Lowlander ranks are always given on the Phae’s preference and strengths, something bloodline or sex does not come into. They often pick a rank before they turn 10 years of age, and spend their life training and learning under that role.
General Ranks
Shrub
Shrubs are young fawns, thus named for many of the types of brush growing in the marshlands near the Cairn.
Requirements:
> 5 years of age
No stat requirement
Keeper
Often are phae who have retired from other roles (but not a requirement), they are the knowledge keepers for the herd. They keep a record of births and deaths within the herd, their movements and any problems with the locations so they know not to return. They also keep a record of newcomers to the herd, or anyone who has left.
Requirements:
5+ years of age
No stat requirement
Ealdor
Often phae who have lived their lives in one rank, but have grown too old to continue safely holding their position. They are the oldest among Keepers, holding more knowledge of the inner workings of specific ranks than general knowledge. These phae often work as tutors and mentors, and it is not uncommon for them to take an understudy to teach their ways.
Requirements:
35+ years of age
No stat requirement
Journor
The general protection of the herd, they keep close to the herd while moving as well as when they have settled for the season. They keep an eye out for any predators or dodgy folk (especially them pesky Highlanders), that manage to slip past the sentinels.
Requirements:
5+ years of age
One medium physical stat
Rank Sub-ranks:
Pathfinder
Once a Scout has found a good location, Pathfinders go out and trail their path to their new grazing. They are trusted to find them a safe trail that the youngest of the herd can walk through, but also work alongside the Hunters to rid of any predators in their path.
Requirements:
10+ years of age
One medium physical stat
Hunter
Skilled in tracking and hunting down predators that the other ranks find, they work alongside the crafters and often turn their kill into pelts to trade or make into blankets or accessories.
Requirements:
10+ years of age
One advanced physical stat
Squireen
The general protection of the herd, they keep close to the herd while moving as well as when they have settled for the season. They keep an eye out for any predators or dodgy folk (especially them pesky Highlanders), that manage to slip past the sentinels.
Requirements:
5+ years of age
One medium physical stat
Rank Sub-ranks:
Sentinel
The eyes and ears of the herd they travel further from the herd to keep an eye on any dangers that might be a problem.
Requirements:
7+ years of age
One medium physical stat
Scout
Working alongside the Sentinels, they help find safe areas for the herd to move to at the end of the season where there is enough grazing and shelter, as well as being far enough away from the Highlanders land and paths.
Requirements:
7+ years of age
One medium physical stat
Laird
Laird are the foot soldiers of the Lowlands, specifically focussed in physical abilities and combat, or, in the case of an outside bloodline, magical combat.
Requirements:
7+ years of age
One medium physical stat
Builder
Working alongside the crafters and architects, they rely a lot on brute strength to build homes and dens wherever they settle.
Requirements:
7+ years of age
Medium in Fortitude
Rank Sub-ranks:
Architect
More brains than brawn, they work with both the builders and crafters to make sure the dens that are built are strong and lasting.
Requirements:
7+ years of age
Advanced in crafting
Merchant
Swift talking and of a silver tongue, merchants are smooth talking and know how to get the best deals around.
Requirements:
5+ years of age
No stat requirement
Rank Sub-ranks:
Crafter
Have a creative streak and a knack for finding cool stuff? Crafting might be for you! Working closely with the hunters, merchants and traders they often produce items made out of predator pelts and leather.
Requirements:
5+ years of age
Medium in crafting
Trader
Trusted Merchants that go out of the safety of the herd, often traveling so herds and free-land beyond the Mountains to trade for goods that would be useful for their herd. Herbs are often prized finds to help the herbalists and healers care for the young and old alike.
Requirements:
10+ years of age
No stat requirement
Emissary
Phae who choose to live among other herds, but still claim loyalty to the Lowlanders. They will often report back on the political goings on of the other herds to their Tigerna.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in two physical or mental stats
Special Positions
Tigerna
The leader of the Lowland herd, she oversees everything and makes sure that the herd thrives. She intermingles with the herd, and makes sure she is the first official face seen to outsiders. She is expected to have sharp decision-making skills and an eye for detail, ensuring that the herd is kept safe from storm and foe alike.
Requirements:
Master in 1 stat, Advanced in 2 stats
Current position holder:
NPC Adira
Grand Cordon
The military leader of the Lowlands, the Grand Cordon is focused less on offense and more on defense– they are responsible for keeping the peace, as well as keeping an eye on new recruits and weeding out potential bad influences.
Requirements:
Master & Advanced in 1 physical stat each, OR Advanced in 3 stats, one of which MUST be a fight stat
Current position holder:
NPC Oleander
Ollamh
The head of the mercantile, they oversee trade within and without the Lowland herd. They must be strong of heart and will, as they will be dealing with trade to and from their Highland counterparts as well as other herds.
Requirements:
Master & Advanced in 1 physical stat each, OR Advanced in 3 stats, one of which MUST be Crafting
Current position holder:
NPC Evia
Apothecary
The head of the healers and most knowledgeable herbalist, the Apothecary is expected to know both plants and medicine inside and out. They are commonly older phae who have been practicing for a while, and who can handle teaching the newer generation of healers beneath them, as well as identifying both helpful and harmful plants.
Requirements:
Master & Advanced in 1 physical stat each, OR Advanced in 3 stats, one of which MUST be Herbology
Current position holder:
NPC Fendrell
Knight of the Realm
Elected defenders of the realm, these phae are given their title by the Tiergna after nomination by any one of the other phae of high ranking nominates them. They are placed under a strict vetting process, and are the leaders of the offensive arm of the Lowland military. They work alongside the Grand Cordon if their (metaphorical) blades are needed. All other members of the military answer to them as well. Knight names are prefixed with one of three titles: Sir, Dame, or Iad (masculine, feminine, gender neutral)
Requirements:
Master & Advanced in 1 physical stat each, OR Advanced in 3 stats, one of which MUST be a fight stat
Current position holder:
NPC Sir Hordland
NPC Iad Vane
NPC Dame Gerina
NPC Iad Telry
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!
All Special Positions in the lowland herd are gained by winning a majority-vote election. Elections are held once every 3 years, and Special Position holders may be elected twice before they cannot be elected to that position again.
The only Special Positions that are lifelong are knights, as the phae who have earned this title are not granted it without thorough consideration.
In the event of a phae holding one of these positions not doing well within it, a vote of no confidence may be held, and if the vote is successful, an emergency election will be held to fill the vacant seat.
Similarly, if a knight is found to be acting without the best interest of the herd in mind, they will be stripped of their title.
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.