Rangatir'tiären

Each rangatira is expected to weave their rangatir'tiären themselves, though the guidance and instruction of a master weaver is permitted. Since a rangatiri is expected to wear this garment frequently, if not daily, it may take any form that is convenient to them. Traditional rangatir'tiären are cloaks, coats, or robes, but modern rangatiri have been known to incorporate the rangatir'tiära into anything from over-armor tabards to riding pants.   Once a new rangatira's first rangatir'tiären is woven, it is passed to the Arakhi Rangatir'nghére for inspection. The Arakhi Rangatir'nghére chooses two confidants to interpret the rangatir'tiära alongside them, each of whom must explain its meaning to two outside parties of their choosing. If all seven readers of the rangatir'tiära cannot agree on its meaning, the weaver must begin again, with a clearer pattern.   Rangatiri may serve for decades—or even centuries—and, thus, are bound to accomplish or represent more than their initial rangatir'tiära sets out to describe. At their pleasure, they may craft a new rangatir'tiären that incorporates an additional medallion, communicating their further accomplishments alongside their initial qualifications. The rangatir'tiären of the Arakhi Rangatir'nghére might contain as many as half a dozen distinct rangatir'tiära symbols, each describing a separate deed and the principles behind it.

The rangatir'tiära, a medallion-shaped pattern woven into a rangatir'tiären, is unique to its bearer. It describes its bearer's deeds and philosophy in the woven language-code of Orokhimshe, via the language's complex vocabulary of colors, shapes, and weaves. The precise knotwork and embroidery of the rangatir'tiära may be symbolic, literal, or a mix of the two, but it must identify its bearer by their specific rangatira title.   Wearing the rangatir'tiären of another is strictly taboo in the society of the Western Woods. In particular, entering the Kháivara Longhouse wearing a rangatir'tiären one has not earned is typically considered a grave offense, and may subject one (or one's sponsor, if entering as a guest of a rangatira) to the Three Trials.