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Post by Rant on Jan 28, 2009 13:45:44 GMT
Here at Marsia, we have a variety of social groups, as you could probably tell from the vast number of available species here. Not all social groups have specified ranks, which might lead to confusion, so we thought we should get ourselves a standardised system for hierarchy. Most of the information is scientifically accurate, but in some cases, it calls for imagination... X3
Packs:
Alpha Pair: One male and one female. Here at Marsia, we discourage Wolfspeak, so instead of "Alpha" and "Alphess" we're going to use "Alpha Male" and "Alpha Female". The Alpha Male is mated with the Alpha Female, and the pair of them take on duties like leading the pack in hunts and battles, as well as being the main breeders in the pack.
Beta Pair: One male and one female as well. They don't necessarily have to be mates, but it is preferable if there's one of both genders here. They are second-in-command after the Alpha pair, and take on the leadership position if the Alpha pair dies.
Members: As many as you wish, though it is common to keep it to less than twenty in a pack. They are the main bulk of the pack, and depend on the Alphas and Betas for leadership, protection, shelter and food.
Omega: Only one of this at one time, usually. The Omega's role is very complex. This wolf is at the bottom of the social ladder, often in disgrace with the Alphas, but how it stands in view of the entire pack varies widely from pack to pack and from individual to individual. Some Omegas might have truly offended the Alpha pair. Some may be on "probation", having just entered the pack -- and the leaders don't trust them enough to become a full member yet. Or, in more easygoing packs, they take on the role of babysitter and clown, and serve to keep up the pack morale. However, in harsher packs, they may very well become the "punchbag" for the entire pack.
Pup: Naturally, the offspring of the pack. Wolves are considered pups until their first year. During puphood, they enjoy more privileges and freedom than a regular member. They are allowed to eat first, despite slacking around most of the time, but once they grow up they are expected to earn their keep.
Clans:
Matriarch: One of this. Always female. She is the leader of the clan, and looks after the welfare of her underlings. She is often the most capable of all the females in a clan.
The Sorority: A group of three to five females who are the most trusted of the Matriarch. They take care of the clan as well, organising hunts and troubleshooting generally. A new Matriarch is elected from the Sorority if the old Matriarch passes away. The Sorority also acts as the personal bodyguards and assassins of the Matriarch, protecting her -- if she ever needs protecting.
The Sisters: All female members of the clan. They are ranked above all males and cubs.
Cubs: They are the young ones of the clan. The male cubs will be demoted one rank when they mature.
The Brothers: The lowest-ranked members of the clan -- the males. They disperse at two years of age and join other clans to prevent inbreeding amongst the clan members. They are ranked lower than even the cubs, and most are docile and submissive. Dominating and impatient males will not fare very far into this world...
Prides:
King: Only one of this. He leads the pride in its activities. While he does not hunt, he is the main breeding male.
Prince: The next King. He is trained in leading the pride and fighting invaders. There can at most be two of these, but only one will become the King.
Queen: One of this. A female who is held in higher prestige than her peers. Usually the main breeding female in the pride. She also coordinates and leads hunts.
Huntresses: The main breadwinners of the pride. They hunt for prey, as their name rather obviously suggests.
Cubs: Young ones of the pride. They eat after the King and Prince but before the Queen and Huntresses.
Males: Usually only one remains in the pride after reaching adult age -- most of them disperse to start their own packs, or become nomads. The lone remaining male is possibly the previous King, or a close relative/friend of the King.
Coalitions:
Chairman: One of this. He leads the rest of the coalition in hunting, battling, and finding mates.
The Congress: The rest of the coalition. Usually about two to four. Probationary members will be promoted to Congress members if they are deemed trustworthy. The Congress hunts and battles, and protects the Chairman.
Probationary Members: Those who have not been accepted into the coalition yet. They are in charge of the more unpleasant jobs, and get to eat last.
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