Avalonian Mage Expeditions
The origins of the Avalonian Mage Expeditions date back to First Contact with the Alfar in 1984 AE. After First Contact, Parliament approved a mission which was jointly drafted by both the Guild of Mages and the Republic Security Bureau to send a handful of mages into Lemuria to find the exact state of the Alfar Empire. The mission plan is drafted in late 1984 AE, but sits in Parliament for over a year before being approved. Master Wace Mindu, Master Carl-Von Vinn and Adept Tobius-Von Nobius are sent to Lemuria via the Skyship Jet Eye in late 1986 AE. The Jet Eye doesn't return until 1988 AE. Master Carl-Von Vinn would never see Avalon again. According to a report delivered by Master Tobius Von Nobius in 2085 AE, Master Carl-Von Vinn was killed after resisting arrest by the Alfar.
At the same time, the fledgling Avalonian Mage Expedition Institute is established within the College of Avalonian Magic as a training center for future mage operatives. Only the brightest and most powerful mages are accepted into the institute, training in the early 1990s and 2000s was conducted by Archmages. The early expeditions' objectives were simple: collect as much information as possible and avoid allowing the Alfar to learn any more about Avalonian Civilization than what they already knew. There was no clear doctrine or procedure laid out. Mages were expected to be quick-witted and creative. However, the small Institute made little headway until the return of Master Wace Mindu in 2104 AE. (See Excerpts from the Mu Report of Master Wace Mindus.) Master Mindu's report was as comprehensive as it was shocking. Despite the grim news the Master brought back, the fame and importance of the Institute and the Mage Expeditions skyrocketed overnight. Funding was increased by a magnitude and another expedition of three mage were sent out. Archivists, analysts and other specialists poured through the meticulous reports. Master Wace Mindu was quickly inducted into the Council of Archmages and became Archmage Wace Mindu. Furthermore, for the first time, new operatives would have first-hand experience to rely on in their training.
The Avalonian Mage Expeditions continued throughout 3,000 years of isolation. They were often the only Avalonian presence outside of Eastern Island. After the success of Archmage Minud's journey, dozens more volunteered. The size of mage expeditions increased to five mages and stayed at that number to the present day. In the intervening millenia, the Avalonian Mage Expedition Institute has cataloged reports by Mages made from every continent. Their goals became more refined over the millenia; in addition to learning more about the Alfar, they also created networks and relationships with local populations, kingdoms, and civilizations to create a network of safe-havens for other expeditionary mages. To the locals, they usually played the part of powerful wandering wizards who came and helped townsfolk out with various problems and inconveniences. The Avalonian Mage Expeditions would play a pivotal role in keeping up with Alfar technology and magical advances and they would be critical in allowing the Republic to keep track of political developments in the outside world. Through the expeditions, Avalon learned about the slow downfall of the Alfar Empire in the late 3000s and early 4000s and the blossoming of various new kingdoms from the ashes of the old empire. With the decline of the Alfar Empire, it seemed as if the Mage Expeditions would no longer be necessary; Avalon could after all, send envoys openly instead of secretly. In 5147 AE, however, fate intervened and another expeditionary mage entered into history.
In 5143 AE, while exploring the mountains of Thule, Master Veobulf discovered a motley, but powerful collection of mages and intellectuals. He made contact, slowly working his way into their society. Upon discovering their plans and ideals, he immediately sent news back in 5147 AE, informing Avalon of the "Necromancers". While Avalon would not consider the Necromancers a threat until 5152 AE, Veobulf was immediately suspicious. He escaped the Necromancers in 5153 AE, after learning that they had sent an expedition to the East. He arrived just in time after 5155 AE to help Avalon prepare defenses against the coming Necromancer army. Master Veobulf's contributions have been considered critical towards Avalon's survival of the 5161 Invasion by historians.
After the Necromatic War, Parliament decided that the mage expeditions need to be made. Even with the opening of Avalon towards the world and the abatement of the "Eternal Blizzard", the mages have transitioned slowly from spies to diplomats. With the planned diplomatic expedition by Prime Minister Philipus in 5300 AE, the expeditionary mages have been working feverishly to pave the way for smooth first contacts and diplomatic overtures.
For more information on Avalonian Mages and Magecraft, see Magecraft and Magic in Avalonian Republic.