There are two types of students at the Tarothi University out of Zawell: those seeking knowledge, magic, and discovery, and the wealthy few enrolled by parents. Now these two can overlap, it is entirely possible and plausible that they would, but the dichotomy exists between heritage students and first generation knowledge-seekers. Cost of tuition verges on obscene, necessitating the split as very rarely do average folk have the money to enter.
The university does have coursework involving both wizardry and barding, as well as a sizable collection of research on the nature of sorcerous bloodlines. Magic is far from the primary goal of the university, it acts primarily as a prep school for children of wealthy merchants. The genuine scholars of the university use the funding to make expeditions into the Buried Lands of Greater Leyarain, with the renowned Headmaster Borri Tolomo being chief among these scholars.
They work closely with scholars of the Deneirian Chapters, and many choose to matriculate into the organization after graduation. The Deneirian Chapter is a group of scholars devoted to plumbing the depths of the Buried Lands in search of understanding, fame, and magic; in particular they seek the ancient ruins of Taroth Vir, the floating city which is said to have crashed in the deadly landscape over a thousand years before during the Disjunction.
Once a year, during Deadfrost, the Headmaster schedules and sponsors an expedition to Greater Leyarain. He chooses five worthy students with the greatest achievements to bring on the trip; it is a massive boost in prestige for any hoping to matriculate into the Chapter. The destination is different each year: the Tarmount is a popular choice, Tak'toloc, Bhaelros on rare occasions, and even the bare fringes of the Buried Lands from time to time. The expedition lasts the entire month, usually setting out on the first of the month, and returning for the new year.
- Skill Proficiencies: History, Insight, Persuasion
- Languages: One of your choice.
- Equipment: A bottle of black ink, an ink pen, a hooded lantern, a tinderbox, a primer on etiquette, a textbook detailing ancient culture on the Leyarain Isles, a school uniform, and a pouch containing 20 gp
You have access to the library and coursework of the Tarothi University, which is the second largest library on either island. Additionally, you will receive preferential treatment at any Deneirian Chapter on either island as senior scholars from the organization recognize the prestige of your education. You have consistent room and board on campus and at any of its satellites, which most major settlements and several remote locations have.
To maintain this, you must pay tuition every five months until you graduate, after which you will receive all of these accommodations as part of being an alumnus of the university. Tuition runs a firm 500 GP for each payment. Students are required to take a certain amount of coursework in the five month semester, but an especially studious individual might complete all of their coursework in a month or two, leaving large gaps for independent study.
Additionally, you gain access to the magic initiate feat, though you can only choose bard or wizard. This, obviously, is not tied to the above expenditures.
Suggested Characteristics
Keep in mind the dichotomy above, children of wealthy merchants and scholarship students are hardly birds of a feather. Even so, you may develop a serious interest in the research carried out by the University; many an esteemed scholar has spent their life in the pursuit of the Buried Lands.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I thrive on esoteric lore. The more obscure the historical references I can include in everyday conversation, the better. |
| 2 | I hope to subvert expectations by showing that not only am I wealthy, I am intelligent too. |
| 3 | If I can get ahold of someone, I will talk to them for hours on end about my research and aspirations. As a result many people seem to disappear when I enter a room. |
| 4 | I am accustomed to pampering, the more "hands-on" classwork and field excursions are not something I wish to partake in. |
| 5 | I wonder aloud rather often, I can't focus on the mysteries of the world in silence. |
| 6 | Money can buy prestige, class, and knowledge, and I have money. |
| 7 | I've spent every coin I have on this, I will make the most of my sacrifice. |
| 8 | I've recently learned that speaking down to commoners is actually quite gauche, I love how much I'm learning about tact and etiquette at this school! |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Achievement. I work hard to be on top of all of my studies. (Any) |
| 2 | Power. I am paying for pedigree here, it will bring me great esteem and power I am sure. (Evil) |
| 3 | Scholarship. I am a scholar at heart, I wish to keep learning for the rest of my life. (Neutral) |
| 4 | Apathy. I don't want to be here, I'm always forced into these things by my parents. (Neutral) |
| 5 | Socialite. I am here to make friends and connections. (Any) |
| 6 | Generativity. I want to leave the world having contributed all the knowledge I can. (Good) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I traveled far to attend this school, the friends I made here are my world. |
| 2 | After I graduate, I'm going after the family business. I will be wealthy and powerful. |
| 3 | I owe a shady benefactor quite a sum of gold for my tuition. |
| 4 | I have an aunt/uncle in the Deneirian Chapter, I want nothing more than to apprentice to them. |
| 5 | One day I will publish my own research on the Buried Lands and become famous for it, like the Headmaster. |
| 6 | I keep trying to get expelled, but my family keeps paying off administration. |
| d8 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am overly competitive, if anyone outshines me in my coursework, it means war. |
| 2 | I would kill to make sure I get noticed at the Deneirian Chapter. |
| 3 | I have taken to keiliweed pipes to keep awake, can't study while I'm asleep! |
| 4 | I hold a grudge and the money to get revenge on anyone who wrongs me. |
| 5 | I've stolen books from the library, I'll give them back. Eventually. |
| 6 | I am not above sabotaging others to make myself look good by comparison. |
| 7 | I make flashcards. A lot of flashcards. About everything. |
| 8 | I can't help it if I have a future and everyone else doesn't. |
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