"I challenge you to demonstrate Egypt's unity and its perfection in the Seven Disciplines. I shall work with each Discipline's universities to create Seven Tests. Pass them all and build monuments to each Discipline, and you will convince me." --The Stranger
The objective of A Tale in the Desert is to build the ideal civilization by perfecting the Seven Disciplines of Man. Each discipline contains seven tests to challenge the citizens of Egypt.
In order to attempt any of the tests in a discipline, you must first pass the initiation into that discipline. While the tests are often very difficult (many tests cannot, by design, be passed by more than a small percentage of players), the initiations are achievable by any dedicated player.
Before starting a test or initiation, you must visit the appropriate university to apply. Initiation tests can also be applied for at schools.
Architektur ist die Disziplin der Baumeister. Die Architekten erbauen Monumente, die unzählige Stunden Arbeit bis zur Vollendung brauchen.
Kunst ist die Disziplin der Kreativen. Die Künstler erschaffen Werke von herausragender Schönheit und wetteifern um die Gunst der anderen.
Körper ist die Disziplin des Wanderers. Tests in diesem Gebiet erfordern normalerweise weite Wanderungen durch ganz Kemet.
Konflikt ist die Disziplin des Spielers. Anhänger dieser Disziplin messen sich direkt in Spielen.
Leaders govern with the support of others.
Followers of thought design games of skill and chance to entertain their fellow players.
Worship is the discipline of cooperation. Tests of worship require that many players act together in concert.