• Location • The Viden Academy

[Whisper]

The Viden Academy

The centre of the ice fortress of the North, The Viden Academy is thought of as the most important structure in the city, housing all of the institutes of tertiary education, as well as well as facilities for primary and secondary education. Unknown to all except those with the highest clearance, the Academy contains the Facility for Retrospective Analysis - a series of research laboratories stretching five floors under the Academy, designated specifically for the investigation into the causes of the Great Shattering.

Envisaged by Yvithia since the beginnings of her city, The Academy has a history almost as long as Viden's own. Amongst the first of the proletariat, academics began to appear, guided by the Immortal of Intelligence herself. Yvithia's drive - as well as the support of her grateful citizens - created the beginnings of what would one day be the envy of every city in Idalos. Other Immortals, those allied to Yvithia, offered their support: especially Ziell (of Winter) in the design of the city, allowing Yvithia to focus on her interests; and Treid (of Ice and Knowledge) in the culmination of information in creating the Atheneum.

In order to ensure the survival of the city, the first subjects taught were entirely focused on applied, practical skills, which supported Viden's first citizens and built upon the skills they had already learnt through living in the harsh climates of the north. As generations passed through the city, and Viden flourished, the Academy began to introduce subjects of a more academic nature. The arts, sciences, languages and humanities grew, until the most recent discipline of arcana, which was introduced approximately two decades ago.

As a hard rule, all registered citizens of Viden are rather well educated, and all visitors to the city (save the occasional hunter or travelling merchant) also have a high level of learning. Indeed, not being moderately educated can result in being ostracised in society. The influence of the Academy is very tangible in everyday life so much so that all slaves even receive a basic education in the way of literacy and numeracy, given at any age. For all children born free within the city, they will receive this same basic education, but will receive further education which is compulsory, with the aim of giving them a strong foundation in history (specifically of Viden, bot generally of Idalos as a whole), science, arts and geography. All of this education is free. For children with full citizenship, their education is free up until the age of eleven for humans and sixteen for eídisi.

For children, once they have completed their compulsory education, most go to learn trade skills following in the footsteps of their parents. Only those who come from the more affluent families can afford higher levels of education are encouraged for those who can afford it, indeed it is often a sign of status to be able to receive an award from the University in a particular field of study. While common folks often focus more on what is practical the wealthy either pursue more intellectual interests or send their children to be educated in a more refined manner. For current, highly-esteemed academics, there is the option of reduced fees for continued study for their children.

As of the 1st Day of Cylus, 717th Arc, The Viden Academy expanded its horizons and opened its first satellite institution: the Scalvoris Campus!

Contents:

• Linkmap of The Academy
• Academy Structure
• Types of Qualification
• Rules (IC and OOC)

[Whisper]

Linkmap

1. The Facility for Retrospective Analysis - Known only to a select few, here experiments are carried out on living subjects for the sake of science.
1.The Prime Atheneum - Possibly the largest library in Idalos, here students and visitors alike can find information on any subject they desire.
The Seekers' Hideaway - The hidden facility of the Northern Cell of the faction of Seekers.
6.The South Apothecary - Supplied by the Infirmary for all your medical needs.
Tertiary Accommodation - Lodgings for students of the Viden Academy
1.The Viden Academy - The most respectable academic institution in Idalos, the Academy caters for all levels up to tertiary education in a great number of subjects.
The Azure Wing - Institute of Arts
The Caesious Wing - Institute of Languages and Humanities
The Cerulean Wing - Institute of Technology
The Griseous Wing - Institute of Arcana
The Perse Wing - Primary Education
The Sapphire Wing - Secondary Education
The Viridian Wing - Institute of Science
1.The Viden Academy Fitness Centre - Located on the Academy's grounds, the Fitness Centre is a way for Academy students and staff, Videnese citizens and visitors to hone their bodies.
6.The Viden Infirmary - For all your healthcare needs.

[Whisper]

Structure of Education

The education offered in Viden is beyond compare. It is there one pride, knowing that every citizen, including slaves, are literate. Most are not considered to be academics, because the title of scholar is reserved for only the highly trained or educated, but many would be considered as such by outsiders.

Primary Education

This level of education is compulsory for all living in the city, including and slaves brought in as adults. It consists of considerably basic teaching: literacy and numeracy. Every child born of the city, and every slave working here, will be taught how to read, write and count. Thus, it is assumed that they are able to think for themselves, and be a functioning and valuable member of society. Slaves are entitled to receive this education at any age, depending on when they are brought to the city, and there is no time limit on how long it will take them to reach this level.

For children born in Viden, education starts as young as six years old, though it varies depending on racial background. It varies from child to child, but on average children are expected to have to spend about than four years in primary education. Elevation between educational levels is based entirely on academic achievement, rather than age.

Secondary Education

For any freeborn children of Viden, Secondary Education is also compulsory (and free). It consists of a further education, with the aim of giving them a strong foundation in history (specifically of Viden, but generally of Idalos as a whole), science and geography. A brief selection of arts is also on offer, though some do not rate it as highly as the sciences, thus it is not as structured. Here, the more gifted (those slated to continue in academia further down the line) are also taught subjects to aid them in critical thinking for futures in research. These select few might also be exposed to philosophy, where there is a distinct level of indoctrination into Yvithia's own personal beliefs, particularly with regard to her views on other Immortals and her theories on the Great Shattering. For children, their education is free up until the age of fourteen for humans and nineteen for eídisi.

Tertiary Education

Institute of Arcana

The Institute of Arcana is the smallest of the educational branches in the Viden Academy. Its main purpose is to provide a safe and stable learning environment to those whose interests are geared towards the arcane. Due to its stance on safety above all else, there are certain arcane disciplines which are considered to be taboo and practice of these arts will lead to expulsion from the Academy at the best and exile from the city entirely at the worst. The education of most arcane arts is theoretical with only those who truly excel being permitted to practice practical applications.

The Northern Cell of the Faction of Seekers is housed within the Institute of Arcana, and an Inquisitor of the faction acts as a deputy dean. This Institution is renowned, specifically for being the most secretive, and jealously guards its knowledge against the unworthy. Its rules are extremely rigid and unyielding and the Dean is known for being unmoving in his stance of safety being paramount. As restrictive as the College is, one will be hard pressed to find a more safe and cautious environment for this specific learning... it takes an immense amount of effort to be trusted enough to be accepted as a student of the arcane, but those who do will find their efforts rewarded with unimaginable amounts of knowledge.

Institute of Arts

The courses offered by the Institute of Arts are naturally all rather scholarly, and reflect the desire to spread enlightened knowledge. These courses are all very in depth and seek to explore the more philosophical aspects of life. Though skills such as critical thinking (which is almost taught through osmosis by taking a course offered by these departments) are highly valued by Yvithia, the influence of Aeva has rubbed off on the Academy, and the qualifications received from this Institute are not as highly regarded as those from others. However it is a poorly kept secret that Yvithia has favoured those to graduate from this Institute, purely because of their perceived intelligence and academic prowess in gaining a qualification with little to no practical application.

Institute of Humanities

Their History Department is acclaimed as one of the finest sources of knowledge in the world, though facts regarding the history of Idalos (both before and after the Great Shattering) is shrouded in myth, so one perusing these thick tomes must be careful in what they chose as fact. Religion too, closely linked with the history, shares knowledge of the Immortals walking the lands of Idalos. Always keen to be objective in the sharing of information, Viden scholars have been careful to avoid any untruths in their texts when recording details of the less favoured Immortals. However there will always be moments, particularly when it comes to Audrae. Finally, Geography and Politics are detailed by academics in the Institute of Humanities. Huge maps cover entire walls, decorated with intricate detail to guide travellers around the world.

Institute of Languages

With the Immortal of Communication and Languages presiding over the city, and the Academy, it is no surprise to any that there would be an Institute devoted purely to the study of Linguistic arts. Any and all languages spoken on the terrain of Idalos and Oscillus, and their histories, are well documented in the extensive libraries of the Prime Atheneum, and some oceanic languages are also documented. Not all are able to speak the languages of other races, but that doesn't mean that they cannot study them from an academic perspective. Core subjects such as Phonetics & Phonology, Syntax, Semantics, Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics are all on offer to be studied in all known living languages, and all dead languages.

Institute of Sciences

Arguably the largest Institute in the Academy, the Institute of Sciences houses the formal sciences of Mathematics and Logic, which are considered to be the purest subjects to study in the Academy, only taken on my the strongest of minds. The natural sciences of Biology Chemistry and Physics incorporate both the theoretical and applied topics associated with the traditional subjects, including medicine.

Training in the sciences are strongly sought after, with hundreds seeking the chance to be students of the respected scholars in the Institute. They take the largest classes in theoretical topics, and are constantly striving to increase knowledge and prove theorems developed years ago. A smaller number are offered the chance to apply that which they learnt in a practical environment. Within the Biochemistry Department, academics work with many from all over the world to understand viruses and illnesses that ravage the unhygienic cultures, as well as creating anti-serums to work against the designs of Lisirra.

Institute of Technologies

Often considered to be little more than a sub-department of the Institute of Sciences, Yvithia created this Institute specifically to honour her long-time friend and companion: Aeva, the Immortal of Technology. With her input, this department too, had flourished in Viden, expanding to be one of the larger of the six. Arguably the most practical of the Institutes, it deals entirely in applied uses of science, and draws on many theoretical classes from it's parent Institute to teach its students. Those who graduate from the Institute of Technology are guaranteed a well paying job in almost any city across Idalos.

[Whisper]

Academy Qualifications

In order to become a student in the Academy of Viden, a prospective student must first pick a course of study. To do this, they must first chose the Institute, and then a specific subject which they might focus on (e.g. Alchemy, Architecture, Empathy, Linguistics, Medicine or Poisons). From there, they may begin their academic journey to achieve the highest qualification they dare to aim for. There are five levels of qualification, granted to those students who have successfully pursued their academic goals and finished their required courses, to possess one is a mark of status in educated society across Idalos and one might find employment opportunities open much easier. Even many shopkeepers in Viden have gained qualifications in Business.

Letter ∞

• Minimum of 25* pieces of Knowledge in the relevant topic.
• Minimum 2 seasons of study in Rynmere/Scalvoris/Viden.

Certificate ∞

• Minimum of 30* pieces of Knowledge in the relevant topic.
• Minimum of 2 seasons of further study in Rynmere/Scalvoris/Viden.

Diploma

• Minimum of 35* pieces of Knowledge in the relevant topic.
• Minimum of 2 seasons of further study in Rynmere/Scalvoris/Viden.
• Teaching of at least one class to lower-level students.

Charter

• Minimum of 40* pieces of Knowledge in the relevant topic.
• Minimum of 3 seasons of further study in Rynmere/Scalvoris/Viden.
• Teaching of at least 1 class to lower-level students.
• Moderated thread with a Prophet.

Licentiate

• Minimum of 50* pieces of Knowledge in the relevant topic.
• Minimum of 3 seasons of further study in Rynmere/Scalvoris/Viden.
• Moderated thread with a Prophet.
• Teaching of at least three classes to lower-level students.
• Outline of a Thesis on topic.

!	Message from: Whisper
	* In order to lessen the strain of gaining knowledges, there is a "pay-in" system: a PC may do an extra study/homework/work thread of at least 1500 (their words if collaboration), which "buys off" 5 knowledges.

!	Message from: Whisper
	∞ Depending on PC Skill Level and previously acquired Knowledges, it is possible to pay a single fee of 100gn in order to take the exam to qualify for a Letter. For the intelligent few, they may then pay a further 100gn to qualify for a Certificate. This offer is only available to people to intend to follow through with the next level of qualification.

Example Qualifications:

Letter of Humanities in Geography
Certificate of Technology in Nautical Engineering
Diploma of Arcana in Empathy
Charter of Arts in Narration
Licentiate of Science in Medicine

If you start a qualification in Viden and choose to continue in Scalvoris or Rynmere, and vice versa, this is acceptable. Qualifications from the University of Rynmere and the Viden Academy are identical in terms of mechanics (they cost the same, and offer the same rewards), the only difference is stylistic roleplay choices. For example, Viden/Scalvoris are more prestigious on the whole, but Rynmere excels in certain areas.

Please PM a Local Prophet for approval before pursuing your qualification from the Viden Academy. This sort of thing must be recorded in your Player Notes from day one if your efforts are to be rewarded.[/font]

[Whisper]

Rules of the Academy

Payment and Loans

• Each season of study, at a Tertiary level, costs any and all students 100gn (thus 200gn per cycle) - regardless of the level of qualification that the student is aiming for.
• Employees of the Academy (working and studying part-time) can be offered discounts ranging from 10-30gn, according to their position in the Academy.
• For any students taking a class in a season (visitor or citizen), accommodation is offered with attendance to said class, with an extra fee of 30gn
• For students unable (or unwilling) to pay, the Directorate of Viden offers a maximum of three loans per year to students with great potential.
  • Prerequisites include near fluency (or competency) in two languages and expertise in at least one skill, though it fluctuates from year to year, dependant on applicants.
  • These loans have a maximum value of 500gn and are to be paid back in seasonally at 15% of the student's income.
  • If the debt hasn't been cleared within 10 years, the debt is wiped.
• For non-students, single entry to the Prime Atheneum (for use of the first two floors) is 5gn. Seasonal entry is capped at 10gn.

Employee Wages

The Viden Academy is a very respectable institution, thus has the luxury of being able to afford the best. Employees who work in the facilities linked to the Academy are awarded higher wages than those who do the same job elsewhere in Viden or, indeed, the rest of Idalos. With this comes much higher demands, however, and rank and pay is based upon the individual's qualifications, not just skill points. Base wages and requirements are listed below:

• Assistant Researcher
  • No required qualifications. Minimum of 15 skill points in Research. Limited positions open for those who show skill and worth.
• Researcher
  • Minimum qualifications: Certificate.
    Must be at least competent in Research
• Associate Professor
  • Minimum qualifications: Diploma.
    Must be at least competent in Teaching.
• Professor
  • Minimum qualifications: Charter.
    Must be at least expert in Research.
    Must be at least expert in Teaching.
• Dean of an Institute
  • One position per Institute (for a total of 6 positions).
    Minimum of one Licentiate in the relevant subject of the Institute (condition can be lowered depending on desirable qualities).
    Must be at least competent in Leadership (or related).
    Must be at least master in Research.
    Must be at least expert in Teaching.
• Chancellor of the Academy
  • One position. Minimum qualifications: Licentiate and additional Charter in any subject.

Wage Bonuses

Given the sheer dedication and expense it takes for a student to gain any qualification from the Higher Education Facilities in Idalos, it is only reasonable that this be rewarded in some regard in terms of income. The University of Rynmere and the Viden Acadamy are well regarded institutions and thus any civilised employer would clamour to employ an ex-student. As such a qualified individual may enjoy certain perks.

• Letter
  • An additional 2gn to seasonal wages
    (surpasses wage-caps, must be in a related field, or working for an academic institution)
• Certificate
  • An additional 4gn to seasonal wages
    (surpasses wage-caps, must be in a related field, or working for an academic institution)
• Diploma
  • An additional 6gn to seasonal wages
    (surpasses wage-caps, must be in a related field, or working for an academic institution)
• Charter
  • An additional 8gn to seasonal wages
    (surpasses wage-caps, must be in a related field, or working for an academic institution)
• Licentiate
  • An additional 10gn to seasonal wages
    (surpasses wage-caps, must be in a related field, or working for an academic institution)

[Whisper]

Rules of the Academy

OOC Rules

• Please ensure you are comfortable with OOC and IC knowledge before beginning RP in the Academy.
• As is true across the site, please respect the Prophets and your fellow players at all times. If you are playing a character with academic interests, then we expect you yourself to be of moderate intelligence and maturity. Show it.
• Tertiary Education is not free. Please ensure you are deducting fees every season, just like you would expenses.
• For the sake of ease and consistency, "cycles" when describing payment and "term-time" are considered to be Hot, Cold and Rebirth, rather than the six seasons in the Idalosian Calendar.
• To complete a full season, one must write one thread of study in said season (two a cycle) or risk expulsion from the Academy.
• If your character cannot afford to pay fees but would like him/her to learn at the Academy then please PM the local Prophet, who will discuss your options with you.
• Do not abuse the system. No Prophet is a fan of having to trawl through pure training threads. They're boring. If doing a solo, please do not have your NPC instructor list fifty different facts about the subject for the sake of it.
  • Graders: Work on the assumption that if a player has earned more than 15 pieces of Knowledge (General or Specialised) for a single topic in one thread, that player is probably abusing the system. In my experience, it is highly unlikely that someone can earn more than about 5-8 pieces of Knowledge relating to one topic in a thread, so if they are, then chances are something is wrong.

IC Rules

• Those who are not registered students of the Academy, or affiliated with it in some other way, are limited in their access to facilities offered by the Academy and must pay for entry to the Prime Atheneum.
• Study of Arcana is highly restricted and special permission must be sought from senior academics (and a Prophet) both to be taught and to study privately. Access to the third floor of the Prime Atheneum is, obviously, also monitored heavily.
• Use of Arcana is limited to the facilities owned by the Institute of Arcana. Whilst all disciplines of Arcana are recorded in the Prime Atheneum, not all are permitted to be taught, and those which aren't are not to be practiced anywhere within the city limits. Hazardous use of Arcane Arts will be dealt with quickly and severely.
• Forgery of qualifications of any level from the Viden Academy is prohibited and is punishable by expulsion from the institution and, in extreme cases, exile from the city.

[Whisper]

The Student Registry

A listing of all students, past and present, who have the honour of attending the Viden Academy.

Institute of Arcana

• None

Institute of Arts

• Maebella Arval: Letter in Literary Arts

Institute of Humanities

• None

Institute of Languages

• Raven Talius: Letter in Cryptography
  Aeodan Burnett: Letter in Linguistics
  Certificate in Linguistic Anthropology

Institute of Sciences

• Pedraig: Letter in Physics
  
  Virikai Talius: Letter in Medicine
  Certificate in Developmental Neurology
  Diploma in Behavioural Neurology and Cognition
  Charter in Clinical Neurology
  
  Doran: Letter in Alchemy via entrance exam
  Certificate in Alchemy via entrance exam
  Diploma in Alchemy
  Charter in Alchemy
  
  Faith Augustin: Licentiate in Science: Medicine

Institute of Technologies

• Cuau: Letter in Engineering