Post by Hinaezuu Atradico on Nov 26, 2010 16:28:40 GMT -5
The ranking system of Earthensong is not unlike any other pack, simply presenting a few adjustments to roles and titles that our prospective members will have to get used to. First and foremost, some of our ranks are known as Council ranks - more specifically these are known as High Council - and include Elder, Beta and Alpha. They are the ruling elite, if you will.
Aside from this, a ranked subordinate that has excelled in their position may be awarded the lead title. As well as distinguising them from others, this will induct them into the Council circle. The following are deemed as Council members: Head Caretaker, Lead Scout, Praetorian (Lead Guardian), Lead Tracker, Master Loreweaver, Lead Sentinel and Master Paladin.
A Subordinate who has requested a rank must hold it for at least one month before being able to shift to a hybrid rank if they so wish, providing that their desired hybrid is inclusive of their original rank. At the beginning of all ranks there will be a short period of training provided by the Council.
The Alphas are the leaders, in place as a figure for guidance and to uphold the pack, ensuring its continuance and health. They are expected to be open and approachable to members of the pack, offering aid and advice to all who ask. Respect is to be shown at all times and their commands and requests obeyed for their word within the pack is ultimate law. The rank usually consists of a single wolf or mated coupling, though same-sex co-operatives are not unheard of. The Alphas are often seen - physically - as clear contenders for the strongest in the pack, so when verging on the latter stages of life new competitors may try their luck at taking the mantle. The wisdom of older wolves will be useful to defend against this challenge. An Alpha will exercise dominance over others in the pack only when it is called for, when threats are recognised for instance, or to quell ill-feeling or flaring anger which is not tolerated in the Clearing. With the assistance of their closest, these wolves are the ones who keep the pack and territory generally safe.
The Betas are the trusted second in command within the pack, carefully selected by the Alphas for their reliability and admirable qualities. The title is only awarded once it can be established the power will not be abused by chosen candidates, as when Alphas are absent or out of action at any time an equal standing and respect is to be given to the Betas. The rank will usually sport a single wolf or pair, who need not be bonded in any way save sharing a dedication and investment in the pack itself. These wolves are cherished advisors to the Alphas and their opinions and judgements are held highly valuable among their piers within the pack and those without. It is often the case that the Betas will voice the wishes of the pack as a body to their Alphas, helping to make informed decisions that will guide to the right answer. Always, they will act as enforcer of the code and creed.
The Elders tend to be the most long-standing of members that have remained loyal and as such have been charged with offering a voice to their fellows at council with the Alphas and Betas, to put forward desire and wishes of the pack. Generally speaking, age has little bearing on this particular rank despite its name and likewise, just because you reach a certain age does not necessarily entitle you to the rank either. However, it remains a fairly rigid expectation for a wolf of this title to be no younger than 5 years. Elders are respected as those with knowledge and experience in aiding to maintain the safety and smooth running of the pack. They also serve as a role model for guidance of the young whether they be in the pack or not - the past of an Elder is often strewn with encounters of packs of all sorts, and this is drawn from to help offer advice to younger ones who have lost their way, or are unsure about the direction they wish to take in rank or home. Elder candidates are nominated by the Alphas and pack-elected through a system of voting majority.
The Caretakers within the pack are those who have shown a particular dedication to the wellbeing of all packmates and family, pledging themselves to the care of sick or injured individuals and trusted to make judgements regarding their 'treatment' - so to speak - and their general care till they regain their health. As with a Subordinate, this role can easily be highlighted as one which entails the care of younger ones in the pack when the rest of the family are called elsewhere, on a hunt for instance.
The Scouts of the pack are the wolves who often scour the territories and packlands to search for any signs of change or intrusion. It is their job to ensure no newcomers mark over our territory, and keep suspicious wolves in check by informing them where they are. Unlike Guardians - who are generally more orientated inside the Clearing itself - Scouts will stray afar and return to the pack with news of neighbouring packs along with any new ones or fallen ones and relay this to the Council to help keep them informed of the goings on in the lands round about, the discoveries of any new scents.
The Guardians within the pack can normally be found trailing the pack's borders or watching over the Clearing, serving much the same purpose as a Scout but rather closer to home. In the absence of High Council wolves, these members will act as a greeting committee for newcomers and make sure the peace of the pack is upheld throughout their stay. They show a definitive dedication to protecting their home and family and their role is often viewed as one among the most honourable to their fellows.
The Trackers are charged with the responsibility of locating and tracking herds and other adequate food sources that will comfortably be able to sustain the pack, keeping eyes on the movements of prey and alerting their Alphas should a land cease to be fruitful. They are also trusted with organising hunting parties and teams that will go on specific excursions to ensure the Cache is constantly stocked with a healthy supply of meat. This rank has been formed to eradicate that of Hunter which is adopted by all members of the pack to a greater or lesser extent.
The Lorekeepers are the storytellers of the pack, wolves who have turned their ear to a thousand stories or taken the time to create their own in the hope that their audience may benefit from the wisdom of their words. These members are commonly older and wiser than others - save perhaps the Elders - and their lessons shared are of endless value to all, no matter what rank you hold.
The Loreweaver is a hybrid rank which shares qualities with two others, acting as a unique fusion of Lorekeeper and Scout. Wolves holding this rank are among the eldest members within the pack, or at very least those who have an evidential experience of the wolven world. Unlike most other ranks within the pack, it is not unusual for the Loreweavers to be absent at great length from their home and Clearing. It is their chosen duty to travel the packlands and beyond sharing their anecdotal tales and lore, helping to spread their wisdom and cautionary fables. As they stray so far, they are also put in a wonderful position to keep track of all that is happening at large and closer to home - which is where their scouting attribute comes into play. When they do return to the pack, they may relay what they have learned to their Alphas and aid in keeping the peace.
The Sentinel is a rank merger between the original titles of Scout and Tracker, the duties of both are included when this rank is obtained. It is advisable that wolves who choose to become Sentinels are certain they wish to accept the degree of responsibility it entails and understand what is expected of them intricately. While on a routine scouting excursion for instance, the Alphas may request that a Sentinel keep watchful for signs of promising game along their travels and report back or that they gain knowledge of anything else which could perhaps compromise the safety of the pack.
The Paladin is a hybrid of the two ranks Guardian and Caretaker, as these two are keenly focused within the pack boundaries and involved directly with the protection and care of packmembers. Wolves holding this rank will spend the majority of their time among their fellows and are expected to have a knowledge of both the comings and goings of newcomers to the Clearing while also tending to the care of those wolves in the pack who are sickened, wounded or generally unwell. They are eyes and ears for the Alphas, as well as personal physicians!
The Subordinates within the pack make up the main body, often the rank with most full membership. These are wolves that have reached 1 year of age or above - passing their assessmentships or maturing from their cub position - and hold no specific rank. There may be a number of reasons for this; some wolves quite simply do not want the responsibility of holding a rank but still wish for somewhere they can call home. The roles adopted by the entire pack, such as hunter and babysitter, are magnified all the more among these members who prefer to spread themselves over a variety of vital and fundamental jobs which must be served within the pack.
The Cubs of the pack are the next generation and are cherished by all the adults within, regardless of blood. Birthing season is a joyous one that lightens the RP and the weights of rank and wolven life in the Clearing. A Cub is classified as any wolf below yearling and it is the responsibility of all elders above them to teach and guide them in the way of the pack; they are young minds in need of moulding. The whelps of a pack are obviously important for its continuance - they are the future.
Assessments in a pack are those who have advanced from their Pledge stage to their 'trial' period of staying as part of the family. During a wolf's time as an Assessment they will be required to learn the ways of the pack more deeply, its workings and laws as well as how life generally tends to be so that they may experience what it is truly like to become a member of the pack. As with the rank of Pledge, it is through this time that wolves are able to judge whether or not they wish the pack to be their home. This period tends to last for a couple of weeks but may be subject to variation depending on the judgement of the Council in the case of particular wolves.
Pledges to the pack are wolves who have expressed a desire to join and in order to gain this title they must directly ask of the Alphas to do so. After a short period of observation of the way they act within the Clearing and interact with packmembers they will be offered the chance to advance to a full assessmentship through ceremony. During their time as Pledge it is expected that a wolf will offer some insight into their past, providing a bio would be desirable and making known their past experiences of the world of Wolf RP.
The title of Concierge is earned by a wolf when they gain the admirable status of Honoured Guest in another pack, they will then become a Concierge specifically to that particular pack - or packs as the case may be. They are named as such for they have built relations and trust with the wolves of said pack and have proven themselves capable of serving as a fine figure to represent their family in other territories. Note that this is not a rank but an additional title that a wolf may earn.
Aside from this, a ranked subordinate that has excelled in their position may be awarded the lead title. As well as distinguising them from others, this will induct them into the Council circle. The following are deemed as Council members: Head Caretaker, Lead Scout, Praetorian (Lead Guardian), Lead Tracker, Master Loreweaver, Lead Sentinel and Master Paladin.
A Subordinate who has requested a rank must hold it for at least one month before being able to shift to a hybrid rank if they so wish, providing that their desired hybrid is inclusive of their original rank. At the beginning of all ranks there will be a short period of training provided by the Council.
{ A L P H A }
...to look to for courage...
...to look to for courage...
The Alphas are the leaders, in place as a figure for guidance and to uphold the pack, ensuring its continuance and health. They are expected to be open and approachable to members of the pack, offering aid and advice to all who ask. Respect is to be shown at all times and their commands and requests obeyed for their word within the pack is ultimate law. The rank usually consists of a single wolf or mated coupling, though same-sex co-operatives are not unheard of. The Alphas are often seen - physically - as clear contenders for the strongest in the pack, so when verging on the latter stages of life new competitors may try their luck at taking the mantle. The wisdom of older wolves will be useful to defend against this challenge. An Alpha will exercise dominance over others in the pack only when it is called for, when threats are recognised for instance, or to quell ill-feeling or flaring anger which is not tolerated in the Clearing. With the assistance of their closest, these wolves are the ones who keep the pack and territory generally safe.
{ B E T A }
...the most loyal of hearts...
...the most loyal of hearts...
The Betas are the trusted second in command within the pack, carefully selected by the Alphas for their reliability and admirable qualities. The title is only awarded once it can be established the power will not be abused by chosen candidates, as when Alphas are absent or out of action at any time an equal standing and respect is to be given to the Betas. The rank will usually sport a single wolf or pair, who need not be bonded in any way save sharing a dedication and investment in the pack itself. These wolves are cherished advisors to the Alphas and their opinions and judgements are held highly valuable among their piers within the pack and those without. It is often the case that the Betas will voice the wishes of the pack as a body to their Alphas, helping to make informed decisions that will guide to the right answer. Always, they will act as enforcer of the code and creed.
{ E L D E R }
...when faith is failing...
...when faith is failing...
The Elders tend to be the most long-standing of members that have remained loyal and as such have been charged with offering a voice to their fellows at council with the Alphas and Betas, to put forward desire and wishes of the pack. Generally speaking, age has little bearing on this particular rank despite its name and likewise, just because you reach a certain age does not necessarily entitle you to the rank either. However, it remains a fairly rigid expectation for a wolf of this title to be no younger than 5 years. Elders are respected as those with knowledge and experience in aiding to maintain the safety and smooth running of the pack. They also serve as a role model for guidance of the young whether they be in the pack or not - the past of an Elder is often strewn with encounters of packs of all sorts, and this is drawn from to help offer advice to younger ones who have lost their way, or are unsure about the direction they wish to take in rank or home. Elder candidates are nominated by the Alphas and pack-elected through a system of voting majority.
{ C A R E T A K E R }
...the healing touch...
...the healing touch...
The Caretakers within the pack are those who have shown a particular dedication to the wellbeing of all packmates and family, pledging themselves to the care of sick or injured individuals and trusted to make judgements regarding their 'treatment' - so to speak - and their general care till they regain their health. As with a Subordinate, this role can easily be highlighted as one which entails the care of younger ones in the pack when the rest of the family are called elsewhere, on a hunt for instance.
{ S C O U T }
...the eyes beyond our home...
...the eyes beyond our home...
The Scouts of the pack are the wolves who often scour the territories and packlands to search for any signs of change or intrusion. It is their job to ensure no newcomers mark over our territory, and keep suspicious wolves in check by informing them where they are. Unlike Guardians - who are generally more orientated inside the Clearing itself - Scouts will stray afar and return to the pack with news of neighbouring packs along with any new ones or fallen ones and relay this to the Council to help keep them informed of the goings on in the lands round about, the discoveries of any new scents.
{ G U A R D I A N }
...honour in the highest...
...honour in the highest...
The Guardians within the pack can normally be found trailing the pack's borders or watching over the Clearing, serving much the same purpose as a Scout but rather closer to home. In the absence of High Council wolves, these members will act as a greeting committee for newcomers and make sure the peace of the pack is upheld throughout their stay. They show a definitive dedication to protecting their home and family and their role is often viewed as one among the most honourable to their fellows.
{ T R A C K E R }
...half the joy of the kill is the chase it follows...
...half the joy of the kill is the chase it follows...
The Trackers are charged with the responsibility of locating and tracking herds and other adequate food sources that will comfortably be able to sustain the pack, keeping eyes on the movements of prey and alerting their Alphas should a land cease to be fruitful. They are also trusted with organising hunting parties and teams that will go on specific excursions to ensure the Cache is constantly stocked with a healthy supply of meat. This rank has been formed to eradicate that of Hunter which is adopted by all members of the pack to a greater or lesser extent.
{ L O R E K E E P E R }
...spoken word will triumph tooth and claw...
...spoken word will triumph tooth and claw...
The Lorekeepers are the storytellers of the pack, wolves who have turned their ear to a thousand stories or taken the time to create their own in the hope that their audience may benefit from the wisdom of their words. These members are commonly older and wiser than others - save perhaps the Elders - and their lessons shared are of endless value to all, no matter what rank you hold.
{ L O R E W E A V E R }
...their heart is home but their words will carry...
...their heart is home but their words will carry...
The Loreweaver is a hybrid rank which shares qualities with two others, acting as a unique fusion of Lorekeeper and Scout. Wolves holding this rank are among the eldest members within the pack, or at very least those who have an evidential experience of the wolven world. Unlike most other ranks within the pack, it is not unusual for the Loreweavers to be absent at great length from their home and Clearing. It is their chosen duty to travel the packlands and beyond sharing their anecdotal tales and lore, helping to spread their wisdom and cautionary fables. As they stray so far, they are also put in a wonderful position to keep track of all that is happening at large and closer to home - which is where their scouting attribute comes into play. When they do return to the pack, they may relay what they have learned to their Alphas and aid in keeping the peace.
{ S E N T I N E L }
...weary paws but watchful eyes...
...weary paws but watchful eyes...
The Sentinel is a rank merger between the original titles of Scout and Tracker, the duties of both are included when this rank is obtained. It is advisable that wolves who choose to become Sentinels are certain they wish to accept the degree of responsibility it entails and understand what is expected of them intricately. While on a routine scouting excursion for instance, the Alphas may request that a Sentinel keep watchful for signs of promising game along their travels and report back or that they gain knowledge of anything else which could perhaps compromise the safety of the pack.
{ P A L A D I N }
...a master of home and health...
...a master of home and health...
The Paladin is a hybrid of the two ranks Guardian and Caretaker, as these two are keenly focused within the pack boundaries and involved directly with the protection and care of packmembers. Wolves holding this rank will spend the majority of their time among their fellows and are expected to have a knowledge of both the comings and goings of newcomers to the Clearing while also tending to the care of those wolves in the pack who are sickened, wounded or generally unwell. They are eyes and ears for the Alphas, as well as personal physicians!
{ S U B O R D I N A T E }
...welcome home...
...welcome home...
The Subordinates within the pack make up the main body, often the rank with most full membership. These are wolves that have reached 1 year of age or above - passing their assessmentships or maturing from their cub position - and hold no specific rank. There may be a number of reasons for this; some wolves quite simply do not want the responsibility of holding a rank but still wish for somewhere they can call home. The roles adopted by the entire pack, such as hunter and babysitter, are magnified all the more among these members who prefer to spread themselves over a variety of vital and fundamental jobs which must be served within the pack.
{ C U B }
...open your eyes, young one...
...open your eyes, young one...
The Cubs of the pack are the next generation and are cherished by all the adults within, regardless of blood. Birthing season is a joyous one that lightens the RP and the weights of rank and wolven life in the Clearing. A Cub is classified as any wolf below yearling and it is the responsibility of all elders above them to teach and guide them in the way of the pack; they are young minds in need of moulding. The whelps of a pack are obviously important for its continuance - they are the future.
{ A S S E S S M E N T }
...learn with us...
...learn with us...
Assessments in a pack are those who have advanced from their Pledge stage to their 'trial' period of staying as part of the family. During a wolf's time as an Assessment they will be required to learn the ways of the pack more deeply, its workings and laws as well as how life generally tends to be so that they may experience what it is truly like to become a member of the pack. As with the rank of Pledge, it is through this time that wolves are able to judge whether or not they wish the pack to be their home. This period tends to last for a couple of weeks but may be subject to variation depending on the judgement of the Council in the case of particular wolves.
{ P L E D G E }
...commit yourself...
...commit yourself...
Pledges to the pack are wolves who have expressed a desire to join and in order to gain this title they must directly ask of the Alphas to do so. After a short period of observation of the way they act within the Clearing and interact with packmembers they will be offered the chance to advance to a full assessmentship through ceremony. During their time as Pledge it is expected that a wolf will offer some insight into their past, providing a bio would be desirable and making known their past experiences of the world of Wolf RP.
{ C O N C I E R G E }
...the highest honour...
...the highest honour...
The title of Concierge is earned by a wolf when they gain the admirable status of Honoured Guest in another pack, they will then become a Concierge specifically to that particular pack - or packs as the case may be. They are named as such for they have built relations and trust with the wolves of said pack and have proven themselves capable of serving as a fine figure to represent their family in other territories. Note that this is not a rank but an additional title that a wolf may earn.