An academic publication bound in white leather, its pages crisp and its typeface precise. The seal of the Marble Academy is embossed in silver on the cover.
PREFACE
The Marble Academy stands as the intellectual heart of Lusteris and one of the great centers of learning in the known world. Founded by scholars who believed that knowledge should be pursued without religious restriction, the Academy has spent two centuries proving that wisdom flourishes best where minds are free.
This volume offers a brief history of our institution for the curious visitor, prospective student, or anyone who believes—as we do—that education is the foundation of civilization.
FOUNDING
When dissidents left the Kingdom of Solara in Year 1056 to establish Lusteris, scholars were among their most determined members. In Solara, the Church of Elandria maintained strict oversight of all educational institutions. Certain topics were forbidden. Certain questions could not be asked. Certain books gathered dust in locked archives, deemed too dangerous for common minds.
The founders of the Academy rejected this philosophy utterly.
They believed that no knowledge is inherently dangerous—only the misuse of knowledge. They believed that scholars must be free to pursue truth wherever it leads, even if the destination is uncomfortable. They believed that magical study should not require religious approval, and that questioning doctrine is not heresy but healthy intellectual exercise.
The Academy’s first building was constructed of white marble shipped at great expense from coastal quarries—a deliberate statement that Lusteris would spare no effort in building something worthy of its ideals. The marble gleamed against the desert sand, a beacon visible for miles.
It still gleams today.
STRUCTURE AND PROGRAMS
The Academy offers instruction in virtually every field of scholarly and practical knowledge:
The Arcane College trains mages in the theory and practice of magic. Unlike schools in Solara, students here may study any tradition without ecclesiastical oversight. Necromancy, while not encouraged, is not forbidden—though students must demonstrate ethical understanding before pursuing such studies.
The College of Natural Philosophy investigates the physical world: alchemy, astronomy, medicine, engineering. Our alchemists are renowned throughout the land, and our physicians have made advances that save countless lives.
The College of History and Letters preserves and analyzes the past. Our historians maintain archives containing documents from before the Solaran Calendar, and our linguists can read languages that have not been spoken in a thousand years.
The College of Political Philosophy trains future diplomats, administrators, and advisors. Many who govern Lusteris today received their education here.
THE LIBRARY
The Academy’s library is our greatest treasure. Containing tens of thousands of volumes, scrolls, and manuscripts, it rivals any collection in the world—including, we dare say, the Great Library of Solaris itself.
Our collection includes:
- Histories of kingdoms that no longer exist
- Magical treatises banned by the Church of Elandria
- Scientific texts from before the Last Battle
- Original manuscripts by scholars whose names still command respect
- And much more that we do not discuss publicly
The library is open to Academy members and approved researchers. Visitors may apply for temporary access through the Office of the Registrar.
GOVERNANCE
The Academy is governed by a council of its most senior scholars, mages, and administrators. This council also serves as one of the five ruling guilds of Lusteris, representing intellectual and magical interests in civic affairs.
We take this responsibility seriously. The Academy does not merely pursue knowledge—we help determine how knowledge is used to build a better city.
IN CLOSING
Two centuries ago, a group of scholars walked into the desert rather than accept restrictions on thought. They believed that wisdom would flourish in freedom, that education could be separated from doctrine, and that a city built on learning would prosper.
They were right.
The Marble Academy welcomes students from across the world—regardless of birthplace, faith, or social station. If you seek knowledge, you will find it here. If you seek truth, we will help you pursue it.
Come learn with us.
—Published by the Academy Press, Year 1267