Beast Wrangler

I hid behind the wrangler. I'd seen beasts countless times before, and that's what scared me. 
"We've got a wild one!" they shouted and kicked up dirt trying to rein it in, "These ones aren't fond of being man-handled, that's for sure."
"I noticed," I muttered from behind them. Was that a Kaipal? Was this legal?
I didn't want to know. 

Though a hunter brings in stock from the Beastwilds, it's the Beast Wranglers that maintain and train the Beasts ready for the Beast Emporium. Sometimes they also act as breeders, where it's possible. 
Recent laws have banned breeding and keeping Beasts for entertainment purposes amidst public safety concerns. Professional hunters or specialist scholars are able to own Beasts with a permit and are unable to use Beasts in public settings. These laws are effective in the Council of Camelan. 
The occupation has a mixed reputation in other regions of Poraile. Beast wrangling is the part of Tauren daily life, using the creatures just as they would any part of nature. In regions of the Faeholt, Beast wranglers are welcomed by faeries who are always starved for entertainment. 
The Light Elf communities are wary of Beast wranglers. Though they use Beasts for manual work they are loathe to harm creatures for pure entertainment. Oksal has a similar attitude, banning such practises outright because of the distress it inflicts on the beasts. 
Wranglers are most welcomed in Noravägen, where the laws are irrelevant and something that can survive the Beastwilds is in high demand. The citizens of Gildegan are too wary to let wranglers stay and let their Beasts perform.

Career

Qualifications

Especially in these times, employers aren't fussy when it comes to finding new blood. Anyone with an interest is allowed to shadow a wrangler, some put into full work upon recruitment. 
Ideally, a beast wrangler would know beasts or have some experience with varieties an employer keeps. It's the easiest position for hunters in retirement or those with a background in arcane sciences.

Career Progression

At first, a wrangler will shadow someone more experienced and learn about the beasts that their employer takes in. When the senior wrangler approves of their progress, a beast wrangler will graduate to monitoring a pen of their own choosing. With this promotion, a wrangler working in an Emporium receives a stage name. They'll advance in beast wrangling under this alias, both in public and when working the markets.
Some advance far enough to go independent, without reporting to an employer and supplying their own beasts. The new laws on beast wrangling find it harder to pick up these veterans, who make most of their money through breeding and private sales.

Payment & Reimbursement

The pay leaves a lot to be desired. Those starting out are paid around 50 gold a week for their efforts, even if food and supplies for the beasts' upkeep are supplied by the employer. Wranglers, especially working in a Beast Emporium, tend to pay their utilities with this money, leaving little for their own leisure. 
As their careers progress, wranglers are usually given tips by buyers who are satisfied with their purchases. in public shows, the crowds also provide tips to wranglers, which is why the Summer Shows are such an important time for wranglers.

Other Benefits

Beast wranglers gain fear and respect for their work, if not fame. Often behind the scenes on beast shows, breeders and show runners know them the most. Black markets hire beast wranglers to help with their illegal stocks, especially now the profession has been criminalised. 
They can have connections in high places, whether that's in wider society or the criminal underworld. Nobles often purchase beasts to keep as exotic pets and expect wranglers to provide them. They are often charged with taking in discarded beasts of the rich and powerful, whilst also being their primary supply of replacements.

Perception

Social Status

Beast wranglers are social climbers, starting from the bottom and making their way into higher positions with their connections. Nowadays, this applies in illegal spheres of influence a lot more, especially in places where people has few true allies and operate on their own. 
New applicants to wrangler positions are usually experienced with beasts, since those only wanting money or fame end up either eaten or getting nowhere. From the outside looking in, there are far better footholds into high society than risking death or far worse at the hands of beasts.

History

Wranglers used to refer to anyone who caught a beast and trained it afterwards. The term comes from the struggle they would have capturing one without killing it. Now, Beast Wranglers are specific to the exotic beasts trade, working in Emporiums and rich estates. 
Beast Wranglers became known as "charmers" when they were legal and officially commissioned by the King of Camelot to bring beasts into dedicated menageries. When casualties got out of hand, these public exhibitions were shut down and moved to the roadside. From then on, wranglers had to qualify for a license and receive training.  
Following laws against using beasts in entertainment, beast wrangling licenses were revoked. The laws against wrangling resulted in unqualified animal tamers or hunters with prior experience taking up the role. Most Emporiums hire the cheapest options available, since beasts attacking their wranglers have risen.

Alternative Names

Wranglers, Beast Drivers, Beast Charmers, (derogatory) Snarlers

Type

Illicit

Demand

A mundane job full of dangers. Though illegal, still in high demand.