THE GERÄT
The Gerät (alternatively spelled ‘Geraet’) is an organization whose founding has been lost to public knowledge, and like other institutions of the Empire and tools of the Emperor, they have always just been there. The Geräts are one of the greatest rewards that that Emperor can reward someone with - servant trained by the Emperor’s household, the top of their profession and with the greatest potential.
A Gerät is a servant trained by the Adelard School of Etiquette for the Emperor. The public knows nothing about the training of a Gerät, but many poor families will try to get their excess children into the organization as it guarantees a living not on the streets. Children go in and come out as expert chefs, butlers, housekeepers, foremen, dancers, singers, accountants, and other such positions. No one may employee one of the Gerät, they may only obtain one as a gift from the Emperor himself. The Emperor is actually fairly liberal with these servants and are a sign that you have come to his attention. The Gerät, are slaves, but they are the Emperor’s slaves, and so may be withdrawn at the Emperor’s displeasure.
Structure
The Household Gerät: The Household group are those Geräts whose skill focus makes them excellent household servants and tend to be cooks, butlers, housekeepers, and other similar such occupations. The largest percent of the population falls into this group. Some of this group has skills that are possibly useful in the Business group (such as accounting) but if they are a member of this group they are meant to be used in a home.
The Business Gerät: The Business group are those Geräts whose skill focus make them excellent in a more business setting. This group tends to hold foremen, craftsmen, accounting and such. This groups population is second after Household. Some of this groups has skills that are also useful in the household group but as a member of this group they can only be used in a business setting
The Consorts: The Consorts are those Geräts whose skill fall in the performing or entertainment sectors. The Consorts are the smallest of the three public groups, and includes singers, actors and other such talents. Some times these servants are given to individual families, or performing companies, but perform as a part of the Emperor’s household directly.
The Begleiter: The Begleiter are a group unknown to the public. This branch is made up completely of Fae. Every member of the Begleiter also belong to one of the other three groups publicly as this group is only known to its members, and the Emperor. In addition to being trained in a talent they also receive additional training related to their Fae shifting abilities. This group is the core of the organization as it originally was composed only of Fae. They are often used by the Emperor to handle delicate situations depending on the abilities and appearance of the Fae. A Fae that looks more human or elven will often be used for situations that require a forgettable face, while a more insectoid or plant-like Fae may be used in ways that suit their appearance and unique abilities.
History
The Gerät’s originated before the age of Steel. A minor noble found himself attracted to a noble Fae, and persecuted the Fae’s clan until they agreed to become there companion in exchange for their clan being left alone. The noble was a vicious and stupid man and used there shifting abilities to amuse himself. One day while drunk he told the Emperor about his little toy and the deal he had made. The next morning the Fae was under the Emperor’s custody, and the noble a peasant. The Emperor seeing great protentional made that deal with all of the Fae clans within the Empire, They would pay a tithe of one child per family to him for the Imperial promise to be left alone.
Originally they were handed out to the nobles as companions, but not all of them were all that good at being a companion so instead they were handed out as cooks and butlers who often could get much information and get it back to the Emperor. As time went on the poor began to try and get their children as Geräts. The Emperor expanded the organization, but always kept the core Fae group intact and secret. All Geräts are servants beholden to the Emperor and his will, no matter their current station or position.
The original members were taken as the Emperor's concubines to be trained, and as the organization expanded the Adelard School of Etiquette was established. Over time even the rich were able to send their heirs to receive the best education in proper behavior in the Empire. They don't become Geräts but having any training from the Adelard School of Etiquette is considered prestigious.
Appearance
All Geräts wear a mask. While seeing a Gerät’s face isn’t illegal it is considered bad manners, and one can’t force a Gerät to remove their mask. The mask indicates which of the three public groups they belong to with a mark on the forehead. They are branded or tattooed on their right shoulder blades with a mark of the Emperor, distinguishing them as his property.
Gerät all receive implants that benefit their post.
Education
All members are educated from early childhood. They are all taught to read, write and basic math. They are also taught Common and Kathalan. The Fae are taught Vallenor. In addition each student is tested to see where their natural talents lay and then receive training in that field so that they can be the best at it.
Note: They are tested and trained in fields they are good at, not necessarily fields they are interested in. So if they are good at accounting then they will be trained as an accountant even if they would prefer to be a dancer, but don’t show talent there.
The Begleiter receive additional training with their Fae abilities, and if they show talent, and also the more human/elvish they look they will also receive training in spying and assassination.
All are taught how to be perfect, polite citizens who control their emotions and presentation, and over the years the nobility has come to replicate these mannerisms. The main thing they are taught though is loyalty to the Emperor. It was his grace that saved them, and has given them a place in this world. He loves all of them and they must return that love with loyalty first and foremost to him.
While all Gerät are allowed training in defensive arts, only the Begleiter receive specialized training in weaponry and even magic. They are the hidden blade of the emperor, and their skillsets reflect their intended purpose.
Gerät's Mask
This is a magical item that you start with. Only the wearer or the Emperor can remove it. In addition it acts as a minor shield and will deflect a knife thrust, but not a two handed battle axe. It is designed to help escape a robber or a assassin not to be used in battle. In the same breath it also allows the Begleiter and the Emperor to know exactly where the wear is at, and if removed for longer then 12 hours will alert them to the fact. They are the Geräts' slave collars. If the Gerät is killed the mask becomes blank, and immediately sends a warning back to the Begleiter who will then come and collect it.
Playing a Gerät
- You are the Emperor’s slave. His decision on where you go is final.
- You were raised as a Gerät. They only accept children.
- As the Emperor’s slave you do have his protection and support.
- Most people will view you as a noble.
- Most people will see the mask and not the person beneath it.
- You are extremely educated, though much of it wasn’t something you would have chosen.