8.2.1 CHOOSING A HOUSE

(See HELP 8 for more information on Houses.)

A House is a group of people who will control many aspects of your life in
Achaea for a long time. If you can't get along with them, then think very
carefully about joining.

Selecting a House ranks among the most important choices you'll make throughout
all of your days in Achaea. Make it wisely. Get to know the other members of
this House, at least by reputation. Ask around. Become familiar with the
classes (HELP CLASSES, HELP CLASSLIST) and the Houses of Achaea (HELP HOUSES,
HELP HOUSESYSTEM, HOUSE LIST). If you make the right decision, you'll have a
much better life in our realms.

A great way to see a bit more about the people who run a particular House, and
to see what it actually takes to rise in rank in that group - HELP NEWCOMERS
<house>. This is a document written by the leadership of each House and can
reveal a great deal about how they think, and how hard (or easy) it is to get
ahead in the House. And of course, you will want to view the House Charter and
the list of accepted classes in HELP HOUSE <house shortname>.

Beyond that, meet the members. Talk to them. Ask about them. See what sort of
reputation they have. Look for their names in the Achaean combat rankings. See
if they are helpful and responsive, or reclusive and self-centred.

Houses are a great way to get ahead in Achaea. While you can gain class skills
without joining a House, you will not be able to benefit from the wealth of
knowledge about the class skills and the ways of the land that a House can
offer, not to mention the individual House culture, community, friendships, and
political clout.

(See HELP 8 for more information on Houses.)