The University of Oxford

[M D]

The University of Oxford
Founded in 1096





Chancellor and Lord High Sheriff of Oxford: Hon. Alexander Montgomery

Bursar: Sir Henry Watkins VII, Bt.



The University of Oxford has had teaching in its Halls and Colleges since the late 11th Century, yet it has always encountered troubled times in the past. Yet for the past century or so, it has been under the steady hand of the Montgomery family. Now with the rise of another Montgomery, so must too the University. Installed are the new Bursar, the spendthrift Watkins from a long line of Bursars, and as Head Bulldog a man feared within the county for his enforcing on behalf of the Loansharks. Looking forward now, the University wishes to establish itself as as the premier Classical place of education in His Majesty's realm.

Courses Offered

• Literae Humaniores
  Taught by the Chancellor himself, the "Greats" combine the literature of the ancient writers and poets like Homer, Virgil, Ovid and others. While also combining the history of the civilisations of old, how Octavian defeated Antony, and Caesar the Gauls. This allows the student to have the only proper education for life, a knowledge of the old, and the experience of how to apply it to the new.
• Theology
  Taught by Father Tancred Mordred of Durham, this course allows students an insight into the workings of religion. For to question anything within Scripture or the writings of the Apostles can only be done after a proper education, otherwise one will simply misread texts. From this course you can enter the Seminary and take the orders, or merely use your knowledge as an academic or any other course of life pursued.
• Architecture
  An art form recently becoming a serious issue, with the advent of gunpowder, gone is the need of simple thick stone defence. Instead a new form of defence building has arisen, ensuring style yet also allowing effective prevention of all out destruction. This course is sponsored by the Kazimier Capital Company and is recommended for any budding young merchants or generals wishing to learn from the inside.

The system of Colleges is one that is unique to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, this allows students to pursue their courses while in the cloistered safety of a Hall of residence. With the epidemic of local violence, colleges provide a haven of both learning and culture. During the day though, travel throughout the city is encouraged but to be able to return to a civilised room where in some many acres of green fields lie away, it is truly the best way. New colleges come around regularly, with opportunities for patronage common.

Major Colleges

• Magdalen
  One of the younger colleges, having been founded in 1458 by William Waynflete, Magdalen College is rapidly becoming larger both in physical size and student population. This college is where the Chancellor himself teaches due to the beauty of its gardens, and the location of the only Deer Park within the Oxford Colleges.
• Balliol
  A college famous not for what is within the walls, but who has come out of them. With former Crown ministers and Burgesses of Parliament, along with academics who's books adorn the shelves of the knowledgeable across the world. Founded in the 13th Century, Balliol has established a tradition, and one that is sure to carry on. It is recommended any student who wishes for privacy apply here as it has an entirely closed environment.
• Oriel
  Known as "King's College" due to its foundation by King Arthur II several years ago, Oriel is as a result one of the richest colleges in the University. Known for its chapel than its academia, any student who wishes to have more of a cultural Oxford experience and consume more alcohol in one night than some villages in year, then Oriel is for you.
• All Souls
  Fellows of All Souls College are not technically students, they are men selected by the Chancellor to allow them unhindered access to research and learning. As a fellow, all things they require in Oxford are paid for by the Chancellor's Office, and no parts of the city are off limits. They are also the only students allowed to be out in the city after midnight. Prospective fellows may seek an examination, but should not accept a place.

Throughout the City of Oxford are landmarks that should come in useful for any student of the city. Membership of the Library costs a nominal one crown, and allows lifetime access to any of the reading rooms in the city. Some students run a society called the Bullin gdon Society, an exclusive group made for those who will one day run the country. The University does not official recognise its existence.

Landmarks of Oxford

• Duke Richard's Library
  Founded with the generosity of Duke Richard Montgomery over one hundred years ago, the Duke Richard is the premier library of the City, although with demand, another grander facility is expected to be built. All books are desired and donations encouraged. Any student may use the library when the nominal fee has been paid. Membership also allows a personal research to assist you.
• Blackfriars Hall
  A Hall of the Dominican Order, Blackfriars is a recommended stop if you wish to remain on the good side of one of the most feared Orders. Responsible for ensuring that Catholicism is strictly followed within Oxford, Blackfriars also trains many would be Priests while studying Theology at the University.

[Narf]

A Old Knight in the Uniform of Ryn Arrives at Oxford University and Delivers a letter.

[Pendragon]

Declan arrives to see the Chancellor.

[M D]

Declan arrives to see the Chancellor.

This man of unknown quantity is first shown to the Bursar's Office, for the Chancellor is terribly busy. Declan is then after a short time waiting allowed into the Bursar's study, the staff member in charge of all things financial is scrawling away without looking up he spoke,

"Yes? Speak quickly, time is valuable and we do not have much of it on this mortal plane, so speak up young man, and speak fast."

[Pendragon]

Declan chuckles and flips back his hood. His hair is flecked with grey, as is his beard.

"Young? Hardly. I seek a position teaching here, matey."

[M D]

The man still does not look up, he does not care for theatrics,

"If a gentlemen wished to become a Tutor here, it is not because he is young or old, sir, it is because he is of a certain level of intelligence.The language you use already casts aspersions that I hope you shall be quick to remove. I run a tight ship on spending, and I shall not employ a man who cannot bring us a return on our investment. So listen please, and do not be ignorant again, what is your name, what do you wish to teach, and what is your experience?"

[Pendragon]

The smile fades from Declan's lips. He strides forward, picks the quill from the Bursar's fingers, and breaks it.

"Declan Traveler, a Lord of this kingdom last I checked. I wish to teach Eastern Studies, my experience, the past three decades of my life spent in both the Near and Far East. "

[M D]

The Bursar chuckled,

"Then you are a Lord who owes me 12 crowns for that quill was goose feather, bought from Messrs Frumpton and sons in London. But on a more serious note, many people say that they have been to the East, so why I am to believe you?"

[Pendragon]

Declan sighs, removes a goose feather quill from a pouch at his waist and lays it across the table, and then a loose pamphlet.

"In that pamphlet you shall find schematics for many gunpowder weapons, small, easy to carry, and deadly, all of Eastern design, which I plan to have constructed once I make my first trip to London. Proof enough, or should I get the bags of Arab gunpowder and Oriental healing herbs from my saddlebags?"

[M D]

The Bursar's eye light up,

"Perhaps we could make a different deal. The University also has ownership of the city, you see. Perhaps you would be willing to construct these weapons here, under licence and payment of the University. We have canals serving London and other cities, and I am sure we will all do well out of it."

[Narf]

A Old Knight in the Uniform of Ryn Arrives at Oxford University and Delivers a letter.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Pendragon]

"I want patents on the designs, and how much are you offering?"

[M D]

"The patents are yours, but the exclusive right to produce will remain here for five years. We shall pay 100 Crowns this year, and should they prove successful, 10 crowns each following year."

[Pendragon]

Declan considered.

"Call it 15 crowns if they are successful, I have three designs, 5 Crowns a piece. I think this is fair."

[M D]

"No."

The Bursar smiled,

"We are a rich university, but I do not like being exploited."

[Pendragon]

Declan nodded and extended his hand.

"Ten it is then. Shake and it's a deal."

[M D]

The Bursar shakes Declan's hand and take the plans from him, before handing them to an errand boy,

"Production shall begin immediately."

[Pendragon]

Declan nods.

"A pleasure. I shall visit upon my return from London."

With that, he raises his hood and exits the university.

[Narf]

In the lovely spring 1490 a Knight of Ryn arrives, his horse and himself tired from the journey.

[M D]

The Knight is shown to the Gatehouse of the City where he is asked to sign in.