Magic Academies of Elibe

[Nayru Al-Saiduq]

There are countless 'lesser' academies across Elibe, and ten times more individual teachers. In truth, it is only a minority of magi across Elibe that can boast a proper diploma from one of the most prestigious academies in the land - and in general this is a fairly inconsequential truth for most adventurers. Deeds far outweigh a meaningless slip in paper after all; one who is known as a monster slayer will hardly be ignored simply because they didn't graduate from a certain academy.

However, particularly in academia and politics, to have graduated from a major academy IS a significant boon; it is believed to show maturity, diligence, and the ability to work well with others. Penniless paupers and dreamers alike oft imagine the benefits that that slip of paper could offer, and in truth having an established academic magus to speak well of you can be a great benefit to those with higher aspirations. Thus, across Elibe a number of academies have risen above their peers by deed or backing or history or all of the above. Below are some of the best known currently.

Etruria:

• Delfia: Etheria Academy is the best known mage academy in the world, legendary for its rigorous curriculum and extreme age, dating back to the Ending Winter; its mage-instructors some of the most skilled light and anima mages in all of Elibe. It was also known for its strictly apolitical position, being beholden only to the crown and thus one of Etruria's freest forums for open discussion and learning, but Kraft's actions have limited its freedom as well as replacing some of its professors with those loyal solely to him. While many believe that the remainder of the faculty is not found of this development, there is naught they can do. Dark magic is now strictly banned here.
• Aquelia: the Blessings of the Saint is a relatively new, entirely Church-funded academy that is devoted as much to light and staff magic as it is to bringing the word of Elimine to its graduates. While there is no denying the quality of its magical education, the propaganda alongside could be considered less desirable. Dark magic is considered a crime against the state and Elimine alike.

Bern

• The Imperial Academy of Bern is by far the best known and successful mage-academy in all Bern, and the second longest running in the world. Established almost nine centuries ago and second in age only to Etheria itself, the Imperial Academy was funded by both royalty and the military, and is best known for an all-expense-paid program that allowed even the poorest villager (if they passed magical potential tests) to attend the esteemed academy in a variety of programs both magical and mundane - if they were willing to commit to four years of military service. It is credited with increasing Bern's overall literacy rate significantly, but opponents argued it was a tool of the military. With the line of royalty ended, the academy is now beholden entirely by the Senate instead, though in practice little has changed. Teaches all branches of magic, but dark magic has always been frowned on and in the wake of Hargus's return funding for its classes has almost entirely dissipated.

Nabata

• Akademeia is a long-running but previously not as well known mage-academy that also specializes in archaeology and the history of Nabata; more of a research academy than solely a mage academy. As business to Etruria's academies wanes, it has seen a major upturn in enrollment in the last few years and forced some renovations for the increase in students. All manner of magic is taught here as well as a focus on archaeology and reviving ancient magics; the academy (with the aid of certain noble families) funds many archaeological expeditions across Nabata.

Lycia

• Laus Academy is one of the better known academies in Lycia, not necessarily solely for quality as the fact that Laus has done a great deal to advertise it in the past. Still, it is a solid academy that covers a wide variety of subjects, and as Etruria's academies lose more and more business some have begun to look more to it - though the rising danger in Laus proper from mercenaries and bandits has also chilled its popularity.
• Ryerde's Veritas Academy is relatively new, best characterized by its unique focus on experimental and practical magic rather than the textbook approach, as well as its open acceptance of Elder magics and regular push for interdisciplinary collaborations. While it has already amassed an uncomfortable number of accidents as a result of its gung-ho approach, it is also responsible for two recently discovered tomes, Fenrir and Flora, after nearly a thousand years of magic being considered 'solved', a fact that almost overnight catapulted it into the eyes of the world.
• The Collegia of Pherae is one of the largest academies in the world, on account of covering both archery, magic, arts, and education in one sprawling facility spread across many buildings. As mage academies go it is not particularly special, but very solid, and the constant contact with a wide variety of other disciplines makes it one of the most diverse of all academies. Given Pherae's relative peace in recent years, it has slowly overtaken Laus academy in activity.