Welcome to the Summer Tournament

With the warmer months approaching, everyone is in a merry mood. Prey will become plentiful again, and pups are to be born. The forest is starting to bloom again, becoming more lush with every morning. Birds sing their songs, and the creek has finally melted. Summer has arrived.

With summer, the pack is in high spirits. The cold months are behind them, and things are finally looking up. But this isn't just any summer. The three sons of the alpha pair will turn four, marking the Tournament.

The Tournamnent is a multi-series competition between the alpha's sons. A tool to see who is worthy to become the next alpha. The Tournament has been a tradition ever since the pack was established, and it only comes in the summers in which multiple alpha offspring turn four. Otherwise, it would simply pass down to the eldest. But this year, their litter of three all turn four. Ever since they were born, this has been their destiny.

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Roles And Heirarchy

The roles are listed in order of dominance, unless stated otherwise.

Alphas
The most dominant pair. Usually there is a blood lineage for the alpha line.

Ambassador
Single wolf who is the right hand of the alpha pair. May run and do special errands and jobs for them. They are sworn to secrecy and loyalty.

Betas
The pair(do not need to be mates, but it is usually expected for them to be eventually) who is second in command for when the alphas are busy. However, they almost never inherit the title of alpha. They are more like the inner circle of the alphas. Trusted advisors and commanders.

Curer
The wolf who devotes their life to the ways of herbs and healing. They know basic fighting techniques but their true gifts lay in medical work.

Warriors
They are the workers of the pack, tasked with hunting, patroling, and basic protection.

Mothers
Females who are nursing or expecting pups. At a certain point, they are expected to simply rest and prepare for labor.

Elders
The older wolves who spend their time relaxing. They occasionally might join and hunt or patrol if they wish.

Juveniles
Younger wolves who have since been weaned and are learning and being taught lessons.

Pups
Younger wolves who are still nursing or weaning.

Elders, Warriors, and Mothers are roughly on the same dominance level.

Loners
Wolves not part of the pack.

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The Tournament

The Tournament is a season-long competition between any alpha offspring who have just reached the age of four. It is a test to see which will inherit the title as alpha next summer. Several trials are held throughout the summer that will test different abilities. Some of them are listed here:

Hunting
There are several trials of hunting, in which the offspring will be given a chance to show their hunting prowess. While there is no clear winner, impressions are made and they have the chance to gain the favor of their packmates and their parents.

River Crossing
Every summer, when the ice and stream melt, the river is known to pick up pace and the current swells for a couple days. There is a trial in which the offspring must find a way across the river. In the past, most have swam across, fighting the current which threatens to push them downstream. Other times, some cunning wolves have been able to leap across slippery boulders and downed tree trunks.

Popularity
No, this is not an official competition. But social preference is a part of the game as well. After all, the final heir is the one with the favor of the alphas and the pack itself. Each Tournament has a social aspect. Which offspring will have the favor of their packmates? How do they wish to gain it? Through noble promises? Silly flirtations? Or maybe they strike fear into the hearts of their packmates?

Courting
No, this is not a trial either, but it is also an aspect. During the Tournament, it is not unlikely for the offspring to begin to court others. The main goal is for them to find a suitable match in case they were to win the title of Future Alpha. That way, they can ensure a smooth transition to the throne and future pups are almost guaranteed.

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Rules of the Wolves

-Respect the alphas above all else
-Do not go against orders, or face punishment
-Do not interfere with the tournament in anyway(rigging)
-Bring kills back to the pack, do not eat or steal while on patrols or hunts
-All higher ups eat first
-Future of the pack must be protected above all else
-Do not fraternize with outsiders, bring them in or chase them off

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Rules of the RP

-Please put effort into posts, this is semi-literate at least
-Max of three characters for now, unless you request
-Be active, keep up with the RP. We don't want to wait on you. If it has been a week and we are waiting on your reply, we will move on
-No OOC drama
-Don't make everything about your character
-Plotting, drama, and intense characters and conflicts are encouraged
-Make some interesting unique characters. NPCs should be the only flat ones.
-More may be listed

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Extra Loopholes and Nuances...

While the offspring are the ones expected to enter the Tournament, they do not have to. In the past, few have dropped out or forfeited the title to another sibling. This is looked down upon, unless the one surrendering has a viable reason(sickness, injury, etc).

On the flipside, not only the offspring may join the Tournament. In very few occasions, other pack wolves have joined. It is considered risky, as it can be seen as mutiny. And it is very acceptable for the pack wolf to be kicked from the pack if an offspring wins the title in the end. But this is how eras and bloodlines have started and ended in the past. Yes, females have participated in the Tournament. It is uncommon and may some consider it either untraditional or brave. But it is possible.

Once the Tournament is complete and a winner is named, they are officially the next Heir, and are to inherit the Alpha position the next summer. But if there is some scandal or unforgivable act, their title can be stripped and another offspring is named Heir. But if everything goes smoothly, then they will simply inherit the throne and appoint new roles to their pack members. Yes, they can switch out Ambassador and Betas. In the past, this has been used as a sneaky way to gain favor and bribe pack members...

Information

Territory
For the sake of simplicity... Most of their territory is forest. You can divide their territory into biome type. For fun, I thought it would be cool and interesting if we modeled it after the Explore Map from WP. That way, everyone can access it and have a clear reference. The Forest is where their camp is. Most easy terrain is here. The Swamp and Jungle are less patrolled and hunted, due to issues like quick sand and alligators. Both terrains are considered slightly dangerous. But this is where most of the herbs for ther Curer are found. The Desert is rarely patrolled and very scarce. The Mountains and Tundra are sometimes patrolled but they are also dangerous and hard to navigate.

Credit to WP Obviously

Posting

To avoid the very common and basic intros, the RP will start like this:

Hunting Patrol: A Patrol led by Artavis will be in the Forest.

Curer: The Curer will take one warrior with them to pick herbs in the Jungle.

Border Check: A patrol led by Axel will be checking the Tundra, and crossing the rocky bridge.

It is currently the summer months. The Tournament Opening Ceremony will begin at sundown.

Important Info Here:

Starting off: There is a hunting party and a patrol check. Wolves not included in these are at camp. The Curer and another warrior are also getting herbs. Check the discussion board to see more details.

Arden - Offspring - Mentions: Hunting Patrol

The sunlight had cast its warm rays upon their land, beckoning the flowers and little animals out of hiding during the slumber of winter. It felt welcoming on Arden's brown and tan colored pelt, occasionally giving it a handsome sheen in the right light. His deep amber eyes remained focused on his surroundings, keeping alert for any sign of prey. So far, the patrol had ventured just a little ways from camp, still ambling through their forested territory in search of food. It was imperative that they brought something back for the pack. It was even more important that Arden was the one who made a contribution. He needed to set a good impression on his pack if he were to be crowned as the upcoming alpha.

The Tournament was starting today. Everyone knew it. But Arden had left camp earlier that morning to avoid hearing any gossip about it. He figured that he didn't need any distractions for now. Besides, when he brought a successful prey back, everyone would be whispering in his favor, anyway. He didn't need to hear any of their doubts or worries before he even started, did he?

Arden cast a glance towards Artavis, who was just trekking a little in front of him. Artavis of all brothers had been chosen to lead the patrol that day. Arden had swallowed the news with a pleasant face, though the entire walk he had been dwelling on why his brother had been the chosen one. Did his parents already think Arden wasn't enough? Did they already have a favorite for the Tournament? And Artavis of all three of them... The son who already had a paw out of the door.

It didn't matter. After this hunt, Arden would set everything straight. Yes.

When the familiar but faint smell of deer wafted into his nose, his amber eyes glistened as he perked his head up a little. In a low but calm voice, he pointed out to the rest of them, "Deer." He paused, tasting the air again for another hint to the prey's whereabouts. "This way, I think." He turned to his right, now pointing his snout in the direction of the strongest scent. It seemed like there may be a herd of them not too far up.

Akeena - Warrior - Mentions: Border Check

Akeena carefully balanced upon a smooth rock, feeling her paws skid across the surface slowly as she leaned over her paws a bit too far. The slate rocks that made up the small and narrow passage to the Tundra were nothing short of a challenge. But if anyone liked challenges, it was her. Akeena was a daring one, to say the least. Unafraid and adventurous, the warrior had been happy to hear that a patrol was being sent to the Tundra that day. It had been a while since she had been in that area of the territory.

And while some wolves may have complained that the Tundra was the last place they would like to be while the weather was finally warming up, Akeena didn't mind at all. The colder breeze against her thick long fur felt nice. The crisp scent of snow that came with it did not bother her, either. While the warmer months were great and all, Akeena easily overheated in her thicker pelt if it didn't shed enough.

Her light hazel eyes scanned the rocky bridge, seeing the icy land of the Tundra just a little ways away. Their patrol would probably make it in about ten or so minutes at the careful pace they were working with. Akeena gave a chuff, seeing her breath puff out from her nose into the misty cool air.

She took another leap onto the next rock, landing softly and nimbly on the new surface before finding her balance with another step and eyeing her next target. Another large and tall boulder was the next step, bringing her even closer to the icy land. Coiling her muscles and crouching low, she propelled herself up and onto the rock. From the higher point, she was able to survey the surroundings, glancing around with a quick scan. "It's is a lovely view up here." She mentioned to the rest.

Axel||Warrior||Male||M: Border check and Akeena

Axel was going from rock to rock. He didn't really care for the fact they were going to the tundra. Axel had finally reached the end when Akeena said something. He scanned the terrain in front of him which wasn't much objects given it being the tundra. Axel said "Be careful where you step!" He thought Hunting would be good when they reach camp. Who would want to tresspass here anyways.

Axel turned to see if everyone was good. He then got off the final rock landing on the ice. He took a moment to catch his balance before countining on. Axel looked at Akeena and said "I wish you wouldn't always go ahead that much." Axel didn't like it when he was in charge and someone goes to far ahead of him for many reasons.

"Watch your step."

The figure had advanced over a series of intertwined roots, body proceeding to skip over them in avoidance. His mouth was parted, allowing a pink tongue to dangle from between his teeth. In an attempt to cool himself, light pants escaped his throat, soft enough as to not be heard. Amber eyes wandered the land, gazing past trees and dense foliage, his nose inhaling sharply ever so often in hopes of picking up a trail. He had noted a few creatures, though most smells were faint. Two squirrels and a chipmunk, followed by a badger's scent that had long ago faded.

He worked quietly yet swiftly, hardly voicing his thoughts unless necessary. In truth, it was not because Artavis doubted himself, but because he was focused on suppressing the rising feeling of nerves within his stomach. These feelings had worked their way up to his chest, and finally, his throat. The male felt as if he were suffocating, unable to catch a deep breath, for today was a day of importance. Today was a day that was to be remembered for decades, passed down from generation to generation. It would be the beginning of a ceremony to decide the future leader of the pack. His pack.

And he had no choice but to participate.

But by rebelling against this ceremony, it would mean disgracing his family. What type of son would he be to do such a thing? How could he look his family in the eyes if he announced his refusal to participate? His mother? His father? His brothers? His pack?

He was born for this.

It was in his blood.

He was destined to compete.

It didn't matter what Artavis thought, he couldn't let his family or the pack down. He needed to put them first, and he would. He would compete, and he would try, if not for himself, then for them. It wasn't as if he didn't believe in himself nor thought that he'd be a bad leader. Artavis would be a successful leader, but was it something he desired? Artavis wished to lead a quieter life away from the spotlight. He saw his father.. Saw how much effort it took to lead. Could he do that? He didn't know what he wanted, not like Arden and Afton. They knew their paths, but Artavis?

He was lost.

Closing his eyes, the male took a deep breath, his chest inhaling, then slowly exhaling. Opening them, he pushed his growing worries behind, choosing to focus on the presence. Those worries that plagued him.. they were a future issue. For now, he needed to think about the others and providing them a meal. So, the male continued, pace increasing slightly as his head hung low, allowing his nose to scrape the ground.

For a moment, he had glanced behind him, noting his brothers busy trying to locate a scent, followed by Esmerelda, who was farther behind initially. Now, she was closer, and he found himself, for a brief moment, envying her determination once he laid eyes on her. He could see it in her eyes, how motivated and ambitious she was. Why couldn't he have that? Why couldn't he be as driven? Like his brothers, she had always know what she wanted, and he had always respected that. It couldn't have been easy for her.. it wasn't. So, when she had told him in confidentiality of her idea to join the tournament, he supported her, encouraged her, even. He would have to remind her once more after they brought a successful kill back to the pack.

Cranium returning to the ground, he took a moment before glancing around. Pausing, he raised his head, taking a step forward. There were hares to the east, something that Artavis made a mental note of.

"Deer."

Turning, his ears lay erect upon his head, eyes shifting to Arden, who stood a few meters away with his body facing in the opposite direction. Silently, Artavis wandered towards him, only to halt alongside of him. It took all but a single inhale to confirm Arden's words. "You're right. Well done," he spoke, offering a small smile to his brother. "Possibly a mile up.. half a mile?" Nose twitching, his nostrils expanded as he took in another breath before nodding, a hint of pride seen glinting in his eyes. The pack would eat well tonight, he was sure of it.

Glancing to the others, Artavis remained standing. "Once we're closer, let's rule out the weakest deer. I figured we could surround the herd and take on the element of surprise." It was only after he initially spoke did he motion forwards, beginning to break off into a light walk. "I'm thinking once we establish a target, we will separate. One group will be initiating the chase, while the second is positioned farther up, so that when the targeted deer head our way, we have an advantage." Still speaking to the group and offering an insight into his plan, he continued, "Does that sound good with everyone?" It was then when Artavis left room for further thoughts that could be built onto the plan. He always did value the opinion of others.

Like he says, no ideas are bad ones.