ʊHierarchyʊ
Alphas:
The Alphas are the most dominate and respected wolves of the
pack. If these two Alphas are not given the respect that they deserve,
they
will demand it, and if it comes to fighting, so be it, for disrespect
will not
be tolerated. If these two Alphas see that another wolf is not getting
respect
that they deserve, then they will see that that wolf does get the
respect that
he or she deserves. The Alphas try to know what has been going on
between
members of the pack and, moreover, between members of other packs; they
try to
"keep up with the times." Alphas have the final say in all decisions,
and it is their duty to do what is good for the pack. Even in personal
decisions, they must do what is best for the pack. This includes hearing
the
opinions of all the others and making a decision based on all
circumstances.
They usually decide what goes on at any given time in a pack: hunting,
exploring, meetings, etc. These two are the most responsible and
reliable
wolves of the pack. The female is in charge of females, and the male is
in
charge of the males; however, both Alphas will be equally respected by
all
wolves, regardless of gender, age, pack, etc.
Betas:
The Betas in a wolf pack play a very similar role as the
Alphas. Betas are usually looked upon as second in command, taking over
while
the alphas are not present. They are able to make the same decisions and
have
the same amount of respect as the alphas. They answer to no one but
their
Alphas. While the Alphas are present, Betas are mostly used to settle
minor
jobs or disputes. They also assist the Alphas with any conflicts within the pack
and
enforce the rules, keeping peace within the clearing. They have the
right to kick and ban a wolf from the clearing, after fair warning of
wrong actions, such as fighting. Betas may also call hunts, deciding
when and where to hunt,
along with the Hunters.
In pack meetings, the Betas' answers and suggestions are the second
most important, being trusted advisers to the Alpha, only thinking for
the good of the pack as a whole.
Deltas:
The Deltas of the pack often serve as buffers, handling
all of the disputes that are unnecessary to bother the Alphas or Betas
with due to the fact that they have a lot on their plate. Deltas are the
first wave of correction and discipline and therefore have to know and
understand the workings of the pack, especially Pack Law. When a Delta
cannot solve a problem or dispute, it is then moved up in rank. There
will generally be four to six Deltas in the pack at one time. Deltas are
vital to the pack because they often serve as the mediators between any
of the ranks, their primary goal is to keep peace and preserve the ways
of the pack. Deltas do not, however, have the authority to call a hunt.
Simply put, Alphas and Betas handle decision making while Deltas
enforce their decisions.
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 pieces 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. Guardians are the protectors and most skilled fighters of the
pack.
Hunters:
The hunters are very similar 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
valuable
positions as these wolves keep the pack alive and healthy.
Shamans:
A wolf that shows interest and skill in caring for weakened pack
mates. The Shaman of the Pack ensures when any wolf is wounded, they
recover
properly not putting too 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.
Gammas (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
than the pups. The Omega is usually a wolf that is either very new to
pack life
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 human
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. The
assessments for our pack are referred to as Probates.
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.
- Deltas, Elders, Guardians, Hunters, Shamans, and Scouts have a leader of their particular branch that is referred to as the Ace. The Ace is the wolf to go to in order to receive answers to questions that pertain to its rank.
- Pups that show particularly promising abilities can often be taken under the wing of an Ace of a particular rank to begin a sort of apprenticeship. They will be referred to as A-Pups and will be permitted to eat and partake in events before other pups to ensure their continued growth and development both physically and in their particular area of study.
