The Arcanum of Kadmos

Let is not be said that the Duke does not look after his people. The Arcanum is a place where the wild and unpredictable powers of magic can be contained. It is a place where chaos is instilled with order. It is a guide and guardian. To those who work within its walls, it is a sanctuary, one that helps them develop their magical skills without fear of hurting others. We are rigorous in our training and testing. We understand what is at stake here, and we do not take that lightly. We appreciate power, the potential it holds for both betterment and destruction.

- Mentor, Steward of the Arcanum

Structure

The Arcanum is run by a designated Steward. Reporting to him are the headmaster and knight commander of the Arcanum Knights.

Public Agenda

To identify, recruit and train all peoples with magical ability in the Duchy. Upon completion of the Arcane Trials, the student becomes a representative of the Arcanum and given an official badge and papers.
The Arcanum is the head of the Arcanum Knights, who are tasked with enforcing the rules of the Arcanum, as well as hunting down those who defy or refuse the guidance within.

History

Originally the tower of a powerful Doric wizard, the building was cleared and appropriated by the Duke and his forces. They built a wall around the tower and then set up the town of Neopolis to act as a way station between the road and the tower.
The Duke brought in some of his most trusted mages from the Empire to help create the magical school and its protections. Mentor has run the Arcanum as Steward efficiently and with great skill for many years.

Education

Anyone showing signs of magical skill are recruited into the Arcanum. Usually children are the main population, but there are instances where magical abilities display later in life. The teachers then work with the students to cultivate and guide their magical abilities. They do their best to steer the students toward an eye to help others with their gifts. Selfish students are kept under scrutiny and depending on their power they may be accompanied by a squire or knight trained in controlling magic users.
Students remain in the Arcanum until they can pass the Arcane Trials. These are rumored to be lethal at times, in an effort to weed out the students with little control or too much ambition. Upon completion of the trials, the student is officially a member of the Arcanum, and can remain as a teacher, or go out into the Duchy to work for the Duke or the Order of the Griffon.
Some students never attempt the trial and are content to remain within the Arcanum. Others see their time there as a harsh prison.

Type

Education, Magic

Alternative Names

The Guiding Tower, The Grey Prison