Band

A Gallóglaigh band is a group of Gallóglaigh who have taken up together, to live and fight as one. They typically swear their Oaths together, but new members can be sworn in over time. Should the worst happen and most of the band be killed, wounded or no longer wish to continue as Gallóglaigh, the band may cease to exist - examples of this happening include the Gryphons and the Oakhearts.

Structure of a Band

A band is comprised of a number of Gallóglaigh who have sworn to serve together and who are united under a Thane. They are typically a group of warriors but can include members of the Peacesworn, merchants, traders and craftspeople amongst their number.

There are a number of officers within a band who direct how they act day-to-day.

Thane

The Thane is the leader of the band and accepts orders directly from the Réig though they may also opt to accept missions offered by a Rider or Iarla.

Thane's Lieutenant

The Thane’s Lieutenant is penultimately responsible for leadership, decision making, and the general operation of the band. All other officers report to them and they report directly to the Thane.

Deputy Lieutenant

The Deputy Lieutenant is the band’s second-in-command, tasked with assisting and supporting the Lieutenant. The Deputy Lieutenant is also expected to act as advocate for the members of the band to the Lieutenant in cases of concern, conflict, or low morale. In the event that the Lieutenant is absent or otherwise unable to fulfil their duties, the Deputy becomes responsible for the duties of the Lieutenant.

Watch Officer

The Watch Officer is responsible for establishing and overseeing procedures to ensure the safety and security of the band’s encampments. In the event that the Lieutenant is unable to fulfill their duties, and the Deputy Lieutenant is unable to take responsibility for them, the Watch Officer becomes responsible for the duties of the Lieutenant. A high degree of cooperation is expected between the Watch Officer and Master of the Camp.

Master of the Camp

The Master of the Camp is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the morale of the band. They are also responsible for establishing and overseeing procedures to ensure that guests of the band are kept safe and treated in a hospitable manner. A high degree of cooperation is expected between the Watch Officer and Master of the Camp.

Quartermaster

The Quartermaster is responsible for the acquisition, use, and upkeep of the band’s common possessions, as well as for recording contracts and for the receipt and distribution of funds. The Quartermaster is also ultimately responsible for the payment of tithes and taxes. In the event that the Lieutenant is unable to fulfill their duties, and the Deputy Lieutenant and Watch Officer are unable to take responsibility for them, the Quartermaster becomes responsible for the duties of the Lieutenant. Separately, in the event that the Master of the Camp is unable to fulfill their duties, the Quartermaster becomes responsible for the duties of the Master of the Camp.

Cinnire at Arms

The Cinnire-at-Arms is chosen from among the band’s cinnirí and is expected to act as an expert and advisor on religious matters as well as spokesperson for the other cinnirí of the band. They are also responsible for setting out and overseeing procedures for dealing with disciplinary issues within the band. Further, they are expected to ensure the band acts within the spirit of the Shaper’s teachings and to guard against heresy and the influence of the gwyllt.

Wizard at Arms

The Wizard-at-Arms is the band’s expert and advisor on the workings of magic and the arcane.

Reconnaissance Officer

The Reconnaissance Officer is responsible for the gathering and distribution of intelligence. They are traditionally afforded a high degree of latitude in pursuit of their duties.

Who's in Command

The Thane's Lieutenant is the direct subordinate of the Thane of the Band and takes command whenever the Thane is not present.

If the Thane's Lieutenant is not present or is indisposed, command falls to the Deputy Lieutenant.

If both the Lieutenant & Deputy Lieutanant are not present or are indisposed, command falls to the Watch Officer

If the Lieutenant, Deputy Lieutanant & Watch Officer are not present or are indisposed, command falls to the Quartermaster

If all four of those officers are not present or indisposed, command falls to the most Vigourous surviving Galloglaigh.

This does not represent a Chain of Command, wherin the Quartermaster is answerable to the Watch Officer, nor does it relate to any responsibilities other than command - i.e the Quartermaster does not become responsible for camp security at any point.