The phae of Vinelocke are able to choose their life path after passing their Proving. The five tribes (Blood, Life, Horn, Hoof, and Soul) operate independently from one another when it comes to their jobs and roles within the herd. Phae do not have to stay within the tribe they were born into, and are more than welcome to choose another tribe that better suits their skills or passions.
Universal Ranks
These ranks may be held by any phae regardless of their tribe.
Sprout
Sprouts are the young of the herd. They are left to enjoy the few precious years of youth, free of responsibility, they have before having to pick a tribe. Typically, the young of the herd will either grow up in the tribe their mother resides in but some with more demanding roles will make agreements with their partners or are able to leave them in the care of a tribe elder or the Maned Wolves of the Blood tribe.
Requirements:
Age 0-4
No stat requirements
Sapling
Saplings are young adult phae or herd initiates who are preparing for their Proving or are in the process of completing their Proving. Once the Proving is completed, the phae may claim the base rank of any tribe and begin working their way into specialization.
Requirements:
Age 5-7 for Vinelocke-born phae; any age for foreign phae
No stat requirements
Tribe Elder
Elders of each tribe are well respected and often consulted for their amble life experience. Some chose to retire from their duties or are simply forced to due to physical constraints. These Phae mostly spend their time weighing in on any planning and discussion for their individual tribes and some chose to spend the rest of their time watching over the young/spending time with family or exploring their hobbies.
Requirements:
Age 40+
No stat requirements
Elder Sub-ranks:
Soothsayer
Typically from Soul, these elders provide counsel to younger tribe members because of their life experience, most often in areas of personal or moral conflict.
Requirements:
Age 40+
No stat requirements
Eagle-eyed
Typically from Hoof, these elders provide guidance and counsel for younger tribe members concerning the protection of Vinelocke.
Requirements:
Age 40+
No stat requirements
Unbending
Typically from Horn, these elders provide counsel for younger tribe members concerning their battle strategies and physical or magical prowess.
Requirements:
Age 40+
No stat requirements
Old-growth
Typically from Life, these elders provide counsel for younger tribe members concerning the ways of sustaining the herd. They likely know all the best places to collect herbs and edible plants, as well as which plants to avoid.
Requirements:
Age 40+
No stat requirements
Gamemaster
Typically from Blood, these elders provide counsel for younger tribe members concerning the hunting and protection of the herd. They have taken down many foes in their time, and likely know the best way to tackle any predatory problem, or which roads would be the safest to traverse.
Requirements:
Age 40+
No stat requirements
Life Ranks
These ranks may be held by any phae within the Life tribe.
Gatherer
As members of the tribe of Life, these Phae are responsible for acquiring Vinelocke’s resources and knowing how to manage them. This may include food, building materials, crafting materials, hides, herbs, and other such necessities. Gardeners, resource-hunters, and the like. Gatherers are responsible for keeping a safe food supply for the herd, ensuring grazing grounds are kept free of dangerous plantlife, and taking care of dangerous overgrowth on main thoroughfares.
Requirements:
Age 7+
No stat requirements
Gatherer Sub-ranks:
Merchant
Phae that go out into the wider world to bring back trade and materials. These phae may travel all over their own isle or expand their horizons into others. More seasoned merchants travel the Gilded Road between Vinelock and Mirroweld.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in crafting
Maker
The crafters of the tribe that create necessary clothing for protection or items to be sent off for trade to other herds. The most seasoned of makers craft clothing that helps locals travel to other locales, specifically to the neighboring islands to the north.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in crafting
Delver
Responsible for making new paths in the jungle. These phae are often more physically inclined and may come into contact with dangerous wildlife in the process of their trailblazing. They are often accompanied by warriors or rangers, but are expected to be able to pull their own weight in a fight!
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in crafting & advanced level in one physical stat or earth magic
Blood Ranks
These ranks may be held by any phae within the Blood tribe.
Hunter
Members of the blood tribe responsible for tracking and taking down dangerous predators to safeguard the main areas of the herd. They must ensure the safety of the young, the weak, and the elderly by managing the populations of predators.
Requirements:
Age 7+
No stat requirements
Hunter Sub-ranks:
Jaguar
Pursuit based hunters. These phae are geared towards long-distance pursuits at high speeds through the jungle. They are specially trained to turn on a dime and be able to keep pursuit through even the roughest of foliage and terrain.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in endurance or agility
Anaconda
Large predator focused hunter. While Jaguars pursue prey, Anacondas lie in wait. Generally physically strong, these phae are more for an at-home defense against the largest predators on the isle, like their namesakes. They might often sharpen their racks to create dangerous, cutting edges with which to rip apart coils and paws that come too close.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in fortitude or agility
Caiman
Trapping based hunter. These phae create blindingly brilliant traps to catch predators that stray too close to population centers. Considered the second line of defense (with Jaguars being the first and Anacondas being the last,) they create pitfalls, net traps, pens, and cages to help capture and eliminate predators.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in crafting
Maned Wolf
Phae dedicated to the protection and raising of fawns. Like the maned wolf, they will fiercely defend the little ones of the herd. They are not as specialized as the other types of hunters, but they know the signs of all predators and will do whatever it takes to protect a fawn.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in at least two physical stats
Soul Ranks
These ranks may be held by any phae within the Soul tribe.
Shaman
The most spiritual of the herd, adept with tinctures, natural remedies, potions etc. The hearts of all Vinelocke have a strong connection to the land around them and a healthy respect for the fragility of life. They are deeply in touch with the world around them and they cherish their island and all of its inhabitants. However, they tend to be wary of outsiders, which they view as healthy caution considering their history with Mirroweld.
Requirements:
Age 7+
Must have earth, poison, or healing magic or specialize in herbology.
Shaman Sub-ranks:
Cleric
Those adept with all kinds of healing and remedies. These phae utilize their knowledge of healing to aid those in need. They are a necessary rank, so whether their healing comes from their magic or their knowledge of herbs, they are looked upon with great favor. They are the innovative minds behind the advancements Vinelocke has made in medicine and are constantly trying to test and think of new solutions with their growing knowledge.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in healing magic or herbology
Viper
Shamen who are adept in poison magic, vipers work most closely with shadows and those in Blood to create lethally efficient traps and ways to eliminate enemies. Their work is generally more clandestine, and some phae within Vinelocke may or may not agree with their methods. Still, they are often seen as a necessary evil, although many may not wear their mantle with pride.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in poison magic
Vineweaver
Shamen who are adept in earth magic. These phae help strengthen gardens and maintain pathways, and the most seasoned among them help cultivate and tend to the sacred bioluminescent plants.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in earth magic
Inker
The phae who specialize in tattooing the bodies of other phae. This is part of a sacred tradition passed down in the Soul tribe, and becoming an inker is considered to be a great honor respected by all tribes. Inkers may also acquire earnings by tattooing other designs outside of the tribe symbols to Phae of Vinelocke and outsiders alike, even travelling to other herds when there are no callings and provings occuring at the time.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in crafting and magic (poison or earth).
Hoof Ranks
These ranks may be held by any phae within the Hoof tribe.
Watcher
Watchers are the guardians of Vinelocke. Their primary goal is defense and defensive action. Similar to Horn, much of this tribe’s preparedness comes from Mirroweld’s invasion. Needless to say, the watchers of Hoof keep a very close eye on the phae from the Shattered Isles.
Requirements:
Age 7+
No stat requirements
Watcher Sub-ranks:
Sentinel
Sentinels are posted at key points of the Jungle isle to keep an eye on the phae traveling to and from their land. They are tasked with settling any disputes that might occur between merchants or outsiders from other herds. A particularly skilled sentinel is able to prevent a conflict before it happens.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in two physical stats or one physical stat and one magic
Messenger
Messengers run messages between phae of all tribes within Vinelocke. They are most often tasked with sending messages concerning the posts of Horn and Hoof, but will also often work for Soul, the leaders of each tribe, or the Chieftain to deliver politically sensitive messages. Sometimes, messengers will also be used to deliver text of high import to the leaders of other herds or Vinelocke Emissaries.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in agility or endurance
Emissary
Phae who choose to live among other herds, but still claim loyalty to Vinelocke. They will often report back on the political goings on of the other herds to their tribe leader or the Chieftain.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in two physical or mental stats
Horn Ranks
These ranks may be held by any phae within the Horn tribe.
Striker
The attacking force of the herd under the horn tribe. They are the weapons and strength of Vinelocke. These phae frequently work alongside Blood and Hoof to protect the herd, but their focus is mainly in preparedness and physical prowess. Nearly two and half centuries ago, the phae of the Jungle Isle were caught unawares by the invasion of Mirroweld. It is Horn’s job to ensure that no raiding forces come close to the heart of the herd again.
Requirements:
Age 7+
No stat requirements
Striker Sub-ranks:
Shadow
The shadows are phae trained in secrecy and stealth. They will frequently infiltrate other herds under the guise of being a trader, merchant, or simply a harmless renegade. While emissaries may act in a seemingly more “official” capacity, shadows are meant to work from the shadows and collect information that other herds might not be forthcoming with.
This covert rank requires limberness, dark coats, and speed as a primary stat. Lighter coats might be sent off for inter-herd missions, as they can easily slip into other social ranks. All spies are well-educated on the ways of other herds and many of the inter-herd moving ones spend a year or better in Mirroweld. Shadows are generally does, although a few stags who are more lithe and sleek might be eligible.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in agility and magic
Warrior
Warriors are strikers that have chosen to focus primarily on physical prowess. They are adept fighters, and tend to be larger in stature and musculature.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in at least two physical stats
Ranger
Rangers are the more magically adept strikers and they tend to be particularly skilled in ranged attacks. Phae of slighter stature might be better suited for a Ranger rank in the Horn tribe.
Requirements:
Age 10+
Advanced level in magic (can be any type of magic)
Special Positions
Chieftain
The Chieftain is the central ruler of Vinelocke. The Chieftain is always a doe believed to be chosen by the gods to rule. It is not uncommon for the Chieftain to have previously occupied the High Priestess rank. All of the tribal leaders report to her. As the primary seat of power in the Jungle, she can move for votes of no confidence in tribal leaders she feels are doing a poor job. This is rare, but there have been a few historical instances of power grabbing that have needed to be put down in this way.
Requirements:
15+ years of age
Must be a doe
Does not have to have previously been the head of a tribe, but might have an advantage if she was
One master level stat and two advanced level stats
Current Chieftain
Chieftain Divya (NPC)
High Priestess – Head of Soul
As the head of soul, the High Priestess is the primary source of spiritual guidance for all of the tribes. This position is also always held by a doe who is said to be chosen by the gods to speak on their behalf. If the high priestess has a mate, they might also be referred to as the High Prest(ess), more as an honor than an actual title.
Requirements:
15+ years of age
Must be a doe
Must have earth, poison, or healing magic or specialize in herbology
One master level stat and two advanced level stats
Current High Priestess
High Priestess Rajani (NPC)
Jaguar’s Fang – Head of Blood
As the head of blood, it is their job to assign tasks to their tribe members and oversee project completions. This position is always held by a doe.
The head of blood is the only rank with a unique nomenclature. While the current head is called the Jaguar’s Fang, this is due to this leader’s greatest achievement. The head of Blood is often called by a title related to their greatest achievement, which becomes a symbol of their strength as a hunter. Examples of their title include: Eagle’s Talon, Anaconda’s Strike, or Poison’s Sting. Titles may be reused, and it is an honor to hold the same title as a previous leader.
Requirements:
15+ years of age
Must be a doe
One master level stat and two advanced level stats (at least one must be physical; another must be magic)
Current Head of Fang
Jaguar’s Fang Tvesa (NPC)
General – Head of Horn
As the head of Horn, it is the job of the General to assign tasks to their tribe members and oversee project completions. This position may be held by either a doe or a stag. Stags are allowed to hold this position due to their physical advantages over does. However, if this position is held by a stag, he must have a doe as his second-in-command to help ensure he makes calm decisions. Historically, this second-in-command position has been held by his mother, sister, partner, or close friend. The longer the doe has known the stag, the better. The General is allowed to choose his own second.
Requirements:
15+ years of age
May be a doe or stag
One master level stat and two advanced level stats (two must be any physical stat)
Current General
General Raakan (NPC)
Second:
Khama (NPC, sister)
Commander – Head of Hoof
As the head of Hoof, it is the job of the Commander to assign tasks to their tribe members and oversee project completions. This position may be held by either a doe or a stag. Stags are allowed to hold this position due to their physical advantages over does. However, if this position is held by a stag, he must have a doe as his second-in-command to help ensure he makes calm decisions. Historically, this second-in-command position has been held by his mother, sister, partner, or close friend. The longer the doe has known the stag, the better. The Commander is allowed to choose his own second.
Requirements:
15+ years of age
May be a doe or stag
One master level stat and two advanced level stats (two must be any physical stat)
Current Commander
Commander Polos (NPC)
Second:
Hina (NPC, partner)
Abundant – Head of Life
As the head of Life, it is the job of the Abundant to assign tasks to their tribe members and oversee project completions. This position is also always held by a doe. They are often chosen for their generosity and giving spirit, as it is the greatest honor for a member of Life to give of themselves for the betterment of the rest of the herd.
Requirements:
15+ years of age
May be a doe or stag
One master level stat and two advanced level stats (one must be any mental stat)
Current Abundant
Abundant Ena (NPC)
How to Apply for or Challenge a Special Position
In the event that a special position holder becomes inactive, are deemed unsuitable for leadership, die, or come to the end of their term(s), their position is open to be challenged!
Tribal leaders within Vinelocke may be challenged at any time if a member of their tribe or the Chieftain believes that they are doing a poor job. Similarly, the Chieftain may be challenged if a tribal leader or any herd member believes they are doing a poor job. Alternatively, every three years a vote of confidence is held to determine if a special position holder can keep their rank, or if they need to be removed.
See the Special Positions webpage to view current leaders’ activity levels, to find out if any special positions are open, and to read on the process of initiating a special positions challenge.