Academy of Magics
The Academy of Magics is one of the world's greatest educational insitutions. It is located in Zul on Zorander Isle and operates under the supervision of the Mages Guild.
The academy was founded by Zedicus the Seer and set up as a self sufficient cloister like environment that's like a miniature city within a city. Food, lodging, clothing, and resources are provided for all the students, instructors and researchers, so that they need not leave the Academy.
Upon enrollment, students receive the title of an Academy Apprentice. The apprenticeship program is very rigorous and intense. Students are expected to fully devote themselves to mastering the art of magic and spend most of their waking time studying, practicing or assisting with magical research. Students who fall behind on their studies, or who have disciplinary problems are often penalized by being given community and maintenance work assignments.
Students with little magical talent, or those who do not cope well with the stressful and intensive training program are allowed to stay at the academy as Associates and use its libraries and resources if they provide useful community service. They often find permanent work as artificers, gardeners or janitors, and many live out their entire lives within the Academy.
Upon finishing the four year Apprenticeship students facially earn the title of Wizard of the Twentieth Order. There are twenty orders, which are academic ranks bestowed by the Academy, twentieth being the lowest, and first being the most prestigious. They represent the expertise attained by the wizard in the course of his studies, and his contributions to their respective field of magical study. While many wizards leave the academy and pursue gainful employment after graduating, their education is not considered prestigious. To become a court wizard for a monarch, or an adviser to a mighty noble house, one must attain a more prestigious level.
Wizards who choose to continue their studies have different responsibilities from Apprentices. They are often required to mentor a group of young Aprentices, and educate them in the traditions and ways of the Academy, as well as help them with their studies. More advanced wizards take on teaching positions, or become curators of one of the many magical libraries within the Academy.
Wizards of the Tenth Level or lower can formally join one of the dozen Fellowships which cater to their specialization and research interests. Each of the fellowships has a different focus, and different methods, and while they work on solving different problems they often compete with each other for prestige and recognition. Fellow Mages are expected to focus primarily on their research. While many hold regular lectures and seminars, they are not required to teach.
Becoming a Fellow Mage is not the only way to advance one's prestige and position within the Guild. Those with the martial mindset often leave the academy upon graduation and join the Battle College to join the ranks of the esteemed Battle Mages.
Apprentices and Associates are expected to fulfill their respective duties and live within the Academy walls throughout their tenure. Leaving the premises without explicit permission or unexcused absences are considered a disciplinary infractions which may sometimes result in expulsion. Students get one day each month, known as Student's Day, when they are encouraged to leave the Academy walls, and explore enjoy the city, so that they do not become too detached from the real world.
Finishing the Apprenticeship at the Academy is a requirement for taking leadership positions within the Mages Guild. A tenure as a Fellow and induction to one of the lower orders is usually required to achieve high ranking position. That said, teaching Wizards and active Fellows are prohibited from taking on Guild positions, because it would require leaving the premises of academy and interfere with their studies and research.
Apprentices typically wear ornate practice robes, adorned with gem encrusted belt and broaches. The gems and runic inscriptions on the robe and belt spell out the Apprentices name, their kingdom of origin, the name their primary mentor. The size, shape and gems embedded in the broach worn around the neck indicate the year of Apprenticeship.
Full fledged Wizards wear simple robes with runic symbols that indicate their order and their station (ie. teacher, curator, administrator, advisor, etc..). Fellow Mages wear plain robes in the colors associated with their Fellowship. Fellows of the higher orders usually wear a simple belt or chain with a gemstone that indicates their order. Lower level Fellows eschew any ornamentation, because at they are known and recognized for their achievements without the need to telegraph them.
