Crumhachd Academy

Crumhachd Academy stands at the heart of Comhlaidir, a world where the balance between powerful, supernatural forces and the ordinary is tenuous. Built on an ancient leyline that pulses with mystical energy, the academy is a towering fortress cloaked in both shadow and light, with its foundations rumored to be older than the oldest known kingdoms. This school is not just a place of learning but a sanctuary for the most gifted and dangerous creatures in existence.  

The Academy:

  The academy’s halls are filled with students from various species—shapeshifters, elemental beings, fae, vampires, and creatures of pure magic. Each student is chosen not only for their innate strength but also for their potential to tip the balance of the world’s power. Crumhachd Academy is shrouded in secrecy, concealed from ordinary sight by powerful wards. Only those with the right kind of magic or inherent paranormal abilities can find the school’s hidden gates. The campus itself is a blend of the ancient and the arcane, with towering stone walls covered in mystical symbols, enchanted forests where magical creatures roam, and crystal-clear lakes that hum with latent energy. The heart of the academy is its Aonad Cumhachd, the "Unit of Power," where the most elite creatures train.  

The Curriculum:

  At Crumhachd Academy, students undergo rigorous training, not only to harness their powers but to understand their roles within the grand balance of Cohmlaidir. Classes range from combat training in the Hall of Shadows, where students spar in environments crafted to challenge even the strongest among them, to more intellectual pursuits like Dimensional Theory and Magical Ethics, where students learn the consequences of tapping into forbidden realms and magic or wielding too much power.   Students are taught by a faculty of immortal beings and ancient entities, many of whom have witnessed or participated in events that shaped the world’s history. Each has their own specialty—whether in combat, ancient magics, or the history of paranormal societies. They guide students through intensive lessons in controlling their abilities, whether it’s mastering the elements, commanding spirits, or even shifting between planes of existence. Each student attends the academy for a total of 15 human years and each year the curriculum gets more challenging.   

The Hierarchy:

  Crumhachd Academy isn’t just about learning—it’s about survival. The academy enforces a strict hierarchical system:  

• At the top are the Caomhnoiri (Guardians), the most powerful students, often destined for leadership roles in their respective paranormal societies and their respective native kingdoms.
• Below them are the Cliathanaich (Wings), skilled but still developing students, who are given increasing responsibility as they prove their worth.
• At the bottom are the Fodhuisg (Awakened), new students who are still discovering the extent of their powers.

The hierarchy isn’t just symbolic—it dictates how students interact with one another, and alliances or rivalries often shift the internal politics of the academy.  

The Trials:

  Once every year, the academy hosts the Dubhlain Mhor—The Great Trials. During this time, students face a series of challenges designed to push their abilities to the brink, often against one another or even creatures summoned from dark dimensions. The trials are said to reveal the true nature of the student, exposing both their strengths and their darkest weaknesses. Success in the Dubhlain Mhor not only grants students prestige but can elevate them within the academy's hierarchy.   But not all survive the trials unscathed. Some students leave the academy changed, their powers or very souls warped by the trials' intensity. A few disappear altogether, becoming legends whispered in the dark halls of the academy.    

The Professors:

  The professors at Crumhachd Academy are as legendary as the academy itself. Each is a master of their field, handpicked by Headmaster Alastair Dunan for their unmatched expertise, unique abilities, and deep understanding of the delicate balance of power that governs Cohmlaidir. These professors come from various paranormal species and often have centuries, if not millennia, of experience.  

• Professor Siofra D. - Mistress of Elemental Magic

Siofra Dubhain is a tall, ethereal fae with hair-like flowing silver and eyes that flicker with the colors of the elements she commands. As the Mistress of Elemental Magic, she teaches students to harness the primal forces of nature: earth, water, fire, and air. Siofra has a serene, almost otherworldly presence, but beneath her calm exterior lies a fierce determination. She is known for her demanding lessons, pushing students to control not only the elements but the emotions that fuel them.  

• Professor Gideon B. - Master of Dimensional Magic

A towering figure with a shadowy presence, Gideon Blackthorn is one of the academy’s most feared and respected professors. He specializes in dimensional magic, teaching students how to bend space and time, open portals, and traverse between realms. Gideon’s past is shrouded in mystery, but it is whispered that he once served as a warden between dimensions, keeping ancient horrors from crossing into Comhlaidir. Gideon’s classes are intense, often involving dangerous excursions into other planes where students must prove their ability to survive in unpredictable environments. He is known for his stern, no-nonsense demeanor and expects absolute precision from his students. Despite his harsh methods, he has a reputation for protecting his students fiercely, especially when they venture into realms where even the most powerful beings fear to tread.

• Professor Callista M.- Mistress of Dark Arts

Callista Morrigan, an elegant and striking vampiress with raven-black hair and ruby-red eyes, oversees the teaching of the Dark Arts, which includes necromancy, blood magic, and shadow manipulation. Callista has a reputation for being both dangerous and mesmerizing. Her students often find themselves entranced by her charm, but they quickly learn that she is not to be trifled with. Her approach to teaching is philosophical—she teaches students the delicate balance of using dark magic without succumbing to its corruptive influences. Callista’s students learn how to communicate with spirits, control shadows, and manipulate death itself, but they must tread carefully, for even the slightest misstep could have grave consequences.

• Professor Rhydian S.- Master of Combat and Transformation

His towering frame, scarred body, and piercing yellow eyes make him a fearsome presence, but his teaching is known to be among the most effective for those who struggle with their more feral sides. Rhydian specializes in teaching shapeshifters, lycanthropes, and other students who possess transformative abilities to control their shifts and harness their bestial strength in battle. His training is brutal and physical, often involving full-contact combat where students are pushed to the brink of their abilities. He is respected for his honor and discipline, and though his methods may be rough, his students often leave his class as powerful warriors capable of defending themselves against any threat.

• Professor Seraphina A.- Mistress of Divination and Prophecy

Seraphina Aetherwind is an enigmatic figure with long, flowing robes and a constant air of serenity about her. As a Mistress of Divination and Prophecy, she guides students in the art of foresight, teaching them how to read the signs of the future, interpret dreams, and unlock the potential of time magic. Though soft-spoken, her words carry immense weight. Seraphina’s teachings focus on helping her students understand the implications of their actions and how small changes in the present can ripple through time. She is known for speaking in cryptic riddles, which often frustrates students, but over time, they learn that her seemingly obscure lessons contain deep wisdom. Despite her calm demeanor, she is also one of the academy’s most powerful protectors, known to intervene in moments of dire peril with her precise knowledge of time and destiny.  

• Professor Thalion W. - Master of Enchantment and Illusion

With striking white hair and eyes that seem to shimmer with magic, Thalion Winterborn is an elf. His classes focus on the subtle manipulation of the mind, the creation of illusions, and the casting of enchantments that can control or influence others. Thalion is known for his sharp wit and cunning, often pushing students to outsmart one another using their enchantments. He is also deeply versed in the art of glamour, teaching students to mask their true forms and hide their abilities when necessary. His lessons often blend elegance with danger, as students learn to weave intricate spells while facing off against one another in mind-bending duels. Though charming and clever, Thalion is a strict teacher, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas of controlling another’s will and the importance of understanding power’s limits.  

• Professor Eldred V.- Master of Magical History and Ancient Lore

Eldred Valeran, a stoic and immortal elf, is the Master of Magical History and Ancient Lore. His platinum hair and piercing blue eyes give him an aura of timeless wisdom. Eldred’s knowledge of the ancient world and forgotten magics is unmatched; it is said that he was present at many of the pivotal moments that shaped Comhlaidir. Eldred’s classes are often filled with complex texts, ancient manuscripts, and artifacts from times long past. He has a methodical approach, teaching students not only the history of magic but the mistakes of the past and the consequences of unchecked power. His lessons are often heavy with moral reflection, and he demands that his students understand the weight of their powers within the broader arc of history.  

School Uniform:

Female uniform for all hierarchy ranks.