The Shade has no formal ranking system, other than that of 'leader'--and even then, there's no official term for it. The leader is referred to by anything from 'Captain' to 'Boss' or whatever else the members can think of. Responsibility is delegated as the leader sees fit rather than assigned to particular groups. An informal sort of 'pecking order' definately exists within the Shade, however, and it shows in four terms that are Shade slang for describing where members fall in that unofficial measure.
Rookies: As the name suggests, these members are relatively new to the Shade and haven't gotten skilled enough to earn the respect of the newer members. Some stay in this rank longer than others; some stay for only a year, as the name implies, while others may be considered rookies for over two. At that point, it becomes almost an insult, since to still be considered a rookie means that you're still seen as clumsy and incompetant by your fellows.
Drifters: This term is applied mostly to members that are too good to be considered rookies, but who haven't really found their niche yet. They haven't learned to specialize in anything, they're just all around, well, thieves. It's a transition stage for some, but members may spend most or all of their careers as drifters.
Hardcores: These are, in most people's estimation, the most dangerous people in the Shade. All fiercely loyal, most with special skills. Mostly in their twenties, these are the people the leader consults when anything other than a routine job needs to be taken care of. They keep the younger members in line, and are allowed to deal with disturbances as they see fit, for the most part. They all command respect in their own way, some command fear. The hardcores are the real strength in the Shade, the ones devoted to its survival and growth. [Note: Cartha is especially proud of this section of her organization, feeling that they are what makes it more than just another gaggle of petty thieves]
Vets (Veterans): Mostly members that have been around since the Shade started, and mostly retired from active duty, vets stay in the woodwork, with a few exceptions. They're the first generation of Shades, offering guidence to their successors--although their guidance is not always taken.
[Note: This caste system is completely self-organized; Cartha is aware of its existance but has no part in determining it. Indeed, she avoids acknowledging it at all, and will never publicly use these terms to describe her Shades. She will use them in private conversations, though rarely.]
<History Coming Soon>
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