University City

"Where Knowledge Shines Brighter Than Flame."

At the heart of the Solaris Republic, nestled between the golden cliffs of the Emberstone Hills and the crystalline waters of Lake Luminara, lies University City—a dazzling metropolis of learning, magic, and political power. Gleaming towers reach skyward like quills upon a grand tome, and cobbled streets hum with the footsteps of scholars, adventurers, diplomats, and dreamers.

Though it is named for the great Scholara University at its core, University City is more than just a campus—it's a thriving, walled arcane city filled with innovation, magic, and danger. Here, the past is preserved in ink and stone, and the future is written in flame and spellwork.

At the heart of the city stands Scholara University, a massive, many-spired institution dedicated to arcane study, philosophical debate, and experimentation. Adjacent to it is the Great Arcana Library, a towering repository of magical lore and historical record, overseen by the enigmatic Librarian Meadowbrook and guarded by the elite Silver Fists, who wear blue cloaks and answer to Commander Ironfist.

Government

University City is under the protection of the Solaris Republic Army, whose soldiers are known for their signature red cloaks and disciplined formations. They patrol the streets, gates, and towers with ceremonial precision, their presence both a symbol of stability and a reminder of the growing tensions with the Empire of Cilese.

The city is often thought to be overseen by the head of the University, currently Naxene DuLac.

Districts

General Stores & Markets

1. Pindlewood’s Provisions – General goods, adventuring supplies | Owner: Dorian Pindlewood
2. Greenthistle Goods – Exotic imports, rare trade goods | Owner: Orin Greenthistle
3. Tinkerer's Quarter – Open-air market with various vendors | Owner: Managed by the Merchant’s Guild
4. The Gilded Quill – Stationery, ink, paper, and books | Owner: Sella Fairbrook
5. Copperpot’s Curios – Odd trinkets, rare baubles, and minor magical items | Owner: Hob Copperpot (Gnome)

Food & Drink Establishments

1. Golden Oak Tavern – General Tavern, arcane-infused drinks | Owner: Edris Velthorne
2. The Drunken Scholar – Rowdy tavern, mercenary hangout | Owner: Mags "Red" Thorne
3. The Gilded Spoon – Gourmet dining, noble clientele | Owner: Chef Laurent Belmond
4. Red Dragon Inn – Specialty ales and spirits | Owner: Roland Stormbrew
5. The Starry Quill – Tavern serving monster-based cuisine | Owner: Harric Bonejaw
6. Arcane Delights – Magical confectionery, enchanted candies | Owner: Althea Moonpetal
7. The Rusty Lantern – Standard friendly tavern known for it's music | Owner: Marcus

Weapons, Armor, & Smithing

1. Grimhold’s Ironworks – Traditional arms and armor | Owner: Tharic Grimhold
2. The Silvered Fang – Silvered and enchanted weapons | Owner: Fenric Darrow
3. Aegis & Anvil – Adamantine and mithral armor | Owner: Calla Stonereaver (Dwarf)
4. Runehammer Forge – Magical blacksmithing and rune-engraving | Owner: Orvek Runehammer
5. The Iron Flask – weapons, shields, and metal goods for soldiers and mercenaries | Owner: Rurik "Mightfist" Voss

Magic, Alchemy, & Enchanting

1. The Arcane Emporium – Scrolls, wands, enchanted artifacts | Owner: Marcellus Thornveil
2. Curio & Charm – Trinkets, oddities, and minor magical items | Owner: Madam Lisette
3. The Verdant Vial – Potions, healing elixirs, alchemy | Owner: Zylara Greenbriar
4. The Warded Quill – Magical inks, spellbooks, and enchanted paper | Owner: Tobias Inkwell
5. Eldritch Attire – Enchanted robes, cloaks, and accessories | Owner: Magister Veylin
6. The Whispering Ink – Magical tattoo parlor | Owner: Kairos Nightshade

Luxury, Fashion, & Jewelry

1. Lucian’s Luxe Attire – Noble and wizardly fashion | Owner: Lucian Devril
2. The Jeweler’s Arcana – Enchanted gemstones, rings, amulets | Owner: Valora Estelle
3. The Glasswork Guild – Stained glass, magical scrying orbs | Owner: Jeren Vallis

Thieves’ & Underworld Businesses

1. The Ebony Exchange – Stolen goods, contraband | Owner: Unknown
2. The Velvet Glove – Tailor shop (front for a thieves' guild) | Owner: Master Weaver "Silk"
3. The Rat’s Den – Gambling hall, black-market deals | Owner: Big Benny

Stables, Inns, & Transport

1. The Sable Stallion Stables – Warhorses, exotic mounts | Owner: Harwin Redmane
2. The Clockwork Courier – Magical and mechanical message delivery | Owner: Tessa Gearwright

Banking & Financial Services

1. The Silver Nexus Bank – World-run banking system | Owner: Overseer Aldric Voss

Miscellaneous & Unique Businesses

1. The Owl & Lantern – Magic-infused candles and lanterns | Owner: Hesper Runesong
2. The Brass Compass – Cartography, navigation tools | Owner: Captain Elias Fairwind
3. Briar & Thorn Apothecary – Exotic poisons, medicinal herbs | Owner: Rhea Thornbrook
4. The Hollow Hearth – Funeral services, soul-binding magic | Owner: Veyda Mournwhisper

Guilds and Factions

In University City, five prominent guilds hold sway over the city's various domains:

1. The Builder’s Guild – Masters of construction, architecture, and innovation, this guild oversees the creation and maintenance of the city's grand structures, magical enhancements, and infrastructure.
2. The Curator’s Guild – Keepers of knowledge and artifacts, The Curator’s Guild is responsible for the care, preservation, and display of magical and historical objects, often working alongside Scholara University and the Great Arcana Library.
3. The Feast & Flask Consortium – A collection of elite restaurants, taverns, and food purveyors, this guild controls the culinary and drink industries, catering to both the scholarly elite and the city's vibrant tavern culture.
4. The Silent Hand – An enigmatic and shadowy organization, The Silent Hand is a guild of spies, thieves, and operatives, known for their discretion, intelligence gathering, and covert dealings within and beyond the city.
5. The Trader’s Alliance – The economic backbone of University City, this guild regulates trade, commerce, and the flow of goods into and out of the city, controlling markets, goods distribution, and merchant activities with a keen eye on profit and power.

Each guild wields significant influence over the city's economy, culture, and politics, often forming alliances or engaging in subtle rivalries to further their own interests.

University City

Open full size

Location under

Scholara Island

Included Locations

• Aegis & Anvil
• Arane Brazaar
• Arcane Delights
• Briar & Thorn Apothecary
• Copperpot’s Curios
• Curio & Charm
• Eldritch Attire
• Golden Oak Tavern
• Greenthistle Goods
• Grimhold’s Ironworks
• Lucian’s Luxe Attire
• Pindlewood's Provisions
• Red Dragon Inn
• Runehammer Forge
• The Arcana Library
• The Arcane Emporium
• The Clockwork Courier
• The Drunken Scholar
• The Ebony Exchange
• The Gilded Quill
• The Gilded Spoon
• The Glasswork Guild
• The Hollow Hearth
• The Iron Flask
• The Jeweler’s Arcana
• The Owl & Lantern
• The Rat’s Den
• The Rusty Lantern
• The Silver Nexus Bank
• The Starry Quill
• The Velvet Glove
• The Verdant Vial
• The Warded Quill
• The Whispering Ink

Owner/Ruler

Sir Percival Waggles

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Naxene DuLac

Owning Organization

Solaris Republic

Related Plots

• Whispers in University City