Starting a Pack

[Cascade]

Any wolf can start a pack, as long as territory is available!

To start a pack, you must first have a designated alpha or alphess. The player of the alpha/alphess must have posted in-character with that character at least fifty (50) times. These posts must be at least 200 words each of good quality RP, and they must have correct spelling, grammar, capitalization and punctuation. The reason for this is that packs are a prominent fixture of the site, and leading a pack is a larger commitment than any other rank, so we want players to be certain that they are up to the task.

The next step is to gather enough wolves to claim your desired territory. Please read this thread on territories before you attempt to claim one, as there are different character requirements for different sized territories:
Territories and Claiming

When you have this group, post a thread in this board with the following form (Note: You may change the names of the ranks and add new ones in, so long as you have an equivalent for the alpha, beta and gamma positions).

[b]Pack Name:[/b]
[b]Territory:[/b]
[b]Founder:[/b]

[b]Alpha Male:[/b]
[b]Alpha Female:[/b]

[b]Beta Male:[/b]
[b]Beta Female:[/b]

[b]Gamma Male:[/b]
[b]Gamma Female:[/b]

[b]Subordinate Males:[/b]
[b]Subordinate Females:[/b]

[b]Male Pups:[/b]
[b]Female Pups:[/b]


Currently Open Territories:
Bleak Bluffs - The Heathlands - Large
Barren Wastes - The Heathlands - Small
Wildflower Clearing - The Forests - Small
Longrass - The Grasslands - Small

[Juice]

While you may have many different ranks in your pack, it is essential you have the following positions available. As noted above, you can title these positions as you see fit. This is just meant to be a basic guide for you to base your positions on. You can change up the position's responsibilities as you see fit as long as they keep the basic concept. Also note that the positions of Male and Female do not mean the wolves have to be a mated pair. Or of one specific sex. For example there can be two beta males that are not mates. This is your decision among your own pack. If you prefer that the positions be filled by mates then you should make that clear to your pack members.

Alpha Male/Female The leader of the pack. This is the most important and essential role to fill because a pack cannot form without a leader. It is the job of the alpha(s) to make decisions on the pack's behalf therefore, the alpha(s) must be wise and steady under pressure. The subordinates of the pack look to the alpha(s) for leadership and strength in times of uncertainty. It is also the job of the alpha(s) to organize and direct pack hunts and any other pack activities unless they designate another wolf to do so. Alpha(s) also act as ambassadors for their pack when they strike out to explore the mountain. If your pack is looking for an alliance, have your alpha(s) meet with the alpha(s) of the desired ally pack.

Beta Male/Female The beta(s) are essentially the "right hand man" to the alpha(s). They are second in command and it is their job to offer assistance and input to the alpha(s) on various pack matters. The beta(s) can do border patrol and accept/reject new wolves into the ranks of their packs. It is also up to Beta(s) to keep up relationships with the other pack members as the alpha(s) are not always available to do so. Beta(s) assume control of the pack if the alpha(s) go out on a journey or quest.

Gamma Male/Female The Gamma(s) act as the pack's military leadership. This position is usually given to wolves who are strategists and knowledgeable in combat. While your pack may be peace-loving, they must always be ready to fight for their territory if necessary. Packs can easily outgrow their territories and have to go looking for new ones which can cause battles. The Gamma(s) are the ones who lead the army and consult with the alpha(s) on the best way to handle battle related things.

Please keep in mind that not all packs are large enough to need every single position filled. In fact, if a pack is small all they really need is an alpha but once the pack begins to grow, the alpha will need help to keep the pack running smoothly.

Also feel free to make up positions if you like. Some examples of positions for your wolf that aren't exactly leadership roles and are totally optional:
Hunters: The packs need to eat and to do so, they usually hunt food. If your pack is very large, not all members can participate in a hunt. The hunters are the wolves designated to catch and kill food for the pack. Usually led by the Beta(s) or a Lead Hunter
Raiders/Warriors/Scouts: These wolves are usually soldiers for the pack. If you want to be more specific, they can also be pack spies whose duty it is to keep an eye on the other packs. Usually led by the Gamma(s)
Sentry/Sentinel: These wolves act as protectors for the pack. They are usually on guard duty or border patrol and basically just make sure nothing is amiss. If something IS amiss, these wolves alert the alpha(s)
Caregiver: This wolf is a nanny of sorts. They are the ones that take care of pups if the parents need a break or they're busy tending to other things. The caregiver also watches over wounded or sick wolves and makes sure their needs are met. This position can be split into two different ones. One that specifically tends to pups and the other that tends to the ill. You can name these positions as you see fit.