The Junkyard faction is the newest of the three factions, founded in the 2020s. These dogs are a pack that decided to settle in a location where the fewest people would willingly enter. They are hardy dogs of any breed and size who are easily mistaken as strays, though they see each other as nothing alike. Junkyard dogs believe that strength lies in numbers. They have their ways of handling matters and learn as they go. All of them work to earn their keep in the pack, and everyone is expected to play their role.
The Junkyard faction is the newest of all the factions. It was originally founded in 2023 by a former stray named Doc, who believed that dogs without a home could only thrive if they could work together and for each other. Despite still being young at the time, he saw it as a necessity that stray dogs had a voice within the Council and were given the same rights as the other faction dogs, the only issue being that they weren’t willing to accept “unruled” dogs like them. While he was met with a lot of criticism, some dogs agreed with his ideas.
Although gathering stray dogs was not the hardest task at hand since many were pleased to have a safer place to sleep at night, or to have a share in a meal they wouldn’t be able to get on their own, convincing them to follow strict rules that would ensure their safety was, and still is, challenging. Not all strays adapted well to this system, and unfortunately, Doc went missing.
Despite the difficulties, the Junkyard faction was made into something real. It was an imperfect family for some. The dogs of the Junkyard try to establish a pack-like structure and refuse to let it fall apart.
All dogs may have any job that suits them. Each dog in the Junkyard contributes to their kindred. Puppies, while they are still growing, are expected and strongly encouraged to take on a job and train with fellow adult dogs in the same job. Remember, for dogs to earn their keep in the Junkyard, they can’t just laze about and expect free handouts.
Even the most mundane tasks are highly appreciated.
Guardian
Guardians are what their title says. They watch over the territory and protect their packmates. However, this only applies to Junkyard and their own. They are usually big and muscular dogs who are not afraid to take a hit.
Is there something suspicious lurking in the corner? How does your dog react? They must always be vigilant.
What is your dog's attitude towards strangers? Are Stray dogs welcome? Or do they believe they should watch their steps around the Junkyard area?
A physical fight is happening between Junkyard members! How does your character handle breaking it up?
Scout
The Junkyard's lookout. These dogs are sharp and quick on their foot. Their job is to alert the others in case of upcoming danger, such as animal control, humans, or other dogs. They can directly contact a guardian for assistance.
There are many things to be on the lookout for! What sort of encounters does your character go through while patrolling the town?
Animal control is in the area. These guys are not something any dog wants to deal with. Do they alert the Strays as well, or do they just report their location to the Junkyard?
While on a spy mission, your character observes some shady behavior from other dogs. Will they confront them or use this information as blackmail?
Poacher
These dogs are scavengers and hunters of the pack. They gather supplies and food both around the Junkyard and outside. It can vary, such as being requested to find a specific resource, from food to blankets to other necessities. Few might resort to stealing if desperate times call for it.
Does your dog get tasked with locating a specific item? Do they struggle with finding it? If so, they could gather a few other Poachers to join them.
Which task does your dog prefer? Hunting or scavenging? Have they ever stolen and lived to tell the tale?
Being on the lookout for treasure and food is no easy task. Some strays might linger around to snatch your find. Perhaps keeping a scout or guardian close is a good call.
Medic
These dogs are here to treat injuries and illnesses! Their knowledge of medicine is limited to herbs and plants, unlike modern veterinarians. While they do not have the luxury of advanced human-made medicine, they are essential for the Junkyard's well-being.
Emergency! Your character must provide medical assistance to a fellow Junkyard dog despite limited resources. How do they manage?
Does taking care of others under these difficult circumstances take an emotional toll on your character?
Your character's herb supplies are running low! Do they take a risk and steal from the florist and house gardens? Or find them in the local woods?
Bug-Buster
The Junkyard's very own vermin control. These dogs are handed a very important task: To watch over the area, so the vermin does not spread. This task is usually given to small dogs who could have been ratters. This is a highly appreciated job, as many would prefer to hold the rats at their base.
How does it go? Does your dog struggle to catch anything?
A rat destroyed the Medics' herb supplies! Now, some dogs are blaming your character for not taking care of the rodents sooner. How do they handle the criticism?
Your dog stumbles across an injured mouse. Are they able to kill it, or do they hesitate?
Scrap Tinker
Junkyard's inventors. They are extremely creative, sharp-minded dogs who can use their paws to craft objects and accessories for the faction and its territory. They can build dens out of scraps and trash, use a wrecked car's parts as a barrier for the Junkyard, or perhaps build hiding spots from the humans who show up.
The fence has broken again! What sort of materials or tools does your dog use to fix it?
Your dog finds a strange human object still in great condition. How could your dog put this to use?
Does your character like to think outside the box? What sort of inventions do they craft?
These are the laws that are known among the Junkyard dogs; they are important to be remembered throughout one's day and with someone's actions. If someone breaks a law, depending on the severity, there will be consequences that will be taken under the heavy gaze of the Council.
A crime that results in blood, murder, assault, or such dark crimes is to be immediately put to trial by the Canine Council. *Please submit a ticket if you want to have a plot involving something in this law.*
Stealing from one another is absolutely forbidden, and stealing from dogs from another faction is frowned upon/discouraged, but understandable depending on the situation and if you can get away with it.
Humans are not to be brought anywhere near the Junkyard by one of its members and should be avoided at all costs – unless you want to risk becoming a pet.
You should care for each other as much as you care for yourself.
Although not forbidden, avoid getting romantically involved with pets and farm dogs. Their owners seem to mind it a lot.
Do not get into unnecessary fights. Self-defense is the only acceptable reason to fight.
Remember that everything you do represents your faction community as a whole.
Disclaimer: These laws are meant as in-game laws, but as the creators of your character, you can make them purposely break these laws, which, if desired/if caught, will result in trial and punishment by the Council.
Junkyard
Junkyards should see themselves as a family. They care for each other as much as a pet cares for its owner or a farmstead dog for their stock, but life on the streets can often be unforgiving, making them hardy, headstrong dogs. Typically seen as ruthless by the other factions, the Junkyard’s thoughts are always on their own safety and maintenance first.
Rumours are that their leader has been trying to gather more dogs to join them.
The best spot to sleep is on the couch beneath the abandoned phone tower. Whoever gets there first has the right to claim it for the night.
Pets
Pets are the faction that amuses the Junkyard dogs the most. They are snobbish and cannot handle themselves well. Most junkyard dogs are on neutral terms with pets, as they do not bother to care enough. Pets rely too much on being coddled by comfort and people. Not only this, but after living in a small and close community, most junkyard dogs think the pets are lonely.
They are snobbish dogs who rely on someone to come and rescue them.
Pets could never survive out in the streets.
Farmstead
Most respected of the three factions. Farmstead dogs are reliable and go by strength. They have an impressive system and are known to be cooperative. If ever needed assistance, the Farm faction was the chosen call due to their more helpful attitude. Although still reliant on people, they are more independent and have shown to have mutual respect.
Rumors say the Farmstead faction actually thinks lowly of the Junkyard dogs.
Their leader plans to isolate themselves from Junkyard.
Strays
Dogs of the Junkyard are often seen meddling with strays, but they are advised to be extra cautious if deciding to take them to the Junkyard. Not all strays are ready to abandon their lifestyle.
Some strays might try to get close to the Junkyard only to steal food.
Help them out, should you believe their intentions and needs are genuine.