Academy City Astrafora

The academy city where the story chiefly unfolds. Its name derives from "to pierce onward (forare) through the stars (astra)" — the drive toward the stars, toward the future. The name captures the city's character well: a place where cutting-edge magical research and people's dreams live side by side.

The city is laid out in concentric ring roads around the city hall, crisscrossed by canals. It does not face the sea, but a boat following the main canal downstream can reach it in about a day. Its citizens get around on foot, by carriage, and by the small boats that ply the waterways.

The City Streets

The residential and shopping districts are lined with half-timbered buildings whose wooden frames are deliberately exposed. Workshops for aspiring makers of magical devices, shops that sell their wares, and eateries and inns serving inventive cuisine cluster here.
Canals run through the city at regular intervals, while cobblestone streets decorated with flowerbeds and greenery maintain a warm, cohesive townscape. Citizens and students of Astrafora Magic Academy alike can often be seen taking away light meals to eat on benches along the streets and waterfront.

Central District

As one approaches the central heights, important buildings such as city hall and noble residences become more numerous. The Antiqua estate is among them.
These structures are built in a majestic Gothic style with spires and tall windows, allowing tradition and innovation to be seen side by side throughout the city.

Open-Air Market

An impromptu market is set up outside the city.
It bustles with young merchants not yet licensed to trade within the city and entrepreneurs seeking to launch innovative businesses. Academy researchers can also be seen here procuring bargain materials and tools.

The climate is temperate and maritime. Summers are cool and pleasant, but in the depths of winter the snow piles deep and outdoor activity becomes difficult.