid 1990s only to rejoin the faculty teaching her specialty this year. It is speculated that her return is specifically due to Headmaster Dowling’s presence at Avistrum.
Her personal familiarity with international landmarks leads many students to speculate when and where she has traveled. Her cottage is decorated with oddments from around the world, some of which have obviously served as inspiration for the many projects she assigns her students. These include an extensive staff and wand collection, many of historical significance.
Although she is a professor, Craefter prefers the title “Mistress,” an old form of address meant for skilled artisans, as her classes are not concerned with magic per se, but the production of items to be enchanted or to be used in advanced spell working. She makes her own wands and takes on the occasional apprentice to learn broom, wand and staff making. Students who attend her classes also learn to make wizard hats, robes and other enchantable items as well as the basics such as cooking, mending and cleaning. “When they graduate from this school, they will know how to take care of themselves,†she insists.
Mistress Craefter is a bit of an inventor and interesting things have been known to happen when she is developing something new. Her politics are unknown and her only apparent favoritism is toward students and graduates of Enigmus, with whom she is both more patient and more demanding that things be done well. The Workshop and Kitchen of her cottage are always available to students wanting to work on their own projects. She also welcomes students’ company by the hearth, trading stories while munching on tasty new tidbits from her kitchen.
