Shénwēi
Shénwēi, commonly known as the Shellifate, is the largest school of magic on Earth. It is known to produce the most skilled artificers ever to have walked the Earth.
Location
Shénwēi is located in the enchanting province of Yunnan in southwestern China. Yunnan is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural diversity, and strong connection to ancient folklore and legends, making it the ideal location for the school, which is built into the fossilized shell of the giant tortoise Tiāngū.
The Ancient Tortoise
Around 100,000 years ago (exact accounts do not exist), a mountain-sized tortoise roamed Asia. It was known as Yuánshī (元师), meaning "First Teacher".
The name Shénwēi (神龟) translates to "Divine Tortoise". It is said that, at some point, Xiānshī discovered Yunnan and, moved by the beauty of the land, settled down and began to cry. Its tears filled a lake where humans eventually settled, and Yuánshī taught them the first magic. It was, and still is, reverred by Chinese witches and wizards for its connection to the mystical forces of the Earth, and its long life, and said to be linked to the very fabric of magic. Many believe that the spirit of Xiānshī still resides within Shénwēi, imparting its wisdom onto everyone who studies within the school. When Xiānshī eventually died, its body supposedly turned to stone instantly.
History
When Yuánshī was still alive, witches and wizards had gathered to live on its massive shell to share their knowledge and learn from the ancient tortoise. After its death, they remained on what was called Shī Island (Shī Dǎo, 师岛) back then. Eventually they discovered that the shell was hollow. They ventured into the body of Yuánshī and began to construct what would later become Shénwēi.
Centuries passed, and the magical community continued to flourish within the sacred shell of Yuánshī. The once humble gathering spot evolved into a magnificent magic school known as Shénwēi, named in honor of the great tortoise's divine teachings. As more knowledge and magical practices were passed down through generations, Shénwēi gained fame as a renowned institution for magical learning in the region.
During the era of the powerful sorceress Lóng Mèng, Shénwēi experienced a golden age of magical exploration and discovery. Lóng Mèng was instrumental in expanding the school's curriculum, incorporating diverse magical arts and delving into ancient arcane texts. She led expeditions into the vast terrains of Yunnan, unearthing long-forgotten magical relics and uncovering hidden mysteries of Yuánshī's legacy.
Over the centuries, the lake around Shī Island gradually dried up, leaving the giant tortoise's fossilized remains perched on a lush plateau, encircled by a vast forest. Now known as Shénwēi Mountain (Shénwēi Shān, 神威山), the school had become a beacon of magical learning, attracting talented witches and wizards from far and wide, eager to harness the secrets of Xiānshī and deepen their understanding of magic.
However, as the magical world thrived, it faced occasional challenges. Some of the more ambitious wizards sought to wield the ancient powers for their own gain, causing internal disputes and conflicts within the school's walls. Yet, the ancient spirit of Yuánshī still seemed to watch over its beloved home, for each time the school faced such turmoil, unity and harmony were eventually restored, guided by the wisdom of its past.
Shénwēi continued to evolve and adapt over the millennia, incorporating new magical disciplines and pioneering innovative approaches to spellcasting. It stood as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and the shared commitment of wizards to protect the world from dark forces.
In modern times, the magical community still gathers at Shénwēi to share wisdom, learn new spells, and strengthen their bonds as fellow practitioners. The giant tortoise's fossilized shell serves as both a magical center of learning and a symbol of reverence for the origins of magic in the mystical realm of Yunnan.