The U.S. Federal Bureau of Altered Individuals (F.B.A.I.) uses a standardized assessment, known as the National Stress Tests, to evaluate a muse’s permutation (type of alteration), potency (raw power), and control (ability to use the power reliably). Testing combines clinical interviews, controlled stress scenarios, and monitored field simulations to produce an Assessment Grade: a single letter from A to D.

While some countries set their own criteria, most have adopted the American F.B.A.I.’s standardization system.

After the Sectorized Patrol Act of 1980, American police unions and lobbyists secured rules allowing authorities to arrest stewards who interfere with police work and bar them from joining the force, with the sole exception of permuted crime. As private security contractors, stewards lack legal status akin to the authorities: they must have liability insurance coverage and any “arrest” made by them is subject to their state’s laws on citizen’s arrest.

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Facing legal and financial hurdles, permute talent agencies emerged to lobby for lower liability insurance rates for aspiring stewards. Insurers heavily weigh the F.B.A.I. Assessment (colloquially called “hero ranks” and publicly available online) when setting premiums. The public often equates a higher rank with a “better” hero and “prestige,” but rank doesn’t always reflect reliability or suitability.

In some cases, some permuted people selectively “cheat” at the National Stress Reflex Test to be assessed at a lower rank, or if possible, complete the test undetected to avoid registration as permuted civilians on the F.B.A.I.’s directory. In other situations, permutations may not arise for the individual until later in life, when all mandatory National Stress Reflex Tests are complete.

Assessment ranks are mutable and subject to change. The F.B.A.I. conducts regular audits of permuted talent agencies and requires employers to submit incident reports. Failure to disclose incidents may result in revocation of permute hiring privileges.

Some agencies proactively submit video packages to the F.B.A.I. for client re‑assessment. Others may be directed to demote stewards based on official results. Critics argue enforcement disproportionately affects individuals without support from recognized agencies, many of which pay millions in liability fees to maintain compliance.

Regardless, it is considered a “civic duty” for all permuted people to register in the F.B.A.I. permuted civilians directory, as employers must reference the directory during hiring processes after the Bainsley v. Delaware Lumber Case of 1980.

“Hero” Rankings

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Playable hero muses are ranked from A to C, with each rank offering specific activity requirements. Players can choose the rank that best matches their available time and playstyle.

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A-Rank

Permutations categorized as an A-rank are classified as potent but controlled. This designation is awarded to individuals who consistently achieved high composure scores on the National Stress Reflex Tests, notwithstanding the subjective nature of reviewer evaluations on perceived strength of an individual’s permutation.

A‑rank stewards must demonstrate consistent, high‑level performance to retain their classification.

A-rank stewards are permitted leadership roles when overseeing all level of crises, and are expected to manage their permutation’s potency and contain all potentially hazardous aspects of their permutation at all times; continuous compliance is mandatory and individuals with incident reports are subject to audits by the F.B.A.I. for rank re-assessment. A-rank status may be revoked without prior notice if standards are not maintained.

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AVAILABLE ROLES ( 9 / 16 )

Heroes —

Civilians —

B-Rank

Permutations categorized as a B-rank are classified as powerful but require finesse. This designation is awarded to individuals who passed baseline composure scores on the National Stress Reflex Tests, notwithstanding the subjective nature of reviewer evaluations on perceived strength of an individual’s permutation.

B-rank stewards may request a formal Rank Reassessment, with supported supplemental references from accredited talent agencies or verified employers.

B-rank stewards may require monitoring when overseeing crises leveled 8 and up, and are expected to develop in their permutation’s potency and containing all potentially hazardous aspects of their permutation at all times; continuous compliance is mandatory and individuals with incident reports are subject to audits by the F.B.A.I. for rank re-assessment. B-rank status may be revoked without prior notice if standards are not maintained.