Editing The University

{{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>

'''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__
==Summerset==
[[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>

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==
[[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 the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_College_London University College London]. Established in 1826 as "London University," UCL was founded as a secular alternative to the religiously affiliated universities of Oxford and Cambridge. It was the first university institution in England to admit students regardless of their religion, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and progressive education. Inspired by the radical ideas of Jeremy Bentham, UCL was also among the first to admit women on equal terms with men in 1878. Benthic's motto, "Omnes adsint, quamvis dementi, quamvis nefasti" (All are welcomed, however insane, however wicked) echoes its real life counterpart's motto, "Cuncti adsint meritaeque expectent praemia palmae" (Let all come who by merit deserve the most reward). That said, UCL has a Provost, not a Principal.

Summerset College was [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. Founded in 1829, KCL was established as an Anglican institution, emphasizing traditional religious values and catering to the upper echelons of society. It is also known for its classical architecture, including the Grade I listed King’s Building, designed by Sir Robert Smirke. Summerset's motto "Superbe et Sophistice" (Proudly and Sophisticatedly) mirrors its real-life counterpart's "Sancte et Sapienter" (With Holiness and Wisdom). As with Benthic, a small discrepancy exists — King’s College London has a Principal, not a Provost.

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 clearly UCL and KCL. The game's portrayal of the University is also shaped by Cambridge influences. Yasmeen Khan, the primary writer behind much of the University’s content, infused it with her own Cambridge experiences.<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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_University_Match_%28cricket%29 ''The University Match''], an annual cricket competition held betweem the Oxford University Cricket Club and Cambridge University Cricket Club.

==References==
{{Scroll box|text = <references/>}}
[[Category:Places]]
[[Category:London]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:The Neath]]