The crest of
Hoamuer
Side Notes:
Ferrata plays host to numerous universities and research centers, the foremost being the Solstyce Institute of Learning located outside the capitol. It is fully funded by the Praetor Himself, but allowed to operate autonumously. It also, at the Praetor's insistence, uses BOTH tryscul and goved modes of insruction.
While only native Ferratus attend our schools, there is a small political group exploring the pros and cons of allowing foriegn nationals to receive Ferratu instruction. MilIntent is in strong opposition to this, however, as is SciTech.
EDUCATION and HEALTH
HEALTH
A touchy topic
Of all the tiers of government, Health unfortunately carries the least weight or impact. Physical fitness is not a conscious priority for a Ferratu, but the practice of maintaining good health is fostered from infancy. Personal fitness matters, though, are considered private business and not subject to government interference or influence. All magnitude of services are readily available and provided for free for every individual, with costs deflected via liberal taxation and revenues generated from Eco/Industry.
There are currently some 342 medical facilities located throughout Ferrata, with hundreds more smaller trybal clinics. Medicine camps still roam the Cradle, dispersing old-age remedies to common ailments. While health officials refuse to endorse such practices, nothing is said against it - their successful results, combined with the prayers of the L'Shayd monks, still baffle the scientific community.
The only agency with any form of control over health is Worship. If a terminal ferrata wishes "selfterm" (self termination), it must be approved first by the church. If the soul is deemed as having a chance at passing the horns' test at the Eternal Portal are allowed the choice of prolonged or self termination. Only sanctioned self terminations are considered legal. Selfterm done without sanction result in the individual losing the faith of the church, and subsequently face losing their soul.
EDUCATION
Instruction modes in motion
The education of Ferratu youths is handled in one of two ways: trybal schooling (tryscul) or government education (goved). The type of schooling is decided upon by the trybal family or house. Trybal schooling is the old way of teaching, and somewhat limits the child to that trybe's ways, laws, and customs. Government schooling, which is becoming more widely accepted, teaches the student about ALL the Ferratu trybes, with a specific emphasis on the entire Ferratu culture.
There are recognized pros and cons to both systems. Trybal teaching limits a young Ferratu to the knowledge ONLY gathered by that trybe, and since trybes specialize in targetted fields, the youth is almost committed to an occupation from birth. Of course, with specialized training comes higher job success, and most former Caucus and Guild leaders were all "trybal taught."
Another negative to trybal training is prejudice between the different sects, a problem that has plagued the proud Ferratu for two millenium and has led to numerous conflicts.
Education Fundamentals
Goved students are more universally knowledgeable than their trybal counterparts, and are better able to accept outisde cultures and customs. They are not, however, as knowledgable in specific operations, which has led to several very public embarassments and scandals.
