Sirtuwasdt
Appointment
The title of Sirtuwasdt depends upon their being a clan for a particular individual to lead. Distinct from many other cultures, clans among the Äklo are fluid and can be impermanent.
Origination
A clan is formed when a particular individual does something of special note or significance demonstrating competence and leadership. His or her siblings, cousins, children, grandchildren, etc. will declare them Sirtuwasdt by acclaimation, at which point a new clan is born from this extended family. In some cases, this means the dissolution of an existing clan. In others, it means a cadet clan is born.
Subsequent Generations
After the originating Sirtuwasdt dies, the title passes to their oldest child, grandchild, oldest sibling, or oldest niece or nephew, in that order of precedence. That individual leads the clan in until their death, then the title passes on to their heir in the same manner. This continues uninterrupted until someone of greater competence has an achievement that supersedes the existing clan, or until a member of the clan achieves something in their own right and forms a cadet clan.
Duties
The Sirtuwasdt is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the clan. Provided this individual is wise and capable, the members of the clan will follow their leadership. Once they prove themselves incapable, the clan members often begin to act in whatever ways seem right in their own mind, opening the door to dissolution of the clan, change in leadership, or both.
Accoutrements & Equipment
In most clans, there is a ceremonial article of clothing worn by the Sirtuwasdt. There are no hard and fast rules regarding what that article is, but headdresses, mantles, and ornate girdles are very common choices. In very rare cases it is an object that is carried, rather than worn, such as a staff, sword, rod, or the like. Usually, the article of clothing is ornamented in a way that commemorates either the achievement that founded the clan or the clan's name.
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