Learn more about the Basgiath War College map to understand what’s happening in the Fourth Wing series. If quadrants and sections and events like Threshing have confused you, this reading guide is a cheat sheet that will help you understand what you really need to know about the main setting of the first in the popular romantasy book series without all the overwhelm. Let’s “fire” it up!
Basgiath War College Pronunciation
First, author Rebecca Yarros has clarified how she pronounces Basgiath War College in her fantasy book: “Buzz-guy-ith.” The Gaelic pronunciation would sound more like this: “BASS-gyah” (with “bass” rhyming with “class” and “gyah” like the beginning of “yacht”).
Hear Rebecca Yarros pronounce it on Youtube:
Basgiath War College Map Explained
Basgiath War College is a fictional three-year military school in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. On the Fourth Wing map, it’s located in the kingdom of Navarre, province of Morraine.
- Basgiath War College has four quadrants: Riders, Scribes, Healers, and Infantry.
- Each Quadrant has four wings: First, Second, Third, and Fourth.
- Each Wing has three sections: Tail, Claw, and Flame.
- Each Section has three squads: First, Second, and Third.
The highest ranks among the cadets in each quadrant are wing leader and section leader. Third-year students hold both positions, and exceptional second-year students can become squad leaders.
Some cadets enter Basgiath War College by choice, some by punishment, and some by “conscription.” For example, those whose parents rebelled are forced to seek entry into the Riders Quadrant on Conscription Day in mid-July, the “deadliest day,” when 15% die.
Entry into Basgiath War College is both written and physical (agility), and those who don’t pass enter into the Infrantry Quadrant.
For more details about the plot read my full summary of Fourth Wing.
About The Riders Quadrant
The Riders Quadrant of Basgiath War College is revered because it’s so hard to get in and survive until graduation (only 25% make it that far) and because those who make it past the cadet rank bond with the famous dragons in Fourth Wing and channel their magical powers (the famous signets in Fourth Wing).
Other Notable Places in Basgiath War College
Related Posts: Iron Flame Map | Onyx Storm Map
- General Sorrengail’s Office: Violet’s mother leads the school, and her office is pivotal to the book’s opening scene and a Squad Battle that occurs later in the book.
- The Parapet: To enter the Riders Quadrant on Conscription Day, one must cross this. It is two hundred feet above ground and only eighteen inches wide. It claims 15% of candidates.
- The Archives: Located in the Scribe Quadrant, this is where the scribes work on recording and maintaining historical writing. It contains all but forbidden books in Navarre.
- Academic Wing: This area of Basgiath War College contains the Battle Brief room, the sparring gym, and other classrooms where Violet and her classmates study.
- The Gauntlet: This is the vertical obstacle course the cadets must pass to make it to the flight field for Presentation to the dragons.
- Flight Field: This is the dragon’s field for training, landing, and take off. Cadets proceed here after they pass the Gauntlet for Presentation, the first time the dragons see those with whom they can bond.
- The Vale: Technically behind Basgiath War College, this is where the dragons live and where their eggs hatch. It provides wards that protect Navarre.
SHOP THE POST
Want an easier way to read Fourth Wing?
Stop feeling confused and start enjoying Fourth Wing! Take your reading experience to the next level with this 23-page, ad-free PDF version of my reading guides, perfect for printing and on-the-go reference while you read.
Related Fourth Wing Posts
- Fourth Wing Character List
- Fourth Wing Dragon List
- Fourth Wing Signet List
- Fourth Wing Review Without Spoilers
- Best Fourth Wing Quotes
- Fourth Wing’s Spicy Chapters
- Ending of Fourth Wing Explained
- Fourth Wing Discussion Questions
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
