Post by '' R A N C I D '' on Jun 14, 2009 20:27:27 GMT -7
This info is based solely off realistic wolf behavior and is at the editing liberality of the admin. She may edit and delete whatever is contained in this thread at will.
Glossary:
Dragga: Firstborn Male
Drappa: Firstborn Female
Fae: Female wolf
Sikla: The weakest wolf
All information COPYRIGHT [Run.With.Me]
WOLF PACK STATUS AND POSITIONS
The Alpha Female and Male: Sometimes called the "Dragge and Drappa" but the name refers to all firstborn males and females. The leaders of the pack, one male and one female. They 'own' the territory, and with the assistance of their Elite Guard, protect their land. They carry out most of the big decisions, and can promote or relegate any wolf to any level of their pack. Alphas will always have final say in everything, and are obeyed by all members of the pack at all times. They create rules and boundaries for the pack and decide on ranking, courting, breeding and accepting and/or rejecting new wolves. They also can banish a wolf from the pack if they feel it necessary. Occasionally, Alphas may call Formal Group Hunts, or pack meetings. There may only be one Alpha and one Alphess, and battles for the rank are fought every moon.
Elite Guard: The Elite Guard are intelligent wolves serving as advisers and leaders, and are chosen by the Alpha. These wolves are usually older, but not always, and have demonstrated that they are wise and can guide others in the pack; they are in charge of the Guards. These wolves are the most highly respected, other than the Alphas, and help carry out many of the big decisions. They have a say in punishment for disobedient wolves, and often cases of these are brought before the Elite Guard if deemed to small for the Alpha, or the Alpha is not present. Of course, the Alpha often overlooks the Elite Guard, and has final say in everything. The Elite Guard is further split into six different categories depending on the wolf's strengths and weaknesses. These are the Elite Gamma (chosen directly by the Alpha to be their key adviser) Elite Delta wolf (hunter), Elite Zeta wolf (fighter), Elite Sigma wolf (tracker and scout), Elite Kappa wolf (pack healer) and the Lambda wolf (pack story-teller.)
Guards: Guards are young, strong, healthy wolves that have a loyalty to the pack, and wish to protect it. They are not as highly ranked as the Elites, but they are the pack hunters, fighters etc. They take orders from the Elites, and answer to them directly; and the Alphess indirectly; for she controls the guard. Ranked above Pack Members, they learn the ways of the Guard via their chosen field, Delta - Hunter, Zeta - Fighter, Sigma - Scout, etc. Considered Pack Members, but generally the pack treats them with a bit more respect. To be considered to be a Guard, one must be adult - at least two years old, and show loyalty and potential.
Kappa Wolves: Like the Shaman of the pack, this member can heal almost any injury or illness with the right tools and herbs. Greatly looked up to by most members of the pack, pups especially, they are invaluable, especially after large territorial battles or fights for dominance that leave wolves injured. Often they take on young, intelligent wolves as an Epsilon, or Apprentice. Kappa wolves can often spend years working out which herbs and plants can be used for which injury; and often they help young, new mothers with their first litters should any assistance be required. Two Kappa wolves are enough.
Upsilon Wolves: Usually a she-wolf or wolves, the Upsilon rank describes the pack's main pup-sitter. There may well be more than one wolf of this rank, but it is usually filled by mothers, or older wolves that have lost their ability to hunt or track. A well-respected wolf, the Upsilon wolf often has a patient, calming personality, and is often invaluable to the pack. Upsilon wolves can see mothers after they have had their litters, and hunt for them while the mother watches over the pups, or vice versa. When the pups are no longer newborn, mothers often take them to the pup's den by the main den, where the Upsilons can look after the season's pups en masse. Upsilons are also match-makers and know all about courtship. Often if a fae has several admirers, or even the other way around, they can go to the Upsilon's for advice. Of course, the strongest wolves get to produce pups, therefore the Upsilons are good in seeking out the best traits and often help Alphas on who should be given breeding rights. Usually two Upsilon wolves are plenty.
Epsilon Wolves: Epsilon is the rank given to those wolves of two years old or more, who are training to be a part of the Guard. They are assigned a mentor by one of the Elite Guard or the Alphaess herself, and will train for as long as it takes to be a formally recognised member of the Guard. This can be anything from one season to a whole year. If one does not complete training within a year; they will fail and not become a member of the Guard. Normally this rank is given to those Iotas who become two years old at their Graduation; though normal pack members can apply for this rank, too. Those who wish to become an Epsilon must apply to the Alphess or the Elite Guard. It is not easy to become a member of the Guard, but with strength, dedication, determination, intelligence and skill; one can.
Pack Members: Members are either Iotas that just turned two, wolves that recently joined the pack and are no longer Taus, or former Omegas. These adult wolves have a minimum age of two, and are sexually mature; they can have a mate and breed. You can also become a member if you were demoted in rank by the Alpha for the wrong actions. Members don’t have many social freedoms, but they are free to do as they wish as long as they show proper respect to those above them and obey the pack’s rules. Any number of wolves - though their own hierarchy will be decided on how often they post.
Iota Wolves: Yearling wolves. These are wolves that until now were pups, but through their puphood have learned the basics of pack life; hierarchy, how to hunt, fending for themselves and so on. Depending on the parenting, and the strength of the individual pup; some are now easily able to look after themselves, and wishing to rise in the ranks, become part of the Guard. Others prefer to become normal pack members, whereas others remain in the care of their mothers (and/or fathers) until they are two years old, and considered adult wolves at that age. Iota wolves would be the wolf equivalent of teenagers; and here is where their characters truly develop and shine through; now they have learned a little about their environment. Any number of Iota Wolves, though they will not remain in this position longer than a year.
Pups: One of the lowest ranking members of the pack, though its usually only the Alpha's who produce pups - however any other wolf may, with their Alpha's permission. Pups are adored by the pack and despite their low rank have many social freedoms as they learn the ways of the pack. All pups are considered equal regardless of the parent’s ranks and are treated equally. Once a pup turns a year old, or make a large kill by themselves, they are no longer pups and are considered Iotas. Too young to hunt or fend for themselves, they bring joy to all members of the pack, as they learn and fit into their natural hierarchy. No more than six in a litter, but any number of cubs. Pups born to the Alpha wolves may not necessarily succeed their parents - meaning any pup (or wolf) could theoretically become the new Alpha.
Psi Wolves: These are wolves; former pack members or members of the Guard who have been demoted for the wrong actions. Not as low as Tau's under inspection or the Omega wolf; but it is a great dishonor to be placed in this rank. If one acts selfishly; or does something without permission and is caught, one may be placed into the Psi rank. Often these are wolves who breed without permission and are not killed or exiled; or those who eat continually before their superiors; disobeying their superiors, or general acts of selfishness after warning. To be in this rank, one does not have much say; nor are they treated with much respect. Often wolves in this position end up as Omegas or are eventually chased away or killed off. One can, however, be promoted to pack member if they prove themselves; though if they were formerly a member of the Guard; it is unlikely they will get their rank back except in exceptional circumstances.
Tao Wolves:The rank all wolves are given whom just joined the pack. They are of this rank and are "under assessment" by the Alpha of the pack. It is during this time a more suitable rank within the pack hierarchy could be selected for them, or, if they are seen as troublemakers, they will be chased away from the pack. Technically, they have the same social freedoms as Omegas, though if they act respectfully, the Alphas will often promote them to a higher rank; even if it is just Member. Any number of Tau wolves, though the period a wolf will remain in this rank is not long...
Omega Wolf (or Sikla) The lowest possible member of the pack. They eat last at every kill, and are subservient to all other members of the pack. Often the wolf in this position is in bad favour with the Alpha, though they can be promoted based on the Alpha's choice. The Omega is the lowest ranking wolf in the pack. They are the last to eat and often sleep separate from the pack; there is an Omega's den some distance from the main den. Being singled out for torment isn't unusual and most of the time the higher ranks will allow it. Sometimes they are put in charge of watching the pups if the Alphas deem them trustworthy enough, and there are no free Upsilons. Omegas are always one step away from banishment and must work hard to prove themselves to the Alphas in hopes that they will remove the rank of Omega.
There may only be ONE Omega wolf.
Glossary:
Dragga: Firstborn Male
Drappa: Firstborn Female
Fae: Female wolf
Sikla: The weakest wolf
All information COPYRIGHT [Run.With.Me]
WOLF PACK STATUS AND POSITIONS
The Alpha Female and Male: Sometimes called the "Dragge and Drappa" but the name refers to all firstborn males and females. The leaders of the pack, one male and one female. They 'own' the territory, and with the assistance of their Elite Guard, protect their land. They carry out most of the big decisions, and can promote or relegate any wolf to any level of their pack. Alphas will always have final say in everything, and are obeyed by all members of the pack at all times. They create rules and boundaries for the pack and decide on ranking, courting, breeding and accepting and/or rejecting new wolves. They also can banish a wolf from the pack if they feel it necessary. Occasionally, Alphas may call Formal Group Hunts, or pack meetings. There may only be one Alpha and one Alphess, and battles for the rank are fought every moon.
Elite Guard: The Elite Guard are intelligent wolves serving as advisers and leaders, and are chosen by the Alpha. These wolves are usually older, but not always, and have demonstrated that they are wise and can guide others in the pack; they are in charge of the Guards. These wolves are the most highly respected, other than the Alphas, and help carry out many of the big decisions. They have a say in punishment for disobedient wolves, and often cases of these are brought before the Elite Guard if deemed to small for the Alpha, or the Alpha is not present. Of course, the Alpha often overlooks the Elite Guard, and has final say in everything. The Elite Guard is further split into six different categories depending on the wolf's strengths and weaknesses. These are the Elite Gamma (chosen directly by the Alpha to be their key adviser) Elite Delta wolf (hunter), Elite Zeta wolf (fighter), Elite Sigma wolf (tracker and scout), Elite Kappa wolf (pack healer) and the Lambda wolf (pack story-teller.)
Guards: Guards are young, strong, healthy wolves that have a loyalty to the pack, and wish to protect it. They are not as highly ranked as the Elites, but they are the pack hunters, fighters etc. They take orders from the Elites, and answer to them directly; and the Alphess indirectly; for she controls the guard. Ranked above Pack Members, they learn the ways of the Guard via their chosen field, Delta - Hunter, Zeta - Fighter, Sigma - Scout, etc. Considered Pack Members, but generally the pack treats them with a bit more respect. To be considered to be a Guard, one must be adult - at least two years old, and show loyalty and potential.
Kappa Wolves: Like the Shaman of the pack, this member can heal almost any injury or illness with the right tools and herbs. Greatly looked up to by most members of the pack, pups especially, they are invaluable, especially after large territorial battles or fights for dominance that leave wolves injured. Often they take on young, intelligent wolves as an Epsilon, or Apprentice. Kappa wolves can often spend years working out which herbs and plants can be used for which injury; and often they help young, new mothers with their first litters should any assistance be required. Two Kappa wolves are enough.
Upsilon Wolves: Usually a she-wolf or wolves, the Upsilon rank describes the pack's main pup-sitter. There may well be more than one wolf of this rank, but it is usually filled by mothers, or older wolves that have lost their ability to hunt or track. A well-respected wolf, the Upsilon wolf often has a patient, calming personality, and is often invaluable to the pack. Upsilon wolves can see mothers after they have had their litters, and hunt for them while the mother watches over the pups, or vice versa. When the pups are no longer newborn, mothers often take them to the pup's den by the main den, where the Upsilons can look after the season's pups en masse. Upsilons are also match-makers and know all about courtship. Often if a fae has several admirers, or even the other way around, they can go to the Upsilon's for advice. Of course, the strongest wolves get to produce pups, therefore the Upsilons are good in seeking out the best traits and often help Alphas on who should be given breeding rights. Usually two Upsilon wolves are plenty.
Epsilon Wolves: Epsilon is the rank given to those wolves of two years old or more, who are training to be a part of the Guard. They are assigned a mentor by one of the Elite Guard or the Alphaess herself, and will train for as long as it takes to be a formally recognised member of the Guard. This can be anything from one season to a whole year. If one does not complete training within a year; they will fail and not become a member of the Guard. Normally this rank is given to those Iotas who become two years old at their Graduation; though normal pack members can apply for this rank, too. Those who wish to become an Epsilon must apply to the Alphess or the Elite Guard. It is not easy to become a member of the Guard, but with strength, dedication, determination, intelligence and skill; one can.
Pack Members: Members are either Iotas that just turned two, wolves that recently joined the pack and are no longer Taus, or former Omegas. These adult wolves have a minimum age of two, and are sexually mature; they can have a mate and breed. You can also become a member if you were demoted in rank by the Alpha for the wrong actions. Members don’t have many social freedoms, but they are free to do as they wish as long as they show proper respect to those above them and obey the pack’s rules. Any number of wolves - though their own hierarchy will be decided on how often they post.
Iota Wolves: Yearling wolves. These are wolves that until now were pups, but through their puphood have learned the basics of pack life; hierarchy, how to hunt, fending for themselves and so on. Depending on the parenting, and the strength of the individual pup; some are now easily able to look after themselves, and wishing to rise in the ranks, become part of the Guard. Others prefer to become normal pack members, whereas others remain in the care of their mothers (and/or fathers) until they are two years old, and considered adult wolves at that age. Iota wolves would be the wolf equivalent of teenagers; and here is where their characters truly develop and shine through; now they have learned a little about their environment. Any number of Iota Wolves, though they will not remain in this position longer than a year.
Pups: One of the lowest ranking members of the pack, though its usually only the Alpha's who produce pups - however any other wolf may, with their Alpha's permission. Pups are adored by the pack and despite their low rank have many social freedoms as they learn the ways of the pack. All pups are considered equal regardless of the parent’s ranks and are treated equally. Once a pup turns a year old, or make a large kill by themselves, they are no longer pups and are considered Iotas. Too young to hunt or fend for themselves, they bring joy to all members of the pack, as they learn and fit into their natural hierarchy. No more than six in a litter, but any number of cubs. Pups born to the Alpha wolves may not necessarily succeed their parents - meaning any pup (or wolf) could theoretically become the new Alpha.
Psi Wolves: These are wolves; former pack members or members of the Guard who have been demoted for the wrong actions. Not as low as Tau's under inspection or the Omega wolf; but it is a great dishonor to be placed in this rank. If one acts selfishly; or does something without permission and is caught, one may be placed into the Psi rank. Often these are wolves who breed without permission and are not killed or exiled; or those who eat continually before their superiors; disobeying their superiors, or general acts of selfishness after warning. To be in this rank, one does not have much say; nor are they treated with much respect. Often wolves in this position end up as Omegas or are eventually chased away or killed off. One can, however, be promoted to pack member if they prove themselves; though if they were formerly a member of the Guard; it is unlikely they will get their rank back except in exceptional circumstances.
Tao Wolves:The rank all wolves are given whom just joined the pack. They are of this rank and are "under assessment" by the Alpha of the pack. It is during this time a more suitable rank within the pack hierarchy could be selected for them, or, if they are seen as troublemakers, they will be chased away from the pack. Technically, they have the same social freedoms as Omegas, though if they act respectfully, the Alphas will often promote them to a higher rank; even if it is just Member. Any number of Tau wolves, though the period a wolf will remain in this rank is not long...
Omega Wolf (or Sikla) The lowest possible member of the pack. They eat last at every kill, and are subservient to all other members of the pack. Often the wolf in this position is in bad favour with the Alpha, though they can be promoted based on the Alpha's choice. The Omega is the lowest ranking wolf in the pack. They are the last to eat and often sleep separate from the pack; there is an Omega's den some distance from the main den. Being singled out for torment isn't unusual and most of the time the higher ranks will allow it. Sometimes they are put in charge of watching the pups if the Alphas deem them trustworthy enough, and there are no free Upsilons. Omegas are always one step away from banishment and must work hard to prove themselves to the Alphas in hopes that they will remove the rank of Omega.
There may only be ONE Omega wolf.