oof

This second installment will focus on the nesting material used by low-income individuals and those affected by natural disasters. I got inspired after seeing my post get reblogged into a group and saw a comment about it that got my wheels turning!

Poor Omega Nesting Materials

Rescued Blankets/Bedding

Less privileged omegas are no different from omegas in higher income brackets in their instinctual desire for soft, cozy blankets. However, the way they obtain them will be different and much more resourceful. Many rescue/scavenge blankets that have been discarded by others. Garbage/Dumpster diving and picking up discarded blankets from the side of the road or in parking lots are not beneath them. Doing so can often net these omegas high quality goods that may have sun damage, stains to be removed, or things in need of mending, but are still good.

These blankets go through a process of heavy stain fighting to get rid of whatever had made their original owner discard them before being washed with scent removing laundry detergent and fabric softeners. After being washed and dried at the local laundromat (or their own washer and dryer at home if available), the holes are mended and the blankets are put in use for future nesting purposes.

Speaking of laundromats, this is another location where poorer omegas can obtain blankets. Some people will leave things behind that they cleaned at the laundromat and kind-hearted laundromat owners will set aside an area for people to grab these discarded items. Laundromats are also great places to “dumpster dive” for discarded blankets that are high quality and just need a little help.

Second-Hand Blankets & Bedding

Poorer omegas will also frequently have a collection of hand-me-down blankets from family members or pack members who no longer need them. Family/Pack elders no longer experiencing cycles may hand-down blankets to young omegas in the family/pack.

Another way omegas get second-hand blankets for their nests is by frequenting places such as thrift stores! These are excellent places to get blankets cheap or at good deals! Many thrift stores will have discount sales on certain colored tags and omegas shopping for more blankets for nesting material are sure to keep track of what color tag those blankets they want are!

Gifted Nesting Material

For those omegas who happen to be friends with richer individuals, they may ask for nesting material for birthdays and other celebrations in which gift-giving occurs.

Depending on the pride level of the omega, some rich or better-off friends may resort to pretending that the new (but unpackaged) nesting material they got for their friend is something they’ve actually had for awhile and no longer want. They’ll casually ask if their friend wants it before they donate it/throw if away, knowing that their friend will jump at the chance to “rescue” it.

For orphans and former foster youth, they will often keep the nesting materials that they have amassed over time that were either gifted to them by former foster parents or by the orphanage (if the orphanage was well-off).

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags are a frequent nest material for homeless omegas. Typically, they have just one, but unzipping it fully to cover the ground and protect all other nesting material from getting dirty or muddy is the commonly recommended way of using this particular nesting material.

It should be mentioned that sleeping bags are also commonly used by omegas who may have been camping when their heat happens.

The Results

Unsurprisingly, due to the nature of how these omegas get their nesting material, their nests are not typically what some might call “aesthetically pleasing” as they frequently contain clashing patterns and colors, but these nests are a source of great pride for the omegas who make them. Proof that they have managed to make a good nest despite their circumstances.

You better believe that saying you don’t like their nest will get you booted out of their home/place they’re staying!

Victims/Survivors of Natural Disasters Nesting Materials

Set-Aside Blankets

Many omegas will have “emergency go-bags” just in case they have to evacuate. These bags will always contain something in the way of nesting material. Even if it’s just a single good, soft blanket.

Gifted Nesting Material

This is nesting material that an omega will receive from their local Red Cross or other charitable organization that hands out packs of emergency supplies to those who have been displaced due to natural disasters or otherwise negatively affected and in need of supplies.

For omegas, nest packs from these organizations usually include one or two nice plush blankets, a slick/water protective mattress cover, and a set of clean sheets.

Some omegas may receive gifs from friends, family, and extended pack abroad to help them in their time of need if they are in a good financial place to help. These gifts are often coordinated and contain everything that an omega might need to nest. Scented nesting material (such as plushies and clothes) will be packaged and sent separately from items that aren’t scented.

The Lost & Damaged

Depending on the type and severity of the natural disaster, omegas may do their best to search for and recover their lost items.

For damaged items, they will do their best to clean and repair them, but that which cannot be salvaged will be mourned.

I made up a new word to use for fictional characters so people can stop using Intersex inappropriately.

Bigenitalism/Bigenitalia

Edit

I have come up with another option and a probably poor attempt at etymology.

Ambigenitalous/Ambigenitalia

Etymology

Bigenitalia - noun, the state of having both male and female reproductive organs. May be full or partial

Bigenitalism or Bigenitalic - adjective, the condition of having bigenitalia

Bi- - two, twice, double, on both sides

Genitalis (neutral Genitale) - latin, Of or relating to generation or birth; Fruitful, productive, generative

-ism - state or quality, characteristic or peculiar feature or trait

-ic - belonging to, pertaining to

Or

Ambigenitalous - adjective, the condition of having ambigenitalia

Ambi- - Either or both; On both sides; Intermediate between two categories

Genitalis - see above

-ous - Used to form adjectives from nouns, to denote: possessing the nature of; presence of a quality in any degree

what if the dynamics balance differently than assumed?

omegas nest; they create shelter from what they gathed in the world around them, moving individual pieces to create a stable whole.

alphas burrow; they create protection out of the world around them, altering the raw materials they find into new shapes.

betas den; they locate safety and utilize it to keep threats away or themselves hidden, adding onto what they find.

so, what if there's a tradition that you need all of them, working together, to build a home?

the beta to scout out locations and ensure the footprint is solid. the alpha to add on and alter it in order to suit the group's needs. the omega to ensure that there's space for creature comforts and that things are neither too open nor too exposed.

sure, it's completely possible to have a functioning and even cozy dwelling with a dynamic missing...but it means taking on more of the work, learning how to do it, using knowledge and practice to fill in gaps that instinct doesn't cover. or calling on friends or family to help out.

"these blinds are fine, but you work nights right? blackout curtains could help you sleep better after sunrise."

"huh, bet i could put up shelving here and you'd get more storage space."

"eventually we could take down this wall, open up the floor plan some. what do you think?"

there could be a similar view towards work or school or family life too.

sure, the parents might be two alphas, but they're surrounded by betas and omegas that they trust. people who can give their kids advice if they don't present alpha, who can add their insights and support when things are challenging.

maybe the core of a friend group is all beta youngsters, but their siblings or cousins won't let them be ignored or bullied. they might not even notice people are ready to help until someone does step in.

okay, so that omega lives alone and has found ways to make it through heats without anybody needing to help. but that doesn't mean the elderly alpha/beta pair across the street can't drop off some food at the door or keep an eye out for trouble.

(whoops I've veered into "it takes a village" territory again)

anyways!

instead of making a setting where alpha/omega pairs are admired and elevated above all else...why not make the ideal an alpha/beta/omega version of rock/paper/scissors?

(or to use another classic, fire/water/grass)

you can add more dynamics too!

(wood > earth > water > fire > metal with a dynamic to match each?)

if you like there to be opposites, why not add even more pairs?

(ex: fire / water, but also wind / earth! or metal / wood! maybe with additional interactions between the non-opposing ones?)

currently considering doing a dynamics square situation cause of this!

In any society, gender plays a role in how people navigate their communities and surroundings. Illion is no different, with the added layer of omegaverse dynamics to keep things interesting. See related notes for The Big 8 below.

------- let's go! -------

Adebayo:

Delacroix: Prioritize individual skill/education/ability over the inherent qualities of specific genders/dynamics therefore the "distance" between each level of the hierarchy is miniscule. As much as they can, the Delacroix maintain complete gender/dynamic equality.

female alphas, male alphas, betas, omegas.

Female alphas are historically regarded with more esteem than their male counterparts as they were seen as more emotionally controlled, had a greater capacity for intelligence, and more efficient. That being said, the Adebayans embrace diversity and personal expression - here you'll find people of all types embracing all different kinds of roles, as they prioritize pitching in and working hard over "who should do what".

-----

Ekarahv: Their culture is built on their unique polyamorous lifestyle with four members, which makes them view gender/dynamics slightly differently than other parts of the world.

omegas, female betas, female alphas, male betas/alphas.

The ability to birth children (and thus further family lineage) is highly revered, as the foursome was formed initially as a way to increase the population size. Heritage is often traced through matrilineal lines as it is often unknown who the "father" is. That being said, everyone has a part to play and no one is redundant. When a foursome is formed, each person has a different role to play. All foursomes contain at least one "duplicate" dynamic making the six tiered gender/dynamic model less relevant to the way life works here.

----

Fierek: The gender hierarchy is deeply enforced by other Fierekian customs and elements such as their all-consuming religion. Masculinity is associated with dominance, while femininity is associated with subservience.

male alpha, male beta, female alpha, female beta, male omega, female omega.

Female alphas and male omegas are socialized and groomed to fit into this specific model with exacting permanence.

Male omegas are castrated and sterilized to remove the ability to sire children and in some places undergo additional body modification procedures to keep permanently prevent them from angering the gods by bastardizing the "perfect image", prevent their souls from rotting and turning them evil, and to ensure other people don't get ensnared by their deceit/trickery.

Female alphas undergo hysterectomies as soon as they present, making it impossible for them to bear children. They are often then sent to receive their education with male betas, and are socialized as such. Later in life, some female alphas choose to undergo mastectomies, but this is not a religious or cultural requirement.

Alphas and betas of all kinds are educated from ages 4-10. Female alphas and male betas are then educated together for between 5-8 years, male alphas are given a more privileged and thorough education for 8 years (and have the option to pursue higher education beyond that), while female betas do not continue on. Male and female omegas are not allowed to receive a formal education, and are instead taught about their duties from older omegas in the community - this does not include literacy.

----

Gre'Quall: Another culture with a hierarchy deeply informed by their religion, in Gre'Quall women are on top.

female alpha, female betas & omegas, male omegas, male betas, male alphas

Unlike Fierek, these folks don't get too caught up with the masculinity/femininity of it all, and instead take their queues from their sacred value of harmony/balance. Female omegas are aligned with the moon, female betas are aligned with the sun, and female alphas as the embodiment of both.

Men are similarly judged but are treated in relation to woman-hood, male omegas are the highest ranking males, and male alphas are at the very bottom. Known as "shadows" male alphas are considered dangerous and unholy. Some communities participate in a ritual known as "The culling of the sunborn" , where alpha men are ritually executed. Otherwise, male alphas are sent to the surface to live in nomadic herding groups. Many male betas often join them and act as intermediaries between both worlds.

----

Hawthorne: Gender/dynamic discrimination is seen as slightly taboo, while they are not as strict about equality across the board, Hawthorne is a good place for all people regardless of dynamics.

male alphas, male betas, female alphas, female betas, male omegas, female omegas.

----

Roah: The culture is not built on social status in regards to wealth, fame, family name, success rather than gender.

alphas, omegas, betas.

Omegas are highly prized for their reproductive capabilities are are often used to secure power and form alliances between families. Alphas are often taught to become the heads of their families - learning the trade, business, and interpersonal skills to do the job. Betas aren't looked down upon or cast out, rather it is most likely to find them in supporting roles - in both caretaking and business away from the spotlight. Of course, none of these roles are set in stone as finding one's destiny is a big part of the culture's creed.

----

Verstanze: Because of it's nature as a federation of island-states, there is lots of diversity of culture from place to place. That being said, they are united by their religious beliefs based on the stars which plays a role everywhere.

betas, female omegas, male omegas, female alphas, male alphas.

Betas are at the top due to their level-headedness, perceived natural intelligence, and other abilities that make them great leaders both on land and at sea. Omegas are cherished for their emotionality, mental endurance, and ability to bring people together. In both omegas and alphas, females are regarded slightly higher because of their "closeness" with The Great Sea Mother. Alphas often need to prove themselves worthy of respect and honor more than other dynamics, as their uncontrollable, impulsive, sometimes "wild" natures don't mix well with the Stevarae commitment to unity, harmony, and peace - especially at sea.

Growling (effects and implications)

I think growling and snarling are pretty big taboos in most (western) places and it's usually completely socially unacceptable. Depending on the scenario it's seen as juvenile at best or dangerous at worst.

The sound of growling can cause a range of responses depending on age, sex, and dynamic. Pups and children are most affected by it and it can cause them to respond with intense fear or anxiety. As people get older it becomes more likely for them to respond with aggression. It's most frequently seen in alphas, but all dynamics can react this way. When coming from someone stronger or a caretaker like a parent or an older pack member, people might also respond with placating or submissive behaviors like making themself look smaller, whining, or even putting off a calming scent. All these effects are part of what makes it such a controversial behavior.

Parents growling at their children is looked down upon and is seen as tactless while children growling at their parents is worse than cursing at them, and the older you get the worse It looks. When pups and kids do it it's seen as an impulse to be corrected (like biting) but the older you are the more immature it is.

Some parents with less stringent rules who are more informal with their kids growl at their kids and their kids growl back at them in a more casual context, but this behavior is almost equally looked down upon by most. In some cultures, it's normalized and sometimes encouraged to growl at children to keep them in line and so they "know their place".

In relationships between family members, pack members, and mated pairs, growling can be used as a manipulative weapon. It's unfortunately not uncommon to find instances of people using it to make people fear them or do what they want.

Pups have weaker growls that get progressively more developed with age, and pups growling at each other isn't that big of a deal. It's seen as normal pup behavior for the most part, but some parents punish their pups severely for it, seeing it as disrespectful. Overall it's seen as more normal in alphas; growling beta pups and especially omega pups are seen as abnormal and can even be cause for a doctor's visit to some. Though excessive growling and aggression can be signs of certain illnesses or traumas, all dynamics are equally capable of the behavior.

family = parents and biological children in a shared household?

not any more its not!

family = a group of friends who share a house together like they have for years, even after forming partnerships with others or having kids

family = a queer platonic couple, the kids they adopted (despite being able to procreate together if they wanted to), and the neighbors that are like siblings to them

family = three generations of parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who might as well be family, who rally around each other in good times and bad

family = two lifelong best friends who went from playing together as kids, to raising families, to growing old, while becoming the cornerstones of their neighborhood

family = one big old polycule spread across multiple households, and the assortment of kids who have called them aunties and uncles from day one

family = a happily single person, their pets, and the network of friends that they feel safe going to whenever problems are bigger than one person should carry

family = a couple, their newborns, the siblings who help out, and the grandparents who are first in line to babysit

family = a single parent, their kids, and a very robust support network

family = a group of people who care about each other but aren't compatible when it comes to sharing a home, being very supportive - just from a distance - with or without other elements

and the fun thing is, you can slot any type of person into these setups!

make the two best friends look like the default "boy meets girl" rom-com pairing but with zero sexual tension.

make the people who sound like the most stereotypical suburban family, incredibly queer visually.

want your packs to be multi-generational households by default? go for it!

want to explore belonging beyond the nuclear family or the quest to create one? sure thing!

it gets even more interesting based on the social positions of the six sexes.

(in my head: primary sex = alpha, beta, omega. secondary sex = male, female. to keep from having to list them all, its "six sexes" but in some settings there can be more or less)

for example: what if there's a society that separates alphas and omegas as a general practice? it's the task of all omegas to run the towns and villages and see to their defense; alphas, on reaching presentation, are trained to watch over the land and tend to the region as a whole. if the two groups tend to mix mostly with those they share a classification with, how do their family groups appear?

or what if the society is arranged less like our human ones, and more like specific animal groups? if your packs operate more like a bee hive, how does that change their view of family, future generations, and group membership?

basically: there are lots of types of families, even irl, so making packs unique is more fun to me than going "parents and their kids" despite that being the most accurate to actual wolf pack structures

How I envision scents in the 21st century:

Scents are subject to trends and gendered in the primary and secondary way. There are enhancers and neutralizing/masking perfumes at CVSs. There are two kinds, cosmetic and non-cosmetic (I'll think of a better name sometime). Both have more than one way of being applied/used. They could be patches, sprays, pills, oils, etc.

Cosmetic differ from regular perfume in that they actually change scents instead of layering on. Everyone has a few bottles in their bathroom for cases in which they want to smell different for special events and to appear more attractive. It is seen as gaudy to use more than occasionally. About a 2-3 times a month is respectable.

Non-cosmetic is often mandatory and or for medical purposes. Used to mask flare ups caused by emotions, hormones, illness, or reproductive cycles (heats and ruts) to prevent uncomfortable reactions or instincts. Found especially in hospitals.

Girls would be lucky to have a naturally minty scent in the 1800s but now it's not cool anymore. Coffee is generally pleasant and gender neutral (but you're gonna get so many barista jokes your entire life. You're 100% gonna get called Starbucks by random jerks). It's awkward to be guy and smell citrusy, unless you're an alpha. It differs across cultures, of course.

Or: humans having a natural scents would actually remove the obviously and uselessly gendered view of perfume and soap and all that. Or reinforce it if a person's sex is identifiable by scent.

I think it would be really interesting if omegaverse scents were unique and therefore used to identify people. Like IDs stating someone's scent right next to their height. Or...

~Imagine~:

Wanted. Appox. 5.5 ft. beta female. Faint cinnamon scent.

EDIT: I just realized how cooked criminals would be if animals and people could literally sniff them out. No hiding. Even if scents aren't that strong, and you can only smell someone from within a few rooms, the idea is startling. Really scary to think about if you're trying to hide from an intruder etc. Parents would always know if their children snuck out or not.

There must be people who experience specific instinct things with indifference or boredom.

Procreative cycle coming up? "Crap, I've got plans this weekend...stupid skip weeks."

Caught an intriguing scent while walking? "But I need to get to work! Shut up brain."

Had a snap response to a distressed sound? "Who was it?! ...right, it's my day off, I can go back to sleep."

Somebody growled at them? "Kid, I'm not a rival, that's my sibling."

Super cozy cuddle session happening nearby? "I'm gonna pass tonight guys, no social battery left, maybe next time."

Group of friends heading out to flirt and check out other singles? "I'm coming with you but only to make sure you all get home safe."

Setting where fated mates or soul bonds or permanent marks are a thing? "Meh. I don't really want one or care if I ever get one."

People in the actual omegaverse would get as bored of their stuff, as we do of ours, you know? It could be interesting to see that kind of vibe in fics. Biological demands faced with all the excitement of paying bills or doing laundry or tying your shoes.

Even if that kind of energy might not drive a plot, it could be interesting to have as a contrast to the people who do have big feelings about them - good or bad.

There's the friends who can't wait til they have a pack of their own, and the one friend who isn't against it but couldn't care less. There's the group in the office who are all about scent compatibility tests and figuring out one's best match and what sprays most highlight it, and the coworker who has no intentions on putting that much effort in. There are parents who hover and protect their offspring by scenting them multiple times a day, and others who don't see what the fuss is as long as it's done in the morning.

There would probably a culture around mating marks like there is with couples tattoos.

There would be mark removing clinics for people who wanted to get the mark off cause maybe the relationship ended or their partner was abusive (or maybe it was SA)

Friends showing each other their marks in slumber parties and gossiping over who gave the girl at school hers based on the shape of the teeth and what guys have those gaps and crooks in their teeth

Drunk omegas in a bathroom telling you that you shouldn't let that alpha mark you because he's like SO toxic and you deserve better

Poly couples where the betas and omegas have multiple marks, and large polycules where some people have their necks covered in all manner of marks with different sizes and shapes depending on if the person who gave it to them have crooked teeth or maybe braces.

Rebelious omegas who don't let themselves get marked or insist on marking their alpha/beta back

Dominant omegas giving their (surprisingly submissive) alphas marks in places that are very visible to embarrass them

Even thought this usually varies depending on the author's choices, many versions of the ABOverse agree that alphas/omegas start developing their secondary sexes during puberty. Usually alphas get taller, more muscular and "mature-looking", while omegas are small and frail, which gives them an innocent and cute appareance. Those traits are ABO society's beauty standarts in most versions of the genre, and at the same time they are very sexualized and fetishized on fics. However, Its never adressed how those sexualized beauty standarts would realistically affect the individuals, who in most of those stories are in the age range of teen-young adults.

Just imagine that youre a teenage omega, your short stature, frail-looking body and your soft fatial features makes It very evident. Everytime you walk throught the street you see not only Young, but full grown alphas that could easily be your parents getting flustered at you, making gross comments about how "perfect, innocent and cute" you are or about how you should belong to them and be their spouse, and some of them even talk about taking you by force someday. All your social media accounts are anonymus because otherwise you get harrased by Alpha users. It has reached a point where you cannot leave the house unaccompained due how scared you are. Why are all those alphas so creepy to you? You're just a kid!

Now lets imagine that youre an Alpha teenage: Suddendly everyone treats you like an adult. They seem to forget that just because you look like one doesnt mean that you are. Many family members start talking weird about you, saying that you're ready to be a leader, to marry and breed with omegas and "dominate them" as any Alpha should. You have also encountered some omegas telling you that you are very hot, muscular and such and they want you to bite them, they don't really leave you alone till you tell them that you are 15. When you tell your loved ones about it they don't care very much, after all, you are already an Alpha, you should feel Lucky for having such amount of omegas "admiring" you and wanting you to own them, right?

what a great topic.

I mean, from my point of view this fictional situation isn't entirely different than the real life phenomenon of teens who get secondary sex characteristics earlier than their peers or the conflation of "physical maturation" = "mental/emotional maturation" that negatively impacts many teens of color who lie on either side of the infantilization - adultification spectrum.

Just because you "look" like an adult, or you look older than you are doesn't mean that's how old your brain is.From an omegaverse perspective, many writers like to play into this for further "taboo-ification" of the alpha/omega trope. But, if this was a real life society, I'm pretty sure that wouldn't all be a-okay.

Using your example about the young omega - their dynamic is not their fault and it isn't really their responsibility to police how other people interact with them because of the way their body looks. Now, they or their parents may opt for personal interventions to minimize the attention they're drawing towards themselves - such as dressing modestly, using scent blockers, etc.. Regardless, the situation you are describing is one where physical and sexual abuse are commonplace and acceptable, and unlike many popular stories/aus that utilize this sort of senario - I think overtime alphas would fall out of fashion in terms of being ideal partners as they would be seen as uncontrollable, overly-emotionally, and dangerous, while betas would rise up the dynamic hierarchy to replace them.

In the reverse situation that you presented, I feel like it's almost a little more complicated because in a society that reveres alphas and alpha-like characteristics getting complimented like that would be a good thing. Of course the entire situation is extremely over-sexualized, and gives off "that one uncle everyone stays away from" vibes, but if the omegas are adults talking to a kid like that (if they stop after learning they're 15 that's sort of a different story) that's not great behaviour from them, especially considering they are then feeding the cycle of abuse that kept them down in the first place.

On top of all of this, I guess you'd have to consider what the accepted age of adulthood and age of consent are in your au. As we know, current attitudes on the subject fluctuate but most are at least a couple years older than they were - say 100-200 years ago. In the US legally it varies by state being anywhere between 16-18 years old, while globally there are some places where the age of consent is as low as 12 and as high as 21. To make matters even more complicated, several areas have addendums to the rule if partners are marriage or can be protected by Romeo and Juliet laws.

As we all know, I don't enjoy reading content that uses abuse/violence/predatory behaviors as a romantic vehicle to push the story forward, but some people are into it. For those out there who for one reason or another are writing a story or developing headcanons about this here are some worldbuilding questions I'd consider -

How young is too young? How is this enforced?

Is a bond mark legally similar to marriage in real life in the sense that bonded partners have protections that non-bonded partners don't?

If the alpha/omega had "good" parents would they still be okay with the relationship? Why or why not?

What constitutes for abuse or violence in this community?

Does the young alpha/omega know they're being abused? (as a general side note, I'm sure we all remember being 14-15 and thinking "I know exactly what's going on and I'm in control" only for a couple years to pass and to realize, "no I didn't and no I wasn't")

i’ve mentioned feral alphas and omegas in a few posts before, but what does that mean? this post will discuss ferality,* its causes, common feral behaviors, and treatment.

*note: i will be using ‘ferality’ as opposed to the technically proper ‘ferity’ because the latter is based on the latin root and sounds pretentious, and the former is based on the english word and is more accessible

what is ferality?

ferality is a medical emergency caused most commonly by social isolation. it causes those afflicted to behave erratically, and is the most common cause of forced bites. it is one of the top ten causes of death for those over 80 years old. it is also called ‘loneliness disease’ or ‘bite fever,’ and is often euphemistically described as ‘losing oneself.’ in the past, more than a week of ferality was incurable. today, synthetic hormones and careful medically supervised management leads to over 90% of those afflicted to make a full recovery if treated before one week, and over 80% to regain most normal function if treated before two weeks. outcomes become less positive the longer someone experiences ferality, but there have only been 1,762 documented deaths directly from ferality in the US since 1980.

I could see like. Alphas growling at completely random stuff. A stack of laundry on the chair. The box that just fell over. Their own packmates, coming around the corner too fast. They are not angry! Those are not serious growls! There is no threat there! But They’re Growling Just In Case.

Betas also absolutely chatter just Out Of Nowhere. Think they heard something and they start Kekkekekekeke-ing like cats. A beta will hear a noise at night and Wake Themselves Up chattering at it. They also tend to freeze and stare at random stuff that looks sus for whatever reason. Mid sentence a Beta will just go silent and Stare At A Thing.

What is romping? Romping is a common nonsexual play behavior exhibited by most people in the ‘verse (and by many Misce folks as well!). It is most prevalent in young people, but the behavior doesn’t stop until the person is simply too old to romp anymore. Romping is silly, fun playtime, where two or more members of the same pack engage in energetic activity, such as running together, wrestling, jumping around, and even swimming together if the participating pack members can swim.

Romping behavior starts as a very young child, somewhere between crawling and full walking. Litter mates will roll around together, nipping at each other and rubbing their faces and necks together. As pups get older, romping evolves into running, wrestling, jumping around and on each other, and making friendly and playful vocalizations. This behavior subsides as the child grows into a teenager, but comes back stronger once again as they get older and become full fledged pack members. The reason for this is quite unknown, but it’s possible that teens may still be in their “awkward” stage where they’re trying to find their place in the world and the pack. They may feel embarrassment, which may lead them to subconsciously suppress romping behaviors. This will only last from about the first cycle, between 11-13, to about 17 or 18 years of age.

Romping is a strictly nonsexual behavior. It is often done between lovers or mates, but it is not a precursor to sex. It is also happens between close friends, family members, and other pack mates. It is a unique scenting behavior. Instead of rubbing on each other (called bunting), pack members will activate their scents by vigorous activity and interact playfully with their pack to mix their scents together.

As pack members grow too old to romp, younger members of the pack will still scent with them, usually after vigorous romping with other members.

Romping as a sexual behavior is called “frolicking”. It involves more sexual behaviors, such as rutting, petting, grinding, and biting around the neck areas, as well as licking and bunting around the face, neck, and chest area. Usually, this behavior only happens between bonded mates. Otherwise, it is considered sexual misconduct.

For those unable to romp, such as the disabled or elderly, they still often participate as mentioned above. Other members of the pack will romp, then immediately go and scent the unable so they can participate in the playful activity. The unable will also often make vocalizations to be included in the romp.

The vocalizations performed during romping and frolicking are varied and individual between dynamics and people. Most commonly, they are playful growls, yipping, and making a playful “awr!” sound to goad the other members into playing along. This may be the first type of vocalization young puppies do besides crying.

Frolicking vocalizations will differ from romp vocalizations. During frolics, mates will often growl, chirp, yip, and make a blowing noise called “chuffing” to get the other’s attention. Chuffing is not an inherently sexual vocalization, but it is often present during frolics and mating.

All dynamics take part in both romps and frolics. Parents need not be concerned if one or two members of a litter do not romp as soon as the others; romping development happens randomly to different members of a litter. If your pup does not start to romp before they begin to walk, it is not entirely unusual. Just give them time and even encourage romping and playing by getting down with the pups and beginning to romp gently with them yourself.

Most of them are neurodivergent, because having adhd especially made them biologically better at hunting and gathering than the others. In modern society, they’re seen as valuable and rare and, in older times, they were popularly bought and sold, until human rights were more respected.

The difference between them and the rest of society is like the difference between a dog and wolf dog. Like yeah it’s a dog; it looks like a dog and barks like a dog but it’s just slightly *off*. They have wild eyes and wild hair and speak just strange enough that you can tell they’re just different. It’s like an elf or a changeling.