University of Magical Arts
Rising above Clerkburg like an arcane monolith, the University of Magical Arts—known simply as the College of Magic—commands attention with its striking three-sided pyramid. Its sheer obsidian sides gleam ominously in the sun, while its pointed crown is visible from across the city.
A Labyrinth Without a Door
The mystique of the university is apparent even before one reaches its gates—for there are no visible gates at all. Travelers approaching the pyramid find themselves facing blank, featureless walls. Turning a corner reveals another endless expanse of smooth stone. And another. No entrance to be found.
For outsiders, entry is impossible. For apprentices, it is a leap into the unknown. Those chosen to begin their studies are whisked through the walls by their mentors’ power—and often, they do not emerge again for years.
The Hierarchy of Magic
The pyramid consists of 15 levels, each smaller than the one below, housing a progressively smaller number of students. The higher one ascends, the more advanced the magician.
- The lowest level houses 100 eager apprentices, all at 0 level, under the tutelage of seasoned instructors.
- Higher levels follow a strict progression of mastery—with 60 first-level students, 40 second-level, 20 third-level, and so on.
- Above sixth level, students study alone or in pairs, receiving personalized instruction from masters of the craft.
Each floor serves as dormitory, dining hall, and classroom, and the faculty—always at least three levels higher than the most advanced student—ensures that the apprentices struggle, endure, and grow in power.
The Vault of Arcane Secrets
Deep beneath the pyramid, a colossal underground chamber serves as an auditorium, training ground, and magical arena. Dropping 40 feet below the surface, its vaulted dome shelters students perfecting the art of levitation and flight, safely away from prying eyes and errant winds.
The arcane defenses of the university are legendary. Among them:
- Invisible walls and magic mouth wards that whisper warnings to trespassers.
- Permanent levitate spells and slow gas traps that confound intruders.
- Rooms blanketed in silence and darkness to disorient the unwelcome.
And at the very peak of the pyramid, a vault of unparalleled importance. Within, 2d4+1 priceless magical artifacts lie secured—not for wealth, but for study, their contents ever-changing to suit the needs of the college’s enigmatic curriculum. While there is little gold, a resourceful thief might uncover ancient scrolls, forgotten tomes, and the spellbooks of long-departed masters—if they could survive long enough to claim them.
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