Test of Citizenship
new citizens were worthy of the benefits and responsibilities they recieve.
Overview
The Test of Citizenship is an Imperial test administered by members of the Academy. A child who passes the test becomes a full citizen of the Empire and confers on them all the benefits and responsibilities of such. It consists of a short spoken examination with the Chancellor of the Academy (or the Vice-Chancellor in their absence) to ensure that the young citizen has enough knowledge of their nation, the Empire and its laws and customs to make an effective citizen.
OOC
The test is designed to ensure that young role-players have sufficient confidence and understanding of the rules to begin role-playing more independently. Preparing and passing the test is intended to be an enjoyable challenge for young players attending events.
The test is not just a check that a young role-player has sufficient knowledge of the rules and setting. It is also the key point at which a young role-player is considered mature enough to engage with the politics and player vs player conflict that is built into the structures of the Empire (Senate, Synod, Conclave, etc). An aspect of the game that they will come across once a full citizen. This also supports and protects our adult role-players who should feel confident that the citizens they are interacting with in-character are sufficiently mature to understand potential in-character conflict.
As with the Test of Arms, it is also an opportunity for us to make sure the parent or guardian is happy with their child becoming more involved in the game.
Young role-players should not feel that they cannot interact with the game in an way until they have passed their test. They may make full use of the apprentice ability as well as roleplay, trade, learn and explore Anvil.
Requirements
- Participants must be at least 11 years old to take the Test of Citizenship
Due to the IC and OOC responsibilities that the test confers the minimum age for taking the test is 11 years old. This is not a guarantee that all young role-players will pass the test at this age as each potential citizen will be different. It is however the age at which PD recognises that young players become ready to play more independently of their parents.
- A parent or guardian must confirm that they think their child is ready to take the test, and that they are happy for them to become a citizen if they are judged ready.
- Parents and guardians are asked to register their young player as wanting to take a Test of Citizenship Friday evening from 1800-1900.
- Parents and guardians are asked not to put their young player forward for the test until they think they are ready to pass it and understand the responsibilities it involves.
- Young players are encouraged to attend at least one citizenship lesson before they try their test. These usually take place just before a test period and are a short 30 minute group discussion where young players are given a better understanding of the questions.
Assessment
The Test is fairly informal and should not be a source of stress or nervousness. The Test can be sat as many times as the candidate wishes and the Academy staff will always provide constructive feedback to help a candidate prepare for their next attempt. An Academy staff member asks a variety of questions and judges whether the candidate is ready to become a citizen based on the responses.
The test will involve the following questions. This is not exhaustive and they may be phrased differently but this covers the key areas to be covered in the test:
- Who are you and where are you from?
- Who are your family/group and what do they do in Anvil?
- What are the nations of the Empire?
- What are the five most important things one should know about your nation?
- What are the Virtues and which is most important to you and why?
- What do you see yourself doing to make the Empire great? What kind of hero do you see yourself becoming within your nation?
- What resource do you plan to take when you become a citizen and what do you want to do with it?
- What abilities do you think you want to learn and what do you want to do with them?
- What are the key structures of the Empire and what are they for? (e.g Senate is for politics)
Timing
The Test is normally conducted in two periods. One on Friday from 1900-2030 and one on Saturday just after lunch. This time involves a short citizenship lesson for all young players wishing to take their test, followed by individual tests. Tests outside of these times can be arranged if there is a large number of candidates to get through or if circumstances require it (e.g. if a candidate has already passed the Test of Arms and wishes to take the field the next day). Candidates and their parents are encouraged to discuss the Test with the Academy staff in preparation.
Benefits & responsibilities
Once a candidate has passed the Test, they will receive the following benefits and responsibilities:
In-Character Benefits
- They are recognised as a full citizen of the Empire and as such have the same rights as any other citizen of any age
- They can vote in elections, stand for office, and represent their nation
In-Character Responsibilities
- They are fully culpable under Imperial Law for any crimes they commit
- They may be declared a sorcerer by the Imperial Conclave or a heretic by the Imperial Synod
Out-Of-Character Benefits
- They gain starting skill points as a new character and may spend them as they see fit
- They may select a resource
Out-Of-Character Responsibilities
- They may be engaged in Player-vs-Player conflict roleplaying by other participants
- Other participants may hold a young citizen responsible for their actions and take in-character actions against them
Further Reading
Core Information
- Children
- The Academy
- Information for under 7s
- Information for 7-10 year olds
- Information for 11-15 year olds
- Information for 16-18 year olds
Additional Information