The guild uses a hierarchical ranksystem, but the impact of this in roleplay is relatively low compared to, for example, military guilds. Ranks mostly come into effect when important decisions have to be made, or when responsibilities need to be handed out.
Leaders
Chieftain
The Chieftain is the main figure of authority within the community. He has the final say in any decision being made. The Chieftain strives to create a strong community of trolls hailing from different tribes.
Council
These are advisers to the Chieftain and assist him in guiding those that live in the city forward. The Council consist of three trolls, administrating the main professions available in the city – Mystics, Spears and Workers.
Starting ranks
Unbound
When a troll first visits the Shadow of the Empires, they are treated as a guest: a so called ‘Unbound’. An Unbound can advance to New Blood after taking the Blood Oath, become a tribestroll or can wish to stay Unbound. Blood Oaths are held at the end of every month – two weeks of dedication is usually considered a decent amount of time to win enough trust and favor to be advanced to New Blood.
New Blood
As soon as the Blood Oath is performed, an Unbound becomes a New Blood. This is a crucial time for the troll, as the Empires’ eyes will be set on them; to find signs of their true potential and skill. Based upon the traits and characteristics shown during this period those in power will makes suggestions on where the Troll belongs within the Empires.
Tribestroll
Gatherers, farmers, fishers, scribes, merchants and craftsmen all have a role to play to ensure the functioning of the ever growing numbers of trolls gathering within Zul’Gurub. Many of these tasks are shared with the workers of the Gurubashi who remain within the walls after many of the higher ranks left to follow Zul.
Spears
Spears rely on their physical skills to protect and keep the trolls of the Empires safe. These are divided into four sub-groups:
1. Scout – Stalker – Striker – Night-Stalker
These cunning trolls are the ones who have embraced the shadows, using them to their advantage. They are often found armed with daggers or ranged weapons and rely heavily on speed, dexterity and agility. Striking swiftly and quietly before they disappear from sight makes them perfect assassins and spies.
2. Scavenger – Tracker – Trapper – Huntmaster
Trolls that are truly masters of the hunt – knowledgeable about their environment and competent in a wide array of survival skills, they utilize traps and snares to lock down their enemies before striking at them from afar with spears or axes. Often seen wearing trinkets of their fallen prey they are terrifying opponents.
3. Scalper – Skull Breaker – War Seeker – Warbringer
These trolls rely on their brute strength to barrage and break through enemy lines. Utilizing their rage and physical strength in combination with their natural healing they do not fear anything and strike madly until either their enemies of they themselves drop down dead.
4. [Animal] Handler – [Animal] Tamer – [Animal] Caller – Beast Lord
Whether it be via the ancient Zandalari way of will-breaking or the newer established companion approach, trolls of this path have an indisputable skill in the handling and training of animals types. Often working in combination with their chosen brood or flock they easily overpower their enemies with unique attack patterns and strategies.
Mystics
The Mystics are the spiritual figures of the Empires. Devoted trolls to the Loa and magical arts, they use empowerment, voodoo, or alchemical knowledge.
1. Herbalist – Mojo Mixer – Mojo Master – Witch Doctor
Splitting their training between both healing and harm, those of the Witch Doctor path can utilize two of the most powerful forms of magic, though not at as powerful as the pure paths. They often take a hands-on approach to healing by utilizing herbs, potions and salves.
2. Venom Keeper- Venom Mixer – Venom Weaver – Venomancer
The Venomancer is traditionally devoted to Shadra, the Venom Queen, or one of the Serpent Loa and uses venom as a base for both healing and hexxing. Using venoms and poisons as a base component comes with limitations, but being able to fully dedicate themselves to one Loa instead of pleasing many spirits at once means an efficient and powerful approach to the art.
3. Caretaker – Mender – Medicine Mon – Hierophant
Blessed by the Loa, menders are a rare commodity that can save the life of a troll if the damage suffered has been too great for natural regeneration to deal with. Calling upon the aid of the Loa in exchange for reverence, prayer and servitude, menders are able performing miracles of life and revitalization. This is a path that demands constant Loa worship.
4. [Element] Dancer – [Element] Chanter – [Element] Weaver – [Element] Master
Skilled in bending the elements to their will, elementalists are often allied to one of the elemental Loa and often fixate on a singular element as they strive toward the mastery of it. These divine casters can create manifestations of their elements and even work in combination with other conjurers to consolidate various essences.
5. Stitcher – Hex Chanter- Hexxer – Hex Lord
Hexxers ally themselves with malicious and dark spirits and utilize the super-natural abilities of these creatures through some form of exchange. A difficult path that requires focus and the will power to not succumb to the spirits themselves, Hexxers are known for making the impossible happen – perhaps partially due to their lack of moral or social restraints.
6. Fortune Teller – Seer – Soothsayer – Oracle
Gifted with a sight beyond time and the physical world, one has to have the natural inclination to become an Oracle before refining their skills further. At first given glimpses at random of what might happen, training refines the skills until what is seen is almost a certainty. Used often prior to battles to ensure the success of the undertaking, Seers can make or break Empires.
7. Fetish Maker – Spirit Chaser – Spirit Caller – Spirit Binder
These trolls are skilled in grafting beneficial Voodoo to solid objects in the form of charms, wards, blessed weapons, and enchanted armour. Inspired by the teachings of Zanza their way is ancient and prestigious, especially among the Zandalari. Binding spirits of different natures to objects, a Spirit Binder’s aid is a must in every Empire.
Priests
Priests and priestesses devote their entire life to serve the Loa of their choice, spread worship and knowledge, and guide others with their offerings and prayers. Confined to the temples and shrines and prioritizing continuous worship over the wellbeing of their fellow trolls, these individuals will rarely join missions and adventures if it does not benefit their Loa. Focusing only on one Loa, their work does not always align with goals of Shadow of the Empires or uniting the tribes. As a result, they often refrain from taking the Blood Oath.
Candidate – Lesser Priest – Priest – High Priest
This role is highly focused on supporting and guiding other trolls over individual progress, and both troll and player are expected to be able to (over time) create small plots for other trolls and host or co-host small-scale events focused on their Loa.
There can be multiple priests of the same Loa, and it is encouraged for a priest to pick a specialisation or mechanic. For example, a priest of Nalorakk, the Amani Bear, could focus on the Bear’s rage and strength, granting trolls boons that will enhance their ferocity in combat, while another priest of the same Loa could focus on the Bear’s more easy-going characteristics, aiding trolls who struggle with insecurity or are plagued by night terrors.
A troll with no previous experience on priesthood starts as a candidate, and will be guided by existing priests or other trolls in their first steps to serve their Loa. This often does not take longer than a few days or weeks, and the main goal is for the troll to judge whether they truly wish to become a priest, and for the other trolls to see if the troll has the potential to become one. When the evalution if this period has a positive outcome, the troll can call themselves Lesser Priest. When a troll was a priest in their previous tribe or already has experience, they skip the ‘Candidate’ rank and immediately start as Lesser Priest in Zul’Gurub.
High priest is only available for trolls who have been working actively as priests for a prolonged period of time, followed by a series of trials.