To support a properly functioning society, characters can choose from a variety of jobs - known as trades - which contribute to the maintenance of the pack and ensures their survival. Wolves within each trade are specialists at their representative tasks.
Each pack has different trades. Some have specific restrictions, and each one has different privileges. You can read more about them in the detailed information for each pack.
A wolf's trade is their specialty. Characters who canonically show repeated ineptitude risk being removed from that trade (IC) and Alpha players have the power to demote characters as they see fit, in keeping with the culture and expectations of their pack.
There is never any need for a wolf to perform another's trade, and you must avoid doing so. For example:
A Stonehaven Keeper should not be depicted gathering herbs; this is the task of the Menders
A Kol Indas should not be depicted guarding Remiel; this is the task of the Adnos
A Skydas Harvester should not be depicted going on diplomatic missions to other packs; this is the task of the Emissary
A Taikan Lorekeeper should not be depicted guarding the border; this is the task of the Sentinel
Characters may change trades at any time, but they will start again from the bottom of the hierarchy and have to repurchase ranks, regardless of their previous rank. This applies both if a player chooses to swap trades, and if a character is demoted or removed from their position in game.
The only exception is in the case of a character gaining an ability and being moved into the Afflicted (Stonehaven) or Indas (Kol).
Wolves that already have a rank at the time of purchasing their ability will not have to repurchase their rank-ups, BUT they can only unlock their previously held ranks via ability progression.
It is the responsibility of the player to inform the respective pack Alpha when their character reaches a new stage in their magic's development. This must be done by posting in the relevant Ask the Alpha channel.
If ranking up beyond the previously held rank, the character must inform the pack Alpha as described before noting the group to purchase the rank up.
In the case of Stonehaven only, if a character does not progress their ability within the usual time limits for ranking up (6 months for Null/12 months for Seconds) the previously purchased ranks will no longer be considered viable and the player will have to purchase rank-ups for the Afflicted moving forward.
Each pack has their own established hierarchy. Most packs take their hierarchy very seriously, with punishments for speaking out of turn or disrespecting a superior. You can read more about the specific hierarchy and rules in the detailed information for each pack.
Each pack has 5 levels of ranks within the hierarchy:
The unranked wolves with no trade
The first step, purchasable in the Soul Shop using game currency (souls).
The second step, purchasable in the Soul Shop using game currency (souls). Must have purchased the rank prior in order to progress.
Highest purchasable rank, purchasable in the Soul Shop using game currency (souls). Must have purchased the rank prior in order to progress.
Unique or special rank, cannot be purchased and can only be earned in game.
The terminology for these ranks varies between packs. The terminology used above is simply a guide to illustrate the hierarchy scale.
Players can rank their characters up (or down!) at any time, but are encouraged to progress at a natural, realistic pace. For example:
It would be unrealistic for a character to transfer from another pack into Stonehaven, and rank up to Prime within 2 months of arrival.
It would be unrealistic for a healer who has repeatedly endangered the lives of their packmates via malpractice or ineptitude to rank up to the highest possible rank.
Alpha players have the power to demote characters as they see fit, in keeping with the culture and expectations of their pack.
Characters who are demoted in game or who choose to swap to a different trade must start again from the bottom and repurchase their ranks. For example:
A Skydas Gamma Warden is demoted to Omega. If they wish to climb the ranks again, they must start over. To rank back up to Delta Warden they must pay 5 souls (the cost for the first stage rank up).
A Taikan Apprentice Sentinel would like to change trades and become a Healer instead. Because they are beginning a completely new speciality, they must start again. To move over to Apprentice Healer, they must pay 5 souls (the cost for the first stage rank up).