The Legacy of
The Silvermoon Academy
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself."
- John Dewey Two thousand years ago, the High Elves of Quel'thalas founded an establishment dedicated to the preservation and education of the Arcane arts. Only the most prestigious and wealthy magister families could send their kindred to the school; the graduating classes were hailed as the 'best and brightest' of future arcanists. Many of them went on to join the ranks of the Kirin Tor. Others set out to bestow their knowledge of magecraft to other races. The seeds of knowledge had begun to germinate.
As Azeroth changed, so too did the school. What began as a college dedicated only to the advancement of wealthy magic-wielders soon became a haven for all intellectuals. It was not long before a College of Law and a College of Science and Medicine came into existence within the academy. The flourishing renaissance of Elven influence among Dwarven and Human races lead to the creation of a College of Fine Arts. And, though relative peace had settled on Quel'thalas, the famed Knights of Silvermoon established their military College of Arms beside the stalwart College of Magistry.
Shortly after the events of the Second War, headmaster Dirdan Sunsail -- son of a long legacy of Sunsail leadership within the school -- retired from his post. He acknowledged his retirement as being bidden by "a desire to see the world before it is destroyed," and thus he put aside his robes for travelling gear. But an unlikely event occurred -- hundreds of his loyal students withdrew from the academy to follow him on his journeys. The Academy deans, not wanting to lose so many valuable pupils (and their tuition), quickly founded a exploration-based college and named Sunsail the official chancellor. The Sunsail Expeditionary League was founded, and the mobile campus became a haven for students stricken with wanderlust. In time, the Sunsail League attracted the interest of explorers, mercenaries, archaelogists, expeditionaries, and travelers from around the planet. They became the Academy's leader in field research and exploration.
Yet the Silvermoon Academy's history was not always so bright. As with any center of knowledge and education, conflicts were high within the schools. Political and religious views constantly clashed; prejudices heightened, and it was decreed that no race other than Quel'dorei would ever be allowed to study at the Academy.
And then, the Third War came.
Arthas Menethil's destruction of Quel'thalas left the Academy in shambles. It was completely destroyed; many escaped, but the buildings were in shambles. The corruption of the Sunwell tore the elves apart. It seemed that all of Silvermoon, and the Academy with it, were doomed.
But as Kael'thas Sunstrider -- and later Lor'themar Theron -- rebuilt the ravaged nation, the Academy too began to rise. It remained closed as the Blood Elves were reborn, taking hold of their capital and ancestral lands. Two years after the departure of the Prince and the tyranny of his betrayal, the Silvermoon Academy and its colleges began to stir. As autumn began to touch Azeroth -- as the Argent Tournament roared in Northrend, as Ulduar groaned in its snowy depths, as the Lich King began to summon forth his last stand against all existence -- Chancellor Saman'thiel Duskflame opened the Academy doors, and bid the crowds welcome ...
