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The Agulepoc

Although there is a number of higher positions in the Azhuran tribe, these are endowed with political or religious standards. However, the highest suit of warriors of the entire populace gain all their prestige through their actions and the value they show towards enemies and friends alike. Those are the Agulepoc, or Eagle Warriors, and, amongst many other responsibilities, they directly protect the Ataloa and Apahuac from any harm.

The Agulepoc alone can wear a mantle especially sewn for them, which reflects their significance and assignment. This cloak adorned with coloured feathers is only used when an Eagle Warrior is on duty, as with the Eagle Helmet (their protective gear for the head). Most of the time it is very difficult to tell what lies on the hands of an Agulepoc, effect greatly aided by the mantle’s cover. Usually, when one does see what one of these warriors is holding, there is nothing much to be done if you are their mark.

To become an Agulepoc means one achieved excellence, be it with the bow, sword or any other form of battling aid. However, it takes both skill and heart to be elected one, and none but the Ataloa himself can determine such. However, once appointed, to the fellow Azhuran is given a load of responsibilities:

- Protecting the Ataloa (if the elected is male) or the Apahuac (if female). Not all Agulepoc receive this task, but the ones who do never leave the side of their protectees or the buildings they occupy.
- Serving as a General in times when warfare is current. This includes the definition of a war strategy with the Atrileac and other Agulepoc together, as well as leading an assigning a batalion into combat;
- Aiding fellow Azhurans in the most variant range of needs, as long as it does not compete with the Agulepoc’s main duty;
- Execute the elected for sacrifices for Camatli and other weapon-enforced rites;
- Maintain the order within Azhur, relying on brute force only if strictly necessary. To cause any sort of harm to another Azhuran is a heavy offence, and Agulepoc are not immune to the due repercussions if found guilty of mistreatment or abuse of authority;
- Train, as elite and experienced warriors, less prepared troops, supplying the apprentices with moral, technical and whatever valuable guidance.

These warriors are the best fighters in the whole tribe. They are often so specialized to the point of being able to hold more than one weapon at once. The ones who do so barely give space for the foe to attack, offering a balanced combat only to a very skillful enemy.

Upon receiving the title and tasks of Agulepoc, the Azhuran must thereon forsake other benefits the common tribesmen enjoy. Since they are the tribe’s protectors, they are not allowed to marry for as long as they live and, in the case of being married already, a choice must be made: to refuse the position of Eagle Warrior or dismiss all ties with the husband or wife. Likewise, any children the elected had before being assigned as an Agulepoc are to be left with their former companion. If the Agulepoc’s companion had already died by the time of the appointment, the children are left with a protector instead, and are furthermore disconsidered to have any relation with their previous parent. These many conditions for becoming a high-esteemed warrior usually draw most tribesmen away from the duty, and only those bearing the virtue of living for others volunteer for the position.