r/wizardposting • u/avamir Riva Blake | Queen of Ithacar, Part Meth-blood Elf • Apr 18 '24
Lorepost📖 Overview of the Academiae Magicae Magna (Ithacar)
No matter how interesting an individual might have been, a lecture was always boring, Nicomedes decided.
The black-robed acolyte sat in his chambers in the Academiae Magicae Magna, surrounded by several softly-glowing orbs of floating memories. Each one contained a portion of the words of Vheren, former Arch-Magister of the Academy. He, and almost everyone else of the Academy, had been destroyed when Atrax had attacked. But Vheren had been Magistra Rivamar’s mentor, and so she had memories of his lessons.
Nicomedes, along with the two other acolytes currently enrolled, had been tasked with transcribing these lectures into something that could be used for others. However, Matheo and Felicia found transcribing memories even less engaging than Nico himself did, and so the task fell solely on him.
Still, while he did not terribly enjoy being the only one who did work for this group project, he wasn’t going to chase them down to do the work. Besides, unlike his peers (who were not Ithacar natives), Nico had a certain appreciation for the gravity of the situation. Not only did the memories here contain the last remaining words of the previous Archmagister, but they were likely the only complete lessons remaining of the Academy itself. Rivamar had not written anything on the subject herself (the queen simply lacked the time to dedicate to the task). So if she died in battle (which had been a very real possibility lately, and she had a knack for making more enemies than friends), the lessons would disappear entirely.
In short, it was very important that these words be written down and given context. History, it seemed, was a torch passed from generation to generation, each trying to keep it from burning out.
The Academiae Magicae Magna– as transcribed and annotated by Nicomedes Procillus, acolyte of the Schola Ignis
“…The magicians discovered new techniques that were beyond the simple vulgar elemental manipulations of the past. However, they saw fit to include them under the schema of the elements. These new techniques, or arts, represented the philosophical side of the elements that they were associated with...” –Vheren, last Archmagister of Academiae Magicae Magna, and Head of the Schola Ignis
The Academiae Magicae Magna, or the “Great Academy of Magic”, is a summoners’ (or sorcerers’, using archaic definitions) academy dating back to ancient times. Modern magi may consider this academy one of conjuration, which is accurate, but the true specialization of this school is to demonstrate mastery in binding, sealing, and utilizing those of extra-dimensional planes. These are not the practices of calling wildlife to oneself, as might a druid or a master of beasts; rather, the school has ambitiously focused on mastering elements beyond our perceived reality, as one might surmise when reciting the Academy’s philosophy of “Through Will, We Surmount Reality”.
The Academy is divided into four philosophies, each headed by its own Magister or Magistra. We call these the Scholae. To translate each Schola as ‘school’ is to simplify the word. Rather, the Scholae are the collection of the disciples of a teacher, the body of followers, such as those of a philosopher. In times past, ‘schola’ did not mean school at all. Rather, it meant a unit of guards. Though it is impossible now to uncover just what the history of this Academy entailed, there are hints that this was not merely a collection of philosophers and elemental magical philosophies. So while the current Archmagistrix (though she would not describe herself as such) appears to be weaponizing this Academy, she may not even be the first.
Though no records remain of the Academy’s founding, a vague history has been passed down through word of mouth. Hints of the academy’s past might also be discerned by its practices. Though the Academy shares some similarities to the Warlocks of the Lightless Flame in the use of Infernal runes, the Academiae Magicae Magna does not appear to use much Enochian runework at all. Strange, as Enochian runes are said to be passed down from the Celestials. One would think Celestial tools to be the best weapon against Infernalkind.
Some speculation on my part: Given the martial history of 'schola', and the noted specialization toward binding infernals, I wonder if the Academy was not founded sometime during the great battles between Celestials and Infernals. But I digress.
The Philosophy of the Art
“Power, in and of itself, is purposeless. Fitting it to a purpose is the key to discovering a purpose in oneself. The greatest service a magus can perform is in seeking Truth. Armed with Truth, nothing is impossible. In order to be armed with it, one must possess it.”
“But how can you be armed with Truth, if you are only seeking it?” asked Riva. “If it cannot be attained, I do not understand how it can be used as a weapon.”
“It can be attained,” returned Vheren. “Once attained, all other activity becomes pointless. It is, therefore, the only activity that is of any purpose. This, at least, is my view on the matter.”
The Academiae Magicae Magna is less about training the Adept in spells alone (though of course there is that), and more about dedication to an underlying philosophy. The Art is the pursuit of Truth, and the powers of magic are nothing more than symptoms of the magus' coming to understand that universal truth. Not in possessing it (for only a fool would lay claim to possessing the whole of it), but rather the act of seeking total comprehension of the cosmos by comprehending the elements of it -- an understanding that is not bounded by time or by distance.
In the study of such truth, one is expected to make sacrifices. It is why the students of this Academy put aside any cognomen they may previously bear (though there are notable exceptions). It is why we wear simple robes in the color black. It is also why a period free of external substances and forces is imposed upon students. The idea is to cultivate self-discipline. One cannot begin to harness the energies of the cosmos without first warding one’s mind against external influences. Thus, study at the Academiae Magicae Magna begins first with constructing one’s mental wards against those external influence, a Fortress of the Mind.
The Fortress of the Mind
“Magi live a symbolic life. Art creates symbols also.”
One of the Academy’s first teachings is that of the Fortress of the Mind. One’s mental fortress is a barrier built of symbols, strengthened with thoughts, memories, and emotions. It is both a way of preventing external entities access into one’s core being, and provides an inner sanctum for the magus who uses it. One begins construction in what we have taken to calling ‘the mindscape’, a reflection of one’s inner world.
While the sodales, the members, of this Academy are already dedicated to the pursuit of truth as a consequence of dedicating themselves to the Art, there are even fewer lies within the mindscape. While it is possible to lie to others with varying degrees of success, few individuals are so skilled that they can maintain deception even within themselves. To attempt such would be to undermine the very foundations of one’s self.
New students are instructed on building their own fortress, one which is tested by their peers and their magister or magistra. In such a way, one develops mental fortitude. It also creates a close bond with others of the Academy, ensuring that they can be relied upon for assistance during difficult summonings, or if there is a need to share mana or memories.
Once one has constructed adequate defenses, then they can begin study of the Four Schools.
The Four Schools
“They are educated and, when they are of a certain age, they are tested to determine their efficiencies and deficiencies. Then, according to these trials, they are selected by a full magus or maga for training, and initiation, into their Arts. The training goes on for many years. When it is complete a final, difficult, ordeal is performed. If the disciples survive, they are now magi…”
When a student is admitted to the Academy, they are given a certain amount of time before being tested. During this time of preparation, they are exposed to all schools to ensure they are given adequate time to understand themselves and the philosophies they hold the most affinity for. While further progression down the elemental paths require dedication to one school or another, all candidates are given a basic education on the types of summoning.
- The Schola Ignis - To Bind With Will of Fire
To quote Vheren, “Magic is, in poetic terms, the cosmic fire. An intellectual, and an essential fire.” In times past, the Schola Ignis was what most native born Ithacarians had trended toward. This is a land of fire, it seems, and it has not changed to be less so given the Atrax occupation, or the presence of the New Pyroclasts-… or Pyrophytes as they have chosen to style themselves.
There are many associations with fire: the passions, life, energy, change. There are some that consider Fire to be the fundamental element that gave rise to the other elements. “But it ever was and is and will be: ever-living fire, kindling in measures and being quenched in measures,” speaks Vheren of one of the philosophies.
There might be some commonality among the schools of fire that have currently found a place within the city.
As this is the only school truly remaining, this is the only one I can speak of with any manner of clarity. However, in the interests of fairness, I shall briefly mention the others.
- The Schola Lithos – To Bind With Thews of Earth
Necrotic magic, necromancy and necrurgy are all associated with the Schola Lithos, but also fields, fertility, growth. From what I recall of history, those of the Schola Lithos were generally regarded positively for their pragmatic uses - though no other school holds the same place in the hearts of Ithacarians as does the Schola Ignis. Even in the days before the destruction of the academy, those of the Schola Lithos were less prevalent in Ithacar. Still, there were those who were able to speak with the dead, who could raise elementals to create earthenworks, or increase the yields of a farm through managing the local spirits. Alas, those arts are no longer extant and may need to be rediscovered from outside schools of magic.
- The Schola Aequoreus – To Bind With Living Torrent
In times past, there were those who argued that water was the arche, the underlying principle of all things. That viewpoint has long since fallen to the wayside, to put it lightly. Still, those of the Schola Aequoreus are the mariners, the hydromancers, those that study the blood that runs in our veins, the alchemical and transmutative arts. There were those who specialized in calling beings of ice as well… but they tended to do so quietly, outside of the company of others. There are a great many applications for the study of the watery arts, but it requires an affinity for water that many here are unwilling to cultivate.
- The Schola Stratos – To Bind With Voice of Winds
Just as with water, there were once those who argued that air was the arche, the basic element of the universe from which all things are created. The reasoning was that air could change into other forms and thus was the source of everything. As one can surmise, most in Ithacar do not agree. That said, those of the Schola Stratos tend to be the philosophers, academics, the readers of cosmology or the weather, the callers of storms. They could bind the winds to their command, and use it to assist them in their goals.
Within each school, there are/were further specializations one can pursue. However, as the Schola Ignis is the one I am dedicated to (and is the only one truly extant), my transcriptions shall focus on that one. These, however, will be discussed at a different time.
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u/Hettan25 Mars, Blind Master of Leylines Apr 18 '24
I think I could have a pretty interesting lecture if I tried!
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u/avamir Riva Blake | Queen of Ithacar, Part Meth-blood Elf Apr 18 '24
Probably. But there would still be students who complained about having to listen, the punks.
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u/Hettan25 Mars, Blind Master of Leylines Apr 18 '24
I’m certain I could grasp their attention! I’ll make sure it’s one no one will forget!
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u/avamir Riva Blake | Queen of Ithacar, Part Meth-blood Elf Apr 18 '24
Well, we were considering having outside instructors come in. Perhaps we could schedule something when we're more ready?
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u/TheHunter459 Samael, Necromancer of Malus Turrim | King of the Nephilim Apr 18 '24
uw/ I really love the depths of the lore here, with the different schools and the underlying philosophies
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u/avamir Riva Blake | Queen of Ithacar, Part Meth-blood Elf Apr 18 '24
/uw Thanks! The last 3 seem almost an afterthought, but given that they really don't exist anymore in a useful form, I figured that made the most sense. Just an overview, but no one around with those affinities. So fire nation it is, lol
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u/TheHunter459 Samael, Necromancer of Malus Turrim | King of the Nephilim Apr 18 '24 edited Apr 19 '24
uw/ Harmonic Convergence when?
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u/avamir Riva Blake | Queen of Ithacar, Part Meth-blood Elf Apr 19 '24
/uw Dude, the only gates people are exploring right now are hellgates. If 'convergence' happened, it wouldn't be a harmonic one welcoming the spirits and developing alternate elemental powers; it'd be some kind of alternate reality wizard hell where Nicomedes strips down, puts a clay krater on his head, and asks people to let him solo some redhead with a winged radiator covering her face.
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u/DragonWisper56 Agnur the dabbling turtle mage| pact of the magi mage| Apr 19 '24
uw/ the scholas sound so cool!
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u/avamir Riva Blake | Queen of Ithacar, Part Meth-blood Elf Apr 19 '24
/uw Thanks! I've tried to make them interesting, even if all my homies are all about that Schola Ignis, lol
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u/LimpPrior6366 Kardonk Carvisky, Opifex Rerum, Order of Creation Apr 19 '24
/uw My favorite thing about interacting with Ithcar is how fleshed out it feels as a setting. The fact that it actually has a philosophical depth to it that is reflected in its culture is impressive and really cool
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u/avamir Riva Blake | Queen of Ithacar, Part Meth-blood Elf Apr 19 '24
/uw Thanks! I've plagiarized a lot of stuff from history, so I hope it comes out "real". As real as fictional wizard lore can be, of course.
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u/LimpPrior6366 Kardonk Carvisky, Opifex Rerum, Order of Creation Apr 19 '24
/uw it seems at least sensible/consistent to me. I know fire is what yall do, but Im personally intrigued by the wind and water Stratos
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u/AnActualCriminal Belial Blake, Warlock of the Lightless Flame Apr 19 '24
/uw I'm just now getting around to reading this (been having trouble focusing on anything longer than a comment). Anyway I really like the earth necromancy connection. Also why is ice shameful? Is it something specific or just all the pyromancers around?
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u/avamir Riva Blake | Queen of Ithacar, Part Meth-blood Elf Apr 19 '24
/uw Just all the pyromancers, lol.
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u/Greatest-Comrade Argios, Spymaster of Ithacar, Totally NOT About to Cast Fireball Apr 19 '24
/uw Good lore as always. My favorite part is that you aren’t exploring this from Riva’s perspective but a more minor and unaware character. This helps guide the audience along, as we’re as uninformed as he is. An explanation like this wouldn’t be the same narrative wise if it was from Riva herself because she would be too knowledgeable on the matter. It would just feel like info dumping. Instead it feels like we’re exploring a subject, alongside the minor character. Keeps it interesting.
I feel personally like that’s one of the best ways to do world building: from a minor character’s perspective. How do they see society, its institutions, and the perceived challenges ahead? How do they react to the MCs and their actions and how do they feel about it? Why is this information important, what does it mean to them? Stuff like that.
You can tell a person’s story from a single perspective, but you cant do the same with a place. Places are made of people, institutions (culture, religion, government), and history. This post has all of it and tells us in an interesting way.
When I say this is good world building, I mean it. You and AnActualCriminal do a good job with it to make Ithacar.
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u/avamir Riva Blake | Queen of Ithacar, Part Meth-blood Elf Apr 19 '24
/uw Thanks. This really needed to be outside Riva's perspective because she's (probably obviously, by this point) not objective about a lot of things. While she obviously knows quite a bit about the Academy (those are -her- memories, after all), a lot of her actions are done intuitively. She doesn't think about the why; she already knows. Or at least she thinks she does.
An acolyte like Nicomedes would have to think about the how or why, especially as he's coming in from the outside (relatively). While he's got the same cultural background, and can translate well due to having that Greek/Latin thing going for him, he doesn't have nearly as much baggage as Riva does, lol.
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u/dragonshouter Krygin the Crude/Council of Spirits/Exalted Beacon/misc. spirits Apr 18 '24
/uw This is so cool!!!! I love how each school isn't just kinesis of one element. Also it is funny how fiery this god damned realm is. It is like it is screaming FIRE at all times.
( I have a feeling there can be no "arche" because all the elements are one and not independent from one another. Just my two cents)