Vernul

Light Follower Town

On the northern island of Maerin is the quaint little town of Vernul. It is a wealthy town with a small population of aristocrats. Travelers will not find any fear here of the darkness covering the world. The beautiful tropical town shares its walled island with Arcanum’s most prestigious school, the University of Arkri. This institute was founded by one of Menelkir’s first students in the beginning days of the World Change. In exchange for handling the matters of importing food and providing transportation for students, the town is placed under the protection of the Arcanum’s university. Heavily armored and magically strong guards known as Warmancers keep a watchful eye out for any trouble. The fact that Vernul is on an island gives it an additional defensive advantage. Instead of a typical leader, the town is run by a Judge, appointed by the Arcanum to keep the peace.

The University of Arkri itself is a sight to behold: Castle-like in appearance, there are three great towers which seem to reach for the clouds. The stones that compose the structure appear as ancient as time. Majestic red roofing draws any viewer’s eyes to trace the impressive height. The university is held within its own layer of walls in the town, thus shielding the smaller sections from unworthy eyes. Inside these walls, the lucky visitor can behold not only the great towers, but many strange buildings with no doors. In fact, one must enter one of the three towers and descend the stairwell to access most of the institute. Beneath the surface is a series of corridors, perfectly carved into the rough stone ground. Each corridor leads to either an alcove room or to a teleportation device that leads to the building directly above. None of these corridors, however, go past the University of Arkri’s walls. Entrance to the school is allowed only to a select few members of the Arcanum. Each student requires the recommendation of a high-ranking official in the Arcanum. The Warmancers practice their magical arts in the University, but are housed in the town’s well-accommodated barracks.

The dockyard of Vernul is near legendary in status. It is said to host the most luxurious ships, their exquisitely crafted berths worthy of transporting the Light God Himself. In addition to these beauties is an old, but well-maintained battleship. Should the need arise, the Warmancers have full reign to use it to protect the University. The dockyard is mainly used for transporting goods between the mainland and Vernul. Occasional passages to Easterholm are booked, though few dare to make the perilous journey. The tale of Karkis Jeckh -- murderous pirate that sunk every ship he encountered in the name of D’Sparil --makes even the bravest sailors shudder in terror: they fear that going on such a long journey ensures an encounter with the infamous Karkis.

The sailors that go to and from Vernul have claimed to witness large dark towers on the coast near Maerin. It is said that there are three: one on the coast of Darkmire, one on the coast of Shadow Wood, and one in Soulrend. If these towers were indeed built by the Order Magi as it has been rumored, then they are planning an assault on Vernul. For the sake of Light Followers everywhere, the secrets of the Arcanum’s greatest university must not fall to the forces of evil.