| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Scientist at age 18 |
| 1 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 2 | Continued as Scientist at age 22 |
| 2 | Entangled in a bureaucratic or legal morass that distracts you from your work. |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 3 | Continued as Scientist at age 26 |
| 3 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 4 | Continued as Scientist at age 30 |
| 4 | Work for an eccentric but brilliant mentor, who becomes an Ally. |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 5 | Continued as Scientist at age 34 |
| 5 | Betrayal. Convert an Ally into a Rival or Enemy. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 6 | Continued as Scientist at age 38 |
| 6 | Caught cheating in some fashion, advancing your career and research by stealing another’s work, using an alien device, taking a shortcut and so forth. |
| 6 | A rival researcher blackens your name or steals your research. Gain a Rival. |
| 6 | Gain an Enemy |
| 6 | Promoted to rank 5 |
| 7 | Continued as Scientist at age 42 |
| 7 | Work for an eccentric but brilliant mentor, who becomes an Ally. |
| 7 | Promoted to rank 6 |
| 8 | Voluntarily left Scientist |
| 8 | Became a Dilettante at age 46 |
| 8 | Is now a Wastrel |
| 8 | Join a conspiracy of nobles that were caught. |
| 8 | Lightly injured, no permanent damage. Fully recovered. |
| 8 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 9 | Continued as Dilettante at age 50 |
| 9 | Inherit a gift from a rich relative. |
| 9 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 9 | Is now a Ingrate |
| 10 | Continued as Dilettante at age 54 |
| 10 | You manipulate and charm your way through high society. Gain a Rival and an Ally. |
| 10 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 20,000 for medical bills. |
| 11 | Continued as Dilettante at age 58 |
| 11 | Refused a challenge to a duel for your honour and standing. |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |