Leadership and order is important to all clowders, and the Tribe is no different. If members remain loyal to one another, then the Shaded Mount will not falter.
If you're looking for the Tribe's current allegiances, please check out their page over on Lorekeeper or the Allegiances page!
The leader and highest command of the Tribe, the Shadevoice is advised by the other high ranks, elders, and the Night Shades. They are the final voice of authority among the living, and have the final say in Tribe-wide disputes or decisions. There are only three ways to remove a Shadevoice from power. The first is for them to die, the second is for them to renounce their position, and the third is for the Shadestep and/or healers of the Tribe, along with the Night Shades, to agree they must be stripped of their title. The last method is usually only employed under dire circumstances where the Shadevoice proves to be unfit for their role, and often results in the death or exile of the dethroned Shadevoice.
The second-in-command of the Tribe, the Shadestep often helps with the duties of leadership such as organizing patrols and handling small quarrels within the Tribe that need mediation. They typically answer only to the Shadevoice and the Night Shades, though may seek out the healers and elders for advice on various matters much like the Shadevoice. The Shadestep is tradtionally chosen and appointed by the Shadevoice, often with the input of the Night Shades, and will become the Shadevoice upon the death or retirement of their predecessor. They typically only leave this rank if they retire, die, or are removed for some reason by the Shadevoice.
The third highest rank of the Tribe, and the last true high rank, the title of healer is granted to any member of the Tribe who is trained in the art of medicine and dedicates their life to the practice of it. These cats are in charge of tending to the wounded and sick, from minor cuts and sneezes to deadly wounds and diseases. They often consult with and advise the other high ranks, and serve as the history keepers of the Tribe alongside the Elders.
Those that are known as elders are usually older cats that have dedicated a portion of their life to the Tribe who are no longer fit for active duty, though cats that suffer a lasting injury or other health problem that may prevent them from performing as a regular member may also hold the title. Instead of hunting for prey and defending the Tribe's borders, these cats spend their days in camp and are honored for their service and experience. They, along with the healers, serve as the history keepers of the Tribe, and also help parents and caretakers tend to kits. They may also pitch in with other camp-based duties.
The rank of guardian is held by the general population of the Tribe, particularly those that have no other specialized rank, such as healer. They are fully trained members of the Tribe and serve as the primary portectors and providers with the brunt of responsibility for hunting and patrolling. They are often also expected to pitch in with teaching the trainees, though it's rare for a single guardian to be appointed as a trainee's mentor. The Shadestep is usually chosen from among these cats
Cats with this rank are generally young, typically between two and four seasons old, and they are still receiving training. A trainee may be learning medicine in order to become a healer or hunting and fighting to become a guardian. Almost every trainee has a dedicated Night Shade mentor who walks their dreams and teaches them at night, though few have a specifically dedicated living mentor and instead learn from the guardians or healers as a whole. Trainees very rarely, if ever, have their true name, as it is usually granted to them during their graduation ceremony.
The youngest and most vulnerable members of the Tribe, this rank is held by kittens too young to begin training and are therefore usually under two seasons of age. Their only job is to begin learning the way of the world, have fun, and hopefully listen to those taking care of them. These little ones are the future of the Tribe, and as such are protected at all costs. They never have their true name.
An unofficial but important role in the Tribe, the Night Shades are spirits of former members of the Tribe who have died. Despite this, they remain, advising and teaching the living through their dreams. Some Shades are also identified as the First Shades, referring to the Night Shades that are older than the Tribe and were around during the times of the Forsaken Ones.