Armengar's social and political structure is quite complex and encompasses a number of different groups. In the past, everything worked because it had to. The people worked towards the common end of survival. Without the spur of constant war, the divisions in Armengarian society have become more apparent and chain of command has become less clear cut. Whereas before the blanket term Armengarian covered all, there are now definable groups. Some groups share ideals and agendas, some are just handy labels for those who share common traits.
This is not to say that Armengar is falling apart. It is still true that one Armengarian would leap to the defence of another, and there is yet a closeness which is not to be found in other societies. Yet a visitor to Armengar would still do well to understand the diversity to be found within the citadel.
The Tribe
With the end of the Calebii threat, some people of Armengar left the island. One such person was Dalben - son of the Lawkeeper Eirlys. Travelling the outside world, he was initially shocked to find that he needed to earn a living - something which had never been an issue in Armengar. Marketing the skill he knew best, he joined a travelling mercenary group known as The Tribe. Gradually growing in their estimation, he convinced them to accompany him back to Armengar, where they might win a new home and could teach his people about offensive warfare.
Initially viewed with suspicion by the people, the Tribe were granted a year and a day trial to stay in Armengar after which time their presence would be reviewed. Slowly the Tribe have acclimatised to life in Armengar, and while there are still rough edges to be worked out they are making the citadel their home.
Firinne
While the tribe are easily identifiable, the existence of this group can only be seen through their covert actions. By all evidence, they are a conservative group who do not wish Armengar to change. So far, the only actions which can be solidly attributed to them are the spreading of propaganda, but even so they have caused quite a stir.
Heramacleans and Delalarians
As is explained in the section on Ancestors, there are two main ancestors who are followed within Armengar. While relations between the groups are largely cordial, there are acts which some people of Armengar will be quick to ascribe to Delalarians more quickly than they would to Heramacleans. As such, there is sometimes friction between the groups.
Mages
Magic is very new to Armengar, and still treated with some suspicion. Part of this suspicion may be due to the High Mage - Madra/Mactire. Not only does he wield arcane powers, but he was the first non-human which many of the Armengarians knew. Legends surrounding this man include that he eats the souls of those who displease him.
The practical usefulness of magic though has outweighed many's distrust of it, and such well respected individuals as the Protector Caoimhe have studied under Mactire.
Healers
Of all the arcane skills, only Healers have been with Armengar for a long time. Basing their operations from the Wishing Tree Gardens, Healers have always been in demand in Armengar's wore torn society.
In order to become a Healer, incumbents drink of the sap of the Wishing Tree. If they are a true healer, the sap will awaken their connection to the plane of life. If not, they will die.
The organisation of Healers is not truly known to any outsiders. The current High Healer, Midir, certainly doesn't seem to wield his authority over them as publicly as his predecesor Setanta. He does however care for the Wishing Tree and oversee the testing of new Healers.
Incantors
While the Incantors are intrinsically linked to the organisations which follow their respective ancestors, they are also considered a group as far as military matters are concerned. Currently, the ArdSagart of Heramacles, Fionnuala, is High Incantor and thus responsible for the battle training of all incantors.
Ritualists
Ritual magic has only been with Armengar for a year. For most of that year, Simon of the One dwelled on Amnor to help teach this fledgling art. While the island has few ritualists, it is a growing field and the Tribe have brought with them a potent worker of ritual magics. The current High Ritualist is Rua, and she cares for the ritual circle.
Scouts
While most Armengarians were trained as front line fighthers, there were those who instead operated by stealth. During the years of war, it was only they who would frequently venture off the plateau. All matters of reconnaissance fall to the scouts, and until recently they were also the unofficial police force of the city. The current High Scout is Dalben.
Militia
Recently the Protector has commissioned a militia to look after civil matters. It is unclear what impact this will have in the long run.
Military
Nearly all citizens of Armengar are members of the military. Exceptions are few and far between. Armengars military forces are broken down into Eagles. Each Eagle contains a Head (including spellcasters and command staff), a Heart (healers and support members), and two Claws - each comprised of two talons (five combatants).
The current First Gan of the army is Cero.
Civilians
Until very recently all people of Armengar were military with the possible exception of the Lawkeeper. At the Gathering of Nations this changed. Five people resigned their commissions and declared their will to become civilians. They were Rua (the High Ritualist), Midir (the High Healer), Cosaint (Armengar's only known pacifist and Heart Commander), Fuildubh (ArdSagart of Delalaria) and Lucas (both a Healer and a Mage). For the first time ever, Armengar now has civilians over whom the military have no authority.
Lawkeeper
Due to repeated Calebii invasions, the art of writing was lost on Armengar, only
now is it becoming prevalent once more. In order to preserve the culture, history
and laws the Lawkeeper was named. The responsibilities of the lawkeeper are
varied and demanding. He is expected to know all the old stories and legends of
the island. He is responsible for hearing, and judging on cases laid before him.
He is required to know all the laws of Armengar, and the punishments for their
transgression. And is also the Chair of the Volksraad. All Armengarians hold the
lawkeeper in very high regard; very few will question his words. Before the
lawkeeper dies it is his responsibility to choose, and train his successor, so that
Armengar does not have to step forward blindly.
Fae
Until recently the only people on Armengar were human (with the sole exception of the High Mage). Since the end of the wars however, some have theorised that magic is returning to the island in a way which was unknown before. With this return, the Fae have started to emerge. First the creature known as Coircre was found by Mactire. Later Alvar emerged from the forest with the childlike human Caillte. Most recently, on the anniversary of the Calebii leaving, a contingent of Fae arrived at an Armengarian banquet in the company of Midir. No-one is truly sure where the Fae have been all this time and how many are waiting to make themselves known.
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