The Mercurius Maximus University of the Nine Spheres is a higher-learning institution located in the affluent Corona Heights neighborhood dedicated to the study of the nine spheres of reality. Mages from all over the world come to study their craft here, all in the pursuit of knowledge. There are technically ten schools (one for each sphere of magic) within the University, though the tenth does not accept any students and is solely dedicated to the research of the illusive Tenth Sphere. Founded thirty years ago by the headmaster Morgan Grimhild, the University is funded primarily by the Council of Nine Traditions and other wealthy Archmage donors, and is a hub for magical innovation. Many Councilmembers sit on the University board, and some even teach classes within their respective schools. The University is the second newest faction, but has still cemented itself in the Awakened community of San Francisco as an integral part of the workings of the city. They have publicly allied themselves with the Camarilla via the recognition of Prince Dante Costello as the Prince of San Fransisco, the only faction so far to have done so.

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Though magic is permitted to be used on-grounds, the Masquerade is strictly upheld by students off-grounds. Masquerade breaches are grounds for expulsion and, depending on the infraction, a summoning before the Council. Masquerade breaches have been noticeably fewer in recent years after the installation of the Umbral Engine in the Main Hall’s basement. This Engine acts as a magical shield to deter Masquerade breaches and ensure that Sleepers are not privy to the goings-on of the Awakened part of the city. However, it is not foolproof, and large displays of magic are known to slip through the Engine. Fae magic in particular is prone to bypassing the Engine’s protections, much to the frustration of the University and the Council. Naturally, this puts them at odds with the Free Folk.

The University has become the hub of research into the Tenth Sphere since its inception, and has only grown since the announcement of the Tenth Throne in Concordia and the subsequent competition and race to discover the Tenth Sphere and claim the Throne. Whomever can provide evidence and proof of the Tenth Sphere will be given the seat of the Sphere, as decreed by the Council. Legend says that the Tenth Throne will chose the person who finds the true nature of the sphere, and the Tenth Department is hard at work trying to discover it. The head of the Tenth Department, professor Felix Cavendish, posits his theory that the Tenth Sphere is actually the far magic that makes up both the Golden Gateway and the Hedge itself. The jury is still out on that one.