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Wizards Without Work
Episode 1A - Codex Entry: Darwin Dewflare

Episode 1A - Codex Entry: Darwin Dewflare

Full Name: Darwin Aurew Dewflare

Age: 23

Height: 5’9”

Complexion: Sky-blue skin tone

Build: Average for his height, slightly leaning toward lanky

Hair: Buzzcut, with a slight hint of a widow’s peak

Eyes: Amber brown - often wide with curiosity or mild panic

Magical Specialty:

* Abridged Concentration-Based Casting:

Darwin excels at taking lengthy traditional spells and crafting “shorthand” versions of them while maintaining their essence. Though his methods are effective, they can sometimes lead to unintended quirks or incomplete results.

* Magic Sensing:

Darwin possesses a unique ability to read and analyze spells that have been cast on objects or areas. This makes him particularly adept at unraveling complex enchantments and identifying magical dangers.

* Specializations:

* Barrier Magic: Protecting himself and others with strong magical shields.

* Rune Magic: Crafting magical symbols for temporary or permanent effects.

* Green Magic: Nature-based magic focused on healing and growth.

* Light Magic: Versatile spells involving illumination, purification, and minor offensive capabilities.

* Versatility:

Darwin has a knack for mimicking spells after seeing them performed, making him a quick learner and surprisingly adaptable in the field.

Notable Strengths:

* Creativity and quick thinking in high-pressure situations

* Deep knowledge of spell mechanics and traditional lore

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* Adaptable, with a natural talent for combining old and new methods

Notable Weaknesses:

* His abridged casting style can sometimes lead to unstable results.

* Struggles with confidence, especially when his spells don’t work as intended.

* Hesitation in bad situations, though he overcomes it when his friends need him or he believes he can make a difference.

Background:

Darwin’s family hasn’t seen a true wizard in generations. For the most part, his relatives have pursued magic-adjacent professions rather than practicing magic itself. His mother, Sylvia Dewflare, is the head librarian at the largest magical library in the region, overseeing ancient spell archives and enchantment records. Darwin’s older brothers have taken stable, lucrative jobs—one as a legal consultant for magical regulations, the other as a logistics manager for a magical supply company.

Darwin, however, was different. Fascinated by stories of wizards from a young age, he chose to pursue a degree in Traditional Magic despite knowing it was considered obsolete. He’s driven by a need to prove that the old ways still have value and that he can make a difference in the world.

Though life hasn’t gone as planned since graduation, Darwin’s determination hasn’t wavered. He balances his part-time job at Abra-Ka-Burger with his apprenticeship at Ashbain’s General Magical Services, hoping to one day show the world—and himself—that he’s more than just another aspiring wizard.

Personality:

Darwin is optimistic and idealistic, with a stubborn belief in the importance of magic as an art form. While he’s usually calm and collected, he’s not immune to fear when things go wrong. However, his fear tends to take a back seat when his friends are in danger or when he sees an opportunity to help.

Though he can be self-critical and worries about being perceived as useless, Darwin’s loyalty and sense of responsibility drive him to push past his doubts. He often surprises himself and others with his bravery and ingenuity under pressure.

Fun Facts:

* Secret Snack Stash: Darwin hides enchanted marshmallows in his spellbook’s hidden compartment for emergencies.

* Worst Spell Mishap: Accidentally gave a pumpkin sentience during a school festival. It became a philosophy major and is still debating existence somewhere on campus.

* Favorite Spell: Illumi-Sky, an ancient spell that projects constellations that surround the user, best used indoors. It's the first one he ever learned as a child.

Relationships:

* Merrick Ashbain: Darwin respects Merrick as a relic of the old world and hopes to earn his approval, though Merrick’s gruff nature often leaves him second-guessing himself.

* Saffrey Smokevine: She’s tough on Darwin, but her teasing is usually meant to push him to grow. Darwin admires her potion expertise, though her methods sometimes unsettle him.

* Tally Brightspark: Darwin is both fascinated and intimidated by Tally’s technical wizardry. Despite their different approaches to magic, Tally’s laid-back personality makes him easy to get along with.

Current Status:

As a trial apprentice at Ashbain’s General Magical Services, Darwin is determined to prove his worth. Though his work-life balance is chaotic—splitting time between the guild and Abra-Ka-Burger—he’s starting to find his place among Merrick’s misfit team. Darwin hopes that with enough effort, he’ll be able to turn his passion for traditional magic into something truly meaningful.