Ranks of the Caedis Tribe
Tier I - The Council
Sire & Dame
These ranks are named as such because they are seen as the 'parents' of the tribe. Their rule is law above all. The Sire and/or Dame oversee to all matters within the tribe. Nothing within the Caedis Tribe gets done without their knowledge or approval. It's their duty to help the tribe thrive, survive and prosper. The Sire and/or Dame are at the head of most rituals and traditions. They should always be formally addressed by honorifics and titles fitting their caliber. Failure to do is seen as a great disgrace to them.
They are seen as 'royalty' within the tribe. The longer a Sire and/or Dame's lineage of ancestors, the greater their royal status- and the more revered they become. As such, it has always been a goal of all Sires and/or Dames to have as many offspring as possible. Due to this, it's very common for the Sire and/or Dame to take on many different partners and mates in their life time. This will not only help ensure they secure a suitable Heir to take over, but guarantee their retirement from power will be one of luxury and grandeur.
Not all is easy for this rank as one might assume. There is a fine balance they must tread when it comes to ruling over such a chaotic tribe. Dominance over those under them is of the upmost importance. Just as equally important is to know when to give the tribe just enough reprieve to remain content. At any day they must be ready to fight for their throne. Anyone may challenge the Sire and/or Dame for their title and it is always their duty to strike these challenges down. If they fail to keep their place, they will often be met with swift death or imprisonment. Any scion under the age of two years will be killed and their Heir will also be challenged and killed.
There may only be one Sire/Dame at a time, but if they choose they may promote a partner to rule beside them. In this case there is still usually one who has more control than the other. The rank titles are interchangeable and not gender specific.
They are seen as 'royalty' within the tribe. The longer a Sire and/or Dame's lineage of ancestors, the greater their royal status- and the more revered they become. As such, it has always been a goal of all Sires and/or Dames to have as many offspring as possible. Due to this, it's very common for the Sire and/or Dame to take on many different partners and mates in their life time. This will not only help ensure they secure a suitable Heir to take over, but guarantee their retirement from power will be one of luxury and grandeur.
Not all is easy for this rank as one might assume. There is a fine balance they must tread when it comes to ruling over such a chaotic tribe. Dominance over those under them is of the upmost importance. Just as equally important is to know when to give the tribe just enough reprieve to remain content. At any day they must be ready to fight for their throne. Anyone may challenge the Sire and/or Dame for their title and it is always their duty to strike these challenges down. If they fail to keep their place, they will often be met with swift death or imprisonment. Any scion under the age of two years will be killed and their Heir will also be challenged and killed.
There may only be one Sire/Dame at a time, but if they choose they may promote a partner to rule beside them. In this case there is still usually one who has more control than the other. The rank titles are interchangeable and not gender specific.
Heir
The Heir is the one who will rightfully take over leadership when their parent(s) die. They are always the offspring of the current Sire and/or Dame and seen as 'royalty'. From a young age they are trained, separated from other trainees by only the finest among the ranks of the tribe. It's not uncommon for an Heir to be assigned a permanent tutor and mentor throughout their life. This bond is seen as a high honor, as often time when the Heir is promoted to a Sire or Dame, they will promote their former teacher to Duke.
While they don't hold as much authority as the Sire and/or Dame, they do surpass the Duke. If trained properly they are fully capable of seeing to the tribe affairs. They are able to give orders and help rule over the Caedis Tribe. In general they'll also help ensure their parent's rule over the tribe.
It is the Sire and/or Dame who will decide who the Heir shall be. This is based solely on opinion, great feats a Scion has done, or one of the many rituals of the tribe. All Heirs know however, that they are not locked within their position even when picked by their parent(s). At any time a rival Scion may rise to challenge them for the title. Though not common and looked down upon, it is not unheard of for siblings to kill one another during these challenges.
There may only be one Heir at any given time. As part of the Tribe's 'council' they are always formally addressed by honorific titles. Failure to do so will always lead to punishment.
While they don't hold as much authority as the Sire and/or Dame, they do surpass the Duke. If trained properly they are fully capable of seeing to the tribe affairs. They are able to give orders and help rule over the Caedis Tribe. In general they'll also help ensure their parent's rule over the tribe.
It is the Sire and/or Dame who will decide who the Heir shall be. This is based solely on opinion, great feats a Scion has done, or one of the many rituals of the tribe. All Heirs know however, that they are not locked within their position even when picked by their parent(s). At any time a rival Scion may rise to challenge them for the title. Though not common and looked down upon, it is not unheard of for siblings to kill one another during these challenges.
There may only be one Heir at any given time. As part of the Tribe's 'council' they are always formally addressed by honorific titles. Failure to do so will always lead to punishment.
Duke
The title of Duke is interchangeable with Duchess and is not strictly confined to a specific gender. Upon their promotion it is up to the Duke/Duchess to determine which title they prefer. As part of the tribe's 'council' they are always formally addressed by honorific titles. Failure to do so may lead to punishment. They are looked up to not only for their higher status, but also their strength. A Duke/Duchess is revered for their power; they had to accomplish amazing feats to earn such a role after all. There may only be one at any given time.
It is their Duty to see to the Caedis Tribe's affairs that those above them do not wish to meddle in. They are often given tasks and orders to carry out by their superiors. This could vary between organizing patrols, hosting ceremonies, killing off prisoners, leading raids, and everything in-between. They are on the same par of authority as the Witch Doctor, but tend to have more tasks delegated to them. This is partially due to the fact a Duke/Duchess should have plenty of training and experience in nearly all aspects of the Tribe.
They are in charge of the Wardens, Brutes and Grunts. It's also up to them to see that each Novice has proper teaching and mentorship from one of the other ranks- excluding those who follow the path of Mender. It isn't uncommon for them to be assigned as personal mentors for the Heirs and Scion, but not always. They are in charge of training and assigning personal guards to the Heirs and Scion, however.
It is their Duty to see to the Caedis Tribe's affairs that those above them do not wish to meddle in. They are often given tasks and orders to carry out by their superiors. This could vary between organizing patrols, hosting ceremonies, killing off prisoners, leading raids, and everything in-between. They are on the same par of authority as the Witch Doctor, but tend to have more tasks delegated to them. This is partially due to the fact a Duke/Duchess should have plenty of training and experience in nearly all aspects of the Tribe.
They are in charge of the Wardens, Brutes and Grunts. It's also up to them to see that each Novice has proper teaching and mentorship from one of the other ranks- excluding those who follow the path of Mender. It isn't uncommon for them to be assigned as personal mentors for the Heirs and Scion, but not always. They are in charge of training and assigning personal guards to the Heirs and Scion, however.
Druid
In the past the Caedis Tribe has never been known for being connected with their ancestors and spirits. In recent years this has changed. As such, the Druid is not only responsible for the treatment of those within the tribe but also keeping up a spiritual connection. They are tasked with reading various 'signs' and omens from the spiritual side of the 'Celestials'. Though they may not deal with most tribe affairs, there are still plenty of things this position on the Council is responsible for. It's often the Druid who will see to certain ceremonies, traditions, and spiritual sacrifices to the deities they follow.
Aside from spirituality, their other main duty is to keep the tribe healthy. They are masters at healing, skilled in using herbs and other remedies to cure ailments. In the past, the Druid would preform experiments to find new cures or treatments. This still holds true. Prisoners are often their subjects when it comes to these experimental cures or general ventures of learning.
There may only be one Druid at a time and they are always addressed formally with honorific titles. It is up to the Druid to choose a successor before they die. This is usually done by a certain ritual that the Menders must partake in. This is one of the only Council ranks that one may not retire from and is exempt from being challenged for. They are seen as important, highly spiritual beings that were blessed by the Celestials themselves. To kill, injure, or challenge one for the rank is seen as treason.
Aside from spirituality, their other main duty is to keep the tribe healthy. They are masters at healing, skilled in using herbs and other remedies to cure ailments. In the past, the Druid would preform experiments to find new cures or treatments. This still holds true. Prisoners are often their subjects when it comes to these experimental cures or general ventures of learning.
There may only be one Druid at a time and they are always addressed formally with honorific titles. It is up to the Druid to choose a successor before they die. This is usually done by a certain ritual that the Menders must partake in. This is one of the only Council ranks that one may not retire from and is exempt from being challenged for. They are seen as important, highly spiritual beings that were blessed by the Celestials themselves. To kill, injure, or challenge one for the rank is seen as treason.
Tier II - The Pawns
Menders
A Mender is one who specializes in healing and medicinal methods. Though they fall beneath the regular rankings, their talents earn them high respect. To seriously injure or kill a Mender is seen as a crime against the Tribe. After all, they exist to prevent injury or death from ailments; to kill one is to kill the Tribe itself.
They follow under the Druid who in turn helps teach them all they need to know about healing, though they lack the spiritual connection their mentor carries. They focus solely on mending as their name would suggest. There may be any amount of Menders at a given time in the Caedis Tribe.
They follow under the Druid who in turn helps teach them all they need to know about healing, though they lack the spiritual connection their mentor carries. They focus solely on mending as their name would suggest. There may be any amount of Menders at a given time in the Caedis Tribe.
Wardens
The Wardens act as the guardians and warriors of the Tribe. They are the ones built for hard combat and withstanding a beating. Most Wardens are larger in size, having a decent muscle mass. It's not uncommon for most Wardens to loom over others in the tribe by height alone. This rank follows directly under the Duke/Duchess. They are often assigned sentry duty around the Tribe's camp or as guards for patrols. Typically they are kept outside and around of the prison as guards. It is usually a Warden who will be chosen to become a personal guard for an Heir, Scion, or spouses of the Sire and/or Dame that are with pups. If chosen for this duty, it is viewed as a high honor.
There is no limits to how many wardens the tribe may have at one time. It's a highly sought after rank, but not all can make the cut for it.
There is no limits to how many wardens the tribe may have at one time. It's a highly sought after rank, but not all can make the cut for it.
Brutes
Brutes make up a large majority of the Tribe. They are the "meat" of the Tribe, not quite amounting to Warden or Mender, but purposeful all the same. All Brutes are tasked with a variety of duties such as hunting or fighting. The builds of those within the Brute rank differ and vary greatly. Those who are more lean and nimble are usually sent for duties involving swiftness, such as scouting. Those who are decent at combat and have some bit of strength are the first in line on the battlefield of wars and raids. If a Brute lacks any real notable skill, they most often take up the Artisan title as well, focusing on crafting and creating goods for the rest of the Tribe.
Just like all other ranks within this tier, there is no limit on the number of this rank.
Just like all other ranks within this tier, there is no limit on the number of this rank.
Novices
Those who are whelps no longer but are not of age to take on their full rank. The novice is a rank given to whelps once they reach the age of nine months. They'll keep this rank until it is deemed they are ready to take on full duties within the tribe. This is usually between the ages of two to three years. In order to fully 'graduate' from this rank they will have to successfully complete their trial. This rank is not solely reserved for the young. If there are newcomers to the tribe that are lacking in skill they may be given this rank as well. On these occasions they are looked down upon for being 'weak',
They will look up to various mentors and teachers assigned to them throughout their time as a novice. A novice will never have a single mentor, but many. It's believed to be of benefit so they can take in a vast variety of knowledge. Any teachers will, however, be of their chosen rank. It's not uncommon for multiple novices to have lessons at the same time in groups.
There is no limit in number for this rank.
They will look up to various mentors and teachers assigned to them throughout their time as a novice. A novice will never have a single mentor, but many. It's believed to be of benefit so they can take in a vast variety of knowledge. Any teachers will, however, be of their chosen rank. It's not uncommon for multiple novices to have lessons at the same time in groups.
There is no limit in number for this rank.
Whelps
They are the future of the tribe, the young ones born forth and possibly destined for great things. Despite appearing as savages to outsiders the Caedis Tribe takes their rearing of young very seriously. Whelps are highly protected by all within the tribe. Though whelps are taken care of by their parents the majority of the time, it's not uncommon for the entire tribe to aide in the raising of a litter. They'll consistently have sitters and guards to watch over them when they're parents are busy with their rank duties. To harm a whelp is high treason and killing one is always punishable by execution.
However, the above information only holds true for those born within the tribe. Outside offspring brought into the tribe or those born from prisoners are not given the luxury. They are at high risk constantly. If a whelp is an outsider not born of the plague, they will be eaten or used as a sacrifice. Very rarely this will not be true, but normally fate is not kind to outside or prisoner offspring.
There may be as many whelps in the tribe as capable guardians and sitters.
However, the above information only holds true for those born within the tribe. Outside offspring brought into the tribe or those born from prisoners are not given the luxury. They are at high risk constantly. If a whelp is an outsider not born of the plague, they will be eaten or used as a sacrifice. Very rarely this will not be true, but normally fate is not kind to outside or prisoner offspring.
There may be as many whelps in the tribe as capable guardians and sitters.
Gray-Furs
Surviving long enough in the Caedis ranks to become a Gray-Fur is quite the feat. They are a rare sight within the Tribe due to the general violent nature of the Caedis. Gray-Furs are those who are no longer able to effectively preform their duties. They are not given special privileges, but are not forced to work either. They are allowed to exist and live out their remaining days in relative peace. A Gray-Fur is not immune from being attacked or targeted, but it is seen as very lowly of one to do so.
If a Gray-Fur was formally on the 'Council' they are treated well, often allowed a personal guard or prisoner to help them with tasks throughout their remaining days. On the rare occasion they're a retired Sire and/or Dame, their last days are lived in luxury, staying within the comfort of the royal dens and being waited on as needed.
There is no limit in number for this rank.
If a Gray-Fur was formally on the 'Council' they are treated well, often allowed a personal guard or prisoner to help them with tasks throughout their remaining days. On the rare occasion they're a retired Sire and/or Dame, their last days are lived in luxury, staying within the comfort of the royal dens and being waited on as needed.
There is no limit in number for this rank.
Tier III - The Unworthy
Grunts
The most abundant and the second most worthless in the tribe. Grunts are the rank slapped onto a tribe member when they're incapable of doing anything worthwhile to benefit the tribe. It is as low as one can go without becoming a prisoner. The majority of Grunts were demoted to this rank as a form of punishment; new members who have yet to prove their worth or former prisoners are also common. Once one is given this rank there is no way to be promoted without doing a great feat. The easiest and most common way is to preform the generations-old tradition of tearing off one's tail or gouging out an eye. This must be done by themselves without intervention. Even then it is no guarantee they'll been seen as worthy.
There may be any number of Grunts in the tribe at one time.
There may be any number of Grunts in the tribe at one time.
Prisoners
Having this rank is equivalent to signing away one's very soul. As the title would suggest, Prisoners are captives of the Caedis Tribe. Some are conquests from raids, others captured during one of the many Tribe hunts. It doesn't matter how one befalls into this situation- the outcome is almost always the same. Prisoners are used for manual labor, amusement by being forced to fight, food, or even sacrifices. They are always kept within the dungeons, nestled far away into the belly of the camp where rescue or escape is nearly impossible. The life of a prisoner is short and one can only pray that death will be swift when it comes. Very rarely a Prisoner may be spared a gruesome fate. If proven useful on the rare occasion, they may be allowed to join the Tribe as a Grunt or be taken in as a personal servant for another.
Prisoners are never used for more deviant or carnal needs. They are seen as filthy and unfitting. To take one as a partner or in any remotely similar manner is seen as repulsive. There is no limit to the number of prisoners at one time.
(Do not pick this rank expecting to be a 'sex slave'. It's not happening. We're not about that sort of thing here.)
Prisoners are never used for more deviant or carnal needs. They are seen as filthy and unfitting. To take one as a partner or in any remotely similar manner is seen as repulsive. There is no limit to the number of prisoners at one time.
(Do not pick this rank expecting to be a 'sex slave'. It's not happening. We're not about that sort of thing here.)
Specific Titles
While these are not ranks and mere-titles only, they are still of importance to the tribe. Having such a title holds meaning. Some are more important than others. They are not official ranks, but are acknowledged by all. Even if one holds a title they will still have another rank within the tribe.
Scion
All offspring of the current reigning Sire and/or Dame are given this title. They are treated with respect due to being of the 'royal' blood line. Holding this title holds some benefits, but they have no true authority over the entire Tribe. Despite this, many will attempt to please them in hopes of winning favor of the Sire and/or Dame. Scion should be respected however, and addressed formally with honorific titles. While a Scion is not an Heir, they very well may have the potential and possibility of becoming one some day.
Destined Underling
This is a title that is gifted to novices that managed to find their way into the Subterranean Inferno during their Ascension ceremony. The one who holds this title is destined to become the next Druid after the current one passes. Until that day they are often given the normal rank of a mender. This title is to be respected just as greatly as the Druid. It's unspeakable to bring harm to the Destined Underling and is punishable by execution. They will follow the Druid who will in turn teach them all they can in their vast wisdom about the Celestials and traditions of the tribe.
Consort
A title given to those that the Sire and/or Dame have taken in officially as a partner. Though a Consort holds no authority or privileges, they are given protection. They are not to be severely harmed or killed. Attacking or killing a Consort will result in severe punishment or execution, as a Consort is seen as a piece of the Tribe's future. After all, they could very well produce Caedis' successor.
This is the only title that has some restrictions to uphold. Anyone under this title is not allowed to take on any other romantic partners or interests other than the Sire and/or Dame. How can they bring a future Heir into the world if they're off with anyone other than the Sire and/or Dame? Though it is the Sire and/or Dame who bestows this title and choses their spouse(s), it is never a one-sided affair. Consorts are not 'forced' into their position; it is an honorific they agree and consent to. It is often the spouses who will try to initiate the relationship. The Sire and/or Dame are also picky, prisoners will never be given this title due to being perceived as dirty, or nothing more than fodder for manual labor. Though not always the case, most of the time all of the Consorts and Sire and/or Dame will consider themselves in a poly-relationship together.
This is the only title that has some restrictions to uphold. Anyone under this title is not allowed to take on any other romantic partners or interests other than the Sire and/or Dame. How can they bring a future Heir into the world if they're off with anyone other than the Sire and/or Dame? Though it is the Sire and/or Dame who bestows this title and choses their spouse(s), it is never a one-sided affair. Consorts are not 'forced' into their position; it is an honorific they agree and consent to. It is often the spouses who will try to initiate the relationship. The Sire and/or Dame are also picky, prisoners will never be given this title due to being perceived as dirty, or nothing more than fodder for manual labor. Though not always the case, most of the time all of the Consorts and Sire and/or Dame will consider themselves in a poly-relationship together.
Whelp-bearer
Those within the Tribe who are currently pregnant or nursing. Depending on their normal rank, they may be given reprieve from normal duties to properly raise offspring. This only holds true until their offspring are of weaning age. Whether this title holds any benefits truly depends on the primary rank of the beholder. A Whelp-Bearer who is also a Brute will be treated far better than a Grunt that also holds the title.
Artisan
Artisan is a title given to those who are particularly skilled in a certain craft. They usually hold no talents for any of the normal duties of their primary ranks, but this is not always the case. Their craftmanship and skills are used to provide goods and other things for the tribe. This varies greatly from artisan to artisan. Their craft can range from making accessories, preparing foods for consumption, tattooing and anything beyond and in-between. It's not uncommon for them to pass down their knowledge to their children in order to continue the art of their craft.