Ranks
Oftentimes people within the Republic rely on a system of colour-coded and patterned sashes to convey information. The general idea is well known, but frustratingly the exact meanings of each colour tend to shift from region to region - the following are the “standard” colours most folk would recognise. Wearing certain colours without actually being in that position (namely Mágos or Ágios) is grounds for punishment.
Consul
Being plain maroon without any other required symbology, this is one of the simpler sashes, though consuls usually also fall into one of the below categories as well, so end up mixing colours. Optionally they can choose to include the symbol of the region they preside over.
Senator
Using the same maroon as Consuls, just less of it, Senators have white sashes with lines of the deep red denoting their political position, and often include their region’s symbol as well.
Assembly Mágos
Across the Republic mages tend to use either a deep blue or a shade of purple. Usually the sash itself is enough for identification, but many mages have their rank(level) and a family crest (if any) sewn in.
The rank is displayed as points on a star in honour of Olsír - the exact design is personal choice, and some high ranking mages prefer to use multiple stars to make it easier for the common folk to count them quickly.
Church Ágios/Klirikós
The colours used by those that worship are matched to their chosen god: blue for Suroza or gold for Zia for example, but are distinguished from other coloured sashes by having their god’s holy symbol woven in. The faithful with magic like clerics or paladins must include their rank in the same way mages would optionally.
Military Personnel
Red is usually used by military folk, but Chyreum also recognises colosseum notables like sponsors or gladiators with this colour. Similar to mages, most important military personnel have a denoter of rank sewn into the fabric, as seen in furthest image to the right.
Várdos
Minstrels, bards, and historians alike may wear green sashes. This marks them as someone knowledgeable about stories, laws, and legends of the world. Várdos are responsible for a wide array of things including settling legal disputes, entertainment, and even officiating marriages if there are no church members nearby.
Aposýros (Retired mages, clerics, consuls, etc.)
Those who have served the Republic well but wish to settle down and pass on their responsibilities are allowed to take the position of Aposýros. It is largely an honorary position that offers respect and some rights.
Mostly only taken up by senators and consuls (right), since magic casters (left) prefer to stay in their class until death. Largely because Aposýrosi may only use magic in their own homes or in self defence, rather than anywhere they like.
Merchants
Nice and simple, merchants can use orange to identify themselves. It’s not required but is culturally fashionable and helps to make dealings with guards easier if a person is carrying cargo or docking a ship.
Mixing Colours
Many high ranking people in the Republic end up filling multiple roles - a cleric serving as a soldier, or a mage serving as a senator for example. In those cases using multiple colours and symbols can be expected (though people can easily just use whichever single sash they prefer or is higher rank).
Miscellaneous Sashes
Rather than denoting a specific rank or identifying a person as someone important, certain colours are often reserved for specific situations. See some examples below.
Accomplishments
Gold thread on togas is a common sign of wealth, but entirely Gold sashes tend to be reserved for folk who have recently earned great favour within the Republic. A general celebrating a victory, or a mage publishing a revolutionary new thesis for example.
Banishment
Of all the punishments that can be given, one of the more subtly cruel is that of exile. Most commonly used in cities too squeamish for public executions, these jet black sashes are magically grafted to a criminal's skin, near impossible to remove without killing the bearer. These people are barred from entering any civilised town or city under pain of death, and any who are caught aiding an exile are likely to receive punishment themselves.
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