The Ranks

[Calypso]

King & Queen

The highest ranked lions in the pride, the king and queen are usually a mated pair, though this may not always be so.

The King is the commander-in-chief and as such, holds sway over all male pride members. He is the first in battle, the first at meals and the last to retreat, unless rendered incapable.

The Queen rules over the lionesses and is the leader of the hunt. She oversees the care of the pride's offspring and is usually the mother of the crown prince or princess.


General

Only 1 per pride. The king's second in command. Enforces discipline among the males. He is also in charge of the pride's defense and will lead the way into battle when the king is rendered unable. Must be a male. If a crown prince is unavailable, he will succeed the king upon his death or retirement.


Chief Huntress

Only 1 per pride. She is the queen's right paw and keeps order among the lionesses. She is charged with the task of keeping the pride fed and is in charge of hunting. Must be a female. If a crown princess is unavailable, she will succeed the queen upon her death or retirement.

Honorable Adviser

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This is a title reserved only for ex kings and queens who have stepped down and handed the throne over to someone else. They are usually very knowledgeable in the way the pride should be run and how to get out/handle bad situations. The new king and queen often come to them for advise.


Shaman

Only 1, possibly 2 per pride. A wise and gifted cat and a vastly experienced healer. They are the keeper of the pride lore and legends. They play the role of storyteller to the young cubs. This is not an appointed position, for each new shaman is chosen as an apprentice by each previous one. May be male or female.


Crown Prince & Crown Princess

Only 1 of each per pride. They are the heirs to the throne and the offspring of the king and/or queen. They are usually a brother/sister pair but also may be a child of the monarchs and his/her mate. Have no real power, merely a title.


Seekers

2 per pride. Theses versatile felines double as scouts and trackers. They check for danger or potential threats and report their findings to the general. They also follow the herds, sometimes leaving the pride for days at a time, and alert the chief huntress to potential meals. May be male or female.


Huntresses

Unlimited. All lionesses who are not nursing, pregnant, ill, or elderly are required to hunt. The more hunters, the higher the chance of a meal. Females only.


Warriors

Unlimited. All males who are not injured, ill, or elderly are expected to participate in defense of the pride. Males only.


Nurses

Unlimited. Responsible for looking after the pride's cubs. A nurse usually has a litter of their own at the time and will return to the huntresses afterward. Older lionesses, those who can no longer hunt, take up the role permanently. Females only.


Cubs

As the youngest members of the pride, cubs grow up surrounded by mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, and cousins. They are immensely valued and well cared for because they hold the future of their family in their paws. All lions are ranked as cubs until 2 years of age.

Outcasts

Unlimited. Pride members who are traitorous or have disgraced themselves. May rise in rank if proved worthy.


Exiles

Unlimited. Former pridemates who have been banished for unimaginable acts, such as killing a cub from their own pride. They may never rejoin their former group and as is the custom, are forced to bear the marks of their crimes. The original pride turn upon the offender, leaving them scarred for all to see. It seems a cruel punishment, but is one well deserved.

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Nomads

Nomads are male or female lions that do not belong to nor are affiliated with any pride.[/center]