Vyper

"To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life."

Vyper is a pack that values courage, ambition and resilience. We are not governed by a decree of moral ethics, but instead we live by a code of honor, and discipline. We will always set our sights higher and strive for more. We suffer to make ourselves grow. We do not fear, and we do not sit idly. We never yield to a challenge. Our strength is in our unity, with every member pulling their weight and more. Vyper is a force to be reckoned with, and has a strong focus on combative training for superior military strength. Darkly aligned, we are still an orderly faction, with an unwavering loyalty and a quiet respect for one another. Vyper does not live a soft and luxurious life - we thrive in harsh and rugged conditions, and commit to regular, rigorous training. Come, join our ranks, if you think you have what it takes.

Pack color: #996633
Claimed territories: Soul Sand Cove
Former leaders: Formed by Xephyris

Pack Roster

TIER 1
Xephyris	Sheriff
-	Deputy
-	Successor
TIER 2
-	Chief
-	Commander
-	Warden
TIER 3
-	War Lord
-	Huntsmaster
-	Shaman
-	Keeper
TIER 4
Soleil	Raider
-	Scout
Armai	Amah
-	Ranger
TIER 5
-	Cadet
-	Caretaker
Memphis	Rookie
Saffron	Rookie
-	Ancient
-	Civilian
Jaelle	Civilian
Kasai	Civilian
Yona	Civilian
Vincenzo	Civilian
TIER 6
-	Peasant
-	Spawn
-	Outlaw

Pack Ranks

TIER 1

— Sheriff (1) - Primary alpha. His word is the law, and his decisions are final. Obedience of all commands is expected. He will handle internal and external pack affairs. Important decisions and subjects should be brought to the Sheriff for consideration. He will decide who comes and goes from the pack. Any promotions to the Tier 2 and above ranks will be appointed by the Sheriff, and rank challenges will be approved and witnessed by the Sheriff. The Sheriff will test new members, but may choose to delegate this task to the Deputy or Tier 2 ranking members.

— Deputy (1) - Secondary alpha. Full respect is to be given to the Deputy, and his/her orders are to be obeyed. He/she may also accept or deny newcomers. He/she will oversee rank challenges and skill testing of new pack members, if the Sheriff cannot do so. He/she will be included in all major decision-making, his/her opinions valued, but he/she shall not make final decisions, unless the Sheriff is absent or unable. The Deputy may test new members, or delegate this task to Tier 2 ranking members. The Deputy may promote worthy pack members up to Tier 3 ranks, and advise the alpha on candidates for Tier 2 ranks.

— Successor (1) - Chosen heir to the pack. This may be a blood relation to the Sheriff or Deputy, or a specially chosen, trusted and valued member of the pack. This rank may not be challenged for; it can only be assigned by the primary Alpha. The Successor is in training to become the next Sheriff, and will often tag along with the primary alpha on important tasks, and may even be delegated to fulfill important roles within the pack.

TIER 2

— Chief (1) - Trusted by the Sheriff as an adviser and authority figure within the pack, the Chief works closely with the Sheriff (and Deputy, if one has been appointed). Directly below the primary and secondary alpha in rank, the Chief will temporarily taken on the responsibilities of the alphas when necessary - they may call meetings, accept or deny new members and test and promote newcomers. The Chief will oversee many activities within the pack, ensuring that the Tier 3 ranks are fulfilling their duties, and taking notes on all such activities. The Chief may promote worthy candidates to Tier 3 ranks, and may also demote those that are not fulfilling their duties.

— Commander (1) - Similar to the Chief, the Commander is a trusted authority figure, and will work closely with the Chief and the Tier 3 ranks. The Commander will oversee some activities within the pack, such as lessons and training, and also works closely with the Warden to keep the pack on track and in line.

— Warden (1) - The wolf holding the rank of Warden has to be tough, strict, loyal and unyielding to pressure and backlash. A big part of their job is managing the Keeper and Rangers, who watch the Captives, manage the Peasants, track down outlaws and dole out punishment where needed. They help keep the pack in line, working closely with the Sheriff, Deputy, Chief and Commander, helping to carry out tasks related to discipline, challenges and training. They are to be respected and heeded by all lower ranking members.

TIER 3

— War Lord (1) - This is the strongest warrior in the pack, and should have considerable experience in fighting. The War Lord holds training sessions for the pack's fighters, to ensure that the Raiders and Cadets can defend themselves and their pack mates.

— Huntsmaster (1) - This is the craftiest hunter in the pack, with excellent tracking and observation skills. The Huntsmaster leads hunts and holds training sessions for the Scouts and Cadets. They also keep track of the number, variety and location of prey, with the help of the Scouts.

— Shaman (1) - This is the most knowledgeable and talented healer in the pack. The Shaman has extensive knowledge and experience in treating complex injuries and illnesses. They host lessons for the other Amahs and Cadets, and keep track of the pack's stock of herbs and supplies.

— Keeper (1) - Works directly under the Warden, keeping tabs on the Rangers to ensure that the law is upheld. The Keeper watches the Peasants and Outlaws, and mentors the Rangers in how to get and keep control of others. The Keeper should be an experienced fighter with an assertive personality that does not back down from a challenge or threat.

TIER 4

— Raider (∞) - These wolves make up the bulk of the warriors. They are trained and skilled in what they do, but they must continue to practice their skills in all fight training called by the War Lord. As the main body of fighters, Raiders are expected to guard the borders, protect their pack mates, and participate in raids when called upon.

— Scout (∞) - These wolves are the main providers of the pack. They should be observant and sly, helping the Huntsmaster to keep tabs on the number, variety and location of prey. They are expected to attend all lesson and hunts called by the Huntsmaster, to ensure that the wolves never go hungry.

— Amah (∞) - These wolves make up the basic team of medics for the pack. They are bright and diligent, able to spend a lot of time sorting and keeping track of herbs, as well as tending to pack mates, showing assertive persistence with even the fussiest of patients. They are expected to attend all lessons called by the Shaman, and regularly assist in keeping track of number, variety and location of herbs.

— Ranger (∞) - The Ranger is a special rank, overseen by the Keeper and Warden. Working more closely with the Tier 2 and 3 ranks than the majority of the pack, they must be skilled in fighting and navigating.

TIER 5

— Cadet (∞) - Wolves of any age that are in training for any particular rank, though Cadets are usually between 1 and 2 years. Cadets are expected to attend training related to their skill choice, as well as seek opportunities to practice the skills they learn. The Cadet will be promoted to the basic rank of their skill set when they have completed a minimum of 2 seasons of training and have shown satisfactory efforts.

— Caretaker (∞) - These are wolves taking time off from regular duties to take care of pups - they will watch over the Rookies day-to-day, and teach them the basics of the skills necessary for survival, such as tracking, navigating and wrestling.

— Rookie (∞) - Pups of the pack. Youngsters will hold this rank until they are yearlings, and are expected to stay within pack boundaries unless supervised by a pack member older than 2 years. Although they are not expected to choose a rank, they should be spending a lot of time exploring their interests and the options available to them.

— Ancient (∞) - Elders and retired wolves will take this rank, and have few, if any responsibilities. Earning this rank will lead to a luxurious lifestyle, but it does have to be earned. The Ancients can offer advice to any pack member, recite history to the students and newcomers, and tell stories to the youngest members of the pack.

— Civilian (∞) - Wolves with no particular rank or decided interest. These are usually newcomers, or young wolves that have not chosen to a skill to pursue. This is not a highly respected rank, and it is not recommended to remain in this rank for long, as it may lead to removal from the pack. Vyper has no tolerance for idle pack members, and everyone must pull their weight.

TIER 6

— Peasant (∞) - These wolves shall serve the rest of the pack, obeying all commands from small, mundane tasks, to pup-sitting and hunting. Although the Peasants shall have few rights and dignities, they shall still be well-fed, provided with , and should not be abused, although may be harshly punished in the case of poor compliance or disrespect. Peasants on good behaviour may challenge for a rank promotion, and as a slave, may challenge for their freedom based on the rules of claimed wolves.

— Spawn (∞) - The offspring of slaves. They will have the opportunity to learn skills like other pups, but will have restricted freedoms like their parents. If they have mixed parents (Peasant with higher rank), they have the opportunity to move higher in rank, should their non-Peasant parent be willing to teach them and give them that chance.

— Outlaws (∞) - Trespassers, captured enemies, rule breakers and traitors will take this rank at the very bottom of the hierarchy. Captives will be treated without dignity, shall be kept underfed to prevent fighting and attempts at escape, and may be abused and treated as scapegoats by any member of the pack at any time.

PACK RULES, CUSTOMS, & HISTORY

Rules:

— Respect. Must be shown to one's superiors first and foremost. This is non-negotiable, and any deliberate disobedience, blatant disrespect or disregard for authority will result in severe punishments. You may be subjected to scarring maims, rank reduction or temporary or permanent imprisonment, depending on the degree of your infraction.

— Loyalty. Loose lips sink ships. All pack information will be kept within the borders. Loyalty to the pack should be your priority. While we will not keep you from friends and family outside the pack, they do not need to know of Vyper's internal affairs. And regardless of your personal strife for any particular pack member, you pledge your loyalty to them when you join the ranks of Vyper. Disregard for this law will result in severe punishment, including maims and banishment, with no discretion between small and big information leaks. Once trust is broken, it will stay that way. There is zero tolerance for betrayal, and there are no second chances.

— Cooperation. The pack must cooperate, and obedience is expected. Personal strife and differences must be cast aside for the betterment of the pack. You may not like everyone, but everyone plays an important role in adhering the pack together to form a solid and powerful unit. Work together when the time calls for it, and settle your differences at a different time in private.

— Conflict. As a cohesive unit, you are expected to do all you can to make due and get along with your pack mates. However, it is understood that we can't all get along, all of the time. So feel free to settle your differences through competition for rank, or bloodshed, one-on-one. There is to be no ganging up on pack members over personal strife.

— Ambition. Determination, persistence and hard work will be recognized and respected. Rewards are bestowed upon those who provide for the pack and suffer to obtain strength, improve their skills and seek power. Slackers will be met with shame, and punishment for continued lack of effort.

— Mates. While it is not mandatory to take a mate within the pack, it is encouraged, as there are strict rules to adhere to if loners are taken as mates. All pups born from a wolf residing in Vyper shall belong to the pack - loner female mates will be expected to join the pack, or their pups will be claimed by force. Loner males must earn their way in to the pack, or forfeit any rights to their pups. Remember the strict consequences for your mate should you choose to take one outside of the pack. Taking mates from other packs is, of course, out of the question.

— Inter-pack Relations. Let your Sheriff and Deputy take care of pack relations. However, you are free to advise on issues that you may have knowledge about. Great pride will be taken in any pack member who manages to find leaks in other pack information. This will help Vyper to stay ahead of the game, to know of their rival's intentions and happenings in friendly packs.

— Adolescents. Young wolves have somewhat stricter rules on what they are allowed to do. Pups between 1 and 2 seasons old can only be off pack territory if they area accompanied by a competent supervisor over 2 years of age. However, after 2 seasons of age, exploration is encouraged, with the belief that independence developed early is a sign of strength, and facing new challenges and obstacles alone will build character.

— Prisoners. Whether taken during a siege or otherwise, prisoners and slaves must be guarded closely; there will be no escapees, and no rescue infiltration. Prisoners taken by the pack may be used and abused by any member of the pack. Personal slaves shall be bound to their masters, who will choose what they wish to do with them.

— Discipline. Swift and harsh punishment will be meted out for any rule-breaking, some bizarre, and some painful, including maims. Generally, punishment will be dealt by the Sheriff, but it may be delegated to any Tier 2 or Tier 3 ranks, if the transgressor is a direct subordinate and the punishment is suited to be dished by the superior. It will all depend on the degree of the infraction, and is completely at the discretion of the Sheriff.

Customs:

Customs here

Pack History:

9/28 - Vyper's first meeting - They say that rock will never survive
9/23 - Vyper is established by Xephyris (Summer Year 8)

PACK RELATIONS & NEWS

Allies/Standings:

Abaven — unknown
Celestial — unknown
Fiori — unknown
Ivalice — unknown
Ivory Ridge — unknown

Pack News:

A Winter Feast » Pack hunt! Non-mandatory, but encouraged to attend! Started Dec. 4th, next round due Dec. 11th!
They say that rock will never survive » Vyper's first meeting. MANDATORY. First round due Oct. 10th