The Observatorium
—Voir c'est prédire—
The First Dicasterial Observatorium of Aetherial and Astrological Phenomena is Eorzea's most renowned scholarly research facility, located south of Camp Dragonhead in the Coerthas Central Highlands, within the Holy See of Ishgard.
History"Three hundred years ago, Ishgardian astrologian Adaunel the Younger convinced the Holy See that he could predict the comings and goings of the Dravanian Horde by studying the movements of the heavens, and thus secured funding for the construction of the Observatorium and its grand astroscope…"After Adaunel the Younger succeded in convincing the Holy See to fund the construction of the Observatorium, the Holy See established the First Dicastery as a governing body to oversee Observatorium operations as a part of the Holy See itself. Answering directly to the Archbishop, the First Dicastery has ever since been represented by the Observatorium Director—usually the Chief Astrologist, following in the footsteps of their illustrious founder.Even before the diminution of the threat posed by the Dravanian Horde, Observatorium operations had begun to expand beyond the original intentions of Adaunel the Younger. Aetherial observations have been taken for centuries, and the accumulated data now provides for a very high level of certainty of predictions, particularly where elemental aetherology is concerned (such as with the weather) and with regard to the predictable motions of celestial bodies.New research is continually being generated as the Observatorium monitors the heavens and the aetherial state of the star and the local region for changes, interpreting the data and providing those predictions to the city-states of Eorzea on a regular basis.
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FacilitiesThe Observatorium Tower
The Observatorium tower is the centre of research within the First Dicastery. Constructed by Adaunel the Younger over three centuries ago, it boasts the largest astroscope in Eorzea, situated prominently atop its roof.The tower interior includes the Adaunel the Younger Memorial Reflecting Pool in the lobby, the Cartographical Reference Centre on its first landing, and the Dicasterial Library on the top floor.Much of the Observatorium's work is conducted in the tower. The astroscope is used by both astrologists and aetherologists alike: the former chart the movement and location of heavenly bodies, whilst the latter measure the aetherial nature of the atmosphere and beyond. These observations allow for the prediction of the Dravanian Horde's movements, but they also provide vital forecast data for the SkyWatchers.In the Library, scribes copy the observations from researchers' notebooks into the official records and ledgers, adding to centuries of repeated, careful observations that ensure the accuracy of the Observatorium's predictions. Researchers also prepare more extensive reports and research, which are then published and distributed across the star. Researchers are sent on regular despatch missions to liase with the leadership of the city-states and to provide them with the latest and most up-to-date projections.Maps are also provided and continually updated by scholars with cartographical expertise, not only of the heavens, but also of the land below, charting trade winds, climate, and other data useful for Ishgard and the other city-states. Remote observations from across Eorzea help to track the elemental aspect changes of the region over time in order to provide advance warning of any developing and potentially catastrophic imbalance.Additionally, tours are often provided for those members of the nobility who seek to burnish their family reputations by becoming patrons of Eorzea's most renowned research body, leading to the naming of library annexes, research wings, and special facilities after some of the most prominent families in the Holy See.It is also rumoured that the Observatorium conducts research of an even more sensitive nature, vital to Ishgardian security. But the wise give these rumours little credence. Chief Astrologian Forlemort is, after all, a most austere and serious person—hardly the sort to be expected of clandestine dealings.
The Inn
Adaunel's Rest, the Observatorium's inn, boasts a well-appointed tavern with a generous common room, along with rooms and board for travellers who are passing through Coerthas.The boarding options for those in need of a room include a private sitting room with options for in-room dining, along with a common bedroom outfitted with three large beds and further amenities.Security for patrons of the inn (and for the rest of the Observatorium grounds) is provided by Temple Knights and Inquisitors under the local command of the Observatorium's Captain of the Guard.
Refectory and Infirmary
The Feuilleverte Hospital contains both the local refectory on the first floor and also the infirmary on the second floor.Hot food and drink are served in the refectory during meal hours, thrice daily, at eight bells in the morning (08:00), forenoon (12:00), and afternoon (16:00) watches. At other times, the inn has a selection of fare available for personal orders.The infirmary contains numerous beds for injured personnel. Under the direction of the Chief Chiurgeon, patients benefit from the care of on-site healers and specialists brought in to handle cases as necessary.
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PeopleObservatorium Personnel
Forlemort
Chief Astrologian and Director (NPC)
Riva Moreau
Assistant Researcher in Astrology
Portelaine
Captain of the Guard (NPC)
Observatorium Patrons• Viscount Mikhail Laurent Yvon D' Allaire: Patron of the Allaire Aetherial Library Annex
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TextsThe Dicasterial Library contains many of the most-used and authoritative texts on Aetherology and Astrology. However, because the space available on-site is limited, older and more specialist texts are stored in Ishgard at the Dicasterial Archive in the Scholasticate. This list includes some of the texts that are available on-site.
Aether Artes of Olde
A history of the aetheric arts and how past development has turned into modern application. The author goes on to present a few seemingly radical theories that have already been tested and improved. This is a rather dated tome.
Aetheric Anomalies across the Star
A tome of recent anomalies recorded across Eorzea and allied nations. Some locations and times have been redacted for public consumption.
Balancing Aether
A handsome red book that covers the delicate but distinctly effective art of balancing light and dark aether. The last third of the text covers a basic set of fencing drills to help improve stamina and strength for more effective casting.
A Child's Guide to Aether
A simply written book read to upperborn children from their nannies about aether, how it impacts the world, and how it can be used to cast spells. It even has a how-to guide on casting a child’s first fire spark spell.
The Elemental Aspects of Transatmospheric Aetherial Phenomena
A sizable tome richly bound in blue that addresses how various magnetospheric, atmospheric and geographically-related elemental conditions affect climate, weather, and other prevailing conditions.
Yonder Reflections Upon the Nature of Light and Darkness: Whether Preconceived Biases Hath Tainted the Understanding of Aether, or Perhaps Society's Label of Just and Unjust, Makes it Correct
A long winded, and frankly dry, research paper written in what can only be described as "Grandpa Dialect". If you can manage to cut through the arcane language, the study explains how Eorzeans lack a thorough understanding of Aether and have mistakenly called "Dark Aether" as the killer, and "Light Aether" as the life bringer. When, in reality, they are simply two sides of the same coin: acceleration and deceleration.
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PoliciesThese general policies establish the First Dicastery's role in the Holy See, and establish some of the operational policies of the Observatorium. New personnel are given a copy upon their enrolment.
Article I: Authority and Oversight1. The Observatorium is constituted within the First Dicastery of the Holy See, answering directly to the Archbishop. Its official representative for business with the Holy See is the Director of the Observatorium, typically the Chief Astrologian.2. Observatorium personnel report, through their various hierarchies, to the head of the First Dicastery, the Director of the Observatorium. The Director, in turn, reports directly to the Archbishop of the Ishgardian Orthodox Church.3. Although the Observatorium occasionally contracts assistance from the Temple Knights, the Halonic Inquisition, and other Ishgardian official and semi-official bodies, it operates fully independently of their authority and is officially instituted as its own dicastery of the Holy See reporting directly to the Archbishop.4. The authority of the First Dicastery extends to all of the activity conducted within the grounds of the Observatorium, including those which are not directly related to its research. These include operations, which include but are not limited to, the local inn, hospital, transport, security, and other business conducted on the Observatorium grounds.5. The authority of the First Dicastery extends to its personnel when they are engaged in any work related to the research and operations of the Observatorium, including when that work takes place outside of the Observatorium grounds (such as during a Remote Observation or a Despatch), and including when that work is not expressly at the direction of the Observatorium (such as spontaneously-taken observations).
Article II: Observatorium Business1. The First Dicastery of the Holy See is the body responsible for conducting research in the fields of aetherology and astrology, primarily exercised through its research and operations at the Observatorium and by the personnel of the Observatorium whether on its grounds or elsewhere.2. Research includes, but is not limited to, observations of celestial bodies, measurements of aether, predictions and projections related to data obtained, cataloguing of observations, maintenance of existing records, original research in relevant topics, and collaborations with other researchers engaged in similar work.3. Observatorium personnel shall also be engaged upon such tasks as are necessary to ensure the continued operations of the Observatorium, including but not limited to fundraising, secretarial and clerical work, and logistics and support duties (e.g., chiurgeons, chaplains, innkeepers, quartermasters, engineers, guards, etc.).4. Observatorium personnel may be sent off-site in order to carry out their duties or serve the Observatorium's purposes: examples of off-site duties include conducting remote observations at locations beyond the Observatorium grounds; liasing with other individuals and groups, including other city-states; representing the First Dicastery and the Observatorium at formal functions; and visiting vendors to purchase needed supplies.5. The First Dicastery may contract non-Observatorium personnel in order temporarily to meet necessary personnel requirements. For the full duration of such an appointment, the contracted individuals must remain under the direct authority of Observatorium personnel.6. The First Dicastery derives its operational budget from the Holy See and, as a dicastery of the same, operates with Ishgardian tax exemption in its purchases and affairs. The Observatorium may obtain additional funding from interested parties provided that those individuals are citizens of or bodies operating out of Ishgard. Funding and support originating from persons or bodies outside of Ishgard should be directed through the Holy See rather than provided directly to the Observatorium.
Article III: Personnel1. Observatorium personnel serve at the pleasure of the Head of the First Dicastery and the Archbishop of the Ishgardian Orthodox Church.2. At the time of enrollment in the employ of the Observatorium, personnel must be citizens of Ishgard and must avow their loyalty to the Holy See of Ishgard, the doctrines of the Ishgardian Orthodox Church, and the service of the Archbishop. Moreover, no person under investigation by the Halonic Inquisition may be admitted to the Observatorium personnel until the investigation has concluded.3. Any Observatorium personnel who (a) renounce or otherwise lose Ishgardian citizenship; (b) is excommunicated from the Ishgardian Orthodox Church; (c) professes views heretical to Ishgardian Orthodox doctrine; or (d) engages in acts contrary to and prohibited by the Ishgardian Orthodox Church, shall be dismissed, and readmitted only in the case that such state is fully remedied.4. Observatorium personnel may seek to end their employment with the First Dicastery at any time by applying for a dismissal from the Director of the Observatorium. Such a dismissal should be granted except in cases where the compelling interests of the Holy See would be compromised, in which case the Observatorium may require personnel to continue their duties whilst a thorough and active search for suitable replacements is conducted.5. The First Dicastery shall provide reseach-related supplies, arms, equipment, and other logistical necessities to its personnel, at no expense except in cases of negligence.6. Observatorium research personnel shall wear blue robes and yellow headwear whilst on the Observatorium grounds, and also whilst carrying out ordinary Observatorium business off-site (e.g., during despatches to other locations). There is no uniform code for operations personnel on normal duties. However, when engaged on remote observations, all personnel shall wear black clothing with research personnel in blue tunics and support personnel in yellow tunics; the individual in charge shall wear a red tunic. Moreover, at formal functions, all personnel shall wear embassy-formal clothing appropriate to the setting: a blue jacket with a yellow sash (for men) or a blue dress with a yellow sash (for women).7. The Observatorium is headed by a director who shall have the role of Chief Researcher (usually an Astrologer), appointed by the Archbishop. The director shall select from the Senior Researchers a deputy and Chief Researcher of the alternate field (usually Aetherology).8. Observatorium researchers shall begin at the rank of Assistant Researcher, progressing through Associate Researcher, Full Researcher, and Senior Researcher as their skills and accomplishments warrant, with promotion coming upon the advice of a majority of the Observatorium researchers at or above the promoted rank, and with the consent of both the director and deputy director.9. Operations personnel shall possess whatever ranks and advancement are deemed appropriate through their individual offices (guards, infirmary, curacy, etc.).
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OOC InformationThe Observatorium is a group of players (primarly based on Mateus) who RP in such as way as to make the First Dicasterial Observatorium feel like a realistic and integrated part of the Holy See of Ishgard. Because of the limited in-game information available about the First Dicastery's functions, some of the information contained here is non-canonical and player-supplied; and, as such, it should not be considered binding in any way upon your character unless you choose to participate.Those who are interested in participating in The Observatorium are encouraged to join The Firmament community on Discord, or to contact Caspius Ixx (Mateus) in-game for more details. Please note, however, that the Observatorium and its roleplayers are adults, and that we only engage with other adult RPers. Thank you for being respectful of this important boundary.We look forward to seeing you in the game!
