University of Orlais
The University of Orlais in Val Royeaux is one of the oldest universities in Thedas. It is a major center of learning that attracts young nobles from all over Thedas as it provides omse of the best education one can buy. The university is a relatively modern institution, whose liberal-minded professors have clashed with religious conservatives over the content of their classes. In theory, commoners, including elves, are allowed to attend if sponsored by a noble patron. The University contains a Chantry for use of students and faculty.
Alterations
After the Second Exalted March, the current Divine demanded that any Chantry art in Orlais depicting Dalish had to be destroyed. One single mural was saved and is in the possession of the University even to this day.
History
The university was founded by one of the former rulers of Orlais. For many ages, it was just a way to get rid of unpromising children, with the Chantry snapping up all of the greatest minds. Under political and religious pressures, the school could only study what none of the farmer had problems with. Much of this changed when Empress Celene I was crowned. For the past two decades, the Empress has been scouting out talent from the far-flung corners of Thedas in an attempt to improve the institution's knowledge-base. Through this initiative, she has been able to make the university something worth respecting.
Fearing that religious and political pressure might hinder the University's capacity for innovation and research, Empress Celene has made a concerted effort to ensure that the University is free of any dubious interests similar to what happened at the end of the Second Exalted March with art depicting Dalish being destroyed.
In recent years Celene has been strongly encouraging the university 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. This has even been extended in support of a Dalish math prodigy. Dalish are allowed into the university, although it is common for their work to go unacknowledged and uncredited.
The University offers classes on nature, history, mathematics, the arts, and other similar topics.
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