As wanderers, nomads, and free sprits, the Baxt vai' datha Herd has a different approach on herd roles, ranks, and leadership.
Most positions within the herd are for 'two seasons' (six months), after which the member can choose to stay in that roll or find another.
A few are semi-permanent, generally those of leadership within a group. Semi-permanent rolls change every six years or so. As much as possible, the herd tries to avoid having two semi-permanent rolls change in the same year to help maintain continuity in the community. While an individual may serve in the same position twice, they typically will not be selected to the roll twice in a row, unless there are no other options for the position.
Life-long rolls are rare, even those holding a life-long position may still rotate through other positions as their main duties allow to ensure their minds and spirits continue to be free and grow. When a Life-long position comes open, either because of advanced age or death, the entire herd close enough to join in will choose the member best suited for that roll.
The herd doesn't have a totem pole, but each roll is blessed by a totem spirit animal, reminding those in that roll of important insight as they perform their duties.
Life-Long Roles:Rombaro’ Li’ha’eer - the head of the Herd, male or female, the Rombaro’ Li’ha’eer makes decisions for the whole herd as needed. As the leader of a wandering clan who are like seeds in the wind, this role rarely does much of import beyond officiating or contributing to negotiations with other herds. The Rombaro’ Li’ha’eer keeps note of the comings and goings of the Herd and of the matings and life bondings. However, in a crisis, the Rombaro’ Li’ha’eer has ultimate authority for the herd.
Shala Ta’co - the Seer of the Herd, Trusted Advisor to the Rombaro’ Li’ha’eer. The Shala Ta’co is the constant in the Rombaro’ Li’ha’eer leadership circle. Tasked with planning for the future of the herd and ensuring they have enough food and trade goods for each season. Often there is a spiritual element in this role as well, as the Shala Ta’co is the voice most often raised in beseeching the spirits for guidance or blessing.
De Mam Pani - An important roll for a society as loving of freedom as the Baxt vai' datha Herd. The De Mam Pani records the lineage of all born into the herd, trying to get at least basic descriptions of those who were outside flings as well. The De Mam Pani is tasked with helping keep the herd free of the issues that come with too much inbreeding. Rarely will the De Mam Pani interfere in any mating, but if members are too closely related it is the De Mam Pani task to inform the members as often they may be unaware. If the De Mam Pani believes the pairing is too closely related to have healthy offspring, they may take the matter to the Rombaro’ Li’ha’eer to intercede.
Semi-Permanent Roles:Drabengro - The Medicine Man of the Herd, tasked with knowing all the lore and history of the herd and with helping in its spiritual guidance.
Vetha Chivihani - The leader of the mystic arts in the herd, helping to train and guide those under them. The Vetha Chivihani usually has a special connection with the spirits and a deep understanding of the mystical world.
Bitchern Mush - Judge of the Herd, the authority in matters of inner-herd conflict and crime.
E Maj Deljavnake - Leader of the Dance, responsible for guiding and training those under him or her, knowing and sharing all traditional dances, arraigning performances, and creating new dances. Works closely with the Dester' edre.
Dester' edre - Leader of Song, responsible for guiding and training those under him or her, knowing and sharing all traditional music, arraigning performances, and creating new music. Works closely with the E Maj Deljavnake
O Davuljja Maren - War Chief of the Herd. Typically the Baxt vai' datha Herd avoids wars, battle, or physical conflict. When they can't the O Davuljja Maren leads the defenses, or the attack if they are moving in to rescue someone in need. The authority for all things martial in the event of an emergency, but will not act without authority from the Rombaro’ Li’ha’eer except where imminent harm would occur without action.
General Rolls:Awenydd - Often called Witches by outsiders, these are the mystics, spiritualists, and magic sensitive.
Aster Isda - Star Watchers, those who use the stars both to foretell the future and to help navigate journeys.
Staven Filidh - Water Finders, they keep maps of well traveled paths to mark where water can be found as well as hone their abilities as dowsers.
Lon Gropa - Traders
Deljavnake - Dancers
Cante Jondo - Singers and Musicians
Parami`sus - Storytellers and Poets
Lingurari - Crafters
Dz'olana - Fighters, Warriors, Guards
Drabengro - Healers
Lil b' e-g Sedre - Caregivers and Nannies
Drem xume'l - Trailblazers, these are those trusted with finding new paths and laying makers and setting up shelters, rest areas, and provisions. While all wandering members are responsible for maintaining trail makers and rest areas, the Drem xume'l do the work of creating them. Trails are marked with small cairns, trail sign, and other markers in a secret pattern taught to the members of the herd. The signs will warn of danger, indicate safe shelter, or even where to find stored supplies. This means that even those who are far from the rest of the herd can find places of safety and renewal when they are needed.
Mishi Drem - Those who wander out from the herd, usually coming back once a month or so.
Smavandre - Scouts, they travel out in advance of the herd by a few hours, allowing for early warning if needed for the herd.
Storvandre - Free Wanderers, those who are part of the herd but rarely return. They are full members who have a hard time staying tied to even as loose a group as the Baxt vai' datha Herd but don't want to be completely on their own.
Oxonxano’baro - The Stereotypes had to come from somewhere. These are the herd members who are con-artists, swindlers, snake oil salesmen. They are careful not to push things too far, walking the edge of fun and games and true larceny. Their 'cure alls' are typically a heavy dose of alcohol with some herbs mixed in. They see themselves as peddling harmless entertainment or helpful herbs that won't harm anyone, will cure those with imagined ails, and generally leave their customers with a happy glow.
Grushi Dest - Fortune Tellers, most of the time when someone outside the herd has their fortune told, it is a Grushi Dest, not an Awenydd, that tells it. Like their Oxonxano’baro compatriots, the Grushi Dest are more likely to be reading your body language and expression than any mystical future.
Spalpeens - The growers and gardeners of the herd. In a migratory herd this often means herbs in buckets on a wagon or tending to groves of fruit trees they pass regularly. They also carry seeds in trade and to distant areas, spreading useful plants to new places or allowing for new crossbreeds of various flowers and fruits.
Get' ke - the recruiters, explainers, and tellers of the herd. These are those who look for the lost and bring them to their new home, or tell the traveler of the herd of like minded that would welcome them.
Poteen - Brewer
Diva'no - Diplomat, those who arrange new trade routes, agreements, or alliances.
Romipen - General Soquili Herd Member, for those too young, too old, or just too unsettled to hold another role in her herd as well as those who are new and still looking for their first place.
Jel'sutho'edrin - General Familiar Herd Member.
Kadessa - Mice Clan members of the herd, though technically any familiar can be Kadessa, it is rare for a non-mouse to be so. The Kadessa are closely bonded with a soquili, travel with them at all times, tending their hair and accessories. Often they ride, hidden in the mane of their bonded. They are best friends, closest confidantes, and subtle spies.
Other Titles:Corthu - Lifebonding is rare in their more free and open society. While long term friendships and couples happen, to promise yourself to another for life is not entered into lightly. Those who make this choice are recognized as Corthu, a title of respect, even if their mate is wandering distant, and especially if their mate was lost to death.
Te' sorthene - Allied Herds
Kestra - Regular Trading Partners who are not allied
Omstreifere - Herd Members who have left the herd, particularly to join a stationary herd.
Yuthi'so'coro - Non-herd wanderers and travelers.
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