Inferni Ranks

Jobs & Hierarchy

The Inferni ranks are quite different from typical wolf pack ranks, as the Inferni prefer to have a smaller, stricter hierarchy, distinctly different from the wolf hierarchy. Please note that the Immunes portion of the Inferni ranks are dynamic. This means that a coyote may hold the same rank (and job) but still advance through the hierarchy. Current ranks can be found here The Inferni ranks are loosely based on Roman army ranks and class designations, though they are by no means historically accurate to actual Roman army ranks. Some of the words used for the Inferni ranks simply have Latin roots.

Rank Hierarchy

The Inferni are separated in two different ways. They are organized vertically by tiers, referred to as the Legionis and the Auxilia tiers. The Legionis—the Legatus, Immunes, Milites, and Quintus subheaders of ranks—is the primary means of ranking coyotes; it denotes their specific position within the hierarchy. The Auxilia tiers are the three separate "pathways" of movement a coyote may take within Inferni—beneath the Aquila is the Bellum, or war tier. These coyotes generally take a special interest in battle, whether it is healing injured coyotes or protecting the Legatus ranks. Beneath the Centurion is the Miscellus, or hybrid tier. These coyotes perform various duties within the clan, with a focus on clan morale, comraderie, and so forth. Beneath the Optio is the Lumen, or eyes tier. These coyotes perform a variety of duties centering around clan knowledge, protection, scouting, and so forth. When considering the Auxilia function of the Milites portion of the ranks, please keep in mind that their attachment to a particular pathway does not necessitate that the coyote in that rank advance through only that Auxilia tier.

Legatus (Leader Ranks)

Legatus ranks are the highest tier of the Inferni coyote clan. The Legatus ranked coyotes are the leadership in Inferni, and though they do not typically require the groveling submission used by wolf packs, it is a very good idea to treat them with respect. Typically, a coyote who has worked his or her way to leadership has been in Inferni for some time and proven his or her loyalty to the clan several times over.

Aquila (1)

The Aquila is the first in command, and this coyote is solely responsible for running Inferni. The Aquila is responsible for deciding ranks, settling disputes, and keeping up the morale of the clan. S/he acts as a general of Inferni during battle. The Aquila is the word of law within Inferni.

Centurion (1)

The Centurion is the clan's second in command. The Centurion is responsible for assisting the Aquila in his or her duties. When the Aquila is absent or away, the Centurion assumes all leadership duties until his/her return, and upon an Aquila's death or departure, it is the Centurion who typically ascends to Aquila.

Optio (1)

The clan's third in command, and generally a behind-the-scenes type. These members serve as the eyes and the ears of the clan leaders, and directly assist the Centurion. The Optio may remain in especially close contact with the Caelum, Vigiles, Scorpius, and Praeses ranks.

Immunes (Trained Specialist Ranks)

Immunes ranks are the primary tier of Inferni ranks. These coyotes have been around Inferni for some time, and they have also made the effort to establish their primary skill to be used in these ranks, each of which has an important job attached. Coyotes ranked in the trained specialist ranks are expected to perform their duties to capacity or risk losing the rank. The Legatus ranks typically pay attention to the new coyotes in the Milites ranks to determine where the coyotes best fit into these specialized ranks, though sometimes the coyote in question may be consulted.

Capsarii (1)

This canine is the chief medical officer, responsible for maintaining medical supplies and being able to treat any wounded or sick members of the clan. This canine is expected to keep a small stockpile of medical items and have at least some knowledge of medicinal cures and how to treat injuries sustained in battle.

Caelum (1)

Head Scout. A scout whose duties include knowing the surrounding territories (and packs) inside and out, as well as serving as an outer border patrol and often as the intial warning. The Caelum is the the best scout in the clan, having proven extensive knowledge about the territory and its surrounding areas. Caelums often have close contact with the Vigiles and Praeses of the clan, exercising some degree of "control" over the pair of Praeses, while working with the Vigiles ranked coyotes more sporadically.

Hastati (1)

These are the apprentice warriors of the clan. These are younger, more inexperienced, or newer members of the clan who generally serve under beneath the Hydra-ranked coyotes, occasionally serving as apprentice to one of the Hydras. Upon review by the Hydra(s) and the Aquila, these members typically ascend to the Hydra position.

Hydra (3)

Warriors. They take orders only from the Aquila, and in battle, they act as body guards for the Legatus ranks. Hydra-ranked coyotes are generally fearsome and not to be taken lightly in any situation; the Aquila will often use the Hydra while settling a dispute or investigating a border disturbance for protection. These warriors are the personal guard of the Legatus ranks, occasionally delegated to protect one specific individual of the Legatus if there are three Hydra and three Legatus-ranked coyotes.

Imaginifer (1)

Image-keeper. The Imaginifer plays an important role in Inferni, as one ranked here is responsible for the clan's image. This coyote keeps any clan tattoos, artifacts, statues, or other memorabilia safe. The Imaginifer also plays an important role in deciding the decor of Inferni's border, and insuring it remains as hostile-appearing as possible to drive any trespassers away. These coyotes are generally creative and artistic types.

Imperium (1)

Trainer. A coyote who has many skills, a sort of jack-of-all-trades. Though this coyote may not excel in any one area in particular, s/he has plenty of general knowledge about the ranks of Inferni as well as the specific jobs associated to them. The Imperium's main purpose is to train Discens-ranked coyotes for their specialist Immunes positions, and the Imperium must have close contact with Inferni's Discens to fulfill his/her rank duties. This coyote is also expected to help new members become acclimated to the clan, and a coyote of this rank would do well to explain some of the history, the ranks, and the territory to a new coyote.

Scorpius (1)

Hunter. The Scorpius is the best hunter of Inferni, expected to keep a good handle on the food and water sources within Inferni's territory (and some nearby, too). This coyote may lead hunts, though generally the honor is restricted to the Aquila. The Scorpius may sometimes work closely with the Praeses as well as the Caelum, trading information with the lower-ranked Praeses and working in tandem with the Caelum.

Veritas (1)

Historian/storyteller. The Veritas is responsible for knowledge of the clan's history and stories—though not necessarily a longtime member, the Veritas is well-versed in Inferni's history, and it is part of the Veritas' duty to pass this knowledge along to others and make it well-known within the clan.

Vigiles (2)

The "watchmen" of the clan. These two scouts assist the Caelum and help the head scout to train and lead the Praeses-ranked coyotes. They are responsible for asisting the other scouts in patrolling and keeping watch over the border for both threads and newcomers alike. The Vigiles are often former Praeses themselves, and often ascend to the rank of Caelum after serving for some time as a Vigiles, if the position is vacated.

Milites (Basic Ranks)

Milites ranks are the middling, basic tier of the Inferni coyote clan. Virtually every coyote accepted to the clan is placed here so they may prove their loyalty to the clan. Coyotes ranked here are encouraged to study the Immunes portion of the ranks and find one most suited for their talents, as they are expected to pursue one of these ranks when seeking promotion to the Immunes tier of ranks.

Praeses (2)

Spy/scout. The pair of Praeses are responsible for both patrolling the borders and spying on the other packs, and they generally report to the Caelum. A Praeses often also works closely with the Vigiles, helping them to keep the borders of Inferni safe and secure.

Discens (3)

Discens are above-average Tirones who have proved themselves loyal to the clan. Discens are often in traning for Immunes ranks, and may spend a lot of time with the Imperium, learning about the different paths of ranking within Inferni and deciding where they fit best. Discens may be exceptionally promising new members of the clan, and it is often delegated to coyotes of the Tirones Minor rank upon ascending to adulthood.

Equites (4)

Equites are the "footsoldiers" of Inferni, intended to be the lowest-ranked members of the Bellum tier of ranks. These canines may move into the position of Hastati eventually, should they prove themselves exceptionally capable.

Discentes (Low Ranks)

Discentes ranks are the lowest tier of the Inferni coyote clan, reserved for the newest members, children, wolves, and coyotes or hybrids who have offended the Legatus ranks or broken clan law in some way. Though children are placed in the low ranks, they are not generally regarded as truly part of the hierarchy until they have reached adolescence.

Tirones (∞)

The Tirones are subordinate ranks. Tirones are generally new recruits to Inferni who have not yet proved themselves loyal to the clan or willing to stay a while. This is the "default" rank handed out to virtually all who join up with the coyote clan, generally populated by the newest members of Inferni.

Quintus (1)

The Quintus is the lowest-ranked adult Inferni coyote. A Quintus may have done something wrong, which may not have meant exile, but certainly equals demotion. A Quintus may be picked on by the other coyotes of Inferni, serving as a source of relief for others' stress.

Tirones Minor (∞)

Tirones Minor are youths of Inferni, under seven months of age. These coyotes are protected by the other members of Inferni quite fiercely. Though they are not considered actually part of the hierarchy until adulthood, they are nonetheless considered valuable members of the clan.

Outsider (∞)

The Outsider rank is extremely rare, as it designates a full-blooded wolf and they are not often accepted among Inferni's coyote ranks. Technically, an Outsider is a part of Inferni, but s/he may not advance through the ranks, and s/he may be regarded with open malice by some unaccepting Inferni clan members and kindness by more open-minded members of the clan. A wolf must be quite well-connected to attain this rank, boasting some extremely close connection with the coyotes, usually via mateship or very close blood ties with existing members.