The Arcane University of High Reaches

NOTE: This information is as it was during the years High Reaches was a bustling city. This organization no longer exists.

The Arcane University

The University of High Reaches was founded by Gralin Hovis, and a number of other surviving members of the Obsidian Academy. These included Adeptus Aulus Marius, Magus Myl'eathelin Nae'lynyl'ean, Adeptus Abelia La'Doretia, Magus Azraff Desrelti, Maestra Ashley Norstrom, Magus Mellicent Cole (Aryn Ravenlocke), and many others.

The Arcane University of High Reaches is not solely limited to the study of the arcane. It is in fact the primary school for all young residents of High Reaches as well. Teaching a variety of subjects from literacy to geography, magic and spell craft, students of all ages can be found within.

Expansion

Shortly after the High Magus left for Atalan to deal with the rifts, Adeptus Aulus Marius and Magus Myl'eathelin Nae'lynl'ean continued the work to expand the learning of reading and writing to any and all that came looking for assistance. In 2872 this initiative was expanded upon, as was the University itself. The University, which had already been expanding its influence, became a place for all sorts of formalized learning. A motto was adopted, "No secrets - only hidden truths". This motto was directed not only at the information contained within the various tomes in the facility, but at the pupils themselves, encouraging each one to find the scholar within. Over time, advanced studies in farming, architecture, history, mathematics, and other subjects spread.

Contrary to initial concerns, this extra time spent by many in studies did not detract from the student's usefulness to High Reaches. Instead, merchants with cultural educations became more profitable. Farmers working with architects discovered ways to improve the engineering of the farms. Others found employment as linguists and translators as the multi-cultural aspect of High Reaches became more pronounced.

Those studying the mundane subjects took it hardest when the Adeptus Aulus Marius passed away. Despite his arcane nature, he embraced the innovation to find ways to accomplish many complicated tasks through mundane means. Cats are still treated with some special reverence around the University, able to go (nearly) any place they please, whenever they want. Sometimes persistent behavior by one or more of the University cats is jokingly taken as something of an omen.

Myl'eathelin, serving as Head Mistress, has become something of a celebrity among the people despite her usually reserved nature. A Syl'vae and a powerful mage, her innate superiority never overshadows the good work being done by the establishment. Seen as wise and fair-minded, over the years the students have come to take her word for it on nearly any subject. While some were somewhat surprised when she refused to hear the petitions of the students expelled by Magus Mellicent Cole, most simply nodded their heads and agreed that if she was refusing them, then there must be an overwhelming reason for those students to go.

Over the years, the University has continued to expand, to become one of the most prominent features of High Reaches, assembled from a cobbling together of several buildings. The Council has noted that when the need arises, the University is never short on the necessary funds for its own enterprises. Likewise, the Temple of the Hymn has become growingly concerned with the expanding influence of the University, with its hyper-rational approach, its devotion to the arcane (including teaching about dragons and primordials), and its focus on self-sufficiency in life (undermining somewhat the daily devotion to the Overseers). The University in response, doggedly affirms the existence of the Overseers and the benefits they can provide, readily pointing out that anyone interested in the Overseers is politely directed straight to the Temple to be "properly educated" on the subject. Likewise, plenty of faithful study in every subject (including the arcane) at the University, though in so doing, they are exposed to dogma free of divine intervention. This has resulted in an uneasy, but respectful accord between the two entities, the Temple and the University.

The University is run by the senior faculty, which is comprised of the top 1-2 instructors in each area of study. This has resulted in arcanists still retaining most of the seats, as there is one for each of the eight schools of magic, in addition to Myl'ethelin Nae'lynl'ean as Head Mistress and Mellicent Cole as Chief Librarian and Researcher.

The Library now chronicles everything it can about every aspect of life. Becoming a librarian is a honoured and somewhat prestigious calling. Becoming a Senior Librarian in charge of others is a true feather in one's cap. These are well-respected and admired individuals who have achieved one of the hardest positions in society open to anyone. These senior librarians dictate the jobs of other librarians and also coordinate research and discovery efforts. Most advanced students complete their studies at the University working as researchers for their examiner and the Senior Librarians. Some few of the students are hand-picked to become Field Researchers. The Field Researchers answer to their own, and work directly for Magus Cole. A chief feature of these select individuals that has been remarked upon by those with somewhat extensive experience with them, is the alacrity by which information learned by them is shared by all. The daily events of a routine meeting of the High Council as recorded by one of these researchers for the archives, is known by the next day when a new scribe may sit in.

The University itself remains open at all hours. and is free to all willing to take the time to study. The only requirement is a desire to learn and a devotion to studies. Increasingly advanced courses are entered into via exams showing the necessary proficiency. Advanced students, especially in the arcane that have entered into a course of study that will require a year or more to complete, are housed in the University, where the companionship of likewise devoted sharp intellects has led to something of a lifelong fellowship among current and former students.

During times of emergency, the Great Hall has been converted into a shelter capable of housing a great many of High Reaches' less fortunate souls.