6. Reproduction

  Hybreed have flourished not only because of staying as far away from humans as possible, but because they can add to their numbers in other ways. If a hybreed bites a human or a wolf, that human or wolf will turn into a hybreed. Usually, the 'victim' is given a choice: join the pack or be killed. A very few have escaped this ultimatum, also helping to give way to the various stories of "werewolves". The other way to increase their numbers is the old-fashioned way: procreation. Unfortunately, this way does not always have positive results.

  When hybreed procreate, they take the risk of the "Hybreed gene" not holding in the offspring. If it does hold: a healthy, bouncing baby hybreed. If not: twins, a human baby and a wolf pup. When the latter happens, though rare, the pup is given to a nearby pack, and the human baby is sneaked into the nearest human community and placed in a conspicuous place. Since a colony has more resources than just a pack, a colony can make a record of each offspring, including hair sample, eye color, and any other distinguishing features. Within the Colony north of Romberg, the anomalies are filed into a hybreed equivalent of a book called "The Lost Children." Members of roaming packs have been known to travel to a colony to have the features of their lost children recorded by the storytellers.

  Every once in a while, a wolf pup or human baby is born without its corresponding twin. It is taken to its place, recorded in the book, and is thought of as "just one of those things." No other thought is given, because no reason for this occurrence has ever been found.


7. Communication

  Hybreed communication is a complex combination of sounds and movements. Every movement can mean something, if accompanied with a sound or direction. Individual intentions can be picked up easily just through body language, though years of practice can modify how a Hybreed presents him/herself so others cannot read him/her as well. Such skill will usually point out the older members of a pack. Because of their strong instincts, a new hybreed will have a subconscious understanding of what another hybreed is saying. Because of the human need for civilization, a few minor points on etiquette or protocol may be needed.

  If a human becomes a part of the colony, he or she will retain any knowledge and understanding of any human languages learned. After All, they are the same individual mentally and emotionally, but simply with a new form and with new instincts. However, the subject may find it very difficult to say any more than just a few words in their native tongue. The hybreed jaw and lip structure does not support human standards of communication very well. For example, a hybreed could read this summary if they knew English as a human rather easily; but to recite all or even a paragraph would be nothing short of a miracle.

  Hybreed with wolf heritage can understand wolves easily and even communicate back and forth. A century ago, a colony north of Romberg won the respect of most wolf packs in the area through protective means lead by Shaman and his underling, Janna. Wolf packs generally tolerate hybreed presence without incident; apparently, the mutual respect has been passed down through the ages. Both Shaman and Janna have been able to keep an ongoing "dialogue" alive with packs in their area.

  Wolves seem to have an unspoken understanding of what the Hybreed represent, and have accepted the position along with who will be taking the role. Wolves that become Hybreed have reported that they know the Hybreed will become keepers of what hybreed call the Earthlife, but cannot explain how they know. It has been hypothesized that since wolves are basically lords of the forest, they can sense royalty. Of course, the Alpha called Crayne introduced this egotistical theory, and the theory is kept under scrutiny.


8. Social Structure

  Two or more hybreed living together are considered a pack, usually an immediate family. Two or more packs living together make up a tribe, and two or more tribes living together make up a colony. Colonies are rare, but often provide the most security.

  Hybreed operate in a clan system; each clan specializes in one aspect of daily life. For example, some of the clans are as follows: Alphas, Betas, Storytellers, Healers, Hunters, Harvesters, Artisans, Omegas, etc. Each clan is often a different section or department of a colony, and a hybreed changing from one department to another does not happen very often. Usually, a hybreed will stay in a clan for the remainder of their lives.

  In the case of a family or pack, the clan structure is not needed due to traditionally small numbers. Individuals of a pack would still fill the roles of the clan system as their proficiency becomes manifest, but packs will often be devoid of certain clans due to lack of members to represent that clan. A hybreed mother, when proficient in some certain ability, will be an extension to that clan but still answers directly to her husband or the Alpha of her pack. A young hybreed is encouraged to explore all opportunities and abilities until one becomes prevalent in his life. If only part of a pack, he would be tutored by any available members of the pack that represent that clan.

  There have been times that a hybreed is misplaced in a clan. If proficiency toward another clan is displayed, the hybreed would come under the tutelage of the high-ranking members of the other clan. He then becomes a member under that new clan, and his rank is determined by his ability. Such changing of clans usually happens from Beta to something else, due to the large amount of versatility and effort involved in being a member of the Beta clan. Betas are often burned out in their duties, necessitating a change into another clan. Changing clans also happens with the onset of age.


  Alphas are the leaders of the pack, tribe, or colony. In a tribe or colony there will of course be several packs, at which point all the Alphas form the Alpha clan. However, each Alpha will usually be responsible for the leadership of whatever clan is their proficiency as well as their own packs. In a Colony, all ‘Clan Alphas’ are usually part of the Council of Alphas. The Council is headed by the Alpha of Alphas, and is responsible for the direction of the colony. His leadership is closely scrutinized by the Council of Alphas. Alphas will also act as mediators and judges.

  Betas are the lieutenants and applicators, seeing that all jobs get finished and the decisions of the Alpha are upheld. They also are the caretakers of the colony and act as substitutes for any needed skill or special purpose. They are the 'everything' clan, and are often considered the second in command. There are usually very few in this clan, due to the amount of versatility and involved, not to mention the common amounts of high stress.

  Storytellers are the record keepers and the entertainers of the group, including singers, players, poets, etc. They are also extremely attuned to the Earthlife, and often times outlive other clan members. Storytellers are usually looked upon as wise men, and are likely the most reclusive of all the clans.

  Healers include the medical aspect, and the psychological. Healers have a difficult time with Hunters, due to the fact that Hunters are usually proud and very possessive about their wounded. Healers usually have a very good working knowledge of the forest or area that the colony or pack occupies, regardless of the fact that most exploration falls in the jurisdiction of the Hunters. The Healers usually know exactly what to use and where to get it, and therefore can often predict changes in terrain and weather by analyzing the surrounding vegetation. Many Hunters find this ability very annoying, especially when it conflicts with their knowledge.

  Hunters are the militant group, and also used as enforcers. They usually follow the direction of the Betas, unless an Alpha is around. Hunters gather the food and scout for new locations, intruders, defense perimeters, etc. Though almost all hybreed hunt whenever they are hungry, Hunters have fine-tuned the action to a highly efficient skill and continue to explore new means to hunt. Most Hunters derive from wolf origin.

  Harvesters are also based on gathering food, but focus on other sources than meat from animals. Although their diet is primarily based on meat intake, hybreed are omnivorous; the larger the group, the more likely their diet will be supplemented with plants and grains. Due to their usual docile nature and the obvious direct link to the Earthlife, Harvesters are often strongly tied to the Healer and Storyteller clans.

  Artisans are the artists of the colony, often employing rock pictures, fire sculpting, prop building for the Storytellers, and usually any construction of tools or shelters for the pack. Most members of the Artisan clan come from human origin, and are usually very adept at construction and troubleshooting.

  Omegas serve as the grunts, go-for's, and scapegoats of the colony, usually picked on and underprivileged. Omegas are part of the colony and serve a very important purpose, so the Betas make sure they are respected and get a share in whatever the colony has. However, as with many wolf clans, Omegas are treated poorly. This is one aspect of colony/clan lifestyle that has been considered as traditional from the wolf side, but has never been successfully challenged. Shifting hybreed are nearly always placed in this clan without question, regardless of any prowess they show for any other clan.

Last edited by Grayle (2009-01-30 14:03:05)