As a peaceful, non-violent pack, Taika is friendly to visitors at their borders. Aligned with the core values of the pack, each wolf on the island is deserving of respect. The aim of Taika is to be safe haven for anyone who needs it and they are welcome to guests entering the territory, specifically the loved ones of current members. Visitors are welcomed as guests and offered to stay in the safe haven for the duration of their visit.
If there are particular, frequent visitors, they will be quickly offered a place in the Southern pack. Likewise, if a Taikan is commonly leaving the territory to meet with wolves from other packs, they will be encouraged to listen to where their heart - and the Island - is guiding them. Wolves may join or leave Taika without gaining any ill will from the Akis or other pack members.
Visitors approaching Taika territory:
Although friendly to outsiders and welcoming to any wolf in need, Taikans expect to be treated with respect, and as such, expect their borders to be respected.
Trespassing is largely frowned upon, though Taika will not react violently unless they are in danger. Outsiders wishing to speak to any member of Taika should wait at the border until they are met by a member of Taika, where they will be kindly received.
If a wolf is discovered inside the territory they are to be detained until the Akis, one of the Wills, or a Grand Master is retrieved to identify what they need.
Sentinels guard the borders - frequently assisted by Mediators - and are instructed to collect messages, allow safe passage for any visitors who wish to speak to the Akis and allow for any wolf in need to be assisted by a Healer.
Sentinels should never resort to violence or aggression against a visitor at the border. If they seem to be there to inflict harm, support will be called to not allowed the intruder in to poison the security of Taika's safe haven.
If a wolf is at the border and is sick or injured, the Healers are called to make the decision if the wolf can be allowed entry into the pack. Taika stresses the importance of itself as healers, therefore it is very uncommon for a wolf seeking help to be turned away. To keep said guests out of the heart of the territory until they can be visited by the Akis, several “guest dens” are maintained around the Taikan border. Darys are tasked with working closely with Healers to maintain these dens.
Healers of any rank may permit the entry of a sick/injured wolf into the territory
Taika is a safe haven for all who share the pack's core values of non-violence, harmony with the island and non-meddling with other packs. If a wolf wishes to join Taika they have a meeting with the Akis in which they agree to be completely non-violent. Otherwise, no wolf shall be turned away from joining Taika.
Anyone who wishes to join Taika and wields magic should inform the Akis of their abilities. This is to ensure Taika can nurture the ability and allow it to bloom. Should the ability be inherently violent, the magic-wielder will work closely with the Akis to discern how they may safely use their gift without bringing harm to others.
Encounters in the Freelands:
If a wolf from Taika encounters another they should be respectful. Encounters beyond the borders can be useful in sharing information, stories and knowledge.
No inciting of violence is permitted under the Akis' rule and, if they are attacked first, they are instructed immediately to escape and return to the safety of the territory or call for help in hopes that a large group will intimidate the attacker away.
Venturing into the Freelands is encouraged to be done in a group of at least 3 wolves for safety purposes, if a wolf desires to go alone, they must accept the possibility of encountering danger due to differing values of others packs and the simple danger of the Island's will.
It must be understood that Taikans do not enter another pack's territory.
Taikans believe in minding their own business and not meddling in the affairs of other packs, so if they do travel, they are asked to remain impartial and not to get involved in other packs' politics or conflicts.
Taikans should give others the respect they wish to receive. They should respect the territory boundaries of other packs and never cross them without permission. Just because Taika is happy to welcome visitors does not mean that all packs feel the same. Disrespectful actions threaten the balance and could damage relations between packs.
OOC: You can use the #ask-the-alpha channel to seek permission for travel. This only being necessary if the intent is to visit another pack and undertake a diplomatic mission. Wolves leaving for the Freelands need not seek permission, but must tell their packmates they are leaving so as not to worry them.
With Taika’s emphasis on healing and Healers, they are most commonly permitted beyond the borders to collect important herbs. Though, Healers that go on these expeditions are often accompanied by a Sentinel for their own safety.
As the guardians of Taika, Sentinels often remain by the borders but they too may travel the Freelands where necessary, perhaps accompanying others on their tasks.
Mediators may go where they are needed to de-escalate conflicts. They may often accompany other trades. Although Taikans know that the conflicts of other packs are not theirs to meddle in, if they are asked to behave as an impartial party and help, they often will agree.
Lorekeepers study the history of the island and are permitted into the Freelands to tell stories or listen to the stories of others. While the focus of study is on the landmarks within the territory, Lorekeepers may want to travel to ruins or other markers to study them.
Darys are not permitted to leave the territory as their primary tasks are self contained within Taika. They may take a rank to earn the privilege to travel.
The focus of The Wills is Taika and their own pack, but they are permitted to wander. Still, they must know that they have been honoured with such a high rank as to act as leaders for their trades and their packs. If leaving, they must inform the Akis directly.
Grand Masters and Masters are allowed to leave the territory freely after informing someone of their fellows. Grand Masters are more likely to be chosen than Masters for special assignments.
For their own safety, Apprentices cannot leave the territory on their own. Masters or above may take an Apprentice out of the territory for training purposes, but only if accompanied by a Sentinel.
The Upelis and the Vandenyas of Taika are not permitted to leave the territory whatsoever, for their own safety.
Taika understands that pack members may have family and loved ones in other packs, but visits can only be achieved where the receiving pack laws allow it. Taikans understand that if a neighbouring pack does not welcome visitors, they must not wander there with such intent. If separation is the will of the island, then Taika trusts in it. If it is too much for a wolf to bear to be apart from their loved ones, they should join them. Taika bears no ill will to those who follow their heart.