Introduction to Classes

Education

Education is taken seriously throughout most human kingdoms. Formal schooling begins with Primary School at age six and continues until age nine. During these years, children learn the fundamentals of reading, writing, mathematics, history, and civic responsibility. Upon completion, many return to their families to learn a trade or begin an apprenticeship.

Placement Year

At age ten, those continuing their education enter a Placement Year. During this year, students undergo a series of physical, mental, academic, and aptitude examinations designed to identify their strengths and potential. Based on the results, each student may qualify for one or more academies. Final placement depends upon qualification, family resources, and available sponsorship opportunities.

Sponsorship

Academy tuition is often beyond the means of many families. To ensure talented individuals are not lost due to poverty, numerous organizations offer sponsorships. Guilds, temples, military organizations, noble houses, and private benefactors may cover the cost of education in exchange for a period of service after graduation. The length and terms of service vary by sponsor.

The Academies

Students who successfully complete Placement Year may be accepted into one of several specialized academies.

• Artisan Academy

  Reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional talent in painting, sculpture, music, theater, literature, and other creative pursuits. Most attendees either lack the interest or aptitude required for the more physically demanding academies.

• Craftsman Academy

  Trains future master craftsmen in disciplines such as metalworking, carpentry, masonry, tailoring, engineering, tinkering, and other skilled trades. Graduates often become guild members, business owners, or royal craftsmen.

• Adventuring Academy

  Intended for students who possess the physical and mental capabilities to pursue a life of exploration, service, and adventure but do not display the specialized talents required by other academies.

  Students may be selected for transfer into another academy during their first year if exceptional aptitude is discovered.

• Warrior Academy

  Accepts students who demonstrate exceptional martial skill, discipline, leadership potential, and physical ability. Training focuses on military tactics, weapons mastery, leadership, and battlefield survival.

  Students may be reassigned to the Adventuring Academy if they fail to meet academy standards. Outstanding graduates are frequently recruited directly into kingdom military service.

• Arcane Academy

  Dedicated to students who display significant aptitude for arcane magic. Instruction includes magical theory, spellcraft, magical history, and practical application of the arcane arts.

  Students may be transferred to the Adventuring Academy if they fail to maintain the academy's academic standards. Exceptional graduates are often recruited by the military, government agencies, or private magical institutions.

• Bardic Academy

  Reserved for those possessing both artistic talent and magical aptitude. Students study performance, diplomacy, history, storytelling, and magical expression through music and the spoken word.

  Students who fail to meet academy standards may be transferred to the Adventuring Academy.

• Psionic Academy

  Open only to students who exhibit signs of psionic potential. Psionic aptitude is rare, difficult to measure, and often unpredictable. Training focuses on mental discipline, concentration, and the development of latent psychic abilities.

  More than eighty percent of candidates ultimately fail to meet the academy's requirements and are reassigned to the Adventuring Academy or returned to civilian apprenticeships.

  Successful graduates are highly sought after by the kingdom. The most promising individuals are often recruited into specialized military organizations, including the renowned 6th Ranger Corps.