Royal Imperial Water-Mage Community

The Roimac

As the element of water holds special value in Yenoan religion and society, water mages occupy a position of great power and prestige as the ones who control water. However, not all water mages are allowed into this community. Only the strongest water mages are allowed to join them. There is a strict selection program, including trials and tests of strength, as well as general competence and mental fortitude.

Entrance

Those who wish to become Roimac must prove their affinity for water magic. While it is not required to have complete mastery over the element or have ascended to the second stage, it does help, as the added power will significantly increase your chances. Still, much more important than raw power is the mage's dedication and natural skill. The most crucial trial is the Trial of the Sea, where the mage must use magic to travel from the port of Uinan all the way to the island of Onyef—a considerable distance. If the aspirant touches the mainland at any point during this journey, they will be disqualified and will have to wait a whole year before being allowed to apply for membership again.

Outfit

They dress in deep blue silk. The higher the rank they achieve, the lower ranks generally wear tight-fitted, and more practical garb, while the higher rank members wear wider, and more decorative clothes. This is less of a dress code and more of a culture within the order. Lower rank member wearing flowing robes are seen as arrogant, and others may feel the need to put them in their place.
Not all the high-ranking members dress in the typical way, some prefer to stick to practical outfits.

The blue of their clothing is accented by brown leather and silver and gold ornaments, all in flowing shapes, representing water. They also wear earrings. In their right ear, a lapis lazuli water droplet hangs inside a larger, flat golden water droplet, symbolizing their status as a water mage and member of the Roimac. Those who have achieved their second element will wear a similar jewel in their left ear, shaped to represent their second element. Those few in history who have achieved a third element will wear it on their forehead. This mark grants the highest of prestige, and those who have the right to one are nearly always in the top twelve. The forehead jewel, as it is called, is not only worn by the ascended, but also by the orders number one, even without having a third element. However, the number one's forehead jewel, if ascendance is not yet achieved, will be plain and undecorated.

Ranks

As mages grow stronger, they ascend the ranks based on their strength and magical power. Frequent duels and tournaments are held, allowing people to climb the ranks. The lower ranks are somewhat of a battle royale, where everyone is constantly trying to climb. As they enter the mid-rank, it becomes more of a friendly contest. The top twelve, the strongest in the community, are relatively stable. There might be some duels now and then, but these are more for show, as the top twelve generally figure out amongst themselves who gets what position, without the need for true rivalry.
They work together to prevent those they deem unworthy from entering their ranks. This is also why the number twelve, the one anyone will have to fight if they wish to enter, is often stronger than half the rest of the order.
When a top twelve member dies or retires, the remaining eleven will choose a successor from the top of the mid ranks.

The top twelve also lead the order and make decisions, especially the number one.

Rank Symbols

All members have armbands representing their rank, these armbands differ based on which of the three rank types they belong to, but the general rule is that if you defeat someone in a duel, you exchange armbands.

Lower Ranks

The lower rank armbands have grooves representing their rank group rather than a specific rank. A smooth band represents the highest group, and one groove means one below that, and so forth.
Each rank group has a dozen members, and mages are only allowed to challenge other mages from one rank grouping above them.
The lower ranks are reshuffled once a year in the great tournament. This is especially important in these ranks because things tend to get messy in the lower ranks, with constant duels and subsequent rank changes.
During the tournament, all members have a chance to truly prove themselves and climb significantly. However, if they don't do well, they can also fall significantly.

Middle Ranks

The middle ranks have armbands with a number engraved on them. Duels are less common and are only allowed between individuals directly adjacent to each other in rank.
They also participate in the tournament, but of course, in their own classification.

Top Twelve

The top twelve will wear armbands embedded with sapphires that extend for their entire underarms. Twelve Saphires indicates the number one, and one, the number twelve.
As mentioned, the top twelve rarely hold duels, and are allowed to do so between any of their members a they wish. They do not participate in the tournament, often acting as referees instead.