Bick Booth

## Professor Bick Booth

### Title

Professor Bick Booth, Head Professor of the History and General Studies Department

### Occupation

History and General Studies Department Head (1100-present, 27 years), Professor at the Goldsea Institute (1076-present, 51 years)

**Professor Bick Booth** is a renowned scholar and the current Head of the History and General Studies Department at the Goldsea Institute, a prestigious academic institution located on Wizard Island. Known for his profound knowledge and passion for Venthalian History, Booth has made significant contributions to the field and has been instrumental in shaping the academic landscape of the Goldsea Institute.

## Early Life

Born in 1042 AV in the city of Rockbridge, during the reign of Georgos II, Bick Booth is the son of Lord Killian Booth and Maridia Booth (née Ironhelm). House Booth is a noble lineage with deep roots in Rockbridge, a city known for its resilience and isolation. Bick is the second of three children, growing up alongside his older sister Belle and his younger sister Flora. The Booth family owns a grand estate that houses a massive library. This library, filled with books from floor to ceiling, is a treasure trove of knowledge and history to the Booth family. It was here that Bick found his deep passion for books and history. He would spend countless hours poring over the ancient texts, captivated by the tales of Venthalian history and the intricate tapestry of events that shaped the world around him. His parents, recognizing his keen interest, encouraged his curiosity, further fueling his love for learning.

Bick's childhood was also marked by his friendship with Krick Alderman, a boy from a less affluent family in Rockbridge. Despite their different social backgrounds, the two formed a close bond. Bick, being the older of the two, naturally assumed the role of a supportive older brother figure. He would often invite Krick to the Booth family library, introducing him to the world of literature and teaching him how to read. These shared moments in the library not only strengthened their friendship but also instilled in Krick a love for knowledge and learning. As the years passed, their bond remained strong, even as their paths began to diverge. Krick, influenced by the tales of spirituality and freedom he read about in the books Bick introduced him to, developed a longing for a life as a truly free individual. This longing eventually led him to defect to the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS), where he rose to the rank of captain and earned a seat at the CFS Captain’s Table. Despite Krick's departure, Bick continued to support his friend, proud of the man he had become.

## Education and Career

In 1060 AV, Bick enrolled at the Goldsea Institute, pursuing his passion for Venthalian History. He studied under the tutelage of Professor Isch Raejoas Esbrandt, a respected scholar and the then Head of the History and General Studies Department. Prof Esbrandt recognized Bick's potential and considered him his protege. After graduating with honors in 1076 AV, Bick was hired as a History professor under Prof Esbrandt. His dedication to teaching and his deep understanding of Venthalian history quickly earned him the respect of his students and colleagues. When Prof Esbrandt passed away in 1100 AV, Bick was his natural successor. He took over as the Head of the History and General Studies Department, a position he maintains to this day. His younger sister, Flora, married Jorj Burgsord, another respected professor at the Goldsea Institute and a member of the influential Burgsord family.

## Contributions and Legacy

As a professor and department head, Bick Booth has made significant contributions to the field of Venthalian history and to the Goldsea Institute. His research and teachings have deepened the understanding of Venthalian history among students and scholars alike. He is known for his monotonous, yet thorough teaching style and his ability to make complex historical events and concepts understandably accessible to his students. Bick's legacy is also marked by his commitment to the Institute's values of inclusivity and diversity. He has been instrumental in maintaining the Institute's neutrality amidst Venthalia's political turmoil for the sake of objective knowledge, ensuring that the Institute remains a globally recognized center of learning and scholarship.

Despite his academic commitments, Bick has never forgotten his roots. He maintains close ties with his family in Rockbridge and often visits his sister Flora and her family on the campus. His relationship with his childhood friend Cpt Krick Alderman, despite their divergent paths, is a testament to Bick's loyalty and his belief in the importance of personal relationships.