Who are we?

Born out of necessity, the Sentinels is a group gathered by previous Hydra champions, intent on gathering Gembound to restore things to how they were in the past. Their purpose is to give purpose, and they exist to survive. These Sentinels aim to take others in and train them in preparation for future trials imposed by Overseers or any other being above them. They only hope to enlighten others of what their future entails, and to prevent the majority of the cave’s denizens from being wiped out once the trials are re-instilled.

Should anyone have a reason to go into Hydra, these Sentinels typically gate-keep its entrance, offering escorts through their familiar territory in exchange for goods, services, or temporary indenturement. Militaristic, they stand by their morals and may police those coming and going, even potentially stripping prospective sentinels of their identity before they earn their keep among their ranks.

How do I join?

It’s possible to informally join at any time; you don’t need to have a previous Hydra champion to enter. Any being aligning with their morals are welcome, provided they consent to their training and traditions. Proper induction is able to be performed by any commander rank or above.

It is also possible to begin straight as a member by being born of any non-initiate ranking individual. These offspring will typically have a naming rule, using their gem type followed by their assigned Greek letter. The letter follows alphabetically depending on the time they were hatched. They may have opportunities later to earn names, so this is temporary!

Rules and Morals

No one may enter Hydra alone unless instructed to by a commanding officer. Otherwise, at least one experienced individual must be assigned to any excursions into the cave.

Hydra is a dangerous cave with dangerous enemies. While we prevent others from going in without being prepared, we must prevent these Lesser Gembounds from destroying the lives of the Greaters. Any Lesser found within Tunnel P is to be eradicated swiftly.

Use proper judgement when assisting individuals. Intuition is an important and required skill; not everyone can be easily trusted.

Keep your body sharp, and your mind sharper.

Hierarchy

As per their morals, Overseers and Masters will always be above the standing Chief Officer in terms of rank, even if they aren’t a part of the group. However, for the sake of organization, the Chief is in charge of actually handling the group while Overseers and Masters attend to their own duties.

Any Sentinel or denizen may also have an additional title in accordance to their duties and clearances.

Sentinels

1. Chief Officer - Desert Rose Thirty-Five
   As the chief, Desert oversees and delegates all day-to-day activities and stands as the final say in Sentinel communications. It’s not wrong to say that he is their leader, however most decisions will be discussed via council with all available commanders.
2. Commanders - Hemlocke
   Standing near the top of the ranks, commanders will serve, typically, as judges of character and intent of any passing being throughout the area. They uphold the morals and values of the Sentinels for the rest to follow. They may be tasked with assigning Sergeants mock trials if they desire to.
3. Sergeants
   Upon entering this rank, initiates may have their identity rewarded (or restored) to them. They are now cleared to join squadrons organized by commanders, provided their skills meet the requirements offered. Depending on how many trials they have passed, they may be awarded better living quarters and breeding rights.

Denizens

1. Initiates
   Any being who enters this rank should be prepared for an arduous journey ahead. As an initiate, they must have their identity stripped from them as everything in the group must be earned. This is to ensure that the ranks beyond initiate are qualified to belong in those ranks- hardship must be endured to become stronger. Training may be mandatory, and most initiates will be required to be respectful and subservient to the ranks above them. However, there are benefits; through training, these Gembound learn the ways of Hydra and how to defend themselves, preparing themselves for the return of the trials and are given a purpose.
2. Servants
   As harsh as the name sounds, servants are typically held in high regard by all Sentinels. They are the backbone of their society by performing tasks for the good of the group in exchange for a secure living area and amenities provided by the group. Any servant will find themselves under full protection of the Sentinels. This rank may be temporary as a return for a service offered by a Sentinel.