The Wise Quarter’s streets perpetually buzz with excitement over the most recently published dissertations, academic journal articles, and political back- room dealings. This district, where Absalom’s government and dozens of academic institutions took root, is defined by civic intrigue and institutional learning. The Grand Council Hall often teems with scribes, pages, and lobbyists looking to bend the ear of a Grand Councilor. Nearby businesses cater to politicians’ needs and often adjust their hours based on when the Council is in session. Even some of the boarding schools and institutions of higher learning near the Hall focus on political structures, strategies, and conventions.

However, most of the academic institutions stay far to the west of the governmental buildings where the streets are generally quieter and less prone to marches and rallies. Several all-night tea houses, bookstores, and libraries operate near the various academies, and nearby residences often include furnished apartments or dormitory-style accommodations. Students commonly share rides to the Ivy District to see a show or attend parties. Transportation services in this area are not cheap, but are generally priced so that multiple passengers can share a fee and provide plenty of roomy accommodation.

The academic jewel of the district is the Arcanamirium, one of Absalom’s oldest institutions of arcane learning. Its high towers are a landmark for many travelers on the ground, and its thick outer wall marks the edge of the school and firmly establishes its presence in the district. The school’s fees are expensive and scholarships are rare, so many students work while attending classes in order to keep up with tuition payments. This means low-level magical services are plentiful and accessible within the district, and a few “mage-brokers” have established themselves as agents for those who offer magical services.