From the start

Our people came about as necessity. When the first recruits were gathered they were secreted to a place where the radical methods could be taught. There were only a few, less then 100. Time was a constant reminder and the work was urgent. It was for this reason, mistakes were made. Miscalculations, if you will, about basic human nature.

Listeners are singled out early in life. It's said that they need to learn how to listen without the interruptions of daily life. Being a Listener is a rigorous profession that requires long hours of study. Not all of us who have the natural ability become Listeners. There are some who fail... in a culture where failure is not tolerated. Those who fail are allowed to remain and become servants to the rest of us. Food must be prepared and cleaning is needed. Someone has to manage daily life.

Children are brought up with the old women until they reach a certain age. From birth they are watched carefully for the traits known to be exhibited by Listeners. Once in awhile a child doesn't appear to have any indications as to where their talent lies. The old ones pay close attention to those. It is said that the children who hide their talent are the most talented.

There are only 3 professions in our culture. 2 are admirable.

Our culture was constructed by taking the best of all warrior cultures. We were taught ancient arts and skills. In time the old warriors determined what style was best suited for each of us. That is not to say that we would forget was was already learned, only that we then developed a specialization. As I said, we were trained in all styles used by warrior culture including fighting in tandem. Tandem fighting was considered a survival skill.