The Trials

The Trials of Worth

The Trials of Worth are an ancient method of testing prospective Magi, and prospective leaders of Magi teams, or in the case of a destroyer attack, the united Magi force. This is because the population of the Esseline Empire, offered a lot of Magus candidates, and back then, the Guardians seemed to be occupied with other matters, apart from selecting and guiding Magi (matters and history they vehemently refuse to share. Most believe, however, back then Guardians personally combated Taint).

Therefore, the abstract attribute of "Worth" gained upon certain actions, and serving as a currency to the competition of becoming a Magus, was given to anyone willing to take on special tasks, set by the agents of the MDF. Those with enough Worth, tried to climb the Tower of Trials, in the Land of Trials. If they could reach the top, they had to grasp an orb, that shone brightly into the Magic World.

The amount of Brightness, was a signal, telling Guardians of the potential and qualities of the person holding it. Thus, these to-be Magi were selected by a Guardian of a fitting power and prestige level.

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The Modern Trials

Things have changed, however, as the MDF has left the Land of Sacrifice long ago. However, the Trials are still intact, just as a different system. Worth is still used to climb the tower. The Agents of the MDF, now, animate statues or phantoms instead of actual living people, serve to give the tasks, and for tasks of a certain level, one is sent back in time, in the days of the Esseline Empire, to complete the tasks there. Generally, the process is made quite smooth, by providing knowledge of the language, locations, laws and other features of the Empire, as well as proper clothing, housing and a public identity, just how the MDF and Magus Union try to do back in Milune.

Despite these facilities, the tasks that take one back to the Empire are considered some of the most difficult, sometimes taking one week or more to complete. Back then, any Taint creature was expected to fight on the front lines, so Magi who might have only fought Tainted humans, might suddenly find themselves facing a Goblin Lord, and his creations.

Not all Trials have a combat-focused nature (about 20% of them). However, combat trials, are oft considered the LESS challenging.

Non-Magi might take the Trials as well.
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The Reward

A swift departure from the Land of Sacrifice and the opportunity to become a Magus is the base reward for non-Magi completing the Trial successfully (reaching the top of the tower with their accumulated Worth). They may refuse either one or the other, or even both, and substitute it with an equivalent (generally material) reward.

Magi, however can be given a whole lot of things, from more power, to NEW powers, to special abilities and traits, as well as a high status or position within the MDF. Their Guardian too, receives more fame, and power, as well as respect from their peers. A Tome of Sigils can be give to a Magus that achieves this, temporarily, and is considered the second best reward. A Wish can be given to an especially Worthy Magus, and is considered the best possible reward.