The Four Great Wizarding Colleges

Although each of the four colleges have their own unique histories and traditions, they are often considered synonymous by the common folk.  This has led to the common misconception that the colleges were founded in unison.  Over the centuries the Four Colleges have formed a strong bond and were bound at the leadership level by the Conciliation of Nabud’haz in TA1149.

Each of the colleges have roughly the same hierarchy.  Each is led by an Archmagus, the wisest and most powerful Wizard.  Beneath them are those who hold the title of Grand Magi; each college has eight, one for each school of magic.  Beyond this level each school is different in structure.

## Tidesend of the Nai’Eath Shore

Tidesend is the pride of Ruothi.  The Wizards trained here often go on to become wealthy ship captains.  The Grey Elf ruling families of Ruothi have long relied on their mercantile ventures to support their lavish lifestyles.  Throughout the years the Grey Elves’ ships have performed so well due to the Wizards of Tidesend.

Tidesend specializes in Divination and Evocation.  The two most important schools of magic at sea.  Divination can tell you when a storm is coming or if the ship on the horizon is a pirate ship.  Evocation can create a powerful breeze to start your sail or a bolt of fire to burn an enemy’s sail.

## Torchwick of the Rust Isle

Torchwick is on the southwestern shores of Rust Isle.  The Iron Lighthouse of Torchwick is the tallest building in the world.  It is made entirely of thick iron; created, shaped, and reinforced by magic.

While Torchwick is not the largest or most prominent of the Great Colleges it is the wealthiest.  Torchwick is known for its alchemical arts and not just the magical kind.  The spirits produced by the alchemists of Torchwick are sold for high prices in every port city.  The art of producing cognac is guarded feverishly by Torchwick and the methods by which they distill other spirits are often sought after.

Torchwick specializes in Conjuration and Necromancy.

## Stonetrick of the Ancient Hall

There are those who claim that Stonetrick is older than the city of Cas itself but the dwarven historians of Cas dispute this as a falsehood.  This remains a hotly debated issue within the city and is ultimately unanswerable because no one knows just how old the Ancient Halls of Cas really are.  The oft disputed legends say that Stonetrick was founded by Gnomes who invited Dwarves to settle the nearby region and that the dwarves then built the city to defend Stonetrick.  Today Stonetrick is the largest of the Four Great Colleges.

Many who study at Stonetrick go on to become tradesmen; weaving spells into armor, forging magic jewels, or scribing scrolls.  Stonetrick’s specialties are Abjuration and Transmutation.  This was not always the case at Stonetrick.  In the past it specialized in training Enchanters and Illusionists.

Stonetrick is home to a small Bardic College.  The Bard-Sages educated at Stonetrick are noted for their extensive knowledge on a wide range of subjects.  See Unearthed Arcana pg49.

## Swiftwing of the Cloudy Peak

Once the smallest and least prominent of the Great Colleges, Swiftwing has risen high in the last three centuries.  After the Red River was quelled King Haegar XIV chose Swiftwing to host the largest gathering of world leaders in history.  It would come to be known as the World’s Faire.  It still floats above Swiftwing and it’s maintenance has proven lucrative for the College.