Beliefs:
Cultural:xx Due to their history, the pack has become highly matriarchal. While males are not worthless, they are considered to be lesser and thusly need to work twice as hard to achieve equal footing with a female of the same rank. With only one exception in their history, the Alpha has always been female.
xxx Unlike other packs, where Alpha and Beta pairs work on the same level of authority, the males of the pairs are given far less power than their mates. Instead of governing the pack, they act as emissaries between the other males and the Alpha and Beta, providing input when necessary or airing grievances.
xx- Gender Roles
xx The pack as a whole is highly wary of outsiders, though lone wolves get better treatment than wolves from another pack. Lones are considered potential additions to the ranks, whereas wolves with ties to other packs are regarded with suspicion as potential spies. Whenever a stray wanders into their territory, the pack sends at least one warrior along with whatever scout found them to deal with them. Whole packs that infringe on the territorial boundary are met with the full force of the pack to drive them out.
Spiritual:xx The pack honors all gods and spirits equally, of the opinion that they owe their survival to all of them in some way. Some wolves pick "patrons" of sorts, gods that they pay particular homage to during rites and festivals. Particular attention is paid towards spirits responsible for storms and other such weather, as is fitting, being the namesakes of the pack.
xx While no specific wolf is ever designated "rite master", it usually falls to either the current alpha or the retired matriarch to lead the pack through offerings to the spirits or other rites. Occasionally alphas have been known to delegate this role to others who show more aptitude for it, creating a temporary rank in the hierarchy of the duration of that wolf's service.
Rites and Festivals:xx Rite of Maturation - Yearling pups are encouraged to explore all ranks and roles within the pack, and upon achieving adulthood, they must seek permission to join the ranks of their chosen path. This culminates in a springtime festival, held on the first half moon after spring's flowers begin to bloom. This time is chosen to indicate the crossroads in the newly matured individual's life.
xxx The rite itself is an all-day affair in which the pack as a whole gathers. The pup's go through a formal petition to the head of their new profession, be it the lead warrior or the lead scout. Since permission has to be gained before the rite, it is very rare for any denial to occur during the rite.
xxx After all petitions are made, the new adults line up and are given their pack tattoos. It is customary for each pack member to help design the tattoo, resulting in abstract shapes from a dozen different paws. The Alpha and Beta female always are the ones to establish the first stroke, the parents of the pup are given the honor of the last stroke to finish the tattoo.
xx Rite of Ascension - This is a rare rite that only occurs when one alpha steps down and raises their successor to their position. In situations where the alpha has passed, this is performed by the former alpha's next-of-kin after a new alpha has staked their claim. (Typically through battle)
xxx Despite the importance of this rite, it is very simple in execution. A brief speech is made, about the importance of an alpha to a pack, and at the end the former alpha names the new alpha. After this, the former alpha bestows a necklace who's pendant is a part of a deer's antler. It is said to be the antler of the very same deer that the original pack felled.
