The Helpful Handout of How to Become a Shin'a'in
Criteria established by Mercedes Lackey
Based on the Vows and Honor duology
Distributed by:
Queen's Own The Official Mercedes Lackey Fan Club
Basic Requirements
I. Clan and Position
Honor applies; what you roll is what you get.
Clan
Determine your Clan by rolling two six-sided dice or one die twice and add the numbers.
| Roll | Clan |
|---|---|
| 2: | Bear Clan |
| 3: | Cat Clan |
| 4: | Firefalcon Clan |
| 5-6: | Grasscat (Pretera'sedrin) |
| 7-8: | Racing Deer (Liha'irden) |
| 9-10: | Stooping Hawk (Tale'sedrin) |
| 11-12: | Wolf |
Position
Determine your Position within the clan by rolling one six-sided die.
| Roll | Position |
|---|---|
| 1: | Clan Healer |
| 2-3: | Clan Member* |
| 4-5: | Warrior |
| 6: | Shaman |
*If you roll a result of Clan Member, please specify your role: artisan, blacksmith, herdsman, horse trainer, food gatherer, weaver, potter, drummer, or some other suitable job.
II. Develop a Character
Develop a character (your persona--Who would you be if you could daydream yourself into Valdemar? Be the "real" you or as different as you please.) and write about him/her. Prepare a minimum of 3 double-spaced pages, on 8.5 x 11 inch paper or computer printout paper. If you can't type, please write or print as clearly as possible.
This is a biography. Describe your persona's physical and emotional characteristics, likes and dislikes, whatever makes you uniquely you. You may use first or third person.
Remember to roll for Clan and Position first; it is the prerequisite for developing your persona. You can't write your story without knowing who you are. (10 points)
III. Develop One or More Friend or Relative Characters
You needn't be quite so detailed in your descriptions of these other characters. But remember, you are writing about people you know well. Describe what your family and/or friends look like, their own character traits, etc. Again, a minimum of 3 pages. (5 points)
IV. Extra Point Requirements (5 points each)
Choose and complete the requirements for two (minimum) of the following:
- Write a story of more than 3 pages.
- Design a costume--Plains design.
- Create a costume.
- Draw a picture of your character.
- Write an essay about herd management or animal husbandry. Prepare a minimum of 3 pages.
- Design a clan banner.
- Write a poem about life in the clans.
- Write an essay on Archery or Swordfighting. Prepare a minimum of 3 pages.
- Attend martial arts classes.
- Draw a map.
- Learn CPR and basic first-aid.
- Become a regular blood donor.
- Become a volunteer.
- Commit to recycling.
- Design and/or create an original weaving.
- Learn to ride a horse.
- Learn the care and feeding of horses.
- Send a story, poem, or art to one of our zines.
After you have acquired 25 points, you may become a full clan member!
Special Notes for Shin'a'in
- Be sure to list the Clan and Position you rolled for in your submission.
- Characters should stay within Herald-Talia's time-line.
- See the general rules for persona submissions.
- See the submission instructions for persona handouts.
- See the helpful hints for persona submissions.
If you have additional questions, check out The Shin'a'in FAQ.
Advanced Rank
There are several advanced ranks possible for Shin'a'in personae.
Clan Elder
If you have an approved Shin'a'in persona, you may try for the advanced rank of Elder. To become a Clan Elder:
- Write a 20-page paper on the Plains Indian or Steppe culture of your choice.
Warleader
If you have an approved Clan Elder, you may try for Warleader. To become a Warleader:
- Write a 20-page paper on warfare as practiced by the Plains Indian or Steppe culture of your choice.
Clan Chief
If you have an approved Warleader, you may try for Warleader. To become a Clan Chief:
- Write a 20-page paper on the role of a chief within a tribe, concentrating on those things that a chief needs to know beyond basic warfare and battle tactics.
Kal'enedril
You may work for Kal'enedril status once you've completed your Shin'a'in requirements.