Academia Mansueta Noctis (College of the Gentle Night)
Many bardic colleges emphasize musical ability; however the Academia Mansueta Noctis instead puts emphasis on the value of the human spirit. The members of this college believe that there is good in everybody and everything, and they try to teach this viewpoint to others through their performances.
Areas of Study: The followers of this college love the humanities, and spend most of their time studying the great artworks in local museums. Also, they love music, and spend a large portion of their studies outside the museums composing new pieces.
Organization: The Academia is headed by a group known as the board, which acts as an administrative group. Generally a teacher will have as many as 4 pupils who he is responsible for instructing in music, the arts, languages, and history. Members who have graduated may return to teach, but usually they disperse into neighboring regions to start a new branch. In this way the Academia has spread from its headquarters in Monte Mal, across the Nocturnal Sea, and into the southeastern core.
Activities: The members of the Academia undertake studies in the humanities, usually learning several languages, as well as history and an intensive course on the arts. Classes spend a good deal of time in local museums learning as much as they can in these institutions. Also, they stage regular performances, using them to promote their philosophy of seeing good in everything and everyone, as well as trying to spread the ideas of tolerance and acceptance.
Distinctions: The Academia’s motto is “The night is brightened by the goodness of the spirit”, although not even the founders would probably remember it. They do not distinguish themselves from the average members of society in any way.
Admissions: Candidates for membership must present themselves to the board, who and then give a speech as to how they perceive the state of the human spirit (Perform (oratory) DC 20). Alternatively, if a board member or one of the teachers finds someone who they believe shows much potential and that person wishes to join, they may submit the candidate for consideration and, with a vote of the faculty, the candidate may be allowed to join.
Membership Benefits: Members can stay for free at the Academia campus, and have free access to any of the tomes of lore that are stored in the campus library. Also the Academia keeps a large collection of songs that were donated to the school by former students in order to help out future generations.
Dues: When a member gives a concert, they are expected to give between 2-5% to local museums and cultural venues, in an attempt to help out the pursuit of the humanities.
Relations: The Academia has good relations with all other colleges, and are widely regarded by the public as great humanitarians, and as such they are accepted in most cities.