The Goldsea Institute

**The Goldsea Institute** is a prestigious academic institution located on Wizard Island in Venthalia, known for its comprehensive magical and general studies programs. Established in 222 AV, the Institute has a rich history of attracting talented students from all over Daunt and producing accomplished Artificers, Alchemists, Bards, Druids, Wizards, Warlocks, Witches, and Sorcerers. In addition to its magical programs, the Goldsea Institute also offers courses in history, science, and various other general studies.

## Campus and Academics

The Goldsea Institute's campus is situated on Wizard Island, and features a large main castle tower building with a massive spire, housing units for students and faculty, and a small harbor with a simple shop district. Wizard Island is a volcanic cinder cone which forms an island about 30 miles wide, located at the east end of the Badlands Caldera. The top of the island reaches 5,417 feet (1,651 m) above sea level. The walls of the caldera manifest as the tall cliffs to the east of the island, averaging a mile tall above the waves, that gradually descend into the sea south and north of the island. The west facing shoreline of the caldera is completely inaccessible to ships. Wizard Island hosts the only dockable shoreline for hundreds of miles in any direction.

The Goldsea Institute is home to six departments, each with their own head professor:

* Artificery and Alchemy Department, headed by Professor Ardd Boyett
* Bard Studies Department, headed by Professor Tuchigo Beaugard
* Druidcraft Studies Department, headed by Professor Edyth Riippi
* History and General Studies Department, headed by Professor Bick Booth
* Sorcery Department, headed by Professor Astor Ghem
* Wizardry Department, headed by Professor Harmen Cagle Sylis

The current Headmaster is Ettlsen Goldsea, who also teaches occasional high-level Wizardry classes. Goldsea is an enigmatic and esteemed figure, known for his exceptional wizardry teaching skills and effective management of the prestigious school.

## History

Founded in 222 AV, the origins of the Institute and its founder remain shrouded in mystery. Some believe the current headmaster, Ettlesen Goldsea, may be a direct descendant of the founder, while others speculate that he may be the founder himself, having somehow defied the laws of nature to survive for almost a millennium. The college prides itself on enrolling students without prejudice towards race, creed, gender, or social upbringing, shaping generations of Venthalian mages and scholars. Throughout its history, the Goldsea Institute has remained neutral in Venthalia's political conflicts and power struggles, maintaining its independence from various factions, including the Kingdom of Althea, the Free Trade Cities, the Confederation of Free Sailors, and the Klans. This neutrality, coupled with the Institute's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, has solidified its global reputation as a center of learning and scholarship. During the reign of Queen Leonora II, the Goldsea Institute has received financial support and scholarship contributions, which have helped to promote a cultural renaissance in the Kingdom of Althea, and throughout Venthalia. The Queen's dedication to education, literacy, and the arts and sciences at the Institute, has had a lasting impact on the Kingdom of Althea and Venthalia as a whole.

In 978 AV, the Institute welcomed a new addition to its faculty, Professor Isch Raejoas Esbrandt. More commonly remembered as "Professor E", Isch held the titles of Lord of Ousurferia and Lord of House Esbrandt before dedicating his life to academia at the Goldsea Institute. His contributions to the field of Venthalian History have left a lasting impact on society. Prof Esbrandt's passion for academia led him to the position of Head Professor of the History and General Studies department in 982 AV, a role he held until his death. His teachings influenced generations of students, including students such as Bick Booth, Polkdonn Elshant, and Kubera Brood, all of whom went onto teach at the Institute. His protege, Bick Booth, succeeded him as Head Professor of the department, continuing his legacy of academic excellence.

### Controversies

The Goldsea Institute has seen the departures of Prof Polkdonn Elshant, a professor of Necromancy, and Prof Kubera Brood, head of the Warlock Studies Department, after confrontations with Goldsea. As a result, the Wizardry Department has lacked Necromancy classes, and the Institute has been without a Warlock Studies Department for nearly a decade.

## Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Goldsea Institute has had a profound impact on Venthalia's cultural landscape, fostering innovation in magical and alchemical industries and attracting students and scholars from across the globe. The Institute's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as well as its neutrality amidst Venthalia's political turmoil, has cemented its status as a globally recognized institution across Daunt.