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Table of Contents
Arian
Pronouns within Arian society refer more to the role taken within society than to gender. Thus all warriors are referred to as Rams and are acknowledged with “masculine” pronouns regardless of their gender or sex. Males who are not warriors are referred to as ewes much like females who are not warriors and referred to with feminine pronouns.
Horns are held in high regard among rams (male ewes who sport large horns may occasionally receive a comment that it is a shame they weren't more inclined to war since they would make a great ram). Females are born with smaller horns, and so when a female ram slays his first enemy, his usual first course of action is to take the horns of their foe and fashion a headdress out of them to fit over his own. When a ram is shamed and must be punished, he is polled, his horns sawn off and the nubs cauterized.
The Hird is an essential unit within Arian society, and is a warband consisting of a noble's personal body guards and retinue. The members of a noble's Hird frequently will also serve as their advisors.
Heirarchy
Jarl - A warlord expected to always enter the battlefield. His personal Hird is always held in high regard and even his Hirdsrams may be treated better than a Thane.
High Reeve - A grand marshal, he has his own Hird but also directs and coordinates the Reeves below him. He usually must work with the Thanes sworn to his Jarl, and thus this is a highly political position as well as a martial one.
Thane - Usually an elder ram, a promising younger ram who needs experience, or one who has become too injured to make war his primary occupation, Thanes are usually well respected and tend to administration and land holding duties. They have their own personal Hird, but also command 1 to 7 Reeves. Thanes may not be expected to enter the field of battle on their own except in an emergency.
Reeve - Marshal of a Hird sworn to a Thane, leader of the band. The Reeve may have other duties and professions but tends to remain close to their Thane serving in some sort of administrative capacity as well as their normal warrior duties.
Fleecebearer - The second in command of their band, the Fleecebearer carries the Hird's standard into battle, and is proficient with the polearm that bears the standard. It is considered a point of pride if the Fleecebearer ends a battle with the standard soaked in blood.
Hirdsram - An armed member of a Hird, a warrior who may have other duties and professions but is sworn to come when summoned by their Thane or Jarl.
Random Notes I haven't Organized Yet
A group of men more than 35 is an army
A group of men less than 7 are thieves
Large wound is defined as an injury that penetrates the brain, the body cavity, or the marrow.
