☼ Pride Ranks ☼

[KizingoZaa II]

Any non-limited rank is expected to be RPed within the pride - both to earn them, and to maintain them. If the owner is putting forth the bare minimum to keep the rank or has vanished, we will simply put the character back into a normal rank in the pride and give the position to someone else.

Please be aware that most of these ranks are not inheritable, and by IC circumstance may have to change paws as time passes!

 

[KizingoZaa II]

Story Keeper(1) - While the tribe doesn't have a 'king' or 'queen' per say, the Story Keeper is one of the 'ruling' positions that other members look up to, both in times of peace and times of crisis. While it is his duty (Along with the Song Keeper's) to oversee the day-to-day business of the tribe, his most sacred duty is just what his title implies: he keeps track of the stories that have been passed down generations. Every story that has significance in the history of the pride or Original Family is known to him, and he has final say in how a story is remembered/told. The only variations that are allowed to occur officially in the story are the ones that he himself initiates, which will then be passed as the truth to the next Story Keeper. It is an unisex position, and not necessarily hereditary. The Story Keeper will seek out an 'apprentice' per say and teach him/her throughout the years, usually from cubhood.
Song Keeper (1) - Generally, but not always, the Story Keeper's mate; it is the second 'ruling' position of the pride. She works in tandem with the Story Keeper in all matters, save the Story Keeping (Likewise, the Story Teller has no say in the Song Keeping). While the two do not have to check with one another for minor decisions, major ones such as membership acceptance must be decided upon jointly (Granted, it is extremely rare for the Kizaa to turn anyone away for any reason). It is an unisex position, and not necessarily hereditary. The Song Keeper will seek out an 'apprentice' per say and teach him/her throughout the years, usually from cubhood.

Consorts (2) - In the case the Song keeper and Story Keeper are not mated, they might have consorts.
Royal youth (?) - The title all 'royal' children hold until Adolescence. It is the equivalent of 'prince' or 'princess'.
Royal apprentice (2) - The apprentices of the Song/Story keeper, hold this title until the later are ready to retire. They do not have to be related to the Keepers, though they often times are.


The Voice (1) - Following the trauma the pride suffered, it was decided that every family line that was old enough within the Kizingo'zaa to have at least three generations of lions would have member of their family on the pridal council. These lions take normal ranks (Crafter, Huntress, etc), but still meet up once a moon to talk things over, or during times of crisis... much more often. The Voice is the chosen one to approach Song and Story keepers of advice brought forward by the Families on issues they deem important. It is The Voice's job to maintain a level of peace among pride members and be their collective voice. The Voice is not an inherited title, and is chosen depending on circumstance.

Shining King/Shining Queen (1 of each) - This is only a year-long title, held by adolescents to young adults. They are seen as the King and Queen of festivities, although their 'reign' does not extend into pride politics. The Shining Queen rules from winter solstice to summer solstice, while the Shining King rules from the summer solstice to the winter solstice. Although they may not be actively 'ruling' during their 'dormant' months, they are allowed to keep their title until they are replaced by the next lion to take their place, and then they are expected to take another rank.

Head Huntress (1) - Their task is to lead the Hunting parties that feed the pride.
Head Merchant (1) - The Head of Merchants keeps an eye on all cafters, making sure they are well looked after and the the pridal economy, is fluid. They have leave to check out alliances with other prides and initiate trades with them.
Master Healer (1) - Usually an older lion or lioness, that has gathered enough knowledge to teach and pass on their knowledge to those under him or her. They have the job to oversee all those under him/her, and is often the one called upon when a particular wound or desease is too much for the others to handle.
Visionary (1) - They are the head of the Fortune Tellers, and must be a proven Seer. They often let the leaders of the pride know about visions and help gather information from all those they below them.
Protector (1) - In times of danger, the Protector takes the lead and rallies the members to defend the pride.

Wise One (?) - Basically the position the Song/Story keepers take upon retirement. They are held in High esteem and seen as the Wisest lions in the Tribe. The Song/Story keepers often consult with them.


Usher: (?) - These lions are basically the caretakers of the dead and dying. They are the only lions that are allowed within the Twilight Cave minus those that are dying or already dead. Female Ushers typically take on the role of caretakers, watching over the dying as they pass on to the afterlife. Male Ushers are usually responsible for bringing the bodies of the less fortunate, those that could not make the journey, to the Twilight cave after their death.
Fortune Teller: (?) - Ranging from Fortune Tellers to Star Gazers, this is the rank those with the 'Sight' usually hold within the pride. Of course... there's always those that believe they hold the Sight when they, in fact, do not, and still hold this rank! (Aka, this means that 'Fake seers' are also allowed to hold this rank - so long they are convincing enough)
Healer: (?) - With a wide knowledge of herbs, weeds and roots, amongst other things, these members heal and treat the sick and wounded. Some also hold an extensive knowledge of poisons and can be rather intimidating in their ways, if they set their minds to it!
Crafter: (?) - These are both Crafters and Merchants in their own way - any lion that has a craft offers his or her services to those of the pride and even on occasion, to outsiders. For a price, of course! They work hard to turn scraps into valuables. The crafters make the attire of the pride, create weapons, bowls, jewelry, etc. Lacking any true currency, the crafters will accept favors, information, and other trinkets from the pride members.
Watcher: (?) - These are the equivalent to the Guards of the pride. They tend to keep silent watch over both the territory and the borders, and do not usually engage strangers, but rather, as their name indicates... watch. If they feel the Stranger is a threat, they come back to the pride with news and action is then taken, and if not, they are the first to greet and meet those travelling in.

Story Seeker (?) - These members have been given special leeway to roam as they will, coming and going from the pridal lands. The only stipulation of their position is that they bring back stories and songs from other lands.
Hunter/Huntress (?) - This is the title most members hold. They are members that see to the pride's well being and otherwise simply help feed/hunt for the pride without special duties. This does not mean they might not help out, or join in when and where they feel needed!
Nanny(?) - Any lion or lioness can be a nanny, and there are usually several adults holding this position at once. They rotate their schedules and charges to that no one person is ever overworked, and generally see to the whereabouts and health of the pride's cubs. They also play the role of 'Teachers'.
Youth (?) - The cubs and youth of the pride are given this title till they grow up to adolescence.

Dreamer (?) - Any member too far gone to be a prolific member of society will bear this title. Usually those whose seer powers blinds them to the presents and can not function, or those too far gone within insanity to do much of anything other than, well, dream.
Muse (?) - Any species that joins the pride that is not a lion, will automatically be given this 'rank'. They can help the Nannies, Hunters, or even be Story Seekers too, but they will still hold this rank. In other words, they're full fledged members of the tribe, but their species means they are referred to as Muses.

 

[KizingoZaa II]