All rank names are based on the former French Monarchy, borrowing the names as well as the order of importance. Ranks with gender differentiation are noted with their female versions.
These ranks are given with extremely careful deliberation. Only members who prove exceptionally worthy will attain this ranks, and rule over the rest of the Court.
These are the highest ranked members of the pack. They need to be fair and confident or their ruling will be short. The king or queen has the final authority in any pack matters. The titles are gender based only. The King and Queen do not have to be mates. Ergo, there can be two Queens or two Kings, or only a single Roi or Reine.
This is the Roi or Reine's cultural leader, a very trusted individual. They are needed to level out the Roi or Reine's decision, assist them in all pack matters, and be available for members to talk to if they need someone. They cannot be judgmental individuals, and must know how to keep their emotions in line for the better of the pack. They are the cultural head of the Domestic and Labor tiers. Usually they know a great deal about the cultural history of the kingdom and how to emphasize it.
The Grand-Gardien focuses a great deal on the justice and punishments within the pack, meaning they must be both fit and fair. They are in charge of keeping a level head for the members of the pack, making things as fair as possible, acting as a mediator if necessary, and keeping inter-pack relations as good as possible. Though not in charge, they do sometimes act as a figure for the entire pack, especially when dealing with problems or simple discussions with other packs. They are the head of the Information and Military tiers.
Able to accept newcomers, Councilors give advice and act alongside the leadership. Though they are not leaders, they may take over temporarily during the absence of leadership. These positions are given to members who show true loyalty to the pack and have performed outstandingly in the eyes of the leadership. These ranks are fluid and are tailored to the pack member's talents rather than a generalization. However, it is expected that the member also assist others regardless of what they primarily work with.
Below is an example of some types of Councilors and their duties.
The Chancellor deals with the domestic duties of the court. They are in charge of all the domestic members and assign duties to members. They may punish unproductive members as they see fit and work with the Chamberlain for projects and maintenance as well as assist with the storage facilities.
Well organized and meticulous, the Chamberlain is in charge of the worker tier. They keep good lists and make sure that all supplies are kept at good levels. If levels are low, they find members of their tier who can help in stocking. The Chamberlain will work closely with the Merchant and Scavenger Professions.
The Majordomo is in charge of information in the pack. They are trusted to keep their lips sealed and their actions discrete. They function as spymasters for the pack and inform the leadership of potential problems both in the pack and outside of it.
Lord of the Knights, the Seneschal is a commander in his own right. In times of military turmoil or in combat, the Seneschal should be treated as the leader in combat. His knowledge of war and fighting is superb and he controls the military tier well. He is also in charge of training and discipline as he is the head of the fighting branch.
The nobles are the backbone of the system, of the Court. They are the bread and butter, the substance that keeps everything going. They rise and fall with their own skills, follies, sins, and virtues. A favored courtier may not be so golden the next month, all depending on their behavior and their activity.
However, not only are they distinguished by grace of rank, they can excel past their peers and obtain specializations of nobility. Nobles with a secondary title of distinction, are considered superior to those of the same noble rank by virtue of their efforts in bettering themselves, and the court.
SpecializationsBefore trust and loyalty is proven, all members find themselves in these ranks. While members of the kingdom, they are not fully trusted nor are they given any responsibilities.
A monsieur or madam is a member who has begun to move in ranks in the pack. They have earned a presence and should begin to decide where they will go in the pack. During this time, it is encouraged for members to try out an aspect of any interesting tier so they may become familiar with it. In order to move on from this rank, good activity will help facilitate a rising star. For more information, see advancement.
This is the starting rank for all adult newcomers to the pack, as well as puppies when they grow out of the Scion ranks with lower activity. Seigneurs are expected to start learning the ways of the pack and meeting with longstanding members to educate themselves.
A catch all rank for non-played, unranked, or NPC'd characters of the Court. Active members are not placed into this rank. It is essentially a middle ground between Seigneur and Chevalier in terms of rank standing, but when a Roturier is picked up, they are moved into Seigneurs.
A member who has done serious damage to the pack in any way may become a serf as punishment. They have not committed a crime worth banishment or execution but are looked down upon. They lose any Professions held before and are forced to be submissive to every member of the pack.
These are the children of the Court aged 0 to ~7 months, not yet in the adult ranks, but being trained to become fully active members of the pack. Particularly active young ones have the chance to start closer to the ranks of nobility than their less focused counterparts.
Minimum of 7 years old, though exceptions can be made, those over this age may opt out of becoming an Ancien until later. Once a Ancien, that is your final rank in the Court. Members of this rank are not able to climb the social ladder. However, they are still esteemed members of the Court and are seasoned veterans. Still able to hold Professions, they tend to focus on their work and relationships rather than the overall success of the Court. Wise, Anciens can be sought for advice and for assistance. Anciens may also perform some duties leaders may perform, such as heading of ceremonies.
Specilizations are additions to your character's name that help to further distinguish them. They are tricky to get, but are well worth the prestige.
Is your character really good at something, or a couple of things, and you want everyone to know it? Get a profession added to your character, which means a fancy crown icon telling everyone exactly what things your character can do!