All packs start somewhere, but where this pack’s true start was, no one truly knows. Though as all packs start, they begin with a group. A small group of dogs with shared interests and ideas and a shared religion, carrying them across the lands. As the group grew, so did their ideas and beliefs. The group stuck together, sharing their culture with one another as they travelled on well-worn paths, and some not so worn. Together, they wander as long as the wind sweeps across the lands.
In the recent past, the Matriarch Symr stepped down, leaving the pack to her daughter Aeolus. As the pack transitioned into new leadership, there was unrest, and the pack remained stationary as they settled into the new dynamics. They continue along their path to the next destination.
The Aérastouvíos is a nomadic pack. They travel along similar lines for each cycle, though new paths, alliances, and areas are found constantly. They, in particular, follow the direction of the wind. The Goddess (of the wind) is said to guide them. While there are few that can read the wind, it is required for the Matriarch to be able to read them before she steps into the role. Other Wind Readers act as council, aiding the matriarch as she leads the pack.
The Wind Readers, called Rous, are made up of four dogs and must have their Ousía just as the leader must have hers, before she becomes the Matriach. The Ousía are always Avians, being connected to the wind as a part of their whole existence, they are more connected to the wind than dogs are.
Avians (called Ousía) hold a special place in the pack - they are seen as the physical manifestation of a dog’s Soul - their very essence. While it is not unusual for for a dog to not have an Ousía. It can mean the pair simply have not found each other yet - OOCly, sometimes birds are hard to come by, so there’s a freedom in that. Those that attempt to bond with other creatures that are not avians are regarded with suspicion and may be moved out of the pack - likely left with an Allied pack of the dog's chosing/. The Matriach and Wind Readers must always have Avians to even come into the role. Seers are rumored to be able to see through the eyes of their Ousía and are revered within the pack. Though there is no official rank for Seers, they are often cared for very well and treated as children of the Wind Goddess.
Feathers take in important role in the pride as well. Feathers come from the Ousía and symbolize the bond between the dog and the Ousía. Artisans are often commissioned to make a charm for the bonds to wear. That is the only time an Artisan may use feathers in a craft. Feathers from an Ousía can only be given to a life-mate or children of the dog. Feathers are used in ceremonies and are a sign of great importance. They often show family history. Children get feathers, usually from their mother, though both parents may bestow the children with feathers. Adopted pups are often gifted feathers as well.
Life Mates are often a quiet affair between the members of a dog’s close (or chosen) family, though they may invite more. In the ceremony, the dogs will exchange a feather of their Ousía, symbolizing that their souls are combined. This ceremony isn’t performed particularly often, as it is viewed as completely serious and binding for the duration of a dog’s life. Widows are expected not to re-marry, but there is no stigma on breeding. The pack is Matriarchal, so the male will always leave his family and belong to the female's. In the case of same-gendered mates, they would belong to either the higher-ranking mate's family, or decided among the mates.
The pack is particular about birth and the process revolving around it. When a member becomes pregnant, they are assigned one or more healers and are guarded more closely by the entire pack. Depending on the situation, the pack usually stays in the same location until the birth of the pups. Sometimes, mothers are left in trusted packs or prides until the pups are old enough to travel. When the pups are old enough to travel with the pack, a ceremony is held to welcome them, often on a calm, breezy day.
When any member returns to the pack from a journey, they are greeted usually by close friends and family, and usually the leader. Reconnecting with the pack is important, and re-establishes the bonds between the members. Most often, Mothers, Liaisons, Pathfinders, and Sentries are at the receiving end of this affection, though anyone who leaves the pack and returns will be greeted this way. Reconnecting is a way for a pack to bond collectively. Mothers and pups are often celebrated the most, as new life is brought to the pack.
Most often, it is pathfinders that leave the pack. They are charged with finding new routes, seeing as the wind kind of travels everywhere. They can seek new paths by following a direction of the wind that the main pack is not traveling. They will, in turn, speak with a wind reader after they reconnect with the pack. The pair often collaborates with leader to expand the travel area of the pack as they follow new routes to expand their trade lines and food sources.
The pack, as they travel, will trade items that are made by artisans, or even food and information, for safe passage, shelter, and other such valuables. Trade is an important part of the pack's culture, and expands constantly as the pack grows and explores new areas.
