Aurelian College of the Arcane

The Aurelian College of the Arcane is the premier institution for magical studies in the Aurelian Empire. It is headed by the Arch-Mage and their Council of Masters.

All magic users within the Aurelian Empire are required to be licensed by the College.

History
The College was founded by Imperial Decree of Tullus Iulius Praeceptus in 16 AI in order to foster the study and application of the Arcane Arts across the Empire.

Since then the College has grown considerably. There are now a number of Institutes of the College across the Empire, situated in or near to major cities. The oldest, and principal, Institute is situated in Aura. Other Institutes exist in Coroa, Aquilonium and Tharros. However, there are many smaller schools and outposts of the College across the Empire, and even a few beyond its borders. A wizard that has been certified by the Aurelian College is well respected as far as Akhmun or Moloch

Organisation
All members of the College are required to progress through the ranks: Technically, only a Master Wizard can be referred to as a 'Mage', however in practice most of the public refer to Initiates, Novices and Apprentices as 'Students' and Journeymen and above as 'Mages'.
 * Initiate - Those members that have recently joined the college and are yet to be formally tested and inducted
 * Novice - Those members that are early in their development. These students are, with rare exceptions, based at one of the main Institutions.
 * Apprentice - Many students are taken on as apprentices to a Master or even an experienced Journeyman member of the College in order to gain practical or theoretical knowledge.
 * Journeyman - This is the most common rank of College member. It is not uncommon for a mage to never progress beyond the rank of Journeyman.
 * Master - Upon completion of their Journeyman years and after an assessment by a panel of current Masters based upon evidence provided, a mage can be raised to the level of Master Wizard.

Journeymen often travel across the Empire and beyond. It is common for any reasonably sized town to have at least one Journeyman of the College present. The Journeymen are the eyes and ears of the College and spread its influence across Vedar. Many join groups of adventurers or travel to far off lands.

The Arch-Mage of the College is a member of the Elector Council. They are elected from the Masters of the Disciplines, with each Master getting a single vote. The Arch-Mage is permanently based at the main Institute in Aura.

There are always 8 members of the Elector Council. One for each discipline, as well as the Master Battlemage.