Sydroan Beads
The beads of a Sydroan are a visual representation of the social status and level of skill of each individual. These are worn in their hair, most often in a braid on one side or the head.
The number of the beads directly correlates to their social status. Unlike some other races, the status of the parent has little to no effect on that of a child. Every Sydroan must prove their own worth. This results in wildly different number of beads between parent and child. However, it grants the child the ability to easily move up in the social hierarchy.
The colour represents their level of skill in various professions. Due to the long lives of a Sydroan it is extremely rare for one to only have one colour of bead by the end of their lives; however, it can happen. Single bead coloured elders are more often seen among priests.
What They Mean
Bone
This is the first beads given to any Sydroan. They are a place holder for the young to represent social status before they reach the required level of skill in any field.
Amber
This bead is used for Bowyers. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Amethyst
This is the bead used by magic users. The darker and more opaque the bead, the darker the type of magic. Holy magic users use a type of amethyst that is striped with white quartz known as dream or chevron amethyst.
These beads also act as power sources, with each bead able to contain 48 mana. Once a magic user has finished their initial schooling their teacher creates and grants them their first bead. Every bead after this is created by the user once they reach a level that they are required.
Aquamarine
This bead is used for Dancers. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Aventurine
This bead is used for gem cutters. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Bloodstone
This bead is used for warriors/soldiers. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Blue Lace Agate
This bead is used for Loretellers. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Cassiterite
This bead is used for miners. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Dendritic Agate
This bead is used for scribes. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Gneiss
This bead is used for Masons. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Hematite
This bead is used used for spies. Beads are given out the same as the Obsidian beads.
Idocrase
This bead is used for herbalists. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Jade
This bead is used for hunters.First bead is given after first successful solo small game hunt, the second after first solo hunt of medium game,the third after first solo hunt of large game,the fourth after first solo hunt of magical game.Subsequent beads received after years of leading successful hunts
Lapis Lazuli
This bead is used for Painters. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Milky Quartz
This bead is used for Priests. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Obsidian
This is the bead used for assassins. The first bead is granted after the first successful assassination. Subsequent beads are granted after various milestones. Some are granted with years of successful work, and other after particularly challenging jobs.
Petrified Wood
This bead is used for Carpenters. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Prasiolite
This bead is used for healers. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service. Healers that use magic use a amethyst prasiolite hybrid called amegreen.
Red Leopard Skin Jasper
This bead is used for leather workers. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Ritla
This bead is used for metal smiths. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Sodalite
This bead is used for Musicians. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
White Leopard Skin Jasper
This bead is used for tailors. First bead is given out after training. Subsequent beads are granted for milestones of service.
Pyrite
This bead is used for criminals. All other beads are removed by cutting the strand and this bead attached. Most often a death sentence was already decided on before the removal of the beads occurs. If some how one escapes with their life, they would never be able to show their face in Sydroa ever again and often will have assassins after them for the rest of their days.
Other
A lesser known function of the beads is gender identification. Sydroan's that identify as male wear their bead strand on the right side of the face, where as those that identify as female wear it on the left side. This is useful as clothing is not restricted by gender and most Sydroan's wear their hair long.
