Wolf Pack Ranks

[Blue]

The organization of the typical wolf pack is as follows. There are some that are more egalitarian and some that are more tyrannical, but in general the pack finds itself within a balance and is able to survive more easily if it is maintained.

``Alpha

The leader of a pack. Most times the position is won through challenge but on occasion it can simply fall to the most able wolf if the pack has just been formed. To the alpha falls the greatest power and responsibility; a wolf will not respect a leader who is weak or unable to do their job and the entire pack may abandon them if they are proven unfit. It is also the Alpha's job to test wolves wishing to join the pack, organize hunts and see to the well-being of their people, as well as their goals.

``Beta

The beta is the second in command of a pack, overseeing day to day necessities that the Alpha may be too preoccupied to deal with. In hunting and fighting situations they generally are leading the second group and stand behind the leader when meeting new wolves.

``Subordinates

The average wolf in a pack. They're the fighting ranks, hunters and scouts, most Subordinates, as their name suggests, are calm and submissive toward each other and outside wolves.

``Pup Tenders

Usually the youngest members from the last year's litter, they often look after their younger relatives when not training to successfully hunt and fight. Occasionally they will split off from the pack to join another, usually with no ill feelings.

``Pups

The newly-born and much protected progeny of a female group within the pack; even those who are not normally tenders or even in any way related will help a cub in distress, and to attack one is unheard of. Their time consists of learning-games and roughhousing with long bouts of rest.

``Omega

Lowest on the totem pole, the Omega is a useless or chastised member of the group who is allowed to follow only out of charity or disgust. To be in this state is the greatest shame and hardship to a wolf; all members of the pack will scorn them if the crime was severe enough and only a rare few will help them.