Ranking

## Introduction to the Ranking System

The ranking system in Gaerra serves as a standardized measure of one's prowess and proficiency in magic and combat skills, playing a crucial role in determining an individual's or a creature's potential threats and capabilities. A highly effective tool, it aids in understanding the relative strength of mages, adventurers, and magical creatures alike. This classification system ranges from F to SS+, with F being the lowest rank and SS+ denoting extraordinary, often legendary, power and ability.

The ranking system aids in a broad spectrum of societal functions such as job assignments, identification of potential threats, organized military tactics, and even the societal status of individuals. In essence, one's rank forms an integral part of one's identity in Gaerra, shaping one's professional and personal life.

This rank is not only determined by the pure physical or magical strength of an individual or creature but also takes into account strategic acumen, adaptability, and potential growth. The assignment of ranks is typically carried out by recognized institutions or veteran individuals, ensuring the system's credibility and consistency.

The ranking system also extends to magical creatures and monsters, providing a reliable metric to gauge their threat level. This helps adventurers and military forces to assess the level of caution or force needed when encountering such creatures.

## Ranking Criteria

Rank assignment in Gaerra's system is a comprehensive process that takes into account a multitude of factors. The criteria broadly fall into three categories:

1. Physical Strength and Combat Skills: Physical strength and proficiency in combat form a substantial portion of the ranking criteria. This considers an individual's or a creature's ability to withstand and deal physical damage. It also includes endurance, agility, and physical resilience, among other things.
2. Magical Prowess: This refers to the individual's capacity to wield magic, including the variety and complexity of spells they can cast, as well as their mana capacity and control.
3. Strategic Acumen and Adaptability: This factor evaluates the individual's ability to strategize, their quick thinking in face of adversities, and their ability to adapt to changing circumstances or new challenges.

Assigning ranks is typically the role of recognized institutions in Gaerra, ensuring consistency and fairness in the system. These institutions employ a panel of experienced evaluators who assess an individual or a creature based on the aforementioned criteria. Often, practical tests and examinations are conducted to evaluate the candidates, and ranks are assigned accordingly.

However, with the arrival of the US forces, this system needed a new approach to incorporate modern technology and military tactics. The established institutions had to adapt their traditional norms to account for technology's power and capabilities. Thus, US forces and equipment have been assigned ranks that best correspond to their capabilities, as understood and calibrated within the Gaerran system.

For example, a typical US Marine, equipped with modern firearms and grenades, might be classified around B rank, while an APC could be around A rank. On the other hand, highly specialized Tier 1 operators, tanks, or aircraft might even reach S or S+ ranks, given their vast destructive power and tactical capabilities.

It's crucial to remember, however, that these are approximate equivalences, and the actual effectiveness of a given rank can vary depending on the situation. For instance, a high-ranking creature might have vulnerabilities that a lower-ranked US unit could exploit, and vice versa. As such, the ranking system, while a useful tool, is not an infallible predictor of the outcome of conflicts or encounters.

## Ranking: Monsters

* F Rank Monsters: F Rank monsters are the weakest and most common creatures in Gaerra. They're found in almost every biome and pose little threat to trained Adventurers or soldiers. Most of these creatures have only basic attack patterns and are equipped with minimal defense mechanisms. They are often used as training fodder for novice Adventurers or to maintain basic combat skills. Killing an F-rank creature requires very little energy, and they usually travel in small groups or packs.
	+ F Rank Examples: Goblin, Kobold, Giant Rat, Minor Slimes, Small Spiders, Skeleton, Dire Rat, Lesser Bat, Small Beetle, Tiny Elemental Sprites, Minor Imp
* E Rank Monsters: One step up from F rank, E Rank monsters display a slight increase in power, durability, and intelligence. They're more aggressive than their F-rank counterparts and often possess unique abilities, such as venom or camouflage. E Rank monsters might pose a threat to lone untrained individuals or small groups but are generally manageable for trained Adventurers or squads of soldiers.
	+ E Rank Examples: Dire Wolf, Alpha Goblin, Alpha Kobold, Minor Elemental Sprites, Medium Spiders, Ghoul, Dire Bat, Medium Beetle, Lesser Undead, Lesser Harpy
* D Rank Monsters: D Rank monsters exhibit enhanced physical prowess and magical abilities. They typically command lesser creatures and are often found leading packs or troops of lower-ranked monsters. These creatures are capable of posing a considerable threat to unprepared Adventurers and can cause significant damage to settlements or military outposts if not swiftly dealt with.
	+ D Rank Examples: Giant Spider, Lesser Golem, Goblin Chieftain, Hobgoblin, Wolf Pack Leader, Wraith, Greater Harpy, Large Beetle, Dire Boar, Lesser Elemental, Undead
* C Rank Monsters: A significant step up from D rank, C Rank monsters exhibit high levels of strength, durability, and often, intelligence. They possess powerful abilities and can be quite resistant to lower level spells and attacks. These creatures pose a significant threat to settlements and require well-equipped Adventurers or military squads to defeat.
	+ C Rank Examples: Hobgoblin Chief, Minor Elemental, Lesser Wyvern, Stone Golem, Dire Bear, Banshee, Werewolf, Greater Elemental Sprite, Giant Scorpion, Giant Beetle, Orc
* B Rank Monsters: B Rank monsters are formidable adversaries, boasting a high level of physical strength, powerful magic, and often, a natural resistance to lower level spells and attacks. They're typically leaders of large monster groups or live solitary lives due to their power. Confronting a B Rank monster requires careful planning, experienced Adventurers, and often, military-grade firepower.
	+ B Rank Examples: Wyvern, Major Elemental, Greater Golem, Alpha Dire Bear, Manticore, Vampire, Werewolf Alpha, Cyclops, Basilisk, Sea Serpent, Orc Lord
* A Rank Monsters: A Rank monsters are rare, extremely dangerous creatures that possess immense physical strength and powerful magical abilities. They're capable of devastating entire towns if left unchecked and pose a significant threat even to well-equipped military units. It takes highly skilled Adventurers or specialized military detachments to confront these creatures.
	+ A Rank Examples: Dragon, Ancient Wyvern, Elemental Lord, Iron Golem, Alpha Manticore, Lich, Vampire Lord, Sphinx, Kraken, Medusa, Chimera, Orc King
* S Rank and Above Monsters: These are the titans of the Gaerran world, often more akin to natural disasters than creatures. Their mere presence can drastically affect the surrounding environment. They boast terrifying power, near impenetrable defenses, and often, highly advanced intelligence. Battles with these creatures can result in widespread destruction and loss of life. Confronting an S rank or above monster requires highly skilled Adventurers, military-grade firepower, and meticulous planning.
	+ S Rank and Above Examples: Elemental Dragon, Ancient Dragon, Elemental King, Steel Golem, Hydra, Greater Manticore, Arch Lich, Phoenix, Leviathan, Elder Sphinx, Tarrasque

## Ranking: Adventurers

* F Rank: These beginner adventurers usually possess only rudimentary knowledge of combat and magic. They are often young or inexperienced, perhaps newly graduated from a basic training program or self-taught in their skills. The jobs they take are often low-risk such as collecting herbs or dispatching minor pests. They rely heavily on basic weapons and very few, if at all, enchanted items. Their magical prowess, if any, is at a basic level—simple cantrips and first-circle spells are their limit.
* E Rank: E Rank adventurers are a notch above the beginners. They have a fair amount of experience, are capable of handling E rank monsters, and in exceptional circumstances, D rank monsters in small numbers. Their understanding of basic magic or combat skills is decent, and they have started to specialize in certain areas such as elemental magic, swordsmanship, or archery. They might have a few minor enchanted items at their disposal and are adept at using second-circle spells.
* D Rank: Adventurers of this rank are proficient in their chosen area of specialization. They can confidently handle D rank monsters, and with careful strategy, a small number of C rank monsters. Their skills have been honed through numerous quests and encounters, and they are likely adept at utilizing third-circle spells. They usually possess better enchanted gear and can be trusted with more dangerous tasks like guarding a caravan from bandits or investigating strange occurrences in a local dungeon.
* C Rank: These adventurers have accumulated significant experience and have advanced combat skills or magical abilities. They can take on C rank monsters comfortably and can strategize effectively against B rank monsters in small numbers. Their understanding of magic extends up to the fourth circle, and they might be capable of basic enchantment. They can typically afford high-quality enchanted gear and may even possess a few rare artifacts. They are entrusted with high-stake assignments such as eliminating dangerous creatures causing trouble for a town or retrieving valuable items from perilous locations.
* B Rank: B Rank adventurers are among the elite, capable of handling B rank monsters and potentially A rank monsters when working in a team. They often possess advanced enchanted gear, including weapons capable of significant destruction. They are skilled at both physical combat and magic, with an understanding that spans up to the fifth circle of magic. They are seen as leaders and strategists, often tasked with managing larger-scale operations and handling dire threats to the security of kingdoms or regions.
* A Rank: These are seasoned adventurers, possessing exceptional combat skills or magical abilities, capable of comfortably battling A rank monsters and, in exceptional circumstances, can stand against S rank monsters. They are masters of the sixth circle of magic and might even delve into the elusive seventh circle. They possess some of the finest enchanted gear available, including artifacts of significant power. They are often involved in political affairs, serving as advisers to rulers or leading major guilds, and are assigned tasks of the highest importance.
* S Rank and Above: These are legendary figures within Gaerra. They have faced and survived encounters with the deadliest of foes, including S rank monsters. Exceptionally skilled in combat and boasting mastery over the highest circles of magic, they stand as the epitome of what an adventurer can aspire to be. Their equipment is often unique, containing artifacts of immense power or historically significant items. Their tasks often involve matters of continental or even global importance, such as averting potential catastrophes or facing off against legendary beasts.

## Ranking: Military

* E Rank: This category includes military trainees or non-combatant personnel from all factions. Their combat prowess is limited, though they can handle low-level threats when working as a group. E rank military equipment includes basic melee weapons and primitive ranged weapons such as slings or short bows. These weapons, while effective against similarly ranked threats, lack the power or precision to engage higher-ranked entities.
* D Rank: Standard infantry of the Sonaran and Nobian militaries fall under this rank. These soldiers, equipped with melee weapons and basic enchanted weapons, are capable of working as a unit to handle D rank monsters. Despite their training and equipment, their ability to mitigate damage is minimal, and they're reliant on numbers and support from higher-ranked units.
* C Rank: The more experienced and skilled soldiers from the Sonaran and Nobian militaries fall into this rank. They're equipped with advanced enchanted weapons and protective spells, enabling them to handle up to C rank monsters and some B- rank threats when working as a group. Their experience and better equipment give them a greater survivability rate on the battlefield.
* C+ Rank: Average U.S. soldiers would fall into this category. Equipped with modern firearms, body armor, and additional support equipment, they possess the firepower and protection to engage threats up to B- rank. Their coordination and adaptability allow them to combat a wider array of threats, though they would need support to handle higher-ranked threats.
* B-/B Rank: This category includes elite warriors from the Sonaran and Nobian militaries and specialized U.S. Army forces like machine gunners and grenadiers. Capable of combating up to B+ rank monsters when working as a unit, these soldiers exhibit exceptional skill, resilience, and adaptability. B rank military equipment includes enhanced enchanted artillery, Humvees, and lightly armored vehicles.
* B+ Rank: This rank includes U.S. Marines, light artillery, more advanced military equipment like Armored Personnel Carriers, and light attack aircraft. B+ rank personnel and equipment have the firepower and defenses to stand their ground against A- rank threats.
* A-/A Rank: Elite forces from the Sonaran and Nobian militaries, along with U.S. special operations forces like the Navy SEALs or Delta Force, fall into this category. These individuals possess exceptional combat prowess, with A rank also encompassing heavy artillery, helicopters, and early generation fighter jets. They can effectively engage A+ rank threats in certain conditions.
* A+/S- Rank: This category includes the greatest mages from the Sonaran and Nobian militaries and advanced U.S. military technology like Main Battle Tanks, Attack Helicopters, and 4th Generation aircraft. These entities can effectively engage S- rank monsters and, with the right tactics and support, pose a significant threat to S rank monsters.
* S Rank: High-end U.S. military assets such as 5th Generation aircraft, bombers, destroyers, and submarines fall into this category. Their combination of significant offensive capabilities, robust defenses, and strategic utility allow them to pose a significant threat even to S+ rank entities, while being able to withstand or evade their assaults.
* S+/SS Rank: This category is reserved for U.S. strategic assets with immense destructive power or unmatched utility such as aircraft carriers, strategic bombers, and ICBM silos. These entities, through their sheer power, range, or versatility, can pose a threat to the most formidable entities.
* SS+ Rank: This level is reserved for nuclear weapons and delivery systems capable of deploying them. The sheer destructive power of these weapons places them in a class of their own, capable of causing catastrophic damage that no other force can withstand.

## Society

In the world of Gaerra, the ranking system is not merely a measure of an individual's power; it permeates social structure and culture, playing a pivotal role in shaping societal interactions, opportunities, and status.

### Social Status and Opportunities

In the realm of Adventurers, an individual's rank is often synonymous with their social standing. Higher-ranked Adventurers are afforded significant respect and are often seen as figures of authority. These individuals are often wealthy, due to the higher-paying jobs they are qualified for, which can range from tackling dangerous monsters to resolving intricate magical anomalies. They may also have political influence, acting as advisors or champions for nobility or royalty.

For military personnel, a higher rank may correlate with a position of command, influencing troop deployment and strategy on the battlefield. An S-rank officer in the Sonaran or Nobian military is a person of significant influence, often trusted with the leadership of important operations and given the authority to make decisions that can affect the fate of nations.

### Interactions and Respect

The interaction between different ranks is generally cordial but is marked by respect towards the higher-ranked individual. A lower-ranked individual addressing someone of a higher rank without due respect might be seen as a severe faux pas.

However, the importance of ranks does not completely overshadow other societal norms. An individual’s conduct, morality, and treatment of others also factor into how they are treated by society.

### Privileges and Responsibilities

Higher ranks come with privileges, but also with responsibilities. An A-ranked Adventurer, for instance, might have access to exclusive magical resources or libraries to assist them in their duties. But they may also be expected to undertake perilous quests that lower-ranked Adventurers cannot handle.

For military personnel, ranks directly influence their authority and responsibility within their faction. Higher ranks signify not just power but also the faith their superiors have in them. They may have access to classified information, powerful magical artifacts, or rare resources, but they're also expected to make tough decisions, guide their subordinates, and bear the brunt of any repercussions their actions may have.

## Ranking: Combat

The ranking system, while primarily a measure of an individual or a unit's combat prowess, plays an influential role in shaping the strategies and tactics employed in Gaerran warfare, be it among Adventurers battling monstrous foes or militaries clashing on the field.

### Strategy and Tactics

In a combat scenario, understanding the rank of an opponent is crucial for developing an effective strategy. The rank provides a baseline understanding of the adversary's abilities and potential strategies they might employ. For instance, facing a B-rank wyvern would necessitate different tactics compared to a confrontation with an A-rank dragon.

Similarly, militaries pay close attention to the ranks of their own soldiers as well as enemy troops. Formations and tactics are often developed with the ranks of various units in mind. It helps commanders identify potential weak points in their formations, understand which units are best suited for specific tasks, and gauge the overall balance of power.

Adventurers often employ a combination of their ranks and specific skills when forming teams for quests or hunts. A group of C-rank Adventurers might tackle an A-rank monster if their abilities synergize well, or if they have prior experience dealing with that type of creature.

### Reliability in Predicting Outcomes

While the ranking system provides a valuable framework for understanding the relative power levels, it is not an infallible predictor of combat outcomes. In combat, numerous factors come into play, including tactics, the environment, morale, the element of surprise, and more.

Ranks provide a measure of an individual's raw power or a unit's firepower, but they don't account for experience, cunning, teamwork, or adaptability. A lower-ranked individual or unit can overcome a higher-ranked opponent through superior strategy, exploiting weaknesses, or sheer tenacity.

For instance, a C-rank Adventurer could potentially triumph over a B-rank monster through clever tactics, utilising the environment, or using an ability that exploits the monster's weakness. Likewise, a battalion of D-rank Sonaran soldiers could potentially overcome a B-rank Nobian force through a well-executed ambush or superior strategic positioning.

Ultimately, while the ranking system is a crucial factor in shaping Gaerran combat, it does not predestine the outcome. It is a tool for assessment and strategic planning, not a definitive measure of victory or defeat. The unpredictability of combat scenarios, the individual qualities of the combatants, and the circumstances of each battle always play a deciding role.