Alpha – Alphas are the supreme leaders of the pack – They provide the stability and order the pack needs in order to grow and survive. Alphas make all the decisions for the pack, from everything to who mates, all the way down who eats and in what order. All packs have at least one Alpha, either a male or female. Most packs are led by two Alphas, a male and female couple that are mated for life. Typically the Alpha pair are the only mated couple in the pack but they may allow Betas and Shamans to mate depending on the stability of the pack. Alphas are also the Masters of the packs special abilities given to them by the Forest. They decide when other members of their pack are ready to move on to the next level of training. Alphas hold great respect even among other packs and are considered the greatest and deadliest members of their pack.
Shaman – Shamans are the wise and spiritual counselors of the pack and are often the oldest members. They are the packs liaison between the Spirits of the Forest and the other pack members. Shamans are also the pack historian, charged with keeping the history of the pack and its genealogy. Shamans are also great healers and have a wealth of knowledge about the ways of the forest. They are well trained in the packs special abilities but normally do not participate in hunts. The ways of Shamans are often so shrouded in myths, legends and secrecy their own pack members are intimidated by them, and give them an enormous amount of respect. Although most packs have only a single Shaman, some have more. Shamans along with the packs’ Alphas and Betas form a Wisdom Council, but the final decisions are always left to the Alphas.
Beta – Betas are the next in the chain of command below the Alphas and often the teachers and babysitters of the pack. They teach the packs special abilities to make sure the Wolf’en and Canis understand what is expected of them. They work very closely with the Alphas and Shaman to make sure each wolf knows his place. Betas are the tactical advisors to the Alphas and almost as deadly. If something ever happens to the Alpha in a pack, the Beta is usually the one who steps up to take their place. Betas earn their rank, and it’s never given lightly.
Wolf’en – Wolf’en are the adult warriors of the pack. They are hard workers and good fighters. They are capable hunters and loyal pack members. If they prove themselves, they are taught advance techniques of the packs special gifts from the forest. Although deadly when alone, Wolf’en are taught to use group tactics when fighting rather then focusing on individual techniques.
Canis – Canis are younger members of the pack. They are learning the basics of the packs abilities, while improving their hunting skills. They are often too eager to prove themselves and spoil the hunts by jumping in too quickly. Canis are taught to focus on group tactics to hunt and fight. The entire pack is usually involved in teaching Canis but individual time with the pack
Pups – Pups are new born puppies still nursing / protected in and around the den. They are well tolerated by all members of the pack and are never left unattended because of other predators. They are often tended by the pack Betas.
Omega – Omegas are the lowest ranking members of the pack. Unlike the Alpha, Shaman or Betas who earn their rank through dominant personality. The roll of Omega is often forced upon a shy and timid member of the pack. Omegas are forced to yield to all other adults of the pack, they are always the last to eat and are often the focus of the packs aggression. Omegas provide an important role in the packs structure, a jester of sorts that tends to lighten the mood of any tense situation. Although largely beyond their own control, few Omegas are strong enough rise to higher levels within the pack.
Lone Wolf – Lone Wolves are typically pack outcasts. Either because of some act that has dishonored them or they have abandoned their own pack to search for a mate and form their own pack. They often avoid other packs because they are often attacked on sight. Lone Wolves typically do not have enough experience and training to retain any mastery of the gifts of the forest, they are often a jack of all trades. Although Lone Wolves do not pose a threat to most packs, they are still deadly fighters with a will to survive.