Even in Sartar, there is variation in the ways a clan will organise its Ring.
The definitive source is still King of Sartar (252), and the relevant
sections of TR are based on this.
There is room for variation even among the alternatives presented in KOS.
In brief, Heortling clans have an Outer Ring (large and vague about membership - possibly thanes, possibly household heads, possibly magical/cultic specialists or some combination). The Outer Ring are often called the Thunder Brothers.
The Inner Ring are usually seven, and are chosen by the chieftain. They are the clan decision-makers and advisers. There are 3 main forms:
Traditional - reflects the deities of the Tribe of Storm and Earth. Orlanth the chief, three gods (Barntar, Voriaf, Odayla) and three goddesses (Ernalda, Eiritha, Esrola). Other possibilities are Heler, Humakt, Urox, Yinkin etc.
Lightbringer - seven officers of the Inner Ring. The heads of households are collectively the Ginna Jar. Five of the seven are fixed: Orlanth, Issaries, Lhankor Mhy, Good Chalana, Eurmal. Other positions have flexibility, and are often filled by an ancestral hero ('Flesh Man') and a goddess such as Vinga.
Local - "whoever has the time and resources to stay with the chief'. Variants associated with poor and/or widely dispersed clans.
In most of these the chief has a formal position as a *member* of the Inner Ring - usually, of course, as Orlanthdar - literally, Orlanth the Chief. The chief has additional powers and responsibilities, in most cases chooses the Ring, so in common parlance 'The Ring' usually refers to the chief's advisers.
Other Orlanthi will have different arrangements. Alakorings have different ideas about leadership and blood, and their clan structures reflect this. The composition of *Any* clan council is a result of tradition, local power structures, and history.
Now that we have TR and ST, I'd recommend that folk have a fresh look at 'Report on the Orlanthi' in King of Sartar. It's description and detail are unsurpassed.
Cheers
John
nysalor_at_... John Hughes
"We are your heroes.
Audacious fameseekers who relish close combat.
Mad to be first among the blades,
Now wounded 50 times, stone sane.
And we will burn Greece out."
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