Papa Liam

[!] This recruitment poster is plastered in the halls of the Northern Geographic Society. However, it is plausible that others may find loose copies. Notice for the Recruitment of Scholars on a project within the Northern Geographical Society Dr. Elibar'Indor Hilea of the Northern Geographical Society is recruiting collaborators and/or research assistants for a research project covering the supposed enlightenment of Canonist, human societies from 1571 to the present. The intention of this longitudinal archival study is meant to track historical themes in majority human and Canonist nations which imply the transition from conservative tradition to liberal "enlightenment." Proper findings should be able to conclude whether or not there has been a consistent transition away from traditional human values to a more liberalized society, and if such a transition is universal among human Canonist nations. The null hypothesis is that such an enlightenment movement does exist. Findings which negate the hypothesis that an enlightenment movement does exist should have causal reasoning as to why human nations have resisted such an enlightenment. The following trends would support the hypothesis: Transition towards secular legal institutions Power entrusted in democratic institutions Tolerance of magic, non-human residency, and behavior previously considered heretical Increased diplomatic communications with non-human societies Public trust in scientific institutions Longevity of contemporary human societies Recruitment to this project is open to current NGS scholars and external applicants. Applicants are expected to have some familiarity in human history, political theory, or philosophy. Previous publications or research experiences are an asset. Those recruited to the project will assist Dr. Hilea in finding archival data to support or negate the notion that there has been a transition towards the aforementioned values. Research assistants will be expected to peruse old documents, including legislative and cultural texts, and to locate discursive patterns which discuss the themes above. After a complete compilation of documents have been collected and summarized, the research team will then begin identifying historical patterns in human law and culture. Multiple papers may be published as a result of this project. Research assistants will be credited accordingly. Should applicants assist in the drafting of publications, they will be credited as co-authors alongside Dr. Hilea, in order of contributions to the project. Members of the research team will be privy to testimony and letters of recommendation to advance their careers within the NGS or elsewhere. Those interested should contact Dr. Hilea directly.

[!] This missive is posted around academic institutions and public spaces of wealthier, more affluent neighborhoods. SEARCHING FOR BENEFACTORS: Creating a Fellowship Fund for Aspiring Doctoral Students THE CONGRESS OF SCHOLARS 87 S.E. To the academic community and philanthropists of Almaris. . . Over the course of the last twelve years, the Congress of Scholars has successfully created the framework for an international academic organization, tasked with standardizing and networking the scholars of Almaris. With affiliated scholars across three accredited institutions, our hope is to foster academic excellency in all fields of education, and to train budding scholars in research methodology. The function and responsibility most noteworthy to the Congress of Scholars is the doctoral accreditation process, as stipulated in the Charter. This process is reserved for the brightest students who have demonstrated excellence, and wish to dedicate their lives to academic research. Doctoral students pursue degrees in their preferred academic discipline under the mentorship of an accomplished scholar, ultimately writing and defending their thesis to the academic community. Even with several active, accredited academics in our organization (with three other students currently pursuing their doctoral degree), the Congress of Scholars wishes to add more budding researchers to our roster of accredited doctors. Through the implementation of a fellowship -- yet to be named -- the Congress may award a sum of mina to our brightest minds, supporting them financially as they dedicate their lives to academic research. The fellowship is also a mark of prestige, awarded only to rising academics who have demonstrated their research interests in a specific area, and have a proficient understanding of writing conventions, research methodology, and their respective academic discipline. The intention of the fellowship is to provide a financial incentive to the greatest researchers in Almaris, regardless of race, religion, or national origin. We are asking for financial benefactors to fund this fellowship, to foster the birth of a new generation of academics. The number of fellowships and grant size will be determined by how much mina is donated. We are particularly searching for donations from the following bodies: Academic institutions Governments Philanthropists Businesses The fellowship will fund the studies of our brightest student(s) studying in any academic subject: Anthropology History Economics Theology & Religious Studies Geology Philosophy Mathematics And other subjects. Scholars who wish to pursue independent studies in a field with relatively little published research will also be sought. Benefactors receive the following benefits: The honor of contributing to the excellency of academic research in Almaris Access to Congress of Scholars networking and social events A seat on the fellowship's board, and subsequently, a say in the eventual name of the fellowship If you are interested in contributing to the academic advancement of Almaris, please contact Dr. Elibar'Indor, Chair of the Congress of Scholars. (Liam#7649) --- Scientia in Unitate

Elibar nodded. "I could use a new bachelor pad."

The Comprehensive Guide to Academic Research By Dr. Elibar’Indor Hilea Northern Geographic Society Press 81 S.E. Almaris is currently in the genesis of an academic renaissance, a rebirth in scholarly thinking and infrastructure which has redefined the livelihoods of those inclined to conduct academic research. With the recent birth and revival of multiple Almarian academic institutions – the Northern Geographic Society, the Vortician Society of Scholars & Artisans, the Arcanic Celian Academy, and the Vienne Institute – the second era marks a transition towards the formalization of academia and an increase in those pursuing scholarly endeavors. I write the preamble to this guide as the Chairman and founder of the Congress of Scholars, acknowledging that our recent success has been attributed to the academic works of our accredited doctoral members. With the recent influx of doctoral students and submissions for the Celestine Herbert Award, I have taken it upon myself to write a basic guide to conduct academic writing in an effort to demystify research. This guide is available to the common layman, but is intended for use by doctoral students in the Congress of Scholars. Objectives of Academic Research: Structure of Research Articles: Research Methodologies:

Elibar presents the paper to his colleagues. "The Congress of Scholars has little Orenian publications under our auspice, and hardly any Orenian scholars in our ranks. Perhaps these gentlemen would be fine candidates for doctoral status."

ACCEPTING DOCTORAL STUDENTS The Congress of Scholars 81 S.E. The Congress of Scholars is currently accepting candidates for doctoral research in history, economics, anthropology, mathematics, literature, linguistics, sociology and any potential academic field. Per the Congress of Scholars' prior missives, the purpose of doctoral research is to commit one's life to academia, pushing the boundaries of descendent knowledge past its current limits. Doctoral training prepares one to become a professional researcher, writer, investigator and teacher in their selected field. Only truly gifted individuals will excel in such an environment; doctoral training involves reading academic literature and writing a rigorous thesis answering a niche research question. If pushing the boundaries of knowledge and synthesizing novel research appeals to you, then consider becoming a doctoral candidate. Doctoral status grants one the agency to facilitate their own academic research through the Congress, eligibility for Congressional research funding, and the ability to organize events within the Congress. Successful candidates also receive the title of "Dr." for life. Candidates are expected to reach out to one of our currently accredited doctors to act as a supervisor who will guide them through the doctoral process. As a result, there is no standardized application for doctoral prospects. The decision to accept a candidate is left to the discretion of the potential supervisor, as they are not obligated to accept any particular applicant as their student. Doctors in the Congress of Scholars excel in the fields of history, anthropology, political science, economics, biology and research methodology. If your academic and research interests are beyond the scope of the Congress' capacity, you may be suited for the independent accreditation pathway (read below). Our currently accredited doctors are: Dr. Edward Napier of the Northern Geographic Society; Naturalism, Adunian History Dr. Elibar'Indor Hilea of the Vortician Society; Economics, Research Methodology Dr. Elizabeth Brae-Wittenbach of the Northern Geographic Society; Political Science, Anthropology Dr. Elizaveta Ulyana of the Northern Geographic Society; Biology Dr. Renae Athri'onn of the Celian Academy; Arcanic Studies Dr. Viction Trito of the Vortician Society; Almarian History, Cultural Studies Doctoral candidates may pursue their training under the auspice of their supervisor's academic institution. Our currently accredited institutions are: Northern Geographic Society, headquartered in Karosgrad Vortician Society of Scholars and Artisans, headquartered in Talon's Port Arcanic Celian Academy, headquartered in Celia'nor Alternatively, candidates who demonstrate academic and research proficiency may pursue independent doctoral studies. This pathway is well suited for those investigating academic disciplines outside the purview of the Congress' currently accredited supervisors. Those who pursue independent candidacy will still have oversight from the Congress, but will not be given academic instruction or guidance; rather, the Congress will simply assure that the candidate's research is of a high caliber. Those interested in independent doctoral studies should contact Dr. Elibar'Indor Hilea, the Chair of the Congress of Scholars, directly. (Liam#7649) Per the Charter of the Congress of Scholars, candidates are expected to accquire the following skills upon receiving their doctoral degree: Mastery of the theoretical knowledge in their selected academic discipline Proficiency in research methodology appropriate to the candidate's discipline Proficiency in academic writing Production of several small academic articles, per the discretion of the candidate's supervisor Production of a proper doctoral thesis, to be defended before a committee of scholars Those with further inquiries should reach out to Chairman Dr. Elibar'Indor (Liam#7649).

((Forum formatting is not optimal for transferring google docs. You can access the original document here.)) Charter of the Congress of Scholars Detailing the Mission, Function and Duties of the Congress of Scholars “Scientia in Unitate” 80 S.E. Preamble The Congress of Scholars is an international forum of scholars which crosses institutional barriers. The board is composed of institutional leaders in academia who organize academic events, programs, and standards to formalize academics and ensure that a new generation of scholars can more effectively share their works and learn from one another. The Congress is not a single university, college, or academic society; it is a neutral arbiter of academic affairs with a mandate to create a community of scholars. The Second Age has marked a dramatic shift in contemporary global cultural attitudes. Following the departure from Arcas, the denizens of Almaris seem to have experienced a scholarly renaissance. The expansion of formal academic institutions in recent decades has created a hospitable space for those who seek to synthesize new knowledge merely for knowledge’s sake. There now exists the capacity to facilitate an international community of scholars who are motivated by nothing more than the accumulation, creation, and publication of knowledge; albeit, a small community. Nonetheless, an apparently small size of dedicated scholars in Almaris is the precise reason that a universal forum should exist to create a more intimate environment for academics who wish to see academia blossom. Mission Statement The mandate of the Congress of Scholars is to foster the next generation of researchers, academics and scholars. The Congress has three primary objectives; to facilitate networking events between scholars of all affiliations, to accredit degree-granting academic institutions, and formalize the process for awarding doctoral credentials. These objectives are not meant to hinder the activities of academic institutions – rather, they are meant to provide support for the next generation of scholars. The motto of the Congress shall be “Scientia in Unitate,” the Flexian phrase for “Knowledge in Unity.” This motto summarizes the benefits of fostering collaboration and cooperation between scholars in different institutions and disciplines, and emphasizes that working together yields mutually beneficial results for all parties. Governance The bureaucracy of the Congress exists to organize academic activities and meetings. The Congressional board is made up of one representative from each accredited institution, as well as one Chairman appointed by a majority vote to facilitate congressional activities in a neutral fashion. The board represents the institutional interests of all academic guilds and may vote to make institutional changes to the Congress, binding to all accredited institutions. Board Members are appointed by the chief executive authority of their respective institution, and the chief executive authority reserves the right to appoint themselves as a Board Member. The Chair is elected by a majority vote of the current Board Members. The Chair may be a scholar associated with an academic institution, but may not be the institution’s chief executive authority. The Chair serves until departure or removal by a majority vote of the Congress. Board Members reserves the subsequent powers: To bring forth any motions to the board regarding the activities of the Congress of Scholars, to vote on any motions presented by other members, and to call for a meeting of the board when they deem fit. The Chair reserves the subsequent powers: To facilitate the agenda of board meetings, to moderate discussions during board meetings, to record the votes on any presented motions, to represent the general interests of the Congress of Scholars to any third party, and to process applications for institutional accreditation, as detailed by the Charter. Accreditation of Academic Institutions Accreditation of academic institutions is intended to identify those institutions which are active members in the scholarly community. Accreditation is also critical to participation with the Congress, as accredited institutions will appoint a representative to the board. The credentials are designed to be unrestrictive to ensure that all academic institutions, no matter their size, have access to the same opportunities and resources. Accredited institutions will be eligible to receive any conditional funding possessed by the Congress of Scholars. Conditional funding will not discriminate between institutions. Institutions must meet three basic requirements to attain and maintain accreditation: The establishment of a permanent, physical facility. The institution in question must have at least one identifiable campus. Membership of one or more doctoral degree-holders. At least one member of the institution must possess a doctoral degree as verified by the Congress of Scholars. Continued dedication to academic research. The institution in question must maintain a public academic presence. Doctoral Accreditation One useful function of the Congress is verifying the status of degree-holding scholars who have undergone the most rigorous academic training. Those who hold doctoral degrees have not only mastered their subject area, but have also created a novel and substantive piece of academic literature which has made an original contribution to their field. The doctorate signifies that the individual is capable of conducting original research and incorporating prior literature into their works. The doctoral degree certifies professors and researchers throughout Almaris as full members of the Congress. The Congress of Scholars accredits only the academic doctoral degree. Medicinal degrees, professional degrees, craftsman certifications, magical certifications and academic degrees of less rigor fall to the discretion of individual institutions. Those who receive a doctoral degree reserve the following rights; Lifetime membership in the Congress of Scholars, lest expunged due to revealed plagiarism or academic dishonesty, The title of “Doctor” (Dr.) for life, And the right to mentor doctoral candidates at their discretion. Doctoral candidates are expected to possess the following skills upon receiving their doctorate; Mastery of the theories and core literature within their academic discipline, Proficient understanding of research methodology appropriate to their discipline, Critical thinking and writing abilities to incorporate into their academic work, And the production of an at-length academic thesis which makes a substantial contribution to their field. The process of granting doctoral degrees is as follows; Doctoral candidates must identify a current doctorate to act as their mentor and supervisor. Current doctorates maintain full agency in their decision to accept or reject new doctoral candidates. It is expected that doctoral candidates will receive rigorous academic training from their mentors during the “training phase.” This includes educating the mentee on research methodology, proper academic literacy skills and core concepts of the discipline. During the “training phase,” the specific aspects of academic training fall upon the individual mentor and their affiliated academic institution. However, it is generally expected that all doctoral candidates master the above skill sets and produce smaller academic publications to demonstrate their progression. When the candidate has completed training, they will be expected to complete their doctoral thesis/dissertation. This is a lengthy piece of academic literature which makes a significant contribution to their field. Dissertations must present a novel research question, a clear methodology to address this question, and any results yielded from their research. Although their prior publications may not make use of proper citations, the dissertation is expected to employ an acceptable citation style (such as VSSA or NGSC). Upon completion, the student may submit their thesis to their supervisor. The supervisor is then tasked with creating a thesis committee of three degree-holding scholars to critique and judge the thesis. The supervisor may suffice as one committee member, and committee members may hail from the affiliated institution or others. The thesis must come either to the conclusion to accept the thesis, at which point the doctoral candidate receives their doctoral degree, or to reject the thesis, wherein the candidate will have the chance to make sufficient edits and resubmit their dissertation at a later date. Those who hold a doctoral degree may opt to omit themselves of institutional membership, instead acting as “independent scholars.” Independent scholars maintain the ability to mentor students and participate in Congressional events, but are not represented on the board. The Congress of Scholars verifies the following types of doctoral degrees, all of whom would receive the title of “Doctor” (Dr.); PhD, derived from the Flexian philosophiae doctor. Holders of this degree have undergone the doctoral accreditation process in full. EpF, derived from the Flexian ex post facto. These are doctoral degrees of equal status to the PhD, but have been awarded to scholars with sufficient academic publications prior to the establishment of the Congress. Posthumous PhD, awarded as recognition of deceased scholars deemed to have made a significant contribution to their field during life. Awarding of the posthumous doctorates must be brought to the board as a motion. Honorary PhD, awarded as recognition of an individual’s academic contributions outside of the academic world. The honorary PhD cannot be used as appropriate academic credentials. Awarding of the honorary doctorates must be brought to the board as a motion. Networking In-person networking events between scholars are of utmost importance. Correspondence through letters are fruitful in sharing brief theories, but to truly interact with the intellectual work of others, a regular gathering of scholars is most effective. The Congress is responsible for the organization of academic forums wherein scholars are eligible to present influential studies with their peers and meet scholars from other institutions. The Congress may also provide logistical assistance with smaller conferences initiated by other academic institutions or individuals. Participation, of course, is not limited to those with advanced degrees, but simply those who have recently made scholarly contributions to their field. Archival Duties The Congress of Scholars is tasked with proper record-keeping, and may expand its archival functions at the discretion of the board. The Congress will maintain an organized and public record of current and past doctorates. The Congress will maintain an organized and public record of current and past accredited academic institutions. Amendments to the Charter This document may be amended by the following processes; 3/4ths majority vote of Board Members on a proposed motion, or Simple majority vote of a referendum among all current PhD and EpF holders. To amend this document through referendum, 50% of all current doctorates must agree to the proposed measure.

The Celestine Herbert Award Sponsored by the Congress of Scholars “Scientia in Unitate” 80 S.E. Award Description The Celestine Herbert Award (CHA) recognizes an individual research publication which has made a significant contribution to scholarly literature in recent years. The award is named after Celestine Herbert, the prophetic anthropologist, ethnographer, explorer and founder of the Northern Geographic Society. Herbert’s publications have always challenged the boundaries and limitations of academic theories and knowledge, making novel contributions to the scholarly world. In the spirit of Celestine Herbert, this award aspires to uphold her legacy by recognizing scholars who publish rigorous, insightful and original research. Submission Criteria The award will be granted under the following conditions; Publications in all academic disciplines are considered for the award. The CHA will be granted once every five Saint’s years, announced at the Congress of Scholar’s regular conventions. The Congress of Scholars will accept submissions of publications on a rolling basis, and reserves the right to recognize a public article as the winner of the award that may not have been submitted directly. Preference will be given to contemporary research which has been published in the last five Saint’s years preceding the granting of the award. If the article has more than one author, the CHA will be awarded to all authors of the publication, provided that all authors made substantial contributions to the article. The CHA Evaluation Committee shall be composed of the Chair of the Congress of Scholars and two appointed adjudicators. No members of the committee shall be eligible for that year’s award. Evaluation Members of the committee may suggest which submissions to evaluate for proper CHA candidacy. Following deliberations, all members of the committee must vote on a single publication to grant the award. Committee members should evaluate submissions on the following criteria; Rigidity: The submissions should present a degree of academic rigor. The publication should present a clear research question, methodology, and results. Submissions should reference prior academic literature to support their findings. Although not required, it would be favorable that studies make use of a proper citation style, such as VSSA or NGSC. Novelty: The article examines a viewpoint or aspect of the research topic that has not been thoroughly examined in prior academic literature. Research presents the original perspectives and findings of the author(s). Inquiry: The publication challenges the current limits of academia or critically examines existing academic literature. Authors should not be afraid to challenge dominant theories in their academic discipline. Note on the CHA’85 The first endowment of the CHA shall take place in 85 S.E. at the Congress of Scholar’s regular conference (details TBA). Submissions for the CHA’85 may be sent to Pro Tem Chair Elibar’Indor. Academic articles may have already been published or may be published specifically as a contender for the CHA. The members of the CHA’85 Evaluation Committee shall be; Dr. Elibar’Indor Hilea, Pro Tem Chairman of the Congress of Scholars Dr. Elizabeth Brae-Wittenbach, Vice President of the Northern Geographic Society Dr. Viction Trito, Grandmaster of the Vortician Society of Scholars and Artisans Signed, Dr. Elibar’Indor Hilea, Pro Tem Chair of the Board

[!] Dr. Indor peruses the flier before sending a missive back to the clan. "To Clan Dezokh-Nur, I am delighted to extend a provisional offer of membership within the Congress of Scholars to your clan. As an umbrella organization for all academic societies in Almaris, we believe that Clan Dezokh-Nur would benefit from mutual collaboration with our fellow member institutions, such as the Northern Geographic Society, the Vortician Society of Scholars and Artisans, the Celian Academy and the University of Vaelya. Your summits sound fairly similar to our own academic conferences. By no doubt, having Clan Dezokh-Nur sit on our board would yield mutual benefits. Please do contact me to discuss further, I can be reached by aviary or in the Karosgrad museum." Best, Dr. Elibar'Indor

Name: Elibar'Indor Hilea Age: 160 Role Interested In: Arcane Scholar Classes Interested in: Arcane Theory & Basics, Evocations Reason for wanting to join the Academy: "I have found myself intrigued by the voidal magics, both from a practical and academic standpoint. I express the desire to dabble in the arcane arts purely to satisfy my curiosity; the raw experience, knowledge and wisdom gained is enough to satiate my wanderlust." - MC Name: Papa_Liam Discord: Liam#7649 Time Zone: EST

Elibar screams and growls and moans and cries after trying to find this wagon.