Starfall Academy
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Authority[edit]
Starfall Academy is under the technical sovereignty of Osrona, having been Osronan territory when construction began and the mind behind it - Alistair ven Pelleaux - being himself Osronan. The school’s authority structure is run at the top by the Headmaster, who hires teachers, organises administration and ultimately ensures the school runs as efficiently and to the highest standards possible.
Beneath the Headmaster are the teachers. There are no official qualifications required to teach at the academy, so long as one is reasonably considered an expert in their field, though a Starfall Academy Graduate Diploma is looked on highly when one’s application is considered. Teachers have authority over students in disciplinary matters and setting coursework, but the ability to expel a student rests singularly with the Headmaster. At times Starfall Academy also boasts a Janitor and Groundskeeper, though oftentimes a Teacher simply takes on these duties instead.
Educational Structure[edit]
Starfall Academy’s educational structure is relatively open ended. Students are free to attend the classes that in particular interest them, though it is expected that they attend a minimum amount per week and engage with the lessons, including submitting given homework. Exactly what classes are offered outside of general numeracy and literacy vary wildly depending on the current faculty, but it is a usual expectation that there will be teachers for Alchemy, Artificing and General Magic. Throughout its history the Academy has also boasted classes on Moxtli and Aschean spirituality, Wayfinding and Holy magic. Occultic magic has never been taught at Starfall Academy, though less than savoury guest lecturers have occasionally spoken at classes.
A student typical enrolls at the age of thirteen for a five year education, though leeway is given in this regard and post-graduate programs have been considered. The academy’s lecturers are often Starfall graduates themselves, showing a strong connection between the institution and its alumni. While initially a three house system existed, in which students were grouped into Houses Leonaus, Fenrir and Basilisk, following the graduation of the Class of 1820 the house system was abolished to promote unity. The school has on-campus dorms, encouraging attendees to live on campus, though this is not a requirement of enrollment.
History[edit]
18th Century [edit]
The island now known as Starfall Academy was under the control of Osrona from the founding of the city in 314 AC until 1738 AC. The Kingdom of Esshar - then later Essharan Empire - used the island intermittently over the centuries as a harvesting ground for fairy powder due to its fae presence and a location for a watchtower during wars in which naval threats were expected. Despite all this however, the island only began to see habitation during the mid 18th century.
In 1733 AC, following the signing of the doomed Treaty of 1733 between the Essharan Empire and Kingdom of Myllenoris, a proper watchtower was constructed. Named Starfall Tower, the fort covered the majority of the island and was garrisoned by a joint Order of the First Light and Greycloak force, a great tower built to overlook the immediate region marking the namesake of the fort. A series of signal fires were built between Myllenoris and Osrona to be used for one city to call for the other’s aid, as well as two bridges to encourage trade safe from the threat of the Therian and Ilburg raiders common during the era.
1736 AC marked the end of peace between the Kingdom of Myllenoris and the Essharan Empire, the declaration of war triggering a skirmish between the First Light and Greycloaks that left the fort abandoned, both sides setting up military encampments in expectation of a battle of the Tower’s control. 1738 AC marked the first Battle of Starfall, a Myllenoran victory marking the beginning of the end for the Essharan Empire. During the battle, Stellus Pericles Vitalis was slain by Dragonlord Sythaeryn Vartuul. Myllenoris maintained control of the tower until the end of the war and after.
1757 AC marked the next threat to Starfall Tower, in which it was assaulted by the demonic forces of the Dreadwoods, led by the Archon Tyranny. The Pact of Beasts, a coalition of Theria, Osrona and the Dreadwoods, collapsed before the attack, leaving the demonic forces alone against the collective forces of Myllenoris and Nysea. The Demons were repelled, with the Archon Morok being slain during the battle. The Empyrean Clash was later held in 1759 AC, a joint tournament held by Nysea and Myllenoris to foster cooperation.
The Kingdom of Myllenoris maintained control of Starfall for the vast majority of the remaining century. In 1760 the sect of the Illuminated faith under Lady-Consort Yoshiko Taiyang was granted permission to build a shrine on the ground of the Starfall Island. Following the withdrawal of the Teraphim into the Spirit Realm, the island was left under the control of the Illuminated.
19th Century[edit]
The Illuminated under Yoshiko Taiyang maintained control of Starfall into the early 19th century. In 1809 AC, the Moxtli tribes claimed the island - uncontested by the Illuminated, intending to use it as the location for a new academy as opposed to the fortress it had been for the rest of its history. The city of Achyon opposes the claim, making an attempt to claim the fort. It is repelled after a series of skirmishes on the island, and the Moxtli solidify their hold.
Following a period of tension between Osrona and the Moxtli tribes, war erupts in 1811 AC. The first stage is the Osronan reclamation of Starfall. The battle is successful, and for the first time since 1738 AC the island falls under Osronan control. In 1814 AC, a diplomatic summit is held between Osrona, Achyon, Garljing’s Coat and the Moxtli Tribes. Following the summit, an intent to turn the fortress into an Academy open to all was expressed, with the support of all present save for Achyon, who remained neutral in such dealings regardless of the Osrona-Achyon war.