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''"What is the University? It is what you may call a castle manned by learning and scholarship. Or a vicious and permanent dog-fight between Benthic College and Summerset College."''
{{Neath_Location
|image1 = University.png
|location = [[London]]
|alias = University College London (Benthic)<br>King's College London (Summerset)
|notable_inhabitants = [[The Provost of Summerset]]<br>[[The Principal of Benthic College]]
}}<blockquote>''"What is the University? It is what you may call a castle manned by learning and scholarship. Or a vicious and permanent dog-fight between Benthic College and Summerset College."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Category:The_University|The University|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>


''"Fallen London's two colleges, Benthic and Summerset, enjoy a healthy rivalry. They play team sports with each other. They play pranks on each other. On certain days of the year, they play trumpets and French horns at each other."''
'''The University''' is [[Fallen London|London]]'s primary institution of <s>period-appropiate pseudoscience</s> ahem, ''knowledge and innovation'', formerly known as '''King's and University College'''. The University is divided into two colleges, '''Benthic''' and '''Summerset''', which have a notoriously fierce rivalry.<ref name="walk around">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Hallowed_quadrangles|Hallowed Quadrangles|Fallen London|}}</ref>__forcetoc__


[[File:University.jpg|thumb|350px]]The University, Fallen London's bastion of knowledge, is most easily accessible in-game to players with Watchful 80 and up.
==Summerset==
==<span style="font-size:18px;">Summerset</span>==
[[File:Provost.png|thumb|100px|The Provost of Summerset.]]<blockquote>''"What's Summerset College like? A place of indolent privilege. Minor nobles rub shoulders with the black-gowned children of clergy, parliamentarians and lawyers in its peaceful quadrangles."''<ref name="snippets">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets|Sidebar Snippets|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>'''Summerset''' is the well-to-do side of the University, typically comprised of the children of higher society, [[The Church|clergy]], lawyers, and [[The Constables|officials]].<ref name="walk around">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Hallowed_quadrangles|Hallowed Quadrangles|Fallen London|}}</ref> It does not allow the [[The Soul Trade|soulless]] in.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Disguise_yourself_and_cause_mischief|Disguise yourself and cause mischief|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Lurk_disconsolately_around_the_margins.|Lurk disconsolately around the margins.|Fallen London|}}</ref> Ironically, the [[Provost of Summerset]] is affiliated with [[devils]], enough so that there have been rumors about how he is actually a devil who files down his horns and teeth.<ref name=":2">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Something_to_burn%3F|Something to burn?|Fallen London|}}</ref>
''"What's Summerset College like? A place of indolent privilege. Minor nobles rub shoulders with the black-gowned children of clergy, parliamentarians and lawyers in its peaceful quadrangles."''


Summerset is the more well-bred side of the University, typically comprised of the children of higher society, clergy, lawyers, and officials. 
In the ''Sunless Skies'' timeline, following the exodus to [[The High Wilderness|the stars]], Summerset has established a base camp within [[Traitor's Wood]] in [[the Reach]]. Unfortunately, their expedition seems to be for naught.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.gamepedia.com/A_Campfire|A Campfire|Sunless Skies|}}</ref>
 
The motto of Summerset College is ''"Superbe et sophistice."''<ref name=":3">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Superbe_et_sophistice|Superbe et sophistice|Fallen London|}}</ref>


==Benthic==
==Benthic==
''"What's it like at Benthic College? Eager young radicals throng the halls. Students flaunt their tolerance and diversity; friendships with devils are highly prized. Revolutionaries infest the eaves. The soul trade thrives."''
[[File:Principal.png|thumb|100px|The Principal of Benthic.]]<blockquote>''"What's it like at Benthic College? Eager young radicals throng the halls. Students flaunt their tolerance and diversity; friendships with devils are highly prized. Revolutionaries infest the eaves. The soul trade thrives."''<ref name="snippets">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets|Sidebar Snippets|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>'''Benthic''', the less well-reputed college, probably earned this image because it is more inclusive; it allows the soulless, [[devils]], [[Revolutionaries: the Calendar Council|revolutionaries]], and children of poor families to enter.<ref name="walk around">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Hallowed_quadrangles|Hallowed Quadrangles|Fallen London|}}</ref> Its more tolerant researchers may also exchange items of value with those who have been formally banned from the university,<ref name=":4">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Under_the_counter|Under the counter|Fallen London|}}</ref> and Benthic actively rewards students for being prosecuted by the Ministry of Public Decency.<ref name=":5">{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/a-secret-about-the-masters/|A secret about the Masters|Failbetter Games|}}</ref> The [[The Principal of Benthic College|Principal of Benthic]] is a kindly yet strict academic, deeply committed to scholarly pursuits and expecting the same dedication from her staff and students.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets#The_University_2|Who is the Principal of Benthic College?|Fallen London|}}</ref>
 
The motto of Benthic college is ''"Omnes adsint, quamvis dementi, quamvis nefasti."''<ref name=":6">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Omnes_adsint,_quamvis_dementi,_quamvis_nefasti|Omnes adsint, quamvis dementi, quamvis nefasti|Fallen London|}}</ref>
 
== Cricket ==
[[File:cricket.png|thumb|100px]]<blockquote>''"Fallen London's two colleges, Benthic and Summerset, enjoy a healthy rivalry. They play team sports with each other. They play pranks on each other. On certain days of the year, they play trumpets and French horns at each other." (Like the Oxford-Cambridge boat race. But with trumpets.)''<ref name="snippets" /></blockquote>Benthic College's First XI and Summerset's Gentlemen frequently face off in cricket. The First XI are also willing to play matches against the more unconventional teams in London, like the [[Brass Embassy]] Ladies (a team of devilesses),<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Match_day Match day, ''Fallen London''] ''"The day of the cricket match has arrived! Leather cracks off willow! Tea and sandwiches! The Brass Embassy Ladies await the Benthic XI, splendid in their cricketing pinks."''</ref> but the Gentlemen steadfastly refuse.<ref name=":7">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Cricket_at_Benthic Cricket at Benthic, ''Fallen London''] ''"Benthic College takes its cricket seriously. The First XI play teams from across London. It's just a pity that the old enemy, the Summerset Gentlemen, pulled out of the competition when the Brass Embassy started fielding a team."''</ref> Summerset once maintained a cricket field out in [[Watchmaker's Hill]], but it has since been repurposed as an airfield.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Inspect_the_new_Station_IX Inspect the new Station IX, Fallen London] ''"Water, water everywhere, and not a drop troubles Station IX.II. The wooden platforms have been secured with steel rods that plunge into the murky waters that cover the former Summerset cricket field."''</ref>
[[File:Cricketer.png|thumb|100px|A cricketer]]
University cricket matches attract both faculty and students from the University,<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Interview_students_and_staff Interview students and staff, ''Fallen London''] ''"Why did there have to be a cricket match on the day of the murder? Nobody saw anything. Will you ever solve this d--nable case?"''</ref> offering dusty academics a rare chance to network, and to engage in a bit of spirited sports betting.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_serious_business A serious business, ''Fallen London''] ''"[…] The Principal nods at you graciously from the dignitaries' stand. Matters are proceeding swimmingly. You enter into a series of wagers with the phrenologists regarding maiden overs and the shape of a bowler's head. Always easy marks, phrenologists."''</ref> Since [[The Fall of London|the Fall]], cricket has undergone certain... adjustments, with rules that differ from the traditional Surface game.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Demonstrate_your_cricketing_knowledge Demonstrate your cricketing knowledge, ''Fallen London''] ''"Law 52: Infernal teams shall be shod so as not to scorch the pitch" "Law 58: A ball lost to bat swarms shall be regarded as a boundary, and scored as four runs"''</ref><ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Cricket,_Anyone%3F_(Story) Cricket, Anyone?, ''Fallen London''] ''"Law 39: In a match with two innings per side, each side shall take their innings alternately, except in the cases provided for in Law 45 (The Indignant Wicket), Law 77.1 (Forfeiture), and Law 77.2 (Forfeiture via Honey Consumption)."''</ref><ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Cricket,_Anyone%3F_(Story) Cricket, Anyone?, ''Fallen London''] ''"Law 13.13: An innings is closed once all batsmen are dismissed, or once half the batsmen are dead. In the event that any dead batsmen come around again before an innings is closed, they must remain classified as deceased until the next innings."''</ref><ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Cricket,_Anyone%3F_(Story) Cricket, Anyone?, ''Fallen London''] ''"Law 12.9.43: A match is concluded if, without a conclusion having been reached under 12.9.42, the players leave the field under adverse conditions including: glimfall, excessive lacre, revolutionary interference, weasels, or an insufficient wine supply."''</ref><ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Cricket,_Anyone%3F_(Story) Cricket, Anyone?, ''Fallen London''] ''"Law 15.1.1: A Master of the Bazaar may declare an innings closed at any time."''</ref> The highlight of London's cricket season is the annual Tournament of Toasts,<ref name=":8">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Cricket,_Anyone%3F_(Story) Cricket, Anyone?, ''Fallen London''] ''"Benthic and Summerset host it as an annual competition. Between themselves. [...] Mr Wines will officiate, as usual. The Masters of the Bazaar originally proposed the tournament as a diversion. Too much studying at the University. Not enough drinking. Everyone needs a revel, but especially academics."''</ref><ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Cricket,_Anyone%3F_(Story) Cricket, Anyone?, ''Fallen London''] ''"On London's social calendar, this is the sporting event."''</ref> a match between Benthic and Summerset that was established by the [[The Masters of the Bazaar|Masters of the Bazaar]] to provide a diversion for University students, and is officiated by [[Mr Wines]].<ref name=":8" />
 
==Known Departments==
[[File:Classroom.png|thumb|400px|center|Class is in session. Art from FL.]]
* The Department of Additive Surgery (probably involves organ grafting)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_peculiar_practice|A peculiar practice|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Advanced Theology (the study of complex religions?)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consider_your_options|Consider your options|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Antiquarian Esquivalience (the study of avoiding age-old responsibilities)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_body_in_the_library|The body in the library|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Professor_of_Antiquarian_Esquivalience|The Professor of Antiquarian Esquivalience|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Chiropterochronometry (the study of using bats' flight patterns to measure time<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_colleague_with_a_problem|A colleague with a problem|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref name="snippets">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets|Sidebar Snippets|Fallen London|}}</ref> and encode messages <ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Cricket,_Anyone%3F|Cricket, Anyone?|Fallen London|}} ''""Bats!" [...] what we can learn by studying bats!" [...] Did you know they're sympathetic to a certain frequency? [...] what else you can encode into their flight patterns. [...] like the Hamburg Alphabet. [...] chiroptera can write it across time."''</ref>)
* The Department of Contemporary Cryptotheology (may be related to the rites of the Crooked-Cross)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Take_tutorials_for_a_little_extra_cash|Take tutorials for a little extra cash|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Criminal Rehabilitation & Eradication<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Address_the_University|Address the University|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Cryptopalaeontology (the study of cryptic fossils)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Trade_in_academic_favours|Trade in academic favours|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Pay_someone_else_to_research_for_you|Pay someone else to research for you|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Cryptophilology (the study of cryptic languages)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sign_here,_and_here,_and_here...|Sign here, and here, and here...|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_scholar_returns_to_the_Surface|A scholar returns to the Surface|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Cryptospelunking and Transportable Antiquities (the study of the [[The Forgotten Quarter|cryptic excavation of relics]])<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_meeting_with_the_Dean|A meeting with the Dean|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Donate_your_finds_to_Benthic_College|Donate your finds to Benthic College|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Epigraphical Mathematics (the study of trigonometry<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Allow_the_Junior_Researcher_in_Epigraphical_Mathematics_to_seduce_you|Allow the Junior Researcher in Epigraphical Mathematics to seduce you|Fallen London|}}''"Now, the fascinating thing about trigonometry..."''</ref>, perhaps?<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Trade_airy_theorems_with_the_Dean_of_Epigraphical_Mathematics|Trade airy theorems with the Dean of Epigraphical Mathematics|Fallen London|}}</ref>)
* The Department of Esoteric Cryptozoology (the study of specialized cryptic animals)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Find_someone_who_can_help|Find someone who can help|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref name="snippets">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets|Sidebar Snippets|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Exotic Herpetology (the study of exotic amphibians)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Polite,_probing_persistence|Polite, probing persistence|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Extrapolatory Cartographic Zoology (the study of mapping animals?)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Listen_to_the_Implacable_Detective|Listen to the Implacable Detective|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Listen_to_the_Youthful_Naturalist|Listen to the Youthful Naturalist|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Infernal Estates (the study of Hell's properties)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consider_your_options|Consider your options|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Infernal Rarefactions (the study of Hell's substances)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_mechanics_of_progress|The mechanics of progress|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Other_Thing_in_the_Other_Chapel|The Other Thing in the Other Chapel|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Infernal Relations (the study of Hell's politics)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Conclude_your_study_of_Mr_Spices%27_tears|Conclude your study of Mr Spices' tears|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Muscular Amplification (the study of muscle gain)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Deadly_Dapperlings|The Deadly Dapperlings|Fallen London|}} ''""They introduce themselves as graduates the Department of Muscular Amplification, and claim to have formulated a mint that grants you impressive strength. One of them [...] lifts the weight with ease – as if the metal casing were [...] full of feathers.""''</ref>
* The Department of Neocartography (the study of new maps, because maps are weird down here)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Speak_to_the_Dean_of_Neocartography|Speak to the Dean of Neocartography|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Palaeomycology (the study of extinct fungal lifeforms, [[The Uttershroom|very important]] down here)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Claim_to_know_the_Dean_of_Palaeomycology|Claim to know the Dean of Palaeomycology|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref name="snippets">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets|Sidebar Snippets|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Paradoxic Optics (the study of the [[The Neathbow|Neathbow]])<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.gamepedia.com/The_Alarming_Scholar|The Alarming Scholar|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
* The Department of Phrenology & Applied Cranial Exploration (the study of brain segments, a notorious pseudoscience; usually involves very blunt objects)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Academic_Discipline|Academic Discipline|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Semi-Semiotics (the study of half-symbols?)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Get_the_Semi-semiotic_Fellow_on_your_side|Get the Semi-semiotic Fellow on your side|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Subterranean Divinity (the study of the [[gods of the Unterzee]])<ref name="snippets">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets|Sidebar Snippets|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Supernumerary Faculty (the study of High Numbers)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Buy_your_way_in|Buy your way in|Fallen London|}}
</ref>
* The Department of Tonsorial Alchemy (alchemy with barbers, we suppose)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_Invitation_to_High_Table!|An Invitation to High Table!|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref name="snippets">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets|Sidebar Snippets|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Venomous Rarefaction ([[The Cantigaster|how pertinent]])<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Visit_him_at_the_laboratory|Visit him at the laboratory|Fallen London|}}</ref>
* The Department of Xenotheology (the study of [[Rubbery Men]]'s religion)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_the_Dean_of_Xenotheology|Accept the Dean of Xenotheology|Fallen London|}}''"She is a student of faiths. The Church interests her, but so does the faith of Axile. And, of course, she is a University woman."''</ref>
* The Department of _______ ([[the Correspondence]])<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_long_list_(Featuring_in_the_Tales_of_the_University)|A long list|Fallen London|}}</ref>
 
==Historical & Cultural Inspirations==
Benthic College was formerly known as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_College_London University College, London]. Oxford and Cambridge are London's oldest and best-known universities, and they were never officially affiliated with any church; however, as schools that were originally founded to educate future members of the clergy, they retained a tendency to discriminate admissions on the basis of religion, race, and politics. As a consequence, UCL (originally called London University) was eventually established in 1826 as a secular and nondiscriminatory institution founded on the ideas of socially progressive philosopher [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Bentham Jeremy Bentham]; in 1878, it also became one of the first colleges in the UK to admit women. Benthic's motto, "Omnes adsint, quamvis dementi, quamvis nefasti" (All are welcomed, however insane, however wicked) echoes UCL's motto, "Cuncti adsint meritaeque expectent praemia palmae" (Let all come who by merit deserve the most reward).
 
Summerset College was formerly known as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_College_London King's College London]. The name "Summerset" is a deliberate nod to Somerset House, a historic building adjacent to KCL’s Strand Campus. KCL was established in 1829 as an Anglican institution, emphasizing traditional religious values and catering to the upper echelons of society. Summerset's motto "Superbe et Sophistice" (Proudly and Sophisticatedly) mirrors its real-life counterpart's "Sancte et Sapienter" (With Holiness and Wisdom). Humorously, the leadership roles of Benthic and Summerset appear to have been swapped from their real-life counterparts; UCL has a Provost and not a Principal, and vice versa for KCL.
 
The historic rivalry between University College and King's College is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_College_London%E2%80%93UCL_rivalry well-documented]. Students from KCL have historically referred to their UCL counterparts as the "Godless Scum of Gower Street," mocking UCL's secular stance. In response, UCL students dubbed KCL "Strand Polytechnic," a term aimed at undermining KCL's academic prestige. While the intensity of the rivalry has diminished over time, it persists in contemporary settings, particularly in sports. The annual London Varsity Series, especially the rugby union match between the two colleges, is a testament to this enduring competitive spirit.
 
While Benthic and Summerset are most obviously based on UCL and KCL, ''Fallen London''<nowiki/>'s portrayal of the University also has some additions from Cambridge thanks to Yasmeen Khan, the primary writer for much of the school's content.<ref>[https://community.failbettergames.com/t/mapping-fallen-london-spoilers-of-a-sort/10931/10 Alexis Kennedy, ''Community Forums''] ''"Benthic/Summerset are emphatically UCL/King’s, but Yasmeen, who wrote much of the University content, seasoned it with her Cambridge experience, so those of you who detected that flavour didn’t entirely imagine it."''</ref> The cricket matches between Benthic and Summerset likely draw inspiration from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_University_Match_%28cricket%29 University Match], an annual cricket showdown held between Oxford and Cambridge's respective cricket clubs.


Benthic, the lower-bred college, is more accepting; it allows the soulless, devils, revolutionaries, and children of poor families to enter. It will also let you exchange some valuable items even if you've been formally banished from the University.
==References==
==What Do Academics Trade In?==
{{Scroll box|text = <references/>}}
<gallery widths="100">
Foxfire.png|Foxfire Candle
Salts.png|Abominable Salts
Memoryshores.png|Memory of Distant Shores
Collatedresearch.png|Collated Research
Fellowship.png|Endowment of a Fellowship at the University (a mark of recognition)
taleofterror.png|Tale of Terror
journalinfamy.png|Journal of Infamy
implication.png|Extraordinary Implication
incunabulum.png|Uncanny Incunabulum
Antiquemystery.png|Antique Mystery
primaevalhint.png|Primaeval Hint
enigma.png|Searing Enigma
Theorem.png|Impossible Theorem
</gallery>
[[Category:Places]]
[[Category:Places]]
[[Category:London Places]]
[[Category:London]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:The Neath]]

Latest revision as of 05:14, 9 March 2025

"What is the University? It is what you may call a castle manned by learning and scholarship. Or a vicious and permanent dog-fight between Benthic College and Summerset College."[1]

The University is London's primary institution of period-appropiate pseudoscience ahem, knowledge and innovation, formerly known as King's and University College. The University is divided into two colleges, Benthic and Summerset, which have a notoriously fierce rivalry.[2]

Summerset[edit]

The Provost of Summerset.

"What's Summerset College like? A place of indolent privilege. Minor nobles rub shoulders with the black-gowned children of clergy, parliamentarians and lawyers in its peaceful quadrangles."[3]

Summerset is the well-to-do side of the University, typically comprised of the children of higher society, clergy, lawyers, and officials.[2] It does not allow the soulless in.[4][5] Ironically, the Provost of Summerset is affiliated with devils, enough so that there have been rumors about how he is actually a devil who files down his horns and teeth.[6]

In the Sunless Skies timeline, following the exodus to the stars, Summerset has established a base camp within Traitor's Wood in the Reach. Unfortunately, their expedition seems to be for naught.[7]

The motto of Summerset College is "Superbe et sophistice."[8]

Benthic[edit]

The Principal of Benthic.

"What's it like at Benthic College? Eager young radicals throng the halls. Students flaunt their tolerance and diversity; friendships with devils are highly prized. Revolutionaries infest the eaves. The soul trade thrives."[3]

Benthic, the less well-reputed college, probably earned this image because it is more inclusive; it allows the soulless, devils, revolutionaries, and children of poor families to enter.[2] Its more tolerant researchers may also exchange items of value with those who have been formally banned from the university,[9] and Benthic actively rewards students for being prosecuted by the Ministry of Public Decency.[10] The Principal of Benthic is a kindly yet strict academic, deeply committed to scholarly pursuits and expecting the same dedication from her staff and students.[11]

The motto of Benthic college is "Omnes adsint, quamvis dementi, quamvis nefasti."[12]

Cricket[edit]

"Fallen London's two colleges, Benthic and Summerset, enjoy a healthy rivalry. They play team sports with each other. They play pranks on each other. On certain days of the year, they play trumpets and French horns at each other." (Like the Oxford-Cambridge boat race. But with trumpets.)[3]

Benthic College's First XI and Summerset's Gentlemen frequently face off in cricket. The First XI are also willing to play matches against the more unconventional teams in London, like the Brass Embassy Ladies (a team of devilesses),[13] but the Gentlemen steadfastly refuse.[14] Summerset once maintained a cricket field out in Watchmaker's Hill, but it has since been repurposed as an airfield.[15]

A cricketer

University cricket matches attract both faculty and students from the University,[16] offering dusty academics a rare chance to network, and to engage in a bit of spirited sports betting.[17] Since the Fall, cricket has undergone certain... adjustments, with rules that differ from the traditional Surface game.[18][19][20][21][22] The highlight of London's cricket season is the annual Tournament of Toasts,[23][24] a match between Benthic and Summerset that was established by the Masters of the Bazaar to provide a diversion for University students, and is officiated by Mr Wines.[23]

Known Departments[edit]

Class is in session. Art from FL.
  • The Department of Additive Surgery (probably involves organ grafting)[25]
  • The Department of Advanced Theology (the study of complex religions?)[26]
  • The Department of Antiquarian Esquivalience (the study of avoiding age-old responsibilities)[27][28]
  • The Department of Chiropterochronometry (the study of using bats' flight patterns to measure time[29][3] and encode messages [30])
  • The Department of Contemporary Cryptotheology (may be related to the rites of the Crooked-Cross)[31]
  • The Department of Criminal Rehabilitation & Eradication[32]
  • The Department of Cryptopalaeontology (the study of cryptic fossils)[33][34]
  • The Department of Cryptophilology (the study of cryptic languages)[35][36]
  • The Department of Cryptospelunking and Transportable Antiquities (the study of the cryptic excavation of relics)[37][38]
  • The Department of Epigraphical Mathematics (the study of trigonometry[39], perhaps?[40])
  • The Department of Esoteric Cryptozoology (the study of specialized cryptic animals)[41][3]
  • The Department of Exotic Herpetology (the study of exotic amphibians)[42]
  • The Department of Extrapolatory Cartographic Zoology (the study of mapping animals?)[43][44]
  • The Department of Infernal Estates (the study of Hell's properties)[45]
  • The Department of Infernal Rarefactions (the study of Hell's substances)[46][47]
  • The Department of Infernal Relations (the study of Hell's politics)[48]
  • The Department of Muscular Amplification (the study of muscle gain)[49]
  • The Department of Neocartography (the study of new maps, because maps are weird down here)[50]
  • The Department of Palaeomycology (the study of extinct fungal lifeforms, very important down here)[51][3]
  • The Department of Paradoxic Optics (the study of the Neathbow)[52]
  • The Department of Phrenology & Applied Cranial Exploration (the study of brain segments, a notorious pseudoscience; usually involves very blunt objects)[53]
  • The Department of Semi-Semiotics (the study of half-symbols?)[54]
  • The Department of Subterranean Divinity (the study of the gods of the Unterzee)[3]
  • The Department of Supernumerary Faculty (the study of High Numbers)[55]
  • The Department of Tonsorial Alchemy (alchemy with barbers, we suppose)[56][3]
  • The Department of Venomous Rarefaction (how pertinent)[57]
  • The Department of Xenotheology (the study of Rubbery Men's religion)[58]
  • The Department of _______ (the Correspondence)[59]

Historical & Cultural Inspirations[edit]

Benthic College was formerly known as University College, London. Oxford and Cambridge are London's oldest and best-known universities, and they were never officially affiliated with any church; however, as schools that were originally founded to educate future members of the clergy, they retained a tendency to discriminate admissions on the basis of religion, race, and politics. As a consequence, UCL (originally called London University) was eventually established in 1826 as a secular and nondiscriminatory institution founded on the ideas of socially progressive philosopher Jeremy Bentham; in 1878, it also became one of the first colleges in the UK to admit women. Benthic's motto, "Omnes adsint, quamvis dementi, quamvis nefasti" (All are welcomed, however insane, however wicked) echoes UCL's motto, "Cuncti adsint meritaeque expectent praemia palmae" (Let all come who by merit deserve the most reward).

Summerset College was formerly known as King's College London. The name "Summerset" is a deliberate nod to Somerset House, a historic building adjacent to KCL’s Strand Campus. KCL was established in 1829 as an Anglican institution, emphasizing traditional religious values and catering to the upper echelons of society. Summerset's motto "Superbe et Sophistice" (Proudly and Sophisticatedly) mirrors its real-life counterpart's "Sancte et Sapienter" (With Holiness and Wisdom). Humorously, the leadership roles of Benthic and Summerset appear to have been swapped from their real-life counterparts; UCL has a Provost and not a Principal, and vice versa for KCL.

The historic rivalry between University College and King's College is well-documented. Students from KCL have historically referred to their UCL counterparts as the "Godless Scum of Gower Street," mocking UCL's secular stance. In response, UCL students dubbed KCL "Strand Polytechnic," a term aimed at undermining KCL's academic prestige. While the intensity of the rivalry has diminished over time, it persists in contemporary settings, particularly in sports. The annual London Varsity Series, especially the rugby union match between the two colleges, is a testament to this enduring competitive spirit.

While Benthic and Summerset are most obviously based on UCL and KCL, Fallen London's portrayal of the University also has some additions from Cambridge thanks to Yasmeen Khan, the primary writer for much of the school's content.[60] The cricket matches between Benthic and Summerset likely draw inspiration from the University Match, an annual cricket showdown held between Oxford and Cambridge's respective cricket clubs.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ The University, Fallen London
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Hallowed Quadrangles, Fallen London
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Sidebar Snippets, Fallen London
  4. ↑ Disguise yourself and cause mischief, Fallen London
  5. ↑ Lurk disconsolately around the margins., Fallen London
  6. ↑ Something to burn?, Fallen London
  7. ↑ A Campfire, Sunless Skies
  8. ↑ Superbe et sophistice, Fallen London
  9. ↑ Under the counter, Fallen London
  10. ↑ A secret about the Masters, Failbetter Games
  11. ↑ Who is the Principal of Benthic College?, Fallen London
  12. ↑ Omnes adsint, quamvis dementi, quamvis nefasti, Fallen London
  13. ↑ Match day, Fallen London "The day of the cricket match has arrived! Leather cracks off willow! Tea and sandwiches! The Brass Embassy Ladies await the Benthic XI, splendid in their cricketing pinks."
  14. ↑ Cricket at Benthic, Fallen London "Benthic College takes its cricket seriously. The First XI play teams from across London. It's just a pity that the old enemy, the Summerset Gentlemen, pulled out of the competition when the Brass Embassy started fielding a team."
  15. ↑ Inspect the new Station IX, Fallen London "Water, water everywhere, and not a drop troubles Station IX.II. The wooden platforms have been secured with steel rods that plunge into the murky waters that cover the former Summerset cricket field."
  16. ↑ Interview students and staff, Fallen London "Why did there have to be a cricket match on the day of the murder? Nobody saw anything. Will you ever solve this d--nable case?"
  17. ↑ A serious business, Fallen London "[…] The Principal nods at you graciously from the dignitaries' stand. Matters are proceeding swimmingly. You enter into a series of wagers with the phrenologists regarding maiden overs and the shape of a bowler's head. Always easy marks, phrenologists."
  18. ↑ Demonstrate your cricketing knowledge, Fallen London "Law 52: Infernal teams shall be shod so as not to scorch the pitch" "Law 58: A ball lost to bat swarms shall be regarded as a boundary, and scored as four runs"
  19. ↑ Cricket, Anyone?, Fallen London "Law 39: In a match with two innings per side, each side shall take their innings alternately, except in the cases provided for in Law 45 (The Indignant Wicket), Law 77.1 (Forfeiture), and Law 77.2 (Forfeiture via Honey Consumption)."
  20. ↑ Cricket, Anyone?, Fallen London "Law 13.13: An innings is closed once all batsmen are dismissed, or once half the batsmen are dead. In the event that any dead batsmen come around again before an innings is closed, they must remain classified as deceased until the next innings."
  21. ↑ Cricket, Anyone?, Fallen London "Law 12.9.43: A match is concluded if, without a conclusion having been reached under 12.9.42, the players leave the field under adverse conditions including: glimfall, excessive lacre, revolutionary interference, weasels, or an insufficient wine supply."
  22. ↑ Cricket, Anyone?, Fallen London "Law 15.1.1: A Master of the Bazaar may declare an innings closed at any time."
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Cricket, Anyone?, Fallen London "Benthic and Summerset host it as an annual competition. Between themselves. [...] Mr Wines will officiate, as usual. The Masters of the Bazaar originally proposed the tournament as a diversion. Too much studying at the University. Not enough drinking. Everyone needs a revel, but especially academics."
  24. ↑ Cricket, Anyone?, Fallen London "On London's social calendar, this is the sporting event."
  25. ↑ A peculiar practice, Fallen London
  26. ↑ Consider your options, Fallen London
  27. ↑ The body in the library, Fallen London
  28. ↑ The Professor of Antiquarian Esquivalience, Fallen London
  29. ↑ A colleague with a problem, Fallen London
  30. ↑ Cricket, Anyone?, Fallen London ""Bats!" [...] what we can learn by studying bats!" [...] Did you know they're sympathetic to a certain frequency? [...] what else you can encode into their flight patterns. [...] like the Hamburg Alphabet. [...] chiroptera can write it across time."
  31. ↑ Take tutorials for a little extra cash, Fallen London
  32. ↑ Address the University, Fallen London
  33. ↑ Trade in academic favours, Fallen London
  34. ↑ Pay someone else to research for you, Fallen London
  35. ↑ Sign here, and here, and here..., Fallen London
  36. ↑ A scholar returns to the Surface, Fallen London
  37. ↑ A meeting with the Dean, Fallen London
  38. ↑ Donate your finds to Benthic College, Fallen London
  39. ↑ Allow the Junior Researcher in Epigraphical Mathematics to seduce you, Fallen London "Now, the fascinating thing about trigonometry..."
  40. ↑ Trade airy theorems with the Dean of Epigraphical Mathematics, Fallen London
  41. ↑ Find someone who can help, Fallen London
  42. ↑ Polite, probing persistence, Fallen London
  43. ↑ Listen to the Implacable Detective, Fallen London
  44. ↑ Listen to the Youthful Naturalist, Fallen London
  45. ↑ Consider your options, Fallen London
  46. ↑ The mechanics of progress, Fallen London
  47. ↑ The Other Thing in the Other Chapel, Fallen London
  48. ↑ Conclude your study of Mr Spices' tears, Fallen London
  49. ↑ The Deadly Dapperlings, Fallen London ""They introduce themselves as graduates the Department of Muscular Amplification, and claim to have formulated a mint that grants you impressive strength. One of them [...] lifts the weight with ease – as if the metal casing were [...] full of feathers.""
  50. ↑ Speak to the Dean of Neocartography, Fallen London
  51. ↑ Claim to know the Dean of Palaeomycology, Fallen London
  52. ↑ The Alarming Scholar, Sunless Sea
  53. ↑ Academic Discipline, Fallen London
  54. ↑ Get the Semi-semiotic Fellow on your side, Fallen London
  55. ↑ Buy your way in, Fallen London
  56. ↑ An Invitation to High Table!, Fallen London
  57. ↑ Visit him at the laboratory, Fallen London
  58. ↑ Accept the Dean of Xenotheology, Fallen London "She is a student of faiths. The Church interests her, but so does the faith of Axile. And, of course, she is a University woman."
  59. ↑ A long list, Fallen London
  60. ↑ Alexis Kennedy, Community Forums "Benthic/Summerset are emphatically UCL/King’s, but Yasmeen, who wrote much of the University content, seasoned it with her Cambridge experience, so those of you who detected that flavour didn’t entirely imagine it."
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