Imperial Academy

The **Imperial Academy of Magic and Technology**, commonly referred to more simply as the **Imperial Academy**, was a highly respected institution of the Empire of Greater Vesryn. It was comprised of multiple organisations specialised in the study of the arcane, and was responsible for the training of Vesryn's renowned court wizards after the meteoric rise of the Empire.

It had scientific aims that sought to push the boundaries of mortal technology and uncover deep secrets pertaining to the magical world, but it also served a crucial role in maintaining the dominance of Greater Vesryn over Western Astria and beyond. As such, the Imperial Academy also served as a military institution that trained state wizards in the art of arcane warfare, and it devoted much of its resources in order to stay ahead of any potential enemies.

Elements of the Imperial Academy were involved in the field of astromancy, helping to develop it after its initial discovery by astronomers working within the Order of the Ermine Sepulchre.

## Information

### Structure and Organisation

The Imperial Academy itself took over the duties of the renowned Emberstrand College of Magic in 1461 B.E, only a year after it had come to exist. During the late Blessed Era and into the Imperial Era, it became solely responsible for the training of both court wizards and state wizards. The college of Emberstrand still saw use for its grand archives and impressive museum, and albeit with a reduced capacity it continued to teach traditional arcane arts to aspiring mages.

#### Court Wizards

Under the thumb of the Imperial Academy, the court wizards of the King's Order maintained their existing role serving the crown of Vesryn, but they were ruthlessly inspected and retested to prove their worth. The arcane standards by which the title of court wizard was granted became higher and higher, ensuring that only the most elite magic users ever had the honour. Additionally, the total number of court wizards was reduced from four to three, a controversial decision that went against centuries-old tradition.

#### State Wizards

As well as managing the prestigious court wizards, the Imperial Academy also introduced a program to turn its fledgling mages and magic users into powerful arcane tools of war. These new state wizards were trained not only in magic but in command of infantry and battlefield tactics, ensuring that they would adequately fulfil any command given to them. As such, they were utilised across the Empire as both mages and officers, often as part of a garrison or larger force.

### Suborganisations

The Imperial Academy was not one single body, but rather was made up of many different suborganisations and societies, having brought together many colleges and branches of research together in the interest of the Empire. A list of significant institutions can be found below:

* Greater Vesryn Hermetic Society
* Emberstrand College of Magic

### History

Established in 1460 B.E, the Imperial Academy was born from the desire to see Vesryn at the forefront of both magical and technological innovation.

With the growing need for the Empire to keep ahead of its enemies, the decision was made to bring all of Vesryn's many arcane institutions under one centralised body that the Emperor and his aides would have unquestionable power over.