The Academy

Heroes are not born. They are forged in the fires of experience, and tempered in the waters of wisdom. It is my duty and my honour to help forge the heroes of tomorrow.

Chancellor Eldenheart of the Imperial Academy

Overview

The Academy is an in-character school run by NPCs which focuses on providing activities for young role-players. It aims to give them a fun and interesting role-playing experience while also helping them learn about the game world and, of course, how to play the the game. Sessions currently include lessons in Magic, Alchemy, Crafting and Combat, as well as field trips to the Senate and other in-game institutions and the chance to meet and learn about various characters within the game.

Our aim is to prepare young role-players to be fully-fledged characters in the game, which can be achieved by them passing their Test of Citizenship. The Academy has a prize-giving at the end of each event to reward students for their hard work!

Attendance

• Children attending Academy activities must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times
• Children cannot be left at the academy unattended

Academy Staff

The Academy is run by a core team of NPCs: Tom Francis, Gillian Francis, Jerry Ferley, Charlotte Pardy, Rick Clarke and Thomas Twissell. In addition we have several other members of crew who assist in providing specialist sessions, and we also collaborate with player groups to provide some of the sessions, particularly the combat training. If you are have ideas for children's activities we are always interested to hear from you!

Opening times

The Academy offers roughly 14-15 hours of sessions over the course of an event, starting on the afternoon of the first day. Morning sessions begin at around 10am and afternoon session at 2pm. Most sessions last around 2 hours, although some might be spread over the course of a whole day.

Academy Rules

These are the IC rules for children (and adults) attending the Academy. They are intended to reflect the game world as well as providing a sensible, fair and enjoyable setting for young role-players.

• No-one is forced to come to the Academy – you should only attend if you have a desire to learn and better yourself
• We treat one another with respect, regardless of age or nationality
• Train hard and with spirit
• All students must bring a responsible adult who is happy to stay with them for the duration of the classes
• If any student causes harm to another they may be barred from the Academy
• Students are encouraged keep a well presented and accurate record of their studies to assist the Chancellor in judging and distributing awards and certificates

Administering Tests

Children in the Empire are legally considered to be adults when they are able to pass the Test of Citizenship. This allows them to own property in the Empire, vote in elections, hold a title, etc. There is a second test, the Test of Arms which allows a young citizen to prove that they are strong and fit enough to take the battlefield against the Empire's enemies. Members of the Academy staff who are also civil servants carry out the tests as part of the Imperial duties.

The Academy helps attendees pass the test in two ways. The lessons prepare young people to take the exams, giving them the education they need to pass. But it also allows the civil servants to get to know the applicants so that they can better judge their suitability. The best way for Imperial who is under sixteen years of age to become recognized as an adult is to attend the Academy.

Further Reading

• Test of Citizenship
• Test of Arms