Guide

The two nearly car-sized cougars collided with an explosion of yowling. Blood splashed against the earth, as they rolled and bit at one another. Baroque watched, his own ears flicking back at the sound. He'd watched his wolf-kind were friends fight like this, but had never seen a fight for Guidance before, especially one within his own community. He winced at a particularly loud hiss. Hopefully it would be a fast fight...

Brief

A ranking position for Weres only, this rank is used to signify that the were in question is the leader of the group/pack that they are a part of. This is usually only for weres that live their lives in their Full-Shift form, though others in modern societies may use and hold this rank in a ceremonial way instead. A Guide is decided through rigorous combat, typically to yielding.

Duties & Responsibilities

Once a were has won the Guidance fight they are officially given the role of Guide--or Alpha, for the more old-fashioned weres. Their new standing in life comes with a few requirements of them. Guides are required to look out for the well-being of their community, and make tough decisions when needed.

• Making sure the community has its basic needs taken care of
• Protecting the community from threat

Appointment

The Guide is decided through a fighting ceremony that is called 'Guidance'. This event is watched by all adults in the community, though some stay aside with children. Typically the fighting is done in Full-Shift forms, where the Were is in their full animal form. The process is intimidating due to the size a full-shift were gets to be--usually double the size of the animal family they belong to.

The fights occasionally end in death, but it is often considered in bad taste to do so and it is recommended to fight until yield or the opponent can no longer heal their wounds faster than they can be inflicted.

Within Modern Society

While this rank is used within were communities where the species is always or almost always in full-shift, there are instances of communities within cities continuing the tradition. In this case it is limited to a mid-shift, and is usually fist fighting instead.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

When a Were begins to grow old and frail, there are a few things that may be done. They may step down willingly and leave the role empty to allow two or more interested parties fight for the place, or they may offer a replacement. The replacement can either accept or decline, and if there is opposition if the replacement confirms, the decision process will move on as normal.

There is no shame attached to finishing your term as a Guide, and it is considered a great honor to step down due to circumstances of your own control.

Type

IDKYET

Related Species

Were

Related Ethnicities

Demon

Form of Address

Great Guide

Alternative Naming

Alpha, Leader

Length of Term

Lifetime until resigned, death, or fought for and lost