Strays

They were not always in Canidale. In fact, if we want to talk about stray dogs in this town, we need to travel back many years, after both the Farmstead and the Pets factions were already formed. With the city thriving economically due to farming and industrialization, many people were attracted to it and to neighboring towns. Quickly, and without much organization, the human population increased drastically - and so did the dog population.

Dogs began to either lose homes, be given away, or simply run away due to different conditions. No one truly knows when the population increased or what caused it to grow. Perhaps they took inspiration from one another and wanted to view the world through their own lens, without having to rely on a human. However, that was a high price. Others could have lost their families, become lost, or simply run away from bad conditions. It was always a varied scene. The growth caused the town to establish a pound. Many dogs found their loved ones and families thanks to it. However, it soon began to gain a reputation for being a death wish. Many dogs that entered never came back. Where did they go?

From then on, there was a delicate dance between the strays and humans that still lives to this day. 

Note that these are not the same as jobs like the other factions. They are more of what your characters have expertise in. Regardless, all dogs must have a job listed.

Scout

These dogs have been trained to keep an eye on the other factions, as well as to alert other Strays and Junkyard dogs about any changes in Canidale. They are silent in their work and tend to go unnoticed by the unwatchful.

• Your character spots Animal Control roaming the streets in the area. Do they alert other dogs? Or are they more of the belief that, out here, every dog is on their own?

• Does your character manage to stay invisible on the streets? Or do they tend to draw too much attention?

• While on a spy mission, your character observes some shady behavior from other dogs. Will they confront them or use this information as blackmail?

Scrapper

These dogs tend to look out for other strays, almost like bodyguards or protectors. They are used as a line of defense against humans and the other factions if they are pushed.  They are unafraid to fight for the Strays' safety and won't act unless provoked first.

• Animal control has cornered a fellow Stray! Will your dog jump in to help them escape?

• Why not practice your sparring skills with other Strays? It’s best to keep them sharpened in case of dire situations.

• Does your character take turns keeping watch with another Stray while they sleep? What sort of troubles do they defend one another from?

Thief

Having been trained to go unnoticed like the Scouts, these dogs dip into human homes through doggy doors or across the farmlands - stealing what they can. They can be used to locate anything of interest for their benefit. These dogs require some excellent sleight of paw and persuasion skills.

• One of the local farmer’s market stands has meat and fish on display, and it looks unattended…. Would your dog attempt a heist in broad daylight? Do they enlist the help of other dogs?

• Your character gets a request to steal something highly valuable from a shop. Will they accept it with the promise of being paid in a heaping bag of kibble?

• How does your character reconcile their actions with their sense of morals? Do they ever struggle with feelings about this?

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 access to advanced human-made medicine, they are essential to the Strays' well-being. 

• Emergency! Your character must provide medical assistance to a fellow Stray 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 gardens? Or find them in the local woods?

Scavenger

As the scavengers of the Strays, these dogs raid bins, hunt, forage, and scavenge other necessities, such as food, blankets, and plants, for themselves and other strays. They're always on the move to find essentials, simply trying to get through the difficulties of stray living. They avoid purposeful theft.

• Your character finds an old, warm blanket. Maybe they could use this to get through a cold night?

• Is your dog adept at hunting? Why not have a go at catching a rabbit or squirrel in the woods?

• Your character spots another Stray who is looking emaciated and weak! Do they share their supplies with them?

Wanderer

These dogs take on a passive lifestyle. They may share stories, sing songs, or offer worldly advice to fellow dogs, and enjoy traveling all over the area. Some perform entertainment for a price, whether it be for more knowledge or physical supplies, while others do it for the joy it brings to others' lives.

• What is your Stray's favorite story to tell? How many dogs have they told it to?

• Someone requests that your dog perform a song for their date tonight. Do they do it for a meal or out of goodwill?

• Wanderers don't always settle in one densite. Does yours also take on a nomadic lifestyle, or do they have a forever home?

**Since strays are loners, they do not have a faction leader, and no laws set in stone. Instead, they follow and give advice to one another. It is not a must to follow them, but surely helps to avoid conflict. If you are caught by one of the factions, it will become rather hard to escape issues with them in the future. Reputation can be damaged but also restored.**

1. 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.

2. Stealing is frowned upon by the factions.

3. If you are afraid of humans, avoid interaction as much as you can. Biting should be the last resort. Always.

4. Don’t get too close to humans emotionally, unless you want to risk becoming a pet.

5. Although not forbidden, avoid getting romantically involved with pets. Their owners seem to mind it a lot.

6. Most strays try to avoid unnecessary fights. Self-defense is an acceptable reason to fight.

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.