Manifestations of Rank

The Atha'an Miere adorn themselves with many markings and ornaments that indicate social status. Some of these are:

Ear-rings
Nose Rings
The "Honour Chain"
Parasols
Other Chains and Jewellery
Swords and Daggers

Ear Rings

Rings denote social status based upon the number present in each ear.

Clan Wavemistresses and Swordmasters wear five rings in each ear, as does the Wavemistress for the Mistress of Ships.

Sailmistresses and Cargomasters wear four rings in each ear, as does the Windfinder to any Clan Wavemistress.

A Deckmaster or Deckmistress wears three rings in each ear, though members of the an Atha'an Miere crew below this rank may still wear between two and three rings in their ears.

Those that wear only one ring in each ear are the Atha'an Miere of low status who carry out menial tasks such as serving tea on ceremonial occaisions.
 

Nose Rings

The nose ring is worn in the left nostril and exclusively by women of the Atha'an Miere. Alone, the nose ring possesses its own social significance, and must be earned prior to the "Honour Chain".
 

The Honour Chain

The "Honour Chain" is attached to the nose ring and one ring in the left ear.

It can be hung with medallions, each of which serves as a specific recognition or reward. There is always one medallion that denotes to which clan a woman belongs. The number of medallions does not necessarily determine a higher rank, as certain medallions represent rewards not based on ranks, such as those for acts of valour, gained obviously not as a recognition of status but as a recognition of actions.

The type of ship on which an Atha'an Miere serves can also be seen from the medallions on their "Honour Chain".
 

Parasols

The higher a persons rank, the more tiers she will have upon her parasol. The colour of the parasol also bears some significance.

The Mistress of Ships is recognisable by a two tiered, blue parasol with lined with gold fringe. The Master of Blades uses a matching parasol.

A Wavemistress uses a two tiered, red parasol- a Swordmaster possesses a red parasol of a single tier.
 

Other chains and jewellery

Chains worn about the neck can also signify rank. A gold chain is always worth more than a silver chain and a thicker chain is worth more than a thinner one.

The order of importance therefor, where "1" is most important, would be:

• Thicker gold chains
• Thinner gold chains
• Thicker silver chains
• Thinner silver chains

Men, whose roles are in defence and commerce, represent their prowess in trading with chains.

The Master of Blades wears many gold chains.

Women wear chains as a sign of wealth. The more chains and the thicker they are, the greater the wealth of the wearer.
 

Swords and Daggers

To represent standing in terms of defending the Atha'an Miere, a man possesses ivory hilted swords and matching daggers.

The Master of Blades wears one ivory hilted sword and two matching daggers.

A Swordmaster has one ivory hilted sword and one matching dagger.

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