Braids
Dhe'nar wear their hair in various styles of braids. Some have dozens of very small braids. Others prefer many small braids plaited into one large one. Still others have earned a different style that is more of a weave than a braid. As badges of rank, the most commonly seen braids are made of three strands and then twisted into a braiding style appropriate to the caste, as delineated below. The custom of braiding the hair came from years spent amongst the jungle fastness. The braids, oiled and sometimes perfumed, kept the hair from becoming tangled in the jungle, and also kept loose locks from being easy targets.
Over time, the styles became more ornate and complicated and also became badges of rank and station. Some high-ranking Dhe’nar even have specially trained slaves used almost solely for braiding their hair.
Each caste wears a specific style and/or number of braids.
Most Dhe’nar rarely wear their hair loose, save in the privacy of their own chambers.
A single braid marks the true Dhe'nar warrior. Those of the warrior caste prefer simplicity and utilitarian styles. While a warrior may grow his or her hair to any preferred length, wearing a single braid allows the warrior to keep wayward tresses from spoiling and distracting their vision. Many expand on this and even fold the braid into a short topknot. While typically a foe is not foolish enough to press their luck in an attempt to grasp a warrior's braid, if necessary, it is a simple thing to cut short and catch the enemy off guard. Many warriors even keep their hair closely-cropped or even bald, save for a long, thin braid at the nape of the neck, base of the skull, from brow to the base of their skull, or behind the ear to designate their position in Dhe'nar society.
Two braids, worn typically over each shoulder or above each ear, designate one as a member of the Warlock Caste. Unlike the other castes, Warlocks quite often wear their hair loosely between their rank braids and rarely, if ever cut it. Magi are confident and prideful in demeanor and thus many magi tint their hair with dyes, for dramatic flair.
The number three is a revered number, and the Temple Caste wear this symbolism to designate their tie with the nature and spirituality of the Dhe'nar people. In culture, three is tied to the noble castes: Warrior, Warlock and Temple. In the philosophy of the Way, the number three designates the main steps on the path of The Way: Power, Unity and Family. To serve as a reminder, it is the Temple Caste that maintains the course for the Dhe'nar people.
Obsidian Council
To designate rank on the Obsidian Council (or its equivalent, depending on the settlement), members manipulate their hair into a five-strand braid, or wear five very obvious braids of three strands. This braiding style symbolizes the five seats of the council and signifies at a glance their position in the Dhe'nar hierarchy. Typically the Council member's Caste is reflected into the style, by allowing braids to be prominent. Warlords may have a single five-strand braid, or a Warlock may have tinted braids at each temple with three braids twisted down his back. Interestingly, only four of the Council members wear their hair in this five-strand fashion as the Highlord sports a more intricate style.
The Highlord
The seven-strand braid is only allowed to be worn by the Highlord. This designates the Highlord's position over the Council. Generally, this is worn as a single braid that starts at the Highlord's brow and descends down his back and between his shoulder blades. Some Highlords, of differing settlements, wear different numbers of these seven-strand braids, depending on their caste. The Highlord in Sharath wears two braids at his temples which stretch down past his knees. Only the Lorekeepers remember the reasons behind seven strands, when six would suffice. However, the intricate style of the Highlord ensures notability and respect among Dhe'nar. It is the undeniable sign of leadership and power.