Overview
Wild dogs operate as a large, close-knit family that is lead by the alpha pair, called the Moyo (when calling the Moyo by name, it is considered polite to use -moyo as a suffix, i.e.: Masomakali-moyo, Jiona-moyo). They are nomadic packs, never staying for too long in one place. Their relationships with the various lion prides is not overly friendly, not overly hostile – it is understood by all that when the come into a territory, they will not stay long, and so pose no real threat.
Wild dogs do most everything as a family unit, each fully aware of the other members’ strengths and weaknesses (as well as their individual whistles) so that they run like a well-oiled machine. Smaller prey can be hunted individually or in pairs, but for all of the large takes, the pack works together. Wild dogs are brutal killers, gutting their prey before they kill them rather than snapping their necks or tearing at the throat of an animal like big cats normally do. After feeding, it is tradition for the entire pack to travel to a water source, if one is not already nearby, to drink together. As soon as a member is old enough (usually early adolescence), they are expected to participate in hunts. The first hunt of a wild dog youth is a happy occasion and used as a transition between childhood and adulthood, the position of that member in the pack’s hierarchy having already been established a short time before the event. The only difference between this hunt and the normal hunts of the wild dogs is that the new “adults” are given leadership positions. Pups are not allowed to hunt prior to this initiation, but it is not uncommon for them to practice before hand in order to impress the pack.
Although a loving, familial bond binds all of the members of a wild dog pack together, there are also strict rules. Disobedience is frowned upon and punished in an often severe manner. The punishment is left up to the Moyo and usually has something to do with the crime. After a member disobeys the rules of the pack or the direct order of the Moyo three times, they are expelled from the pack and treated as if dead.
Fights are uncommon in the wild dogs in regards to determining hierarchy. Any member being injured is unwanted, since all participate in hunts and guarding dens and pups. There are generally more males than females in wild dog packs; members may leave of expulsion or of their own choice, but if they leave without the blessing of the Moyo, they are treated as if dead.
Hierarchy
Male Moyo: the Maji
The male Moyo is the head of his family, and usually the father of many generations of true . He leads the pack in its travels and decides when and where to sleep and hunt. The personality of the Maji colors the entire pack. A strict Maji may demand even more discipline than is traditional, while a more lenient and and softer one may let minor infractions slide or be more arbitrary in dispensing justice. Maji are in power until they die. If a new Maji is not chosen by the old before he dies, one rises out of the Sahihi-Mtoto, and is usually the oldest or most highly favored among them. A new Maji, if he is a child of the Moto, will replace her with a female he is not related to within the pack, or find a female from another wild dog pack. If he is not related to the old Moto, he will retain her until she dies, and then seek a new mate.
Female Moyo: the Moto
The female Moyo is the only female who breeds, and it is usually with the male Moyo. However, junior males who are not her biological children occasionally express interest once they become sexually mature, and may father cubs. Despite this monopoly on breeding, it is the male Moyo who holds the majority of the visible power, though the female Moyo has significant influence on his decisions. Because it is a family unit, wild dogs are careful not to interbreed – this is one of the things the Moto is in charge of overseeing, and so acts as matchmaker when needed, though this is rare. Moto are in power until they die.
Mtoto (plural: Watoto)
Each member of a wild dog pack is a Mtoto (child) of the Moyo, regardless of blood. They are expected to treat the Moyo with the same respect that a child would its parent. All of the Watoto are considered equal in the eyes of the Moyo, though they have an unofficial hierarchy among themselves. The Moyo quietly recognize this when giving out assignments and jobs. This hierarchy is not a result of bloodshed, but skill, and is largely yet indirectly influenced by the attitude of the Moyo toward their individual “children.”
Sahihi-Mtoto (plural: Sahihi-Watoto)
These are “true children” of the Moyo (direct children of both the Maji and the Moto), and are referred to as such. The title has no official preferential treatment or higher rank attached to it – the Moyo could favor a Mtoto over a Sahihi-Mtoto, though they may incite some resentment. The actions of the Sahihi-Watoto are watched more closely by all the other members of the pack, and so they normally excel, not wanting to let down their family members. An older generation of Sahihi-Watoto is seen as slightly lesser than a younger one, because so much emphasis is placed on raising and protecting pups.
Beliefs
Wild dogs do not believe in any spirits, gods or afterlife.
Packs
There is currently one wild dog pack on Kalahari, led by the Maji Amri-moyo. For information on joining, please contact Amri in-game or speak with Ahali.