Paramount

Paramounts are the highly educated academics of Aodh. Their only equals are the innovative minds of Breim, 
and they are generally esteemed throughout Aodh. They work in countless fields, but all share a lengthy university education. 
== Overview ==
Paramounts have dedicated years to mastering their field of study, and are rewarded for it with high paying, esteemed upper class jobs as various researchers, scientists, innovators and industry professionals. Although there is competition for the best jobs in any given field, any remotely competent Paramount can find a job - or carve a new niche out for themselves. Some Paramounts are self-employed, pursuing passions on their own terms, while others have regular day-jobs - they are a varied bunch. 
Students at Aodh’s Universities are counted among the ranks of the Paramounts in the same way another rank might count apprentices among their number. They are not entitled to use the title of Paramount (as they have not yet graduated), but would be considered as such in legal matters. Due to the length of the education, even the youngest true Paramounts are in their mid to late twenties.
Paramounts, especially within related fields, tend to all know each other, and closely network and collaborate with each other on various projects - be it inventions, scientific papers or simply sharing ideas about their personal projects and interests. The various activities of Paramounts are generally followed with interest by the general public, and many are published scientific authors in one of Aodh’s many scientific newspapers and magazines. 
Like with other Gentry, almost all Paramounts come from wealthy backgrounds, partially due to the exuberant price of a full university education. It is extremely uncommon for a child from a poor, or even middle class, family to become a Paramount unless they’re exceptionally talented in a way that gets them noticed, and grants them a stipend.
=== Role in Society ===
Paramounts enjoy a level of respect among the gentry that is rivaled only by the Artisans. Teachers and architects especially are viewed highly, and respected even by nobility and royalty for their peerless expertise - although such respect is easily lost, should one prove not worthy of it. Lower classes tend to show a healthy amount of respect towards Paramounts as well; they are seen as useful and wise.
Well-known and successful Paramounts may find opportunities to marry into nobility, especially if their field of study falls within the interests of that House. Some Paramounts have even been made nobles in their own right, usually in recognition of their contributions to Aodhian society.
As Paramounts are still commoners, they do not enjoy the reduced taxes that nobility do, but have stronger representation than Gentry or Armigers. Paramounts may purchase seats at the Common Court, and additionally five Paramounts are selected by their peers to represent the class at the Peers Court.
== Education ==
Main Article: Higher Education in Aodh
All Paramounts are university graduates - those still studying would likely fall under Gentry. A Bachelors degree generally takes 3-5 years, and a subsequent Master’s degree another 3-7 years to complete. Although exact curriculum varies by major, every Paramount has spent years browsing literature, perfecting their craft, analyzing existing works and writing their own papers.
Most Paramounts are graduates of New Valore University, as most graduates from Opulence Military Academy work as Chevaliers, and most from Bloom become Artisans, actors and the like - hardly academic professions. 
== Notable Professions ==
Paramounts all work in highly educated fields, but with a wide range of possible studies comes an equally wide range of professions. Note that graduates from Fine Arts programs would generally not be considered Paramounts, but either Artisans or Gentry, depending on their job. Paramounts are researchers, teachers, lecturers, specialists and so on. 
=== Architect ===
Some of the most esteemed graduates, architects find a constant source of work in the ever-evolving city of New Valore. A select few visionaries are named Artisans, but being an architect is a great merit in of itself. Architects not only plan buildings, but also oversee their construction - only the saddest lower class hovels are constructed or even renovated without an architect present. The field is highly competitive.
=== Lawyer ===
A law degree usually guarantees one their pick of careers - either as a legal adviser, a Royal Secretary, prosecutor, or an attorney. All are known as lawyers to Aodhians, although in practice their job descriptions are extremely varied - a Royal Secretary will spend their time carefully going over cases, documenting and learning, while a criminal prosecutor tends to be seen as more glamorous by many - while charging fees for legal advice to nobles or businesses can certainly make you rich.
=== Lecturers/University Teacher ===
University lecturer is one of the most esteemed teaching positions a professional can hope to reach. Unlike teachers at lower grades, they don’t usually have a masters in education, but instead in the field they are teaching. As teachers and lecturers are hired by invitation, being asked is a high honor. 
=== Surgeon ===
In Aodhian context, surgeon refers to an university educated medical professional, while someone who learned through apprenticeship would be a doctor. Surgeons are often part scientist, part care provider, and perform the difficult operations and experimental treatments. They are well-versed in surgery and medicine, using herbs, pharmaneutics, needle and knife with equal skill. Further specialization is possible via apprenticing under industry professionals.
=== Teacher ===
All Aodhian teachers - private, public or otherwise - have received a university education, and are generally well paid. Teachers specialize in a specific age group or subject, but regardless of their choice, can expect to be highly paid and comfortable throughout their lives. A skilled teacher has their pick of employers, while those who fail expectations tend to find themselves teaching at tiny rural schools - for less pay, of course. 
== Rank Levels ==
At 25 AP | Creativity and knowledge go hoof in hoof. You may gain your Tier 1 Talent early (for your first talent only).
At 50 AP | Your work can often be quite mobile, and it's good to keep your materials close. Receive Saddlebags and Book.
At 75 AP | Your profession often makes you into the resident problem-solver. Receive +15 SP points towards cunning or wisdom.
At 100 AP | A familiar offers both companionship and is a convenient way to keep in contact with the city, and your business acquaintances across it. Receive an Aodhian Level 2 Familiar (except rare) for free.
Category:Aodh
Category:Ranks