Post by Nova on Feb 21, 2009 15:28:52 GMT -6
This is the hierarchy of the Sinking Ocean herd. The ranks are in no particular order, although those under the specialty categories are generally more respected than those listed as herd members. If the member is male, his name will be entered in blue. Females are in pink. Their species will be listed as well.
Most Respected
Most Respected
Male Leader[/b]
none
Female Leader
Nova, Plains Zebra
Deputy
none
Specialty Ranks
Adviser
none
mentor to no one
Warrior
none
mentor to no one
Hunter/Forager
none
mentor to no one
Lorekeeper
none
mentor to no one
Medic
none
mentor to no one
Peacekeeper
none
mentor to no one
Sitter
none
mentor to no one
Scout
none
mentor to no one
Skywatcher
none
mentor to no one
Quartermaster
none
mentor to no one
Herd Members
none
Adolescents/Apprentices
none
mentored by no one
Mothers/Youngsters
none
mother of no one
Elderly
none
Ranks Explained
Most Respected
[/center]Most Respected
These are the animals that oversee everything that goes on in the herd. They enforce rules, make sure patrols are being sent out, and represent their herd should a problem arise. They are the most powerful animals in the herd, and it would be wise to listen to them.
Leaders - lead the herd. They are allies with all other herd leaders of Deterahn, and do their best to get along with all animals living in Amanija. The lead male and female are equal in power, and are not always mates. Sometimes they are different species even. They must be able to lead a herd with courage, wisdom, and compassion. Even small animals like insects are sometimes herd leaders. What is on the inside is what is important.
Deputy - is one that is second in command to the lead male and female. They temporarily take over the herd if the leaders are unable to give instructions, and permanently take over if the leaders are killed. If the lead male and female cannot agree on something, the deputy gets to pick which decision is best. Deputies also handle many other matters.
Specialty Ranks
These are animals that excel in one area or another. They are a vital part to the survival of the herd, and are usually held in high regard by the leader(s). They also may take an adolescent to be their apprentice, and will teach their charge in their craft so they can be replaced after they die or move up to deputy.
Adviser - helps other members of the herd make important decisions by serving as a counselor, an aide and a therapist all in one. They are usually an older, wiser animal with an even temper and wise, confident manner
Warrior - wards off intruders and is responsible for the safety and well-being of the herd. They are often experienced fighters with knowledge of battle tactics that can be used to protect the herd if necessary. The Warrior should work with the Peacekeeper and should only resort to physical action if peaceful attempts at solving problems fail
Hunter/Forager - is responsible for organizing hunts/forages and helping the leader(s) lead hunts/forages. They must decide, for example, when a hunt/forage will take place and what strategy will be used – and then they should consult with the leader(s) about what they have decided
Lorekeeper - is the keeper of herd history and lore, but also is the keeper of many other tales and wisdoms. In this way they are similiar to Advisers, but they do not give advice – they give anecdotal stories and their knowledge is usually more towards the abstract side of things than the concrete wisdom of their Adviser counterparts
Medic - has advanced knowledge of how to heal the injured and treat the sick using the natural resources of the land, such as herbs and plants. They usually also serve as mid-wives to animals who are giving birth
Peacekeeper - must mediate any disputes that arise between herd members and act as an ambassador for the herd by mediating any issues that arise between it and other herds or creatures in Amanija, when possible or necessary
Sitter - although all members of the herd are responsible for the care and well-being of the herd’s youngsters, the Sitter is ultimately responsible for the juveniles under their care. They serve as teachers, parent figures for orphans, and guardians against the dangers of the wild
Scout - keeps track of the major happenings in Amanija, especially where interherd relations are concerned, and reports back to the leadership so that they may be aware at all times of what is happening around them and their lands
Skywatcher - a predictor of weather, keeper of star positions and forecaster of eclipses, solstices, full moons and other natural events. This animal is highly in tune with the messages one can find in the skies both night and day
Quartermaster - takes care of the water and food supply in the herd’s lands and has a back-up plan for if the water and/or food supply are ever unavailable or bad. Because this is not a very overwhelming duty, the Quartermaster is also responsible for assisting the Warrior
Herd Members
These are the animals who have a basic knowledge in the arts of fighting, hunting and/or foraging in addition to the ways of the land. They make up the bulk of the herd and are charged with the responsibility to feed and protect those animals who are elderly or otherwise unable to spend the required time out of camp.
Adolescents/Apprentices
These are the animals somewhere between youngsters and herd members. They are not particularly high up in the rankings and are generally ignored unless they earn an apprenticeship. Those in a specialty rank may take an adolescent as their apprentice and teach them in their craft, which they will take over later.
Mothers/Youngsters
A mother is an animal that is either expecting young or who is still nursing her young (if a mammal, of course). They will have food delivered to them by adolescents/apprentices until they can assume regular herd duties again. Youngsters are the youngest members of the herd, and are looked out for.
Elderly
An elder is a herd animal that has served their herd faithfully, but now has retired. An elder is usually an elderly animal, but sometimes an animal must retire early due to reasons beyond their control. Elders do not have to find their own food, nor do hunting/foraging patrols or fight. Adolescents/apprentices must find and take food to the elders, and may not eat before they are fed.[/size]