magic aptitude test

The katanoj's ears folded flat against his head. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No, no, you’re fine.” Kydell waved a hand at Selkirk, patiently awaiting his signal. “In a moment, she’ll cast Apotheturgy with you. The best way to tell if someone has a natural affinity for a magic is to cast it with them.”
The boy wrinkled his nose. “And you’re testing my Apotheturgy first?”
“Apotheturgy is how we test the rest. If you have a strong affinity for something, you’ll be able to help with her spell without thinking about it. Mild affinity, she’ll pull less of your magic when casting on her own.”

— Mordena Dawn, Book 5: Grim Reminders

New recruits into the Sparnell Armed Forces are given a magic aptitude test shortly after their Conscription, to assist in the process of further training and eventual assignment to a fleet. The more powerful Sparnelli Families are known to administer an abridged version of the test to their children as soon as they are able to understand what is expected of them, checking for the Family skills and other desired abilities prior to investing in their children's education.

History

Historically, these tests were largely optional and administered only to those of wealthier Families, or when the Confederation required more citizens with skills in difficult or rarer magics such as Metamagic. Over time, the Sparnelli emphasis on glory and Family prestige pushed the test into the forefront as employers and Admirals sought only the best and most naturally skilled for their more desirable positions.
With the exception of Metamagic, anyone Attuned can learn to cast any kind of magic. Most people, however, have a natural affinity to one or more types of magic, allowing them to cast those spells more intuitively and with less draw on their Imperium. A dedicated student can, over time, learn to excel in magic where they do not hold an affinity, and even surpass those who do not constantly push their craft.
The Confederation's culture of glory and prestige, however, encourages selection of recruits and employees from among individuals who already possess an affinity for the desired skill. Those in authority demand instant results to further of their own glory, after all, and so wasting time on a student without that head start is undesirable. Better to choose from among those whose testing has shown to have a natural skill, and build directly upon that.
Today each Sparnelli citizen over the age of sixteen has completed at least one full aptitude test, with most experiencing several throughout the course of their childhood, training, and adult careers. Most are also highly specialized within their assigned field, as time spent learning other magic is time away from improving existing skills, allowing others to catch up.

Execution

Magic aptitude tests can be sorted into two categories, full or focused, depending upon the goals of the test itself. Both require the subject to accept an apotheturgic link with the mage administering the test, and to attempt to cast magic with them. The scale and duration, however, depend upon the test being administered.

Full Aptitude Test

During a full test, the individual cycles through a vast array of magic spells from each of the different classifications. These require a team of testers to perform, either linking with the tested individual one at a time in quick succession, or all joining in the link at once but taking turns casting their magic. The entire process can take up to an hour although most are notably less, provided the tested individual is comfortable with their expected role.
Full aptitude tests are often administered by TAGs, as these necromancers are already accustomed to working closely with their teams.

Focused Aptitude Test

Focused aptitude tests are mainly interested in one or a small collection of skills. They are generally much shorter than full tests, although can be longer depending upon the level of detail desired from the test.
Focused testing is often used in lieu of full aptitude tests, allowing the administrators to spread the tests across many hours or days rather than requiring the full testing time from all administering mages. Focused tests are also popular among Families to identify the skills and shortcomings of their children throughout training prior to conscription.

Process

“What if I make a mistake?” the boy asked quietly, his voice barely audible.
“You won’t,” Kydell said simply, leaning against his desk. “We could talk, if you want. Take your mind off things?”

— Mordena Dawn, Book 5: Grim Reminders

Throughout the test, the individual is expected to participate in each spell to the best of their ability. Administrators will usually cast simple spells in the magic classifications of interest, although more advanced testing requires more advanced spells.
Magic classifications where they have no abilities, any attempts to cast alongside the test administrator will result in the failure of the spell. While many students hesitate at this realization, this is an important and intended consequence of the process, and provides valuable insight into the test taker's natural affinities.
Those with a mild affinity for a magic will be able to augment simple spells in that classification, providing their Imperium to help the casting mage. Stronger affinities will allow a student to cast the spell alongside the administrator, as if by instinct.

Cheating the System

In cases where the tested individual has already received training in a particular type of magic, testing will show an affinity, regardless of whether or not they possessed a genetic disposition toward that magic. Families with the means often choose to train their children in a desired magic regardless of their original aptitudes, with the intent to provide a better future for their child and more prestige for their Family.
This is secretly encouraged. With enough practice, a student will eventually learn to master their magic of choice, regardless of their genetic predispositions. Early training in the student's for Family's desired field will therefore provide the same or better skills compared to those born with a gift in that classification, while also reducing the Instructors' training requirements, and providing the student with higher chances of Claiming by an Admiral.
When dealing with the Sparnell Confederation, after all, any method to get ahead of other Families is valid, legal, and encouraged.

Related Organizations

• Sparnell Confederation

Related Ethnicities

• Sparnelli

Related Technologies

Apotheturgy

Magic Lessons by Astron

Further Reading