Northlands, a wolf pack roleplay [Applications are OPEN!]

I'm sure anyone reading this has, at some point, been in a so-called 'natural' wolf roleplay where they became extremely irritated with the lack of wolf knowledge, the rainbow, mystical-powered 'sparklewolves', and the 'it's all about me' attitudes of their so-called peers. I know I sure have. So, I'm starting up a wolf roleplay - one that will stick to the true nature of wolves, that will encourage its players to distinguish themselves AS wolves, not as magical neon-haired emo kids, one that will involve real pack dynamics, hunting, breeding, etc.

One that note, this is on the 18+ board for a reason. This roleplay may include swearing, violence, sexuality and the like - so if you don't think you can handle that, this isn't the roleplay for you. Conversely, if you're here ONLY for the sexuality and whatnot, this probably isn't the rp for you either. We're here for realism, not raunchiness :p


DA RULEZ:

-must be LITERATE, as the forum title would suggest. Minor spelling and grammar errors are fine, but you need to have a strong handle on the English language, including a firm understanding of they're/there/their, your/you're, and so on.

-must have basic understanding of wolf hierarchal models and behavior; even just the Wikipedia article on the Gray Wolf is sufficient. Thinking you know tons about wolves without having ever done any actual research doesn't count, sorry kids x_x

-individual wolves can behave however they like, but expect repercussions for unbecoming actions

-fights and rank challenges are okay, but don't god-mode (control other's characters) or powerplay (dodging every hit, being invincible, etc). If two fighters cannot agree on the outcome of a battle, decide it by randomizer/dice roll/etc.

-naturally-occuring wolf colors only. I don't mind wolves having other canine markings wolves don't typically have, but no rainbow stripes or blue polka dots or anything like that. Colors should be restricted to shades of white, cream, fawn, liver, red, brown, gray, silver, gold, tan, black, and charcoal. No tattoos, unrealistic 'hairdos' (wolves have manes. they don't have Sephiroth hair. yes?), or jewelry. scars, missing bits and so on are fine :P

-no breaking character. if you need to speak OOC, there will be a thread for that.



Ranks:

Alpha Female: Thickjaw
Alpha Male: Grim
Beta Female: ??
Beta Male: ??
Delta Female: ??
Delta Male: ??
Hunters: ??
Dreamers:
1.) Rakesh
2.) ??
Pups: Malik, Nikki, Carrion, Thistle, ??
Omegas: Softpaw, Moonpaw, Shadow, Fabion, Souta, ??



Explanation of ranks:

Alpha: the leaders of the pack. Female outranks the male and is the true 'head wolf', as per most recent wolf research. Female typically mates with male, but can mate with Betas or even Deltas if she feeling like thumbing her nose at the Alpha male. Alphas are rarely challenged and typically do not lose their places until they become too old to fight off challengers; however, sometimes a wolf will take and Alpha position and turn out not to be suited, in which case they will likely politely step down to a worthy challenger. Decide who gets to mate. Always eat first, though other wolves may try to sneak in a few bites.

Beta: second in command to the Alphas, the Betas take over leadership and discipline when the Alphas are away or unable to lead, until new Alphas are chosen. Not necessarily likely to become Alphas themselves; some maybe be ousted Alphas already, from other packs or their own. Advisors to the Alphas. Not typically allowed to mate except with the Alpha Female's permission. Eat second.

Delta: Enforcers, packmates of the Alphas or Betas, strong wolves but not cut out for leadership - though sometimes a challenger may arise from this rank. Not allowed to mate unless approached by Alpha female. Eat second.

Hunter: just that. Not necessarily the BEST at hunting, but inclined to it. Most likely to challenge a ranking wolf. Not allowed to mate. Eat second if they can snatch a bite, otherwise eat when the ranking wolves are finished.

Dreamer: sort of a shaman-type position, dreamers do not often hunt and are typically more of advisors, being familiar with weather patterns, seasonal changes and herd movements. May be brought along on long hunts to help navigate. Not inclined to challenge. Not allowed to mate. It is rare for a wolf to be a dreamer; most are much more active. Eat with hunters, sometimes saved tidbits by the ranking wolves.

Pup: Children of the Alpha female who have yet to make rank. Not necessarily pup age, basically just unranked wolves descended from the Alpha. Most will naturally become hunters or maybe dreamers; however, most successful challengers start out as pups, since as the Alpha's children they already have the approval of the pack. Older pups are brought on hunts to learn. Not allowed to mate. Eat last, but typically are brought food by ranking wolves. If not, they may have to deal with an angry omega to get a meal.

Omega: most likely demoted rankers or lone wolves who have attempted to join the pack. Omegas are the scapegoats of the pack, treated like punching bags by wolves with too much aggression, and are expected to babysit the pups - despite the fact that even pups can sense ranks, and are unlikely to listen to them. Never brought on hunts, eat after even the pups are finished, though they may try to shoulder their charges aside. Unlikely to challenge successfully. Never given permission to mate under any conditions, though they may try anyway.



All newcomers to the roleplay will start out as Pups or Omegas. After each hunt, as long as there are empty ranks, the Alphas will decide who to promote.


To apply, please fill out the following form and MESSAGE it to me. Do not post it here. Do not post roleplay posts here. The only thing to be posted in this thread is your character info, AFTER you've been approved.

Character name:
Gender:
Wolf subspecies: (timberwolf, tundra wolf or arctic wolf, other subspecies will also be considered)
Pup or Omega?:
Desired rank:
Age:
Appearance: (please include eye color, coat color, length and texture, any scars or deformities)
History/backstory: (no 'mysterious pasts'; must include a history even if the wolf doesn't know it)
Sample Roleplay paragraph: (nothing amazing required, just a display that you can actually write in a literate manner and understand wolf behavior)

for your sample paragraph, please choose from:
your wolf is having a challenge/dispute with an aggressive pack member
your wolf is helping other wolves in a hunt
your wolf has just lost what should have been easy prey



Okay, go!

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