Feral Loner Band Interest Check

[Mel]

Hello there!

I have been floating around the idea for a "feral" group for a while, and wanted to see if there was interest in this before I delve too deep. A lot of this is still very much a WIP.

My intention would be to have a low-key group seeking to live a "traditional" lifestyle, though in a less strict manner than New Dawn in terms of ranks, mating, etc. Since this would be a Loner Band, no formal ranks would be involved. Characters might choose "ranks" based on their primary interests (ie: Hunter, Pathfinder, Shaman) or some other titles, idk!

I would bring in my previous character Oberyn Haskel, who spent a considerable amount of time living in a "feral pack", to help get this started. As of now, I do not have a name in mind (though as an old-school WWTA player I absolutely got some Red Talons vibes lolol), and would be open to suggestions!

Purpose: In an effort to “live like their ancestors”, a group of like-minded Luperci have decided to reject the considerable advancement of the world around them and “get back to the land”. They mostly live in their Lupus and Secui forms as hunter/gatherers.

Location: (Undecided -- these are my suggestions!)
The Borderlands, south of St. John’s Chokehold
Shiloh Hills, north of Rabbit Lake
Miramichi Valley

Tenets

• Live In The Now: Focus on day-to-day living as opposed to planning for the long-term future. Very limited storage in terms of food, focus on self-reliance as opposed to having supplies to fall back on. May have limited medicinal supplies, but may also need to rely upon neighboring packs for intense medical needs.
  
• Rewilding the land: Removal of all human-made structures.
  
• Reject Humanization: No clothing outside of that for ceremonial purposes, absolutely no livestock/horses/etc. No structures should be built. Group members either dig their own dens of make use of those found (ie: old bear dens, caves, etc)
  
• Community Living: The group likely has one large, purposefully cleared communal space with a central campfire, despite having family dens.
  
• Wolf Dominant Group: *POSSIBLY* -- The group rejects coyote and jackal dominant Luperci, and discriminates against dog hybrids who do not resemble wolves. While they outwardly claim this is due to the size and inability of these Luperci to endure such a lifestyle, there may be more personal reason behind such claims.
  

Let me know your thoughts, and whether or not this is something you'd be interested in potentially joining!

[Kite]

I am definitely interested in something like this, I like the location ideas as well. Maybe I could bring in an Amarok grandchild or great-grandchild for it?

[Despi]

:0 I'd be down!

[Hydra Triangle]

im interested!!

[veldt]

GOOD LORD am I interested -- I'm not sure if I'll have a character slot ready any time soon but i make eyes at this 

I wasn't around for any 'feral' wolf roleplaying and have gotten used to playing my characters pretty humanized; I'd love to bring in someone fresh to get back to our roots! ;D

[Mel]

Cool!

Nic, I know you mentioned your character is mostly coyote, so I'm open to the idea of dropping the "pro wolf" sentiment from the group! Characters can certainly have their own biases/etc. Alternatively, your character could be one of the "exception" cases ;D

Any thoughts re: location, everyone? I wanted to go for more undeveloped areas and those that don't get a lot of love.

The Borderlands and Shiloh Hills are my top two, personally.

[Adel]

This concept is super intriguing! I am definitely interested in this, as well. Not long ago I actually was throwing around the idea of bringing in a Lupreci who refused to shift back into Optime after shifting, so this could be very neat :>

For the location; perhaps somewhere not too far from where another pack is (in case of emergencies for the medicinal aspect of the band, etc) Shiloh Hills would be very neat!

Would the basic dynamic of the band/pack be as the older aspects? Ie, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, etc? ;o (edited to add: like how IRL we know there’s a pecking order based on Alpha, Gamma, Beta, etc, could be cool!)

[Despi]

I think Shiloh Hills could be a good spot 8) Personally?

[Juni]

This sounds super cool! I'm definitely interested! *I wish I didn't already have my next two characters planned out* ;-;

[Bees]

OOOOOOO INTERESTING

Let's see, I will be adding an non-Luperci character to my roster in January, so this would be the perfect place for him, and the other people who've shown interest are great writers with fun characters so I'd love to thread with them!

I think Miramich Valley would be good if the band wouldn't mind Cavaliers or Ashen occasionally stumbling upon it while travelling between packs. The Borderlands would be good to fill out the map a bit, and also it'd be a bit more out the way, although the members will certainly get to interact with anyone coming from Portland. 

I looove the tenets, but I'd prefer if it wasn't wolf exclusive, simply because I think it'd be more fun to have a variety of characters. Perhaps IC prejudice might exist, or maybe the band relies on physical prowess, but I'd prefer it if non-wolves weren't outright rejected.


So YES I'd love to join! :D

[Mel]

Would the basic dynamic of the band/pack be as the older aspects? Ie, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, etc? ;o (edited to add: like how IRL we know there’s a pecking order based on Alpha, Gamma, Beta, etc, could be cool!)

Maybe long-term, if they evolved out of a Loner Band. Since Loner Bands do not allow advanced rank structures, categories, and tier advancements, I was thinking that there would be a more loosely based hierarchy. Likewise, I would probably want to avoid traditional ranks while as a Band, so as not to confuse players when it comes to Band/Pack distinctions.

I feel like that's why titles would reflect primary duties. If there is a character who acts as a leader type role, they could have a title to reflect that. 

Also, branching off, there's a lot of debate about "alpha" roles in wolf packs that's pretty neat!

Location
Oberyn would totally choose to settle near where CdM was, which is why Shiloh Hills was one of the options lol. I agree that the Shiloh Hills could be neat because it has a lot of cool areas nearby, and could provide options re: travel. It might be interesting to see how the characters would react to the human structures, and could provide plenty to discuss when it comes to the "rewilding" idea in-game.

[Adel]

Ooooo I have read the article you linked!

That is understandable about not implementing the bands ranks in the not confuse the members when/if it becomes a pack :> I also like the concept of using their duties as titles!

I like the idea of a group coming together to work for hunting, etc, with no set “alpha” dynamic. It was a very interesting read!

Location: Shiloh Hills would be cool, agreed! I think the coolest part for me is the fact that it’s always windy/breezy and the highest point on Shiloh Hills is where lightening strikes the most XD

Rewilding the lands: Now for them wanting to dehumanize areas, does that involved them digging/burying the past things from the humans? Or would they hire more “humanized” Lupreci to take said objects away? ;o

All I can imagine is like the Balto scene where they’re dragging together as a team with some rope/teeth to drag things away. Perhaps even off a cliff? XD

Community Living: by campfire you mean just an area where they all gather/get together?

I truly do enjoy the idea of having all these different guys just having their own dens but then coming together during the day to just “do group things”, or whenever really.

I may have more input as I further read into it, and also research for more “feral” feels! <333 amazing concept Mel!

[Mayta]

I absolutely adore this idea! Everything sounds amazing! I'd definitely be interested as well, though figuring out a character slot would be interesting. But still it would also be good for plots and all too! <3

[Mel]

Rewilding the lands: Now for them wanting to dehumanize areas, does that involved them digging/burying the past things from the humans? Or would they hire more “humanized” Lupreci to take said objects away? ;o

Probably a bit of both! I think these events would be one of the ones where shifting to their Optime form would be useful, but if they ran into things they couldn't physically handle (ie: requires tools, too heavy to haul in Secui forms) they might reach out to other Luperci.

They would probably try to destroy what they could. I think for "natural" objects, such as wood and stone, they'd break these down and "give them back to nature", but if there were other Luperci who wanted what they basically see as trash, they'd probably be fine getting rid of it lol. The idea would essentially be to replace anything "man-made" with native landscaping.

Community Living: by campfire you mean just an area where they all gather/get together?

Yeah! I think it would be important for a community to have a central gathering place. Historically, Chimera had a cool giant rock they gathered around -- for these guys, finding a central meeting place where community grievances, successes, or planning could occur would be neat. This might be an area they clear out, or one they find, and may have specifics that make it good for a gathering spot (high and dry? safe? somewhere where everyone can be heard? etc.) that lead to it becoming a landmark/perhaps THE landmark for themselves. It would also allow other Luperci to have a spot where they could go to meet these guys, since they'd be roaming/living in otherwise unclaimed territory and probably hard to pin down!

While they are feral, I don't think that entirely means rejecting everything -- fire comes from nature, so having a campfire to keep everyone comfortable in bad weather/for these meetings/perhaps spiritual reasons could be a concept to keep in mind.

[Draiko]

I would be very interested in something like this.  I miss New Dawn and having a more feral group would be great to get back to.

Thanks
Draiko

[Mandi]

Count me in! :O I love the idea of getting back to basics and playing canines doing canine things.

[Despi]

POPS IN AGAIN WITH A LITTLE IDEA:

I know we got folks sayin', y'know, no wolf dominant type stereotypes ;D

But what about, in the spirit of re-wilding things, a general vibe of (while, perhaps, permitted), limiting dog-dominant hybrids or the like? :0

[Kris]

Okay so, this is super cool. I love the idea (don't currently have a char that I think would join but you know, there's time) but I do have questions that might not have answers:

Any biases towards religions?
What about tool and tool usage, weapon or otherwise?
How will they interact with less feral civilizations or individuals? Hostility or would they be open to utilizing what others have to offer?

[Juni]

POPS IN AGAIN WITH A LITTLE IDEA:

I know we got folks sayin', y'know, no wolf dominant type stereotypes ;D

But what about, in the spirit of re-wilding things, a general vibe of (while, perhaps, permitted), limiting dog-dominant hybrids or the like? :0

Ooo, yeah I like this! There is already SL to discriminate against wolves, let's have something to hate on dogs. >:D

[Mel]

Dog Bias

I think certain dogs, yes, such as short hairs or lurcher breeds that look exceptionally different. Anything more "feral", like spitz dogs, would probably be okay. Oberyn himself is part dog, so idk if he'd be down to discriminate against himself lol.

Any biases towards religions?

No. Oberyn believes in an Abrahamic God, and spent time in a pack which practiced animism. I think the latter would be more common among a feral group, though the idea of a singular creator/overseer, and an afterlife, would be present.

I feel like "faith healing" might be present, especially if there's a character who takes on a shaman type role. This would also be one of the options where using their Optime form more often would be acceptable.

What about tool and tool usage, weapon or otherwise?

Probably not much, if at all! They wouldn't make tools or want to keep them. There would be a focus on combat as a unit/pack and use of Secui forms for this.

How will they interact with less feral civilizations or individuals? Hostility or would they be open to utilizing what others have to offer?

I think they'd probably try and convince other groups that their way is the best! Doesn't everyone? ;)

That being said, no, I don't think they'd be hostile or accept "humanized" advancements. As I mentioned before, they might seek out aid from other groups in extreme circumstances (need "advanced" medicine, require tools or animals for labor) but otherwise probably judge them for living such a humanized lifestyle.

[Randi]

I know i'm not around much right now. But I'm extremely interested in this. I'd be 100% down!

[Mel]

I hope all you Americans had a happy Thanksgiving! I've had some further thoughts:

The Loner Band Name will still need determined. Right now, I'm brainstorming ideas but have come up with one I think in-game would make sense. As a former member of Cour des Miracles, Oberyn might want to honor his homeland by calling the the group a court. Likewise, he and his companion would honor the clan they left behind. To that end, my very hardcore-sounding name suggestion is the Court of Fangs. Other ideas include: Terra Incognita, which sounds super cool but is maybe not super suitable for this group, or Rodinia, which references an ancient supercontinent.

After some thread-diving, I have remembered that Oberyn totally has a reason to hate dogs!! So hey, maybe No Dogs Allowed is a thing! It would limit options for players who might want to play a feral dog, but perhaps they can convince the group to let them in via in-game means. :o

Now as far as inception time goes, I am intending to pick up Oberyn relatively soon. I think he and his companion will first seek out old CdM members, turn down any offers to settle in established packs, and then head south. By mid-December they could start settling down, and the actual Loner Band inception could occur anytime after that. In order to formally become a loner band, the group will need at least four characters to join. Oberyn will fill one slot, so three others would be our minimum for formal recognition. :>

[Hydra Triangle]

court of fangs is a really cool name! i personally think that's best, but rodinia is cool too C:

kule is going in a different direction than i first intended (Aint that just the way) so they won't end up joining after all, however i would be extremely interested in plots & threads with the band's characters if it is able to form! so potential members, feel free to hmu!

[Mel]

I saw they had shifted, that's cool! Oberyn and his NPC will be near-ish the DCG on their way into the territories, so there's certainly a chance for them to encounter each other along the way -- that could also help establish a connection to the group long-term. :D

[Bees]

Hi Mel!! If things go as planned I'll add another player character to my roster on December 7th or 8th, but that character is a dog. Now, what is Oberyn's reason for hating dogs? Because my dude is a friggin to-the-healthy-limit big one, non-luperci, strong, an experienced fighter and also a foreigner with a honey-thick Slavic accent. Do you think he'd be permitted to join or not? :0

[Mel]

Oberyn was attacked by short-haired dogs when he was a kid. Like I said, this is still all floating around -- a big fluffy, kinda wolfy-looking dog would be okay to join!

Nothing here is super concrete. It can all flex and change as interested players narrow down the characters and sort of roles and events they'd like to RP -- so not having a species ban might be what the group decides, especially if more players want to roll one species or another.

[veldt]

manda and i have been brainstorming characters for this so i am 100% ready (maybe not in December BUT hopefully closer to the first of the year!!)



i have a gal that is initially VERY humanized but is gonna be running away from some *thangs* so fitting in with a group of ferals will be a real fish out of water sitch, i am hoping!!

i am actually for the pro-wolf anti-dog sentiments honestly -- it gives me old 'Souls vibes and can add some spice to the forum potentially?? more room for rub with outsiders?? idk, just a thought!

additionally, i like Court of Fangs for le edge but also Rodinia! :D

[San]

Wasn't sure if I had any character ideas for this fun loner band concept, but as I was rummaging around the wiki I came up with something! If you still have openings for characters <3

Ugh those names are so cool, I love Rodinia and Court of Fangs is very neat!!

[Mel]

Hello again!

If you are interested in joining this loner band, we've got a Discord now to start planning and plotting. Please respond here and I'll get you added, thanks! :>

[Corie]

I’m definitely interested, but the only character I’d have available for it wont have that much Wolf blood xD