The relation between political offices and aisling paths

Theories, by Boogiepop Demonia


Foreword

The world of Temuair has five distinct paths - The warrior, The monk, The rogue, The wizard, and the priest. While it is true that each of these paths are very unique; four of the five can be grouped into two broad categories. These two groups have been given the loose term "Bashers" and "Casters" by many Aislings.

Now, the politically organized cities of Rucesion and Mileth have many different divisions, or offices. Each city (Mileth and Rucesion) has a number of positions one could hope to ascend to; these include Guards, Guard Captains, Judges, Demagogues, and Burgesses. Each office has it's own specific garment to show the position outwardly in the streets. Like paths, the many offices of a township may be grouped into two categories; In this case, we group them as the Legislative Branch and the Judicial Branch.

The purpose of this essay is to establish a link between the Aisling paths of Temuair and the offices of civilized cities. I'll gradually go into detail of each path and the relation to offices, eventually concluding each one with the office(s) they are best suited for.

Part One - "Bashers"

Warriors are physically strong; it's a commonly known fact. Ceannlaindir, the god of war, can prove that. A typical warrior will most always rely on his or her weapon over magic or knowledge. Great tales tell of fanatical warriors charging into battle, barely alive yet not caring at all. Now, you may ask, how does this path relate to politics?

We'll start off relating it to the Legislative Branch. The demagoguery is purely about thinking. It's somewhat the same with the burgess position. You are not in a very active environment; in fact, the most active thing you'll get in Mileth is a demagogue meeting. It would seem most unsuitable for the typical warrior. Also note, the warm and comfortable garments of demagogues and burgesses offer little protection, save from the cold.

Relating to the Judicial Branch, the warrior seems much at home. The heavy but maneuverable skirt on the tabard is most protective, as are the chain mail sleeves, which accompany the garment. The helmet given to guard captains is also an added bonus for protection, not to mention a nifty piece of headgear for Aislings under the 50th insight. Furthermore, on the subject of tabards, I'd like to discuss some of the statistics of them. A tabard restricts your mana supply quite a bit ((-1000 MP)) and rather demotes your intelligence when worn. ((-5 INT)) This suits a warrior perfectly, for he or she will not use spells often.

Monks are generally about nature and balance. They relate to the father of all monks, the god Cail. While monks are bashers, they do have somewhat of a downside from each branch, except from the judicial office of Judge.

A monk generally seems to make more harmonic life choices, which translates somewhat easily into the job of interpreting laws and promoting fair, unbiased trials. Monks are also great teachers, known for guiding younger monks in the secrets of the colored dugons. This will also translate well into the position, as a Judge must be very knowledgeable of his or her own laws to make sure that the Guards and Guard Captains understand them well.

From the information I've gathered, it seems to me like Bashers are more geared towards the active lifestyle of the Judicial Branch rather than the more passive lifestyle of the Legislative Branch. Let's move on to part two, and see how "Casters" could translate into political offices.

Part Two - "Casters"

Wizards typically are rather bookish fellows, priding themselves upon secret lores and magics beyond mundane comprehension. There are two conclusions I can draw from Wizards going into the Judicial Branch.

One - the effects of tabards and such are meant to deter wizards from becoming Guards and Guard Captains. Higher offices such a judge were not meant to be available to them, since wizards are sometimes believed to be arrogant; It may not translate well into the position of Judge.

Two - The effects of tabards and such are put in place merely to limit a Wizard's immense power. The effects are merely a trial that a wizard may overcome to gain the respect of a Judge.

Priests generally are healers, and kind folk. Though, with strong spells such as Prahm, Dark Seal, and Deo Searg Gar / Deo Searg, the path is becoming more geared towards what Wizards are now.

Legislative uniforms for both Wizards and Priests offer little protection, though they do help you to stay warm. It might be said that both of these paths are quite frail, due to their lack of a need for strength. They also do not need the added protection that a Warrior or Monk might need, because they are not going to be on the "Front lines" of combat.

Part Three - On Rangers

Personally, I believe Ranger to be a job quite similar to Guard or Guard Captain. The uniform is quite protective, as it is merely a yellow-orange version of a Guard Tabard. I could not tell you if it decreases intelligence or mana supplies - I haven't been able to talk to Rangers often, and I am not a Ranger myself. The job of a ranger is very decisive, yet very active. Aisling Rangers are encouraged to go places in order to handle cases. I'd gear it more towards Monks and Rangers, though the decision making and extra care that need to be involved accompany some aspects of other paths.

Part Four - On Knights

Knights are mediators by nature. Mediation does require some sort of intelligence and maturity. In this aspect, it may be more geared towards "Casters." Another facet of the Knighthood we may look at, however, is the armor. Knight armor consists of steel plates with underlying tight chain mesh. It is certainly protective, and even the weakest of Knight armors is significantly greater than any political uniform for hunting. It is said that Knight armors rival Master and Medenian armors. Based on both of these examples, I'd be willing to say that the Knight position is geared towards an Aisling of any path, so long as they prove their worthiness.

Conclusion

This concludes my very long, thoughtful, theorizing essay on the relation between paths and political offices. I thank you for sitting through this document, as well as the politicians and friends whom assisted in gathering information for this essay.