Juik Jollal

Considered haunted by the young and the superstitious, Juik Jollal is a forest filled with Red Pines - a variety known almost exclusively to Notrus Mor. Bearing needles the color of dried blood, Juik Jollal alternately inspires dread or awe in visitors. Residents are chiefly wizards from Ahn Sharr Ichnein and foresters from Hallemai or Cupryndellun, but there is rumor that a coven of sorcerers hides somewhere within. Between the sorcerers and confirmed sightings of rock trolls, most civilized folk stay clear of the forest, although its few inhabitants provide a vital economic function. Rare berries and healing herbs grow among the pines, providing much needed medicine for the rest of the island.

Ahn Sharr Ichnein

Nobody knows exactly when Ahn Sharr Ichnein was built, or even where its exact location is. Some say it was here before the Elves or even the Cupryndel; others think it was constructed only a few centuries ago. Regardless, Ahn Sharr Ichnein continues to produce the most talented Wizards on Notrus Mor. When an applicant is ready to join the enclave, he travels to Jollaltis in Hallemai, where the official face of the school lies. He is then interviewed and, should he be accepted, teleported to the tower directly. Once there, he is forbidden to leave for five years, when he graduates. Many do not ever leave, either because they enjoy their new lives, or perhaps more deadly reasons. Should they leave, however, they must consult one of the advisors in Jollaltis before returning, and may be denied due to space concerns (no more than 500 students and faculty are permitted at any time).

Students who leave Ahn Sharr Ichnein tell tales of fabulous magical items, spells, and beasts, and reflect fondly on the beauty of Juik Jollal. Secrets, however, abound in Ahn Sharr Ichnein, and all students are forbidden to speak of certain things they experience during their stay. None but the headmaster herself, Master Igniael Myrttle, know all the secrets of the tower.

From all accounts, the tower is unmeasurably tall (yet noone has seen it from the sky), and has a series of floors that have a series of magical locks and barriers that increase in strength the higher one ascends. The building is done in ancient Draconic style, made almost entirely of black marble and gilt with 24-karat gold. Runes and glyphs cover every surface, and the doors are made of a transparent blue membrane that feels and tastes like honey but leaves no residue. The surrounding area is the densest part of Juik Jollal, but ten feet from any side of the tower have been cleared of trees and bushes. From the outside, the tower seems to have no windows, but every room has at least two; even when you would expect to peer into another room, you instead see treetops and distant mountains.

Once a year, Ahn Sharr Ichnein teleports merchants to the ground floor in order to sell to the students, and allow the students to send out letters. Most merchants are ones who come back year to year out of love of the school and the forest, but neophites are always awe-stricken by the sites and the overwhelming aura of magic, and inevitably come back with a significant financial loss, but stories for a lifetime.