Astor Ghem

## Professor Astor Ghem

### Other Family

Chris Ghem (nephew), Catrina Ghem (niece), Crystal Ghem (niece), Cpt Zayn Henigburd (nephew), Barpholomew Henigburd (nephew)

## Allegiance

### Title

Professor Astor Ghem, Head Professor of the Sorcery Department

### Occupation

Sorcery Department Head (1112-present, 15 years), Professor at the Goldsea Institute (1006-present, 21 years)

### Class

Sorcerer

**Professor Astor Ghem** is a renowned sorcerer, adventurer, and academic, currently serving as the department head for the Sorcery Department at the Goldsea Institute. Born to the influential Lord Allison Ghem and Nikolas Avant in Ousurferia, Astor's life has been marked by a thirst for knowledge and a spirit of adventure. Her journey from a young student at the Goldsea Institute to a world-traveling adventurer and later a respected professor has left an indelible mark on the world of Daunt. Despite her administrative duties, Astor continues to pursue her passion for artifact hunting, often venturing into the world to uncover legendary artifacts and bring them back to the Institute's museum.

## Early Life and Education

Astor Ghem was born in the bustling port city of Ousurferia in 1058 AV, during the reign of Georgos II. As a child, Astor was fascinated by the tales of her family's legacy and the enchanting world of magic. Her mother, Lord Allison Ghem, is a distinguished sorcerer noble, and her father, Nikolas Avant, was a charismatic merchant. Astor's grandfather, Alistair Ghem, was blessed by a rare metallic dragon, which imbued his bloodline with sorcerous abilities. The Ghem household was often visited by nobles and adventurers, and young Astor would often spend hours listening to stories of valor and magic. At the age of 13, Astor discovered her innate sorcerous abilities, which were a result of her bloodline being blessed by a rare metallic dragon. In 1078 AV, Astor decided to follow in her mothers footsteps and enroll at the Goldsea Institute.

Astor was immediately recognized for her raw talent and was placed under the tutelage of Professor Richie Roc, the then Head of the Sorcery Department. During her time at the Institute, Astor also developed a keen interest in history and ancient artifacts. She became friends with several like-minded students, forming a small group that would often embark on expeditions to uncover ancient relics around Wizard Island. One such expedition led Astor and her friends to discover an ancient scroll that contained spells from a long-lost civilization. Astor's time at the Goldsea Institute was not just about studies and expeditions; she also actively participated in various extracurricular activities. She was a member of the Institute's Arcane Dueling Club, where she honed her combat skills and learned to use magic in battle. Astor also took part in inter-departmental magical tournaments, often leading her team to victory. Her mentor, Professor Roc, played a significant role in shaping her character and magical abilities. He encouraged her to push her limits and explore various facets of magic. Astor graduated early with full honors in 1085 AV, having made a lasting impact at the Institute through her academic excellence and contributions to the student community.

## Adventuring Years

Following her graduation in 1085 AV, Astor Ghem was drawn to a life of exploration and discovery. Her thirst for knowledge and her innate curiosity led her to embark on a series of adventures that took her far beyond the shores of Venthalia. Astor's journeys were not just about seeking fame and fortune, but also about uncovering the mysteries of the world and understanding the intricate workings of magic. Her travels took her to the farthest corners of Daunt, where she encountered diverse cultures, ancient civilizations, and formidable creatures. Each adventure was a learning experience, and Astor used these opportunities to expand her knowledge and hone her magical abilities.

Astor's adventures were filled with danger and excitement. She braved treacherous terrains, battled fearsome beasts, and faced numerous challenges. However, her sorcerous abilities, combined with her quick thinking and courage, always saw her through. One of her most notable adventures was her expedition to the Lost City of Zephyr in Davidia, where she recovered the legendary Staff of Seraphim, an artifact of immense power. This feat not only added to her growing reputation as a formidable sorcerer and adventurer but also marked her as one of the leading artifact hunters of her time. Despite the thrill and allure of her adventures, Astor always found herself drawn back to Venthalia. She would return with incredible spoils and tales of her exploits, which she would share with the students and faculty of the Goldsea Institute. These stories not only added to her growing reputation but also served as valuable lessons for aspiring adventurers. Astor's adventures also had a profound impact on her teaching style. She incorporated her real-world experiences into her lessons, providing her students with a unique and practical perspective on magic and adventuring.

In 1006 AV, following the death of her father, Astor decided to retire from her life of adventure. She returned to the Goldsea Institute, this time as a member of the faculty. Astor became a professor of Draconic Bloodline Studies, sharing her knowledge and experiences with a new generation of students. Later, she started her own class in Arcane Artifact Hunting, combining her academic expertise with her adventuring background. Despite her retirement, Astor's spirit of adventure never truly faded. She would occasionally embark on expeditions to uncover legendary artifacts, bringing them back to the Institute's museum and enriching its collection.

## Head of the Sorcery Department

After the death of Prof Roc in 1112 AV, Prof Ghem was offered his old position by Ettlsen Goldsea, recognizing her as his protegee. As the head of the Sorcery Department at the Goldsea Institute, Professor Astor Ghem has been instrumental in revolutionizing the curriculum and fostering an environment of innovation and exploration. She has introduced a new program called "Arcane Expeditions," which allows students to embark on supervised quests to ancient ruins and magical sites across Venthalia. This program not only provides students with practical experience but also helps them understand the historical context and significance of various magical artifacts and spells. Prof Ghem and her mother, Lord Alison Ghem, established the "Ghem Scholarship" for talented students from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the pursuit of magical education. In addition to her contributions to the curriculum, Professor Ghem has been actively involved in research and has published several papers on Draconic Bloodline Magic, drawing from her own heritage. Her research has been pivotal in understanding the connection between dragons and sorcery. Furthermore, she organized the first-ever “Goldsea Magical Symposium,” where scholars and magic practitioners from around the world were invited to share their knowledge and discuss advancements in magical studies. This event, which is now an annual tradition, has significantly contributed to the global reputation of the Goldsea Institute as a center of magical academic excellence.

Despite her administrative responsibilities, Professor Ghem never let go of her adventurous spirit. She often takes sabbaticals to go on artifact-hunting expeditions. One of her most notable achievements during her tenure as the head of the department was the discovery of the “Tome of Eldravine,” an ancient book believed to contain the secrets of elemental magic. She brought the tome back to the Institute and it is now a part of the Goldsea Institute's museum. Her adventurous exploits are not just for personal gain; she uses them to inspire her students to think beyond the classroom and to understand that the world is full of mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Through her leadership, Astor Ghem has ensured that the Sorcery Department at the Goldsea Institute remains at the forefront of magical education and research.

## Personal Life

Professor Astor Ghem's life and career have left a significant impact on the academic landscape of Venthalia. As an adventurer, she has uncovered ancient artifacts and explored uncharted territories. As an academic, she has contributed to the field of sorcery and inspired a new generation of students. Her unique blend of adventure and academia has set a new standard in the field of magical studies, making her a respected figure in the Institute. Her legacy continues to inspire students at the Goldsea Institute and adventurers across the world. Prof Ghem, despite her many responsibilities and adventures, has always maintained a strong connection with her family. She is the eldest sibling of Carl Ghem and Corra Henigburd. Carl Ghem, following in their father's footsteps, pursued a career in commerce and politics, becoming a T&K Co representative and the mayor of Jewelton. Corra Ghem married Lord Lucas of House Henigburd, forging a strong alliance between the two noble houses. Prof Ghem's relationship with her family and her roots in Ousurferia have always been a significant part of her life. She often returns to her hometown, maintaining a strong bond with her family and her heritage. Despite her global adventures and academic commitments, Astor Ghem remains deeply connected to her family and her home.