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Before the Fall, this sorcerous cabal of archmagi studied the Great Crystal to ascertain fundamental knowledge of spellcasting as an art within the halls of the ancient Magic University. The University is an academic order that operates independently of the Muraian Senate, though the Queen of the High People guarantees its protection as an institution within the Magic City. At the University, each Arcane College is assembled under a single archmage who acts as its superintendent, and who, together with three Grand Magicians, selects apprentices according to the individual philosophy for the College:
- The Cerulean Academy, or the College of Blue Wards
- The Gray Cabal, or the College of White Rods
- The Red Brotherhood, or the College of Red Staves
Each College holds different philosophies with respect to the practical application of magical research in the world. The College of Blue Wards studies how magic can be used for subtlety, to create and nullify defense, and to bend the laws of nature; the College of Red Staves studies how magic can be used as an active force of transformation, conjuration, and alteration in the mundane world; and finally, the College of White Rods studies how magic can be used to gain insight from the Astral Veil and produce truths beyond life and death.
Path of Ascension
Wizards begin their study of the arcane as apprentices, typically under the tutelage of a Magister who takes them under their wing at a young age (often disguised as an unlikely mentor). Apprentices have not yet learned to cast spells, and are capable only of mere cantrips. As soon as a wizard succeeds at the casting of her first spell, she is deemed a "mage" proper, and her mentor may proceed to instruct her in the schools of magic.
When a mage gains enough experience in the arcane arts, she may attempt what is called the Trial and the Tribulation, which is conducted in a magical proving ground as designated by the College. All mages who seek to pursue advanced study in the arts must pass the Trial: the knowledge of greater power is kept in secret by the College, so without access to their libraries, it is nearly impossible to find the research necessary to begin the study.
Schools of Magic
The curricula of each School of Magic is overseen by one of the nine Grand Magicians. Mages within each College are meant to study across many schools, as no particular field of study is beholden to a particular College.
- The School of Alchemical Science. Alchemy, Elemental.
- The School of Eldritch Research. Dimension, Conjuration.
- The School of Exorcism. Abjuration, Curative.
- The School of Geometry. Probability, Artifice.
- The School of Magical Philosophy. Metamagic.
- The School of Material Truth. Illusion, Enchantment.
- The School of Natural Law. Necromancy, Force, Time.
- The School of Parapsychology. Charm, Mind.
- The School of Supernal Insight. Astral, Divination.
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