The College of Winterhold

Magicka flows through the ancient grounds, a neutral place of learning where one can master the arts of magicka in peace.

"A mage's own plane of Oblivion."

About the College of Winterhold

"Magic is but a tool, it is not good nor bad in its essence. Only in its application can it be judged, and the user be the accused."

The College of Winterhold is a magical institution situated in Winterhold, it was founded by Archmage Shalidor, an immensely powerful Nord mage who was said to have built both the College and Winterhold with a mere whisper. Though called "of" Winterhold, it is a separate entity from the hold itself. Maintaining near-absolute neutrality from its laws and governing body for thousands of years. It exists as an autonomous territory, separate from even the laws of either Skyrim or Empire.

Located within it is the famous Arcanaeum, a library containing texts dating back from eras past.

Led by an Archmage, the College presents both a guild for mages around Tamriel, but also a place of learning for the most novice of mages to even the strongest. It now boasts extensive classrooms and dorms needed by the instructor, student, or traveling mage.

Within the College are boundless opportunities to pursue whatever art of magic the user wishes. From the nurturing school of Restoration to the infamous school of Conjuration. All practitioners of magic are welcome, so long as their intent would not be a cause to the detriment of the institution, to both those within it and outside of it.

The College explores nearly all the main schools of magic. Previously, the School of Mysticism was lost, but with Archmage Calclanil's office, he started to teach it as he was an expert in it. It was also one of his specializations and favorites outside of Restoration.

All who are members and students of the College are given a small necklace, emblazoned with the College's insignia to denote their membership.

Students are free to experiment and attend whatever lectures they want, however, to improve the efficacy of their stays. Some schedules are required and need to be attended by the students lest they risk the advantages they attain as students of the College.

• Hierarchy
• Campus
• State
• Mission & Vision
• Rules & Guidelines

Hierarchy of the College

"For far too long has the Archmage's job been to sit idly, adventuring across Tamriel and doing meager research. I prefer a more... hands-on approach, coupled with the latter. AhAhHA"
- Calclanil the Archmage 4E 202

{The order of the person with the most authority goes from the top being the highest to the lowest having the least amount of authority.}

Archmage
The designated seat of power in the College, the Archmage is responsible for deciding on what to do for the most important issues of the College. They are also responsible for safeguarding the College and making sure that the College maintains good relations with the people of Skyrim and Tamriel as a whole. While also being a figurehead, their presence isn't entirely ceremonial.
As they can also at times, wield absolute authority within the College. They are privy to the College's most important artifacts and can change the curriculum, the state, or the function of the College whenever needed and appropriate.

The Archmage is usually a master of a school and an expert in many. One who can lead, and more often than not is powerful in the standards of most mages.

As of 5e 03, Archmage Tolfdir is the Archmage.

Formerly led by Archmage Calclanil Infiorsa who gave up the seat to found the Eagle Reclamation in the Summerset Isles.
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Master Wizard
The Master Wizard is responsible for the day-to-day operations, basically the right-hand of the Archmage. They are to maintain the College's basic operations and to decide on smaller matters that do not need to be brought up to the Archmage. They also handle basic concerns that the College needs, such as the management of funds, connections, and supervision of both instructors and students of the College.

As of 5e 03, Master Wizard Colette Marence, a recent master of Restoration is in the position..

Council of Magicka
The Council of Magicka is perhaps one of the most influential collective body in the College. It is comprised of the most senior professors and members of the College. People such as Tolfdir, Drevis Neloren, Azrael, Faralda, and even Urag gro-Shub. The Master Wizard serves as the head council member.

While technically of lower positions than the Master Wizard and Archmage from an individual standpoint, collectively they have the power and authority to replace both the Archmage and the Master Wizard through a vote.

Loremaster
An honorary position, perhaps one of the most important, second only to the Archmage himself. The Loremaster is responsible for the safekeeping of all texts, tomes, or scrolls that are within the Arcanaeum.

As of 5e 03, Loremaster Urag gro-Shub is in office.

Head of Security
The Head of Security is responsible for keeping the College grounds and to an extent, Winterhold safe. They are also responsible for supervising instructors and college students alike and members of the College and the workers. The Head of Security is usually a master of Destruction or Conjuration.

Senior Professor Phinis Gestor is the current Head of Security.

Professor
The instructors of the College have control over the instructional rooms in the College. They manage students and lower members of the College. They are in charge of instructing, and at times supervising expeditions and wherever they are needed. While less known, the court mages of Skyrim are usually professors.

There are two types of instructors, senior and the basic instructor. Senior instructors are members who have demonstrated exceptional ability as mages. Whilst instructors are any person proficient enough, usually experts to teach both students and members, all the while contributing to the pursuance of magic in the College.

Guards
Guards of the College hired to defend College grounds and safeguard both students and members. They are positioned within every entrance and usually patrol around. They are primarily battlemages, but a sorcerer or two for pure magical attacks are also present.

Miscellaneous Workers
Composed of servants, janitors, and helpers at the College.

Students & General Members
Students at the College, learners of the art. They are at the lowest point of the hierarchy. Students are to follow the instructions of guards, instructors, and above at all times.

Students themselves have their own hierarchy. Select students can wield a bit more authority, though, not so much. A prefect or praefect is a student elected every year to lead and guide their fellow students. These prefects or praefects are usually personal apprentices of senior instructors.

Members of the College of Winterhold are those who do not necessarily enroll themselves in the curriculum that the College offers. But are members nonetheless who contribute to the College while benefitting from it. While they are not students, they are still subject to instructions from the professors and the like.

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College Campus

The College of Winterhold is akin more to a fortress than a place of learning. Composed of nearly impenetrable stone bricks, its ancient masonry stands an object of permanence within Skyrim. Enchanted foundations and stone, warded by sophisticated magic. The College is also home to focal points, where natural Magicka courses throughout, a mana pool utilized by the mages of Winterhold.

{As the game fails to give Skyrim a proper up to scale scene. The College building itself is bigger and more spacious in both the exterior, but most notably the interiors.}

The Entrance
The College's entrance lays right at the boundary between Winterhold and the College. It is gated, with two statues at each side from up the ramp. There are two gates in total, with one at the front and one at the end of the small section. A sigil of the College is embedded into the entrance, which glows upon each step by anyone who has the gift of magic.
Runes are placed around each of the arches that when activated exert a powerful ward capable of blocking both magical and physical attacks, an addition made by the Archmage himself. Although, the gates themselves are also affected by the default enchantments that the College has.

Senior Professor Faralda and an Orcish Mage are usually seen guarding and deciding whether or not to give admission to a visitor. They are responsible for enrolling students and members, as well as logging anyone who comes in or out of the College, names, dates, and all.

The Bridge
The bridge has been lifted from its state of disrepair and has been fully restored as of 4e 202. It now boasts magnificent arches along the pathway, the lower supports are now reconstructed and attached to the pyramid of stone the College sits on. The enchantments have all been properly rewired, to give it the same tenacity that the College has.

The arches are new additions, while not only being decorative, upon closer inspection they are inscribed with enchantments that when activated can release a ward that can either shield the bridge itself, exerting a forcefield around it. Or act as magical gates that can stop anyone from going further.

The Main Entrance
The entrance of the College is first traversed through a large gate. At the very center of the gate is the official insignia of the College. Also enchanted, it opens automatically as someone wishes to pass through it that seems to be affiliated with the College. It operates mysteriously, but more complex enchantments are bound to it. 4 guards are usually here at all times, both battlemages and sorcerers.

The Courtyard
The College Courtyard is dominated by a statue of Archmage Shalidor, facing the largest focal point in the College. Around the courtyard and the open areas of the structure of the College, are boards denoting pathways and guides. Guards, instructors, and miscellaneous workers alike roam and patrol around. Students and members also lounge on the benches and whatnot. A garden of alchemical herbs, supported by magic is laid out along the 4 plots of space in the center near the focal point.

Two pillars are erect in the garden, memorials to Archmage Savos Aren, as well as Master Wizard Mirabelle Ervine.

Through the use of magic, it seems that this courtyard is not as cold as it would be normally. It maintains a cool, but manageable temperature that also seems to shield the College from the harsh winds constantly harassing it.

From the open sections of the College which is a part of the Courtyard, The entrances to 5 halls are along with it. the Hall of Attainment, which is a large hall of dorms for students and even some members of the College to stay when they need it. The Hall of Countenance, where professors and even seniors live. The Hall of the Elements, which is also referred to as the "Great Hall" at the very center, just behind the statue. As well as two new additions, the Hall of Transcendence and the Hall of Ascendance.

An entrance to the Midden is also available along the path.

Hall of the Elements
The Hall of Elements serves as the main lecture hall for the College of Winterhold. It presents the second largest focal point, where the Eye of Magnus was once contained. Students usually congregate here whenever demonstrations and important lectures are done by professors.

It consists of a foyer and a large main room. Benches are laid around strategically for lectures, as well as desks in some areas. There is usually a bulletin board at the Foyer, detailing schedules, quests, and other jobs or notifications posted by professors and above.

The Master Wizard and Archmage are usually found here regularly, however, the Archmage can prove to be inconsistent with the times that he is present.

From the Hall of the Elements, one can go to both the Arcanaeum, the Midden, as well as the Quarters of the Archmage. And even outside the College to the walls.

Hall of Attainment
The Hall of Attaintment is the primary dormitory of students and some members of the College to rent. It is comprised of numerous dorms, all with full furnishings and doors. On the middle floor, is a common room where students and members of the College alike can lounge and study. Bookcases full of both instructional books as well as those for entertainment are within it.

Food is usually replenished daily whenever needed by the College. The Common room is enchanted with a distinct type of muffling magic that lowers the volume of which they can be heard, so students can get as loud as they so wish within it.

On the first floor, a small focal point is also located. Students can access the upper parts of the College through this.

Hall of Countenance
The Hall of Countenance is where most of the professors reside. It is a bit bigger than the Hall of Attainment, offering more space for both the rooms of the professors and even guards.

A focal point is also located on the first floor of the hall. They too have a similar layout to the Hall of Attainment, however, they do have enchantment tables, conjuration rooms, and places for experiments. The senior professors who are part of the Council of Magicka even have their own personal 2nd rooms.

Hall of Transcendence

The Hall of Transcendence is one of the latest additions to the College's halls. It presents various instructional rooms, as well as alchemical facilities, summoning chambers, and other rooms for whatever purpose is needed.

A focal point is also located on the first floor.

The crown jewel of the Hall of Transcendence is the observatory that occupies the last floor. It is a special project done with the help of both the Archmage and Master Wizard Orithil for the main observer. It is one of the masterpieces of the College, that took many combined efforts. Especially from Orithil and Arniel Gane. Using whatever Dwemer engineering they could feasibly use for its construction. Presenting a highly sophisticated magical observatory.

Hall of Rebirth

The Hall of Rebirth is a sophisticated work of magic, inspired by Telvanni elements, it was spearheaded by the Archmage. It presents a tower filled to the brim with alchemical plants, herbs, fungus, etc.

It is essentially, a magical greenhouse that fueled with intricate and sophisticated enchantments, drawing power from the focal points to fuel the artificial ecosystems of respective sections. It grows all common herbs, rare, and even some endangered plants.

The only herb that's renowned but currently not present are Nirnroot as negotiations for the method still take place. Here, students are to study the ins and outs of alchemy, botany, and even medicine. The various plants are put in plots, all in arrays from the walls to the ground, sorted in orders from rarest to the most common, as well as their applications. The toxic plants require professor approval before they can be accessed.

The Arcanaeum
Perhaps the most important part of the College, it is the most famous and revered place in the College to all of Skyrim, and to Tamriel. It houses ancient texts from the very founding of the College, most notably the texts preserved from the 2nd Era. Enchantments and spells are laden all over as they are meant to protect and preserve the texts within. Each book and text, especially the most important ones are specially preserved.

The Arcanaeum is the oldest library in Skyrim to date, as well as the most well-preserved. Its guardian, the librarian, is the Loremaster of the College, Urag gro-Shub. An Orsimer mage.

Archmage's Quarters
The quarters of the Archmage. The most mysterious and elusive part of the College where its leader resides. It is a large room that consists of both his sleeping area. Its own small garden, floating mage light suspended on the air. Fueled by the pools of the College.

The quarters change with every new Archmage according to their liking, as of now, the Quarters are more akin to a research facility. With skeletons of every available sentient race in Tamriel possible lined up. Paintings of anatomy, and shelves upon shelves of books, contained specimens and more.

The door to the main room is locked and enchanted with magic, composed of stone that answers only to the Archmage's attempts at manipulation. A part of the room is reserved for meetings.

The Midden
Once ruins and a meager storage room. Now fully renovated. Outfitted with instructional rooms, more dorms. The Midden has been fully revamped and cleared out by only one person, Archmage Calclanil. The daedra experiment down at the Midden has also been cleared, investigated by the Archmage, activated, and subsequently eradicated the daedra with a small team of battlemages.

It now boasts interior walls and insulation from the dastard cold, summoning rooms and ones more outfitted for necromancy and conjuration are here.
The Augur of Dunlain is also down here, his

It also houses the famous Atronach Forge, a sought out tool that every conjurer wishes to have. It's usually guarded by 1 or more instructors, while also having defensive measures for the occasional danger that arises.

Within the Midden is also some storerooms, as well as the College's own personal forge that the Master Wizard, Orithil manages for himself and others who he permits to use it. There is an emergency exit here that has been sealed, the foundations of the College where the enchantments have also been strengthened.

The Midden is accessible through all halls and even the courtyard.

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State of the College
- A state address by the Archmage Calclanil Infiorsa, 4e 207 -

Rejoice!

That is all I can say, my dear students, peers, members of the College. A golden age, a time for rebuttal of us sundered and shunned. The light of Magnus yet again shines upon our esteemed institution. With not one, but two new additions of main halls, the College stands strong as it has before!

The Hall of Rebirth, the Hall of Transcendence. Rebirth, an expansive greenhouse tower filled to the brim with common herbs, to ones that alchemists strive for! The Hall of Transcendence, a complex tower observatory crafted by our late Master Wizard Oritihil and Arniel Gane. Inspired by the Dwemer, it allows us to observe the heavenly bodies, the stars, the wonders of creation, and its remnants. Inspired by Mzulft and the other observatories of the known world, the College has now created its own.

For what other magical organization has progressed this far in such a matter of time? None!

We of the College of Winterhold are no longer a force to be ignored, not a seat of power left vacant. We stand at the pinnacle of magic in Skyrim, a progressing power. Returning to our great roots as laid by Archmage Shalidor, this is why we are free. Freedom from the control of any authority. Neither Emperor, High King, nor Councilman do we bow down to; but the teachings of our founder and council-- As well as the legacies and teachings of our leaders long past.

Under my guidance, we are inheriting our rightful site of Labyrinthian as a satellite campus. There, we shall engage in further expansion, as well as engage in the studies of ancient mages. Of ancient powers, forces. We have rebuilt most of its infrastructure and continue to do so as we speak. Our excavations of the site have given us unprecedented insight, gaining both lore and magical riches from artifacts.
We rebuilt the College of Winterhold's ailing structures, the bridge, entrances, walls, even the Midden.

Up in Solitude, do we also have gained a foothold. Another campus for the sake of teaching magic to the mages and extending our reach.

Open your eyes as well, mages of the College, and its citizens, as well as the great Jarl of this Hold. Look around, do you not see anything different? Restored. Rejuvenated. Recreated. We are ensuring the survival and continuation, as well as the innovation and reconstruction of Winterhold. Walls, towers, homes, roads. Their safety and needs being fulfilled. Not born from our hubris, but a sign of the College's goodwill to the Hold it borders. No longer will we sit idly by as hate festers in their hearts, but we shall act our part both as an apology for our silence and in everlasting good faith.

Such feats would not be possible without our actions as one, as well as the citizenry of Winterhold. Forevermore will we do good, and forevermore will we last and so will this Hold. Even with the threat of yet again another superficial war, done by actions of haste and without thought, we shall live on.

May Magnus ever illuminate our College, our path, our mind.

The College of Winterhold, a mage's own plane of Oblivion!

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Mission and Vision

"Magic is a true power, not something to be shunned by commoners or treated as an amusing diversion by politicians. It shapes worlds, creates, and destroys life... It deserves proper respect and study. The College is a place where we can focus on that, without the pressures of the world weighing down on us."

- Late Archmage Savos Aren of the College of Winterhold -

Mission
The College of Winterhold's mission is to preserve the truth and knowledge of the world's magic. To create an environment of neutrality that will not discriminate on the forms of magic that any mage would practice; so long as it is not detrimental to the College, the practitioner, and Tamriel's citizenry.
As well as to provide a space of absolution for mages from the arbitrary rules and regulations of governing bodies, and so-called "mage guilds" ignorant to magicka's true nature.

The Schools of Magic and all other sub-categories are to be protected and the validity of these teachings ensured and furthered through the collective effort of members, students, and instructors alike. Whether it be lore, artifact, or text, both mundane and magical in nature are to be recorded, and protected according to importance and significance.

To unravel the secrets of Aetherius, and further discerning the nature of magic and the schools agreed to be the strongest and most undoubted precedent.

{As of 4e 202, the following has been placed in addition by the Council of Magicka under Archmage Calclanil's direction}

To strive for the maintenance and further improvement of relations to the citizenry of Skyrim, as well as those of Tamriel. And to handle any magical problems as requested by the holds and of Skyrim's inhabitants, and to an extent, even the request of other provinces.

Vision
The College of Winterhold envisions a future where magic is embraced, where it is respected. To have a world where any mage or practitioner of the arts can dabble in it safely, efficiently, and without fear of persecution from any organization. A world where the stigma of magic is severely downsized, even eradicated.

A future where magic can be freely taught without hindrance. And the removal of arbitrary rules set upon any and all magics. Where the College of Winterhold is seen as not merely a grand place of learning the arts, but a respected institution not known for tackiness, but the talents that it can foster.

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Rules & Guidelines of the College of Winterhold
While the College seeks a place without much regulation, one cannot operate any organization or place without rules and guidelines set in place. This is to be kept as brief yet as informative as possible.

Rejoining the College after being kicked out is possible with a hefty fee of 1000 septims, along with fines from any damages caused by the culprit if any, and you will be cast a spell upon to be monitored freely at the behest of instructors.

Any incidents at the College involving things listed within the rules will be put through highly sophisticated and effective investigation by any means possible, magical or otherwise.

Rules & Regulations
- As directed by the Council of Magicka and the founding principles of the College -

{(1st. Rule)}
The College of Winterhold shall Remain to be and Forever will be Neutral from Any Governing Body
The College of Winterhold remains a neutral organization outside of any governing body apart from its own. Neither Archmage nor Council can overturn this or remove it. This dictates that the College must never merge itself or associate itself to be "under" any power in Nirn, whether hold, country or empire.

As such, it is NOT subject to any magical regulations by any outside authority but its own. And in the event that this is threatened, the College and its members, as well as instructors are honor-bound to defend its sanctity as a place of learning separate from political discourse.

While neutral, it does not mean the College itself cannot run a few interferences whenever deemed "necessary."

{(2nd. Rule)}
Discrimination
The College of Winterhold is a place of neutral learning, therefore, the principles of neutrality must also be enforced within. Any act that stems from intolerance is to be expunged. Whether it be magical in nature or mundane affairs such as politics, religion, and culture.

(Unless in war or times of conflict, the College may act to be either against, for or stand neutrality on an issue. The College may discriminate whenever its neutrality is threatened, such as in the case of wars and whether or not to supply aide to both through transactions, or if ever another body seeks to ally itself with the College, they may deny entry and association if the College is wronged.)

Unless the College of Winterhold's council and Archmage holds a unanimous decision through a vote, no form of magic nor magical practice is to be denied and its practice is outlawed.

{(3rd. Rule)}
Magical Study
Magical study is to be encouraged and improved upon collectively. Important avenues of research and if any advances are done under the patronage of the College must be shared among College peers and higher-ups alike. So as to further advance its study and benefit the researcher through the giving of privilege to perform further research.

While some may find this to be a rule of concern, one can deny the notion of having to share it, either in fear of it being stolen, (Although the College themselves will ensure your legacy is protected,) or for any reason at all. However, this comes with a price as you may be barred from using College-provided materials and aid.

"The College seeks members willing to contribute, not hermits seeking a comfortable cavern."
Instructor from the 2nd Era
{(4th. Rule)}
Harmful Acts & Dangerous Endeavors

+ Any death or injury caused by a member of the College of Winterhold meant to deliver deliberate harm within its grounds, or with members against one another is grounds for expulsion and even immediate execution by College guards, instructors, if done within the vicinity, especially if no sign of surrendering is seen.

Alternatively, the College will turn in any criminal that they are aware of who is a member of the College, and will help any investigations launched within reason against a member.

+ Any death or injury resulting from an accident whether it be mundane in nature or of a magical nature is grounds for investigation, and even expulsion if neglect was observed. Of course, not all accidents will lead to a punishment, as magic by its nature is volatile and dangerous in the wrong hands.

+ Any damage to the College's furnishings will be paid in full. These offenses can stack up enough to be kicked out. This will be the same for any damage to the College's structure, although, that is highly unlikely.

+ Any magical experiment gone awry must be reported immediately for it to be dealt with by instructors, guards, or whoever else of a higher position. Such as injuries, a death, or damage to the College's structure or furniture. Any conjured being that cannot be controlled must be reported immediately and with utmost urgency in order for it to be banished, contained, or slain.

+ Theft, burglary, or anything of the sort will result in College Guards to retaliate with force if the person in question does not comply with orders to stop and drop. Some acts of theft can be forgiven, however, if it seems to trespass the bounds of reason, they will be kicked out or expelled.

+ Common sense rules apply. Vexation, assault, etc. Are all punishable by the College and are all offenses that can lead to being kicked out.

The College for these offenses will also notify the holds or whatever governing body exists that the College of Winterhold has access to and deems necessary to notify.

{(5th. Rule)}
Proper Instruction
Members of the College of Winterhold, especially students are to follow the instructions of higher-ups, most notably the instructions from their instructors and above.

{(6th. Rule)}
Trespassing
College members are not to trespass any area where only those with express authority or permission are allowed. Namely, the Hall of Countenance and specific areas, such as the Archmage's quarters (unless for good reason,) and the Hall of Countenance, etc. (unless for good reason.)

{(Unofficial Comment of the College of Winterhold regarding the ban on Necromancy by the Mages Guild)}

"It is a foolish endeavor to prevent students from learning about necromancy. The Mages Guild was inept to think and proclaim it immoral so. They assumed themselves to be the paragon of the magical community.

Does a soldier think mercy and stop himself from killing another? Or do they justify it with the pretext of honor? The dead do not care about honor, the person you have slain cannot discern nor attribute that to anything. Just as magic can be used to bring destruction and suffering, should we remove that as well? Bumbling idiots of the Mages Guild, you invite trouble."
- Senior Conjuration Instructor of the College of Winterhold, giving his personal comment on the Necromancy Ban as of 3e 431

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