The council is a group of cats within each tribe. It's made up of certain ranks that are considered to be high in status. It is the members of the Council that keep the tribe running and thriving. For those holding a rank within the Council should have their title before their name when addressed formally. Their world is law to the tribe and everyone looks up to them for guidance.
Overseer
There is no other rank within the tribe that watches over things as much as the Overseer does. It is how the rank title came to be. They see and watch all, making sure everything is running smooth. They have the best interest of the tribe in mind and make sure all are well. As it's such a high rank when addressed formally their whole title must be used in combination with their tribe's name. "___ Overseer of the Tribe of ___". It's a rank that all in the tribe look up to for guidance and support.
There is only one Overseer at a time. It is not a rank one may ascend to by simply being 'next-in-line'. Contrary to popular belief the Regent is not in line to become the next Overseer by default. The Overseer is chosen by the Celestials and will come to the Shaman in a sign of a vision or prophecy. A new Overseer is chosen when the Celestials deem it is the right time. When a new Overseer is chosen there is no major ceremony. Instead the chosen will go to the Moon Tree alone and seek an audience with the Celestials. They are vowed to secrecy for what goes on during this encounter. They return to the tribe with their rank, however and their Leadership Symbol and nine essence.
If a new Overseer is chosen while there is still one holding the rank, the former Overseer will be allowed to retire. There is a small ceremony for this in which they will give blessing to the new Overseer and accompany them upon their journey to the Moon Tree. When the former Overseer accompanies the new chosen Overseer it is seen as sending them off with their blessing. Any remaining essence and the Leadership Symbol will be removed from the former Overseer that night when they sleep.
Regent
Second in command and official aide of the Overseer is the Regent. If the Overseer is ever unable to do their duties they will step up in their absence. They too have the tribe's well-being in mind. When formally addressed they should have their title in front of their name. 'Regent ___'. Each tribe only has one Regent at a time. They may be tasked with reporting and passing messages among the other tribes. The Regent is primarily in charge of keeping an eye on the guardian, artisan and trainee ranks to make sure all if running smoothly. They will often be the ones to sort out patrols for various tasks and assign mentors for the day.
They are chosen by the Overseer and will hold their rank until retirement or death. If a Regent passes away early it is customary for the Overseer to choose the next Regent by the sunset of the following day. There is a brief ceremony for naming a new Regent. The tribe will be called to a meeting and the Overseer will say a prayer after calling the chosen Regent forward.
"May the Celestials smile down upon my choice of the next Regent. May our ancestors help guide your heart and mind. I know you will aide our tribe well. Welcome ____ as our new regent." OR 'May the Shadowlands pass rightful judgement upon my choice of the next Regent. May our ancestors sharpen your claws, and guide your instinct. I know you will aide our tribe well. Welcome ____ as our new Regent."
The Overseer will dip their paw in paint and place their paw print on the cat's throat. It is then they will become a Regent over the tribe.
Shaman
The Shaman is the tribe's spiritual connection to the Celestials. They are a highly skilled healer and lead over the herbalists. There may only be one Shaman at a time. A Shaman is in charge of choosing their successor and training them before they pass on. It will usually be a sign from the Celestials that will help lead them to their choice. Unlike the other ranks a Shaman may never retire. They will hold their rank until they're seen as mentally/physically unfit or die.
It is the Shaman's duty to lead and be involved in many of a tribe's various traditions. They are also the ones in charge of selecting which trainees will be taken on under the teachings of a herbalist. A Shaman is required to pray often to the Celestials to ensure the connections remain strong. This connection is required to properly receive visions, read signs and incoming prophecies or omens. They will also attend Shaman Summonings twice per year with the other tribe's Shamans. When being addressed formally their rank should be in front of their name as a title. 'Shaman ____'.
Once it's time for a new Shaman to take over they will need the blessings of the former Shaman, if they are still living. This is shown by the former Shaman accompanying their successor to their visit to the Moon Tree. Once there they will light incense and the new Shaman will enter alone. The predecessor must wait outside the tunnel in silence until their successor exits. It's forbidden to speak of what goes on during the ceremony, but it's often assumed they are granted audience with the Celestials. After they part from the Moon Tree the new Shaman is bond to a vow of silence for the next week. It is said not communicating with others will better open them up to the Celestials and prove their dedication to their new rank.
Enforcer
There are two enforcers in the world at all times. When one passes, their power is automatically transferred to a cat they have chosen before their death. The enforcer plays one of the most important roles in a tribe, securing order and peace among it's members. They will assist the tribe regent, and manage prisoners, basically heeding the duties of a warden. When a cat has been accused of breaking a law, they will be the ones to handle the trial and punishment. They must decided whether a cat may be pardoned from their crimes, or if they must face the repercussions of it.
The enforcers have a unique power, the power of Silencing. While in possession of this power, they are not able to also hold an element. With this power, they are entrusted to take away the elements of those who have abused them. They cannot use the elements they have taken, or return an element to it's rightful owner once the deed has been done.
Because of holding such tremendous responsibility, an enforcer must be an extremely loyal cat who has been approved on the bound of their faithfulness to their tribe, and to their chosen religion. They must strictly abide by the laws, and punish those who do not obey them or their overseer. If an enforcer wrongly uses their power, it will be transferred to another cat without warning. It cannot be obtained once lost.
Emissary
Emissaries are free runners who travel as they please. They do not belong to any tribe or religion, and must forfeit all allegiances. Even to their birth tribe. They are couriers that venture all over the land, surveying events without interfering, and reporting said events to the tribes. This is to keep transparency and open communicate between all sides, allowing a good relationship to prosper among the elementals.
They are able to cross over borders without fear of being stopped by a patrol, or attacked. They are allowed to travel and take prey from all territories, and even stay overnight at a camp. They are loners, and must learn to provide for themselves in an unforgiving world. The reason why they travel along is to avoid building relations with others, so that they may remain neutral on all fronts. When emissaries cross paths, they are allowed to share news with one another, as well as a meal. But they cannot travel together.
Emissaries are forbidden to have kits or a mate within a tribe, as it prevents them from carrying out their duties.
Tribe Members
A tribe's members are the heart of a tribe. Without members a tribe would be nothing. Every cat within a tribe plays a part in helping the tribe to thrive. They all rely on one another and are seen as a united family. There are varying ranks within a tribe and even a few that are solely a temporary title such as Den-Mothers and Spotters. Despite differing duties all members are treated equally.
Herbalist
A tribe may only have up to three herbalists at a time, a trainee is included in this number as well. They follow the Shaman for guidance and leadership. The herbalists are the tribe's healers. They see to curing ailments, creating remedies and healing wounds. Their den is shared by the Shaman and it is here where they will have a stock of herbs and other poultices. It is up to them to ensure the health of the entire tribe and see to that the herb stocks are always full. During battles at least one herbalist is always required to join, sitting along the side to treat those injured in battle.
Artisan
The artisan rank is unlimited and any number of cats can hold this spot. It is wise of a Regent to make sure there is not an overbalance of this rank compared to guardians and vice versa. Their biggest role is taking up the various crafts of the tribe. It's their job to work of their tribe's specialty crafts and pass on that knowledge to others in the tribe. They are also the suppliers of most of the tribe's food. The artisans both hunt and forage for food in their tribe's territory. Hunting and foraging is only allowed within their own territory or can be seen as trespassing, so they're limited to what their territory has to offer. When there are kits in the tribe some of the artisans will act as chaperones and caretakers for them. This leaves the den-mothers the freedom to continue with their duties outside of nursing.
Guardian
As the title suggestions the guardians are the protectors of the tribe. They are the ones on the front line, participating in battle to defend the tribe. They actively participate in spars and training to stay in top shape. The tribe's guardians are the ones who mark borders and go on patrols daily to keep an eye on the territory. At times they may be tasked with scouting duties as well, which requires them to sit at various outposts and essentially keep guard. There are outposts scattered over the territories or directly outside of each camp for this very reason. The rank is unlimited and any number of cats can hold this spot. It is wise of a Regent to make sure there is not an overbalance of this rank compared to artisans and vice versa. Ocassionally they will be asked to act as escorts for those on the Council.
Trainee
A trainee is a title given to a kit once they reach the age of around six to seven months. It's a temporary rank they will hold until trained in one of the full ranks of the tribe. The trainees have no single mentor, instead it is the entire tribe that acts as their teachers. They will be assigned to different ranks daily to ensure they learn about each rank. This in hopes it will easier help them decide on which path to take when grown. They will remain a trainee until they complete their Ascension. There is no number limit to this rank.
When a kit is of age to be made a trainee the Overseer will hold a tribe meeting. The to-be trainees will be called forward and the Overseer will say some words.
"It is with pride we welcome these young ones into the next step of their lives. May you minds, ears and hearts be open. Take in all the knowledge you can so you too can one day walk your chosen path in life. Welcome our new trainee(s) _____ to the Tribe of _____."
The Overseer will touch their nose gently to the right and left shoulder of each kit to signify the ceremony complete. The tribe will often chant the trainees names. Their new rank will be celebrated by being taken out on their first hunt.
Kit
There is no doubt the future of the tribe is it's young ones. Kit is shortened for kitten which is exactly who holds this rank. They are to be protected and kept safe at all costs. Their well-being is the priority of the entire tribe. As such many cats in the tribe will help keep an eye on them and keep them out of trouble. Kits are not allowed to leave camp only on the very rare occasion of certain traditions and celebrations... and even then it is advised to keep very young ones safely in camp. They are watched over by their parents, the other den-mothers and artisans primarily. There is no number limit to this rank.
Gray-Fur
These are the elderly of the tribe. They have retired from their normal duties. Retirement usually happens when a cat is unable to comfortably preform their tasks without trouble. The Gray-Furs in a tribe are to be respected for their wisdom. They are well taken care of by all in the tribe, at times trainees will be tasked to help them with certain things. It's said to help teach them kindness and help them be humble. Gray-Furs may be found telling stories to those who will listen and may participate in certain traditions or crafting once in awhile. There is no number limit to this rank.