The Margheal Academy of Magic was founded centuries ago by the legendary wizard, Margheal of Tyravon. She sought to create an institue of mystical study and advancement, so that the art of magic could be refined by a collective of minds, both young and old. In time, the Academy became known as the school of magic in the known world. Students and lecturers work to further the principles of magic, conceiving new ways of understanding it and discussing philosophy and science. The greatest mages of the age all studied here.
Margheal teaches a very precise form of magic, that dates back to its founder's preferred style. Magic circles and carefully crafted formulae are the basis of their techniques. For the Academy, magic is as much a science as it is an art. Of course, they still respect that each mage does things slightly differently and higher level students are given more leeway than beginners.
Campus
The Campus of Margheal Academy was based on the architectural style of wizard towers and studies of the time. It features large spires and grand halls, with vaulted ceilings and buttressed walls. Like the structures of the time, it was built mainly using magic, leading to elements that would otherwise be impossible to build. Areas of note include:
Lunarix Study Hall: Named after Isaac Lunarix, one of the Academy's first lecturers, the Study Hall is a place for students to gather and work on their assignments and readings. It has desginated areas designed for practising and expirementing with magic, tables and lounges intended for collaborative meetings, an ajoining kitchen serving meals and drinks to aid in studying and, of course, rows upon rows of desks. It is occasionally used as an extra examination hall.
Withermont Library: Adjacent to the Study Hall, the Academy's largest library was named for Lord Withermont, Margheal's patron and the school's main benefactor at its founding. It holds the most extensive collection of magical knowledge in the world, as well as countless texts on many other subjects. It serves as a more private study area for students and staff wishing to avoid the chaos of Lunarix.
Great Hall: The central building of the campus, the Great Hall serves many purposes. At the top, is the office of the Academy Head, as well as a meeting room and a small library containing the school's most important and valuable texts. Below this is Lecture Hall A, the biggest classroom on campus, usually reserved for schoolwide gatherings and major guest lectures. On the ground floor, are the main theoretical and practical examination halls, which are used primarily for mage-level student examinations. The Practical Hall is large and open, and can be opened onto an ajoining courtyard, forming a partly enclosed amphitheatre. The stonework is incredibly magic resistant.
Curriculum
Students typically range in age from 16 to 25 years, with resident researchers typically being between 25 and 30; each level has a wide range of ages, as students join the school when they choose. Prospective students are given a practical and theoretical examination to assess their magical ability and asssign them a level within the curriculum. A minimum level of least basic mastery in one arcanum is necessary to receive examination. Once complete, a passing student will be assigned to one of these levels and advance through them on their academic journey:
Fledgling: Students meeting the minimum requirements. They will be taught mostly theory, with some practical studies to reinforce learning. Subjects are broad, covering the entirety of the field of magic, but with little depth. The purpose of this level is to prepare the student for their choice of majors in the apprentice level. Typically takes one year.
Fledgling Advanced: This level is reserved for students meeting the minimum requirements, who show particular aptitude for magic. They follow the same curriculum as Fledgling level, but have additional practical studies and advanced theory to learn in addition. This is an incredibly difficult level and the board of examiners must have at least a 9 out of 10 agreement to allow a student into this level. Typically takes one year.
Apprentice: At this level, a student is well versed in magic, typically having mastered several arcana. Their curriculum is a roughly even split betwen theory and practice. Theory remains broad, providing a strong foundation for understanding, while practical work focuses on the student's chosen majors and elected minors. Students usualy have two majors, though they can apply for three or even four. Some students also apply for a combined major, where they study two closely related fields to become a specialist. Few students are assigned to levels above apprentice at their entry examination. Typically takes two years.
Apprenctice Advanced: Fledgling Advanced students have the option of continuing their advanced programme or switching to the standard curriculum. They are encouraged to continue by their mentors, but some do choose the less stressful option of switching. This level adds more practical study to the standard level, focusing on alternative advanced applications of the student's majors. Very few students at this level choose electives. Typically takes two years.
Sub-mage: These students are approaching the end of their journey and are almost ready for the next one. Practical study is the focus at this level, with theory being highly specific and in-depth, serving to support the student's majors. Studies are honing in on the student's preferred magical style and preparing them to employ their magic in the real world. Mentors play an important role at this level. They constrain the student to a limited set of electives to choose from, that support the direction the student is going. Typically takes two years.
Mage: The highest level of curriculum, these students are full-fledged spellcasters. Their studies focus on refining their skills and are almost entierly practical. Students at this level are given a lot of free time, to practise independently, perform personal research and persue electives to broaden their skills beyond their specialisation. While still considered students, lecturers and staff members treat them as equals and often ask them for input into advanced research. They are also expected to work with lower level students and aid them in their studies. The Academy values the lineage of knowledge it cultivates. Typically takes one year.
After completing Mage level, the student is officially a graduate and receives the formal title of High Mage. At this point, they have a choice. They can either leave the Academy for their own pursuits or stay on and become a resident researcher. This allows them to further their magical education, without a strict curriculum. They may research whatever they desire or request to join an existing research team. The Academy will provide for their needs, but there is one requirement to keep this tenure: their research must show results. They will be expected to report their findings regularly, and if they appear to be going nowhere, their funding will be cut.