The Grass Dogs Pack

## The Grass Dogs

This is not what my art usually looks like. I cannot draw on a computer.

## The Code Of Honor

### Code One

A Grass Dog must remain loyal to his/her pack even in troubled times, but must never be afraid to question the Alpha.

### Code Two

A dog only kills when their opponent kills. This code can be broken in desperate situations ONLY

### Code Three

A dog always believes in the spirits."The spirits are not here to solve our problems. They are dogs, just like us. They are here merely to guide our paws."-Victoria, first Alpha of The Grass Dogs Pack

### Code Four

A Grass Dog does not kill or fatally injure young, not even prey.This code can be broken in desperate situations.

### Code Five

A pup must be at least eight moon cycles to become a Grass Dog.

### Code Six

A pup must have the Fire Rock Ceremony before becoming a full Grass Dog.

### Code Seven

A dog must be at least 20 moon cycles before becoming Beta or Alpha.

### Code Eight

To become Beta or Alpha, a dog must take the Water Tests.

### Code Nine

A dog can not retire until they have reached 98 moon cycles.

Practices

* Do not chase animals for fun.
* Be respectful to prey, they had a life as well
* Do not needlessly injure plants or dig holes for fun. If it is in a tree, leave it alone.
* During an eclipse, lunar or solar, do not eat unless you are retired or a pup.

## Ceremonies

#### Star Test

When a pup is born, they are placed on Fire Rock. They are left overnight with the Omega to feed them. In the morning, the pack comes to bring them home. If the pup was visited by a spirit, they are welcomed as a Grass Dog. If not, the Alpha knows that the pup will become a lone dog or will be a traitor. Until this happens, they are not treated differently. The Star Test has been wrong in the past, but only twice.

"I have seen many young pups seated on that rock. It is my job to feed them, keep them warm. I am proud of my job. I remember the first time I had this privilege. I was afraid. The night was dark, and the rock was cold, but there I sat. The spirit was the most incredible part. I looked up, and saw a small black dog walking towards me. I had been a small pup when she died, but her squashed nose was so familiar... "Hello, Thistle." she said to me, and I was so happy. "Victoria! You are a Spirit!" I said. She licked the pup's fur, and I knew that it would no longer need me to survive. It had the Spirits, and that was what mattered. I have seen many of them, and I hope that soon another dog may have the honor of taking my place."

- Thistle, the Omega of the Grass Dogs Pack

#### Fire Rock

A pup that is at least eight moon cycles sits on fire rock. The Omega lights fire to the surrounding area. The pup must be brave enough to leap through the fire to safety. If the pup can make it though the flames, they are declared a full Grass Dog.

"When I was brought to the rock, the Omega lifted me up. He had sharp jaws, and they pressed into my fur. I was seated, and he called the Alpha. Firefly looked at me, and in a voice that sounded nothing like his own, he said "You must jump. Jump, little pup. You know what you have to do." I was frightened, but I didn't want to let it show. Finally, Thistle lifted a smoking Longpaw stick and set it into the dry grass. The fire grew quickly. I was afraid. I could hear Firefly barking, telling me to jump, telling me to escape. I leaped, and the fire scorched my fur. I rolled away, and a large mouth carried me over to the river. I let the water cool my fur, then I turned to see what would happen next. As I watched, something nibbled my foot. A large fish was biting me! I scampered out of the water and shook my fur."

- Sun, a hunter for the Grass Dogs Pack

#### The Rain Test

To retire, the spirits must decide if you have earned your rest. The dog who wishes to retire must sit on Storm Stone during a thunderstorm. The Spirits will stop the storm if the dog is worthy of rest. If they do not come, the dog continues to be a Grass Dog until the Alpha deems them ready to re-take the test.

## The Water Tests

### To Become the Beta

This test is similar to the Fire Rock and Rain Test. A dog chosen by the Alpha will sit on Sand in Water when the river is most wild. The chosen dog will be swept away if the water does not calm. The water will either slow, or move faster. If the dog is rejected as Beta, the Alpha chooses a new dog to take the place of the first.

### To Become Alpha

Most of the tests are a test of loyalty. But the final water test needs strength, so the pack can be sure that the Alpha doesn't get ill easily, or isn't able to lead the pack in battle. It is a difficult test, and few small dogs can pass.

The dog stands in quicksand. The Guards are there in case the dog is injured. The new Alpha lets their paws sink into the quicksand. Then they must pull themselves out of the water. If they are too stuck, they are pulled out by the guards, and have passed the chance.