Paladinial Ranks

Those seeking admittance to the Order of the Hammer begin as either:

* Acolyte — Someone who seeks out Pariantür and goes through trials of the soul.
* Penitent— Someone who has chosen servitude over imprisonment.

These lower level Acolytes and Penitents are all grouped together and wear brown robes, shaving their heads. They are for all intents and purposes servants in the Hammer, learning to live the life of a Paladin. Once they have learned the Rule of St. Ikhail, and have served their term they are allowed to join the Order, taking on the entry level of Estudiate.

### Estudiate

The Estudiate lives a life of routine and constant change as they are tested in various occupations over the course of a year. During this time they will review each Vow, and come to a decision of which Vow they will take. This decision marks the completion of the Estudiate rank.

### Neophyte

The Neophyte takes on their Vow, and begins study under a master in their chosen trade. They are given their hammer, which is chained to their belt by the twenty-two links, and they are given the Vow-Icon which will hang from their belt until they receive cordons, from which it will then hang.

* Vow of Chastity — Haloed Hammer
* Vow of Poverty — Stylized Pattern
* Vow of Silence — Tower
* Vow of Pacifism — Shield
* Vow of Prayer — Anka’s Wing
* Vow of Blindness — Band

### Paladin

When the Neophyte is given their armor, they are called a Paladin, but in name only. It is only if they proceed past this level that they will be considered a true Paladin by the Brotherhood. They have a single year to test as a Journeyman in their field if they wish to proceed. If they do not master their chosen profession, they will wait anywhere from five to ten years before being allowed to test once more.

### Brother Paladin

If deemed worthy, a Paladin is given the red cordons, marking them both a Master in their trade, and a Brother Paladin—full member of the Brotherhood with full rights to vote on all matters. If leadership requires they take on another trade, they will learn from, and proceed through the same lessons and trials, however, nothing can take their rank of Brother Paladin from them.

### Brother Excelsior

Brother Excelsiors are the equivalent to a lieutenant, commanding brothers of lower rank, marked by green cordons. These have shown themselves to rise above the rest in an occupation—a senior master that all defer to, including some higher levels. As an example, one Brother Excelsior in the Smithy may be an expert and specialist at inlaying metals and most will defer to their knowledge as needed.

### Brother Adjutant

Marked by white cordons, there is rarely more than a single Brother Adjutant in an occupation at a single location. They often fill administrative roles left vacant by higher- ranking Paladins. This rank is also considered the first “true” leadership rank, although most are administrators. Those with the knack for leadership are only passing through the rank on their way to Primus.

### Brother Primus

Leaders and masters, the black-cordoned Primus commands both respect and authority. If at a Bastion, they will be the highest- ranked Paladin. While uncommon, Primus can hold the highest rank at some Fortresses.

### Pater Minoris

A Paladin will rarely rise to this rank without there being a vacancy. Each Citadel is led by one, and there is a Pater Minoris from each Vow stationed at Pariantür. Besides wearing gold cordons, their armor is also often adorned with symbology reflective of the long traditions of a Citadel. The five Pater Minorii stationed at Pariantür fill very important roles in the community.

* Pater Minoris of Prayer Hiram van Höllebon, Chaplain to Pariantür
* Pater Minoris of Poverty Mason Diggle, Keeper of Fealty
* Pater Minoris of Chastity Pol Dunkirk, Hospitaliter
* Pater Minoris of Silence Daveth, Grandmaster Smith
* Pater Minoris of Pacifism Klous Girard, Groundskeeper

### Pater Segundus

Under the Prima Pater there is a council of four Pater Segundii. With the Prima Pater in their lead, each Vow is represented. They are marked by blue cordons and their words hold nearly as much authority at the Prima Pater himself.

* Pater Segundus of Poverty Nichal Guess, Pariantür’s Castellan
* Pater Segundus of Pacifism Gallahan Pír, Master Scribe
* Pater Segundus of Silence Athmor, Master Cellarer
* Pater Segundus of Chastity Agapius Emiro, Sacrist

### Prima Pater

There is only one Prima Pater. A Prima Pater’s armor is crafted to match the motifs and symbols of the founding saint of their Vow. When a Prima Pater’s rank is passed on, one of the Pater Segundii under him will take on the role, donning armor of their own figurehead saint, thus ensuring that another Vow takes dominance.