Halden (Hall-den)
The Halden are the administrative leaders who effectively govern Konard in association with the Reid, a citizen council selected at random to represent the interests of the people.
Career
Qualifications
Securing the necessary qualifications to become a member of the Halden is an opaque, yet arduous process. Halden members are required to demonstrate advanced capabilities in engineering or architecture (given that the Halden are responsible for all major building creation in Konard), some level of arcane skill (enough to bolster their engineering skills), and at least one specialist field of knowledge related to the arts (such as poetry, theatre, etc.). Thus, Halden are meant to represent the polymaths of Konard, though the current iteration of the Halden has moved away from this initial ideal.
The qualifications of any potential Halden are adjudicated by a panel of Halden and Reid, comprised specifically of two Halden and three Reid (to ensure the people have the strongest voice in their leadership).
Career Progression
Most Halden begin their formal education (through the college system in Konard) by learning about an art and either architecture or engineering simultaneously. Any student who opts to take on these dual learning pathways is considered to be a future potential for the Halden, and they are thus typically evaulated more harshly than their peers. However, these aspiring Halden are also encouraged to ensure that they demonstrate advanced aptitude compared to their classmates, largely by studying topics above the level in which they are currently studying. This creates a strong demand for tutors, advanced texts, learning centres, and other educational spaces in Konard (even though Konard itself is fairly isolationist among the Borian nations).
Once they have completed their studies, aspiring Halden are expected to participate in at least two major building projects and produce a work of art before they are allowed to speak to the Halden council and put forth their name for consideration. This means that most Halden are at least late middle age before they can apply, though some special exceptions have been made in the past.
Payment & Reimbursement
Halden are not directly compensated for their work as Halden, though they are in high demand for their professional and artistic output. The position of Halden is instead seen as a societal good and the value that the Halden receive from their roles is in the betterment of Konard as a whole.
Other Benefits
Halden are highly regarded, sought after for advice, and often treated as guests of honor at any events they attend. Halden names are also inscribed in all major working projects and many buildings are dedicated to Halden.
Type
Engineering
Thanks! The profession-type articles were difficult for me from the beginning, it's nice to see such a well-rounded article.