Albani Institute of Magic

The Albani Institute of Magic is a private, research university located in the Cliffallen Peaks on the shore of Sleeping Lake. It was founded by sibling casters, Roman and Siphora Albani, who advocated for higher education in magic to be accessible to any who wish to learn and use it for good in the world.

A.I.M. has a reputation for being academically rigorous and socially robust. Students often graduate with connections in their chosen tracks and employment guarantees. Students are expected to pursue magic but also have thorough training in economic and political sciences. The institute also teaches some classes in adventuring skills to garner appreciation for balance.

## **History**

**The Founders**

Roman and Siphora Albani were twin siblings born to a large, farming family that lived on the edge of the Fanrath Woods. When they were 4 years-old, their parents brought them to the capital city of Riport after several unusual events at the farm that revealed markings behind each of their right ears. The government of Wrestin seized the children and sent their parents back to their home. Word spread. Casters from all over the world were invited to study these twins, and, according to the rumors, even acquire their services for a certain amount of gold. By the time Roman and Siphora were teenagers, they had grown tired of being contained and used at the convenience of Wrestin's leaders, so they escaped Riport. They fled to the Cliffallen Peaks where they met their mentor, Clodagh Byrne. Byrne showed them how to survive in the wilderness and in society. Being a powerful sorceress herself, Byrne passed on her knowledge of magic, so the children could learn to control their power. Her influence inspired the twins to continue her teaching for all magic users. They dreamed of a place where the naturally gifted and the naturally curious would learn together side by side for the common good.

**"The Blip"**

When tensions with Korlan began to increase at the border, many in Wresten feared spies would be crossing back to Korlan after receiving an education at A.I.M. Pressures mounted, and President Kizgar Oone moved to ban students and faculty, that were born in Korlan, from the school. He was unsuccessful. However, many refer to this event as "The Blip" because it was the first time in the history of the university that a president had gone against the traditional diversity of the school to ban students on the basis of their background.

## **Current Events**

**Division on the Board**

The school’s administration is in conflict.  The board is divided between the Albanists that believe the school should continue to prioritize diversity and accessibility (values upheld by the founders), and the Modern Magic Movement that believe in being more exclusive to invest in the world’s next magic leaders.  Teachers are hired depending on which group controls the board at the time, so there is a mix of belief among faculty. The current president, Riker Rothschild, is an outspoken member of the MMM.

**Endowment**

The Albani Institute has one of the largest endowments in the world. Many are critical of the university's continued increase in tuition and believe the school to be moving away from its roots in diversity. However, a large percentage of its endowment continues to go towards scholarships and student aid.

## Culture

Student life is generally restricted to campus events and activities. It is not easy or convenient to travel to a major city. Because of the closed environment, student gossip is voracious.

In addition to formal lessons, the school places value on building social and political relationships. There are numerous networking opportunities; especially through clubs and parties. Students are also encouraged to compete beyond the classroom in sports or clubs. There, the traditional (and not-so-traditional) adventuring skills are practiced.

### Sports

* Dueling
* Rowing

### Clubs

* Historical Garden Club
* Dragon Chess Drinker's Association
* Legend Lore Reenactment Army
* Ladies of Order
* Vanguard of Radical Elemental Sculptors (and Knitters Chapter)

### Parties

* Secret Society Midnight Conclaves
* "House" Parties (hosted by the fraternities)
* Schoolwide Formals

## **Notable Students/Alumni**

* Bryn Gemflower (dropout)
* Tahti Randaja (dropout)
* Krystal Latte (dropout/all credits denied)
* Moritas Moritas