Golden Snakes
Located in Rilaten, the Academy of Illusion is the only institution of its kind in the realm during the events of The Red Horde Rises.
Anyone discovered to possess the ability to create illusions is expected to train within its walls. Those who believe they may have the gift can request to be tested, although few demonstrate enough natural ability and control to earn a place at the Academy.
Academy Ranks
Students advance through four ranks: Adder, Boa, Viper and Cobra. Progression is determined not only by magical ability, but also by discipline, combat skill and the ability to maintain control under pressure.
Adder
Adders are students who have recently entered the Academy.
They are taught the foundations of illusion magic, including how to create simple illusions and maintain control over them. Their education also includes basic combat training, riding and instruction in a weapon of their choice.
Every Golden Snake begins as an Adder.
Boa
A Boa is a fully qualified illusionist.
Those who achieve this rank may leave the Academy and seek their own path, or remain to study more advanced techniques and prepare for the tests required to become a Viper.
Boas receive specialist training in a chosen weapon and are permitted to instruct Adders.
Viper
Vipers are experienced illusionists who have demonstrated advanced control over their abilities.
They are trained to use several weapon types and are expected to adapt quickly when forced to fight with unfamiliar equipment. They also learn how to combine their power with that of other illusionists, allowing several Magi to create or maintain far more complex illusions together.
Vipers who remain at the Academy may receive private accommodation and dedicated research areas. They are granted access to restricted papers, historical records and advanced magical research, and may choose to teach Boas.
Cobra
Cobra is the highest and most difficult rank to achieve.
Candidates must pass a series of demanding tests, perform complex illusions and demonstrate complete control while under physical and mental pressure.
Cobras are masters of their chosen weapon and may pursue specialist disciplines such as reconnaissance, subterfuge, espionage or assassination. They may take a Viper as a personal student and are qualified to instruct members of every lower rank.
Although many Cobras remain connected to the Academy, they are free to leave and follow their own path.
Combat Training
The Academy does not train illusionists to rely upon magic alone. Every student receives combat instruction and learns to ride, survive beyond the safety of Rilaten and defend themselves when their illusions fail.
As students rise through the ranks, they may follow different martial paths. Some become battlefield illusionists, while others specialise in protection, intelligence gathering, covert operations or direct combat.
The most accomplished Golden Snakes are therefore dangerous even when they cannot, or choose not to, use magic.
People of Note
Kairon
The leading Magi during the Dragon Wars and one of the most important figures in the Academy’s long history.
Calderon Vale
Headmaster of the Academy during the events of The Red Horde Rises. As Headmaster, Calderon holds a leading position on the ruling council of Rilaten.
He attended the Academy alongside Tiernan Greyharrow and Carinar Vale.
Tiernan Greyharrow
Tiernan achieved the rank of Cobra before leaving the Academy to join the White Guard.
Although he chose a military life, he retains his Cobra rank and remains one of the most highly trained illusionists of his generation.
Carinar Vale
Carinar remains closely associated with the Academy after achieving the rank of Cobra, although his status allows him considerable freedom to pursue his own studies.
He is widely respected among the Golden Snakes.
Rellan Darrfell
A respected Cobra and one of the Academy’s lorekeepers, entrusted with preserving and studying its oldest records.