Magical interests

Magic is regarded with a healthy respect. Anyone visiting Hammerstadt will quickly notice that where the castle of Zweiburg once stood, is now only scorched black earth and a mirage-like shifting of air. Because the unpredictable magic is still volatile in the area, schools have been opened to train and monitor those who are naturally talented and those who wish to learn.

All mages in this nation are required to attend a Syndicate-approved School to ensure they are not a liability to the populace. Some mages, such as Oathweavers and Battles Singers usually attend further education at Vellichor or other Syndicate academies to hone their craft for their Coterie.

These take a variety of forms: government sponsored schools, where Coteries and Syndicates send contract bound workers, and prestigious public boarding schools where well off members of society apprentice under masters to learn cantrips and Forge magic. Forge magic is generally considered the most valuable and useful form of magic and rules are laxer around the use of that Sphere in the city.

Because of the caution around casting magic, those who make enchanted items or place enchantments on areas are seen as more reliable and many parents will encourage their children to take this path rather than rite casting.

The largest and most prestigious of these guildschools is Vellichor, located on a natural islet on the river Waden, and is currently the only place with a licence to teach other Spheres of magic other than Forge. While there are few that outright despise magic these days, most cityfolk agree that it’s wise that they are sequestered where the fast-flowing water might protect the city if the worst was to happen again.

Magical Creatures

Magical creatures are rare in the city, although there are some citizen – usually assumed drunk by their neighbours – who insist they have seen strange beasts stalking the ruins of Zweiburg Castle after dark.

On occasion Portavan ships haul in a massive sea monster for processing in the Corvolis fish markets, and there have always been rumours about bogles and pucks in the sewers stealing prized hammers or rendering sewing scissors blunt. These are generally dismissed as stuff and nonsense.