Academy History

The Academy of the Sunken Spire is one of the oldest and most prestigious magical institutions on Aerthos, renowned for its challenging curriculum and demanding environment.

• The Founding: Established over 700 years ago by the legendary mage, Archon Solara. The Academy was built directly upon the ruins of a pre-Sundering temple, which drew power from a unique confluence of Ley Lines. Archon Solara wanted a place where the magic of the ancients could be studied safely, far from the prying eyes of the nascent, non-magical kingdoms.

• The Spire’s Secret: The "Sunken Spire" is not merely poetic. The central tower, the Great Library, is said to descend further below the ground than it rises above it, tapping into the Ley Lines and acting as an arcane amplifier. Legend claims the deepest sub-levels contain magic too volatile for the surface world.

• The Adult Admission Policy: Unlike some minor institutions, the Academy only accepts students who have already proven a basic capacity for magic and are considered adults. The curriculum is fast-paced, high-stakes, and focused on turning potential into practical power, often in the service of the Conclave. Students are treated as adult scholars, expected to be self-sufficient, and often tasked with real-world magical assignments.

• Academic Structure: The Academy runs on a five-year program. The first two years are a broad foundation, and the final three are focused specialization.