(A/N: This post may be updated or edited from time to time if I remove, update, or change anything. I’ve been working on this for a while now, but it took me some time to find the courage to post it. I will post about my TWST schools as soon as I have finished compiling the information for them.)
Ramshackle Dorm was once abandoned and haunted by ghosts, until Crowley had Yamiyo Ryūzaki move in. Later, other students were assigned there—such as the Prefect and Grim. Unlike the other dorms which can only be accessed through the mirror chamber, Ramshackle Dorm is located within the school's grounds, near the main building.
Students
The current living students staying at the dorm are Yamiyo Ryūzaki, Quinn Yukimura, The three Weird Sisters, the Prefect and Grim, (More will be added later.)
Ghosts also inhabit the building.
History
There is no current knowledge of the history behind its construction, other than that it was long since disused during Crewel's school days. It is a long-abandoned former mansion, that now serves as accommodation for Yamiyo, Quinn, the Prefect and Grim, as well as a haunt for mischievous ghosts.
During the time it has been inhabited by living beings again, the Ramshackle Dorm, now known as Cryptichollow, has undergone a long series of renovations and changes, restoring it to its former glory.
In more recent times, Cryptichollow is based on the Headless Horseman and his spirit of Mystery, which inspires fear and imagination.
Dorm Philosophy & Spirit
Instead of "The Great Seven," this dorm honors the Spirit of the Midnight Rider.
Core Belief: True power lies in what people think is lurking in the dark. The Shadows Hold the Truth. Truth is not found in broad daylight. True understanding requires embracing the dark, the unproven, and the unseen.
Core Values: Audacity, creativity, relentless drive, intimidation, and the ability to strike fear into opponents.
Dorm Specialty: Excellence in Equestrian Sports (Magical Shift on horseback), Stealth, Illusion and Phantasmagoric Magic. Students excel at crafting spells that play on human senses. They manifest illusions from a target’s deepest thoughts and fears.
Dorm Culture:
Students here are storytellers, illusionists, and strategists. They use rumors, shadows, and atmospheric magic to keep the rest of Night Raven College guessing.
The Midnight Assembly. The atmosphere is quiet, intellectual, and deeply theatrical. Students gather at midnight in the fog-shrouded gardens. They share folklore, debate unsolved historical mysteries, and drink spiced pumpkin tea. Members wear heavy, high-collared black capes lined with twilight-purple silk.
The Dorm Motto: "Ignorantiis Somnium" ("In the unknown, we dream" / "From ignorance, the imagination runs wild.")
Dorm Uniforms
The Cryptichollow Dorm uniform is rendered in black and a dark blue or violet, and is designed in a Gothic style; it is inspired by the Headless Horseman and therefore features small pumpkin charms, which are considered good luck charms in Skythia.
Inspiration ideas:
(I apologize if I have missed any errors; I have been working on this for so long that I may have overlooked outdated information that should have been removed.)
The Land of Scythia: A kingdom of eternal twilight where the sun never fully rises, populated by Fae (Satyrs, Nymphs, Harpies, etc.)
In the kingdom, carved, glowing pumpkins are used to capture wandering spirits; people often carry small, enchanted pumpkin amulets with them.
The Hellenic Landscape
The Obsidian Parthenon: The royal palace is a massive temple of black marble and gold leaf. It sits atop the highest peak, overlooking a city of white-washed stone and terracotta roofs.
The Twilight Groves: Vast olive and cypress orchards that glow with bioluminescent moss. Fae warriors train here among ancient ruins that have remained untouched for millennia.
The Great Chariot-Ways: Instead of cars, the streets are filled with elegant, bronze-trimmed chariots pulled by "Night-Mares" or "Hellsteeds"—ghostly, spectral horses.
The Altar of Hours: A massive sundial at the center of the capital. Because the sun never fully rises, it tracks time using the alignment of the stars and the moon.
The Dragon-Fae Society
The citizens are a blend of high-born Dragon-Fae and specialized Warrior Fae (Satyrs, Nymphs, and Harpies). The culture is built on the Greek concept of Arete (Excellence) and Xenia (Hospitality).
The Dragon Aristocracy: The highest-ranking fae possess draconic features (horns, tails, scales). They are seen as the "Keepers of the Flame."
The Nomadic Riders: Outside the marble cities, tribes of fae ride "Night-Mares" (ghostly steeds). They patrol the borders, wearing heavy gold jewelry that jingles to warn enemies of their approach.
The Headless Rider: Legend tells of an ancient Scythian king who lost his head in battle but refused to die until his kingdom was safe. Yamiyo’s family claims descent from this "Deathless Sovereign."
The Sophist Class: In Scythia, being an artist or a philosopher is as prestigious as being a warrior. They use magic to preserve "The Golden Ratio" in everything they build.
Social Hierarchy: Dragon-Fae (like Yamiyo) are the "Architects," while other fae serve as the "Guardians." It is a society that values Tenacity (the ability to endure) and Logos (logic/reason).
Modern Touch
The Horseman’s Decree: Their legal system is based on the "Headless King’s Law"—a strict, blunt code of conduct that emphasizes loyalty and the idea that "The body must follow the head (the Crown)."
Trade: Scythia is the primary exporter of Chrono-sand (used in hourglasses) and Dragon-glass (high-grade magical conduits).
Scythian Customs & Values
The Symposium: A nightly ritual where families gather to eat and debate. Yamiyo’s "blunt" personality was forged here; in Scythia, if you can’t defend your point with logic, you lose the argument.
Hospitality (Xenia): This is their most sacred law. Despite their blunt and hard-headed nature, Scythians take guest-rights seriously. If you enter a Scythian home, you are under their protection—a trait Yamiyo brings to Ramshackle. Even a stranger is entitled to a meal and a phone charger. If you break Xenia, the "Furies" (the royal secret police) will find you.
The Gold standard: Scythians are obsessed with gold, not for wealth, but because it is "The Metal of the Sun." They wear it to remember the light they rarely see.
(To clarify: It is important to emphasize that this depiction does not correspond to historical Scythia and that I drew only limited inspiration from mythology. Everything else is my own invention and should not be regarded as fact.)
I just wanted to quickly post Yamiyo's voice claim before I disappear again. I'm not feeling well right now, which is why I'll be taking a short break from drawing.
(The first picture itself was actually just a test run to try drawing my new hairstyle. At that time, I wasn't sure what to do with my Yuusona, so I simply drew myself as a Prefect. In the newer version, she is inspired by the Headless Horseman and the Horned King. I am now using the original drawing for her version as a prefect.)
Twisted from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Full Name: Yamiyo Ryūzaki
Titel: Ougon no Ryuu
Alias: Kinryu, Nyxian Drakonides/Drakokoryfi, Kindle, Hollow or Bramble (other Students), Horned-One (Leona), Sea Bunny (Floyd), Roi des Ombres (King of Shadows) (Rook), Quiet Soul or Child of the Hallow (Malleus), Small Master (Sebek)
Age: Unknown (Older than Malleus)
Pronouns: Any
Gender: Female (Genderfluid)
Sexuallity: Pansexual, Abroromantic
Birthday: April 28th
Height: 165 cm (5'5")
Aspects: Droopy eyes, long down-turned ears, Sharp fangs, forked tongue, Smells like Roses and Vanilla.
Likes: Art, Anime, Manga, Niche Merch, Gaming, Fashion, Virtual YouTuber (VTubing), Anime Theory & Video Essays, Custom Keycaps, Digital Sculpting.
Hobbies: Painting, Sewing, Cosplay Crafting, Reading, Photography, Digital Illustration, Figure/Manga/Media Collection, Archery/Martial Arts, Reviewing & Blogging, Game Modding.
Dislikes: Loud places/people, Spiders, Insects.
Favorite food: Souvlaki
Least favorite food: Anything that contains cheese.
Talent: Artistry
Personality & Presence:
Hard-headed: Once they set a path, even Malleus would have trouble moving them. They don't take "no" for an answer from the Headmage. They are the only one who can stare down Crowley and win.
Down-to-earth: Despite their royalty, they are the first to grab a broom or fix a leak in the roof. Students from other dorms often sneak into Ramshackle just to vent to them because they are down-to-earth and gives blunt, honest advice.
Calm & Blunt: They don't scream; they speak in a low, vibrating hum. If your outfit is ugly, they will tell you—but they’ll offer to help you tailor it.
Sensual & Grounded: They love tactile things—heavy fabrics, the smell of rain, and spicy Scythian tea. They are very physically affectionate with those they trust.
Loyalty: They consider the Ramshackle residents "their hoard." They may insult Grim’s laziness, but they will fight a Chimera bare-handed to protect him.
The Housewarden: They treat the Ramshackle ghosts like annoying younger siblings and the prefect like a protected treasure.
The "Dorm Mother": They fix the leaky roof themself and ensures every student is fed.
School: Night Raven College; or Rebel Hearts Academia (Sister school of NRC in my AU)
Chant: "The clock tower tolls, yet the shadow remains. Lose your path, lose your breath, lose your moment. Final Midnight Strike!"
Effect: It freezes an opponent's physical movement while allowing their mind to keep racing, mimicking the paralysis of fear.
Caveats: After a major spell, Yamiyo experiences a delay between their thoughts and their body. They might try to speak, but the words come out five seconds later. For someone who prides themself on being reliable and down-to-earth, this lack of control is deeply frustrating and leaves them feeling "headless" or scattered.
Scythian Lore
The Land of Scythia: A kingdom of eternal twilight where the sun never fully rises, populated by Dragons and Fae (including Satyrs, Nymphs, and Harpies).
The Horseman Connection: She rides a massive, ghostly steed named Phantasm that leaves trails of blue fire.
The Pumpkin Symbol: In her kingdom, carved glowing gourds are used to trap stray spirits; she often carries a small, enchanted pumpkin charm on her belt.
(Inspirations: the Headless horseman (The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr. Toad) and Echidna/Drakaina Skythia (Greek mythology). Slight inspirations: the Horned King (The Black Cauldron), I plan to use him as a visual inspiration. If things deviate from the canon of the game or manga, it is because I have taken the creative liberty to create my own version of them.)
