Arborist

AMNAR    Amnapedia    Roles      Arborist

This article is maintained by the Amnar Central Arborist Bashi with the support of the Central Data Matrix Bashi.

As the Banyan Tree System is essential to managing Reality Tear: Gaps, Arborists are considered a critical role in each Exclusion Zone: Introductory Guide. As such, this is a highly respected and popular role, especially as more dangerous roles like Warrior and Watcher are far more dangerous.

Arborists are responsible for activities related to the Tree itself in each Exclusion Zone, including checking root and branch systems for damage, pruning and support, as well as defining when underground areas are "rested", and given relief from human habitation. They are also critical for resolving issues where Humans or other species have conflicts with major Tree sections. They work with both Sifradan and Zurasim to ensure the Tree's health and study its relationship with the exclusion zone environment.

Career

Qualifications

Arborists are educated initially through the Temple system, usually Temple Earth, although anyone showing an early aptitude or interest in Tree care can be given access to their exclusion zone's Academy early. All children are required to receive education in Tree respect and care, so identifying those who are particularly keen is relatively easy. Whether advancing through the Temple or Academy system, trainees work as part of a regular bashi with others training in different roles. Apprentice arborists learn with more experienced Arborist bashi to gain practical experience, and Gap Biology and Chemistry to provide theoretical background to their understanding. As with all other Amnari, they are required to participate in the Bala–Dura and graduate age 21 at the end of the The Harvest of the Souls.

by Luizishan

Approaching a "stand", one section of Tree that appears to be separate from the rest. Credit: Luizishan.

Career Progression

Formal graduation allows Arborists to pass through a standard ranking system, starting as Junior Grade and receiving additional education and training with more senior Arborists until they are ready to progress to Duty, Senior Duty, Master, and Senior Master. Arborists are eligible to progress to become Gadasim at any senior stage. The most senior position is First High Arborist for each exclusion zone, one of the critical positions in each zone's executive bashi.

Arborists can specialise in several ways, depending on personal preference. They are needed to support Sifradan working in the Gap and Holy Complex of each exclusion zone, ensuring that the Tree branches close to the Gap itself are healthy and not showing signs of damage. Others prefer to work within city areas, checking the health of the Tree and working in "resting" areas to ensure the Tree's health is developing well. In order to maintain the Tree, areas must be given long periods of rest away from the pressures of human habitation. Arborists are the only humans allowed into these areas to keep the Tree healthy, ensure growth does not destabilise other areas. They also work with Zurasim who manage the Data Matrix, as the Tree's DNA is where the data for the whole exclusion zone is stored.

Perception

Purpose

An Arborist's key skill is Tree Communication. Arborists complete some training with both Zurasim and Sifradan specialists in understanding the Tree's language, its sense of memory, and its core biology. As the Tree is considered a sapient species, Arborists are able to develop simple communication, learning to translate sensory Tree language, largely expressed in terms of touch and simple light perception, into human language. Arborists are also called upon to represent the Tree when executive and other decision-making bashi meet. 

Social Status

Arborists are often seen as so closely related to Sifradan and Zurasim that new arrivals consider them "magical". The first Arborists were Zurasim, training exclusively at Rad Amaya's extensive academy for both Sifradan and Zurasim. However, over time, the work's outdoor appeal, and the requirement for Arborists to work in areas a long way from the Gap and Holy Complex, the role was formally separated and training was conducted in every exclusion zone. The priority is for those with local experience of the particular nature of that exclusion zone's Tree to remain in-zone rather than training being conducted centrally and then trainees sent out to different zones. 

Header image credit: Grandfailure/Tithi Luadthong

Type

Agricultural / Fishing / Forestry

Demand

High