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 Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 4:03 pm
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Hierarchy
There is a three-tiered hierarchy in place, with ranks within each tier. The top most tier is called the Point and includes the alpha, beta, and elder. These three form the leadership of the pack. The middle tier is the flock. This comprises the largest sect of pack members who have selected a vocation. Vocations include hunter, protector, caretaker, and healer. The beta oversees the hunters and protectors while the elder oversees caretakers and healers. The bottom tier are the grounded, including the youth and omegas. Youth are the young of the pack while omegas are those who are unable to have a vocation. Often this is due to age or illness but is not limited to these conditions. See Ranks & Members for detailed descriptions of each rank.
Different positions are obtained through different methods. The alpha is elected when the former alpha either dies or steps down. This means that any child(ren) of the current alpha are not guaranteed to fill their parent's role. Once elected, a new alpha will then appoint his or her beta and elder. Often times a new alpha will select a beta which is a trusted confidant, and therefore, a new alpha commonly means a new beta. Elders, however, will frequently continue to serve the succeeding alpha (though this is at the discretion of the new alpha). The four vocations of the flock are subject to approval from either the beta or elder, depending on which vocation is being sought. This provides both control and awareness between the point and the flock, but also will assist the youth in selecting a vocation which best fits their skills. Lastly, the grounded are assumed. This means two different things between a youth and an omega. A youth assumes a grounded position by simply being born. An omega, however, will assume an omega position when they decide they can no longer fulfill the role which they held previously. If pride is a factor, often times a beta or elder will have a word with the wolf as encouragement to relieve themself of the burden. In the history of the pack, there has never been a wolf to assume the omega position unwarranted.
Naming Conventions
Most Swiftfell pack members have names that are associated with birds, trees, or fish (ex: Willow Bark, Dovetail, Gill). Outsiders who later join the pack would not be expected to change their name or be considered less of a wolf if their name were outside the norm. It would, however, be a tell-tale sign that the pack member was not born into the pack.
Traditions
The Great Rush. Once a year, the members of the pack come together in the spirit of friendly competition for the chance to be distinguished as the fastest wolf in the pack. The wolves gather at the brim of the forest and, at the signal, attempt to outrun their pack members to the finish. The winner is crowned the Swift Champion and given an especially hearty dinner in celebration. This competition takes the form of a dice game, the details of which have yet to be fleshed out. Ideally there would be a prize to offer the winner!
The Hare Hunt. Also once a year, the wolves of Swiftfell compete against one another in what is a day-long hunt for the red-tailed hare (a hare whose tail has been dyed red). The wolf which successful brings the hare back to the alpha is given great honor as the first of the flock to eat at meals, after thebpoint takes their share, until the next Hare Hunt winner is declared. This competition takes the form of a 'choose your own adventure' game, in which each round contestants select from a series of options. (Depending on the number of players, there will either be eliminations or a point system in place.)
Outsiders
Those who are not indoctrinated members of the pack are not welcome within its territory. The game, resources, and shelter is for the sole use of the pack and it is defended as so. It is the Protectors' responsibility to fend off outsiders or, alternatively, escort outsiders to the alpha if they are seeking join the pack or ask for asylum. The pack is generally open to new members who will strengthen the flock, though there may be some distrust until they are well-established in their role. At this time, there are no quarrels or alliances with other packs. Interested in plotting one? Contact Faith!
Birds
A swift is the sigil of the pack, originating from the large flock of swifts which nest in the trees within the pack's territory. Birds, generally, are common in the forest and it is forbidden to kill them even for food. (Food is aplenty in the forest, with the primary game of the pack being deer.) Because of the swift's presence, and their tendency to be very vocal, the pack territory is often filled with the music of swift twitters and chirps. This is also a tool used to alert the pack to outsiders. Because the birds are familiar with the pack member's scents, they are undisturbed by their presence. Scent of outsiders, however, will silence their song almost immediately. [21 Facts on Swifts]
Semi-Nocturnal
The pack, as a whole, is semi-nocturnal. Much activity occurs at night, including hunting, scouting, and socialization. To accommodate these high priorities, the pack is active most from midday to dawn. Note that there are always sentries who monitor the pack territory when the rest of the pack is at rest. |
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Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 4:07 pm
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The bonds between pack members is very fluid. What does that mean? It means that while some chose to mate for life, others are less strict in their courtship and breeding. Most often a pair will chose to be monogamous with each other for a time, if not for life, but it is not frowned upon for wolves to have polyamorous relations or even flings. This is because any resulting pups from any courtship will be the responsibility of the pack regardless of whether its parents were monogamous or not.
Because litter-rearing does not rest solely on the parents of the youths, there is not the stigma that parents must be bonded to create life. This also means that an alpha may chose to not have a life-mate by his or her side during their tenure, but still produce pups. Officially, children of the alpha are not given any special treatment though it is not unheard of for caretakers to dote on them as a means to gain favor with the alpha.
At this time, pack members are permitted to breed outside of the pack. This is in response to the low number of pack members. In canon, a plot as to why the pack has shrunk in size is currently under development. Former breeding policy: The only restriction is that pack members may not breed with outsiders. This is especially so with female pack members, as she would be thrusting responsibility for the children of a stranger onto the the pack. The resulting pups, and their mother, would be outcasts and effectively ostracized. Males get off easier merely because it is harder to discover and/or prove when they have bred with an outside female. If it does become known though, the male will also be ostracized with the intent being he would seek out the mother, and their pups, to raise them. The best way to avoid these repercussions is to have the outsider join the pack. An alpha would be highly encouraged to accept the outsider for the sake of the pack member and their children. (There would be no stigma once both parents of the children are official members.) |
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Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 8:04 pm
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 (Click for larger map*)
*Original map created by Pandorus Sphinx
Geographical Placement
The pack is located in south-west region of the Kell's Forest and is therefore heavily wooded. It serves as protection, camouflage, and is abundant with life. Birds are the most common creature, but deer are the primary source of food, hares when deer are scare.
The Dens
The nesting area of the pack, located in the heart of the territory. Typically, the whole of the pack sleeps within distance of each other but of course seek privacy when needed. The exception are healers who frequently sleep near their charges while they recover in the cave. The den is distinct by the piles of bramble, leaves, and grasses used for beds.
The Cave
Where the sick and injured are cared for, located east of the dens. The healers stock the cave with grasses, leaves, and other bramble as beds in order to soften the rock floor and keep theirs charges dry. It is situated near the creek but at an elevated placement which prevents flooding in high rain season.
The Burrows
Used by expectant mothers as birthing nests, located south of the cave. Burrows are maintained near the cave in order to allow ease of access between healers and mothers who are giving birth. They are large, semi-underground nests which are padded with bramble to provide as much comfort as possible. Mothers who are near their time may move into a burrow, sleeping and nesting until she is ready to welcome the newest members of the pack.
The Creek
To the east, there is a creek which runs vertically through the territory and supplies the pack's water supply. Occasionally hunters are able to snatch fish from the shallows but it is most often used for the occasional rinse off and drinking water. The height of the water varies depending on the season, occasionally nearly drying up completely in long droughts. |
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