Karl
Karl is a title given to the senior warrior in Fyreslayer infantry formations.[1a]
Responsibilities
Karls lead their warriors in the various pre-battle rites of their lodge, such as ritual grooming in the form of beard-braiding and coating their hair-crests to ensure it remains proudly upright during the upcoming fighting, ritual tattooing or scarficiation, and observances around grundtogg.[1a] The Karls of the Hearthguard - sometimes called Hearthkarls[2a] - in addition lead their warriors in the renewal of their oaths to their charges.[1a]
Senior Karls are sometimes elevated to the Runefather's council to provide their liege with the benefit of their experience.[2a][2b]
In rare cases, a lodge might choose a senior Karl to be Auric Runefather if the royal family is slain and there are no valid heirs.[1b]
Sources
