Iris Gate College | District 11 Plot
Dec 15, 2019 23:30:59 GMT -5
Post by marguerite harvard d2a (zori) on Dec 15, 2019 23:30:59 GMT -5
Iris Gate College
It began as the dream of two lovers, not more than twenty, sitting atop a box spring mattress and whispering by candlelight. They lived in an old boarding house then, just above the shops in the town square.
Ayena had said it should be only for girls, which would be a sticking point for another sixty years. She grew up as one of the Taft family, the only daughter of a baron of industry in district eleven. Her father made his money off the backs of labor in the years after the first games. Unlucky for him he spawned a rebellious daughter that preached about laborer’s rights and education. One who’s soap box screeds attracted the attention of Xuxa Izar.
The two would study to be school-teachers together, a noble profession that helped them shape young minds and put good into the world. Ayena in mathematics, Xuxa in history, writing, and literature.
They wanted to start a college, a space where children could learn and go even further in their studies than the schools allowed. A well-educated populace was dangerous, and especially one that could organize. It was a nice dream, they imagined, with students studying texts and challenging one another’s thoughts. Or creating in a space where they were free to look into their ideas. A place where learning was free from fear.
As with most districter’s dreams, they tucked it away. Behind the need to finish their studies, away from the responsibilities of taking care of sick family members. They threw themselves into the lives of their students. They collected cans of food for those without enough. Spoke out at district council meetings on the work hours. Took to task the men that spoke over them, or about them. And the years collected as they always did, slowly, but steadily until they turned around and it felt so long ago.
The Taft house was theirs on accident – after the last of the others had gone and passed – a huge home of brick tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the district. Two older women with a house most only dreamed of, surrounded by memories of good times gone by. Still, Xuxa tended the garden and Ayena hosted a ladies salon on Thursdays to discuss her feminist literary magazine.
They named it Iris Gate after the Iris’s that Xuxa tended which grew around the old wrought iron fence surrounding the place.
Xuxa passed in ’79, leaving Ayena quite alone. Reclusive and deep in depression over her loss, Iris Gate fell into disrepair. The end chapter seemed one that would be bittersweet, until she discovered Xuxa’s notes about turning Iris Gate into something wonderful.
Vasco Izar agreed to have the district fund Iris Gate College so the fledgling class could start immediately. A dozen or so students would live in the old brick house, tend to the fields in the mornings and take part in their studies in the afternoons. They’d start small, with a few offerings (agriculture, mathematics, and liberal studies), offering a four year degree. Ayena would oversee as Dean of the College, serving as mentor and headmistress to students. All students could be 16+ at the time of entry.
Summary – Xuxa Izar & Ayena Taft were school teachers, activists, and partners for 50+ years and dreamed of opening a College in D11. A few years after Xuxa died, Ayena rediscovered Xuxa’s plans, and with the district’s help, is opening a small College to students 16+.
The freshman class:
Delroy “Del” Wickersham (zori): Born to a family of rabble rousers and avid learners, he is on the hunt for the history behind his great uncle who died in the war. He wants to learn history and make discoveries about his family (and the district’s past).
Leanne Zhou (open): Middle child. Considers herself an artist. Sees the world from a sunny side up perspective. Would rather spend an afternoon in the garden than reading a book, but finds when she sets her mind to something she can produce amazing work. Passionate about taking care of the less fortunate. Third of five children.
Graciela Torres (open):
Eldest daughter who showed great intellectual and academic promise, but after facing the loss of her father, has grown withdrawn. Doubts her ability and second guesses herself constantly, and has trouble speaking up to defend herself or make herself known. Prefers solitude, and is considering leaving the college to work in her sister’s dress shop instead.
Irving Clement (open): Know-it-all. Often speaks over others, and has a thirst to prove that he’s smartest in the room. Consistently talks about how one day he’s going to own the district, whether by being future mayor or otherwise. Passionate about the rights of those who labor in the fields, even though his family has never had to do a day of hard work in a generation (they’ve always been the ones in cushy offices taking stock of inventory).
Javi Abreu (open): Everyone’s favorite second-in-command; he relishes in pushing his friends to do things and step out side their comfort zones. He doesn’t have much focus on what he wants to do in particular, not at such a young age, and figures he could spend four, six, or eight years at the college figuring it out. Right now he thinks he’ll be a farmer just as his parents were, but studying at the college will help him get ahead somehow. Truthfully he needs a push in the right direction, by the right person…
Faculty & Staff:
Ayena Taft (open): One of the oldest living members of district 11, she is one of the few to remember the dark days. A member of the once proud Taft family, owner of all the lands surrounding Iris Gate College, and fierce protector of those under her tutelage. Though she’s slowed down in her old age, Ayena is still an activist and educator. She can come across as cold or aloof, and does not mince words. She spends her time with those that have earned it. (suggested fc: Cicely Tyson)
Roger Fladgate (open): Young professor, dreamer, and happy to have a job that doesn’t involve him toiling in the fields. He teaches history and literature, and loves to debate his students. His past is shrouded in a bit of mystery as he wasn’t born in district eleven – though few would know – having been orphaned by a wanderer that made it to the district. He helps mind Ayena and the College, and serves a sort of mentor to most of the students.
Rules:
-This is not a first come, first serve application
-You may also apply with original characters you think would want to attend Iris Gate
-You may also apply with adults who may wish to work at the college
-Interested folks should joint #irisgate on slack if you have questions!
-All characters attending must be 16+
Application for Admission OR Employment
All student applicants should be aged 16 or older. Students will commit to completing 4 years of student in a selected major (agriculture, liberal studies, or mathematics). A portion of their time will be spent tending to Iris Gate College’s grounds to maintain their scholarship. Faculty should have a particular area of expertise. Interested parties should complete the application below:
[blockquote][fontsize=1]Name:
Character of Interest or Character Applying:
Major:
Expansion of character/Plot:[/blockquote][/font]
