Elder
Elder is a ceremonial and noble title bestowed to civic or family leaders within Ice Elf culture. A gerentocratic title, Elders can be found across Asrinheim and Vaniri territory. There are two forms of elders - the first being the 'senior' leader of one of the Great Houses of Asrinheim, and the other being the traditional geretocracy title bestowed upon the oldest member of an Ice Elf community.
Each vaniri community will take a different number of elders, and custom for appointment. An individual does not have to accept the title of elder, and they can take a refrainment from it meaning they permanatly exclude themselves from consideration for the title. This can be for a number of reasons, such as their age being too high, or other responsibilities such as being a guild leader or senior military leader.
Requirements
To be an Elder, a person must be one of the oldest within their community. There is no minimum age requirement for the position, and simply any Ice Elf who is amongst the most senior in years can be appointed an elder. The number of Elders per community will vary. Smaller communities may only have a single elder, but where there is more than one there is traditionally an odd number so voting descisions may not be gridlocked. Tyris Ren takes a unique approach given its psuedo-democratic government, where traditional elders of cetain ages are appointed to their second chamber - and 9 total Elders sit on the town's government in comparison to the elected councillors of the lower chamber.
Where Elder is bestowed upon a member of one of the Great Houses of Asrinheim, there are more limiting requirements. An Elder can only be chosen from a direct relation of the current Elder, or the direct children of a prior Elder. To ensure there is not a regular turnaround of Elders having short terms, those too close in age to the previous elder are expected to refrain from the position. In these families, the title of Heir is also bestowed upon the next candidate for Eldership, factoring in those who will likely refrain from claiming the title.
Appointment
For non-nobility titles of Eldership, there is no formal ceremony but each community may have their own traditions or oaths for an Elder to swear. This will usually equate to honouring the gods and people they lead. For the great houses, each will have their own customs and rules. House Ardiylir, for example, has ornate coronations for their Elders whilst House Furyborn has smaller feasts in the aftermath of a funeral.
Duties
Noble Elders are the feudal and absolute rulers of their community and territory. Since the War of the Great Houses, only 5 families still hold this title. House Ardiylir, House Furyborn, House Salinir, House Moonbow, and House Alise. These noble elders are heads of legislature and the executive, supreme rulers for the areas they rule directly from.
Exiled and fallen great houses, such as House Springfast and House Summerfrost still practice Eldership to a different degree. The Summerfrost 'Eldership' will rarely use the oldest in the family but rather the chosen heir of the previous 'elder' whilst the Springfasts still keep true to the traditions of Eldership despite being exile. Since their exile, House Rayes typically identify their 'elder' as the weilder of the oathbow regardless of seniority - although they will not use the title as Taron Rayes established the precident of not claiming the title until Sel Thiran was found again.
For civilian Elders, their responsibilities are typically as civic leaders and figureheads of government. Forming a joint rulership and legislature to pass laws, maintain garrisons, and community management as well as overseeing tithes and tributes to and from their community as required.
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