| Term | History |
| 1 | Entered University at age 18 |
| 1 | Widely recognized. |
| 1 | Graduated at age 22. |
| 2 | Became a Field Researcher at age 22 |
| 2 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 3 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 26 |
| 3 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 4 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 30 |
| 4 | Refuse to join a cheat in some fashion. |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 5 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 34 |
| 5 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 6 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 38 |
| 6 | Work for an eccentric but brilliant mentor, who becomes an Ally. |
| 6 | Promoted to rank 5 |
| 7 | Voluntarily left Field Researcher |
| 7 | Became a Barbarian at age 42 |
| 7 | A romantic relationship ends badly. Gain a Rival or Enemy. |
| 7 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 8 | Continued as Barbarian at age 46 |
| 8 | Injured. Fully recovered. Owe 2,500 for medical bills. |
| 9 | Became a Surveyor at age 50 |
| 9 | You survey an alien world. |
| 10 | Continued as Surveyor at age 54 |
| 10 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |
| 11 | Retired at age 58 |
| 11 | Birth or Death involving a family member or close friend. |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 40,000 for medical bills. |
| 12 | Gained a contact. |
| 13 | Aging Crisis. Owe 40,000 for medical bills. |