Troop Hierarchy System

All Baboons use this **hierarchy system** in their troops. Some ranks, such as Strongbranch and Driftleaf, are specific to one Troop. These ranks are newer and different from traditional ones. The Three Feats vary from troop to troop.

## Ranks

### Crownleaf

The Crownleaf is the leader and therefore the highest rank. The holder is an individual chosen by the troop through voting, in which all members create pebble piles for each candidate. Whichever candidate has the highest pebble count becomes Crownleaf. A baboon can only become a Crownleaf if the former Crownleaf dies, and they must have been a Highleaf previously. Crownleaves oversee the entire troop and make the final decisions on troop matters, i.e. exiling baboons, deciding when to move homes, etc. Crownleaves seek their Council for guidance and support.

### Council

The council consists of the 14 oldest Highleaves and is run by the Crownleaf. They perform their normal Highleaf duties and act as guides and second-in-commands to the Crownleaf.

### Strongbranch

The Strongbranch rank was a temporary rank created by Stinger. Baboons are given this title by displaying the utmost loyalty to Stinger, along with passing a Strongfeat named by him. This rank can be obtained by any baboon, regardless of rank. Strongbranches hold power over any of the lower ranked baboons. By Stinger's word, the Strongbranch rank had replaced the Council, which briefly disbanded. By the end of *Blood and Bone*, the Strongbranch band was disbanded by Thorn after Stinger was killed with it's members being exiled for aiding Stinger.

### *Crownguard*

The Crownguard was created by Berry to protect herself and serve as Dawntrees's first line of defense. Unlike the now defunct [[Strongbranches]=, the Crownguard don't abuse it's power nor does it usurp the council. But it was stated by Thorn that the two ranks were too similar. Thorn's doubts about the Crownguard being no better than the Strongbranches was later proven to be true in *The Spirit-Eaters* when they go behind Berry's back. They exile Berry and replace her as co-leaders of Dawntrees Troop.

### Highleaf

The second highest rank consisting of baboons who have completed all of the Three Feats, along with their subgroups the Goodleaves and the Starleaf (*see below*). Highleaves settle disputes, police the troop, oversee food distribution, and along with the middleleaves, fight if necessary. Only Highleaves are permitted to become councilors.

### Starleaf

Held at the same status as Highleaves, the Starleaf interprets omens for the troop sent though occurrences in the world around them, along with signs given to them by their special stones. To obtain this rank, one must pass the Moon Rite. This test requires the possible Starleaf to throw their stones in an arc across the ground and grab the Moonstone with a blindfold on. If they succeed, they become the new Starleaf.

### Goodleaf

Goodleaf baboons help the injured and sick baboons in the troop, and are considered to be on the same status level of Highleaves. How to obtain this rank is currently *unknown*.

### Middleleaf

The rank just below Highleaf, consisting of baboons who have completed two of the Three Feats. Middleleaves are the hunters and gatherers of the troop, and along with Highleaves, *are* allowed to fight.

### Lowleaf

The second lowest rank, consisting of baboons who have only completed one of the Three Feats. Gatherers of berries, nuts, fruit, and any other food that doesn't require hunting. Also responsible for the care of the troop's infants, and are under no circumstances allowed to fight.

### Driftleaf

Driftleaf was formerly a rank founded by Stinger to control the other residences in the Bravelands. This rank was abolished along with the Strongbranches after Stinger was defeated and succeeded by Thorn.

### Deeproot

The lowest rank within the troop. This title is held by baboons younger than six years and adults that have not completed any of the Three Feats. These baboons fetch bedding, rummage for scraps, and clean up after the others. Must obey all higher ranks.