Associates
All new members that are accepted into Salsola will begin their journey as a member of the Associate Rank. Associates are initiated into the Kingdom (and eventually promoted to the Family rank) via a trial of membership where they are bonded to and sponsored by to a higher-ranked Salsolan.
Process
The member is accepted into Salsola at Associate rank and the trial begins. The accepting Mafioso or Sotto Capo attends the newcomer and provides them with the necessary beginning information. The Central Ring ranks, a member of which is likely to become the newcomer’s Sponsor, are the most succinct and brutal with their education in Salsola's culture. They will explain the Associates' low position, and glorify the Family, dangling the possibility for the Associate to become one of the much-loved, much-trusted Family rank.
The most intense period learning and adjustment is early-on, where the sponsor instructs the Associate (often called their ‘ward’) in Salsola's cultural codes, beliefs, and other basic knowledge. Secrets and sensitive information are rarely handed to Associates, though all a good sponsor speaks is true.
While the initiate is bonded to one Salsola member, they must adhere to Salsolian social codes and display proper submission toward all ranked members of the pack.
Generally, initiate and mentor meet on a daily basis for the first few weeks of membership*. When the sponsor feels the initiate is prepared, they retreat and allow the initiate to interact without interference, correcting only where necessary. This period serves as a time of observation and allows the new Associate to prove their loyalty to Salsola.
It's generally okay to OOCly assume your character meets with his or her sponsored member rather than thread it out. PM the person in question and make sure.
The Associate is lowly in status and must obey the commands given by their sponsor. While the initiate is bonded to one Salsola member, they must adhere to Salsolian social codes and display proper submission toward all ranked members of the pack.
Promotion
The best way to become a member of the Family is to stay active. A member’s post-counts are largely influential when it comes to promotions.
ICly, your character should try and establish themselves within the group by assisting other members and learning about Salsola’s culture. It’s not always what your character knows, but who they know. ;D
The only way for an Associate to immediately rise in rank is to be chosen as a mate by one of the members of the pack. We strongly encourage members to discuss these things before joining occurs. Once one is has proven themselves through their Associate rank as being capable and understanding of Salsolan culture, they will be promoted to the Family.
See Rank Changes for more information on how to get promoted.