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Lycans
Lycans are werewolves, though their wolf form is feral. They cannot speak to humans/human forms when transformed. They have paws and no opposable thumbs. Lycans are the offspring of two Lycan parents, or more rarely, a Lycan and human coupling (which may or may not result in a Lycan child). They have the ability to convert into their wolf form mostly at will, although intense emotions can trigger a Lycan to transform. Grief, anger, excitement, etc. Conversion requires a lot of energy, so there is typically a "cooldown" period before they can revert back to their human form and vice versa.
Packs
Packs are made up of a single alpha, and a number of betas and omegas. Any gender of Lycan can be any rank in a pack. All packs are managed by The Elders.
Although packs follow the same code and are under the same organization, they may form rivalries. Alphas may challenge other alphas, or even construct alliances.
A Lycan can be exiled by the pack, and a pack can bring up complaints against their Alpha, but only The Elders have the ability to strip an alpha of his or her rank.
Bonds
Any rank in a pack may create a bond, though alphas may only bond with omegas. All other pairings are acceptable, with the Alpha's approval.
Bondings are the equivalent of marriage to humans, but they're much deeper than a legal binding. Bonds are permanent, except if one party dies. A bonded pair of Lycans may experience shared pain, both physical and emotional.
Bonds are created by markings, which are painful bites made by the alpha or other dominating member . Markings can be placed anywhere, but they are most commonly found at the nape of the neck, and act as a symbol that a Lycan is mated.
The Scrolls initially held the law that only imprinted Lycans may Bond, but this was done away with, as too many wolves were dying alone. Bondings somewhat take the place of imprinting, but they are not as powerful. Corda lunae, or Hearts of the Moon, is the name taken by imprinted Lycans. It is hypothetically still possible, but rare, considering the population size of Lycans and their distribution across the globe.
After a Bonding , the pair will go on a "honeymoon," where they disappear together for a few days in their wolf-form. This is not necessary, but it is tradition .
Generally, an alpha may create a bond against an omega's will, but the omega has the ability to bring their grievances to The Elders...if they are not killed first.
Once a Lycan has been marked, they are mated for life. Only death may break a Bond.
Mating
Only alphas have the ability to "knot" omegas, but betas may relieve omegas during heat or an alpha during rut if an omega is unavailable. Other ranks may still breed and produce offspring, but their offspring will not carry a title greater than the highest rank among their parents.
An omega will experience heat once a month, male or female. During this time, their body temperature is elevated and they will continually produce slick, a honey-like substance that is infused with a scent specific to that individual omega (though only Alphas can smell the difference). It is usually sweet-smelling and tasting, and can also be found during arousal. An omega has the ability to trigger an alpha's rut and vice versa, though without such prompting an alpha will only go into rut once a year. An unmated omega will just be miserable, but if an alpha goes unmated, it will result in a violent, uncontrollable outburst in wolf form.
The Elders
The Elders are the ones who govern. They are in charge of making decisions regarding the population as a whole and ensuring The Scrolls are honored. The Scrolls are the ancient writings of the first Lycans, meant to offer guidance. There are rules in The Scrolls that must be obeyed, and breaking these rules may result in death.
Like Alphas, Elders are given their position by the ones above them. They are appointed by current Elders, though death is not necessary for a child to succeed their parent. Only Alphas, male or female, may be Elders.
Death
If a bonded Lycan's mate dies, they may form another bond. They will suffer from Heartache, a chronic illness specific to Lycans, which is simply occasional chest pain. If they are rebonded, their new mate will experience the pain, though it will occur less often as time moves forward.
An alpha may kill any member of his or her pack if they feel the need to do so, without question. Any rank may kill an exiled Lycan, with permission from the Alpha.
The Elders may elect to execute any Lycan at will.