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=== Andrastian Chantry ===
 
=== Andrastian 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 virtue of their responsibilities, are naturally literate and well-read, in the [[Chant of Light]] if nothing else.
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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. Only initiates, those who have taken vows to devote their lives to the Chantry, receive an academic education.<ref name="Chantryhierarchy">[[Codex entry: Chantry Hierarchy]]</ref>
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Members of the Chantry, by virtue 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.<ref>As [[Ser Donall]] is doing research on the [[Urn of Sacred Ashes]] at the [[Lothering chantry]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''.</ref>
 
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 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.
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Chantry members may also pursue scholarship. Clerics are the true academics of the Chantry, those men and women who have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of knowledge.<ref name="Chantryhierarchy" /> 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 ===
 
=== Circle of Magi ===
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However, in sharp contrast, those who work as servants in noble estates appear to receive extensive education, at least enough that is sufficient to perform their tasks.<ref>[[Cyrion Tabris]], for example, has by necessity had some education in order to be a servant in Bann Rodolf's [[Denerim]] estate.</ref>
 
However, in sharp contrast, those who work as servants in noble estates appear to receive extensive education, at least enough that is sufficient to perform their tasks.<ref>[[Cyrion Tabris]], for example, has by necessity had some education in order to be a servant in Bann Rodolf's [[Denerim]] estate.</ref>
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In recent years, Empress [[Celene Valmont I]] has been strongly encouraging the [[University of Orlais]] to overlook the lack of status and rank for individuals who show prodigious talent or potential which could help further the interests and prestige of the [[Orlais|Orlesian Empire]], provided a noble sponsors them. Most recently this has even extended to Celene personally interceding in support of an elven math prodigy, Lennan, who was sponsored by Comtesse Helene.<ref>[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]] ch1.</ref> Elves are now allowed into the university, although it is common for their work to go unacknowledged and uncredited.<ref>Dialogue with [[Colette]]</ref>
   
 
=== Slaves ===
 
=== Slaves ===
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== Known scholars ==
 
== Known scholars ==
=== Approved by the Chantry ===
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=== Chantry-sanctioned ===
* Brother [[Ferdinand Genitivi]]<ref>{{Cite wot2|125}}</ref>
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* Brother [[Ferdinand Genitivi]]<ref name="wot125">{{Cite wot2|125}}</ref>
* [[Ines Arancia]]<ref>{{Cite wot2|125}}</ref>
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* [[Ines Arancia]]<ref name="wot125" />
* Sister Petrine<ref>{{Cite wot2|125}}</ref>
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* Sister Petrine<ref name="wot125" />
* Sister Lilian Hatch<ref>{{Cite wot2|125}}</ref>
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* Sister Lilian Hatch<ref name="wot125" />
 
* Sister Oran Petrarchius<ref>{{Cite wot2|141}}</ref>
 
* Sister Oran Petrarchius<ref>{{Cite wot2|141}}</ref>
* Sister Dorcas [[Guerrin family|Guerrin]]<ref>{{Cite wot2|143}}</ref>
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* Sister Dorcas [[Guerrin family|Guerrin]]<ref name="wot143">{{Cite wot2|143}}</ref>
 
* [[First Enchanter]] Josephus<ref>{{Cite wot2|145}}</ref>
 
* [[First Enchanter]] Josephus<ref>{{Cite wot2|145}}</ref>
   
=== Approved outside the Chantry ===
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=== Disapproved by the Chantry ===
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* [[Laudine]]<ref>{{Cite wot2|139}}</ref> <small>(former Chantry Sister)</small>
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=== Others ===
 
* Philliam, A Bard!<ref>{{Cite wot2|136}}</ref>
 
* Philliam, A Bard!<ref>{{Cite wot2|136}}</ref>
* Massache de Jean-Mien<ref>{{Cite wot2|143}}</ref>
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* Massache de Jean-Mien<ref name="wot143" />
* [[Orlesian royalty and nobility|Lady]] Alcyone<ref>{{Cite wot2|144}}</ref>
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* [[Orlesian royalty and nobility|Lady]] Alcyone<ref name="wot144">{{Cite wot2|144}}</ref>
* [[Orlesian royalty and nobility|Baron]] Havard-Pierre D'Amortisan<ref>{{Cite wot2|144}}</ref>
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* [[Orlesian royalty and nobility|Baron]] Havard-Pierre D'Amortisan<ref name="wot144" />
 
* Ferdinand [[Pentaghast family|Pentaghast]]<ref>{{Cite wot2|145}}</ref>
 
* Ferdinand [[Pentaghast family|Pentaghast]]<ref>{{Cite wot2|145}}</ref>
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* Mother [[Ailis]]<ref name="wot142">{{Cite wot2|142}}</ref>
 
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* [[Frederic]] of Serault<ref name="wot142" />
=== Disapproved by the Chantry ===
 
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* [[Codex entry: Hyena|Stephan d'Eroin]]
* [[Laudine|(Formerly) Sister Laudine]]<ref>{{Cite wot2|139}}</ref>
 
   
 
== Notable repositories ==
 
== Notable repositories ==

Revision as of 00:32, 31 July 2020

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

Human nations

Andrastian 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. Only initiates, those who have taken vows to devote their lives to the Chantry, receive an academic education.[2]

Members of the Chantry, by virtue 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.[3]

Chantry members may also pursue scholarship. Clerics are the true academics of the Chantry, those men and women who have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of knowledge.[2] 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, healing, etc. A mage's training consists of extensive study of arcane lore.

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 a given 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 in noble estates appear to receive extensive education, at least enough that is sufficient to perform their tasks.[6]

In recent years, Empress Celene Valmont I has been strongly encouraging the University of Orlais to overlook the lack of status and rank for individuals who show prodigious talent or potential which could help further the interests and prestige of the Orlesian Empire, provided a noble sponsors them. Most recently this has even extended to Celene personally interceding in support of an elven math prodigy, Lennan, who was sponsored by Comtesse Helene.[7] Elves are now allowed into the university, although it is common for their work to go unacknowledged and uncredited.[8]

Slaves

Slaves in the Tevinter Imperium are often illiterate[9]; However, some receive formal education and training for specific purposes such as working in libraries, accounting or scribing. Literacy is notable and reflects on a slave's price.[10][11]

To make up for this lack of instruction, Tevinter slaves develop their own pictograms as a way to warn other slaves of things such as a master's temperament and other practical uses related to their society. These symbols go largely unnoticed by their owners and have a local significance, thus the same image might mean different things to different groups.[12]

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.[13] Martial training is also a component of the education of nobility, as nobles are expected by their commoners to defend them and their territories. It is unusual, but not unheard of, for noble daughters to be educated in the ways of war and battle.

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

Orzammar Shaperate - archives

The archives of the Shaperate

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.[14] 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, in order to pursue both personal[15] and professional research. Noble households may also serve as patrons for Shaperate scholars.[16]

BioWare canon
The following information is only mentioned in Dragon Age Tabletop. Certain portions of this media may no longer reflect currently established lore.

However the Shaperate is not the only source of scholarly work in Orzammar. A mining caste dwarf named Grundrak wrote a book named 'On Combustibles and Corrosives' which discusses the use of combustiles and corrosives for best effect and contains the formalae for both the Fire Bomb and Acid Flask. This book was written in the Trade tongue as he was certain that humans needed the advice most of all.[17]

Casteless dwarves

Amongst the casteless there is no formal education; indeed, most casteless dwarves appear to be functionally illiterate.[18] 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.[19] Amongst Qunari, the tamassrans are arguably the most educated, being fluent in many languages[20] 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,[21] who instruct through the use of lore and storytelling. The Dalish retain their history through oral tradition as well as books in some cases.[22] A clan's First studies lore, magic and history in order to become a successful Keeper.[23] 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.

Known scholars

Chantry-sanctioned

Disapproved by the Chantry

Others

Notable repositories

Known universities

Trivia

  • Zevran Arainai and other assassins of the Antivan Crows are notably literate,[37] and the Crows maintain their own scholarship in their archive.
  • Fenris is illiterate as a consequence of his enslavement.[38]
  • Elan Ve'mal mentions there being a specific college for herbalists.

References

  1. As Alistair mentions in party banter with Morrigan in Dragon Age: Origins.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Codex entry: Chantry Hierarchy
  3. As Ser Donall is doing research on the Urn of Sacred Ashes at the Lothering chantry in Dragon Age: Origins.
  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. Cyrion Tabris, for example, has by necessity had some education in order to be a servant in Bann Rodolf's Denerim estate.
  7. Dragon Age: The Masked Empire ch1.
  8. Dialogue with Colette
  9. As seen during The Book of Shartan quest.
  10. As seen during Under Her Skin quest.
  11. Codex entry: The Long Walk to Halamshiral
  12. Codex entry: The Secret Tongue of Slaves
  13. Dragon Age: The Calling, p. 261.
  14. As implied by dialogue between a Dwarf Noble and Shaper Czibor in Dragon Age: Origins.
  15. As seen with Orta during Lost to the Memories.
  16. Such as Gertek.
  17. Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, p. 89
  18. Based on Sigrun's illiteracy prior to joining the Legion of the Dead.
  19. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 42
  20. As implied by Rasaan in Dragon Age: Those Who Speak.
  21. As implied by hahrens Paivel and Sarel.
  22. As implied by the book Morrigan takes from Ariane's clan.
  23. According to Merrill in Dragon Age II.
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 125
  25. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 141
  26. 26.0 26.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 143
  27. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 145
  28. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 139
  29. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 136
  30. 30.0 30.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 144
  31. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 145
  32. 32.0 32.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 142
  33. Dragon Age: Last Flight, p. 214
  34. Dragon Age: The Masked Empire, Chapter 1
  35. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 71
  36. Epilogue (Origins).
  37. As assassination contracts must be read per Master Ignacio.
  38. As seen during The Book of Shartan quest.