Elven Tests of Loyalty
Introduction
Elves are, by nature, distrustful of outsiders. An outsider by definition to an elf is someone who is not an
immediate member of their social circle or tribe. Those elves that are the members of tribes can consider
themselves part of the living system that is their tribe, and because the other elves in their tribe are assumed
to also share this mindset, they are trusted. Anyone who is not a part of the working system of the tribe, to
tribal elves, is considered an outsider -- one that could disrupt the smooth state of affairs for the elves.
Elves that are not a member of a tribe will often have this kind of loyalty to their parents, and therefore
have a similar distrust as do tribal elves. These elves, who are able to depend upon others more readily
than elves without tribes or families, only test those that they feel will benefit them in some way.
However, if an elf is tribeless, and without any parents, they themself become the tribe. Every part that is
them is their own tribe, and in order for this system to work efficiently, the manipulations outsiders need to
be eliminated. Elves without tribes or family have an overwhelming distrust for everyone, and in order to
survive more comfortably might take it upon themselves to create a social circle consisting of those similar
to themself -- each of which will be put through a series of testing that might take up to years.
Elven Classification of a Companion
Before an elf takes it upon themself to test everyone in sight, it should be kept in mind that an elf would
only really go to the trouble of testing someone if they are going to be acting as a companion. A companion
is someone that an elf may gain an advantage from being with. For example: you are a tribeless city elf who
was born and raised in the labyrinth of Allanak, and it is far safer to run with a friend. Because they are
already provided with companions in the form of family, tribal elves and those with a small grouping that
is their family will find less reason to make companions out of outsiders. Tribeless elves, armed with their
overwhelming distrust for anyone but themselves, will likely find much reason to apply tests to determine
those that are loyal, and those that are not.
9 Tests
The following tests are roughly in order as to their risk to an elf and as to the merit they would award a
companion who passed. It would likely not be good practice for an elf to test every companion they meet by
sleeping under their guard after being wounded. Keep in mind that this is by no means a complete list of
elven tests -- it is merely a guideline for the tests that your elf might apply during his plights. The final
test is usually one that is of great risk to both the testing elf and companion, and may result in death of
either or both. Ah, such is the life of an elf.
1 : Observing the prices of an item, then asking the companion-in-question to pick one up for you; note
the change in price, if any.
Note: While being a very basic and simple test to perform, it may not always be the
best way to start with a companion. Other elves, when asked to do such a task, would
likely charge you extra.
2: Pay someone to start badmouthing you in front of the
companion-in-question, and observe the results--or have the
badmouthing employee report back to you. Did your companion
agree and blatantly talk about more of your mishaps, just
laugh, keep quiet, or stand up to defend you?
3: Employing the companion-in-question for a task then
overpaying them by a noticeable (but not daunting) amount of
'sid over the original deal.
Note: Your companion-in-question would probably
only pay you back the extra 'sid if they are
beginning to trust you a fair amount too.
4: Pay someone to employ the companion-in-question to steal
something specific from you, and observe the results. Allow
the opportunity for stealing the item easily to arise, but do
not be obvious about it.
Note: Make sure it is something decent that you
have your employee ask to be stolen, not some
trash that has no obvious value. You may go out
of your way to purchase a unique item
specifically for this test -- one that is
difficult to find similar designs in any of the
nearby stores where you are performing your test.
5: Telling a deliberate lie in confidence that, if told
about as fact, could cause quite an uproar in the city that
would cause rumors. Take special note to observe the rumors
in the city.
For example:
Glancing over his shoulder and stepping in to speak quietly,
the wiry elf says to the gangly elf, in allundean:
"Hey, Gangly, did ya see that roundear militia strung out
outside the 'nakki gates? That was me."
Note: Try not to dig your grave too deep.
6: If you get in a fight, does the companion-in-question run
away, take up arms with you, or even worse, cross you?
Because of the dangerous atmosphere that most elves will be
facing on their travels, this test might announce itself
before your elf is ready to set it up, so be on your toes. To
set this up, however, you might employ an already tested
companion to attack you and urge the companion you're testing
to help him or her.
Note: It may be a good idea to use blunter
weapons so you don't hurt your friend too much in
the combat. Clubs are a good idea, especially if
your character lacks much knowledge in their use.
7: Faking an immobilizing injury. Red paint (or blood from
slaughtered cattle (erdlu?)) is a plus. Present yourself to
the companion-in-question and observe his or her actions
towards you. Does he or she attack you, demand you drop your
knapsack, leave you alone, or help you into a place of
moderate safety?
8: Cause a disturbance in a city that causes your character
to become wanted. Walk out into the streets with your
companion and present yourself to an informed soldier,
allowing yourself to be taken (type 'NOSAVE'). Observe your
companion-in-question's actions.
Note: this may not be feasible if you're living
in a city where you have already got a dangerous
reputation with the law.
9: Allowing your companion-in-question to watch over you
while you sleep. For a step up, sleep in their presence in a
wounded or drunken state, and see how much goes missing the
morning after (if your character even remembers falling
asleep in their presence - and if your character lives).
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