Post by Razza on Sept 29, 2018 19:05:28 GMT -5
The GoS is the second pack to ever claim the land of Syndrana. In many ways, they were created to carry on the legacy and tradition of the original pack and the land it called home, so there have been many customs they've adopted that have been inspired by that. But while the old pack was strict and insistent on their traditional lifestyle, the Guardians of Syndrana are much more relaxed and wish only to honor the past with these updated versions of old customs.
Rank Names, Hierarchy, and Declarations
GoS has adopted all of the rank names from the previous pack that lived in Syndrana. They are complex and difficult to learn but have ingrained themselves in the Syndrana culture over time, and many wolves take pride in their title and use them for formal introductions, pack meetings, etc. A few ranks even have secondary titles that modify their actual rank title in order to indicate how talented or respected they are in their rank. In more casual circumstances they may refer to themselves as the simplified title (a Efst Kannari might prefer to be called a Lead Teacher, for example), but that comes down to individual preference. The Guardians also still use the term Northbounder to describe a lone wolf. Click here to view all the rank names and their meanings.
At the age of one year old each yearling gets to decide what rank they will begin training in, or choose to become an Almennt. This is considered a very important event in life to the GoS, and it is often asked to the yearling in front of all the pack and followed by a big hunt and a feast regardless of what the yearling chooses. After the declaration, they will be temporarily transferred to the Almennt rank and will start training under the Gildi and Efsts of the rank they chose, shadowing them when possible. Once deemed experienced and skilled enough, the Eigandi will officially grant the yearling their rank. Loners over one year old who join the pack will also be asked which rank they'd like to join, and will typically be granted what they request, but there is rarely a big ceremony. Pups are officially allowed to disperse from GoS after reaching 14 months of age if they wish to do so.
The Winter Hunt
On the first snowfall of every year, the entire pack gets together to participate in a grand hunt. Everyone who wishes to participate is allowed, and once the day is done all the pack members gather around the kills and eat to their heart's desire. Birgir often lead the hunts on this day, as they tend to be the more experienced. It is a way to welcome in the cold months in good spirits, as well as a last chance to celebrate and eat heartily once more before things become more difficult as the snow piles on the earth.
More coming soon...