[hider=State of the World]
Currently, the date is late 1434, during the Renaissance era. Much of the technology of the world is the same as you might expect. It's a period of enlightenment and an era of scholars and learning, shaking off the rigid dogma of the church. One major effect this has had, is the acceptance of magic is a normal, god-given act in most scholarly and religious circles. Of course, the general populace is still quite fearful of such a powerful practice, though its no longer seen as something of the devil. After all, clerics and priests of the church are able to do such things to heal the sick and help the poor, so how can it be a thing of evil?

Likewise in recent years due to magic and scholarly pursuits pagan religions have seen a bit of a resurgence in popularity. While nothing major and not widespread, some people have taken to worship of the older pantheons. Of course, worship of pagan deities is still outlawed and seen as something not desirable, so such things in Europe are done behind closed doors and in private company.

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[hider=Familiars, Mythical creatures and nonhumans]
Despite the forward thinking scholars of the era, most of the general populace still remains wary, even fearful of non human creatures and mythological figures. Who can blame them, either? Most of these creatures aren't exactly benevolent, and many have caused multiple problems for humans in the past. As such, racism against these creatures is nothing.

However, some scholars take these creatures in as familiars. Loyal servants expected to serve their masters. Any non human creature will be given a form more suited for fitting in among humans. This extends to ordinary creatures such as cats, dogs, and birds as well. Such familiars, can often times be granted power from the contract so they can better serve and look after their masters.
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[hider=St. Sappho]
Named after a famous Mage, Poet, and Bard, the Academy has been around for at least a century. The academy itself is decently sized, having at least 1,000 students within its halls in any semester.
Despite being prestigious, it's not an expensive place to learn from. All you need to do is show some aptitude for magic or a willingness to learn other academic subject. The headmistress is quite generous, and advocates the free sharing of knowledge and magic despite ones station as a noble or peasant.

The Academy itself, is located in a valley in central Europe. A small town has cropped up around the academy, where many of the staff can live off campus if they so desire, so they aren't always on site. Forested mountains are nearby, where a number of outdoor activities take place. A lake isn't too far from the city either, a popular relaxing place for students on their days off.

The valley is also full of farms, locally growing animals and produce.

[hider=Headmasters Villa] Livia's home was as one might expect. From the outside, one could see it was two stories and quite large. A few lamps lit the outside of the house, illuminating the front door. The building itself seemed to be made of smooth brick, likely polished with magic. The roof had red tiles covering it in a sloped fashion, so rain water would not collect in it. Livia paused for a few moments in the gardens, to let Fia get a good look at it if she wished, but didn't linger for long and made her way inside.

As soon as they opened the door, Livia was greeted by one of her servants who offered tea, but she politely declined telling the man he had the rest of the night off. Looking around the room, it was sophisticated yet simple. The room they were in was a large, a plush violet carpet with sofas, chairs and a small table covering the floor near a fireplace some steps away. The floor itself was polished tiles, kept to a clean shine likely by the servants. A few decorative ornaments hung on the walls.

Stairs leading up could be seen not far away to their left, and a hallway leading to the servants quarters was close by. Another hallway on the opposite end of the room likely lead to kitchens, a dining room, and maybe a few other areas. The stairs leading up, likely led to her and some guest bedrooms.[/hider]

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[hider=The town, Valeza]
The town that has convienetnly sprung up around the academy. Many workers and staff live here, since the academy doesn't offer in housing for teachers or staff members. Aside from this, quite a few shops have also opened here, funded by the headmistress. Over time, its turned into quite a bustling, if small town that is more or less self sustainable.

The Vetement, is a small store found on the second story within the small city. Run by a large tailor who appears gruff on the outside, this alchemist has made it his life's mission to find the proper piece of clothing for every individual.  The store uses a certain type of alchemy to create clothes imagined from a 'sample' or drawing and constructing them from raw materials straight onto the body.

Notable stores: (More, to be added later. Feel free to make your own!~)
[hider=The Vetement]"Clothes racks consumed most of the store's space with only a single article of clothing in a single style hanging from its racks.  A long wallside wooden desk along the left side had several chairs pushed into it along with sketchpads and colored pencils scattered across it's surface. In a small clearing towards the right side of the store were two circles with various symbols etched in them. A tone that tried to sound irritated, but betrayed a sense of welcoming echoed from a counter just beyond the circles. "What brings the headmistress here today?" The man's deep voice boomed."[/hider]

[hider=Di Voglia]
Eventually, the pair arrived at an expensive tavern. Outside of it, a floating fountain magically spewed water towards the ground. The building itself was what one would expect for a well to do resturant, and while it avoided leaning towards gaudy it was clearly elegantly designed. The plants that sat out front were arranged perfectly, and if one looked around the place there would be a large garden in the back for more private seating. Well dressed waiters headed between the tables, allowing those within to interact with them as little or as much as they pleased.[/hider]

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