Firefox
Firefoxes are the tribesmen and tribeswomen who set, monitor, and extinguish fires across the plains of Mare'n. They do so both to fight dangerous fires and to preserve the health of the grasslands by performing intentional burns in areas that need them.
Etymology
In the original Vasati language, these dedicated firefighters are called Dah'asha, derived from two words. Daha - to burn; and Masha - which is a base word for most canines (amasha - wolf, omasha - fox, imasha - hound). Dah'asha, then, meaning "burning wolf". In it's translation to common, the distinction between the different canines was lost, and 'burning' was mistranslated to simply 'fire', leaving the term 'Firefox' in the common tongue. The Dah'asha thought it was amusing, and rolled off the tongue better than 'Firewolf' or 'Burning Wolf' in the common, so they never bothered to correct it.Career
Qualifications
The basic qualifications for a Firefox are simple: desire to do the job. Beyond that, they must be in excellent physical shape, able to perform strenuous physical labor, and willing to walk right next to (and sometimes into) dangerous fires. Once someone decides this is what they want to do, they are trained on-the-job by the existing Firefoxes.
Career Progression
Generally, new recruits spend at least a year with a group before they are considered trainee Firefoxes ('Dajas' or 'Sparks'), and then at least another year or up to five years in training. There is a loose heirarchy that is established and maintained by the Firefoxes. Leadership generally falls to those with experience and leadership skills, who become leaders of small crews or eventually the Ranha, or tribal leader.
Payment & Reimbursement
Most tribal economy relies on barter, community, and exchange of skills. However, the Firefoxes tend to be nomadic and too busy working their own jobs to cultivate any trade goods. They are entitled to and welcomed to shelter with any nearby Tribe on their travels, and the Firefox Tribe receives the necessary support and supplies from the First Council, supported by donations from all Tribes across the country.
Perception
Purpose
The purpose of the Firefoxes is to maintain the health of the grasslands by controlling or directing natural fires, and setting fires to preemptively burn areas for their health or to prevent worse fires later.
Social Status
Firefoxes are highly respected by their society, though that comes with a reputation; one for being fearless, yes, but also kind of stupid, foolish, or reckless.
Operations
Provided Services
The main service provided by the Firefoxes is the health of the grasslands, through the use of fire. However, because of their travels and living off the land, they are also the experts in the entire country, including places the tribes would never go. Because of this, they are sometimes called upon for search and rescue or other dangerous wilderness tasks.
Dangers & Hazards
This profession can be lethal, in a lot of ways. Most would assume that getting stuck in a rogue fire would be the top killer, but it's not. Smoke inhalation, whether acute or long-term, kills more Firefoxes than anything else. They also occasionally fall prey to other natural hazards or big injuries.
Firefox
Alternative Names
Dah'asha
Demand
Low, but Necessary
Related Locations
Used By
Header photo by Vikash Singh on Pexels.
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