THE KINGSMAN GUIDES, VOL. 01: an introduction to Kingsman.
( click each image to view it in high def. graphics inspired by x. )KINGSMAN:
Since 1849, Kingsman tailors, situated on London’s famous Savile Row, have clothed the world’s most powerful individuals. Kingsman is famed for its unparalleled quality in suits and accessories, and houses some of the most talented bespoke tailors in the world.
By 1919, a great number of Kingsman’s high profile clientele had lost their heirs to World War I. Shortly thereafter, Kingsman transformed, becoming an independent international intelligence agency operating at the highest level of discretion.THE BEST OF KINGSMAN:
In order: ARTHUR, GALAHAD, MERLIN, and LANCELOT.THE ROUND TABLE:
Within Kingsman, there are ten agents (modern day Knights), including the active head, Arthur. Kingsman also depends on the services of Merlin to help it carry its tasks through. In the event that Arthur is incapacitated, Merlin will take his position until he feels the time is appropriate for whichever Knight is Arthur’s successor to take the head chair.RECRUITMENT:
Kingsman prides itself on having the world’s most skilled individuals at the forefront of its operations. Each agent is tested to the limit – and beyond – through the recruitment process. The length of the recruitment process, as well as the number of tests that a recruit might endure during his or her time at Kingsman, is dependent on the skillset of the group. Some recruitment processes have lasted well beyond fourteen tests; the most recent recruitment process, for the position of LANCELOT, consisted of SEVEN TESTS, in addition to an unexpected mission.
Tests may also occur out of order, but are necessary in order to balance valuable skills and characteristics expected of each candidate alongside their training in the program. All processes effectively culminate in a final test, in which a recruit’s willingness to break important bonds for the sake of protection of the better good ( used in practice if an agent goes rogue ) effectively determines his or her position with the agency. Kingsman has, thanks to the tests – overseen by Merlin, technological “wizard” of the agency – produced scores of multitalented agents over the decades.TRAINING FACILITIES:
Located in the English countryside, and accessible via a private underground system that leaves from Kingsman’s United Kingdom Headquarters on Savile Row (London), are Kingsman’s top-of-the-line training facilities. Housed in a gorgeous 1750s country house, Kingsman recruits are provided with world class training and testing experiences that are completely unparalleled. When not in use for recruitment, the house and its grounds are used for training and practice by active agents, as well as for the care and maintenance of animals owned by Kingsman. It also houses medical facilities intended for use by all active agents at any time.THE NEW KNIGHTS:
Kingsman agents are selected after a rigorous testing process, in which recruits ( each of whom are nominated by any of the ten active Kingsmen ) are challenged to the extremes, tested on their intelligence, willpower, and dedication to the agency’s mission.
Due to the nature of the testing program, tests are unlimited in number and are run in order to ensure the process of elimination is carried out in full effect. Candidates are subjected to simulations that appear to be life-threatening in order to gauge their capabilities under pressure. After tests have narrowed candidates down to the final two, candidates are no longer left in a safe testing environment, and are encouraged to fully commit to duties as potential Kingsmen.