Eshad University
Eshad University is an educational institution located on an island in Daripur, Hiladhel. It is the largest campus in Allethra, hosting the largest magical research complex in the world. Almost a small city unto itself, Eshad houses over 10,000 students and faculty on its campus. Shops and restaurants within its walls supply the university's inhabitants so that they often do not need to leave.
History
Eshad University was founded during the later reign of the Allesend Empire. Historically, magical research had been done in the capital of Allesar, but after God-Emperor Alles-Taluus' death in 153 AE, confidence in the Empire began to wane. A group of Hila researchers studying in Allesar decided to take their work home with them to Daripur when their leader, Armand Eshad, passed away. They named their research group after him, and within a few decades, their group had grown to several dozen spellcasters and researchers. With permission from the city, they began construction of a permanent campus.
The growth of Eshad was gradual. It wasn't until after the fall of the Empire in 320 AE when foreign academics, looking to move away from the centralized research of the old Empire, began to flock to Eshad. As the city of Daripur grew around them, so did the university.
In 412 AE, Hiladhel declared their independence from Faloriand. During the brief border skirmishes and subsequent blockade of the Iron Bay and Erminster, Eshad provided spellcasting services to Hiladhel's military. In return, Eshad was gifted major tax breaks and subsidies from Daripur. As the Council of Princes was formed, it became tradition for one council member to directly interact with and represent the university within the new government of Hiladhel.