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The sun's light covers you like a wool blanket as you exit the east wing of the academy, and the slight chill of the old stone building is quickly steeped from you. The east lawn is green and brilliant, and from a distance you can see your dwarven professor and a gaggle of students standing amidst a series of objects. These objects vary in size and type, but most are common household items such as buckets, cooking pots, and tattered garments, all of which have been affixed to wooden posts or positioned atop lengths of fence.
Approaching the scene, the students before you fall into a line in front of the dwarf, and you can see a couple more stragglers approaching from other areas of the school. The old dwarf clears his throat and begins speaking.
"Welcome to Evocation class, my young chickadees! My name is Professor Noddhiger Froud. Luckily for you my military days are far behind me, so I won't be making you dig trenches or polish your spears to start off our lesson. Likewise, I don't believe in giving long-winded speeches about success and belief and all of that - you'll either make it in my class or you won't; and no amount of lip-flapping is going to help you learn from me. That said, class begins immediately!"
Froud motions towards a large easel directly behind him, upon which has been placed a large piece of parchment bearing a jumble of writing in the sheax language. To your eyes it appears as if a madman had transcribed his thoughts in prose, as you pick out tiny fragments of sentences which seem to make sense, but as a whole it is beyond your comprehension.
"Now you'd think this school, for all of it's hoity-toity 'higher learning' attitude, could throw out an extra few coins to hire a professor to teach you the basics of magic. But unfortunately that job falls on the rest of us. So here we have a simple scroll containing the instructions on how to cast a very simple spell, typically called acid splash. However, I'm sure to you uninspired few, it looks like an orc's attempt to write philosophy. Well once again you're in luck, little moon-eyed sparrows."
The professor reaches into his pocket and brings forth a very tiny item: a simple silver ring with a clear cut gemstone set into it.
"In time, you'll learn to cast a spell which allows you to understand magical theses like this with surprising ease. For now, however, I had this little bauble made so I can cut the wheat from the chaff. Put this ring on your finger and take a good long look at that scroll. When you think you've got the gist of it, try copying it into your spellbook. If you make it that far, we'll see if you can do the real work of casting the blasted spell! Ha!"
He approaches you and motions for your hand, holding the ring out for you to place it on your finger. "How about you? You think you have what it takes?"
"I know so, sir."
Placing the ring on my left index finger, I focus on the arcane sigils before me.
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The familiar rush of magic comes coursing through you as before your eyes, the words begin to unravel in a way that is startlingly understandable. It now seems silly that such a thing, written in plain language, would have eluded you before. Nonetheless, what is scrawled on the page before you are instructions for casting a spell, and you believe it would be rather easy to follow.
The essay details a spell of the conjuration school of magic, and suggests a particular hand symbol to be made, in which the thumb and pinkie finger are held together with the other three fingers spread out, while the other hand is used to create a half-fist with the fingers pressed against the palm with the thumb pointing out. Then a short incantation, "as urea and vitriol, transgress", is spoken, and the magical energy of the spellcaster is said to respond, creating a missile of acid.
Professor Froud watches you study the scroll for a time before startling you from your concentration. "Well? If the look on your face is any clue, either you've figured it out or a slug has crawled into your ear. Show me you know how to pay attention. Copy it, without any mistakes, into your spellbook." he says, with a slight grin.
I open my tome to the first crisp blank page and begin to transcribe the sigils and gestures, practicing with my off-hand as I write with the other.
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As your quill touches the page for the first time, the dry leaf of the tome greedily absorbs the ink like a mosquito to blood. The book seems to let an almost tangible sigh as the writing instrument scratches the page, as if satisfying a deep, unreachable itch.
Froud gestures for the other students to gather around and watch silently.
Enamored by transcribing my spell, I am all but oblivious to the gathering students, eager to pen each stroke perfectly into my tome.
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Several minutes pass as you transcribe the instructions of the spell into the tome. When you have made the final marks, a strange noise, a combination of hissing and popping, alerts you to the scroll on the easel. You watch as the scroll curls and dissolves as if caught by invisible fire, the ashes being taken by a gentle breeze blowing on the lawn.
The other students react, some with shock, some with glee, others with anger. Froud pats you on the shoulder and raises his hand to the class.
"Oh yes, I probably should have mentioned this before, but an interesting thing about scroll magic: when a scroll's contents are copied exactly as written to another source, the magic stored in the scroll consumes itself. It appears that this young fellow will be the only one learning that particular spell today. Oh, are you disappointed? Well perhaps next time, one of you will take some initiative and volunteer yourself to practice when presented with another learning opportunity such as this! Welcome to evocation class, you greedy little magpies!"
Froud unleashes a loud roar of jeering, chortling laughter, complete with spittle, and grabs you by the shoulder, leading you to the line of mismatched objects. The other students stare at you, some cheering, others shouting insults, and some throwing very dismayed glances at the ground.
"Now for the real test. You should be familiar with the way acid splash works by now, are you not? Read over your notes once more, and give it a try. See if you can hit one of these objects. Remember to set a good example for your fellow students," he says, giving a mocking glance backwards to your peers.
"Aye, sir! I'll give it me best shot!"
Glancing over my newly scrawled notes, I once more practice the gestures with my hand. Certain that I have the pattern correct, I concentrate on the objects before me. My fingers begin to tingle as green energy takes shape from my thumb and forefingers, coagulating into a small viscous sphere.
"Uvelucal!"
I shoot forth the orb at one of the objects.
The acid seems to leap from my fingertips eagerly, hissing almost of its own accord.
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The orb of acid strikes a wooden bucket atop a broom handle, sending it spiraling to the ground. As it lies there, you can see effervescence of the acid slowly eating away at the wood grain.
Some of the class cheers as you hit your mark, others remain quiet. Froud has nothing to contribute but a sly grin and a cocked eyebrow.
"I believe that will be enough for today's lesson, and what a lesson it was! Those of you who truly pay attention will be learning things from this very experience for some time to come. Now go fetch yourselves some supper and meet in the dining hall. And don't forget to sign up for more classes!"
Treading over to you, he holds out his hand. "Well you didn't utterly fail! That means you have potential. But don't let it go to your head, or you'll end up like the rest of these cod-licking geenhorns. I'll be taking my ring back, if you don't mind."
Prying the ring from my hand I place it back in his.
"Thank ya sir." My mind still reeling from casting my first spell, I barely notice the motions of removing the ring and giving it back to its owner. Ensuring the ink is dry, I close my tome, and grinning get ready to make towards the dining hall to tell my friends about my experience.
After a moment I pause and turn back towards my instructor, "What other classes should I take, sir?"
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Froud pauses for a moment in consideration, his gnarled fingers eagerly raking through his fibrous beard.
"You're eager to learn, lad. That's good. But I only have so much time to teach you see, so you shouldn't expect to spend every day under my instruction, as brilliant as that would be," he adds with a sly grin. "You may consider pursuing another school or two of spellcasting, or perhaps brewing potions? Ah, but that would be an advanced curriculum indeed. I would suggest taking the courses on scribing magical texts such as the one you learned your spell from today, it is practically required for all other classes here at the school. Novices such as yourself are also highly advised to take a magical creature or object into your care to assist you with your work, so be sure to see to that. I believe tonight there shall be a feast, as there always are at the beginning of a semester. You can acquaint yourself better with the professors and your fellow students then, it may help you decide."
Apparently satisfied with his answer, he merely waves his hand with a huff of acknowledgment and takes his leave.
I nod and smile, wondering what classes I should look into and what possible fantastical creatures and objects could aid in my understanding of magic.
Lightheartedly I make my way back to the dining hall.
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You find yourself once more in front of the heavy wooden door to the dining hall. It is yet again filled with students and faculty noisily going about their business, primarily, eating lunch. You are waved down by the two students with whom you met earlier in the day, Guili and Ingjrd. Over a meal of stewed pork and radishes, Guili fervently explains his first alchemy lesson, and produces a small object, which appears to be a roll of paper with a thick string attached to one end; apparently the result of his work. He holds the string, which he calls a "fuse", over the flame of a candle. It ignites in a burst of sparks and Guili quickly tosses it into the air. The object explodes in a very loud crack, which echoes through the hall, causing many students to scream or hide under their tables. The school faculty in the room stir in alarm, and a couple of the more paranoid staff members begin shouting spell incantations and brandishing wands or weapons.
All in all the situation is resolved peacefully, with Guili receiving a few stern words from his teacher, Professor Morvela, and a sharp jab in the ribs by Ingjrd's elbow, followed by her assertion of "Stupid."
After the meal, the students begin lining up in front of two large sheets of parchment plastered to the wall beside one of the doorways. These parchments apparently list the courses and lectures available for study, many of which are mandatory for all students to graduate.
Chuckling at Guili's display and marveling at the craftsmanship of the explosive, I pause to inquire Ingjrd of her classes before heading up to review mandatory and optional courses, plotting my term and taking Professor Froud's advice to heart. While waiting, I look to see if Headmaster Megestus is present or the divination professor Krinia, to thank her again for the tome.
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At your inquiring of her school experience, Ingjrd shrugs and says "Fair." She stares at you as if studying you, while Guili steals food from her plate. She visibly pretends to not notice.
As you cut through the small crowd of chattering students which have gathered around the syllabus, eventually you get close enough for your eyes to scan the large sheets of parchment.
Searching the room for the headmaster, you find that he is not currently present, no doubt abroad performing important duties for the school. You do however spot Krinia laughing with a group of students at the other end of the hall.
I contemplate what courses to take, hoping I'll get to collaborate with Ingjrd and Guili and take a few of the required courses with them.
Wading through the crowd, I make my way to Professor Krinia, beaming and opening my book. "Look, mum. I already 'ave me first spell penned into the book you gave me!"
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Krinia beams as you apprach, taking the book from you and opening it to the first page. She giggles vivaciously and says, "Well done! I'm very pleased to see you taking well to your learning. How is Professor Froud treating you? Not too harshly I hope. Surely he must favor you for you to have learned something in his class so swiftly!"
Grinning, "He seems stern but fair, mum. Do you think it would be alright if I took your class too?"
DORLYN ACADEMY OF HIGHER LEARNING SYLLABUS
The student of the Academy, being a learned person in the High Art of Magic, is expected to attend each class on time and apply himself fully to his studies. Each student, regardless of curriculum, must attend a certain number of required courses to graduate an receive certification from the Academy. Courses so required are marked with a star *.
1. Physical Training: Various exercises and activities to improve physical fitness, with an emphasis on dexterity training for manipulation of spell components.
2. Philosophy of Magic*: The study of logical methods of thinking with applications to practical problems of spell use. Exploration of metaphysics, theory of knowledge, and ethics.
3. Basic Astrology: The relationship of the stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies to magical processes. Topics include lunar phases, astral movement, and the influence of deities.
4. Spell Theory*: How spells function; spell interaction with physical laws.
5. Fundamentals of Meditation: Basic techniques for reaching higher levels of intellectual perception. Topics include transcendence, self-actualization, and dream analysis.
6. Language Instruction: Grammar, phonetics, and conversational idioms of human, humanoid, and demihuman languages.
7. History of Magic*: Overview of wizards and magic throughout the ages with an emphasis on historical breakthroughs in spell research.
8. Magic and Society*: The wizard as viewed from a cultural perspective. A survey of societal relationships and cross- cultural comparisons of wizards around the world(s).
9. Power Thinking: Emphasis on increasing the student's understanding of thinking as a process to increase the strength of his cognitive skills. Topics include creativity, memory, concentration, and problem solving.
10. Survey of Literature: An introduction to the study of magic literature, with an emphasis on analysis. A broad range of authors from a variety of cultures and historical periods are examined in detail.
11. Library Instruction: A survey of research techniques, including classification systems, spell indexing, basic reference books, and assembling a personal library.
12. Fundamentals of Spell Transcription: Topics include penmanship techniques, paper and ink selection, proper structure, revision, basic calligraphy, and proofreading.
13. Principles of Casting*: An introduction to basic casting techniques. Includes component theory, spell design, and safety procedures. Instruction for specific schools of magic are available for prospective specialists.
14. Spell Tutorial: An individualized course tailored to meet the needs of individual students. Students can concentrate on improving skills in specific schools of magic or explore techniques from all schools.
15. Spell Seminar: A discussion group addressing topics of special interest to students, with an emphasis on problem areas. Students are expected to conduct demonstrations for the group, with criticism periods to follow.
16. Spell Practicum: Addressing neophyte spells, the practicum provides students with the opportunity to practice their skills in both a laboratory setting and in the field. Emphasis is on creative application.
17. Formula Analysis*: Theory of spell formulas, emphasizing techniques applicable to original research. Topics include elementary spell functions, tabular and graphical presentation, variability, and metaphysical equations. Basic alchemical principles are covered in subsequent sessions of this course.
18. Laboratory Techniques: Practical application of the principles covered in Formula Analysis. Topics include herbalism, alchemical reactions, natural and unnatural metabolism, and basic scientific procedures.
19. Introduction to Magic*: Apprentice-level spell instruction. Includes casting techniques, practical applications, and general theory. Individualized instruction available.
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The excitable professor shouts, "Of course you may! In fact, I would insist... By the time old Froud is finished dragging you through the wilderness and making you scale mountains during his lessons, I suspect you'll want to come by divination class for a hot cup of tea. We'll be reading the tea leaves afterwards, naturally." she says with a wink.
She hands the book back to you. "Oh, there's Headmaster Megestus. My apologies, but I must be going!"
Krinia hurries to the pulpit at the head of the hall, where other professors are already gathering. The Headmaster approaches the podium and waits for everyone to find their places. When everyone is settled, he clears his throat and begins to speak.
"Here we are gathered, at midday on the beginning of yet another year of knowledge. Some of you have already attended your first classes, and with them have taken your first steps towards a brighter future. For others, this marks the beginning of the end, as when autumn's cold fingers come to choke the earth, their time here will be at an end, the circle of learning drawn to a close. Tonight will not be a night of study. Instead, with the annual Induction Ceremony and Feast, this night will be one of merriment and brotherhood. At the seventh hour, we urge you to gather here and enjoy a multitude of foods, drinks, and entertainment culled from every corner of Templore. You are asked to commune with your teachers, and with your fellow students, and if you are so inclined, to take a tour of the grounds afterwards. There will be no further classes scheduled today, so make the best of your free time however you see fit!"
Megestus steps away from the podium and takes his leave from the dining hall, along with several of the teachers.
Clutching my book to my chest, excitedly I look for Guili and Ingjrd, hoping to spend some time with my new acquaintances. My eyes glance over the dining hall, looking for them, or any new students that might make for good company and conversation.
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You spot perhaps a half dozen students still lingering in the hall, along with a couple of people robed in the noble blue of the school faculty. Beside one of the tables, Guili is fervently conversing with a professor. At the other end of the hall, Ingjrd stands with her back to you, her attention focused on a raven-haired man seated on the stage.
I will wave at Guili, whether he notices or not, and make my way towards Ingjrd to see what has her so focused.
"Oh... um... jus' seeing how your first day was going. I am sorry if I interrupted you. I will just go... see how Guili is doing..." Feeling blush rise to my own cheeks for embarrassing her, I turn around quickly clutching my book to find an empty spot in the room to sit by myself.
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As you turn to make your exit, you hear a man say, "Ah, students, my apologies. Did you have need of me?"
The thickly-accented voice comes from the man seated on the stage. He rises and begins making his way over to you. Ingjrd's eyes grow wide as she attempts to blow loose strands of hair away from her face. After a couple of failed attempts, she stares in bewilderment at you.
The man is wearing a flowing set of midnight blue robes, so dark they appear almost black. His sable hair, which is beginning to thin, is swept back with grease. His gaunt face produces an amiable smile.
"Good day to you," he says. "I am Bravi Gugosi. May I help you?"
Pivoting, I bow slightly. "... Jackobean van Rijn, sir. And this is my friend Ingjrd. We are new here. ...Are you a professor?"
Mumbling, I nervously look to Ingjrd and back to Bravi.
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Still smiling, Bravi bows and replies, "No, I am not a professor. I do, however, work with the academy. I am what you might call a consultant. There are certain kinds of magic we do not teach here in Dorlyn. Dark, dangerous magics. It so happens that I am well-studied in necromancy; death magic. And should the academy ever need my expertise, I am here to assist. Only for the greater good, be assured."
Ingjrd has her arms crossed in front of her, and she seems to have regained her composure as she watches Bravi speak with moon-eyed wonder.
"Why are there magics the school canno' teach... sir? An' if the school didn't teach you, where did you learn death magic? What would the school need assistance with that would require a death magician?"
I rattle off questions with a child and gnome's curiosity.
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"Shall we take a seat?" He says, leading the two of you over to an empty table.
"It is not that we cannot teach these magics. Rather, we choose not to... Magic is a powerful thing, child. Many people fear this power, because they do not understand it. Power is like a fire, and fear is a bitter air that feeds the flame. Without responsibility, this flame becomes wildfire. We of the academy are trying to teach others to respect magic, and embrace it rather than fear it. To use necromancy is to have control over the energies of life and death. It can be used for the greater good, but it can quickly become profane. It would not be in the academy's interest to teach this sort of magic. However, it would be foolish to completely ignore it's presence. Should the school ever have need to know about such things, I am here to provide my expertise.
As for how I myself learned to use this magic... It is a tale best left untold, I believe. In my younger years, when I lived in my homeland, I was a different man. But I have accounted for my crimes, and I have taken a vow to not repeat my mistakes."
My jaw drops as he mentions his crimes, but I try to quickly regain my composure. "That is fascinatin' sir. I never thought of magic like that..."
I look to Ingjrd to see how she took the man's tale.