Metzler University
Sir John Metzler þresz Gæta | |
| Type | University |
|---|---|
| Established | 1462 AN - 1465 AN |
| Affiliation | The Imperial Government of Shireroth |
| Location | , |
 | |
Metzler University, often referred to by its original name, Sir John Metzler III University (Præta: Sir John Metzler þresz Gæta), is Shireroth's oldest and most prestigious university, located in the capital city of Shirekeep, in Metzlershire. It can claim with some certainty to be the oldest educational institution to be active in the known micronational world, which those posh bastards don't want to let you forget. It has long been recognized as the primary institution for those seeking to enter the Imperial civil service, with its degrees acting as a stepping stone for many future bureaucrats, ministers, and scholars.
The University is partially funded by the Imperial Government and is governed according to the regulations outlined in Imperial Decree 698, which was issued during the reign of Kaiser Ayreon III in 1621 AN. This decree further cemented the university's strong ties to the state, as it became fully nationalized and directly accountable to the Kaiser's Court. Today, Metzler University enjoys the status of being a vital academic and cultural institution within Shireroth (as long as no bombs are flying into its buikdings whenever a noble revolts or a wild Benacian throws around his silly humanist thoughts), known for producing the intellectual elite that help shape national policies and contribute to the cultural legacy of the empire.
Despite the pressures of modernization and political change, Metzler University remains a symbol of tradition and excellence in Shireroth, continuing to be the leading institution for those who aspire to lead the empire into the future and can boast to have educated several important domestic and foreign dignitaries.
History of Sir John Metzler III University
Founding
The exact date of Sir John Metzler III University’s establishment has been lost to history, but records indicate it was founded prior to the close of the 15th century, likely between 1462 and 1465 AN during the reign of Kaiser Metzler I, for whom the university was named. The founding of the university was part of a broader cultural and intellectual revival during Metzler I's short-lived reign, aimed at consolidating knowledge and power within the empire. This effort was driven by the realization that a learned and capable class of scholars and officials was essential for maintaining the Imperial Republic’s stability and growth, especially after the integration of the Kildarian regions by Kaiser Gaelen I.
Early Years and Growth in Prominence
In its early decades, the university’s reputation for rigorous scholarship and its close association with the Imperial Court helped it grow in stature. Scholars, philosophers (mostly from the recently conquered Apollonian territories), and legal experts from various regions were drawn to Metzler University, seeking knowledge and favor within the Imperial Republic’s elite circles. Its early curriculum was primarily focused on Imperial law, history, Apollontean philosophy, and governance, reflecting its role as an institution dedicated to supporting the Kaiser’s administration.
By 1483 AN, the university's prominence had increased to such a degree that a faction within the Imperial Court advocated renaming it the Kaiseress Aure I University in honor of Kaiseress Aure I, who was reigning at that time. Though this proposal was ultimately set aside in favor of preserving its original name, it underscored the university’s high status within the Imperial Republic and its close connection to the ruling class.
Bestowal of Knighthood and the Title "Sir"
A defining moment in the university’s history came in 1496 AN, when it was granted an unprecedented honor: Imperial Decree 145, issued by the Mango Throne, officially bestowed a knighthood upon Metzler University. This decree granted the university the rare title of "Sir," marking it as Sir John Metzler III University. This knighthood was symbolic of the university’s loyalty and service to the Imperial Republic, recognizing its contributions to shaping and educating the minds that would lead and serve the empire. The conferral of knighthood was unique, reserved only for institutions of exceptional value, and it was seen as a major accomplishment for an academic institution, solidifying Metzler University’s reputation as a cornerstone of Imperial scholarship.
Transition from Private to Public Institution
In its initial centuries, Metzler University operated as a private institution with substantial influence and resources but was always closely aligned with the Imperial government. Its faculty and administration maintained a privileged relationship with the Imperial Court, advising on policy and fostering an intellectual environment that aligned with the empire’s priorities. However, this arrangement changed significantly in 1621 AN, under the rule of Kaiser Ayreon III. Seeking to integrate Metzler University more formally into the empire’s infrastructure, Kaiser Ayreon III nationalized the institution. This transition transformed the university from a privately managed institution to an official part of the government’s intellectual apparatus, placing it directly under the supervision of the Kaiser’s Court and Ministry of Information.
Role in the Imperial Republic’s Intellectual and Political Life
After its nationalization, Metzler University’s responsibilities kept expanding beyond education to include research and advisement on matters of state. The institution became even more deeply involved in the production of knowledge crucial to the empire’s governance, including statecraft, law, and strategic studies, and its graduates were frequently appointed to high-ranking positions within the government. Over time, the university developed specialized departments dedicated to fields critical to the empire's welfare, such as diplomacy, military strategy, and economics. The return of Greater Kildare and Batavia into the fold at the start of the 18th century saw a sharp increase in students from all across the Imperial Republic.
As the empire evolved, so too did Sir John Metzler III University. It became not only a seat of learning but a place where some of the empire’s most important treaties, policies, and reforms were crafted and debated. Scholars from the university were often called upon to serve as advisors or ambassadors, embedding the institution’s intellectual influence deeply within the fabric of the Imperial Republic.
Legacy and Modern Influence
Today, Sir John Metzler III University remains one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the Imperial Republic. Its historical role as both an academic and political institution has continued to shape its modern identity. The university now offers a vast array of disciplines, but it still places special emphasis on areas tied to the empire’s governance, fostering a new generation of scholars, officials, and leaders who carry forward its legacy of excellence and service.
With centuries of tradition behind it, Sir John Metzler III University stands as a symbol of the enduring power of knowledge and scholarship within the Imperial Republic. Its motto, “Æðeljaz Standet” or "Excellence Endures," reflects both its storied past and its commitment to the future, as it continues to inspire and educate those who will shape the empire for generations to come.
Notable Traditions and Events
As a central institution of learning, Metzler University is known for several unique traditions that have evolved over the centuries.
The Pledge of Candles
As a symbol of the university’s motto, “Æðeljaz Standet” (“Excellence Endures”), each incoming student lights a candle in the Hall of Flames, a sacred space dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. The flame represents the student’s commitment to uphold the university’s values of excellence, integrity, and service. During graduation, students return to the hall to extinguish their candle, symbolizing the transition of their knowledge from the university to the world.
The Metzler Night Procession
Every year on the anniversary of Imperial Decree 145, students, faculty, and alumni gather for the Metzler Night Procession. Participants, dressed in the university's formal academic robes, walk by candlelight from the university’s oldest building to the statue of Kaiser Metzler I on campus, symbolically reaffirming the university’s commitment to the empire and intellectual enlightenment. This is followed by a midnight ceremony where the university president reaffirms the institution’s loyalty to the Imperial Republic.
The Kaiser's Challenge Debate Tournament
This is an annual, week-long debating competition named in honor of the university’s founders. Student teams across disciplines compete in formal debates on matters of philosophy, law, governance, and ethics. The final round, held in Darwin Hall, is attended by faculty, dignitaries, and sometimes even visiting government officials. Winners receive the prestigious Metzler Medallion and are often fast-tracked to internships within the government.
The Sir’s Knighthood Ceremony
In homage to the knighthood bestowed upon the university, select students who demonstrate outstanding contributions to academics, leadership, or service are ceremonially "knighted" each year. These students are dubbed Knights of Metzler and receive a silver brooch in the shape of a candle -symbolizing the light of knowledge- that they wear proudly at official university events.
The Code of Silence
During exam periods, a tradition known as the Code of Silence goes into effect. Students and faculty are expected to observe near-complete silence in public areas, including dining halls and pathways, as a sign of respect for the intense focus required during exams. This creates a sense of unity, as the entire campus adapts to support each other's academic focus. Any student caught breaking the silence may face playful “fines” like buying snacks for their classmates. One teacher is chosen among his peers to roam around the campus in a costume of Malarbor and attempt to get his fellow students to talk. At the end of the exam period the costume is ceremonially thrown in the Blue Elwynn River.
The Aurean Feast
Named for Kaiseress Aure I, this festival is held in the spring and is a grand gathering where students, faculty, and alumni enjoy a day of feasting, games, and performances celebrating the culture and diversity within the Imperial Republic. The tradition stems from an early 15th-century feast reportedly hosted by Aure I herself to honor the university’s achievements and foster camaraderie. The feast includes a “Chalice of Aure” toast led by the university president, wishing prosperity and wisdom for the students and the empire.
The Scholars’ Pilgrimage
Each year, top-ranking students are invited to participate in the Scholars’ Pilgrimage, a three-day excursion to sites of historical and academic significance within the Imperial County, including the Valley of Mors. The pilgrimage is seen as a rite of passage, marking the students’ transition from learners to leaders and instilling a deep appreciation for the cultural legacy they will uphold. Upon returning, each student contributes an artifact or item to the university’s Sorto Hall, symbolizing their academic journey.
The Knight’s Vigil
In a tradition that dates back to the university’s earliest days, graduating students are invited to participate in a night-long vigil before graduation. Participants gather in the university’s oldest courtyard near Tolkien Hall, where they read passages from classical texts, discuss future aspirations, and reflect on their academic journey. The vigil, held under starlight, concludes at dawn with a solemn pledge to honor the values of the Imperial Republic and the university in their future endeavors. Foreign students are excempt from participating in the pledge.
Founders’ Day Ball
This annual formal event celebrates the founding of the university and invites students, alumni, and faculty to gather in a grand ballroom decorated with symbols of the empire. The event includes traditional dances, live orchestral music, and speeches by distinguished guests and alumni. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Metzler Banner, a symbol of honor passed each year to a student or faculty member who has contributed significantly to the university’s community.
The Metzler Lecture Series
Held every winter, the Metzler Lecture Series invites distinguished scholars, politicians, and thinkers to give public lectures on themes related to governance, ethics, and leadership. It is one of the most anticipated events on campus and is open to the public as a gesture of the university’s dedication to the dissemination of knowledge. The series concludes with a high-profile debate on current imperial issues, often attended by members of the government.
Campus and Halls
Metzler University is divided into several academic halls, each dedicated to a specific area of study, research, or culture. These halls not only reflect the wide range of disciplines taught at the university but also contribute to the intellectual diversity that has made Metzler a beacon of higher learning.
Carol Hall
Carol Hall is an amalgamation of several older departments within Metzler University, bringing together Escher Hall (the center for visual arts), Shakespeare Hall (focused on theater, music, and radio), and Tolkien Hall (dedicated to the literary arts, including poetry and prose). This unification created a rich environment for students and faculty engaged in all forms of artistic expression, with a focus on fostering interdisciplinary projects that span visual, auditory, and written mediums.
Darwin Hall
"Where Great Ideas Evolve"
Founded at the behest of Kaiseress Semisa I, Darwin Hall was created as a center for debate and the free exchange of ideas that may not fit neatly under any one specific ministry. Initially focused on generating ideas for the national agenda, it has since become a hub for brainstorming and discussion across a wide range of topics. Though there are ongoing requests to designate it as the home of the University's official Debate Club, Darwin Hall remains a vital space for critical thinking and problem-solving.
Hall of Flames
The Hall of Flames is located within the heart of the campus, the hall is a grand, vaulted chamber adorned with intricate carvings of historical figures and important moments from the university’s past. At the center of the hall stands a large, ceremonial flame that burns perpetually, representing the enduring pursuit of knowledge and the guiding light of intellectual excellence. Each year, incoming students light a candle here, symbolizing their commitment to the university’s values. Upon graduation, they return to extinguish their flame, marking their transition from student to scholar and leader. The Hall of Flames serves as both a place of reflection and a reminder of the eternal quest for wisdom that defines the university's legacy.
Gryphon Avocatio Hall
This hall is dedicated to the study of languages, with a particular focus on the languages and dialects of the Shirithian people. Yardistani studies are a major component of the curriculum, as well as other regional tongues spoken within the empire. Gryphon Avocatio Hall is known for its rigorous language programs, and its graduates often find themselves employed in diplomatic or intelligence services due to their expertise in linguistic analysis and translation.
Sorto Hall
Sorto Hall serves as a counterpart to the SSHIT (Shireroth Standardized History Initiative Team), though its role is much more focused on historical creativity. Where SSHIT codifies (fictional) history into the official records of Shireroth, Sorto Hall allowed for the creation of new historical narratives that may not yet be part of the empire's canon. Here, students and scholars alike participate in creative historical projects, often blending imagination with the rich traditions of Shireroth. Sorto Hall has grown in prominence, now allowing the broader academic community to shape the imperial republic's evolving historical narrative.
Tony Au Memorial Library
The Tony Au Memorial Library is a renowned repository of Micrasian knowledge. Although it was not originally part of Metzler University, the library was later integrated into the campus and has since become an essential resource for students and researchers alike. The library is home to a vast collection of micronational documents, essays on history, and works by prominent micronationalists. It also serves as a repository for the historical records of the empire and as an archive for important treaties and texts from Shireroth’s past.
The 400 Wing
The 400 Wing is the official home of Metzler University's gaming club. It has gained recognition for developing the Imperial System, a tabletop gaming system that incorporates various aspects of Shireroth’s history and mythology. The 400 Wing is a place for students to engage in both casual and serious gaming, and it also serves as a creative outlet for those interested in designing and playtesting new games. The Wing plays a unique role in fostering camaraderie among students and is a hub for interactive storytelling.
Organization of Metzler University
Metzler University is structured in a way that reflects both its historical legacy and its status as a key institution within the Shirerithian Imperial Republic. It is governed by a blend of traditional academic structures and direct oversight from the Court, which makes the university unique in both its administration and purpose.
The Chancellor
At the top of the university’s hierarchy is the Chancellor of the University, a prestigious position appointed directly by the Kaiser or the Kaiser's Court. More often than not, the function is filled by a noble with close ties with the Mango Court. The Chancellor serves as the official head of the university, overseeing its strategic direction and ensuring that it aligns with imperial interests. The Chancellor’s role is not just ceremonial but involves active participation in policy decisions, academic appointments, and budget management. The Chancellor also represents the university in official functions and serves as its chief diplomat, fostering relationships with other educational institutions and government bodies.
The Rectorate of Stooges
Beneath the Chancellor is the Rectorate, the university’s main administrative body. The Rector serves as the day-to-day leader of the university and is responsible for the operational aspects of the institution. The Rector is often a senior academic, elected from within the faculty, though the final approval rests with the Kaiser's Court. The Rectorate includes several Vice-Rectors, each responsible for specific areas such as:
- Vice-Rector for Academic (That's Why You're Here, Ungrateful Kids) Affairs: Oversees curriculum development, academic quality, and faculty appointments.
- Vice-Rector for Student Affairs (No, Not That Kind): Focuses on student services, welfare, and extracurricular activities.
- Vice-Rector for Tradition, Research and Innovation: Manages research programs, funding, and collaboration with external research bodies.
- Vice-Rector for Financial Debacles and Nightmares: In charge of the university's budget, facilities, and overall financial health.
The Faculty Senate
The Faculty Senate plays a crucial role in shaping the academic environment of Metzler University. It is composed of representatives from each of the university's halls (academic departments), ensuring that all fields of study are fairly represented. The Senate has the authority to make decisions on academic programs, the hiring of professors, and the establishment of new research initiatives. While the Senate operates with a degree of autonomy, its decisions are subject to review by the Rectorate and, in some cases, by the Kaiser's Court itself.
The Halls
Each of the university's Halls functions as a semi-independent unit, dedicated to a specific field of study. The halls are led by Deans, who are responsible for managing their respective academic disciplines, ensuring the quality of education, and promoting research. Each hall also has its own internal governance, including a Council of Professors that determines academic policies, admission standards, and research priorities.
Student Union and Representation
The students at Metzler University are organized through the Student Union, which serves as both a representative body and a hub for student life. The union works closely with the administration to address student concerns, advocate for better academic resources, and organize cultural and social events. The Student Union also has a voice in certain governance structures, such as the Faculty Senate and the Rectorate, ensuring that student opinions are heard at all levels of decision-making.
Other educational institutions
Some other important educational institutions who cooperate with the Metzler University:
- The Royal Julius Civilis University
- The Ecclesiastical Academy of Pentapolis
- The Shirekeep Benacian Institute
- Académie Alexandrin
