Keep Elder

Keep Elders 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 Keep Elders 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. To have survived long enough to reach these ranks means that they possess great martial skill.

Upon retiring from active military service, a Muhkala who meets the requirements is automatically appointed as a Keep Elder.

As the name implies, Keep Elders maintain and defend their keeps. While different tasks are doled out to lower, but still quite highly-ranked warriors, a Keep Elder may simply oversee other high-ranked Muhkala. Male Keep Elders are responsible for recording the laws and history of their clans, while female Keep Elders are responsible for maintaining the clan's familial records. Perhaps the most important duty of a Keep Elder is the mentorship of the next generation of Muhkala known as Co-dai (Muhkala children begining their military training). This training includes advanced combat techniques, teaching the lore of their species, survival, how to use weapons and armor, and the Muhkala code of honor and clan laws. It could be said that one of the more passive responsibilities of a Keep Elder are to be an example of what a true warrior should be. Keep Elders also give wisdom and inspiration to younger warriors, but also listen to the council of Muhkala more wisened than themselves, such as the Arbiters. In keeping with the tradition of other high ranks of leadership in Muhkala society, as a symbolic gesture of love for their people, a Keep Elder may choose to walk among their followers and help them in their duties. For males, 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 Keep Elders 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 Keep Elders 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.