The Cosmologists

Description: The Cosmologists are an organization of powerful magic users who use their considerable influence to further their own research. They are almost always involved in some of the most amazing magical breakthroughs in the world. Their dedication to advance and progress is fanatical, however, and they rarely consider the kind of impact their discoveries may have-and woe to those who stand between them and their research. They are based in the Ivory Tower, located on a small psychic island off the East coast of the fire continent, one of the greatest centers for magical research in the world. The Ivory Tower itself is an impressive structure, accessible only by flying or teleportation. It is not really made out of ivory, but of marble, of which it would be difficult to find one brick that didn't have some defensive magic placed upon it. It was designed to be so difficult to reach so that a military assault on it would be extremely costly-the Cosmologists are often accused of making controversial and conflicting (to say the least) political alliances in order to gain funds for research. Within this heavily enchanted tower are numerous magical miracles, not to mention some of the most exclusive education available only to the most magically gifted children of the richest nobles. Such education is nearly militaristic.
The Cosmologists are known for being cold and sometimes cruel to the rest of the world, while maintaining a warm and nearly jolly atmosphere among their own ranks. It is common practice for Cosmologists to call one another ‘Brother’ or ‘Sister’.
The Cosmologists actually accept anyone of magical talent who have proven themselves through research into their organization-whether or not they’re actual Cosmologists.

Ideology: Unrestricted magical research

Leader: Belial Terrasin

History: Founded in 26 B.R. by the legendary mage Fah’Dell, the Cosmologists were a relatively small group of magic users, pushing the envelope in magical research. They originally dove into the secrets of the planes and the various other worlds. Their ranks swelled and funding increased in leaps and bounds, however, during the massive push for high-end magical weapons by the Elven Empire and Rein’s forces before the Great War, during which the Cosmologists expanded their research into anything magical. In 11 B.R., mere months before the Great War broke out, the Ivory Tower was built.
Fah’Dell, seeing Rein’s evil, declared that their organization should pull all their support from Rein’s forces, despite the hit their research fund would take. Belial Terrasin, a brilliant cosmologist, protested this, saying now that the Ivory Tower was built, they no longer had to worry about the political ramifications of their conflicting alliances. Fah’Dell insisted, however, that they exercise a bit of morality in this instance. Belial, furious over this, forced Fah’Dell out of his own organization, claiming leadership-to the approval of most Cosmologists. He renewed relations with Rein and worked with him throughout the war, though never personally. Rein, recognizing a mutually beneficial relationship when he saw one, never protested that the Cosmologists also sold technology to the Elves-instead, he simply consistently offered more money than they did. With these funds, Belial achieved a sort of eternal life without having to resort to becoming a Lich-the technique he used is still shrouded in mystery.
After the Great War, the episode of uneasy peace that settled over the world was not especially beneficial to the Cosmologists. There is no great desire for advanced magic during times of peace. They used shadowy political dealings and magical influence to fracture and cause war between many kingdoms, which then funded the Cosmologists for some of their magical research. They have continued like this-dabbling into political machinations to cause war to further their research-to the present day.