#o-verse

»masterlist«

alpha command — also referred to as the alpha voice. a deep, rumbling tone that triggers obedience & submission in those who hear it. it’s most effective on pack & those who already respect the alpha as an authority figure—but some particularly dominating people are capable of effecting those who don’t know / respect them. commands are also heightened when given after a scruff or submission bite. a command usually sound deep and rumbling; firm and commanding; or low and soothing.

beta scent-shifting — a beta is able to consciously (or unconsciously) shift their scent to mimic another’s. they can disguise themselves as an alpha, omega, or another beta—and even mimic a milky pup scent. this is typically used to calm packmates, and also makes them invaluable in the medical field or for calming those in a feral state. there are varying skill levels, with some being able to fool any nose, and others only able to fool those in distress / not thinking clearly.

omega suggestion — also referred to as the omega voice. it incites in people a desire to please, to protect, to make the omega happy. it can also have a relaxing effect. it’s most effective on other pack members, or those with a positive relationship with the omega—though some have particularly powerful voices, & can affect even those they aren’t close with/who actively dislike them. the sound is generally gentle & soothing; soft & crooning; or lyrical & melodious.

»masterlist«

[miscellaneous things that either didn’t fit in the other posts; i didn’t think of them in time; or i didn’t have enough of to group them together. will likely add to this in reblogs~]

Suppressants — Available in pill, shot, or intravenous form, listed in order of how strong each effect is. This blocks the hormones which cause heats / ruts. Doctors recommend going off of them for once cycle every two years. Not doing so is unhealthy and can lead to problems, including stress cycles or infertility.

Scent Patches / Blockers — A small, circular patch applied over the gland. These are usually wafer thin and nearly translucent on the skin, but can be thicker depending on the need. These block a person’s scent. How much depends on scent strength. If someone is particularly stressed they can “burn” through the patch, and cause it to lose its effectiveness. These can cause irritation if worn for too long.

Scent Concealer — An oil or powder applied directly to the scent gland. This changes or mingles with the natural smell to work as either a blocker, enhancer, or even to present as a different dynamic. Some will also use it if they have an “unpleasant” smell.

Sympathy Cycles — Sometimes when a packmate goes into heat or rut, their other, same-dynamic packmates will join them. This is especially common around just-presenting pups, or if someone is experiencing a stress cycle. A sympathy cycle can also trigger around a stranger. (And sometimes pups will have sympathy cycles with a parent or packmate they’re close to.)

Stress Cycles — When someone experiences a great upheaval or stress, they can be catapulted into heat/rut. It’s thought that this is meant to call/rally pack to comfort or protect someone. It may also happen to attract pack, if someone has gone without one for too long.

Feral — Like a stress cycle, a feral state is triggered by great upheaval or stress. It’s more likely if the stress is life or pack-threatening, or caused by overwhelm. Some people are more likely to go feral / go feral more regularly. Some people never experience a feral state. Instinct takes over completely. Someone who is feral can usually be coaxed from the state by a packmate—but packless people require more special care.

»masterlist«

[ a non-exhaustive list of headcanons surrounding pups~ additions may be edited in or added with reblogs ]

A pup’s dynamic is known early—sometimes from utero, but definitely from birth. There may be some confusion between alpha and beta boys, or beta and omega girls, but scent usually clears that up.

Pups, especially those from multi-births, are born a little smaller than IRL babies. They grow fast, though—though said growth can make them very fussy :( Their parent or packmates purring against them eases the pain, though, soothing them.

They have a hard time generating and retaining body heat for the first three months, which means they need lots of cuddles.

Pup’s noses are especially strong, and thus are more keenly aware of even subtle shifts in scents. They’re very wary around new scents. They easily become overstimulated by smells. Sometimes a particularly strong scent will make them sneeze.

Play fighting is common, especially among baby alphas. It can get a little too rough sometimes, though.

Pups often tend to explore things with their mouths, leading to a lot of biting even outside of teething. While this is good for building jaw strength, it often leads to a lot of biting things they aren’t supposed to.

Biting toys are common.

Pups nibble on each other and their older packmates to show affection. Unfortunately, they’re not always good at judging force, or teeth sharpness.

I saw a post on twitter about alpha pups being clingy towards their dams (particularly if they’re an omega), and I love it. They growl at “intruders”—which can include their other parent / packmates or strangers. They get bad separation anxiety, which can make the first day of preschool / kindergarten super tough 🥺

Conversely, (inspired by the same tweet as above) omega pups may cling to a specific parent, but also tend to just be clingy / cuddly in general. All they want to do is snuggle!

Beta pups are slightly more independent—though some can be clingy or cuddly!—but are often prone to wanting to wander around / explore their new surroundings as a result.

Nap time is taken in puppy piles / a communal nest. Pups will bring a blanket and/or pillow and/or stuffed toy from home to use in the nest. In sleep they all end up curling together / on top of each other; the room filled with soft, content purrs before they peter off into true sleep.

Recess can be chaotic, especially with puppies who like to tussle. Sometimes older students will volunteer to help monitor and make sure no one gets hurt.

Presentation happens around 12 to 15. Delayed presentations aren’t unheard of, especially in unsafe environments. The first fertile cycle generally happens between 17 and 19, though again, delays aren’t uncommon.

Presentations being hormones and instincts to the fore, and are very tumultuous for everyone. A presenting pup will often latch onto an older pack member during this time, and become extremely clingy.

Puberty is also when abilities develop. Sometimes alphas will slip into command on accident, when frustrated or mad. Omegas will find themselves using suggestion when sleepy or upset. Beta’s scent slides all over the place. They may unconsciously mimic their packmates, friends, or crushes.

Scents also fluctuate just in general, growing stronger and losing the milky edge of early puphood. Some days they can be oppressively strong, causing pups to burn through scent patches.

Some pups get particularly protective and/or fussy over their nests, not letting anyone—even younger packmates—in.

All three dynamics also grow their adult fangs around this time. I’m unsure if these fangs replace their baby fangs, or if they develop a second set which can be extended.