Taika is the smallest of the sister packs and there is an emphasis on all wolves remaining close as a tight-knit community. Annual ceremonies are held to keep the pack united. It is also common for wolves to share prey, dens and lend their help to the packmates who need it, without hesitance.
Taika's primary belief is to trust in the island's will. They are focused on learning how to listen to the way the Island communicates with them in order to best live by it without doing harm. Everything happens for a reason and meaning is to be found in even the most mundane of events. Wolves of Taika fully believe in this sentiment, committing themselves to moving with change, instead of against it.
Since Elara's ascension to Akis, the island's will is often also referred to as 'the spirits' - these two terms are interchangeable and share a common meaning. No matter which term a wolf uses, all understand that they are to flow with the will of the island and any changes it may throw at them.
Please note that the use of the term spirits is not literal, and there are no canonical spirits on Almos other than the Keres spirits. Nor should Taika's reverence for what is sometimes referred to as spirits be mistaken for worship or any form of religion.
The Taika believe, first and foremost, in peace. The Island, and all life on it, is sacred. The Island is as much a living, breathing creature as the wolves that inhabit it. It shapes the lives of everything on it, leads them to their destinies, through their trials. It is the giver, and taker of life. It is impartial, and as such, the wolves of the Taika also practice impartiality. They are the ones in the middle, and they show compassion and mercy to all life. Be good to those who are good to you, and good to those who are bad to you. Such is true good.
Taikans are non-violent and, therefore, do not fight and are not trained to fight. Sentinels are trained in defensive maneuvers, but never offensive. They’re focused on redirecting an opponent’s attack to use it against them or, simply, to skillfully dodge attacks. Any sort of fighting goes against Taika’s peaceful, non-violent ways. Therefore, all fighting - physical or verbal - is completely forbidden.
All life is sacred, meaning that taking life for sport is a direct opposition to the ways of Taika and the will of the island. The taking of any life, outside of hunting for prey, will result in exile from Taika. When hunting, Taikans will take what they need, without greed, and they must be sure to thank the Island and the Spirits for what they have given. It is common courtesy to bury the bones of prey once all of the meat and marrow have been cleaned off as a final show of respect between predator and prey.
The wolves of Taika have a deep connection to the water, it being symbolic of how they should be in this life. Change is inevitable and they must move and adapt with change. Just as the water flows, they move consistently, not allowing obstacles to block their path. Due to this, the water is said to be the easiest way to connect to the Island and the Spirits. The water gives signs; like how the rains of spring bring the growth of summer.
The adaptable will of Taika to flow with change as a current may ebb and flow downstream has been cemented after the wave chased them from their territory and threatened the life of Taika as a whole. Though, despite the great tragedy, the pack was able to adapt. They stuck together despite losses, rebuilt the territory and now thrive in a land that is sprouting with new growth. The paths may be different, but they will be well worn soon. There is no need to fear change. You can grieve what was lost while still being hopeful for what the future will hold.
Despite having the most relaxed borders across all of the island, Taika has no interest in meddling with the affairs of other packs. While wolves may roam the Freelands, their main focus will always be on their own pack. After enduring tragic events, they are closer than ever and eager to remain close-knit in their Southern isolation. They have no interest in violence, war or general politics across other packs. All they want is to exist peacefully with the island, with one another and with themselves. Therefore, they do not disrespect the laws of other packs and aim for distance instead of pushing boundaries.
Taika has a focus on healing and helping. While they do not go out of their way to meddle in the affairs of other packs, they are open and willing to accept any wolf in need of help; no matter where they come from. Non-judgemental and accommodating, Taikan Healers are permitted to allow injured or sick wolves entry into the territory and specific 'guest dens' are built and maintained by Healers and Darys close to the borders as close and easy rest stops for injured visitors.
There is no need to seek the Akis' blessing for wolves to become mates or have pups. Such is matters between the wolves involved and not a political decision to be juried. While no approval is needed, it is common for celebrations to be held for 'newly-weds' and new parents. These celebrations are usually small and more personalized, but consist mostly of vocal congratulations and acts of service.
Mated pairs: Jorel & Neeve, Golaneir & Elara
Flings: Vivian & Kai, Jackal & Bellassez
When a wolf passes on, their body may be inspected by Healers to find the cause of death, but they may not defile the body in any way. The Akis will oversee this procedure before mourners will be allowed to sit with the body for an entire day. When night falls, the Akis will howl - call - to the Spirits to bring the soul of the body to its final resting place. The bodies of the dead are always buried to ensure they can become one with the island again. It is common custom for gifts and trinkets to be placed into a body of water to commemorate the dead.
The Lost: Ilya, Asirea, Nirva, Nawantok, Nimue, Mythos, Haroeris, Sloane, Favour, Melyna, Nia, Othala, Branmir
On each full moon, the wolves of Taika will gather on the edge of Lake Išmintis between the shore and The First Tree. Throughout the day, wolves will hunt together, and at nightfall they will all gather, give prey to one another and eat beneath the full moon. When everyone has eaten, the ceremony will be closed with a pack-wide howl. Though it is not uncommon for wolves to stay awake and speak with one another, often sleeping in the clearing together, as one.
The beginning of Spring marks the beginning of new growth on the island. To celebrate the island’s resilience and encourage plentiful growth, Taikans will gather together amidst the blooming flowers. Stories are shared, hopes for the warm season are admitted while the stress of prior seasons are shed. In order to foster new growth - both literally and figuratively - wolves of all trades and ranks come together to plant seeds collected by the Healers. All come together to help the land regrow; a tradition gaining more importance especially after the flood destroyed Taika's territory.
Taika believes in respecting the island's growth and not wasting unnecessarily, yet a common tradition for this ceremony is for wolves to pick flowers and gift them to someone special. Whether it be someone who has been hard-working or someone who’s been struggling and needs encouragement - it is seen as a great honour to receive a flower. Since the flower was picked with the intent to be a token of appreciation, it is not a waste and said token should be highly regarded by the receiver. The act of planting seeds offsets the taking of said flowers and aligns with Taika's beliefs in balance with the island. What is taken must be given back.