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'''Education''' in [[Thedas]] varies depending on race, culture, and class, and from nation to nation.
 
'''Education''' in [[Thedas]] varies depending on race, culture, and class, and from nation to nation.
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{{TOC right}}
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== Human kingdoms ==
   
== Human noble education ==
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=== Chantry ===
 
The education provided to those of the Chantry appears on par with that of nobles. [[Templar Order|Templar]] recruits are literate and are taught history<ref>As [[Alistair]] mentions in party banter with [[Morrigan]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''.</ref> in addition to their martial training and religious education. Members of the Chantry, by dint of their responsibilities, are naturally literate and well-read, in the [[Chant of Light]] if nothing else.
Among [[humans]] of the nobility an education is typically provided by a learned tutor, such as [[Aldous]] in the [[Human Noble Origin]]. Noble Andrastian families may often have a [[Chantry]] Mother as a member of the household to attend to the religious education of the young. Examples of Mothers attached to noble households are [[Mother Mallol]] and [[Mother Ailis]] of the [[Cousland]] and [[Theirin]] houses respectively.
 
   
 
Local Chantries may also provide some instruction to their followers and allow access to their texts.<ref>As [[Ser Donall]] is doing research on the [[Urn of Sacred Ashes]] at the [[Lothering chantry]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''.</ref>
A major facet of noble education appears to be history, as Aldous drills both the [[Human Noble Origin|Human Noble]] and young squires in the household on family history. Reading and writing are naturally part of this education. A noble education does not necessarily make one a strong scholar, however, as even King [[Maric]] is by his own admission a poor reader.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Calling]]'', p. 261.</ref> Martial training is also a component of the education of nobility as nobles are expected by their commoners to defend them and their territories.
 
   
 
Chantry members may also pursue scholarship. The most well-known Chantry scholar is Brother [[Ferdinand Genitivi]], lecturer and author of numerous texts and travelogues. Other scholars search for ancient artifacts and scrolls, such as Sister [[Justine]], curator of the [[Denerim]] chantry. Justine is also versed in decoding ciphers and encrypted text.
Noble education may also include such things as dance and song, as [[Leliana]] learned in Lady Cecilie's household.
 
   
 
=== Circle of Magi ===
Noble households may also boast libraries, as [[Castle Cousland]] does.
 
 
[[File:Mage-tower-screens-preview-2.jpg|thumb|270px|The library of [[Circle Tower|Kinloch Hold]].]]
 
The education of a [[mage]] is as extensive as that of a noble, if not more so. Beyond being taught to control their magic, a mage learns of the various schools of magic as well as languages, reading, writing, scrying, etc. A mage's training consists of extensive study of arcane lore. As any Circle of Magi is essentially a war college and standing army, much of a mage's training is also battle magic.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 62</ref>
   
 
Much like the Chantry, the Circle of Magi encourages scholarship and publishes the completed research. Examples of this are the botanical writings of [[Ines]] and the spirit research of [[Rhys]]. Through their education and scholarship mages are considered some of the most educated members of society and as such may sometimes function as advisers in royal courts.
== Chantry education ==
 
The education provided to those of the Chantry appears on par with that of nobles. [[Templar Order|Templar]] recruits are literate and are taught history<ref>As [[Alistair]] mentions in party banter with [[Morrigan]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''.</ref> in addition to their martial training and religious education. Members of the Chantry, by dint of their responsibilities, are naturally literate and well-read, in the [[Chant of Light]] if nothing else.
 
   
  +
Circles of Magi have massive libraries and are typically the greatest repositories of knowledge in any country, though access is naturally limited.
Local Chantries may also provide some instruction to their followers and allow access to their texts.<ref>As [[Ser Donall]] is doing research on the [[Urn of Sacred Ashes]] at the [[Lothering]] Chantry in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''.</ref>
 
   
=== Chantry scholarship ===
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=== Commoners ===
 
Commoners appear to receive little formal education in most countries in Thedas and many may be illiterate. [[City elves]] receive even less education than [[human]] commoners. As such [[Dwarf|dwarven]] runes may be used in place of writing in some cases.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Asunder]]'', p. 128</ref> In other instances tally marks may be used to delineate locations or distances.<ref>As noted in ''[[Dragon Age: The Silent Grove]]'' Chapter 2, tally marks are used by illiterates in the [[Antivan Crows|Antivan Crow]] prison [[Velabanchel]].</ref>
The Chantry promotes scholarship amongst its members and encourages their intellectual pursuits. The most well-known Chantry scholar is [[Brother Genitivi]], lecturer and author of numerous texts and travelogues. Other Chantry members may pursue scholarship through the collection of artifacts, such as [[Sister Justine]], curator of the [[Denerim]] Chantry. Justine is also versed in decoding ciphers and encrypted text.
 
   
  +
However, in sharp contrast, those who work as servants or [[Slavery|slaves]] in noble estates receive extensive education.
== Circle of Magi education ==
 
[[File:Mage-tower-screens-preview-2.jpg|thumb|The library of Kinloch Hold, the Ferelden Circle of Magi]]
 
The education of a [[mage]] is as extensive as that of a noble, if not more so. Beyond being taught to control their magic, a mage learns of the various schools of magic as well as languages, reading, writing, scrying, etc. A mage's training consists of extensive study of arcane lore. As any Circle of Magi is essentially a war college and standing army, much of a mage's training is also battle magic.<ref>''[[Dragon Age RPG]]'' Player's Guide, set 2, p. 62.</ref>
 
   
=== Circle of Magi scholarship ===
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=== Fereldan nobility ===
 
Among the [[Ferelden|Fereldan]] nobility an education is typically provided by a learned tutor, such as [[Aldous]] in the [[Human Noble Origin]]. Noble Andrastian families may often have a [[Chantry]] Mother as a member of the household to attend to the religious education of the young. Examples of Mothers attached to noble households are Mother [[Mallol]] and Mother [[Ailis]] of the [[Cousland family|Cousland]] and [[Theirin family|Theirin]] families respectively.
Much like the Chantry, the Circle of Magi encourages scholarship and publishes the completed research. Examples of this are the botanical writings of [[Ines]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]]'' and the spirit research of [[Rhys]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Asunder]]''. Through their education and scholarship mages are considered some of the most educated members of society and as such may sometimes function as advisers in royal courts.
 
   
 
A major facet of noble education appears to be history, as Aldous drills both the [[Human Noble Origin|Human Noble]] and young squires in the household on family history. Reading and writing are naturally part of this education. A noble education does not necessarily make one a strong scholar, however, as even King [[Maric]] is by his own admission a poor reader.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Calling]]'', p. 261.</ref> Martial training is also a component of the education of nobility as nobles are expected by their commoners to defend them and their territories.
Circles of Magi have massive libraries and are typically the greatest repositories of knowledge in any country, though access is naturally limited. In the [[Mage Origin]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'' even [[Duncan]] will make note of the splendor of the library of [[Kinloch Hold]] in dialogue with a Circle mage player. In ''[[Witch Hunt]]'' the [[Warden-Commander]] travels to the same Circle in order to complete research due to its immense resources.
 
   
 
Noble education may also include such things as dance and song, as [[Leliana]] learned in Lady Cecilie's household.
== Commoner education ==
 
Commoners appear to receive little formal education in most countries in Thedas and many may be illiterate. As such [[Dwarf|dwarven]] runes may be used in place of writing in some cases.<ref>In ''[[Dragon Age: Asunder]]'', p. 128, dwarven runes are used to mark the crimes of executed criminals in [[Orlais]].</ref> In other instances tally marks may be used to delineate locations or distances.<ref>As noted in ''[[Dragon Age: The Silent Grove]]'' Chapter 2, tally marks are used by illiterates in the [[Antivan Crows|Antivan Crow]] prison [[Velabanchel]].</ref>
 
   
 
Noble households may also boast libraries, as [[Castle Cousland]] does.
Notably, [[Morrigan]] professes knowledge of history in spite of not having had a formal education.
 
   
== Dwarf noble education ==
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== Dwarves ==
[[Dwarf|Dwarven]] education in [[Orzammar]] appears to be given to those with [[Caste system|caste]]. Little is known of the nuances of dwarven education but it appears that at least part of it, amongst nobles, may be administered by the [[Shaper]].<ref>As implied by dialogue between a [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]] and the Shaper in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''.</ref> Martial training appears to be a major element of dwarven education in [[Orzammar]], with the best trainers, [[Warrior caste]] dwarves, being retained by noble households.
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[[Dwarf|Dwarven]] education in [[Orzammar]] appears to be given to those with [[Caste system|caste]]. Little is known of the nuances of dwarven education but it appears that at least part of it, amongst nobles, may be administered by members of the [[Shaperate]].<ref>As implied by dialogue between a [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]] and Shaper [[Czibor]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''.</ref> Martial training appears to be a major element of dwarven education in [[Orzammar]], with the best trainers, being retained by noble [[house]]holds.
   
 
The [[Shaperate]] is arguably the largest repository of history and knowledge. Its resources are available to anyone, to pursue both personal<ref>As seen with [[Orta]] during [[Lost to the Memories]].</ref> and professional research. Noble households may also serve as patrons for Shaperate scholars.<ref>Such as [[Gertek]].</ref>
Members of other castes besides Noble caste also receive superior education, as [[Dagna]] of the [[Smith caste]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'' is herself a well-read scholar.
 
   
=== Dwarven scholarship ===
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=== Casteless dwarves ===
 
Amongst the [[Casteless dwarves|casteless]] there is no formal education; indeed, most casteless dwarves appear to be functionally illiterate.<ref>Based on [[Sigrun]]'s illiteracy prior to joining the [[Legion of the Dead]].</ref> However, [[noble hunter]]s are literate and highly educated in poetry and other skills in order to make them attractive to noble partners.
The [[Shaperate]] is not only the largest repository of history and knowledge in Orzammar, its resources are also available to any scholars, such as [[Orta]], to pursue both personal and professional research. Noble households may also serve as patrons for Shaperate scholars such as [[Gertek]] in the [[Dwarf Noble Origin]].
 
   
 
== Qunari ==
== Casteless dwarf education ==
 
 
[[File:Ben-Hassrath (Those Who Speak).png|thumb|A Tamassran educating converts]]
Amongst the [[Casteless dwarves|casteless]] there is no formal education; indeed, most casteless dwarves appear to be functionally illiterate.<ref>Based on [[Sigrun]]'s illiteracy prior to joining the [[Legion of the Dead]].</ref> However, [[noble hunter]]s are literate and highly educated in poetry and other skills in order to make them attractive to noble partners.
 
 
Education amongst the [[Qunari]] is administered according to one's role in the rigid society of the [[Qun]]. Learning is a core philosophy of the Qunari way of life. In spite of it, many Qunari do not speak the [[Language|common tongue]] of Thedas.<ref>{{Cite wot|42}}</ref> Amongst Qunari, the [[tamassran]]s are arguably the most educated, being fluent in many languages<ref>As implied by [[Rasaan]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Those Who Speak]]''.</ref> in order to educate, or re-educate, converts to the Qun. Tamassrans raise the young, administer their general education, and evaluate them for placement in society.
   
 
== Dalish elves ==
Shaper [[Czibor]] may remark to a [[Dwarf Commoner Origin|Dwarf Commoner]] about their education when questioned in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'' but this is likely an error as there is no indication casteless receive any type of education.
 
 
Education among the [[Dalish]] appears to be in the main oral,<ref>As implied by [[hahren]]s [[Paivel]] and [[Sarel]].</ref> who instruct through the use of lore and storytelling. The Dalish retain their history through oral tradition as well as books in some cases.<ref>As implied by the book [[Morrigan]] takes from [[Ariane]]'s clan.</ref> A clan's First studies lore, magic and history in order to become a successful [[Keeper]].<ref>According to [[Merrill]] in ''[[Dragon Age II]]''.</ref> A Keeper is ostensibly a clan's leader and as such is viewed as wise and learned.
 
== Dalish elf education ==
 
Education among the [[Dalish]] appears to be in the main oral, as implied by [[Hahren]]s [[Paivel]] and [[Sarel]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'', who instruct through the use of lore and storytelling. The Dalish retain their history through oral tradition as well as books in some cases.<ref>As implied by the book Morrigan takes from [[Ariane]]'s clan in ''[[Witch Hunt]]'', considered priceless by the clan.</ref> A clan's First studies lore, magic and history in order to become a successful [[Keeper]].<ref>According to [[Merrill]] in ''[[Dragon Age II]]''.</ref> A Keeper is ostensibly a clan's leader and as such is viewed as wise and learned.
 
   
 
Dalish elves hold Arlathvhens in order to reconvene with other clans and to exchange their collected lore.
 
Dalish elves hold Arlathvhens in order to reconvene with other clans and to exchange their collected lore.
 
== City elf education ==
 
Amongst commoners, [[City Elves|city elves]] receive little education, much the same as human commoners. Notably, however, [[Cyrion]] of the [[City Elf Origin]] appears to have received some education as he was a servant in Bann Rodolf's [[Denerim]] estate. Chantry members such as [[Mother Boann]] may also make appearances in the [[Alienage]]s to minister to the elves and perform services.
 
 
Among city elves, [[Hahren]] [[Valendrian]] in the City Elf Origin also acts as an administrator and intermediary between the elves and the city at large, indicating that, in order to fulfill his tasks, he has enjoyed greater education than most city elves are given.
 
 
== Qunari education ==
 
[[File:Ben-Hassrath_(Those_Who_Speak).png|thumb|A Tamassran educating converts]]
 
Education amongst the [[Qunari]] is administered according to one's role in the rigid society of the Qun. Learning is a core philosophy of the Qunari way of life, as evidenced by the value placed upon a book, the [[Tome of Koslun]], in Qunari society. In spite of it, many Qunari do not speak the common tongue of Thedas.<ref>{{cite wot|42}}</ref> Amongst Qunari [[Tamassran]]s are arguably the most educated, being fluent in many languages<ref>As implied by [[Rasaan]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Those Who Speak]]''.</ref> in order to educate, or re-educate, converts to the Qun. Tamassrans raise the young, administer their general education, and evaluate them for placement in society.
 
   
 
== Notable repositories ==
 
== Notable repositories ==
 
* The [[Shaperate]] of [[Orzammar]]
 
* The library of [[Kinloch Hold]]
 
* The library of [[Kinloch Hold]]
 
* [[Archive of the Crows]] in [[Antiva City]]
 
* [[Archive of the Crows]] in [[Antiva City]]
* The [[Shaperate]] of [[Orzammar]]
 
   
 
== Known universities ==
 
== Known universities ==
* University of [[Orlais]]<ref>[http://us.macmillan.com/BookCustomPage_New.aspx?isbn=9780765331182/ ''Dragon Age: The Masked Empire'' excerpt]</ref>
+
* University of [[Orlais]]<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]]''</ref>
  +
* University of [[Ferelden]]<ref>If Anora is the sole ruler in the [[Epilogue (Origins)|epilogue]].</ref>
{{SpoilerDAO|
 
* University of [[Ferelden]] ''(if [[Anora]] rules alone)''<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'' epilogue slide if Anora is the sole ruler.</ref>}}
 
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
* [[Zevran Arainai]] and other assassins of the Antivan Crows are notably literate,<ref>As assassination contracts must be read per [[Master Ignacio]].</ref> and the Crows maintain their own scholarship in their archive.
+
* [[Zevran Arainai]] and other [[assassin]]s of the Antivan Crows are notably literate,<ref>As assassination contracts must be read per Master [[Ignacio]].</ref> and the Crows maintain their own scholarship in their archive.
  +
* [[Fenris]] is illiterate as a consequence of his enslavement.<ref>As seen during [[The Book of Shartan]] quest.</ref>
{{SpoilerDA2|
 
* [[Fenris]] in ''[[Dragon Age II]]'' is illiterate as a consequence of his [[Slavery|enslavement]].}}
 
   
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
<references/>
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{{Scroll box|<references/>}}
[[Category:Circle of Magi]]
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[[Category:Lore]]
[[Category:Chantry]]
 
[[Category:Fereldan nobility]]
 
[[Category:Orlesian nobility]]
 
[[Category:Elven lore]]
 
[[Category:Dwarven lore]]
 
[[Category:Human lore]]
 
[[Category:Qunari lore]]
 

Revision as of 08:46, 12 April 2014

Education in Thedas varies depending on race, culture, and class, and from nation to nation.

Human kingdoms

Chantry

The education provided to those of the Chantry appears on par with that of nobles. Templar recruits are literate and are taught history[1] in addition to their martial training and religious education. Members of the Chantry, by dint of their responsibilities, are naturally literate and well-read, in the Chant of Light if nothing else.

Local Chantries may also provide some instruction to their followers and allow access to their texts.[2]

Chantry members may also pursue scholarship. The most well-known Chantry scholar is Brother Ferdinand Genitivi, lecturer and author of numerous texts and travelogues. Other scholars search for ancient artifacts and scrolls, such as Sister Justine, curator of the Denerim chantry. Justine is also versed in decoding ciphers and encrypted text.

Circle of Magi

Mage-tower-screens-preview-2

The library of Kinloch Hold.

The education of a mage is as extensive as that of a noble, if not more so. Beyond being taught to control their magic, a mage learns of the various schools of magic as well as languages, reading, writing, scrying, etc. A mage's training consists of extensive study of arcane lore. As any Circle of Magi is essentially a war college and standing army, much of a mage's training is also battle magic.[3]

Much like the Chantry, the Circle of Magi encourages scholarship and publishes the completed research. Examples of this are the botanical writings of Ines and the spirit research of Rhys. Through their education and scholarship mages are considered some of the most educated members of society and as such may sometimes function as advisers in royal courts.

Circles of Magi have massive libraries and are typically the greatest repositories of knowledge in any country, though access is naturally limited.

Commoners

Commoners appear to receive little formal education in most countries in Thedas and many may be illiterate. City elves receive even less education than human commoners. As such dwarven runes may be used in place of writing in some cases.[4] In other instances tally marks may be used to delineate locations or distances.[5]

However, in sharp contrast, those who work as servants or slaves in noble estates receive extensive education.

Fereldan nobility

Among the Fereldan nobility an education is typically provided by a learned tutor, such as Aldous in the Human Noble Origin. Noble Andrastian families may often have a Chantry Mother as a member of the household to attend to the religious education of the young. Examples of Mothers attached to noble households are Mother Mallol and Mother Ailis of the Cousland and Theirin families respectively.

A major facet of noble education appears to be history, as Aldous drills both the Human Noble and young squires in the household on family history. Reading and writing are naturally part of this education. A noble education does not necessarily make one a strong scholar, however, as even King Maric is by his own admission a poor reader.[6] Martial training is also a component of the education of nobility as nobles are expected by their commoners to defend them and their territories.

Noble education may also include such things as dance and song, as Leliana learned in Lady Cecilie's household.

Noble households may also boast libraries, as Castle Cousland does.

Dwarves

Dwarven education in Orzammar appears to be given to those with caste. Little is known of the nuances of dwarven education but it appears that at least part of it, amongst nobles, may be administered by members of the Shaperate.[7] Martial training appears to be a major element of dwarven education in Orzammar, with the best trainers, being retained by noble households.

The Shaperate is arguably the largest repository of history and knowledge. Its resources are available to anyone, to pursue both personal[8] and professional research. Noble households may also serve as patrons for Shaperate scholars.[9]

Casteless dwarves

Amongst the casteless there is no formal education; indeed, most casteless dwarves appear to be functionally illiterate.[10] However, noble hunters are literate and highly educated in poetry and other skills in order to make them attractive to noble partners.

Qunari

Ben-Hassrath (Those Who Speak)

A Tamassran educating converts

Education amongst the Qunari is administered according to one's role in the rigid society of the Qun. Learning is a core philosophy of the Qunari way of life. In spite of it, many Qunari do not speak the common tongue of Thedas.[11] Amongst Qunari, the tamassrans are arguably the most educated, being fluent in many languages[12] in order to educate, or re-educate, converts to the Qun. Tamassrans raise the young, administer their general education, and evaluate them for placement in society.

Dalish elves

Education among the Dalish appears to be in the main oral,[13] who instruct through the use of lore and storytelling. The Dalish retain their history through oral tradition as well as books in some cases.[14] A clan's First studies lore, magic and history in order to become a successful Keeper.[15] A Keeper is ostensibly a clan's leader and as such is viewed as wise and learned.

Dalish elves hold Arlathvhens in order to reconvene with other clans and to exchange their collected lore.

Notable repositories

Known universities

Trivia

  • Zevran Arainai and other assassins of the Antivan Crows are notably literate,[18] and the Crows maintain their own scholarship in their archive.
  • Fenris is illiterate as a consequence of his enslavement.[19]

References

  1. As Alistair mentions in party banter with Morrigan in Dragon Age: Origins.
  2. As Ser Donall is doing research on the Urn of Sacred Ashes at the Lothering chantry in Dragon Age: Origins.
  3. Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 62
  4. Dragon Age: Asunder, p. 128
  5. As noted in Dragon Age: The Silent Grove Chapter 2, tally marks are used by illiterates in the Antivan Crow prison Velabanchel.
  6. Dragon Age: The Calling, p. 261.
  7. As implied by dialogue between a Dwarf Noble and Shaper Czibor in Dragon Age: Origins.
  8. As seen with Orta during Lost to the Memories.
  9. Such as Gertek.
  10. Based on Sigrun's illiteracy prior to joining the Legion of the Dead.
  11. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 42
  12. As implied by Rasaan in Dragon Age: Those Who Speak.
  13. As implied by hahrens Paivel and Sarel.
  14. As implied by the book Morrigan takes from Ariane's clan.
  15. According to Merrill in Dragon Age II.
  16. Dragon Age: The Masked Empire
  17. If Anora is the sole ruler in the epilogue.
  18. As assassination contracts must be read per Master Ignacio.
  19. As seen during The Book of Shartan quest.