The Kaolin/Aquila

The advisor. The Aquila or Kaolin is the one who keeps majority of Waterthorn running smoothly. Granted authority nearly equal to the Gurun themselves, the advisor as an individual is diligent and hardworking. However, despite how rarely the occasion occurs, should they deviate from their role, any decision made by the Kaolin/Aquila can be overruled by the Gurun at any moment. 

Usually a succeeded role, Kaolin/Aquila candidates are selected by the current standing Kaolin/Aquila and are then proposed to The Gurun. From there, a decision will be made on who the Kaolin/Aquila successor will be. It is unknown who the first Kaolin was, nor how they were appointed. After the successor is chosen, they shadow the current Kaolin/Aquila for three seasons before assuming their role.

    Historically, Waterthorn has only ever had either one Kaolin (during times of peace) or one Aquila (during times of war) but never both at the same time. Usually, both positions are filled by the same individual: the Kaolin becomes the Aquila or the Aquila becomes the Kaolin when the need arises, but there is no definite rule stating that there cannot be two individuals responsible for each half.

The Kiln

the council

Kilns are members of the Brush rank that are selected during each solstice by either the Kaolin or Aquila (or both) and then approved by the Gurun. Kilns specifically carry out tasks delegated by either the Kaolin or Aquila that usually require leaving the territory for long periods of time. Should a Kiln's performance prove unsatisfactory, they may be challenged during one of the solstices in order to keep their position.

Generally, this council is cycled every few years allowing fresh faces to comprise the majority of the Kiln instead of certain Thorns holding onto the position forever.

Valour

name

Vanguard

name

Apothecary

name

Scrivener

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Shard

Having taken up a specific School to train under, Shards are mentored by a Painted or a Brush on the day to day to further their knowledge and deepen their connection to their respective calling. Shards are afforded many new freedoms that Clays are not, but these freedoms do not come without effort to maintain, and build upon, the trust and expectations bestowed upon them.

Valour

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Vanguard

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Apothecary

name

Scrivener

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Yew, Leizu 

Clay

Like the name suggests, Clays are the lowest but most moldable rank within Waterthorn. They primarily consist of young Valleyfolk and whelps, but any Thorn may choose to become a Clay should they wish to restart with the basics and take on a new trade. They are considered learners and are often constantly supervised by higher-ups. All Thorns start at this rank.

Wesker, Winona, Noah, Arawn

Mudling

exile/prisoner

A derogative term usually reserved for exiles, outsiders, and prisoners. To call one a Mudling is to call them a coward, someone lesser than the dirt Valleyfolk walk upon. To raise oneself from the status of a Mudling is seen as both a fruitless and fanatical idea by the older generations of Thorns, for their deep-rooted resentment and biases prevent them from seeing the potential of a Mudling.

N/A

Burnished

elders/retirees

This rank is reserved for the elderly and injured, or otherwise those who have served within Waterthorn and have retired from active duty. They are fonts of knowledge (usually) and capable of providing guidance to their younger counterparts. Burnished Thorns reserve rights to come and go from most areas of the territory as they see fit, and it is not uncommon to compare them to animals of folklore with the way they meld into the background of the pack.

N/A