The Grand Fair

Taking advantage of the start of summer, it is time for the famed Magic and Machinery Fair in Koben. Every year this two-week event, the biggest of its kind in the Empire, attracts crowds of scholars, inventors, investors and the interested to Alva's technology capital with the promise of a peek at the cutting edge of science and magecraft - from clever toys to the next 'key to the future' discovery. A full schedule of demonstrations will exhibit the most exciting developments at several universities and squares. Traders of the rarest materials from all over the continent converge for an alchemist or inventor's dream market. The Wissen fellowship is at large, both running the show and scouting for new rising stars.

This year, the fall of the Tusa Scrying Tower hangs over the fair. It will be more frugal than previous years (though no less interesting), with much of the funds diverted to the recovery effort and several Tusar presenters understandably pulling out. The contingent from the Tusa Military Academy which did come are keen to collect donations for their nation. Communications technology is a new focus of interest, and scrying crystals are in high demand. Also of particular interest are guns, staves and other personal weapons, with the increasing danger of the times settled firmly in peoples' minds.

Features: Novel technology of all kinds, street food (both local and exotic), beer, excitable enthusiasts, deep pockets roaming the streets
Colours: Anything. Presenters often showcase the colours and emblems of their schools, institutions and/or nations