House Emberwing

House Emberwing is one of the four "great houses" of Scholomance participating in the infamous feud of four. Symbolically represented by the patron animal of a phoenix, the house uniquely gets frequent visits by their patron and is the only house whose patron is now a commonly known figure within the school.

House Emberwing is associated with the alchemical elements of Bismuth and Copper. The house crest is characterized by vibrant orange, set upon a copper round shield over laid by burning wings, flowers, and an aegis. Representative of the patrons characteristic flames, students of House Emberwing are required to display the brilliant upon their uniforms and outfits to represent their house anytime they are outside of their dormitory.

## Dormitories

The Emberwing dormitories, known as The Verdant Towers are a series of three spires on the inner side of the academy facing the grounds and dragon's joust stadium. The most well known dormitory besides perhaps the Dragon's Lodge of House Wyrmhart, the Verdant Towers gained their namesake from the crawling ivy that seems unusually eager to scale the blackstone beneath them. Many of the most magnificent gardans rest just below the towers as well granting them a most magnificent view. A set of bridges connects the three towers, stemming from the tallest of the trio in the center, each respectively rising up from the academy proper.

## Culture

### Reputation

Unlike many of the traits of their kindred houses, the traits associated with House Emberwing are often more soft spoken and expressed when appropriate circumstantially, rather then being upheld as a constant demeanor. Due in part to the more softly expressed house traits, House Emberwing often does have a slightly greater level of diversity within student mentalities, although tropes and stereotypes are still readily applicable. Members House Emberwing are often assumed to be either highly energetic and positive, or more shy and skittish. This is in turn seen as but another likeness to their Patron and associate element; brilliant and capable of great acts, yet just the same a gentle bringer of comfort and life.

House Emberwing is often the least competitive of all the houses when it comes to engaging in the Feud of Four, as many prefer to tackle problems cooperatively and are prone to offering students of other houses assistance rather then hinderance. Yet the house has still successfully won the Herald's Chord on numerous occasions, despite their helpful attitude towards their competitors. House Emberwing often finds itself earning points in smaller but more consistent increments.

### Traits

* Empathetic
* Nurturing
* Protective
* Present

Generally regarded as the most prominent trait of House Emberwing, **empathetic** awareness is said to be at the core of any decision a true Emberwing makes. Not all students within the house overtly express empathy through peer consoling or social gestures, as many are more inclined to simply consider the impact of their actions on others, or to even make silent thankless gestures to relive burden from others lives. It is speculated that empathy was selected by the founder of House Emberwing to remind the young magicians of the school at large the value of humility and humanity given a magicians significant position of power over the nulls they encounter after graduation.

Going beyond empathy, many of the students within House Emberwing also display **nurturing** behaviors, be it towards other students of even creatures outside of their own species. While not entirely universal among the students, this trait can be expressed in a variety of ways such as considering the health and well being of others, or even through career and arcane interests that are beneficial to others.

In contrast to the prior traits which are are often seen as soft and anti-confrontational, House Emberwing also favors students with a sense of **protective** instinct. While not universe, and again hardly discernable to a single standardized expression, students of Emberwing can be overt with their protective mentalities, stepping between someone and harm, or may be more subtle, and simply guide someone out of harms way with a soft hand. It is said that like empathy and nurturing, that the virtue of protectiveness is essential for magicians to fulfill a duty to all life.

Finally, another more universally shared trait among the students of House Emberwing is a state of being **present** minded, and presently concerned. Many Emberwing prioritize the here and the now, with less regard for the future and significantly little to none for the past. This can make them more forgiving, or even impulsive and aloof. Yet, it also tends to make them more easy going and optimistic.