That's right. Spartans are coming! (Hopefully!) And please bear with me on this, tried to make the culture as accurate as possible but may not be completely historically correct <3 The Story My girl Okami has spent her time away from Boreas and everything she knew for some much-needed soul searching, and what did she find? A clan of Spartans! Or rather...they found her on the verge of collapse. This clan took her in and cared for her until she was well enough to no longer need their assistance, but instead of leaving, she decided to stay awhile. She lived among them, learned from them, trained with them, even fought some battles alongside them against tyrant enemies, and even went as far as raided for resources with her new comrades. And, of course, she fell in love with one of the warriors. The pair grew close of course, (though they are mostly best friends and not true lovers currently) and it was with his help that she grew out of her meek little shell and blossomed into the fierce warrior that she is now. They accepted her as one of their own and painted her body with the crimson marks of a warrior, and thus she earned her warrior name Odyssia. She is one of few women who have managed to make into the ranks of the Spartan Warriors. Now they've come to Boreas in search of new things. potentially even command and conquer! The Spartans The life of this clan revolves around fighting & always being prepared for war. They're a rigid militaristic group who have no qualms about fighting their enemies, and potentially even taking from others when they need resources. They are a war society, after all. With these Spartans, strength was admired and weakness was despised. The greatest virtue was bravery and the greatest honor was to die fighting in battle. The most serious crime for a Spartan was to retreat from battle. Endurance, putting up with pain without complaining, and following orders without questioning were all traits that were greatly esteemed. The Spartan poet Tyrtaios wrote: "It is a novel thing for a good man to die...fighting for his fatherland. Make life your enemy, and the black spirits of death does as the rays of the sun." From the time that pups reach training age (6 months), they are rigorously trained in battle tactics, discipline, obedience, endurance, courage, and self-control. Let it be known that women have a harder time when they're trying to become a Spartan warrior unless however, they show great promise. For the women who don't make the cut, they are still allowed an education and are equal to the men (barring the Spartan soldier position in most cases). The culture of Sparta and the Spartans was pinpoint focused upon their military, they are a highly efficient unit on and off the battlefield. Spartan men, women, and children were born into, and lived in an existence that was ruled by regiment and organization. Religion The Spartans believed in religion and the gods, of course. Therefore the religion of Sparta was Polytheism, which means that the Spartans believed in not just one god, but many gods. The primary gods in their homeland and from their ancient forefathers at the time were of course the Olympians lead by the mighty Zeus who was connected to all the Olympian gods in some way, and the Spartans followed the belief in the powerful Olympians. The belief in the gods was as strong in Sparta as in any ancient pack that shared similar views to their own. In many cases it is reported that other, less religious packs from their homelands in fact mocked the Spartan's fastidious praise of the Gods, as the Spartans believed the gods were to be obeyed and respected without question. The ancient Greek gods themselves were of course fitted with each state of the Greek empire and groups of people in a unique way, and the gods would serve different purposes for different states and Sparta was no different on this matter. Aphrodite for example, the goddess of love, was in ancient Sparta considered and worshipped as a warrior, which complemented perfectly the Spartan attitudes to not only fighting but also their equality towards women. Favorite Gods of Sparta The Spartans like many Greek states would have favorite gods, the ones who merged most effortlessly with their lifestyle, their mantra, and their ethics. With the military-focused Spartans their favored gods were of course the war focused ones, likes Ares and Apollo, though the Spartan are eager to appease all the gods. As such, the Spartans do hold festivals and ceremonies in honor of the various Gods. Festivals, Customs, & Traditions COMING SOON! Spartan women & marriage Spartan women had a reputation for being independent-minded and enjoyed more freedom and power than their counterparts throughout their homelands. While they play nearly no role in the military, female Spartans often received a formal education. In part to attract mates, females engaged in athletic competitions, such as sparring one another, hunts, and others. And also sang and danced competitively. As adults, Spartan women were allowed to own and manage the property. Additionally, they were typically unencumbered by domestic responsibilities since those are generally handled by the helots. Marriage is important to Spartans, as their traditions & laws put pressure on members to have male children who would grow up to become citizen-warriors and replace those who died in battle. Men who delayed marriage were publically shamed, while those who fathered multiple sons could be rewarded. In preparation for marriage, Spartan women decorate their bodies with intricate body paint that corresponded to their rank (blue for hunters, green for healers, etc.) & accessories to symbolize their status and their best skill (those who excelled at hunting, for example, often wore large game pelts, antlers, etc.); Afterwards, they may choose to continue wearing these decorations, or a matching accessory with their mate. Children of Sparta If you were a child in Sparta, you would have to be strong, blessed with excellent genetics or a fast learner. Spartan children had a responsibility placed upon them at birth, to serve Sparta, and in order to serve Sparta, you had to be strong and learn fast. The Spartans are only interested in the best for their ranks, which meant that strong children were the only ones that would survive. Both young girls and boys were put through initial tests to see if they were strong enough to be useful to them. If a child did not pass these fitness or health tests, they would be left to die in the mountains, or culled. Sparta was not a state to accept anything but the best, and this practice has been done for generations. The treatment of boys and girls in Sparta was different, but they shared many similarities, something other states could not. The Spartan way of life required that both boys and girls be strong, powerful, and capable. Education of the mind and body was deemed important for both sexes, and the Spartan girls and boys would have the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of membership. Just like the boys, Spartan girls would be expected to be physically fit. A healthy female would give birth to healthy babies, thus creating more strong warriors. Spartan girls are allowed to train with the boys and are taught the same combat training as their counterparts in the event they ever need to defend themselves, their honor, their families, or Sparta. Life for a child in ancient Sparta was not easy, you would be expected to be strong from birth, otherwise, you would not make it. For those that did survive, life would continue to be tough, but at the end of your training, boy or girl, you would be a physically strong, mentally strong member of one of the most powerful forces ever. Plot Ideas Plot #1: so as mentioned at the start, Okami grew close to one of the warriors. They're best friends (and later, potentially mates). I'd love for this to happen because she's overdue for some falling in love action *winkwink nudge nudge* Plot #2: The Spartans are a tight knit group (obviously). They come to Boreas in the hopes of finding a new home after their old home was terribly ravaged by war & natural disasters. On that note, since they're a war driven culture, they potentially seek to take over Boreas and put their strongest, able bodied warrior at the helm of whatever packs they manage to take over. Bands are permissible too, of course, but this group aims for greater control! Plot #3: I encourage competition between the men and women of course. Who knows, maybe any female characters are driven in such a way that they want to be part of thr Spartan army and prove themselves they're just as capable? No meek ladies here, this is for those strong of will driven ladies that wanna prove they can be among the best of the best! Plot #4: Helots (aka slaves), are very welcome as well and they can be any personality. Since they're generally the ones that handle the basic duties such as crafting, preparing food, etc, we may need some of these guys or gals! There is no age limit, so they could range from pups to elders and there might even be the possibility of Helots ranking out by proving their abilities and showing their loyalty to the Spartans! It may not always be guaranteed but hey, ya never know what can happen icly! ;D Plot #5: Okay so not really a plot but I have some designs that work for a twin set, so if anyone wants twinsie plots hmu! I'm definitely playing a twin if there's interest cuz I love the designs I found for these LOL **more plot ideas and other info can be added at any time, so if you have an idea, shoot me a dm!** Adoption Info -Coats must not be unnatural colors. They can be any natural occurring color like brown, white, cream, Auburn, black, etc. Albinism & melanism is also okay! Eyes may be any color as well (except black unless melanism is purchased). I am providing some designs below to be used but they must remain on Ardent & will remain with the character should the character be reclaimed. Of course, you're also welcome to use your own design! Also note that the warriors generally wear war paint so this would need to be purchased via small accessory! The only exception to becoming a Spartan with an unnatural coat, would be via recruitment by the Spartan leaders themselves icly. Mutations are welcome and the Spartans usually kept the breeding in such a way that their offspring often had claws or elongated fangs, tusks, and other such things that were beneficial in battle! -Sizes & builds are usually in the large-extra large range, but smaller wolves can also happen. Tiny extra small wolves may not be considered for warrior positions among the Spartans, however, so anything below 23" is unlikely to ever achieve a warriors rank. However, it isn't impossible if a tiny wolf can prove themselves. -Please be aware that there may be times when someone may need to be culled if they're deemed unfit for the Spartan ways. The Spartans have absolutely no problem with culling weak or genetically unfit children (or adults), so keep that in mind when applying/becoming a part of their culture & don't whine if this ends up happening to a child/spartan character should they meet criteria that deem them unfit/unworthy later on. -Names must be Greek or Greek related (This whole thing was inspired by 300 & Troy: Fall of a city, after all >.> <.<) -Alignments can range almost anywhere, but keep in mind that any really evil alignments who jeopardize their own will be dealt with by their own! The Spartans are a tight-knit group and loyalty to their fellow brothers and sisters is of utter importance! -These wolves heavily believe in the gods & goddesses, some more than others, and those who shun them may face consequences. In other words, please don't make a char that would outright shun them. I understand IC development may occur so that's okay for the most part. **I reserve the right to reclaim an adoption if it hasn't been posted with for 2 months (8 weeks), or set inactive with or without warning. If the character falls inactive but you communicate with me on why, then I may consider letting you keep it, depending on circumstances.** Available designs Twin 1 & Twin 2 Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4 Design 5 Design 6 Design 7 Design 8 Design 9 Design 10 (ignore the names on the last two lol. Also since I have so many options available, the rest will be linked in an album so as not to post an insane amount of links here! The ones posted with individual links above were some that I thought were some dang fine looking designs *winkwink*) Even moar designs <- couple more twin sets in here lol Code: <b>Name:</b> <b>Gender:</b> <b>Design:</b> <b>Physical Description:</b> (site minimum) <b>Alignment:</b> <b>Skills:</b> <b>Personality:</b> (site minimum) <b>General plans:</b> <b>Interested in plot?:</b> If any, please indicate which one(s).

Added lots of designs to choose from ;D

Name: Darius
Gender: Male
Design: Design one
Physical Description:
img
42"

Darius is an image of pure power in the eyes of the gods. With strong muscles covering his body he was simply built for a fight and it shows with his heavy weight. Having trained at a young age in his ways his form is fit as is the rest of his body. Free of scars thus far he is itching to earn them in his lifetime. However perhaps the most striking of the man is not his large size or strong body it is the color and markings of his pelts.

The top layer of the man is a light brown - stretching over the entirety of the top of his body. The underneath is a cream color lighter than the brown that sits on his underbelly and the edges of his four limbs in a gradient to pull out the markings on him. Darius face is covered in black in a sort of mask that sits on the bridge of his nose and over his eyes to covering his muzzle. This same black solidifies on his ears. Darius most defining trait though is the stripes that cover his body. Gray stripes tick across his pelt covering the entirety of his body from the base of his neck to the tips of his tail. Even covering his limbs. Tying him all together is his orange eyes with a fierceness in them they pull others in easily.

Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Skills: Fighting Intellect
Personality:
Faithful, Kind, Protective, Stern
(This is a short version I'll expand on him if he gets approved by you!)

Darius is a man of many things, to his family he is a kind and loving soul he loves his gods and the lessons that they teach him. These words he loves to spin the tales and inspire those around him. This is to those who are close to him, with a kind smile and an easy going personality for the most part he is a spartan who is nice to be around. Darius can be accepting though within reason. He may be kind but he is stern in his ways. The spartan law is to always be upheld he holds no respect for those who question the integridy of the gods nor to non believers. Inheritely he dislikes other cultures and believes that his Spartan culture is the only proper way to go through life. His disdain is not limited to outsiders, traitors and those who lose their faith even if they were to be of his own family would immidiately be punished within his power.

With this being said he is not a male to be messed with either. Protective of his family and of his culture he is ready to defend it with his life. While not aggressive Darius is not a pushover and he is intelligent enough to know when to choose his battles. Never would he chose a battle he knew he will lose unless the situation called for it. He believes in free spirit inside of the culture and is ready to asses every situation before deciding on action. He is willing to give others benefit of the doubt, convert and to forgive, but cross his path and there will be death to pay. There is no room for the weak and he truley believes in this task. All in all Darius is capable of many things, anger, kindness and he is comfortable with sharing these things with his fellow spartans.

General plans: I intend Darius to be very custom oreintated/at the helm sort of spartan. More than willing to lay down his life for his people and their future generations. Believing that they are of the most strongest and utmost priority his main goal will be to conquer and lead the way.
Interested in plot?: Possibly the male that Okami grew close to? I see in her personality you mention it was the chief but I'd love to discuss with you if this is the case. Whether they grow to be mates or are just best friends I think it'd be really interesting.

Name: Nephele
Gender: Female
Design: https://i.imgur.com/x5nv1b8.png
Physical Description: Large 35 inches, Medium build
Rather than the waiflike, white clouds of a clear summer day, Nephele is named for rain clouds: the deep, dark grays of a thunderstorm cascading into to the silvery tones of a light drizzle. An expanse of charcoal encompasses her entire front half and the length of her back. Her hindlegs, belly, and tail recede into a gentle dove-gray, save for the alternating stripes of charcoal on the topside of her tail. Too, her coat is accented by the dove-gray malar stripes that trail down her cheeks and the lighter colored toes of her forepaws. Completing the storm of her palette are the suns of her eyes — a peachy orange the color of a raging fire, or a tranquil sunset, depending on her mood.

Standing at 35 inches, she’s slightly taller than the average female, but firmly on the lower side of the spectrum for spartan wolves. She is distinctly, alluringly feminine, her face gentle and rounded, with a neatly tapered muzzle and small, black-tipped ears. She is, like all good Spartans, well-muscled and built to endure. Softening these features, the shapely woman bears a silky coat that is shiny and meticulously well-kept.

Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Skills: Healing, Intellect
Personality:
— Traditional, mostly
Nephele is an exemplary Spartan woman: revering the gods, steadfast in her work, and entirely devoted to her clan. Interestingly, she was making progress on the warrior track for a time, but soon enough decided that it wasn’t for her for a number of reasons. As she was taught, she firmly believes that men and women are complements to each other: equal in autonomy and authority, and different in their own strengths. She would never discourage a would-be warrioress simply for being female, however. What is most important is how an individual can best serve the clan. To that end, tradition is highly important, but can be flexible where it needs to be, serving as one means to an end. Duty lies at the core of this woman, guiding her every thought and action.
— Steadfast, Devout
The wolf possesses a fountain of patience, exuding an air of assurance and comfort. Like a shelter in a storm, she is resilient, and hard to rattle, be it interpersonal conflict or dangers to the clan. That’s not to say she lacks her own day-to-day struggles; everyone has them. Neph is quieter about hers, though, loath to complain, and treating the pains in her heart with prayer and good works. The she-wolf is very much in the way of alleviating other people’s problems rather than her own, and luckily she’s been able to do so without neglecting her own well-being -- so far. She takes life as it comes to her, thanking the gods for her victories and praying for the strength to bear the losses. It’s all up to their will, after all, and who is she to question it? If even the mighty Spartans fall one day, should the gods decide to withhold their blessings on her people, then so be it. She would meet her makers with no regrets, knowing she did her best to serve the gods and her clan.
— Community/Family-Oriented
Another aspect of the woman that is driven, fundamentally, by duty. Her mother instilled in her the importance of community participation and cohesion; a pack that works well internally stands a better chance of defeating their foes than one that is always beset by infighting. Shy as a child, it's possible that she would've been a full-blown introvert without her mother's prodding. It helps tremendously, though, that she loves gatherings and ceremonies. She’s an avid songstress and dancer, and is very comfortable in a crowded space with pups underfoot and contemporaries abound. The she-wolf, as involved as she is, can sometimes be on the wrong side of concern/nosiness and giving advice/lecturing. She does genuinely care for her packmates, though, and is essentially a fretful mother hen. Incidentally, she loves children, and wants several of her own one day. It fuels both her passion for teaching and her interest in pregnancy/childbirth care.
—No Nonsense
Discipline, order, and respect are three of the most important virtues to the woman. Her caring side is freely given when everyone is doing what they’re supposed to do. If not? Slackers and wayward students, beware. She is incredibly hardworking and expects the same from her packmates; she isn’t afraid to say so, either, if she catches you resting when you should be working. “From each according to his ability” is a guiding motto. Respect is a non-negotiable, and Nephele expects everyone to be treated as one’s station demands. Insubordination of any kind is frowned upon. She can also be particularly harsh with outsiders adjusting to the culture - they can leave, or they can get with the program, if they want to call themselves a Spartan. Too, she does not possess a broad sense of humor. She gets off-color jokes and sarcasm, sure. She simply doesn't have the greatest appreciation for them, and can sometimes be the "clutching pearls" type. It is simply another consequence of her upbringing, though. Nephele is much more amenable when she's on a dance-high, in a storytelling mood, or just plain drunk.

General plans: Honestly down for anything, but probably her #1 priority right now is to get hitched and have babies like a dutiful spartan woman should lol. (Not looking for insta-romance, but will note that marriage is duty first, love second, to her). Bring glory to the spartan clan, of course. Also, Neph would definitely heavily participate in and possibly facilitate some of the ceremonies, I would love to dive into that!

Will also possibly butt heads with the women warriors a lil bit, and any outsiders that don't seem to be adjusting well. Loves to teach, and would love to be a mentor-type once the pack settles and grows. And, less of a priority, but I'd like for her to have a sibling or cousin to confide in/butt heads with if anyone's open to that

Interested in plot?: Definitely #2, let's take over Boreas y'all

Darius is accepted! Can't wait to play with him! :D

just bumping for completed app!

Name: Atticus
Gender: Male
Design: https://sta.sh/0yybjcp7zhd
Physical Description: (site minimum)
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Skills: Fighting, Hunting
Personality: (site minimum)
General plans:
Interested in plot?: Definitely plot #2!

dis is a wip!

Nephele is accepted if you're still interested! So very sorry this is late ;-;