The Ivory Wings Universitas

[Minerva]

Almost secluded from Demios proper in its location at the southernmost border of the town, the universitas of the Fire Isle is one which is constituted of the three facilities dedicated to training purposes one the small island. Positioned in such a way that they almost form the three consecutive points of an abstractly crafted triangle, the trio of buildings and training areas were a testament to the main trades and skills that the town had on offer. Immaculately well kept and maintained, they were each a clear sign of the air of creativity and finesse present in many of the town's constructions.

Placed deliberately at the central point of the three educational amenities stood the dogmatic and imposing form of a stone-carved beast, and one that happened to be of the particularly bizarre variety. Raised up on its haunches, the being was immaculately sculpted, its flawless white form glimmering hazily in the light that Telath's suns deigned to bestow upon it. Naturally, the creature was winged, and the blatant namesake of the Universitas itself. The wings spanned a considerable distance to either side of the beast's body, and stretched brusquely upwards at their tips, reaching forth for the skies themselves, defying the shackles of the marble pedestal that adamantly held their owner in place.

Whilst the main body of the creature was similar to that of a drake or a dragon, what distinguished the creation from these other beings was the fact that this one paid burden to three separate and unique heads, each one pointed to a different area of the university proper.

It's first head was that of an eagle, its pointed beak incredibly sharp and delicately pointed at its end. Beady eyes considered any visitors with an innate scrutiny, almost daring them to follow the path its inquisitive head pointed towards so clearly. Beneath the bird-like structure, etched in elaborately flowing writing onto the surface of the marble plinth below, was the word "Knowledge". The path along which its head was inclined led to the The Institute for Higher Learning.

The middle head was that of a more lizard-like creature. Its maw was incredibly akin to that of a dragon, scales carved individually into the rigid surface of the stone that bound them together. It's gaping maw was ajar, revealing a plethora of pointed teeth and fangs. Whilst the stone sculpted face of the dragonesque creation did not appear overly ferocious or feral, it did seem to radiate some sense of intellect, an insight and acumen unlike that of the animal it was depicted to be. Indeed, beneath this part of the sculpture, inlaid onto the marble pedestal, was the word "Wisdom", and the path that led of from this vein of the main composition of the sculpture led a short distance off to the Academy of Mind and Fire.

The third neck leading off from the body of the strange beast ended in the representation of a lion, its elaborate mane held high by the arrogant tilt of its head. Its expression was resolute, proud, contemptuous, confident in the strength and fortitude it held within its stony shell. Beneath this part of the statue was carved the sole word "Power", and the trail leading off from it led towards the Demios Training Grounds.

Each route was simplistic enough for any visitor to follow, and each led to one of three training facilities specialising in a different area of training. The Old Schola offered training in a wide range of trade skills and arts, the Academy of Mind and Fire opened its doors to those wishing to study under a particular sphere of arcana, and the Training Grounds were for those wishing to become more acquainted and well versed in the arts of war and combat.