Ourkan

Site ID:2002
Breeding ID: LP0 (or ST0 for studded pups)

Intro: Ourkan is a displaced young male wolf from the "Fool's Spring pack", who live to the north of Coal Valley. His shy, overly cautious attitude comes from years of horror stories told to Fool's Spring pups about deadly humans and dogs living in the town below.

Ourkan prides himself on being sensible, reliable, and knowing when to retreat. A wise wolf is never found taking too many risks, and never purposefully looks for trouble. In fact, Ourkan didn't even travel too far from his family's territory, preferring to stick with the terrain and prey he grew up with.

Deep down his biggest fear is that he isn't ready for life alone, and he can't quite bear to cut off contact with his younger siblings just yet. Until he met Xaasa and took a leap of faith, he was ready to suck up his pride and scurry back to the safety of his parents' den.

Stories with Ourkan in: "Ourkan's Intro", "The Meeting" pt 1 & 2, "Xaasa's Intro" (mentioned as unknown wolf, but not seen), "Family"

He will appear in these unwritten stories: "Aruthe's Choice" pt 1 & 2

Name means: A bold, sometimes rude, yet very fast, lively and well-meaning wolf

Year 1: Ourkan and Xaasa have a litter early on, and tragically lose one of the two puppies. Ourkan struggles with the loss. After a long talk with Xaasa, they agree to name their remaining pup, combining the traditions of both of their birth packs into a rather unique name, "Quohau'ru".

Ourkan puts extra effort into spending time with his sisters and the pack's pups, and, though quieter than usual, tries to make jokes to hide his grief. He avoids Xaasa, but quickly burns out and both come together to comfort each other at last. They talk through their feelings, their relationship, and the future of the pack.

Later in the year, he meets several wandering wolves, and agrees to father their pups. As per Xaasa's rules, the wolves move on once they are pregnant, as she is unwilling to raise an outsider's litters.

As the year draws to a close, the young wolves who have never hunted in the snow, bring in less and less prey. The pack struggle onwards. Ourkan and his mate give up food for the younger wolves, leading to the vicious cycle of even more unsuccessful hunts.

Year 2: Spring is here, but Xaasa doesn't come into heat. The pack herbalist suggests it is because of starvation, and Ourkan brings her as much food as possible, almost killing himself in the process.

During summer, all wolves are thriving, however Quohau'ru is starting to roam. Ourkan and Xaasa are confronted by their wayward daughter, and introduced to Wuros whom Quo declares her new mate.

Ourkan is shocked, but the older wolves quickly take Wuros aside and interrogate him, wanting to know where he came from, and why he has such a bitter name. They learn about his mistreatment and his enduring kindly nature, leading to Xaasa declaring a feud with the rival pack he came from. Ourkan decides to teach Wuros basic survival skills, but leaves his scout training in the capable paws of Skaohah.

Year 3: Ourkan and Xaasa finally feel ready to have more pups. After dabbling in many roles throughout the year, he settles on pupsitting in order to take care of their second litter. Two pups survive to adolescence and are named Houke (Male) and Aya'ah (female).

Skaohah, seeing the happy family, requests that Ourkan sire a litter for her. After an intense discussion, Xaasa and Ourkan agree he can be "donor" for one or two litters for her. She gives birth to a litter of three late in Spring.

.Wuros and Ourkan form a strong bond over the year, with Ourkan appreciating the stories he tells from his scouting adventures. Yierrit often comes with him, watching with a dreamy expression as the large male dramatically describes his latest escapade.

Ourkan suspects there's something going on between the two of them. He tells his daughter, who reacts with obviously faked surprise. This leaves him confused, but as she leaves she promises to talk to her mate. He later talks to his sisters who tell him not to worry, and that if Quohau'ru is happy then it shouldn't matter. He later apologised to her awkwardly and promises not to interfere again.

Year 4: Ourkan and Xaasa feel more confident in their ability as parents after overseeing the training of Houke and Aya'ah. Their third litter is planned for spring, but Xaasa falls ill multiple times over winter and has a rough pregnancy, with only one puppy surviving until weaning. Although happy with the pup's rapid growth, Ourkan becomes increasingly worried about his mates poor health.