Their studies were surprisingly well developed, consisting of writing, history, mathematics, philosophy, and arcane methodology. The magi had conducted education as a chief goal of their continued prosperity and prominence, promoting magic use among the newest generation. But such goals were facing issues as the population grew and the tightness of bonds loosen slightly. Though there was not yet open factionalism within the councils of the magisters, it was clear that the fate of the Eleskar was no longer over internal issues. There was a crossroads between idealistic conservatives who wanted pacifism and an insulated culture, and more imperialist notions of the new magi. After all, the Eleskar were now free to trade openly down the Arkor, with Machaka and the Riverlands without risk of attack from marauders. This new security would facilitate an outward facing view.
The Grand Magister agreed with this prerogative, and sent the now re-supplied Kelskar on their next expeditions. They had a goal that was unlike their forbearers, issued from a Magistrate that had a different view from the old. They would seek peoples to uplift, to impress so thoroughly with their prosperity that to not join their patrimony would seem foolish. The Magistrate would likewise begin to investigate and expound upon the resources within their grasp in order to further provide for their people. The secret revelations of precious metals abundant in the Eleskar's lands further amplified the perspective that members of the Magistrate had that future trade would be conducted with thier coinage.
For now the Almakar would muster to vanquish the last of the nearby barbarians, to prepare to crush the last obstacles to their security. It was something that would allow for the coming years to be ones of expansion and exploration in earnest, as the magi strove ever forward in the pursuit of new methods of demonstrating their control over the world. Rumors coming from the south spoke of a great empire far away, one which could dwarf any of the city states that the Eleskar currently knew. The men and women of the north can only hope that the brave warriors they had fought beside before could muster themselves against a greater foe, even after their crippling losses.