The Academy

## History

The history of the use of this island is long and changeable. It has had some good strategic uses. The first rumours of the island call it 'the Coming of Numinor' (about 201 AT) where it is rumoured that the declaration of the gifts happened. The physical land is rumoured to be holy and magically blessed. From this religious experience, a primitive temple was raised about 204 AT and became a point of pilgrimage in the early Al'terra. From this point, it is said that both gift and fvi are deeply soaked into the very soil of the island and have only gotten stronger with time. In every iteration of the island, it is both respected and utterly feared.

When the temple was eventually forgotten and abandoned and a wave of immigrants who tended to enjoy isolation and water and set up the three towns of Rep, Ilt, and Tenway in 1163 AT. They knew not very much about the ruins and the rumours of Numinor's coming and while the towns existed for a while, but were eventually also abandoned.

Having seen that the location was actually quite good, the remaining buildings were all converted into offices and residences and called the Peace Rock - it was the home for diplomatic trade as the ships can come in, dock, trade supplies, and leave again, esbtalihsed in 1791 AT in response to the flooding that decimated people of food. Some mining was also done down into the rock itself. This period was quite successful for the rock and the trade was good.

In response to the fire mountains erupting in 1905 AT, pious and devote followers of Numinor returned to the island and built the Temple of Uthluon, encompassing the dwellings of the previous occupants, and praying devoutly for the safety of Al'terra. Many prominent visitors came to the island for the rituals and the temple stood as a landmark for quite a long period of history until the threat of the volcanoes was gone and it had faded in the minds of the people, as people also couldn't make the whole journey out the island.

When the buildings were going to be converted into - no one really knows what - a series of storms came in, sinking ships and ruining all the progress made. Eventually it was abandoned due to superstition and the numbers of deaths it had lead to and it was called 'the Abandoned Ruined Bramman' from 2009 AT onwards which may have also been cursed....

A spike in population several hundred years later (3106 AT - the election of the Good Queen Fandolin) had it fixed to become the Resh School, the biggest facility for schooling at the time to respond to a large spike of births of the mainland (post war?). It ran for a long amount of time, as school aged children went through. It was left, in good state, when the children all came of age.

Before the war, it was commissioned as use for training some of the base of the familiar, known a little as the Island Camp - it was used, as with several locations, to train an emergency force for the army after 3167 AT when the Advent's troubles with Nolvac began.

The island was returned to as it was commissioned to become the Silver Recovery - essentially converted into a hospital and care facility for those who returned from the war effort, both physical and mental health. There it stood a good many years from about 3200-3800 AT.

When the Silver Recovery was no longer needed, the role changed into the Lesser Society of the South (in response to the Rhioss Kelnrey - the Great Society) in 3806 AT. It was set up to be part government buildings and part the centralised Pride Keep. This was eventually abandoned by both groups as the Pride felt too isolated and it was a pain to get everyone to, as a lot of people did not like travelling by sea to get to the island.

Briefly after this it was called the South Rock academy in 3845 AT, a place that Fvi maters and their apprentices came to train and study in the ways of the magic. About 200 students - a lot less than the building could handle - resided here, some even on their own. The magic that was drawn up was strong, but almost always destructive. It was felt that great feats could be accomplished, but attempts killed so many people that the risk was never considered worth it and all the speculation meant nothing and so it was abandoned as a central focus for fvi learning.

Seeing no reason to get rid of it entirely, the Pride made it into the Nensalon University of tincane learning in 4428 AT - a haven as it became one of the main duplicate archives and libraries for Al'terra, for a lot of sensitive documents that up until then only had a single copy. Tincane went there to study for years on end and the domestication of the flying ocelots as messengers and some of the trade passing through made for it to be much less lonely than the Lower Society found it.

When considerations were made for the gifted children, the island was hotly debated over - so much history, so much curse and blessing and death. Eventually, it was decided and after its conversion, it was called The Royal Al'terrian Academy of Unified Magic (usually just called the Academy). Because it was exclusively Pride right before this, there was tension between the Pride residents - greatly diminished but stubborn scholars who wanted to continue their work and children were granted the chance to learn to use magic in a safe way. The school is opened to all applicants on Altleos. The school itself is on an island that is built on the remnants of temples, a former university, and a neutral location. The only way on and off are ships. (The idea of course has been pulled from Hogwarts but wants to distance itself from that). There have been deaths - some accidental, some blamed on the island. Superstition has never left the place alone. The school took in its first children in 4960 AT

## Current Academy

### Headmaster:

Professor James Cromwell - considered a brave, ferocious man to be feared for his ability to take on both the island and the mastery of the school.

### Pupils

School begins at the age of 10 and lasts 9 years, each of which has three terms (each lasts three months, two of which are taught on school grounds and the third is either a holiday or work abroad).Exams fall just before the end of each term. Most classes run for the entire year in the younger years though the older years are more semestered.. After 9 years of study, graduates are welcomed as full Pride members, or they can leave after the traditional 5 to go into a working life with a few extra benefits.

### School Secrets

Rumour has it there are secret subjects taught, that only those students know about

Said to be the heart of a conspiracy

There is an ancient crypt beneath the school

The chair that Cromwell sits in, is actually blessed and cursed - those who sit in it feel the same

There are secrets rooms and passages around the facility - leading out to the stables, or down to the clicks, or to the stairs, or to the towers.

There are messages left in the wall - the Circle of 12, old prophecies, visions, chronologies of head teachers, secrets of murders and so on.

On the island, enshrined in its own room, is a place where perhaps the worlds meet, like a veil that falls like cloth - often vision are found here, strange pictures of the other world or the future please. It seems it can only accessed here during certain times of the year, during star walks and only sometimes.

### Final ceremony:

At the end of 5 years, all children are welcomed as adults - given an Academy neckwrap, celebrated in a graduation-type ceremony. Farewells are given to those who choose to leave and another ceremony welcomes those who choose to stay. They are given the night to pack - although this is well known to be a huge party where all kinds of things are smuggled in, where there is dance and Dance and food through the night and at dawn, very hung over students leave for the mainland while those that are staying another four stay behind and wish them well on the shores

Each person on leaving takes with them a series of letters of recommendation - these come from exams, from tournaments and competitions, and from various trials. At the end of 9, this also comes with personal recommendations of mentors, trainers, and the headmaster.

There is said to be some magic ceremonies as well, but these are kept secret for now.

### Dress code:

Dress code is enforced during all classroom hours, school events, and official ceremonies. Casual clothes are allowed in evenings, holidays, and non-school days. All students and teachers are required this dress in teaching hours, extracurricular hours, and meals. Straight legged black pants, with optional side slits are required, with black low boots, a fitted black shirt sleeveless, with a neck, or a neckwrap. Neckwraps are not allowed among the younger school at all and are gifted to the older school at the end of the 5th year. The double band of the house colours are embroidered around the sleeveless armholes of the shirt, sometimes down the seem of a shirt, but it is meant to be subtle.When the temperature cools down, you might see sleeves, a thicker vest, or a shoulder cape to keep warm - these are all in black with touches of school colours. Carrying any weapons is forbidden - classes that require weapons keep these carefully stored and are retrieved in and out of parts of the armoury in the first year and are then carried openly my students on their way to and from class, but not to unrelated classes.

Clothing out of class must cover all private areas of body. Skirts and dresses are not unheard of between either sex, but are casual wear - black skirts are permitted however as part of schoolwear if there is no activity needing trousars in that day.

Clothes that expose the arms and legs are considered the most attractive. Neckwraps must be worn by all students older than 16 at all times. In addition to in class dress code, students must be robed in their official residence robe containing the distinct primary and secondary colours. This is the most official dress, used for ceremony and guests - and also transversing from school grounds elsewhere on the island, say down to the docks or into libraries.

### Restrictions:

Anything that violates the personal space, rights, or welfare of staff and students of the Academy is prohibited including but not limited to fighting, stealing, cheating, taunting, killing etc. Gates and doors to the outside of the castle are locked during the night, but all doors to libraries, the dining hall, and residences are unlocked at all times.

Alcohol and drugs, typically Galeezian substances and difficult to get a hold of, are prohibited in any forms on Academy grounds. Students possessing these things will be expelled. Students are prohibited from possessing or handling weapons on Academy grounds or residences unless under classroom supervision no limited to staves, claws, and long swords.Students may not practise any magic or their Powers outside of the classroom environment. Students are not permitted to use handspeak (strictly enforced after Y1)

Students are reminded as that they are underage, flagrant trespass can be punishable by death in the younger years (although it's always worded as expulsion) and expulsion in the older years.

### Dance

There are casual dances held in the residences, whole school dance once a month, and there is a secret version of Dance. It is not a big site, primitive and in the depths of the school. Several people take part in this on the regular - usually heavily drugged. Unwanted pregnancy is unheard of in the school. There are some versions of dance magic and those are taken advantage of in the upper years.

### Discipline:

Discipline is administered by residence leaders, teachers, or higher staff members depending on where the offense takes place. In classrooms, this is taken up by the teacher. If is in social time, this is taken up between tutor, mentor, and house guardian - there is an element of reading always involves.

Discipline can take the form of menial tasks, detention, or removal of privileges.

Disciplinary actions can include but are not limited to

-       Detention

-       Line Writing

-       Cleaning anything (boards, rooms, certain buildings: the temple, the Ren keep)

-       Cataloguing in the library

-       Barn chores

-       Residence change

-       Public Humiliation

- Physical punishment

Generally, expulsion before the age of 16 means death as students cannot control their Powers and the Pride will not allow the freedom of those with the Powers.

### Tuition:

Tuition is not required to attend the Academy because any child with the Powers is ***required*** to attend the Academy for at least the first five years. However, as residence, food, books, and tuition are all provided for, students of the required to pay back some of the expenses by working in the summer or donating their first years salary to the Academy. Students cannot buy any extra materials during the school year except from the occasional boat that comes by. Basic materials will be provided by the Academy.

Children can take up task jobs whilst at the Academy.

### Staff:

         The Academy facilitates some of the brightest, most brilliant minds of Al’terra to teach the next generation. All teachers are *fviya* Pride members, as well as the Headmaster. Remaining staff members who are not teachers are at least Privileged if not Pride.

James Cromwell – Headmaster (the Chancellor), secretly deeply religious, formally a Jin-Ti then turned tincane (during the time when the Evlon were being fought over in the Pride), a strong leader who doesn’t surprise easily, fairly stern though not unkind

Benjaymint – Headmaster’s Aide (aka the Warden), teaches Reading in all years and participates in the Chess club, blind, teaches upper level Elements, acts as sort of vice principal of the school (inspired by the RP character Ariel had that saw in elements)

Prof.  Shrike Flintshire – Al’terrian but Nolvac raised, has a pierced ear or two, face is scarred by other piercings though he doesn’t wear any of them, sings beautifully, teaches upper level Spellwork, Astronomy, some Theory classes, Canting, and Vey language (TBC), very bitter about the common-born Gift students because he was sent to Nolvac with the rest of the factories kids, very proud (based on the character of David McNorris from Boomtown).

Prof. Lakiya (last name) – born Al’terrian Pride, brought
up as one of the very best of the Jin-Ti and trained alongside Timethy in her last years before participating the Battle of the Factories where she became a paraplegic but lived, well known to be accomplished with poisons and certain antidotes and was invited to join the Academy, undecided if she became bitter from the accident or humbled significantly, perhaps was given tincane or fviya

Prof Fern Fellanegrah – an older, motherly type woman very accomplished in history and tends to teach the youngest children history in vivid detail, with wonderful stories. An old supporter of the Resistance.

Jaze Mahari (possibly, if she lives through TCMb) – works in administration and legal work for the Academy mainly in Tantus with infrequent trips to the campus itself, an accomplished paperwork sort of person.. Better known as 'Second'.

Peter Roshen - A grizzled Pride man who was here before the change in status, who will rarely call the Councillor out on his nonsense. He teaches some odd uses of magic: knots, thread, staffs, nature etc.

Verity Temples - Lively, down right peppy woman very good at what she does, with a strict good of ethics and flashing eyes, that you get the impression she didn't follow all the rules as a child.

Josephine Ashworth - A thin, tall, almost breakable woman with dry sarcasm, a tendency to play the straught-man to another's joker. Can be found doing a variety of tough, strength intensive activities in utter silence in what might be called meditation for muscles

Horatio Ingham - Very young, perhaps too young, and has gone full discipline with mixed results. While one of the greatest minds for numbers and facts relating to numeracy - a bit jittery about it but stringently wants to do well

Uxorious Kershaw - Teacher looking to save students from punishment and discipline, but less respected by students and thus less liked - wonders why they are not as loved as other teachers and thus has no friends as peers or less

David Broussard - Military standards and expectations, but in a near whisper. Very respected, somewhat feared, but otherwise speaks softly. Teaching is quite plain but very effective

Rara Vance - past is always more interesting than the lessons let on but to the best, they can interpret what Rara really means, what has actually happened. A lot of it seems too mad to be true. Certainly most of it is. So far nameless woman with ginger curly hair which is beautiful though her skin not so much, sharp, kind to strange (no idea who this is yet)

Idabelle Roche - has a bend for younger students but dispises them once older, spends little time and school and is mostly sociable with those on the mainland - perhaps sent as a punishment. Former Queen though the students might not know or have respect for that in particular.

Also professor (?) who is a working sex professional

Visiting Professors: Damien (weapons and military
history), Will Red (maybe?), Timethy (more of a guest speaker), Kite (only for riding and horses), Sam (guest speaker for reading)

### Guardians

Guardians are the people most  responsible for overseeing the school and it's affairs. These currently include a woman who overlooks education from Tantus, a member of the Temple (would have been Shendera),  advisors from the Readers, Master Craftspeople,  and a delegation from the Rioss. In addition, there are three random people elected from different parts of Al'terra and one rotating Lord in Tantus. These governors ask questions and keep  Cromwell accountable. They can command and control the direction of the academy, but at the moment Cromwell makes his own way and as long as he doesn't rock the boat, he is left well alone.

### Concentrations

For people that stay past age 15, there are concentrations that further focus what would have been an apprenticeship so that students can pick how they are contributing once they leave the Academy. They aren't required but seen as a major positive.

Communications – requires all courses having to do with Al’terran, ancient language, translation, Reaching (hearing and speaking emphasis), casting out, translation, and dream interpretation. These are to do with ancient words, diplomacy, and creating new sorts of magic.

Foreign Studies – any classes to do with foreign relations, foreign magic, proficiency in one foreign language, and history on foreign affairs. These tend to be some of the stranger magic users, who have figured out new and varied techniques to using their magic.

Reading - All classes to do with Reading, Divination, Dream interpretation, Astrology, and the history behind reading.  Membership in the chess club recommended. These people become your world class Readers, the best in the Pride.

Combat – all classes in ridership, duelling, combat, and spellwork. Transformation recommended and membership in the Duelling club almost necessary. They are combat focused fviya, some converting to Jin-Ti

Health – classes in Plantcraft, Herbology, Potions and Remedies. Reading is also recommended for this degree as well as Spellwork. This has gone down in the last hundred years with the fall of the viya helping out the regular people.

Theory – History, Numerology, Theory, and Reading are useful to this degree, as well as some practical experimentation as overseen by a professor. This are your researchers that are looking to just expand what is done.

History – all history classes required and at
least proficiency in one language required. Either Reading, Foreign Studies, or Incantations are suitable partner studies. This is a common ambition for those that are going to work in the Rhioss.

### Opportunities abroad:

**Research opportunity** – a partnership with a willing fvi-master, generally in the Pridelands. This can be applied for in Y7 or Y8.

 **Apprenticeships** – Apprenticeships are
an option finishing Y5 with no guarantee of acceptance, although he chances are
favourable but certainly guaranteed in Y7 or following. Students will not be considered graduated of the Academy but will still be Pride ranked if they take the apprenticeships

 **Study Abroad** – for Y8, students in certain disciplines may study for certain periods of time (semester, summer, year) in Al’terra proper, Galeez, or (rarely) Nolvac.

### Extracurricular

Extracurricular Programs: There are many clubs and sports to be involved with at the Academy that can be joined on a semester or yearly basis.  Students are encouraged to join two clubs to participate in twice a week between classes end and evening meal. Duelling, Weapon sparring, Canting, Dancecraft, Chess,
Riding, Debate, Sports, etc.

### Subjects taught:

**Subjects of Study**

A huge array of subjects are taught and offered at the
Academy. Certain subjects are required.

[***Year 1***]

Spellwork 1 (req)

Gentling (req)

First Year Transformation (req)

Plant Studies

Basic Potions (req)

Al’terran History Overview (req)

Fvi Theory (req)

Ridership

Board Theory

Numerology

Basic Al’terran

[***Year 2***]

Control (req)

Incantantions (req)

Spellwork 2 (req)

Magical Creatures

Second Year Transformation (req)

Pre-Duelling

History of Remedies

Basic Remedies (req)

Foreign History

Astronomy Charts

Basic Reading (req)

Simple Numerology

Conversational Al’terran

[***Year 3***]

Channelling (req)

Spellwork 3 (req)

Incantations Continued

Third Year Transformation (req)

Duelling

Basic Herbology

Theory of Mixtures (Potions and Remedies)

History of the Advant

Base Theory

Star Reading

Board Play and Simple Reading

Numerology 2 – Patterns in Fvi

Advanced Al’terran

[***Year 4***]

Canting

Suppression (req)

Spellwork 4 (req)

Post-Incantations

Fourth Year Transformation (req)

Introduction to Elemental

Semi-Advanced Duelling

Basic Medicine

Simple Potions

Recent History of the Pride

Reading Theory

Introduction to Ancient Languages

[***Year 5***]

Finalization (req)

Foreign Culture(fvi emphasis)

Spellwork 5 (req)

Pre-Incantations

Fifth Year Transformation (req)

Introduction to Combat magic

Cumlative Healing

Changes in Fvi Use

Reading Patterns and Future

Overview of Religion

Introduction to Vey Language

[***Year 6***]

Powers Studies

Elemental Derivation

Upper Spellwork

Non-verbal Magic

Upper level Duelling

Theoretical Healing

Potion work

A Historical Account of the Last 50 Years

Using star charts to Read

Reaching (speaking emphasis)

Comparative Language

Dream Interpretation

[***Year 7***]

Theoretical Powers

Medicinal Herbcraft

Binding Incantations

Crossover (Verbal and Non Verbal spells in addition to
Transformation)

Advanced Duelling

Plantcraft (growing plants)

Alternate Healing

Upper Potion Theory

Introduction to Practical Law

Subtle Reading

Reaching (sight emphasis)

Ancient Tongue Fluency

[***Year 8***]

Powers Usage

Advanced Staffwork

Standard Combat

Composite Healing

Experimental Potions

Historical Texts

Interdisciplinary Theory

Magical Law

Combat Riding Techniques

Reading and Divination

Reaching (hearing emphasis)

Old Text Translation

[***Year 9***]

Advanced Powers Usage

Heritable Magic and Magic Races

Practical Combat (no classroom component)

Practical Healing

Advanced Potion and Remedies

Foreign Relations History

Magic and Riding

Advanced Reading and Alterations

Other Methods of Reaching (Casting Out and Foreign techniques) - Casting out is a strange technique using smoke, herbs, and magic. This reaches out into death, to places beyond, and calls back people from elsewhere geography. It's considered a grey area of magic, but good but maybe not bad.

Upper Numerology

Multilingual Fluency

### Residences

Students are divided into eight separate houses that have
their own political systems, colours, and strengths. Residences are not set
things and can be changed be strong request or as punishment. The ninth residence is for that of the professors. In the houses there are 'Dominants' who are in charge of harems. Neither of these things are sexual.

*Kashantaj* – maroon/silver. This residence is ruled by the ideology that the strongest survive. Pecking order is determined by physical competitions in the main room, usually without weapons or magic. Challenges can be made with weapons or magic as long as both competitors are familiar with them. General the house leader is strongest in all forms of combat. Expectedly, this residence tends to hold those who are taking a Degree in Combat. Rumour has it that a great warlord set up this particular house. It benefits the most from having a reshuffle, allowing sometimes young whippy year 1s to step into the place of leader. Some over eager Jin-Ti likely founded this, though all the origin stories disagree.

*Perrinsep* – dark green/bright pink. This residence holds an assortment of interests and is both the most desired and least desired residence to get into. The leader is elected by 2/3 majority and works in the best interests of the residence in general, assigning students according to strengths, however this house is so eclectic in its residents, that it is hard
to get ahead academically. Generally the treatment is superior to other residences, but general intelligence is much lower. This residence has the highest drop-out rate. Because of the choices of this house, it is sometimes called the King or Queen house, as it has a tendency to be something voted for, and the leader is responsible for making the best of all the skills in the house at the particular time.

*Thalsamen* – dark purple/sea blue. This residence tends to house a disproportionate amount of people who study the Powers or have a Power in the mental realm. The residence is ruled by an intricate system of black mail. The head of residence typically knows the most, or knows the most damaging information. Newcomers hold the advantage of not being exploited and are typically further up the food chain. Reshuffles make this house very interesting. Everyone has a secret and omens and secret keepers make for excellent gossip. If someone knows it, it's likely the head of house here.

*Kerdrahjna* – green/gold. Probably the most complicated residence, the hierarchy here is multi-tiered and very complex, made even more difficult by its constantly being shuffled by new people. Members of this residence tend to be a blend of those studying Foreign Studies or Communication. Although complicated, this residence also tends to be the least violent. The system mirrors a bit of what the temples due and this is why they do have connections to the Nine - it is rumoured one of the old sites of prophecy and world changing visions came form this physical place that the residence is built on top of - a water temple that celebrates the shifting of the world and how the Nine came to be.

*Llellmanif* – orange/grey. This is perhaps the most intelligent residence of all. There is no complicated pecking order, but a mentality of ‘I do you a favour, you owe me’. This favours intelligent students and the especially gifted. The head of the house is typically a brilliant, multitalented student who assists most of the others in the residence. It is said they are the keepers of history and knowledge for the whole of the Academy and guard the secrets fiercely so none might know the true origin.

*Neralesh* – white/yellow. By day, this residence is ruled by a sort of council, chosen for their wisdom or other mysterious traits. Students here typical hold strengths in History, Spellwork, and Theory. The residence holds strange practises in the dark hours. It is not uncommon to find a near-crazy student here. The leader is chosen by the council but is essentially the entire council. There is a lot of ritual here with door words, liturgy, and repeated words and tokens that have meaning strictly within the house. You would find blood splatter here, herbs being burnt, and what you'd expect the basics of witch craft to be.

*Crishinteh* – black/red. This residence holds the strangest method with the more eccentric students doing Foreign Studies, and those interested in Theory and Experimentation. Readers of any kind are also found here. All residents have their dominant palm cut three times and the blood is examined. The best most senior reader interprets it, but is not usually the top of the residence. The ruling is never disputed. Readings that come from here are sometimes consulted from the mainland as they tend to be profound and important.

*Jerhinmï* –dark blue/bronze. This residence holds the most Health Studies students for no particular reason an has a kind of fighting system. Newcomers have the option of being claimed by any of the dominant students into their ‘harems’ or fighting for their own. Certain people are advantageous to have in a harem and certain dominant students are better than others. The residence leader has the largest harem. Fights are either blitz chess tournaments or no weapons, no magic fights. What exactly happens in these harems is not striclty known

*Fvïcantel* – red/gold, the residence of the teacher: their residence may be perhaps the largest and they spend the least time there, also houses guests