About: The Ranks

[Robin]

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Alpha Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

Being an Alpha entails being the highest wolf in terms of status (what else would they be). There are usually two in a pack, which consist of one male and one female, typically mated. In a mated pair, one wolf will come from rising up from Delta to Beta, and becoming Alpha automatically once the previous passes on. If that wolf is mated, or becomes so later on― then their partner becomes the second Alpha regardless of their previous rank. Those in this rank lead the entirety of the pack, and are responsible for their well-being. They are the only wolves who give out the declaration of battle and give the final say in important decisions. Their title also means being a "symbol" of strength, and granting morale to other wolves. Appearance is therefore very important, and sometimes even placed above their competency to lead; it is why Betas are so valuable to them. Alphas may frequently take part in other activities such as hunting, scouting, or fighting.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Beta Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

Like the Alpha rank, there is one to two Beta in the pack. These wolves are second in command, and are the Alphas very own personal assistants. Each Alpha will usually have one Beta whom they rely on the most. They will very often seek comfort and advice from a Beta wolf, who are often more older and experienced than they are. Their job mainly consists of  organization and carrying out the wishes of an overworked Alpha, though they may just move these task onto the Deltas. When an Alpha leaves the territory, it is the Beta's job to take over command of the pack until the Alpha returns. If the Alpha were to die, it is the Beta who would become the new Alpha. In case of two Beta, the Alpha will decide which Beta will take their place before they die.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Delta Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

Deltas are much like Betas in every way. However, they are not eligible to take charge and they are not at the side of an Alpha in the way a Beta is. Whereas Betas tend to the needs of the Alpha, a Delta's responsibility lies solely on his/her other pack-mates. They are jack-of-all-trades, taking positions in any spot or duty that needs filled. This includes taking up oddball or undesirable tasks others are hesitant to do. They should be good organizers and observational, as they must sort out any drama between wolves that could hurt the pack's efficiency to thrive. If there are wolves under six months of age, Deltas may also be responsible for teaching these young wolves about the pack's history and function, and all about the expectations they will have later in life. While a Delta's rank is above any of the lead roles, it is considered a humble position, preparing wolves who wish to rise up in leadership the importance of caring for the well being of others. There may be several Deltas, and only a select few will ever rise in rank, regardless of how competent they are. It is the reason why many of those who become Beta are already going into their senior years, though this is not always the case.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Lead Warrior Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

This rank is the commander of all Warriors. They lead their troops into battle, issue attack or defense plans, and use their knowledge of war to their advantage. Many Lead Warriors are not always the strongest in battle, but the wisest and most tactical. (Being strong certainly doesn't hurt either). Lead Warriors are engaging leaders that others look up to, representing a beacon of strength for other pack members. Similar to an Alpha, they do their best to ensure the pack feels safe. Very rarely do they show signs of weakness or insecurity, even in their worst moments and times of tragedy. It is a proud yet lonesome life they lead. While a Lead Warrior commands other Warriors, he/she is not permitted to engage themselves or others in battle without first gaining favor of the Alpha, except in the circumstances of being invaded.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Warrior Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

Big and strong, these are the wolves that use their battle and elemental skills to protect and guard the pack. When the war drum goes off, the Warriors are the first to head towards the front line. Some will stay back with the pack to help protect the elderly and pups. While most warriors are large and muscular, there are a select few who pass apprenticeship with slim but speedy builds. When there are no wars or battles to fight, Warriors sustain their skills through comradely sparring and training. When others are getting tired of watching them roll around in the grass, they may be asked to assist the other ranks in things such as hunting or patrolling the borders. Sentinels in particular prefer to have at least one Warrior join them in surveying the territory.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Lead Hunter Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

Highly intelligent, these are the wolves with the most experience in the art of tracking, formation, and bringing down all species of prey. They are wolves who always know where the large herds head, where the smallest of creatures hide in winter, and how to catch fish with one swift blow to the water. The Lead Hunter is in charge of the food source, and taking out fellow Hunters to provide food for the pack. A Lead Hunter needs to be strong and fast, have acute senses, and be a team player capable at multitasking and guiding others.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Hunter Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

Hunters are wolves responsible for making the pack full and healthy. They are instinct-driven wolves that use their skill to catch all variation of prey. To be a Hunter a wolf must know how to work in groups. They must know how to tell the difference between silent signals. The flick of a tail, rotation of an ear, the angle of a head, and many more. Most Hunters are incredibly fast with well-developed, lean muscle. A balanced hunting unit, however, does not forget the importance of wolves large enough to take down larger beasts, and those who can run for miles on end without tiring. In time of war, Hunters may assist the Warriors on the front line, due to their ability to adapt and work well in units.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Lead Sentinel Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

A Lead Sentinel is a wolf with a fantastic sense of direction. They know our lands, and the lands far beyond the borders. It is the Lead Sentinel's job to take out border patrols and to mark the borders frequently. They are also the wolf who differentiates between foes and allies should their patrol were to come across outsiders. Like Hunters, they are excellent trackers, but instead of hunting prey, a Lead Sentinel sniffs out other wolves. In general, they are very good at sensing suspicious activity or danger.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Sentinel Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

Sentinels are the scouts of the pack, and survey the borders of the territory. They are good judges of character, and even better judges of the lands around them. Despite often being the first wolves who discover the presence of foreign wolves or a change to their territory, very rarely do they confront these situations head on. Instead, a Sentinel's job is to report back to the pack to warn of potential dangers and other abnormal sightings. If the Alpha deems it, Sentinels are trained to act as information gatherers, who stealthily observe the occurrences to determine their threat level. One could say that Sentinels are the pack's first line of defense.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Lead Healer Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

The knowledge of medicine and herbs are all stored away the Lead Healer's head. They know the name of every herb and remedy in their territory, the physical differences between them all, where they grow, and the exact purpose they serve. They are in charge of the herb storage, where important medical herbs and remedies are placed, and are also in charge of the other healers, whom they impart teachings to regardless of whether or not they already passed Apprenticeship. The storage is kept an eye on at all times. If something is running low, the Lead Healer must order another healer to go and fetch new supplies. They rarely leave camp since they never know when an emergency might occur.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Healer Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

Healers are pretty low on rankings list, since they don't really do anything for the pack most of the year other than collect plants. Even so, they are deeply respected by the Alpha. Healers spend most of the time studying or collecting herbs for the stock, learning about the various characteristics and effects different herbs have on the body. It may seem pretty easy, but who is to say this plant is the one that cures a stomach ache, compared to this identical looking plant that causes internal bleeding? Be my guess and tell. When a battle breaks out, or a frigid and hungry winter appears, the healers are the packs means of survival. They tend to the sick, heal battle wounds, deliver births, and watch over the pack with careful eyes. So if you think a healer is just a lazy wolf who just plays with plants, remember that they decide whether you live or die.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Elder Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

Elders are wolves who have become too old to keep up with their trained rank. Elders may  also consist of wolves who have become too badly injured, or have grown weak, to ever work again. They are wolves who may have mental or physical abnormalities which prevented them from ever having a rank to begin with. They are respected members, and must be treated well. Apprentices and Healers will always care for them. An Elder only has one job, and that is to ensure the memories of the pack live on through sharing their stories with Pups and Apprentices.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Apprentice Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

A wolf 6 months to 1 year of age are considered Apprentices. All wolves were Apprentices at one point, where they train in a specialized rank under the guidance of a Mentor― a wolf who is elected or volunteered into teaching an Apprentice to become efficient in their wanted rank. The mentor acts like a parent to an apprentice, and he/she will take the young wolf on many adventures to learn whatever lessons they believe will put them on the right path. This not only includes lessons about their rank, but also in things such as responsibility and compassion. All Apprentices learn the basics of survival regardless of their chosen station. An Apprentice will always learns its rank skills first, followed by its elemental training, which does not occur until the Apprentice is just about fully proficient in whatever they chose to pursue (~1 year). A different mentor sharing the Apprentices shared element is chosen at this point, where it may take a couple months to even a year before the wolf can control their element competently.

★·.·´¯`·.·★ Pup Rank ★·.·´¯`·.·★

Newly born pups to 5 month old young wolves are considered the Pups of a pack. While the main expectation for these wolves is to play, stay in the camp, and respect the adults, it is also the most important time for them to develop the social skills needed to be respectable members of the pack later on. Young pups up to 12 weeks of age are mainly taught about the world through dramatic storytelling and by asking a million questions. As they grow older, Pups will attend sessions (equivalent of school) instructed by a Delta or well-educated pack mate. The topics can vary widely, from the importance of getting along with others and sharing through engaging, paws-on activities, to boring lectures of history, geography, and understanding different cultures. Depending of the Pup's personality, they tend to either love or hate their lesson time. Once a pup turns 6 months, a mentor shall be chosen and the pup will train in the rank of its choosing, thus starting their life as an Apprentice.