Zrari Academy, also known as Zrari Vishwavidyalaya (ज़रारी विश्वविद्यालय or জরারি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়) and Zrari Jamia (زراری جامعہ), is the largest university in Eqos and one of the oldest universities in continuous operation across the entire world. In addition to typical mundane subjects, it specializes in the teaching of both arcane and scientific practices. The academy was founded in 2E088 when the reigning sultan of Kasaaq, Naziish ud-Din Suryag I, granted the last two remaining makheti pyramids within the city to the scholars and priests of Gunradev. It was founded under the name of "Sorya" instead of "Zrari", which was finally changed under the reign of Mahataraja Zrari Zaaba I in 3E210 after more than seven hundred years operating as "Sorya Vishwavidyalaya". The academy uses the kav'orri green scarab beetle as its symbol, due to the insect's mythological link to both the gods Gunradev and Raasha.
The academy is not officially affiliated to any religious group, but many of its professors and leaders have been followers of the god of knowledge, Gunradev, who isn't otherwise given much thought in Ashtadharma. The academy has long come under fire from actual religious organizations for twisted research into divine sources of magic, as many of their wizards command divine magic without any devotion to the gods. Similarly, the clerics of "knowledge" that graduate from the academy don't seem to uphold any ashtadharmic values at all.
It has held a powerful position within the politics of Kasaaq, as the professors and mages of the academy have always been politically powerful even if they weren't nobility. Even the early Zaaba rulers were unable to discredit the academy as perceived supporters of the former sultanate, and had to rely on their knowledge and power for arcane and technological advice. The mages of the academy have also played an active role in warfare over the years. The most control that the Zaabas were able to exert on the academy was the former Mahatarani Raktii forcing the organization to change their name to her son's. While the academy is powerful, the formation of the Hukumat's standing army has tipped the scales of power against their arcane military might.
(Art credit: Greg Rutkowski)
Scholars and students alike flock to the city hoping for admission into the prestigious academy. Their campus is built upon an ancient temple structure from the city’s primordial days, and still has two large pyramids within its campus that feel more egyptian than indian in nature. While they used to be a prominent feature of the skyline, they are dwarfed by the city’s other grand structures nowadays. The west pyramid houses the study of technology, engineering, and mathematics, while the east pyramid houses the study of arcana, religion, and history. Similarly, the academy itself is led by two figures, the arch-artificer "Abhiyanta Sahib" and the arch-mage "Mayavi Sahib".
Goals
The Zrari Academy's current objectives may be summarized as being to educate students, to undertake research, and to provide continuing education. It aims to maintain its position as one of the world's leading universities, while also subtly increasing their political power across the Kav'orra and beyond. The academy also aims to create powerful and intelligent mages, scientists, soldiers, and citizens for the Hukumat, who would still be loyal to the academy in some ways. Their goals and ambitions do change from subtly treasonous to fully loyal and back, as different leaders have different priorities. The leadership being divided into two positions serves as an internal balancing force as the two leaders rarely see eye-to-eye on all issues.
Relationships
The academy is an integral part of the Kasaaqi Hukumat's politics and continuing rule, as almost all relevant mages and scientists of the nation have studied under its tutelage. It is considered an honor for a student from a poor family to be accepted into the academy's ranks, leading to a glorification of its reputation amidst the masses. While the academy has often had a lot of friction with House Zaaba, the Mahatarajas and the leaders of the academy have always reached compromises with each other.
They have an interesting relationship with the Kav'orran Archaeological Survey, as most of the Survey's members have been former students of the academy. However, the two organizations both vie for the same magical artifacts and pieces of history, and have had a lot of arguments over historical research. That being said, the two factions are deeply interlinked and have similar values. The academy has good relationships with other educational institutions across the world, and even has a student-exchange program with the College of Zaubarovia in northern Aurial.
Members
Current Faculty
At any given time, the academy has thousands of students amidst their halls, being taught by hundreds of faculty members. However, there are some notable members of the faculty, such as:
Mayavi Sahib Zoman Buyuu - M Sand-Elf Arch-Mage
Abhiyanta Sahiba Rhosia - F Desert-Dwarf Arch-Artificer
History
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