Bairnspeaker

The Bairnspeakers are a very integral and honoured group of Firbolgs that take up the mantle of being the intermediary between the Bairn (Giants) and the small folk (everyone else).  While Firbolgs are part of the Bairn race, they are much smaller in stature than the other Bairn, allowing them to mingle and interact with much smaller people.
They hold a high level of respect amongst many Bairn communities.  While they exist wherever there are Bairn and small folk, their prominence is mostly in Denethen's Helm, where many Bairn communities co-exist with the rest of the population.

Career

Qualifications

Firbolgs are the only type of creature that can become a Bairnspeaker and there have been no official instances of another lineage bearing the title. A high level of empathy, compassion, and patience is required, though not all Bairnspeakers share all three traits. Resident Bairnspeakers exist and do not require any schooling or training.  These Bairnspeakers are entitled to the position locally and do not speak for Bairn as a whole.  They represent their home and immediate surrounding area, though they still travel and help where they can. Sanctioned Bairnspeakers have taken up official schooling at the Bairnspeaker Accedmy in Motengrast, or received recognition as successfully completing the trials in the field.

Career Progression

Hopefuls typically start off as representatives of their community and the majority do not extend beyond that. After achieving some status or recognition as a local Bairnspeaker, two typical tracks exist for those wanting to become sanctioned - the Bairnspeaker Academy, or field trials.  In either case, a trip to Motengrast is required to obtain the official stamp of approval. No official levels of Bairnspeaker is structured, but there are those that have achieved great success and recognition as Bairnspeakers across the north.

Payment & Reimbursement

Being a Bairnspeaker is a calling and one that does not expect any payment.  However, those Bairnspeakers that are successful can usually find lodging, food, aid, or some form of thanks for the work they do.  Occassionally the relationships that are built with the small folk may lead to other jobs, or opportunities, and Bairnspeakers are not forbidden to take outside work.

Other Benefits

Local and sanctioned Bairnspeakers are widely recognized in the Bairn community, and are given varying levels of respect and honour.  While not all Firbolg recognize or appreciate the profession, those are in the minority.  Some Bairn, particularly aggressive or xenophobic ones may distrust or invalidate the need for a Bairnspeaker, and some might not even allow them in their communities, but that is rare.

Perception

Purpose

As intermediaries between Bairn and small-folk, Bairnspeakers might be the difference between conflict and peace in regions that have an abundance of Bairn and small-folk activity.  The ability to communicate effectively with the two sides allow Bairnspeakers to prevent misunderstandings and facilitate peace and hopefully benefit for both sides.

Social Status

Bairnspeakers hold high levels of respect and honour, but do not hold any official sway over the governmental structure of their community.  Often they may also be the ones in charge, but that is not a direct result of their profession.  Bairnspeakers can hold many different levels of a community, and some remove themselves totally from the day to day of their locality.
Sanctioned Bairnspeakers typically receive higher praise or are given more favourable benefits than local Bairnspeakers but that is not always the case.

Demographics

Typically only one Bairnspeaker is chosen for each community.  There are sanctioned Bairnspeakers that hold sway over a larger region, which might include other Bairnspeakers.  These Bairnspeakers do not hold any official authority over those in their region but their word is more often considered heavily.

History

Bairnspeakers have been around for thousands of years, and were a source of pride for Hiatea and her children.  Recognizing early on of the need to bridge the gap, Hiatea encouraged her people to nurture their diplomatic nature and take on the task of bringing the Bairn and their neighbours into friendly relations.
The role of Bairnspeaker has grown and the Bairnspeaker Academy in Motengrast is a relatively new addition (considering the long history of Bairn).  The Academy has been around for approximately 350 years and has grown considerably since its inception.

Alternative Names

Giantspeaker (Firbolgs accept it, but prefer Bairnspeaker)

Type

Social Services