ARGONAUT
WaveClan Unique Rank | Multiple | art by @rainstride
A select group within WaveClan, warriors vastly outnumber the argonauts in the Clan at any given time, and this has been the trend throughout the rank’s history – both because an argonaut’s duties can be rather risky, and because some are more inclined to be homebodies than the adventurous spirit being an argonaut typically demands.
Argonauts are tasked with the restoration and maintenance of historically or culturally significant sites, and with the exploration of the territory’s furthest reaches to contribute to the archivist’s records. Argonauts are often the first to investigate any changes that may befall the territory following things like storms, and may act similarly to a lifeguard or first responder if a Clanmate is injured or trapped in dangerous terrain. They work to avert the deterioration of historical sites; they will often dive to remove debris like rocks or sea life from the surface of underwater landmarks, and do much the same at low tide when they are more easily accessible. Investigating new or lesser-explored areas of the territory, such as the caves, tidal islands, sandbars, atolls, etc., for resources and relics is equally important. While the majority of the exploration part of an argonaut’s duties is spent planning expeditions, with expeditions only happening once every half or full moon, exploration can uncover new places to hunt or collect herbs that are useful to the Clan, and argonauts may be tasked with recovering the remains of cats who may have perished in hard-to-access locations. Additionally, though it is not a prescribed duty, argonauts are often the most knowledgeable about both land and sea wildlife, and similarly are the most likely group to interact with fauna that can verbally communicate. Cats must be trained into this role, and can only be selected for it by the Clan leader and other argonauts after a cat has received their warrior name.
Argonauts may perform warrior duties like hunting and patrolling, but their focus is on expeditions and maintenance tasks.