Arbiter

Just like Keep Elders, Arbiters are old Muhkala warriors who have fought in countless battles over many years. Because of the merit-based system by which a Muhkala soldier increases in rank, potential Arbiters are ones belonging to the higher ranks of the Muhkala military, and to have achieved these ranks, means they must have personally killed thousands of individuals in combat and displayed remarkable leadership in battle. To have survived long enough to reach these ranks means that they possess great martial skill. On top of that, a Muhkala's deeds have to be ones of near-legendary status for them to even be considered for the rank of Arbiter.

When a Muhkala is appointed as an Arbiter, they are stripped of their family name and replaced with their clan name in the same way that the Co-Dai who have not completed their training are. This is to emphasize that the Arbiter's loyalty lies not with a single family but with their entire clan.

A given Muhkala state is governed by a single clan residence and assembly house known as a keep, headed by a group known as the Council of Arbiters. There are usually a number of families under the clan's rule, though a state's elders will assume the clan name as a title signifying their position, regardless of the name of their own family. It is the duty of the Arbiters to represent the will of their extended family in the Council of Arbiters and neogiate with the Arbiters of other families what actions their clan should take. In keeping with the tradition of other high ranks of leadership in Muhkala society, as a symbolic gesture of love for his people, an Arbiter may choose to walk among his followers and help them in their duties, even doing what is normally considered females' work such as helping tend to the home. This is also done to inspire the Muhkala to work diligently so as to not be outdone by their superiors.

The armor of Arbiters is old and decorated. In Muhkala culture, a Muhkala's armor is their honor, a public record of victories and valor. Every battle-born rent and scratch is a mark in the tally of their esteem. Few things short of death will pry them of it. Fitting for such an ancient and decorated warrior, the armor of Arbiters sports extensive battle damge, although not enough to hinder the armor's effectivness, it is enough to signal to all that the wearer has seen much bloodshed in their lifetime. In addition, the rank of Arbiter is signified by the wearing of an orange cape draped over the left side. This garb harkens back to and honors the captains of ships of the ancient times when the Muhkala were still a seafaring people on their home planet.

Arbiters have a great deal of freedom and discretion in how the clan operates, but despite this, there is little to no evidence of an Arbiter using their influence in a corrupt or abusive manner. This is likely due to the strict honor-based culture within the Muhkala species, in which the highest-ranking Muhkala are the most bound.