Pack Positions - under construction
Sept 29, 2013 13:06:13 GMT -6
Post by Granite on Sept 29, 2013 13:06:13 GMT -6
Positions
These are loosely defined, and not every Pack will follow them at the beginning of the game. For now they mostly apply only to Stream Pack and less so to Fire Pack. They may evolve over time.
Note: Pack structure will not exactly mirror wolf-pack structure; due to domestication dogs have mostly lost many of the instinctive behaviors of wolves, such as exclusive Alpha pair bonds and highly ritualized dominance displays, and will not likely redevelop them for a very long time.
Pack Leader / Alpha - The leader of the pack. All other dogs must respect and obey him or her. The pack leader sets an example for the pack to follow, protects every member of the pack, leads pack hunts, settles major disputes within the pack, and carries out punishment for major transgressions.
Deputy / Beta - Second in command of the Pack, submits only to the pack leader and, occasionally, to any Mother Dog. This dog advises the pack leader, carries out the leader's orders, and handles minor disputes and basic discipline within the pack.
Vet-Dog / Healer / Seer - This dog treats the injuries and illnesses of pack members, and except for reporting to the leader and deputy he or she stands outside of the pack hierarchy. Seers can communicate with SkyPack in their dreams, have visions, and receive omens.
Omega - This position may not occur in every pack, and it is hard to describe. In harsh-minded packs the Omega may be terribly bullied, used as a general scapegoat for anything that goes wrong, and be forced to perform every menial task required by the pack. In other packs the Omega may be beloved, a calming influence on other packmembers, the mediator and chief play-instigator, and entrusted with looking after any puppies when their Mother Dog is away. The Omega will always be the most submissive and sensitive member of any pack.
Mother Dog - Any dog pregnant with or nursing puppies. Mother Dogs are revered by the rest of the pack, and are second in authority only to the pack leader. If a Mother Dog asks for anything other pack members must give it to her, and all pack members are expected to defend a Mother Dog and her pups from any threat - with their lives, if necessary. There will usually be only one or two Mother Dogs in a pack at a time.
Pups - Any dogs less than six months old.
Tenderfoot - Any dog more than six months old, but less than a year for small dogs, two years for large ones. These dogs are training to become full-fledged hunters in the pack.
Elders - Dogs too old or infirm to keep up during a hunt. These dogs are generally regarded with affection and respect by the rest of the pack.
Hunters - Hunters fall into several categories based on their size and abilities:
These are loosely defined, and not every Pack will follow them at the beginning of the game. For now they mostly apply only to Stream Pack and less so to Fire Pack. They may evolve over time.
Note: Pack structure will not exactly mirror wolf-pack structure; due to domestication dogs have mostly lost many of the instinctive behaviors of wolves, such as exclusive Alpha pair bonds and highly ritualized dominance displays, and will not likely redevelop them for a very long time.
Pack Leader / Alpha - The leader of the pack. All other dogs must respect and obey him or her. The pack leader sets an example for the pack to follow, protects every member of the pack, leads pack hunts, settles major disputes within the pack, and carries out punishment for major transgressions.
Deputy / Beta - Second in command of the Pack, submits only to the pack leader and, occasionally, to any Mother Dog. This dog advises the pack leader, carries out the leader's orders, and handles minor disputes and basic discipline within the pack.
Vet-Dog / Healer / Seer - This dog treats the injuries and illnesses of pack members, and except for reporting to the leader and deputy he or she stands outside of the pack hierarchy. Seers can communicate with SkyPack in their dreams, have visions, and receive omens.
Omega - This position may not occur in every pack, and it is hard to describe. In harsh-minded packs the Omega may be terribly bullied, used as a general scapegoat for anything that goes wrong, and be forced to perform every menial task required by the pack. In other packs the Omega may be beloved, a calming influence on other packmembers, the mediator and chief play-instigator, and entrusted with looking after any puppies when their Mother Dog is away. The Omega will always be the most submissive and sensitive member of any pack.
Mother Dog - Any dog pregnant with or nursing puppies. Mother Dogs are revered by the rest of the pack, and are second in authority only to the pack leader. If a Mother Dog asks for anything other pack members must give it to her, and all pack members are expected to defend a Mother Dog and her pups from any threat - with their lives, if necessary. There will usually be only one or two Mother Dogs in a pack at a time.
Pups - Any dogs less than six months old.
Tenderfoot - Any dog more than six months old, but less than a year for small dogs, two years for large ones. These dogs are training to become full-fledged hunters in the pack.
Elders - Dogs too old or infirm to keep up during a hunt. These dogs are generally regarded with affection and respect by the rest of the pack.
Hunters - Hunters fall into several categories based on their size and abilities:
Trackers - Dogs with keen noses or eyesight; these dogs locate trails or spot prey in the distance and guide the pack toward their quarry.
Flushers - Small dogs like spaniels or terriers; these dogs startle prey out of hiding.
Drivers - Dogs like herding breeds that drive entire groups of large prey back and forth past the rest of the pack until a target can be isolated.
Chasers - Fast dogs such as sighthounds; these dogs chase prey toward the rest of the pack.
Fighters - Large, heavy dogs strong enough to pull down large prey.
