In Timberhold, tasks are referred to as "Branches". Wolves will often refer to themselves being of a branch. i.e. "I am of the Willow branch", "I follow the Oak branch", etc

When a wolf chooses the branch they wish to master, they are then considered a full fledged member of Timberhold. Juveniles and older may choose to start down a branch, but juveniles cannot surpass the Sapling (Delta) rank until they are officially a young adult.

OAK

HUNTERS

Oak trees are known for bearing a lot of fruit and feeding wildlife. With the Oak tree being a provider, so too are the wolves of this tree. They are hunters and gatherers, providing food to the rest of the pack, and medicinal supplies to the Willows and Birches. Oak wolves also assist Cedars in patrolling and fighting if necessary, having a lot of physical strength from their hunting skills. They are expected to be knowledgeable and skillful in both, but their primary focus is hunting and gathering. Oaks are also expected to track and follow the herds of Timberhold, and corral them back into the territory if they wander too close to the edge. Oak wolves will go out in groups for various times, with one or two groups being active to follow and track the herds for sometimes a month or two at a time, and the other inactive Oaks resting back at the Heartwood, helping with other branches. Wolves associated with the Oak tree often have a strong familial urge and are generally very sociable, especially when they are stuck with the same group of Oaks for several weeks at a time. 

CEDAR 

GUARDIANS / FIGHTERS

Cedar trees are extremely sturdy and strong. Wolves associated with this tree are just the same, as well as adaptive and known for being able to withstand much. Cedar wolves are protectors, fighters, and guardians. They are often brought along on diplomatic missions for protection for the Willows and Alpha. Cedar wolves are also expected to train Sprouts and Roots in defense, so that no matter what task they take on, they have some self defense to be able to withstand any potential attacks from loners or other predators. Cedar wolves are incredibly important to the Timberhold wolves, and as a result, they want to make sure each wolf who wishes to associate with this tree is a proper fit and can withstand anything thrown at them.

Cedars have a special test to undergo before officially becoming a part of this branch. When moving from Sprout to Sapling, wolves are set out to Stormcry Hills, and instructed to remain beneath the roaring skies for a period of time that is determined at the start of the trial. If they abandon the hills for any reason and return to the Heartwood, they are not permitted to make another attempt, and must choose another branch to follow. [See Customs for detailed information about the Trial of Stormcry Hills] You do not need to show your character going through this trial, it is assumed that any wolf who follows this branch has successfully completed this. 

BIRCH 

BOTANISTS / BODY HEALERS

Birch trees are known for their hardiness and resistance to disease. Wolves of this tree are physical healers, and have an array of knowledge when it comes to the various medicinal capabilities of the herbs of Timberhold. However, if a wolf were to have a more mental “injury”, such as inability to sleep, feeling stressed, etc, Birch wolves should be directing them to Willows, rather than treating them themselves. Birch wolves are also expected to keep track of all of the herbs and plant life of Timberhold, and are very intellectual. They are encouraged to study plants, and experiment with them to see if they can find any other healing properties than is already known. When not healing or studying, they are expected to make sure the supply of medicinal herbs and plants is kept high. 

WILLOW

PEACEKEEPERS / MIND HEALERS / GOD SPEAKERS

Willow trees have a very soft look to them, and so do wolves associated with this tree. Wolves of this tree are peace and lore keepers, ambassadors, and provide general help around the pack where needed. They maintain the territory, mark important events, hold ceremonies, and assist the Heartwood on any diplomatic needs. While wolves associated with the Birch trees help in physical ailments, Willows aid more in mental troubles, and are often sought out as a mind healer. Most often, wolves of the Willow tree are patient, gentle, and well-mannered, but not all, as some may need a more firm and tough voice to guide them.

Willows are also considered to have the strongest connection to the elements of the world, and in turn, Timberhold's deities. When looking for any aid in trying to understand the world around them, or to speak with their Gods, the wolves of Timberhold will seek out a Willow. Though some may argue otherwise, there is thought that wolves who follow this branch possess a sort of "godliness" due to their strengthened connection to them.