Acolyte

Acolytes are noncombatants aligned with the Heralds. They rarely go outside Hrag-Ba’al without Hoplite escort.

## Overview

Acolytes make up less than half of all Heralds, partially due to the heavy encouragement to join the military ranks. Still, even in the most militant factions, other jobs are needed and necessary, even if most of them merit little acclaim from the other kirins. Especially the more fanatic kirins may look down on the Acolytes, believing there is something quite cowardly about just staying in Hrag-Ba’al when there is a war to fight.

Regardless of such opinions, the Heralds would not survive or be successful without the Acolytes. They clean, cook, craft, gather, reforge, salvage, repair, haul and mine, keeping the troops supplied and fed, and their weapons and armor in usable condition. Their work is invaluable, but earns little acclaim.

The rank of Acolyte also includes the young, elderly and infirm of the kirins. Everyone is expected to find some way to help out - the kirins consider being idle a luxury they can not afford.

## Acolyte Jobs

Acolytes can work a wide variety of tasks; this list is not exhaustive! It is important to keep in mind, however, that the Heralds don’t currently have schools, shops, libraries or even real farms set up; meaning they live in a fairly primitive, raiding based society, waiting to return to their past glories.

### **Maintenance**

These kirins work hard to keep the city clean and liveable. They clean the streets, buildings, public buildings and homes, take trash to be incinerated and generally make sure things look pristine. As the whole city is new and largely made out of molded rock, there is rarely need for repairs - but plenty to clean.

### **Food Service**

The food service is responsible not only for cooking food, but also supplying the precooked meals to the other kirins, and maintaining the stores of supplies.  It is these kirins who receive and sort through stolen and gathered goods and handle their redistribution. They also package the Hoplites travel rations.

### **Rearers**

Rearers are entrusted with taking care of younger children (8 and under) while their parents are working or off fighting. They’re generally entrusted to teach the children basics about the kirin’s magnificent past, and their glorious purpose. Rearers who are able to scrounge up the tools to do so may also teach basic literacy or other subjects.

### **Blacksmiths**

Blacksmiths are some of the most appreciated Acolytes - and their work seemingly endless. The Herald blacksmiths recraft or refit stolen Aodhian armor and weapons to new kirin users. They also craft new items from ore, and repair damaged gear on request.

### **Miners/Gatherers**

The providers of the faction find work either mining ore, or gathering goods. Ore is mined within the crater of Hrag-Ba’al itself, veins revealed or left behind by the meteors that tore apart Old Valore. The Gatherers move in nearby woods, gathering goods - or occasionally visit already raided villages hoping to scrounge up useful things.

### **Officials**

Some Acolytes work in more esteemed tasks, as officials of the Sovereign - these are often hoof-picked, zealous individuals who were of high education in their old life, and who can provide the Heralds with rousing speeches, ironclad theology, and the history of their people as they reclaim what should be theirs.

## Rank Rewards

* At 25 AP | Acolytes offer a wide variety of services. Choose your **Tier 1 Talent** early (for your first talent only).
* At 50 AP | The Crown has issued something useful to you; your King hopes that it will help. Receive **Goggles**, and **Saddlebags** for free.
* At 75 AP | The times are trying, but you believe in your cause. Receive **+15 SP** to vitality or wisdom.
* At 100 AP | A companion can be helpful - either by their practicality or the simple enjoyment of their company. Receive an **Aodhian Level 1 Familiar** for free, as long as you have an empty familiar slot.