HOUSE VASKARIS
PLACES OF IMPORTANCE
House Vaskaris have establishments throughout the Deathstalker Empire and even beyond to the west, being a noble and ancient family from Cynathyr. And though they no longer rule the lands in which they inhabit, there is still a means of influence and power over them with the presence left in their schools of magic. Six schools have survived the test of time, others left to wither or merely succumb to the laws of the land. Though the House skills controls the various lands in which they were once settled upon, something which the Empire has always taken the means to draw from the wealth in which the ancient House possesses.
These schools each specialize in the various arts of the arcane, holding vast knowledge for those daring to seek it. And though one does not need to hold the Vaskaris name to seek the knowledge which rests in the heart of each school, they would only find their endevour for the comprehension of the arcane to be limited. Something that still does not stop those that would seek the walls of the schools, the very Empire that would rule over them one of the family's biggest clients, serving to train and supply the vast reach of Deathstalker with some of the greatest wizards and mages.
THE SIX SCHOOLS OF MAGIC
Waeforth Academy
Located in the very heart of Cynathyr, the capital of House Vaskaris's influence, it was once the very soul of their kingdom. Now it is one of the most active trade cities within the whole of Deathstalker, the pinacle of cultures where all roads of the Empire lead to Cynathyr. All the more reason for the center of House Vaskaris to be found within, their influence the strongest, when holding the biggest of their schools.
Specialties: Alchemy, Transmutation, Charm Magic, Conjuration Magic, and Enchantment.
Obekerth Keep
South of Cynathyr and set by the grasp of the sea, this ancient keep sits. It had once been a place of military might for the Vaskaris, an unbreachable fortress. The crumbling tower to the east says otherwise when it was the focus of the Deathstalker siege in the days before the Empire's rule. Now it remains a symbol to the House; a reminder of what once was. Not only is this a school but also military base for the Deathstalker Empire's training mages.
Specialties: Transformation, Ward Magic, Divination, and Magical Defense.
Strauxerra Citadel
Both temple and school, Strauxerra Citadel lies east of Cynathyr and about two weeks ride from Immortalis, Deathstalker's capital. Many journey here to receive blessings from the Mother Goddess and also to view the many sacred artifacts within House Vaskaris's keeping. The Citadel is also home of one of the most extensive arcane libraries in the Empire for the history and archeology.
Specialties: Biothaumaturgy, Apportation, Healing Magic, Artifice, and Abjuration.
Valiara, The Dragon's Point
Set at the foot of an active volcano, the name of this school holds meaning for the dragons that occasionally nest within the volcano. And like the volatile land it rests on, the walls of this ancient citadel harbor some of the most brutal arts. To learn from this school is not for the faint hearted but some of the strongest of the House have been inside these halls and left their mark.
Specialties: Elemental Magic, Binding Magic, Shamanim, Evocation, and Rune Magic.
Ilalia Institute of Magic
Many in their first and last year before gaining their House title are found here within these walls. The school was built by one of the Elven branches of the House and dedicated to one of its greatest members, Ilalia of the Light. All the more reason when this school houses the greatest library of Vaskaris history and traditions. It is also where the Council of the House sits, their chambers set at the very top of the main citadel. When those within the House face judgement, they face it here.
Specialties: Scrying, Thaumatology, Illusion, Arcane Tradition, and Arcane History.
Azezia University
To the very south of Valiara lies the brood and dread that whispers of the darkest of House Vaskaris. Settled into the mountain side of an abandoned city, the school rose up. Some say that it was created first by some of the oldest and most ambition of members, hiding their dark desires within the shadows of the mountain. Now it houses the largest of catacombs under the foundation where only the screams of the damned may be heard, adorning its title for all of the House to know. Azezia, the University of the Damned.
Specialties: Summoning Magic, Invocation, Necromancy, and Blood Magic.
