Helmfirth is absolutely massive, and as such, the resident phae have split the duties of keeping track of everyone into four holds – Snowever to the Northwest, Chillbarrow to the Northeast, Brumehaven to the Southeast, and Skyreach to the Southwest. Occasionally known as “The Tundra” (Snowever) “The Barrow” (Chillbarrow) “The Haven” (Brumehaven) and “The Reach” (Skyreach,) These four territories equally make up the herd. Each led by a Jarl, and each with a Val-Tivar to command the military ranks of the hold they belong to, Helmfirth creates a separate, but united front for friend and foe alike.
General Ranks
Housecarl
These phae serve directly under a Jarl or Thane, or even occasionally under other phae of note, such as those who run the guilds or those who hold seats in them. Several prominent farmers also have Housecarls. These phae work alongside their employers, and often act as emissaries, messengers, secretaries, and personal attendants.
Requirements:
Age 5+
Appointed by the phae they are serving.
Farmers
Phae who till the land and provide good food for the long winters, their work is especially important. They work hard through Rainfall and Sunhigh to ensure their harvest in Leafturn is enough to keep the herd fed and happy. Some farmers specialize in growing herbs for Gentians, others might only grow many of one type of crop. It varies from farm to farm.
Requirements:
Age 5+
No stat requirement
Hunters
Phae who work to ensure the safety of the herd by eliminating dangerous predators, or who trap, fish, and hunt for good to sell, they are often a source of pelts, leathers, and other crafting items, selling these to make their living.
Requirements:
Age 5+
Medium in at least one combat stat and crafting
Crafters
Phae who specialize in creating tools, items, clothing, or other things. They are often members of the merchant’s guild, but it is not a requirement.
Requirements:
Age 5+
Medium in crafting
Bards
Entertainers of the herd. From those who sing, to those who dance, and yet more who tell stories, they are all members of the Bard’s College.
Requirements:
Age 5+
No stat requirement
Milkmaid
An important rank for many, a milkmaid will raise her fawn often times alongside another– the fawn of someone who cannot take the time away from their duties to raise one, an orphan, outcast, or for any other number of reasons. Most wetnurses are only wetnurses when they have fawns– and most of the time is a Fawnmaid.
Requirements:
Age 5+
No stat requirement
Fawnmaid
Those who do not have their own may just as easily help raise fawns who do not consistently need to nurse. They mind fawns, and often teach those who aren’t able to shadow their parents, or have none.
Requirements:
Age 5+
No stat requirement
Emissary
Phae who choose to live among other herds, but still claim loyalty to Helmfirth. They will often report back on the political goings on of the other herds to their Jarl or Thane.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in two physical or mental stats
Military Ranks
Coming from a long line of warriors, Helmfirth is very proud of its strength, and as such, its military is finely tuned to be the best it possibly can be. Often considered the herd with the most military might and phae in active service, not to mention the home of the Guild of the Crossed Tines, Helmfirth has no shortage of militia, and as such, no shortage of rank and file, either.
Temja
Young phae may decide they wish to join the military at the age of 3. They are lightly started into training, and often only watch, learn, and run water and food to the adults and fully fledged. Phae are never to see combat before they first turn five, and often even then, not until they grow their first horns or fangs. They may lightly spar, but true practice training is forbidden– no one wants to put undue stress on young bodies like that.
Requirements:
Age 3+
No stat requirement
Seggr
The foot soldiers of Helmfirth, this is the catch-all rank for all unranked phae within the military. These phae are usually in squads following their Foringi, but are also often found as guards around settlements. All Seggr are given the same basic training, although those in active duty in patrols and those who act as settlement guardians may have more specific training to act in those areas effectively. They are often rotated on duty, so no one gets too comfortable doing one thing for too long, but that’s usually up to the discretion of their commanding officers as well– whatever works best for each individual is usually what will be done.
Requirements:
Age 5+
No stat requirements
Courier
Scouts and messengers, Couriers are expected to be light on their feet and swift to deliver news. They are largely responsible for carrying news and orders to and from camps, sations, and holds, and occasionally run alongside Housecarls as well. While they tend to move in groups, more seasoned Couriers may be trusted to do their missions on their own, if they have been trusted in the field for long enough.
Requirements:
Age 5+
Medium in Agility or Endurance
Foringi
Ranking officers promoted from Seggr, these phae are often put in charge of small squadrons of Seggr themselves to command and make sure they are doing their best. Answering to their own commanding officers, Hertogi, they usually work independently, but more than one Foringi has been known to work together to create a dual-leadership squadron.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced in at least one physical stat
Hertogi
Second only to the Val-Tivar, these ranked phae are in charge of Foringi and their squads. While not required to, they often accompany their squadrons on patrols and deployments, and spend a great deal of time on the field not only as a point of personal pride, but to ensure they know most every face that they are responsible for through chain of command. These phae are frequently chosen by their hold’s Val-Tivar, Jarl, or one of the Thanes, but can be promoted from within if enough of their serving companions speak up.
Requirements:
Age 15+
Advanced in at least two physical stats
Knight Errant
While on par with Hertogi in rank, Knights Errant are not frequently at home. These phae wander and deliver help all over their isles and across the others. Their duty is to journey forth and help those who need help. Often strong and seasoned warriors, they are a proud bunch who retain humility enough to understand when their help is needed and when it is not, or even when it is or is not wanted. Every Knight Errant is also a member of the Guild of Crossed Tines, and serve as emissaries to tell other phae of its existence, should they wish to journey to Helmfirth to investigate themselves.
Knights errant are required to return to Helmfirth every five years and report directly to their hold’s Val-Tivar.
Requirements:
Age 15+
Advanced in at least two physical stats
Medical Ranks
Treating injuries is a big deal in such a big land. There are dangers and predators aplenty, and those who dedicate their lives to the betterment of others are highly respected. Those who utilize plants are by and large more common than those who possess healing magic, but both are prized.
Gentians
The herbalists of Helmfirth, Gentians possess the knowledge of the plants in the world around them. Especially familiar with the variety of flora in the surrounding tundra and taiga, they spend their lives practicing and perfecting the arts of tending to and applying their knowledge of these plants into the uses of healing. From teas to tinctures, salves to splints, they are the most common medics.
Requirements:
Age 5+
Medium in herbs
Heill
Blessed with healing magic, these phae utilize their innate ability to mend wounds rather than using medicine. They are trained from their initiation to be able to use their magic without running themselves into the ground. The balance between using their energy to heal and running themselves ragged is a fine one that takes practice and guidance.
Requirements:
Age 5+
Healing magic
Spiritual Ranks
While spirituality is passively practiced on the whole, there are some who dedicate their lives to understanding the figures in their land, and interpreting their will. These phae often inhabit small temples and sacred locations, and may be sought out for guidance.
Initiate
Phae who wish to dedicate their lives to the spiritual practices of Helmfirth are initiated into the temples and places of worship throughout the holds. They will spend their time studying the history of the land and learning how to read the weather. They will often work closely with a dedicated Sojourner who takes them on as an apprentice.
Requirements:
Age 5+
Medium in at least one of herbs, magic, or crafting
Sojourners
Those phae who walk a path of spirituality take on the title of Sojourner. All of these phae are required to have gained their own personal title already, and they are often looked to for guidance on the personal journeys of others. Along with helping the lost find their way on their paths, like guiding lights, they are also well-versed in resting weather patterns in the clouds and interpreting Sytva’s moods.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Have their title
Advanced in at least one of magic, herbs, or crafting
Special Positions
Jarl
Rulers over their given hold, each Jarl is expected to make wise and informed decisions for the betterment of the phae in their lands. Jarls spend a great deal of their time dealing with the finer details of running their holds, and do not often go out and see to things personally. They frequently have court for other phae to come to them with their issues, but more often than not do not have time to be seeing all corners of their hold.
Requirements:
Age 15+
Advanced in at least two physical stats, Master in at least one physical stat or magic
Current position holder:
Jarl Ulfric Stonebearer of Snowever
An absolute hulking unit of a palomino stag, he has reigned in Snowever for many years, as he is doing an amazing job of ensuring their hold prospers. He was Val-Tivar before becoming Jarl, but is nearing the end of his prime.
Jarl Astrid Sky-eye of Brumehaven
A taciturn doe who was blinded in one eye in an unfortunate incident in her youth, Astrid was named early and rose into power young. She is one of the younger Jarls on record (aged 12 instead of the normal 15 due to her prowess) and maintains a firm grasp on all goingson in her hold. She seems cold and callous, but she is known to party and revel with everyone else during celebrations. She takes her job incredibly seriously, and seems to overcompensate for being young by being stern.
Jarl Helvard Whaletooth of Chillbarrow
A Trans-stag who so earned his name by the similarity of his single spire horn to the tooth of a Narwhal, Helvard is a newly elected Jarl to Chillbarrow. His family has a long history of important rank and title, and he is only the latest in this long history. He’s a little impatient and antsy to prove himself and live up to expectations, so he can sometimes act a little hastily without the sound council from his Thanes.
Jarl Rorick Windrider of Skyreach
A former wayfarer, Rorick ran in the emergency election for Jarl after the previous one died and was placed in power due to his level-headed expertise at sea. He’s a little uncomfortable remaining so landlocked, but he makes sound decisions and does enjoy the sound of the wind through the pines almost as much as the call of gulls on the sea. He’s a little whimsical, but is a good leader.
Thane
The phae who serve directly under a Jarl and report back to them. Thanes are often the ones to go out and see to matters that the Jarl themself cannot find time to do. It’s not uncommon for a Thane to go settle a personal dispute, see to an incident somewhere far away from the hold’s population center, and to act as the Jarl’s eyes and ears. It is not uncommon for a Thane to have run for Jarl and fallen back into the position to help their hold.
Requirements:
Age 15+
Advanced in at least two physical stats, Master in at least one physical stat or magic
Current position holder:
Thanes of Jarl Ulfric Stonebearer of Snowever
Thane Solgg Fish-render: A salty old fisher stag who would rather be fishing than in court, but nonetheless does his duty.
Thane Ronene Gull-crier: A younger doe with an embarrassing title earned from her youth, she does her job with dignity and does her best to ignore the snickers her title gets her.
Thanes of Jarl Astrid Sky-eye of Brumehaven
Thane Olfiva Lightclaw: An older doe who is as evasive as she is beautiful– she has remained single for most of her life, and is fleet on her hooves in battle. A member of the Guild of Crossed Tines, but moved from her position of Foringi to Thane when appointed.
Thane Loddan the Earthbreaker: A miner stag originally from Skyreach, he moved to Brumehaven to sell his goods and stayed. He ran initially for Jarl, but was relegated to an open position as Thane after the election. He is a gigantic stag with a heart of gold and a very sweet disposition. Everyone’s friend.
Thane Eldasta Light-ringer: A quiet doe, newly appointed, whose birth was graced by the aurora, she is somewhat timid, but nonetheless dutiful.
Thanes of Jarl Helvard Whaletooth of Chillbarrow
Thane Olrand the Eaglespeaker: Older brother to Helvard, Olrand has been Thane for longer than Helvard has been Jarl. Nevertheless, he acts as confidant and counsel for his younger brother and is level-headed and wise. He’s kind and mild, but quick to quell rumors of favoritism and nepotism that might start up from having two family members in high ranking.
Thane Matli Silverhammer: A small, older doe who has spent most of her life as a smith, she is wise, sharp-tongued, and brash. She holds no secrets and does not sugar-coat her words.
Thane Una Whitehare: A middle aged doe who is kind and motherly. She helps Helvard where and when she can, and takes almost everything in stride. It’s said those who have incurred her wrath have not lived to tell the tale.
Thanes of Jarl Rorick Windrider of Skyreach
Thane Sigurd Silvercap: An older stag who has been a Thane for quite some time. He is an old friend of the former Jarl who passed, and hasn’t been quite the same since. Still, he performs his duties as well as he ever had before.
Thane Ysolda Fairshod: A pale doe with pale skin, she is lighter than the norm and frequently wears pelts and cloaks. She is quite vain, but fortunately, quite dutiful as well. She’s a little self-absorbed, but she means well.
Val-Tivar
Heads of the military, the Val-Tivar are seasoned warriors who know the ins and outs of battle, patrols, war, and peace. Like the Jarls, there is one for each hold, to better keep track of the military in each one. More often than not, they have titles regarding their physical prowess or overcoming great enemies, but there have been Val-Tivar in the past who have had titles of peace, allowing that while they know how to battle, they also must know when it is appropriate to fight and when it is appropriate to lay down arms.
Requirements:
Age 15+
Master in at least two physical stats, Advanced in at a third physical stat or magic
Current position holder:
Val-Tivar Markus Bearbreaker of Snowever
A stern, humorless stag of magnificent stature, he’s missing part of an ear from a bear attack and while he expects the best of the military under him, he isn’t uncaring and knows when to let his soldiers rest.
Val-Tivar Kyr Brightwater of Brumehaven
A younger stag who is upbeat and personable, he’s stronger than he looks and as upstanding morally as he is physically. He’s a walking ray of sunshine and a joy to work with. He was a former Knight Errant, and sometimes his wandering feet call to him.
Val-Tivar Nura Strongbow of Chillbarrow
Originally the daughter of a seafarer, Nura raised herself largely, and became enamored of getting physically stronger and better at battle. Though she has never seen true battle beyond training and the competition to become Val-Tivar, she is nonetheless competent and strong, and a fantastic leader. She is like the bow of a ship– able to pierce and cut through the deepest of ice and continue on.
Val-Tivar Fenrig Wolfcoat of Skyreach
A sly and cunning stag, Fenrig won the competition by utilizing his opponent’s weaknesses rather than using his brute strength to win. A clever strategist and masterful warrior, he might not be the broadest or toughest stag around, but he’s more than capable. His horns are few-pronged, but he uses them like a fencer might use a rapier– and he’s just as light on his hooves as well.
Sage
The phae at the head of both the healing ranks and spiritual ranks, the Sage is often picked from their ranks. They are expected to be both knowledgeable of the gods and knowledgeable of the world around them, and well-practiced in both. They tend to wander from hold to hold, going where they are needed the most at the time.
Requirements:
Age 15+
Master in magic or herbs. Advanced in either magic or herbs, whichever is not master rank.
Current position holder:
Sage Breya Flowermane
A doe whose family hails mainly from Vinelocke, she is slight and elegant, but nonetheless serious about her duties. Though her family’s bloodline dictates strong religious beliefs, she has grown up in a land of differing ones. She respects all walks of life, as any proper Helmfirth phae ought to, and is well versed in the lore and mythology of the cold island.
How to Apply for or Challenge a Special Position
In the event that a special position holder becomes inactive, are deemed unsuitable for leadership, die, or come to the end of their term(s), their position is open to be challenged!
How to become Jarl
Jarls must be the victor of the Jarl’s Tournament– a tourney that any qualifying phae may enter every five years. Four phae total may compete for the title, and are issued challenges by the Sage and the hold’s Val-Tivar to overcome in physical feats, mental prowess, and general leadership. In the end, The one of the four who has earned both the approval of the people and the approval of the Sage and Val-Tivar will become Jarl. The other contestants may fill in for Thane if there is an opening, and are always welcome to try again if they wish for the next tourney.
If a Jarl is unable to perform their duties, is shown to be unfit, or dies during their term, a special tourney will be held to replace them. The only exception is if they are ill, but still able to make wise decisions, in which case a Thane may step in and be the acting physical Jarl, while the elected Jarl makes decisions and helps rule away from the eye of the public.
How to become Thane
Thanes are frequently elected by their people for the position, but may oftentimes be those who competed in the Jarl’s Tournament and didn’t get elected to Jarl as well. Sometimes, a Jarl may appoint a phae who has proven their worth and loyalty as Thane, if the people also agree with this decision. Thanes do not have a tournament, but instead are subject to reelections at around the same time. If the public does not believe a Thane to be doing their job well enough, they may be voted out, and a new Thane may move into that position, either by election or by proxy of the tournament.
How to become Val-Tivar
Val-Tivar are often the oldest and most seasoned warriors among the military ranks. Their position is earned through challenging the previous Val-Tivar and winning, as the position requires mastery of combat to obtain and uphold. Challenges may only be done once every three years, however, so the challenging phae has time to prepare for their duel.
If there is more than one challenger for Val-Tivar, they compete in a seeded tourney (or battle royale, if there are three or five challengers) to see who is strong enough to fight for the title against the Val-Tivar themself.
How to become Sage
The Sage is elected from all of the Gentians, Heill, and Sojourners in Helmfirth. Once every four years, there is a summit held in Brumehaven’s capitol, and almost all of these phae are required to attend. If they are on active duty, unable to attend or make the journey, or are otherwise unable to come, they are to send their votes with phae who will be attending. The phae with the majority vote from these ranks will become the Sage for the next four years, or until they are voted out of office.
Jarls, Thanes, Val-Tivar, and Sages have no term limits. In the eyes of Helmfirth, if you are doing a good job, and you continue to do a good job, why change? Besides, if someone truly takes exception, all positions can be removed early and either filled by a challenger or via special election.
See the Special Positions webpage to view current leaders’ activity levels, to find out if any special positions are open, and to read on the process of initiating a special positions challenge.