Pack Hierarchy

Werewolves naturally feel an extreme loyalty to their pack and treat it like family. A werewolf pack is equally bound by the human need for social order and is not usually confined to family units. The pack works together as a family and the ranks are the jobs each pack member has.

Ranks, whether high or low, are given or earned. A werewolf may request a rank but the absolute of them getting that rank depends entirely upon the alpha.

Hierarchy Breakdown

Highest Rankings/Inner Council

Most werewolf packs have an 'inner council' of first four highest ranks, most of which are limited to one or two members, except for the Gamma. The higher ranked of the pack have an air of dominance about them and may often display it.

Alpha (Leader) {α}

Usually, there are one or two Alphas within a pack who oversee the leadership of the pack as a whole. In a pre-established pack, a werewolf becomes the new Alpha either when the old Alpha steps down and passes the position to them, or by mating with an active Alpha or by defeating/killing the old Alpha.

They are dominant over all the rest of the pack and what they say should be considered as the law within the pack. They often have a bold and confident personality and usually, have either the physical ability or a Gift to back up their rank. They take an interest in what goes on in their pack and if they have been away for any length of time, they turn to the Beta to learn of the happenings within their pack.

Traditionally, there could only be one of each gender holding this position. They are normally the active mating pair. However, with changing times, the dynamics of the rankings are also changing within the packs.

Beta (Second in Command) {β}

There may be one or two Betas in a pack. Again, traditionally this position could only be held by one of each gender. The two Betas may or may not be mates. These are the individuals that the Alpha(s) trust above all others. They enforce the law over the rest of the pack. They may take control of the pack if the Alpha is incapacitated or has to leave the territory.

Gamma (Adviser/Elder) {γ}

There may be one to four Gammas in a pack. They are usually, if not always, the oldest and the wisest of the pack. They are the most experienced in the pack and pass on their wisdom about their pack and werewolves in general through their stories to other pack members, especially the pups.

At one time, they may have been an Alpha of the pack but it is not always necessary. A previous Alpha pair may hold this position. However, the current Alphas may put others in this position as they deem fit.

The Alphas usually seek advice from the Gammas. If something happens to the higher ranks, the Gammas assume control of the pack until new higher ranks are appointed. Those holding this position are much respected and loved by the rest of the pack, almost as much as the Alpha. However, the Alpha's word gets priority.

Delta (Messengers/Third in Command) {δ}

Usually one or two, they are the third in command to the Alphas and a part of the inner council. The Delta is the last rank in the council. They fill whatever necessary roles are left and like the other members of the inner council, they should be able to take care of the pack if something happens to the higher ranks.

They act as the voice of the pack to the Inner Council as they are the closest in rank to the rest of the pack. They act as mediators during disagreements, messengers between the Inner Council and the pack and counsellors to the rest of the pack. They also have the responsibility to mediate and negotiate with the allies and sometimes, even the enemies of the pack. They risk their own lives in doing so but it is their duty to make sure the important information reaches to those who need to know it. The Upsilon (Spies/Scouts) and Mu (Peacekeepers) of the pack answer directly to the Deltas.

The Deltas are in training to be the next Beta. After the training is complete, they may move to become the Beta or choose to remain a Delta. If the Beta of the pack is removed from the rank, steps down, changes rank, is incapacitated, or leaves the pack, the Delta may become the new Beta on Alpha's request.

It is also a Delta's job to welcome the newcomers into the pack and make them feel comfortable and at home in their new pack. Those holding this position must be agile, patient and have an even temperament while speaking with other packs. The Delta also trains their chosen Mu to take their place when they change ranks or are incapacitated.

High Rankings

Outside of the Inner Council, the following are considered high rankings in the pack.

Epsilon (Guardian) {ε}

Usually one to three, they are proven for their strength and skill within the pack. This honour is only bestowed on those warriors of the pack who are older and more experienced. They should have at once been either a Zeta, Eta or Iota of the pack. They are expected to be trained in the skills of peace and fighting. Though they should only resort to violence when peaceful persuasion fails.

Zeta (War General) {ζ}

Usually one, they are the older warriors with a long history of loyalty and reputed training in battle. They take direct orders from the Alpha in case of a war. They lead the army and make plans for the war. They are also responsible for training new recruits for the position of Eta. They also train their chosen Eta to take their place in future when the need arises.

Usually, there is only one Zeta but depending on the populace of the pack, there can be as many as three.

Eta (Warriors) {η}

There are several warriors in the pack. A minimum of one-third of the pack has to be warriors. They are led by Epsilon or Zeta during skirmishes or wars. But they may take orders from any other higher ranks if given. The order from the Alpha is above all.

Theta (Lead Medic) {θ} & Iota (Medic) {ι}

There is usually one Theta and two to eight Iotas, depending on the populace of the pack. They are the medics of the pack, knowledgeable in herbology. They have a vast knowledge of what plants and other natural resources will help cure and heal others.

Kappa (Lead Hunter) {κ} & Lambda (Hunter) {λ}

There are one to two Kappa and four to twelve Lambda, depending on the populace of the pack. They lead the pack hunts upon the orders of the Alpha, Beta or Zeta. Kappas are usually in charge of leading the hunt for runaway criminals, missing pack members, potential threats or other persons of interest to the pack. 

Lambdas are the ones who actually carry out the hunt, sometimes alongside the Kappa and other times, under the guidance of the Kappa. Ultimately, Kappas and Lambdas are the team responsible for finding whoever the Alpha wants to be found. 

Those holding these positions are loyal. They have stealth and agility on their side.

Mid Rankings

Mu (Peacekeepers & Diplomatic Envoys) {μ}

Usually one to two, they are responsible for maintaining peace amongst the pack members. They make sure that no serious fights break out within their own pack. They answer to the Delta and may even work closely with the Epsilon.

The Alpha may choose more members to hold the position of the pack's Mu and serve as the pack's Diplomatic Envoy by living amongst the pack's allies, which can be a bevy of different species or other ally werewolf packs. They are sent as Diplomatic Envoys when the pack enters into a treaty with a new ally. They are trusted by the Alpha and answer directly to the Alpha. They may be asked to answer to any rank of the Inner Council on the Alpha's orders or when the Alpha is incapacitated.

Nu {ν} & Xi {ξ} (Resource Watchers) 

There are usually one to three of Nu and Xi each within a pack. It is the Nu's duty to keep the track of the pack's resources and Xi's duty to make sure the pack's resources are safe. They work jointly to accomplish their tasks.

It is their duty to maintain a reservoir of pack's resources, like food, water supply, potential den areas, pack's wealth, etc. They may assist the hunters as well. They also keep a watch over the pack and are duty bound to inform the Delta, Epsilon or Zeta in case of infiltrations.

Omicron (Top Therapist) {ο} & Pi (Therapists) {π}

Usually, one Omicron and three to five Pi, depending on the pack's populace. They are the ones that the other members may come to confide in. They are bound to keep these confessions confidential and help the members by giving them advice. Those in this position must be good listeners and not judgemental of others. A Pi is not duty-bound to answer even the Alpha of the pack when another member's confession is in question.

Rho (Secretaries) {ρ}

Usually three, the Rho are secretaries of the pack. They usually work under the higher ranks: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Theta and Kappa. They work on whatever tasks and projects are assigned to them. They may also be requested to act as the personal secretary temporarily by any of the aforementioned ranks. They are also the ones a pack member must come to in order to request a meeting with a higher rank member. 

Sigma (Tutors) {σ}

Usually one to three, they are some of the most knowledgeable members of the pack. They have information about almost everything and anything. They teach the pups as well as the human newcomers about the ways of the werewolves and their own pack.

Tau (Lead Scout) {τ} & Upsilon (Scouts/Spies) {υ}

There is one Tau in the pack and one to five Upsilons. The Tau is usually the best Upsilon in the pack. They may take direct orders from the Beta, Delta and Zeta of the pack, but foremost by the Alpha. They are responsible for training Upsilons for the pack as well as an Upsilon to take their position when the need arises.

The Tau and the Upsilons go into other pack territories in order to find out what's going on. Afterwards, they report back to the Alpha themselves. They report any and every detail, whether big or small, to the Alpha. They may also report to the Beta, Delta and Zeta on the Alpha's orders.

Lower Rankings

Phi (Pup-sitter) {φ}

There is one Phi for every five to seven pups in the pack. This position is usually given to the volunteers as caring for pups is an important responsibility and should only be given to those who delight in it. They are accountable for the safety and care of the pups whenever under their supervision. They also assist the Sigma in teaching the younger ones about the pack. They only watch the pups up to the age of ten.

Chi (Jester) {χ}

Usually one to three, they are the jester of the pack. They help to make others laugh when things get stressful. The Chi may assist the Mu when there are stressed relations within the pack. 

They also take care of the pups over the age of ten during skirmishes and wars, keeping them occupied and unaware of the stressful situations. During skirmishes and wars, they may work jointly with the Phi in taking care of the young ones of the pack.

Psi (Subordinate Pack Member) {ψ}

They are the subordinates in the pack, usually the new members or recently turned wolves. Every new member and yearling wolf starts here and must prove themselves before they are given a ranking by the Alpha. Till then, they may be asked to assist any of their superior rankings in a variety of tasks.

Omega (Lowest Ranking Member) {ω}

They are the members who have lost the Alpha's trust completely and are living within the pack only at the Alpha's mercy. Usually, they are the members who were removed from their previous ranking as a punishment but were allowed to still remain with the pack in the capacity of an Omega. Their only other option is to leave the pack and go rogue. If the wolf chooses to stay as an Omega within the pack, it also lowers their strength and power from what it might have been previously.

They may be asked to assist other pack members in their tasks, however, they are usually shunned socially by the rest of the pack. They are not involved with many of the pack's businesses as the pack usually doesn't trust them enough, even for the minor tasks. The Omega is usually given no responsibilities and spends their time in isolation from the rest of the pack. They are also made to eat their meals separately from the pack.

It is not uncommon to find other pack members treating the Omega disrespectfully and picking on them. Some packs even allow physical abuse on Omegas. However, the treatment of the Omega largely depends on the Alpha. An Alpha may choose to ignore the mistreatment of the Omega or to put an end to it. 

This is a position of shame for any pack member.

Within the Pack but outside the Hierarchy

They are a part of the pack but are usually outside the bounds of the pack's natural hierarchy system.

Pup

They are the young of the pack, usually born into the pack. They are often exempted from their failure in following the pack rules. However, the Alpha may decide their punishment depending on the offence and the pup themselves. They shift into their wolves between the ages of ten to eighteen.

Upon reaching the age of thirteen, they are not exempted from any offence but are still considered the pups of the pack. After reaching the age of sixteen, they move on to become the Psi of the pack. 

Sentinel

They are handpicked specifically by the Alpha of the pack to be trained to take their place if anything should happen to them. The Sentinels hold a different rank within the pack hierarchy and the Alpha may choose to not reveal their chosen Sentinel. The Alpha trains the Sentinel personally. The method and extent of the training depends solely on the Alpha.

The Alpha's choice of their Sentinel is not revealed until necessary in order to keep the Sentinel safe. The Alpha can change their chosen Sentinel at any given point. If a mated pair is reigning over the pack, the two Alphas may choose to confide in each other about their chosen Sentinel or not. An Alpha is also free to make arrangements as they deem fit to ensure their chosen Sentinel is honoured with the position of the Alpha in case the Alpha can't make the announcement themselves before they're incapacitated.

Diplomatic Envoy

When the pack enters into a treaty with an ally, who can be another werewolf pack or a bevy of a different species, they welcome a Diplomatic Envoy into their pack from the said ally. In return, they send a Mu (Peacekeeper) from their own pack to serve as a Diplomatic Envoy to their ally.

The Diplomatic Envoys living within a pack serve as the voice of the ally and as a link for open communication between the two allies so as to maintain each other's trust and keep the peace.

A Diplomatic Envoy is not duty bound to follow any of the pack's rules. They are bound to follow the rules of their own pack/bevy. Within the pack, they need not answer to any member of the higher ranking or even the Alpha themselves. However, they are supposed to be cordial with the entire pack, especially with the Alpha. They are required to respect the pack's laws and the Alpha if they wish to continue serving as a Diplomatic Envoy and not break the alliance.

In case of a dispute, either the Alpha or the Diplomatic Envoy may request to be removed from the alliance. In such a case, if the alliance still remains, a new Diplomatic Envoy is assigned to maintain the relations between the allies.

Other Werewolf Rankings

Rogues

Rogues are werewolves that have either been kicked out of their pack or have left of their own free will. A werewolf who is not a part of any pack at a given time is considered a rogue.

Rogues don't have a set appearance apart from a crescent moon mark on the back of their left shoulder. This mark remains with them in both forms, human and wolf. They also have a bad odour radiating from their bodies. When a rogue becomes part of a pack, the mark and the odour changes to that of the pack.

Rogues can be good or bad. In some cases, they are the reason for deaths. They might kill for vengeance. Or just because. Werewolves are creatures who relish in the companionship of their own kind. Deprivation from it for much longer can cause behavioural issues.

Some rogues are good. They don't intend on hurting other packs or people. They just generally want to live alone of their own will. These types of rogue wolves are usually called Lone Wolves.