The Academy of Storm Haven loomed above the other buildings in the City of the Queens like a sharp, dark blade rising out of the waterfront. It was majestic, fear inducing, and confounding; a building that looked as dangerous and menacing as the art that was taught within. Its volcanic glass sides glistened in the sunlight of Telath’s three suns, whilst its peak disappeared into a passing wisp of cloud. The smooth and dark grey walls contrasted sharply with the stark whites of the rest of the city, setting the structure apart from its surroundings in every sense of the word.
Nine stories tall, it was a thing of wonder as it stabbed into the heavens, as if making a statement of the power and wonder that could be found within. Port Alyxandrya's arcane institution was arguably one of the best to be found in the Empire, and so in many ways they had a right to this show of supremacy. Even though enrolment had been pretty much nonexistent during the time of the Dark Alliance and the war waged as a result of it, the old masters had now returned, and were willing to teach their art once more.
Long streamers of a deep red hung from the Academy's intricately patterned iron gates, structures that were open to the public all brightening, and only closed at night. Why the colour of blood had been chosen was anyone’s guess, although to some that hue, set against the obsidian black of the building proper, made for an incredibly unnerving result. Another oddity concerning the building was the fact that there were no doors, or even windows, for that matter. Common knowledge was that if you placed your hand against the unnatural cool surface of the obelisk, a doorway would be made visible for you. This appeared as nought but a transparent panel of soft blue, a portal that would, once a visitor felt brave enough to enter, enable passage to whatever lay within.
A spacious and elegant reception room, adorned with portraits of various mages who had studied here, the floor chamber was lined with a lush red carpet, and lit from a source imperceptible by the naked eye. By the northern wall, sat elegantly behind an ornately carved desk, was the tall and lithe form of a calicori katta. A beautiful specimen of her race, the vivid orange and red stripes of her glossy coat contrasted wonderful with the piercing bright greens of her eyes, even though these were cold and emotionless at best. Garbed in a robe of purest blue laced with symbols of silver and gold, the katta appeared to be the only one around, and would address any newcomers who deigned to enter the Academy in the same soft and sultry tones of voice.
“Serale, traveller. I am Mistress Rasith Leren. Welcome to the academy of arcana, the Academy of Stormhaven. I assume you are here to apply for our beloved school of learning?”
Propped up against the surface of the calicori’s desk was a small notice board, detailing the spheres that were taught, as well as the levels of training and their related prices, in a neat and elegant hand.
~*~
Current Spheres being taught: Elementalism, Mysticism, Sorcery
Initiate~ 500 crowns
Apprentice~ 1000 crowns
Journeyman~ 1800 crowns
Prices are non-negotiable. Enquire at desk for Master-level training.
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