Rank Structure
All active members of the Long Patrol have a rank. Any time two Patrollers are in a room together, one of them can take command if the circumstances present themselves. IC positions do not necessarily correspond to OOC authority.
- Note: Rank is not set in stone. You can earn promotions. As we grow, more promotions will necessarily happen to keep a balance of hares-in-charge to hares-following-orders. Alternatively, IC actions have IC consequences - demotions or discharge from the LP are a possibility as well!
- The biggest thing looked for with promotions are OOC initiative and the willingness to run scenes and events, spoof bad guys, etc. without IC personal gain. While IC characteristics definitely factor into it, having the initiative to create, maintain, and consistently participate in RP is the first thing the Patrol looks for!
Badger Lord/Lady
This is the highest IC position in the Long Patrol. As you may have guessed, this character is always a badger. If there is no Badger Lord (or Lady), then the most senior commissioned officer is ICly in charge.
Officially addressed directly as "My Lord", "Sir", or "Your Excellency" by all hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "The lord (name)", "The badger lord", or simply "The/our lord".
- Ciocan
Commissioned Officers (COs)
These are those Long Patrol members who, through distinguished service, have obtained a special commission from the Badger Lord (or most senior commissioned officer). The lowest commissioned officer outranks the highest, most senior enlisted Patroller, but of course, there is a level of respect and courtesy afforded to seniority at any rank. Commissioned officers are awarded their own rooms in the Officers' Quarters and gain entry to the Leader's Lounge.
| Commissioned Officer Rank | Usual Size of Command | Usual Command Appointment | Command Position | Direct Commanding Officer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Most senior rank under the Badger Lord & highest hare position in the Long Patrol | The Badger Lord | ||
| Brigadier | Brigade; at least 1 Patrol (usually 2-3) | Brigade/director of staff | 1st in command of Brigade | General |
| Colonel | Patrol; at least 1 Battalion (usually 2) | Staff Officer/Patrol | 1st in command of Patrol | General & Brigadier |
| Major | Battalion; up to 600 Hares (usually 100-300) | Command of 1 Battalion | 1st in command of Battalion, 2nd in command of Patrol | Colonel |
| Captain | Company; up to 60 hares (usually 50) | Command of 1 Company | 1st in command of Company, 2nd to 10th in command of Battalion | Colonel & Major |
| Lieutenant | Platoon; up to 30 Hares (usually 20-25) | Command of 1 Platoon/Troop. | 1st in command of Platoon, 2nd in command of Company | Captain |
| Sub-Lieutenant | 1st in command of Platoon, 3rd in command of Company | Captain | ||
| Ensign | No Command | N/A | N/A | |
General (Gen)
This is the highest ranking commissioned officer, answerable only to the Badger Lord. There is rarely more than one active General, who serves as an advisor to the Badger Lord and overseer of the entire Long Patrol. They are advised by the Brigadier, who carry the General's orders down the line. Their rank is denoted by a stylized badger's head, picked out in fine gold thread on their collar.
Officially addressed directly as "Sir", "General", or "Your Excellency" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "General (name)" or simply "The/our general". The Badger Lord and hares of equal rank address the general either by rank ("General") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
- Quinten
Brigadier (Brg)
They act as advisers to the General and Badger Lord and oversee important 'at home' matters of the Mountain. On the day to day, Brigadiers are typically in charge of important areas of the Mountain, such as the Forge or Library. There is always at least one Brigadier that will stay behind when troops are brought out of the Mountain. Their rank is denoted by a stylized badger's head, picked out in fine silver thread on their collar.
Officially addressed directly as "Sir" or "Brigadier" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "Brigadier (name)" or simply "The/our brigadier". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a brigadier either by rank ("Brigadier") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
- Paisely (NPC)
Colonel (Col)
They are long-term veterans and experts within their specialty, and use their extensive experience to provide leadership and make important decisions. Formally commanding a regiment consisting of at least one battalions, though there is generally no limit beyond hare-power for how many battalions can be in a regiment. Colonels will often accompany their troops on missions outside of Salamandastron. Their rank is denoted by a triple starburst, picked out in fine gold thread collar.
Officially addressed directly as "Sir", or "Colonel" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "Colonel (name)" or simply "The/our colonel". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a colonel either by rank ("Colonel") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
- Locke (NPC)
Major (Mjr)
These officers rank just below the Colonel, who they receive and follow orders from directly. They have distinguished themselves through their service, combat experience, and leadership qualities. Each one commands their own battalion consisting of several companies and oversees all in training, combat situations, and missions outside of the mountain. Their rank is denoted by a double starburst, picked out in fine gold thread on their collar.
Officially addressed directly as "Sir", or "Major" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "Major (name)" or simply "The/our major". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a major either by rank ("Major") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
OOC: Majors are encouraged to run their own TPs, plots, and missions with the IC understanding that the orders 'came from above'. They are also in charge of all promotions within their unit; this takes into account IC actions, need, and how long a character has been in the Patrol.
- Varus
- Koda (NPC)
Captain (Cpt)
Captains rank directly below Majors, commanding a company generally consisting of two Lieutenants, with more or less officers as need demands. These officers work closely with the Majors. Every Major has at least two Captains, who assist their Major with administrative tasks ICly and with leading individual companies within the battalion. Their rank is denoted by a single starburst, picked out in fine gold thread on their collar.
Officially addressed directly as "Sir" or "Captain" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "captain (name)" or simply "The/our/my captain". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a captain either by rank ("Captain") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
OOC: Captains are encouraged to run their own TPs, plots, and missions with the IC understanding that the orders 'came from above'.
- Gregorian
- Velm
Lieutenant (Lt)
These officers work closely with the Majors and Captains, commanding a patrol consisting of one Sergeant and one to three Corporals. Every company usually has at least two Lieutenants, or a Lieutenant and Sub-lieutenant. Lieutenants assist their captain and major with administrative tasks ICly. A sword, usually a saber or rapier made specially for the newly promoted officer, is gifted to the lieutenant as a symbol of full officership. Their rank is denoted by a single sunburst, picked out in fine silver thread on their collar.
Officially addressed directly as "Sir" or "Lieutenant" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "Lieutenant" (name)" or simply "The/our/my lieutenant". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a lieutenant either by rank ("Lieutenant") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
Sub-Lieutenant (SbLt)
This rank is similar Ensign (commissioned in training) but for NCOs who have already served in the Long Patrol for some time and have experience in leadership and battle or by Ensigns who require more experience in command. Acting generally as a “second" Lieutenant in a company, it is an active fighting role and serves as the assistant to the Mjr, Cpt, and Lt. The next rank up is Lieutenant. Their rank is denoted by a single sunburst, picked out in fine bronze thread on their collar.
Officially addressed directly as "Sir" or "Sub-Lieutenant" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "Sub-Lieutenant" (name)" or simply "The/our/my sub-lieutenant". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a sub-lieutenant either by rank ("Sub-Lieutenant") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
- Lossow
Ensign (Ens)
This is the lowest Commissioned Officer rank and is not an active fighting role, this rank is roughly equivalent to role of the recruit; Ensigns are generally held by teens learning to be an officer acting as a pseudo-servant for COs (usually major and below) while being taught by those same COs and the Master Sergeant. While technically outranking all NCOs they are required to obey any given order from sergeants and above. Usually only leverets with particularly good grades in the mountain school or can become ensigns instead of recruit, though recruits who show particular talent in leadership, strategy, and discipline in both the field and exams are given the option to become an ensign. Training usually takes from about 4-8 seasons (1-2 years), though exceptions can be made depending on the circumstances. The next rank up is Lieutenant or Sub-Lieutenant, depending on how well the Ensign is trained. Their rank is denoted by the absence of rank insignia and instead only wear the officer’s basic uniform.
Officially addressed directly as "Ensign" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "Ensign (name)" or simply "The ensign". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address an ensign either by rank ("Ensign") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
OOC: At this rank, a player is able to @link to the Officer's Quarters and gain access to the Leader's Lounge areas.
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
These are enlisted Patrollers, who, despite their lack of a commission, have attained rank through years of dedicated service. They follow the orders of commissioned officers and give orders to those below them.
| Non Commissioned Officer Rank | Management Role | Responsibility | Direct Commanding Officer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master Sergeant | Battalion; administrative | The most senior enlisted rank in the Long Patrol, assistant to the active commanding officer of the battalion (typically the major). Responsible for general discipline, training, & equipment of hares within the battalion; serves as sergeant in addition to their regular responsibilities if needed | Major |
| Colour Sergeant | Company; supplemental | Assistants to battalion major, captains, & master sergeant. Typically fills supplemental roles such as quartermaster, cooks, smiths, etc; serves as sergeant in addition to their regular responsibilities if needed | Major, Captain(s), & Master Sergeant |
| Sergeant | Platoon; command role | 2nd in Command of Platoon/Troop, up to 3 squads (usually around 20-30 hares). Assistants to company captain & lieutenant(s). In direct command of platoon corporals & squads, responsible for platoon discipline, training, & equipment | Captain, Lieutenant(s), & Master Sergeant |
| Corporal | Squad; command role | In command of one squad, up to 10 Privates (usually 4-6), assistant to platoon sergeant & lieutenant. Directly responsible for squad discipline, training, & equipment | Lieutenant & Sergeant |
Master Sergeant (MSg)
There is generally only one Master Sergeant in a battalion, being the most senior NCO of the unit. They act as an adviser and assistant for COs (particularly the Major), help the battalion's quartermaster, and are in charge of relaying orders and letting each sergeant in the unit what the orders from the Lt, Capt, or Mjr are. The next rank up is either Sub-Lieutenant or full Lieutenant, but usually a master sergeant stays a master sergeant unless there is a need for COs. Their rank is denoted by four chevrons, thickly embroidered with fine silver thread on their left sleeve.
Officially addressed directly as "Sir" or "Master-Sergeant" (though often shortened to simply "Sergeant") by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "Master-Sergeant (name)" or simply "The/our/my master-sergeant". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a master-sergeant either by rank ("Master-Sergeant") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
- Terrence
Colour Sergeant (CSgt)
In addition to acting as standard sergeants, this rank is for long-time serving sergeants who act as both protectors of ensigns (the most junior of the COs). They also serve as advisers and instructors to newly made Lieutenants, generally being their second-in-command. When there is no Master Sergeant present, they are the most senior NCO. The next rank is Master Sergeant or Sub-Lieutenant, and in special cases either Sub-Lieutenant or full Lieutenant. Their rank is denoted by a trio of chevrons beneath a stylized badger's head, thickly embroidered with fine silver thread on their left sleeve.
Officially addressed directly as "Sir" or "Colour-Sergeant" (though often shortened to simply "Sergeant") by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "Colour-Sergeant (name)" or simply "The/our/my colour-sergeant". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a colour-sergeant either by rank ("Colour-Sergeant") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
Sergeant (Sgt)
There are generally two Sergeants in each company, who serve under the Captain and Lieutenant. They communicate and enforce the orders of the Captain, conduct patrol-specific training sessions, and oversee and assign minor duties. Beginning with the rank of Sergeant, it is expected to be saluted by beasts of a lower ranking. The next rank can either be Colour Sergeant or Master Sergeant, and in special cases either Sub-Lieutenant or full Lieutenant. Their rank is denoted by a trio of chevrons, thickly embroidered with fine silver thread on their left sleeve.
Officially addressed directly as "Sir" or "Sergeant" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "Sergeant (name)" or simply "The/our/my sergeant". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a sergeant either by rank ("Sergeant") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
- Adrian
Corporal (Cpl)
Each patrol has one to three Corporals, who are ranked lowest within each patrol. They assist the Sergeant with various tasks and mostly have an administrative function. Their rank is denoted by a pair of chevrons, thickly embroidered with fine silver thread on their left sleeve.
Officially addressed directly as "Corporal" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "Corporal (name)" or simply "The/our/my Corporal". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a corporal either by rank ("Corporal") or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
- Donica
- Monty
Non-Officers/Enlisted
Lance-Corporal (LCpl)
This rank is often filled by Privates which have shown promise, joined the Patrol at an older age, or with notable skill. They rank only slightly higher than Privates and are not authorized to give orders, however they are often tasked with administrative duties and assisting Corporals. They are expected to follow the orders of any officer, even outside of their own patrol, and perform other general duties when stationed at the Mountain. Hares given the rank of Lance-Corporal are popularly considered to be on the short-list for Corporal. Their rank is denoted by a single chevron, thickly embroidered with fine silver thread on their left sleeve.
Officially addressed directly as "Lance-Corporal" (though sometimes shortened to simply "Corporal") by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as "Lance-Corporal (name)" or simply by name. The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a lance-corporal either by rank ("Lance-Corporal") or simply by name.
Private (Pvt)
This is the lowest rank among enlisted, active-duty Patrollers, which make up the bulk of the Long Patrol's population. Privates have chosen a combat specialty, which is their primary focus both in training and within combat situations. They are divided into patrols, serving under a Major, Lieutenant, and their enlisted officers and going on assigned missions or monitoring the nearby territory of the western shore. They are expected to follow the orders of any officer, even outside of their own patrol, and perform other general duties when stationed at the Mountain. Their rank is denoted by the absence of rank insignia and instead only wear their regiment’s uniform.
The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a private either by rank ("Private") or simply by name.
- Cole
- Dominik
- B. Flightfoot (NPC)
- D. Addersmith (NPC)
- H. Mosswood (NPC)
- J. Weedwill-Smith (NPC)
- Konner A. (NPC)
- L. Harolds (NPC)
- Yerna (NPC)
- Serena (NPC)
Recruit (Rct)
These are the 'teens' of the Mountain or are newly joined members of the Long Patrol and follow the orders of everyone else. Recruits are not yet assigned to active patrols and generally do not go on patrol missions. They focus on basic training in a wide variety of weapons and fighting styles (primarily the spear, sling, and dagger), and receive a well-rounded academic education with both classroom lectures and hands-on lessons. Upon satisfactory completion of a series of recruit exams, they graduate and are awarded the rank of private. Upon exemplary completion of the exams, they are offered a chance for further training as an Ensign. Their rank is denoted by the absence of both rank insignia and regiment uniform.
The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a recruit either by rank ("Recruit") or simply by name.
Special Roles
While the following are not official ranks, they are still appointed positions within the Long Patrol with added responsibility that comes with each:
Adjutant
This position serves mainly as a staff officer: acting as an assistant in administration, adviser, and overseer of logistics to an officer of the rank major and above, and are almost always COs of the rank captain and above. While they do hold command, the officer they serve generally leads the unit in the field. They are marked out by a single golden epaulet regardless of actual rank.
Officially addressed directly as the adjutant's current rank, "Adjutant", or "Sir" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as the adjutant's current rank, "Adjutamt (name)", or simply "The adjutant". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address an adjutant either by their rank, title ("Adjutant"), or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
- Koda (NPC)
Quartermaster
This position is responsible of all troop supplies in a given battalion and are almost always held by commissioned officers raised from the ranks. The master sergeant acts as their primary assistant. They are marked out by a simple badger-head pin on their collar opposite their rank.
Officially addressed directly as the quartermaster's current rank, "Quartermaster", or "Sir" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as the quartermaster's current rank, "Quartermaster (name)", or simply "The/our/my Quartermaster". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a quartermaster either by their rank, title ("Quartermaster"), or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
Drill Sergeant
This position serves as the overseer of training and discipline of all Lance-Corporals, Privates, and Recruits in a given battalion and is appointed as needed; any senior NCO (Sergeant, Colour Sergeant, and Master Sergeant) can act as a drill sergeant and there can be more than one at a time.
Officially addressed directly as the drill-sergeant's current rank, "Drill-Sergeant", or "Sir" by all lower ranking hares of the Long Patrol and referred to when not present as the drill-sergeant's current rank, "Drill Sergeant (name)", or simply "The/our/my drill-sergeant". The Badger Lord and hares of higher and equal rank address a drill-sergeant either by their rank, title ("Drill-Sergeant"), or simply by name depending on how friendly they are.
Resident Redwall Hare
This position serves as the Long Patrol liaison, military adviser, and diplomat to Redwall Abbey and the Mossflower area. They are almost always at least the rank of Lieutenant though hold no official command yet are expected to send reports back to Salamandastron in case of any danger in the area.
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