Those individuals seeking to qualify as
both a master mage and a master artificer at the conclusion of their course of study at Anthur-Ro are required to complete a dissertation: a practical demonstration of a pioneering theoretical concept that engages their mastery of both disciplines.
That demonstration generally takes the form of a
dissertation box, or a "dis box", a highly individualized expression of the candidate's personality, expertise and aesthetics. Necromantic watchmakers might create an ebony puzzle box with the ability to contain souls, whereas divining glassblowers might express themselves with a cube that unfolds to reveal an automatic scrying device. Most dis boxes are of such limited actual academic value that they find their way directly out of the Towers and into the marketplace.
As a result,
The Arcanaeum is absolutely littered with pointless but gorgeous boxes. They form the bulk of the magical "trash" distributed through the clearance lottery.
Every now and then, however, one is produced that is not only of academic interest but that might have some practical value to adventurers or other customers. In some cases, the boxes prove to be so useful and profitable that their creators are invited by the Arcanaeum to make reproductions of their original design for extra cash.
Dis Boxes Currently Available For Sale or Order
Gomer's Very Empty Box
Paisley's Patient Box
Tintorio's Box of Company
Some consider Coriander's Clock to have been a dissertation box, however Coriander Cole's death prior to its assessment and defence precludes it being formally registered as one.
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