Journeyman Life in the Harper Hall

Harper Hall Leadership for Journeymen

The ultimate authority at the Hall is the Hallmaster. A journeyman is known by the Hallmaster both by face and skills, or he would not have made it this far. Although the Hallmaster may periodically review a journeyman's performance or issue punishment for a particularly serious offense, the two will not interact on a daily basis. Likewise, the Master of Apprentices will have limited contact with journeyfolk, though he is authorized to administer reprimands should he see the journeyman at fault. The Hallsecond is in charge of all journeyfolk, setting their class and work schedules, and administering any discipline that may be needed.

Journeymen Studies and Duties at the Harper Hall

While life for journeyfolk in the Hall is not quite as structured as that of apprentices, demands on time may be even stricter. Those who remain at the Hall after receiving their journeyman's knots, are expected to teach apprentice classes, as well as pursue their own specialized studies. In addition, all journeymen are expected to contribute their talents in performances, so must rehearse on a regular basis, both with the chorus, in ensembles, and individually. Performances may be at local Hall or Hold, or for special occasions at another location. The Hallmaster or the Hallsecond determine which harpers will be called upon to leave the Hall to perform.

In addition, some journeyfolk actually "journey". They are sent to reside at other Holds, Halls, or Weyrs, to teach the children of their new homes. They also provide entertainment and arbitration, perform handfastings, and keep an eye out for likely apprentices. Others are sent on teaching circuits, traveling from one small holding to another, performing duties similar to the more settled type of journeyman. While away from the Hall, all Harpers are expected to keep notes of trends and opinions, with any pertinent information being passed along to the Harper Hall leadership as quickly as possible.

Living Arrangements for Journeymen at the Harper Hall

Most journeyfolk assigned to the Hall, live within its walls. Junior journeymen live in double rooms, while senior journeymen have private rooms. All journeyfolk who live in the Hall share bathing facilities.

Those who are handfasted are offered private rooms, with children living in the double room with their parents. Alternative housing is provided to those with larger families in the form of small cots located near the Hall. The spouses of the journeymen living in these cots often supply fostering services for children of other Harpers, or those sent to the Hall by high-ranking families for specialized education.

Promotions for Journeymen in the Harper Hall

In order to be promoted to master, a journeyman must first meet the criteria of age, length of time as a Harper, and aptitude in the various craft skills. In addition there are two other stipulations: Hall or general Harper population must be large enough to warrant the addition of a new master, and the journeyman must have exhibited exceptional competence in his area of specialization. Apprenticeships normally start at age 12, with the earliest advancement coming at age 15: with three turns of study, a promotion to Senior Apprentice is possible. The next benchmark is at age 18, with six turns of experience, to Junior Journeyman, then at 21 and nine turns of experience, Senior Journeyman. A journeyman will not considered for mastery before age 30, with eighteen turns of study and service. Of course, all of these are dependent upon the Hallmaster and the other Masters: promotions only take place with their approval, and will be evaluated on the basis of participation and knowledge of the craft.