The Alpha

The social hierarchy of branded families is based loosely on pack or herd traditions. The ranks across all of the families was standardized centuries ago to avoid confusion in negotiations. The highest rank in a family is that of the Alpha. The Alpha is the guardian of the brand or brands possessed by the family. The position is an appointed one, being a position of responsibility and influence. Even though the holder of the title is addressed as Eldest, the Alpha is rarely the eldest member of the family. The Alpha is the most powerful member of the family, being caretaker of the family's most precious possessions and director of the family's affairs, aims and long term goals. The Alpha also has the ability to mentally subdue any branded family member through their animal companion. In the past some families appointed powerful Alphas who directed affairs and a separate Guardian who cared for the treasures of the family, however conflicts of interest between the roles nearly led to the loss of more than one brand prior to the standardization of the roles. There are five tiers of appointed roles with differing responsibilities in the family. These are, in order of descending familial power, Alpha, Betas, Gammas, Deltas and Epsilons. The Alphas are the visible leader of the family and the chief strategist. Betas are the implementers and executors of the Alpha's designs. Gammas are the logistics operatives of the family making sure all members needs are cared for and reserves are ready for times of need. Delta's function as the Alpha bodyguards and military operatives. Epsilons raise chosen beaus and debutantes of the family who will in future years be the social face of the family. Family leadership is generally broken up by physical location with each group of localized family choosing a representative leader to attend a conclave once a year to appoint any vacancies in the Alpha's hierarchy, and also to put forward any potential beaus or debutantes. The Alpha's hierarchy is a very limited number in respect to the entire population of the family, so internal leadership falls along ancestral lines. As the majority of the family does not hold a rank, most of the socialites that treat with society in general will not be ranked members of the family. If however a ranked family member is also a socialite, their rank is a guarded secret outside the family as they would become highly sought after targets for nefarious plans. Annually there is also a Council of Alphas in which the Alphas of all the branded families meet to address any cross family concerns as well as judge any public criminal activity against or perpetrated by branded families. One notable council was convened in 1433 CE when the ruling Alphas of Falcon, Fox and Lynx families were all executed after it was ascertained that proper succession appointments had taken place. The ruling was harsh and the punishment draconian but the aim was to prevent the genocide of any further branded families.

Qualifications

The Alpha is not necessarily the oldest member of a branded family, even though they are addressed as Eldest. The Alpha is the guardian of the family brand or brands. When the Alpha feels they are no longer capable of guarding the family brands, or is told by their companion such information, they appoint a new guardian. Alphas are not selected from Betas necessarily, but select Betas and Gammas will have portions of the knowledge necessary to access the brands and select a new Alpha in the event of the untimely demise of an Alpha.

Requirements

The Alpha must be a branded member of the family in question, male or female, bearing only a single brand of the family. Any formerly cancelled brands disqualify an individual from consideration. Traditionally an Alpha will have been raised in the family seat by the resident Epsilons. The only age requirement is that the candidate must be at least 18 years old, that being the threshold for receiving a brand and companion. The candidates companion must also still be living, and be the original companion of the brand.

Appointment

Recommendations for appointments to all positions in an Alpha's hierarchy, including their successor are made by the Gammas. Once recommendations are made, the Alpha interviews them, and on approval they are given the responsibilities and any equipment, training or enhancements needed to fulfill their role. In the case of an Alpha there is a solemn ceremony where the initiate is put in a trance while the Alpha relates the necessary information regarding the location and access of the family's guarded treasures. Then the initiate's brand is modified, locking and cementing the information into the companion partner's mind (being the true holder of the secrets) and enabling the increased mental reach of the animal bond. Then occurs the sacrifice of the former Alpha's animal partner, shattering the animal bond and erasing the treasure information from the former Alpha's mind.

Duties

The Alpha takes care of their family above all else, even their personal welfare if it becomes necessary. While this is in no way enforced, the trait of selflessness is a primary component of the personality of any recommended candidates.

Responsibilities

The Alpha is responsible for guarding the secret location and any access mechanisms to the family's guarded treasures, including, but not limited to, brands in the family's possession. The Alpha is also chief judge of all familial affairs in the extended family. Where a matter in question pertains to a group where two or more branded families are involved the Alphas will treat with each other to determine which Alpha should be the acting judge. Actions taken then would be reported at the Council of Alphas. The Alpha is the only point of contact for any extra-familial matters or negotiations, whether they be with branded or unbranded families. The Alpha is responsible for the distribution of resources to any petitioners. The Alpha also directs all enterprises conducted by the family, social, economic or military.

Benefits

The Alpha does not live an austere life, but does ensure their needs do not take priority over any members of the family. While there is some staff associated with the position, the primary benefit is that of the enhanced animal bond allowing them to communicate with and if necessary subdue a companionship of any branded family member.

Accoutrements & Equipment

The only visible sign by which an Alpha is recognizable is the modified brand he wears. As most Alphas do not often publicly display their brand, it is trusted by the community as a whole that they are, in fact, Alphas. It has occurred upon occasion that doubles have been put forward by families in situations where security was in question.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

The animal companion of the Alpha has final say of the capability of a serving Alpha, as it is their life that is forfeit if they recommend their partner be replaced as Alpha. Untimely death or incapacity can also necessitate the initiation of a new Alpha. I these cases there are select members of the hierarchy that know the procedures that will pass the needed information on to the new Alpha during the transfer ceremony.

Type

Nobility, Hereditary

Form of Address

Eldest

Alternative Naming

Grandsire/Grandam

Equates to

The Alpha would equate to a Patriarch or Matriarch as would be seen in a hereditary organization. This equivalent to a clan leader, warlord, or familial head.

Source of Authority

Recommendations are put forth by families, confirmed by Gammas, then sealed by the sitting Alpha.

Length of Term

Life appointment until the Alpha is no longer capable of performing their responsibilities as determined by his animal companion.

Related Locations

• Mastiff Hall