runner

And here I was thinking that hoomans could run far.

— Ligti

Career

Qualifications

The two most important qualifications are that the person is able to run long distances and be able to navigate the area they are operating in. If the runner is not able to accurately remember the addresses and names, they are also required to be able to read and write, basically keeping notes on what goes where.

Career Progression

Usually one starts of as a oral messenger in the local town and then moving on to deliver letters. While it is not a requirement to be employed by the Ven'Ir, it allows the runner to wear official livery which provides trust, important for long distant messages.

Payment & Reimbursement

Letters delivered to government officials is paid by the recipient while government letters that are sent to private citizens are paid up front, the fee is determined by the shortest distance travelled. It is common for runners to also take letters from and to private sources if the letters are to be delivered on route. In this case the normal procedure is to pay the runner a fee, half up front and half by the recipient. This fee varies and is not regulated, but public official fees that are paid are used as a reference point.

Other Benefits

While on official business runners are provided with lodging and food for overnight stays in towns, organised by the Ven'Ir. Non material benefits are in the trusted position that runners serve.

Perception

Purpose

The purpose has remained the same over the decades since its creation, to quickly take letters between settlements and in extension across the lands. Larger packages, or heavy ones, are not accepted by the runners. Those are instead taken by merchants heading the right direction.

Social Status

While everyone says that runners are never around when you need them and that they are overly expensive, the runners are in demand and well liked for the service they provide, even if it does come at a premium over merchants.

Demographics

The dominant species employed are Veniran, due to their ability to travel long distances. In smaller areas, like villages or towns, Hoomans are also seen, especially in the former Xalnan regions.

History

Before the War of Misunderstanding both letter and packages were delivered via merchants, which was very slow. As the war heated up the need for a much faster system was made very obvious by the slow and sluggish call to arms.

The solution was to take the best long distance runners that could be found and have them run the letters between settlements. This worked exceptionally well, so when the war came to an end the runners were kept in government employ and the organisation was formalized.

Alternative Names

Courier

Type

Transportation

Used By

• Ven'Ir

Livery

Light blue baggy clothing. Runners pack with insignia on the front.