As you all know, Ace is trying to start a pack. Requirements are met save for the member count to start from scratch, so tossing this here to gauge interest! Of course, Ace could challenge for a pack to speed things along, however, judges are busy and I'd like to avoid that if possible to avoid limbo. If IC happenings do lead towards a pack challenge, or if starting from scratch takes longer after this point, then I'll likely throw the packs in a randomizer to see who the target would be (I tend to do it that way when it comes to pack challenges without ic reasons). That being said, if anyone is interested in doing a thread with Acere to start up the pack, please let me know! The pack info that I have will be posted below, also welcome to ideas and improvement towards what I have. Of course, rules, ranks, etc may be changed at my discretion as more ideas come! I'm open to any and all ideas! Feel free to dm me on discord or post here to discuss! Rules are still being worked on, as well as ranks.

Festivals are also in the works, and also considering adding in some sort of trading thing.



Confirmed joining members
-Elara
-Actaea
-Ignis


Now on to the "fun" stuff eh?
Pack Information


(Pack description rough draft, may be changed when the pack becomes official. This is just a rough idea/explanation)

The pack will lean towards a militaristic approach, though not super strict. Wolves with the ambition to develop themselves in order to rise in the ranks are highly sought after, as these are the types that keep things interesting. They train hard, they work hard, but they learn valuable skills in the process. Despite their hardworking appearance, the pack also incorporates some fun into their training and work. While they may often display a strict, no-nonsense attitude to outsiders, inside the pack is a tight-knit network of wolves who compliment each others strengths and weaknesses. Where one fails, another succeeds.

Raids are always on the horizon, though this sort of thing might potentially be saved for the pack to use as tests for members aspiring to rank up, or simply to show off their hard work and prowess if not raiding for supplies. While the pack welcomes the idea of allies, Winterfell isn't the try-hard type to go around making everyone an ally. Peace can only go so far. The careful balance of light and dark is all a part of life, after all, so sieging enemies or for what the pack deems a good cause is not out of the question.

(Pack alignment not yet determined)

Pack name: Winterfell or Winterskeep (haven't decided on this yet)

Pack Ranks

Tier 1 Rank: King
Description: The king of Winterfell. His word is law. The King has the final say regarding the pack's affairs and none may surpass his word save for the Queen in certain situations.

Tier 1 Rank: Queen
Description: The King's mate. She holds just as much power as the King and is to be respected and obeyed. The Queen has just as much say as the King in most situations and helps him run the pack as an equal. Her word may not be overruled except by that of the King.


Tier 1 Rank: Heir
Description: The heir to the throne should something happen to the king. May or may not be the king’s offspring, preferably someone that the king deems fit to lead in the future. Shows great promise and has learned the ways of the pack.

Tier 2 Rank: Hand of the King
Description: Primary Beta RankThe Hand is chosen by the King, or in some cases, by the pack as a whole. The Hand is the King's closest advisor, appointed and authorized to make decisions on behalf of the King's name. The Hand of the King is the highest-ranking member of the Small Council and leads meetings of the council as a proxy for the king when the monarch is absent. Additionally, The Hand should have proficient knowledge as a fighter and tactician, as they are in charge of the packs fighting force and leads the pack along with the King in times of war. He/she has proven undying loyalty to the King and is among the most respected members of the pack.

Tier 2 Rank: Grand Maester
Description: Secondary Beta rank. The packs master healer and advisor. The Grand Maester is an important position in the pack. He/She is a learned wolf wise in history, medicine, and just about everything else. Their advice is highly sought after and carefully considered. They not only provide counsel to the King and Queen, but to the pack as a whole. The Grand Maester sits on the King's Small Council, which oversees the day-to-day operations of the pack. The Grand Maester is also in charge of the pack's healers and should have proficient knowledge in the healing arts, as well as high intellectual capabilities.

Tier 2 Rank: Master of Laws
Description: Secondary Beta Rank. The pack's chief legal advisor, who also manages any prisoners the pack might have acquired and supervises law enforcement. They ensure that the rules are being followed, and lead trials in the event the laws are broken. He/She is someone who has shown that they have a level head on their shoulders and should be unbiased during trials. Additionally, This position is in charge of staging trials, and handling punishments. When a wolf is put on trial, The Master of Laws will determine whether or not the offender is innocent or guilty of whatever law(s) they have broken. They are also in charge of determining punishment (if necessary), and are often the ones to carry out that punishment. Their ruling may not be overturned except by the King and Queen. The Master of Laws sits in the Small Council as well and is to be respected.


Tier 3 Rank: Lord Commander
Description: Master fighters of the pack. These wolves have excelled in combat and are considered to be the best of the best. They are first in the front lines alongside the King in times of war and raids. They may call for mandatory training at any time. These wolves are to be respected and obeyed, and they may promote or demote fighting tiers below their rank within reason or may discuss doing so with any tier 1 or tier 2 rank. Lord Commanders may be asked to sit with the Small council for their input from time to time.

Tier 3 Rank: Archmaester
Description: Master healers of the pack. These wolves have excelled in healing others, and are highly respected. Not only have they shown to be masters of herbs, but they also act as counselors and advisors to those that need it. These wolves have also shown they have an incredibly high intellect, and their words are not to be taken for granted. They may call for mandatory training and lessons at any time and may promote or demote healer tiers below their rank within reason.

Tier 3 Rank: First Ranger
Description: Master hunters, trackers, navigators and spies of the pack. These wolves have excelled in hunting and tracking and should be highly respected. They have proven their capabilities in various ways, and their skills are highly valued both on and off the field. Tasked with tracking down prey, enemies, and missing wolves alike, the job of a First Ranger is not easy. They may be tasked with scouting other packs, infiltrating packs to spy in order to gather information, and even potentially tracking down the whereabouts of others if necessary. They're not just hunters, but information gatherers as well. Their knowledge and service are highly valued, and they may be asked to sit in the Small council from time to time. They may also call for mandatory training and lessons for those interested in this sort of field, and may promote and demote others below their tier within reason.

Tier 3 Rank: Master of Arms
Description:: These wolves have proven their skills as master crafters and blacksmiths, and should excel at defensive tactics. They are in charge of making weapons and armor for the pack, as well as other accessories and useful items, traps, etc. They have an eye for detail and their work is second to none. These wolves often excel at navigating the world around them as they look for materials to work with, and are very perceptive. They also double as the pack's defenders and aid in fortifying the pack's defenses. They may call for mandatory training and lessons for defensive training, or simply to teach others the most effective ways to use their weapons and armor.

Tier 4 Rank: Maester
Description: Healers of the pack. Maesters are not only tasked with looking after the welfare of the pack, but also offer moral support, and spiritual support. Members of the pack may often go to a Maester for their wisdom and advice. Maesters may take on an apprentice and are expected to teach them everything they know and guide them on their path so that they are prepared to rank up. Maesters may call the pack for non-mandatory training.

Tier 4 Rank: Knight
Description: The Knights of Winterfell are the main fighting force of the pack. They are tasked with both guarding the pack from enemy forces, as well as following the King into battle. Loyal to the crown and the pack itself, Knights have proven their abilities in combat and protecting their own. They may take on an apprentice and are expected to train and prepare them for ranking up. Knights may call the pack for non-mandatory training.

Tier 4 Rank: Berserker
Description: For those who prefer to fight with a more offensive approach. This rank is generally for bigger, heavier wolves who have a more aggressive fighting style and are not afraid to go all in be it with weapons, or nothing at all. Berserkers are one of the packs main defenses, and also join the king when it comes to raids and sieges.

Tier 4 Rank: Ranger
Description: Hunters of the pack. Tasked with tracking and bringing in food for the pack's stores and ensuring it is full whenever possible, as well as keeping an eye on prey in the area. Duties also include border patrols and chasing off predators.

Tier 4 Rank: Blacksmith
Description: Wolves with an affinity for crafting and who are just starting to learn this trade. Tasked with helping others craft weapons, armor, traps, accessories, and whatever else the mind can conjure up. Full of ideas and creativity, Blacksmiths are valued for their skills and expertise.

Tier 5 Rank: Apprentice
Description: Apprentices start training when they turn 6 months old, as well as for commoner ranks who wish to pursue a field of interest. Assigned a mentor for their chosen fields.

Tier 5 Rank: Commoner
Description: Wolves who have yet to choose a field of interest.

Tier 5 Rank: Elder
Description: When a pack member reaches an age where they are unable to perform their duties, they are considered retired and placed in this rank. Elders are respected members of their pack as they are full of knowledge and history, and ought to pass down what they know to the younger generations. Once retired, an Elder may live out their days in peace or choose to continue to contribute whenever they wish.

Tier 6 Rank: Prisoner
Description: Wolves taken from other packs or rogues. Will be held here until released, or their fate is decided. Usually, a temporary position unless circumstances prolong their stay.

Pack Laws

-The king's word is law. Failure to obey may result in consequences. While the king is a fair man, he will not tolerate treason or those that go against the law without good reason. While he understands that sometimes the law must be broken, it better be for a damn good cause. Those who break the rules will be put on trial to plead their case.

-Respect your pack and your packmates. Remember, respect is earned within the pack and is not to be expected right away. Earning respect from the king and your peers is easy, however, with good deeds within the pack and the willingness to work hard and contribute. Disrespectful members will be promptly dealt with.

-There is no such thing as slaves within Winterfell, however, prisoners can be taken with valid reason. The king ought to be informed of the reasons why a pack member wishes to take someone prisoner beforehand, if possible. If unable to inform the King or Queen beforehand, then they must be informed upon returning to the borders.

-Pups born to Winterfell, remain in Winterfell. Whether by a loner or elsewhere, the pups are to be raised in the pack until old enough to make their own decision on whether or not they wish to stay or go. In the event the parent(s) wish to leave before the pups are of age, they may state their case to the King & Queen, or challenge for the right to leave with their pups.

-Winterfell is of the old school variety. When it comes to mates, the King must be informed and oftentimes mates must be approved. If the potential mate is a loner, then he or she must join the pack. Taking a mate from another pack is not allowed as this can lead to tensions or complications between packs. Either he/she joins Winterfell, or you leave the pack. In the event of a one night stand, that is your choice, however, if pups result from your actions, then the King must be informed else it is considered treason.


-Arranged marriages (TBA)

-Loyalty is important. The king expects the members of Winterfell to be loyal to their crest. Treason is a severe offense and will be dealt with accordingly.

-Challenges for all ranks up to Tier 2 are welcomed and encouraged (Hand of the King is exempt unless otherwise stated by the King). However, should you win your fight but fail to uphold your duties later, you will be demoted back to your previous rank. The King may also choose to accept or deny your request to challenge, however, if the challenger has not been active beforehand. If more than one party is interested in a certain position, then a special tournament will be held.

-Loose lips sink ships. Do not spill confidential information nor the secrets of your brothers and sisters to outsiders. As a precaution and for safety, this includes naming those within our borders. Do not speak ill of the pack or drag down its name. If you feel the need to do so, then leave. Members may speak about the pack in an effort to recruit others into our ranks.

-Activity within the pack is a must. Failure to uphold your duties will result in continued demotion to the lowest tier (commoner).

Still double count me in!!! Can't wait!!!

Count me in~ ^^