The Watch
Location
The main group of tents are centered in Diamond Clan territory, surrounded by the warriors that make up the majority of The Watch members. The white and black tents of The Watch are also dotted through the rest of the city, targeting high crime areas like the marketplace, and entrance and exit paths to and from the city itself, and the center where the heart fire burns and foreigners are forbidden to tread.
The main tent is large and elaborate, housing some of the key members of the group. It is surrounded by smaller tents, one for processing, training, and educating new recruits, another for training in specific weapon types, riding, webbing, or even housing and dealing with the interrogation of captives. Members of The Watch are held in high regard as their line of work puts them in harm's way every day and no job in Endrykas has a higher turnover of people. The cost of keeping the city safe is high and men and women do not join The Watch without giving it a lot of thought, and the blessing of their Ankal or Clan.
Outposts
The Watch have small outposts located throughout the Sea of Grass, usually a day or two's ride from the city of Endrykas, or any of the major cities in the Cyphrus region. They decide who comes and goes, often intercepting or turning away outsiders if they do not leave them instead to their fates in the dangerous grasslands. Outposts usually play host to a number of Watch members, including a Yakhtai, two Tavehk, and a handful of Ra’athi, one of which is usually well versed in the art of medicine.
The outposts are kept well stocked which often leaves them open to small-party raids, though it is very difficult to sneak up on members of The Watch, who are more often than not masters of webbing; they also keep a number of well trained hunting cats, large guard dogs, and their Striders nearby. The biggest threat to Watch members in the Sea of Grass is usually the animals that stalk the tall grass, including but not limited to, Glassbeaks, Spearback, Night Lions, Velispar, and large colonies of Snarlwing. Starving Zith have also been known to attack outposts.
Breakdown
To some The Watch are considered the sentinels of Cyphrus. However, they are so much more. Located on the Sea of Grass, the Watch dedicates their life to ensuring the comprehensive safety of the Drykas people as a whole. The Watch maintains the webbings throughout the Sea of Grass, building cairns and making sure the network of protection throughout the region is always intact. The proud members are the hand-picked elite from among all the Drykas clans. With skilled use of Webbing, these fierce warriors will outfight, out-think, or out-ride any threat to them, their people, or their way of life.
History
Ethics/Attitude
The Watch is concerned with one thing and one thing only: the protection of Endrykas and the Drykas people from any outside or natural threat. By riding swiftly and with purpose the members of the Watch respond quickly to anything which could potentially threaten their lifestyle. Non-dangers are observed to ensure they don’t become one, but are otherwise left to be consumed by the Sea of Grass. No remorse is held for a non-Drykas lost to hazards of Cyphrus. Those who are identified as potential problems will find themselves met by an armed group of Drykas who are there to determine if they will be an issue. If they are found to be an unacceptable presence, members of The Watch will waste no time in dispensing the harsh justice of the horse clans. They rarely expend energy to escort the unwelcome off the Sea of Grass. More often than not they eliminate them entirely. The Sea of Grass is too dangerous to wait around and see if someone is going to cooperate. The lands must be protected and fervently so.
Organization
The Watch is separated into five distinct ranks: Sayaph, Rayvekh, Yakhtai, Tavehk, and Ra’athi.
Sayeth – Means “Shepard”. The Sayeth is the highest position in The Watch and supreme authority on how the members are utilized. Extensive experience and strong leadership qualities are required of any holding this position. They are responsible for distribution of pay and securing funds, which come from the various clans in the form of donation. In the event of a full blown attack on Endrykas, the Sayeth would be responsible for organizing the city in defence, though much responsibility is delegated to other high ranking members. Their word is final in all Watch matters. When selected for the job, it is held until the health of the leader makes them no longer able to perform duties. A new Sayeth is elected by the Rayvekh with a simple majority vote once an old Sayeth steps down or is dead. There are no laws in place denying a female the post, but to this date none have been able to claim it. The current Sayeth is Farlk Sunfire.
Rayvekh – Means “To Ride Point”. The Rayvekh are experienced and skilled members of The Watch. Those who have risen to this rank have not only honed their skill sets to be skilled riders and webbers, but have established themselves as respected leaders who have forged their reputation in the Sea of Grass. They take the responsibilities given to them by Sayeth and execute them to the fullest of their ability. Responsibilities include leading reaction teams, training Yakhtai and Tavehk, or take particularly promising member under their wing. They also plan and execute strikes against Zith colonies and foreigners who dare intrude their territory. Within this rank is a raised position called the Troha or “Second”. This particular Reyvekh sits as the right hand of the Sayeth, acting as their enforcer and liaison between The Watch and the clans. The Reyvekh Troha is appointed by the Sayeth. They hold uniquely powerful and influential title.
Yakhtai – Means ‘To Ride Tail’. These warriors have begun to ascend up the ranks in the Watch, displaying leadership as well as showing honed skills in a particular area. Best defined as specialists, these men and women are considered the experts on their particular field of practice. They led groups of a dozen Tavehk in patrols and battles. The Yakhtai are the main trainers of the Tavehk. They are the most trusted members of the Drykas not including the leadership of the Watch. Yakhtai who are Troha to Reyvekh are paid more and considered Yakhtai Troha.
Tavehk - Means ‘To Ride Flank'. They are the rank-and-file members of the Watch, but all of Endrykas knows they are so much more than that. They are the majority of the membership and are more than able riders and combatants. When one is in trouble, they can expect that a group of Tavehk will be riding to their aid. Tavehk are often asked to be Troha to Yakhtai and thus are called Tavehk Troha.
Ra’athi - Means ‘Mass’. They are full members but considered also to be still in training. These are the ultimate protectors of Endrykas and are constantly being tested by their leaders to find their limits and ready them to one day be Tavekh and higher in their own rights. Wage: 10 GM/Day (+10 GM For a Troha Title)
Requirements for initial Watch Admittance
Bonded to a Strider
26+ Skill Points In Riding
26+ Skill Points in a Weapon Of Their Choice
26+ Skill Points in Webbing
Recommendation from Their Pavilion’s Ankal
NPCs
Name: Helena Swiftrun
Race: Human, Mixed (Drykas, Myrian)
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: 33 Spring, 491 AV
Place of Birth: Endrykas
Husband: Truth Hightide (Deceased)
Title/Job: Rayvekh of The Watch
Skills: Acrobatics 90, Riding (Horse) 65, Weapon: Spear 75, Observation 60, Horsemanship 45, Lovemaking 60, Hunting 45, Tracking: 35, Weapon: Shortbow 50, Persuasion 45, Weapon: Dagger 60, Endurance 70, Poison 55, Wilderness Survival: Plains 50, Weaving 75, Gambling 50, Running 45, Tactics 50, Medicine 25
Gnosis: Unknown
Clan: Emerald
History: Her mother loved a man from the jungle tribes in the far north who was captured by the Drykas people and sold into slavery. Helena was born Shay The Skinning Rock and later renamed to Helena Swiftrun by her grandfather who cut her father’s throat and tried the hide the horrible truth of her lineage. As the girl grew she looked more and more like the tribesman her grandfather had refused to acknowledge and began to ask questions about where she came from.
On her mother’s deathbed, she was told the ugly truth about her start in life and Helena has kept it secret ever since. Now an esteemed member of The Watch, Helena likes to make a little extra money on the side of her main line of work by weaving and selling one of a kind mats, dresses, and animal halters. She offers lessons in weaving for 4 GM per bell.
Name: Aris Riverwatcher
Race: Human, Drykas
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: Fall 61, 473 AV
Place of Birth: Endrykas
Title/Job: Tavekh of the Watch
Skills: Riding (Horse) 50, Weapon: Shortbow 40, Philosophy 35, Rhetoric 35, Weapon: Saber 35, Observation 30, Horsemanship 30, Webbing 25, Interrogation 20, Investigation 15
Gnosis: n/a
History: As a boy in the Topaz Clan, Aris grew up among philosophers and guardians, and wanted nothing more than to follow in their footsteps. He has since become a confident and capable Tavekh, though not one ambitious to climb further ranks. When not occupied with Watch business, he can often be found among other members of his Clan, where they rehash well-worn discussions of philosophy, principle, and the oft-fuzzy lines dividing custom from law. Aris is unswerving in his love of and devotion to the Drykas, and for all his egalitarian tendencies, holds firmly to the traditions and necessities of his people. Twice married, Aris is the father of two sons and a daughter; he lost one son to the pox, and his daughter wed into the Diamond Clan some years ago.
Name: Roan Winterstorm
Race: Human, Drykas
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: 1 Winter, 499 AV
Place of Birth: Endrykas
Title/Job: Ra’athi of The Watch
Skills: Riding (Horse) 35, Weapon: Shortbow 30, Observation 30, Horsemanship 20, Webbing 20, Investigation 30, Tracking: 35, Tanning: 30, Dagger: 20
Gnosis: n/a
History: Roan Winterstorm of the Sapphire Clan hails from a proud line of Drykas who have had a son or daughter in The Watch for as long as recorded history. The storm of 512 destroyed the Winterstorm pavilion and the remaining members chose to settle on the border of Syliras. Roan is the last living member of the Winterstorm line who holds the title to an acre of land on the border of Syliras and twelve head of fine cattle. He earned his windmarks when he was fourteen and hasn't looked back since. His goals in life are to find a nice Drykas woman to wed, better his rank within The Watch, and rebuild what his family lost. (Currently resides with the Blackwater Pavilion)
Location
The main group of tents are centered in Diamond Clan territory, surrounded by the warriors that make up the majority of The Watch members. The white and black tents of The Watch are also dotted through the rest of the city, targeting high crime areas like the marketplace, and entrance and exit paths to and from the city itself, and the center where the heart fire burns and foreigners are forbidden to tread.
The main tent is large and elaborate, housing some of the key members of the group. It is surrounded by smaller tents, one for processing, training, and educating new recruits, another for training in specific weapon types, riding, webbing, or even housing and dealing with the interrogation of captives. Members of The Watch are held in high regard as their line of work puts them in harm's way every day and no job in Endrykas has a higher turnover of people. The cost of keeping the city safe is high and men and women do not join The Watch without giving it a lot of thought, and the blessing of their Ankal or Clan.
Outposts
The Watch have small outposts located throughout the Sea of Grass, usually a day or two's ride from the city of Endrykas, or any of the major cities in the Cyphrus region. They decide who comes and goes, often intercepting or turning away outsiders if they do not leave them instead to their fates in the dangerous grasslands. Outposts usually play host to a number of Watch members, including a Yakhtai, two Tavehk, and a handful of Ra’athi, one of which is usually well versed in the art of medicine.
The outposts are kept well stocked which often leaves them open to small-party raids, though it is very difficult to sneak up on members of The Watch, who are more often than not masters of webbing; they also keep a number of well trained hunting cats, large guard dogs, and their Striders nearby. The biggest threat to Watch members in the Sea of Grass is usually the animals that stalk the tall grass, including but not limited to, Glassbeaks, Spearback, Night Lions, Velispar, and large colonies of Snarlwing. Starving Zith have also been known to attack outposts.
Breakdown
To some The Watch are considered the sentinels of Cyphrus. However, they are so much more. Located on the Sea of Grass, the Watch dedicates their life to ensuring the comprehensive safety of the Drykas people as a whole. The Watch maintains the webbings throughout the Sea of Grass, building cairns and making sure the network of protection throughout the region is always intact. The proud members are the hand-picked elite from among all the Drykas clans. With skilled use of Webbing, these fierce warriors will outfight, out-think, or out-ride any threat to them, their people, or their way of life.
History
Ethics/Attitude
The Watch is concerned with one thing and one thing only: the protection of Endrykas and the Drykas people from any outside or natural threat. By riding swiftly and with purpose the members of the Watch respond quickly to anything which could potentially threaten their lifestyle. Non-dangers are observed to ensure they don’t become one, but are otherwise left to be consumed by the Sea of Grass. No remorse is held for a non-Drykas lost to hazards of Cyphrus. Those who are identified as potential problems will find themselves met by an armed group of Drykas who are there to determine if they will be an issue. If they are found to be an unacceptable presence, members of The Watch will waste no time in dispensing the harsh justice of the horse clans. They rarely expend energy to escort the unwelcome off the Sea of Grass. More often than not they eliminate them entirely. The Sea of Grass is too dangerous to wait around and see if someone is going to cooperate. The lands must be protected and fervently so.
Organization
The Watch is separated into five distinct ranks: Sayaph, Rayvekh, Yakhtai, Tavehk, and Ra’athi.
Sayeth – Means “Shepard”. The Sayeth is the highest position in The Watch and supreme authority on how the members are utilized. Extensive experience and strong leadership qualities are required of any holding this position. They are responsible for distribution of pay and securing funds, which come from the various clans in the form of donation. In the event of a full blown attack on Endrykas, the Sayeth would be responsible for organizing the city in defence, though much responsibility is delegated to other high ranking members. Their word is final in all Watch matters. When selected for the job, it is held until the health of the leader makes them no longer able to perform duties. A new Sayeth is elected by the Rayvekh with a simple majority vote once an old Sayeth steps down or is dead. There are no laws in place denying a female the post, but to this date none have been able to claim it. The current Sayeth is Farlk Sunfire.
Rayvekh – Means “To Ride Point”. The Rayvekh are experienced and skilled members of The Watch. Those who have risen to this rank have not only honed their skill sets to be skilled riders and webbers, but have established themselves as respected leaders who have forged their reputation in the Sea of Grass. They take the responsibilities given to them by Sayeth and execute them to the fullest of their ability. Responsibilities include leading reaction teams, training Yakhtai and Tavehk, or take particularly promising member under their wing. They also plan and execute strikes against Zith colonies and foreigners who dare intrude their territory. Within this rank is a raised position called the Troha or “Second”. This particular Reyvekh sits as the right hand of the Sayeth, acting as their enforcer and liaison between The Watch and the clans. The Reyvekh Troha is appointed by the Sayeth. They hold uniquely powerful and influential title.
Yakhtai – Means ‘To Ride Tail’. These warriors have begun to ascend up the ranks in the Watch, displaying leadership as well as showing honed skills in a particular area. Best defined as specialists, these men and women are considered the experts on their particular field of practice. They led groups of a dozen Tavehk in patrols and battles. The Yakhtai are the main trainers of the Tavehk. They are the most trusted members of the Drykas not including the leadership of the Watch. Yakhtai who are Troha to Reyvekh are paid more and considered Yakhtai Troha.
Tavehk - Means ‘To Ride Flank'. They are the rank-and-file members of the Watch, but all of Endrykas knows they are so much more than that. They are the majority of the membership and are more than able riders and combatants. When one is in trouble, they can expect that a group of Tavehk will be riding to their aid. Tavehk are often asked to be Troha to Yakhtai and thus are called Tavehk Troha.
Ra’athi - Means ‘Mass’. They are full members but considered also to be still in training. These are the ultimate protectors of Endrykas and are constantly being tested by their leaders to find their limits and ready them to one day be Tavekh and higher in their own rights. Wage: 10 GM/Day (+10 GM For a Troha Title)
Requirements for initial Watch Admittance
Bonded to a Strider
26+ Skill Points In Riding
26+ Skill Points in a Weapon Of Their Choice
26+ Skill Points in Webbing
Recommendation from Their Pavilion’s Ankal
NPCs
Name: Helena Swiftrun
Race: Human, Mixed (Drykas, Myrian)
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: 33 Spring, 491 AV
Place of Birth: Endrykas
Husband: Truth Hightide (Deceased)
Title/Job: Rayvekh of The Watch
Skills: Acrobatics 90, Riding (Horse) 65, Weapon: Spear 75, Observation 60, Horsemanship 45, Lovemaking 60, Hunting 45, Tracking: 35, Weapon: Shortbow 50, Persuasion 45, Weapon: Dagger 60, Endurance 70, Poison 55, Wilderness Survival: Plains 50, Weaving 75, Gambling 50, Running 45, Tactics 50, Medicine 25
Gnosis: Unknown
Clan: Emerald
History: Her mother loved a man from the jungle tribes in the far north who was captured by the Drykas people and sold into slavery. Helena was born Shay The Skinning Rock and later renamed to Helena Swiftrun by her grandfather who cut her father’s throat and tried the hide the horrible truth of her lineage. As the girl grew she looked more and more like the tribesman her grandfather had refused to acknowledge and began to ask questions about where she came from.
On her mother’s deathbed, she was told the ugly truth about her start in life and Helena has kept it secret ever since. Now an esteemed member of The Watch, Helena likes to make a little extra money on the side of her main line of work by weaving and selling one of a kind mats, dresses, and animal halters. She offers lessons in weaving for 4 GM per bell.
Name: Aris Riverwatcher
Race: Human, Drykas
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: Fall 61, 473 AV
Place of Birth: Endrykas
Title/Job: Tavekh of the Watch
Skills: Riding (Horse) 50, Weapon: Shortbow 40, Philosophy 35, Rhetoric 35, Weapon: Saber 35, Observation 30, Horsemanship 30, Webbing 25, Interrogation 20, Investigation 15
Gnosis: n/a
History: As a boy in the Topaz Clan, Aris grew up among philosophers and guardians, and wanted nothing more than to follow in their footsteps. He has since become a confident and capable Tavekh, though not one ambitious to climb further ranks. When not occupied with Watch business, he can often be found among other members of his Clan, where they rehash well-worn discussions of philosophy, principle, and the oft-fuzzy lines dividing custom from law. Aris is unswerving in his love of and devotion to the Drykas, and for all his egalitarian tendencies, holds firmly to the traditions and necessities of his people. Twice married, Aris is the father of two sons and a daughter; he lost one son to the pox, and his daughter wed into the Diamond Clan some years ago.
Name: Roan Winterstorm
Race: Human, Drykas
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: 1 Winter, 499 AV
Place of Birth: Endrykas
Title/Job: Ra’athi of The Watch
Skills: Riding (Horse) 35, Weapon: Shortbow 30, Observation 30, Horsemanship 20, Webbing 20, Investigation 30, Tracking: 35, Tanning: 30, Dagger: 20
Gnosis: n/a
History: Roan Winterstorm of the Sapphire Clan hails from a proud line of Drykas who have had a son or daughter in The Watch for as long as recorded history. The storm of 512 destroyed the Winterstorm pavilion and the remaining members chose to settle on the border of Syliras. Roan is the last living member of the Winterstorm line who holds the title to an acre of land on the border of Syliras and twelve head of fine cattle. He earned his windmarks when he was fourteen and hasn't looked back since. His goals in life are to find a nice Drykas woman to wed, better his rank within The Watch, and rebuild what his family lost. (Currently resides with the Blackwater Pavilion)
