Equality Test

The gimmick with Society of Equals is that to become a worthy citizen of SoE, you have to be rated Equal.

Description / Specifications

The Equal rating is earned by successfully passing the Equality Test. This Test is intended to ensure a minimum level of mental ability, emotional stability, and basic skills; the Test is continually adjusted and refined to ensure that it serves its purpose and does not provide and advantage or disadvantage to any particular group. Those rated Equal are intended to be rated so purely on merit. The Test is readily available to all inhabitants of the Empire; but no one is granted Equality without first passing the Test. Cubs from parents that have been rated Equal must still pass the Test on their own. Typically, the Equality Test is taken between the ages of 16 and 18 years old.

Not being rated Equal does not spell disaster...but it certainly restricts the range of job choices and impacts a person's life opportunities. Most visibly, those who fail the test have their canine teeth removed. This lack serves to permanently brand the failed Equal. For aristocratic cubs, the price of failure is severe; valid heirs to title and estate must be rated Equal. Upon failure of the Test, an heir presumptive will lose most of his or her inheritance to a more worthy sibling or other relative. For others, Equality must be earned to follow these careers: Any Military, Politician, Aristocrat or Law Enforcement officer.

The few who choose not to take the Equality Test usually become wanderers. Within the borders of the SoE, the Untested must wear special headgear and belts. Untested persons are not treated as citizens in most ways; most notably, employers are prohibited from hiring Untested. However, Untested are afforded freedom of travel, and can abide in any dwelling they can afford.

SoE law provides some protection to those without Equal status, but the level of protection afforded is very obviously inequitable. In all cases, Equals are given priority in selection: employment, position, invitations, honors, etc. In a court of law, the word of an Equal is taken over that of someone not considered Equal, excepting very peculiar circumstances. For example, if a new world is to be colonized, the Equals involved will have first pick of the available lands for their estates, mines, or farms. The "rest" are sometimes allowed the "scraps".

History & Background / Dossier

Ranking

An Equal ranks above an Unequal vargr, but there are exceptions. For instance, an Unequal vargr may own a starship and have a crew consisting of both Equal and Unequal individuals. This circumstance tends to be rare, but the situation does exist. Being Unequal in an of itself does not prevent a vargr from starting their own business or owning property. Equal vargr may seek employment under an Unequal citizen, and sometimes do so.

References & Contributors / Sources

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• Source: Roger Malmstein, Gvurrdon Sectorbook
• TBD
• Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science