By Mark Kibbe
This twelve building campus was built by the Hampton government in the year 503. Engineers from all over the region were hired to construct the beautiful campus. The architectural designs were taken from ancient cathedrals dating back to before the Banishment. More than 5,000 laborers toiled for four years to complete the project. Marble and ivory were imported from neighboring kingdoms to create the elaborate walkways and columns, a man-made lake was constructed to beautify the campus, and rare trees and plants were planted in the lush gardens around the buildings. Once the University was completed, the Hampton government hired the most notable sages, scholars, and instructors to educate the Upper Class citizens of the Empire. Middle and Lower Class citizens were excluded from higher education based solely on prejudice. This elite attitude continued for more than a century but eventually was overpowered by public outcry. In the year 637, the University was opened to the public; however, because tuition was so expensive, the Lower and Middle class people found it difficult to attend. Finally, in the year 659, the government of Hampton commanded the University to lower tuition rates and allow all applicants the opportunity to attend. Over the next three months, a separate building was constructed on campus that stood removed from the main structures. New applicants who did not meet the criteria and high expectations of the Admission Board were relegated to this separate building. The campus became known as Commoner Hall. Commoner Hall is attended by Middle Class citizens, adventurers, and other people wishing to enhance their education. Tuition is 25 gold coins per month. The campus offers a variety of skills including: History (Hampton, Pereysha, Daryna, Hamsburg, Ry-Gel, and Sincord), Language (Elf, Dwarf, Sprite, and Merikii), Law (Judicial), Read/Write (Juravian, Elf, and Merikii), Jeweler, and Plant ID. Students who wish to learn skills such as Leadership, Horsemanship, Weapon (melee or missile), or Magic must complete a request form and await and opening in the class roster. The waiting period is usually several months. In addition, tuition for such skills is equal to 75 gold coins per month. Following this paragraph is a breakdown of Commoner Hall, the classrooms and professors, and the availability of classes. It should be noted that entrance to the campus, the buildings, and the rooms, are off limits to non-students. The Referee should feel free to alter things as he or she sees fit. Back to The Dungeon Architect List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 2000 by Basement Games Unlimited, LLC This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com |