Wolves will inherently benefit from being part of a group, whether that is in the form of a roaming troupe or a pack that has settled down. Lone wolves face a more dangerous lifestyle, often being more exposed to the elements or at risk of other predators. In any case, this guide will lay out how each loner, troupe, or pack will function.

Loners

A lone wolf is described as a wolf who lives by himself, really. Nearly all characters start out as lone wolves and though they can remain alone their whole lives, most do desire to join a pack or at least be part of a troupe. Being in a troupe or pack simply provides benefits that being alone cannot.

Lone wolves cannot claim territory and must leave if challenged for a territory. They can be stubborn and put up a little fight, but they likely are not going to put their life on the line against a show of force.

Lone wolves cannot bring down large prey on their own and will most likely feed themselves on carrion or small animals.

Lone wolves are more susceptible to injury and sickness.

Other animals are less likely to see a lone wolf as a threat. That means that other predators can be dangerous, and large enough prey will fight back.

Lone wolves, unless they know medicine skills, will not have access to the care they need and will take longer to recover.

While they cannot claim territory, Lone wolves can live and settle where they like. Many stay constantly on the move, as it is safer than building up a scent marker that might put them at risk during rest.

Troupes

Troupes consist of 2-4 wolves that live together and assist one another. While troupes do not have all of the benefits of a pack, they are generally more worthwhile than living alone.

Troupes do not claim territory and generally do not linger too long in an area unless they have intent to grow their numbers so that they can claim.

Troupes may settle in a camp for a short while, but will eventually move on if they decide not to expand and claim the area.

Troupes can move between 2-3 camps in cycles, as this can help keep predators and other dangers away. Or, they can simply keep moving on as they see fit.

Troupes can help deter larger animals or even predator animals, and being in a troupe can aid recovery as having someone else to tend for your wounds is a benefit.

Band names are generally just a name the OOC users have applied to the little group, though it can also be a name they have given themselves in-character if the troupe intends to build a pack, or has a term they call themselves often.

You do not need to post anywhere to create a band. If your characters have established in-character that they are traveling and moving around together, then you are free to make the band and add the related characters to it.

Packs

Packs consist of 5 or more members that are 8 months or older and are often related members, though not always. Wolves living in packs are more privileged than lone wolves, and will find better benefits with one another than troupes will. Packs are able to claim a territory while Troupes and Loners cannot.

Pack wolves will steadily patrol their territory to keep intruders out, and will ensure the safety of those who live with them.

Packs who drop below 5 wolves should be actively recruiting to return their numbers to 5, or may be automatically reduced back to Troupe.

Packs claim a part of a sub-area and may claim the full sub-area if it is small enough. Expansive sub-areas cannot be claimed in whole by a pack, as packs do have limitations. Just be considerate of others and you'll be fine.

Any pack which is too large will deplete resources in their territory and may impart famine upon themselves.

All packs can only be made after a troupe has been created and there is in-character progress showing the recruitment of five members. A pack cannot spring up over night.

So long as there is evidence of recruiting and other conditions have been met, then there are no other requirements to form a pack. There's no post number, but we do ask that you've spent at least one sub-season recruiting. Once you're ready to move on to pack, you need to post in the Maintenance Board. The application should include the following information:

The pack's name

List the recruited pack members

Consist of a total of 5 or more wolves who are 8 months or older

Founding wolves who are not multiple wolves played by the same person.

The troupe has been active during the past sub-season.

The troupe has actively made steps to recruit and to begin settling into a sub-area.

The troupe page has already filled in the pack's details such as the summary, structure, ranks, pack lore, and other details.

A link to a claiming thread in which the pack officially marks the area and has a meeting indicating the area is now theirs.

If a sub-area creation is part of this, then sub-area creation information should be included.

After your application has been approved, an admin can update the site to add your pack to the sub-area as the occupants or to create a sub-area in which your pack is the occupants. Staff will let you know that the application is approved and you can set your group to the "pack" status officially!