The Nine Titans:
The testament to Safal’s status as one of the Arcane Pillars, its greatest feat of magic are the Nine Titans that surround the wall of the Capital City Safal. These guardian constructs were created by the Houses that founded the country alongside the first King, Archmage Safal. Legend says they were offered to him as the symbol of the houses’ loyalty and a sign to foreigners of their strength. The Titans stand vigil in a circle around the city, facing outwards from the central palace. Their entire surfaces carved with ancient arcane runes and sigils, scholars spend countless hours studying them, hoping to glean any insight towards their meaning long lost to time.
Arcane Exams:
Within Safal, very few traditions of the royal Safal lineage still remain. The most open being the Arcane Exams. 3 sequential Assessments open to mages across the world that seek to prove their prowess in magic.
Initially these Exams were brought about to encourage pursuit of Arcane Arts and entice prominent talent to come to Safal. For many generations they did so, until attention began to wane from the Royal Family and focused on the High Courts surrounding them.
Still maintained with the weakest nod to tradition, the High Courts now use the Exams as opportunities to find new talent to hire and induct into their own circles, thus increasing their influence and power within the realm. Though, their mandated location, being the capital Safal, allows the Royal Family to hold onto at least a thread of relevance.
The Arcane Exams are held every 9 years. The First and Second Exams are proctored by a singular Court each, chosen via lottery between the 9. The Third Exam is standardized for every iteration and is proctored by the Royal Family, with the test itself kept secret by those that participate.
Those that succeed in one Exam receive a token of accomplishment and a writ to proceed to the subsequent one. A singular silver 9-Pointed Star for each Exam passed. An individual may attempt the Exams any number of times, however they are barred from further attempts if they ever pass any of the Exams.
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