The Institute for Higher Learning

[HyRune Raven]

OOC: Continued from The Ivory Wings Universitas.

Down the path that led between the Training Grounds and the Academy of Mind & Fire was a small brick building, newly constructed and looking as fresh as a new day. The small windows let light into the single room on either side of an oak door that bore the words Institute for Higher Learning: Clerk’s Office in large bold letters. It was here that one came to sign up for all classes that were of a scholarly nature; arcana and combat training were taught separately at the Academy of Mind and Fire and the Training Grounds, respectively.

The path continued past the Training Grounds to two much larger buildings--the first was the Old Schola and the second was the New Schola, and their appearances matched their names. The New Schola was the larger of the two as it contained a second floor, where the newly created School of the Philosophers met to discuss, question, and enlighten one another. The Old Schola and the ground floor of the New Schola were used for the teaching of all manner of academic pursuits, a list of which was presented for perusal in the clerk’s office.

In the office, a woman with brown hair and blue eyes was sitting writing something on paper. Whenever someone came to her she smiled and greeted them, "Serale. Did you come to learn?" The only strange thing about her was that she had a lot of manly features. Her shoulders were broad, her hair were short and her face was plump. Only her age was not too hard to guess, somewhere in her midpatterns of human age. Her name was Soffi and at least this name gave away the fact that she was indeed a woman and not a womanly looking man.

The classes and the fees for each level were listed on a large chalkboard behind Soffi's desk.

School of Science

Class	Novice	Apprentice	Journeyman
Physical Science	100	200	300
Medicine	100	200	300
Mathematics	100	200	300
Arcana Theory	100

School of Culture and Law

Class	Novice	Apprentice
Imperial History	100
Pre-Imperial History	100
Politics	100	300
Law	100	300
Cultural Studies of the Empire	100
Cultures of the Sea	100
Foreign Studies	100
Religion	100
Geography	100

School of Craft

Class	Novice	Apprentice	Journeyman
Carpentry	100	200	300
Woodcraft	100	200	300
Jewelcraft	100	300	500
Falconry	100	200	300
Gadgeteering	150	250	350
Locksmithing	100	200	300
Tracking	100	200	300
Herbalism	150	300	450
Shipbuilding	150	300	450
Sailing	100	200	300

School of Arts

Class	Novice	Apprentice	Journeyman
Stone-sculpting	150	300	450
Clay-sculpting	100	200	300
Drawing	100	200	300
Painting	100	200	300
Lute	100	200
Flute	100	200
Dancing	100
Theater	100

School of Languages
All language classes are 200 crowns. The following languages are available:

• Charismean (Jaedaxian)
• Nimâlni (Elven)
• Kemite
• Katta
• Fae'len (Fae)

School of the Philosophers
Introductory Philosophy: FREE.
Submission for Induction into the School of the Philosophers: 200 crowns.
Those interested in becoming a Philosopher of Demios must take the Introductory class BEFORE submitting a theory paper for induction.

Next to the Class List was a second poster:

Student Teaching Arrangements: At the discretion of the Headmaster, one may arrange to teach one level of a class as payment for enrolling in a higher level. No wages will be paid the teacher if such an arrangement is made--the class enrollment is the payment--and only one class may be taken in this manner for each class taught.

Diploma: In order to receive an Honorable Diploma from the Ivory Wings Universitas, one must complete the following classes:

• one class in the School of Science
• one class in the School of Culture and Law
• one class in the School of Craft
• one class in the School of Languages OR Arts
• three classes in any one School
• Introductory Philosophy

Room and Board: Students requiring room and board should inquire at The Universitas Dormitories.

(Written by HyRune Raven, approved by GM Selene, edited by GM Dragon and GM Whisper.)

[Magus Syfer]

Lunaria, Fifth Cycle, Melora, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Spring

Magus trailed along the path towards the clerk's office. The squat, newly-built establishment certainly merited little in way of architectural ingenuity. However, it served all the more to highlight the handsome oak door leading inside. The neatly embossed words were like a beacon unto the moths; moths that were scholars in disguise, for through this door were people able to access the vaults of knowledge otherwise locked in the highly acclaimed Institute for Higher Learning.

Magus rapped smartly on the oak door. After a few moments of polite waiting, Magus pushed the door inwards, and shuffled inside. The clerk, a frail specimen of humanity, peered at the newcomer in interest. He never bothered to open the door, since those who visited were bound to enter of their own volition anyway, so why bother expend energy needlessly. Efficiency and conservation were the key words.

Magus was interested in the newly-established Institute, ever since reading about it in the Herald. And since it was in Demios, he thought he might as well pay it a visit. After all, it was only a few minutes walk frm the academy of arcana, which he had already attended. Of course, he didn't really have a particular course in mind, so he nodded in greeting at the clerk and paused before the list of available course to browse for a moment.

Now, Magus was not stingy. Not by a long shot; but he was practical. If there was a free course on offer, who wouldn't jump at the offer. So when he read the section pertaining to the gratuitous course of Introductory Philosophy, naturally a gleam of interest entered his eyes. Free Introductory Philosophy... interesting. I'm not quite sure what philosophy is, but since it's free, I'm not one to pass up an opportunity, am I?

He approached the clerk's desk, whose spindly neck swivelled up to meet the mage's gaze.

"Serale, I am Magus and I wish to pursue the course of Introductory Philosophy. Since there any available positions in the class?"

"Certainly, sir. I shall put you down for Introductory Philosophy. May I see your Imperial visa, please. Ah, yes... everything seems to be in order. Here you go, sir. Let me see... you may join Lady Simone's philosophy class. It's in room 101, second floor of the New Schola building. It's the larger building of the two."

"Excellent. Thank you, mister clerk. I shall be off now."

And off Magus trotted, to his new class of Introductory Philosophy. (The cheapskate!!! Hey, no he's not!)

[Eilithyia Pareto]

5th Cycle in Melora
Spring of Era II

Walking into the building, Eilithyia’s eyes grew wide as she took in the lengthy list of classes offered at the Institute. Some of the subjects she had never even heard of! Reading through the list made her realize just how little she knew, in terms of skills as well as knowledge. Her geographic knowledge was limited to the Eunesian Isles and a bit of the Carmelyn area, sadly enough. History? What did she know of Allerian history? She barely kept up with current events, as it were. Speaking of which, was that Julos the Mad fellow still around? Eilithyia scratched her head as she tried to remember. Maybe taking a few of these other classes would be a good idea... when she had the crowns for it, at least.

Eventually giving up, she finished scanning the list, a smile lighting up her face when she saw the class that she was most interested in. Approaching the clerk, Eilithyia bobbed her head in friendly greeting. “Serale… I was looking to sign up for the basic class in sailing. Uh… under the School of Craft,” she added, checking the class list again. Eilithyia withdrew her Imperial Visa, just in case that needed to be checked, and her coin pouch, waiting for some confirmation before shelling out what little money she had.

[Minerva]

Eilithyia

The clerk craned his neck upwards to consider the young woman as he registered her request, nodding once in an overly vague manner as she told him of her wish to sign up for classes in sailing. The Institute had been relatively quiet over the past few brightenings, but Eilithyia’s words did little to surprise him now. Demios was predominantly a fishing community, after all, and the better part of its residents knew at least something when it came to matters of the sea, and sailing. That this girl wished to learn, too, was only a fleeting confirmation of the island’s seafaring nature.

“Sailing? Well, certainly. Let me just take a look at that there…”

Glancing briefly over the woman’s Imperial Visa, the man nodded pensively once again as he checked the respective details, mentally assuring himself that everything was good and legal, before looking up to address her once more.

“Everything looks good to me. The lessons themselves will cost you 200crowns, and will start in two brightening’s time. Your teacher will be…”

Fumbling about with an assortment of papers laid relatively neatly atop his desk, the clerk then spent a few moments reading through several of the sheets, before finally making to speak once again, his first word a seemingly delighted exclamation at the fact he had been able to find out the necessary information.

“Ah! Mistress Netanya. You’ll meet with her in classroom 5A, although I’d imagine you’d be spending most of your time down by the docks.”

Exuding a smile which barely touched his eyes, the man then waited, exhibiting an admirable degree of patience as he considered Eilithyia, expecting her to pay up for her lessons round about now.

OOC: If you would like your training to be GM-moderated, I’ll start a thread up for you once you’ve responded in here.

[Eilithyia Pareto]

Eilithyia waited, a bit fidgety, while the man checked over her visa and shuffled a few papers. Her gaze wandered over the room, trying to find something to hold her interest. One of her faults, she’d always thought, was a lack of patience. And maybe too much of a temper. And she could be a bit of a glutton, as well, and – actually, she had quite a few flaws, now that she thought about it…

While she mentally ran through a litany of her faults, the clerk continued to check through a few papers, before speaking again. Blinking, Eilithyia refocused on his words. Mistress Netanya, 5A, she repeated in her mind, making sure to remember it so she could find her class and properly greet her instructor.

Noting the expectant look on the clerk’s face, Eilithyia withdrew 200 crowns from her coin pouch and handed the money over to the man. The coin pouch was notably lighter after the transaction, making her a bit nervous. She still had another class to sign up for, and if that was as expensive… Well, she wouldn’t think about it now. Glad that registration for one class at least was done with, she beamed at the clerk and waved. “Well, thank you for your help. Serale!”

[Phoebe Verges]

TS:Brightening 33, Cryxatum, Summer of Era XI

With her satchel merrily bouncing off her hip, Phoebe walked through the doorway of the clerks office for the Institute of Higher Learning. It wasn’t her first foray into such a building, having sought to expand her horizons during a brief visit to Abestat – however there she hadn’t got any further than the front desk before changing her mind. Lately she had identified this fault of hers … changing her mind, moving on, backing out. It had to stop. She really couldn’t go on drifting like this otherwise she’d end up like that old drunk Hélène, with nothing to her name except a penchant for gambling and wasting her life away in the company of a gin bottle. It was an affectionate memory all the same as Phoebe recalled the Jaedaxienne regular at the Crow. She’d been friendly and had tipped the small waitress on a regular basis. Ah well…

The list of available courses was scrutinized intently by the half-elf. There was a slight disappointment that funeral services weren’t offered and Phoebe made an attempt to stifle that old obsession which had nearly brought her to grief in Port Constantine. All things come in good time Beatrice had told her once and she would just have to wait for the moment when she could begin a career as caretaker of bodies. Yet despite that disappointment there was also an awe at the number of courses that were available, many of which were unfamiliar to the girl.

Smiling up at the clerk, Phoebe ran her finger up and down the list. “Serale,” she said with a bright grin. “Can you tell me wot alchemy is? And gadgeteering? And locksmithing… shipwrighting … and philosophy?” Her smile was unwavering as she looked at the clerk with clear violet eyes. Don’t forget your manners, Phoebe… “Please!”

[Hoplites]

Through the oaken doors which bore the blatant words that indicated the existence of this office, Phoebe had no trouble in finding where the clerk was, conveniently placed in a very apparent part of the office. The clerk stared expectantly at the half-Elven, the bouncing satchel providing a queer sort of distraction. Watching as she placed her eyes over the list of courses available, the clerk quickly returned to the quill and book upon the table, scribbling some random information on names and date down, before finally finding Phoebe in front of the desk, inquiring about information upon the courses. Unfortunately for the clerk, Phoebe's request came in an unusually long chain of quick succession. At a slight loss for a short moment, as his eyes blinked in a short-lived confusion, before he gathered himself and endeavoured to answer each question correctly...

"Oh er... Serale..." He mumbled somewhat weakly at first. "Um, let's see... You said alchemy first, yes? It is learning about properties of materials - metal, acids and alka...-lines in particular, and mixing ingredients to make new things... Potions in particular. Oh, and... And gadgeteering... Making tricks, toys and mechanical things... You know, like clocks - they are such complicated mechanisms, honestly..." He furrowed his brows a little bit, straining his mind to remember what came next. "Um... Oh, and locksmithing - understanding locks and making them, really. Shipwrighting is the making and crafting of ships... And... The last one was philosophy right?" He asked rhetorically.

"Oh, and philosophy is more difficult to explain, really... A bit like thinking about everything around you, life, concepts, ideas and all that. Well, I hope that cleared everything up for you...?" The last part was trailed off slightly uncertainly. He knew he was not making a very good job out of this...

[Phoebe Verges]

“Oh, right,” Phoebe answered when the explanation was finished, and then looked down at the list again to ponder her choices. Alchemy seemed like fun with the making of potions, as did the gadgeteering, yet her mind was a wee bit befuddled with so many options. Philosophy may have done her some good, for thinking was something that she needed to do more of, at least to the extent that she needed to often think before she spoke. Her head tilted from one side to another as she hummed and hahed, the words threatening to jumble before her eyes.

“Right-o, I’ll like to have a stab at painting and drawing,” she suddenly said, a snap decision crystallising in her mind. “One hundred crowns, eh?”

The fumbling with the buckle of the satchel was followed by a hundred crown note being placed on the counter, the corners of the note rather curled and a greasy stain from a chicken leg long since eaten edging the valuable item. Yet Phoebe was happy. She’d made a decision and figured that messing around with paint could be fun. Then just to undo all the good work in making that decision, her eyes rested near the top of the list. “Oooh, hold on. What’s medicine? Is that like herbs and what not, or is it more dealing with cuts and stab wounds?”

[Hoplites]

The clerk could see the obvious ambivalence in the half-Elf's decision-making. After all, to someone who had not a specific subject in mind to take, it was without a doubt that the myriad of options available was fully capable of confusing a soul such as she as to which was the best to take. With only a finite amount of Crowns to dispense, it was sure as Aetheria that anyone with some semblence of sense would not like to make the wrong decision here, not right now. The poor clerk looked as the young Phoebe juggled with potential words within the confines of her mouth, his own lips supressed from further movements as he awaited for a decision to be made -

Ah, a decision...

"Yes, indeed - one hundred Crowns for drawing and painting, miss," he said in an enthusiastic tone, as his orbs guiding his peripheral vision focused upon hand, a hundred-Crown note being placed upon the counter. His hand beginning to stretch out, as he voiced the next procedure, "And may -"

Only he found himself interrupted with another question. No matter... His job was the clerk, after all, and he was obliged to answer them... Of course, however, the question began surfacing within his mental complex as to whether this girl could make up her mind...

"Oh... Medicine, um... Yes, it is more to do with herbs and natural ingredients. I think you would touch briefly on cuts too, on applying medicine to certain wounds, miss, but I don't think you'll learn how to treat the wound itself, you know, stopping bleeding and all that... I think that should be healing."

Restoring a smile upon his face, the clerk looked up once more, expectantly, hoping that Phoebe could make up her mind and he would be able to ask of her name to take down for a lesson...

[Phoebe Verges]

“Oh?” Phoebe replied, cocking her head to one side as she gazed at the poor clerk. “I see. That sounds kinda interesting,” she replied pondering her options again. By now her eyes had scaled the lists so many times that there was a familiarity with the courses on offer so it didn’t take long to find the other course which sounded similar in nature to medicine. “Okay so let’s say I’m thinking of learning about herbs and that … there’s also this course here called Herbalism,” she said stabbing her finger at the course title under the School of Craft. “Now this one’s more expensive than that one so is that because this Medicine course only focuses on herbs what heal, while this Herbalism course has a bigger range of herbs what are looked at? Or is there another reason?”

Ah, so the half-elf could think after all. Whether this was a relief to the clerk or not was probably doubtful, but finally Phoebe was beginning to follow some vague train of thought in her mind about becoming Someone who know about Herbs. And fixing the clerk with her violet eyes, she grinned.

[Hoplites]

OOC: Sorry for the delay...

IC:

The clerk knew better than endeavour to anticipate and hand-over of Crowns from Phoebe by now - he could see her peripheral vision were still gazing upon the board that had contained all the courses on offer and their relative prices. At least, as his own eyes scanned over Phoebe's ones, he could conclude she was not the most indecisive of customers when it came to course offerings. The number of times he had to explain to some of those people who had not a single clue what "Engineering" does or "Gadgeteering" entails, and, Ioannes' forbid, never even heard of "Alchemy"! Joyous life for the poor, poor clerk...

Indeed, at least the female half-Elven presented queries which were more intelligent and, to a certian extent, challenging to answer. Not a single person in his memory had to date asked that very question which Phoebe had decided to pose to him, and in the end, as it was his job... He was happy to answer it.

"Ah... Herbalism," he turned, glancing at the board and upon the word under the heading of School of Craft for a brief moment, before turning back to her, "You're very much correct... Medicine uses herbs to heal - as well as certain other things such as certain parts of animals, for example - whilst Herbalism concentrates solely upon herbs, their properties and how they can be used. It also teaches..." Hesitating for a short moment to grasp for the correct word, he fell quickly back into his utterance, "Uh, how to prepare herbs, which can be eaten, which are poisonous, and so on."

Looking at that grin with enough cordiality upon his face, he still inwardly hoped she was sincerely here to actually take a course... Perhaps a small request in the rise in wages for his work was in order...

[Phoebe Verges]

It would be fair to say that the word which caught the half-elf's attention most during the clerk's reply was 'poisonous'. She raised her eyebrows sharply and looked back down at the list, her mind racing. Poisons sounded interesting. Sure, herbs which healed and so on were interesting too, but poisons ... A decision was made and another note worth fifty crowns was added to that already given.

"Right, Herbalism it is then. When would it start, how much time will it take in a brightening and how long's the whole course? And do I have to buy anything before it begins.. equipment like? My name's Phoebe Verges and I'm living at the Leap of Faith for now."

If the clerk hesitated to take her name in case the half-elf changed her mind again, no one would blame him, but she looked so positive, so 'mind-made-up' certain with her violet eyes fixing on the clerk's with unblinking fervour, that perhaps it really was true that she had come to a final decision.

[Hoplites]

Thank goodness, at last...

Doubtless were the sentiments which flowed through the clerk's mind at the moment in time - it finally seemed as if the half-Elven had made her mind up, alleviating what had seemed to him to be a lifetime's work of listening to questions about subjects and providing the best explanation he was capable of just a moment ago. A more cordial smile appearing upon his face as a symmetrical curve of his lips, he gave one nod of acknowledgement to Phoebe, before turning to his book and quill, and began scribing legible lexicon upon the tome which bore records of students, teachers and subjects taken or taught. In the end, however, it seemed to be worth all the work (if no one else, at least according to the clerk) - he had just managed to bring in an extra revenue of fifty Crowns for the Academy. Perhaps, it was time to think about promotions or an increase in wage...

But, darn it - the job immediately ahead of him came first.

"Er... It depends on you, really, Miss Verges," he explained whilst scribing the word "Herbalism" and "Phoebe Verges" down upon the tome, "we have... A slot availble for two brightenings later, three candlemarks after noon... Or five brightenigns later, four candlemarks after dawn. Both are really good times, I would think. Your teacher should be... Miss Cadaea. She's very good at this subject, mind you." He gave her a reassuring smile, before the professor's surname was added into the book.

One hand taking all the required sum, the one hundred and fifty crowns, the last part of her queries were satisfied. "Finally, it will depend on your progress - it may take a Cycle at least, I should say, but two Cycles are not unheard of as well. Also, you wouldn't need equipments for now - you will be learning about herbs and their properties, and in due time, mortar and pestle would be provided to you by the Academy." He gave her one more friendly nod of no particular meaning. "Have fun with the course."