Ravager

Qualifications

The title of Ravager is awarded to Valtarans who have served as mercenaries on the field in over twenty-seven battles, regardless of if their faction was victorious. Twenty-seven is a sacred number in the religious tradition of Valtarus.
It is recognized that victory or defeat is generally reliant on the strategy of officers, but survival relies on the skill of an individual soldier. This is not to say that turning the tide of battle as an individual is not recognized and rewarded, but this title is more likely to be held by a battle-hardened infantryman than by high-ranking officers since actual combat experience is required

Requirements

A Ravager must be a citizen of Valtarus, meaning the individual must have been born to two Valtaran parents, been named, and completed an apprenticeship (generally as a soldier). There is no minimum age, but the youngest Ravager in history was Gratlin of Sinog-Behind-the-Falls at 27 years of age. She was exceptional, however, as most Ravagers are titled in their thirties.

Duties

It is expected that Ravagers remain mercenaries throughout their working lives. Exceptions to this are those who are injured to a point of disability; they are generally trainers for the younger generations. A rare few become experts at military strategy, but this is looked down on by some who perceive leaving the battlefield for a general's tent to be abandoning the principles of Valtaran honor.

Accoutrements & Equipment

A Talisman of Valta is awarded Ravagers during the ceremony in which the title is bestowed. No Valtarans have ever been willing to discuss how the talisman is made or what special properties, if any, it has.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

A Ravager who is found guilt of an act of cowardice has their title stripped, they are put to death, and their talisman is ceremonially disposed of by being returned to the molten rock of the mountains' core. Once this rite has been completed, there is no shame on his family name.
If a Ravager attempts to flee this punishment, the members of their family are forbidden to participate in any religious or civil activities, including trading at the markets, until they have been brought to justice. For this reason, other members of his or her family will hunt them down and turn them over the the High Council for punishment. Families who are unable to hunt down a wanted Ravager can either leave, attempting to make the perilous journey out of the mountains with whatever supplies they have on hand, or try to sustain themselves by farming the caustic soil or trapping whatever they can, since they are unable to participate in commerce.
Acts of cowardice include treason, fleeing from battle, avoiding punishment, or refusing to answer a summons from the High Council.

Form of Address

Ravager

Source of Authority

Council of Valtarus

Length of Term

Lifetime