Taiga

Taigarians believe in order and respect as their core values. To them a rigid hierarchical system comes as naturally as the air they breathe. Thanks to these values, their ranks and roles have produced an efficient pack with specialized forces in each profession.

They are traditionalists with a strong disdain for everything human-made, even the abandoned  structures and technologies scattered throughout their own territory. Their young are taught to stay clear of anything unnatural.

As would be expected, the steel bridge south of their territory therefore acts as a villainized epitome of everything wrong with the world. The Taigarians - much like most other wolves of Kynheim - believe that some dark force lies south of the bridge. It's Taiga's self-proclaimed duty to keep those lurking shadows at bay, for the moment Taiga shows weakness, the evil will spill over to the mainland and devour every good soul.

Taiga and Selcouth 

Enemies. Despite a truce being in place, they are not to be trusted. Avoid interactions.

Taiga and Valgard

Dismissive. They are weak, but their talk of power and herbalism is suspicious.

Taiga and Outsiders

Their connections with outsiders mostly rely on what's beneficial to the pack; They don't hesitate to utilize unsuspecting strangers in whatever way seems logical in the current situation. If they are looking for new recruits, they will test their value either through subtle conversation or straight-out tasks. If a stranger is weak or sick though, Taiga rarely shows interest in welcoming them into their lands.

Den Site & Main Camp

Taiga's den site is located on a hillside at the foot of Coldstone peak. Several old caves and roofed stone structures pose as dens and protect them from harsh weather. From there they can watch over Loch Aemir; a lake and popular hangout place for Taiga's youth. The main camp, which the older pups and juveniles are allowed to roam on their own, stretches down east through the valley between Coldstone Peak and The Blue Rise and also encapsulates some bits of the plains west of Loch Aemir.

The Blue Rise

A tall mountain characterized by its many creeks, streams and waterfalls. The trek up the Blue Rise is difficult due to very slippery paths and its steep cliffs, but the view south is astounding and usually the reason why anyone would want to go up. Some say on clear days one can see beyond the bridge and onto the other side of the southern strait, but the distance is too great to get any remotely reliable details. 

Southern Post

The Southern Post is the only coastal stretch on Taigarian territory that has sandy beaches. Only adults are allowed to venture here. Some say it's the eeriest part within the borders due to its close proximity to the feared steel bridge and heavy fog in the morning and evening hours, while others bring their loved ones here enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The Southern Post is scouted daily to ensure no foreign scents are carried onto the island from across the bridged passage.

High Alert Areas

Due to its secluded nature, Taiga territory rarely sees accidental trespassers. To make sure it remains that way, there are two areas - one south and one north - that lie outside of pack borders but are still regularly scouted by experienced members. Odd sightings or strange tracks are to be reported to the alpha.

Bloodlines

Proud of their heritage, those whose blood is tied to the alpha have an easier time being heard and gaining high ranks. Leadership is only passed down to biological children to ensure the bloodline is kept intact. Should there be no heirs at the time of the alpha's death, another blood relative will step in.

Mating Rights

Considering their strong hierarchy, it's not surprising Taiga binds mating rights to rank. Only ranked and tasked wolves (Delta and above) have the right to choose a mate and have a litter. If two Omegas end up having a litter, the pups will be taken from them as early as possible (usually once weaned, though possibly earlier if there is another lactating female of a higher rank available). The litter will be raised by higher ranked individuals to make sure they receive the best possible training. It's expected of the parents to stay silent about their relationship to the pups because it would shine a bad light on the illegitimate litter.

The only exception to this rule is when a high ranked female mates with an unranked male. She is usually granted to keep the pups as long as she won't tell the children of their shameful father, unless he manages to rank up before the pups are weaned.

Coming of Age

To welcome young Taigarians into adulthood, the Coming of Age is a deeply-rooted rite within the pack. Every juvenile wolf has to lead a hunt from start to finish. Their hunting party will consist of their guardian(s) - most often their parents - as well as the alpha. Additionally they may pick one more adult of the pack. In a group of four or five, depending on whether they have one or two guardians, the adolescent has to coordinate tracking, stalking, chasing and eventually killing of the prey. They are not expected to do everything themselves, but it's an unspoken rule that they must showcase their strengths during the trial. If the hunt is a success, they are awarded the Delta rank as well as their task afterwards.

Sparring

For as long as the Taigarians can remember sparring has been an important part of their culture. Being a veteran herself Enya, Taiga's well-respected alpha, has added particular depth to this old habit: All wolves above one year of age are expected to participate in sparring matches regularly. The matches are usually held in the late evenings at full moon, waxing and waning moon as well as on new moon - four times a month. Each match allows two wolves to display and rival their power and it's viewed as a fun event without malice, yet is expected to be more than just idle play. 

Decoration

The wolves of Taiga have a weak spot for feathers, particularly those of waterbound birds like ducks, geese and herons. They often decorate their dens and nests with feathers, but also their coats and the pelts of their loved ones. There are no laws regarding who may wear what kind of adornment, but it's an unspoken rule that the feathers you wear have to stem either from a kill you made yourself or have been gifted to you.

Punishment

Taigarians are not particularly cruel, but they don't take reprehensible behavior lightly either. Smaller offenses are dealt with via a stern talk or scolding, but repeated disobedience is met with a certain degree of violence. It's not rare to take a scar or two from these brawls.

A different fate awaits those who commit major crimes such as falling into treason during foreign disputes and planning or executing attacks on other Taigarians (or allies). After an initial, often bloody, confrontation, the traitor is exiled from the pack. Should they ever return, they are to be met with hostility. 

In particularly gruesome cases the offender is forced to exile south of the bridge - a death sentence in the eyes of Taiga.

Lore: White Wolves

White wolves are not to be trusted. A legend that derives from the tale of the two brothers, one of which was of pale white. The traitor, as Taiga recalls him. Particularly wolves with pink noses and eyes are said to be ridden by dark forces, driven to violent insanity sooner or later. Their malicious intent will eventually break free, it's just a matter of time. Therefore white wolves are not greeted into the pack. Should a guest of this coloring reside within Taiga, they are to be watched constantly and chased at the first sign of untrustworthiness.

[ This does not apply to pale wolves, only white wolves! ]

Daily:
- solo or pair hunts

- checking the Southern Post and southern border for anomalies

- checking the northern border for trespassers

- cleaning the dens from old bones and other waste

Weekly:

- group hunts

- sparring

- scouting all borders

- marking all borders ( intact adults only )

- scouting areas around immobile human objects ( remains of cabins, broken cars, aso. )  to make sure no pack wolves, particularly pups or juveniles, go near them

According to Demand:
- supervising youngsters

- teaching and training with juveniles

- reporting scouting outcomes to the high ranks

- rid the territory of human-made objects/waste (toss into rivers)

- make sure every trace of exiled wolves is obliterated

These don't have to be true, but are commonly accepted as facts by most wolves.

stay clear of the bridge...