# Intro The [[Amethyst Academy]] is a magical school for sorcerers and wizards, where students learn magic in remote castles and secluded universities. Directed by a shadowy cabal of powerful archmages, the Academy also operates an enterprising mage guild that controls the manufacture of magical wares, and orchestrates an influential arcane syndicate that provides occult counsel to the nobility of the continent. However, the Academy was dealt a terrible blow following Drakkenheim’s destruction, as the city was home to their greatest stronghold: the [[Inscrutable Tower]]. ![[Inscrutable Tower.png]] Archwizard [[Eldrick Runeweaver]] leads the Academy’s efforts to access the tower and safeguard the secret lore within. Meanwhile, their survey teams conduct ongoing research regarding [[delerium]]’s supernatural qualities and unknown dangers. Most of its members are potent arcane spellcasters with access to rare magical resources, but only a handful of agents are active in Drakkenheim. The mages plan to harness the crystals’ vast energies to craft magical items and power new arcane spells. The faction is small and outwardly aloof, yet subtly influential and tremendously wealthy. “Suffice to say, the Amethyst Academy has developed the means to harness the incredible arcane energies contained within [[delerium]]. We shall use it to create unfathomable magical wonders on a scale hitherto undreamt of, for the betterment and protection of all people. Only the Amethyst Academy has the knowledge to accomplish such a feat, and the wisdom to temper the wild and destructive potential of this volatile resource.” – Archwizard Eldrick Runeweaver “The Academy proves to be mysterious and secretive at every turn, but I know not to ask too many questions if I want to bring home the bacon. I’d be a fool to bite the hand that feeds me.” — Veo Sjena # Key Figures Archwizard [[Eldrick Runeweaver]] heads up the [[Amethyst Academy]] operations in Drakkenheim and serves as the faction leader. The tiefling mage [[River]] works alongside him as lieutenant. %% [[Eldrick Runeweaver]] serves as the acting Archmage of Drakkenheim within the Academy Directorate, but this is a provisional position. He will not be confirmed to a lifetime appointment until he successfully secures the [[Inscrutable Tower]]. He is accountable to the [[Academy Directorate]], but only reveals his true position to close collaborators. Although he does not lead the [[Amethyst Academy]] as a whole, his death or defeat would cause the Directorate to seriously reevaluate their position in Drakkenheim. - [[Eldrick Runeweaver]] - [[River]] - [[Rufus Stonewall]] - A grumpy old professor who is looking forward to retiring. - [[Nimble Quill]] - An eager new graduate hoping to prove themselves. - [[Cogsworth B. Copperpot]] - An addled old diviner confused about his own predictions. - [[Murdok the Caller]] - A know-it-all conjurer with a knack for having the perfect spell prepared. - [[Corvus Greysky]] - A grim necromancer with a morbid sense of humor. - [[Elvira Evermore]] - A stern abjurer who takes magic use very seriously. - [[Luna Mumph]] - A young gnome illusionist who seems lost in her own world. - [[Harmon Munk]] - An elf transmuter who is always misplacing his alchemical reagents. - [[Neptune Lee]] - A charismatic enchanter who likes to boast about his accomplishments. - [[August “Gus” Elderfire]] - An experienced evoker who never does things by the book. %% %% # Roleplaying Characteristics %% **Symbol** A lidless arcane eye set within an octagram. Their colours are gold and purple. ![[Amethyst Academy Seal.png|300]] %% ### Personality Traits - We act businesslike and professional when dealing with the wider world. - We put arcane theory into magical practice. Innovation, creativity, and invention must have purpose. - We do not trust outsiders, and don’t volunteer information that is not requested or required. Non-magical folk rarely grasp arcane matters anyways. ### Ideals - We rigorously study and carefully teach arcane magic. We value eldritch knowledge, through which we may harness the power of the cosmos itself. - Mages can accomplish incredible wonders by working together effectively. We are protected and strengthened by our disciplined hierarchy. - There is no such thing as evil magic, but some mages misuse magic for evil purposes. Unfortunately, those who do not practice the arcane arts rarely grasp such nuance. ### Bonds - The [[Amethyst Academy]] safeguards occult secrets that would be abused and feared by the wider world. What others view as dangerous, we seek to understand. - We cannot allow the brutal suppression of arcane magic to ever occur again, so we respect the [[Edicts of Lumen]]. We must maintain the trust of the nobility and avoid arousing suspicion and hostility from the Faith of the Sacred Flame. - We use wealth accumulated by selling magical services to educate young mages and support further arcane research. Our students are our future, and they must be kept safe. ### Flaws - Since we are so often misunderstood, we act in unseen and secret ways. - We are researchers and scholars, not warriors. Risking our talented members is wasteful and reckless when their minds can be put to much better use. Other lives are disposable. - We believe only Academy mages possess the intelligence and wisdom to wield arcane magic in a responsible way. Magic users who aren’t Academy members are undisciplined amateurs at best, and more often become unhinged villains. %% # Background The [[Amethyst Academy]] began as a secret school for young sorcerers during a time when arcane magic faced extreme persecution from the clergy of the [[Sacred Flame]]. The mages located children who manifested magical talents, rescued them from their fearful and paranoid communities, and educated them in hidden strongholds and far-away castles so they might wield their abilities with trained and refined control. The secret school gradually grew into a secret society in its own right. Sequestered in unseen universities to hide from the mage-slaying [[Knights of the Silver Order|]], the mages pooled their knowledge. They conducted research into arcane and cosmological phenomena, and developed the modern practice of wizardry. Over time, the [[Amethyst Academy]] secured allies amongst the nobility by providing them clandestine magical services and occult counsel, crafting enchanted heirlooms, protecting their castles with arcane wards, and teaching their heirs magic. When these schemes were discovered by the Faith of the [[Sacred Flame]], a renewed series of brutal inquisitions and vengeful witch-hunts began. What had been a shadow conflict between paladins and sorcerers for centuries spilled into outright war between noble houses who championed the Faith, and those that supported the [[Amethyst Academy]]. These conflicts ended with the [[Edicts of Lumen]]. Enacted three hundred years ago, this landmark treaty stopped the murderous suppression of arcane magic by the religious ministry, and established a new balance of power between mages, the Faith, and the nobility throughout the continent. The [[Edicts of Lumen]] bestow extensive protections, full autonomy, and economic advantages to the [[Amethyst Academy]], but also require the Academy to observe strict standards of mercantile neutrality and political non-intervention. Most importantly, it grants the [[Amethyst Academy]] guardianship of any child who demonstrates magical aptitude until they come of age and master their abilities. In exchange, the agreement stipulates that all arcane spellcasters are disinherited from any land, rank, or titles, including the scions of noble and royal families. Since the Edicts, Academy mages may work magic without fear of oppression from church or state, though the organization remains withdrawn as it increasingly turns its attention to global affairs and extraplanar happenings. However, the direction and focus of the [[Amethyst Academy]] has dramatically shifted following the destruction of Drakkenheim, when their greatest stronghold was cut off from them. %% While the [[Amethyst Academy]] outwardly upholds the [[Edicts of Lumen]], in recent years some have claimed the mages furtively flaunt its restrictions and disregard the terms that forbid dark magical practices. Others suspect the mages are weaving an arcane conspiracy to control commerce and influence politics while shielding themselves from the wrath of the [[Sacred Flame]]. %% # Attire Agents typically wear purple robes, cloaks, or hoods. [[Academy Rings]] %% # Strongholds The [[Amethyst Academy]] does not currently have a dedicated base of operations in Drakkenheim. Indeed, one of their most important objectives is reclaiming the [[Inscrutable Tower]], so it can be used for such purposes! ## Emberwood Village Accommodations For the time being, most Academy members simply make use of local accommodations: [[Eldrick Runeweaver]] and [[River]] have booked a permanent suite in the [[Emberwood Village#Red Lion Hotel|Red Lion Hotel]]. However, the [[Amethyst Academy]] has secretly created a permanent [[teleportation circle]] in the cellar beneath the abandoned [[Emberwood Village#Eventide Manor|Eventide Manor]] in [[Emberwood Village]]. Academy agents come and go from the cellar using invisibility spells. ## Distant Fortresses Far away from Drakkenheim, the [[Amethyst Academy]] has many great fortresses, libraries, and universities. Most notable are the [[Enigma Ziggurat]] in the Free City of Liberio, and [[Paradox Castle]] in the distant Eastern Vale. Both have well-guarded teleportation circles, and Academy agents working in Drakkenheim usually teleport back and forth between these strongholds and the secret circle in [[Emberwood Village]]. The sigil sequences of these [[teleportation circle|teleportation circles]] is a closely guarded secret known only to Academy mages who can cast 5th level spells. %% %% # Objectives ## Collect and Study Delerium Far away from Drakkenheim in secret laboratories, [[Amethyst Academy]] wizards relentlessly research [[delerium]] samples recovered from the ruins. Their brilliant minds have crafted potent arcane artefacts and invented mighty new spells powered by the vast energies contained within the crystals. Though the true origin of [[delerium]] remains unknown to them, many Academy assets are now dedicated to the study and refinement of [[delerium]]. They procure enormous quantities to fuel their esoteric experiments and eldritch industries. Rather than risk their own members’ lives in the ruins of Drakkenheim, the Academy usually obtains [[delerium]] through various grey market sources, typically by hiring adventurers. The mages do not disregard the dangers presented by [[delerium]]’s contaminating properties. In fact, it is precisely because of these hazards that the mages believe only they can use the crystals responsibly. Thus, the Academy seeks complete control over this critical resource both to protect the wider world and to secure their magical hegemony for the foreseeable future. However, other factions are now moving to reclaim Drakkenheim and potentially install a new ruling dynasty. Such political upheavals could affect the Academy’s ability to research and harvest [[delerium]]. The Academy does not want a ruler who will destroy [[delerium]], force the Academy to pay exorbitant sums to obtain it, or impose conditions on how the Academy may use the crystals. Ultimately, the Academy has zero interest in seeing Drakkenheim restored and rebuilt, and view this as a folly doomed to fail. Rather, they have an ambitious plan to transform the city ruins into a quarry for their research and industry. Once they fulfil their other goals, the [[Amethyst Academy]] wants the other factions to totally abandon Drakkenheim so they can have sole control over the ruins. ## Reclaim the Inscrutable Tower Drakkenheim was home to one of the [[Amethyst Academy]]’s most important strongholds: the [[Inscrutable Tower]]. This immense structure houses vast repositories of magical lore, incomplete magical experiments, hidden vaults containing unspeakable extraplanar entities, and powerful magic items sheltered from the world at large — all rendered completely inaccessible to the Academy since the meteor fell. The [[The Haze|Deep Haze]] has settled within the tower, scrambling the Academy’s own arcane wards and foiling every attempt to enter or observe the Tower using teleportation or divination magic. The mages have already expended considerable effort attempting to retake the Tower on their own. These attempts catastrophically failed. The pragmatic wizards cannot afford to exhaust the Academy’s resources in such a fruitless manner any longer, so now they turn to research and patient methods to advance their goals in Drakkenheim. They seek a suitably talented, trustworthy, and expendable adventuring party to conduct survey and recovery missions into the [[Inscrutable Tower]]. If the Tower were to be secured and repaired, the [[Amethyst Academy]] would have the ideal staging ground to begin the mass industrial exploitation of [[delerium]], and would be able to bring its full resources to bear in Drakkenheim. ## Obtain the Inscrutable Staff Many talented mages were lost or killed by [[the meteor]] strike — including the former Archmage of Drakkenheim, [[Adriana Modiera]]. Her position on the Archmage’s Directorate has remained vacant ever since. The Academy desperately wishes to discover her ultimate fate, recover her research, and obtain the [[Inscrutable Staff]], the symbol of office for the Archmage of Drakkenheim, which is also one of [[Seals of Drakkenheim]]. Traditionally, the Archmage of Drakkenheim acts as an advisor on the royal council, so possessing this [[Inscrutable Staff]] ensures the [[Amethyst Academy]] maintains their influence in the political destiny of [[Westemär]]. %% %% # Missions ### Crystal Sample Recover a [[delerium]] crystal from the [[Rat's Nest Tavern]]. ### Exclusive Contract Secure the cooperation of the [[Clan Ironhelm|Ironhelm]] dwarves prospecting in [[The Scar]]. ### Stolen Homework Steal the research and findings of malfeasant wizard [[Oscar Yoren]] from his lair in [[Reed Manor]]. ### Recover an Eldritch Lily If the [[Amethyst Academy]] learns about the formula for [[Aqua Expurgo]], they’ll dispatch characters to gather samples from [[Queen's Park Garden]]. ### Broker an Alliance The [[Amethyst Academy]] asks characters to broker a truce with either the [[Queen of Thieves]], the [[Hooded Lanterns]], or possibly, the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]] so they can secure their supply of [[delerium]] and access to the ruins. ### Plight of the Pale Man Slay the [[Pale Man]] and acquire his spellbooks. ### End the Iron Banshee Seek out and destroy [[Ryan Greymere]], the [[Iron Banshee]]. ### Reclaim the Inscrutable Tower The [[Amethyst Academy]] asks characters of 9th level or higher to participate ina raid mission to reclaim the [[Inscrutable Tower]]. ### Expedition to the Crater The [[Amethyst Academy]] asks characters to mount an expedition to [[The Crater#Basin|The Crater's Basin]] and see what's there. ### The Sequestered City Once the [[Amethyst Academy]] completes its goals of obtaining the [[Inscrutable Staff]] and claiming the [[Inscrutable Tower]], they ask characters to help them subtly manipulate or sabotage the other factions into leaving Drakkenheim. # Boons **Arcane Supplies.** The [[Amethyst Academy]] gives each character one uncommon potion or spell scroll (of a spell from the Wizard spell list) of their choice when they begin a mission that directly advances the Academy’s goals. Higher-level characters with proven reputations may be offered items of rare or very rare quality instead. **Arcane Spellcasting Services**. [[River]] and [[Eldrick Runeweaver]] can offer their services as spellcasters to the characters as needed (they won’t personally travel to the ruins, however). **Material Components**. The [[Amethyst Academy]] can provide material components for spells of 5th level or lower, whose sum total value is no more than 500 gold pieces, prior to any mission. **Occult Lore**. The [[Amethyst Academy]] is the foremost authority on magical lore and arcane phenomena. Their sages can answer questions about contemporary magic, magical creatures such as constructs, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead, any spell or magic item in the Core Rules, and historical facts about the past five hundred years. If you feel the matter is something that might require some deeper research, it takes the Academy one week to unearth relevant information. The Academy uses its discretion when revealing details about sensitive topics — especially information about[[ the meteor]] or [[delerium]], and never reveals its own secrets or details about its internal politics to outsiders. **Elemental Summons**. If the player characters have a reasonable need for reinforcements during a mission, the [[Amethyst Academy]] offers the characters an elemental gem. **Magical Artifice** As a reward for completing an [[Amethyst Academy#Missions]], the mages offer the party one uncommon magic item of their choice, subject to GM approval. The [[Amethyst Academy]] grants this boon once per player character. Once each character has received an uncommon item, the Academy will begin granting them one rare item each, then one very rare item each, as appropriate for completing missions of commensurate importance. **Guild Membership**. A sorcerer, warlock, or wizard who can cast spells of 5th level or higher is offered guild membership in the [[Amethyst Academy]]. If they accept, they are given a purple robe of useful objects, a wand of magic missiles, and a ring of spell storing. These items bear Academy iconography, and clearly identify the character as an Academy member when worn. **Library Gift**. Characters instrumental to retaking the [[Inscrutable Tower]] who demonstrate a complete commitment to the Academy’s ideals and goals are rewarded with their choice of a manual of bodily health, a tome of clear thought, or a tome of understanding. %% %% # Strike Teams ## Summoned Spies The[[ Amethyst Academy]] agents send summoned creatures and magical constructs into the ruins to gather information: either 7 (2d6) mephits, 2 (1d4) imps, or a single homunculus. As magical communications are disrupted in [[the Haze]], these creatures must survive and escape the city to report their findings, so they rarely engage in combat. These creatures often do not survive these missions, and some get lost and never return. Nevertheless, they’re an essential tool for the Academy to have eyes and ears inside Drakkenheim. ## Academy Survey Team Though rare, a handful of mages lead survey teams into the ruins to carry out field research. They are typically encountered conducting experiments, observing magical phenomena, facilitating communications between other Academy agents, and providing magical support as needed. However, if the situation in Drakkenheim escalates, these agents help by casting spells, orchestrating traps, and summoning creatures. A survey team is led by a mage with a pseudodragon familiar and a shield guardian bodyguard. The mage wears a ring of spell storing that also acts as a shield guardian control amulet, but only the mage can attune to this ring. They also possess 1d6 uncommon spell scrolls or potions. They always have the [[sending]] and [[teleportation circle]] spells prepared. Most travel with 1d4 research assistants: either hedge wizards or academy apprentices. An Academy Apprentice uses the game statistics of a commoner with Intelligence 13 and the ability to cast two [[cantrips]] and one 1st level-spell from the Wizard spell list. (Spell Attack +3, Spell Save DC 11) ## Bound Elementals When the [[Amethyst Academy]] requires extra muscle, they conjure elemental creatures and press them into their service using [[planar binding]] spells. Air, earth, fire, and water elementals are popular additional bodyguards for Academy Surveyors, and the [[Amethyst Academy]] will conjure invisible stalkers if they need to dispatch a dangerous enemy. ![[Living Deep haze.png|200]] %% %% # Schemes The [[Amethyst Academy]] is a surreptitious foe. When the [[Amethyst Academy]] acts, it does not appear to be doing anything at all. They conduct their affairs like a business, and orchestrate events behind the scenes to turn out in their favour. **Magical Surveillance**. If the player characters pose a threat to [[Amethyst Academy]]'s goals, the mages begin using [[scrying]] spells to observe the characters when they are outside [[the Haze]], and send summoned spies to tail them within the city. At first, their aim is to simply learn as much about the characters and their plans as possible, then use this knowledge to dispatch their own strike teams to disrupt the players. Eventually, they may begin using [[dream]] spells to interrupt their rests! **Well-equipped Rivals**. If the player characters do not work with them, the [[Amethyst Academy]] invests its resources in rival adventuring teams instead. In tandem with their magical surveillance, the [[Amethyst Academy]] sends these [[rival adventurers]] to sabotage the characters missions. In many cases these rival adventurers are given a false premise and don’t actually know disrupting the player characters is their primary purpose. The [[Amethyst Academy]] might even charge [[rival adventurers]] to accomplish one of the player characters’ goals before they can do it (such as taking [[Cosmological Clocktower]], recovering a [[Relics of St. Vitruvio]], finding a [[Seals of Drakkenheim]], or something important to a personal quest). They keep the item as a bargaining chip. **Shadow Assassins**. Should the [[Amethyst Academy]] need to dispose of the characters entirely, they dispatch one invisible stalker per character to carry out the deed while the characters are sleeping. They use a [[scrying]] spell to confirm the characters are resting, and a [[teleport]] spell to move their agents into position nearby. If the characters are using magical means to protect themselves, such as a [[tiny hut]] spell, they send one mage who casts [[greater invisibility]] upon themselves and then casts [[dispel magic]] to destroy the barrier. The invisible stalkers are instructed to coordinate their attacks on one character at a time, starting with healers and spellcasters, and will attack downed characters to confirm a kill. **Stark Demonstration**. Under the flag of truce, the [[Amethyst Academy]] invites the player characters and faction leaders to attend a demonstration of their latest creation with [[delerium]]. Known as the [[Disjunction Bomb]], this devastating weapon can annihilate an entire city district. They matter-of-factly detonate a test weapon in a cleared wilderness area, and then offer to discuss terms with the characters and the factions about how to best proceed. %% # Image ![[Amethyst Academy Flag.png]]