Institute of Arcane Science

​The intermingling of steam-age technology and arcane magic has created an unusual hybrid of scientific study known as arcane science. To further explore this new and exciting field, three renowned mages gifted in the arts of engineering and sorcery founded the Institute of Arcane Science. Once a single tower located in the academic quarter of the city, the Institute of Arcane Science has since grown into a campus occupying an entire city block. The members of the Institute of Arcane Science believe that through research, experimentation, and discovery, anything can be achieved in the field of arcane science.
​The founding of the Institute was as much an accident as it was designed. Founded in the summer months 35 years ago, the Institute of Arcane Science began as a collective of three innovative young mages working to weave sorcery into the new and exciting technology of steamcraft. Through trial and error, the beginnings of arcane science began to take shape as the triad created invaluable tools, powerful weaponry, and other innovative technologies. In the beginning, the triad freely shared their experiences and innovations with others interested in the new science. It would not be until the Tragedy of Hillercrest that the triad would reevaluate their methods. In the winter prior to the founding of the Institute, harsh weather prompted a young mage and arcane science enthusiast to create a gas-powered heat source powerful enough to warm a large house. A miscalculation led to a massive explosion, killing the mage, several nearby families, and injuring dozens more. This tragedy changed the triad and clarified the necessity for proper education in the arcane sciences.
Despite the tragedy, the triad managed to convince the city’s administration to sponsor the formation of the Institute of Arcane Science and further promote the safe and effective application of arcane science. Currently, more than 200 students are enrolled at the Institute. Every student must wear a uniform consisting of soft boots, brown breeches, a blue shirt, and the traditional dark blue academic robes decorated with the Institute’s standard. Teachers and administration are allowed to wear personal clothing, although each teacher wears a small standard identifying their area of expertise and education.
Life on the campus of the Institute of Arcane Science is a pleasant one, and both students and teachers participate in the open exchange of ideas. Of course, there is the occasional incident between students or a minor lab accident, but to date no serious infractions have occurred. This is largely due to the respect commanded by the administrative triad. Every student is well aware of the sacrifices made by the triad during the earliest days of arcane science and the founding of the Institute. This knowledge and the memorial dedicated to the Tragedy of Hillercrest located in the central square of the campus keep the students humble and focused on their studies. Students are encouraged to live in the campus dormitories while participating in the curriculum. Teachers and administration typically live off campus in the city, though triad member Zellon has lived on campus since the foundation of the Institute. It is commonplace to see the lights of his small tower burning brightly into the late hours of the night.
It is rumoured that triad member Zellon has worked since the Tragedy of Hillercrest to devise a heating system capable of warming several homes through the use of one central heating unit. The Institute also recently gained the enmity of several city administrators for openly rejecting a contracted project to improve the offensive capability of the city militia’s weaponry. However, the triad did agree to begin work on a new method for the city’s defence. The progress of this project is a closely guarded (and highly dangerous) secret, known only to the triad members themselves.

Type

Education, Magic

Location

Shard