| Category | Heroes |
| Type | freshmen class |
| Alias | Non-Arcane Class of 868 |
| Established | Year 868 |
The 222 were a group of mage initiates from the Khirêl Tâmândêth, more widely known as the Arcanums. Each year, the Arcanums' professors evaluate the freshmen class, expelling those lacking the proficiency to advance beyond the rank of Prestidigitator. Those with their tuition subsidized by the state must serve in the military until their debt is repaid. This longstanding practice, dating back to the fallen empire of Volgad, is a revered tradition that allows individuals with the aptitude to choose alternative paths, such as becoming a merchant, farmer, or pursuing other interests.
In 868, two hundred and twenty-two freshmen were prevented from continuing their education at the Arcanums. They were dispatched to undergo basic training at Fort Bânârmôn. However, they never reached their destination, instead being ambushed in what became known as the Battle of Ahi Nute. This confrontation arose from a breach in the Elemantum Boundary Ward. The gap in the rift allowed a force of fire giants and their hell hound packs to break out into the Indûrbathuk valley. They stealthily traversed the valley, resting by day and traveling by night, evading all Giruk strongholds and ruthlessly eliminating any patrols they encountered.
When the giants assaulted Ahi Nute in the early hours of 16 War March, the 222 former students of Khirêl Tâmândêth were either asleep or awake and preparing for the final stage of their journey to Fort Bânârmôn. Despite lacking in basic training and arcane expertise, they compensated with their sheer numbers during the ensuing battle. The battle reports indicate that they focused their magic missiles on any target that appeared to be a sergeant or of higher rank, or displayed exceptional resilience. Even with their numerical advantage, they could not overcome all the attackers with their limited spell allotment. Some of the 222 perished due to counter-spells from enemy casters and the tactical utilization of the physical mirror spell, which reflected their own magic missiles back upon them.
In the basic academy, students learn about the military tactics employed by Artaxertus and Cinderfall. This includes their widespread use of magic, battle mages, and priests that accompany every Cinderfall platoon, as well as the shamans and anti-paladins that accompany every Artaxertus unit. It is also taught that these factions are beholden to the Thrones and will never surrender, except to betray at the first opportunity. The Thrones drive their actions, instilling a unique appreciation and utilization of magic that is unparalleled across Midrêth and perhaps all of Bal-Kriav.
Zenîr-Kardas, of The 222 - "Battle Learning"
The 222 saved Ahi Nute from peril. Over the next two days, Giruk's forces moved up the valley, and reinforcements arrived to their aid from Izennâte. The fire giants and their hounds were vanquished, and Ahi Nute was liberated. The only ones left in the garrison were wounded soldiers and those defending them, 42 Arcanum freshmen of the original 222. They were showered with such acclaim, reverence, and esteem that they became something of a legend. Of the 22 who survived, half returned to the Arcanums to continue their studies, and two of these went on to become wizard governors of Tamlêrran.