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The Switchback Forest Pack Originally established by the Psi-wolves, The Switchback Forest Pack has since grown to include many individuals outside of these unique lycanthrope's immediate species. They have a tendency to take in stray canines of any type, and are drawn to other psychics as well, lycanthrope or otherwise. They tend to be wary of individuals outside of those two categories, however, and the psi-wolves remain a largely private group within Sanctuary. The Burrow The vast majority of the Switchback Pack share a home deep within the Switchback forest they call The Burrow. In the winter, it would be easy to mistake The Burrow as another snow covered hill. It's well hidden in the landscape, its bottom half dug into an actual hill, while its top half is made from earth colored cob. The winter snows hide it well, and in the summer, the pack allows grasses to grow over the roof, equally obscuring the house from sight. The Burrow consists of one large mound, and is flanked on either side by two smaller mounds. Squat arches at the base of the mounds allow entrance, as well as pleasantly sheltered areas in nicer weather. The inside of The Burrow's curving architecture is full of woods, cob, and stone, and feels almost cave-like in a cozy sort of way. The largest of the three domes, which is the main part of the house, has a bottom floor and a loft-like area up a set of stone stairs. There's a wide mouthed fireplace on the bottom floor, around which a few battered couches and many large pillows are strewn. This tends to be where the pack gathers to relax, and they can be found in wolf form as often as human form here, thus the pillows. There's almost always a crackling fire going. The loft above is built more for human bodies, though it could certainly take the weight of the smaller of the wolves too. Here is the kitchen and communal eating area, which is fairly mismatched in terms of furniture, an old wooden table here, a bench here-- but all in good condition. The space is lit by a fair amount of glowstones, suspended above in an old repurposed fishing net. There are a few bedrooms tucked throughout the house. One or two small ones just off the Main Room, and another few near the greenhouse and workshop. But the majority of the bedrooms are within the left 'hill' of the house. There are two floors, but still more psi-wolves than bedrooms, so many opt to share with the wolves they are most comfortable with. The pack is slowly working on expanding their home, and another set of hills is being built up opposite of the first three-- though likely it won't be finished until next summer. The upper floor of the right 'hill' is a greenhouse, its windows carefully obscured from view by a strategically planted cluster of trees. There is a small bathhouse in miniature just off of this, capable of fitting maybe one or two people at a time, or one of the larger wolves alone. The waters are heated over the course of the day by the sun coming through the glass, and a little extra warmth from a fire beneath. The bottom floor of this area serves mostly as storage and workspaces for the various residents of The Burrow, whose activities vary. |
Pack Members Canine shapeshifters who many not otherwise have somewhere to go when they arrive in Sanctuary are often approached by the Pack and offered a place to stay temporarily at The Burrow, as are fellow psychics. They are given a trial period to see if they click well with the rest of the group, and if they do, they're offered a more permanent spot among the pack. *Note that some of the adoptables have working titles instead of names to allow those who adopt them to name them what they like. Most other aspects of adoptables are also up for negotiation. The Watcher (Adoptable)
Playby - Reece King Abilities: All General Psi-Wolf Gifts, Remote Viewing Telepathy Details: Medium Will Strength, Long Range Abilities Dimensional Origins ::Technology Level Modern:: Magic Level Mundane :: Earth or Earth-like :: The Watcher was one of the few free psi-wolves that was found along with their pack and invited to Sanctuary from their own world. The Watcher's original pack comes from a world that they were also not native to. Captured with a group of others long ago and taken from their home universe, The Watcher's ancestors escaped into a new world that did not know magic and whose wilds were shrinking. These now long gone psi-wolves learned to adapt to their new home, in part because of the gift that has been passed down along The Watcher's family line for generations. The Watcher uses their remote viewing and long range communication abilities to warn the pack of the devastating magical 'Crackle Storms' that ravage Sanctuary, among other dangers. When The Watcher's howl goes up, the rest know to retreat to safety. Wordbank duty, legacy, prophetic warnings, restless feet, lonely wilds, heavy burdens, bighearted, free, intelligent, standoffish, stealthy Likes tennis, card games, theatre, charity work, M&Ms, biscuits with jam The Hunter (Adoptable)
Playby - Pooja Mor Abilities: All General Psi-Wolf Gifts, Dowsing talents Telepathy Details: High Will Strength Dimensional Origins ::Technology Level Modern:: Magic Level Mundane :: Earth or Earth-like :: The Hunter comes from the same pack as The Watcher and The Ghost. They were and still are an excellent tracker and hunter, aided by their dowsing talents. With The Hunter around, the pack is never without fresh meat or water to sustain them. The Hunter is younger than most, but they're quick and scrappy and they have an uncanny talent for determining the weak points of an opponent or prey. Unlike many in the rest of the pack, The Hunter enjoys hanging out and socializing in Sanctuary, and doesn't seem as standoffish as other psi-wolves from the rest of society. This is less because they are more trusting, and more because The Hunter knows that they can take care of themselves. Wordbank sharp teeth and sharp knives, warrior, early bird, respecting one's opponent, thrill of the chase, banter and bruises, brutal honesty, tireless Likes has a weakness for sitcoms, escape rooms, hiking, good food, photobombing, jigsaw puzzles, soup, fancy ice pops The Ghost (Adoptable)
Playby - Calin Sitar Abilities: All General Psi-Wolf Gifts, Heightened Telepathic Abilities Telepathy Details: High Will Strength Dimensional Origins ::Technology Level Modern:: Magic Level Mundane :: Earth or Earth-like :: The Ghost comes from the same pack as The Hunter and The Watcher. While The Watcher kept an eye out for danger and The Hunter supplied what the pack needed physically, The Ghost was present for when everything went south. It was The Ghost's job to erase or alter the memories of those who stumbled upon too many of the pack's secrets. It was also their job to lead the charge in taking down any psi-wolves who went wrong. But when The Ghost wasn't practicing their grimmer duties, they also acted as a sort of unofficial pack parent, a shoulder to cry on or someone older and wiser to go to for advice. They are the oldest surviving member of their origin pack, though they are not quite the eldest in Sanctuary. Their wolf form is about 5'6" at the shoulder, which makes them fairly large. Wordbank secrets, doing what must be done, hard choices, parental figure, speak softly and carry a big stick, kind hearted, shrewd, thoughtful Likes sailing, rubix cubes, camping, cycling, horseback riding, steamed puddings, chocolate cake The King Killer (Adoptable)
Playby - Theresa Fractale Abilities: All General Psi-Wolf Gifts Telepathy Details: High Will Strength Dimensional Origins ::Technology Level Medieval:: Magic Level Semi-Common :: Earth or Earth-like :: Once there was a wolf who was held captive by a monstrous king. The wolf and their like were forced to work, hunt, and fight for his entertainment. But the clever wolf slowly learned the ways of the court, and through silvered words and careful dances eventually worked their way to a position at the king's side, where one day when they were alone, the wolf reared up and bit the king's throat out, freeing themselves and their fellow captives from the tyrannical lord's hand. From then on out the wolf was known as The King Killer. The King Killer led the other wolves away from the kingdom of their birth, into the wilds where they hoped they could be safe. But to take another sapient life, particularly in such an intimate way tends to leave scars on a psi-wolf, and some say the King Killer has never quite been the same since. The King Killer is aloof and not one for mincing words, but they've killed for their pack and despite the great price paid for it, and they'd do it again in a heartbeat. They're nothing if not loyal to their family. The King Killer's wolf form is about 5'7" at the shoulder. They have a skill for moving unusually quietly. It's rumored that they did some assassin work to earn coin for their pack before coming to Sanctuary, but if this is true, The King Killer hasn't said anything on the matter. It would be a harrowing career, particularly for a psi-wolf, but perhaps once one has one terrible scar, it becomes easier to tolerate others. Or perhaps the rumor is just that: a rumor. Wordbank The weight of words, haunted pasts, regrets, strength in family, the taste of blood, court life, know your enemy, the rise and fall of kingdoms, secret soft spots, skin of ice but heart of the sun Likes Gardens, quiet walks in the moonlit snow, weapons practice, roast peafowl, making her own oils and perfumes, the sea The Fool (Adoptable)
Playby - Colin Morgan Abilities: All General Psi-Wolf Gifts, Beginner to Mid Magic Skills Telepathy Details: Medium Will Strength Dimensional Origins ::Technology Level Medieval:: Magic Level Semi-Common :: Earth or Earth-like :: This wolf was The Fool for a tyrant king, taught sleight of hand by the king’s retiring court magician and perhaps a little more than that as well. The court magician had been captured as a young man and forced into the king’s service. Once the apprentice of a real magician, the court’s magician longed for vengeance for his slain master, and all those long years he honed his craft in secret, though he was never able to exact his justice. Now too old, the court magician saw promise in the young psi-wolf instead, and taught them everything he could before he passed. The Fool played their part as entertainer and social scapegoat, and when it came time, The Fool helped The King Killer rise to their position by the king’s side, and fed them the information they needed to get him alone. After all, when you’re a nobody, no one pays much mind to what they say around you. In more peaceful times, when the pack finally found itself free, The Fool took to earning coin for them by performing their magic tricks in the streets of cities, and occasionally by winning bets and competitions. As The Fool is a younger wolf, their wolf form isn’t much bigger than your average wolf. Wordbank Deflection through humor, real magic disguised by fake magic, the advantage of being nobody, showmanship, conspiracies, court life, masks Likes Performing, Studying magic, a good red wine, bright costumes, lively music, playful competition, outsmarting the wealthy, prank wars, archery The Falconer (Adoptable)
Playby - Tony Thornburg Abilities: All General Psi-Wolf Gifts, Animal Speech (Birds Only) Telepathy Details: Medium Will Strength Dimensional Origins ::Technology Level Medieval:: Magic Level Semi-Common :: Earth or Earth-like :: The Falconer is a soft spoken individual who prefers to be left out of noisome congregations or busy celebrations. Like the King Killer and The Fool, the Falconer was forced to serve under a wretched king, but learned early on that the best way to avoid bad days was to learn how to conveniently vanish when company arrived. The Falconer enjoys the company of their birds mostly, but also can be persuaded to enjoy a quiet conversation with those who know how precious silence can be. Despite their reputation for keeping to themselves, they’re one of the more active of the psi-wolves when it comes to rescuing newcomers from the teeth of the wilds. The Falconer is working in tandem with the Sunbirds on breeding and training several of the native birds found in Sanctuary, but also has a breeding pair of firebirds they smuggled with them when the king was slain. They are gifted with foxfire plumage and glow a ghostly green when alight. The Falconer is also one of the few Psi-wolves to have a house in town, which the pack tends to use as a home base during Crackle Storms. It’s an old bower that was gifted to The Falconer by the Sunbirds, who enjoy The Falconer's company quite a bit. It's located at the far end of the Fireside Market. Wordbank Quiet company, crackling fires, the smell of feathers, the one who carries the backpacks when everyone else wants to ride the rollercoaster Likes Their birds, Sunbirds, more birds, the crisp feeling of freshly frozen snow, the way the sun falls in the early morning, quiet meals with friends, meaningful work, hunting Chester Birdwhistle (Adoptable)
Playby - Chris Geere Abilities: All General Psi-Wolf Gifts Telepathy Details: Medium Will Strength Dimensional Origins ::Technology Level 1940s Era:: Magic Level Uncommon/Hidden :: Earth :: Chester is a quiet man, originally from the UK. He's an acute observer and has an eidetic memory, which made him invaluable, particularly for spy work, long before he became a psi-wolf. He also has a bit of an artist's eye, and while he mostly drew and painted for work during the war, he enjoys the opportunity to do so for pleasure now. Rusty and he share a particular bond, as it was Rusty who gave him the Wolf's gift after he found Chester injured on the field. His wolf is a large silvery white specimen, but not unbelievably large for a natural wolf. Gordon Fernsby (Adoptable)
Playby - Reggie Yates Abilities: All General Psi-Wolf Gifts, Possession Gifts Telepathy Details: High Will Strength Dimensional Origins ::Technology Level 1940s Era:: Magic Level Uncommon/Hidden :: Earth :: Before the war, Gordon kept and bred pigeons as a hobby, and even dabbled in some racing. During the war, this talent came in handy, landing him as a Pigeoneer of training and caring for messenger pigeons. Gordon's pigeons were the fastest, the smartest, and had the highest rates of success and were often in high demand. After Gordon became one of the wolves, those same pigeons gained an entirely new use. The gift came on slow at first-- Gordon would have flying dreams which seemed impossibly real-- in fact, they were almost as if he were awake. He could decide where he would fly, how high, how fast, and sometimes he would hear things in his dreams if he landed near people, things that turned out to be strangely accurate later when he woke. Gordon eventually figured out that he was possessing the bodies of his pigeons when he slept, and suddenly their odds of getting messages through skyrocketed as a result, not to mention the other uses of such a talent. Gordon could possess other animals as well, and with enough effort, even people sometimes, but he has found that those he has a strong bond with are the easiest, thus the pigeons. Gordon managed to arrive with three of his original messenger pigeons, but has also begun breeding some native species, particularly a flock of white Rock Doves that he's very fond of, particularly since they're impossible to see against all the snow. Gordon's wolf is dusky brown with a tan undercoat and is about the size of a pony. He was turned fairly early in the war. While not something previously open to him because of the era he lived in, Gordon has begun to explore the idea of being non-binary. Leroy Thatcher (Adoptable)
Playby - Sullivan Stapleton Abilities: All General Psi-Wolf Gifts, Can See Ghosts Sometimes (It Sucks) Telepathy Details: Medium Will Strength Dimensional Origins ::Technology Level 1940s Era:: Magic Level Uncommon/Hidden :: Earth :: Leroy was the company's first wolf. He was the one who turned Rusty and well as Gordon, and he's a mean old survivor. Strange things happen to wolves who let themselves give into the animal side of themselves too much. Psi-wolves have a reputation for being a little spooky, but they're generally gentle in Sanctuary. They have a much older story, however, immortalized in grisly wood cuttings and nervously whispered stories over ancient cook-fires. Even the other Psi-wolves sense there's something not quite right about Leroy anymore. Powerful psychics and empaths, dealing so much death can drive a wolf just a little bit mad. Still, the old beast mostly keeps to himself, and outside of the occasional angry outburst, he hasn't really hurt anyone yet. He's very protective of his company, and somewhat protective of the rest of the wolves. Anyone else is probably fair game. If you're not of the Pack, it's probably best to give him a wide berth. Not all wolves sleep. Before the war, Leroy grew up somewhere in the midwest. He grew up breaking horses on a ranch, and when he got into the military he broke horses for them too. If given half a chance, he'd probably keep doing that in Sanctuary. Working with horses seems to bring him back to himself for a while. Leroy's wolf is big, about the size of a mid-size horse, and is shaggy grey. It's rumored that he was wolf long before the war, though only he knows how long. Robert 'Robbie' Sallow (Adoptable)
Playby - Ewan Mitchell Abilities: All General Psi-Wolf Gifts Telepathy Details: Medium Will Strength Dimensional Origins ::Technology Level 1940s Era:: Magic Level Uncommon/Hidden :: Earth :: Rusty is the baby of the company in age, but Robbie is their newest wolf, and is only older than Rusty by the slightest bit. Unlike the rest of the current company, Robbie first served on a ship rather than on land. He was also changed rather violently and accidentally when he went to wake a man he shared the ship with from a nightmare and found out that he was more than a man when he savaged him. The incident was covered up, and Robbie was sent to join the Wolves of Ossory. No one really knows what happened to the wolf who turned Robbie. Robbie is a white wolf with pale gold eyes, and is fairly small. He's known for being a little shy, and still has nightmares about the night he was changed. He's not much in a social contest of wills, but when it comes to the battlefield, he's never been known to run from a fight, even when sorely outmatched. He's also famous for his flapjacks, usually served with a side of fried SPAM when he can get it. Joan Loughty (Adoptable)
Playby - Yael Stone Abilities: All General Psi-Wolf Gifts, Long Range Telepathy Telepathy Details: High Will Strength Dimensional Origins ::Technology Level 1940s Era:: Magic Level Uncommon/Hidden :: Earth :: Joan is a woman perpetually done with the boys. She came to the company having already been a wolf for quite a while, and like Leroy, she was one of the army's first. At the time, Leroy had been injured and Joan was selected as a rather unconventional replacement, both for the company and for the army. She was a woman after all, but she was also the only other wolf available with enough experience under her belt to help a group of new and budding wolves learn to control their powers. In all fairness, Joan was used to running missions solo and wasn't too pleased about the arrangement either. There was a lot of mutual back and forth pushing for a while. At first they refused to take her seriously, and then they got it into their heads that their new fragile little flower needed protecting. That lasted only until the first sparring session, where she thrashed each and every one of them quite soundly. She gained their respect from there, and unfortunately some unwanted infatuation, of which she had no interest. Joan had already known love, the man who gifted her the wolf in fact, and she had lost it too. It was around this time that Leroy came back, which was a whole other mess. Eventually through time and battle the company learned to see Joan as one of the boys, maybe a little too much for her liking some days, but it's better than the incessant flirting or the insubordination. She acts as a sort of stoic big sister figure now for many of them, particularly since her age and experience allows her to keep Leroy in line when no one else can. Joan's wolf is about the size of a horse and is a soft grey color with a splash of white across the chest. Her ears are slightly more rounded than most wolves, and her eyes are a very pale yellow color. ▵ Arthur "Rusty" Donaughue ▵ Sofia Gladstone ▵ Aravana ▵ Crackle Storms The Pack has been petitioning for a while now for Hearthstones of their own. Unfortunately, no one knows how to make new ones and the ones protecting Sanctuary that already exist are very much needed in full. The area of the forest that The Burrow is in seems to be naturally protected from smaller Crackle Storms, but the Pack must still retreat to town during the larger ones, and mutated fauna and flora still remain a problem afterwards. Luckily, many of the older psi-wolves seem to be able to sense the storms before they hit, describing it like a feeling of heavy static within their bodies, and some can even warn of the storms as far as several days ahead, though several hours is more common. When a storm is detected, the wolves set up a howl, and the psychics reach out telepathically to warn the other members of the pack. These howls also often serve to warn the people of Sanctuary of oncoming storms too. Questions & Answers (Select to Learn More)
None, currently! Have a question about this group? Ask Jabber for an answer! Joining Up (Select to Learn More)
You're more than welcome to declare your character a member of the Switchback Forest Pack if they are a psychic or a canine of any kind. Characters outside of this must be adopted in character by an existing member of the pack, or you can talk to Jabber and we can hash things out. It's very rare that the Switchback Pack takes in individuals outside of these two groups. The Switchback Pack is full of psychics. Characters who act willfully evil, are highly unstable, or are overly aggressive are likely to be driven out of the pack. Psi-wolves are a highly empathic species who value balance in their group. If they aren't driven out, they may find themselves with the will of the entire pack bearing down on them. The Psi-wolves are a little more loose than most about their ethics surrounding telepathy and privacy, and they're not above altering dangerous individuals forcefully. OOC Info & Rules of Play (Select to Learn More)
This group was created by Jabberwookie! Please contact them for questions, concerns, and permissions. ▴Please acquire permission before playing any psi-wolves outside of the Agents of the Multiverse canon. Credit/a link back on character sheets and similar are not required, but appreciated. |
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