Thistle Runners

The Thistle Runners are a semi-nomadic pack that roam the open plains. Despite being a relatively new pack, Lead Wolf Arch has instilled a strong sense of community and structure within her ranks. Leadership of the pack will be arranged through family lines, which means Valor - eldest daughter of Arch - is next in line to lead the pack. Breeding outside of the Thistle Runners is encouraged, and while loyalty is highly valued, should a pack member decide to leave they are welcome to do so freely.

Unlike some packs, where bonded pairs have pups exclusively with each other, the Thistle Runners operate on a "blood over bond" genetic model. This means that while you may love your partner to the moon and beyond, in order to ensure the survival of your pups you will breed with the strongest wolf. If the strongest wolf happens to be your partner, great! But no hard feelings whatsoever if you need to go outside of your partner, or even the pack, to make sure your pups have the best start possible.

Similar to how leadership is passed down, pups are generally expected to follow the job of their Thistle Runner parent. Most prestigious ranks are Scout, Finisher, Stalker, and Herbalist, followed by Chaser and Pupsitter. All members are valued, though it is acknowledged that the lower ranks are generally weaker wolves. A lower ranked wolf might be skilled enough to become a higher rank, but if there are not enough positions they may choose to leave the Thistle Runners to pursue their ambitions instead of waiting for a position to open up.

In general, the Thistle Runners are a pack that seems as flighty and fickle as the wind to outsiders, but harbors a strong sense of community and family hierarchy. Will one of the wandering Thistle Runners find their way into your pack? Or will a wayward pup find their place among the Thistle Runners? Only the winds know.