THE PEOPLE'S UNIVERSITY OF VENERABLE DAME CATHERINE | 218 ARP

[Hom 1987]

Spoiler

[SPOILER: Credits to @Croangutan for the school crest! His commissions are open btw…]

AVERRED BY

HEADMASTER OF THE UNIVERSITY

218 A.R.P
 

 

 

 

Within the lands of our great Commonwealth, there has always existed a hunger for knowledge that permeates every level of society. In my time studying the vast stores of history and culture our state holds, this is one of our few collective traits which never seems to fade away regardless of era or monarch. Like any ambition, the desire to satiate the mind and strip back the mysteries of our world can be in equal parts corrupting and enlightening– We are, if nothing else, a curious people. The scholars of our history stand famous or infamous, but every one nonetheless known.

 

Perhaps this was engrained within us from the start. It is inarguable that early Petrine culture was shaped deeply by the Venerable Dame Catherine, a founder of the Commonwealth second-only in her influence to the first Archduke Paul Salvian himself. Before she was a knight grandmaster or a High Chancellor, Dame Catherine was first and foremost a scientist, doctor, philosopher, and poet. Even in her days before the fall of Oren as an Imperial Princess, it was the pursuit of knowledge she valued over the lure of power. Her true passions lay in these fields of art and exploration, and she spent many years between her tenures as an influential stateswoman studying the ways of the natural world. There’s little doubt this love of scholarship influenced those around her, and bled into all her other life’s works.

 

Though she may have planted the seeds, the great Dame Catherine cannot be credited for all the scholarly endeavors which succeeded her. That honor goes to the constantly re-emerging spirit of Petrine curiosity and ingenuity, the generations of teachers and students who have driven forth the development of science, literature, and the arts. It is seen time and again that the greatest minds who emerge from the Riverlands have no common background to unite them. This spirit of discovery does not discriminate between young and old, impoverished and wealthy, titled or commonfolk.

 

However, access to scholarship often does. Since the landing of the Petrine people upon Azura and the rebuilding of our society, responsibility of education has fallen upon the individual. Private tutelage has become the way of our people’s schooling, and for those who cannot buy it, they must rely on disparate and scattered public lessons. This is not the way our great hunger for knowledge should be fed, served only to the few and not the many. Too often do members of the commonfolk reach adulthood having never received the teaching they desire, and even the children of our peerage must rely on the narrow expertise of individual tutors, neither portion of our people satisfied. If we wish to see the next great Petrine mind emerge to shape our state’s future, then all must be offered the wisdom to become a great mind. 

 

To this end, I have combined the efforts of myself, the Autumn Courts, and many existing Petrine scholars to build an academy that reflects the needs of our people. Together we strive for this institution to be as inventive, as upstanding, and as occasionally unconventional as the minds it serves. Emblematic of these hopes is the name we choose to represent ourselves, reflecting both the past and future of Petrine academia.

 

 

 

 

 

The needs of the Petrine people are varying, and to serve them all equally requires creativity– The schedule which suits a young Lady of the peerage, who may attend lessons throughout her day but must be home before dusk, will not likewise suit a young woman of the commonfolk, who must work through the day and only finds time for schooling in the evening. Similarly, the lessons which suit a young boy learning basic spelling will not be of interest to an adult soldier, who wishes to improve his formal penmanship in pursuit of squirehood. Yet, all these individuals must be taught, and to exclude any one of them goes against our most basic principles. With this in mind, enrollment, lessons, and graduation requirements have been tailored for both thoroughness and adaptability.
 

 

Those seeking to enroll in the People’s University formally may do so under one of two overarching classes, Élève or Étudiant. This distinction is solely to ensure students can easily find lessons which best align with their skill level, age group, and purpose for attending the University. A large portion of the lessons held shall be open to both classes, but some will be tailored specifically for one or the other based on the difficulty or simplicity of the subject. 

 

Students who are enrolled to learn a set of fundamental subjects which form the base of one’s knowledge, including reading, writing, arithmetic, etiquette, theology, geography, and so on. Intended for students between the ages of eight and sixteen, but undereducated or illiterate adults may attend Élève lessons relevant to their needs. Élève will not be barred from attending Étudiant lessons that may interest them, but if the content of the lesson involves possible injury or fright (Such as a lesson on combat skills, or a demonstration of surgical practices), the student must have written permission from a caretaker.

Students who attend for the attainment of advanced knowledge and new skills, which may assist in the development of their professions or personal interests. Intended for students above the age of sixteen who have already received a formal or informal basic education, with no maximum age limit for enrollment. Instead of being entered into a set of required lessons like the Élève, Étudiant may choose which subjects will interest and benefit them. The scope is broad, but some subjects Étudiant may encounter are advanced natural sciences, foreign histories, philosophy, psychological studies, and more.

 

It should be noted that although the People’s University is a Petrine school, one need not be Petrine to enroll, and students from greater Idunia and the realms of Man beyond are surely welcomed. Enrollment is also not required if one wishes to attend lessons simply out of interest or leisure, but non-enrolled individuals will not be able to graduate and gain a diploma, and may be barred from events that are exclusive to students and faculty.

 

 

The People’s University shall distribute diplomas to mark the graduation of students who complete the required number of full terms, and who present an exhibition which demonstrates the knowledge they have gained during those terms. These exhibitions may take the form of a written paper, a spoken lecture, a visual demonstration, or any other approved format which thoroughly conveys the student’s competency. The requirements for graduation differ between the two classes, but students of either must display consistent attendance

 

Élève shall base their exhibition around any or multiple of the subjects they have taken as part of their required curriculum, and present it to a professor of their choosing within the subject. They shall receive a diploma which affirms they have completed a formal primary and secondary education.

 

Étudiant shall choose a single area of focus– The degrees that the school offers at its time of opening are Mastery of the Natural Sciences, Mastery of the Fine Arts, Mastery of Historical and Cultural Studies, or Mastery of Diplomacy and Law. However, if an Étudiant desires a degree which is not officially listed, they may petition the Headmaster for a specialized certification. They must display excellent attendance for classes within their area of focus, and present an exhibition to one of the professors within their focus that shall be assessed at a high standard to ensure competency.

 

[OOC NOTE: Good attendance is just considered attending at least 4-5 RP classes total.  If you have a schedule that doesn’t allow you to catch many of them, contact me and we’ll work something out!]

 

 

The People’s University is proud to offer a wide array of subjects upon its opening, thanks to the scholars who have so far offered their skills to the endeavor of public education. The following curriculum only covers which courses the University shall offer in its opening months, and is sure to expand as attendance grows.

 

PETRINE HISTORY AND CULTURE An overview of the tumultuous and defining two centuries since the Commonwealth’s founding, alongside an examination of Petra’s most important cultural features and artifacts. Taught by Headmaster Alistair Reinhold Historical and Cultural Studies   WORLD HISTORY Exploring and analyzing various periods of history and key events throughout the past millennium. Taught by Headmaster Alistair Reinhold and  Professor Lukas von Theonus Historical and Cultural Studies | Diplomacy and Law   CULTURES OF AZURA An exploration of the many peoples and places which make up our continent– Their traditions, their histories, and their lifestyles. Taught by Professor Bojangles and  Professor Lukas von Theonus Historical and Cultural Studies | Diplomacy and Law   FOREIGN LANGUAGES Alternating lessons on various non-Common languages, from Auvergnian to Oyashiman. Taught by Professor Bojangles Historical and Cultural Studies | Diplomacy and Law   LITERARY TECHNIQUE Instruction on essential skills for any writer of fiction or fact, including topics such as narrative structure, prose, and sentence mechanics. Taught by Headmaster Alistair Reinhold Fine Arts   INTRODUCTION TO THE ARTS Hands-on and beginner friendly lessons covering many different mediums of art, including painting, sketching, and pottery. Taught by Sir Rowan Tsecsar Fine Arts   COMMON LANGUAGE SKILLS Teaching the fundamentals of reading, writing, and pronunciation in Common. Taught by Professor Bojangles Fundamental Skills   ETIQUETTE  A study of the rules, language, and skills one requires to function in polite society. Taught by Headmaster Alistair Reinhold Fundamental Skills    DEFENSE PRINCIPLES  Learning and practicing various methods of defensive combat, from basic self-defense strategies to anti-magic techniques. Taught by Professor Bojangles Fundamental Skills    NATURAL SCIENCE Examining and studying the mechanics of our world, from botany and herbology to the behaviors of animal species. Taught by Professor Lukas von Theonus and Professor Bojangles Natural Sciences   FUNDAMENTAL MEDICINE A study on cornerstone medical skills, such as emergency first aid, triage, and basic diagnosis. Taught by Professor Silvya Valkonen and Professor Bojangles Natural Sciences   ARCANE BASICS AND PHILOSOPHY Explaining the scientific fundamentals behind wizardly magic, and analyzing how to approach its many physical and moral risks. Taught by Sir Rowan Tsecsar and Professor Bojangles Natural Sciences   MECHANICS OF THE MIND An overview of the physiology of the brain, and how its physical state can affect thought and feeling. Taught by Doctor Emrys Ana’halrae Natural Sciences   PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR Exploring the rarely-taught field of psychology, the study of emotion and how behaviors can be intentionally influenced. Taught by Doctor Emrys Ana’halrae Natural Sciences   INTRODUCTION TO DIPLOMACY A close look at the nature of diplomacy– Including the evolution of its use, notable events in history, and the techniques it requires. Taught by Headmaster Alistair Reinhold Diplomacy and Law

 

The People’s University still seeks to fill the gaps which exist in its curriculum, and to that end, all scholars of good character are welcome to apply for professorship. Any interested individuals should send a letter to Headmaster Alistair Reinhold to arrange a formal interview. In addition, those who do not seek a full-time position but have knowledge they wish to share may request to schedule a guest lecture within the People’s University campus. Guest lecturers do not have official affiliation with the university, but may use its facilities upon approval.

 

 

 

To mark the official opening of the People’s University, an open house shall be held upon the 14th of  Sun’s Smile, 219 A.R.P. Students and scholars alike are welcome to visit the campus, mingle with other academics, and meet the current faculty. We hope to foster collaboration with other educational institutions, and encourage the trading of knowledge and goodwill with the continent’s existing academic community. Refreshments shall be provided. [SUNDAY MARCH 29TH, 2:00PM EST]

 

FORMAL INVITATIONS EXTENDED TO:

 

The Leal Peers of the Commonwealth of the Petra

 

The Leal Peers of the High Kingdom of Idunia

 

The Scholarium of Alduun ( @smiski )

 

The Northern Geographic Society ( @esotericas )

 

The Prince’s Institution ( @Kabaffahp)

 

[Our Discord! Enrollment information within]

Spoiler

https://discord.gg/6vgwNTQhg

[Plain Text]

Spoiler

Image Description: The crest of the People’s University of Venerable Dame Catherine. It is a shield split into four sections, with a different piece of iconography in each. A glass alchemy flask, an open book with a rising sun behind it, a phoenix emerging from flame, and a feather quill. The shield is surrounded by laurels, as well as the University’s name and its date of establishment, listed as 2072 Imperial. The four colors used in the crest are red, blue, white, and gold.

 

AVERRED BY

HEADMASTER OF THE UNIVERSITY

Alistair Reinhold

217 A.R.P

 

Spoiler Text: Credits to @croangutan for the school crest! His commissions are open btw…

 

Image Description: A fancy gold divider

 

FOREWORD:

 

There has always existed, within the lands of the Commonwealth, a hunger for knowledge that permeates every level of society. In my time studying the vast stores of history and culture our state holds, this is one of our few collective traits which never seems to fade away regardless of era or monarch. Like any ambition, the desire to satiate the mind and strip back the mysteries of our world can be in equal parts corrupting and enlightening. We are, if nothing else, a curious people. The scholars of our history stand famous or infamous, but each and every one nonetheless known.

 

Perhaps this was engrained within us from the start. It is inarguable that early Petrine culture was shaped deeply by the Venerable Dame Catherine, a founder of the Commonwealth second-only in her influence to the first Archduke Paul Salvian himself. Before she was a knight grandmaster or a High Chancellor, Dame Catherine was first and foremost a scientist, doctor, philosopher, and poet. Even in her days before the fall of Oren as an Imperial Princess, it was the pursuit of knowledge she valued over the lure of power. Her true passions lay in these fields of art and exploration, and she spent many years between her tenures as an influential stateswoman studying the ways of the natural world. There’s little doubt this love of scholarship influenced those around her, and bled into all her other life’s works.

 

Though she may have planted the seeds, the great Dame Catherine cannot be credited for all the scholarly endeavors which succeeded her. That honor goes to the constantly re-emerging spirit of Petrine curiosity and ingenuity, the generations of teachers and students which have, in one shape or another, driven the development of science, literature, and the arts forward in our land. It is seen time and again that the greatest minds who emerge from the Riverlands have no common background to unite them. This spirit of discovery does not discriminate between young and old, impoverished and wealthy, titled or commonfolk.

 

However, access to scholarship often does. Since the landing of the Petrine people upon Azura and the rebuilding of our society, responsibility of education has fallen upon the individual. Private tutelage has become the way of our people’s schooling, and for those who cannot buy it, they must rely on disparate and scattered public lessons. This is not the way our great hunger for knowledge should be fed, served only to the few and not the many. Too often do members of the commonfolk reach adulthood having never received the teaching they desire, and even the children of our peerage must rely on the narrow expertise of individual tutors, neither portion of our people satisfied. If we wish to see the next great Petrine mind emerge to shape our state’s future, then all must be offered the wisdom to become a great mind. 

 

To this end, I have combined the efforts of myself, the Autumn Courts, and many existing Petrine scholars to build an academy that reflects the needs of our people. Together we strive for this institution to be as inventive, as upstanding, and as occasionally unconventional as the minds it serves. Emblematic of these hopes is the name we choose to represent ourselves, reflecting both the past and future of Petrine academia.

 

THE PEOPLE’S UNIVERSITY OF VENERABLE DAME CATHERINE

 

Image Description: A fancy gold divider

 

COMPOSITION:

 

The needs of the Petrine people are varying, and to serve them all equally requires creativity– The schedule which suits a young Lady of the peerage, who may attend lessons throughout her day but must be home before dusk, will not likewise suit a young woman of the commonfolk, who must work through the day and only finds time for schooling in the evening. Similarly, the lessons which suit a young boy learning basic spelling will not be of interest to an adult soldier, who wishes to improve his formal penmanship in pursuit of squirehood. Yet, all these individuals must be taught, and to exclude any one of them goes against our most basic principles. With this in mind, enrollment, lessons, and graduation requirements have been tailored for both thoroughness and adaptability.

 

L’inscription (‘Enrollment’ in Auvergnian/French)

 

Those seeking to enroll in the People’s University formally may do so under one of two overarching classes, Élève or Étudiant. This distinction is solely to ensure students can easily find lessons which best align with their skill level, age group, and purpose for attending the University. A large portion of the lessons held shall be open to both classes, but some will be tailored specifically for one or the other based on the difficulty or simplicity of the subject. 

Élève:

 

Students who are enrolled to learn a set of fundamental subjects which form the base of one’s knowledge, including reading, writing, arithmetic, etiquette, theology, geography, and so on. Intended for students between the ages of eight and sixteen, but undereducated or illiterate adults may attend Élève lessons relevant to their needs. Élève will not be barred from attending Étudiant lessons that may interest them, but if the content of the lesson involves possible injury or fright (Such as a lesson on combat skills, or a demonstration of surgical practices), the student must have written permission from a caretaker.

Étudiant:

 

Students who attend for the attainment of advanced knowledge and new skills, which may assist in the development of their professions or personal interests. Intended for students above the age of sixteen who have already received a formal or informal basic education, with no maximum age limit for enrollment. Instead of being entered into a set of required lessons like the Élève, Étudiant may choose which subjects will interest and benefit them. The scope is broad, but some subjects Étudiant may encounter are advanced natural sciences, foreign histories, philosophy, psychological studies, and more.

 

It should be noted that although the People’s University is a Petrine school, one need not be Petrine to enroll, and students from greater Idunia and the realms of Man beyond are surely welcomed. Enrollment is also not required if one wishes to attend lessons simply out of interest or leisure, but non-enrolled individuals will not be able to graduate and gain a diploma, and may be barred from events that are exclusive to students and faculty.

 

Diplome (‘Diploma’ in Auvergnian/French)

 

For those who commit to their education wholly, graduation is an achievement eagerly awaited. The People’s University shall distribute diplomas to enrolled students who complete the required number of full terms, and present to the school an exhibition which demonstrates the knowledge they have gained. These exhibitions may take the form of a written paper, a spoken lecture, a visual demonstration, or any other approved format which thoroughly conveys the student’s competency. The requirements for graduation differ between the two classes, but students of either must display consistent attendance

 

Élève shall base their exhibition around any or multiple of the subjects they have taken as part of their required curriculum, and present it to a professor of their choosing within the subject. They shall receive a diploma which affirms they have completed a formal primary and secondary education.

 

Étudiant shall choose a single area of focus– The degrees that the school offers at its time of opening are Mastery of the Natural Sciences, Mastery of the Fine Arts, Mastery of Historical and Cultural Studies, or Mastery of Diplomacy and Law. However, if an Étudiant desires a degree which is not officially listed, they may petition the Headmaster for a specialized certification. They must display excellent attendance for classes within their area of focus, and present an exhibition to one of the professors within their focus that shall be assessed at a high standard to ensure competency.

 

[OOC NOTE: Good attendance is just considered attending at least 4-5 RP classes total.  If you have a schedule that doesn’t allow you to catch many of them, contact me and we’ll work something out!]

 

Programme (‘Curriculum’ in Auvergnian/French)

 

The People’s University is proud to offer a wide array of subjects upon its opening, thanks to the scholars who have so far offered their skills to the endeavor of public education. The following curriculum only covers which courses the University shall offer in its opening months, and is sure to expand as attendance grows.

 

PETRINE HISTORY AND CULTURE

An overview of the tumultuous and defining two centuries since the Commonwealth’s founding, alongside an examination of Petra’s most important cultural features and artifacts.

Taught by Headmaster Alistair Reinhold

Historical and Cultural Studies

 

WORLD HISTORY

Exploring and analyzing various periods of history and key events across the past centuries.

Taught by Headmaster Alistair Reinhold and Professor Lukas von Theonus

Historical and Cultural Studies | Diplomacy and Law

 

CULTURES OF AZURA

An exploration of the many peoples and places which make up our continent– Their traditions, their histories, and their lifestyles.

Taught by Professor Bojangles and Professor Lukas von Theonus

Historical and Cultural Studies | Diplomacy and Law

 

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Alternating lessons on various non-Common languages, from Auvergnian to Oyashiman.

Taught by Professor Bojangles

Historical and Cultural Studies | Diplomacy and Law

 

LITERARY TECHNIQUE

Instruction on essential skills for any writer of fiction or fact, including topics such as narrative structure, prose, and sentence mechanics.

Taught by Headmaster Alistair Reinhold

Fine Arts

 

COMMON LANGUAGE SKILLS

Teaching the fundamentals of reading, writing, and pronunciation in Common.

Taught by Professor Bojangles

Fundamental Skills

 

ETIQUETTE 

A study of the rules, language, and skills one requires to function in polite society.

Taught by Headmaster Alistair Reinhold

Fundamental Skills 

 

DEFENSE PRINCIPLES 

Learning and practicing various methods of defensive combat, from basic self-defense strategies to anti-magic techniques.

Taught by Professor Bojangles

Fundamental Skills 

 

NATURAL SCIENCE

Examining and studying the mechanics of our world, from botany and herbology to the behaviors of animal species.

Taught by Professor Lukas von Theonus and Professor Bojangles

Natural Sciences

 

FUNDAMENTAL MEDICINE

A study on cornerstone medical skills, such as emergency first aid, triage, and basic diagnosis.

Taught by Professor Silvya Valkonen and Professor Bojangles

Natural Sciences

 

ARCANE BASICS AND PHILOSOPHY

Explaining the scientific fundamentals behind wizardly magic, and analyzing how to approach its many physical and moral risks.

Taught by Sir Rowan Tsecsar and Professor Bojangles

Natural Sciences

 

MECHANICS OF THE MIND

An overview of the physiology of the brain, and how its physical state can affect thought and feeling.

Taught by Doctor Emrys Ana’halrae

Natural Sciences

 

PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

Exploring the rarely-taught field of psychology, the study of emotion and how descendant behavior can be influenced.

Taught by Doctor Emrys Ana’halrae

Natural Sciences

 

INTRODUCTION TO DIPLOMACY

A close look at the nature of diplomacy– Including the evolution of its use, notable events in history, and the techniques it requires.

Taught by Headmaster Alistair Reinhold

Diplomacy and Law

 

The People’s University still seeks to fill the gaps which exist in its curriculum, and to that end, all scholars of good character are welcome to apply for professorship. Any interested individuals should send a letter to Headmaster Alistair Reinhold to arrange a formal interview. In addition, those who do not seek a full-time position but have knowledge they wish to share may request to schedule a guest lecture within the People’s University campus. Guest lecturers do not have official affiliation with the university, but may use its facilities upon approval.

 

Image Description: A fancy gold divider

 

INVITATION: 

 

To mark the official opening of the People’s University, an open house shall be held upon the 14th of  Sun’s Smile, 219 A.R.P. Students and scholars alike are welcome to visit the campus, mingle with other academics, and meet the current faculty. We hope to foster collaboration with other educational institutions, and encourage the trading of knowledge and goodwill with the continent’s existing academic community. Refreshments shall be provided. [SUNDAY MARCH 29TH, 2:00PM EST]

 

FORMAL INVITATIONS EXTENDED TO:

 

The Leal Peers of the Commonwealth

 

The Leal Peers of the High Kingdom of Idunia

 

The Scholarium of Alduun

 

The Northern Geographic Society

 

The Prince’s Institution

 

[SharpString 429]

Finnean's eyes widened when he saw all his cousin's hard work on display "Well DONE Alistair!"

[Kabaffahp 566]

Olivier Halcourt, Headmaster of the Prince's Institution sat within the gardens of his school. His eyes looking across the ornate missive that laid across the table. "It is a shame I cannot attend that day..." He looked up across the garden towards his wife who played with their children in the grass. "Perhaps if you and the littles fancy a trip you could attend? Wish them luck and remind them about the proposition I wrote about?"  He smiled at her agreement before joining them on the picnic blanket, a slight worried expression taking place upon his brow as he looked back towards the table.

[0mnip0tent 338]

Within the garden of The Prince's Institute sat it's headmaster's wife, Lady Matron Roswyn Halcourt, as she watched her children scurry about the grass. Soon, though, at the words of her husband she did turn back and look upon him with a hum. "...I shall attend... and offer them luck, as they will surely need it. There is a reason none but the Institute have thrived in years past."

[esotericas 2674]

FERRIED BY TWO MECHANICAL RAVENS, 

PLATED IN GOLD AND GEMSTONE EYES GLEAMING, 

DOES A LETTER ARRIVE IN PETRA.

 

•─────────────────•𖥠•─────────────────•

 

“Thoughts are free and subject to no rule. 

On them rests the freedom of man, 

And they tower above the light of nature.

Thoughts create a new heaven, a new firmament, 

A new source of energy from which new arts flow.”

ALISTAIR,

 

WE’LL BE THERE.

–M.

 

 

•─────────────────•𖥠•─────────────────•

 

[JudgeTrudy 610]

Professor Lukas von Theonus readies himself for the grand opening by having his best outfit freshly cleaned. "Finally, after so many years, Ich get to live ein childhood dream!" he says to an uncaring servant. "Get mich some parchment! Ich vould make sure ein friend knows she ist invited!" he says before beginning a letter to Genevive.