ANALOYA TRIBE: RANKINGS

( T H E   A N A L O Y A ! )

Analoya means ‘They are chosen’ in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs.

( T H E   T E L L E R ! )

The Teller is the leader of the Analoya Pride. He/She is the speaker for the gods, and delivers their word to his people at Pride gatherings. It is he/she alone who makes the highest decisions for his/her Pride, and makes final decisions regarding sacrifices and other Pride ceremonies, such as the blessing of new cubs, or the progression of a Softpaw into a Hunter or Warrior. The Teller keeps the peace under threat that the gods may be angered by disobeying him, for in the Pride the Teller’s word is law. He/she works closely with the Foreseer to make sure that his Pride is on the right path.

---- Although, before, the Teller was the speaker for the gods. Now the Teller is simply the leader, the one who enforces the rules.

( T H E   F O R E S E E R ! )

The Foreseer is the Teller’s second-in-command. They also receive word from the gods, and often meet with the Teller to suggest their interpretation of the higher beings’ will. The Foreseer feels the environment around them, and can tell when specific rituals must be performed to keep the universe at peace. More often than not, it is the Foreseer that first suggests sacrifices, and then informs the Teller so that they may make the critical decision of who and when to make their offerings. Having a more mystical, deeper connection with the universe, the Foreseer often has healing abilities to aid in the care of the Pride.

---The Forseer is second in command, the Teller's "right hand man". When the Teller in unavailable, the Forseer becomes to leader until the Teller returns.

( T H E   W A R R I O R S ! )

Warriors are the muscle of the Pride. When Softpaws train, Warriors and Hunters often evaluate them and pick out which path may be the most beneficial for the Pride. Those chosen to be warriors are the strongest and toughest of the Pride, often the largest Felines like Lions and Tigers. They protect the rest of the Pride and guard their camp, always making sure that Denmothers and Softpaws are safe. Some Warriors are even sent to escort other members of the Pride if they need to make a journey away from the Forest. Only the most highly-esteemed warriors are chosen to guard the Teller and Foreseer.

( T H E   H U N T E R S ! )

Hunters are essential to the Pride. Unlike the Hunters in the shifter Rings, these Hunters are not the Fighters in the Pride. Instead, these are the faster, swifter felines like Cheetahs or Leopards, charged with feeding the entire Pride. The Hunters work in small groups throughout the day, gathering prey and dragging it back to the Pride’s camp. The prey they catch nourishes everyone in the Pride, from the tiniest cub to the Teller himself.

( T H E   S O F T P A W S ! )

Softpaws are those in training to become a valuable part of the Pride. Whether they are Cubs aged old enough to train, or inexperienced new retromorphs in the Menagerie, they are guided by the other members of their Pride to find their path. Softpaws can usually get a good feel for their skills at the beginning of their training, and Warriors and Hunters can help them pinpoint their future path. These mentors then report to the Teller, who makes the final decision for the Softpaw. After enough training, the Teller holds a greatly revered ceremony in which he makes them full Warriors or Hunters.

( T H E   D E N M O T H E R S ! )

Denmothers are the caretakers of the Pride. Females who are expecting or nursing cubs stay with the other Denmothers where there is safety and support in the camp. Warriors or Hunters who are found to be pregnant are first examined by the foreseer, who decides when they must set their duties aside to prepare for their cubs. Other Denmothers are simply not suited to hunt or fight, and spend all of their time in the den with the expecting retros, making sure that they are comfortable, bringing them food and water, and helping them deliver their cubs.

( T H E   S H A M A N S ! )

Shamans are the oldest and wisest members of the Pride, w ho usually have experience with herbs. They do not have to work like the rest of the Pride does, but can go anywhere in the territory that they'd like, and help out with any Pride duties that they wish. The rest of the Pride looks out for their well-being, and sees that all of their needs are met. They are to be treated with respect, especially by those still learning to be valuable parts of the Pride.

( T H E   C U B S ! )

Cubs are the youngest members of the Pride, under a year old. They are often found in the Den with their mothers, or when they’re a bit older, they can help out around camp with simple tasks like bringing food and water to the Denmothers and making the Teller and Foreseers dens more comfortable. Only when they are a year old can they be made into a Softpaw and begin their training.