Rangatira
A Rangatira (plural: Rangatiri) is a well-respected leader in the druidic circles and outlander communities of the Western Woods. The title is reserved almost exclusively for a Human, Gnomish, or Orokhim Druid who has lived in the woods for generations. Non-druids can also become Rangatiri with acts of great faith, leadership, bravery, or sacrifice on behalf of their community. Only in extremely rare cases will a skilled outsider with a deep connection to the circles earn the title; these outsiders are invariably druids who perform major acts of service towards the people of the woods.
The titles of the Rangatiri are personalized, with the root Rangatir' appended with an adjective that describes some aspect of the druid's physical appearance, personality, and/or expertise. These adjectives can range from incredibly honorific and respectful to somewhat affectionately derogatory. This title is appended to the end of one's given name, much like a last name. (True last names are otherwise rare in the Western Woods.)
A few examples of Rangatiri throughout history are:
- Heketoro Rangatir'kaha ("prince of the brave heart"), recognized Y323, an Arakhi Rangatir'nghére known as well for his diplomacy as for his great physical stamina. His Staff of the Arakhi Rangatir'nghére was lost when he tried to travel across the continent to aid the Fey-orc of the Wailë-Lands in the War of Great Sorrow in Y352.
- Nákhira Rangatir'peléa ("princess of the fire nymphs"), recognized Y1049, an Adventurer and explorer first known for surveying the boundaries of the Endless Magma and later known as a Lich slayer and the Phoenix Regnant of Malakar.
- Khan Rangatir'vidyhe ("prince of visions"), recognized Y1071, a Planewalker and mystic who would become Arakhi Rangatir'nghére in Y1084.
- Sen Rangatir'iti ("little princelet"), recognized Y1080, only known Wood Elf ever honored as a Rangatira.
- Ang'huran Rangatir'krovo ("prince of the blood"), recognized Y1101, a powerful warrior said to contain ancient forest magic within his blood. Recognized after protecting his home of Tontuwa Grove from a corrupted Dragon Turtle that had burrowed deep beneath its roots. Notoriously hot-headed, he has participated in the Three Trials four times in his service, and won each time.
Requirements
A Rangatira must have been part of a druid circle or protector of a village in the Western Woods for at least five years, and used their skills or powers to perform several acts of great kindness or protection towards both the forest and its people.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
There is no formal process for the removal of a rangatira. All rangatiri, once appointed, are always welcome as a voice at the Kháivara Conclave's thrice-yearly meetings. Only those known to be dead, or those missing for at least fifty years, are removed from the rolls.
Any rangatira who holds a serious grievance with another may challenge the other to the Three Trials, a set of one-on-one contests of wits, survival, and combat skills. The loser of the Three Trials promises either silence at or absence from the Kháivara Conclave until after the next Hitë-ata Hunt. While these trials are most often used to settle philosophical (or sometimes personal) disagreements, the few rangatiri who have severely broken the conclave's trust (for instance, turncoats to a nearby orc clan) are usually met with multiple challenges immediately upon their entrance to the Kháivara Longhouse, and treated thusly each time they return.
Type
Magical, Honorific
Length of Term
life
Current Holders
Past Holders
Reports directly to
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Related Professions
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