Rank Guidelines
Sept 27, 2015 21:52:14 GMT -5
Post by Blackmoon on Sept 27, 2015 21:52:14 GMT -5
Ranks are listed from weakest to strongest
Omega: (Male and Female) The Omega Wolf is the male or female at the bottom of the hierarchy. The omega Wolf is usually the last to feed at the site of a pack kill. The omega seems to be the scapegoat for the other Wolves and generally slinks and submits at the least act of aggression by others. When the alpha is in a particularly grouchy mood he may not allow the omega to feed, or constantly dominate him or her. The omega plays an important role in the pack by acting as a kind of social glue, allowing frustration to be vented without actual acts of war, which could threaten the pack structure, from breaking out.
Apprentice: Apprentices are pack pups three moons or older, training to be a warrior/hunter under a mentor. An apprentice becomes a warrior/hunter once their mentor or Pack leader(s) believes they have learned enough. Apprentices can change their position as a warrior or medicine wolf apprentice with permission, or if they have a certain injury.
Tasks of apprentices include training with their mentors, going hunting/border patrol with other wolves of their Pack, and looking after the elders, mostly taking ticks out of their pelts.
A pup is usually apprenticed to a mentor at the age of three moons. Mentors are assigned by the Pack leader after an apprentice ceremony; the leader makes such decisions after a brief personality assessment and using good judgement.
It is the Mentor's choosing where their apprentice will train. As an apprentice, a wolf learns fighting moves/hunting and becomes familiar with the Pack code. An apprentice is usually not mentored from their blood relatives because they usually go soft on their kin.
Elder: An elder is a Pack wolf that has served his or her Pack faithfully, but has now retired. They are wise and held in high respect by the other wolves; their counsel and knowledge is sought by Pack leaders.
Elders are to be held with the utmost respect from wolfs of all Packs. They have served the Pack well in the past as Apprentices, Warriors and Hunters. During their youth, they took care of the elders of their generation. Now, it is their turn to rest, and the youth of the Pack is to take care of them, in honor of all they have done to serve the Pack.
Elders are often susceptible to many diseases and injuries such as green-cough and stiff joints. They are treated by medicine wolves and apprentices.
Elder Tasks:
When a Warrior, Hunter, or Medicine Wolf wishes to retire, an Elder Ceremony is held.
Warrior: Warriors are adult pack wolves expected to fight and protect. Warriors are trained in the ways of fighting in addition to the ways of the Pack Code.They are charged with the responsibility to protect those wolves who are elderly or unable to spend time out of pack grounds.
Warriors have the following tasks:
Pups are apprenticed at the age of three moons to a warrior, and are made full warriors once their mentor is satisfied with their skills and knowledge, and after they pass an assessment, and their Alpha(s) is pleased with their training. During apprenticeship, the apprentice must pass several assessments - tasks their mentor gives them, usually hunting in a specific place, while the mentor follows them unseen to check how are they getting on. An apprenticeship usually lasts for nine moons or more, thus, warriors are older than 12 moons.
Mentors
A warrior who currently instructs an apprentice is called a mentor. Before a warrior can become a Beta, they must mentor at least one apprentice. They will teach their apprentices the way of a warrior- how to fight, and the ways of the Pack code.
Hunter: Adult pack wolves expected to hunt and provide. They are trained in the most proficient forms of hunting; in addition to the ways of the pack code. They are charged with the sole responsibility of providing food to the body of the pack.
Hunters have the following tasks:
Wind Mage: Wolves who can use elemental magic with an affinity for wind. May take apprentices who share the same elemental abilities.
Earth Mage: Wolves who can use elemental magic with an affinity for earth. May take apprentices who share the same elemental abilities.
Fire Mage: Wolves who can use elemental magic with an affinity for fire. May take apprentices who share the same elemental abilities.
Water Mage: Wolves who can use elemental magic with an affinity for water. May take apprentices who share the same elemental abilities.
Shaman's Apprentice: Pups who wish to become Shamans are apprenticed at the age of three moons to the Pack's current Shaman. They are introduced to the Spirits as a Shaman's Apprentice at the first half moon after they gain apprenticeship. They earn their name at the Moonstone after successfully completing their training, assuming full responsibilities even while their mentor is still alive.
When an apprentice, the mentor (or fully fledged Shaman), has them do tasks that prepare them for being a full time Shaman. The apprentice has to gather herbs, get water, or do other useful things. They are expected to watch carefully when their mentor is treating a wolf, so that when the time comes, they can do it, too.
They are taught healing techniques, such as how to care for the sickly, or what herbs can do. They are usually taught in the den or outside the camp when they gather herbs. They also learn how to interpret signs from the Spirits. After the mentor is satisfied with their progress, they are given a full name at a separate ceremony than typical apprentices.
Master Mage(s): The most proficient users of their element who help to mentor apprentices. There is only one of each element. A new one is selected after the master's death or retirement for each of the elements in turn.
Head Mage: The appointed leader of all mages within the pack They have more authority than master mages and are often sought for advice on issues of magical nature. Usually appoint an heir from amongst group of master mages.
Tasks:
Shaman: Pack wolves who treat disease and injuries. They also receive and interpret omens, prophecies, and guidance from the Spirits of Creation. They have their own den in their pack's camp where they store supplies, sleep, and treat the wounded and sickly. They are not allowed to take mates or have pups. They are expected to stand aside and not take part in pack rivalry. Shamans have a unique way of getting their full name (via an important event). They are deeply respected by their packs and few dare argue with them.
Tasks:
Beta: A Fully fledged pack member who is second in command to the alpha, aiding them in their tasks and replacing them immediately after their death. Also, when the alpha is ill or unable to perform their duties, the beta will take the alpha's place until they recover, and they will take their place at Gatherings if the alpha is absent and cannot attend.
A beta is chosen by the alpha(s) to be their successor. Betas sleep in the warriors'/hunters' den; they do not have their own den like alphas do. Betas are responsible for organizing daily patrols for the Pack, such as hunting patrols and border patrols. If the alpha(s) is unable to lead a Pack temporarily due to sickness, being away from the Pack, etc., then the beta would take over for that time. If a beta is sick or injured, then a replacement will temporarily take his/her place. If the alpha(s) dies, the beta will travel to Moonstone, with the Shaman to speak with the Spirits and receive his/her blessings. If a beta dies, the alpha(s) must appoint a new one before moonhigh.
Tasks of a Beta are:
Alpha: Alphas are the head of their Pack. Their personality is the same as their Pack's and describes how his/her Packmates treat others. The word of the Alpha is law, proclaimed by the pack code, and all other Pack wolves must obey them. They have their own den, and are assisted by a Beta(s) in their tasks. They are responsible for the whole Pack, calling Pack meetings, appointing wolves to new ranks, and making the toughest decisions.
Tasks:
Vessels: Vessels are the wolves possessed by a spirit. These wolves tend to be twisted up and changed to show the dominate spirit's traits, personality quirks, and abilities. They have a broad spectrum of appearance, and powers dependent on whichever spirit has possessed the body, but the one certain thing is that they are MUCH stronger than any aforementioned wolf and will always have a mastery in magic stronger than even the Mystics, Alphas or Head Mages, for they are the physical embodiment of the creating forces of the universe.
Tier One
Omega: (Male and Female) The Omega Wolf is the male or female at the bottom of the hierarchy. The omega Wolf is usually the last to feed at the site of a pack kill. The omega seems to be the scapegoat for the other Wolves and generally slinks and submits at the least act of aggression by others. When the alpha is in a particularly grouchy mood he may not allow the omega to feed, or constantly dominate him or her. The omega plays an important role in the pack by acting as a kind of social glue, allowing frustration to be vented without actual acts of war, which could threaten the pack structure, from breaking out.
Apprentice: Apprentices are pack pups three moons or older, training to be a warrior/hunter under a mentor. An apprentice becomes a warrior/hunter once their mentor or Pack leader(s) believes they have learned enough. Apprentices can change their position as a warrior or medicine wolf apprentice with permission, or if they have a certain injury.
Tasks of apprentices include training with their mentors, going hunting/border patrol with other wolves of their Pack, and looking after the elders, mostly taking ticks out of their pelts.
- Duties and Rules
Apprentices cannot leave the camp without the expressed permission of their mentor or another warrior/hunter, and they may not eat until the elders eat, unless they have permission. If an apprentice breaks a rule, they have to go through punishments, such as searching the elders pelts’ for ticks. Another punishment is cleaning out old bedding and replacing it with fresh moss. Other punishments have been given out, though it depends on their actions. In some cases, the Pack leader will not allow the misbehaving apprentice to go to the next Gathering.
A pup is usually apprenticed to a mentor at the age of three moons. Mentors are assigned by the Pack leader after an apprentice ceremony; the leader makes such decisions after a brief personality assessment and using good judgement.
It is the Mentor's choosing where their apprentice will train. As an apprentice, a wolf learns fighting moves/hunting and becomes familiar with the Pack code. An apprentice is usually not mentored from their blood relatives because they usually go soft on their kin.
- The Assessment
An assessment is a test for an apprentice given by their mentor. When a mentor assesses their apprentice, they watch in secret as their apprentice hunts/fights and judges how well they did. If it is their final test and their mentor deems the assessment a success, then they will become a warrior/hunter.
Elder: An elder is a Pack wolf that has served his or her Pack faithfully, but has now retired. They are wise and held in high respect by the other wolves; their counsel and knowledge is sought by Pack leaders.
Elders are to be held with the utmost respect from wolfs of all Packs. They have served the Pack well in the past as Apprentices, Warriors and Hunters. During their youth, they took care of the elders of their generation. Now, it is their turn to rest, and the youth of the Pack is to take care of them, in honor of all they have done to serve the Pack.
Elders are often susceptible to many diseases and injuries such as green-cough and stiff joints. They are treated by medicine wolves and apprentices.
Elder Tasks:
- Rub herbs on a wolf's body when they have passed away to disguise the scent of death.
- Bury the deceased.
When a Warrior, Hunter, or Medicine Wolf wishes to retire, an Elder Ceremony is held.
Tier Two
Warrior: Warriors are adult pack wolves expected to fight and protect. Warriors are trained in the ways of fighting in addition to the ways of the Pack Code.They are charged with the responsibility to protect those wolves who are elderly or unable to spend time out of pack grounds.
Warriors have the following tasks:
- Providing defense and security
- Border patrols
- Marking borders
- Evicting or chasing out trespassers
- Pack ground security
- Stand guard and raise the alarm if invaded
- Protect the camp in the event of attack
Pups are apprenticed at the age of three moons to a warrior, and are made full warriors once their mentor is satisfied with their skills and knowledge, and after they pass an assessment, and their Alpha(s) is pleased with their training. During apprenticeship, the apprentice must pass several assessments - tasks their mentor gives them, usually hunting in a specific place, while the mentor follows them unseen to check how are they getting on. An apprenticeship usually lasts for nine moons or more, thus, warriors are older than 12 moons.
Mentors
A warrior who currently instructs an apprentice is called a mentor. Before a warrior can become a Beta, they must mentor at least one apprentice. They will teach their apprentices the way of a warrior- how to fight, and the ways of the Pack code.
Hunter: Adult pack wolves expected to hunt and provide. They are trained in the most proficient forms of hunting; in addition to the ways of the pack code. They are charged with the sole responsibility of providing food to the body of the pack.
Hunters have the following tasks:
- Hunting
- Gathering miscellaneous supplies (i.e. bedding, funerary herbs)
- Monitoring migratory caribou and elk herds
- Standing vigil
- Providing auxiliary support for warriors (under alpha command only)
- Mentor hunting apprentices
Wind Mage: Wolves who can use elemental magic with an affinity for wind. May take apprentices who share the same elemental abilities.
Earth Mage: Wolves who can use elemental magic with an affinity for earth. May take apprentices who share the same elemental abilities.
Fire Mage: Wolves who can use elemental magic with an affinity for fire. May take apprentices who share the same elemental abilities.
Water Mage: Wolves who can use elemental magic with an affinity for water. May take apprentices who share the same elemental abilities.
Tier Three
Shaman's Apprentice: Pups who wish to become Shamans are apprenticed at the age of three moons to the Pack's current Shaman. They are introduced to the Spirits as a Shaman's Apprentice at the first half moon after they gain apprenticeship. They earn their name at the Moonstone after successfully completing their training, assuming full responsibilities even while their mentor is still alive.
When an apprentice, the mentor (or fully fledged Shaman), has them do tasks that prepare them for being a full time Shaman. The apprentice has to gather herbs, get water, or do other useful things. They are expected to watch carefully when their mentor is treating a wolf, so that when the time comes, they can do it, too.
They are taught healing techniques, such as how to care for the sickly, or what herbs can do. They are usually taught in the den or outside the camp when they gather herbs. They also learn how to interpret signs from the Spirits. After the mentor is satisfied with their progress, they are given a full name at a separate ceremony than typical apprentices.
Master Mage(s): The most proficient users of their element who help to mentor apprentices. There is only one of each element. A new one is selected after the master's death or retirement for each of the elements in turn.
Head Mage: The appointed leader of all mages within the pack They have more authority than master mages and are often sought for advice on issues of magical nature. Usually appoint an heir from amongst group of master mages.
Tasks:
- Managing each elemental group of Mages
- Appointing an heir to their position
- Giving advice to Alphas and Shamans
- Helping to teach ways to reach full potential
Shaman: Pack wolves who treat disease and injuries. They also receive and interpret omens, prophecies, and guidance from the Spirits of Creation. They have their own den in their pack's camp where they store supplies, sleep, and treat the wounded and sickly. They are not allowed to take mates or have pups. They are expected to stand aside and not take part in pack rivalry. Shamans have a unique way of getting their full name (via an important event). They are deeply respected by their packs and few dare argue with them.
Tasks:
- Knowing all of the herbs and storing a supply of them
- Treating wounded and sick
- Assisting mothers pregnant with pups, giving birth, or nursing
- Regularly check the health of the pack (especially that of mothers, pups, elders)
- Visiting the Moonstone at every half moon to seek guidance
- Interpret prophecies and omens; share them with pack Alpha
- Upon death of the alphas, they must accompany betas to the Moonstone
- Training apprentice as pack's next Shaman
- Bearing knowledge of basic battle training (in case of emergency)
- Communicate with the Spirits in time of crisis
Beta: A Fully fledged pack member who is second in command to the alpha, aiding them in their tasks and replacing them immediately after their death. Also, when the alpha is ill or unable to perform their duties, the beta will take the alpha's place until they recover, and they will take their place at Gatherings if the alpha is absent and cannot attend.
A beta is chosen by the alpha(s) to be their successor. Betas sleep in the warriors'/hunters' den; they do not have their own den like alphas do. Betas are responsible for organizing daily patrols for the Pack, such as hunting patrols and border patrols. If the alpha(s) is unable to lead a Pack temporarily due to sickness, being away from the Pack, etc., then the beta would take over for that time. If a beta is sick or injured, then a replacement will temporarily take his/her place. If the alpha(s) dies, the beta will travel to Moonstone, with the Shaman to speak with the Spirits and receive his/her blessings. If a beta dies, the alpha(s) must appoint a new one before moonhigh.
Tasks of a Beta are:
- Assisting the leader in their tasks
- Assigning border patrols, listening to their reports and assigning hunting patrols
- Organizing training sessions to keep up their skills
- Making reports to the alpha
- Substitute for the alpha on Gatherings and in battles if they are unavailable
- As a deputy is also a warrior/hunter, they are expected to carry out warrior/hunter tasks as well
Tier Four
Alpha: Alphas are the head of their Pack. Their personality is the same as their Pack's and describes how his/her Packmates treat others. The word of the Alpha is law, proclaimed by the pack code, and all other Pack wolves must obey them. They have their own den, and are assisted by a Beta(s) in their tasks. They are responsible for the whole Pack, calling Pack meetings, appointing wolves to new ranks, and making the toughest decisions.
Tasks:
- Oversee the daily operations of the Pack and give them orders
- Speak on behalf of their Pack at Gatherings
- Lead the Pack in battles
- Appoint new apprentices and assign them to mentors
- Appoint new warriors/hunters/mages once they've finished their training
- Appoint a new Beta if the former has died or resigned
- Counsel with the Beta and the senior warriors/hunters and listen to their reports
- Discuss prophecies and omens with their Pack's Shaman, and listen to their advice
- Solve conflicts between members of the Pack
- Dealing with politics/conflicts that happen out of the Pack, but can still threaten the Pack
- Decide if a non-Pack wolf can join
- Exile Pack members who severely broke the pack code or who present a danger to the Pack
- Carry out warrior/hunter tasks, like going on patrols, hunts or mentoring apprentices
- Call Pack meetings if necessary
Tier Five
Vessels: Vessels are the wolves possessed by a spirit. These wolves tend to be twisted up and changed to show the dominate spirit's traits, personality quirks, and abilities. They have a broad spectrum of appearance, and powers dependent on whichever spirit has possessed the body, but the one certain thing is that they are MUCH stronger than any aforementioned wolf and will always have a mastery in magic stronger than even the Mystics, Alphas or Head Mages, for they are the physical embodiment of the creating forces of the universe.