Now, Emerald Ranch has been left untouched. With no occult nor living persons around, the Buttermilks who have long called this farm home have taken up their own style of living, influenced by their ancestors who lived under the witchcraft life of the occult. It has evolved over the decades but ultimately remains centered around the life of the women who helped found the farm and its potential. Life here is plentiful and refreshing, a change from the outside world. This is what makes Emerald Ranch truly one of the most unique cattle farms on the planet. Aside from the herd's rather.... interesting beginnings.
With this lifestyle comes a series of ranks bestowed upon the heifers. While rare in the herd, bulls are not permitted to hold any leadership position. A heifer may only come to these ranks by vote of the Council, which is voted on by the herd as whole, or being born into the role, as the Matriarch is the only one eligible to birth rights. All ranks are held life long unless rules are broken. Being removed from a high position may mean exile. A heifer who is deemed unworthy of a position is seen as a threat to the rest of the herd and is ultimately cast out once she has been stripped of her title. The herd of Emerald Ranch takes this very seriously, even though it may seem quite harsh to an outsider.
With this lifestyle comes a series of ranks bestowed upon the heifers. While rare in the herd, bulls are not permitted to hold any leadership position. A heifer may only come to these ranks by vote of the Council, which is voted on by the herd as whole, or being born into the role, as the Matriarch is the only one eligible to birth rights. All ranks are held life long unless rules are broken. Being removed from a high position may mean exile. A heifer who is deemed unworthy of a position is seen as a threat to the rest of the herd and is ultimately cast out once she has been stripped of her title. The herd of Emerald Ranch takes this very seriously, even though it may seem quite harsh to an outsider.
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The Herd MatriarchThe Matriarch, or Mother, is the head of the herd. This is the only position that one is born into. Titles are passed on from mother to eldest daughter, unless a Matriarch is formidably removed, which then it is bestowed upon the next, unrelated, heifer who is deemed most worthy of the rank by Big Sister and the Council.
Her word is the final say in the event the Council cannot come to a single decision. The Matriarch is the most important and is typically sought out for her advice. Emerald Ranch's current Matriarch is Macaroon. The Herd Big SisterThe Big Sister is the rank directly below the Matriarch and is seen as the ultimate protector to the herd, its lifestyle, and the pastures. The heifer who takes up this role is voted into by referral from the Matriarch and approval from the Council. Failure to protect the herd from major threats will result in immediate removal from the position.
The Big Sister is typically the strongest and fiercest heifer in the present herd. She is, or should be, the one to drop everything and throw her life on the line for her herd. Emerald Ranch's current Big Sister is Keiko. |
The Emerald CouncilThe council of the Emerald Ranch herd are voted to their ranks by the overall herd when a council member steps down or passes away. None are ever born into this rank. It is an open position that anyone can receive, as long as they are not bulls, the Matriarch, the Big Sister, or in anyway related to any of those heifers. Family can also not be on the Council at the same time. These requirements are in tact to keep things far for all herd members, so there is no bias or bribes going on.
The main goal of the council is to keep the Matriarch and Big Sister in check, watching over them to make sure they are abiding by the rules and keeping things fair for all. The Council is essentially the herd peacekeepers. The heifer in position the longest on the council is considered the head of the council and her word is stronger than the other three heifers. But matters will require two or more heifers to agree on to be passed. |
Lenore has the longest term and is the Council head.
Eliza is the third longest term holder.
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Sadie is the second longest term holder.
Korra is the newest addition to the Council.
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They usually have the best interest of the rest of the herd in mind. A corrupt member sticks out like a sore thumb and can typically be singled out by the herd, the rest of the council, and the Matriarch. The only one not able to execute anything against the council is the Big Sister, who can only chose to side with the rest in agreement, or to sit off to the side. And, of course, there are set rules set for the heifers of the Council to follow. These were set decades ago by their ancestors to make sure things would remain plentiful, refreshing, and fair.
The rules are as follows:
The rules are as follows:
Rule INo Buttermilk, regardless of their origins or ancestry, a part of the herd shall have their voice silenced or opinions snuffed. The Council must have open minds to all feedback, helpful or not, from the herd, even if the Buttermilk in question was not born on Emerald Ranch or was born to a previous herd member who was exiled.
Rule IIIAll ceremonies and holidays must be celebrated on time. Refusal to initiate or participate in a timely manner will result in a punishment deemed suitable from the Matriarch. Council members must see these ceremonies and holidays as more important than anything and are required to treat them as such.
Rule VA Council member can only step down from their position once they have served at least two years in their term. The only exceptions to this is if the Council member has been found guilty of treason against the herd or has since otherwise proved their work is not done with the interest of the herd in mind.
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Rule IIThe Council may only suggest rule changes to the Matriarch and Big Sister. They are not eligible to overrule or change any previous decision unless agreed upon by those two. While they enforce them, the Council has no real say over the herd rules and how they are. Occasional meetings are required between ranks to discuss any possible changes.
Rule IVFamily can not be voted into a position of leadership if a member of the family is already an active part of the ranks. Those with familial ties, whether by blood or by marriage, to a heifer in leadership must wait until she has stepped down, retired, or otherwise passed away to run for Council. This is to prevent bias, acts of persuasion, or other issues.
Rule VIThose who were previously members of the Council may not run again should an opening be made. Forfeiting the position means all future chances of returning are wiped, as the herd sees the Council as a lifelong, serious commitment. Showing disinterest in the position, if not for serious reasons such as health, is frowned upon.
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