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 Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 12:48 pm
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Once...
The roots of the pack run deep and old, though most of the early details have been lost to time. What does remain is a longstanding reverence for nature. For many, many generations the pack revolved around a great amount of worship for the world around them. They were a peaceful pack, then. Isolationist and tucked away from other packs, they lived deep in the forest where they could perform ceremonies and rituals in honor of the world that gave them life.
The change between now and then wasn't sudden. Neither did it creep into the pack, slowly and inconspicuously. Instead, there were few but prominent events that led to a stark change in mentality.
First came famine. Prey numbers slowly dwindled in the pack territory. Members went hungry. It was a mix of things that prevented the pack from uprooting and searching for new hunting grounds. First were ties to the ancestral home, the deep woods that gave them their life and their name. Second were the beliefs of the pack leadership that nature provided and, if they were having troubles now, then it was for good reason and through proper worship of the earth their fortunes would change.
Then came plague. The first wolves fell ill from what prey they could find. Plague swept through that pack's already dwindling numbers like wildfire. Pack members wept and cried out. What had they done wrong? Why had the world turned against them?
It was when the leadership fell apart that the mentality changed. More spiritual members of the pack turned the blame away from themselves. They did all they could to appease nature, so why was everything still being taken from them? There must have been something wrong with the world, impeding its ability to provide. The bull-headed son of the fallen alpha took this mentality even farther. What was happening to the world that was taking away its ability to provide? Well, perhaps it had something to do with the mystical creatures that were roaming the lands. Beings that could see into the future, or who were unnaturally colored.
Things changed quickly from that point. The once peaceful pack became bitter and angry. Their ranks shifted and their military grew. They had to fight back. If not for them, then for the world.
It’s only what is right.
Timeline
Long ago: The old ways were a part of the pack for generation after generation. The pack was quiet and devout, fiercely loyal both to themselves and to the earth. It was peaceful, then. They kept to themselves and their world-worshipping rituals.
Five Generations Ago: Famine came first, driving prey numbers down in the land near The Deep, the ancestral home far in the woods. Loyalty to the home and beliefs that the world would provide when able kept the pack from uprooting. It was stubbornness and faith that kept them in place, but no amount of faith could keep doubt from uprooting…
Four Generations Ago: Despite what the most faithful spiritual leaders of the pack said, the famine didn't cease. Even worse, an illness seemed to be spreading from what prey they could find. The plague hit the pack's dwindling numbers hard and fast and seemed to be a fuel to the dissenting fire. Members became jaded. Angry. They were furious with their situation and turned the blame outwards, representing the real birth of the modernist movement.
Two Generations Ago: During the time of Glory's Grandfather, the Modernist movement hit it's stride. The alpha took power in his youth following the loss of his father to plague and replaced his father's advisors with close (and notably modern-thinking) allies. Though there were still respected traditionalists in the pack, they have never since regained a majority impact. The culture of the pack today closely resembles how it was two generations prior to Year One
Year Zero: (Refers to events occurring Winter 2020 IRL and prior)
Year One: (Defined as starting in Spring 2020 IRL) |
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Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 12:48 pm
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Now...
Five generations have come and gone since the pack went through its drastic change, and only remnants of what the pack once was still remain. Even its name, once referring to the deep and life-filled woods, has shifted towards something more... menacing. The Deep, where something dark lurks. The pack still worships the world around them, but now that worship comes with an angry vengeance. They have taken it upon themselves to become more militaristic. They will save this world by hunting down those they have deemed to have stolen from it, even if they have to do it one by one.
Atmosphere / Stereotypes
The atmosphere of the pack is intense and competative. It can at times also come across as secretive and almost cult-like. They are often describes as being a violent and militaristic group, especially to outsiders that encounter the fighters of the pack more than they do the civilians. The pack places a high value on strength. They have little patience for those who cannot hold their own in battle. Those who are true believers in the pack's mission come across as being very focused on their goals. As you venture deeper into the pack's core, you can find that competitiveness is a trait that is even more prominent and admired than sheer strength. There is a strong push for members to be the best at what they do: fighters are pushed to be the strongest, strategists are pushed to be the smartest, healers are pushed to be the most skilled, etc. While all pack members are trained in the art of battle, the feeling of competition seems to spread throughout all manners of life here.
Laws
Actions that disrespect nature will not be tolerated; unnecessary killing will result in disciplinary action to be decided upon by the Alpha, Commanders, and Ministers.
Spirits are to be hunted and killed. (See the definitions of "Spirits" below)
Collusion with Spirits will not be tolerated. Known collusion will result in exile. (See the definitions of "Spirits" below)
Outsiders are not allowed in the pack homelands outside of special circumstances.
Breeding outside of the pack is allowed, though breeding with spirits will result in exile and the death of resulting children. (See the definitions of "Spirits" below)
Disputes between pack members will be overseen by the Alpha, Commanders, and Ministers.
Spirits
The pack believes that, by hunting down individuals that have stolen energy from the world, they will keep it from dying. They have defined these individuals as 'spirits.' There are differing levels of extremists in the pack and, depending on a pack member's belief, their definition of spirits (and thusly their belief in who should be hunted) may vary.
The general population defines spirits as including seers, empaths, and ethereals
Slightly more extreme members may also lump 'spirit-touched' individuals in with 'spirits.' These individuals include those who have obvious blood-heritage from the 'spirits' defined above, such as those carrying seer-genes (males with purple eyes or anyone with purple heterochromia may be lumped in), or dires and berserkers that have pelt colors as a result from ethereal parentage.
The most extreme pack members will also hunt individuals with a large amount of brightly-colored dye if they are unable to differentiate them from natural pelt colors. This extreme belief level is uncommon.
The definition of 'spirits' can vary from individual to individual, and can be influenced by outside beliefs to make for some juicy plots >> <<
Colors, Dyes, and Races
Natural colors are favored. Old blooded members favor earth tones though, generally, base colors that are allowed for direwolves/berserkers/wolf-dogs (ranging to desaturated blues/reds/greens/etc.) are allowed. Those with bright dyes may be faced with discrimination (though they are not technically banned), depending on the amount. Dull and natural-colored dyes are more okay, and members may decorate their pelts with mud and blood. Basically and generally speaking:
Allowed without discrimination: All natural base color tones. Natural/neutral-toned dyes (including blood red).
Allowed with minimal discrimination: Unnaturally-colored bright dye approx. <20% of body (attitude varies from member to member)
Allowed with moderate discrimination: Unnaturally-colored bright dye approx. 20-50% of body (attitude varies from member to member)
Not Allowed, potentially hunted: Unnatural body colors, Ethereals, Purple-eyed individuals, unnaturally-colored bright dye >50% of body (though this varies, and if you want to join a wolf with a lot of dye we could make it work!)
There is no discrimination against items.
All wolf breeds are allowed except Ethereals, though strong and powerful features are more generally favored.
All familiar breeds are okay. The same coloration rules apply.
Naming
There are no standard naming conventions. The oldest bloodlines in the pack have poetic, nature-themed names as a tie back to their nature-worshipping roots. In recent history, there has been a growing favor for names that invoke power and strength.
Breeding & Lifemating
Flings are allowed, both within and outside of the pack.
Lifemating is recognized, though it is acknowledged that breeding outside of a lifemating may occur.
It is encouraged to breed for strength.
Children that are brought back to the pack (or born to a pair of pack members) that exhibit Spirit traits (seers, seer-gene eyes, or ethereal pelts) are likely to be killed and the parent exiled. It is not unheard of for parents to abandon such children outside the pack for this reason.
Scarification and Rank
While the pack doesn't encourage dyes, they do support displays of glory, rank, and achievement. Being battle oriented, they implement decorative scarification that symbolize achievement. The Lead Historian is in charge of giving these scars and making sure all historians recognize the story behind each one. Imitating these scars (getting or giving decorative scars not from the lead historian) is seen as cowardly. That being said, as they are a battle-oriented pack, non-glory-related battle scars are often seen as attractive.
Scars gained ICly do not need to be on a character's official art. There will be a thread in the subforum to document known markings of glory and to note members that hold places of 'honor' and 'rank' due to their IC achievements.
Military Life
The militaristic arm of the pack works in close groups (generally of 3-6) referred to as Crews. They train often and are the ones that do arranged hunts for spirits. They are also in charge of hunting, as a part of revolving duties. While all crews have their revolving duties, specific crews can specialize in specific skills.
Civilian Life
While most members of the pack is focused on warfare and combat, the necessary for civilian roles are acknowledged. Civilians are in charge of all cultural affairs and any and all homekeeping. There are generally less members in civilian roles than in military ones IC, with the assumption that there are NPCs filling out the roles of military should there be a high number of PC civilians. Though their jobs may not be focused on battle, all civilians are still trained in fighting and are expected to be able to hold their own in combat. |
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Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 12:49 pm
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Summer Homecoming
When the pack returns to the homelands for the summer, it is celebrated as a time of life, and a time of looking forward. It is a time of great celebration, and is probably the time in the pack that is least focused on battle and on the hunt. The Summer Homecoming is marked by the Head Historian, who keeps track of the seasons. It begins with the initial return to the familial homelands and is usually marked by a hunting competition that lasts the first week, which ends with a feast. The competition is usually followed by week-long festivities that celebrate life and looking forward. Pups and young adults are particularly celebrated and are given spots of priority during any feasts and any games. During the second week there are ceremonies to officiate the marriage of any pack members that wish to wed (this is the only time that the pack hosts formal weddings). It isn't uncommon for matchmaking to also be on the mind during the Summer Homecoming.
Winter Homecoming
In comparison to the Summer Homecoming, the Winter homecoming is much more subdued. This is a time for remembering that past and focus on the pack's ultimate goal: to renew life to the world. The pack lands during this time are cold and nearly lifeless, driving the pack beliefs that the earth is dying. There are no feasts during this time, and the pack makes a point to only hunt as much as they need to squeak by. Instead, this homecoming is celebrated by the building of strength. Dueling competitions are common, alongside other events that celebrate warfare and battle.
Marriage
Marriage ceremonies are held only during one period of time during the year: the second week of the Summer Homecoming. Ceremonies are overseen always by the Head Historian and at least one Minister, though other ranking members such as the Alpha and Commanders may be in attendance. Calling back to the pack's roots, ceremonies are often based in nature and revolve around tying the married couple both to each other and to the earth. Marriage ceremonies do not necessarily need to be between one male and one female, as the pack is open to different types of relationships. |
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Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 12:49 pm
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The different factions of the pack represent the different 'political' beliefs that wolves might hold. There is no official distinction between factions (that is, they aren't official groups), though particular members or families might be strong proponents of their beliefs. Wolves may hold the beliefs of any faction without being an official part of a political group. They may choose how loudly they express their beliefs.
PM/DM DeD if you have a:
Member/Family in a known faction that you'd like to have listed
Member/Family that you are open to letting others quest custom family members for (with your permission)
Custom concepts (individual or family) that you'd like to have part of a faction
Traditional
Traditionally minded wolves stick more to the 'old ways.' They hold a great reverence towards nature. They can be isolationist and almost mystical in their behavior. They can still be hard-bitten, tough, and battle ready. They are, however, less prejudiced and extreme in comparison to the Modernists. Extreme traditional characters might think that modernist characters have perverted the original was and beliefs of the pack.
Beliefs on Colors and Breeds:
They are the most open when it comes to coloration. While they are still wary about wolves that are covered in brightly-colored dye, they tend to let it slide. Still, they are unlikely to be open to seers/seerbloods/ethereals/etherealblooded
Known Members/Families:
[Tribute] – [Felyn] : Sister to the alpha, she is more earth-worshipping and keeps Glory down to earth
Open for custom-in family?
Moderate
Moderate wolves can be any flavor in-between Traditional and Modernist wolves. There is no discrete definition of their beliefs.
Beliefs on Colors and Breeds:
This can vary greatly from individual to individual. Some may be open to all colorations, some may be open on the condition that colored individuals can prove they are not spirit-touched, and some maybe just as discriminatory as Modernists.
Known Members/Families:
[Heart of Glory] – [oo DeD] : The alpha is a Modernist-leaning moderate. At the time, he listens greatly to his modernist advisors, though he seems grounded enough in reason to allow for exceptions in extreme modernist mentalities. The alpha's bloodline is known to have been moderate for many generations, though they waver between leaning towards traditional or modern mentalities.
Open for custom-in family?
Modernist
Modernist wolves believe strongly in the idea that Spirits are stealing life-energy from the earth. They are more gung-ho into the spirit-hunting aspect of the pact. They are still earth-worshipping, but in a much more jaded way. They can be xenophobic, eerie, and almost cult-like in their beliefs. Extreme modernists might think that traditional characters are too soft and complacent. The Modernist mindset originated around 5 generations ago, though it only grew to prominence generations ago.
Beliefs on Colors and Breeds:
Modernists are the least welcoming of the pack. They might turn up their nose even at wolves that are technically allowed in the pack if they bear colored dye.
Known Members/Families:
[Eyes in the Dark] – [oo DeD] : An old-blooded warrior, Eyes' ancestors were early in adopting the modernist mindset.
Open for custom-in family?
Yes! Her parents are known to be deceased. She can have siblings, aunts, uncles, or cousins. DM/PM DeD for more info! |
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Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 12:49 pm
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Leadership
Alpha: (1) Head of leadership. Has the last word in both military and civilian affairs. When an alpha retires, he chooses a successor from his children. In the event of the death of an alpha before an heir is decided, the position goes to his eldest son.
Commander (Military Leader): (2) Oversees the military, is in direct command of the captains. Works with leadership to decide on pack affairs
Minister (Civilian Leader): (2) Oversees civilian affairs. In direct command of leaders of civilian ranks. Works with leadership to decide on pack affairs.
Military
Captain (Restricted): Leads a Crew, has 2-5 warriors working beneath them. Responsible for leading their crew, reporting to the military leader, and taking part in meetings with the alpha and military leader to make pack plans. ICly, Captains are elected by a crew. OOCly, a captain is chosen when a group of wolves applies to become a crew. In the event of a retirement or death of a captain, a new captain is elected from the crew.
Warrior (Unlimited): Part of a crew of 3-6 (including the captain). Crews have varying duties, including scouting, patrolling, hunting, and participating in spirit hunts. As the pack grows, this rank may split into different specializations.
Specialties: While there are only two official ranks in the military (for now), warriors and their crews can gain specializations. These specializations are marked with unique scars, to signify a warrior/crew's accomplishments. Specialties will be given out in IC events and include Master Fighters, Master Hunters, Master Trackers, etc.
Civilian
Healer (Unlimited): These members specialize in taking care of the bodies of their packmates. Many focus on wound management, though they can also broaden their care into physical therapy, therapy, childbirth, or anything you can think of that might fall into this category! Crews often take a healer with them when they leave the pack on missions.
Head Healer (1): The Head Healer is considered a master in many of the healing arts. They oversee the training of new healers and see that the needs of the healers are met. They work with the Ministers and other leadership as a voice of the healers in pack manners.
Caretakers (Unlimited): Along with taking care of the young, Caretakers are the general 'housekeepers' of the pack. They take care of matters at home. They can also broaden into other social activities, such as any arts.
Head Caretaker (1): The Head Caretaker oversees the training of new nannies and see that the needs of the caretakers are met. They work with the Ministers and other leadership as a voice of the nannies in pack manners.
Historian (Unlimited): Historians are the scholars of the pack. They mainly specialize in keeping track of the pack's history and assuring that the pack (the youth especially) are educated in the pack's culture and, as a group, keep track of the stories behind each pack member's scarification. They may broaden into other scholarly topics, such as philosophy, natural history, or whatever your wolf heart might desire!
Head Historian (1): The Head Historian is the head of the scholarly wolves. They oversee the training of new historians and see that the needs of the historians are met. They work with the Ministers and other leadership as a voice of the healers in pack matters. The Head Historian is also in charge of keeping track of the seasons and administering scarification to pack members.
Elder (Unlimited): Any individual that deems themselves no longer able to perform other duties may retire. They are still respected individuals and their counsel is often requested for their wisdom. Pack members may take this rank for age, injury, etc.
Youth (Unlimited): This is for all the youngins! The youths of the pack are often encouraged to apprentice for what ranks they might wish to take when they become an adult. They may apprentice for multiple ranks before they make their final decision. |
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Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 12:50 pm
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Posted: Wed Nov 13, 2019 4:03 pm
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Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2020 6:44 pm
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