Stunning Harmonies of Ingenious Entertainers

Greetings, future stars of stage, song, and story! Welcome to SHINE!
I am Oriric Cherrybottle, founder and humble steward of this grand academy. Here at SHINE, we believe that every soul carries a spark of brilliance, a melody waiting to be heard, a tale eager to unfold. Whether you’ve mastered an instrument or simply hum tunes under your breath, know that within these walls, there is a place for you.
Here, you’ll find stages waiting for bold voices, classrooms brimming with knowledge, and friends to share in your journey. And if anyone says the path to artistry isn’t for the faint of heart, know that it’s precisely why we created SHINE; to support those who dare to dance in the light, even when shadows linger nearby.
So come, see what waits beyond the curtain, and let your talent dazzle. Together, we’ll SHINE brighter than a thousand stars. With open arms and a merry heart,

— Oriric Cherrybottle,
Bard Extraordinaire

Founding and History

The (He)art of Thandor: The Original Theater

In the heart of the Quarter of the Owl- the academic district of Thandor- there was an open theater that sparked joy and art in the city. This self-sustained hub of artistry was a sanctuary for street performers, musicians, and poets who gathered to celebrate their crafts. Throughout the years, the theater became a vibrant gathering place, filling the hearts of the locals with colorful performances, enchanting melodies, and joyous expressions of creativity.

The open theater served not only as a venue for entertainment but also as a catalyst for collaboration and inspiration among artists. It was a space where aspiring talents could showcase their skills, connect with seasoned performers, and engage with the community. The performances held within its walls cultivated a deep appreciation for the arts, enriching the cultural fabric of Thandor and laying the groundwork for what would later become SHINE, the bardic college that would continue to foster this legacy of creativity and artistic expression.

From Stage to Academy: The Rise of SHINE

While the open theater was cherished by some locals for its vibrant performances, many residents of the Quarter of the Owl grew increasingly frustrated with the street performers and the crowds they attracted. These performers, who relied on their art to make a living, often drew undesirable elements from The Pit district, leading to complaints about noise and disturbances. The severe militant administration of Thandor viewed street performers with disdain, further fueling tensions in the district.

The authorities made several attempts to evict the performers from the theater, seeking to restore what they considered order to the area. However, it was Oriric Cherrybottle's timely intervention that changed the course of this narrative. Recognizing the cultural value and potential of the theater, Oriric leveraged his influence and resources to advocate for the performers, ultimately ensuring their continued presence in the community.

His efforts laid the foundation for a new vision, transforming the open theater into the SHINE, a bardic college dedicated to nurturing the arts and providing a stable environment for creativity to flourish. This shift not only preserved the legacy of the theater but also created an institution that would elevate the status of the performers and the art they cherished.

Stunning Harmonies of Ingenious Entertainers

In his youth, Oriric Cherrybottle made the bold decision to invest his entire fortune into creating the SHINE, the bardic college that would become a beacon of artistic excellence in Thandor. Despite being a local, Oriric faced skepticism and caution from many in the city due to his unwavering faith in Levar, the trickster god of mischief and luck. This deity, often viewed unfavorably in Thandor, cast a shadow over Oriric's reputation, yet no one could deny his extraordinary talent as a bard.

"In the chaos of the Trickster, I have found my muse. Remember that the most profound truths are often wrapped in the mantle of unpredictability."

— Oriric Cherrybottle,
Bard Extraordinaire

After returning to Thandor from his adventures, almost half a century ago, Oriric spoke of the blessings and fortune he had amassed from his travels. Fueled by his passion for the arts and a vision of fostering creativity, he channeled his wealth into establishing the SHINE. From its inception, the college became a sanctuary for artistic expression, where talents could flourish and evolve.

Initially met with skepticism, the SHINE slowly garnered acceptance within the community. Over time, as the students showcased their remarkable skills, the college transformed into a source of pride for Thandor. The talents nurtured at the SHINE not only enriched the local culture but also began to change perceptions of the arts in the city, solidifying Oriric's legacy and the college's vital role in the artistic landscape of Thandor.

The SHINE's Facilities

Main Auditorium

The heart of the SHINE, this grand indoor theater features high vaulted ceilings and ornate wooden beams. With excellent acoustics and plush seating, it hosts a wide range of performances, including music, theater, and various exhibitions. The auditorium is a lively hub where students can showcase their talents and gain invaluable experience in front of an enthusiastic audience.

Outdoor Stage

Preserved from the original open theater, this enchanting outdoor performance space is surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers. The stage, crafted from aged stone and adorned with vines and lanterns, is a beloved venue for street performers and students alike. Here, the vibrancy of music, dance, and theatrical performances attracts diverse crowds, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and creativity.

Classrooms

The classrooms at the SHINE are designed for interactive learning, accommodating a variety of subjects from music theory to creative writing and visual arts. These bright and inviting spaces encourage collaboration and discussion, with instructors guiding students through workshops that emphasize hands-on experience and the exploration of their artistic passions.

Practice Rooms

The SHINE features a series of cozy practice rooms equipped for various artistic disciplines. Each room is designed to inspire creativity, showcasing musical instruments, painting supplies, and writing desks. Students are free to hone their skills in privacy, whether they’re rehearsing lines for a play, composing poetry, or perfecting a musical piece, fostering an environment rich in artistic exploration.

Dorm Rooms

Providing comfortable living arrangements for students, the dormitories foster a sense of community and collaboration. Each room is personalized with art supplies, books, and decorations that reflect the students' diverse interests. The dorms serve as a home away from home, allowing students to focus on their studies while sharing their artistic journeys and inspirations.

Library and Archives

A treasure trove of knowledge, the library houses an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and recordings related to all forms of art. With its cozy reading nooks and study tables, the library serves as a quiet sanctuary for students seeking inspiration and information, as well as a resource for research on their various artistic endeavors.

Administration Offices

These offices serve as the administrative backbone of the SHINE, overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring the smooth running of the college. Here, faculty and staff collaborate to support students and maintain the institution's commitment to excellence in all artistic fields, from performance to visual arts and writing.

Gardens

The gardens surrounding the SHINE offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of academic life. With beautifully landscaped areas, colorful flowers, and sculptures that celebrate the arts, these gardens invite students to relax, meditate, or find inspiration in nature. It’s a peaceful space where creativity can flourish in a tranquil setting.

THE SHINE'S PROFESSORS

The Vice Dean: Galdoran Karandus

"Art is fleeting, but stories; those are eternal. My work here is not to revel in the performances, but to capture the threads of history so that future generations might learn from them."

-Vice Dean Karandus

Galdoran Karandus, Vice Dean of the SHINE, is a figure known for his sharp discipline and uncompromising standards. Coming from a noble family and having dedicated twenty years of his life to this college, Galdoran is a steady fixture within its halls, where he teaches art history, journalism, and writing with a strict, no-nonsense approach. He’s often regarded as the polar opposite of the academy’s free-spirited founder, Oriric Cherrybottle, holding students to the highest of standards and insisting that their work be both precise and purposeful. Most students see him as intimidating, though for the few who aspire to be historians, Galdoran is a beacon of knowledge and a mentor in whom they find rigor and reliability.

Galdoran’s relationship with Oriric is one of respect mingled with frequent discord. Their clashes are legendary, centering around Oriric’s impulsive habit of admitting talented students who cannot pay the academy fees, a decision Galdoran considers financially reckless. Another point of contention is Oriric's open worship of Levar, the trickster god, which Galdoran sees as a blatant provocation to the authorities of Thandor. Though he is not deeply devout himself, Galdoran believes in upholding SHINE's dignity and feels that Oriric's displays serve little purpose other than to antagonize. Nevertheless, Galdoran remains steadfast, convinced that his own work will leave a legacy that outlasts their differences.

The Crafter: Selenia Withers

"Beauty’s just one side of the coin. Sometimes, it’s the cracks and shadows that make a piece feel…alive. Perfection is so dreadfully boring, don’t you think?”

-Professor Selenia Withers

Selenia Withers is the youngest member of the SHINE’s faculty, having joined only two years ago. A former student, she was one of Oriric’s more unconventional choices- a talented sculptor and painter with a distinctive affinity for the eerie and grotesque. Oriric had accepted her without payment, seeing the potential in her unique style, and in turn, Selenia chose to give back by working at the college without pay. Her approach to art is both whimsical and unsettling, often blending sweetness with elements that explore darker themes, which has made her a captivating yet enigmatic presence among students and faculty alike.

Despite her gentle demeanor, Selenia’s art challenges her audience to look beyond beauty and perfection, which she considers boring. Her classes invite students to embrace imperfection and see beauty in the unexpected. To her students, she’s an inspiration; an artist who views life’s shadows as an integral part of the whole, teaching them to craft works that resonate deeply and, perhaps, haunt their audience in subtle, unforgettable ways.

The Actor: Marcelino Custos

“People laugh, and that’s enough for me. They don’t need to know why I started- they just need to know how it feels to be here, alive, sharing something real.”

-Professor Marcelino Custos

Marselino Custos is one of the SHINE’s most vibrant personalities, teaching theater, oratory, and improvisation with unmatched charisma. His improv classes are especially sought after, drawing students eager to learn from a master of spontaneity and humor. Known for his joyful demeanor, Marselino radiates positivity, creating a space where students feel free to explore their expressive sides. Yet, there’s an air of mystery about him. He works in the SHINE since the very beginning- almost 50 years now- but his life before that remains unspoken. Everyone has come to respect his privacy, sensing that the past holds its share of sorrow.

On stage, Marselino is fearless, using his wit and energy to challenge social conventions, encouraging his students to embrace their quirks and emotions fully. His humor, though light-hearted, holds a subtle wisdom, allowing students to see the power of humor as a tool for resilience. To many, he’s more than a teacher; he’s a beacon of strength and authenticity, showing that laughter can be a source of profound healing.

The Alchemist: Walter "Walt" Bergman

“Wait, what? Sorry... can’t talk right now! I just realized I need to—oh no, did I forget the salamander scale or...? No, focus! What was I saying? Can we chat later? I’m really on the edge of something here!”

-Professor Walter Bergman

Walter Bergman, the SHINE’s resident half-elf alchemist, is a figure of endless fascination- and confusion- for students and faculty alike. Eccentric and perpetually distracted, Walt can usually be found in his laboratory, surrounded by a dizzying array of vials, flasks, and bubbling concoctions. His unique personal aroma, a blend of volatile chemicals and herbs, precedes him in the halls, marking his presence long before he enters a room. Although his mind seems to wander constantly, his focus becomes razor-sharp when he’s orchestrating special effects for performances, pushing himself and his students to perfection.

Walter’s love for alchemy is all-consuming, and it’s not uncommon for students to find him lost in muttered equations or scribbling arcane formulas mid-sentence. His contributions to the SHINE’s shows are renowned for their intensity and precision, despite his otherwise scattered nature. To many students, Walter is an enigma: a demanding yet brilliant teacher whose peculiar habits add a touch of alchemical magic to the college’s atmosphere.

CLOUDS OVER THE SHINE

While the SHINE has blossomed into a vibrant hub of creativity and artistic expression, it faces significant challenges that threaten its continued growth and sustainability. The college’s commitment to nurturing talent- regardless of a student’s financial means- has put a strain on its resources, making it difficult for Oriric and the faculty to maintain the high standards of education and performance that define the institution. Additionally, the lingering scrutiny from Thandor’s authorities, particularly regarding Oriric’s open worship of Levar, continues to cast a shadow over the college's reputation.

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Despite these hurdles, the passion and dedication of the staff and students at the SHINE shine through, as they strive to uphold the legacy of artistry and innovation that Oriric envisioned. With ongoing support from the community and an unwavering commitment to fostering creativity, the SHINE stands at a crossroads, poised to confront its challenges while continuing to inspire future generations of artists and performers in Thandor and beyond. The journey ahead may be fraught with difficulties, but the spirit of creativity and resilience at SHINE remains a beacon of hope and inspiration across the empire of Keraian.

Founding Date

910 ADA

Alternative Names

The fireflies nest

Type

College / Academy

Owner

Oriric Cherrybottle

Ruling/Owning Rank

Dean

Oriric Cherrybottle
Founder and Dean of the SHINE