The Scorium (Hall of Volcanistry)

The Scorium: Though officially called The Hall of Volcanistry, this permanent home to the study of the Caldera Volcano is more commonly referred to as The Scorium, nicknamed for the deposits of scoria that dominate the Hall's architecture. The frothy basaltic black and red rocks, best identified by a porous structure created by an abundance of hot gas, is a metaphor not lost on Hall residents and outsiders alike as they navigate Scorium politics.

The Scorium is an Academic Institution.

The official name is the Hall of Volcanistry, but that title is only ever used on official letterhead and paperwork. To residents and locals, it's The Scorium.

The Scorium is home to numerous scientists, fellows, traveling academics, and at least one overworked librarian working within the field of Volcanistry.

Though the inhabitants tend to rotate through (with the exception of a few "key" staff), the Scorium itself is a permanent part of the Science District. A joint research facility, The Scorium is funded in part by the Flock Council, as well as Centers for Research within the Northern Walkingfolk, and some small monies from the Foxen Embassy.

The Scorium is quite large, with many rooms! Of course, most of the residential rooms aren't very big, and you're likely to get stuck with a roommate, and you barely have a minute alone, but...such is the price of good research.

Those who receive a fellowship attend for free, while others of less rigorous academic careers can pay a small stipend or provide work in exchange for room, board, and access to the libraries.

For those who merely require the services of a resident, those fees vary depending on the depth and length of the expertise required and from whom. While there are those whose reputation carries weight in citation (with often an inversely weighty deduction from the pocketbook), many a younger fellow have managed to make a name for themselves by lending their talents to a not-so-well-funded study with nonetheless remarkable research outcomes.

The Scorium is built from sturdy stone mined from the surrounding area. It's nickname comes from the deposits of scoria that dominate the Hall's architecture: the frothy basaltic black and red rocks, best identified by a porous structure created by an abundance of hot gas. Yes, yes. You're welcome to make a snide joke here. I assure you, we've all heard them.

The facade is an outstanding example of Early Century Northern Walkingfolk Midurbanism. Due to some, ahem, budgetary concerns, it more or less hasn't been altered since it was built.

The Scorium serves as the permanent home of the study of Caldera Volcano, in particular, and is the preeminent center for all things Volcanistry. It is said that if you are seeking information about the Hotlands geology, this is the place to start.

It is also said that the Scorium's streetfront bakery is the best place for sourdough, but that remains contested.

The Scorium is judiciously permitted to operate under a Joint Research Facility banner of the Trifold, with all of the protections, rights, and responsibilities contained wherein.

Please address all packages and post to the following location:

The Inbound Lands ki The North Reach,
Caldera Volcano ki Dome ki Central Island,
Science District ki Fera Plaza,
The Hall of Volcanistry
(Recipient)

The Scorium has existed for several hundred years with only minor and not notable at all events, certainly nothing worth looking into.