Correspondence Scholarship, Class Two [Tuesday Morning, June 17th]

[theexdisgracedacademic]

When the students arrived to their domed classroom, there was a broad-shouldered clay man standing before them. A pair of goggles were awkwardly affixed to her face. The hour to begin arrived, but no other tutor came with it.

The Clay Substitute laid her hands upon the podium. "PLEASE. OPEN YOUR TEXTBOOKS TO PAGE-"

Much the same as last week, there was a hubbub in the hall outside. The door slammed open, and one figure marched another to the front of the class. The Beleaguered Dean, swathed in a coat of thick tweed and a thicker coat of nervous sweat, was all but pushing The Ex-Disgraced Academic back into their pace behind the podium.

The Academic wasn't missing a beat in the argument: "-can't at all see what the issue is, so long as they learn the material-"

"You cannot offload your duties to an Underclay aspirant!" The Dean's fury is only matched by the fearful tension in his voice, "And an unfinished one at that! How did you get it up here-"

The Academic's eye widened in almost-honorable affront. "You can't prove that this perfectly capable worker is unfinished, can you?"

"No, but I can certainly prove that it's not on the faculty list." The Dean wiped his brow. "Get on with it, man!"

The Clay Substitute barely moved, but the grinding of her turning head rumbled through the floor. "I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD BE PAID IN FULL, REGARDLESS OF HOW LONG CLASS WENT?"

Coin was exchanged, and, the Dean ushered The Clay Substitute out of the room. The Academic hissed through their teeth, clearly ready to vent their terrible mood at the first faces to cross theirs.

They turned to look at the class. And smiled a terrible smile. "Good morning."

Targets acquired.

"So! You've all decided to return for a second week. I suppose it can't be helped. Any damage you incur from here on out is upon your own heads." They began their lecture. 

“English is a phonographic language, as the distinct letters of the alphabet each represent units of sound. The Correspondence is logographic, meaning that similar to the languages of the second and fourth cities (and the Khanate, of course), Correspondence Symbols each represent units of meaning.”

 

 

In bold, rapid strokes, The Academic scrawled a symbol onto the chalkboard:

They whirled around, pointing an accusing claw at anyone unfortunate enough to still be moving their pens. “Do not copy this into your notes! If you fancy yourself cheeky and attempt to copy it whilst my back is turned, I will still know, so do NOT try me.” They turned back, circling the image. Anyone foolhardy enough to ignore the command would earn immediate combustion to their notebook, and a quick, scathing look of satisfaction from The Academic.

“This is the symbol for “an unmappable direction. It is one of the more frequent symbols to be found in practical human application of The Correspondence, as well as in architectural engravings ranging from first city ruins all the way up to lapsarian London. It is also exceptionally flammable. None but the most expensive of papers can contain it.” And with a terrifically wicked smile: "Chalkboards are fine, though." 

They continued. “The Correspondence is a purely semiotic construct. There are currently no known pronunciations or verbal applications for these signs-“ The Academic covered a bark of laughter, and then continued, “-apologies, but I would hate for my lectures to contradict the well-documented research that the Ministry of Public Decency has gently requested I adhere to."

The Academic pushed their current chalkboard up and out of the way, revealing an unblemished second layer. They added a tidy column of six simple symbols. "There are one hundred and eight basic radicals, and we've discovered twice as many in total. But for this course, we will begin with six."

 

 

And, after writing these on the board, the academic turned to the students. “These you may record in your notes, however-“ their tone sharpened, slicing through the momentum of those who may have rushed to begin- “confine each radical to its own sheet for practice.  None of these, alone, is a complete symbol. But some can be converted very easily into real Correspondence symbols, and it is vital that you do not accidentally do so. Spend the rest of today's duration memorizing and practicing these radicals until you can reproduce them by heart. You'll know if you're doing well, because you paper will become warm to the touch once half-full. I will also be writing additional complete correspondence symbols on the other chalkboards. Your homework is to discern which of these six parts of speech each of the symbols is.”

The Academic pointed once more at the spray bottles on each row of desks. “At any sign of smoke, you are to douse the offending student’s work, without hesitation. Last week was not a one-off exercise. Consider this both a basic safety precaution, as well as your first taste of operant conditioning. Get to it!”

 

Comments

Before Class

[theexdisgracedacademic]

Chat with one another, prepare for class. The Clay Substitute won't do much more than blink if asked questions. She's here to teach, not to explain things.

They're quite different, you see.

Re: Before Class

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

As the Maven started heading to the seat her eyes fell onto the Clay Man, "Oh, well that's new." She approached the Clay Man, "Hello. Are you maybe the teacher's assistant?"

Silence.

"Or maybe you're here to substitute?"

More silence.

Maven nodded apologetically, "Sorry to disturb you." Then she turned to go sit at her seat.

Re: Before Class

[the_brash_devil]

As Maven checked out the Clay Man the Brash Devil's eyes fell on the atomizer, "Oh for fuck's sake, the fucking water again?!"

Re: Before Class

[tolpen]

The Mycologist briefly looks up from his briefcase from which he is pulling a notebook. He offers: "I think it is a safe bet to say the dousing element is here to stay. Unless thou canst explain to our lecturer why it is entirely unnecessary, et cetera."

He pulls out his goggles and a pen to make a note of today's date, and then he adds: "Perhaps we could still turn this into a dancing class."

Re: Before Class

[the_brash_devil]

The Brash Devil grumbled at first. In truth he couldn't justify humans not keeping water around when studying the Correspondence, not when he had been watching Maven doing it and seen her burn herself so many times. He was still just sore about the assignment of last class, still felt the sting of humiliation. He imagined that teacher reading over the assignments and pausing over his just to laugh...

At that last remark he chuckled, "A dance class would be a massive improvement over this."

Re: Before Class

[the_dye_stained_socialite]

Thursday hadn't taken note of the Clay Substitute until after they signed in. When they did, their mood brightened considerably. Though they weren't quite the Golems of their childhood, there was enough similarities that, even new to the Neath as they were, Thursday felt a deep kinship with them. They wanted to stay and talk with her, but she clearly had a job to do today. This did beg the question however, of where the Professor was.

Not getting any immediate answers however, the Pawn repeated their routine from last week. Find a desk, sit in seat, dump the full contents of their carpet bag. This week, however, this action was followed by Thursday actually organizing the aftermath. Pens and papers and notebooks were placed in neat columns. A velvet draw-string bag was placed, more delicately, atop one such book-pile.

Where were his googles? Already on his face! No, he hadn't taken them off, not for any extended period of time at least.

Where was his coffee? Still by the sign-in sheet.

Thursday had begun the class in an amicable mood. Until the Dean arrived, Professor in, well, not 'tow'. This wasn't the issue. The issue was what, and whom the Dean was talking about. Irritation had begun to build in them since the moment they heard "Underclay aspirant". They only shook more the longer he continued. It was, altogether, too much.

"Excuse you!" Thursday grabbed their cane and made for the door of the class. There, small, broad, and face bright red, they blocked the Dean's escape route. "Why the hell are you treating her like that? Debating some," Thursday waved a hand, nearly whacking themself on the doorframe, "arbitrary de-humanizin' fucking status right in front of her! Treating her like she ain't a damn person just as us!"

Re: Before Class

[theexdisgracedacademic]

“Technically, personhood is legally defined as-“

And then the Dean’s head snapped up; the context in his mind jumped lanes from ‘Philosophical Discussion’ to ‘this will be repeated in a coffee shop and perhaps a tabloid later,’ and he forced a strained almost-smile onto his fearful face.

“Of course, of course. We here at Benthic aren’t like those closed-minded stuffed shirts over at Summerset!” He gestured to the Substitute, hurriedly half-bowing.

Was this a mask-off moment for a villain, scrabbling to defend himself? Did you remind someone open to listen to not to succumb to long-seated prejudice? Looking into his tired eyes, it remained unclear. The man was frightened and overworked, that much was obvious. But the truth of the heart that lurked beneath was murky, hidden under fatigue and an even deeper fear of something else, completely unrelated to this situation.

For her part, The Clay Substitute was almost harder to read, face characteristically stony. Did you embarrass her and make a fuss over something that she’d rather you not have stepped in on?

…then you heard a small, but distinct hum of satisfaction. She may have been counting her payout from The Academic, but you’re certain you saw her eyes on you, alight with humor and satisfaction that the Dean’s mortification, for a brief moment.

Seems your action wasn’t unwarranted, at all.

Re: Before Class

[ticktopis_observatorium]

Both Thursday's willingness to speak up for the Clay Men's rights as people and the good response made the Professor smile sincerely, which cracked the makeup without them noticing. An encouraging gesture comes his way.

Re: Before Class

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

Before the Dean arrived, The Soft-Hearted Maven approached Thursday. They had only spoken briefly last week before class started when she returned his wayward pen and her hoped to speak to her a bit more, "Hello there, how are you today?"

Re: Before Class

[theanachronistictailor]

After the debacle that had been last week, the Tailor had done everything in their power to prepare in an effort to keep it from happening again. Clothing that focused on linen and wool, for water absorption and fireproofing. Extra cloths to pat themself dry. Extra hair gel, for after class's inevitable dousing. (Alright, that one might have been a little ridiculous.) Extra paper, pilfered pencils, and... well. This last one felt a bit embarrassing in retrospect.

You see, they'd already been attempting to improve their embroidery, and after a certain interaction last week, they had been thinking about attempting a small peace offering. It wouldn't do to make enemies. Their master had nearly danced when it was brought up, and while they certainly were not about to be handling thread made of proper gold, beetle wings were not particularly hard to come by. If an opportunity presented itself, they would offer the small swatch of fabric--but otherwise it stayed safely in their bag, for now.

They'd arrived much earlier this time, but the Clay Substitute was already in attendance (as well as a stranger in the back, whom they avoided). Well, they couldn't win it all. Still, they felt much more optimistic about today. When they sat properly with their personal unfinished embroidery to experiment with, the Tailor was almost smiling.

Re: Before Class

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

The Soft-Hearted Maven spotted Tailor taking their seat. Good timing, the Tailor wasn't the only one with a peace offering. She still felt bad about how their last encounter had ended and wanted to make up for it, in her own way.

She approached them, removing a small box from her carpetbag as she did so, "Hello Tailor! Are you doing well today?"

Re: Before Class

[ticktopis_observatorium]

In sight of the more than previsible repeated dousing, the Professor's clothing was simpler and easier to take care of afterwards. The bandages have been discarded as well, this time substitued by scandalous amounts of makeup. Their face seems possitively artificial, and carefully so. There's still a shimmer not unlike that of scales underneath if the light reflects just so, and their facial shape is slightly different than the first day. Flatter, somewhat. With the artificial expression, the shades and the long fangs showing when smiling or talking, they could very well look like a devil. To anyone but a devil, that is.

They are somewhat sad at finding that the writing implements they left behind by mistake are no longer there. Well, at least they weren't all that expensive nor important, and were already in part replaced in advance. Yet another lesson in paying more attention to the surroundings. The mood was improved at the sight of the Clay Substitute, expecting some more Academic versus College shenanigans, and greeting the most likely very temporary teacher warmly before going to the place they took the previous class.

This time they notice Thursday sitting by their side, and offer a polite greeting with a rather tense smile, not because of lack of sentiment but because of the many layers of chemicals on and around their lips. The tone is warm, though.

"Good morning. I'm afraid we didn't talk last class. I am known as the Chimeric Professor"

Re: Before Class

[the_dye_stained_socialite]

A moment passes, and then Thursday processed what was said. "Oh, shit, you were talking to me, ah, sorry uh.
-" she gestured vaguely at the side of her head. "Don't always pick up. The Chimeric Professor, and then there's another Professor too, okay." The Chimeric Professor's appearance hasn't seemed to phase them. One professor is a Devil, the other is part cat, and the substitute teacher is made from clay. As far as Thursday was concerned, it all checks out. Strange things are a common occurance down here. Most of the initial shock wore off last month.

"I was... yeah I don't think we'd really have had time! But uh, were you here last time? I don't remember seeing you?"

Re: Before Class

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

At first Maven did not recognize the Professor, but when they began to talk to Thursday she recognized their voice. She waited politely for them to finish their conversation with Thursday before approaching, "Good day Professor! You look so different; I assume you were preparing for more water?"

Re: Before Class

[theidiosyncraticmechanic]

The Mechanic finds itself a space somewhere around some other's, they may've missed the first day but it won't stop them from trying to make up for lost time--"oh cool atomizers!" it has already started taking it apart with a screwdriver it brought with them, along with the very heavy lookin bag full of tools.

it casually spins the tool in it's hand as they lean over to talk to someone, "oi lov, got any notes from last lecture, fear I hav slept through last one with how she's being a bit literal bout it." seems as though they've "slept" so though last class that they haven't realized that this isn't the teacher from last class at all

Re: Before Class

[theliedpiper]

"Notes? Sure, if you can read 'em." The Piper digs out a few crumpled sheets of loose parchment. They're pretty sure those are their notes. Wait, that one's a shopping list. They swap it out quickly. "You wanna trade me some of those metal pieces for it?"

They'll share the notes either way, but it would be fun to get some shiny bits in exchange.

Re: Before Class

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

Maven paused at the sight of the mechanic. Now this was definitely a new face. She approached the new student, "Hello there! I don't recall seeing you last week."

Re: Before Class

[themorbidsocialite]

It took the Morbid Socialite a solid minute to realize there was an unfamiliar form at the head of the class. Already frazzled from the rush to be on time, they didn't take the time to respond in earnest to the Clay substitute, only peering around at their other classmates to judge their reactions. As varied as they were, the best course of response seemed to be acceptance. This was, of course, a normal and fine occurrence. Why would it not be? The Socialite had, of course, worked with the Clay Men before and was no stranger to the sight of them. It was somewhat easy to accept that the Academic had abandoned the class and left the Clay Substitute in their stead. They did seem eager to leave them behind the lesson previous and more than eager to leave them stranded entirely that morning.

Rather than question the new set of circumstances, the Morbid Socialite focused on reviewing the notes from the lesson prior.

Re: Before Class

[theidiosyncraticmechanic]

Ah! There is someone who looks like they're here to learn, being late not withstanding. At least they had their head in notes they could copy.

"Oi lov' ya got some spare paper with last week's notes, fraid that with the rate she mustiv been going, I didn't catch a lick"

Re: Before Class

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

Maven greeted the Morbid Socialite, "Hello Maury, hello Tularemia! Are you both having a good day so far?"

Re: Before Class

[leviathanlovely]

The halls wound, coiling amid the building and creating a daunting web catching The Undistinguished Pupil as time closed in and clutched at their heart.

Rushing was allowed, but running? Oh how silly that would look -- Worse would be diving into The Academic's class with their own macaw raving for disturbing her peaceful slumber. Their gray-hazel eyes flick up to the rim of their cap, air sucking in through clenched teeth.

They were so CERTAIN the room they had come to was correct, it was so unlike them to forget a location... Damnable, the situation!

Re: Before Class

[theanachronistictailor]

At the sight of the Pupil, the Tailor half raised a hand in greeting, only to lower it as the student nearly turned and fled. They blinked, arm lowering. Was there some confusion?

Re: Before Class

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

Maven looked as the Undistinguished Pupil looked in and then went out. She glanced at the Clay Man and muttered, "Oh." She slightly lifted the hem of her dress to give chase, managing a quick "I'll be right back" to the Brash Devil as she left.

Re: Before Class

[theliedpiper]

The Piper gave the Clay Man at the front of the room a lazy but earnest salute. Clay Men always put the Piper at ease; they were good listeners, and generally didn't mind the Piper forgetting their names or accidentally standing too close.

"G'morning, hope you're not bothered by a little water," the Piper warned them, seeing the spray bottles still present from last week. They didn't expect her to respond, but it was at least polite to greet her either way.

In the spirit of politeness, they tried to see who all they remembered in the room. The Tailor, of course, and the devil who'd given them a good soaking... and... hmm. Wednesday, right? No, Thursday. Yes, they'd had a conversation. And... who else...? It didn't help that everyone was sitting in different spots, and wearing different clothes. Why couldn't everyone be considerate enough to wear a distinctive article of clothing constantly? Normally it didn't matter too much who or what they remembered (and they normally had Charlie around to jog their mind with reminders), but if they were going to be seeing these people every week for a few months...

Ugh. Maybe they should start taking notes on their classmates, as well as the lecture.

Re: Before Class

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

Maven saw Piper chatting with the Claw Man and waited for them to be finished before walking up to them. After class last week they had, indeed, ignored her warning about the alcohol, but had sent word for her to come check on them. She remembered how Brash Devil had been like "Let them suffer the consequences for their own stupidity" which didn't stop him from coming with her to check on Piper, she had noted. After a week they should be feeling perfectly fine, but better to check, "Hello Piper, how are you feeling today?"