Exemplar
The Uulani dwarven custom of honoring specific individuals (living and dead) as supreme examples of proper dwarven nature has given rise to the title of Exemplar. By long-standing tradition, there are always living dwarves chosen as Exemplars of the following categories. They sit on the Council of Exemplars by right, although usually the duties are delegated.
Exemplars of Craft
Eight seats, chosen by representatives of the various crafts, which are
- Stonework (including mining)
- Metalwork (all forms)
- Gemwork
- Textiles
- Cuisine (includes brewing)
- Rhetoric/Storytelling
- Music
- Livecrafting (wood, but also non-food agriculture and husbandry)
Generally these are chosen by popular acclaim, often after a competition. Being dwarves, small incremental improvements are much more highly regarded than groundbreaking new methodologies.
Some, less traditional sub-cultures add one or more of the following, but there is less agreement on this matter and they do not sit on the Uulani council.
- Magic/Knowledge
- Trade/Diplomacy
- Exploration
- Beauty
Exemplars of Virtue
The Four Virtues are
- Endurance: Standing as a stone in the stream and not being washed away.
- Faith
- Unity
- Diligence
Cultural Weight of Exemplar Status
Living exemplars have very little direct political power in the Uulani government--the Council of Exemplars is only advisory. However, since Uulani culture is so centered around "clan think", the exemplars have tremendous cultural power. They are seen as the ultimate example of what dwarves should aspire to be (in that respect at least). This makes the Exemplar title one of tremendous prestige--having a living exemplar in your clan is a massive status boost. Of course, this makes the selection of a new Exemplar an exquisitely political event, with many factions attempting to find ones that meet the criteria (no one would ever think of appointing someone lacking in the qualities of that post) while still having an attitude favorable to their particular views on society.
