The Scorium
or more formally, The Hall of Volcanistry
Though officially called The Hall of Volcanistry, this permanent home to the study of the Caldera Volcano is more commonly referred to as The Scorium, nicknamed for the deposits of scoria that dominate the Hall's architecture. The frothy basaltic black and red rocks, best identified by a porous structure created by an abundance of hot gas, is a metaphor not lost on Hall residents and outsiders alike as they navigate Scorium politics.
Price of Attendance
Those who receive a fellowship attend for free, while others of less rigorous academic careers can pay a small stipend or provide work in exchange for room, board, and access to the libraries. For those who merely require the services of a resident, those fees vary depending on the depth and length of the expertise required and from whom. While there are those whose reputation carries weight in citation (with often an inversely weighty deduction from the pocketbook), many a younger fellow have managed to make a name for themselves by lending their talents to a not-so-well-funded study with nonetheless remarkable research outcomes.Purpose / Function
The Scorium serves as the permanent home of the study of Caldera Volcano, in particular, and is the preeminent center for all things Volcanistry. It is said that if you are seeking information about the Hotlands geology, this is the place to start.
It is also said that the Scorium's streetfront bakery is the best place for sourdough, but that remains contested.
Denizens
The Scorium is home to numerous scientists, fellows, traveling academics, and at least one overworked librarian working within the field of Volcanistry.
Though the inhabitants tend to rotate through (with the exception of a few "key" staff), the Scorium itself is a permanent part of the Science District. A joint research facility, The Scorium is funded in part by the Flock Council, as well as Centers for Research within the Northern Walkingfolk, and some small monies from the Foxen Embassy.
Contents & Furnishings
The Scorium is quite large, with many rooms! Of course, most of the residential rooms aren't very big, and you're likely to get stuck with a roommate, and you barely have a minute alone, but...such is the price of good research.
The Scorium is also home to several large lecture halls, a well-established library of research, several smaller shared workrooms and laboratories, and - thanks to the large memorial endowment commemorating the previous Dean after an unfortunate incident involving volatile samples - the Grand Entrance Hall.
The Grand Hall! Nothing like it in all the Science District! Chandeliers of the finest obsidian glass! Floors studded with behryls and corundim! Tiled walls of petrified woods! A feast for the eyes, harvested from the abundance of fire! The finest renovation since the plumbing was put in. ...You know, we should blow up important people more often. - Ezri, Scorium Resident
Valuables
The Scorium boasts the finest geological collection in all of the Northern regions, rivaling perhaps even the Citadel.
It certainly hosts the most impressive collection of research regarding volcanistry.
And, between you and me, you really can't beat the sandwiches here.
Hazards & Traps
Petty academic rivalries seem to be the most commonplace hazard, though on occasion, the labs might suffer a bit of misfortune. We've made significant headway on those safety standards, though, after the last incident.
Alterations
The facade is an outstanding example of Early Century Northern Walkingfolk Midurbanism. Due to some, ahem, budgetary concerns, it more or less hasn't been altered since it was built.
Architecture
The Scorium is built from sturdy stone mined from the surrounding area. Its nickname comes from the deposits of scoria that dominate the Hall's architecture: the frothy basaltic black and red rocks, best identified by a porous structure created by an abundance of hot gas. Yes, yes. You're welcome to make a snide joke here. I assure you, we've all heard them.
History
The Scorium has existed for several hundred years with only minor and not notable at all events, certainly nothing worth looking into. Definitely not. Nope.
Permits of Operation
The Scorium is judiciously permitted to operate under a Joint Research Facility banner of the Trifold, with all of the protections, rights, and responsibilities contained wherein.Address
Please address all packages and post to the following location: The Inbound Lands ki The North Reach,Caldera Volcano ki Dome ki Central Island,
Science District ki Fera Plaza,
The Hall of Volcanistry
(Recipient)
Alternative Names
The official name is the Hall of Volcanistry, but that title is only ever used on official letterhead and paperwork. To residents and locals, it's The Scorium.
Type
University / Educational complex
Parent Location
Owning Organization
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