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Varic Castes
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Most Var don't have any special status. They range from craftsfolk to skill workers,
the rank and file of the militia, wealthy merchants and poor miners, and so forth.
Everyday folks running the gamut of skills and influence.
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However, the Var as a people have a surprisingly complex social caste system. There
are numerous special offices or statuses various Var qualify for, and they are all
mutually exclusive. Some can be switched in and out of so long as a Var holds no
more than one of them at a time, but a few are exclusive as noted. .
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The only exception to this is that the Ceidwad of Clan Saer Maen is always the highest-ranking
and most respected Arwyddlun of the clan. The other Clans have never been fond of
this inconsistency and tend to pretend like the Saer Maen Ceidwads are not also
Arwyddlun to maintain their Varic preference for consistency.
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AES ARFOD
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Warrior Of The Var (Aes Arfod)
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The Aes Arfod (EYEZ AYER-vahd; Shield Guard) are the elite defenders of Varholds,
and are lead by the Varhold's Pencampwyr (Champion, or War Leader). Members of the
Aes Arfod are appointed by the Pencampwyr or the Terrenbrenin of their Varhold.
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Aes Arfod are charged with guarding the most critical areas of the Varhold during
an attack, and are also used as a pool of potential leaders for militia levies during
a war or crisis.
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Aes Arfod
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ARWYDDLUN
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Runeforger Of The Var (Arwyddlun)
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The
Runeforgers of the Var, the Arwyddlun (a-row-EETH-luhn) are responsible
for enchanting armor and weapons, as well as entire buildings. Their runes are placed
on stone, metal, or even flesh to strengthen, protect, and enhance. The Arwyddlun
are also chroniclers and historians among the Var, and keep tomes of ancient knowledge.
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The Arwyddlun have a sort of ranking system among themselves, though it is difficult
for outsiders to discern. A lower ranking Arwyddlun will generally concede to one
of high rank, at least within a Varhold. A sort of professional rivalry often exists
between the Arwyddlun of different Varholds, but it is virtually never violent.
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Arwyddlun
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CARREG IACHAWR
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Priest Of The Var (Carreg Iachawr)
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The Carreg Iachawr (CARE-egg ee-OCK-ower) are the clerics of Earth among the Var.
They are healers, but their healing spells are not as effective on men or other
races that do not have strong ties to the Earth (Including those of Clan Methu).
They have many spells to manipulate Earth and stone, and often assist in construction,
tunneling, and sapping.
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The most senior Carreg Iachawr of each Varhold is called the Llaeswisg, and is selected
by the Earth itself. All Carreg Iachawr instinctively know who is the current Llaeswisg,
and know instantly when the title changes. The Carreg Iachawr are an organization
unto themselves, and as such, refuse offers and opportunities to become Ceidwad
or even Tarrenbrenin. Their loyalties are to something other than a Clan, though
they still maintain some connections to their Clans.
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NOTE: Use the
Drywdd variant of Spellweaving for Carreg Iachawr with a slight modification.
Carreg Iachawr Spells must be somehow related to Stone, Soil, Metal, Magma, or some
other concept that is strongly Earth related; however the Carreg Iachawr benefit
from a flat +4 bonus to their Magic Skill Rolls in addition to any other bonuses
that may apply. The Carreg Iachawr equivalent of Standing Stones are Pridynn-shrines.
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Carreg Iachawr
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CEIDWAD
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The Ceidwad (CAID-wode) are the rulers of each Clan within a particular Varhold.
Each Clan can decide on their Ceidwad in any way they choose. The Ceidwad assist
the Terrenbrenin, forming the Clan Council, as well as manage the affairs of their
own Clan.
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When a crime is committed or a dispute must be settled, arrangements can be made
by the Ceidwad of the Clan, or both Ceidwad in the case that the parties are of
two different Clans. Any dispute or crime involving parties from more than two Clans,
or involving outsiders, goes before the Terrenbrenin.
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Ceidwad
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PENCAMPWYR
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Warleader Of The Var (Pencampwyr)
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The Pencampwyr (pain-KOMP-oer) is the Champion of their Varhold, as well as
the captain of the Aes Arfod. He is selected from among the Aes Arfod by the Tarrenbrenin.
Traditionally he is the mightiest warrior in the mountain, though leadership skills,
experience, and cunning often play a part.
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Unless he is dishonored, steps down, or is killed, he holds the post for thirty
years. After the thirty years have passed, the Terrenbrenin makes a new appointment,
though it is not unusual for a Var of particular merit to hold the post for sixty
or even ninety years.
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Pencampwyr
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TERRENBRENIN
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The Terrenbrenin (teh-run-BRIN-en) is the Lord of a Varic Hold, holding complete
political power. The collected Ceidwad of the Varhold vote to name the Terrenbrenin,
with a majority of votes necessary for victory. In case of a tie for most votes
the Varhold's Llaeswisg breaks ties.
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The Terrenbrenin holds this office until death or resignation, or more rarely if
they are effectively impeached. A Terrenbrenin can be forced out of office, but
this requires the nomination of a new candidate and an anonymous agreement by all
of the Ceidwad and the Llaeswisg of that Varhold. Once a Var becomes Terrenbrenin,
he looses any other title he may have; he can no longer be an Aes Arfod, a Pencampwyr,
or his Clans Ceidwad.
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Terrenbrenin
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CADWRHAG
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Some Var are Cadwrhag (caw-DOOR-ohg), exiled or otherwise unable to live in a Varhold.
This ranges in causes, but most often occurs when a Var commits some crime or dishonor,
or can't pay their community tax (called Trethi). In some cases the Var can make
recompense and rejoin the Varhold, in other cases they cannot. Exiled Var usually
will not speak of the reason why they were made Cadwrhag .
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