#gheyos

[scioneeris]

Question: how many Gheyo Jokers can be in a Bonded Circle?

Answer: Depends on the size of the Circle and whether the Sub feels safe with the overall balance of Bonded ranks. Most Circles won’t go beyond two or three Jokers at most. If they did, it would have to be a Military Circle with a very tightly run Suite, and plenty of Mages to balance them out and significant power within the Circle itself, and a very good Sub.

Jokers either take a liking to you because of something clever or kind that you did or you send a favor to one you’re interested in and they will either shadow you for a while or invite you to watch a spar or two, and see if there’s a connection.

Jokers are not placeholders. They will not get involved if the Sub is still hunting and there’s no Suite. They like to know what they’re getting into. They might hang around, but they are the last ranks to join and will give up on a potential Intended if they do not like the Suite or multiple ranks within the Suite, regardless of the rest of the Circle.

Gheyo Joker parentals will birth a Gheyo child and occasionally a Gheyo Joker child, but as they rarely actually would (it isn’t in their nature and Instinctively it is something they would avoid) there are very few natural-born Jokers. A natural born Joker does have far more restraint than a made one.

Gheyo Jokers are usually made from a severe trauma response that erases all of their previous Gheyo rank/instinctive inclinations and pulls all of their rage and bloodlust to the surface in a last ditch attempt to gain enough power/strength to fight against what caused the shift in the first place.

As it tends to be a very violent change, not many survive. Those that do, have a great deal of training and change to endure afterwards. They are also very short tempered and prone to react physically before attempting any other solution to a problem, regardless of the situation. It is also why they are comfortable bonding to a Mage or just the Sub.

[scioneeris]

Question: Gheyo scars and marks?

Answer: *Gheyos bond just like any other ranked dragel, however, they like to have their marks in unusual places. It’s a point of pride for them. They love showing them off.

Traditional marks are alright, but Gheyos tend to wear whatever lets them move comfortably and/or be seen at their best.

A Gheyo Suite can have marks for each other (loyalty marks and claim marks, if they are trained by a famous gheyo, bc of the prestige it gives them. Think Dahlia or Mariana, their reputation gives any gheyo a good boost). But it’s not required.

Some Gheyos keep their scars on purpose. Example: Dahlia’s scar is from her training ACE, Lady Pai. The injury nearly killed her, but being one of the rare few to survive and at such a young age, she opted to keep it.

A Gheyo without scars could be wearing a glamour or is powerful enough to heal all injuries. The not knowing which it could be always works in their favor though a more experienced Gheyo can pick up on some of the nuance.

All non-gheyo ranks struggle to heal injuries and need help to get rid of any scars and marks. Some injuries can take decades to heal. Most Gheyos keep the ones they like as souvenirs/personal preference. If they can’t heal them, it’s still a testament that they survived, like with Ilsa’s wings or Dahlia’s scar and Wikhn’s scars, received before he came under her training wing.

*Paraphrased from original question asked.

[scioneeris]

So yet more questions lol.

So you’ve said Gheyo queens are I guess flashy? So is there things that kinda indicate the other ranks of Gheyos?

Yep!! There’s a couple of ways.

Queens tend to be the bait/flashier fighter to draw attention so the King or Prince or whoever they are paired with can finish off the opponent.

They are typically the mostly refined/elegant gheyo rank as well and usually the one to aid in a full dress turnout. They serve as an advisor and confidante for the King or Prince. Usually the dressiest of the Suite and proud of it, regardless of element. Also the one that tends to show more skin/scale to draw attention to themselves to allow their Suite to operate smoothly in the background. They usually have two or three skills they can use for entertainment—dancing, target practice, music, etc.

An ACE can always recognize another ACE, even if they aren’t entirely sure what’s caught their attention at first. An ACE has a presence like an Alpha, but with a dangerous/feral edge, with power behind it. An Alpha has tempered power and is more of a subtler aura. They might have a titled blade.

Kings tend to have company. Either their suite or each other and usually can be seen and found by their easy demeanor with their fellow Gheyos. Like an ACE, they are almost always in a Flexi-Suit and are most likely to wear their marks openly. They might have a titled blade.

Jokers almost always have one or more scars that are visible and a weapon or two within easy reach. Their aura is always warning others off and has a feral edge to it. When Bonded into a suite or Circle, that aura becomes deceptively neutral to give them a defensive edge. A Bonded Joker won’t go far without their favored companion/bonded tending to use them as a gauge for their own reactions. They will have a titled weapon of some sort.

Trainees, pages and knights have a uniform they wear so they don’t pick fights that can kill them. Prince and Princess ranks tend to have an obvious piece of jewelry (usually earrings or some other piercing).

Does that help? 😊

[scioneeris]

So quick question if it’s okay. Does Harry only end up with three Pareyas? Because I’d love to see him with a fourth or even fifth Pareya, (maybe of the air element or even storm lol). I just feel he needs additional care and nurturing. Especially if he ends up with a full Gheyo suite.

Plus I’d love to see him getting some new elements into his circle. It feels very earth and fire heavy? (Well fire once the twins are added into the mix)

But I do love your story so this isn’t a criticism at all. Just curious

Totally fine to ask!! 😊 *prepares for wordy info dump*

At the moment, yes, Harry won’t have more Pareya than Ethan and the Twins. especially since he’s building so slowly with his Gheyos and because he’ll have other ranks. He will have other elements, it’ll just take some time.

Even though he probably won’t mind some short term smothering 😌, having more Pareya would start to mess with his instincts and sense of self. To me, Harry is an independent person who just needs some support. A little extra support even, and too much would start him on a worry loop where he might neglect himself because he’s worrying about them and then it circles into itself and gives everyone a headache.

Because Pareyas take care of each other in addition to their circle. Their Bonded balance this out so they don’t get stuck in loops of forgetting to take care of themselves as well. Just because they have Pareyic inclinations doesn’t mean they’re good at it at first. It’s something they learn and grow into other time. You might get a situation like Cora, who needs the support and closeness but is a little resentful of the smothering and leads to arguing and short tempers while a new balance is re-established in the circle. She loves and cares about them but is also fighting murderous urges bc she is definitely far from helpless and it was a dangerous accident that caused her to lose the baby.

Harry’s empathy would already amplify his Bonded’s ranks and intentions. A properly balanced Gheyo Suite will take care of themselves. They don’t like interference and will keep to themselves to some degree. They also balance out the more feral and physical urges between them so unless Harry goes looking for it or asking for it, they’ll take their cues from him. Hierarchies are very important to Gheyos and they will live and die by them. Harry is a fighter and will be alright with a Gheyo-heavy Circle, though I don’t plan on giving him all of those ranks at the moment.

[scioneeris]

So random question I had. Are all the blood titles held by Gheyo ACEs?

And is Isla’s title Blood Wraith or Blood Crown?

Currently yes, but you don’t have to be an ACE to qualify or hold one. You just have better chances, bc an ACE would have all of that extra sparring and practice time drilled into them from their lower ranks. It is a title that can be achieved with a lot of literal work though.

Ilsa is Blood Wraith! I might have typo’d that as Blood Crown in TBDH… 🫢 but it’s usually a reference to their elemental signature spell while holding that title. It’s only possible to cast it while holding the title, bc the elemental casper will assist on behalf of the crown.

Fun question!! 😊

[scioneeris]

Would it be possible to get a breakdown of Gheyo ranks? And what they mean?

Sure!😄

This is actually from the 2019 rank glossary I did for the dragel’s handbook, so the formatting is a little wonky, but it drills down to the little ranks, etc.

GHEYO SUITE

The fighters within a Circle, often considered the weapon. Their primary function is the immediate physical safety of their Bonded and Circle reputation. They are physical beings that prefer a more hands-on approach to everything and tend to run close to instinct. They have a secondary ranking system among their ranks, within a Circle, which is referred to as their Suite. Gheyos have their own dueling events within Nevarah, every five years.

There are two types of Gheyo--One, those who are born into the rank by way of having two Gheyo parents. Two, those who are forced into the rank by way of extreme physical, emotional and mental distress, usually a life-threatening situation resulting in a near-death.

GHEYO RANKS

ACE

In the event that the Alpha is absent or unable to make decisions for the Circle's well-being, the Beta and Gheyo ACE will handle this. A Gheyo ACE is the only dragel rank that can shift to an Alpha-rank. They will typically handle the overall defense and protection of their Circle, delegating certain tasks down the lines of their rank. The Gheyo ACE is the only rank that can level-up to an Alpha ranking.

ACE = Advanced Combat Expert. Every ACE is trained in a specific style or class of magic, martial arts or titled weapon. Every ACE has two passwords. One for their Submissive and one for the Alpha. Due to their rank and nature, they can settle social disputes through a simple duel with the opposing Circle or accept physical retribution on behalf of the entire Circle. An ACE is courted by the Submissive, but will only accept if they feel the Circle is worthy of their protection or strength. There are multiple types of ACES, but most of them tend to be complementary to their respective King or Joker counterpart.

KING

The second-in-command Gheyo for an ACE. Usually complementary to their Queen or Beta. The King handles the more specific details of the Gheyo suite, as opposed to the ACE's overall viewpoint. They are more focused on the individual Gheyo and their performance, than whether everything is working together smoothly. They have a tendency to specialize in three or four weapons--or a titled weapon of some sort. A King is the only rank that can accept reward or punishment in the ACE's place or on their behalf. A King can act independently of their respective Circle, without fear of full Suite or Circle retribution. The King relies on the Queen for their own personal needs, rather than the ACE.

QUEEN

One rank down from the Gheyo King, a Queen is finely attuned to their respective King and usually able to break through their blood or battlelust moods. They usually specialize in the opposite type of weapon or fighting style than their King. Most Queens have a tendency to be spoiled or pampered by their respective King and will usually be the flashiest Gheyo out of a full suite. It is their duty to look after the Prince and Princess. They will handle all matters of discipline and minor authority shifts that do not require the weight of an ACE or King. The Gheyo Queens are known for having their own secret court.

PRINCE

One rank below the Gheyo Queen, a Prince is the first Gheyo to respond to the Queen. They are only specialized in a single fighting style or magic. All Gheyo Prince's have long stamina and stealth skills. They are often the shadow to the Gheyo Queen, working behind the scenes to keep a suite organized and running according to the ACE or King. They will usually be closer to the Gheyo Queen and more open to their suggestions and opinions. A Gheyo Prince thrives beneath a well-balanced Queen and will try to protect the Princess, when the Queen is guarded.

PRINCESS

One rank below the Gheyo Prince, a Princess is the staunch supporter of a Gheyo Prince, defending them against all upper or lower ranks. They will usually focus on their own well-being in relation to the Prince and can fill-in for a Gheyo Queen, when necessary. A Gheyo Princess uses multiple magic styles and spellwork to differentiate themselves. They tend to be long-range warriors and rarely engage in close-quarters. They are usually casting, maintaining and shattering wards, barriers or portals. A Gheyo Princess will take her concerns to her Prince first and then to the King, if not addressed. The Princess it the only lower rank that can step in on behalf of all ranks below the King.

KNIGHT

One of the three lower Gheyo ranks, a Knight is usually a Gheyo that has been formally trained, but shows no particular inclination towards an upper rank. They tend to listen to the ACE without question or the Gheyo King. All magic and skillsets are at a slightly elevated level in relation to a Squire or Page. Knights are usually given guarding positions in a full suite, until they show a specific talent or skill to rank up.

SQUIRE

The second rank in the three lower Gheyo ranks, a Squire is partially through formal training and in the process of being sorted into an upper rank. They will listen to their Training ACE or a King/Queen authority figure. They usually show some sort of magical aptitude.

PAGE

A Gheyo-In-Training with no rank and the lowest of the three lower Gheyo ranks. They are usually the youngest age-group and are trained by shadowing the rank they show the most affinity for. They will usually be chosen as a Squire and placed under a Training ACE as their training progresses. A Page is never in a Bonded Circle.

JOKER

The wildcard in a Gheyo Suite with a tendency towards a berserker behavior. The Joker is the only rank capable of going head-to-head with the Alpha and the ACE, without repercussion. They are usually exceptionally strong in magic and wield a titled blade. Jokers can get along with each other, but rarely with any other Gheyo ranks. They will occasionally answer to a specific bonded, uncaring of rank, especially if they are soulbonded. Most Jokers are bonded solely to the Alpha or the Submissive. Exceptions will depend on the individual relationships, such as friends-to-lovers or before Joker ranking is assigned. Joker is the only Gheyo rank achieved through significant emotional, physical and magical distress. It is a forceful evolution of a Gheyo into a near-feral form.

Does that help? 😊