Scholar

They can be identified by a chain they wear around their neck. Attached to three golden beads at the bottom is a long golden quill that looks as through it could be used for writing despite being made entirely out of gold. This quill is the most important object in a Scholar’s life. Despite this, most people tend to only identify us by the cut and color of our robes. All of our quills are different, custom made to suit each individual Scholar, and it tends to confuse people. It's a common thought that the difference in the quill is an indication of rank, which isn't true so they don’t often wear them openly.

Career

Career Progression

Scholars are primarily trained at Academies all over Ardren. The most respected is the Institute near Talon Peak.
They typically begin their studies at the age of twelve, sometimes a bit older or younger, but that’s the average age. They study for a minimum of three years. When that ends, should they wish to continue, they pick a focus before they are given over to an older Scholar to study under. Then they study under a Master Scholar, generally refered to as an Advisor, for an additional five years before they earn their quills and become full fledged Scholars. After a period of ten years, they can undergo more training to become a Master Scholar and take on apprentices or just teach at one of the various Academies around Ardren. Those ones rarely leave the Institute they’re assigned to, so not many people are aware of them.

Perception

Demographics

This is one of the few orders on Melphor populated almost exclusively by men. There are a few rare female scholars, but for the most part they're men. The general view is that no woman in their right mind would want to do something so masculine as sit around reading dusty tomes and discussing history. They'd much rather be out creating the things that are being written about.
Scholars are typically viewed as being genderless and thus universally accepted. It is often said that the only loves in a Scholar’s life are books and knowledge. They are often hired as tutors to young maidens for this reason. No one has ever heard of a Scholar behaving inappropriately. Scholars are important to society. Even the heads of Houses come to them for advice and treat them with respect.

Type

Research / Scientific

Legality

The ability to read the old texts and having an interest in the ancient times is generally frowned upon both by the Empress and the majority of the Scholastic Order.