[IC] Ranks & Positions

[Kitwana Antara]

 

[Kitwana Antara]

This pride is similar to others in that there is a royal family and it is their blood and their blood alone that rules. Given, with the death rate so high in the Pride and some history lost over the years, it isn't necessarily unusual for the royal line to switch around a wee-bit. . . . It may skip to a cousin or an adopted heir may be found if the royal family winds up loosing all their cubs to the disease and they too are seemingly close to death.

Thankfully though, this pride is in a time of peace and seeing as the ill lions are typically ostracized from neighboring prides or rogues, this place is the only sanctuary they have and many of the old-members realize this.

There are some strict rules and traditions found within the pride. . . But for the most part, the old-blood that remains and has survived is loyal. There isn't much discord at this present time but that doesn't mean some are entirely content and pleased. . . .

Royal Ranking Positions:

The Queen:

She is perhaps one of the most if not THE most beloved member within the Pride. Or, at any rate, she should be. There is a tradition within the group that heirs in the royal family are almost always originally female. As the ruling Queen, she is expected to keep the happiness and wellness of her pride in mind; though the King harbors great power as well, it is she who is expected to be the most compassionate and caring lioness within the pride.

It is she who picks her mate and the future king, it is she who helps nurse or visits those close to death, and it is she who often begins many of the rituals or traditions. There's a great many expectations for the Queen - she should be well versed in basic healing and as an heir should have studied under the most talented nurses and healers. She is also expected to make appearances and know each of her pride members by name and rank. . . Her religious faith should be devout and true to Pestilence. The less social a Queen, the more unrest within the Pride. . . Short of her illness getting the best of her or her near death, there are many expectations put upon her shoulders.

It's not all glamour for this lady, trust me. >: Though she is the first one to be cared for, coddled and does indeed have personal healers . . . .She also comes with great responsibility.

Should her current King pass away before her, and she is still healthy enough to bear more royal blood, she MUST choose a replacement suitor. This tradition is not just encouraged but required. . .

She must be diseased and must show symptoms. It is the only way she can relate to the pain of those she commands. Any heir found to be immune or merely a carrier will have the title stricken and a replacement found.

The King:

Chosen at adolescence by the Heir, or perhaps chosen as an adult by the current ruling Queen, this position is also respected and revered. This lion must be faithful to his mate and often times the ruling relationship begins out of love and affection. It may not necessarily STAY that way, or if a lionesses previous King has died, she may choose a replacement more out of duty than actual love. . . but. . . .so long as they stay together and keep a happy face while in public, the Pride is content.

This fellow is expected to also know each of his pride members by name and rank. While the queen tends to the care and wellness of each of her members, it is the King who is expected to be knowledgeable in the art of defense and protection of their land. He assigns hunting parties and often meets with various scouts and guards to speak of news along the borders. Should a neighboring pride grow hostile or attempt to eradicate the diseased lions, he will know and help defend his family.

While the inner workings and much peace of the pride lies upon the Queen, it is the King who is most knowledgeable about what happens on their borders and around them.

Though cub-napping is not looked well upon, in the past when pride numbers are dangerously low it IS something that the King has secretly recommended to guards and scouts. <<; ***This is a very RARE and very QUIET happening and one that does not happen unless the pride is close to extinction or eradication from disease. Sort of a last resort and it is not something that happens frequently or proudly.

The King harbors the more tactile role in the Pride and it is he who can speak to the queen about reversal of traditions and rules, etc. It is only with BOTH their approval and good favor that traditions or rules can change - one cannot change without agreement and consent from the other and both must uphold and honor their word.

To not do so shows discord amongst the leaders and tends to upset the harmony of the pride. . . Furthermore, that rule is then stricken, causing the original rule or tradition to return. Needless to say, not many traditions or changes have happened in the past years. . . .

The King must also show signs of disease. Like the Queen, should he show no sign of illness, he too will be replaced and the Queen must find a new mate and ruler of 'proper' blood.

If the current ruling King's Queen dies. . . he cannot choose a new mate. The Queen by that point should have chosen an heir and it is at that time the power changes. He is retired and is often used as a vizier to the newest royalty. . .

The Heiress:

This position is almost always female. The Queen usually picks the daughter in her first litter to be taught the ways of heiress; a queen may not pick the strongest of the litter, in fact, she often times seeks out the most compassionate and caring.

Should no females be present in her first litter (and should the queens health be in question at that time) it isn't unusual for her to find another female cub to take in as her own. Sometimes its from another royal litter (such as one of her sisters or aunts children or perhaps a young cousin) or, should she find a suitable personality and fondness for a non-ranking family, she might adopt said daughter as her own.

In such a case, the family whose daughter is chosen finds it a great honor and USUALLY lets their daughter go willingly. If they reject the offer, chances are the Queen will find another substitute or name one of her sons as heir. She will not fight the family for a cub, but traditionally its a very great and very rare honor. Especially as the cubs immediate family are then allowed the title of rank if they had none before. **Note that the family isn't considered immediate royal family, but are looked upon as adopted cousins or people of the court/dukes/earls etc. ***

Regardless whom the Heiress is, upon being chosen she is officially recognized by the pride in a great ceremony. She does not have to show signs of illness as some times the disease lies dormant. . . but by the time the Queen shows signs of near-death, if the chosen heir has NOT shown signs of disease she will be replaced. Typically by one of her sisters or another the Queen has an eye upon. . .

If the Heiress passes away before becoming Queen, once again, the current Queen must choose another to step up to her place.

Note that though cubs are usually given the titles, with the death rate it isn't unusual for a juvenile or adolescent to be picked. So long as they are compassionate, intelligent and caring and are eager to learn, the Queen can always teach.

**Note that sometimes a son IS used as an heir. This is rare and though not frowned upon it is most unusual. It usually only happens during dire and desperate times for the Pride. . . And once the King picks his Queen it is expected that traditions convert back to the 'old ways'. . . aka female heiresses etc. etc.

The heir is taught by the Queen herself. She is encouraged to interact with ALL the members of the pride, by they old or young, lion or not. She is especially encouraged as an adolescent to begin seeking out potential mates. . . She may choose any mate she deems worthy but she also understands that he may someday be the future Pride King. So it is assumed she will choose a natural leader, though this unfortunately isn't always the case.

Depending on the current ideals of the ruling Queen and King, betrothal to another isn't uncommon. It's a bit dicier but should an Heir refuse to pick a mate in a timely fashion or her chosen one pass away and she refuse to seek out a proper escort. . . .she will be decided one.

With the death rate in this pride, a female can't necessarily afford to wait for 'true loves kiss'. In particular an heiress who is expected to have a large family while she waits for her rank as Queen.

The Royal Escort:

Basically this is an heiresses future mate. He is chosen by the heiress and, upon her decision, is often taught by the Prides viziers, scholars, scouts, guards and even the King himself. It is an honored position and though the heiresses may choose out of love, it isn't always guaranteed. He may have been chosen by the current ruling King and Queen for whatever reason. . . .

At this stage, he is expected to get to know and stick with the Heiress whenever he isn't being taught or learning. Bonds must be formed and they must prove they can at least TOLERATE one another before they are officially mated. (Especially if it was a betrothal!)

It is a great honor to be granted such a position and many Royal Escorts take whatever abuse they must suffer from an heiress to keep face and keep title. To be rejected by the Queen or King, or to lose favor from the Heiress is practically blasphemy and it is a shame upon their family.

This lion is usually of common blood and not necessarily of royal line. He too must show signs of sickness. He will be the future king as long as he holds this title.

Prince/Princess:

These are other children of the ruling King and Queen. Just because they are not chosen to be an heir does not make mean they never will be favored upon. The princesses are often encouraged to follow in the heiresses footsteps. . . Just in case, of course, a new heiress need be chosen at a later date. Though encouraged to learn of the title without official rank or ceremony, they are allowed to find whatever place in the pride they wish. Be it a common title as hunter or scout or a healer, scholar or nurse etc.!

They are respected but are also encouraged to be betrothed to others (so as to help spread the gene-pool) OR to find escorts their own at an early age. Unlike the Heir and Royal Escort, it matters not if these cubs show sign of disease or sickness. Their future mates also can be of any stage of health or disease. . . . But should a new heiress need be found, one will be over looked if their mate is merely a carrier or immune.

Upon adulthood, their title is changed to Duke or Duchess.

Escorts:

These are commoners found within the pride that are betrothed by the ruling King and Queen OR picked by a Prince or Princess to be a future mate. For young males, this position is still honorable. It gives them some rank within the pride without necessarily having to DO much of anything and for the real power hungry, it is possible that they may be called upon as a Royal Escort should the current Heiress die or show no signs of disease.

For young common blood females, it is an honor to be chosen or picked. To be the mate of a prince allows for a slightly cushier lifestyle than they may have found before. As with a Royal Escort, the chosen mates of a Prince or Princess will only rise the lion/esses title and NOT their entire families.

Escorts are encouraged to be of lion species. It is not entirely new for a leopard or cheetah to be chosen, but it is quietly discouraged amongst royalty. As their children are most-often sterile it does no good in spreading the blood and gene-pool. Furthermore, they would be over looked if a new Heiress need be chosen.

Upon adulthood and should they officially become mates of the Prince/Princess in question, their title will be that of a Duke or Duchess.

The High Priestess:

In terms of respect and love, second only to the Queen would be the position of High Priestess of Pestilence. Though there are priestesses of Famine, Souls and (secretly) Healing it is the High Priestess of Pestilence that is well respected and revered. She must be incredibly devout and loyal and helps guide the Queen and King on various aspects of Pestilence's wishes.

She works with the Queen to help lead various religious offerings, sacrifices and rituals. She is perhaps more of a mystery and need not be as compassionate or caring as the queen. She is in charge of various priests/priestesses beneath her and is assumed to have the good of the pride in mind.

This position may or may not be diseased.
There is only one High Priestess at any given time, though she may choose an heir or heiress of her own if she wishes. Up to the players discretion. : p

Master Healer:

There can be one to three of these. Basically, these are healers who have devoted their time and energy on becoming the best of the best. Their care for pride members is genuine and they are the best of the best. . . at least within the pride.

They are well respected and guide healers and apprentice healers beneath them. They also frequently are assigned to personally care for the royal family, in particular the ruling Queen and King and their offspring.

Is frequently a non-lion title, though carriers or immune lions turned healers can achieve this position.

Viziers:

These tend to be retired Kings or (possibly) retired Queens who have chosen to give up their position for some reason or another. (Namely, too sick to continue ruling, and have yet to die.) Non-Lions have also held a title as a vizier provided they are a trusted member of the royal family OR have proven their worth within the pride.

They tend to be older members, non-lions included. Many carriers or immune lions eventually are honored with the title as they have lived the longest and been witness to the most change within the pride. The ruling Queen and King often look to them for advice especially during difficult moments or when the pride falls in to discord.

Dukes & Duchesses:

This is where many family members of the current ruling Queen reside. These also consist of older sons and daughters of previous ruling queens long since dead or retired.

The title Prince or Princess may be worn on young cubs, juveniles and adolescents but upon adulthood there is little chance they will be picked as an heir. As such, they take the side of the ruling King and Queen as a Duke or Duchess. They may live a slightly cushier life than others within the pride, but for the most part outside of being able to claim such title and rank they honestly don't have much power. All the title does is proclaim them related or once-related to a ruling Queen or ex-Queen.

Their children may pride themselves in having a father or mother as a duke or duchess, but for the most part a Duke/Duchesses cub will be treated the same as any other cub. Their cubs will NOT inherit the title.
 

[Kitwana Antara]

Non-Royal Positions:

Baron/Baroness:

Similar to a Duke or Duchess, this line or nobility is the highest rank a family of NON-ROYAL lions can claim. The Baron or Baroness is the mother and father of a queens chosen Heiress. This position and title is particularly rare as it isn't often that a ruling Queen will seek out an Heir not of her blood. Just like the Duke and Duchess, they have various tasks to complete. It is possible that their children may be the first in line for a betrothal to royalty. . . but it isn't guaranteed. Their cubs are treated all the same as the Duke and Duchesses and other cubs in the pride and do not inherit the title.

Priest/Priestess:

Basically this title goes to any whom are devout and religious. They must be accepted by the High Priestess to become a follower, and must devote themselves to both the pride and their chosen God (usually Pestilence, but not necessarily always. <<; ) They assist with the passing of lions, various birth ceremonies and other religious rituals.

These can be of any species, but tend to be lion.

Healers:

Are very well respected. Any species can become a healer or nurse so long as they prove themselves competent and willing to learn. Anyone who is caring enough is encouraged to choose this rank, even the ill. It is traditionally a non-lion role, but the pride can never lack too many healers and nurse types. So long as they are able and willing, anyone compassionate and caring enough can be enrolled in this position.

Can be any species.

Apothecary

To be a member of a pride full of diseased lions means there are many healers. Healing is greatly encouraged, as the pride is predominantly lion, and most of them are diseased on some level. Of course, for as many healers as there are within the pride, there are even more in need of care. Because of this ratio, many healers are already over worked and in hot demand and that means finding time to dig up herbs or create healing poultices and remedies is slim.

This is where the apothecary comes in. These pride members are herbalists, learned in the way of roots, shoots, plants, leaves, and various greenery found in the pride. They are selected the task of gathering such herbs from the pride lands (with the immune ones allowed to leave the lands in search for more exotic herbs) and create and stock up on such remedies. This way the healers can find what they need without having to take time out of their busy days to make it.

Apothecaries have remedies and treatments, and a basic understanding of healing, so can also fall back on caring for others if need be. But for the most part they are a much needed aid and support of the healers of the pride.

Diseased apothecaries must stay on the pride lands and can't cross the borders.

Carriers can be granted permission by the queen or king ICly (which means they must be approved by Uta/the mule OOCly) before they can leave the borders. Usually a guard or warrior is requested to guide them so as to avoid spreading the plague.

Immune sorts can roam as the need arises. If they leave the rogue lands for any great length of time, they need to inform the queen or king and be granted permission as well, but day trips (where they leave and come back that very day) are granted regardless. They can't day trip EVERYDAY though, since their tasks are still needed immediately on the pride lands.

Can be of any species.

Nannies:

Members of the pride whom show a particular strength and compassion for rearing the Prides off spring, including royal cubs as well. They must be patient but must also be strong enough to handle cub-death. . . as it frequently happens. They are sometimes surrogate mothers and fathers to cubs whose parents grow too ill to care for them or die.

Can be any species.

Bards:

Similar to nannies, these are members of the pride that are particularly well versed in various subjects. They may have been world-travelers before settling within the pride and help teach and entertain both cubs AND adults. As the lions cannot leave the borders, it is up to the bards to inform and teach them of various new ideas or groups.

They don't just teach, they also entertain be it through music, stories, dance or possible plays. Anything to distract from the suffering of the members. Various bards may specialize in different aspects of entertainment and teaching; some may be more like jesters and comical, while others are stoic and know much of the history of the world.

Bards may also be any species but tend to be either lions who have had stories passed down from generation to generation, rogues who have joined the pride, or often ex-travellers ready to settle within the pride. Anyone can be a bard, whomever might be humorous or talented in dance or music or any sort of specialty.

Can be any species.

Master Hunters:

See below, but these tend to be the leaders of the Kings assigned hunting parties. They are particularly skillful when it comes to the art of bringing home meat and their knowledge and experience is invaluable to the pride, especially its young.

Can be any species.

Hunters:

Self-explanatory but no less important. Food is essential as those still well enough to eat MUST keep up their strength. Hunting parties are usually assigned by the King. . .

Can be any species.

Spy:

This is a scout who has mastered the art of stealth. Think of him as a great rogue, one who does well tracking and constantly being aware of his or her surroundings. The pride doesn't have many spies, and as far as the general public understands he or she is nothing more than a favored scout to the King. But between the ruling Royalty and the Spies, they tend to be called upon to handle delicate matters or gather particularly sensitive information when it comes to gaining or learning information outside the pride borders. They also tend to keep their ears open for any sign of discord or rebellion WITHIN the pride. . .

Can be any species. Lions should be Immune.

Scouts:

Also self-explanatory. These loyal members frequently hang around the borders with the Guards. Unlike the guards, whom don't move from their posts unless instructed to battle, scouts will travel just about anywhere. The most stealthy and wise may actually become something of a spy but for the most part, they keep their eyes and ears alert for lurking strangers and possible danger.

The King usually assigns their tasks or positions. . . but they can be ordered to stick close OR roam far. They are also doubled as messengers (particularly cheetahs) should the King call for it. Rogues or neighboring prides are most likely to meet the scouts, whom can bring back new members, visitors or lost cubs.

Any species. Lions should be immune or a carrier. Those who are diseased would be kept near the borders and not allowed to roam far.

Warriors:

Once a great guard and warrior, the small few with this title are known for their strength and prowress. They are great war leaders and defenders of the pride and are skilled and ready for any possible battle. As the pride has suffered extermination attempts by surrounding neighbors, these warriors are extremely important. They tend to help teach and guide the Guards beneath them and can advice the King on who may be a potential future Warrior.

Can be any species.

Guards:

One in the same, depending on the peace within and around the pride. These are the strongest of the strong. They are adept in the art of fighting and are the first and only defense from hostile strangers entering the borders. They have a history of keeping the peace and though this pride isn't typically violent . . . should other prides seek out eradicating the invalids, these heroes will defend the borders to the end.

Can be any species.

Head Matron or Patron

This is THE matchmaker of all matchmakers. There is only one in the pride at the time, and he or she is a champ when it comes to finding and selecting mates. He or she is exactly like the matchmakers except for one of two things: if the King and Queen should request a match to be had for any of their offspring, it is the head matron's task to find the perfect mate. The Head Matron is the only one who deals with royalty and royal lines directly.

Also, their word is final. The matchmakers usually must get approval of their final idea for a match by the Head Matron (this does not have to happen ICly, unless someone wants to do the RP). The Head Matron is given the power to dissolve a match once it is made, but that is often rare and even if she gives her approval to dissolve the match, the couple must also get 'divorced' through official pride standards.

She is the head of the matchmakers and is expected to keep her group in line.

Lion only!

Matchmaker

Ah, the matchmaker. There is more to this job than meets the eye, but for the most part a matchmaker is exactly that - a lion or lioness that has an eye for pairing up others.

There usually aren't many matchmakers in the pride, but there is a demand for them nonetheless. These sorts often have an eye, a gift if you would, for setting up various lions and lionesses. With the mortality rate as high as it is within the pride, it isn't surprising that some families don't even bother about waiting for love and affection to grow. That can take years, and in this pride, that isn't time anyone can afford. In other cases, a singleton just doesn't care or has had so many mates (due to death) that they throw up paws and let someone else think of their future for them.

This is where the matchmaker comes in.

There are two ways this happens. One is when the matchmaker is given approval to make a match. The only ones who have the power to make matches would be the parents of any cub, juve, or adolescent, or by direct order and command from the Queen or King. Any kitling, juvenile, or adolescent must abide (yay traditions ._.). This is something that only the Head Matron or Queen and King can dissolve after it is agreed upon by all party members. Sorry kids, blame your parents if you don't like the match!

Concerning adults, the same holds true. Once the matchmaker makes the match and is given 'power' over the situation, the adult must accept the future mate he or she will be given.

A second way a matchmaker can make a match is involuntary. This is purely just for their own amusement and is something that they can encourage from the sidelines. They can't REALLY force the two cubs to hook up, or force the parents to consider an official betrothal, or do anything about it. But that doesn't mean they can't coo and encourage x and y to hook up because they'd be cute, or perfect for one another.

Depending on the lion or lioness and how stubborn and adamant they are, they might actually get folks to listen.

When not meddling in the affairs of various pridal lions and lionesses, the matchmakers keep tabs on mortality rates and birth rates. They also track the history and family lineage of every pride member within the Kitwana'antara (including non-lions). This helps to keep lines in order and makes sure there isn't any inbreeding on any level.

Diseased matchmakers will only get to make matches for pridal lions. They can't leave the pride, so they can only work with what they know and what they have immediate access to, which is their own pride.

Carriers are often similar to diseased lions, where they stay solely on the pride and in the self-quarantine. If given permission from the Queen or King, they ARE allowed to leave the lands, but it's often rare and times aren't quite so desperate.

Immune matchmakers typically stay in the pride but are sometimes sent out to make a match. If they have a lion or lioness (age doesn't matter) and there simply is no one available or no one that fits their idea of a match, they are assigned to head to the rogue lands and FIND that match.

Yes, they leave the pride for a time, and will only return when that perfect match (or their idea of perfect, at any rate) willingly returns with them and is presented to their bride or groom. The male or female outsider MUST join the pride and MUST come willingly and MUST take on as a mate their said match.

It's weird, and strange, but all in a matchmakers hard days work.

Lion only!

Secret Keepers:

These are members of the pride that. . . well. . . . .honestly they deal with delicate subjects. They are slightly feared by commoners, though they tend to work under the Queen and Kings discretion. Basically, with so many dead and dying, after a death ritual has been performed. . . . unbeknownst to many but the Queen, King and High Priestess herself. . .

The bodies are disposed of by the scavengers. Yes, they're eaten. ._.; It's a very private thing and something which is taboo to speak of within the pride. In fact, unless a Secret Keeper breaks their code of secrecy (in which case they will be killed and rumors dispelled) no one outside of the highest of the high know of this tradition.

Secret Keepers are not shunned or treated poorly. In fact, they are more of a mystery amongst the common Pride folk. But seeing as they are appointed by the Queen and King. . . well. . .they are to be respected and ARE loyal to the pride.

Not every scavenger is dubbed a Secret Keeper. <<; These are the ones that handle the diseased pride members themselves including Royalty. They are never without hunger, but they also understand their position is delicate. . . it is particularly difficult upon them when they must feast upon the flesh of one they cared about, loved or were dear friends with.

Secret Keepers also dig up bones of royalty when requested for various rituals.

Non-lion species only.

.Cub Ranks.

I've had a few curious about the ranks of cubs. I'm unsure if colorists were given this information, but this is how it goes. This goes in turn for all cubs of all species.

Kitling
Youth
Apprentice
Adult Rank Name

 

[Kitwana Antara]

.Promotions.

Some within the Kitwana'anatara aspire for particular rank. Others still may wish to switch their title or their use within the pride. Those that aspire for more entitled positions need only prove themselves to the right individuals, though it may take a bit of time, experience, and work. While life can be short in this pride, its members do try to encourage one another to dream big, and to follow those dreams until they are achieved.

Please be aware, some ranks are RP Requires roles, and will require some minimal activity within the Kitwana'antara. If you don't think you're up for the long haul, please avoid those positions else risk demotion.

Switching ranks

To switch from one general rank to another (i.e. Scout to Spy or Hunter to Bard) you will need to complete two RPs showing the SoA in question either looking in to switching ranks, investigating that rank, and/or interacting with others in that rank. As juveniles and adolescents are usually training for some sort of position, for an adult to change 'jobs' they just should have some proof that they're actually interested in the work that goes along with the new rank, not just a title change. :3

Send the below form to Uta for approval and you can get your rank change!

Specific Ranks

Specific Priest/Priestess Titles
To achieve these ranks, you will need to have an adult Priest/Priestess, with three completed RPs in their chosen field.

Vesper - This is a priest or priestess who tends to focus on composing songs of praise to the gods, as well as for various ceremonies and traditions. These composers often work closely with bards. Their songs and music are primarily for religious purpose and use.

Oracle - These are priest and priestesses that are of Seer blood, and can offer accurate predictions of use to the pride. These are also non-Seer priest and priestesses that tend toward divination, be it through the stars or stones or bones or some other known medium. So long as their predictions are somewhat accurate, they can be called upon by any member of the pride at any time. Please note, not every Seer need apply for this position. This is just one option of many.

Monk - Those that call upon this title tend towards meditation and prayer. They are called upon to beseech the gods, in particular Pestilence, to aid those within the pride. They are particularly devout, and it isn't unusual to see them fasting, or holding vigils.


Specific Healer Titles
To achieve these ranks, you will need to have an adult Healer, with three completed RPs in their chosen field.

Medic This specific type of healer is accustomed to battle wounds. They are usually a blend of warrior or guard mixed with a healer background. They should have a base knowledge of the disease, as all healers do, but are best known for their speed when aiding the ill. This style of healing is a bit specific, but good to have, just in case a fight gets out of hand, or (heaven forbid) another war breaks out in the pride lands.

Mind Healer Not all wounds are physical. In a pride with as much grief and drama as the Kitwana'antara, there are particular healers with a calming touch to the mind, soul and heart. They help settle the anxieties, grief, anger, and bitterness that surrounds the pride. These are counselors, therapists if you would, and their services are greatly needed, even if some individuals would rather not open up to a stranger.

Dusk Healers These healers deal specifically with those in the terminal stages of the disease. They tend to deal specifically with those that are close to dying, and often see them through to the end. These healers deal with the worst of the disease, and see it on a daily basis. While all healers tend the very ill, Dusk Healers treat only them. They may deal with the non-terminal if requested to do so, or there is a shortage in healers for one reason or another, but for the most part they specialize in comforting and aiding those closest to death.


Specific Apothecary Titles
To achieve these ranks, you will need to have an adult Apothecary, with three completed RPs in their chosen field.

Herbalist While all apothecaries have basic knowledge over various plants, herbs, and roots, it is the Herbalist's that tend toward specific in depth knowledge of various plants. Herbalists are also known for studying and investigating new roots and flowers, and tend to work closely with Experimenters.

Experimenter These apothecaries have taken a keen interest in experimenting with new herbs, roots, fruits and plants. When it comes to new plants, they're the first to investigate their properties, and proclaim whether or not a mixture may be lethal. The Experimenter's are not mad scientists though, and are known for practicing new tinctures and remedies on one another, before they are distributed to the rest of the pride.

Gardener Those that choose to tend the garden may catch a little flack, for their work seems idle and easy, but it is not the case. There are a few areas in the pride where specific plants tend to grow; it is up to the Gardener's to make sure these needed plants are cared for, and of course, are the first to notice when supplies grow slim. They care for the local area plants, and often pick and collect gourds and fruits to supply for the rest of the pride.

Specific Nanny Titles
To achieve these ranks, you will need to have an adult Nanny, with three completed RPs in their chosen field.

Disciplinarian No cub likes to be under the watchful gaze of the Disciplinarian. These are the nannies that are often called in when a particular cub, or group, is being fussy. They are the taskmasters, and the ones that lay down the heavy paw when things get out of control. This does not mean they are cruel or violent, however. They are just the ones that deal most with the trouble makers of the pride. They will nanny over any sort of cub, of course, but they often have a bad reputation among the young cubs and juveniles.

Entertainer The foil to the Disciplinarians, these particularly nannies have shown a knack of keeping little cubs occupied. They are often in charge of coming up with new games and ways to distract and humor the young ones. They have a special touch with humoring the young cubs, especially when tragedy or loss is close at hand.

It isn't unusual for a Bard to transition to this role, be they specifically inclined toward cubs and the younger generations of the pride.

Specific Bard Titles
To achieve these ranks, you will need to have an adult Bard, with three completed RPs in their chosen field.

Instrumentalist These bards have an ability and tend to find joy in not just song, but in creating music and sound. They have a knack for crafting instruments out of various resources, such as gourds and bones and stones. They tend to entertain the pride with their strange music, and are always looking for a new and better way to improve the creation of music and sound.

Storyteller While all bards sing and entertain, these storytellers find a joy and love in the actual creation of stories. These are the Bards that are notorious for their skill at weaving a good drama, or even a comedy, and sucking others in to their tales. They create stories not just for themselves, for can aid other bards who might not be so imaginative.

RP Ranks

These ranks are created so those who continue to develop a character can rise through the ranks, as well as be recognized for their abilities and devotion to the pride. Until now, these Master titles had been given out freely, and in rare occasion, may still be given out as a surprise in an RP Contest or Event. But, from here on out, to achieve Mastership it will take some RP.

These K'A members are encouraged to stay active, as their presence will be needed during metaplots and events.

Master Ranks
The first sign of a Master in his or her class is devotion and dedication. Almost any class, be it a general rank or a more specific rank, can become a Master. These lions and lionesses are definitely skilled in their chosen craft, and the pride honors them with such a title.

To achieve the rank of a Master, one must submit 8 completed RPs in their field. If this is a specialized rank, you cannot reuse the RPs you wrote to have the honor of a specific title. So you'll need all new completed RPs.

The Form

If you feel your adult character is ready to take on a ranking position or more specific title, feel free to PM Uta the following form for approval.

[size=11][center][b][color=indigo]I'm Moving Up[/color][/b][/center]
[b]SoA's Name:[/b]
[b]SoA's Current Rank:[/b]
[b]Soa's Adult Cert:[/b]
[b]Rank SoA is Aspiring to Achieve:[/b]
[b]RP Proof:[/b] Remember, it's 2 for a general rank change, 3 for a specific rank, and 8 for a Master rank.
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