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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 3127482" data-attributes="member: 3448">“And if you care so much about your family’s salvation, perhaps you should reconsider sending your daughters to schools loyal to Paranswarm,” added Dame Brionna belligerently, provoking shocked looks from Alistair and Kit.“You forget your place, Dame Knight.”  The Duke of Brightspan made the honorific an insult, stressing his much more exalted rank.  “And what choice do I have?  Not providing them with an adequate education is equally disastrous, for they would seek learning from whatever source they could find, and the Collegium Magica cannot be taken seriously as an option.  I note none of the Archducal family have studied there, either.”“We are well aware of the Collegium’s deficiencies,” said Alistair.  “One of my first actions as Archduke will be establishing a major new school for mages, dedicated to the memory of my grandmother, as well as a seminary for priests, religious scholars, and paladins.”  He felt no need to mention that the third planned school would train psions.  “We intend to make Canberry a center for the study of magic that will draw mages and students from all of Drucien and even beyond.  It is a shame that magical education has been limited in Canberry up to this point, but they problem will be remedied soon.”“Indeed?” the Duke responded.  “You intend to have a serious mage’s academy?”  He drew forth a draftbook.  “This is long-overdue, and I will be happy to provide the support of my house to the project.  Perhaps we could endow a program for studies appropriate to my family’s magical interests.”  He passed a draft over to Kit, who boggled at the vast sum it promised-- 50,000 silver-- before regaining control of herself.“We are most pleased to receive your support,” replied Alistair.  “We will of course not permit the study of diabolism, as part of the point is to train mages under the watchful eyes of the Church.”“But surely regular conjuration will be studied?  We will fund the wing of conjuration, then.”“Of course.  All of the accepted magical arts will be taught, and we are grateful for your support.” Alistair thought for a moment.  “Your grace, would you mind if we initially announced a smaller contribution by your house?  I assure you that we will eventually give you full and public credit for the entire sum of your gift, but we may be able to inspire other noble houses to give generously if we first announce an amount that they could match.”The Duke looked dubious.  “Your eminent grace, few of the families of Canberry have as much ready wealth as mine, besides your house, of course.  I doubt that any of the other houses could make a comparable gift.”“I know, your grace, but many of them could give 1,000 silver, or perhaps even 5,000.  If we announce that you have given 50, many will feel that their own gifts would be paltry.  But if we announce a gift of 1,000 or 2,500, other nobles may feel the need to match or even exceed it, to demonstrate their wealth, generosity, and loyalty.  We can then announce that you have come over the top with an even greater gift, while maximizing the total donations.”Brightspan waved his hand.  “As you wish.  I will leave such details to you.  I merely wish to make a contribution, as it would be good to offer a fine education under Glor’diadel’s guidance.”Dame Brionna smiled in triumph at the outcome.  “Your generosity and piety are famed throughout the Archduchy.”The Duke nodded, satisfied with the praise, and excused himself.“Well…” said Alistair.  “That went vastly better than I had imagined.”</blockquote>

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