Curator, Sundren University

[thaelis]

A letter written on fine parchment arrives at the University, addressed to the Curator. The script is flowing and perhaps a little difficult to read for those unaccustomed to such a flamboyant style. The ink used to pen the letter is a rarely seen emerald green colour.

Dear Sir,

I am a Mage recently arrived from Evermeet, and am seeking a locality in which to undertake my studies in the Arcane. Provided that you could find room to accommodate my request and that we can come to a financial accord, I am certain that your fine University seems an ideal choice for my experimentation.

If research facilities are indeed available, I would be pleased if you could provide me with an estimate of the weekly cost, as well as any deposit that may be necessary. If accommodation is also available, I would appreciate it if you could apprise me of the cost of such in addition.

My thanks, and I await your reply expectantly,

Lanathas Ell'thariel,
Wizardry First Class with Hnrs (Ench), Leuthilspar University, Evermeet

[[DM] Grinning Death]

A response is penned,

Master Ell'thariel,

It is indeed an honor to receive a mage of your heritage and origin, and we are most welcoming of you when you should arrive. However, there are a few things I should warn you about.

First, the City is not kind to foreigners. You will have to register yourself with the Sundarian Legion in order to walk the City as a citizen, and provide necessary currency to purchase a portal pass.

Second, I'm afraid there is very little housing for esteemed visitors such as yourself within the University. We do have dormitories for the young students who reside within the City and are fledgling magi, but I do not think they are fit for an elf of your age and stature. Instead, I might recommend a room at the Sundren Comfort. Its prices are relatively fair, and its clientele are less questionable than a place like Jimmy's Tavern and Inn, in Cheapside.

However, if neither option is amenable to you, I would suggest the Four Lanterns at the Sunderer's Gate. Affordable, clean, and within easy access to the City portal.

As for research facilities, you are welcome to make use of any equipment or laboratory while you are a student here. The going rate for tuition is five thousand stags a year, and includes all meals within the university walls.

As per your people's greeting and farewells, I would wish you sweet water and light laughter, Master Ell'thariel.

-Associate Dean Bachrim, First Order of the Griffin, Former Salararius Scholii of the Sundarian Legion

[thaelis]

Lanathas reads the reply before letting out a long sigh. He quickly gathers up the coins and gems which he has earned in his short time so far in the valley, to his dismay finding it falls well short of five thousand stags.

For a while he merely sits at the table in the Four Lanterns, stroking his chin thoughtfully and staring blankly at the reply letter lying in front of him. Eventually he stands, a sour note in his voice as he murmurs to himself "Mercenary work, such a waste of my talents, but...there is no other choice it seems"

He gathers up the letter and stands, drawing the attention of nearby patrons momentarily with one of his coughing fits. He tries his best to cover his mouth with one sleeve, his other hand gripping the table edge firmly, steadying himself until the cough passes, then directing a friendly and somewhat apologetic nod towards the barkeep as he heads for the door.

[thaelis]

A letter of like format to the first is delivered to Dean Bachrim's office a few days later. A bank note for the sum of 5000 stags is enclosed, stamped with the seal of the Waukeen temple.

Dean Bachrim,

Thank you for your timely response, and apologies for my own tardiness in replying. The last few days have been taxing as I have been both adjusting to the local culture as well as touring the nearby lands. Please find enclosed payment in full for one years tuition at Sundren University.

My studies so far have already progressed to the Fourth circle, and unless you cater to such levels of study, I would be pleased to conduct my work in solitude, with the exception of a single research assistant whom I intend to hire privately (with your consent of course).

I have arranged for both lodgings and access to your fair city, and shall begin my on-campus research as soon as I receive word of your approval. I would note that my current research does not involve interference or transcendence of planar boundaries in any form, and as such standard facilities warded against elemental and physical damage will more than suffice.

I look forward to commencing my studies with you, and hope that I can contribute to both the collective knowledge and reputation of your University.

Faithfully,
Lanathas Ell'thariel

[[DM] Grinning Death]

A reply is sent,

Master Ell'thariel,

This is indeed excellent news. We will register your information with the archives, and allow you access to the facilities as soon as your tuition is processed. Your assistant will be allowed in on the condition that you are totally responsible for their behavior while on the campus grounds.

The lab procedures are outlined in several key sources that you are required to read, then sign a waiver noting your acceptance of them. You can get the full list at the archives, but they include Kryzzax's Laboratory Safety Vol. I, D.D.'s Guide to Safe Equipment, and Mandrake's Commentary on Experimental Procedures Vol. III. Of course, planar experiments are subject to normal Sundarian law, as per the ruling prohibiting lower plane contact.

Do note that your lab will be put to the usual inspections once per month, as per University regulations. No interference will be made, but it is expected that your lab meets the standards of the Sundren University to the utmost.

And finally, welcome to Sundren University. I'll leave you with words written by our founder himself, Mundus.

"A man's reach must exceed his grasp. It is through striving for things that we cannot reach, that we discover the knowledge that is most important: the steel within our own souls, the tenacity to seek what is lost, and the courage to stand for the truths that we may find."

Sweet water, Master Ell'thariel

-Associate Dean Bachrim, First Order of the Griffin, Former Salararius Scholii of the Sundarian Legion