I have a tribe member who is a Master Farmer, I had him building until he was able to help two other Master Builders open the crate. Now his research line is equal to or more than the the builder. Why hasn't he gotten a totem?

You need to be a Master of 3 skills to become an elder

I understand that. He's a Master Farmer, he helped the other two Master Builders open the crate, so that means he's a Master Builder. Now, his line in research is longer than that of his Master Builder, so that IS three. Why no totem?

Sorry, didn't read it properly, been playing the game obsessively for 3 days obviously need a good nights kip! I had the same thing with a builder who for ten years his line looked the same as my 2 other master builders but he was still adept I began to suspect that there was perhaps a limit to how many elders you can have at one time but after 11years he finally changed even though his line didn't move. Apparently according to something Lady CFII posted elesewhere there skill seems to increase quicker while the game is off

Thanks! You're a pal.

The "tick" on the skill bar that is third from the end, can be either Adept or Master. The change from one to the other happens in that range, so it is possible for an Adept Villager to look like he/she has the same skill level, but isn't quite there yet.

When I see that happen, at least I know that it is getting closer to Master level (and Elder level if it is the third Master.)