AWARD SCHEME
THE PATH TO ASCENDENCE
GOING LIVE – APRIL 2025
In ancient communities, each person played an important role in the survival and success of the group. These roles, or Archetypes, reflected the diverse talents and skills needed to thrive in a challenging world. Our award scheme is based on the key archetypes that helped communities to thrive in the face of adversity and allows young people to choose their path. Introducing young people to a structured skills tree based on these roles, allows them to explore various paths, discover their strengths and choose the areas where they want to specialise.
There are four levels of achievement within each role:
APPRENTICE – Learning the basics of the role
JOURNEYMAN – Developing a deeper understanding of the role
EXPERT – Refining techniques and applying expertise to specialised tasks
MASTER – Achieving leadership and innovation within the archetype
Progression is cumulative meaning that to attain the Journeyman status within a role the Apprentice level must already have been achieved. diversity is key and in early civilisations all community members would have had a basic understanding of all roles within the group. With this in mind young people will be able to attain the Apprentice or even Journeyman levels for each archetype but fewer tread the path of Mastery.
THE GUARDIAN
The Guardian protects nature and ensures the balance between human activity and the wild. They are the conservationists, ecologists and defenders of the environment guarding the sacred relationship between life and land.
“Protect the earth and nurture its balance for future generations”
THE SHAMAN
Shamans are spiritual leaders who connect the community to the spirit world through rituals, ceremonies and story. They possess deep knowledge of the environment, including seasons, plant properties and suitable harvesting practices. They offer guidance and protection. Shamans are seen as the keepers of wisdom and guardians of tradition.
“Share knowledge and inspire others through imagination and insight”
THE HEALER
Healers are the caretakers of health, using natural remedies, first aid and spiritual practices to treat injuries and illnesses. They combine knowledge of anatomy and plants to provide care, comfort and recovery. Healers are vital for the community’s well-being and resiliance.
“Care for the health and well-being of others”
THE WEAPON-MASTER
Weapon-Masters are skilled craftspeople focused on designing and creating precision tools and target based weaponry. They hone their abilities through patience, practice and innovation working to ensure they find their target and aim true. They embody the balance of craftsmanship and responsibility providing safety for their community.
“Master your craft with patience and focus”
THE ARTISAN
Artisans bring beauty, functionality and culture to the community through their creative crafts. They make tools, clothing, pottery and decorative items that enhance daily life. Artisans preserve traditions and inspire innovation with their skills.
“Create beauty and function with thoughtful craftsmanship”
THE ENGINEER
Engineers are masters of design and construction, using logic, creativity and structural awareness to solve problems and build essential structures. They apply innovative thinking and practical techniques to enhance stability, efficiency and safety. Engineers represent the fusion of ingenuity and precision to create solutions that support and advance the community’s survival and success.
“Construct with logical precision and purpose”
THE CULINARIAN
Culinarians are masters of food preparation, preservation and the art of nourishment, using fire as a resource to transform raw ingredients into meals that sustain and strengthen the community. They explore techniques for foraging, cooking and creating flavourful, balanced dishes using available resources.
“Gather and share the resources to sustain the community”
THE PATHFINDER
Pathfinders are explorers skilled in navigating new terrain, observing patterns and finding safe routes for the community. They value curiosity, adaptability and keen awareness, using their knowledge to guide other and discover hidden opportunities in the world around them.
“Seek new paths and share your discoveries with others”
THE HUNTER
Hunters are the providers of the community, skilled in tracking, stealth and they use their initiative to procure food and resource. They combine physical endurance with strategic thinking to navigate wild terrain and monitor the movements of wild animals. They also play a key role in defending the community by tracking the movements of other groups.
“Observe and adapt to your surroundings with keen awareness”
THE TOOLMAKER
Toolmakers are the creator and innovators, crafting tools, weapons and other essential items that support daily life. They use materials like stone, bone, antler and wood to develop functional and durable designs. Toolmakers are the foundation of technological advancement in the community.
“Design and build tools that enhance life and efficiency”
THE FIREKEEPER
Firekeepers are the guardians of warmth, energy and light, responsible for maintaining an managing the communities fire – literal and metaphorical. They ensure safety, efficiency and resourcefulness in tending flames, teaching respect for fire’s power and its vital role in survival. The Firekeeper values reliability, stewardship and careful preparation, symbolising stability and the heart of communal life.
“Safeguard the flame that sustains life and community”
THE CHIEF
Chiefs are the leaders of the community responsible for decision making, conflict resolution and guiding the group towards prosperity. They balance wisdom, diplomacy and strategy to maintain harmony and ensure long-term survival. Chiefs are both visionaries and caretakers of their people.
“Lead with integrity and guide with fairness”

