werewolf lore
SHIFTING
Werewolves shift from human form to a full wolf form that is unique to them, voluntarily as long as they have a handle on their abilities, but must shift at every full moon. The first shift takes place between the ages of 16-18 for born werewolves; for bitten, it takes place at the next full moon. Shifting does take a lot, and drains energy easily, so the wolves need to make sure they are eating a lot around each full moon.
MATES
Wolves mate for life, typically, so it is not uncommon for a werewolf to find a mated connection with one person in their entire lifetime. Some are stronger than others, some can be denied. And even certain wolves can have more than one. When mates have decided to be together, they have a connection that cannot easily be broken. They feel one another, source strength, and can tell when something is wrong with the other person. When a mated bond is severed, the wolf can be in agony for an incredibly long time.
ABILITIES
As humans, werewolves have heightened senses, are faster and stronger than humans, and also have enhanced healing - to a point, they cannot regrow limbs or patch up bullet holes immediately. Healing also takes a lot of strength for the shifters, but they will bounce back quicker than normal. They also live longer than humans, typically living to age between 150-200 years. Also in shifted form, packs have the ability to communicate telepathically; once someone is ousted from the pack, though, that connection is severed. Speaking of pack connection - the Alpha of the pack can gain and give strength to and from his pack members when needed.
PACK MENTALITY
Just as wolves are pack creatures, werewolves are no different. They strive to live and hunt in packs, working as one giant family in and out of their shifted form. The pack is, usually, a very close-knit family, one that works together to help each other out, though that isn't always the case for all packs. There is also a pack hierarchy, and roles set for different members, explained below. There is a level of respect held for the higher-ranking members, specifically the Alpha, who is always to be listened to, as well as the Elder council - usually made up of former higher ranks and older weres that have been around for a long time.


RANKS
ALPHA
The highest ranking position a werewolf can hold. He or she is the head of the pack, the strongest wolf, and the leader of all under him. Typically passed down through family, to the oldest male child of the current Alpha, or female if there is no male.
LUNA
The wife of the Alpha, often the strongest female. She is the highest ranking female (if the Alpha is male).
BETA
The second in command under the Alpha, will take over command if the Alpha is killed and no one else is able to take over the mantle of Alpha. Typically passed down through family.
GAMMA
The third in command, and the leader of the Enforcers and Scouts. He or she is responsible for the protection of the pack and leading those into battle if need be.
DELTA
he next in line for Beta. Technically fourth in line in the pack, he or she reports right to the Beta and is essentially their right hand.
HEALERS
The doctors of the pack, taking over healing and medicine. They are responsible for the health and wellness of the pack members, and usually have certain Guardians working underneath them.
ENFORCERS
The "security" of the pack. They are on patrol of the borders, making sure the pack property is protected. They are seen as warriors in battle, they will hunt down prey and enemies. The most physical beings of the pack.
SCOUTS
The trackers, their job is to alert the Alpha and Beta if any suspicious activity is happening in the area. They have heightened hearing and smelling senses, but they also have evolved to work well with technology for security purposes.
GUARDIANS
These are the caretakers of the pack, usually they are the wolves that take care of the young, the ill, and the elderly. Often teachers, caretakers, nurses, though can also be responsible for cooking. Many work directly under Healers.
ELDERS
The older, wise wolves that have years and years of experience. Not all older wolves become Elders, it is usually reserved for former Alphas, Betas, and other higher ranks. This is a position granted by the Alpha.
OMEGAS
One of the lower rankings of the wolves, these are newer, young wolves are newly turned weres. They are responsible for cooking, cleaning, and general maintenance around the pack compound.


aldenbrooke
the fictional town of aldenbrooke, washington, is located at the edge of north cascades national park, very close to the small city of bellingham, two hours north of seattle and two hours south of vancouver, and only a little ways away from the canadian border. as an incorporated village, the town of aldenbrooke has it's own elected officials, police and fire department, schools, and essentially, it's own rules. having been founded in 1890, it is rich with culture, with a charming downtown, and with a population of just under one thousand people, it is very much a small town. everyone knows everyone, and everyone's business. with all small shops and locally owned businesses, there isn't a chain in sight!

the founder of the town was amos alden, for whom it was named after. his great-great-grandson is the current mayor, thaddeus alden, and the alden family own quite a bit of land and businesses throughout aldenbrooke.

TOWN BUSINESSES
through the woods counseling services: therapy office owed by sage dashwood located downtown above the art therapy gallery
the color connect: art therapy gallery downtown
the thorne group: a full-service real estate brokerage run by the thorne family they have an office on the south side of town, as well as offices scattered around northwestern washington and down toward the seattle metro area.
wiley coyote's: dive bar located on the edge of town owned by james-dean wiley
nelson auto: a full service auto repair shop owned by rhea russell just a block away from downtown
the boneyard: junkyard and auto dismanteling shop owned by the wiley family
the jitterbug cafe: coffee and breakfast spot downtown owned by the reid family
by the sea: natural market owned by marcus seaborn
the last chapter: bookstore with small library owned by emersyn beswick-alden


NOTABLE PLACES
aldenbrooke medical center: small emergency room and medical center in town. note: this is not a major hospital, they would have to go to a neighboring city for that
aldenbrooke town hall: mayor - thaddeus alden
aldenbrooke sheriff's office: sheriff (elijah alden), deputy seriff (jude fischer), lieutenants (two open), deputies (keegan mcconnell, five more)
aldenbrooke fire department: chief (open), captains (open), firefighters, emts
aldenbrooke elementary: K-6th grade
aldenbrooke high: 7th-12th grade


the alden pack
the alden pack is the one and only werewolf pack existing just beneath the surface of the small town of aldenbrooke. having been started by amos alden in the late 1800s, they have been living in and controlling this area of washington state. currently lead by their alpha, gabriel alden, they are an incredibly tight-knit pack that work together, coexisting for the good of the pack and the town's inhabitants.

RANKED MEMBERS
ALPHA: gabriel alden
LUNA: laureline alden
BETA: marcus seaborn
GAMMA: elijah alden
DELTA: byron thorne