Shimmerhand Association

=== Overview ===
The Shimmerhand Association is an enormous organisation, training, educating, funding and controlling almost all mages in the north-east of Ferra. They are not subject to any nation and through their massive monopoly of all things magic, they command considerable influence in the regions nations, most notably; the City-State of Badenbach, though officially ruled by a Grad Duke, is for all intents and purposes land controlled and governed by the association.
== Organisation ==
The Shimmerhand Association is organized in countless departments and sub-departments, each headed by a member of the Association, usually with the rank of Grand Magister or higher. The highest governing organ of the association is the High Council of the Shimmerhand Association.
=== The High Council ===
The High Council of the Shimmerhand Association is its highest organ. It is a council of five members, called Arc-Sages. Whenever a spot opens up due to death or retirement, if at least two Arc-Sages are still in office, they vote for a replacement. Otherwise, the heads of the departments will vote to fill the High Council.
Being a largely decentralized organisation, the High Council nonetheless wields vast influence over the departments and the members of the association. 
=== The Departments ===
* Department of Conjuration
* Department of Necromancy
* Department of Evocation
* Department of Abjuration
* Department of Transmutation
* Department of Divination
* Department of Enchantment
* Department of Illusion
* Department of Magical Industries
== Ranks ==
The Shimmerhand Association organizes its members into a rank structure. Each rank has its requirements to achieve, its duties to uphold and its privileges to enjoy. Mages are expected to dress according to their rank.
Of especial importance are the tassels of the mages. They symbolise membership, rank, and achievement of the wearer. The tassel consists of the tassel itself, a gemstone at the end and smaller threads, ribbons, and bands attached to the tassel. The colour and material of the tassel symbolises the rank, the type of gemstone symbolises their speciality and the ribbons, bands and other decorations are granted based on special achievements.
=== Early ===
The rank of “Early” is given only to pupils under the age of five. Though it is ranked lowest of all the ranks, having carried the rank comes with some prestige. It is rare for mages to start their magic education at such a young age. A sign of wealth or exceptional talent. “Early” pupils usually grow up to be more capable mages than their other peers. Understanding magic on an intuitive level.
==== Duties and Privileges ====
“Early” pupils are taught how to read and write, learn basic history, geography, and politics, but most importantly are taught the basics of magic theory and practice. “Early” pupils spend a lot of time channelling their mana and sharpening their minds, rather than learning specific spells. This causes them to simply be better at casting and concentrating on spells compared to their later non-Early peers.
==== Dress code ====
Earlies are expected to dress in a white long-sleeved button-shirt, blue pants or a blue skirt and a blue neckerchief. During rain or cold they may wear hats or additional jackets, but these are to be removed once they enter their academy, school or other place of education.
Earlies do not have the tassels associated with full membership, upon their graduation from the rank of “Early” to “Apprentice” they are given a gold star pin to attach to their tassels once they earn them at the rank of “Student”.
=== Apprentice ===
The rank of “Apprentice” is given to pupils below the age of sixteen. As most pupils are older when they enrol, the rank of “Apprentice” is considered a preparatory rank, much like the rank of “Early”. 
==== Duties and Privileges ====
The education of Apprentices focuses on practical studies. While theory is still taught, it focuses around specific spells or potions, explaining how and why they work. Apprentices aren't necessarily better spell casters than their later non-Apprentice peers, but they generally know more spells and learning new spells comes easier to them.
==== Dress code ====
Apprentices are expected to dress in a white long-sleeved button-shirt, blue pants or a blue skirt and a blue capelet. During rain or cold they may wear hats or additional jackets, but these are to be removed once they enter their academy, school or other place of education.
Apprentices do not have the tassels associated with full membership, upon their graduation from the rank of “Apprentice” to “Student” they are given a silver star pin to attach to their tassels they will receive.
=== Student ===
“Students” are the first non-preparatory rank and here people from all ages and origins can be found, though most Students are between sixteen and twenty-six. Students do not have a set schedules, rather they must find a “Graduate” or higher ranked mage to take them as their student. It is uncommon for the mentor to teach their students in all fields, rather mentors instruct their students what lectures to attend and what to study and practice on their own time.
==== Duties and Privileges ====
Students are considered full members of the association and as such are allowed in most non-restricted areas under association control. They are allowed to create magic goods for research and practice, but they aren't allowed to sell their products or services.
Students have to find a mage of rank “Graduate” or higher to be their mentor. If a mentor drops a student, it usually leads to the expelling of the student unless they are able to find a new mentor quickly. As such, completing their mentors tasks is one of upmost importance to the students.
==== Dress code ====
Students are expected to dress in a white long-sleeved button-shirt, blue pants or a blue skirt and open blue robes. If they are being educated by a special department, the department may have rules on the colour of the robes.
Students have a red horse hair tassel to symbolise their membership in the association even when they are not wearing their uniform. This tassel is typically worn hanging from a belt, but sometimes it is affixed differently. Female Students are known to affix or braid their tassel into their hair.
=== Scholar ===
Once the mentor of a student thinks they have reached an adequate level of skill and knowledge, they can subject their student to the Scholar's Trials. A test consisting of three parts.
The first part is a written exam, held once yearly in the main seat of the Schimmerhand Associations in Badenbach. Here the students' knowledge on theory of spells, magic, potions but also history and geography are tested.
The second part is a practical exam, held one month after the written exam, also in Badenbach. Students are tested in their spellcasting skill, the amount of spells they can cast, their concentration and endurance and finally a mock battle against an examiner to test their creativity and spellcasting under pressure.
Lastly, they are sent out by their mentor on a quest. This usually involves retrieving some far away materials. This is to test how the students fare in the real world, communicating with regular people on their own.
Once a student passes all three parts, they graduate to the rank of “Scholar”. If they fail any one task, they have to retry the Scholar's Trial a year later if their mentor chooses to let them try again,
==== Duties and Privileges ====
Scholars, as opposed to Students, are no longer dependent on a mentor to advance their rank. While Scholars typically maintain a close relationship with their mentors and the mentors continue to teach and help their former students, Scholars have to complete some research and write a paper.
==== Dress code ====
Scholars wear white long-sleeved button-shirts and blue pants or skirts, complemented by blue long robes that symbolise their advanced status. Their robes are often adorned with symbols and patches representing their specific field of study or achievements. Scholars carry a blue tassel with a gemstone representing their magical speciality, and additional ribbons or bands may be added to signify special accomplishments.
=== Graduate ===
==== Duties and Privileges ====
Graduates are experienced mages who have completed significant research or achieved notable accomplishments in their field. They typically hold teaching positions within the Association and mentor Students and Scholars. 
==== Dress Code ====
Graduates wear a more elaborate version of the Scholar’s attire, with intricate embroidery and patterns on their robes to denote their higher status. Their tassel is made of a more durable and prestigious material, such as silk, with a larger and more finely cut gemstone. Graduates are also permitted to wear a special medallion that signifies their rank and contributions to the Shimmerhand Association.
=== Adept ===
==== Duties and Privileges ====
Adepts are highly skilled mages who have demonstrated exceptional prowess and leadership within their speciality. They are often in charge of research initiatives and play a crucial role in shaping the curriculum and policies of the Association. Adepts can serve as advisors to the High Council and have a limited ability to represent the association in emergency diplomatic situations.
==== Dress Code ====
Adepts wear robes of deep blue or purple, signifying their advanced knowledge and authority. These robes are embedded with arcane symbols and runes that reflect their mastery of magic. Their tassel is richly decorated with gemstones and metals, and they wear a distinctive sash that bears the emblem of the Shimmerhand Association.
=== Magister ===
==== Duties and Privileges ====
Magisters are among the highest-ranking members of the Shimmerhand Association, responsible for directing faculties and overseeing the training and education of lower-ranked members. They are key decision-makers within their faculties. Magisters also conduct groundbreaking research and are often the authors of influential magical texts.
==== Dress Code ====
Magisters wear luxurious robes of dark blue or black, adorned with gold or silver accents. Their attire includes a high collar and a mantle that signifies their authority. The tassel of a Magister is made of rare materials and features multiple gemstones, each representing different fields of expertise. Magisters also wear an ornate brooch or insignia that signifies their high rank.
=== Grand Magister ===
==== Duties and Privileges ====
Grand Magisters are senior leaders within the Shimmerhand Association, often heading entire faculties or outposts. They are responsible for major policy decisions and the overall direction of the Association's activities. Grand Magisters have significant influence and are often involved in international magical affairs and high-level negotiations.
==== Dress Code ====
Grand Magisters wear regal robes of deep blue, black, or crimson, heavily embroidered with gold and silver thread. Their attire includes a ceremonial mantle and a large wizards hat adorned with precious stones. The tassel of a Grand Magister is an intricate piece of craftsmanship, featuring numerous gemstones and symbols of their achievements. They also carry a staff or scepter that signifies their authority.
=== Sage ===
==== Duties and Privileges ====
Sages are amongst the most revered members of the Shimmerhand Association, known for their profound wisdom and unparalleled magical abilities. They serve as advisors to the High Council, head departments and are involved in the most critical and secretive aspects of the Association's operations. Sages are also custodians of the Association’s ancient and most forbidden knowledge.
==== Dress Code ====
Sages wear flowing robes of white, gold, or silver, symbolizing their purity of knowledge and mastery over magic. Their robes are adorned with symbols and intricate patterns that reflect their deep connection to the arcane. The tassel of a Sage is a masterpiece, featuring rare gemstones and precious metals. Sages also wear a distinctive headdress or circlet that signifies their esteemed position.
=== Arc-Sage ===
==== Duties and Privileges ====
Arc-Sages are the pinnacle of the Shimmerhand Association's hierarchy, forming the High Council that governs the entire organization. They make the most crucial decisions and steer the direction of magical research and education across the regions under their influence. Arc-Sages are also responsible for the appointment of new High Council members and serve as the ultimate authority in all matters related to the Association.
==== Dress Code ====
Arc-Sages wear robes of unparalleled splendor, made from powerful enchanted fabrics. Their attire includes a grand mantle and an ornate headdress or crownlet that signifies their supreme authority. The tassel of an Arc-Sage is a unique and elaborate creation, featuring a combination of the rarest gemstones and the most precious metals. They also carry a ceremonial staff that symbolizes their leadership and command over the arcane arts.
Category:Organization