Doesnt look good in this format, but here is what I wrote:<br/><br/><em></em><div align="center">“To the Aserit, there is no greater test then proving ones self on the battlefield, showing great battle skill and honor in the face of all adversity. ” <br/>~ Brother Marcus, in ‘The History of the Aserit Kingdom’.</div>[/i]<br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(http://www.gatewayfellowship.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Celtic-Warrior.jpg)</div><br/><em>Above:</em>King Baldimere Aserit, the Great. First King of the Aserit Kingdom<br/><br/><div align="center"><strong>The Meritocracy of the Aserit</strong></div><br/>The Aserit Kingdom is known for producing the finest Arms and Armor in the world along with some of the finest Soldiers that have ever graced the battlefield. Combined together, the Aserit Kingdom while amongst the smallest in population and size is perhaps the greatest in terms of Military Might. Their skill and unity on the battlefield is surprising given the Clan makeup of the Kingdom.<br/>The Aserit Royaly Family are direct descendants of King Baldimere Aserit the Great, the first King of the Aserit Kingdom (to which he leant his name). King Badlimere the Great was not born a King, like his descendants today. Instead, he unified the many Clans of the Region through his own physical prowess and might, unifying the Clans for the first time to fight outside threats. His intelligence and fighting skills proved to be the deciding factor in creating the first Kingdom in the area and the Clans have followed the Aserit family ever since.<br/>The Aserit Kingdom is founded on Meritocracy, heralding from the days of Baldimere the Great. The Aserit Royal Family rules through skill and not through birthright, a testament to the Old Ways on which the Kingdom was founded. When the Aserit Royal Family falters in its rule then another Family will take its place. In the history of the Kingdom this has yet to place and the Aserit Royal Family has ruled for the last 300 years.<br/>I shall not touch on the History of the Aserit Kingdom but only in passing. It is important to know that the Kingdom was founded through battle, with Baldimere Aserit defeating the Champions of all of the Assembled Tribes in battle to claim victory and the Crown under which all the Clans are now unified.<br/>This Clan background still holds sway today. Aserit are not born into positions of power. They earn them based on Merit. For instance, if your father is a Captain in the Aserit Army, you (as his son) are not ensured officership. This is reflected on all levels of the Military, with only those of worth and skill holding the positions that they deserve. It does not matter if they are Peasant or Nobility. Every Aserit Soldier knows this. Advancement come through proven merit for the position.<br/>To put it more simply, every Aserit Soldier starts at the bottom. Advancement relies on skill as a warrior and the natural ability to lead. Some men and woman are born with the natural attributes to lead or overpower on the battlefield. The Aserit Army rewards those who show these skills, ensuring that only the competent and skilled lead on the battlefield, while the best soldiers form the elite guards and units, while those aspiring for such places form the backbone of the Army.<br/>Honor and Chivalry are upheld by all Aserits both on the battlefield and in their daily lifes. Dueling is a common form of settling disputes, often fought to first blood and rarely to the death. Blood Feuds are banished and while the original Clans still exist, their rivalries exist as Battlefield Deeds and being crowned Champion in the Highland Games held every year.<br/>Only in the Kingdom of Aserit can a Peasant aspire to become a General and actually accomplish such a thing. They train and fight right alongside those of more Noble birth and no distinction is made between the two. Well over half of the fabled Bloody Ravens find their origins amongst the peasants of Aserit.<br/>The training regime is also very strict. All Aserit children, as soon as they turn 13 years old, are required to attend the various Military Academys run by the Clans. Over the next two years, their broad training becomes more focused and those not meant to be Soldiers are weaseled out for training elsewhere - first for the Smiths, and then various other occupations (on an as-needed basis, also based on the persons skills). By the time they turn 15 they know what branch of the Military they will join, or what Smith they will go to for further training. These teenage youths are organized into units based on traits already displayed, with those more inclined to lead given roles of squad leaders. The soldiers then go through three more years of training while serving in Militias before becoming fulltime soldiers at the age of 18. All those not selected for the Military life are also required to attend the monthly Militia Drills. Once they turn 18, they are only required to attend annual Militia Drills.<br/>One of the most distinguishing things about Aserit Meritocracy is that it also applies to the Merchant Class. While not as profound amongst the Textile Mills and Farmers, Meritocracy forms the backbone of the Smithing Industry in the Kingdom of Aserit.<br/>As you well know, Aserit Arms and Armor are amongst the finest in the world. Superior Soldiers armed with Superior Weapons, protected by Superior Armor, have long enabled the Aserit to gain victory on the battlefields against great odds. The Aserit pride themselves on their metalworking and reward it much the same the military is rewarded. In fact, Smithing Apprenticeships are some of the most sought after behind joining the Aserit Army.<br/>Smiths in Aserit are not simply just Smiths. They are much like famous artists, the different forges known for specializing in various disciplines. The Army reviews their metallurgy every year, ensuring that their contracts are signed out to the Smiths producing the finest quality goods. The Aserit Smithing Seal is highly sought after and whenever it changes Smiths they can also expect an influx of requests from outside the Military.<br/>This creates a level of competition between the Smiths. They seek only the best Smiths to fill their ranks and also hold annual contests amongst the Smiths to crown their own ‘Champion’ Master Smith each year.