The Clan Hierarchy
The Clans of Gauthrel, particularly the organized, major clans -- Stahlmark, Nordhoff, Alfweyr, Mac Teagan and Valendale -- all carry particular ranks and titles unique to the region, with unique customs and authorities coming with each title. These ranks -- or titles -- and methods of obtaining them will be written here.
High King
The High King, a relatively unprecedented position, describes the leader of all of the Clans of Gauthrel. This position has never truly been achieved in a fully unified manner, except for during brief glimpses in history. Riordan Aelothar of Clan Stahlmark claims to be the High King of the Lotharen Horde, but his position is only acknowledged by some, with the Valendale, Free Tribesmen and Nordhoff highly resistant to such claims.
Fenn
Fenn, or the leaders of Clans, are typically considered the most powerful individuals within the Fields of Gauthrel. Unlike with Jarls and Shae, the position is not given due to merit, but by inheritance. A Reborn Lothar may hand themselves the position several times over, ruling their clan for hundreds of years through life after life. Or, the position can be handed to the Lothar's chosen son. A Jarl is only eligible to be given the title of Fenn if the Fenn goes to the Temple of Thetros and makes a sworn statement that they wish to hand off their position to the specific Jarl in question.
A Fenn leads the Clan, and thus the "national interests" of that Clan. They command the Clan's forces, resources, wealth and retinue, though typically are expected to stay out of the affairs of the Paths and to respect the laws agreed upon by the citizenry. Fenn may make new laws or change laws, but they must acquire the position of the Jarls, who will consult their people on the presented matters.
Fenn are, additionally, allowed to declare war -- a matter which allows them to interfere with the Paths below them in several ways they would otherwise not be able to, considering they hold the right of conscription. As such, Fenn may command Jegers, Kriger or Bonde beneath them to put their talents to the test in a battlefield, rather than allowing them to operate as usual. Fenn typically carry large institutions behind them to ensure their power, such as the Alsingarde, with Clan Stahlmark. These institutions ensure the Paths and their leadership are kept in line, as well as securing their own interests.
The Fenn typically hold a massive amount of land in the capital of their Clan's holdings. For example, Riordan Aelothar -- leader of Clan Stahlmark -- possesses not only the palace of Gilganoth, but also the Stahlmark Moor Dagg, a large clan compound. They are treated as Kings within their lands, and are given a great deal of respect, even by those who do not agree with them or their methodology.
Jarl
Jarls are the leaders of Chiefdoms, large territories within Clan boundaries, typically with only a few Jarls in each major clan. After serving loyally as a Shae, a Fenn may nominate a Jarl for a leadership position after the passing or decline of another Jarl. The remaining Jarls will then vote on whether or not the Shae is worthy of the position. If they are sworn in, they will advise the territories given to them, acting as their leader until their death or resignation. Those who have led a Chiefdom as a Jarl in a past life, or have wed a Jarl and ruled alongside them, are typically given special escalation in assuming the position of Jarl. If this happens, the Fenn may give said individual the rank directly, without requiring the vote of other Jarls.
A Chiefdom is typically a major settlement within a Clan's boundaries dominated by rural towns and one moderately sized city. Chiefdoms generally have a couple hundred thousand residents, with the vast majority of them Lothar. Chiefdoms also, however, are much more likely to be faced with danger or even extinction by monsters, and so the position of a Jarl is generally one of ensuring that the settlements beneath them continue to grow and survive dangers. One is expected to rule as an administrator, a diplomat, and as a warrior, a responsibility only given to the true exemplars of Lotharen society.
In their Chiefdom, the Jarl's word is law, only overruled by the Fenn above them. Jarls are given a large longhouse made of fine woodwork and filled with wooden, copper, fur and feather furnishings. The longhouses are typically valued at around 15,000 gn, but are inherited with the position, and are not retained if one resigns. Jarls are expected to dress and act well and respectably, and usually wear fur garments decorated with a crown made by the remains of a great beast.
Note: in Mac Teagan, Fenn is instead called "King". This is due to their vast cultural difference, similar to that of the human Kingdoms.
Shae
The Shae are selected by the Fenn to oversee a Clan's interests, directly serving beneath their Clan leader in obtaining positive outcomes for their Clan. Typically, they may serve a variety of different roles, and rarely ever fall into one specific position to protect their Lord's interests, but instead operate depending on the Clan's needs. Commonly they operate as intelligence agents, soldiers, overseers, business managers, etc -- they are comparable to a steward by the standards of the outside world. Becoming a Shae comes with the benefit of having a Fenn's authority in pursuing matters within one's clan territory. Not only that, but they are generally offered acres of land in a Chiefdom, and are given the ability to acquire the rank of Jarl if the Fenn so desires.
Brothers
Other Clansmen fall here, and are typically not considered to be of much relevance in clan politics.
High ranking members of each clan, beginning at Shae, typically wear the clan symbols on their armor and attire. These symbols are as follows.
Stahlmark The Jor Thalla; blessed lion
Alfweyr The Feron; nightcrawler
Mac Teagan The Harp; enchanted strings
Nordhoff The Dual Axes, crossed; valorous weapons
Valendale Tribal Tattoos; stories of lost brothers
Ranks
High King
The High King, a relatively unprecedented position, describes the leader of all of the Clans of Gauthrel. This position has never truly been achieved in a fully unified manner, except for during brief glimpses in history. Riordan Aelothar of Clan Stahlmark claims to be the High King of the Lotharen Horde, but his position is only acknowledged by some, with the Valendale, Free Tribesmen and Nordhoff highly resistant to such claims.
Fenn
Fenn, or the leaders of Clans, are typically considered the most powerful individuals within the Fields of Gauthrel. Unlike with Jarls and Shae, the position is not given due to merit, but by inheritance. A Reborn Lothar may hand themselves the position several times over, ruling their clan for hundreds of years through life after life. Or, the position can be handed to the Lothar's chosen son. A Jarl is only eligible to be given the title of Fenn if the Fenn goes to the Temple of Thetros and makes a sworn statement that they wish to hand off their position to the specific Jarl in question.
A Fenn leads the Clan, and thus the "national interests" of that Clan. They command the Clan's forces, resources, wealth and retinue, though typically are expected to stay out of the affairs of the Paths and to respect the laws agreed upon by the citizenry. Fenn may make new laws or change laws, but they must acquire the position of the Jarls, who will consult their people on the presented matters.
Fenn are, additionally, allowed to declare war -- a matter which allows them to interfere with the Paths below them in several ways they would otherwise not be able to, considering they hold the right of conscription. As such, Fenn may command Jegers, Kriger or Bonde beneath them to put their talents to the test in a battlefield, rather than allowing them to operate as usual. Fenn typically carry large institutions behind them to ensure their power, such as the Alsingarde, with Clan Stahlmark. These institutions ensure the Paths and their leadership are kept in line, as well as securing their own interests.
The Fenn typically hold a massive amount of land in the capital of their Clan's holdings. For example, Riordan Aelothar -- leader of Clan Stahlmark -- possesses not only the palace of Gilganoth, but also the Stahlmark Moor Dagg, a large clan compound. They are treated as Kings within their lands, and are given a great deal of respect, even by those who do not agree with them or their methodology.
Jarl
Jarls are the leaders of Chiefdoms, large territories within Clan boundaries, typically with only a few Jarls in each major clan. After serving loyally as a Shae, a Fenn may nominate a Jarl for a leadership position after the passing or decline of another Jarl. The remaining Jarls will then vote on whether or not the Shae is worthy of the position. If they are sworn in, they will advise the territories given to them, acting as their leader until their death or resignation. Those who have led a Chiefdom as a Jarl in a past life, or have wed a Jarl and ruled alongside them, are typically given special escalation in assuming the position of Jarl. If this happens, the Fenn may give said individual the rank directly, without requiring the vote of other Jarls.
A Chiefdom is typically a major settlement within a Clan's boundaries dominated by rural towns and one moderately sized city. Chiefdoms generally have a couple hundred thousand residents, with the vast majority of them Lothar. Chiefdoms also, however, are much more likely to be faced with danger or even extinction by monsters, and so the position of a Jarl is generally one of ensuring that the settlements beneath them continue to grow and survive dangers. One is expected to rule as an administrator, a diplomat, and as a warrior, a responsibility only given to the true exemplars of Lotharen society.
In their Chiefdom, the Jarl's word is law, only overruled by the Fenn above them. Jarls are given a large longhouse made of fine woodwork and filled with wooden, copper, fur and feather furnishings. The longhouses are typically valued at around 15,000 gn, but are inherited with the position, and are not retained if one resigns. Jarls are expected to dress and act well and respectably, and usually wear fur garments decorated with a crown made by the remains of a great beast.
Note: in Mac Teagan, Fenn is instead called "King". This is due to their vast cultural difference, similar to that of the human Kingdoms.
Shae
The Shae are selected by the Fenn to oversee a Clan's interests, directly serving beneath their Clan leader in obtaining positive outcomes for their Clan. Typically, they may serve a variety of different roles, and rarely ever fall into one specific position to protect their Lord's interests, but instead operate depending on the Clan's needs. Commonly they operate as intelligence agents, soldiers, overseers, business managers, etc -- they are comparable to a steward by the standards of the outside world. Becoming a Shae comes with the benefit of having a Fenn's authority in pursuing matters within one's clan territory. Not only that, but they are generally offered acres of land in a Chiefdom, and are given the ability to acquire the rank of Jarl if the Fenn so desires.
Brothers
Other Clansmen fall here, and are typically not considered to be of much relevance in clan politics.
Symbology
High ranking members of each clan, beginning at Shae, typically wear the clan symbols on their armor and attire. These symbols are as follows.
Stahlmark The Jor Thalla; blessed lion
Alfweyr The Feron; nightcrawler
Mac Teagan The Harp; enchanted strings
Nordhoff The Dual Axes, crossed; valorous weapons
Valendale Tribal Tattoos; stories of lost brothers
