by Kevin Jacklin

Introduction by the Vice-Chancellor of the
University of Sog City, Pelinorius Stäarki:

A very warm and special welcome to the University of Sog City! We hope your stay here will be an enjoyable and memorable one. As a delegate to this conference, you should be assured that all the staff here at the University want to make you as comfortable as possible during the short while you are here.

The University (or USC as some of the students are wont to call these glistening towers of academe) is rich in tradition, its learning in many faculties unrivalled, its former alumni have led the world (indeed, many worlds) for generations past. This Guide, we hope, will give just a brief insight into what makes USC so special, such a unique place. Any of the University staff will always be pleased to help you with whatever problems you may have.

There are, for your convenience, just a few rules which - if followed - will make everyone's stay as secure and harmonious as possible (we have had several centuries of getting this right - trust us!). So, enough of my tedious preliminaries, you will be wanting to know such things as the location of the library, and at what time you can feed the Titanothere... You may even bump into my good self at some point. I do hope so!

Prof. Pelinorius Stäarki, M. Wiz., D. Ast. (Sogtab.),
Vice-Chancellor, Head of the Faculty of Astrology (USC)

USC - General Dos and Don'ts for Conference Delegates

The University of Sog City:
A Brief History

The University of Sog City was founded in 432 by a group of expatriate Brithini from Arolanit led by Edemter the Widely-travelled. Edemter held the radical belief that for the Brithini - and the Malkioni religion in particular - to prosper then a method must be found to evangelise widely. His idea was to found a seat of learning and study in a spot famous for its travellers. That place was Sog City, home to the ancient race of sailors, the Waertagi.

The aims of the University were, and still are, to promote and study the ways of the Invisible God. Although infamous for their insularity, the Brithini in Sog realised that the only way to prosper was to mix and forge links with the local populace. Participation events such as the University Boat Race and the Tournament were soon initiated; Public Lectures are still popular with visitors and townspeople alike. Trusted non-Brithini now occupy many senior positions within the University, allowing the Brithini Sorcerers more time for their studies. The Founder, Edemter, has not been seen in recent years. It is thought that he is conducting experiments behind the Wall of Red-Hot Brass. All await the results with interest!

The University has the best Library of religious material outside of Arolanit, containing many rare and unique manuscripts. Complex permanent spells protect the shelves of books and stacks of scrolls from harm, mainly by ensuring the suppression of naked flames. Other University departments are now widely recognised as leaders in their field. The Zoology Department, in particular, is famous for organising hunts against chaos in the Dilis Swamp. The School of Nautical Studies has been pivotal in preserving the craft and lore of Waertagi culture in the long years of the Closing.

The University grounds have been extended over the years, and now spread over a central campus of 1650 acres on the northern side of Sog. With the exception of the main headquarters of the School of Nautical Studies (which is situated close by the City Dock), all of the University Faculties maintain extensive estates. In the present day, the reputation of the University is in the ascendant, reflecting the wide variety of races and cultures flooding once more into Sog City. The University welcomes the chance to widen its links with all races and groups of people by hosting conferences and meetings.

A Life in the Day of the University of Sog City:
An Overview for Conference Delegates

The list below comprises a selection of some of the highlights of a typical delegate's day. Everyone is urged to come along to some (if not all) of the events. Good luck!

Morning Prayers (Daily)

For those delegates with the disposition (or without the disposition, but with a tearing necessity) the Garter Chapel is open from three hours before sunrise to minister to all spiritual needs. As is the case throughout the remainder of the day, chapel territory is officially neutral, and therefore interference with others is not tolerated. Permission must be gained in writing in advance from the Junior Dean for any sacrifices (other than monetary ones) to be made.

UnGating (Daily)

The Gates to the precincts of USC are opened at Dawn.

Breakfast (Daily)

Breakfast takes place in the Main Hall. It is actually a great social occasion, and an excellent time to catch up with the gossip of the hour. Very often, this is the only time that all the Professors of the various Faculties are freely available; thus much of their time is spent dealing with college administrative business. Any delegate wishing to petition a professor would do well to pick their moment, just after he has had his fill, rather than before.

Thought for the Day (During Breakfast)

It has become a tradition at Conference for one delegate per day to give a short (no more than two minutes) uplifting homily to send the gathered breakfasters into the day with a bounce in their step and joy in their hearts. The University authorities have a secret method of allocating speakers, and many a surprise has been had at this hour! Delegates will, if selected, be given a full day to contemplate their text.

Parish Notices (Just After Breakfast)

At this time official University announcements are made. News of sufficient import is also relayed. Notices may also be broadcast, subject to time constraints.

Public Lectures (As Announced; mornings)

The majority of the work of the University is done at the tutorial level, with students attending seminars and private lectures. Sometimes, however, the professors will throw open the lecture-hall doors to the public, usually on a subject of popular interest. Despite the serious injury caused by the late head of the department to some of his audience at a recent Public Lecture, those lectures sponsored by the Faculty of Alchemy remain the most popular. It is traditional for at least one Public Lecture - if not more - to be held whilst a conference is using the University premises. Listen out for those announcements! Public Lectures are usually held in the Main Hall immediately after breakfast, to allow the rest of the day free.

Tour of the University (Daily; departures as announced)

For those delegates without urgent business to attend to (and why not?!) there is a tour of the University buildings and grounds. This usually take from two to three hours, and children of 14 or less are not permitted. It is also recommended those of weak constitutions do not take the tour. For those who are interested, a brief tour guide is available for perusal, and is included in conference delegate background materials. (Fee).

Boat Race Practice (Daily; times as announced)

In the days leading up to the annual University Boat Race, why not come along and watch the hurly burly of the practice on Long Pond? Waterproof clothing is recommended.

Tournament (Daily; subject to availability)

Most students eschew the rough and tumble of the jousting and battling classes in favour of the quiet contemplation afforded by the Morokanian Library. However, down on St Takra's Field, delegates are welcome to try their hand at this ancient and noble art with our resident Battlemasters. Mounts, weapons, and armour will be provided. (Fee).

Meals (Daily)

All Delegate meals with the exception of Breakfast take place in St Xemelia's Refectory, just to the north side of Hunter's Cobble. Lunch is available only to those delegates who specifically request it in advance. Supper is served immediately after Nightverse. Light snacks are available throughout the day (try one of Mme Snaighpens' famous 'toad' scones at tea-time!).

Morokanian Library Tour

(Discontinued for Security reasons)

Gating (Daily)

The Gates of the University are sealed shut at dusk.

The University of Sog City Tour:
Points of Interest for Conference Delegates

(The code-letter against each entry indicates the point on the Map which affords the best view and/or perspective. Entries are - where appropriate - in tour order)

A - Tour Start

The Tour begins outside St Xemela's refectory on the north side of Hunter's Cobble. Time to pick up that packed lunch! (Fee)

B - Hunter's Cobble - West Side

The best place to orient yourself before beginning the tour begins here on the Hunter's Cobble. Virtually all the paths traversing the University lead back to the Cobble, so you can never get lost! (So long as you don't do anything really dangerous). The finest view of this extraordinary five-sided piece of stone (believed to weigh over six million tonnes) is from the natural outcrop on the west edge. Deep indentations, said by some to be thumb or finger marks, form smooth hollows in the side of the raised indent the sides of the small hill. Nothing is known to be able to grow on the rock. It is rumoured that a new mark appears at the time of each new Ecclesiastical Council. Facing the Cobble to the North side is the refectory building, constructed in 687 by the fifth Vice-Chancellor, a distant relative of the current incumbent of that office. Note the bas-relief on the exterior showing scenes from the life of Xemela of Pasos ministering to the sick and hungry. Some carvings on the west side have now, unfortunately, deteriorated badly. Turning East, marvel at the shadow cast in the morning by the steeple of the College of Necromancy. The College is in fact more than half a mile distant! Slightly closer than the College of Necromancy (although often lost in mist) is the Alchemy Pit. On the South side, the Cobble slopes down steeply towards the Long Pond and St Takra's Field. At the West side the main Gate is situated; adjacent to which is the Garter Chapel.

C - Dome of Astrology

Situated to the south-west of the Cobble the Dome, the newest building in the extensive Faculty of Astrology, dominates the neighbourhood. From the outside the completely hemispherical dome of six stories in height appears as if a jet black pearl has been dropped into the sand. No light is reflected from the surface of the Dome. Entrance is by way of an underground service tunnel connecting the Dome and the main Faculty building. From the inside, the starry sky is permanently visible with complete clarity. Thus observation of the skies can continue uninterrupted by bad weather or sunlight. Constellation patterns may be projected onto the inside of the Dome for the aid of novices. The Dome is also capable of other complex (and secret) functions under the guidance of - amongst others - the Professor of Astrology, Vice-Chancellor Pelinorius Stäarki. The Dome is closed to members of the public at this time.

D - The Gate-House

Entrance to the University for members of the public is by way of the Gate-House. The iron statuary which used to adorn the small watch tower has been plundered over the years by foreign collectors. (Reward offered for information on whereabouts of any item).

E - The Garter Chapel

Dedicated to the memory of St Noja ai Segurane. This is the place of worship reserved for visitors to the University. By tradition, everyone spends at least some time in reflection during their stay.

F - Main Hall (behind the Refectory) - Edemter Memorial Building

The Main Hall is the centre of social life within the University. Public lectures and major University occasions take place here. There are, in fact, many dozens of rooms and chambers contained in the Main Hall complex, some deep underground. The building, together with the Library, is one of the oldest on the campus, parts of which were among the very first constructed upon the site. At one time all teaching and research took place here. As each Department or Faculty was built, they gradually took their activities, staff and students away with them, leaving the Main Hall for mainly ceremonial functions. The last graduation ceremony took place 37 years ago.

G - College of Jurisprudence

The College of Jurisprudence reflects the rising importance of this discipline in the modern world. It is one of the newest colleges to be built, being a mere two centuries old. The Sog City authorities have the brains at the college to thank for devising the structure of the Street Judge system which help keep the peace within the City Walls. Note the exceptional use of brick and iron trellis work surrounding the college entrance.

H - Faculty of Healing Arts

The Faculty of Healing Arts is currently the smallest active department in the University. All of the buildings are strictly off-limits to members of the public.

I - Faculty of Alchemy (including the Pit)

The most noticeable feature of the Faculty of Alchemy is the large Pit which lies directly adjacent to the Faculty Laboratory. The Laboratory is a very modern building, the first being destroyed in an accident in 874; the second accidentally slipping into the Pit some thirty years ago. The Pit is a remarkable feature, which is often covered in smoke or mist due to the number of fires burning on its slopes. The Pit functions in two remarkable ways. Primarily it is an extensive quarry, designed to take advantage of a remarkable feature of the local geography. In the space of a couple of hundred metres or so, a great many naturally occurring substances are to be found layered within the ground. Therefore the alchemy department has a ready source of raw materials on stream whereby experiments can be performed. A team of dwarfs from the Nidan Mountains is responsible for the excavation and mining of the Pit, under the direction of the Junior Dean. The University is able to gain much needed funds from the Faculty by selling off surplus materials mined from the Pit. The Pit also functions as an open air laboratory, where experiments can be performed in relative safety. You will note that, as well as natural fires, many vapours are formed by the kilns, kettles and furnaces that are constantly alight. Visitors are warned to keep away from the edge of the Pit, not to breathe in too deeply, and to retreat well away when the warning bell is sounded.

J - College of Necromancy (including the Steeple)

The most visible feature of the University, even to a distance of ten kilometres or so, is the Steeple of the College of Necromancy. The college has some of the most remarkable architecture to be found in the West. The College is situated on a hill, which in itself is surrounded by a small but thick wood. The mists coming from the Pit in the nearby Faculty of Alchemy, combined with weather anomalies caused by the Steeple, often cause the whole area to be permanently damp, drear and foggy (even in good weather). A winding path leads through the trees to the main building which, due to a generous bequest, is decorated in the gothic style of Old Seshnela; it is often mistaken for a slightly ramshackle castle! The building is ten stories high - far too tall for a normal castle. Finally, atop the tallest 'battlement' is the steeple, a further ten stories, piercing the clouds. The steeple is a feature if the main Necromancy laboratory. It is built mainly of wood, with a band of solid iron running right down the outside and into the laboratory.

K - School of Comparative Theology

Five modern and nondescript buildings, arranged it the five points of a pentacle, comprise the School of Comparative Theology. The School is a relative newcomer to the University, being only three centuries old. It was originally intended to serve as a repository of forgotten other religions, fast fading from normal human memory as the Closing and the Syndics Ban took hold over Loskalm. The University Elders realised, perhaps with some humility, that one of the true tests of Malkionism would be to constantly prove (as in test, or try) itself against other creeds and cultures. Since they were not now directly accessible, the School of Comparative Theology was conceived to fulfil this role. With the lifting of the Ban, the School's work goes from strength to strength as it seeks to positively encourage vigorous debate between all faiths and creeds. The School has a thriving publishing division, notable for its critical and non-partisan approach. 'Proceedings in Malkionism' is the most widely read. Officers of the School will also supervise all religious conferences taking place within the University, including the forthcoming Seventh Ecclesiastical Council of Malkion. Weapons (even ceremonial ones) are strictly banned within the precincts of the School.

L - Department of Anthropology and Zoology (including rare beast collection)

With easy connections to the seafaring Waertagi, it is natural that the University has become the repository of knowledge gained in exploration of the high and low seas. Many sailors have brought back living creatures from the lands they visited. In order to protect and study these animals a vast enclosure was constructed - the Zoological Garden. Over the years many rare creatures have been collected for study by the professors of the Department. The collection suffered badly during the Closing, but recently has begun to expand once more. A magnificent Titanothere is the latest star exhibit, which is particularly popular with children. (Please do not overfeed the Titanothere!). Also recommended: the performing Manatees; the Praxian Bison herd. (NB By order of the President of the University, no chaotic creatures captured from the Dilis Swamp - members of the Zoology Department are responsible for occasional chaos-suppression measures - are allowed to be kept alive in the University Grounds, following an accident in 1242)

M - School of Nautical Studies Annexe

The main headquarters of the School of Nautical Studies is located off-campus, in the City Dock area of Sog. The School maintains a small presence within the University walls. Easy access to the Department of Anthropology and Zoology, to the Long Pond, to the main Library and the Faculty of Astrology make having an office in the main grounds essential. Today the School is devoting much time to the study of the effect of Dormal the Sailor's arrival in Loskalm in 1582 (there are copies of his ships' logs for the period in the library), which helped lift both the Closing and the Syndic's Ban.

N - The Long Pond

The Long Pond is a fortuitous by-product of an excavation of the Faculty of Alchemy going awry, and the needs of other members of the University. The Long Pond was 'built' about five centuries ago by the search for some rare metals thought to be contained within and beneath the soil. Thus was formed a moat arcing through 70 degrees; with a length of some 3.5 km and a roughly uniform width of 500m. The Long Pond's official use now is to aid research undertaken by the School of Nautical Studies, which is located nearby. However, most practical Nautical experiments are now performed at sea, and so the pond is open for more recreational pursuits. Often teams for the University Boat Race are to be found practising their skills, and this proves a popular draw for visitors. Boats are also available for hire. (Fee)

O - The Tournament Grounds

The Tournament Grounds consist of several acres of close-cropped grass, some stables, the jousting lists, and various stands whereby spectators may watch the mock battles being fought in safety and comfort. These have fallen somewhat into disuse in recent years, although the structures are kept reasonably serviceable. Squads of exterminators from the Zoology Department are occasionally seen practising their cleaning-up techniques in the Tournament Grounds.

P - The Morokanian Library (close by the Wall of Red-Hot Brass)

The cool blue walls of the Morokanian Library, its semi-rotunda abutting directly against the Wall of Red-Hot Brass, are famous the world over. Within is contained an unsurpassed collection of books and scrolls, with special emphasis on those of religious aspect. The undoubted star possession (among many candidates) is a complete copy of the 'Blue Book of Zzabur.' It is also rumoured to have a copy of that seminal work, 'The Rough Guide to Boldhome,' although this cannot be confirmed as it is unaccountably unlisted in the catalogue. The library is in constant use by all members of staff and postgraduate students. It is not normally open to undergraduates and members of the public, unless a specific reason for entry can be given. (Applications to the Junior Dean, in writing, at least three weeks in advance.)

Q - Chapel of St Talor (private)

Grey flint walls are the main feature of this small place of worship. It ministers exclusively to the needs of University personnel, and is not open to the general public. A number of stained-glass windows are the most renowned feature, a series of which in the south transept depict scenes from the life of St Malkion. Rumours that these pictures are self-animating are completely exaggerated.

R - School of Performing Arts (ruin)

The remnants of the University Theatre can still be seen (somewhat overgrown) in the ruins of the School of Performing Arts. The School was disbanded by decree of the Eighteenth Vice Chancellor, and its senior staff redeployed to administrative tasks. It is widely thought that the ruins are haunted!

X - USCSU Gift Shoppe

Why not finish off your tour of the University of Sog City by dropping into the Students' Union Gift Shoppe? A wide variety of University of Sog City official merchandise is available to tempt all tastes and budgets. Why not try the latest in fashionable USC logo embroidered jerkins? For the discerning there are elegant jewelled enamelled pin badges. Or, for the sporting, how about monogrammed Tourney-shirts (T-shirts are available for each Faculty), or sturdy Boat Race sun-visors (blue or green only). For the kids, they'll want to take home a cuddly Titanothere!

Do's and Don'ts

A Brief History

A Life in the Day

The USC Tour

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