Candidate Information
Becoming A Candidate
1. Candidates are, for the most part Weyrbred. Some are Craftbred, and a select few are Holdbred who are Searched by Searchriders (riders whose dragons can sense a human's potential for Impression), and brought to the Weyr. If a boy or girl is Searched, he or she is given a Search token, or small round piece of wood with Fort Weyr's symbol and an extra mark signifying the Searchrider engraved on it. This token tells the Candidatemaster that the Search was legitimate and is a pass into Candidacy.
2. Weyrbrats, or children who live at the Weyr, can always request to stand if they are of the appropriate age and have at least one dragonrider parent. If no Rider parent is available, the person needs to be Searched. However, Searching for children who've lived at the Weyr is less strict than for Candidates from outside the Weyr.
2. Weyrbrats, or children who live at the Weyr, can always request to stand if they are of the appropriate age and have at least one dragonrider parent. If no Rider parent is available, the person needs to be Searched. However, Searching for children who've lived at the Weyr is less strict than for Candidates from outside the Weyr.
Requirements for Candidates- OOC Rules
1. Candidates must have no physical disabilities*, and be in excellent mental health before they are accepted for Candidacy. In order to actually Stand at a hatching, however, the candidate must be healthy (not sick) and (for females) not pregnant.
2. Male candidates are no younger than twelve and no older than twenty-three. Female candidates are no younger than fifteen and no older than twenty-five. Females are allowed to stand that extra turn after males because since they are all only gold candidates It is hoped that newly impressed goldriders will be older and more mature. Females who are Searched must be heterosexual (or at least fake it well) and they will only be Searched for gold, but may Stand at all Hatchings (if they dare).
3. No person who is Impressed or Bonded to a wher will be accepted as a Candidate, no exceptions. If you impress a wher once you become a candidate, you will be dropped from the candidate program.
4. No person with a criminal history, or a history of being a troublemaker/food thief/slacker for example, will be allowed to stand. And, in the interest of protecting the possible future young dragons the candidates may Impress, candidates must be unmarried and preferably not engaged.
5. Candidates are expected be able to read, write, and do basic arithmetic, and so classes are provided for illiterate candidates. While the CandidateMasters would *prefer* that candidates be literate before Standing and possibly Impressing, they know sometimes that isn't the case when candidates are Searched. So, as long as any illiterate candidate is attending his classes, is actively learning, and is putting in effort to become literate, the candidate will be allowed to stand.
6. Candidates will be assigned, along with classes from the CandidateMaster, daily chores and responsibilities by the Headwoman. Candidates will be expected to treat the Headwoman with the same respect they show to the CandidateMaster and other Riders.
7. Candidates will be expected to live in the Candidate Barracks for the entire time that they are a candidate. If they choose to live outside the Barracks then they have chosen to not be a candidate anymore and must be Searched again.
8. Regarding Candidates and Crafting: A weyrbrat, of any age and not just twelve turns, who enters candidacy is expected to devote their full time and attention to candidate duties and therefore will be restricted from either choosing or continuing with a craft. Crafters who get searched and join candidacy are expected to forgo their craft training for the full duration of their candiday, although if they age out of candidacy their crafting training may be resumed then. If they are a Crafter, Fort prefers that they be no higher than apprentice when Searched, and Searching Journeymen will require special dispensation, to avoid aggravating the Crafthalls by stealing their talented youngsters.
9. It is expected that candidates pull their own weight in the Weyr, through their chores and other assigned responsibilities, even as they take candidate classes in preparation for their possible future as Dragonriders. Even though they are a candidate, being allowed on the Hatching Stands is a privilege to be earned and not one candidates should automatically expect just by being in the Candidate program. If reports of skipping on their classes or chores, or otherwise not contributing or making trouble are seen by the CandidateMaster, they are well within their rights to hold a candidate back from standing. This includes candidates who at Hatching time are sick, pregnant, have become mentally unstable or are otherwise unsuitable for a newborn dragonet.
*Please note that while your character will not be allowed to be a candidate with disabilities or injuries, that does not mean that they may not Impress from the Stands. If you would like the BoD to consider your character for Impression even with impairments, please let us know. Thank you!
2. Male candidates are no younger than twelve and no older than twenty-three. Female candidates are no younger than fifteen and no older than twenty-five. Females are allowed to stand that extra turn after males because since they are all only gold candidates It is hoped that newly impressed goldriders will be older and more mature. Females who are Searched must be heterosexual (or at least fake it well) and they will only be Searched for gold, but may Stand at all Hatchings (if they dare).
3. No person who is Impressed or Bonded to a wher will be accepted as a Candidate, no exceptions. If you impress a wher once you become a candidate, you will be dropped from the candidate program.
4. No person with a criminal history, or a history of being a troublemaker/food thief/slacker for example, will be allowed to stand. And, in the interest of protecting the possible future young dragons the candidates may Impress, candidates must be unmarried and preferably not engaged.
5. Candidates are expected be able to read, write, and do basic arithmetic, and so classes are provided for illiterate candidates. While the CandidateMasters would *prefer* that candidates be literate before Standing and possibly Impressing, they know sometimes that isn't the case when candidates are Searched. So, as long as any illiterate candidate is attending his classes, is actively learning, and is putting in effort to become literate, the candidate will be allowed to stand.
6. Candidates will be assigned, along with classes from the CandidateMaster, daily chores and responsibilities by the Headwoman. Candidates will be expected to treat the Headwoman with the same respect they show to the CandidateMaster and other Riders.
7. Candidates will be expected to live in the Candidate Barracks for the entire time that they are a candidate. If they choose to live outside the Barracks then they have chosen to not be a candidate anymore and must be Searched again.
8. Regarding Candidates and Crafting: A weyrbrat, of any age and not just twelve turns, who enters candidacy is expected to devote their full time and attention to candidate duties and therefore will be restricted from either choosing or continuing with a craft. Crafters who get searched and join candidacy are expected to forgo their craft training for the full duration of their candiday, although if they age out of candidacy their crafting training may be resumed then. If they are a Crafter, Fort prefers that they be no higher than apprentice when Searched, and Searching Journeymen will require special dispensation, to avoid aggravating the Crafthalls by stealing their talented youngsters.
9. It is expected that candidates pull their own weight in the Weyr, through their chores and other assigned responsibilities, even as they take candidate classes in preparation for their possible future as Dragonriders. Even though they are a candidate, being allowed on the Hatching Stands is a privilege to be earned and not one candidates should automatically expect just by being in the Candidate program. If reports of skipping on their classes or chores, or otherwise not contributing or making trouble are seen by the CandidateMaster, they are well within their rights to hold a candidate back from standing. This includes candidates who at Hatching time are sick, pregnant, have become mentally unstable or are otherwise unsuitable for a newborn dragonet.
*Please note that while your character will not be allowed to be a candidate with disabilities or injuries, that does not mean that they may not Impress from the Stands. If you would like the BoD to consider your character for Impression even with impairments, please let us know. Thank you!
The Candidate Barracks
((See more about the Candidate Barracks here))
While in the Candidate program, the young men and women live in dormitory-style barracks. The females have their own barracks separate from the main barracks for the boys. The only time the girls ever bunk in the boy barracks is when they've insisted on Standing for green or blue. After the Hatching is over, however, the CandidateMasters move them back to the girls' barracks for the sake of not having girls underfoot.
There are two cots to a section, so Candidates will have a ‘roommate’. Older male candidates, or those candidates who have been there for a while, who have proven themselves well-behaved and who CandidateMasters have noticed as taking the initiative to assist other candidates with adjusting to Weyr life and candidacy are given a room that actually has a door. Otherwise each section for the two candidates is 3 walled with a room divider for a door. (Keep in mind, the dividers are flimsy and even if there was a door it wouldn't have a lock on it.)
Each Candidate has a cot on which they sleep, and a small clothespress to keep their clothing and other belongings in. If they own more than they can fit into the clothespress or that can be stacked neatly under their cot, they must arrange for it to be stored elsewhere or they must get rid of it. Clutter is not allowed. Candidates are expected to keep their individual areas neat and tidy.
While in the Candidate program, the young men and women live in dormitory-style barracks. The females have their own barracks separate from the main barracks for the boys. The only time the girls ever bunk in the boy barracks is when they've insisted on Standing for green or blue. After the Hatching is over, however, the CandidateMasters move them back to the girls' barracks for the sake of not having girls underfoot.
There are two cots to a section, so Candidates will have a ‘roommate’. Older male candidates, or those candidates who have been there for a while, who have proven themselves well-behaved and who CandidateMasters have noticed as taking the initiative to assist other candidates with adjusting to Weyr life and candidacy are given a room that actually has a door. Otherwise each section for the two candidates is 3 walled with a room divider for a door. (Keep in mind, the dividers are flimsy and even if there was a door it wouldn't have a lock on it.)
Each Candidate has a cot on which they sleep, and a small clothespress to keep their clothing and other belongings in. If they own more than they can fit into the clothespress or that can be stacked neatly under their cot, they must arrange for it to be stored elsewhere or they must get rid of it. Clutter is not allowed. Candidates are expected to keep their individual areas neat and tidy.
In Character Candidate Information
The Rules: Please note, these are In Character Rules and if your characters chose to disobey them then this will not get you into trouble with the BoD unless you refuse to play the consequences if you get caught! Any other questions please ask the Candidate Master or the Candidate Masters.
Things the Candidatemasters Don't Care About and Other Policies: Essentially, here is any other rule information (spoken or unspoken) as well as the usual traditions of Fort Candidacy.
Candidate Schedules And Lessons: The Candidates are very busy boys and girls, fully expected to pull their own weight at the Weyr and contribute anywhere they can. Lazy candidates are very much frowned upon.. On any given day (apart from rest days) they're occupied with lessons, chores, and exercises, with limited free time. When a Hatching approaches, their schedule is adjusted in preparation for what's to come. They lose some free time, some chores time, and even a little sleep time. Here is also a general idea of the things a Candidate will learn in their first turn as a candidate, which then continues through all their turns as a candidate.
Both The Rules and the Candidate Schedule lists are posted outside the barracks and inside the Candidate classrooms. Ignorance is no excuse!
Things the Candidatemasters Don't Care About and Other Policies: Essentially, here is any other rule information (spoken or unspoken) as well as the usual traditions of Fort Candidacy.
Candidate Schedules And Lessons: The Candidates are very busy boys and girls, fully expected to pull their own weight at the Weyr and contribute anywhere they can. Lazy candidates are very much frowned upon.. On any given day (apart from rest days) they're occupied with lessons, chores, and exercises, with limited free time. When a Hatching approaches, their schedule is adjusted in preparation for what's to come. They lose some free time, some chores time, and even a little sleep time. Here is also a general idea of the things a Candidate will learn in their first turn as a candidate, which then continues through all their turns as a candidate.
Both The Rules and the Candidate Schedule lists are posted outside the barracks and inside the Candidate classrooms. Ignorance is no excuse!
Special Activities and Candidate Apprenticeships
Because there is so little time for themselves and after awhile that set schedule can get a bit monotonous, some candidates might attempt to break up their schedule by doing other duties, either officially or unofficially given them. Official duties from the CandidateMasters are given on a very limited basis.
PLEASE NOTE that if a Candidate takes on any of these special activities, they are to be done during their free time, unless otherwise allowed by the CandidateMasters (and you'd need a VERY good reason for him to let you out of chores or lessons to do something else).
Banned Activities:
The CandidateMasters WILL NOT allow any of their Candidates to practice a craft of any kind while in this program. This means your ex-crafter CANNOT run errands for some journeyman or master in the Weyr, or take lessons on the sly. The Candidate Program owns you until you Impress, quit, or die. The CandidateMasters don't want your focus split between Candidacy and a craft. They are also very careful of who he allows to have any sort of influence over his boys and they are not going to trust some random crafter to keep you out of trouble and not put silly ideas in your head.
Unofficial Duties:
Weyrborn (or more experienced Holdborn) Candidates might take it upon themselves to introduce newer Candidates to Weyrlife, and to how things work in the barracks. The Weyr in general and Candidacy in particular can be confusing to young men and women who've never experienced it before, and these more knowledgeable and experienced Candidates 'welcome' them. (This may or may not be a good thing for the incoming Candidates.)
Candidates are also allowed to be creative. In their spare time, some boys take it on themselves to haze newcomers, as a sort of initiation. Others might take time to make trouble for those Candidates who are either foolish enough to 'out' themselves or who have no clue how Weyrlife works. M'ayen knows this goes on and it has his implicit approval.
Official Duties:
If they don't annoy the Candidatemasters too much, some Candidates might be allowed to run errands for him or his staff. Or, they might be able to take part in the Candidate Apprenticeship Program (detailed in the Candidate Schedule and Lessons).
PLEASE NOTE that if a Candidate takes on any of these special activities, they are to be done during their free time, unless otherwise allowed by the CandidateMasters (and you'd need a VERY good reason for him to let you out of chores or lessons to do something else).
Banned Activities:
The CandidateMasters WILL NOT allow any of their Candidates to practice a craft of any kind while in this program. This means your ex-crafter CANNOT run errands for some journeyman or master in the Weyr, or take lessons on the sly. The Candidate Program owns you until you Impress, quit, or die. The CandidateMasters don't want your focus split between Candidacy and a craft. They are also very careful of who he allows to have any sort of influence over his boys and they are not going to trust some random crafter to keep you out of trouble and not put silly ideas in your head.
Unofficial Duties:
Weyrborn (or more experienced Holdborn) Candidates might take it upon themselves to introduce newer Candidates to Weyrlife, and to how things work in the barracks. The Weyr in general and Candidacy in particular can be confusing to young men and women who've never experienced it before, and these more knowledgeable and experienced Candidates 'welcome' them. (This may or may not be a good thing for the incoming Candidates.)
Candidates are also allowed to be creative. In their spare time, some boys take it on themselves to haze newcomers, as a sort of initiation. Others might take time to make trouble for those Candidates who are either foolish enough to 'out' themselves or who have no clue how Weyrlife works. M'ayen knows this goes on and it has his implicit approval.
Official Duties:
If they don't annoy the Candidatemasters too much, some Candidates might be allowed to run errands for him or his staff. Or, they might be able to take part in the Candidate Apprenticeship Program (detailed in the Candidate Schedule and Lessons).