Arietes Culture
The Oak
The Oak is at the center of everything the Arietes do. It is something many worship and revere. While no wolf knows exactly how the Oak came to be, there are stories written of a wolf born with magic in their bones, and with horns on their head that grew lonely one day and began to create a swirl of energy in a dying oak tree. Despite this only being a story, many still believe that a wolf did create the energy inside of the Oak, whether it's true or not is another things all together.
Society
Arietes do not follow normal pack dynamics - there are not even packs within their society. The society of the Arietes is complex and ever changing, with groups of wolves believing in sticking to tradition, while other groups believe that there should be change. Much like humans, many Arietes within the society tend to find jobs or hobbies that interest them. Intelligent creatures, some Arietes choose to be scholars and study, while others may take up crafting and make jewelry or leather pieces. Along with this, some wolves choose to stick to the land that the Arietes have claimed as their own, and others venture out and leave completely.
In recent years humans have slowly made their way into the world of these wolves, bringing with them new ideas and discoveries, but also controversy over whether or not they should continue to be allowed to enter the land.
In recent years humans have slowly made their way into the world of these wolves, bringing with them new ideas and discoveries, but also controversy over whether or not they should continue to be allowed to enter the land.
Markings
Arietes believe their markings are what connect them to the Oak, and so are highly prized among the wolves. It is because of this that many like to show-off their markings, and those that hide or cover any are often seen as strange or oddities. No Arietes has markings like another, and Arietes that have little to no markings are often outcast by the majority.
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There is also often controversy over what is considered an actual 'marking' among the Arietes. A majority of Arietes agree that all markings that have a 'hard-edge' are actual markings, while many believe that those that blend/have a 'soft-edge', or seem to be a part of a wolf's base-coat are not. To the left is an example of a dominant sable marking. This is something many would argue is not an actual marking due to it blending with the lighter tone on the lower half of the wolf, or looking as if it is actually the base coat. |
Adornments
In the culture of the Arietes, wolves that adorn themselves with accessories or jewelry are often seen as ones that do not care to stick to tradition. Since it is believed that the markings one has on their body are sacred, covering them with anything is taboo. Wolves that do wear accessories are often times more accepting of outcast, and do not adhere strictly to the old ways - sometimes even going as far as saying that the Oak is not important at all. Many of these wolves also adorn themselves with the belief that the more they wear, the higher they are in the Arietes society.