Candidate Lessons & Chores

[Neeq Machine]

Lesson Description

Compulsory Lessons
These lessons are held once a week on a rotating cycle. Once a compulsory lesson has been completed, it does not need to be re-taken. Candidates who have not completed the compulsory lessons will not be barred from attending Hatchings but will be at a disadvantage in weyrling lessons.

History of the Weyrs -- Overview of the founding, history, and recent events in the Weyrs.

Introduction to Dragons -- A "meet and greet" with several dragonriders and dragons, and an open Q-and-A.

Groundcrew Training -- Learn how to maintain and handle a flamethrower, spot Thread burrows, and deal with Threadscores.

History of the Coalition -- A discussion of the founding and history of the Coalition, as well as a discussion of the Weyr protocols and different locations.

Optional Lessons
In addition to lessons that are required by all, Candidates may choose to take other lessons. In most cases, these are for furthering their Craft; however, Candidates who do not meet basic requirements in reading, writing, and arithmetic must take remedial lessons.

Remedial Training -- Teaches the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic to Candidates who do not have these skills.

Basic Dragonhealing -- An introduction to dragonhealing, including anatomy and physiology as well as apothecary work and basic healing.

First-Aid and Triage -- Learn how to care for emergency injuries in the field, such as animal bites, broken bones, and Threadscore.

Craft Training -- Continue training in Craft, either at South Run Weyr or at Orro.

Weapons Training
All Candidates are required to begin taking a weapon specialty, and to practice it. Common weapons specialties include:

• Hand-to-hand or caetus
  
• Knives, or dagger-and-buckler
  
• Archery (longbow or short bow)
  
• Sling
  
• Javelin
  
• Staff weapons (quarterstaff or spear)

Candidates may select a rarer weapons specialty, but they are required to purchase their own weapons. ((OOCly, from the site store.))

Chores Description

Monthly Activities
Each month, Candidates are required to participate in a large group activity to build cohesion and community. These activities may be just about anything -- barracks cleaning en masse, helping with Weyr construction, working to collect and process numbweed, helping with autumn slaughter, etc.

Chores
Like all members of the Weyr, Candidates are expected to help with the upkeep and construction of South Run. Candidates are on rotation for latrine duty. The others sign up for the rest of the chores, which are posted at the beginning of the month. Crafters are excused from chores, so long as they continue pursuing their Craft. Chores are as follows:

• Construction
  
• Kitchen aide
  
• Animal care
  
• Message runner
  
• General cleaning / upkeep
  
• Dragonrider assistant

When there are young weyrlings, Candidates may also choose to help with the slaughter and butchering of animals for the weyrling dragons, or as a weyrling assistant. When there is a Clutch, Candidates may also be called upon to help tend the eggs.

When Eggs are on the Sands

Touching
After the Clutch has hardened, there will be a mandatory Touching for all Candidates. This begins with a lecture on what to expect at the Touching and Hatching and proper etiquette, then Though Candidates are allowed to Stand even if they are Searched after the Touching, it is well known that contact with the eggs greatly increases the chances of successful Impressions.

Candidate Drill
This simulates the actual Hatching -- a dragon will summon the Candidates, and they must get to the Hatching Grounds as quickly as possible, in the appropriate clothing. Though the coalition does not use robes for the Hatching, Candidates are required to wear neutral colors and thick-soled shoes onto the Sands.

Roleplay Requirements

Whoof! Looks like a lot to do, right? It is -- for the character. But Neeuqtar is not a ginormous fan of running OR of doing a load of traditional lessons in order to meet requirements. Instead, we're leaving just how you play out all this learning and work in your hands, and have some role-play requirements for you.

When there's not a Hatching afoot, Candidates are required to have one thread a month related to either lessons or chores. You must post a minimum of three times in the thread for it to count.

If you have a Candidate six weeks or more before a Hatching, in order to be eligible for a Hatching (dragon or wher), you need to have completed the following with each Candidate:

• 1 thread relating to the lessons (>3 posts)
  
• 1 thread relating to chores (>3 posts)
  
• Participation in the Touching
  
• Participation in the drill

Not too hard, right?

If you have a Candidate who is Searched or brought in closer to the Hatching, you are just required to participate in the mandatory threads (Touching & drill) if they occur after your character is brought in. Keep in mind that longer-standing characters are more likely to Impress!