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 Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 5:48 am
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Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 5:49 am
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[Ranks]
[Leadership]
(0/2) Alpha: The alphas of the pack are always a mated pair of wild dogs. Both are considered equals and hold just as much authority as the other. The alphas have the responsibility of maintaining pack order and settling any disputes that may arise. They also lead the Hunt during full moons, and it is believed that the Hunger is strongest in them. Alphas are alphas for life, unless one of the pair dies, then the remaining alpha is challengeable by a beta and their mate who will overthrow the previous alpha and take their place. This often leads to the death of the previous alpha, but some challengers are merciful and simply demote them to a lower rank.
(0/1) Shaman (Seer Only): The spiritual leader of the pack. They interpret the phases and colors of the moon and what it might mean for any future Hunts or possible dangers that might pop up. The shaman may only eat certain organs off of fresh kills, such as the heart and liver, as it is believed that is how they gain their ability to commune with the moon. Shaman's imbibe carefully crafted elixirs made by the seers to further strengthen their connection to the moon. The shaman is the only rank to hold council with the alphas, and it is integral that they help maintain order in the pack. The Shaman does not participate in the Hunt, but they do watch over it from the heart of the territory on its highest peak.
[Limited Ranks]
(0/5) Beta: Wild dogs that have proven their loyalty to the pack. They are skilled fighters and take orders directly from the alphas. They are the alpha's enforcers and are charged with making sure the pack complies with whatever ruling the alphas may make. Betas run behind the Alphas during a Hunt on the full moon, and are likely the first ones to aid in bringing down prey or trespassers.
(0/3) Seer (Seer Only): Wild dogs that work to assist the shaman in their rituals and attend to their daily needs. They gather herbs and prepare ceremonial elixirs for moon reading rituals, as well as act as the pack's healers. Seers learn under the strict tutelage of the shaman, so that one day one of them may take over the position when the current shaman dies. Seers do not participate in the Hunt, they remain by the Shaman's side and ensure their safety.
[Unlimited Ranks]
Gamma: The main body of wild dogs that make up the pack. Their main function is to hunt for the pack and provide enough food for everyone on a daily basis. On a full moon Hunt they run behind the Betas, but are equal to Loners and slightly above the Omegas.
Loner: Loners are individual wild dogs that are still loyal to the pack, but travel outside of pack lands for prolonged periods of time. They bring back news of other prides and packs in the area and warn of potential dangers or threats. They travel back to pack lands during full moons, so they may participate in full moon Hunts. Loners run with the Gammas during full moon Hunts.
Omega: This rank is made up entirely of maned wolves and jackals. Den diggers and the members of the pack that are charged with most of the menial labor and upkeep of the territory. Omegas are also allowed to participate in Hunts during the full moon, though they run in the back of the pack, behind the Gammas and Loners. They are considered full members of the pack, and do not need to be bonded to a hyena or wild dog.
Pup: The youth of the pack, no matter the species. Pups are watched over by the gammas and omegas when their parents aren't around to do so. |
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Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 5:50 am
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[Culture]
[Species]
Wild dogs are the main species of the pack. Maned wolves and jackals are accepted as full members on their own but are restricted to Omega rank. No other familiars are accepted, as the pack would simply see them as food.
[Coloration]
Natural colors only. Dark natural colors are ideal for the pack, as they are typically active at night and hunt under the cover of darkness. Red, orange, and yellow are acceptable as a muted tone, so long as it's not a bright shade. Anything else is seen as unacceptable. Any pups born into the pack with unnatural coloration will be kicked out at adolescence, without receiving their bite scar. The pack considers eye color to be the most attractive trait in their mate, with silver, yellow, blue, and red being the most beautiful, as they resemble the colors of the moon.
[Joining]
The only way to join the pack, either willingly or unwillingly, is to be bitten by an existing member and survive.
Willing creatures attempting to join the pack will go through a joining ceremony, where they are savagely bitten by a member of the pack. The wound is deep, and they are prohibited from seeking any sort of healing to lessen the pain; however, it is kept clean. If the creature survives the bite, they are placed under watch until the wound heals over and a gnarly scar is left behind. This is to be worn as a badge of honor, and they are now considered full members of the pack. They are given the rank of Gamma or Omega, depending on their species.
Unwilling creatures are survivors of a Hunt that have been mauled and bitten under a full moon but have managed to make it to daybreak when the hunt ends. They are captured by the pack and kept under careful watch. No aid is given to the survivor during this time, though they are allowed to rest and clean their wounds. Once their wounds have begun to heal over, they are approached by the pack. If they choose to join, then they are accepted on the spot and given the rank of Gamma or Omega, depending on their species. A refusal to join will mark the individual as unworthy to bear the bite scar, and it will be slashed out with fresh wounds by the Shaman before the individual is chased from pack lands for good.
[Leaving]
Werewolves that decide to leave the pack for good will have their bite scar scratched out with fresh wounds by the shaman. It is believed that the shaman's connection to the moon is powerful enough to break the Hunger and that the pack will not have to worry about a rogue werewolf turning others outside of pack territory. If a werewolf has left, and wishes to rejoin the pack, they must get re-bitten and go through the joining ceremony as a newcomer would.
[Mating]
Werewolves may fling outside of the pack as they wish, there is no restriction to this. However, inside the pack it is important to find and be loyal to one's mate. Breeding between two werewolves is sacred, and it is believed that the moon will lead you to your destined soul mate. Those who have difficulty finding theirs may request help from the shaman, who will attempt to read and interpret the moon's will on their behalf.
[Gender Roles]
Males and Females are considered equals in all social functions, and are expected to perform the same tasks.
[Nocturnal Lifestyle]
The pack is mostly active during the night, and the day is used for resting, sleeping, and generally any sort of activity that is not very strenuous. Hunting of all sorts takes place at night, as the daytime hours are usually peaceful for the pack. Most outside visitors tend to wander into pack lands during the day, while the pack is resting and open to friendly encounters, which can give the appearance of the werewolves being an inviting and peaceful place. The same cannot be said to visitors who happen upon the werewolves at night, while they are active and hunting. Most trespassers will be harassed and chased off pack lands when they're discovered... unless the moon is full. On a full moon the werewolves are overtaken by their Hunger and hunt down anything in their path.
[The Moon]
[Moon Reading Rituals]
[The Hunger] |
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Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 5:55 am
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Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 5:56 am
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Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 5:58 am
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