The University

The calm of studious introspection. At least on the surface.

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It is what you may call a castle manned by learning and scholarship. Or a vicious and permanent dog-fight between Benthic College and Summerset College.


The University is most interesting to those of Watchful 80+, and it is suggested that players "exhaust the possibilities of the Forgotten Quarter first". Gain access at your Lodgings.


universitysmall.png Storylets available anytime
universitysmall.png Becoming a Guest Lecturer
universitysmall.png Making cash as a Guest Lecturer
universitysmall.png Spending the Term as a Guest Lecturer
universitysmall.png Getting to know Summerset
universitysmall.png Cricket at Benthic College
universitysmall.png Spending the term with The Stoats
universitysmall.png Spending the term at the Library

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Shadowy dealings at the University

Scholars sometimes require unusual materials for their studies.

An anatomical moment

A Doctor of Anatomy is apparently collecting 'branded hearts'. Really?
heartwitheredsmall.png [Unlocked with 5 x A Leathery Human Heart]

Talk about robbery

If you're the sort that knows your larceny.
blackglovesmall.png [Unlocked when Master Thief is Light-fingered, Unseen, or Uniquely Larcenous]
clocksmall.png [Unlocked with Counting the Days 12 and Counting the Days no more than 13]
bagsmall.png [Unlocked with Spending Secrets 4]

Visit the Professor Denuntiatus of Infernal Rarefactions

She's been formally banished to the college chapel. It's a complicated form of career progression, but Benthic is an unorthodox place.
[Costs 0 actions]

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The Committee on Semiotic Safety

Various bloody incidents involving the Correspondence have caught the attention of Parliament. Ministers have formed the Committee on Semiotic Safety in response.
owlsmall.png [Unlocked with Watchful 97]

Address the committee

As London's foremost scholar of the Correspondence, it is only fitting that you advise the committee.

_ Watchful challenge
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A colleague with a problem

An acquaintance at the Department of Chiropterochronometry can't get her paper published.
owlsmall.png [Unlocked with Watchful 97]

Help her out

The subject falls outside your field, but you know a few tricks that will appeal to the respectable journals.

_ Watchful challenge

Becoming a Guest Lecturer

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A walk around the University

Time to get your bearings before meeting the Principal of Benthic and the Provost of Summerset…
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 1]

Hallowed quadrangles

Even the mist here is languid. This should be pleasant.

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Omnes adsint, quamvis dementi, quamvis nefasti

The Principal of Benthic College seems delighted to meet you…
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 2]

Snub Benthic's Principal

You've heard that Summerset and Benthic colleges are fierce rivals. Benthic is radical, secular and not as wealthy as the more conservative, religious Summerset. Snubbing the principal would nail your colours to the Summerset mast from the outset.

Impress the Principal with your erudition

Whether you favour Benthic, Summerset or neither, you should probably still let the Principal know how extremely clever you are.

_ Watchful challenge
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Superbe et sophistice

Now that you have met Benthic's Principal, Summerset's Provost would like a little word.
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 3]

Ignore the Provost

Summerset and Benthic colleges are fierce rivals. Benthic is radical, secular and not as nearly wealthy as the more conservative, religious Summerset. Ignoring the Provost would declare your loyalty to Benthic.

Demonstrate your worth to the Provost

Surely the Provost will value discretion, and a sense of duty to the establishment. Not to mention your towering intellect. Now is your chance to impress.

_ Watchful challenge
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A new vocation

You'll need to do some paperwork to establish your new career.
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 4]

Sign here, and here, and here…

What's the ribbon-trimmed package that came with the paperwork? The registrar will only let you have it once you have been officially enrolled as a guest lecturer.


Making cash as a Guest Lecturer

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Take tutorials for a little extra cash

The Dean of Contemporary Cryptotheology is looking for tutors. The pay is decent, if irregular.
owlsmall.png [Unlocked with Watchful 80]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Term Passing… no more than 7]

Sign up for a few tutorials

Teaching small groups of students can't be too hard. Can it?

_ Watchful challenge
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The golden path

Some students are here because they are gifted, or wish to improve themselves. Others are here because their parents have plenty of money.
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Term Passing… 8 and no more than 11]

Write an essay for money

The sons of the aristocracy rarely set their sights above a 'gentleman's third'. This sometimes involves paying a venal academic to write essays. The practice is prohibited, of course, but the prohibition is rarely enforced.

_ Watchful challenge

Spending the term as a Guest Lecturer

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Summerset days

Summerset College educates the wealthy and the powerful, although there are many here on Church scholarships too. Perhaps the prudence and stateliness of Summerset suit you.
owlsmall.png [Unlocked with Watchful 80]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Term Passing… no more than 10]

Mixing in Summerset Society

Summerset College puts on a schedule of 'public' lectures, exhibitions and readings that rivals the Society calendar. You are expected to attend, naturally.

Getting to know Summerset

The people of Benthic and Summerset Colleges rarely mix socially. One could frequent the expensive taverns and coffee houses that attract the College's members, if one were of a mind.

_ Watchful challenge
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Out and about at Benthic College

Benthic College is liberal, secular and afire with new ideas and radical thought. Is that your sort of thing?
owlsmall.png [Unlocked with Watchful 80]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Term Passing… no more than 10]

A feather in Benthic's mortar board

The Principal is quite excited that you are with Benthic. You can expect to be paraded in front of the College's patrons, whoever they are

Getting to know Benthic

The people of Benthic and Summerset Colleges rarely mix socially. One could frequent the more Benthic taverns, coffee houses and common rooms if one were of a mind.

_ Watchful challenge
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Enjoying the pace of academic life

As a guest lecturer, your duties are not always specific. Do they have any idea what you went through to learn about the Correspondence? It's time for a rest.
owlsmall.png [Unlocked with Watchful 80]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Term Passing… no more than 11]

Perhaps you might read a book today

You can find things to fill up your day. A little teaching, a little learning. Not too much. Wouldn't want to strain anything.

_ Watchful challenge

A stroll around the quad

The quadrangle, that most essential locus of academic thought! You could have a stroll around, see if anything occurs to you.

_ Watchful challenge
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Prepare your lectures

Presumably you'll be required to actually do some lecturing at some stage.
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Term Passing… 2 and no more than 10]

Set to work

These lectures don't write themselves. However pleased you are with your new antique fountain pen

_ Watchful challenge

Start on a publication

Your lectures are in hand. What you really need to do is get some work done on your monograph.

_ Watchful challenge
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Do some teaching

This is what they pay you for. When they remember to pay you.
owlsmall.png [Unlocked with Watchful 80]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Term Passing… 5 and no more than 10]

Introductory lecturing

A lecture to undergraduates. You had best keep things simple.

_ Watchful challenge

Intermediary Correspondence, for the more advanced student

Postgraduates and staff are also interested.

_ Watchful challenge
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Do some actual research

This is what you are here for, isn't it? Or is the leisurely pace of academic life proving all too enjoyable?
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Term Passing… 8 and no more than 11]

Learned discourse

Although you don't really have peers here, conversations with other academics can be useful. And you can always work on the symbols themselves.

_ Watchful challenge

Getting to know Summerset

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Feasting at Summerset

Guest lecturers are a grey area when it comes to feasting. You can get yourself invited if you're willing to call in a few favours. As long as you haven't sold your soul or anything silly. You will be seated with students, but one can't have everything.
owlsmall.png [Unlocked with Watchful 80]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5]
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Term Passing… no more than 7]

Attend a feast

If you remember to put on your gown and always pass the port to the left, you will do splendidly.
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Connected: Summerset 5]
academicgownsmall.png [Unlocked with 1 x Academic Gown
_ Watchful challenge

Lurk disconsolately around the margins.

Unfortunately, you've sold your soul. Summerset does not admit the soulless. It does not permit the soulless at their feasts, and it doesn't usually allow them to enter except via the tradesmen's entrance. You might be able to get in on the port and cigars if you're lucky.
contractsmall.png [Unlocked with 1 x Your very own Infernal Contract]
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Wine tasting at Summerset

Summerset College is justly proud of its wine cellars. The claim that they rival the Palace cellars is a boast, but not a totally outrageous one.
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 8-10

An evening of Oenology

If the staff respect you, you may be invited to one of Summerset's many wine tasting evenings.
Unlocked with Connected: Summerset 10

Hold your own wine tasting

Officially, Summerset's wine tasting evenings are off-limits to the soulless. What nonsense! The spiritually compromised have as sensitive palates as anyone. You'll show them.
Unlocked with Your very own Infernal Contract x 1, 100 x Greyfields 1882

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The Feast of the World

The Feast of the World has arrived! Armies of servants bustle, gowns are brushed, wigs are powdered; and the great and good of the college prepare to loosen their belts.
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 11

Fourteen courses of sheer indulgence

You suspect you were invited to talk College business. But to hell with that! You're going to enjoy yourself.
Unlocked with Connected: Summerset 15

Business and pleasure

Although the meal - if one can term these fourteen courses merely 'a meal' - is sumptuous, Summerset also does a great deal of its business at the Great Feast. Perhaps it is time to trade influence and impress the great and good.
Unlocked with Connected: Summerset 15

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The World, devoured

The Feast of the World is coming to a close, as nobody could possibly eat any more. Low moans from the casualties mix with the creaking of belts.
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 12

Propose the final toast of the evening

Being asked to propose the final toast is a great honour for a guest lecturer. Best make it a good one.
(Watchful Challenge)

The Provost? The Provost…

The College's Provost has been stealing glances at you between courses. You're sure of it. Now, he would be a feather in your cap. Perhaps he has rooms nearby.
(Connected: Summerset challenge, Chancy at 15)

Just desserts

These bigoted fools won't let you attend the feast? Just because you're short a soul? Well, it's only right that you rob them. Even the servants are invited to the night's final toast. That's when you'll see if they have anything worth taking.
Unlocked with 1 x Your very own Infernal Contract
(Watchful Challenge)


Cricket at Benthic College

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Cricket at Benthic

Benthic College takes its cricket seriously. The First XI play teams from across London. It's just a pity that the old enemy, the Summerset Gentlemen, pulled out of the competition when the Brass Embassy started fielding a team.
Unlocked with Watchful 80, Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing 0-7

Demonstrate your cricketing knowledge

The next match is against the Brass Embassy Ladies. Can you impress the cricketing crowd with your knowledge of 'the gentleman's game'?
Unlocked with Connected Benthic 5
(Watchful Challenge)

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Picking the team

Benthic College is selecting the First XI team for the upcoming match against the Brass Embassy Ladies.
Unlocked with Term Passing… 8-10, Featuring in the Tales of the University 5

Involve yourself

Which of the spinners are on form? Does the opener have an unfortunate tendency to the agricultural carve? Is your standing in Benthic College sufficient for such pronouncements?
Unlocked with Connected Benthic 10

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Match day

The day of the cricket match has arrived! Leather cracks off willow! Tea and sandwiches! The Brass Embassy Ladies await the Benthic XI, splendid in their cricketing pinks.
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 11

A serious business

A great deal of college business is conducted at cricket matches. Perhaps an ambitious academic should smile and shake hands and impress the authorities.
Unlocked with Connected: Benthic 15

The twelfth woman

The substitute player has been taken ill. Infernal poisoning is suspected, of course, but the Ladies' captain is the picture of yellow-eyed innocence. Can you step in?
Unlocked with Connected: Benthic 15
A matter of luck: it could go either way.

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The end of the match

To get anywhere near the match, one must have a certain standing with Benthic College.
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 12

Nobble the Benthic team

That's hardly cricket. And if you're found out, things could go very badly. But the devils will appreciate it.
Unlocked with Connected: Benthic 10
(Shadowy challenge)

Display admirable sportsmanship

Cheer the Benthic spinners. Applaud graciously when the Ladies' opener hits another boundary. Pass informed comment on the fielding. Comport yourself with dignity and fine sportsmanship.
Unlocked with Connected: Benthic 15

A merry wager

A jolly devil approaches you with a wager on the outcome of the match. If Benthic XI win, you receive an ancient text concerning the Correspondence. If the Brass Embassy Ladies win, you must publicly punch the Summerset chaplain. The scores are almost equal - the match could go either way.
Unlocked with Connected: Benthic 15
A matter of luck: it could go either way.


Spending the term with The Stoats

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The Stoats

One University institution is refreshingly socially diverse. Members of Benthic and Summerset alike are welcome to join the Stoats Society. The only qualification required is an ability to consume port as if it were going to be banned tomorrow.
Unlocked with Watchful 80, Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing 0-7

Get involved

The Stoats are mainly students, but some younger faculty members are also involved. And clubs like this are nurseries for power and influence.
(Persuasive challenge)

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Fun with the Stoats

Attend one of the Stoats' evening meetings…
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 8-10

Take the bravery challenge

This is a simple test of nerves. You merely have to climb the chapel spire. This evening. Wearing your gown. After consuming a bottle of one of the lesser ports in Benthic's cellars.
(Dangerous challenge, High Risk at 85)

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More fun with the Stoats

Do not let anything that may have happened before put you off attending another Stoats' meeting this afternoon. This one promises to be wilder than ever, according to the chair of the Japes Committee.
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 11

Join in this week's caper

The challenge is simple. Each Stoat is issued with a bucket of custard and the group disperses. Once half an hour has passed, any Stoat may throw custard at any other, unless they have been hit already. Last Stoat left unmarked wins.
(Watchful Challenge)

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Stoats' Honour

The Young Stags Club, favourite haunt of the rich, young and idle, is trying to poach three leading members of the Stoats. Clearly a political move. Help the Stoats maintain its reputation as the University's leading club dedicated to carousing, gossip and wine appreciation.
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 12

A matter of honour

The chair of the Stoats' Port and Wine Committee hatches a plan to humiliate the Stags by stealing their precious golden croquet mallet - a treasured gift from the Traitor Empress herself. Your help would be invaluable.
(Shadowy challenge)


Spending the term at the Library

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Off to the library

Getting any work done in your office is becoming difficult. Students keep bothering you, and there is a steady trickle of visitors asking to see your symbols. That sparrow is looking at you funny.
universitysmall.png [Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5 ]
owlsmall.png [Unlocked with Watchful 80]

A day at the library

The University library is airy, well-lit and modern. It has plenty of space to work, and you are less likely to be found.

_ Watchful challenge
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Back to the library

The higher levels of the library tend to hold the more obscure and volatile works. The joke is that the men from the Ministry can't be bothered with the stairs.
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 8-10

In the high stacks

While hunting down Bircher's Symbology, Madness and Death, you come across a knot of students whispering conspiratorially. One could eavesdrop.

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Once more to the library

You are still hunting down Bircher's multi-volume opus Symbology, Madness and Death. It's on the proscribed list, but that's hardly the point.
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 11

Bribe a librarian

The University's librarians are competent and serene. And poorly paid, thank goodness. The going rate for a proscribed volume is measured in cases.
Unlocked with 120 x Greyfields 1879

Hunt for the book yourself

You know that they have a copy somewhere. You've seen the chaplain reading it, hidden in a copy of the gazette.

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The library roof

Late one night at the library, you are lurking in the highest stack when a hatch opens in the ceilings. A flock of rough soot-stained anarchists tumbles through, fresh from the Flit. Revolutionaries on the roof!
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 12

Report them to the college authorities

Not even Benthic College appreciates anarchists in the attic. However, the University does appreciate delicate matters being handled quietly. But will the authorities even believe you?
(Connected: Benthic and Connected: Summerset challenge)

Report them to the Constables

There is no place for these ruffians in this castle of scholarship. To the gallows with them!

Comrades

'Greetings, brothers and sisters! Allow me to distract the librarian for you? Are you here to further the cause?'

Blackmail

'Is it the books you're after, or the students? I suppose it doesn't matter. But using this library is going to cost you, brothers and sisters.'


Investigating the murder in the library

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The Body in the Library

One of the research fellows in the Department of Antiquarian Esquivalience has been found dead! Slumped on his usual table in the library! At first, simple overindulgence is assumed to be the cause of death; then, someone mentions that the fellow is not a redhead, and the bloodied candlestick is found…
Unlocked with Watchful 80, Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 6-7

Inspect the body

The research fellow is going to take a while to recover from his death - head injuries will do that. The University Proctors have been summoned to investigate. One of them, who has connections to the Constables and a certain Implacable Detective, suggests asking for your help.
Unlocked with Connected: The Constables 2
(Watchful Challenge)

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Begin your investigation

You are beginning your enquiry into the murder of the research fellow in Antiquarian Esquivalience. He has not woken up yet, so how to proceed?
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 8-10

Interrogate the library staff

They probably see more than the academic staff or the students do, after all.

Interrogate his colleagues

It will make them feel appropriately important, after all.

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Talk to the deceased

The recently murdered junior research fellow in Antiquarian Esquivalience has woken up! His injuries are pretty nasty. It looks like he's destined for the tomb-colonies. You need to get his witness statement before he goes.
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 11

Interrogate the victim

They say he is lucid, now. Visit him in his rooms before he gets distracted by his packing.

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Name the murderer!

The recently murdered junior research fellow in Antiquarian Esquivalience has recovered somewhat, but he departs for the Tomb-Colonies very soon. Can you name his assailant before he leaves?
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 12

Accuse the Assistant Deputy Librarian of seeking revenge

She seemed very nervous during your investigations. And she had a motive of sorts - his persistent dripping of hot butter onto books.

Accuse the Professor of academic jealousy

You have heard the rumours about academic rivalry and theft of ideas. And there was a book missing from the victim's library desk. Who but the Professor would have killed just to protect ideas? Still, it is a bold move to accuse someone so eminent.

Accuse the Assistant Deputy Librarian of romantic jealousy

It is most likely that the scrap of paper you found in the victim's hand was a love letter. The letters O-V-E would suggest as much. And the Assistant Deputy Librarian has been extremely nervous every time you have seen her.

Accuse the Professor of romantic intrigue

This is a risky move - but common or garden academic rivalry is no motive for murder, and what else could the paper you found mean? The letters O-V-E must surely be part of the word 'love', must they not?


The Public Debate

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A public debate

The issue of the Neath's soulless population is an interesting one, and worthy of debate.
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 8-10

Encourage a debate on souls

The colleges put on public debates every term. Questions regarding the nature of souls and what it means to be soulless are a little controversial, but the chaplain who oversees the debates might be persuaded to debate them.
Unlocked with Connected Benthic 5, Connected: Summerset 5

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The day of the debate

Notable figures and shadowy characters are attending the University's public debate. The proposition is: 'Should the soul trade continue in any form?'
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing 11

Be vigilant

Such a debate will attract spirifers. You will not allow them to practice their foul trade.
Unlocked with Shepherd's Timepiece 1

Listen to the argument for

The devils know better than to lead the argument themselves. There are several soulless citizens ready to speak.

Listen to the argument against

The argument against the soul trade is led by Summerset's chaplain.

Watch for opportunities

What better place to look for those who may be harvested?.
Unlocked with 1 x Spirifer's Fork
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The debate closes

The public debate on the soul trade is coming to a close. Are you going to speak?
Unlocked with Featuring in the Tales of the University 5, Term Passing… 12

Speak for the proposition

The soul trade is a boon to London. Argue your case with eloquence and style.
(Watchful Challenge)

Speak against the proposition

The soul trade is a foul blight on London. Logic and reason will serve you better here than impassioned rhetoric.
(Watchful Challenge)



Other options available as a Guest Lecturer




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A most notable academic

Unlocked with Watchful 97, Featuring in the Tales of the University 5
You've been enjoying the leisurely pace of a guest lecturer's life for long enough. It is time to establish your academic reputation.

The Department of the Correspondence!

Enough of staying in bed until noon. Enough of cricket. It is time to create your own department. The Department of the Correspondence. [Warning: you may wish to finish the term's business before continuing. You will not have time for such fripperies once you are under way.]


Forming your own department

Open reaching Featuring in the Tales of the University quality of six you can start working on your own department in the University. These tales are described here.


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