Dardanus

From a distance Dardanus looks like a mere craggy lump of rock off the coast of Dar, yet it holds one of the most mysterious places in the known world, the Magical Institute of Dardanus. The large complex crowns the island's highest point inside a towering stone wall. Walls and buildings alike are white marble shipped block by block from Atlantean quarries, and the brass gates are sheathed in orichalc, the costly magical metal Atlantean alchemists use for superior arms and armor.

The Institute was founded centuries ago by the legendary Grey Council, an occult order devoted to preserving the magical sciences and sworn to strict neutrality: political, religious and necromantic beliefs and practices have never been allowed. Later generations of instructors keep the rule, and the governing body still bears the Grey Council name. Its magical and alchemical facilities are reputed to be the finest anywhere, every instructor is a master of a field, and resident scholars from many lands curate its large museum and library. Outside funding lets it award generous grants for research, exploration and experiment.

To common folk it remains a mystery. Intruders and the merely curious are dealt with quickly and often harshly, and only Darians bringing food may land without the Council's leave. Would-be students and researchers must apply in person at the Office of Regents in Acheron and pay the required donation; explorers and expedition guides seeking work apply there as well, and a wait of 2-8 weeks is common either way.