The Obsidian Academy
From Myths of Atalan Wiki
The Obsidian Academy
Within the House of Concordant Cycles, active Ephaesian sects provide secular education for the local population. The nature of these schools vary as much as the Houses themselves. Some schools have no tuition and others are so costly that only nobles and merchants have a place within their halls. One could expect to learn academics or trades, with a handful of peers or hundreds. A few schools focus not on teaching but on discovery and invention; they are isolated workshops open only to the sect. Atalan's school is grand and unique; even though the colony is small, the Obelisk and the associated discovery of Arcane magic have given rise to the Obsidian Academy, named for and built around the rune-covered structure, dedicated to unraveling its profound mysteries.
The Academy's beginnings are humble compared to the academic caste it begot: Wizards. Atalan's discovery was naturally interesting to Ephaesians. They came with the first settlers expecting to find little more than the anthropological artifacts of a forgotten city and new varieties of plants, insects, and animals across the land. While settlers claimed new homes, the Ephaesians set up a simple camp and shrine at the Obelisk. Their resident linguist took care to savor his time deciphering its runes while sectmates scrutinized and analyzed other curiosities in an orderly fashion.
Soon, Atalan would see the first manifestations of Emergent Phenomena, that all children born after the settlement of Atalan had the same set of physical characteristics, as if having inherited them from the city rather than their Halmorian, Valkshir, and Lakoi parents. Even more interesting was the development of sorcerous powers - previously unknown to the Empire - among Atalan Born and original settlers alike. The Ephaesian sect grew significantly as colonists became determined to understand the Emergent Phenomena and as a steady influx of eager scholars immigrated from the mainland. It was unfortunately not this steady growth, but the Long Night that gave rise to the Academy as it is today: a fortified, safe place for the Obelisk and the sect that obsesses over it.
Secular Members
One of the more obvious social distinctions for an Academy initiate to notice is that between religious and secular members. There is no doubt that the Obsidian Academy is sponsored by the House of Concordant Cycles and more specifically, its Ephaesian sect. Faith is not a requirement for Sorcerers nor aspirant Wizards, all of whom are welcome to join, for their cooperation and discovery pleases Ephaesus. One may nonetheless find that certain members of the Academy are prone to treating them as second class Scholars who fail to see the big picture. Some secular members pay lip service to Ephaesian faith to belong or even to advance their careers, while others are vocally irritated by and outspoken against any such pressures.
Distinctions within the Academy
Primus: The undisputed master of the Obsidian Academy and the final arbiter of all conflicts therein. A captain who sets the course for the study of Emergent Phenomena, the Primus is also the Ephaesian sect's spiritual leader. He is often referred to as the sect's Curate, especially outside the Academy. The Primus addresses the Academy when necessary with sermons that illuminate what is best for the organization and what shall please Ephaesus.
Magnate: Those who make multiple profound Arcane discoveries are honored as Magnates. When they are not busy delving into advanced theorems, they hold informal lectures on topics that hold their interest. Any Academy member is welcome to attend these lectures, with those whose lectures are popular being awarded a greater degree of respect from the Primus and the Academy at large.
Adept: When one makes a significant discovery in the field of Emergent Phenomena, they become known as Adepts. There is some confusion, especially on the part of outsiders, regarding Adepts. They believe an Adept is one who wields the Arcane skillfully, men and women of great power. While those who make discoveries are often powerful, not all that are powerful have made discoveries. Adepts, like Magnates, are encouraged to hold lectures, the success of which holds influence over future promotions.
Scribe: Those who study Emergent Phenomena but have made no significant discoveries. A majority of adults with access to the Academy's resources are known as Scribes.
Student: This term is euphemistically applied to Atalan-born and sorcerous youths who are being raised by the Academy, whether they are orphans or simply unwanted. They are considered its wards rather than its members.
