Grand Elder
Leader of the Cradle
Youth brings vitality, but only age can bring perspective, a wholly separate thing from knowledge. Anyone can read the stories and learn through their own experiences, but it truly takes a special person to learn from the collective and then govern those same people. One must have perspective and see the greater whole, an entire history stretched before them. Not all leaders have this, but as a people that stand on principle and storytelling, the history of decades ago is just as important as the impending future when making decisions for those who have already once been ostracized and forced to begin again.
Clan Elders bring with them the stories and histories of their clans, their people, and the area in which they live. Thousands of miles are covered by the hills and valleys of the Cradle of Clay, uniting a people but creating subtle differences between those who may live in a sheltered valley and those who live near the shimmering coasts. A collection of Clan Elders brings the perspective of each piece of the whole, a voice for each of the once voiceless in the Giants' hierarchy. Each piece is brought together to be then seen and interpreted by someone who brings the perspective of millennia within their own family's stories.
The Grand Elder is often the head of the Runestrike Seers Clan, bringing their history and knowledge to the table and treating the whole of the Cradle as their kin and clan. Serving as an advisor above the Clan Elders, the Grand Elder serves as the uniting factor between all clans, creating the overarching clan of the Cradle and serving the people who have already lived through enough hardship. This person is who the world sees as the pillar of strength amongst the Clay Giants and their central piece that keeps everything moving in the worst of times.
Requirements
The Grand Elder of the Cradle of Clay has always been the current head of the Runestrike Seers Clan. This person will have all the qualifications and knowledge that are necessary to be one of the Clan Elders, will own a large ranch within the Cradle of Clay, and will have a deep understanding of the entire history of the Clay Giants, from their time with the Giants, to their movement to the Cradle of Clay, and their relationships with other races. The Grand Elder is the penultimate position amongst the Clay Giants and requires perspective and knowledge.
Duties
Those who serve as Grand Elder are tasked with looking after the Cradle as a whole, which is why it is common for the Runestrike Seers Clan to treat the entire country as part of their clan and use that outlook to help advise the other elders. Upon the death of the current Grand Elder, the position will be passed to the most qualified member of the family as this is an important role. The Grand Elder has dominion over laws and courts that preside throughout the Cradle and can change these through organized processes and councils with the major Clan Elders. Public works projects can also be convened to help the Cradle as a whole.
Another part of the Grand Elder's job is determining the merit and precedence of other clans, judging their level of influence by their accomplishments and historical merit. Generations of growth and success are needed for a clan to gain great recognition and become one of the major clans. The Grand Elder is also the only one with authority who can meet with leaders of foreign countries and make decisions on behalf of the Cradle.
Type
Royalty, Hereditary
Length of Term
This is a lifetime position upon appointment
Related Locations
Related Organizations
I love the emphasis on perspective over knowledge.