You have arrived.

You are here because you wish to prove your strength, because you have no need of politics or decadence or preaching. You realize that this world is a harsh one, and that no amount of feel-good rhetoric will solve Hyboria's woes. You know that it's kill or be killed, that the strong will ever dominate the weak. You know that the best thing you can do is look out for yourself, to secure your own safety and fortune, and that is why you're here; for while you know better than to rely upon others, you also realize that we can help each other toward mutually beneficial ends.

Life is so painfully short that it is best to enjoy this world's few pleasures while one still can, and that is certainly something we indulge in. But realize now that there is far more to Venja than lotus, whores, and money. As you set foot upon this path, know first that you are nothing, and that you are worthless and expendable until you convince us otherwise.

Yes, you must first prove yourself. You must show the Triajah that you are to be trusted, and you must show your brethren that you are as resourceful as you are independent. But you must also learn what Venja is truly about: that we survive because we are interconnected, that we are a brotherhood, and that honor, as they say, exists among thieves.

This is something that no words, no tomes alone can teach. This experience you must gain by spending time with those who have come before you and taken the blood. They will show you the path, and in return, may demand your services; if you are not willing to give, then do not expect favors in return. Ultimately, this is the currency of Mihada.

Should you gain the trust and respect of your betters, they will present you with a special mark, an emblem of their sponsorship. If you accept three of these you will be allowed to remain within Mihada's walls, and will be elevated to one of the Faceless, truly becoming Venja. Should you prove unworthy, however, or unwilling to learn fast enough, do not be surprised to find the city gates barred to you one day. We will not feed mouths who have no use to us.

And now, dear Hireling, the rest is up to you. How fast you earn our trust depends entirely on how hard you labor. Go out, work for the Faceless, and earn their trust and approval. For only when you have proven yourself worthy will you be trusted with Venja's greatest secrets.

For Hirelings to advance past their initiate period, they must first seek passage off of Tortage. Once they have left the Barachan Isles, they must seek out and foster independent roleplay relationships with three of our bloodsworn members. Once you have gotten to know them, roleplayed with them, and earned their favor by fulfilling tasks, you will be granted their personal backing. This is not something that will be hurried or rushed through on your behalf, as the ritual surrounding the giving of honor from Faceless to Hireling is important to us. It sets the stage for the level of hardcore roleplay you can expect from your experience with Venja and cultivates a unique roleplay relationship with you and the three members you become bonded to. Hirelings who have not accomplished this after four weeks will be removed from the roster and fed to the Ashavenja's alligator pit.