Wolf ranks
King / QueenWolves belonging to a family of royal heritage may hold this rank. This rank is extremely rare, as it didn’t used to exist. Wolves generally work in pack systems, where they are ruled by a lead pair with commanders under them. But when a wolf holds the rank of “King” or “Queen”, it means that the wolf rules over an extremely large territory that consists of several packs together. They usually refer to such a large territory as a “Kingdom”. Royal lines are decided by the bloodline of pack leaders, meaning leadership is passed from parent to child. The King or Queen commands a huge army of wolves, and are often viewed as a deity to their followers.
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LeaderLeaders are those who rule over a settled pack. Usually a pack is led by a lead pair, who lay claim to a specific territory they live in. Long ago, children inherited leadership from their parents, but nowadays this can be very different. It is not unheard of for pack members to elect their future leader through a voting process. Some packs still follow the rule of inheritance, but in other societies wolves fight over leadership. The Leader holds the power of the pack, but it is the pack that ultimately gives them power.
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CommanderThe lead pair of a pack or group may personally grant a wolf the rank of commander. The Commander must carry out tasks in the name of their leader(s). A Commander holds the second highest rank, so they are highly respected by the pack as well. They will devise strategies or plans to benefit their pack, and will also serve as protectors to their leader(s). They will also carry out or lead missions. Typically the connection between commander and leader is strong.
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GeneralSimilar to the rank of King and Queen, this rank also came much later. With the existence of a Kingdom (lead by the King/Queen), Commanders quickly became overwhelmed with guiding the pack. To remedy this, the rank of General was created. It is the task of the Generals to support their Commander. They will do this by taking charge, executing missions and carrying out tasks. There can be several different Generals tasked with various aspects of pack life. Even large packs these days will train wolves to become Generals. They typically make it easier to lead a pack, and to detect any issues if they arise.
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SoldierThe rank of soldier exists as the primary rank in Kingdoms. These wolves are born and trained to fight and defend their territory. With this rank, the wolves are tasked to do nothing other than defend the pack. This means in peaceful times they enjoy a very relaxing lifestyle. But when the pack is threatened, they must defend it until death. Wolves are usually chosen early on for this rank, dominant pups being the most sought after.
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Group leaderA group leader is an individual or a pair who lead a traveling group of wolves. These wolves are nomads, meaning they travel without settling. Traveling groups can consist of a family or a small pack. The group leader calls the shots and decides where the pack is headed, when to hunt and more.
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MemberWhile the rank is considered to exist, it cannot be summed up to a specific role. Pack member is generally gained by default for being part of a pack or society. A pack member can have several tasks: from hunting, to fighting and defending the pack. They are flexible to jump in and aid where they are needed.
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PupJust like pack members, the rank of “pup” is also gained automatically by pups born into a pack. Pups do not have tasks, other than following the rules of their superiors and eventually attending school taught by teachers. During these crucial times they’ll learn to hunt and about the lore of Delv Ihoo. Once they grow into a teenager, they’ll be considered pack members. This can differ, as soldiers will be considered pack members when they are still classified as a “child”.
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Pack watcherThe duties of a pack watcher speak for itself: they are to watch and observe the pack. This can have several meanings and involve several different tasks. For one, the pack watcher can be sent to observe the internal affairs of the pack. This can mean finding conflict and warning the peacekeeper, or spotting suspicious activity and reporting it. Additionally, pack watchers patrol the pack’s borders to keep an eye on their surroundings and warn for potential danger (attacks from outsiders or wild animals). It requires an individual with patience and a keen eye for detail. In some cases, pack members are not even aware who carries the rank, as some packs use them to observe pack members in secret.
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Appeaser/peacemaker/peacekeeperKnown by at least three different names, the Peacekeeper has a very important role within the pack. Their task involves stepping in and preventing conflict. They will try to distract the clashing individuals and calm them down. Once successful in calming the angered wolves, they will proceed to root out the problem in order to restore pack bonds. Their role can be very important, as Peacekeepers in the past have succeeded in preventing pack wars by suggesting alternative solutions. These wolves will do anything to avoid tense situations within or outside the pack.
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HealerA healer is skilled in aiding wolves that are either wounded or ill. This rank is more common among species with healing capabilities. Wolves with no natural healing abilities will focus on studying plants and herbs for the purpose of healing others. It is not uncommon for a pack to hire a healer to stay within their pack. This can happen if the pack has no healers, and can provide them with their desired items or living conditions.
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TeacherThe rank of Teacher is given to those who teach young wolves and prepare them for adulthood. Generally the rank is practiced by elderly wolves. In most cases, elders are too old to hunt or defend the pack. Even so they still wish to be useful, and will therefore become teachers to pass on their knowledge to upcoming generations. This rank is highly respected.
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NannyWhen pack members are given tasks that require them to be away from the pack, their children are watched and cared for by volunteers known as nannies. Nannies typically have experience in raising and caring for children and teenagers. It is common for nannies to have a spare den so that they are able to take in orphans, and will typically raise said orphans as their own. Even in small packs, a nanny is usually present.
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HunterWhile all pack members are expected to hunt for the pack, those with exceptional skill and experience are chosen as the primary hunters, commonly known as lead hunters. They are tasked with planning and coordinating the hunts, and will be present for each of them. This rank is especially important for the pack, for they are the main providers of food. In order to become a lead hunter, a wolf must show interest in the hunt, and have a natural skill for it. Those who do not desire this rank will not be forced into it.
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ScoutScouts are wolves that will travel ahead of the pack, keeping an eye out for any potential dangers such as animals, enemy wolves, and treacherous terrain. Within a settled pack, scouts are sent out to check the borders, and keep an eye out for potential threats. They are often sent out to spy on neighboring packs as well. In order to become a scout, a wolf must be trained by well-experienced scouts, and accompany them on several trips before going on their first one alone.
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MerchantMerchants are wolves who are trained in the acquisition and selling of items. They are trained at a fairly young age by their parents, who will take them to visit various markets. Trades are usually made with gemstones, foods, or rare items. Azure Stones are among the most valued items, as well as smaller Azure Shards. A merchant will often travel great distances in order to acquire their goods and rare items.
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MercenaryMercenaries are wolves who will hire themselves out as bodyguards and protectors, usually to merchants. They tend to avoid killing other wolves unless their employer is in grave danger. They are well-trained and have great focus, able to immediately spot suspicious activity. They will always require payment for their services.
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CollectorA collector is a wolf known for collecting various items; from stones and leaves, to rare items of great value. Psychic wolves are especially renowned for their collections, having preserved all kinds of artifacts over many years. Unfortunately, some collectors are not satisfied with simply collecting leaves and artifacts, and will usually begin more dark collections. Some will hunt down color-mutated wolves for their pelt, documenting the various colors they find, and others will outright capture and “collect” wolves of other species.
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ThiefGenerally, this rank can only be obtained depending on which society you belong to. Most packs refuse to practice thievery, but there are always exceptions. These wolves are trained to steal as efficiently as possible without getting caught, usually training from a very young age since pups tend to pick up on it faster. Thieves are typically known to be stealthy and cunning.
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AssassinAssassination is considered a vile rank, and within the Tanlin Clans, the penalty for such a thing is death. Assassins are trained early on by their parents, taught to perform swift kills without letting their emotions cloud their judgement. It is not a profession just anyone can master, or stomach. Assassination contracts will vary from society to society; some may be willing to kill anyone and anything for the right price, while others might follow a code that forbids the killing of under-aged wolves. Generally, assassins will accept contracts upon receiving payment.
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Bounty-hunterBounty hunters are viewed neutrally by some, and feared by others. Unlike assassins, bounty hunters do not accept contracts to kill, and will only seek out wolves with a price on their heads. Whether they bring in their target dead or alive, they will usually not care, as long as they receive their payment in full.
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TorturerThe rank of torturer is greatly feared. These individuals are specially trained in torturing their victims, whether it be for fun, for research, or to obtain information. They take great care to keep their victims alive during the process. Depending on the species of the torturer, their methods can range from painful, to extremely brutal, which is why it can only be practiced within certain societies. The Tanlin Clans have been known to hunt down packs that practice this rank.
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InformantInformant is a unique rank practiced only by the Lunar Pack, within the society of the Dyelaq Clans. This rank was heavily questioned, even by those within the society. As an informant, a wolf would be entrusted to hold information of importance to the pack. However, in order to become an informant, wolves would have to go through a horrible process known as “torture training”. Because of this, informants would often refuse to train their family in the rank. A skilled informant would first have to gain the rank of torturer. Afterwards, if they had successfully gained both ranks, they could then train another torturer to become an informant within the Lunar Pack.
An informant would torture the wolf in training, for days on end, without any valid purpose. This was meant to break the wolf so that they would not respond to pain, and therefore avoid revealing precious information. They were even fed daily with certain herbs that the Tanlin Clans used to question wolves, in order to build up an immunity to the effects. This training would last for 6 years, which is why it was heavily questioned by so many. |
- Special thanks to "VioletShamrocks" for creating the rank badges for the site.