White-Steel Academy

Formerly known as the Barracks of Camlarin, the White-Steel Academy is a facility in High Ostre dedicated to training soldiers and kingsmen. It is regarded as a very prestigious institute.

## History

### The Barracks of Camlarin

#### Conception

It was in the waning years of Evebruel's reign that crime had grown to be an issue in Rhoman. Launching a campaign against what he deemed such felony was the primary goal when Camlarin I inherited the throne. In his hatred against such wrongdoers he devised a system that would train men to what he saw as higher people, an elite guard of his city to protect his people, with blade and body. Though his short tenure never saw the fruits of his endeavours, its legacy was not lost, and his nephew Aelond I oversaw the academy's completion, which was announced in the year 68.

### Renaming and Restructure

#### The Introduction of Whitesteel

Jaymien the Forgemaster's success of forging an ivory metal in the year 2460 was celebrated in High Ostre. The blades were long and elegant, white and light. With documented persuation from her younger brother and soon-king Morion II, Queen Avantasia III stated that all guards of the Camlarin Barracks would earn such a blade as reward for their service tot he realm. With the outpost also seeking to introduce a stately and regal training rather than an absolute physical curriculum, the facility was renamed the Whitesteel Academy. Many people still refer to this part of the academy as the Barracks.

#### The Kingschamber

During Morion II's renaissaince of the academy, he dedicated quarters of the palace to the teachings of his guard so they need not be in constant commute. It was in those named the Kingschambers wthat royal values and duties were taught and practiced. It had long been a trial to change the image of the guards and attendees from barbarians into educated soldiers. It is one of the fifteen santres of High Palace.

## Coat of Arms

The sigil for the White-Steel Academy shows a crown and sword against a field of purple. The shieldcrest, like the vertical sword, is tall and narrow, whilst the crown sites around the blade.

## Architecture

### The Barracks

Due to the number of activities the Barracks need to fulfil and the eras they came to be, there is a mixture of architecture to the complex, which is vast. The location was initially comprised of wooden constructs, but the accommodation and living areas were later replaced in the gothic-medieval period overtaking the city, and these facilities are now grand stoneworks. The facilities these replaced line the area known as the arena, and have been repurposed as armouries or storehouses.

### The Kingschamber

One of the fifteen sanctres of High Palace, the Kingschamber was once a council hall which relocated to Fryll's Santre after the Leviathan Cataclysm.

## Teaching Legacy

#### Weapons Training

The academy is largely regarded as the best military school in all Lamaria. Its teachings cover use and analysis of all weapons, ranged and handheld, as well as a strict fitness regime.

#### The Rag

The Rag is a game in which one heavily armed opponent faces off against another with no armour- just wearing a rag. Such an exercise is designed to teach the significance of attention to detail in order to overturn such a great handicap. The brutality of such a game has developed a widespread fame.

#### Formality Teachings

It is said this is where gentlemen are forged in discipline. Manners, class, and regimen are instilled, teaching the pupils of their courtly duties that do not involve fighting. These councils take place in the Kingschamber in High Palace, and were brought in during the Renaissance of the academy after the Leviathan Cataclysm.

## The Facility

#### The Barracks

The academy is divided between two locations. That known as the Barracks are is the first constructions upon the Five-King's Road west of High Palace. Several buildings make up the facility, and are typically positioned around a courtyard which is used for both combative teaching and graduation exhibitions.

#### The Kingschamber

The second facility is called the Kingschamber, and is taught inside High Palace.

## Graduation

At the end of every academic year each pupil undergoes progess assigments of how adept they in each field of their study. If deemed ready, they are put forth into a final exam, where they are tested against the best athlete in each field. They are not expected to win these fights, and some pupils have even been passed after losing all of them, as long as they showcase ability.

The graduation ceremony is held in Morion's Sanctre, and is considered one of the most prestigious events one can attend. This involves the presentation of the whitesteel sword to each of those to quality.

## Casualties

Though rare, casualties and fatalities are not unheard of. The most famous incident was when Syna, son of the then-queen Sibilla I lost an arm in a melee. Though he survived the incident, he never became first in line for the throne, but a post remains in the corner of the arena where the incident happened.

Morale is strictly monitored in the Barracks, for it has been known for a practise to get out of hand between rivals. Of all the fatalities such exercises are held accountable for, over half of them can be attributed towards those with recorded dislike of their assailant. Though unavoidable in the line of work the academy looks to undertake, such mock-battles provide the perfect guise for a 'loose arm'- an attack of intent made to look accidental.

## Events

#### The Helvorri Melee

On the day of Helvorri, homage is paid to the lesser deity by way of battle-royale between the pupils. There are three brawls, that of newcomers to the college, that of the established, and finally the Elite Melee for those due to graduate. The fight is fought wearing either robes of purple, or those of black and grey.

#### The Running of the Road

This is an annual event, and involves the candidates running from High Ostre to either Steaderstone or Westing Vale and back. This will take several days, and the participants will alternate each year weather they head east or west.

#### The Whitesteel Presentation

When a candidate graduates they are presented in Morion's Sanctre with a blade of whitesteel.