Occupations in the Five Realms

The vast majority of the populace of Tirneach spends their time working to survive. While the magic of the Shaper makes some things easier, it cannot till the soil, milk the cows or bring in a catch of fish. The dearest wish that most commoners have is to have enough to feed their families, and perhaps a little extra to sell at the market. The Riders protect the people as best they can, and pay to bring in the gallóglaigh if the threats posed by bandits, beasts, undead or Gwyllt grow too fearsome. For this they receive tribute from the folk that live in their Riding, though the manner of this varies hugely.

In Bruid the Riders often muck in alongside the people as well as personally fighting for the safety of folk who will generally be friends and followers who formed the Riding with them, and they are cared for in return. In Siabhal, ancient bonds and pacts bind the people to the land, and the land to the Riders; tribute is regular and formal, and escape from the station you were born to is difficult if not impossible.

Gallóglaigh

There are a few for whom the cycle of regular life in Tirneach is a stultifying mix of drudgery with no end and danger with no excitement. Every child grows up on stories of the great deeds of the gallóglaigh, but how to get into a band is the question. For children of the Tiarnaí and High Families, the route is relatively easy, though they may find the life of a gallóglach much more difficult than they expected. For those who grow up as hostages, whether high- or common-born, the traditions that founded the Five Realms enshrine their right to become gallóglaigh, to make up for the years lost. For those who were never hostages and were eligible by birth-right, the route is less clear.

A gallóglach may sponsor any person who they think has the proper qualities to join a band. This often happens because the person has come to the notice of the gallóglach in some way, by doing them a service or doing something noteworthy in the gallóglach’s presence. An enterprising commoner who wishes to become a gallóglach can often do so by being in the right place at the right time.

There are many occupations in Tirneach which are known to result in opportunities for aspiring gallóglaigh. Treasure hunting for ancient relics in the highlands of Baol or for the ruins of abandoned settlements in the Great Forest in Bruid is an extremely lucrative venture for those who can handle themselves, as they are likely to find all manner of things that gallóglaigh are interested in. Exploring the caverns and tunnels of Draíod is not a job for the faint of heart, but the Saoi are always keen to find what the limits of their Realm truly are. Smuggling goods is a good way to come to the attention of less scrupulous gallóglaigh, for better or worse, especially if you can prove yourself among the mist-runners of Uasa.

Of course the crowning occupation for those who want an adventurous life is to join a band of gallóglaigh and swear the Five Oaths. Camaraderie, courageous endeavours and cold hard coin are just some of the many attractions. For those who are lowly born, becoming a gallóglach is a sure way to increase social standing and support their family or become wealthy and comfortable themselves. For the children of Tiarnaí, service in a band is often the only way to confirm that they are worthy of their station in life, and not just fortunate in their birth. Even for the most mercenary-minded of gallóglaigh, the secret hope that your deeds will one day be the stuff of legend is a motivation to fight and to win.

Artisans and Artists

Artisans are highly respected in Five Realms Society, and those who achieve mastery of their chosen profession are highly sought after. A Rider might offer a gifted blacksmith a hefty sum to come and live within their Riding. Those who dabble in alchemy and the arcane are most often found in the larger settlements where the obscure ingredients their craft requires and the comforts their craft can afford them are in good supply.

In Siabhal one of the most risky, varied and potentially rewarding occupations is that of tailor’s factor. In the great fashion houses of Iomra, tailors constantly seek to outdo each other, seeking ever more elaborate materials and dyes so that they can craft the greatest garments and gain favour and fortune among the Siabhlach Ruby Court. Factors travel throughout the Five Realms and further to find weird and wonderful things to bring back to the Heart of the Realms, and some of their wealthy patrons are so focused on making a splash at the next banquet that they will even engage the gallóglaigh to help.

Pit Fighting

One of the more ubiquitous occupations, and one of the most likely to draw attention of the gallóglach bands, is that of pit fighter. Duelling as a matter of honour is an important tradition in the Five Realms, common in legend and in life. Mock duels as a display of skill are common at festivals and market days where the mock duellists will put on a presentation for what coins the crowd might throw. Pit fights go further than any mock duel. Fighters risk injury and even death in bloody brawls and savage sword-fights while the crowd bays for blood and lays money on the victor. The Church of the Shaper officially disapproves of fighting where no insult has been offered or feud declared, but the popularity of pit fights prevents the cinniri from doing anything except advising the local Tiarnaí that they should not condone pit fighting in their Ridings or Realms. The greatest of pit fighters can grow very wealthy, and those who impress the gallóglaigh who watch their bouts may have their pick of bands to join.