Academy of the Dark Arts

Known by no other name, the Academy of the Dark Arts is the paramount of perverse, arcane knowledge in the entirety of Maiga. While there are many institutions of learning and magic elsewhere, they fall under the jurisdiction of Alliance kingdoms, which are far from the hand of the Eternal Empire. Even still, they lack greater understanding of dark magic, which is what is most desire of the Eternal Empire's sorcerers.

The Academy itself is as imposing as any of its students. A vast, sprawling campus built into the side of a volcano, Mt. Descius, with easy access to woods filled with abominable creatures of all sorts, all of the buildings were assembled from a burgundy stone you did not know the name of, but it gave the appearance, along with the choice in architecture, of being risen from the depths of hell itself. The central buildings were a step further, with a sort of obsidian crystal used to create spires that pierced into the heavens defiantly, the tops cut off only by the billowing smoke and ash that would descend from Mt. Descius.

Located deep in the territory of the Eternal Empire, which takes up a large portion of the northern continents and landscapes in Maiga, it is well protected from any attacks by Alliance forces while the fresher recruits grow strong enough to defend themselves. This meant all travel to it would be by land or sky, which were well defended so far into the Tyrant King's territory that an attempt to attack the Academy would be tantamount to suicide of the most violent nature.

You had been shielded from many of the horrors that roamed the land as the mysterious woman in robes had swept you up in a carriage and sent it forth at once. Only once did you stop, not for sleep or food, but to clean you of the grime of your old life and dress you properly. Black robes with a silver tunic and sash now adorned your body, hanging loosely over your frame. Years of being malnourished left you with something of an emaciated figure, which left some of the other students attending laughing at the mere sight of you.

You were not the only human to attend, but it became clear quickly that many other races were sent here. Drow, orcs, lycans, vampires, and far less appealing races were there. Those that grew big and strong laughed at your wiry body. Those that were naturally inclined towards more aesthetically appealing appearances turned their nose up at you. You were not ugly, but again, those years of torment and lack of care had left you haggard, something that would take time to recover from.

Whatever feelings of inadequacy were amplified and lessened at the same time as you and the rest of your prospective classmates entered into the Academy's assembly hall. A massive chamber that was dimly lit by candles set atop a plethora of skulls, all floating around eerily. Standing at the back of the chamber, atop a towering rise of jagged stone that seemed misplaced in the otherwise smooth interior of the building, was the woman dressed in dark robes that had brought you here. By appearance alone, there was no way you would know it was her, but something about her just spoke to you, that she was a unique individual that could not be mistaken for another.

Casting her hood back, many attending students gasped in awe, fear, and respect. You knew nothing of who she was, but the woman's pale skin, which looked whiter than snow and smoother than a newborn babe's, and long raven black hair worked together with her glowing yellow eyes to create a visage of beauty you'd never seen before. Course, many of the students were rather attractive, hers seemed almost otherworldly, and perhaps it was.

"Students" she said, in what seemed like a whisper spoken only to your ear, but was clearly heard by all as they went silent. "You have been gathered here for the glory of the Tyrant King and his Eternal Empire. As you may know, I am Lady Morgana, Sorceress of the Unending Night and Grand Magus of the High Council of Tyranny." she declared. While you were clueless as to what these titles truly meant, you could tell that it meant something fierce by the way some students seemed to shudder in fear at the monikers she bore.

"Many of you may question why someone of my status is here today, when not one of you has yet to proven yourself more than the mere components your bodies are composed of. Well I have received knowledge that some among your class have potential to be great magic users. Be they sorcerers, warlocks, wizards, witches, shamans, etc. I do not just talk about those that will help lead troops and ebb the flow of battle in our favor. I speak of men and women that will shake the very foundation of this war. Entities whose depths of mana are bottomless. That can one day be called MY equal. They are the ones that will put the Eternal in this Empire." she announced with such cool ferocity, you could feel your bones practically frosting over. Your very breath was starting to show before your eyes. And yet, as concerning as her words were, as open as they were to all present, you couldn't help but notice something. The glowing orbs of her eyes were on you, boring into your soul with an intensity that cast off the cold sensation you felt.

"Now." she continued, drawing you from your stupor, eager to learn more of the future before you. "We must play to your strengths. Not all magic users are adept in every school of magic. It is no mystery that one who can raise the dead fairs poorly in mending the living or those that can enchant runes of the highest order are not perfect in immediate spells of combat. As such, we have devised a test to reveal where your potential lies."

Swinging her arm out, the floating skulls scattered, leaving the space above the assembly's heads bare. Lady Morgana then stepped forth from her jagged podium, stepping on astral planks that appeared under her feet as they came down, she arrived at the empty space. Another wave of her arm and a set of spiral steps leading up to her appeared in the center of the room. Not only that, but now floating by her was a large, ornately designed chalice, made of glass and gold melded together perfectly, with dark gemstones around the rim.

"One by one, you will each ascend the stairs and take hold of the chalice. From what is produced and in what quantity will I be able to divine your future here and beyond. Without any further pause, let us begin!"

While many clamored to get to the steps, order was quickly enforced without a word by the icy chill Lady Morgana seemed to exude, creating a single file line that stretched out far. By your luck, you were not too terribly far from the place the steps originated from, so you were able to get to the front of the line without waiting too long, although part of you considered if that was a good thing. Perhaps your results would be mediocre and you would draw forth the ridicule of your classmates. Perhaps going last and unnoticed would have been best.

Despite your contemplation, you soon found yourself walking up the spiral stairs and standing before Lady Morgana. Surprisingly enough, she smiled in your presence, her purple-painted lips curling back just enough to flash some of her pearly white teeth.

"I've been awaiting your results. Don't disappoint me." she commanded, her order intimidating, yet oddly playful.

Resisting the urge to gulp before the Headmistress, you reached out and took hold of the chalice. With surprise, the empty cup seemed to quickly spew forth with liquid, flowing well over your hands and onto the onlooker beneath, your eyes widening as more came before you could understand what was going on!