Crystal Tree Academy

The Crystal Tree Academy is a renowned college dedicated to the education and training of specialized mages on Dessend. Unlike many mages who take a more general approach to magic or focus on spells tailored for specific professional purposes, students at the Academy delve deep into the study of a particular facet of magic.
At Crystal Tree Academy, aspiring mages have the opportunity to specialize in specific branches of magic, honing their skills and knowledge in areas such as transformation, illusion, elemental manipulation, or any other focused discipline offered by the institution. This focused approach allows students to explore the depths of their chosen field of magic, unravel its intricacies, and push the boundaries of their abilities.
At Crystal Tree Academy, a significant number of graduates choose to continue their association with the institution, making a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and magical mastery. After completing their education, these dedicated mages become an integral part of the Academy, dividing their time between teaching the next generation of students and engaging in intensive research within their specialized field of magic.
As faculty members, these accomplished mages bring their expertise and experience to guide and mentor new students as they begin their magical journey at the Academy. They impart their wisdom, share their insights, and provide practical training that nurtures the talents and abilities of aspiring mages. Through teaching, they not only contribute to the education of future generations, but also deepen their own understanding of their chosen branch of magic as they explore new pedagogical approaches and perspectives.
At the same time, these mages engage in intensive research, focusing on the advancement and development of their particular branch of magic. Their research efforts aim to expand the boundaries of magical knowledge, uncover hidden secrets, and develop new spells, techniques, or applications within their chosen discipline. Through their research, they contribute to the expansion of magical understanding and bring forth innovative concepts that shape the future of their branch of magic.
The Academy provides a supportive environment for these lifelong scholars to conduct their research, offering access to extensive resources, libraries, laboratories, and opportunities for collaboration. Working with other faculty members, visiting scholars, and even students, these specialized mages foster a vibrant intellectual community, exchanging ideas and challenging each other's perspectives.

Architecture

The main building consists of several interconnected halls, each dedicated to a particular branch of magical study. The central focus is the Great Hall, a large and spacious area that serves as the heart of the Academy. This central hub is surrounded by eight smaller halls, three on each side and two at the rear, forming a harmonious architectural composition.
At the front of the Great Hall, an elegant entrance foyer welcomes visitors and residents alike. Above the foyer is a clock tower, a majestic structure that rises approximately five stories. On the floors between the entrance foyer and the clock tower is the esteemed High Archmage's study, a place of deep contemplation and magical research.
To the left of the main building are three interconnected halls: the Hall of Transformation, where the mysteries of shape-shifting and metamorphosis are explored; the Hall of Conjuration, dedicated to the summoning and creation of magical beings; and the Hall of Enchantment, where the art of imbuing objects with magical properties is studied and practiced.
To the right of the main building are three more interconnected halls: the Hall of Elements, which focuses on the understanding and manipulation of elemental forces; the Hall of Divination, which delves into the realms of prophecy, foresight, and fortune-telling; and the Hall of Illusions, where the intricate art of illusionary magic is honed and perfected.
At the rear of the main building is the Canteen, a gathering place for students and faculty to eat and socialize. Attached to the Canteen are the Kitchens, which provide a constant supply of food for the Academy's inhabitants. Adjacent to the Canteen is the entrance to the Archives Foyer. This serves as the gateway to the Archives, a repository of precious spellbooks, tomes, and scrolls that the Academy has collected over time. Access to the Archives is restricted, and the Foyer provides a quiet and contemplative space for study and research, allowing scholars to immerse themselves in the wealth of knowledge contained within the Academy's collection. Permission from the Loremaster is required for any materials from the Archives to leave the foyer; even the High Archmage is bound to his word.
The architectural layout and arrangement within the main building of Crystal Tree Academy exemplifies a deliberate and thoughtful design, carefully crafted to facilitate the pursuit of magical knowledge, collaboration, and intellectual growth. Each hall and room has its own unique purpose, creating an environment conducive to learning, research, and the cultivation of magical talent.

Defenses

The island where Crystal Tree Academy is located is enveloped by a protective and perpetual storm, creating a formidable barrier that keeps sailors and flyers from venturing too close. This storm acts as a natural shield, isolating the island and its inhabitants from the outside world. The violent weather conditions surrounding the island serve as a formidable deterrent, keeping any ship or plane from approaching its treacherous confines.
The storm that encircles the island is characterized by high winds, heavy rains, and frequent lightning strikes. These tumultuous weather patterns create an atmosphere of unpredictability and danger, discouraging all but the most daring or foolhardy from attempting to breach the storm's perimeter.
At the heart of this tempestuous maelstrom, however, lies the calm eye of the storm—an oasis of tranquility where the Crystal Tree Academy has found its sanctuary. Shielded from the fierce winds, torrential rains, and relentless lightning, the island enjoys a state of relative tranquility and safety. The eye of the storm provides a respite from the chaotic forces of nature, creating a stable and secure environment for the Academy and its inhabitants.
Surrounding the island of Crystal Tree Academy is a labyrinthine network of magical Gates, shrouded in secrecy and illusion. These gates instantly teleport anyone who comes in contact with them to a distant location within the vast inland sea. This effect is designed to be subtle, leaving those who experience it unaware of the sudden transport they have undergone.
The magical gates form an intricate web, largely undetectable to the untrained eye. The enchantment that imbues these Gates is both powerful and precise, allowing them to quickly sweep away any intruders or unwanted visitors who accidentally stumble upon them.
The purpose behind this intricate network of gates is twofold: security and preservation. By teleporting intruders away, the Gates serve as an impenetrable barrier, protecting the Academy grounds from undesirables or potential threats. The labyrinthine nature of the Gates further complicates any attempts to navigate or breach the island's defenses.
In addition, the gates contribute to the protection and privacy of Crystal Tree Academy. By diverting intruders to distant locations within the inland sea, the Academy remains hidden from prying eyes and maintains its secluded existence. This ensures that the Academy's pursuits, research, and delicate magical knowledge remain protected and undisturbed.
Only those who have been granted permission, or who possess special knowledge of the safe path through the Gates, can navigate this enchanting labyrinth unharmed. These individuals, including high-ranking faculty and trusted visitors, are provided with the means to safely pass through the Gates, allowing them access to the island's sanctuary and the wealth of magical knowledge it holds.
The residents, including students, faculty, and a few trusted outsiders, have the knowledge and ability to circumvent the defenses through the use of teleportation magic. By clearly visualizing their destination, they can safely transport themselves to and from the island. However, for outsiders attempting to penetrate the island's defenses, teleportation becomes an immensely difficult feat. The restrictions imposed by the teleportation process make it nearly impossible for unauthorized individuals to circumvent these enchantments. Teleporting to the island requires knowledge of the exact locations of the Academy's structures and the ability to accurately visualize the destination to avoid potential mishaps upon arrival. The Crystal Tree itself also has the ability to redirect and repel teleportation attempts that would bring individuals into its sphere of influence.
By combining the subtlety and effectiveness of the magical gates with the Crystal Tree's own defensive capabilities, the island remains a sanctuary that is nearly impenetrable to unauthorized entry. This formidable combination deters intruders and ensures the privacy, security, and exclusivity of the Academy and its residents.

History

The Crystal Tree Academy acquired its name and unique identity following a transformative incident that forever altered the landscape of the institution. It began when one of the Academy's esteemed research faculty embarked on an experimental ritual, aiming to attain a form that resonated harmoniously with the aether. However, the outcome was beyond their expectations, resulting in the researcher's transformation into a colossal tree composed of shimmering purple crystal and adorned with leaves of brass.
The sudden and immense transformation caused significant destruction, as the Hall of Transformation was obliterated, and numerous surrounding structures suffered extensive damage. Despite diligent efforts to reverse the transformation, none proved successful. Nevertheless, during the process, an astonishing realization emerged—the ritual had indeed accomplished its intended purpose. The Crystal Tree, as the transformed researcher became known, possessed an extraordinary ability to attract and channel substantial amounts of aether, intelligently distributing it across the island where the Academy was situated.
Recognizing the unique qualities of the Crystal Tree, a momentous decision was made to embrace its presence rather than try to revert the transformation. The Academy decided to rebuild within the branches of the Crystal Tree, establishing a new architectural symbiosis with this awe-inspiring entity. The tree's branches became home to classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and living spaces, interwoven seamlessly with the natural structure of the Crystal Tree.
In order to protect the Crystal Tree and its newfound role as an aether conduit, extensive defenses and illusions were erected surrounding the island. These included a labyrinth of invisible Gates and a perpetual storm to confuse and deter sailors crossing inland sea surrouding the island. These measures were put in place to safeguard both the Tree and the Academy from external threats. The Crystal Tree became the heart of the Academy, both a symbol of its resilience and an embodiment of the Academy's deep connection to the magical forces that permeated the world of Dessend.

Type

College / Academy