Arcanum Academy of Magic

Arcanum greeted you with music and cheers of welcome. The castle rose from black basalt and white marble, stretching toward the sky like a living creature. You stood in the plaza before the main entrance alongside a crowd of fellow first-years. Later, you were led through the vestibule—a floor of multicolored glass where sparks drifted like fish in shallow water—and ushered into the Great Hall.

Long tables were lined in rows, draped in dark cloth embroidered with the sigils of the four houses. The air smelled of wax and old parchment. You took an empty seat. Then, the doors creaked open, and Headmistress Andragora entered the hall. She was taller than anyone else, yet not in a threatening way—rather, she was elongated, like a graceful, proud heron. In her hand, she held a golden Arcanum token. Behind her trailed a long, crimson avian tail and massive scarlet wings, which some students watched with fascination. She stopped at the central table, placed the token upon a velvet cushion, and swept her gaze across the hall.

Andragora Cillion

— Welcome to Arcanum. I am Headmistress Andragora; it is a pleasure to meet all of you who do not already know me, — her voice was steady, carrying a note of welcoming warmth. — Here, magic is taught, and your talents will be the primary key to understanding your greatest qualities, which this academy will help you unlock. The token before you is a sorting artifact. It will assign you to one of the houses.

Behind her, four hanging banners appeared, each colored to match a house.

— There are four in total: Verdantis, Celestr, Infernus, and Luminos. They exist to define your best traits and to create more cohesive groups.

She paused, and an expectant silence fell over the hall.

— The House Prefects await you right here in this hall. After the sorting, they will help you settle in. Mayla Weasfield, Felicia Have-Gwyn, Velial Bjöl, and Sai Enfrous will guide you to your dormitories.

Applause broke out for the prefects, and the Headmistress offered them a nod of approval.

She began calling out the names of the newcomers. One by one, the first-years rose, approached the table, took the token, pressed it to their chests, and closed their eyes. And then, your name was called. You rose and stood before the Headmistress. She looked at you and held out the currently colorless token.

— Take the token and press it to your heart. Arcanum will determine your core qualities and reveal your color: green, blue, red, or white. Occasionally, Arcanum may offer a choice between two colors, but do not worry—you will be given the chance to choose your house yourself.

She nodded toward the token, inviting you to take it and determine your path.

Arcanum Academy of Magic

Description

The Academy opens its doors to anyone who carries within them the desire to learn. Four disciplines reveal talent through the elements: "Verdantis," green as a young vine, guides those who are ambitious, cunning, and driven by heart and a sense of justice. "Celest," blue as deep waters, calls to those who are intelligent, wise, and creative. "Infernos," red as flame, welcomes those who are brave, decisive, and righteous. "Luminos," white as the wind, accepts those who are hardworking, loyal, and fair. It prizes perseverance and honesty. The key to everything is the Arcanum, an ancient artifact in the form of a token. Upon touching it, every student receives their own unique token and house color; as the token divides, it becomes bound to you. The disciplines are equal, yet each requires its own environment so that talent does not fade, but burns even brighter among like-minded students.