What is your Order? By Savannah Kennelly What is your Order? Welcome to Blackwater Academy, the most prestigious academy for Wizards in the whole of the Republic. But before you begin your two years of arduous – perhaps deadly – study, you must be placed into an Order. There are five Orders of Blackwater, one for each of the Gods. Vanguard, the golden stag. Javellos, the green monkey. Selura, the blue raven. Zartan, the red bear. And Nethro, the black kraken. Which Order you are placed into will determine you place at Blackwater Academy, which may in turn determine your place within the Wizards’ world. To which Order do you belong, and what does that say about you? Vanguard The Golden Stag for Power and Dominance Vanguard, the most illustrious and powerful of the Orders. The Order of Vanguard strives for power and dominance above all things and is often populated by future politicians and the most elite of the Wizard community. Vanguard also bears the title of Champion of the Great Game nearly every year. But while Vanguard has had its day, the time may come when a new Order rises to prominence… Javellos The Green Monkey for Cunning and Commerce The Order of Javellos is known for its cunning, holding cleverness above all. This Order is often home to tradespeople and those most apt for success in business. Members of Javellos are tricky, and its best to keep your eye on them, lest you want to be out-smarted. Selura The Blue Raven for Wisdom and Patience Selura is the Order best known for its scholars. Favoring wisdom and patience, members of Selura are calm, calculating, and incredibly intelligent. Their calm, calculated approach to problems and outstanding ability to absorb information make them excellent teachers, professors, and councilors. But don’t let their calm, patient demeanor fool you – a Selura will take you out just as easily as any member of another Order. Zartan The Red Bear for Bravery and Aggression The fiery Order of Zartan holds bravery and aggression above all, known for their warriors and warmongers. If you’re ever in a battle, a Zartan is the perfect choice to have on your side and a formidable opponent. Their aggression may make the Order seem foolhardy or thick-skulled, but a Zartan can outmuscle any opponent. Nethro The Black Kraken for Death and Balance Nethro, the most underrated of the Orders. The misfits if you will. The Order of Nethro has long been the underdogs at Blackwater, often seen as the Order to which the outcasts are sorted. But like the God for which they are named, Nethros are unpredictable – the great balancers. And while Nethro may be scorned by the other Orders, among their ranks are the great scale-tippers of ages. Those who may not get the spotlight, but their role in history is marked by great tipping points to which their actions are inextricably linked. When the scales need readjusting, send in a Nethro. And perhaps it’s time Blackwater had their scales recalculated… Five chests are before you. Which do you open? You want to be remembered as… Where are you the most comfortable? Choose one: What do you value most? What do you like least?