A Companion to Wolves

[center]In the era of trolls, vikings, and dragons you are born into a safe little village. Your safety, however, is thanks to your regions legion of warriors; hardened men and women who are more beast than man. These warriors, known as wolfcarls, live far from the villages, near the mountains where trolls make their nests. They are the only protection your village has against these monsters and you're family is both equal parts grateful and afraid of their protectors. You have never known death nor war because of their protection and have never thought much else about the carls. All seems to be normal until the day of your 17th birthday, scheduled for most young boys to take over their fathers farms and for most girls to begin the marriage process- when your village is visited by a huge bear of a man. The beastly figure sits at your villages counsel seat, a throne-like chair for the head of the village, and he goes by the title of wolfjarl. Your village, having rarely or never seen a wolfjarl, immediately panic for of course this does not entail good news.

Janrek, as the wolfjarl goes by, has come to retrieve a select few from each village and bring back to his own village. By his side sits the largest wolf you have ever seen, its gleaming eyes hold your attention and you cannot look away. Your father is hesitant but is more afraid of the jarl than anything else- so he allows you to step up alongside everyone that is your age in the village. With gleaming eyes Janrek surveys the young boys and girls, no younger than 17 and no older than 20, and without much thought picks out you and maybe another. You are only given two hours to pack and say goodbye to your family and then you are whisked away to the wolfheall, a place where man and wolf are equals.

There you spend two months learning the customs and ways of the society you are forced into. Upon your arrival you pass through a ceremony of rebirth where you receive a new name and a rank, but despite the rank which you receive you will always be referred to ask "pup" by those who outrank you. Its much colder at the mountains base and you are given a warm change of clothes and are to share a hut with the other new arrivals. After two months of training and proving to everyone else in the village your worth you are presented with an amazing right of passage; a wolf pup. Only a select few are chosen by their squad leaders to actually have a pup (each wolf, known as trellwolves, can only have up to a litter of 6) and only then do the pups choose their companion. If and when you are chosen, another ceremony of soul bondage is preformed between you and the trellwolf, ending with your first hunt and the naming of the wolf; whoever here, too, does the wolf choose its own name. Now with your companion and the necessary training you are fully equipped to defend the land from trolls, wyverns, witches and other monsters. [/center]

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This rp is based in medieval times; weapons are limited to swords, axes, maces (think skyrim). Its based off of a book by the same title, so if you like to look into the world a little bit more look it up. However this rp isn't strictly going to follow the book; there will be some changes. The storyline can go anywhere, really, i just want a bunch of beast-men to go and kill trolls. By the way, these beastmen are known through their regions, or holds, as werthreat.

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Alrighty, CS:

[hider=Thrall]
Appearance: (pictures, realistic, i won't look at your cs if its anime)
Name: (think medieval, fantasy even- i'm sick of seeing Jason's and Emily's)
Age: (17-20)
Village: (check out the list provided)

Bio: (make it brief and general if you want, your past really doesn't matter other than the moral it set for you)
Personality: (this'll come in handy for when i choose a wolf for you)[/hider]

[hider=General carl and wolf CS's](General CS) (for an already set up NPC)
Appearance: (pictures, realistic, i won't look at your cs if its anime)
Name:
Age:
Rank:

Bio: (be creative, you've lived in this society for most of your life, try and imagine what its like)
Personality:

(Wolf CS) (for those who are Squad Leaders, wolfcarls, and scouts you can have a wolf) (for an already set up NPC)
Appearance: (pictures, realistic, i won't look at your cs if its anime)
Name: (Real wolf names in wolfheall are smells. For example, a wolf from the book was named Skald but his scent name smelled like "ice and cold wind, a musk like serpents, the dark metal of old blood- a kill at midwinter." You do not have to do this but i'd be impressed and thrilled if you did.)
Age: 2-10
Mother: (leave this N/A until i list the wolf family trees)
Father: (same as above)

Wolfcarl:[/hider]

******{If you would like to be any of the NPCs that i've set up just pm with who you want and a roleplaying sample. I'm picky, though, and much more so if you want to be a wolfjarl.

You will have to fill out a General CS and a Wolf CS if you want an NPC. I'm not allowing OC's outside of Thralls for a bit; you can have them as a second character but i'd like for you to hold up on that until i say alright.}******

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Werthreat life

[hider=Rankings]
WolfJarl: Jarek and Vorkir (both are NPCs)
Housecarls (Squad Leaders): Ganri, Randir, Saline (NPCs)
Wolfcarls(Foot soldiers, main fighters: 
Scouts (Ambassadors): Korgan (head ambassador) Maven (head tracker)(NPCs)
Thralls (Pups or Welps):[/hider]

[hider=Others]
Chefs: Jorkev Heavy Step
Shopkeeps: Yorka Oak Arms (sells weapons not made in the keep), Stein Ravenfellow(Sells Books), and Korja (sells rare items)
Blacksmiths: Targir Heavy Fist (makes armor and weapons)
Apothecaries: Galdo[/hider]

Locations of the Wolfheall

[hider=The Hall][img=http://www.tunliweb.no/Bilder_SM/_album_Lofoten/d1_1280pixel.jpg] 
the center of the wolfheall and the center of activity. Meals are served in the hall three times a day. Missions, bounties, and news are posted at the hall board for squads to take. At night is is usually alive with songs of battle, merriment, laughter, and gossip.
[img=http://www.rosala-viking-centre.com/images/hallinterior6.JPG][/hider]

[hider=Wolfjarls Hut][img=http://www.sotamuseum.com/Shroud_of_the_Avatar/Houses/Viking_Village_Home/index_files/Viking_Village_Home.jpg]
both jarls sleep in this large hut near the northern part of the heall.[/hider]

[hider=Housecarl (Squad leader) dens][img=http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/73/7384/KQ7P100Z/posters/reconstruction-of-the-viking-barracks-at-the-fortress-of-trelleborg.jpg]
only a select few sleep here, where the bedding is second to the jarls homes. This housing is kept warm and well lit and can house 10 men and their wolves.[/hider]

[hider=Wolfcarl barracks][img=http://img1.photographersdirect.com/img/484/wm/pd1157776.jpg]
 there are several barracks; two in the northern entrance and two in the center. More are being constructed at the southern entrances. Can hold up to 30 men and their wolves.[/hider]

[hider=Thrall huts][img=http://www.colourbox.com/preview/2598319-838268-old-wood-log-shed-with-thatch-roof-on-historical-country-homestead.jpg]
 these miniature huts hold up to twenty men and wolves. Bedding here is the worst in the hold and is the least maintained housing of the village. There is only one hut by the south entrance.[/hider]

[hider=Apothecaries tent][img=http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/tent-living-montana-2010-diane-lesser.jpg] a tent at the center of the shopping district of the heall and armed fully with every medical remedy known to werthreat. Houses the head apothecary and his wolf.[/hider]

[hider=Shops/tradeposts][img=http://static3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120608191632/finalfantasy/images/a/ab/LindblumWeaponShop.png]
Weapons shop
[img=http://weefolk.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/tentdoorway.jpg%3Fw%3D584]
Book tent
[img=http://images.frpgames.org/products/product_58564.jpg]
Hunting and game shop
Trade posts are located just at the borders of the heall and are open mostly to passersby. Shops are exclusively for those who live within the heall. There is a shop run by Yorka Oak Arms that sells weapons not made within the healls walls. A shop for books on the world outside of the heall sold by Stein Ravenfellow and a shop for rare items run by Korja.[/hider]

[hider=The Forge][img=http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Blacksmith_hammering_2883.jpg]
the finest weapons and armor specialized for the werthreat are made here. Run by Targir Heavy Fist and his apprentice.[/hider]

[hider=The bathhouses][img=http://www.idahohotsprings.com/destinations/loftus/110109/loftus-hot-springs-01.jpg] 
there are two in the heall; hotsprings at the base of the mountain.
[img=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KIQ4RavXagk/TLoNTz94iNI/AAAAAAAABEk/m_PIpdReldQ/s1600/Bath%2BHouse%2B5.jpg][/hider]

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The Wolves

(The lifespan of a Trellwolf is 30 years, but some, along with their carls, rarely reach the wolf's 15th year)

Konigenwolves (Alphas)
[hider=Rakesh][img=http://www.oocities.org/thepaddedwall/wolf.jpg]
 Jadrek's(wolfjarl) female. A reddish wolf with a nasty temperament, her gold eyes have been rumored to captivate the hearts of her pack mates. She has been konigenwolf for 5 years now. (With pups)[/hider]
[hider=Moltav][img=http://www.graywolfconservation.com/images/other%20canids_subspecies/Maggie.jpg]
Vorkir's(wolfjarl) male; a violent and stubborn wolf- he often puts the other high rankers in their place, loves to lead the hunt.[/hider]

Other High Ranking Wolves/their Carls (ordered by pairs)

[hider=Voltag] [img=http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs27/i/2008/120/8/6/Grey_Wolf_in_Lamar_Valley_by_Iamidaho.jpg]
Saline's (huntress) male. A massive dark brown wolf, much larger than his brothers Dag and Keegan. He hunts alongside his carl everyday and is one of the main providers for the village.[/hider]
[hider=Bora] [img=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3sEOWZxJUY/UOj9H8mJS8I/AAAAAAAAB1E/HHRgVb5YAic/s1600/Black%2BWolf%2Bin%2BSnow%2B7.jpg]
Korgan's (lead ambassador) female. A black wolf in rivalry with Rakesh for the alpha seat, she is sly and cruel. She and her carl differ often, as both have opposing personalities instead of a united one.[/hider]

[hider=Dag][img=http://25.media.tumblr.com/1acf7856914142b19c3aa5420622fe8a/tumblr_mybzjcnuff1shrn7zo1_1280.jpg]
Maven's (elite troll tracker) male. A dark gray wolf with piercing blue eyes. He's quick and cunning; an expert at tracking.[/hider]
[hider=Cyra][img=http://www.maxwaugh.com/images/zoo05/wolf4.jpg]
 Galdo's (Apothecary) female. One of the youngest wolves, her mother is Mar and her father was Yorvik. She has dark brown eyes and light gray fur. Sweet, a medicinal wolf.[/hider]

[hider=Keegan][img=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VEyegz9Uce4/TEIjJkcUaSI/AAAAAAAAACA/rDm4Be52kDY/S374/1136193571brownwolf%5B1%5D.jpg]
(deceased),Ganri's (an elite troll hunter) male. Was a reddish brown wolf with strong shoulders; always the head of a troll hunting party.[/hider]
[hider=Mar][img=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YLMe_JonTu0/TPfvLxcx02I/AAAAAAAAAJA/SyghujC7AIU/s1600/white-wolf-big%255B1%255D.jpg] Randir's (wolfcarl) female. An older female with mix matched eyes, her white fur is slightly speckled with gray. She is having her last litter.[/hider]

[hider=Cast System]These are paths you and your wolf can take, usually go along with your rank in the pack. Thrall is not a cast despite it being a rank.

The Heir: if your wolf is either Rakesh's or Bora's pup then they have what it takes to be a konigenwolf. There is a season when konigenwolves often fight for power and this is usually the season where everything goes to shit. No order is kept and many deaths occur. This is the smallest cast.

The Soldier: if your wolf is the pup of any other non-konigenwolf and your rank is Wolfcarl, you have what it takes to take on trolls. The soldier is also expected to hunt for food and other supplies to keep the wolfheall running; this is the largest cast.

The Scholar: if your wolf is older and cannot fight alongside his brethren in the fight, you can spend your days with them in the wolfheall training thralls and sharing your knowledge with everyone. (Ranks do not matter for this cast) Not many wolves reach old age.

The Healer: if you and your wolf are softhearted and are not too keen on battle then you both can further your studies in the art of healing with Cyra and Galdo, the apothecaries.

The Ambassador: this cast is for those who like stealth and reconissance missions; scouts are necessary for finding out locations of monsters, food sources, and have recently tried to reach out to villages and interact with them. [/hider]

[hider=Wolfcarl and Wolf links (bonds)] Long before a wolfcarl has been chosen by their wolf they may feel a calling. Many have been drawn to a pregnant wolf and find themselves spending more time with that wolfs carl. This is because the pup within is subconciously calling to their future carl. This is called a Soulmates Howl but very few experience it this way. Many find connections right when the pup chooses them and their bonds are strengthened as more time is spent with their pup.

An experienced wolfcarl can describe it as something like breathing; this connection they have with their wolves, where they can tell what their wolves are thinking and what they feel. Common knowledge is that when a wolf and its carl are separated their minds and souls are still tightly intertwined. If a carl is acting aggressively and their wolf is not their it can easily be determined that their wolf is off fighting or is hunting. The connection is not felt like a click or anything sudden like that; it happens gradually over time and it is not so immediate upon coming in contact with the wolf. Many first year thralls find it difficult to connect with their wolf and need constant instruction on the mannerisms and behavior of the animal before successfully being able work with them.

These connections are necessary for when on the hunt. Many monsters must be approached silently and will require cornering, and so you must know where and how your wolf is behaving to coordinate a successful attack. This is known as the Pack Sense. [/hider]

Wolf Deaths:

If your wolf is killed you can always have another or take on the wolf of a dead wolfcarl- but remember losing a wolf is like losing part of your self, its something painful that one typically would not want to go through again.
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[hider=Monsters](wip)

Trolls
[img=http://digital-art-gallery.com/oid/3/640x693_1793_Mountain_Troll_2d_fantasy_monster_troll_beast_warrior_picture_image_digital_art.jpg]
Wyverns
[img=http://th02.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2013/233/2/3/ravine__that_is_not_a_wyvern__by_nebezial-d6j645g.jpg]
Witches
[img=http://artfiles.alphacoders.com/377/37780.jpg][/hider]

Rules: all guild rules apply

Necessary Vocab:
Wolfcarl- member of the werthreat that is bonded to a wolf. There are many subclasses to being a Wolfcarl, which are listed above. All begin as Pups or Welps before they are bonded to a wolf.
Wolfjarl- Alpha of the pack.
Wolfheall- the name given to the village.
Werthreat- a race of men and women who are one with wolves. Often made up of large "packs" or "holds" and they are the main source of defense for the countryside. They are interconnected by the Pack Sense
Pack Sense- an unspoken language between Werthreat that connects all their senses which, if strong enough, can even span large distances. Pack sense usually develops between man and wolf earlier than with the whole pack; you see through your wolves eyes and smell through their nose and hear what they hear. Your wolf even communicates with you through the Pack Sense, showing images and sounds through scents and colors. (ex. Var looked down at Pala, his golden-brown companion, for the sharp scent pine and treesap- flashes of the color green and gray and red passed through his mind and he knew then that the crash he heard earlier was that of a fallen tree- and that someone had been injured.)
Trellwolf- massive, powerful wolves.
Konigenwolf- Alpha female wolf.
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Q+A

Q: OH! Wolves so are there werewol- *Slap*
A: NO. NO WEREWOLVES. If you want to play a werewolf go to free roleplay or something. None of that here. You should feel fine with how animalistic the werthreat are. That being said; no their eyes do not change color, no their teeth do not turn into fangs- their bodies do not shift in any way whatsoever. Some may file their teeth and nails to look more menacing but thats as far as i'll let you push it.

Q: jeeze, ok whatever. This rp sounds like it'll have a lot of magic involved, what should i expect?
A: not much, really. The first part of the rp is basically you and your wolf bonding, which isn't really that magical at all. The werthreat have no magic abilities whatsoever. Other than the monsters i want to keep this rp as realistic as possible. If someone can convince me otherwise i might be able to reconsider..

(Questions will be added with their answers once ya'll start asking)

Everything is currently being worked on. I'll edit later.