The Gold Tower

Proselyte

Those who wish to train at the Tower begin as Proselytes. Over the course of several years, Proselytes are educated in a classroom setting on a variety of subjects. It is during this time that entrants are screened for the potential to use arcane magic. Those who have the ability are placed in additional courses and trainings to hone their skills. In addition to basic instruction, Proselytes are allowed to take courses or receive instruction in subjects which interest them to familiarize themselves with a field before committing themselves to it later. By the end of their time as a Proselyte, an entrant into the tower will have a working knowledge of many different subjects, and will have an idea of where they would like to focus their studies. Furthermore, those who can wield arcane magics will at least not be a danger to themselves and others, and may be able to accomplish small feats.
In addition to basic education in each field, Proselytes are responsible for chores and other tasks. Under the supervision of the Headmaster or Headmistress of Proselytes, they are given weekly assignments and do such things as scrubbing dishes in the kitchens, working in the gardens, cleaning clothes, sweeping the halls, and so on. This instills proper discipline in the trainees, and ensures they do not lose touch with the world in the process of their studies.

Vamare

Once a Proselyte has completed their course of study, they seek out a Gal'dar in a field which the Proselyte wishes to enter and requests to study under them. If they are accepted they earn the right to be called Vamare.
Vamare, believed to translate roughly to "Those learning to walk in the golden light of sunlight" in the Old Tongue, assist their masters in all things. In the early years of being Vamare, students may assist with basic information gathering, documenting, copying, and compiling. As they become more skilled, they may accompany their master in fieldwork or in more substantial ways in research. Finally, the Vamare are entrusted with a project of their own. This is usually something they have developed an affinity for during their training which is related to the what their master is studying. If their work is sufficient to earn them the title of full Gal'dar, they are released from the service of their masters as a peer.

Gal'dar

Gal'dar, "Shining Masters" in the Old Tongue, are those who have completed their training in the Gold Tower. Upon the completion of their studies and research, they are awarded the Shining Ring, a gold ring which can hover and produce light at it's wearer's will.
From this point, Gal'dar are free to take their skills elsewhere. Many make themselves useful in a Lord or Lady's service, or in providing instruction in villages and towns throughout the realm. About one third of Gal'darin elect to remain in the Tower and continue their research. Such opportunities are limited by the number of positions open at any given time, but they are always necessary to continue the work of the Tower. Those who remain usually spend a few years focusing on teaching and mentoring while conducting research on the side or identifying an area they wish to investigate more.

Halls of the Tower

The Tower is divided into four separate Halls:
The Hall of Civilization studies and teaches Diplomacy, Economics, and History.
The Hall of the Arcane concerns itself with arcane matters and educating and instilling discipline in those who can harness arcane magic.
The Hall of Proofs conducts research and educates in the fields of Mathematics and the Sciences. This includes subjects like biology, alchemy, astronomy, botany, and physics.
The Hall of the Planes seeks to understand the nature of the inner and outer planes, how they act and interact, as well as the beings that dwell in them.

Each of the Halls are overseen by a Headmaster, who ensures the Gal'darin of their Hall are maintaining the proper academic rigor and standards. Each Headmaster also sits on the Council of the Tower, along with the office of the Alabaster Chancellery who is the head of the Council and the highest authority in the Gold Tower. The Council makes overarching decisions for the Tower, reviews Vamare who seek to be raised to Gal'dar, and metes out discipline in serious matters.