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Tell me, my young friend, is Mattikan the Mage still in Trinsic? I thought of him often these last few weeks, and the haughty way he would lift an eyebrow when one of his students showed ignorance as to the proper use of battle magic in the field. Not the most popular man in town, I fear, but I have found that may not be entirely his fault. I have recently been to Moonglow, his city of origin, and the entire populace is as like to him as leaves on a bush to each other. Their only thoughts are of study and knowledge ... all else is beneath their notice.
It was not, really, an unpleasant experience; my tutelage under Mattikan taught me well how to deal with such serious scholars. Moreover, it is a wild and beautiful island, since the mages would far rather study than tend to crops or shops. At first I thought they would eschew any technological "gadgets," but apparently they use technology as a way of reducing mundane work so they can further explore the arcane. Indeed, every labor-saving device I have ever heard of is in common use in Moonglow. Although they do not produce their own goods, I know that they take a quick interest in any unusual thing brought from the outside. They'll tinker with a new item the way a dog worries a bone, and won't sleep until they understand how everything works. They will not fix it if it breaks, but it is a matter of pride to them that they could if they wished. Most of the study takes place at the Lycaeum, which seems to be part university and part command headquarters. Sorcery, enchantment and alchemy are everywhere in evidence, and I doubt not that in some dark basement there may be necromancy at work. Indeed, it is true that most of the realm's research into new magic originates from within the Lycaeum walls. The ether is so strong that it can be felt hanging in the air like a miasma. After one notable explosion, it was so thick that I choked on it and could not stop coughing. If it seems that I do not have respect for the people of Moonglow, let me correct myself. The people are fanatic, yes, and not inclined to be friendly, but they are more than helpful in all things academic and arcane. Some say they have too much freedom, but I think they earn it. They eagerly share their knowledge with the rest of the realm, asking no remuneration or recognition. They do have a strong air of superiority, but I can see that they have given themselves a fair claim to it - and as long as they stay on their eastern island of Verity, I am satisfied all is for the best. Your friend, Garreth |
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