troop positions

[aftershock]

{ alpha/alphess } the alphas of the troop are the leaders; they make the laws which are to be followed, and they make the final decisions. they are not necessarily mates - they are, instead, the male and female believed most capable to lead the troop. there may be only an alpha or only an alphess at times, when one retires or is killed. if this occurs, the remaining alpha or alphess will appoint a fox to the empty position. if the beta is of the appropriate gender, they typically will get the position. together, they decide who is beta and who is healer, and they also decide which kits will be placed on the path of warrior and which will followed the path of hunter.
{ beta } betas are second in command, however there is only ever one beta. the beta may be male or female and is chosen by the alpha and alphess. the beta typically compliments the alpha and alphess, chosen specifically to cover their downfalls. at least, that's the intention - the alpha and alphess must first recognize their faults before this can become a reality. betas may assist in kit placement if requested.
{ healer } the healer is trained in the art of medicine and, with the exception of the Rustique troop, they will typically have healing powers. there is only ever one designated healer, however they may have as many trainees or helpers as is required. a kit destined for healing is placed with hunters, always, so that they may learn to fend for themselves without betraying their beliefs. a healer will often be consulted by the alpha and alphess regarding their future replacement, though they may choose to teach any hunter the tricks of the trade. they may be male or female.
{ warriors } warriors are the defenders of the troop. they are taught minimal hunting, just enough to help in times when prey is scarce. they will normally be spotted practicing battle techniques, patrolling borders and helping keep the main living area in tip top shape and perfect for a defensive position. they may be male or female.
{ hunters } hunters must feed the troop. they are out in groups or on their own much of the day, catching prey and bringing it back to camp to share with the others. when they are around camp, they are responsible for making sure the storytellers, vixens and kits are tended to. they are the only group from which a healer trainee may be chosen from. they may be male or female.
{ storytellers } storytellers are the old or incapable of the troop. anything hampering a fox from serving to the best of their ability in their life's path may find them here, but they are not outcasts. in fact, they play a very important role as advisers to the alpha, alphess, beta and healer, as well as teachers of history and theory to young kits who have not yet left their mother's side. they may be male or female.
{ vixens } vixens are constantly in flux, as they are the female foxes of a troop who are raising kits or who are near to birthing kits. when the kits are old enough, they may assist in the duties they had prior so long as there is a watchful eye - usually a storyteller - watching the kits. when the kits are sent into the warrior path or the hunter path at six months old, the vixens are returned fully to their normal duties.
{ kits } kits are young foxes under six months of age. they must have at least one older member of the troop with them at all times, lest they risk getting in trouble. as they get closer to six months of age, they spend more and more time learning the basics of troop life and history from the storytellers so that they are ready when they are assigned their path.