Imperial Examination
One absolutely critical aspect of the imperial bureaucracy is the administration of the imperial exams. The empire is founded on the concept of equality. As such, all citizens who have reached their majority are allowed to participate in the exams. Exams are held annually in the 1st month of every year, in large cities across Ombreve. The highest level of examination is administered only in the Imperial City. Participation in the exams is a mandatory requirement for progress in civil service.

Non-citizen races are not allowed to participate in the exams, and are therefore denied eligibility for civil service. This is something they’ve actively petitioned to change for decades.

Formally, there are 2 branches of examinations - civil and martial. In practice, the civil exam is the far more esteemed, and the highest positions in government are reserved for civil examinees, even in the military. The highest rank one might hope to obtain through the martial exam is that of major in the Imperial Guard. On the other hand, the martial degrees are respected by all walks of life. The Eastern Borderlands continues to be the region where martial degrees are valued most highly.

Both types of exams are divided into 3 sections. For civil, they are logic (INT), knowledge (WIS), and rhetoric (CHA). For martial, they are vigor (STR), finesse (DEX), and physique (CON). To advance, the examinee must pass 2/3 checks, and not fail the last one by more than 5. The tests are rated by difficulty depending on the degree.

Degree
CR
Reader
14
Votary
16
Adept
18
Master
20 (only administered at the capital)
Sage (civil), Weaponsmaster (martial)
22 (only administered at the capital)


Degrees must be earned sequentially. Those who fail in their exam are allowed to reapply in the following year. It is not uncommon for hopefuls to start trying at 18 and not reach Reader until their 30s, and Votary until their 50s. Adepts are rare enough to be made local magistrates. Masters almost inevitably join the Imperial Court and are nearly guaranteed a high position eventually. Sages are so rare they will only be found among the empire’s most elite.

Among those who pass their exam, there is still the difference between first class (those who make all 3 checks) and second class (those who make 2/3 checks). All things being equal, first class is given favorable treatment in terms of assignment and promotion.

Despite the supposed egalitarianism of the exam, it still can be exploited. The most obvious means is by cheating, either via bribery of the examiner for favorable marks, or obtaining the questions beforehand. This can be pulled off with sufficient money and influence, but is a dangerous gambit - the Empress would not be merciful to anyone caught in this.

The second way examination favors the elite is more systemic. It is obvious that the children of officials will grow up in an environment where they are trained to prepare for the exams from birth. The advantage this gives them over commoners is often insurmountable. As such, someone who earns an Adept degree from the peasantry is rare enough to be given a special name: an Ace.