Sentinel of the Deep

The Sentinel of the Deep is the military and spiritual leader of a Triton enclave (such as Reef) and typically its most respected soldier.  
The Sentinel has absolute power to protect its enclave, commanding the full power of the Triton military apparatus. It is responsible for organizing expeditions beyond the enclave to scout for new potential threats and often leads these expeditions in a show of solidarity with the front line troops. Though defense is its primary function, Sentinels of the Deep are viewed as the pinnacle of Triton society and treated with an almost religious reverence. They host services on high holidays and act as a high priest or priestess, disseminating knowledge from their peoples' time in the Elemental Plane of Water. 
Despite this immense power and responsibility, a Sentinel can be easily replaced and there are fail-safes to prevent true tyranny. Each branch of the Triton military (The Guardians, The Priests, The Teachers and The Harvesters) sends a single representative, each year, to stand in a group called the Sentinel Council. Ostensibly, this group offers advice based on the needs of the various branches, but their primary responsibility is oversight. If two or more of the members believe The Sentinel should be removed, a new Review is called and shortly after, a new Sentinel is installed. 
A Review is the process for selecting a Sentinel of the Deep and it occurs once every two decades or after the most recent Sentinel has been removed by the council. A board of leaders from across the branches reviews the records of each soldier across the enclave, selecting the one who has shown a consistent example of selflessness, courage, curiosity and victory. The board cannot select one of themselves and cannot select a current member of the Sentinel Council. This ensures a more independent process. Sentinels of the Deep are often surprised by their selection and take the role reluctantly.

Form of Address

Sentinel

Source of Authority

The Respect and Value of Military Compatriots

Length of Term

20 Years

Current Holders

• Olyna Demelath

Related Locations

• Reef