Ophidian Arcanaeum
Summary
The premier magical institution of Haven, the Ophidian Arcanaeum serves as both a center of arcane research and the training ground for Haven's mages. Named after Shun’Aush the Granite Ophid, the Arcanaeum was founded to preserve and advance magical knowledge in the face of the Witherwild's threat. Under Archmage Phylax's leadership, the institution has shifted from purely academic pursuits toward aggressive magical research aimed at Haven's survival, often pushing ethical boundaries in the name of progress.
The Arcanaeum's mages were instrumental in discovering the connection between the Reaping Eye and the cure for Serpent's Sickness, leading to the controversial theft from Nikta, the Shepherd of the Seasons.
Leader
Goals
- Advance magical research and theory
- Discover magical solutions to the Serpent's Sickness and Witherwild corruption
- Train the next generation of Haven's mages
- Study and harness the power of the Reaping Eye
- Expand magical knowledge through exploration and experimentation in the Witherwild
Headquarters
- The Ophidian Spire in Haven
Structure
The Arcanaeum is organized into several circles of study:
- Circle of Preservation (protective magic and wards)
- Circle of Vitality (healing and life magic)
- Circle of Inquiry (divination and research)
- Circle of Dominion (combat and control magic)
- The Inner Circle (Phylax's personal research group)