In the language of the island, Skydas means shield. Skydas wolves believe themselves to be the last remnant of the Tündes belief that peace has not failed, and they are determined to defend it, thus they have dubbed themselves the “Shield” of Álmos.
These are the four core values of Skydas. Eastern wolves are non-violent and peaceful, primarily concerned with gaining knowledge and a better understanding of the changed world they live in. They remember what they have lost and look forward towards the future, resolved for whatever it may bring. It’s natural to fear what one doesn’t understand. Skydas is determined to uncover the island’s secrets, and they believe the only way forward is to unify under a common goal.
The preservation of peace is at the heart of what Skydas strives for. They resolutely believe that peace has not failed, and they are determined to protect and one day mend the bonds of their divided sister packs.
Every wolf of Skydas is cherished and treated with the same respect, even in the lower ranks. Skydas operates like a commune, working together to nurture every member of the pack and valuing them as an individuals first and foremost. No wolf is ever treated as lesser based on ideology, contribution, or rank, since all Skydas wolves are equal and united under their common goals.
Skydas is dedicated to stopping the seasonal deaths, as well as reunifying the fragments of their kin into a single whole. The Elders put an end to centuries of strife when they created the United Pack, and Skydas is determined to pull the divided packs back together before they fall into the same conflict as those ancient families.
They have allied with the Kol to exchange information and seek resolution. Skydas is willing to defend its allies in this endeavor, and step in to diffuse pack disputes when called upon. They’re determined to prove that fighting each other solves nothing, and there is no justice in killing one another over conflicting beliefs.
Magic is not something that Skydas fears or reveres. Generally, the pack accepts magic as something that simply is a part of their lives. They view wolves with abilities no differently than wolves without them. Skydas wolves are not overly spiritual, and there are mixed opinions of magic within the pack; some positive, and some negative. Most Skydas wolves also don't shun legends and superstitions. Stories are a part of their culture, and the resurgence of magic has proven that there may be truth to tales that were once thought of as mere myths...
Likewise, Skydas has not forgotten their roots. While younger generations will never know what life in the United Pack or Tündes was like, or experience the fear and uncertainty of the first split, older generations take care to pass down their memories to the new. Knowledge is power, but understanding is the key to it. Skydas believes strongly in learning from both the successes and mistakes of their past. In this way, they are better prepared to face the future.
All wolves of Skydas, regardless of trade or rank, are required to train in basic self-defense with the Wardens, who specialize in it. This is to ensure that every member of the pack knows the basics of combat and is prepared to defend themselves.
For youngsters of Skydas, they must begin self-defense training once they reach one year of age.
Wolves with disabilities (such as blindness, deafness, mutism, etc) are welcome to take up trades like any other member of Skydas. The east strives to be inclusive for wolves with physical limitations who are willing to work, provided this won't compromise the health and safety of the individual or that of the pack.
Assessments to determine what trades an impaired wolf may or may not choose are done case-by-case, since they depend greatly on in-character circumstances and what their exact limitations are. Here's a few example scenarios:
A wolf who sustains an injury that significantly impairs their mobility likely would not be able to become a warden, seeker, or emissary, but they could become a hearthkeeper or harvester after they recover.
A blind wolf who is accustomed to navigating the world without sight (or employs a familiar as a guide) would be able to join any trade, but a wolf who suddenly loses their vision would be demoted to omega (if they aren't an omega already) and restricted to the Hearth for their own safety while adjusting to the change.
A deaf wolf would not be able to join the seeker or emissary trades, since both require clear communication and the ability to relay messages to and from other packs, but they would be allowed to join the warden, hearthkeeper or harvester trades.
Players are encouraged to keep in mind what is realistic for a wolf missing a crucial sense(s) to be able to do when choosing a trade, and if you're unsure, it's highly recommended to open a ticket and discuss with the Alpha beforehand.
Skydas holds mateships and new litters in high regard, as a symbol of union and hope for the future. Pups and youngsters are highly valued within Skydas, and great care is taken by the whole pack to raise new generations.
Wolves are not required to ask the Alpha’s permission to breed, and relationships with wolves from other packs are not forbidden by eastern law. However, both parties must keep the customs of their packs in mind during a cross-pack relationship, as well as consider that a faction change may become necessary to continue. Disrespecting or breaking any Alpha’s laws to pursue romance is still subject to the consequences these actions incur.
Members of Skydas who have passed away in service of the pack, or because of the seasonal deaths. Skydas honors their dead through a mix of traditional Tündes customs and their own. After the body of a fallen wolf is discovered, they are laid in the Hearth for a day so family and packmates may say their goodbyes, or observe a final vigil beside the body.
Following this, a group of Hearthkeepers will assemble to bury the fallen, and any packmates who wish to observe the funeral may attend regardless of rank. During the burial, the Alpha or a family member will recite the Last Rite so that the spirit of the dead wolf may pass on peacefully into the afterlife.
It is forbidden to desecrate the body or grave of a fallen Skydan for any reason. Skydas typically buries their fallen packmates in the Fell and the foothills where the Twins spill into the ocean, since the earth in these areas is more suitable than the mountainous inner landscape of Cliffside.
Similar to a final vigil, this rite of passage is a tradition passed down through Lennart’s family that he has shared with Skydas. The Last Rite is a burial prayer that is meant to guide the spirit of deceased wolves into the afterlife. It is believed that all creatures are given life through the forces of nature, and in death, these gifts are returned when the spirit is laid to rest.
“From the Island, we were given shape, and from the Wind, we drew breath. From the vast Sea, our blood runs. From the Sun, we received life, and from the Moon and Stars we earn our souls. We treasure these gifts, for they bind us mortal creatures to this earth. In the hour of our final rest, to the forces of nature our spirits return. This is our Last Rite.”
Former members of Skydas who have chosen to leave the east, gone missing, or are presumed dead. Skydas as a whole doesn't view wolves who leave the pack in a negative light, such as traitors or defectors. They do not begrudge wolves who seek purpose elsewhere, instead considering them adrift - they might return to Skydas one day, or they might not. The same general principle applies to wolves who are missing or presumed dead.
Exiles from Skydas are the exception to this rule. Generally, wolves are exiled from Skydas if they have committed a serious crime, and thus were forced out of the pack. Skydas views these exiled members with a certain degree of wariness and separation, like strangers.
An annual tradition in Skydas culture, one meant to give closure to the old year and welcome the new. The Spring Calling is held at the beginning of spring, where Skydas wolves gather together to call out the new year and let go of the troubles of the old by casting tokens of their hardships into the sea. Further details about this tradition can be found HERE.
Similar to the stone trial, a Casting of stones is a process through which the Skydas pack can overrule an Alpha’s decision if it is deemed unsound. The Council of Paladins convene with the Beta (or each other, if there is no Beta) and come up with an alternate course of action to bring to a Casting.
Voting is done by placing stones into two piles, similar to a scale. Each wolf brings one stone to the Trial that they place in the pile that shows if they support the Alpha's decision, or the Council's. Whichever pile accumulates the most stones by the end of the vote is the majority decision, and if the Alpha’s decision is outweighed by the pack's vote, then it is void.
A Skydas tradition in which a wolf is judged for their crimes, and if they are worthy of being Absolved. The accused must plead their case before the pack, which will then cast stones to determine their judgment. The number of votes must be higher than half for a verdict to pass, and ties are broken by the Alpha and Beta, who only cast stones in the event of a tie.
A custom specific to Skydas that involves a period of fasting, isolation and endurance. Wolves who have been cast out from the pack OR are in danger of being exiled may undergo this process. Absolution is not a tradition that is taken lightly - wolves who have been exiled twice will not be given a third chance to be redeemed.
If the wolf is a previously exiled Skydan, they are led to an isolated location and must remain there for fourteen days (two weeks) under the watch of an appointed pair of Wardens. They are forbidden to speak or hunt during this time. This process is meant to prove the exile’s worth - if an exile is truly dedicated to being re-accepted, they will endure the custom to show they’re worthy of it. It is a test of fortitude and willingness to atone for one’s wrongdoings. If at any time the exile leaves the absolution site, breaks their fast, or breaks their silence, the absolution ends and the Wardens immediately escort them back out of Skydas territory.
If the wolf is a current pack member who has committed a crime that warrants exile or Branding, they may plead for a Stone Trial to prove their remorse. If the pack’s verdict during the Trial is to absolve the offender, they are held to all of the same requirements that exiles re-entering the pack must complete. If at any time the offender leaves the absolution site, breaks their fast, or breaks their silence before fourteen days have passed, the absolution ends and they are immediately exiled.
A punishment incurred when a Skydan takes the life of another wolf. To kill another wolf for any reason is considered a grievous crime by Skydas wolves, rendering them no longer recognized as a Skydan. Killing in self-defense or by accident will afford the offender a chance to plead their case in Trial, but murder in cold blood will forfeit their right to a Stone Trial, their fate decided solely by the Alpha, Beta and Thetas. Because Skydas does not condone execution, they instead render the killer incapable of future harm by blinding them and leaving their life in the hands of the island. In this way justice is served, but Skydas does not decide if the killer lives or dies.
Branding is the most violent and severe punishment that Skydas practices, thus it is always their last resort. The ritual is a private affair; only the Alpha, the victim's family (if they are involved), and three Wardens oversee the process to ensure that the punishment is carried out. The killer is led into the Freelands where their sight is taken forcibly by a member of the victim’s family, or the Alpha if the victim has no living/willing relatives; they are then left to brave the wilderness for a fortnight (two weeks) and will be chased away if they try to return to Skydas sooner.
If the branded wolf survives their isolation, then they are considered to have passed the island's judgment, deemed worthy of a second chance after paying the price for their crimes. The past is not forgotten, but Skydas are a pack dedicated to looking forward and embracing change, even in the darkest circumstances. The branded wolf is then given two options: be guided to the pack they wish to join, or rejoin Skydas as a new soul.
Branded wolves are subject to the following conditions if they request to rejoin Skydas:
The Alpha AND the family of the victim must be willing to allow them re-entry to the pack. If the victim has no family in the pack, then the decision to re-accept the Branded wolf is ultimately the Alpha’s.
They must pay restitution to the family(s) affected by their actions, and are expected to follow their orders when not performing menial tasks for the pack as penance.
They will be prohibited from taking on a rank for two full seasons (six months). This is to ensure that they have been reformed before they are allowed any degree of status within the pack.
They are not allowed to leave Skydas territory under any circumstances, for their own safety and the protection of the pack.