University of Magic
The University of Magic is situated in the heart of Kureta City. It is where all prospective mages must attend in order to attain the skills and qualifications required to become a licensed Magic user. Wizards are rare in Kureta, so a graduate of the University is usually viewed in the highest regard. Many try their hand at Magic (as it is fairly common for some to be born, or attain some minor magical ability) but few succeed as the amount of work and skill required is extremely high. Although the school is referred to as a university, it is unique in that it accepts students from age 10. Magically gifted children will learn the basics of reading and writing as well as other non-magical studies, alongside their arcane training. By the age of 20, students should be adept enough to either find a job using their magical skills, or continue their education either at the University of Magic (learning more advanced spells) or at another institution of higher learning, where they could learn to combine their Magic with something like architecture or agriculture.
There are 7 High Professors at the University, each at the head of their respective schools (there is no school of necromancy, though the art does exist):
The University is also where many magical items are created, mostly trinkets of minor effect. These are sold to merchants who typically mark-up the price and sell them on.
Many students will leave the University after learning 1st or 2nd level Magic - the strain required to master their skills is too much for some. Those who stay on to learn higher levels of Magic (3rd and above) become known as 'Magi', true mages in the eyes of their peers.
- Sableward, The Abjurer
- Aldric, The Conjurer
- Adina, The Diviner
- Maida, The Enchanter
- Thraxagon, The Evoker
- Ilea, The Illusionist
- Bartholomew, The Transmuter
Magic Shop
The university is the only true 'magic shop' in Kureta. Magical items may be found in other establishments, but only if somebody else has sold the item to them previously. Many students of the university will create minor Magic Items for the school to sell, as a means of paying for their tuition.Purpose / Function
To study magic, teach those with magical talent how to use their powers, and ultimately - make a living from magic.
The High Professors of the university are constantly trying to improve their knowledge of spells, and over the last 4 centuries have gradually discovered higher and higher levels of magic.
Architecture
The University of Magic is constructed primarily of Kurete, a magical substance that can be moulded with Magic to create grand structures - without the need of traditional supports or other bonding agents. The building is further decorated with non-magical materials, such as stone, timber, and even precious metals in some areas.
History
The University of Magic was founded in Kureta City on 28th Sectin 1312. The building was commissioned by the queen to be a place of learning and research. Humans knew very little of Magic at the time, and most folk feared what they didn't understand. The ruling monarch wanted to change this, realising the plethora of benefits working with Magic could bring.
Being on a floating island, Kureta City didn't suffer many of the troubles that other towns and villages did. With the recent founding of Takari Peak as an independent city, pressure was beginning to grow to protect the citizens of Kureta from dangers such as banditry, and the unusual forces of nature. The queen was aware of the magical prowess of the elves and sought to enhance the capabilities of her people in the same way.
In its early days, the university served mostly as a place for research. The building was equipped with laboratories for experiments, where scholars could begin to unravel the mysteries of arcane Magic. Magic was already prevalent in the world but found mostly in nature. Harnessing the power of Magic without the blessing of a goddess or communing with nature was unheard of at this point in history. Casting even basic cantrips was difficult, but they made decent progress in the creation of potions and minor Magic Items.
Throughout the centuries, Kuretians slowly improved their handle on Magic. The first spell of the 1st circle was perfected in 1361, a spell that granted its caster arcane protection from physical attacks. This breakthrough threw the doors open for arcane spellcasters, and new discoveries were made almost every week.
By the early 1400s, scholars of the university had discovered that Magic could be divided into 8 "schools". Many wizards were showing preferences towards one school or another, and it was decided that a High Professor of each school should be appointed - based on who had made the greatest strides in each area. These 8 High Professors would form a council of sorts, who would govern the university.
By this point, students had begun to take lessons in spellcraft. With much still to discover, and the difficulty level of becoming a wizard still very high, most students failed to achieve much of anything. Those who did show promise would continue to bolster the university's progress.
In 1489, it was decided to ban any further study of necromancy. Until this point, necromancy had been a useful tool for weakening one's opponent in battle, but with the breakthrough into the 3rd circle of Magic, the existing High Professor of necromancy discovered the means of re-animating a corpse. In a history that the university would rather forget, the High Professor animated the corpse of one of his own students. It was unclear how the student had died in the first place, but the High Professor claimed that the student had been a willing participant. This discovery was not looked upon favourably by the other professors, or the general public. The High Professor of necromancy was ousted from the university, but no evidence could be found that he had actually killed the student, and so no crime could be pinned on him. From then on, the study of necromancy was banned, and a law instituted by the Order of the Shield, to prevent any such thing from happening again.
The original university was constructed of timber and stone and wasn't rebuilt with Kurete until 1525. By this point, Kuretians had a good enough grasp on the arcane that some of their most accomplished transmuters could shape Kurete to their will. The Royal Palace had long been crafted with the substance and held a large reserve of the material in its cellars. With the existing queen's blessing, the university was allowed to reform the university in Kurete - increasing its size and capabilities greatly.
The university continued to push the boundaries on arcane Magic through the centuries, eventually breaking into the 6th circle of Magic with Maida, The Enchanter's discovery of the Mass Suggestion spell in 1753. This quickly followed with breakthroughs in the other schools, resulting in a few changes to the ranking of High Professor.
In recent times, Ilea, The Illusionist has made a staggering discovery, crafting a spell of the 8th circle. This discovery is sure to have a staggering effect on the university, and has already helped Abenthe, The Conjurer craft his first spell of the 7th circle - which he used to send The Unlikely Association to the Ethereal Plane.
Tourism
The University is a popular place for out-of-towners to visit, as the birthplace of modern magic and a beautiful Kurete structure. Common folk are not permitted to enter without a prior appointment however, and they university only offers "tours" to prospective students, and interested benefactors.
Founding Date
1312 KCB
Alternative Names
The University
Type
University / Educational complex
Parent Location
Owning Organization
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