Branna's School                                         Map

 

Branna’s school is run as part of the Norse Order of the Saga, and is intended to provide basic education within a Norse religious framework. As parents are expected to contribute towards the cost of their child’s education most of the of the children come from middle class families, who want to better their children but can’t afford a private tutor. Children are expected to study here for two years, and the year is split into four ten week terms with 3 week breaks around the solstice and equinox holidays. Some children return to their families for these holidays - others stay at the school the whole year round. For those children who stay - classes are suspended but work continues….

The day starts with a short service in the chapel, followed by work in the fields for all of the students. After lunch there are lessons and practice - normally one hour of reading of and writing and hour of physical exercise - generally spear work practice- and a 30-minute religious instruction session where the finer points of the Norse religion are discussed. After classes there is dinner, followed by another short service, and then the students are allowed some recreation time before retiring for the night. All staff and students are expected to attend all of the religious services.

Students graduate the school with a proficiency in Spear, Read/Write, Speak Common and one of either Agriculture or Animal Handling, and are ready for an apprenticeship in just about any field.

The Honourable Branna of the Branches, Squire in the Order of the Great Saga runs the school, and he is tipped as a possible future leader of the order in the distant future. He is supported by Garvic Hamason a half-elven cleric of Frey, Madelyn Thorne-Blacke who is his Sergeant-at-Armes and a squad of 5 Men-at-Armes. There are also ancillary staff who help with the domestic and agricultural chores.

The school is recognised as a worthy establishment and many Norse worthies make donations towards the upkeep of the school. Donations are sometimes ascribed to the education of a particular student, and sponsors may get the occasional letter from ‘their’ student describing their progress and gratitude.

Gifted students may be accepted for an apprenticeship after their education has finished. Those with the appropriate talent may chose a 3 year apprentice ship for training as a cleric or a paladin, others may choose a one year Man-at-Armes or Agricultural apprenticeship

Students finishing the Priest apprenticeship will be skilled in Religion, Riding, Local History, Speak/Read/Write Common, Spear plus one other weapon, as well as one of either Agriculture or Animal Handling. All will have the ability to officiate at simple religious services. Those who pass the final examinations will be become priests - those who fail are 0-level lay preachers.

Students finishing the Paladin’s apprenticeship will be skilled in Religion, Riding, Local History, Speak/Read/Write Common, Spear plus two other weapons appropriate to their station, as well as one of either Agriculture or Animal Handling. All will have the ability to officiate at simple religious services. Those who pass the final examinations will be become paladins - those who fail are 0-level lay preachers.

Men at Armes have a proficiency in Spear, Short Sword and Dagger, Read/Write, Speak Common and one of either Agriculture or Animal Handling. They also have some experience of patrol and guard duty and perhaps a little combat experience as well.

All other advanced students have a proficiency in Spear, Read/Write, Speak Common, Agriculture and Animal Handling