[JPV HQ - Southwestern PA - Just before midnight, 10/31/1999]


Puppeteer looked out across a sea of pointy hats in multiple colors and designs.  The stage was set up on the 
parade grounds of the JPV campus.  The parade grounds had rarely been used in the campus' short history, as 
the term "parade grounds" would suggest someone actually parading, which is not really your average wizard's 
favorite activity[1].  He looked to his left and right, flanked on both sides by JPV's 2nd Torus'.  The group of 
mages who had achieved 2nd Torus were not only some of the best mages in the Jihad (or even the world), but 
they were Pupp's closest advisors and in some cases his best friends.

Only a couple of them even knew why they were there.

Also in attendance were the Triumvirate and other well-known Jihaddi.  Those who weren't in their dress uniforms
were garbed in various anime character outfits and other costumes.  It was Halloween, after all.

Puppeteer looked at his watch one last time and decided it was time to get things rolling.  He stepped up to the
podium and patiently waited for everyone's attention.  He took a deep breath.

"Hey everybody.  First of all happy All Hallow's Eve.  I guess you all want to know why we're here.  The meaning
of life aside, As we are all too aware, the Praxeum's reason to exist is now gone.  For whatever reason, the 
Purple Bastard and all his minions have left this plane, and that as Bono would say, is fucking brilliant."

He waited for the cheering and applause to die off.  Some already half drunk mage conjured a brief fireworks
display, and if time wasn't so short, Pupp would have let it continue.  However, he had to give said mage "The
Look" until the display ceased.

"Now, to get down to business."  He checked his watch again.  "In exactly three-and-a-half minutes, the Jihad
Praxeum Veneficus will be closed for business.  Also, I will be going on an indefinite vacation and this entire
campus is coming with me.  Some of you will be coming with me, and those of you who aren't will not be able to 
find us."

He noticed the look on the TRES Grand Admiral's face as he heard this.  The brief glow behind Darkside's eyes
betrayed his feelings regarding Puppeteer's announcement, even as he regained his composure and usually solid 
demeanor.  Darkside immediately leaned over to Malaclypse, sitting in the next seat.  The exchange was animated, 
but what Mal told Darkside must have satisfied him, as he stayed in his seat and Pupp, against all odds, wasn't 
dead.

Pupp continued, "It has been the greatest honor of my life to teach, learn, live, and serve with you all.  It's
been real.  Those of you who are coming, please join me up on the stage."

Here and there, a mage or two stood from their seat and strolled up to join the ArchChancellor on the stage.
When Puppeteer was satisfied that everyone was present, the 13 mages gathered in a small circle and joined hands.

[11:59:01, 10/31/1999]

The ArchChancellor closed his eyes and began speaking softly.  The other 12 chimed in, while some just kept their
eyes closed and concentrated.  Gradually, a blue glow began to outline the thirteen spellcasters.  As their
voices continued to get louder, the glow expanded outward and started outlining the buildings on the campus.  The
rest of the JPVers out in the audience began to feel uncomfortable as the air became thick with magic.

[11:59:15]

Katze became aware of a throbbing pressure on her temples.  She tried to shake it off, but could only hold her
head, praying for it to stop.

[11:59:30]

Darkside looked around.  Some of the mages in the audience looked like they had bad headaches, rubbing their
temples with exclamations of mild pain on their faces.  He noticed the taste of ozone in the air.

[11:59:45]

Aris Merquoni and Rens Houbens both struggled to stay in human form.  SO much magic, Aris thought as she fought
to keep her form.  Rens meditated, trying to keep from being distracted.

[11:59:59]

Just as it became intolerable, it was over.  

One by one, the attendees opened their eyes to find an open field.
The only structure left present was the stage.  The JPV mages met in small groups and made their goodbyes, doffing
their robes and hats, piling them into a mound in front of the stage.  When everyone completed the task, a lone
mage cast a surprisingly anti-climactic fireball, incinerating the clothing.  Here and there, a small spell went
off, left behind by absent-minded mages.






FOOTNOTES:

1. These activities would more likely lean towards food, drink, and... well... more food and drink.