Ranks and Fields of Occupation
The Order
Novice, 1st level
Every member of the Order begins here, at the bottom. Novices are potential Order members- they have not yet taken their vows, and they have not yet learned all there is to know about being a Redwall Brother or Sister. They are usually young, a small bit past dibbunhood. They wear light green habits with tan cowls. The life of a novice involves a great deal of study, lessons, and chores. They get a great deal of menial labor to do. No idle paws here!
Novice, 2nd level
These are the somewhat older novices that have fulfilled their first level requirements and have been approved for advancement by an Elder. At this level, novices may choose whether or not to learn a specialized field, or to become a simple Orderbeast with no specific specialization. They will engage in a great deal more study, lessons, and chores, as well as lessons pertaining to their field of choice, if they desire to go into it. Second level novices wear a light green habit with a brown cowl.
Brother/Sister
These are the full-fledged members of the Order, and make up the base population of Redwall Abbey. They are sworn to be peaceful and non-violent, except in the case of danger to them or those under their protection. They must show charity and kindness to all beasts. This is a lifetime dedication, and so requires an Elder's approval, as well as the taking of vows. They are responsible for all manner of chores and teaching throughout Redwall. Order members wear a brownish-green habit with a white habit cord.
Note: Full fledged Order members receive their own room ICly but not OOCly. Novices share dormitories. Healers receive rooms in the healer dormitories.
Residents
There is no formal rank among residents, except what they bring in themselves and recognize amongst each other, or if they have apprenticed themselves to one of the specialized fields listed below. They are expected to help with chores when needed (always!), and the uphold the values of Redwall while within her walls. Residents generally reside in the general dormitories, and are long-term or permanent presences in Redwall.
Dibbuns
Children, ranging from 0-6 seasons of age. Those without parents to take care of them reside within the classrooms and dormitories on the lower levels, with the Badgermother. They are expected to learn manners, basic reading and writing, and arithmetic, keep clean, and get to bed on time. But we all know how well dibbuns follow expectations.
Guests
Guests are travelers that have come for only a short period. While in the books these occasions were more rare, on the MUCK these will likely make up the majority of Redwall's population. Guests are expected to abide by Redwall's rules (note: not lifestyle!), and in turn they are offered the full hospitality of the abbey. They are often asked for stories or news. ICly, they stay in the Bunk Room.
Fields of Occupation
Open to Order members and Residents alike
In the case of specialized fields in Redwall, it is not required to be a member of the Order, but only an Order member can be in charge of that field. If there is a player character at the head of the field, you need their permission to enter it. Note! There has been a tendency to RP many of these fields as if only one character could be involved with them. That is not so! Redwall is a big place and it needs many helping paws to run. All of the fields listed below are open to all for participation. The only restriction is that only one character may be at the head of the field, and that that character be a member of the Order. Otherwise, all you need is the field leader's blessing and you're all set.
Healers
As Redwall is founded on the principles of healing, all novices receive basic training in the healing arts by default. However, a novice can choose to apprentice to the Master Healer during their second level. In this case, the Master Healer must approve them into the Order. All healers are expected to uphold Redwall's standards at all times, and they are not allowed to be preferential toward their patients. Any residents who wish to enter this field are free to do so provided they obtain permission from the Master Healer and abide by the same standards mentioned above.
Cooks
These beasts gather, store, prepare, and serve food. They also are in charge of keeping the kitchens, scullery, and larder clean and organized. They do most of the organizing for Redwall's famous feasts. Novices of the second level can choose to apprentice to the Friar/Head Cook, in which case the Friar/Head Cook must be the one to approve their advancement into the Order. Cooks not of Redwall's Order are allowed and encouraged, provided they have been proven to be hard working and trustworthy individuals, and are approved by the Friar/Head Cook.
Caretakers
These beasts look after the dibbuns, and are in charge of their general well being, as well as basic education. The Badger Mother (or in absence of a Badger Mother, the Head Caretaker) has responsibility for this group. Novices of the second level can apprentice in this field, and approval from the Badger Mother is required before those novices can become a full member. Those not of Redwall's Order must be proven to be responsible and trustworthy, and have permission from the Badger Mother.
Scholars
The main duty of scholars is to take up where the caretakers have left off in means of education. They instruct the novices, expanding on basic reading and writing, and adding the fields of history, healing, and the codes of Redwall. They also help to keep the manuscripts and books in Redwall's library ordered and in good condition. The Recorder is the head of this group, and novices of the second level may apprentice under him or her, in which case his or her approval is required before they can become full Order members. Residents need permission from the Recorder to become involved in this field.
Gardeners
These beasts tend to Redwall's grounds, including the gardens, orchards, and vineyard. Responsible for the growth of all of the Abbey's sustenance. In charge of keeping the pond clean and drinkable, safe, and well stocked with fish. Novices of the second level can apprentice to the Groundskeeper, and need his or her approval in order to become full-fledged Order members. Residents may join this field with the permission of the Groundskeeper.
Brewers
These stalwart souls are in charge of brewing and serving Redwall's famous drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Novices of the second level can apprentice to the Cellar Keeper, and require his or her approval before they can become full Order members. Residents need approval from the Cellar Keeper to participate in this field.
Guards
The guards are under direct control of the Abbey Champion. They are not Order members, and usually are made up of residents and trustworthy guests, as well as other groups such as an otter crew, squirrel tribe, GUOSIM, or the Long Patrol. In times of peace they are either rare or non-existent. They are necessary, but there is a need to keep this force small. Residents with martial skills are, of course, welcome to aid should trouble arise. Order members have the option of learning basic quarterstaff fighting for their own protection since they may not serve as guards.
Foremole
The Foremole is the head of the moles in Redwall. While he may or may not be an Order member, the Foremole is entrusted with all things subterranean, and is a trusted adviser for good, common mole-sense, as well as colluding with the Groundskeeper to keep the grounds tidy, both above and below.
Gatekeeper
More of a position than a field, the gatekeeper resides in the gatehouse, and is in charge of keeping track of visitors going in and out of Redwall. In cases of trouble, in charge of raising the alarm and alerting the defenses. This may be shared with the Recorder's duties, or kept separate, depending on the individuals involved. A decision on this is up to the Elders to decide. If they are, they will be expected to aid in the education of dibbuns and novices from time to time.
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