![[The Grand Circle.png|300]] > [!quote] Motto > Many Paths, One Purpose. ### Overview The Grand Circle is one of the largest yet most mystifying and serious organizations in Valadur. It is also the only organization to be comprised of multiple other organizations, or sub-organizations, and believed to have the most structured hierarchy. Each Ring is comprised of initiates, members, and leaders of the various Ring's sects which they develop and manage individually. There is a Head of each Ring, leading the Ring and reporting up to their respective Overseers; each falling under a combination of two Overseers to avoid bottlenecking control. However, each of the three Overseers reports up to the Chief Overseer of the Grand Circle, whom insures cooperation across the various Rings of the Circle. ### Leadership Structure The Grand Circle maintains a highly organized hierarchy: ##### Chief Overseer The ultimate authority within the Grand Circle, responsible for ensuring cooperation and unity across all Rings. The Chief Overseer wears arm rings representing each of the six Rings and a custom-crafted brooch of the Grand Circle's symbol. ##### Overseers Three Overseers each manage two Rings, ensuring balance of power and reducing bottlenecks in leadership. Each Overseer wears the Grand Circle brooch and four arm rings — two for each Ring they oversee. ##### Heads The leaders of individual Rings, each responsible for the direction and management of their respective sect. Heads wear platinum arm rings as a symbol of their rank. ##### Leaders Mid-level commanders responsible for guiding members across the world. Leaders wear two gold arm rings. ##### Members The bulk of the Grand Circle, each wearing a pair of silver arm rings. ##### Initiates New recruits, marked by a single silver arm ring on their right wrist. ### The Rings The Grand Circle is comprised of six distinct Rings, each with its own focus and purpose. These Rings operate as semi-independent sects but are unified under the Grand Circle's leadership. ![[The Syndicate.png|right|100]] #### The Syndicate - **Focus:** Subterfuge, espionage, thievery, and covert operations. - Often perceived as a secret intelligence branch, the Syndicate conducts discreet missions on behalf of the Grand Circle. - Comprised mostly of Rogues, Rangers, and arcane practitioners like Wizards, Sorcerers, or Monks with a focus on stealth. ![[The Strixes.png|right|100]] #### The Strixes - **Focus:** Research, knowledge, and magical inventory management. - Comprised of Wizards, Warlocks, Sorcerers, and other knowledge-seekers. - Their efforts focus on expanding arcane understanding and cataloging magical relics. ![[The Snowfallen.png|right|100]] #### The Snowfallen - **Focus:** Exploration, reconnaissance, and adventure. - Often serving as scouts or agents for the Grand Circle's broader efforts. - Comprised mostly of Rangers, Rogues, and Monks with an emphasis on mobility and survival skills. ![[The Swords.png|right|100]] #### The Swords - **Focus:** Combat, protection, and martial training. - Acting as the Grand Circle's militant force, they provide protection to other Rings and stand as the organization's primary combatants. - Comprised heavily of Fighters, Barbarians, and other melee specialists. ![[The Saplings.png|right|100]] #### The Saplings - **Focus:** Nature, animals, and plant-based knowledge. - Comprised largely of Druids and Rangers, alongside naturalists such as farmers and arborists. - Their responsibilities include tending to herbology supplies and maintaining animal kennels for various uses. ![[The Saprophytes.png|right|100]] #### The Saprophytes - **Focus:** Potions, poisons, fungi, and alchemical research. - The smallest and most isolated Ring, they specialize in developing potent mixtures for both healing and harm. - Comprised heavily of Druids, Rangers, and Wizards with a focus on alchemical craft. ### Symbolism - All members proudly wear arm rings representing their status and affiliation. Initiates wear one silver ring, members wear two, leaders wear two gold rings, and Heads wear two platinum rings. - The Chief Overseer’s multi-ring display is a symbol of their command over the entire Grand Circle.