The Imperial University {TIU}
Formerly known as The University of Cyrodiil

Mod Synopsis

The Imperial University mod will allow players to join a university and study a degree of their choice, the completion of which will boost a certain base attributes that is associated with that degree. The amount which the attribute is boost will depend how successfully they complete the course, which factors in attendance, behaviour and an exam. After completing an undergraduate (Journeyman Degree) the player can go on to take a Masters degree which will involve more active objectives such as field research, dungeon runs etc at the behest of their degree professor in order to write a disseration. The succesful completion of certain tasks etc, will add a certain amount of 'words' to the disseration, the final number of words the player gathers before handing it in will determine how big a boost the player receives to the skills associated with the attribute they studied in the undergraduate degree, so for example if a player gains a 1st class degree is Daedric Studies they gain a large boost to their intelligence attribute, they can go on to study a Masters course in Daedric Studies and potentially increase their Conjuration, Alchemy and Mysticism to Master level.

The mod will not be particularly action based, with the exception of the Masters degrees, but will hopefully provide an immersive way for players to increase their attributes in a reliable way. Players will be expected to study books and attend lectures to aid them in a final exam.

The degrees and their associated attributes are listed below:

Agility
Mortal and Bestiary Studies: A discipline concerned with the study of all of Nirn’s living creatures, men and beasts.

Endurance
Cyrodiilic Geography: The study of Cyrodiil’s natural and artificial landscape.

Intelligence
Daedric Studies: Degree based on the various Daedric princes and the plains of Oblivion.

Luck
Divinology: An academic insight into the Gods and Goddesses of Tamriel. There is no Masters degree available Divinology, however a Journeymans Degree in this subject allows the student to take any Masters course.

Personality
Literature and the Arts: An anolysis of art and fiction, past and present.

Speed
Imperial Politics: An examination of the local governmental and dynastic structures of Cyrodiil

Strength
Military and Social History: An assessment of Cyrodiil’s past, in terms of both peace and war.

Willpower
Arcanology: Investigating and anolysing the use of magicka.

The university prospectus below (written in an 'in-game' style) provides more information of what the mod offers:

The Imperial University Prospectus

An Introduction by Chancellor Sontalir

Welcome to The Imperial University, Cyrodiil! The fact you are reading this prospectus means you are taking the first important steps into a wondrous world of knowledge, intelligence and achievement. The Imperial University is Cyrodiil’s prime higher education institution in a wide range of subjects and disciplines and has consistently been the foundations of ground-breaking research and academic progress. We, at The Imperial University, are dedicated to uncovering Nirn’s many unexplained mysteries and disseminating our collective knowledge to the next generation of leaders, scholars, scientists and clergymen. What is more, The Imperial University is open to all citizens of Imperium, regardless of class, race, or wealth, we believe enlightenment through education is a goal that should be achieved by all regardless of the consequences of their birth, and that therefore means it is available to you!

Completing one of our undergraduate degrees is one certain way of getting ahead in life, and will give you an advantage over your less knowledgeable peers in the harsh, competitive reality of Tamriel. The Imperial University also provides you with the opportunity of taking a post-graduate degree and becoming a true master of your discipline. However, I must point out now, success and accomplishment is not a certainty. All I can guarantee is that our professors and staff will provide you with the opportunity and resources to better yourself and climb the ladder of triumph, however although we can provide the ladder, you must do the climbing.

The University itself is one of the finest institutions in the land, it’s comfortable and highly maintained campus is set on the former estate of Lord Caccia Artorius, a nobleman with a dream of providing the citizens of his beloved land with a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment. Originally privately owned and named The University of Cyrodiil, The Imperial University was donated to the Imperium on Antorius death-bed, a gesture which has allowed the institution to flourish to echelons previously unimaginable and adopt its rightful place as the pinnacle of mortal intellect and achievement. In departure I will leave you with the dying words of our founder and the motto of our most prestigious university: “Knowledge: The Architect of Victory.”

What we offer

The Imperial University is currently offering 8 Journeyman degree courses and 7 Masters degrees. Masters degrees can only be taken after successful completion of the corresponding undergraduate course. All Journeyman courses take place over a 5 week period and culminate in a final examination. A satisfactory conclusion to the exam will result in the student being awarded an Imperial Diploma, recognised throughout Tamriel.

The University can also offer students on-campus accommodation of various types and cost, a summary of which can be found further on in this prospectus.

The degrees we offer are as follows, all have a subsequent Masters course unless otherwise stated:

Mortal and Bestiary Studies: A discipline concerned with the study of all of Nirn’s living creatures, men and beasts.

Cyrodiilic Geography: The study of Cyrodiil’s natural and artificial landscape.

Daedric Studies: Degree based on the various Daedric princes and the plains of Oblivion.

Divinology: An academic insight into the Gods and Goddesses of Tamriel. There is no Masters degree available Divinology, however a Journeymans Degree in this subject allows the student to take any Masters course.

Literature and the Arts: An anolysis of art and fiction, past and present.

Imperial Politics: An examination of the local governmental and dynastic structures of Cyrodiil

Military and Social History: An assessment of Cyrodiil’s past, in terms of both peace and war.

Arcanology: Investigating and anolysing the use of magicka.

Further information on theese subjects is available further on in this prospectus.

Membership of The Imperial University also grants students access to the Imperial Library which contains almost every book and work available in Cyrodiil and possibly even the wider world.

Entry Requirements and Cost

Although The Imperial University is dedicated to being accessible by all there are limitations attached to his philosophy. Firstly all applicants are required to sit a general knowledge Admissions Test before being allowed to start a degree course, the test is not designed to block the application of any individuals but allows the university to make better use of its scholarship programme. Those applicants who score high on the test may be eligible to receive a scholarship which effectively subsidises a portion of the tuition fee. Those failing, or performing poorly on the test will be expected to pay the full price. Admission Tests are held every day as 2pm in the Admissions Office located in the Campus Terrace.

The base fee for a Journeyman Degree is 5000 Septims, paid at the beginning of the semester. This cost covers the students educational services, such as lectures and library use. However the outcome of the Admissions Test can potentially reduce this cost to 2,500 Septims, therefore allowing the brighter students easier access to our facilities.

Masters courses are 8000 Septims, however the result of the student’s Journeyman Degree can reduce this cost potentially to 4000 Septims.

Accommodation

Students are not required to rent student accommodation or stay on campus during semester time, however on-site accommodation is available to provide a more comfortable study environment. The varieties of accommodation are as follows:

Communal Residence: Communal Residence in located on the basemant level of the main university bar and has a lively community vibe. Students receive their own bunk and must share amenities with other students. This service is available for only 150 Septims a semester.

Castle Dorms: One of the most affordable accommodation options. The Castle Dorms are shared rooms for two individuals. The Castle Dorms are conveniently located near the university lecture theatres. Castle Dorms are 500 Septims per semester.

Library Quarters: The Library Residence is the perfect accommodation for the most studious of students. Located within the library building this private room comes fully furnished and also has access to a shared kitchen and dining room. Library Residence is available at 1000 Septims per semester.

Campus Terrace. The most expensive and luxurious of accommodation, The Campus Terrace accommodation is located within the heart of the campus courtyard with easy access to all university utilities and outlets. The Campus Terrace is a fully furnished two-story private house and costs 2000 Septims per semester.

Degree Profiles

Mortal and Bestiary Studies

Mortal and Bestiary studies is an examination of the expression of life in Tamriel. Those choosing this degree can expect to study in depth not only the various fauna that inhabit Cyrodiil but also the racial characteristics of all of her people. Special attention is paid to the more unorthodox beasts of Cyrodiil, such as the minotaur, troll and dreughs, whose abilities, strengths, weaknesses and locations are all investigated and explained to the student.

At a Masters level this degree is one of the most exciting we offer and features a wide range of field research in the wilderness locating and collecting samples and possibly discovering new creatures.

This degree is perfect for anyone looking to pursue a career as an adventurer, woodsman and hunter.

Cyrodiilic Geography

Cyrodiilic Geography is the study of our wondrous province of Cyrodiil’s physical makeup, be it made by the Gods or by Men. Students taking this degree will examine and study the various natural landmarks and their significance as well as the location and history of important sites in Cyrodiil. The climatic differences of the counties of Cyrodiil are also explained as well as the architecture and layout of our major cities.

At Masters level, Geography students will be expected to uncover new landmarks and thoroughly explore our province.

This degree is ideal for individuals who wish to work in adventuring, exploring or in the military.

Daedric Studies

Despite the recent controversy, we at the Imperial University are still dedicated to providing this important degree module. This subject will uncover the secrets and machinations of the various Daedric Lords while also examining their minions and their home worlds in Oblivion. The local laws and customs of Daedra worship are also illustrated.

At a Masters level Daedric Studies is potentially one of the most exciting degree courses and encourages the student to interview Daedra worshippers and potentially encounter Daedra themselves.

This degree is perfect for anyone seeking a career in a magicka based career or in the Imperial Battlemages.

Divinology

Sometimes seen as the counter to Daedric Studies, Divinology is our oldest and most well-established subject. Those taking this degree will explore and learn about the 9 Divines, their influence on the world and their relationships with each other and ourselves.

Due to the nature of this degree, no Masters course is available. However gaining a Journeyman’s Degree in Divinology provides access to all Masters courses.

Divinology is essential for anyone wanting to seek admission into the clergy or local governance.

Literature and the Arts

Literature and the Arts, commonly referred to simply as ‘The Arts’ is one of our less practical courses and concerns examining and critically anolysing art in all its forms, including tapestries, books, paintings and plays not only from today’s greatest artists but also from those remaining in history.

At a Masters level students have the opportunity to uncover lost artefacts of magnificent beauty, interview their favourite artists and read lost articles not viewed by mortals for centuries.

The Arts is fundamental for anyone wishing to take up a performance career.

Imperial Politics

Imperial Politics is the study of Cyrodiil’s governance structure, both present and past, the major political events of the province will be examined as well as the current political structures of the various great cities of Cyrodiil. Traditional and contemporary issues in Imperial Politics will also be examined.

At the Masters level Politics provides an excellent opportunity to travel and explore the provinces towns and ancient centres of power.

This degree is essential for anyone wishing to work within politics, the military or travel.

Cyrodiilic Military and Social History

Cyrodiilic Military and Social History is one of our most popular degrees and allows students to gain knowledge over a wide subject area. Military conflict has played a large part in shaping the province into what it is today and therefore this subject plays special attention to the various battles and wars, which along with their commanders have come and gone on Cyrodiilic soil. The method and impact of these conflicts will also be assessed to see how they were fought and how they have altered the social fabric of Cyrodiil and the wider world.

Students taking their Masters degree in Cyrodiilic Military and Social History can expect to embark on exciting archaeological expeditions, exploring and examining battlefields, fortifications and other areas of importance.

This degree is ideal for anyone wishing to seek a career in the military or as a scholar.

Arcanology

Arcanology is the study of magicka, its effects, implications and applications. Although Arcanology covers the entire scope of magicka it pays special attention to Restoration, Destruction and Alteration magic types, which are traditionally espoused as the fundamental aspects of arcane knowledge. The laws and customs of magicka will also be examined, including the history and activities of the Mages Guild.

Masters students taking Arcanology can expect to take active part in exciting field research either on their own, or alongside Imperial Battlemages, to uncover artefacts of magical importance or observe magicka application first hand.

Arcanology is essential for anyone wishing to work within a magicka based career, in particular as a healer or Battlemage.

Interested?

Individuals interested in applying for The Imperial Library should direct all their inquires to the admissions office located on Campus Terrace. Once registered, candidates will be asked to attend an Admissions Test (explained above) which will provide them with the opportunity to gain an Imperial University Scholarship. Students may only begin tuition upon the payment of their entry fee.

Screenshots

[Screenshots section has been removed, please check out the first thread for old screenshots. New screenshots will be added periodically in the second post of this thread. A link to the first thread is also located at the top of the second thread.]

Progress thus far

World-building (University Campus): 60%
World-building (Other): 10%
NPCs: 0%
Scripting: 0%
Writing (Lectures): 30%
Writing (Dialogue): 0%
Quest-building: 0%

Overall: 14%

Depressing, I know, but hopefully those percentages will soon change.

The Team

This is the official team:

Daedalus aka Mark (thats me):Team Leader, World Building, Writing, NPCs, Texturing etc.
Nic-V: Scripting, Quest building, understanding the complicated things that I can't.
GangstaWolf: Writer, specifically Divinology. [Quest Builder, Scripting, Dialogue].
Fiach_: Writer, specifically Daedric Studies.
Tabris93: Writer, specifically Arcanology.

And these are your fellow members who have contributed to the success of this mod:

Lord Nincompoop: Lecture proofreader
schtan: Exam taker

I need YOU!

Anyone interested in working on this mod is welcome to message me. The mod is still in its early stages so I am unable to offer any real practical work to anyone as of now, with the exception of writers and lore experts, which I am particually on the look out for, find out more here. Hopefully once the world building, text and dialogue etc is complete there will be opportunities available for extra world-builders, scripters and quest builders, and once this is complete, play-testers and proof readers. If any of this interests you please message me, I am making a record of everyone who does and soon as I have work available I'll message you. If all continues as planned this shouldn't be far in the future.

Also I'd love to hear your input. What do you think of the mod in general? Do the degrees fit the attributes? What degree would you pick etc. Also suggestions would be great.

Cheers,
Mark

Haha, don't worry, it's fine

For everyone who's interested, I feel like my understanding of quests (and to a lesser extent, AI Packages) is [are] good enough to begin to start making NPC's and some quests. I still have a bit to learn on the AI front, but it shouldn't be too difficult. So tomorrow, expect to see a couple screenshots of the university campus brimming with students! How exciting, no?

For all practical purposes, Mark has taken a (permanent) vacation. I want this mod's progress to continue, so I've begun working on it myself. I guess you can call me 'temporary team leader', as I'm the person who contains the .esp file and still visits this thread. If there are any takers towards this positions then that is fine. I don't mind giving it up to someone who is diligent, reliable, and feels like s/he's up to the task. I will happily hand over the reins back to Mark if and when he returns if he so wishes is. But to answer your question, since circumstances permit it, yes, I am the team leader at the time being.

I like Idea #2. Also, you can build BELOW ground, also. As in several basemant levels of extra classrooms/space. Something tells me that this university would look better as smaller buildings...but huge underground levels!

I promise to tell you all before I leave. I'm not the type of person who just decides to no-show once the feel they aren't going to work on something. I'm not saying Mark is one of those people, I most certainly hope he isn't. I hope one of these days he'll come up over here and officially state he's no longer working on this or has decided to return (has he even left in the first place?).

...with my own University beginning again in two days...

...this also means that work on this mod won't happen quickly...