Post by Dinocanid on Dec 30, 2017 20:20:17 GMT
Ranks are a way of maintaining stability and dividing responsibilities in the pack. Each rank is indicated by markings applied to the fur. The materials used for these markings are usually berries, and the delicately painted markings are usually done by crows. Because wolves have so much thick fur, it usually takes an entire day for this process to be completed.
A pack's laws are determined by the alpha, and are prone to change when leadership changes.
-Alpha-
The alpha(s) are the leaders/founders of the pack. The common ways this rank is passed on are:- One of their pups are chosen
- The position is passed on to the beta
- They are overthrown
A pack's laws are determined by the alpha, and are prone to change when leadership changes.
-Beta-
Betas are the second-in-command to the alphas. They are mostly responsible for enforcing the pack laws and maintaining order. If an alpha dies or resigns, they usually take their place.-Scout-
Scouts are responsible for patrolling the territory, and act as guards while the rest of the pack sleeps. Scouts are often split into 2 parties: the sun patrol and moon patrol. The sun patrol does their job during the day, and the moon patrol does theirs at night.-Pup-Sitters-
Pup-sitters watch over the pups in the pack when the parents are unable to, and it is also their job to train them in basic lessons like safety.-Hunters-
Hunters are the ones who bring back food for the pack. Some wolves may hunt individually, but hunters are dedicated to making sure there's always something in the stockpile.-Shaman-
Shamans are the healers of the pack, responsible for tending to the sick and injured and for communicating with spirits. In an average-sized pack, it's rare to see more than 2 shamans. The pack shamans usually include the main shaman and their apprentice.-Warrior-
Warriors are trained for battle. If not used for war, they usually keep dangerous predators at bay.-Omega-
Omegas are the lowest rank in the pack. This rank is usually assigned to new pack members, wolves who can't perform any other rank, or as a punishment. Omegas are the last ones to eat, and they have the least freedoms.-Apprentices-
Apprentices are young wolves currently being trained for one of the subordinate ranks (excluding omega), and they do not receive their special markings until they have completed training. A wolf in one such rank is usually chosen to be their mentor.