Candidate Chores

Candidates are assigned chores daily by the headwoman and her staff via a board in the common room ICly. Each of these assignments could consist of a number of possible jobs, generally working under the supervision of whatever residents specialize in those duties. On game, we have a +duty system that assigns chores (see +lhelp duty roster on the game), but these are offered only as an idea of what your character may be doing on any give day. Please feel free to come up with a chore of your own if the mood strikes you! Chores are usually assigned for either the morning period or the afternoon period with a lunch break in between. Residents and crafters who had existing jobs prior to candidacy are welcome to continue their prior work during the non-chore period, either morning or afternoon as it suits your RP fancy.

Housekeeping
Housekeeping includes all the various jobs that make the Weyr a neat and tidy place to live.

  • Cleaning the resident dormitory
  • Cleaning the candidate barracks
  • Sweeping and moping of major caverns and passageways
  • Cleaning latrines
  • Changing glows

Laundry
With so many people living at the Weyr, laundry is a very big job. Candidates will assist with laundry in various ways, including:

  • Hauling laundry bags
  • Sorting clothes by weight or color
  • Scrubbing out stubborn stains
  • Hanging clothes and linens to dry
  • Delivering clean laundry

Groundskeeping
Groundskeeping refers to all those jobs that are done primarily out of doors. They change depending on the season except for one constant duty: clearing the feeding grounds after dragons have had a meal. This entails dragging out partially eaten carcasses, bones, hide, etc.

Spring:

  • Weeding of the grounds and gardens
  • Pruning and mulching
  • Removing debris from the bowl and around the lake

Summer:

  • Weeding of the grounds and gardens
  • Pruning and harvesting in the gardens
  • Removing debris from the bowl and around the lake

Autumn:

  • Weeding of the grounds and gardens
  • Pruning in the gardens
  • Raking leaves and other debris

Winter:

  • Shoveling snow from major pathways
  • De-icing major pathways
  • Removing icicles from overhangs

Food Service
There is always a meal of some sort being prepared in the kitchens and candidates may be given some of the more menial duties. Aside from that, the living caverns are in constant need of busing, neatening and resupply.

  • Chopping ingredients
  • Stirring pots
  • Washing dishes
  • Supplying the meal table with food, dishes, silverware and napkins
  • Collecting used dishes
  • Wiping tables

Child Care
Under the supervision of the resident nannies, candidates are expected to help out with the numerous children under the charge of the Weyr.

  • Entertaining children with songs or games
  • Feeding and changing
  • Aiding in basic education

Elder Care
While Pern boasts a robust and active society, the most elder of the Weyr often require special care.

  • Changing clothes or bed linens
  • Providing meals
  • Cleaning rooms
  • Aiding while walking
  • Providing companionship

Infirmary Duty
Under the supervision of the healers and infirmary aids, candidates are regularly employed to perform the grunt work of the infirmary.

  • Cleaning the infirmary
  • Organizing or stocking infirmary stores
  • Fetching meals for patients

Stores Duty
Stores workers may employ candidates in some of the following services:

  • Taking inventory
  • Sweeping and cleaning
  • Organizing stores (arranging shelves, folding blankets, etc)
  • Moving large items

Academics
While many people on Pern are largely uneducated, Fort requires a basic knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic of their riders and with that in mind, candidates are expected to be on a path to such an education. Upon being searched, candidates will be seen by a harper to evaluate their knowledge and abilities. Those who are deemed in need of further instruction will have days scheduled for study and private tutoring, either by a resident or sometimes a retired rider. This education will continue until they have mastered the basics.

For those who ‘test out’, academics means that they will be assigned to work in whatever field they have chosen to specialize. Those who were in a craft may be assigned to work under resident crafters, nannies assigned to the nursery or seamstresses taking on some of the mending of the Weyr’s tailors.  For those who have not yet chosen a ‘career path’, these days may be exploring those options in which they are interested.

Rest Day
Candidates will have at least one Rest Day a week and may apply to the Headwoman for additional time off for personal reasons if necessary. Candidates are expected to keep personal areas, both in the dorms or in the barracks neat and tidy at all times.