University

The University, also known as The Grand Lodge of Absalon is a University for Mages placed in a bubble, next to Stygia, in the Isle of Sorrows, in the Tempest.

## Overview

The University, also known as The Grand Lodge of Absalon, is a highly secretive institution for mages in the world of darkness. It is located in a massive, invisible bubble that can only be accessed by mages who are close to ascending or are already masters in the making. The University's existence is known only to a select few, and even then, they only know of its existence through rumors and whispers.

Access to The University is tightly controlled and restricted to only the most talented and dedicated mages. It is said that only those who have mastered at least two magical spheres and have a deep understanding of the arcane arts can hope to gain entrance. The University's reputation for secrecy and exclusivity has made it a coveted prize for many mages, and some have spent years trying to find a way to gain access.

Despite its secrecy, The University is one of the largest and most well-funded magical institutions in the world of darkness. It boasts a vast library of ancient tomes and grimoires, as well as state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities. The faculty is made up of some of the most talented and respected mages in the world, each with their own unique areas of expertise.

The University is also known for its rigorous curriculum and demanding standards. Mages who are accepted into the program must dedicate themselves completely to their studies, often working long hours in the library or lab. However, those who manage to complete the program and graduate from The University are widely regarded as some of the most powerful and knowledgeable mages in the world of darkness.

Exceptionally and after the Treaty of Saragoça, Treaty of Aurora and the Peace Treaty of Harmony, access to the grounds has been granted to other supernatural beings, though their access does not grant enrolment on the full curriculum.

## Locations

### Main Gate

The Main Gate of The University is a grand entrance that serves as the first point of contact for any candidate seeking entrance to the institution. The gate is guarded by two imposing statues, each depicting a mage in full robes, their hands raised as if to cast a powerful spell. The statues are enchanted with a powerful warding spell, preventing any unauthorized entry into The University.

Before the entrance, there is a grove of mystical trees, each one said to possess a consciousness of its own. These trees are known as the "Guardians of the Gate," and their branches form a natural archway over the entrance path. As a candidate approaches, the trees will either part to allow entry or block the path entirely, depending on the candidate's worthiness. Those deemed worthy will find the trees welcoming, with their branches parting easily to allow passage. However, those who are deemed unworthy will find the trees blocking their path, forcing them to turn back.

The Gate Keepers are a group of mages responsible for guarding the gate and administering the entrance exams. They are known for their impartiality and their ability to detect any attempts at deception or cheating. Candidates must pass a series of rigorous tests, both practical and theoretical, in order to gain entrance to The University. Only those who show exceptional talent and potential are granted admittance.

Overall, the Main Gate is a powerful symbol of the exclusivity and prestige of The University. It is designed to weed out any unworthy candidates and ensure that only the most talented and dedicated mages are granted access to its halls.

### Great Hall

The Great Hall is the centerpiece of The University, serving as the main building for the institution. It is a magnificent structure, resembling a mix between a castle and a wizard's tower, with two small towers, four medium ones, and a central, huge tower that rises high into the sky. The building is made of grey stone, with intricate carvings and symbols etched into its walls.

The Great Hall houses a wide range of amenities, including supernatural classrooms, a vast library, archives, and research facilities. The classrooms are specially designed to accommodate the unique needs of magical instruction, with enchanted chalkboards and desks that can adjust their shape to accommodate different spells and incantations.

The library is a massive collection of ancient tomes and grimoires, spanning countless shelves and sections. It is said to be one of the most extensive collections of magical knowledge in the world of darkness, with rare and valuable texts that are not found anywhere else. The archives house a collection of historical artifacts and documents, ranging from ancient scrolls to modern-day manuscripts.

The Great Hall also boasts state-of-the-art research facilities, including laboratories and experiment rooms, where mages can conduct their research and experiments in a controlled environment. The facilities are equipped with the latest technology and magical tools, allowing mages to push the boundaries of their knowledge and abilities.

The central, huge tower houses the administrative offices of The University, including the offices of the Dean, faculty, and staff. The tower also serves as a meeting place for the governing council of The University, where major decisions are made regarding the direction and future of the institution.

Overall, the Great Hall is a magnificent structure that serves as the heart of The University. It is a symbol of the institution's commitment to excellence and its dedication to the pursuit of magical knowledge and understanding.

### Reception

The Reception building is a small structure located to the right of the Main Gate, serving as the main point of contact for students and visitors to The University. It is a modest building, made of stone with wooden accents, and features a large sign above the entrance that reads "Reception".

Inside, the building is divided into several sections, each serving a different function. The first section is a small foyer where students can gather information about the University, including course offerings, schedules, and fees. There are also several desks staffed by helpful attendants who can provide guidance and answer any questions that students may have.

The second section of the building is a small currency exchange booth, where students can convert their local currency into the magical currency used within the University. The currency exchange rates are updated regularly to ensure that students are receiving fair value for their money.

The third section is dedicated to uniform distribution. The University has a strict dress code, and all students are required to wear a specific uniform while on campus. The uniform is designed to help students feel a sense of unity and belonging within the University community. The receptionist provides each new student with their uniform and ensures that it fits correctly.

The final section of the building is dedicated to tuition payments. The University is a prestigious institution, and the fees can be quite high. The receptionist provides students with an itemized bill and ensures that all payments are processed correctly.

Overall, the Reception building is a vital part of The University, providing students with the support they need to begin their academic journey. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the building itself is designed to be welcoming and inviting, setting the tone for the rest of the University experience.

### Leisure and Study Halls

The Leisure and Study Halls building is a large structure located to the north of the Reception building, providing students with a space to relax, socialize, and study. The building is made of stone and has large windows that allow natural light to flood the interior.

Inside, the building is divided into several sections, each serving a different function. The first section is a large study hall, filled with long tables and comfortable chairs, providing students with a quiet and peaceful environment to focus on their studies. The room is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and soundproofing, ensuring that students can work without distractions.

In addition to the study hall, the building also features several magick practice rooms, where mages can experiment with their magick without fear of paradox. These rooms are equipped with powerful magical wards and safeguards that protect both the users and the surrounding environment from any harmful effects of magick. The rooms are designed to accommodate a wide range of magickal practices, from spellcasting to ritual work, and are equipped with the necessary tools and materials for each specific practice.

The second section is a leisure hall, providing students with a space to relax and unwind. The hall is filled with comfortable seating, including plush armchairs and sofas. There are also several gaming tables, including pool tables, foosball, and ping pong. The leisure hall also features a small theater, where students can watch movies or attend lectures and presentations.

The third section of the building is dedicated to fitness and wellness. The University understands the importance of physical and mental well-being, and this section of the building is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle. The fitness center includes a range of equipment, including treadmills, weights, and exercise bikes. There is also a yoga and meditation room, providing students with a space to practice mindfulness and relaxation.

Overall, the Leisure and Study Halls building is a hub of activity within The University, providing students with a space to study, socialize, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The building is designed to be comfortable and inviting, promoting a sense of community and belonging among the students, while also providing the necessary tools and resources for magickal practice.

### Student Village

The Student Village is a small community located on the grounds of The University, serving as the primary residence for students. It is a self-contained village with multiple buildings and amenities, designed to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for students as they pursue their studies.

The village is designed in a traditional European style, with cobblestone streets and buildings made of stone and wood. There are several restaurants and bars scattered throughout the village, serving a variety of cuisine and beverages. The village also features a gypsy encampment, providing students with a unique cultural experience and an opportunity to learn from the Romani people, if they show enough attention to their social norms.

The Student Village includes a variety of housing options, ranging from small apartments to large houses, depending on the needs and preferences of the students. Each residence is fully furnished and equipped with modern amenities, including high-speed internet, air conditioning, and heating.

In addition to housing and dining, the Student Village also features several recreational facilities, including a gymnasium, swimming pool, and outdoor sports fields. There is also a small park with benches and a fountain, providing a peaceful place for students to relax and reflect.

Overall, the Student Village is a vibrant and lively community within The University, designed to foster a sense of belonging and community among the students. With its wide range of amenities and activities, it provides a supportive and enriching environment for students as they pursue their studies and develop their magickal abilities.

### Campi Valley

Campi Valley is a dense forest located in the western region of The University, characterized by its perpetually autumnal colors. It is a popular location for classes such as survival, as well as for leisurely hikes and strolls.

The forest is filled with a variety of trees, each displaying vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a mesmerizing display of color that stretches as far as the eye can see. The rustling of leaves beneath one's feet and the occasional chirp of birds adds to the peaceful ambiance of the forest.

Campi Valley is often used for survival classes, where students learn skills such as shelter building, fire-making, and foraging. However, it is also a popular destination for students and faculty alike who wish to take a break from their studies and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the forest.

There are several paths and trails throughout the forest, ranging from well-groomed trails suitable for beginners to rugged, challenging paths for more experienced hikers. Students can also take guided hikes led by experienced faculty members, who can offer insights into the flora and fauna of the forest and provide a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Campi Valley is an important part of The University's commitment to connecting its students with nature and promoting a deeper understanding of the natural world. Its serene beauty and peaceful atmosphere provide an ideal environment for students to recharge and connect with the natural world, fostering a sense of balance and harmony in their lives.

### High Studies Lodge

The High Studies Lodge is a large building located high above the trees in Campi Valley, accessible by a winding path that leads up the mountainside. It is a specialized facility designed to support the advanced studies and training of the most talented and dedicated students in The University.

The Lodge is divided into several sections, each dedicated to a specific field of study, including advanced spellcraft, dimensional travel, and the study of paradox. The classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, designed to help students explore the most advanced concepts and theories in their chosen fields of study.

In addition to classrooms and lecture halls, the High Studies Lodge also features a library and archive, containing a vast collection of rare and ancient texts, many of which are considered essential reading for advanced studies. The archive is maintained by a team of librarians and archivists who are available to assist students with their research and provide guidance on accessing the resources available.

The Lodge is also equipped with specialized chambers designed to aid mages in their preparations for seeking. These chambers are designed to create a controlled environment that is conducive to the meditative state required for seeking. The chambers are outfitted with advanced technology and equipment that allows mages to monitor their vital signs and brainwave activity, ensuring that they are able to achieve the necessary mental state for seeking.

Overall, the High Studies Lodge is a unique and specialized facility that supports the most advanced studies and training in The University. It is designed to challenge and inspire the most talented and dedicated students, providing them with the resources and support they need to push the boundaries of magickal knowledge and understanding.

### Masters Lodge

The Masters Lodge is a grand building located to the east of the High Studies Lodge, nestled between the trees of Campi Valley. It is a stately building, with a grand entrance framed by tall pillars and an imposing wrought-iron gate. The building itself is constructed of stone, with large, arched windows that let in plenty of natural light.

Inside, the Masters Lodge is a hub of activity, with classrooms, meeting rooms, and offices for the faculty of The University. The classrooms are designed to accommodate both small and large groups of students, with comfortable seating and the latest technology and equipment for teaching.

The offices of the faculty members are located on the upper floors of the building, accessible by a grand staircase that leads up from the entrance hall. Each office is elegantly decorated, with comfortable furniture and plenty of space for books and papers. The faculty members are highly respected and esteemed members of the mage community, and their offices reflect this, with their walls adorned with trophies, awards, and other accolades.

In addition to the classrooms and offices, the Masters Lodge also features a large, airy common room, where faculty members can relax and socialize between classes. The room is filled with comfortable armchairs and sofas, and a grand fireplace provides warmth and comfort during the colder months.

Overall, the Masters Lodge is a vital part of The University, providing a central hub for the faculty members who help to shape and guide the next generation of mages. It is a place of learning, collaboration, and community, where knowledge and ideas are shared, and the art of magick is celebrated.

### Practice Lodge

The Practice Lodge is a majestic building located to the north of the High Studies Lodge, completing an isosceles triangle park that links the Practice, Masters, and High Studies Lodges. The building is designed to be a haven for students who are looking to hone their mastery of the magickal arts.

The Practice Lodge is a large building with multiple floors, each floor containing multiple rooms dedicated to the practice of different types of magick. The rooms are specially designed to create a safe and controlled environment for students to practice their spells and magickal techniques.

The first floor of the Practice Lodge is dedicated to physical magick, such as telekinesis, pyrokinesis, and levitation. The rooms are filled with specially designed apparatuses that allow students to safely experiment with these powers and perfect their control over them.

The second floor of the Practice Lodge is dedicated to elemental magick, such as earth, air, fire, and water. Here, students can practice summoning and controlling these elemental forces to their will, with specially designed rooms that simulate different environments and conditions.

The third floor of the Practice Lodge is dedicated to spiritual magick, such as divination, meditation, and astral projection. These rooms are designed to create a tranquil and serene environment, perfect for students to explore the mysteries of the universe and the depths of their own consciousness.

Overall, the Practice Lodge is a vital part of The University, providing a safe and controlled environment for students to practice and master their magickal abilities. The building is designed to be a haven for students who are passionate about the magickal arts, and its location within the triangle park provides a sense of balance and harmony, emphasizing the importance of balance and control in the practice of magick.

### Delta Temple

The Δ Temple is a tranquil temple located to the northeast of the Practice Lodge, reachable only through a series of winding paths through gardens that set the stage for the spirit and mind upon reaching this temple. The building itself is a striking example of magickal architecture, with smooth, polished stone walls and a high, domed roof that seems to glow with an inner light.

The interior of the Δ Temple is just as impressive as the exterior. The main room of the temple is large and airy, with high ceilings and an open, inviting atmosphere. The walls are lined with shelves and alcoves filled with books and other tools for meditation and reflection, including candles, incense, and crystals.

In the center of the room is a large, circular altar made of white marble, with intricate symbols and designs carved into its surface. The altar is surrounded by cushions and pillows, creating a comfortable and welcoming space for visitors to sit and meditate.

The Δ Temple is primarily used for meditation and reflection, and is a popular spot for students and teachers alike to come and clear their minds. The winding paths through the gardens leading to the temple are intentionally designed to create a sense of calm and serenity, allowing visitors to shed the stresses and distractions of the outside world and focus on their inner selves.

Overall, the Δ Temple is a vital part of The University, providing a sanctuary for those seeking peace, clarity, and spiritual enlightenment. Whether you're a student or a teacher, a novice or a master, the temple is a place of deep magickal power and profound spiritual significance.

### Teacher’s Lodge

The Teacher's Lodge is a secluded and mysterious building located on the northeast corner of the university grounds, surrounded by a dense forest with no obvious path leading to it. The lodge is the main residence for the teachers and workers of The University, and its remote location ensures their privacy and security.

The building itself is an impressive example of magickal architecture, with smooth, polished stone walls and a high, peaked roof that seems to blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest. The lodge is divided into several sections, including private living quarters, communal areas for meals and relaxation, and offices for the teachers and staff.

The interior of the Teacher's Lodge is just as impressive as the exterior. The communal areas are warm and inviting, with comfortable chairs and couches arranged around a central fireplace. The walls are adorned with art and tapestries, and shelves filled with books and other treasures line the walls.

The private living quarters are no less luxurious, with spacious bedrooms and private baths. Each room is decorated with its own unique style, and many have balconies that offer stunning views of the forest and the surrounding landscape.

Despite its secluded location, the Teacher's Lodge is a vital part of The University. Here, the teachers and staff can relax and recharge, free from the distractions of the outside world. It's also a hub of intellectual and magickal activity, where ideas are exchanged and plans are made for the future of the university.

Overall, the Teacher's Lodge is a mysterious and enchanting place, full of magickal power and deep intellectual energy. Whether you're a teacher, a staff member, or just a curious visitor, it's a place that will leave a lasting impression on your soul.

### Martial Arena

The Martial Arena is a formidable structure made of dark stone, with pointed arches and imposing columns. The entrance is flanked by two statues of legendary warriors, their eyes seeming to follow you as you approach. The building is located south of the Teacher's Lodge and to its west, there are three round gardens with themes of rebirth, elements, and entropy. These gardens are tended to with utmost care and respect, with the plants and trees growing in intricate patterns that seem to shift and change depending on the light.

Inside the Martial Arena, the atmosphere is charged with energy and discipline. The main hall is spacious and open, with high ceilings and rows of benches for spectators to observe the training sessions. The floor is made of polished wood, which shines with a deep, rich color. On one side of the hall, there is a massive patio area used for kata training in groups. The patio is surrounded by smooth stone walls, which serve to amplify the sound of feet and fists striking the ground.

Towards the back of the building, there are multiple dojos, each dedicated to a specific martial art or combat style. The walls of these dojos are lined with weapons, shields, and other martial gear. The atmosphere in each dojo is intense, with the air thick with the sounds of grunts and cries of effort.

The Martial Arena is an essential part of the University's curriculum, and students of all levels are encouraged to train here regularly. The sensei and trainers here are masters of their craft and take their duty to teach seriously. They are strict but fair, and their guidance is highly valued by all who study under them.

### Elements Quarter

The Elements Quarter is a set of four massive buildings situated in a rectangular pattern with a lush garden at the center. Each building is dedicated to a specific aspect of magic, serving as a repository for various resources that students might require in their studies. The buildings are constructed from white marble, with intricate carvings and magical sigils etched into the stone.

The building to the north is the Foci Tower, where students can find a vast array of magical foci, from simple wands to more exotic objects like crystals, runestones, and even rare reagents. The tower is divided into floors, with each level dedicated to a specific kind of focus, and it's rumored that there are even secret levels accessible only to the most skilled mages.

To the east is the Ingredients Hall, a place where students can obtain various rare ingredients required for complex spells, such as rare herbs, exotic powders, and even the occasional creature part. The hall is staffed by knowledgeable scholars who can assist with identifying the ingredients and their uses.

The building to the south is the Materials Depot, a vast warehouse that stores everything from mundane materials like wood and stone to more exotic substances like enchanted metals and rare gems. The depot is also home to workshops where students can craft their own magical tools and artifacts.

Finally, to the west is the Artifacts Annex, where students can find ancient magical artifacts of all kinds, from weapons and armor to talismans and amulets. The annex is heavily guarded, and only students who have proven themselves worthy are allowed access to the most potent artifacts. The garden in the center of the Elements Quarter serves as a peaceful place for students to relax and meditate, surrounded by the potent magical energies emanating from the nearby buildings.

### Prime Village

Prime Village is a cluster of buildings located just north of the Leisure and Study Halls, enclosed by a magical barrier that isolates it from the rest of the university. The village serves as the main hub for magical energy, housing the most powerful Node in the entire university, which draws in and amplifies the surrounding magical essence.

The village is also home to a vast collection of Tass, which is stored in highly secure vaults within the central building. The Tass is carefully cataloged and organized by type, allowing mages to easily access the materials they need for their spells and rituals.

The buildings in the village are constructed from a mix of ancient and modern architecture, with ornate stonework and intricate carvings that lend the village an air of mystique and enchantment. A central garden, filled with vibrant, glowing flowers and exotic plants, provides a peaceful oasis for mages to meditate and focus their energies.

The buildings in the village include laboratories for conducting experiments on Tass and magical energy, as well as classrooms and lecture halls for advanced magical studies. There are also workshops where mages can craft their own magical items and foci, using the Tass and other materials stored in the village. Overall, Prime Village is a vital resource for mages seeking to unlock the full potential of their magical abilities.