Penumbra

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* Map

Penumbra is a training and testing site far from civilisation operated by the Academy of Erudition.

## Government

The Presbyter of Penumbra is an appointed official from amongst the most capable spellcasters of the Academy of Erudition that have sought out an occupation in administration and governance. On behalf of the Exegetes, they manage the day-to-day needs of the settlement, as well as overseeing its ongoing projects.

## Defence

The relative isolation and design of Penumbra serves as a defence for the settlement in itself, but a large portion of the population are fiercely trained in the arcane and thus pose a credible threat to any seeking to pillage, reap destruction or otherwise damage the settlement. As such, no former town guard exists, although akin to Oxresh a small contingency of golems are stationed at Penumbra which meld into the stone walls when not actively needed.

## Commerce

Few basic supplies are available to visitors of the town, for most provisions are instead marked for use by those associated with the Academy, who dominate the settlement in all its facets. Those not associated with the Academy wishing to stay in Penumbra for more than five days must submit a request for a permit from the office of the Presbyter, or face immediate expulsion.

## Organisations

The ongoing investigations and research taking place at Penumbra have caught the eye of many organisations across the continent, many of which have sought to varying levels of success to keep tabs on the comings and goings of the settlement.

## Description

Penumbra was founded with specific purpose, a remote site connected by road to Oxresh for purpose of formal training of the Academy of Erudition's students in non-simulated, imitated or otherwise conjured environments, and as a location for specific research and study not possible within the confines of the city. With High Holt to the east, the Ironfangs and their foothills to the north and fields stretching in directions elsewise, much space is afforded to the refinement of more challenging arcane feats, resulting in a pockmarked landscape surrounding the settlement. Nestled between the Ashenvale and Dreamers' Vice, Penumbra also acts as staging post for some of the ongoing investigations into the regions, mainly orchestrated by the Ministry of the Curio, but often joined by postulants from other Ministries, particularly those of the Ministry of the Expedient.

Penumbra itself is a monolithic construction of featureless stone that completely encases the homes, workshops and studies of its residents, a single gateway the only break in this grey-black stone exterior. Within, illusionary magics display the sky overhead, and vistas of the surrounding fields, effectively acting as a vast one-way mirror to the outside world. The original inspiration for this layout and means of creation for the settlement itself remains unknown to the public, though it is widely speculated to be just a general caution against prying eyes. This however does little to stem the presence of spies planted by organisations from across the continent in the settlement, or those students easily bribed into breaking non-disclosure agreements owing to the ongoing toll of the expenses of their studies.