The Dweller's territory encompasses most of the mountain region, the forest within and half of the nearby plains that separates the ranges from most other biomes.
The mountain range was named for its habit of casting the forest within in shadows for most of the day, and is itself very vast, carrying on for many miles and creating a number of valleys that can leave some creatures stranded depending on the season or their knowledge of the area. The highest point of the range is known simply as "Calister's Point" due to the rumor of a brutal pack leader having sought shelter in the high peaks years ago after being chased from the pack he had abused. Many believe this to be a ghost story, something told to puppies to keep their curiosity from taking them high into the mountains where they would perish without supervision or an elder who could help them.
The forest within and making up the range is mostly maple and pine trees, but there are scattered oak trees about that are easy to pick out due to their thick gnarled trunks being the biggest among the rest. The underbrush is made up majority of berry and honeysuckle bushes, with scattered mushrooms and flowers dotting the ground from between pine needles and leaves, the sweet smells from this flora helps to mask most of the packs scent which aides them when they wish for solitude.
The plains are split in half by a rushing white river donning the title of "Red Bone River" due to its history of drowning animals of all types under its rough current, if they're lucky. If the creatures don't drown they will be battered to death by the sharp rocks and harsh current which leaves their bones broken and exposed. The river runs deep and carries run off from the mountains, though in the spring this river becomes a red, ruddy color from the constant mud and debris entering it's flow, and it rises over its high set banks by a few inches. When it's not flooded, there's a good few feet between the bank top and the water.
Dweller's own the half of the plains known as the "Moon Lily Fields", receiving the title for their unique flowers that bloom only under the moonlight during summer. The flowers are mostly white with blue striation in the middle, and create a soft glow when they're open in the dark of night. Their fragrance is faint, and they are often used in rituals or in some herbal remedies.
The other half of the plains and the rougher redwood forests beyond are owned by the Crimson Waters pack, an enemy to the Dwellers due to their harsh and unforgiving means of survival. They've named their half Blood Claw Plains due to their usual killings that happen there, whether from prey or other wolves they deem weak, intruders or otherwise useless. They often hold "executions" in this field as well but the reasons for this are unknown as they are closely guarded by the pack.
The Dwellers Territory/Alkeys grove area is located in a mountainous region, specifically they kinda inhabit the forests inside the mountain range despite being inside a cave that was carved by a creature they don't know. They also encompass like, half of the plains/prairie near their mountain home though it's mostly hills and junk, and those plains are split in half by a deep lethal river with the other half being inhabited by a hostile pack that antagonizes them quite a bit.
🖤 The forest is made up mostly of maple and pine trees but there are a few scattered oaks
🖤 The underbrush is made up of many berry bushes, honeysuckle bushes, flowers and mushrooms
🖤 The river splitting the plains in half is titled "Red Bone River" due to its history of battering creatures against it's rocks until theyre crushed and broken or even just straight up drowning them. Its a lot of carry off from the mountains, has high set banks which it floods over the sides of in spring and turns a ruddy color in spring as well
🖤 Their half of the fields are titled Moon Lily fields due to the abundance of those flowers here. They're white with blue striation in the middle and bloom only under the full moon in summer, they can also be used in herbal remedies.
🖤 The other half of the fields, owned by the dickwad enemies, is titled the Blood Claw Plains because they often do a lot of killings in this area for all to see their power and prowess. (The name of this pack for future use is the Crimson Waters Pack)
🏔️ Dweller's Den 🏔️
The Dweller's Den is set into one of the smaller mountains in the deep reaches of the range. Forcing outsiders to have to try and navigate the valleys, thick forest and steep slopes if they wish to find the pack, with no clear trails to follow if they try to do so in any season besides winter due to the heavy scent of the underbrush covering over their own. However, if you're lead there or somehow manage to stumble upon it, you must climb the slope to the landing that presents itself in front of their den entrance which is covered over by thick interwoven vines to help block out most of the seasonal elements and to mask their home from those just passing by.
Once inside the first cave is wide and open, allowing for pack members to lay about with each other comfortably when they please. To the right is an alcove seemingly carved into the side of the cave where bones, nesting material and other storable items are kept for easy access. A short hallway in the very back opens slowly into a smaller cave decorated in hanging herbs, medicinal bundles, a large pelt pile for wolves to lie on and varying other pelts hanging up to dry. Skulls with softly glowing crystals jutting out of their mouths and tops of their heads provide a bit of white light in the otherwise darker cave (these same skulls can be spotted all over the den, creating a soft dim glow throughout to allow the inhabitants to see fairly well.) To the left is a pathway that travels up the side of the cave, leading to a secondary landing where many alcoves with varying decorations are littered across the wall, seeming to be the individual nests of the pack mates.
An alcove set a bit higher up on the front wall, away from the other nests, is scattered with trophies, pelts and moss, the alphas nest most likely. The front is decorated with skulls and teeth with a large black bear pelt draped across the front to hide the inside from prying eyes. A hole directly across from the pathway is the only indication that there's more room here then one would originally think, and the pathway continuing up another level is the only way to know that there's more to see after this level.
The hole has a small ledge that drops down into a wide and long set cave, tall enough of a lip to keep young puppies from climbing out but low enough to allow older adults to come and go as they please. A dedicated nursery padded with moss, feathers, fur and fall underbrush to make the cave warm and comfortable for the smallest pack mates. Varying toys liter the floor, mostly being made up of bones and mollusk shells, though a few torn stuffed hares liter the floor which have their stuffing torn out and scattered around the room, some of it even sticking to stubborn puppies mouths as they run from the nannies who try to get it off.
The final level is small, a simple rounding hallway that leads to an open landing thats exposed to the outside elements. A space used for sunning on warm days and to scan the surrounding environment from a decent enough vantage point. While not the highest spot in the mountain range, it offers a nice view over the tree tops, and many spots to relax in when the weather is nice. It's slight slant down seems to aide in keeping rain and snowfall from traveling into the den.
Dwellers Den is set into one of the smaller mountains deep in the range and forest, this forces outsiders to have a hard time keeping up with their scent in the strong smelling underbrush. The entrance is even guarded by the thick intertwined vines that drape over the mountain face and help keep them hidden.
🖤 The main cave inside the entrance is wide open allowing pack members to lay about with each other comfortable, with an alcove set into the right wall where they store amusement and nesting materials for easy access.
🖤 A short hallway to the back opens up into a smaller cave decorated in hanging herbs, medicinal bundled, already made cures sitting on rock outcrops and a large pelt pile bed. Skulls hang about with softly glowing crystals to offer soft blue lighting for others to see
🖤 Going to the left up a pathway takes you to the large open area where Packmates actually sleep, they each have their own decorated alcove somewhere along the wall that gives them a comfortable privacy. A hole directly across from the pathway has a small drop down into a thickly padded cave to keep pups inside, all sorts of toys and snacks are kept in here for the pups amusement and care, and large thick beds for mother's to lounge on comfortably to feed any nursing pups.
🖤 In this area there is a larger alcove set higher up on the front wall that's often draped with a bear pelt, scattered trophies and pelts inside of it to mark it as the leaders nest
🖤 If you continue going up the path it rounds out into a hallway that leads to a landing at the top of the mountains, it slopes softly down to keep out rainwater and other debris and is great for sunning on nice days or enjoy the sunrise/set as it's positioned perfectly over the treetops. Certainly not the highest point in the range, but beautiful enough to enjoy.
🌱 Spring 🌱
In spring the home territory often feels heavy and muggy due to the heavy rains that plague the land through most of the season. Said storms can be very deadly to any creatures who make their dens or nests too low to the ground, due to flooding and mudslides some of the steeper sides of the range experience. Most creatures who make this area their home are experienced enough that they don't often worry about these hazards due to the safe locations they've put their homes in.
🌻Summer 🌻
Summertime brings with it a welcomed lightness to the air, it doesn't rain quite as much during this season which alleviates the heavy muggy feeling. Instead the air is sweet smelling due to the abundance of flowers and fruits that grow in the territory, and the heavy canopy brings welcomed shade from the otherwise overbearing sun. Since this season is dry, it can bring with it wildfires, though this is a rare occurrence it is not unheard of and can be quite deadly when the creatures don't heed the signs.
🍂 Fall 🍂
The transitioning season of fall is a more or less comfortable one, it rains sometimes but not enough to flood as badly as spring, the temperature is moderate though cold during the night and early morning and the crisp air contrasts with the warmer colors of the changing foliage. The ground becomes blanketed in the falling leaves of the season, mixing with pine needles and creating the sought after nesting material the residents love to pad their homes with.
❄️ Winter ❄️
The coldest and harshest season leaves much to be desired among the residents and visitors of Dark Peaks. Snow piles high, winds are harsh and always howling through the trees and mountaintops, and rivers seem to stay frozen. Prey is scarce, either from migrating or from hiding away to hibernate the harsh season away, which leaves competition high for those predators who linger and for the pack that calls it home. However, with enough perseverance and planning the season can be lived through rather comfortably, but it can and will punish those who are unprepared or who let their guards down.
For the Dwellers Territory/Alkeys Grove area the seasons will generally follow these guidelines: 🌱 Spring: The air often feels heavy/muggy because it is always raining, low made dens/nests are death sentences for smaller creatures due to all the flooding, the steep sides of their territory is bad for mudslides. 🌻Summer: Brings a welcomed lightness to the air, doesn't rain as much so the muggy/heavy feeling alleviates quite a bit. Instead it's sweet smelling because of all the flowers and berry bushes, and the thick canopy brings a welcomed shade from the intense sun. Since it's so hot and dry it's not uncommon for forest fires to start up near the plains neighboring their mountain forests. 🍂 Fall: A comfortable season, there's no overbearing rains or heat and it's more or less very easy season. Mornings and nights can be very cold but the days are more moderate. ❄️ Winter: The harshest season, snow piles high, winds are harsh and always howling and even the rushing rivers seem to stay frozen over. Preg is scarce and competition is high, but the season can be made through with enough preservence and planning.
📖 Pack Rules 📖 I.) While the Alphas word is law, the opinions and concerns of the pack must be taken into consideration when it comes to big decisions. The only exception to this is an immediate threat that requires an on the spot decision, in which case the Alphas judgement is what guides fate.
II.) If food is short, the mothers and their young eat first. Otherwise, hunters and fighters take priority, followed by scouts and mothers, then the pupsitters and puppies. The alpha will always eat last to ensure the pack has gotten what they need.
III.) Disputes should never be settled in bloodshed, if a dispute requires a fight then it should be on a "no blood no fowl" basis. The exception to this is if someone commits a heavy crime, such as murder of a pack mate, in such a case the alpha will be the one to decide if the killer is chased or killed.
IV.) No one shall do anything that puts the pack at risk. This includes but isn't limited to: bringing dangerous items, creatures or individuals to the den, intentionally giving misleading information with the goal of causing harm to a pack mate, and leaving the pack vulnerable by accepting bribes from enemies or unknown individuals in return for information or causing disruptions in the packs daily life.
V.) Wolves will actively search for their replacements when they reach the age of Four Years so that they may ensure their role is filled by a wolf they approve of and have been able to train/prepare for the responsibility properly. After which it is encouraged for them to retire into a mentor postion after the age of 5.
🐺Founding Leader 🐺 Alkey (Al-kay)
Alkey was a young male wolf born with over sized front canine teeth who's exact origins are unknown to those around him, he doesn't speak of his past to anyone aside from bits and pieces. The most anyone had gotten from him was that at some point early in his life he was adopted by a strange creature, and the den the Dweller's reside in was that creatures previous home which it left to him so that he may start his own pack life.
He hadn't originally planned to be a leader or even join pack life, having feelings of inadequacy due to his smaller stature and his common boughts of sickness. However his adopted parent had encouraged him to try it, and before they left he promised to give it a solid try.
Aside from that, he had always had a small affinity to fire, it was not very strong but it was enough that he could cause sparks and small flames at will. Coupled with his fire was a much stronger affinity for the rarer psychic energy, he often had spells where he was overwhelmed by strong emotions or stress which only exacerbates his tendency to get sick. However this did not dissuade or stop him from continuing to do his best to provide for his rapidly growing pack and for others he found who needed help.
🦊 Founding Lead Partner 🦊 Kaeta (Kay-ta)
Kaeta was a bulky wolf with thick fur, the combination making her seem like a wall to those who had just met her. She was often confused for the leader due to her size, since when standing next to Alkey she was quite a bit bigger then him, however she quickly corrected those that assumed such things and enforced the fact that she wasn't the leader. She had an absolute respect for Alkey due to his stubborn headed will to keep trying despite most things going against him, and even going the extra mile to help others as much as he could. So while she may have been the brawn in the relationship, she mades sure others knew he was the brains and backbone.
Being born and raised in the mountains by her loner mother with her other siblings had given Kaeta the unique ability to safely and effectively care for herself in almost any environment. She was confident in her abilities and was happy to show it, making her an ideal scout for the pack as they didn't have to worry about her getting lost or being unable to care for herself. Her ability to think on her feet and take down most enemies allowed her to safely traverse almost any territory.
She absolutely adored Alkey, finding him adorable for his size and the way he handled what was thrown at him. While they met by chance when out hunting, a story the two often used to joke about so no one was completely sure who's side was true, she's ecstatic that she had chosen to join his journey. Having been incredibly defensive and protective of her smaller mate, she would rip apart anyone who dared to hurt him, whether physically or mentally, but despite that strong protective urge she also respected his wishes to try and solve things himself first, to the best of her ability. She also found his happy willingness to allow her to experiment with other Casanova wolves to be endearing and freeing.
Kaeta had an affinity towards manipulating crystals, specifically she'd found a penchant for causing them to sprout out of the ground or sometimes on her own body in small chunks. When doing this the colors seemed to lean towards very light shades of reds and blues, and were mostly transparent. She was also one of those who had a second affinity, which happened to also be towards the psychic elements but at a much weaker degree then Alkey. Hers did not make her sick, and while it sometimes gave her headaches it often just allowed her to see traces of the dead who aided her if she focused and asked, though it was not always guaranteed that they'd help her.
🌠Descendants 🌠
☀️ Lightdance (Kaeta Daughter)
🔥 ♀️ Ember (Granddaughter, Daughter to Lightdance, Born Jan 3rd, 2021) Observant
🦊Apellia (Granddaughter, Daughter to Hadley, Born March 3rd, 2021) Reliable
💎♂️ Firetick (Oldest son, Born Dec 6th, 2020)
His stuff is detailed under the Exempt Packs stuff. Born when Alkey turned exactly 4yrs old.
💎 ♀️ Pelonai (Youngest Daughter, Born Feb 28th)
Born scrappy, she has always had the talent of getting her paws stuck into any hornets nest she could find. Constantly out to find her next big adventure and enjoy life with all her heart, and with the capable mother she had and her imaginative father coming through in her vibrant personality she's one hell of a storm for someone to meet. Bonding with Flutterspot and Cherrypop very easily as the three pups stick to each other like sap to a tree and make a funny looking trio, her other bonded Miaro was welcomed in from outside of the pack at a young age and she may as well have adopted him herself at the speed she chose him.
Elements: Psychic (main) and Lightning.