"... and to this day, that glorious day defines not only our existence as Romans, but also the rest of the modern world." Valerian had heard the story of the rise of the first divine emperor hundreds of times and his mind wandered again. What if I don't get a name? Will the oracle recognize me? The teenager asked himself and glanced out of the window. It was August and the sun was shining in the schoolyard of the Prima Schola of Retorum, the small, boring town that had been a safe home for Valerian all his life. Children from lower grades played ball games, practiced sword fighting or simply enjoyed their break without the worries that characterized the youngsters from the final year. There were only a few days to go until the New Roman Empire's Nameday and the tension in the classroom was almost palpable. He and his classmates were to make the most of their time to prepare for their future as Roman citizens or legionaries. Much to their annoyance, this had recently included a large part of the breaks. They were used to teach the students about the history of the empire and the imperial family, even though it was more or less impossible not to know everything about it. Since his birth, he had been told of the glorious rise of the emperor, the discovery of the first mythrium ore and the triumph over Pompeius, the Senate and later many other adversaries. "...and so the first Emperor crushed the enemies within Roma Nova and began to reunite our great empire." Valerian heard the Magister say from the lectern.
"Val?" he heard a soft whisper to his left. "What do you think? Which house will the oracle assign you to?" "I hope I get a name at all." Valerian replied to his best friend in a whisper. Nico looked at him doubtfully "Just because your great-uncle was a Nameless doesn't mean you'll be one too." "But the chances are much higher than with others." Valerian said resignedly. Many years ago, his great-uncle had not been given a name by the Oracle, which had caused his relatives to constantly fear the ceremony. Even though the empire was a good place for many, like any great empire, it needed manpower to do the dirty work. A missing name meant worthlessness in the eyes of the citizens and inevitably ended in a life of slavery. Exactly what led to one being denied the Oracle's favor was unclear, but families with Nameless were often considered likely candidates for this cruel fate. Nico smiled encouragingly at him and shrugged his shoulders. "Your mother has also been assigned to House Ateius and farmers are hugely important to our empire. Besides, you're far too good of a student to displease the Oracle anyway." "I hardly think good grades will protect me from being a Nameless." "Quiet!" the magister shouted just as Nico was about to reply. He glanced apologetically at Valerian and then concentrated fully on the master's lecture again, who gave the boys another look full of rebuke. After a further sixty minutes of dry history, the school bell rang, announcing the end of the lesson. After that, the class awaited a lunch break followed by Valerian's favorite subject: Gladius lessons. Depending on their interests and aspirations, all pupils were able to choose and deselect certain subjects. Even though there was no guarantee of being assigned to a particular house, character and personality seemed to play a major role. In addition, one's background also had an influence on the descisions of the Oracle, at least to a certain extend.
Children of members of a house may not have had a secure place in their parents' faction, but it was not uncommon for their names to depend on it. Whether this was due to kinship or simply a similarity in character traits, no one has yet been able to prove exactly. However, Valerian could not rely on this, as his parents could hardly be more different from each other. His mother was a landowner near Retorum and was particularly skilled in agriculture. The name of the house Ateius also gave her a certain affinity for green mythium, which bestowed her with skills in manipulating and controlling plants. His father, on the other hand, was almost incapable of harmonizing with any of the Mythium ores. Due to the fact that he was assigned to House Gellius, he still received a good education at a military academy, but never rose above the rank of legionnaire. After serving in the war against the last of the Emirate's resistance fighters, he met Valerian's mother and retired. He then spent his time on the estate preparing his son as well as possible for his future. Accordingly, Valerian was a passable fighter and could also demonstrate some knowledge of tactics and strategy. However, Valerian doubted very much whether this would be enough to convince the oracle.
After Cadmus Gellius, the school's prickly Gladius Magister, had chased them around the practice field for two hours, the students in the group collapsed, panting. The training was always hard and demanding, but the approaching Nameday had also awakened an unexpected ambition in the old veteran. He mercilessly showed them their mistakes and most of the boys and girls had numerous small cuts or bruises on their bodies. Even though Valerian had got off better than most of his classmates, he too had suffered a few bruises. "Don't you dare disgrace me and my lessons! I don't want to have to hear from your parents that you've become a Nameless because of me! Now off with you!" The soldier's deep voice rumbled over the heads of the exhausted pupils, who complied with the order in great relief.