Elders:
The Elders of the pack are usually the oldest, wisest, and most
experienced wolves in the pack. The elders are usually wolves that
have the ability to be high ranking. They are constantly looked
to for advice, even by the alphas and betas. They are highly respected
wolves. The elders know the packs history and are often the storytellers.
Their job is to keep records of all the recent events going on in
the clearing, along with getting their hands on any peices of art,
poems, stories a wolf might come up with and keep a log of it for
future reference, or just to keep as part of the heart of the pack.
Guardians:
The Guardians are a larger branch, usually consisting of a few wolves.
Their job is to watch over the clearing, and the wolves in it. They
are usually the bigger, stronger, and more loyal wolves to the pack.
Their job is to greet visitors, as well as chase them away if there
seems to be a threat.
Hunters:
The hunters are very simular to the Guardians being the larger and
stronger wolves. These wolves have been given the job of hunting
for food to feed the pack. Usually they bring along other pack members
acting as mentors, teaching and helping them to hunt. This is one
of the most valuealbe positions as these wolves keep the pack alive
and healthy.
Shamans:
A wolf that shows interest and skill in caring for weakened packmates.
The Shaman of the Pack ensures when any wolf is wounded, they recover
properly not putting to much stress on their wounds. They also watch
over the older or ill wolves of the Pack. They serve as a doctor,
and try to keep the pack in a healthy state. Shamans make sure that
no wolf over exerts themselves before, during, or after hunts.
Scouts:
Scouts are responsible for warning the Pack of dangerous territory
outside the clearing, if any. Scouts are mainly wolves known by
neighboring packs and visit around often. They stay in touch with
other packs and keep friendly relations. They are to report any
important changes to the Alpha and Beta. These include: if a new
Pack is formed; Scouts are to find out who is the Alpha or Alphas
and if the Pack is peaceful. Another change includes the banishment
of a certain wolf; Scouts are to find out who was banished from
where and why.
Pack Members:
Not all wolves hold positions, either for being new additions to
the pack or not having defined their abilities yet. The Alpha(s)
take great care in selection of which position a wolf will be allowed
to maintain. As the pack members gain time in the pack, their actions
will dictate if they are to be advanced.
Omegas:
The Omega of the pack is lowest ranking wolf, only higher then the
pups. The Omega is usually a wolf that is either very new to packlife
and still learning or a wolf that has been lowered in rank due to
wrong actions. They are usually given the responsibilities of 'puppy-sitter',
watching over the cubs during group hunts and making sure they don't
wander into the forest. The Omega may even growl or nip at the learning
pups, teaching them the Way of the Pack and their place within the
hierarchy. Ironically, other adult wolves may growl or nip at the
Omega in the same manner for the same reasons. Still what seems
to be 'bullying' is much more complicated than it appears. If a
pack's survival depends on the acceptance of hierarchy, then it
is crucial to learn this well and early.
Pups:
Normally, only the alphas will mate and produce pups. Packs often
will adopt pups that wander into a clearing. Many lone pups have
become lost from their packs, wandered off, or due to packs fighting
each other have lost their parents. Others have been burned out
of their clearings all adult pack killed or hunters killing them
off. Some escape from hooman captivity to return to the wild and
will wander into a pack's territory. Some will be allowed to remain
while others will be chased off or killed. Pups are not allowed
on hunts until around 6 months of age and then only when accompanied
by the packs hunters or their parents.
Assessments:
Assessments are wolves that have wandered into a clearing often
searching for a home. These wolves must prove themselves worthy
to become a part of a pack. Some wolves will never make it into
assessment and others that have been accepted as assessment may
end up being driven from the pack and the clearing. Each pack has
its own requirements for being accepted.
Sister Packs:
Some packs will claim another pack as a part of their extended family.
Each is a separate pack guided by their own alphas and betas. These
packs will come together when one or the other is in danger or needing
help. Often these packs will be seen visiting in each others clearings,
helping with pups, hunting, giving guidance and assistance where
needed. Both packs will help the other defend its home when necessary.
The alphas and betas are given the respect befitting their position
when visiting.
Honored Guests:
These are wolves who are trusted friends of the pack, or members
of the sister pack.