AMIA ARCHIVE • View topic - Scientific Research & Methodology [Tarkuul]

Opening words

This manual is an attempt to give basic instructions to all members of the Academy of Tarkuul on the topic of
conducting a research and make their job easier in order to achieve higher goals and rise in power and rank, for
such is the ultimate goal and will of the Living City. However, this manual is not designed only for the Alumni
and those new in the field of the research but to all scholars driven by the motive we all share - will to power.

What is a research?

~ Research is a systematic, objective and planned examination of a certain problem, done by the established methodological
standards, with a purpose of giving a precise and reliable answer to a predetermined question, and thus, increasing one's
knowledge.

Why is research important?

~ The answer to this question is quite simple. Research is the method of gaining knowledge. And to quote the great dogma of
The Lord of the Forsaken Crypt: "Knowledge is power, and knowledge of life and death brings power over all beings, living and
unliving." Therefore, research, as a tool of gaining knowledge is crucial in the process of gaining power."

Why is research important in Tarkuul?

~ It is well known that the city of Tarkuul is the last bastion of freedom on Amia. Freedom of knowledge, freedom of expression,
freedom of rising in power. Since such is the case there are two major reasons for doing your job, which is researching the
projects assigned by myself.

~ The first and foremost, we need to do everything that is in our power to preserve this place and to upgrade the experience
we all share during our stay. We are little understood sort, feared and quite often hated, which in turn, implies a large amount
of people who would like to see our end, for the reasons they do not want, or have the courage, to comprehend.
Simultaneously while paying close attention to preserving the place as it is, and keeping it safe, we need to do what is in our
power to enhance it. This upgrade will directly reflect upon ourselves, but not only ourselves, as all those who visit the city shall
have more comfort and resources which is needed if we are to elevate the city and ourselves further.

~ The second reason why is research important in Tarkuul is, because, as I stated already, knowledge is power. What does this
mean? It can mean that by gaining knowledge, you are growing in power personally. You are becoming aware of the new
spells, ways of conducting your business, tactics, sensitive information of value and so on. Possessing the knowledge is like
possessing the money. You can get anywhere with it. But it can also mean that by doing your job properly, you are bringing
attention of the powers greater than yourself upon you, and that soon enough you may become a valuable asset to those
greater powers which is a benefit on its own, yet it also gives you the chance to gain influence and in time, rise to their level,
becoming one of them yourself. Through the Magisterium Mortis, the way of doing this is one - research.

Methods of scientific research

~ As we established the reasons why the research is important, it is in order that we mention how the research should be
conducted. As a definition of the research implies, there is a certain way of conducting a research. This is called a scientific
method. Yet before we get to the steps of conducting a research, we need to know what material is required for our journey.
The answer is once again quite simple. All we need, and the thing that is most crucial in our research is an empty parchment,
ink and a quill. Having a diary, a journal and generally taking notes is not only crucial in the process of gaining knowledge for
the reason of having an overview of everything we have gathered so far, but it can also work as a stimulus, for we shall have a
material proof of our advancement. The more there is in your research journal, the further you got. I shall repeat this once
again. Having a journal or a diary is absolutely -crucial-. Therefore, I would strongly advise, almost to the point of making it
mandatory, that each one of you, if you do not already, get an empty book and start writing a journal or a diary when doing a
research.

~ Every research begins with the same thing - the question mark. We have a problem, we have a task
at hand and it is important that we ask the correct question - what is it that we are trying to do? What
is our ultimate goal? What needs to be done in order to call the research or a project completed? Once
the question is established, we may move to the next phase.

~ Where to begin is usually predetermined by the first phase of the research, but the answer should always be the same.
The library. Before we start creating our own theories, we need to have a preview of all the knowledge that may have been
gathered in the past. If there was a research conducted on the same problem we are working on, there are always strong
chances that by finding the appropriate literature in the library, we shall gain a great insight into the problem and the possible
solutions. Fortunately, the library of Tarkuul is rather resourceful, but in case that there is no literature on the issue at hand in
the library of the city, you should -always- visit the library of the Triumvir. Do note that in the Triumvir you will not be protected
by any laws or guards, therefore, make sure to always be appropriately dressed. Disguise is highly advised. But as we are not
mere scholars, and each one of us has the access to the palette of spells, this is also playing a crucial role in our journey
towards the truth. The practical use of such spells shall be mentioned in the next chapter of the lecture.

~ Once enough data has been collected, the process of analysis and synthesis may begin. This is the part where we are
supposed to place the pieces into their sockets and see if we have any gaps in the picture. If all the pieces gathered so far fell
into their position, but there are gaps open, returning to the first step is in order. This time we need to answer the question
what is missing and repeat the steps until all the pieces are there.

~ Finally, when the picture is clear, the knowledge gained must be put to test. Only if the last step of the research satisfies the
first step - the question mark, the research was successful. Otherwise, we should take a step back and see what is missing
and use some of the techniques in order to solve it.

~ Therefore, to conclude: The question, gathering of the data, analysis & synthesis, test are the four steps we need to conduct
in order to achieve our goal when conducting a research.

Techniques of gathering data

~ Short of the direct involvement with the tomes in the library, and attempts to find out if someone already wrote a dissertation
upon our project, spells are the best technique of gathering data and intelligence. This is where divination spell school comes
to light. The divination school of magic contains spells that enable the caster to learn secrets long forgotten, interpret dreams,
predict the future, to find hidden things or foil deceptive spells. We shall not get into the theory of divination as such holds little
importance for the subject of this lecture. Instead, some of the most important spells and tools which may be of invaluable
assistance to you when conducting a research shall be mentioned and in turn, taught to you. However, these spell will not be
mentioned in this manual and for those you will have to attend the lecture. If you are interested in such, pay me a visit in my
office in the Tower of the Damned and we shall discuss it.

Closing words

Do note that the process of researching has two crucial components without it will not be possible. Those components are
curiosity and the thirst for knowledge. Rest assured, without those, no technique, spell, journal or library shall assist you, nor
you will advance in any way. Knowledge and Power.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ High Arcanist Lucius Blackwater of the Tower of the Damned

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Scientific Research & Methodology [Tarkuul]

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