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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Electric Wizard" data-source="post: 6157332" data-attributes="member: 83982">The Silverlings of JahurJahur's Imperial Academy of Thaumaturgy, once a beacon of pride that cultivated the Shrouded Lands' most learned sages and wizards, is now a shabby haven of quackery that shames Jahuris nearly as much as their accordion-loving bucket kelp addicts. The staff consists of many astrologers, alchemists and hexers, but few true magic users. Graduates often have only a charm or two, and the occasional mutation, to show for their years of study. A sad number of these mediocre, bohemian alumni turn to criminal enterprises when they are unable to find apprenticeships.Tafud Moongrey, the half-elven headmaster who frequents the Dead Fish, drove his school's reputation into the ground when he introduced high quantities of quicksilver to cut corners in potion-making. Quicksilver emulsifies certain magical potions, but in significant concentrations, it causes unstable reactions. Those who drank these unstable potions either died or became mentally and physically twisted for life. All "silverlings", as the victims are called, share silver pigmentation of their skin, eyes or hair. They cling together in abandoned buildings and tunnels. A sane minority hustle, beg or steal for a living. Many of the latter silverlings act with an aloofness to their lunatic relatives that would make a Viceroy raise an eyebrow.Connections-Some silverlings are rank-and-file footpads, burglars and leg-breakers in the thieves' guild.-Bucket kelp gives some silverlings psychic abilities. It gives others torturous stomach cramps and terrifying hallucinations.-The Doge desires a silverling advisor, and will reward any who can bring him one with a degree of sanity. Why?Hooks-Tell me about some alumni of this seedy school.-What mutations do some students develop?-What reprocussions is Tafud Moongrey facing for his negligence?-Unscrupulous alchemists use silverling body parts in their forumulae.-The priests of Iano are reaching out to silverlings, with varying success.-Silverlings are migrating north in ragged bands, searching for better lives. Some have fallen in with the dwarves of the Burning Lands, where they often are forced into menial labor.</blockquote>

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