Editing LeviathanTempest:ChapterOne (section)

=== Cohort ===
Leviathans that share a taxon and who come to be particularly close (or at least maintain an unusual level of contact) form into a unit called a cohort. Equal parts support group, political unit, and family reunion, cohorts are the favored social organization for younger and fresher Leviathans. While the tension of contact with fellow Leviathans means that cohorts rarely share living space, most are close enough to come when called, and the local scale of the unit permits them to come to one another's aid when necessary. Such aid can be as straightforward as a spare arm in case of violence or as complex as counsel and emotional support. The disturbing mixture of attraction and loathing that members of the Tribe share means that cohorts exist in a particular form of stress. "Love-hate" relationships are the norm, and often are experienced with an intensity that would shock and distress outside observers. For a member of the Tribe, though, such tempestuous connections are better than the isolation and discomfort that they experience in the company of normal humans. 

Leadership in a cohort is usually a difficult subject. It's rare that a Hetman emerges in a cohort, as they are usually founded by relative equals operating on similar scales and dealing with the same problem. In such a scenario, a grab for power will usually be seen as insulting at best and as an outright threat at worst. Some cohorts grow to have an informal organizer, usually a level head who helps mediate between members, but even these would be startled by the suggestion that their arbitrator is in a leadership position. It's far more likely that each member of the cohort has a given region of focus, in which they are given some credit for their authority. If a member needs help rooting out a dangerous clan of Hybrids, he or she will go to the most militantly-minded member. If they need something translated, the most scholarly, and so forth.

Most cohorts are relatively short-lived, lasting for a year or two until members move away or succumb to the dangers of their condition. Some implode, often viciously, as members come into conflict and lash out emotionally and physically. Those cohorts that survive for longer periods are usually at some point in between, being close enough to remain cohesive without becoming so close as to invite disastrous clashes. As with most things, it's a balancing act. Those cohorts that do manage to survive can become incredibly influential, as cults support one another and individual members develope. A number of Legions have formed from a core group of a Cohort that comes to share ideas about the Tribe and their shared destiny.

==== Sidebar: Tiers and Leviathan ====
As a basic model, when applying the "tier" structure to the Leviathans, the following guidelines are the most accurate fit:
* Tier One - The Cohort (3-10 members, limited geographical scope, limited power and resources)
* Tier Two - The Legion (10-150 members, each with his or her own Cult, regional power, considerable resources and power)
* Tier Three - The Tribe itself (More than 5,000 members, no unified goals, global scope, immeasurable resources if they worked in tandem)