Guide To The Path System

After some play testing and some discussion with the Ealdorman, I put together a small guide on how the Path System works so that our members can better understand it.

First off, we have had difficulty selecting an appropriate means to bringing the tokens into physical being without draining the pocket book. So for now, tokens will only serve as a measuring unit, and we are planning markers, currently in the form of Arm Bands/Rings, to designate Earned Ranks. Markers will be awarded for Rank 3 and Higher.

As we have worked through the new system I have Devised a new term: Instance of Merit.

Instances of Merit

To earn a token, a member must create an "Instance of Merit". An instance of Merit usually involves bringing glory to the Empire in some way. Either by marching to the field for the day or being the Prinz's Herald and Delivering messages to other Realms, or by simply cooking a meal for the Empire. These instances of Merit then become a token depending on a member's rank in the related path.

Most paths work like this.

Instances of Merit also only serve as a guide. The Crown may award tokens as they see fit.

Earning Tokens

Many ways of creating instances of merit, and thus, earning tokens, exist. Here is a list of potential ways to earn tokens.

  • Attending Events
  • An Epic Moment of Combat, Service, etc.
  • Serving at High Court
  • Completing a Challenge or Trial
Attending Events

Attending an Event is the easiest way to create an instance of Merit. For our fighters, fighting on the field at an event for a day is considered an Instance of Merit for the Huskarl Path.

For our Non-coms, serving at an event usually creates an instance of Merit.

Taking on a particular job at an event also creates an instance of Merit. Autocrat, Warcrat, Master of the Watch, War Marshall, etc. Usually, when the job is difficult, it automatically awards a full value token. No matter the rank of the member doing the job.

An Epic Moment

Doing something that is deemed Awesome or Epic always awards a Token. No matter the Rank. Moments like this bring glory to the Empire and thus are handsomely rewarded. How do you do something epic? Well, that is for you to figure out.

This is also one of the only ways to earn a Spirit Path Token.

Tournament Placing counts as an epic moment. 2nd place in a tournament counts at lower ranks, (0-3), 4 and above requires first place.

Serving at High Court

Serving in some form at Court creates a separate Instance of Merit. Serving as Steward during Court, Serving as Herald, or acting as a Guard are all worth an Instance of Merit.

Completing a Challenge or Trial

One other way to earn a token is to complete a Challenge or Trial. Ealdorman can assign challenges or trials. They can be for any path.

  • Challenges

Challenges are meant to take a while. Something to complete over a series of weeks, kind of like a homework assignment. This could be as simple as a Kill counter challenge for a fighter, requiring the fighter to obtain a number of kills at practices and events, to as elaborate as having a Scholar interview and document a member. (Backstory, Kit pictures, history in Dagorhir/the Empire. Everything.) Once the Challenge is completed, the Challenger (Ealdorman) must report it to the Crown or a Boiarin so the Boiarin can report it to the crown. If the Challenge is worthy, a token will be rewarded. Challenges never create an Instance of Merit, they are always worth a Token.

Challenges for a specific path are no longer available once a member has achieved Rank 4 in the related path.

Members may request Challenges, but the Ealdorman chooses what Challenge they receive. Members may only have 3 challenges active at any time. One combat, one noncombat and one Craft.

It is on the member's honor to keep track of their challenge. The Ealdorman who gave the challenge is also responsible for keeping track of the challenge.

  • Trials

Trials are a little different from Challenges. They are meant to be completed over a shorter period of time, and meant to be taxing. Combat trials are the easiest example. To become a Huskarl, Rank 4 in the Huskarl Path, the member must complete a 2v1 trial. Craftsmen Trials usually involve asking the craftsman to make something they never have before. The object made will be judged based on the member's Path Rank. A noncom trial really depends on the Path. Noncom trials are by instance, and will be difficult to explain at this time. (Haven't done any yet.)

Ealdorman and Riddari are the only members allowed to do trials on the spot without initial permission from the Crown. Riddari can not give Non-com and Crafting trials on the spot.

Trials may be requested by members, but what trial they receive is decided by the Ealdorman.

Order Trials are not affected by these trial rules. Orders are separate to Paths in this aspect. However they may count as a token upon completion.

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