Blackmoon Rising

For countless generations, the legend of the Moon-Son -- "Uma-Yidi" in their language -- had been passed down by the elders of various packs across the region. No one knew where the legend had started, and it had been forgotten by many of those who once believed; but a few packs still clung to the tales of Uma-Yidi, the Dark Sage, a son of the Moon Herself, who would be sent to the world of mortals to form a secretive pack that would keep the ancient occult traditions of moon-worship known as Kohtru.

On the night of a new moon in early spring, a small group of wolves who still had faith in the old legends saw an adolescent male standing proud on the mountain peak. He fit the description of Uma-Yidi perfectly: he had the dark coat, a star-shaped white blaze on his head representing the Divine Light, and distinct white eyebrows which the legends referred to as an "extra set of eyes".

The group sent out a riotous howl of praise and worship that echoed across the land and fell upon many ears. Most who heard that howl did not understand its meaning, but to the few initiates who still believed in Uma-Yidi, that howl signaled the beginning of a new era.

As for the dark-coated young wolf whose sighting had caused all this ruckus, he was simply confused.

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The wolves of Blackmoon Rising practice an ancient moon-worshiping religion known as Kohtru. Uma, their goddess, is depicted as a beautiful silvery-white wolf. She goes by many titles, inlcuding the Great Mother, Lady of Wisdom, and the All-Knowing Eye. They fear Her brother Uru, the sun, who is described as a horrifying hybrid of dangerous animals: the sturdy body of an ox, the teeth of an alligator, the angry head and the lashing snake-like tail of a cougar, the all-hearing ears of a horse, the powerful legs and paws of a lynx. While they respect Uru, he is believed to be a threat to all life and only Uma can cool his flames to prevent him from burning the world to ashes.

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👑 The Alpha of the Blackmoon Rising pack is the primary leader. They are chosen by the goddess Uma in a secretive ritual known only to the Alpha and Shaman. Alphas can alter the law and order of the pack as much as they want as long as they do not violate the traditions of the Kohtru religion and the laws set by the Twelve Founders. Alphas are always descended from Dahuma. An Alpha is an Alpha for life, and they often lead the pack for multiple generations.

👑 The Alpha Consort is the Alpha's mate for life. They can have as much power as the Alpha, or they can choose to have less if politics don't interest them. The Consort takes on the Blackmoon name and bloodline through a complex ritual. This makes them the only wolf capable of producing full-blooded Blackmoon pups with the Alpha, according to pack tradition. All heirs are descended from the Alpha and their Consort. The current Alpha Consort is Ashawgi.

👑 The Beta is the High Priest/ess and the Alpha's second-in-command. They guide and protect the pack when the Alpha isn't present. If the Alpha dies unexpectedly without appointing an adult heir, the Beta becomes the primary leader of the pack until an appropriate descendant of the Blackmoon line can be chosen as the new Alpha. The current Beta is Ashawgi.

🌿 The Shaman serves the pack as a priest/ess, spiritual advisor, and healer. To become a Shaman they must first learn all of the rituals of the Kohtru religion, which can take up to four years, so most Shamans are older or middle-aged. The current Shaman is Ashawgi.

Gammas are the leaders of the three lesser roles: the Seekers, Guardians, and Hunters, one Gamma for each. The current Gammas are Ahri (Hunter), Mut-Kraw (Seeker), & Ochoya (Guardian).

🐾 Seekers are chosen to go on a spiritual journey where they explore the lands and report their findings, both physical and spiritual, to the Alpha and Shaman. Many young or new pack members start off as Seekers, and most only fill the role for two seasons. The current Seekers are Iqwi & Veren.

🛡 It is the duty of the Guardians to protect the pack's pups at all costs. The pups recieve an education from their Guardians, who teach them about pack life and the ancient Kohtru rites. This role is popular with non-Alpha males, who are not allowed to have pups of their own, as well as wolves who have retired from other roles.

🏹 Hunters are the pack's providers. The lives of every wolf in the pack depend on the success of its hunters, so they are viewed as critical members of the pack, although it is often considered to be a lesser rank. There are currently three hunting parties. The ☁️ Wuka'i Heh were the pack's first team and are currently lead by Ahri. The second team is the ⚡ Wuka'i Kek, lead by Risaga. The third team, the 💎 Wuka'i Rayu, is lead by Chigu-Yigi and Chubwagu-Yimi.

Art by Radd (#3250)