Klaesarth Academy of the Arcane
Klaesarth's Academy of the Arcane, a bastion of magical learning nestled amidst rolling hills and ancient forests. Scholars from across the continent, and even beyond, flock to its hallowed halls in pursuit of arcane knowledge. Renowned for its vast collection of ancient texts, the academy is a treasure trove of magical lore.
The academy's founder, the legendary wizard Heinrich Klaesarth, was driven by a singular obsession: The Haltaran, a cryptic manuscript said to hold the power to reshape reality. Some whispered of demonic origins, others of celestial authorship, while a few dared to suggest it was the work of elder gods.
Henrich, consumed by the desire to unlock the Haltaran's secrets, established the academy as a gathering place for the brightest minds in magic. He believed that through collaboration and shared knowledge, they could decipher the manuscript's cryptic language.
Alas, despite their combined efforts, Henrich and his students were unable to crack the Haltaran's code. He passed away, his life's goal unfulfilled. Yet, the academy he founded endured. Today, it remains a beacon of magical knowledge, attracting scholars from all walks of life who seek to unravel the mysteries of the arcane.
Demographics
Social Status
Though the school is generally reserved for those of wealth and status, the faculty offers a number of scholarships every year to draw from the knowledge and experience of the "lower classes". These students, while they are afforded many of the same opportunities in terms of scholastic offerings, are not necessarily treated as equals by those who enrolled directly. Parties, extracurricular activities, and social gatherings can quickly become forbidden functions to those who study by the institution's good graces.
Likewise, those who come from noble or wealth families are treated with an extra level of grace by faculty who are wary to alienate the influential parents of these students.
When it comes to expectations for academic excellence, the Academy takes a hard stance on fairness. Whether prince or pauper, Heinrich Klaesarth always held students to the same exacting standards, and this is a tradition that long survived him.
Racial Status
The Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, though to say that all are equally regarded would be an ignorance liable to incur the wrath of the late Provost. Humans, Elves, and Tortle enjoy a level of reverence not afforded to all. "Lower Races" such as Goblinoids, Kenku, and Tiefling are looked upon with suspicion, though they are permitted to study under the scholarship system.
Kenku were often employed as translators, or copy masters, tasked with creating volumes of scholarly works for distribution and sale. Though they were integral to the school's function and the proliferation of their reputation, they were thought of as little more than peasant workers and were given poor accommodations and harsh treatment. Still, it was better than what most of the employees could expect elsewhere in the world, so they remained at the school for generations.
Should a Kenku run afoul of the Academy, the entire staff would be expelled and replaced, unless a specific culprit could be identified. The faculty was not interested in conducting a lengthy investigation on beings they saw as entirely replaceable.
Districts
10 different districts compose the academy grounds, rendering it almost a city in its own right. Its grounds are octagonal in shape, with the only entrance or exit existing at the center of the southern wall.
The Layman District
When entering the academy, the first district one would come to is colloquially known as the Layman District. This is where guests and visitors are received, and it consists of shops selling magical items and books, libraries where the public can browse some of the academies published works, and a few of the lesser workshops, where demonstrations of the academy's experiments can be viewed. Few make it past this first area, as it is a newer addition meant to engage the mind of visitors, with the aim of attracting new students or donations.
Those who graduate from Klaesarth's Academy but do not excel can often be found working in the Layman district, operating these "lesser workshops", entertaining guests and visitors, or acting as recruiters. This allows the "true scholars" to focus on their work without distraction.
Some of the more hardline scholars were against the construction of the Layman District. They felt it cheapened the reputation of the prestigious University. However, both the economic and public relations boon were too good for the Academies administrators to pass up.
Once one passes the Layman District, either directly, or through one of a number of different secret passageways, they would enter the academy proper. A massive, central courtyard unfolds, with pathways running straight in, and to the left and right along the octagonal walls.
Magic School Districts
Within the walls of the school, 9 other districts can be found: One for each school of magic, and one for Translation.
S - Necromancy District
To the South stands the Necromancy District. While there are a few buildings that compromise this ward of the school, the bulk of the workshops and classrooms for the Necromantic arts are subterranean, allowing for the open courtyard past the Layman District.
SW - Divination District
To the Southwest stands the Divination District. This district is hallmarked by a number of tall towers reaching towards the heavens. The buildings shine here, and in the heart of the district stands the Crystal Fields - a large area where crystals are cultivated and grown. Some of the most expansive libraries are also located within the Divination District.
W - Transmutation District
To the West stands the Transmutation District. this district features both technical workshops, as well as natural preserves, allowing alchemist and druid to coexist and learn in harmony.
NW - Abjuration District
To the Northwest is the Abjuration District. Scholars here focus on defensive spells, with a particular focus on attempting to dispel magic. This, as with all activities of the Academy, is done with the intent to help unlock the secrets of The Haltaran .
N - Evocation
The Northern most reaches of the Academy holds the Evocation District. Also known as the Dome District, this area features large domes which are magically warded to contain biomes of the various elements, many of which are reminiscent of the various elemental planes. Some believe that each of the domes is actually a portal leading to a cordoned off pocket of the elemental planes, though this has never been confirmed.
NE - Illusion District
To the Northeast stands the Illusion District. There are few who know what this district truly looks like, as it appears to be constantly shifting in appearance. Many students have attempted to map the district from within, but the shifting appearance, and restricted areas make it difficult to get a clear picture of exactly what this district looks like.
E - Conjuration District
To the East is the Conjuration District. This district is notable for tall Bounding Obelisks. These line the outskirts of the district and prevent anything within the district from getting out of the district, unless they possess a special mark that allows them to bypass the warding. Before this warding was in place, great damage was done when creatures conjured by students escaped and rampaged through the rest of the academy.
SE - Enchantment District
AbjurationConjurationDivination- Enchantment
EvocationIllusionNecromancyTransmutation
Assets
The Augur's Zafu
An expansive chamber which houses an enormous crystal that the seers use to scry, predict the future, or weigh the details of a decision.
Architecture
The Klaesarth Academy of the Arcane is a castle-like institution constructed of stone, bricks, and marble. Through the years, its reputation for excellence has brought it great fortune, and the administrators have lavished the grounds with beautiful gardens, intricate stonework, and extravagant furnishings.
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