Berryn Falls is an idyllic town. With a romantic waterfall to the south, and icy caves in the north, it has everything to please everyone. Situated miles away from everywhere else, it is totally self-sufficient, and proud of itself.

The townspeople aren’t people that hate outsiders, either – well, most of them aren’t, anyway. They like knowing that outsiders want to come and live there. It proves that Berryn Falls is the best place to be, doesn’t it?

Even though the town centre itself is much bigger than you would expect, politics is bizarre. The Academy – a place that brings together a high school, college and university all together – runs the town. The headmaster is the head of the town council, and the Professors are the most respected people in town. With some exceptions, of course.

The students all mix, too. With special accommodation away from their parents, it’s a home from home. And it’s good to see 11 to 25 year olds all working together, creating community spirit.

What’s so special about Berryn Falls, though? With the advent of Dust, humans have been affected more and more by that magical, unknown particle. As well as each person having their daemon – an animal form that represents their soul – with them, they also each have an individual power. It’s all normal, of course. And there are late bloomers. But Berryn Falls is the best place to be, as there is still a little prejudice to large communities that haven’t evolved magic of their own from Dust.

So, you and your daemon are welcome to Berryn Falls, and the Academy, whatever age you are or what you do. Headmaster Alcander can’t wait to help you settle in. After that… well, school and community life is far from perfect, even if the setting is…