[OOC] The Sacred System (Ranks & Joining)

[Ukuhlwa Izwe]

◈ || The System that Guides Us || ◈
our ranks

[The Royal Family]
All those that inherit the blood of Taka are held in high esteem, however, the line that inherits is revered the most.


• The Monarch - Queen Ashiki (Scion of Taka, Daughter of Tiah, She of the Eternal Faith, Binder of Oaths); Felyn
  The Monarch of the pride is a direct heir of Taka's line. In the event that they were to reclaim the Pridelands, they would take the throne back in the name of their ancestor. There is no gender requirement, only that of blood. Their bloodline and accomplishments are immensely important to them since they do not believe in Kings or Queens taking a throne without proof of greatness and over time they will add more flair to their names that denotes this. Often they begin only with the titles of their heritage and claim to the blood. To earn a new title, it must be bestowed upon them by one or more of their Viziers.
  
  
• The Crown Prince - Kethiwe; Felyn
  The Crown Prince or Princess is usually, but not always, a child of the current monarch and by right of birth should be the eldest of their litter. They are typically chosen in adolescence and subjected to rigorous training with all three of the current Viziers. They may begin to earn titles from the Monarch's Viziers at this stage though it is not common. In the event that the Monarch dies, they will be crowned and sometimes may inherit certain titles from their predecessor such as 'Scion of Taka'.
  
  The Heir Apparent - NONE
  
  
  
• Princes/Princesses - Amachwane (mouselet); Azisa (Anderleit); Isigidi (Krysin)
  A Prince or Princess is a child of the current Monarch that is NOT the heir to the throne. Although they will enjoy this title throughout the reign of their mother or father, they will lose it and be shuffled into a pride role once a new monarch is chosen. Although all blood of Taka is important to them as a whole, only the direct line of the Monarch will be revered. For this reason, it is wise for all princes and princesses to find their place before their parent passes on.
  
  
• Consort - Ska; *Greenie
  The mate of a Monarch is considered to be a part of the royal family by the choice of the Monarch themselves but, in the event that the throne is passed on or the Monarch dies, they mean very little to the pride apart from being a vessel from which their line has continued.




[The Viziers]
The Viziers are an appointed council, considered to be an extension of the Head Monarch in their respective field of expertise. They are always chosen by the King or Queen themselves and should be respected above all others except the actual Monarch. They can only be replaced in two instances: death of the Vizier themselves OR death of the Monarch, as no Vizier may be considered an extension of two different Monarchs.


• The Monarch's Claw - Ebbe; KasaiLoki
  The Claw of the Monarch is the leader of his or her warriors. They are the ultimate General in a time of war and oversee the training of every member of the pride. They are the Monarch's consult on all things related to battle and combat.
  
  Apprentices: NONE
  
  
  
• The Monarch's Soul - Katiti'manina; Krysin
  The Faith of the Monarch is the leader of his or her priests. They are the interpreter of the stars, ancestors, and those that came before. They are the Monarch's consult on all things related to the will of the Circle and are directly responsible for any failures to interpret future tragedy.
  
  Apprentices: 1. Marionet-dido (*Greenie); 2. n/a
  
  
  
• The Monarch's Mind - Shetani; MangoMeow
  The Mind of the Monarch is the leader of his or her scholars. They are the keeper of oral record, master of strategy, and expert of diplomacy. They are the Monarch's consult on political decisions, history, and may be the most important advisor in the Monarch's arsenal as they navigate their role as ruler.
  
  Apprentices: NONE
  
  
  
• Wise Ones - Retired Viziers
  Wise Ones are only created when a Monarch dies or passes on their throne. Their Viziers will then enjoy a life of peace as a sign of respect for their service although they are not required to go into retirement if they would prefer to re-enter the Three-Fold-System and commit themselves to their pride once more. These lions are generally taken care of by other members.




[The Military]
The Military is led by The Monarch's Claw, who answers directly to the Monarch themselves. Beneath them are the variously ranked warriors, hunters and fighting positions. All members of the pride are required to train with The Military unless they have prior fighting knowledge.


• Claws - Generals (1 per every 5 Scars OR Shields)
  These are the Generals that report to The Monarch's Claw and their numbers are determined by how many active Scars (warriors) are within the pride itself. They are responsible for carrying out the orders of the Monarch's claw which may be anything from war tactics to training drills. When a lion is promoted to Claw they will be assigned to lead five Scars or Shields and will form what is known as a Squadron. Squadrons are responsible for guarding the borders, patrolling up to a mile around the pride's territory, and may also be assigned to prides with whom they have established an alliance. (To apply for the position of Claw and create your own Squadron, please see the form below)
  
  
  
• Scars - Warriors & Hunters (unlimited)
  Adults may take on the rank of warrior and become Scars, called such as both a great honor to the warrior Taka himself but, too, because scars are the pride of those who endure battles and hunts. There is no distinction truly made between warriors and hunters as they both require similar skills. Any lion that wishes to become a Claw, apprentice or even The Monarch's Claw must first be a Scar.
  
  
• Shields - Guards & Scouts (unlimited; default adult rank)
  Shields, while not the most glorious rank of The Military, are still a valuable part of their system as the first line of defense against outside attacks. They are responsible for patrolling the borders, investigating odd occurrences on the outskirts of their lands, and maintaining scent markers that would deflect would-be wanderers from entering the borders uninvited.
  
  
  
• The Unbranded - Adolescent/New Member default rank (unlimited; required)
  This rank is reserved for cubs who age up to adolescence OR for new members who join the pride but have no evidence of battle scars/battle training. The purpose of this rank is to force all would-be weaker links to endure rigorous combat training and make the pride stronger as a whole. The minimum required time in this rank is three months (adolescents will automatically age out of it at adult).




[The Clergy]
The Clergy is led by The Monarch's Soul, who answers directly to the Monarch themselves. Beneath them are the variously ranked religious members of the pride whose responsibility it is to determine and give voice to the will of the ancestors. Although these are very prestigious and valued ranks, it should be noted that they are not to be taken on lightly. In times of trouble, they may earn the ire of the pride for not passing on the proper warnings. It should be noted as well that religion to the Outlanders is not typical to other prides. (For more information, see the Way of Life post.)


• Justices - Appraiser of the Soul (1 per every 5 Scryers OR Vessels)
  In cases where a lion has committed a trespass against the pride, a Justice will be called upon to attend their trial and advise the Monarch and The Monarch's Soul on the judgement of their error. As masters of ancestor interpretation, it is their job to judge how serious the crime is and though they do not always pass the final judgement, their input will greatly influence the Monarch's decision.
  
  
  
• Scryers - Interpreter of the Stars (unlimited)
  After many years of tragedy, the Monarch and Viziers have decided to take an active roll in interpreting the will of the ancestors. Scryers are responsible for memorizing, mapping and interpreting the movement and map of the stars.
  
  
  
• Vessels - True Seers (unlimited but with prerequisites)
  Vessels are shop-recognized seers, lions in the pride that have a penchant for being able to accurately predict or recall events that no mortal soul would otherwise have known. They are called thus because they are considered to be mortal vessels through which the ancestors make their wills known. To become a vessel one must prove themselves to The Monarch's Soul.
  




[The Academy]
The Academy is led by The Monarch's Mind, who answers directly to the Monarch themselves. Beneath them are the variously ranked academic members of the pride who are committed primarily to diplomacy and knowledge. They are sometimes considered to be the least physical members of the pride but outsiders should have no doubt of their prowess as they are still trained to take up a warrior's mantle should the need arise. Additionally, they are responsible for the education of younger generations and that is not always such an easy feat with rowdy Broodlings.


• Consuls - Diplomats (1 per every 5 Keepers, Eyes OR Guides)
  Consuls are the crème de la crème of Keepers, the lions of the pride who are best versed in history, lore and the intricacies that have defined the Outlands over time. In times of decision, they will be called upon by The Monarch's Mind to help consult with the Monarch and may also be sent as ambassadors on minor missions outside of the pride.
  
  
  
• Ambassadors - Limited Rank; Plot Only
  Ambassadors are Consuls sent on long-term missions to other prides. It is not uncommon for a Keeper to be promoted directly to an Ambassador if necessary. Ambassadors do not have RP requirements, however, this rank is only open during plots that require it. Application periods will be posted when open.
  
  
  
• Keepers - Masters of Pride Knowledge (unlimited; must first study as an Eye or Healer)
  Keepers are those that have committed their life to learning all that they can about The Outlands, the world, and their place in it. As a rule of thumb, they are the best versed members in pride lore, tradition, and law. They are essentially the walking, talking books of the Outlands.
  
  
  
• Eyes - Gatherers of Knowledge (unlimited; prerequisite to Keepers)
  Eyes are members of the pride that work in tandem with Shields and Claws (for safety) as they study the borders, herd patterns, and important things that affect the pride beyond the safety of the pride's heart. They are akin to scouts in other prides but are required to answer to Keepers so that their knowledge may be retained in oral records and passed on to the Clergy and Military. A lion must practice as an Eye for six months before they can graduate to a Keeper.
  
  
  
• Healers - Limited Rank - 4/10 (prerequisite to Keepers)
  Healers are a limited rank led by the Queen's daughter, Azisa. They are responsible for the health and recovery of pride members. They are also expected to be knowledgeable in all local flora and most local fauna that could be used in salves or tinctures.
  
  
  
• Guides - Teachers & Nannies (unlimited)
  Guides are the lions of the pride that have devoted their life to teaching the younger generations who they are and what they stand for. As a rule of thumb, they are also nannies, as they spend the majority of their day watching and guiding the cubs of lions that are fulfilling other roles. They are often fond in the company of Eyes and Keepers so that they can share the role of lecturing the fresh minds on their pridal knowledge.
  




[The Unsorted]
These are the unsorted lions in roles that do not belong (yet) to one of the three systems.


• Broodlings - Default Cub Rank (unlimited)
  These are the cubs of the pride, typically found in the care of a Guide or their parents. They are cared for with delicacy as they are the future of the Outlands. Once they reach adolescence, they will automatically become one of the Unbranded and subject to vigorous training.
  
  
  
• The Tarnished - Disgraced Pride Members (unlimited; plot required)
  For one reason or another, these lions have temporarily or permanently been removed from service and demoted to a life of thankless labors. They are often assistants to Guides or Shields and will not often be allowed outside of the pride borders. They may only be condemned to this rank through a trial and may eventually earn back enough grace to be brought into the folds of the three systems once more.
  





◈-◈-◈-◈-◈-◈-◈

 

[Ukuhlwa Izwe]

◈ || Petition the Monarch || ◈
join us, change your rank, or create a squad

Joining

Joining is OPEN!

However, before you copy that form down there and fill it out, I do have a few rules and regulations that I need you to understand and follow.


• The Outlands is a LION ONLY pride. (Hybrids do not count and will be killed on sight)
  
• New members will be assessed for their battle experience. They will never be turned away but losing a duel will require them to serve as an Unbranded (the default adolescent rank) for three months while they learn how to fight. They can opt out of this if they have shop art with scars.
  
• Returning members do not have to submit to a duel, they may simply choose a rank so long as it can be proved they were in the original pride OR they are a 'Gen 1' (in terms of not having official parents) and you would like to plot them as being original blood. For the later, please contact Felyn so we can work it out!
  
• There are NO color restrictions, although naturals (especially dark ones) are most traditional and preferred. Please try not to add an overwhelming amount of color!


Now that we've got that out of the way, let's get this party started! If you would like to join, copy and paste this form below.

[size=18][b][color=#983217]By Blood and Bone[/color][/b][/size]
[b]Lion's Name[/b]:
[b]Owner's Name[/b]:
[b]Returning or New Member[/b]:
[b]Desired Rank[/b]: If your lion is not a returning member, please put UNBRANDED - DUEL DESIRED.
[b]Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking?[/b] Yes or No & tell me what rank!
[b]Image:[/b][img]CERT URL HERE[/img]
[spoiler][img]UNCERT URL HERE[/img][/spoiler]

[quote="Felyn"][/quote]

◈-◈-◈-◈-◈-◈-◈

Rank Changes

If you would like to change your characters rank from one they are currently in to a different one, you may do so with the form below! This process will not be too terribly strict, however, there are some requirements:


• You must have an IC reason; this can be as simple as a new rank has been created that you think they fit OR the rank they were currently in just isn't working out. This can be done for plot reasons, such as a lion wanting to be a Scar but finding out that they are much better suited to being a Guide.
  
• You may only change a lion's rank every six months. If you need an exception made for plot reasons, please come talk to me.


Please note this form is not for lions ranking up to Claw. That form is part of Squadron Creation below.

[size=18][b][color=#983217]Finding the Right Fit[/color][/b][/size]
[b]Lion's Name:[/b]
[b]Current Rank:[/b]
[b]Desired Rank:[/b]
[b]Reason for Switching:[/b]

[quote="Felyn"][/quote]

◈-◈-◈-◈-◈-◈-◈

Squadron Creation & Claw Rank Up

If you have five willing Scar or Shield characters (either your own or others) that will ICly be assigned to your character, you may use the form below to create a Squadron and have your character rank up to Claw as their leader.


• Once you post the form, if there are characters own by other players they MUST quote your form and give their permission before your character will be allowed to rank up.
  
• ICly, it can be assumed that the Monarch's Claw has promoted your character but you can reach out to their current player if you would like an actual RP.
  
• If you would like for your squadron to be considered for special events, please note that in your form. This can be temporary traveling or long-term stations at allied prides.

[size=18][b][color=#983217]We Pledge Allegiance[/color][/b][/size]
[b]Applying Claw Name:[/b]
[b]Applying Claw Owner:[/b]
[b]Applying Claw Current Rank:[/b]

[b]Squadron Character One:[/b]
[b]Squadron Character One Owner:[/b]
[b]Squadron Character One Rank:[/b]

[b]Squadron Character Two:[/b]
[b]Squadron Character Two Owner:[/b]
[b]Squadron Character Two Rank:[/b]

[b]Squadron Character Three:[/b]
[b]Squadron Character Three Owner:[/b]
[b]Squadron Character Three Rank:[/b]

[b]Squadron Character Four:[/b]
[b]Squadron Character Four Owner:[/b]
[b]Squadron Character Four Rank:[/b]

[b]Squadron Character Five:[/b]
[b]Squadron Character Five Owner:[/b]
[b]Squadron Character Five Rank:[/b]

[b]Would you like the opportunity for this Squad to be considered for plot opportunities?[/b]
[b]If Yes, Long Term, Short Term or Both?[/b]

[quote="Felyn"][/quote]

◈-◈-◈-◈-◈-◈-◈

 

[SilverLutz]

By Blood and Bone
Lion's Name: Nur bint Yetki
Owner's Name: SilverLutz
Returning or New Member: New Member
Desired Rank: Scar - opting out of duel due to scars
Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking? No
Image:

show spoilerhide spoiler

 

[KasaiLoki]

By Blood and Bone
Lion's Name: Kelda'satu
Owner's Name: KasaiLoki
Returning or New Member: New Member
Desired Rank: UNBRANDED - DUEL DESIRED.
Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking? Not at this time
Image:*she is an adult, just was never certed as one*

show spoilerhide spoiler

 

[RuIerr]

By Blood and Bone
Lion's Name: Livius
Owner's Name: Ruler of Everything
Returning or New Member: New member
Desired Rank: Unbranded -> Claw
Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking? No
Image:

show spoilerhide spoiler

Felyn

 

[[Eskimo]]

By Blood and Bone
Lion's Name: Kutu
Owner's Name: [Eskimo]
Returning or New Member: Returning
Desired Rank: Scar
Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking? No
Image: Never certed

show spoilerhide spoiler

Familiar's Name: Nyota'eusi
Image: Never certed

show spoilerhide spoiler

By Blood and Bone
Lion's Name: Sia
Owner's Name: [Eskimo]
Returning or New Member: Returning
Desired Rank: Guide
Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking? No
Image: Never certed

show spoilerhide spoiler

By Blood and Bone
Lion's Name: Ona
Owner's Name: [Eskimo]
Returning or New Member: Returning
Desired Rank: Guide
Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking? No
Image: Never certed

show spoilerhide spoiler

Felyn

 

[Krysin]

By Blood and Bone
Lion's Name: Ruka'sabili
Owner's Name: Krysin
Returning or New Member: Returning
Desired Rank: Vessel
Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking? Nah
Image:

show spoilerhide spoiler

By Blood and Bone
Lion's Name: Hikaru
Owner's Name: Krysin
Returning or New Member: New Member
Desired Rank: Broodling -> Shield
Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking? Way in the future maybe? Immediately no.
Image:

show spoilerhide spoiler

Felyn

 

[KasaiLoki]

By Blood and Bone
Lion's Name: Kaoru
Owner's Name: KasaiLoki
Returning or New Member: New
Desired Rank: Broodling > Shield
Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking? Not at this time
Image:

show spoilerhide spoiler

By Blood and Bone
Lion's Name: Memeha
Owner's Name: KasaiLoki
Returning or New Member: New
Desired Rank: Unbranded > vessel
Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking? Not at this time
Image:

show spoilerhide spoiler

Felyn

 

[KasaiLoki]

By Blood and Bone
Lion's Name: Lumine
Owner's Name: KasaiLoki
Returning or New Member: New Member
Desired Rank: Broodling - Scar
Would you like the opportunity for this lion to be high ranking? Nope
Image:

show spoilerhide spoiler

Felyn