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| ADVANCEMENT - ARIAS OF THE CRYSTAL CHOIR |
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Advancing within the Symphonium may be considered a bit unorthodox for
those of us who have experienced more traditional systems in past guilds.
It is a very free-form system that allows one to play at their strengths,
as well as their preferred activities and methods of expression.

Rather than complex paths or a system of tasks and marks, we have elected
to implement the Arias, which are comparable to the Favor Articles of the
Commonwealth. Within each Aria are a handful of examples that one might
embark upon in order to earn points of merit, which are awarded based
upon factors relevant to the Aria itself.

For example:

- A short story submitted for the Aria di Creazione may earn the writer
  four merit points, if it is well-written. If the work is of a lesser
  quality, however (riddled with errors, incomplete or otherwise not a
  piece suited to the author's capabilities), they may earn only two.
  So long as a submission is shown to have some amount of effort and
  thought contributed, it will always earn at least a single point.

- Completing a set of spars for the Aria di Conflitto can allow a grant
  of five merit points, if tactics employed convey the Symphonist's
  ability to adapt and learn from past mistakes or practice. Though if
  the combatant does not perform in a manner displaying their ability
  to heed advice and willingness to learn, they may earn only one.

Submissions or evaluations for the Arias are handled on a case-by-case
basis by the Conductorate, Maestros of the Crystal Choir, Major Crescendos
or Guild Archivsts, dependent on the focus of the Aria. After review, you
will receive a message by one of the above denoting the amount of merit
you have earned.

For every ten merit points you are awarded, you will receive a favour on
behalf of the Conductorate. These points will be tracked within a guild
project, overseen by the Grand Libretto and the Crystal Choir.

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Aria di Creazione
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The ability to create is a staple of any bardic company, though some may
excel at it far more than others. One may create in many senses, from the
musical and literary to the material and artistic. Symphonists wishing to
be evaluated for the Aria di Creazione should submit the piece in question
to a Maestro of the Crystal Choir, the Grand Libretto or, especially in
the case of literary contributions, an Archivist.

Examples:
- a song, to be performed before fellow Symphonists
- a poem or story contributing to the guild archives
- a design or painting of exceptional quality