Sweet Mystic Rankings

The hierarchy in a wolf pack neutralizes aggression, reduces conflict and promotes social order. Change of rank in a wolf pack is more frequent in lower rank positions. Must be 1 years or older to hold Rank. No matter what the rank, higher or lower, each wolf deserves total respect. The ranks are jobs and responsibilities. If a wolf is not fullfilling those that they are expected to, they will be taken from that rank or if a wolf is showing qualities of a position, they may gain that rank. Your rank should not be taken lightly, for it will be watched.

All Members

The Pack is to follow the rules, and make sure visitors do so as well. All members take the role of Enforcer (*see below*) All Adult members are to take the responsiblities of Greeter when the Sentinel is not present (*see below*)

All pack members also take the role of LoreKeeper, for each member has a story to tell and they are in turn their own LoreKeeper. The Pack as a whole should keep watch on 'Assessments in Waiting' and Full Assessments, trying to bring them into the Pack. All should make sure to understand the details of the past as well.

The Pack takes part in caring for the young, protecting the clearing, hunting together, and keeping in touch with each other. It is the responsibility of the Pack as a whole to make sure every member gets their share of food after a hunt as well. Afterall, that is what we are all about; to support and watch out for each other as a whole, a family; to stand by each other.

Enforcer:
Sentinels take the role of Primary Enforcer, making sure each visitor within the clearing respects and abides by the rules set forth. While Alpha or Beta are absent, Members should first approach the Sentinel if their is a problem affecting the harmony of the clearing or Pack. If the Alpha/Beta/Sentinel are absent, all Members should be aware of the role of Enforcer. For example, if one was to curse, warn them of the 'No swearing' rule, another example is the usage of brackets for OOC (out-of-character). You can warn them in the channel or PM them and kindly remind them of the rules. If after fair warning a wolf continues to show disrespect and breaking of rules, Members may kick and place a temporary ban, but it is the Sentinel's right to act first if they are present in the clearing. If this does happens Members are to report to their Alpha(s) and Beta(s) and tell them what happened. (along with a log file).

Greeter:
Sentinels are the Primary Greeters. However When the Sentinel is not present within the clearing, the greeting responsibility goes to the other adult pack members.

NevaPaws
Former Alpha Sweet Mystic

Alpha

The Alpha is the leader of the pack, they try their best to keep up with the going ons within the pack. They see each of the pack members as family and make important decisions that reflect the growth and welfare of the pack. The Alpha creates the rules for the pack and makes sure they are properly enforced. Alpha decides on ranking, courting, assessments, and banishments of wolves (meaning akicks). Another important responsibility of the Alpha is to maintain the pack's hunting territory. The Alpha calls group hunts and decides when and where to hunt, along with the Betas and Hunters. The Alpha provides an emotional centre for the family and focus for friendly feeling in the pack. One of the most important social functions of the Alpha is to help maintain an even temper and bond of the family. During pack meetings, most issues will be discussed with the pack as a whole. The final decision will be made by the Alpha after all opinions are heard by the pack members. The Alphas have the final say so in everything, yet act only for the good of the pack. @

Beta

The Beta wolf is the second ranking individual within the dominance hierarchy. They show commitment and loyalty to the pack, also acting as a discipliner to reinforce the Alpha's decisions. The Betas stand in as Alpha when the Alphas are not present. They answer to no one but their Alphas, but are expected, as with all members, to show respect to every wolf. They also assist the Alphas with any conflicts within the pack and enforce the rules, keeping peace within the clearing. They have the right to kick and ban a wolf from the clearing, after fair warning of wrong actions, such as fighting. They hold Sop Access along with the Alpha. Betas may also call hunts, deciding when and where to hunt, along with the Hunters. In pack meetings, the Betas' answers and suggestions are the second most important, being trusted advisors to the Alpha, only thinking for the good of the pack as a whole. There may only be a male and female Beta.

In pack meetings, the Betas' answers and suggestions are the second most important, being trusted advisors to the Alpha, only thinking for the good of the pack as a whole. @

Delta

The Delta wolf is a wolf in training for Beta position. They are third in rank to Alpha and Beta. Delta's do not hold the authority to call medium or large Hunts. That is a privilege to only ranked Alphas, Betas, and SM Hunters. Deltas usually become the next Beta after training is complete but one can remain Delta without moving to Beta position. When this is the case, if ever the current Beta is removed from their rank, steps down, changes rank, or leaves the pack, the Delta may take the place as the new Beta at the Alpha's request. There may only be a male and female Delta. @

Subordinate Ranks;

Sentinel

Sentinels are to ensure that the pack is safe by patrolling the territory and watching the movements of the surroundings. They are to make sure that no intruders enter the clearing. In doing so, it is a Sentinel's responsibilty to greet new visitors and learn why they are here and where they come from. Being in that position, it is the Sentinel's job to make sure each new visitor that comes into the clearing has good intentions as well. When the Sentinel is not present within the clearing or if there is none, the greeting responsibilities go to all Adult Pack members. Sentinels also make sure that the Pack Members keep themselves out of trouble, and that no fights break out between visiting wolves (or other pack members), warning them of the rules. After the warning, the Sentinel reserves the right to kick a continually aggressive or provoking wolf out of the channel and set a temporary ban. If this does happen they are to report to their Alpha and/or Beta and tell them what happened. (along with a log file). @

Elder

An Elder is a wolf with great experience and knowledge of wolfpacks. In the past they may have held such high ranks as Alpha and/or Beta. They are sometimes older members who have decided to make the pack their final resting place. An Elder's opinion is greatly respected throughout the pack, being advisor to both Alphas and Betas. They are asked to be role models to the pack, adults and cubs included, and also to visitors, showing them the Way of the Pack. They express maturity in their thoughts and actions during serious discussion or conflicts and help out where ever they can, supporting the pack through and through. The Elder lingers in the background when it comes to Pack affairs; they voice their opinions and concerns when they feel it is neccesary with the utmost respect to their leaders. @

Hunters

The Hunters are those wolves who are exceptionally skilled at tracking and hunting down prey. They can range from 1 year to 5 years, large or small, but it is mainly their skill as a Hunter that counts. The Hunters make sure that the Pack has a full abundance of food at Myst Tree. After large hunts, the lead Hunter will memo #soulwolves with an update of the food available at Myst Tree. Hunters lead the hunts along with the Alpha and/or Beta, directing the members on when it is their turn to charge at the prey. Two titles of the ranked Sweet Mystic Hunter are the Ambusher and Tracker. These titles are given to those ranked Hunters that are exceptionally skilled with certain hunting techniques. @

Scouts

Scouts are responsible for warning the Pack of dangerous territory outside the clearing, if any. Scouts are mainly wolves known by neighborng packs and visit around often. They stay in touch with other packs and keep friendly relations. They are to report any important changes to the Alpha and Beta. These include: if a new Pack is formed; Scouts are to find out who is the Alpha or Alphas and if the Pack is peaceful. Another change includes the banishment of a certain wolf; Scouts are to find out who was banished from where and why. This job is important for the Sweet Mystics and other packs to stay in alliance and in understanding with another and to ensure the safety of TimberMyst clearing.

Caretakers

A wolf that shows interest and skill in caring for weakened packmates. They also watch over the older or ill wolves of the Pack. The Caretaker of the Pack ensures when any wolf is wounded, they recover properly not putting to much stress on their wounds. They serve as a support unit, and try to keep the pack in a healthy state. If they feel a wolf is not strong or rested enough to hunt, they are to inform the Alpha, Beta, or Hunter. CareTaking does not mean healing; its means helping to survive, to watch over and make sure one does not further hurt themselves. A CareTaker has to be stern to the wounded. Many wolves will insist they are fine. A good CareTaker needs to know what injuries are serious and what injuries can heal on their own. They need to make sure a wounded wolf, does not over exert themselves. They need to be firm in having the wolf rest.

Accepted Ways of CareTaking in the Sweet Mystics:
A good thing to do is lead the wounded animal close to water so they can drink freely.
Make sure a wolf is well rested.
Offer food to the wounded wolf after prey is killed, or take from Myst Tree to give the wolf strength needed in getting better.
CareTakers make sure wolves who may have internal injuries (soreness, broken bones)..do not put pressure on their injury.

Wolves with open wounds: To clean the wound, CareTakers should simply groom their packmate.

Unaccepted Ways of CareTaking in the Sweet Mystics:
If a wolf can not do it in the wild, a Sweet Mystic will not do it in caretaking.
Herbs are not accepted; they may be natural, but they are not natural to the wolf as a way of caretaking.
CareTakers should know they are not healers.
Magic is the obvious no-no.
Icing a wound would be more hoomanish, as before stick to grooming to clean an open wound.
Making casts out of mud and sticks are not accepted as well. If a wolf has broken their leg, they must endure the pain...and rest..learn from this and they will become stronger as it heals.
Tools of nature or of any sort should not be used.

Words and offering of advice, a watchful eye, knowing when a wolf can or cannot hunt, should and needn't rest. Those are the main aspects of caretaking one should remember.

Omegas and Pups

The Omega of the pack is lowest ranking wolf. The Omega is usually a young wolf that is very new to packlife and still learning, a wolf that has been lowered in rank due to wrong actions, or a Re-Evaluated Wolf (one who left the Pack once and was accepted back into the Pack after a period of re-evaluation). They are usually given the responsibilities of 'puppy-sitter', watching over the cubs during group hunts and making sure they don't wander into the forest. With the Omega always watching over the pups, they sometimes teach the Way of the Pack and the hierarchy. They explain to the pups what is right and wrong, or safe and dangerous. Pups while low in rank have many social freedoms; their antics are tolerated by most of the members. Reaching 1 year old, pups of the Pack may become Full Adult Members. Must be 1 year to Court/Mate and 2 years to Breed (have a litter), but you may 'adopt' before then.

*Assessments:

These are the wolves who wish to become pack and are being evaluated. The pack looks for loyalty, respect, and socialness from the assessment; how well the wolf communicates with the members and how they act towards visitors of the clearing. The waiting period of an assessment varies from as little as a few weeks to up to a month or more, all depending. In the Sweet Mystics, the waiting period is long. Patience must be present when joining the Sweet Mystics. +v

*Honoured Guests

These are wolves who are trusted friends of the pack, or members of the sister pack. +v or @

*Neighboring Alphas

Neighboring/Visiting Alphas of other Packs are given +voice within TimberMyst Clearing showing the Sweet Mystics' gratitude for their help and support, as well as respect and recognition of their Alphaship. +v

* -not a Rank

Webmaster: NevaPaws
Web graphics © Cecilia "WolfMoon"Olsson
Thanx to Therese "Ailah" Larsson for permission to use her artwork in the title.
The making of this website is a Pack effort and various Members have contributed.
Written Content Copyright © 2000-04 Sweet Mystics unless otherwise stated.
All rights reserved



Sweet Mystics: Home Mystic's Spirit TimberMyst Clearing Pack Ways Hunting Rules Activities History Meetings Meet the Pack Join the Pack Pack Relationships Pack Ranking Writings and Art Contact the Pack Help: Using IRC Wolfing Guide Wolf Information: Wolf Facts The Symbolic Wolf Wolf-Dog Hybrids Wolves as Pets Organizations General: Links GuestBook Message Board	The hierarchy in a wolf pack neutralizes aggression, reduces conflict and promotes social order. Change of rank in a wolf pack is more frequent in lower rank positions. Must be 1 years or older to hold Rank. No matter what the rank, higher or lower, each wolf deserves total respect. The ranks are jobs and responsibilities. If a wolf is not fullfilling those that they are expected to, they will be taken from that rank or if a wolf is showing qualities of a position, they may gain that rank. Your rank should not be taken lightly, for it will be watched. All Members The Pack is to follow the rules, and make sure visitors do so as well. All members take the role of Enforcer (see below) All Adult members are to take the responsiblities of Greeter when the Sentinel is not present (see below) All pack members also take the role of LoreKeeper, for each member has a story to tell and they are in turn their own LoreKeeper. The Pack as a whole should keep watch on 'Assessments in Waiting' and Full Assessments, trying to bring them into the Pack. All should make sure to understand the details of the past as well. The Pack takes part in caring for the young, protecting the clearing, hunting together, and keeping in touch with each other. It is the responsibility of the Pack as a whole to make sure every member gets their share of food after a hunt as well. Afterall, that is what we are all about; to support and watch out for each other as a whole, a family; to stand by each other. Enforcer: Sentinels take the role of Primary Enforcer, making sure each visitor within the clearing respects and abides by the rules set forth. While Alpha or Beta are absent, Members should first approach the Sentinel if their is a problem affecting the harmony of the clearing or Pack. If the Alpha/Beta/Sentinel are absent, all Members should be aware of the role of Enforcer. For example, if one was to curse, warn them of the 'No swearing' rule, another example is the usage of brackets for OOC (out-of-character). You can warn them in the channel or PM them and kindly remind them of the rules. If after fair warning a wolf continues to show disrespect and breaking of rules, Members may kick and place a temporary ban, but it is the Sentinel's right to act first if they are present in the clearing. If this does happens Members are to report to their Alpha(s) and Beta(s) and tell them what happened. (along with a log file). Greeter: Sentinels are the Primary Greeters. However When the Sentinel is not present within the clearing, the greeting responsibility goes to the other adult pack members. NevaPaws Former Alpha Sweet Mystic Alpha The Alpha is the leader of the pack, they try their best to keep up with the going ons within the pack. They see each of the pack members as family and make important decisions that reflect the growth and welfare of the pack. The Alpha creates the rules for the pack and makes sure they are properly enforced. Alpha decides on ranking, courting, assessments, and banishments of wolves (meaning akicks). Another important responsibility of the Alpha is to maintain the pack's hunting territory. The Alpha calls group hunts and decides when and where to hunt, along with the Betas and Hunters. The Alpha provides an emotional centre for the family and focus for friendly feeling in the pack. One of the most important social functions of the Alpha is to help maintain an even temper and bond of the family. During pack meetings, most issues will be discussed with the pack as a whole. The final decision will be made by the Alpha after all opinions are heard by the pack members. The Alphas have the final say so in everything, yet act only for the good of the pack. @ Beta The Beta wolf is the second ranking individual within the dominance hierarchy. They show commitment and loyalty to the pack, also acting as a discipliner to reinforce the Alpha's decisions. The Betas stand in as Alpha when the Alphas are not present. They answer to no one but their Alphas, but are expected, as with all members, to show respect to every wolf. They also assist the Alphas with any conflicts within the pack and enforce the rules, keeping peace within the clearing. They have the right to kick and ban a wolf from the clearing, after fair warning of wrong actions, such as fighting. They hold Sop Access along with the Alpha. Betas may also call hunts, deciding when and where to hunt, along with the Hunters. In pack meetings, the Betas' answers and suggestions are the second most important, being trusted advisors to the Alpha, only thinking for the good of the pack as a whole. There may only be a male and female Beta. In pack meetings, the Betas' answers and suggestions are the second most important, being trusted advisors to the Alpha, only thinking for the good of the pack as a whole. @ Delta The Delta wolf is a wolf in training for Beta position. They are third in rank to Alpha and Beta. Delta's do not hold the authority to call medium or large Hunts. That is a privilege to only ranked Alphas, Betas, and SM Hunters. Deltas usually become the next Beta after training is complete but one can remain Delta without moving to Beta position. When this is the case, if ever the current Beta is removed from their rank, steps down, changes rank, or leaves the pack, the Delta may take the place as the new Beta at the Alpha's request. There may only be a male and female Delta. @ Subordinate Ranks; Sentinel Sentinels are to ensure that the pack is safe by patrolling the territory and watching the movements of the surroundings. They are to make sure that no intruders enter the clearing. In doing so, it is a Sentinel's responsibilty to greet new visitors and learn why they are here and where they come from. Being in that position, it is the Sentinel's job to make sure each new visitor that comes into the clearing has good intentions as well. When the Sentinel is not present within the clearing or if there is none, the greeting responsibilities go to all Adult Pack members. Sentinels also make sure that the Pack Members keep themselves out of trouble, and that no fights break out between visiting wolves (or other pack members), warning them of the rules. After the warning, the Sentinel reserves the right to kick a continually aggressive or provoking wolf out of the channel and set a temporary ban. If this does happen they are to report to their Alpha and/or Beta and tell them what happened. (along with a log file). @ Elder An Elder is a wolf with great experience and knowledge of wolfpacks. In the past they may have held such high ranks as Alpha and/or Beta. They are sometimes older members who have decided to make the pack their final resting place. An Elder's opinion is greatly respected throughout the pack, being advisor to both Alphas and Betas. They are asked to be role models to the pack, adults and cubs included, and also to visitors, showing them the Way of the Pack. They express maturity in their thoughts and actions during serious discussion or conflicts and help out where ever they can, supporting the pack through and through. The Elder lingers in the background when it comes to Pack affairs; they voice their opinions and concerns when they feel it is neccesary with the utmost respect to their leaders. @ Hunters The Hunters are those wolves who are exceptionally skilled at tracking and hunting down prey. They can range from 1 year to 5 years, large or small, but it is mainly their skill as a Hunter that counts. The Hunters make sure that the Pack has a full abundance of food at Myst Tree. After large hunts, the lead Hunter will memo #soulwolves with an update of the food available at Myst Tree. Hunters lead the hunts along with the Alpha and/or Beta, directing the members on when it is their turn to charge at the prey. Two titles of the ranked Sweet Mystic Hunter are the Ambusher and Tracker. These titles are given to those ranked Hunters that are exceptionally skilled with certain hunting techniques. @ Scouts Scouts are responsible for warning the Pack of dangerous territory outside the clearing, if any. Scouts are mainly wolves known by neighborng packs and visit around often. They stay in touch with other packs and keep friendly relations. They are to report any important changes to the Alpha and Beta. These include: if a new Pack is formed; Scouts are to find out who is the Alpha or Alphas and if the Pack is peaceful. Another change includes the banishment of a certain wolf; Scouts are to find out who was banished from where and why. This job is important for the Sweet Mystics and other packs to stay in alliance and in understanding with another and to ensure the safety of TimberMyst clearing. Caretakers A wolf that shows interest and skill in caring for weakened packmates. They also watch over the older or ill wolves of the Pack. The Caretaker of the Pack ensures when any wolf is wounded, they recover properly not putting to much stress on their wounds. They serve as a support unit, and try to keep the pack in a healthy state. If they feel a wolf is not strong or rested enough to hunt, they are to inform the Alpha, Beta, or Hunter. CareTaking does not mean healing; its means helping to survive, to watch over and make sure one does not further hurt themselves. A CareTaker has to be stern to the wounded. Many wolves will insist they are fine. A good CareTaker needs to know what injuries are serious and what injuries can heal on their own. They need to make sure a wounded wolf, does not over exert themselves. They need to be firm in having the wolf rest. Accepted Ways of CareTaking in the Sweet Mystics: A good thing to do is lead the wounded animal close to water so they can drink freely. Make sure a wolf is well rested. Offer food to the wounded wolf after prey is killed, or take from Myst Tree to give the wolf strength needed in getting better. CareTakers make sure wolves who may have internal injuries (soreness, broken bones)..do not put pressure on their injury. Wolves with open wounds: To clean the wound, CareTakers should simply groom their packmate. Unaccepted Ways of CareTaking in the Sweet Mystics: If a wolf can not do it in the wild, a Sweet Mystic will not do it in caretaking. Herbs are not accepted; they may be natural, but they are not natural to the wolf as a way of caretaking. CareTakers should know they are not healers. Magic is the obvious no-no. Icing a wound would be more hoomanish, as before stick to grooming to clean an open wound. Making casts out of mud and sticks are not accepted as well. If a wolf has broken their leg, they must endure the pain...and rest..learn from this and they will become stronger as it heals. Tools of nature or of any sort should not be used. Words and offering of advice, a watchful eye, knowing when a wolf can or cannot hunt, should and needn't rest. Those are the main aspects of caretaking one should remember. Omegas and Pups The Omega of the pack is lowest ranking wolf. The Omega is usually a young wolf that is very new to packlife and still learning, a wolf that has been lowered in rank due to wrong actions, or a Re-Evaluated Wolf (one who left the Pack once and was accepted back into the Pack after a period of re-evaluation). They are usually given the responsibilities of 'puppy-sitter', watching over the cubs during group hunts and making sure they don't wander into the forest. With the Omega always watching over the pups, they sometimes teach the Way of the Pack and the hierarchy. They explain to the pups what is right and wrong, or safe and dangerous. Pups while low in rank have many social freedoms; their antics are tolerated by most of the members. Reaching 1 year old, pups of the Pack may become Full Adult Members. Must be 1 year to Court/Mate and 2 years to Breed (have a litter), but you may 'adopt' before then. Assessments: These are the wolves who wish to become pack and are being evaluated. The pack looks for loyalty, respect, and socialness from the assessment; how well the wolf communicates with the members and how they act towards visitors of the clearing. The waiting period of an assessment varies from as little as a few weeks to up to a month or more, all depending. In the Sweet Mystics, the waiting period is long. Patience must be present when joining the Sweet Mystics. +v Honoured Guests These are wolves who are trusted friends of the pack, or members of the sister pack. +v or @ Neighboring Alphas Neighboring/Visiting Alphas of other Packs are given +voice within TimberMyst Clearing showing the Sweet Mystics' gratitude for their help and support, as well as respect and recognition of their Alphaship. +v -not a Rank Copyright © 2000-04 Sweet Mystics Webmaster: NevaPaws Web graphics © Cecilia "WolfMoon"Olsson Thanx to Therese "Ailah" Larsson for permission to use her artwork in the title. The making of this website is a Pack effort and various Members have contributed. Written Content Copyright © 2000-04 Sweet Mystics unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved