Cowpoke

"If you ask to be a cowboy, you are asking for danger, kid. Everyone has a different idea of what a cowboy is, but when they actually become one, they learn that its never what they imagined. So if you plan on being my apprentice, you best let go of all the ideas you have about them. They come from people who would never touch this job in a million years."

— Kozumi Desat, veteren cowboy

In the harsh environments of the Sunlit Horizon, surviving can be difficult. Animals can be hard to come by and food is not always on the table. So most Kozoni become farmers and ranchers for cattle. But for many tribes, this is not always enough. This is where the Cowpokes come in. These are people who make a living out of herding livestock and handling local animals.
For many, being a Cowpoke is more than just a job; it is a lifestyle and a calling to adventure. Many animals native to the Sunlit Horizon can be dangerous or aggressive, and so Cowpokes get excitement from dealing with all the dangers associated with the job. But the job is not without its pitfalls, either.

Training & Apprenticeships

Anyone can be a Cowpoke, but it is mainly associated with the lower class, who do not have the resources to live well. Also, men tend to be Cowpokes, because of the outside dangers, while women will work in their own family farms. Despite the picture painted of adventurous or heroic ranchers by the upper classes and the settlers, being a Cowpoke is dangerous and income is unstable. So few people ever become one.
The first step in being a Cowpoke is to find one who is willing to teach. Many skilled and veteran Cowpokes find teaching a lot of work and a waste of their time. That is because many young people are inexperienced and will often get severe injuries within the first few days or weeks of the job. But those who do teach generally employ their apprentice on their ranches and will pay them a hefty sum, depending on the season. Some apprentices also form a strong bond with their teacher and are often considered family. For this reason, many Cowpokes say some of the best years in their profession was as an apprentice.
Apprentices will gain many skills on their teacher’s farms, or on expeditions. But the most successful ones learn patience, have a mastery of many tools and can control animals without hurting them. Teachers will often tell their apprentices that the best teacher is the outside world, which can be rough. When they are ready, young Cowpokes will go out into the world, do the odd jobs around the region and handle the more dangerous animals there.

Decline of Cowpokes

"They built the fences around their farms. There is no need for us, anymore, and the money isn't coming like it used to. What are we supposed to do, now?"

— Inazin Makto, Kozoni cowpoke

Cowpokes are important parts of many tribes, and are considered a person’s identity as well, not just for the money but for the travel and adventures they can go on. But in recent years, Cowpokes have not been needed in the modern day, so it is no longer worthwhile to be one.
It all started with the development of new wires used to make fences. These wires were sharper and served as a deterrent to animals trying to get out of the ranches. This meant that animals could be kept in one place without having someone looking after them or moving them. It was cheaper for farm owners in the long run too. These wires were also used in fencing around certain towns, so wild animals couldn’t get inside, killing another aspect of Cowpoking.
But nowhere is this decline the starkest than in Isinoki, the northernmost island of the Sunlit Horizon. The Isi believe, among other things, that Cowpokes represent a clear danger to the island and the Isi way of life. So they have banned the profession and have no plans to remove it. They also banished the only Cowpoke teacher on the island, so that no new Cowpokes were trained. So Cowpoking as a profession is now dead, but the few who still consider it a part of their identity now go exploring instead.

Societal Views

Despite their association with the lower classes, Cowpokes are romanticised by the upper classes, who dream of adventure yet refuse to take part in it. Cowpoke fiction is one of the biggest genres across the Sunlit Horizon, and some of its bestsellers have made their way outside the region. Even after the decline in the profession, the gunslinging, Avuna-riding culture has never left the Kozoni, despite the best efforts of the Isi. In fact, some Isi still dream of being Cowpokes one day, even in secret.
Cowpokes are mainly men, but their unique skills and empathy make them attractive to many women. Some will marry a Cowpoke, while others will join them. No other profession has had such a huge inspiration to Kozoni women.
For some tribes, being a Cowpoke is seen as a ticket to a better life, as they are respected by their richer tribe members. Those of the Kinjo tribe are also offered better prospects in their life by virtue of being a Cowpoke, since there is a lot of prejudice against them by other tribes.

Alternative Names

Cowboy (or Cowgirl)

Type

Agricultural / Fishing / Forestry

Demand

Medium - meat and other animal products are in high demand, and farmers are not always enough to supply. Also, many dangerous animals need to be dealt with.

Related Locations

• Sunlit Horizon

Animal Empathy

Many people find understanding animals an odd quality to find in a Cowpoke. In Kozoni culture, violence is often seen as the answer to problems. But empathy with animals ensures that certain animals can be ridden, and the quality of milks, cheese and other animal products remain high.
To get to where they need to go, Cowpokes will often ride the local animals. There are some carriages and trains in the area, but they are often reserved for the upper classes and the settlers. Riding animals means travel is free and unrestricted.
Because of this quality, many have started employing Cowpokes to sort out problems with wild animals in the area. Cowpokes know what makes many animals work, or what will calm them down. Then, the animals are directed back to their homes if possible. Some know how to treat ill animals or will bring them to local vets if they are severely injured. As a last resort, if an animal is a danger to the residents and to the Cowpoke, then they are killed.