Interview for Internship - or why you really don't want to work for the Empire...

[Anume]

A Lecture Node

 

You have entered a small side-room, little more than a node curtained off

from the main hall. A small table and a chair is all furniture that is

available, and there would not be room for more. A thick book, a copy of

the Imperial Maxim, has been placed on the table. Clearly a student of the

Maxim is not meant to be distracted by anything. No sound passes through

the thick curtains, giving the place an eerie silence.

 

[Exits: east]

A copy of the Imperial Maxim lies chained to a small table here.

(Red Aura) Deldritch is resting in a watchtower.

(Invisible) (Charmed) A Professional soldier stands here.

(Invisible) (Red Aura) Vleqwi is resting here.

Frank walks in.

 

Zoichan looks around and states, 'We will not be conducting it next to the Maxim.

 

With his hands at his sides, Zoichan turns his back to you and shrugs.

 

Central Hall of the Palace

A very lavishly decorated room awaits the visitor here, offering a

conference area complete with table, chairs, a map and a miniature version

of the region of the three cities that make up the Empire. Small trees,

houses and even tiny people, roads through mountains and walls - everything

is there, making this little world perfect for planning strategy. The other

side of the room, curtained off from the planning area, holds a small

reception area where new recruits as well as visitors can be shown the past

glories of the Empire.

 

[Exits: north east south west down]

The Militia Clanmaster is here.

Frank walks in.

 

A Heavily Decorated Balcony

You have entered a heavily decorated balcony overlooking the Forum and a

large part of the rest of the city. A wrought iron grating protects anyone

watching the crowds below from falling to their death. Lavishly upholstered

furniture makes even longer watches here very comfortable. A translucent

glass roof covers most of the balcony, allowing the occupant to stay

comfortably dry in all but an outgrown tempest.

 

[Exits: north]

Frank walks in.

 

Vleqwi rides in.

A Professional soldier flies in.

 

Vleqwi stands at attention and gives a brisk salute.

 

You nod at Vleqwi.

 

Vleqwi nods.

 

Deldritch rides in.

 

Zoichan winces and pulls the collar of his coat closer to his neck.

 

Deldritch's soft voice emanates upon the winds. ' do you mind if I sit in?

 

Zoichan begins to unpack a package, placing a jar of ink and a worn out quill on a small foldable table. 'If you mind your manners and keep to yourself.'

 

Deldritch nods silently and moves to the corner of the office gracefully.

 

Zoichan goes back to tending his items, unraveling a faded looking scroll.

 

Vleqwi waits intently, quietly.

 

Zoichan straightens his quill next to the jar then steps back looking at his work.

 

Looking satisfied, Zoichan says, 'Now then. We will begin. Repeat after me.'

 

You say 'I.'

 

Vleqwi says 'I.'

 

You say 'Vleqwi Verticulas.'

 

Vleqwi says 'Vleqwi Verticulas.'

 

You say 'Do herby swear.'

 

Vleqwi says 'Do herby swear.'

 

You say 'That I am undertaking.'

 

Vleqwi says 'That I am undertaking.'

 

You say 'And participating.'

 

Vleqwi says 'And participating.'

 

You say 'In this interview and exam.'

 

Vleqwi says 'In this interview and exam.'

 

You say 'By my own free will and volition.'

 

Vleqwi says 'By my own free will and volition.'

 

You say 'I have no intentions, avenues, or otherwise external information at my disposal.'

 

Vleqwi says 'I have no intentions, avenues, or otherwise external information at my disposal.'

 

You say 'And will uphold the integrity of this exam and interview.'

 

Vleqwi says 'And will uphold the integrity of this exam and interview.'

 

Zoichan nods, then picks up his quill and dips it into the jar of ink.

 

You say 'Very good. I will need you to state your full name, and hometown, so that we can assure that our records are correct.'

 

 

Vleqwi bites her lip, and nods confidence into herself.

 

Vleqwi says 'My name is Vleqwi Verticulas.'

 

Vleqwi says 'My hometown is **************.'

 

Zoichan nods, writing on his scroll.

 

You say 'It is longstanding tradition of the Empire to offer a life insurance policy of one hundred thousand gold coins for those who die in the line of duty. '

 

You say 'In who's name would you like this policy?'

 

Vleqwi says 'There is no one. You can use it to bolster the Militia or Tribunal in any manner you see fit.'

 

Zoichan makes an obvious showing of a fake yawn. 'Very well...' he mumbles.

 

You say 'Let us begin with a few simple questions.'

 

Vleqwi nods.

 

You say 'What motivates you?'

 

Vleqwi says 'Personal growth, above all.'

 

Zoichan scribbles something on his scroll, then asks 'What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?'

 

Vleqwi says 'Regarding this job, or in all parts of my life?'

 

 

Zoichan looks at Vleqwi and says, 'These are open ended questions. Answer as you see fit. There are no wrong answers, just some answers that will be more right than others.'

 

Vleqwi says 'I would say, since I've grown, who to trust has been the most difficult thing to learn.'

 

Zoichan winces and pulls the collar of his coat closer to his neck.

 

Vleqwi says 'For this job, I would say how to gain favor of the masses so we can effectively lead a Militia and Empire.'

 

Zoichan narrows his eyes slightly, then scribbles something on his scroll.

 

Vleqwi says 'Too much hate brings rebellion, too much love invites weakness.'

 

You say 'That leads us to our next question. Would you rather be liked, or respected?'

 

Vleqwi blushes slightly, unable to hold her feelings back, 'I don't know if I could decide, I do enjoy both.'

 

Vleqwi says 'It is important to be liked, it might however be prudent to be respect though.'

 

Vleqwi clears her throat, 'Respected, even.'

 

Zoichan fluidly sweeps his hair from his face. 'While there are no right or wrong answers, choosing both answers leads to an answer that is less right than another.'

 

Vleqwi nods.

 

Zoichan readies his quill, 'Would you like to restate your last reply?'

 

Vleqwi nods.

 

Vleqwi says 'I would rather be liked.'

 

Vleqwi says 'It is personally important to me, and I believe it is still an effective way to lead an Empire.'

 

Zoichan shrugs, writing on his scroll. You hear him mumbling to himself as he writes. 'Weak willed. When pressured in the slightest manner she may change her convictions....

 

Zoichan coughs, and says 'Next question.

 

You say 'How do you evaluate success?'

 

Vleqwi says 'By how well I am able to achieve what I seek to achieve, or the ability to put action to my goals.'

 

Zoichan follows up with, 'And what do you seek to achieve in the Empire?

 

Vleqwi beams, 'To gain the favor of the people!'

 

Vleqwi says 'By protecting them and leading them under the Empire's guidance.'

 

Zoichan dips his quill and begins to write on his scroll again. He continues to mutter very softly to himself as he writes, 'Wishes to achieve popularity. May make rash decisions if promised favor from a criminal.'

 

Zoichan coughs and says, 'Next question.

 

Zoichan asks, 'What is your most often received critisism?

 

Vleqwi says 'I suppose, that I am weak-willed. I have not sought guidance from any other established organizations.'

 

Zoichan ponders for a moment, then just draws an 'X' through part of the scroll.

 

Zoichan dips his quill into the jar of ink, carefully wiping of excess. 'How do you handle failure?

 

Vleqwi says 'Unfortunately something I have ample experience with. I redouble my efforts.'

 

Vleqwi says 'Or seek a new avenue.'

 

Vleqwi says 'To achieve the same.'

 

Zoichan starts to write and mumble in familiar fashion. 'Fails often. Tries harder sometimes. Quits others.

 

Zoichan coughs and says, 'Next question.

 

Vleqwi breathes in slightly.

 

Zoichan asks, 'If you were I, what would you be looking for in a potential Intern?

 

Vleqwi says 'I would look for someone willing to be molded to what the Empire needs, or can use to the fullest effect.'

 

Zoichan looks at you, as if waiting to hear more.

 

Vleqwi nods.

 

Vleqwi says 'I would be looking for someone who is unafraid. It is clear the foes of the Empire are not few or impotent.'

 

Vleqwi says 'But that is why devoted Officers must be recruited. It is a bad showing to Induct those who stray from duty.'

 

 

Zoichan scribbles, talking to himself as if no one is listening 'May believe that the Empire's enemies are insurmountable...and too numerous.

 

Zoichan says 'And....what part of the potential work in the Tribunal would be the least challenging for you?

 

Vleqwi says 'The least challenging? Following orders. Clear directions should be of ease to carry out.'

 

Vleqwi summons back up her dwindling smile.

 

Zoichan nods as if finally approving of something said, then dips his quill and makes a few marks.

 

You say 'I have three more questions. All of great weight.'

 

You say 'First.

 

Vleqwi nods.

 

You say 'I need also interview Eldarwen. Why would I consider you for an Internship over them?'

 

It starts to rain.

 

Zoichan looks at the weather with disdain.

 

Vleqwi says 'I believe Eldarwen is an Elf? I have not properly met that one. However, I will not be swayed by favor to those of any path of life as I have seen those of the light fall victim to.'

 

Vleqwi says 'I will judge in a fair manner.'

 

You hear stomach growling, but turn to see Deldritch smiling.

 

Zoichan writes and talks to himself once more, 'Slight racism against Elves...' he frowns slightly.

 

You say 'Next.'

 

You say 'Describe your ideal boss.'

 

Vleqwi says 'One who is by no means vague, and remains direct and confident in their deligations.'

 

Vleqwi says 'One who can lead and has the ability to perform the tasks they require of me.'

 

Zoichan looks at Vleqwi, 'Should your boss be liked or respected? This is not one of the three.'

 

Vleqwi says 'That person should be resourceful enough to have either they wish, how they wish it if I should look up to them as my boss. Charisma works in many ways.

 

Zoichan writes, muttering to himself and frowning all the same.

 

You say 'Last question.'

 

You say 'Have you read the Maxim?'

 

Vleqwi nods.

 

Vleqwi says 'Yes, I have.'

 

Zoichan writes a few more things on his scroll, makes a few harsh marks around the top,

then draws a very long slash through the middle.

 

Zoichan begins packing up his item, wrapping them carefully. 'This concluded the Interview and Exam. You will be contacted if we choose to proceed.

 

Vleqwi looks up through hopeful grey eyes, blinking hopefully.

 

Zoichan continues, 'Otherwise, continue your duty as a Militan. And stay sober.

 

Vleqwi nods.

 

Vleqwi bows deeply.

 

Vleqwi says 'Is that all you would have of me today?'

 

Zoichan quickly unwraps his scroll and pulls his quill back out. He writes and mumbles, 'Does not comprehend simple statements....' then packs his items back up.

 

Zoichan says with a faux smile, 'This concludes our Interview and Exam.'

 

You say 'You will be contacted if we choose to proceed.'

 

Vleqwi bows deeply.

 

She turns to leave, and as Vleqwi departs you see half a face around the corner and she is gone.

 

Vleqwi walks north.

A Professional soldier flies north.

 

Zoichan holds his hand up to his mouth, allowing a slight chuckle to pass through.

 

Deldritch's soft voice emanates upon the winds. ' an interesting exam.

 

Zoichan looks Deldritch over. 'You're lucky you didn't receive one. I wonder if you would have passed....

 

Zoichan places his items into a small leather satchel.

 

Zoichan muses, 'Who knows....

 

With his hands at his sides, Zoichan turns his back to you and shrugs.

 

Deldritch forces a smile. 'Yes perhaps, this one did not seem to go well.

 

Zoichan says over his shoulder as he leaves, 'Goodbye for now, Councilman.

 

Deldritch nods his head, his ivory-white locks bouncing. '