6.3 The guild apprentice's twenty badges.

There are four distinct phases in the life of an Avalonian. The first spent in the academy, the second in the school and the third, perhaps the most difficult, the transition between fledgling apprentice (or LW) and long-term independent. The fourth, the long and heroic challenge of making a mark in this land is dealt with elsewhere but here we address that crucial third phase: the badges.

After joining a guild, during the apprenticeship or LW phase, there are numerous 'badges' of knowledge that all Avalonians should aspire to attain. These badges are bestowed by guildmasters, barons, public relations minister, guild elders, or deities. They represent the successful acquisition of a slice of important knowledge, whether that be the ability to equip oneself with armour and weapons, or the successful witnessing of the sunrise in the vale of Azrili. It is not necessary to attain all possible badges but to do so signifies, in the minds of the great of this land, the establishment of an independent, self-assured character ready to meet his or her future. Many guild use the badges as a gauge of a youngster's readiness to move from apprenticeship to full initiate.

To review your own acquired badges type BADGES. Guildmasters and Elders can bestow badges using the BADGE command. It is only possible to bestow a badge on an apprentice/youngster once per Avalon timezone (six timezones per Avalon day). These badges are for apprentices/youngsters in their first career only - for those genuinely new to the ways of the land. High ranking guildmembers and city leaders may review the attained badges by typing BADGES followed by the name of the apprentice/youngster. Each badge brings with it rewards, whether gold, experience or lessons. Some are relatively simple, some more complex. The collection of all possible badges gains the neophyte guildmember great prestige in the eyes of the Gods.

There is a prize available to those who are diligent enough to complete all of their guild badges. This prize is obtained from senior members of the guild (or city barons or public relations minister) and if you feel yourself ready (having succeeded in all badges) type REQUEST PRIZE FROM followed by the name of the fellow guildmember/city leader, while in his or her presence. Your fellow will have to give assent to your declaration and, providing this is done, you will receive the prize: across-the-board boost of your skills to the level of Respected. Depending on your guild's profession you will also be eligible for a boost of certain skills, if they are already AT the level of Respected, up to the level of Renowned.

Such a fine prize is noted in your character history as befits the elevation to senior apprenticeship or advanced neophyte.

Type HELP BADGELIST for a full list of badges and requirements.