For many school students (in the US at least), The Ides of March is a scary time when the evils of midterms and standardized tests mercilessly rain down upon the masses like Meteor spells.

But I digress.

The reason for my cheese-tastic commentary about school perils is because Patrick Gann brings us a hands-on preview of Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis. This Gust RPG, published by NIS America, is about the trials and tribulations of a bunch of students at a magical alchemy school. Along with midterms, students have to deal with crazy things such as monsters, possessed teddy bears, and more, including a familiar flirtatious ghost.

But enough of my blather. Read Pat's preview. Oh, and good luck on exams.

• Patrick's Mana Khemia Preview