Post by Accalia on Dec 17, 2011 12:59:04 GMT -5
name of pack - Aurora Caeli Alliance
description of pack - The Aurora Caeli Alliance values freedom, hope, and courage. They are a loosely ranked pack and don't stand on ceremony, with even the highest ranks expected to respect everybody. Lower ranks still obey higher ones, but they are allowed to question a decision and always have free speech. They are truly the free pack, running wild across the Steppes and bowing to none.
They are the pack of hope; always optimistic, always looking forward to tomorrow. Even when defeated, morale and pack spirit is always running on an electric high in this pack; they have a true never-give-up attitude, and the camaraderie you'll find in this pack is infectious and addictive.
More than anything, they are the pack of courage. They value bravery and honour highly, and those with spirit and fire will quickly gain rank and respect. They will never let any other pack tell them what to do, and always stand up for themselves and their decisions.
All wolves are given honour in this pack - no matter who you are or how lowly ranked you are, every wolf has vital duties to perform and all wolves are listened to. There is a right to freedom of speech.
Members who wish to attain a higher rank can either wait until one becomes available and ask the Majara to promote them, or they can challenge a wolf to fight for their rank. The Majara then decides on a contest - it might be a fight, riddle contest, race, or anything else - and the two wolves may fight for the rank. Every Midwinter, a festival is held, and challenges are traditionally held around this time, but challenges can happen at any time.
ranks -
link - this shows the ranks in a sort of ordered format. You'll need to read below for what they do, but this basically shows who reports to who and who succeeds who and what rank everybody is. It's not great, but I did it in five minutes 'cause Dad was shouting at me to get up and have a shower.
It misses out the Retired and Disgraced tiers, because they're not really in the pack's structure. They're just... special.
TIER ONE - Command - these ranks are the wolves in charge of the pack. This tier contains the Majara, Diesti and Heir ranks.
This tier of ranks are in charge of leading and organising the pack.
MAJARA - Lyta.
The Majara keeps the pack alive, organised, and working smoothly. She makes all the important decisions, but always consults the members first. In a fight or hunt, always look to the Majara for orders. Unlike other ranks, you cannot challenge the Majara for her rank; the only exceptions are if she is challenged by the Diesti or if three or more members agree she has committed a crime. This is because the Majara is the one who judges challenges. Also, a leader must have experience with leading, and this is only gained by holding the Diesti position for a while.
There's only ever one Majara at a time, and she is always female.
DIESTI - Aaliyah
The Diesti is the second in command. She has all the Majara's duties, though defers to her when big decisions are made. While the Majara makes the big decisions, the Diesti will take care of the day-to-day running of the pack, settling arguments, leading small hunting patrols and suchlike. She is sort of like the Majara's representative in the pack, explaining her decisions and bringing the views of the pack to the Majara, since often people are more willing to speak with the Diesti than the aloof Majara. Must be kind and caring but firm. Takes command when the Majara isn't around. Puts members before herself. When the Majara dies or steps down, the Diesti succeeds to the Majara position.
There's only ever one Diesti, and she is always female.
HEIR- Yssu
The Heir is a wolf chosen from an early age to one day lead the pack. She is chosen by the Diesti, though the Majara has some input too. She is basically an apprentice Diesti, trained by the Majara and Diesti in hunting, fighting, leadership and magic. When the Diesti dies, steps down, or becomes Majara, the Heir succeeds to the Diesti position and after a few months picks her own Heir to succeed her in turn.
There's only ever one Heir, and she is always female.
SECOND TIER - The Circle - this tier contains the Consiale, Askar, Cercaethor, Aezel and Xira ranks.
In the event that all Command ranks are unavailable, the Circle tier ranks act as a council to make decisions and control the pack. They are in charge of most of the day-to-day business of the pack. Most of the wolves in the pack report directly to a Circle member.
All Circle wolves are equal in rank.
CONSIALE - Open, Open
The Consiales are advisors to the Majara and Diesti. These wolves are strong, steady wolves that keep the pack calm, settle disputes, and gather knowledge with which to advise the Majara and keep any corruption in check. If both of them act together, they can veto any decision of the Majara or Diesti (though if the Diesti then backs up the Majara, or vice versa, the Consiales can be overruled). Any wolf who has ever held the Consiale position cannot challenge for Majara or Diesti - it is important that these wolves are steady and level-headed and will give sound advice, not wolves who only want the position to give them a better chance of successfully challenging the Diesti.
There is always two. They may be a mated pair, but it isn't necessary. Usually there is one male and one female, but not always.
Though it's the Lupiar and the Lupiar Dicapai who report to the Consiales, anybody who shows trustworthiness, honour and loyalty can become Consiale. Usually, however, it's a Lupiar wolf.
ASKAR- Open
This wolf is essentially the general of the pack. They are in charge of training the warriors. In battles, they either take command or closely advise the Majara. The Askar is in charge of helping the Majara to formulate battle strategies. If there is an alert, the Askar is the first to respond and deal with the threat; if the threat turns out to be important, only then is the Majara brought onto the scene. The Askar controls most small-scale fighting, and organises border patrols and practise sessions for the pack's defenders. If the Beta is challenged and the Beta so wishes, the Askar can fight for the Beta.
There is only ever one. They can be male or female.
CERCAETHOR- Narra
The Cercaethor is the head hunter. She/he organises the hunting patrols and the practise sessions for hunters. She does a lot of hunting and is considered first among the hunters of the pack. The best hunter in the pack who's also got a level head for organisation will usually be given this rank. She/he will sort out any hunting rota when necessary, check that a good mix of prey from all over the territory comes in, and make sure everybody's skills stay sharp through regular hunting practice sessions.
There is only ever one. They can be male or female.
AEZEL- Open
The Aezel wolf is the expert on other packs, the ambassador, representative, diplomat and spy. They must be stealthy enough to spy and scout, smart enough to talk their way out of wars and into alliances, and tactful. They need a healthy knowledge of other packs and to be curious and willing to explore and travel. They also need a good knowledge of their own pack, as well as others, as they are the representative of their pack and ambassador.
There is only ever one, and they can be male or female.
XIRA- Essentially, the Xira is a philosopher. She/he is the thinker, coming up with new ingenious plans and ideas and theories, making fiery inspirational speeches and instilling a fierce pack pride; the Xira's duties also include being a kind of agony aunt and helping out the pack when they need a little advice and comfort. She/he is also the source of much of the pack's knowledge, and is the keeper of their history and lore.
The Xira also has another important duty; he/she is the head of the healers, and the Xirienne answer to him/her.
There is usually one but if two wolves both feel a particular aspiration to this rank there can be two. They can be male or female, but if there are two then there must be one male and one female.
TIER THREE - THE FOUNDATION - these wolves make up the bulk of the pack. They are the ordinary members. This tier contains the Dicapai, Lupiar, Xirienne, Cirrara, Venata, Aktata and Litana ranks.
All Foundation wolves are equal in rank, except the Dicapai.
DICAPAI - Open, Open, Open, Open, Open, Open
Six wolves - one from each of the other Foundation ranks - chosen for their experience, skill and honour - who act as a bodyguard to the Circle. They are also second-in-command to the Circle wolves - when a Circle wolf dies, the Dicapai who used to report to him/her will succeed him/her, unless there is a challenger. They are wolves from the Foundation who are worthy of recognition, but are not yet ready for the Circle. They are often chosen to lead hunts, patrols and practise sessions.
They report to either the Consiales or the wolf their former rank reports to, depending on the situation.
LUPIAR - Unlimited Open
The Lupiar are the all-rounders, the odd job wolves. Wolves who found themselves not drawn to any particular Circle rank. They do any job not covered by the other ranks, tidy up camp, give backup if needed, and help out everybody.
Often wolves with unusual magical powers or mutations end up here, because they have skills to bring to the pack that don't fit any other rank. Friendly, clever, level-headed wolves aiming to one day be Consiales also join this rank, as it gives them a good sense of general experience and allows them to work with the Consiales.
It's definitely not a rubbish bin for misfits who can't get themselves a 'proper' rank - the Lupiar's duties are important to, and they often do the Consiales' work in the pack, sorting out disputes, looking after camp, and advising the pack members with their general good all-round knowledge, just like the Consiales advise the Command tier.
They report to the Dicapais.
XIRIENNE - Unlimited Open
The Xirienne are the field medics, the healers. They look after any wolf who is ill, injured or weak. They are well trained in healing magic, herbs, and general care. Many also help wolves whose minds are injured, not just whose bodies are weak; they report to the Xira, and thus share his/her duties of being an agony aunt and counsellor.
They report to the Xira, or to the Xira's Dicapai.
CIRRARA - Unlimited Open
The Cirrara are the runners, scouts, and messengers. They also help out hunting small prey and checking the borders. They also double as spies, mapping out not only their own territory but as much of others as possible.
They report to the Aezel, or to the Aezel's Dicapai.
VENATA - Unlimited Open
The Venata are the hunters. Their job is to keep the pack well fed. They are vital to the pack, because without food, the Aurora Caeli would starve.
They report to the Carcaethor, or the Carcaethor's Dicapai.
AKTATA - Unlimited Open.
The fighters, the warriors, the border patrollers, the army. These wolves are constantly training and on alert for any attack or threat. They chase predators or enemy packs out of the territory and protect the pack. They guard camp and escort wolves when they go out on hunting patrols or ambassadorial missions.
They report to the Askar, or the Askar's Dicapai.
LITANA - Unlimited Open
The Litana are the mentors and teachers. They are in charge of looking after and teaching all of the Young tier. They train them, sort out their arguments, refer them to the Xirienne if necessary, and ensure they have adequate food, water and clean bedding. They are essentially parents to the whole of the pack's young. While they have no more rank than the rest of the Foundation tier, they are respected, because the pack's future is in their hands.
They report to the Xira, but mostly get on with their own jobs without needing higher-ranked intervention.
These wolves also do not have Scirion; the only way to become one is to first be in another Foundation rank for at least three years. Many of the Litana rank are old, as some wolves who feel they still wish to serve their pack choose to retire to this rank rather than retire altogether.
TIER FOUR - YOUNG - these wolves are the young ones of the pack. Their only duties are to play, learn, and grow. They are low-ranked, but respected; these wolves might one day be the next Circle. This tier contains the Scirion, Comitan and Filin ranks.
SCIRION - Open (however many grown-up wolves there are in the pack, there is that many Open spots for Scirion)
Each Scirion has, by this point in their training, chosen a path - they will be training either as a Aktata-Scirion, Venata-Scirion, Cirrara-Scirion, Xirienne-Scirion, or Lupiar-Scirion. They will have a mentor from the rank they are training for, who will train them in all the necessary skills, in return for the Scirion's help with their day-to-day duties. Scirion are allowed to go out on hunts, fighting patrols, and do anything their mentor can do, but they are lower ranked and still in training, so are kept away from responsibility or the bigger battles.
A Scirion who has magical powers or mutations will also be trained in how to use them (eg. a Scirion with the power of fire will be trained in fire magic, a Scirion with wings will be trained in flying manoeuvres.) If their mentor does not have the necessary skill/power/mutation to train them, they will take these lessons either with the Litana, an alternate mentor who does have the skill/mutation/power, or if the powers/mutations are considered significant/powerful enough, with the Majara or Diesti.
COMITAN - Unlimited Open
The Comitan are young wolves in training who have not yet chosen a path. They are not allowed to go out to hunt, fight or scout, but they participate in training sessions with the Litana instead. They are given a basic grounding in all subjects, so that they have enough knowledge to essentially survive or handle anything they needed to, before going on to their elite, specialised Scirion training.
Comitan are slightly lower ranked than Scirion, but can't be ordered around by them. Unlike the Scirion, they don't have individual mentors, they're just trained in the basics of everything by the Litana.
When the Litana feel they have enough training and basic knowledge to get them through life and start them on their path, they allow them to make a choice of path - which Foundation rank they aspire to, and by extension, which Dicapai or Circle rank they will achieve if they ever get that far. If the Litana feel they are ready to begin specializing in that path, they will then promote the Comitan to Scirion.
The Heir is also selected from among the Comitan - a Comitan is simply chosen to train as a Heir, rather than as a Scirion.
FILIN - Unlimited Open
These wolves are too young to train, and spend their days playing, sleeping, eating and getting under everybody's paws. Newborn cubs are born into the Filin rank. When the Litana decide they are old and big and strong and mature enough to begin training, they graduate to the Comitan rank.
TIER FIVE - RETIRED - this tier is made up of those wolves who are retiring, temporarily or permanently, from their duties. They are afforded the same respect as whatever rank they retired from, but they have no authority to command. This tier contains the Aeldsti, Skari and Bolani ranks.
AELDSTI - Unlimited Open
These wolves are wolves who have served their pack throughout their life, but have got too old to continue their duties, so retire to the Aeldsti rank. They are respected and looked after because of their previous life of service and their age and wisdom. They often advise the higher ranks, because of their huge experience. The Filin often beg them for stories, as their old age means they tell the best ones.
SKARI - Unlimited Open
These wolves are Aeldsti who are unable to perform their usual duties of advice and storytelling, either because they are so old they have lost their memory or sanity, or because they are sick, weak and close to death. They are looked after and watched closely. Though they are respected, they do not have the Aeldsti's dignity or duties.
BOLANI - Unlimited Open
These wolves are wolves who have needed to temporarily retire from their usual duties because of sickness or injury. They can be anybody, from the Majara down to the most junior Comitan; any wolf who cannot continue normal life because of sickness or injury is placed temporarily in this rank. If needed, a second-in-command fills their duties for a while. These wolves need worry about nothing except getting better. They are looked after by the Xirienne, occasionally in conjunction with the Litana.
TIER SIX - THE DISGRACED - this tier is reserved for prisoners, law-breakers and disgraced wolves. This tier contains the Humilia, Kazenski and Jevan ranks.
HUMILIA - These wolves have been demoted out of their current rank. Either they did something to show they were not deserving of it, or they committed a crime and were given this rank after the Kazenski/Jevan rank. Either way, this wolf is a member of the pack, but is low-ranking and disgraced. They are watched closely. If they prove themselves loyal and worthy, they are promoted back to their old rank, or to the Foundation-tier equivalent if it was a high one. If they prove themselves unworthy, they are exiled from the pack.
KAZENSKI - Closed (you can't join as this, you're demoted to it)
Kazenski are wolves of the Aurora Caeli who have broken the law or seriously disgraced themselves. This could be by hurting another pack member, disobeying a direct urgent order from a superior, or giving vital information to another pack. They await trial and judgement. They are lower than any wolves, and as such can be ordered around - even the Filin can have them running around to fulfil their slightest whim. However, they cannot leave camp, are always under the watchful guarding eye of an Aktata, and are only in this rank until they receive judgement. It is a temporary rank only.
Despite the lowness of this rank, they are wolves too. They cannot be treated too harshly, and are still deserving of food and water and shelter.
Because the Kazenski were once loyal members of the Aurora Caeli Alliance, before they committed their crime, they are given some degree of trust and allowed to move around camp, provided they are under the watchful eye of an Aktata. If they commit another crime whilst a Kazenski, they will be demoted to Jevan and this trust will not be given to them.
JEVAN - Closed (you can't join as this, you're demoted to it)
Jevan are prisoners, captured from outside the pack. Like the Kazenski, they await trial for whatever it is they were captured for - trespassing on Aurora Caeli territory, maybe, or attacking an Aurora Caeli member. If they are prisoners of war captured off other packs, often they will be ransomed. They live in a small cell-den and are guarded by the Aktata. They are not allowed out except for exercise and are given only enough food or water to live.
A note on mateship in the pack. Being somebody's mate in the pack does not allow you any special privileges. While some packs are led by a mated pair, the Alliance is strictly against this. Any higher-up who chooses a lower-ranked wolf for promotion or honour just because they are his/her mate will be demoted. Anybody is allowed to mate with anybody, but Circle wolves are generally very careful about choosing mates from lower-ranked tiers, because they have to be very cautious so as to avoid favouritism, and they have to make sure the lower-ranked wolf actually loves them and doesn't just want their rank.
location of territory - Steppe.
sub-boards -
AMBRAN CAELI
The name means 'shadow of the sky', and that is a good name. An almost-perfectly-round lake sits in the very centre of Aurora Caeli Alliance territory; since the Steppe is in the centre of the continent, the Aurora Caeli consider this lake the centre of the world. The shores are muddy; many herbs grow there. The lake itself is good for hunting fish. On the north side, a set of stepping-stones lead out to a small island on the lake. This island is where Aurora Caeli Alliance meetings are held, whenever the wolves need to discuss something together, or a trial needs to be held for a wolf who has disobeyed the Alliance's laws.
AQUILA SUMMIT
The summit of one of the greatest mountains in the west, this mountain has a beautiful view. A series of rocky 'steps' lead up to a ledge about halfway up with a small cave behind it, a great place to keep watch - if a little cold. It's also home to a nest of red-tailed hawks, so watch out; red-tails are fierce, large birds and definitely not prey.
ILUNA CLIFFS
These cliffs are the main hunting grounds of the pack, graced by many birds and mountain goats. The series of cliffs with huge ledges in between looks a bit like a giant staircase. The river Kaunis flows down these cliffs. This place has lovely views and lots of prey, but watch out - losing your step could be fatal. On the very top cliff there is a circle of boulders where challenges are traditionally held.
KAUNIS STREAM
The stream is the pack's source of water. It leads down to the Ambran Caeli lake, and is fast-flowing, cold, and full of fish. It flows down the Iluna Cliffs, with a huge silver waterfall as it soars over each drop, so be warned - it goes hard and fast, and younger or smaller wolves can easily be swept away.
GALIT GEYSER
A huge spray of boiling water fires itself out of the ground here at irregular intervals. Be careful - you don't want to be standing too close when it goes. In the winter, though, this is often the warmest place in the packlands, so many wolves risk standing close to soak up the warmth. A trickle of water flows away from it between some rocks and collects in a pool, which is great to bathe in, since it's lovely and warm.
AE'CHI
Ae'chi is a stunning place... and a magical one. A small grove of hardy trees survives in a rocky field on the Steppe. Inside the grove is an outcrop of crystal, about two metres high and a beautiful cyan colour. Nobody really knows what the crystal is, but it is rumoured to have some form of magical power. Any attempts to destroy it have always failed; hitting it, throwing rocks at it, blasting fire magic at it, and it being struck by lightning... have all failed to make so much as a scratch. What exactly the crystal is, and what powers it does have, remain unknown; however, many wolves report a feeling of light-headedness and of mystery when they come near it.
TAL-AMAYALA MEADOW
This meadow, tucked neatly in between two giant outcroppings, is a beautiful, shaded field of flowers. Poppies grow here in their thousands, and the field is truly beautiful at sunset, when the sun's deep orange light shines on the huge expanse of red. It is a wonderfully peaceful place, though occasionally called Blood Meadow - nobody really knows why; it could be a reference to the blood-red poppies. Even for that, though, the Tal-Amayala meadow is generally quiet, peaceful, prey-filled and beautiful - an overall rather comfortable place.
ALLIANCE CAMP
This is where the pack makes their dens. It is situated just inside the Tal-Amayala Meadow. There is a large cave in the side of the rocky outcropping, just outside which is a sheltered hollow surrounded by poppies.
Most of the pack lives in dens dug out of the side of the sheltered hollow and netted around the edges with woven sticks and brambles. The cave is divided up, by means of bramble-and-woven-stick-and-mud walls, into dens for the Circle members. A tunnel leads off from the cave into another, smaller cave where the Command tier sleep. In the Command cave, blue crystals like the ones in Ae'chi stud the walls. In all dens, the floor is padded with moss and feathers so the wolves can sleep comfortably, and the entrances are shielded by woven curtains of vines and leaves.
description of pack - The Aurora Caeli Alliance values freedom, hope, and courage. They are a loosely ranked pack and don't stand on ceremony, with even the highest ranks expected to respect everybody. Lower ranks still obey higher ones, but they are allowed to question a decision and always have free speech. They are truly the free pack, running wild across the Steppes and bowing to none.
They are the pack of hope; always optimistic, always looking forward to tomorrow. Even when defeated, morale and pack spirit is always running on an electric high in this pack; they have a true never-give-up attitude, and the camaraderie you'll find in this pack is infectious and addictive.
More than anything, they are the pack of courage. They value bravery and honour highly, and those with spirit and fire will quickly gain rank and respect. They will never let any other pack tell them what to do, and always stand up for themselves and their decisions.
All wolves are given honour in this pack - no matter who you are or how lowly ranked you are, every wolf has vital duties to perform and all wolves are listened to. There is a right to freedom of speech.
Members who wish to attain a higher rank can either wait until one becomes available and ask the Majara to promote them, or they can challenge a wolf to fight for their rank. The Majara then decides on a contest - it might be a fight, riddle contest, race, or anything else - and the two wolves may fight for the rank. Every Midwinter, a festival is held, and challenges are traditionally held around this time, but challenges can happen at any time.
ranks -
link - this shows the ranks in a sort of ordered format. You'll need to read below for what they do, but this basically shows who reports to who and who succeeds who and what rank everybody is. It's not great, but I did it in five minutes 'cause Dad was shouting at me to get up and have a shower.
It misses out the Retired and Disgraced tiers, because they're not really in the pack's structure. They're just... special. TIER ONE - Command - these ranks are the wolves in charge of the pack. This tier contains the Majara, Diesti and Heir ranks.
This tier of ranks are in charge of leading and organising the pack.
MAJARA - Lyta.
The Majara keeps the pack alive, organised, and working smoothly. She makes all the important decisions, but always consults the members first. In a fight or hunt, always look to the Majara for orders. Unlike other ranks, you cannot challenge the Majara for her rank; the only exceptions are if she is challenged by the Diesti or if three or more members agree she has committed a crime. This is because the Majara is the one who judges challenges. Also, a leader must have experience with leading, and this is only gained by holding the Diesti position for a while.
There's only ever one Majara at a time, and she is always female.
DIESTI - Aaliyah
The Diesti is the second in command. She has all the Majara's duties, though defers to her when big decisions are made. While the Majara makes the big decisions, the Diesti will take care of the day-to-day running of the pack, settling arguments, leading small hunting patrols and suchlike. She is sort of like the Majara's representative in the pack, explaining her decisions and bringing the views of the pack to the Majara, since often people are more willing to speak with the Diesti than the aloof Majara. Must be kind and caring but firm. Takes command when the Majara isn't around. Puts members before herself. When the Majara dies or steps down, the Diesti succeeds to the Majara position.
There's only ever one Diesti, and she is always female.
HEIR- Yssu
The Heir is a wolf chosen from an early age to one day lead the pack. She is chosen by the Diesti, though the Majara has some input too. She is basically an apprentice Diesti, trained by the Majara and Diesti in hunting, fighting, leadership and magic. When the Diesti dies, steps down, or becomes Majara, the Heir succeeds to the Diesti position and after a few months picks her own Heir to succeed her in turn.
There's only ever one Heir, and she is always female.
SECOND TIER - The Circle - this tier contains the Consiale, Askar, Cercaethor, Aezel and Xira ranks.
In the event that all Command ranks are unavailable, the Circle tier ranks act as a council to make decisions and control the pack. They are in charge of most of the day-to-day business of the pack. Most of the wolves in the pack report directly to a Circle member.
All Circle wolves are equal in rank.
CONSIALE - Open, Open
The Consiales are advisors to the Majara and Diesti. These wolves are strong, steady wolves that keep the pack calm, settle disputes, and gather knowledge with which to advise the Majara and keep any corruption in check. If both of them act together, they can veto any decision of the Majara or Diesti (though if the Diesti then backs up the Majara, or vice versa, the Consiales can be overruled). Any wolf who has ever held the Consiale position cannot challenge for Majara or Diesti - it is important that these wolves are steady and level-headed and will give sound advice, not wolves who only want the position to give them a better chance of successfully challenging the Diesti.
There is always two. They may be a mated pair, but it isn't necessary. Usually there is one male and one female, but not always.
Though it's the Lupiar and the Lupiar Dicapai who report to the Consiales, anybody who shows trustworthiness, honour and loyalty can become Consiale. Usually, however, it's a Lupiar wolf.
ASKAR- Open
This wolf is essentially the general of the pack. They are in charge of training the warriors. In battles, they either take command or closely advise the Majara. The Askar is in charge of helping the Majara to formulate battle strategies. If there is an alert, the Askar is the first to respond and deal with the threat; if the threat turns out to be important, only then is the Majara brought onto the scene. The Askar controls most small-scale fighting, and organises border patrols and practise sessions for the pack's defenders. If the Beta is challenged and the Beta so wishes, the Askar can fight for the Beta.
There is only ever one. They can be male or female.
CERCAETHOR- Narra
The Cercaethor is the head hunter. She/he organises the hunting patrols and the practise sessions for hunters. She does a lot of hunting and is considered first among the hunters of the pack. The best hunter in the pack who's also got a level head for organisation will usually be given this rank. She/he will sort out any hunting rota when necessary, check that a good mix of prey from all over the territory comes in, and make sure everybody's skills stay sharp through regular hunting practice sessions.
There is only ever one. They can be male or female.
AEZEL- Open
The Aezel wolf is the expert on other packs, the ambassador, representative, diplomat and spy. They must be stealthy enough to spy and scout, smart enough to talk their way out of wars and into alliances, and tactful. They need a healthy knowledge of other packs and to be curious and willing to explore and travel. They also need a good knowledge of their own pack, as well as others, as they are the representative of their pack and ambassador.
There is only ever one, and they can be male or female.
XIRA- Essentially, the Xira is a philosopher. She/he is the thinker, coming up with new ingenious plans and ideas and theories, making fiery inspirational speeches and instilling a fierce pack pride; the Xira's duties also include being a kind of agony aunt and helping out the pack when they need a little advice and comfort. She/he is also the source of much of the pack's knowledge, and is the keeper of their history and lore.
The Xira also has another important duty; he/she is the head of the healers, and the Xirienne answer to him/her.
There is usually one but if two wolves both feel a particular aspiration to this rank there can be two. They can be male or female, but if there are two then there must be one male and one female.
TIER THREE - THE FOUNDATION - these wolves make up the bulk of the pack. They are the ordinary members. This tier contains the Dicapai, Lupiar, Xirienne, Cirrara, Venata, Aktata and Litana ranks.
All Foundation wolves are equal in rank, except the Dicapai.
DICAPAI - Open, Open, Open, Open, Open, Open
Six wolves - one from each of the other Foundation ranks - chosen for their experience, skill and honour - who act as a bodyguard to the Circle. They are also second-in-command to the Circle wolves - when a Circle wolf dies, the Dicapai who used to report to him/her will succeed him/her, unless there is a challenger. They are wolves from the Foundation who are worthy of recognition, but are not yet ready for the Circle. They are often chosen to lead hunts, patrols and practise sessions.
They report to either the Consiales or the wolf their former rank reports to, depending on the situation.
LUPIAR - Unlimited Open
The Lupiar are the all-rounders, the odd job wolves. Wolves who found themselves not drawn to any particular Circle rank. They do any job not covered by the other ranks, tidy up camp, give backup if needed, and help out everybody.
Often wolves with unusual magical powers or mutations end up here, because they have skills to bring to the pack that don't fit any other rank. Friendly, clever, level-headed wolves aiming to one day be Consiales also join this rank, as it gives them a good sense of general experience and allows them to work with the Consiales.
It's definitely not a rubbish bin for misfits who can't get themselves a 'proper' rank - the Lupiar's duties are important to, and they often do the Consiales' work in the pack, sorting out disputes, looking after camp, and advising the pack members with their general good all-round knowledge, just like the Consiales advise the Command tier.
They report to the Dicapais.
XIRIENNE - Unlimited Open
The Xirienne are the field medics, the healers. They look after any wolf who is ill, injured or weak. They are well trained in healing magic, herbs, and general care. Many also help wolves whose minds are injured, not just whose bodies are weak; they report to the Xira, and thus share his/her duties of being an agony aunt and counsellor.
They report to the Xira, or to the Xira's Dicapai.
CIRRARA - Unlimited Open
The Cirrara are the runners, scouts, and messengers. They also help out hunting small prey and checking the borders. They also double as spies, mapping out not only their own territory but as much of others as possible.
They report to the Aezel, or to the Aezel's Dicapai.
VENATA - Unlimited Open
The Venata are the hunters. Their job is to keep the pack well fed. They are vital to the pack, because without food, the Aurora Caeli would starve.
They report to the Carcaethor, or the Carcaethor's Dicapai.
AKTATA - Unlimited Open.
The fighters, the warriors, the border patrollers, the army. These wolves are constantly training and on alert for any attack or threat. They chase predators or enemy packs out of the territory and protect the pack. They guard camp and escort wolves when they go out on hunting patrols or ambassadorial missions.
They report to the Askar, or the Askar's Dicapai.
LITANA - Unlimited Open
The Litana are the mentors and teachers. They are in charge of looking after and teaching all of the Young tier. They train them, sort out their arguments, refer them to the Xirienne if necessary, and ensure they have adequate food, water and clean bedding. They are essentially parents to the whole of the pack's young. While they have no more rank than the rest of the Foundation tier, they are respected, because the pack's future is in their hands.
They report to the Xira, but mostly get on with their own jobs without needing higher-ranked intervention.
These wolves also do not have Scirion; the only way to become one is to first be in another Foundation rank for at least three years. Many of the Litana rank are old, as some wolves who feel they still wish to serve their pack choose to retire to this rank rather than retire altogether.
TIER FOUR - YOUNG - these wolves are the young ones of the pack. Their only duties are to play, learn, and grow. They are low-ranked, but respected; these wolves might one day be the next Circle. This tier contains the Scirion, Comitan and Filin ranks.
SCIRION - Open (however many grown-up wolves there are in the pack, there is that many Open spots for Scirion)
Each Scirion has, by this point in their training, chosen a path - they will be training either as a Aktata-Scirion, Venata-Scirion, Cirrara-Scirion, Xirienne-Scirion, or Lupiar-Scirion. They will have a mentor from the rank they are training for, who will train them in all the necessary skills, in return for the Scirion's help with their day-to-day duties. Scirion are allowed to go out on hunts, fighting patrols, and do anything their mentor can do, but they are lower ranked and still in training, so are kept away from responsibility or the bigger battles.
A Scirion who has magical powers or mutations will also be trained in how to use them (eg. a Scirion with the power of fire will be trained in fire magic, a Scirion with wings will be trained in flying manoeuvres.) If their mentor does not have the necessary skill/power/mutation to train them, they will take these lessons either with the Litana, an alternate mentor who does have the skill/mutation/power, or if the powers/mutations are considered significant/powerful enough, with the Majara or Diesti.
COMITAN - Unlimited Open
The Comitan are young wolves in training who have not yet chosen a path. They are not allowed to go out to hunt, fight or scout, but they participate in training sessions with the Litana instead. They are given a basic grounding in all subjects, so that they have enough knowledge to essentially survive or handle anything they needed to, before going on to their elite, specialised Scirion training.
Comitan are slightly lower ranked than Scirion, but can't be ordered around by them. Unlike the Scirion, they don't have individual mentors, they're just trained in the basics of everything by the Litana.
When the Litana feel they have enough training and basic knowledge to get them through life and start them on their path, they allow them to make a choice of path - which Foundation rank they aspire to, and by extension, which Dicapai or Circle rank they will achieve if they ever get that far. If the Litana feel they are ready to begin specializing in that path, they will then promote the Comitan to Scirion.
The Heir is also selected from among the Comitan - a Comitan is simply chosen to train as a Heir, rather than as a Scirion.
FILIN - Unlimited Open
These wolves are too young to train, and spend their days playing, sleeping, eating and getting under everybody's paws. Newborn cubs are born into the Filin rank. When the Litana decide they are old and big and strong and mature enough to begin training, they graduate to the Comitan rank.
TIER FIVE - RETIRED - this tier is made up of those wolves who are retiring, temporarily or permanently, from their duties. They are afforded the same respect as whatever rank they retired from, but they have no authority to command. This tier contains the Aeldsti, Skari and Bolani ranks.
AELDSTI - Unlimited Open
These wolves are wolves who have served their pack throughout their life, but have got too old to continue their duties, so retire to the Aeldsti rank. They are respected and looked after because of their previous life of service and their age and wisdom. They often advise the higher ranks, because of their huge experience. The Filin often beg them for stories, as their old age means they tell the best ones.
SKARI - Unlimited Open
These wolves are Aeldsti who are unable to perform their usual duties of advice and storytelling, either because they are so old they have lost their memory or sanity, or because they are sick, weak and close to death. They are looked after and watched closely. Though they are respected, they do not have the Aeldsti's dignity or duties.
BOLANI - Unlimited Open
These wolves are wolves who have needed to temporarily retire from their usual duties because of sickness or injury. They can be anybody, from the Majara down to the most junior Comitan; any wolf who cannot continue normal life because of sickness or injury is placed temporarily in this rank. If needed, a second-in-command fills their duties for a while. These wolves need worry about nothing except getting better. They are looked after by the Xirienne, occasionally in conjunction with the Litana.
TIER SIX - THE DISGRACED - this tier is reserved for prisoners, law-breakers and disgraced wolves. This tier contains the Humilia, Kazenski and Jevan ranks.
HUMILIA - These wolves have been demoted out of their current rank. Either they did something to show they were not deserving of it, or they committed a crime and were given this rank after the Kazenski/Jevan rank. Either way, this wolf is a member of the pack, but is low-ranking and disgraced. They are watched closely. If they prove themselves loyal and worthy, they are promoted back to their old rank, or to the Foundation-tier equivalent if it was a high one. If they prove themselves unworthy, they are exiled from the pack.
KAZENSKI - Closed (you can't join as this, you're demoted to it)
Kazenski are wolves of the Aurora Caeli who have broken the law or seriously disgraced themselves. This could be by hurting another pack member, disobeying a direct urgent order from a superior, or giving vital information to another pack. They await trial and judgement. They are lower than any wolves, and as such can be ordered around - even the Filin can have them running around to fulfil their slightest whim. However, they cannot leave camp, are always under the watchful guarding eye of an Aktata, and are only in this rank until they receive judgement. It is a temporary rank only.
Despite the lowness of this rank, they are wolves too. They cannot be treated too harshly, and are still deserving of food and water and shelter.
Because the Kazenski were once loyal members of the Aurora Caeli Alliance, before they committed their crime, they are given some degree of trust and allowed to move around camp, provided they are under the watchful eye of an Aktata. If they commit another crime whilst a Kazenski, they will be demoted to Jevan and this trust will not be given to them.
JEVAN - Closed (you can't join as this, you're demoted to it)
Jevan are prisoners, captured from outside the pack. Like the Kazenski, they await trial for whatever it is they were captured for - trespassing on Aurora Caeli territory, maybe, or attacking an Aurora Caeli member. If they are prisoners of war captured off other packs, often they will be ransomed. They live in a small cell-den and are guarded by the Aktata. They are not allowed out except for exercise and are given only enough food or water to live.
A note on mateship in the pack. Being somebody's mate in the pack does not allow you any special privileges. While some packs are led by a mated pair, the Alliance is strictly against this. Any higher-up who chooses a lower-ranked wolf for promotion or honour just because they are his/her mate will be demoted. Anybody is allowed to mate with anybody, but Circle wolves are generally very careful about choosing mates from lower-ranked tiers, because they have to be very cautious so as to avoid favouritism, and they have to make sure the lower-ranked wolf actually loves them and doesn't just want their rank.
location of territory - Steppe.
sub-boards -
AMBRAN CAELI
The name means 'shadow of the sky', and that is a good name. An almost-perfectly-round lake sits in the very centre of Aurora Caeli Alliance territory; since the Steppe is in the centre of the continent, the Aurora Caeli consider this lake the centre of the world. The shores are muddy; many herbs grow there. The lake itself is good for hunting fish. On the north side, a set of stepping-stones lead out to a small island on the lake. This island is where Aurora Caeli Alliance meetings are held, whenever the wolves need to discuss something together, or a trial needs to be held for a wolf who has disobeyed the Alliance's laws.
AQUILA SUMMIT
The summit of one of the greatest mountains in the west, this mountain has a beautiful view. A series of rocky 'steps' lead up to a ledge about halfway up with a small cave behind it, a great place to keep watch - if a little cold. It's also home to a nest of red-tailed hawks, so watch out; red-tails are fierce, large birds and definitely not prey.
ILUNA CLIFFS
These cliffs are the main hunting grounds of the pack, graced by many birds and mountain goats. The series of cliffs with huge ledges in between looks a bit like a giant staircase. The river Kaunis flows down these cliffs. This place has lovely views and lots of prey, but watch out - losing your step could be fatal. On the very top cliff there is a circle of boulders where challenges are traditionally held.
KAUNIS STREAM
The stream is the pack's source of water. It leads down to the Ambran Caeli lake, and is fast-flowing, cold, and full of fish. It flows down the Iluna Cliffs, with a huge silver waterfall as it soars over each drop, so be warned - it goes hard and fast, and younger or smaller wolves can easily be swept away.
GALIT GEYSER
A huge spray of boiling water fires itself out of the ground here at irregular intervals. Be careful - you don't want to be standing too close when it goes. In the winter, though, this is often the warmest place in the packlands, so many wolves risk standing close to soak up the warmth. A trickle of water flows away from it between some rocks and collects in a pool, which is great to bathe in, since it's lovely and warm.
AE'CHI
Ae'chi is a stunning place... and a magical one. A small grove of hardy trees survives in a rocky field on the Steppe. Inside the grove is an outcrop of crystal, about two metres high and a beautiful cyan colour. Nobody really knows what the crystal is, but it is rumoured to have some form of magical power. Any attempts to destroy it have always failed; hitting it, throwing rocks at it, blasting fire magic at it, and it being struck by lightning... have all failed to make so much as a scratch. What exactly the crystal is, and what powers it does have, remain unknown; however, many wolves report a feeling of light-headedness and of mystery when they come near it.
TAL-AMAYALA MEADOW
This meadow, tucked neatly in between two giant outcroppings, is a beautiful, shaded field of flowers. Poppies grow here in their thousands, and the field is truly beautiful at sunset, when the sun's deep orange light shines on the huge expanse of red. It is a wonderfully peaceful place, though occasionally called Blood Meadow - nobody really knows why; it could be a reference to the blood-red poppies. Even for that, though, the Tal-Amayala meadow is generally quiet, peaceful, prey-filled and beautiful - an overall rather comfortable place.
ALLIANCE CAMP
This is where the pack makes their dens. It is situated just inside the Tal-Amayala Meadow. There is a large cave in the side of the rocky outcropping, just outside which is a sheltered hollow surrounded by poppies.
Most of the pack lives in dens dug out of the side of the sheltered hollow and netted around the edges with woven sticks and brambles. The cave is divided up, by means of bramble-and-woven-stick-and-mud walls, into dens for the Circle members. A tunnel leads off from the cave into another, smaller cave where the Command tier sleep. In the Command cave, blue crystals like the ones in Ae'chi stud the walls. In all dens, the floor is padded with moss and feathers so the wolves can sleep comfortably, and the entrances are shielded by woven curtains of vines and leaves.
