Astrum Manor

Sergei shook out the sand out his shoes and held onto his obnoxiously large hat, "So, this is the rest-stop of the Wizards, is it?" he asked excitedly.
Loke shielded his eyes from the wind, "More than that, it's the whole darned parade."
Sure enough, robed figures made their way to the large castle, surrounded by a moat large enough to make it look an isle of its own. Doors shut along the streets and the stiff atmosphere had us caught in its grip.
I shivered, "You'd think they'd have us in the palm of their hands by now," I wrapped up in my admittedly warm disguise and rubbed my hands together.
Loke brought his matching hood over his eyes, "Boy, they already do," he said.

This is the headquarters of The Institute of Wizards. It is based in Muchanne, one of the many neutral isles in Poraile. Only those part of the organisation are allowed access unless three wizards vouch on their behalf.
Wizards come from far and wide every year to celebrate and exchange their findings. These events last for a week, but somehow don't drain local resources. Though appreciated, it adds to the general unease surrounding all things arcane.

Purpose / Function

Intended as a gathering place for The Institute of Wizards where they can discuss and hold their own legislative proceedings. In practise, it serves more as a wizard high court where the high echelons of wizard society can communicate with each other and exchange their research. Or at least, that's what they claim... who know what actually goes on in there?

Alterations

Alterations are mostly made with magic. Sometimes, locals won't even recall the building looking any other way when its design is changed.

History

Astrum was the name of the wizard who originally built the mansion, back when Poraile was a chaotic magiocracy embroiled in wars for territory. Around the time of the Mages' Accord, he offered his mansion as a refuge for those who thought the Accord was a foolish idea.
The King of Camelot, Oksal and the Warden of Noravägen teamed up to take on the wizard rebels in a war. After this war, The Institute of Wizards was founded as part of a peace effort between the mages and the aether-ignorant. Astrum by this time had died, but his family allowed the Institute to use his manor as their meeting place. Though part of the Institute, they held no senior position within it.

Tourism

Tourists like to pose in front of the building, but rarely do they ask to go inside. The Institute of Wizards don't take to aether-ignorant people nosing in their business kindly, imprisoning those attempting access in their dungeons. People that come back of these find the sight of the manor terrifying and refuse to go near it.

Founding Date

106

Alternative Names

The Astrium

Type

Manor house / Meeting hall

Parent Location

Muchanne

Related Ethnicities

• Wizard

Owning Organization

The Institute of Wizards