Solstice Academy

The Solstice Academy is a world-renowned school for the most elite and brightest wizards-, mages-, and sorcerers-to-be. Having an incredibly prestigious name and weight, entrance to this bastion of knowledge is exceptionally difficult, with its members graduating to become some of the most influential and powerful people in all of Gaia. Whether it be the dreaded entrance exam, or the Crucible after the first year of enrollment, this institution is a pillar in Ostanzan society and an invaluable resource to the Spectral Arcan and thus, the crown.

Program Breakdown

Gaining entrance to this prestigious institution is nearly impossible. First, you must have a sponsor, someone affiliated with the academy who vouches for your abilities and will either aid in your tuition, or serve purely as a character witness. Without this person, you have virtually no chance of even being extended an offer.

Next, you must study and train for your entrance exam, which will be a combination of both written and practical assessments of anything from your ability to cast spells to thinking on your feet and problem solving. The entrance exam changes yearly, with each batch of applicants, and remains the single hardest part of the academy to pass. It is designed so that less than 1% of all applicants pass this exam.

After you pass the entrance exam, you immediately start classes the following week. This period of your academic career is known as the Trial period in which you are under extreme watch from the faculty to ensure that you have what it takes. If you fail just one exam or assignment, you are removed from the program, no excuses allowed.

Once the trial period is over, which happens after a year of enrollment without issue, you are placed under one final examination known as the Crucible. A less intense version of the entrance exam, the Crucible is the last barrier to you becoming a full-fledged pupil in the academy. While the exact proceedings of this exam are not open to the public, just based off the sheer amount of people that fail it, it is extremely difficult and comprises all knowledge you would have accumulated while at the academy.

If you are skilled enough to remain, you have a choice between the type of degree you'd like to leave with and in which program or programs you specialize. The more intense programs result in longer stays at the academy, with the longest being ten years from entrance to graduation, and the shortest being 3 years. Each program path and specialization have their own requirements that must be met to graduate and exam and assignment/project cadence. While it's true that some are harder than others, there isn't a program at the academy that is easy or medium difficulty.

If you have hopes to join the Arcan, which some do, the only way in is to graduate under the ten year program where you will be known as a Master Arcanist. The Arcan have their own requirements, but the bare minimum is this title which is only given out by the academy.

Location

Being the crown jewel of the Kingdom of Ostanza, the Solstice Academy is located in the very heart of the kingdom, in the capital city called Ostanza. It's high rising walls and old architecture differentiate this academy from the rest of Ostanza and exemplify the age and importance of the academy itself. Most notably, the central spire called the Startop Spire stands as one of the tallest buildings in all of the Kingdom, with a large arcane telescope located at its apex.

Important Figures

Many important people have found their start at the Solstice Academy, learning from and working alongside the strongest minds in all of Gaia. Such an important and prestigious school is only ran by the most capable and respected individuals, and as such, has quite the list of significant figures.

Head Master Ilydro Horcano

Head Master Ilydro Horcano has been the face and chief faculty member of the Solstice Academy for nearly 100 years. His age and his wisdom make him not only the most capable to run things, but the most powerful magic caster in the world. Being in charge and overseeing the academy, Ilydro has the final say in every decision, whether it be curriculum, entrance exam procedures, expulsions and admissions, and even hiring of faculty. He takes his job very seriously, and with his age and wisdom, has commanded the respect of everyone that calls the academy home.

Professor Emiel Einhart

Professor Einhart was the top of his class when he graduated the academy. Since his departure from the school, his work and influence in the Spectral Arcan, specifically regarding illusionary magics and research, earned him an outstanding and legendary reputation. Now in his later years, Professor Einhart has retired from the Arcan and has instead picked up the mantle of teaching at the very same academy he attended so many years ago. Teaching some of the gen-ed and graduate level classes at the academy, Professor Einhart's teaching ability is just as legendary as his research, and so it is highly competitive to get the opportunity to work under him and aid him in his research. If you are approached by Professor Einhart, it is said that your career is as good as gold.