If you're reading this, then you have come of age, and you are ready to begin your first steps in service to your family. You have entered the time of testing, the secret rituals that all family members must go through before being given their first crest badge, to wear so that all may see you belong to the greatest and strongest family in all of Talanon. And eventually, in all of Etaria as well, perhaps as soon as a few generations.
Over the next few weeks you will be tested in specific areas, to determine your strengths, and your loyalty. We understand, especially with bloodlines as mixed as ours, that many of our young have vastly different talents and skills they excel at. Our task in these weeks of testing is to build upon these strengths, and minimise your weaknesses.
The first test, however, is the same for all.
In recognising the teachings of our ancestors, their wisdom becomes the foundation of our future. We take what they learned, from successes and mistakes, and use them to shape our view of the world around us.
You will learn the history of our family, beyond the soft shell learning you might have learned in your outside classes. We cover the secrets that none outside the family know about, and everything from the migration from Tyran, to the current generation.
You must show understanding of the lessons our ancestors have taught us, as well as the required loyalty and secrecy that is strictly required of every family member. Especially now, as we set our sights on building a power base in Etaria, possibly based in Chail, we need all the capable young people we can manage to send out, so as not to risk our established position as it is here in Talanon.
Here we test your mental aptitude, and its application to modern politics. Your classes have prepared you for general day to day tasks, however we refine these teachings in to how we wish you to apply them.
If your skills lie in this direction, we assign you a role that we all (including yourself, we do not wish to force our young into a role they do not wish to fill) believe is best suited. Examples include trade ambassadors, government officials, party hosts, infiltration.. Wherever you can do the most good for the Family.
This is where it is assessed how far your potential is to grow not only within the family, but also in whatever profession you are placed. A family as great as ours needs many leaders, not only with the intelligence and responsibility required, but also the wisdom of how to apply them appropriately.
This test is often closely tied to the second test, and as such the preparation for both is combined. Often those who excel in the second test also excel in the third, however there are those whose ambitions keep them happy among the lower ranks of the family.
Physical strength among the family varies greatly, but all who are tested must reach a level of aptitude in martial or magical combat. Our methods of ensuring our family's growth often gives us many enemies, of varying power. So in preparation of a worst case scenario, if actual fighting spills into our mansion or any of our holdings, every family member must prove capable in defending themselves and the rest of the family with appropriate skill.
Those who excel in personal combat, and who do not show particular strengths in the second or third tests, will fill a role among the family security. It is rare, but on occasion talks can fail, and no further political or social recourse can be taken. In such cases, the family security may be called to take care of the situation by any means necessary.
Further instruction and testing will follow for these individuals, to ensure their loyalty and restraint. Methods such as these are drastic, last resort measures, and must adhere strictly to guidelines set out by the leaders of the family. No action is taken without careful, methodical consideration of the consequences and the means for which they are to be taken. We have no place for vigilantes in this family.
If there are any areas of the four tests that are lacking in the minimum requirements, or if there are concerns of your loyalty, you will not be passed. Any knowledge you gained as a requirement of testing will be wiped from your mind by the family magicians, and you will be free to make your own way in the world with a minimal monthly stipend.
Good luck, young Gladomin, you will need it.
OOC
This means, characters cannot be too stupid, or dense, or too free willed. This does not have to be reflected in stats, but the character should reflect a level of intelligence or wisdom which will see them be useful for the family. They have no use, or place, for the stupid enforcer type. Chaotic characters should be careful that they keep an agenda akin to the family, and would only really fit in the rarest of circumstances. Good characters will find it hard to rationalise the methods with which the family does their business. Alignments are best at lawful to neutral, and evil to neutral.
Any race is allowed, excepting perhaps Celestials, due to the family having a liberal attitude toward mixed marriages. It's preferable that you be elf, half-elf, or human if you're playing a born Gladomin, but again a married Gladomin can be of any race, really.
Gods recommended are Drigen, Karissa and Raekhanites (within reason of the last.. obviously a raekhanite raging without restraint wouldn't be ideal, but the cold strategist is prized). Others could work, so long as the RP is there.
Pretty much any class would work barring Druid or Ranger, as they would have found it hard to find nature growing up in the city, but again this isn't totally restrictive. They could work so long as the RP is there.
Long story short, you should be fiercely loyal to the family, and VERY protective of the family secrets and plans.