Nestor

Written by Nestor Alren

The Nestori are a highly respected profession throughout Nemea, and a fairly exclusive order. To join, one must apply and be accepted to The Athenaeum, spend four years studying the eight main academic Bastions taught there, then apply to a Bastion for specialization, and spend two more years studying under the Bastion Head. After the student has successfully presented a final thesis to their Bastion's Thesis Committee, they are awarded the title of Nestor. At that point, they can proceed down any number of career paths as a Nestor, some requiring further additional training, and some not.

Appearance

The standard dress of the Nestori is a full-length, wool tunic. Sleeve length and fabric weight varies, largely based upon practicalities such as daily activities and local climate. Tunic colors include black, white, and any shade of gray or brown. The color reflects the philosophy of the individual Nestor. Over this, Nestori may wear a cloak or simple sash in the color of their specific Bastion.
Many, if not all, Nestori are tattoed. The most common is a series of symbols along the clavicle. Some have been known to also wear them on the backs of their hands, inside of their wrists, tops of their feet, or along their shoulder blades. There is a rumor that a few Nestori have been tattoed on their scalps or inside their hipbone. If such rumors are true, they have been kept well-hidden, as this humble scholar has never observed such. The most common symbols relate to the Nestor's studies, showing their completion of each of the eight Bastions of general study, then descriptors of their specialization(s). The meaning of some remain a secret, even to other Nestori.

Career

Career Progression

The most well-known career paths for Nestori are as government advisor or teacher. As a teacher, for most subjects the Nestor would remain at The Athenaeum Complex, and begin by assisting more senior teachers, gaining responsibility and independence as their own seniority increases. Nestori who are teachers at the Athenaeum are expected to keep their skills sharp by practicing in or continuing their course of study.

The career path for a Nestor to become a government advisor requires a field apprenticeship, then for an opening to occur. It is here that Nestori have historically been more in the public eye. Of course, the Separation Laws must be followed, and the government of Nemea is run by Nobles, so generally only Nestori from the Noble class themselves may take on these positions. There are several historically famous Nestori that were government officials, usually to the Monarch, but also diplomats of renown. Some Noble families, however, have been known to send a skuli (or Dedicated, in the case of Dyodia) to study at the Athenaeum for this purpose. While tolerated, it is frowned upon by most of the Council.

Payment & Reimbursement

A Nestor is clothed and fed by their locale of hire, for example, by the Noble family which they serve as advisor, or by the Athenaeum itself. Each Nestor also receives a stipend from the Athenaeum, and occasionally a stipend from their locale of hire, depending on the original contract negotiation.

by Benyamin Bohlouli, Edit by jayseaboom

Stereotypes - Gender & Family

It is commonly assumed that all Nestori are men, but that is not the case. The Athenaeum, and the profession of Nestor, are open to anyone, regardless of gender. Similarly, many believe that Nestori forswear marriage and family. This is also incorrect. A Nestor may marry and have children. However, many Nestori lead practically and politically complicated lives, devoted to their work, so it is simply easier for most to remain unwed.

Related Locations

• The Athenaeum Complex

Used By

• House Danais
• House Hyggion
• House Tinscuil
• House Ursanaa