Before humans ever set foot on Decade Island, the Salishi were found all over the island. They were the island’s apex predators, a unique subspecies of wolf only found on the island. When the base was established, Salishi wolves were captured or hunted to near extinction by the troops stationed on DI, for the administration feared they would disrupt research and posed a clear threat to the animals that they brought to the Island. This was mostly untrue, and quickly the only living Salishi became those that were captured and experimented on.

Modern Salishi wolves are almost all wolfdogs now, many have some minor modifications of some sort. The only pure Salishi wolves known to exist are Iudex wolves, and usually do not live in the pack. Despite mixed heritage, many Salishi wolves still hold onto their culture and history, as their stories and customs were passed to each other through their cramped pen gates. Salishi wolves are smaller than their Grey Wolf cousins. They have long legs, and thick looking bodies, partially due to their thick fur. Salishi wolves tend to grow thicker fur around their necks, giving the appearance of a mane. Their colorings are generally darker, and usually reflect their dog heritage to some extent.

CULTURE

Salishi are generally peaceful, and keep to themselves. They will offer food, shelter, and healing to other animals in need, but other than that tend to regard outsiders with caution and suspicion.

NOMADIC

Salishi wolves are generally nomadic, rarely sticking to one spot for very long. They tend to stay within a reasonable distance to Kaiser Peak in the North, but are rarely in the same area for more than a month or so. This is mostly due to the dwindling prey resources on the island.

ELDERS

Elders are held in high regard among the Salishi. They are seen as wise advisors, and keepers of the pack’s history. When a Salishi can no longer perform their pack duties, they will train under an Elder, learning their history and how to refine their storytelling skills.

ANCESTOR WORSHIP

Salishi worship their ancestors, who they believe live at the top of Kaiser Peak, and travel on the sea breezes. When a Salishi dies, their body will be brought near the peak where the Guide or another Elder will wait with them to join the Ancestors.

STRUCTURE

The Salishi believe all wolves are equal, but divide their pack based on roles. The Warriors and Singers are the two main groups of the pack, equal in standing and contribution to the pack’s survival.

PUPS

The arrival of new lives are a packwide celebration. Packmembers will be called to return to wherever they are based at the moment and will usually bring gifts of food or human trinkets found on their journeys to the parents and the pups. Raising pups is seen as a whole pack affair, and beyond birth pups generally see all older wolves as parents as they all contribute to the training and raising of the pups.

MATES

When the Salishi were split into numerous groups around the island, arranged unions of wolves would be used to keep peace. Since the Salishi are now only one major pack, unions are no longer politically or culturally significant. Wolves may mate with any other Salishi, and form unions if they wish to do so, so long as it is only with other Salishi. Salishi who take mates with those not of Salishi heritage are either exiled or considered Forsaken.

STAR

The alpha, chosen by the Ancestors. They make the final decisions on all pack matters, though usually will consult with the Guide first.
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GUIDE

The head Elder, generally acts as a beta. They do not hunt or engage in combat due to age, but they are the main advisor for the Star. They initiate holy ceremonies and bring the dead to Kaiser’s Peak. They are the only one other than the Star allowed to ascend to the mountain’s top.
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ELDER

Salishi that can no longer carry out their usual pack duties or travel long distances. They are believed to be able to commune with the Ancestors (with the help of Ka’ahlwi mixtures), and advise the Star and other pack members.
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HEAD HEALER

The healer is the wolf in charge of healing Singers and the welfare of the pack. They are the only non-Elder who may commune with the Ancestors. Healers control and create Ka’ahlwi mixtures.

WARRIORS

As the name suggest, the Warriors are tasked with defending the pack. They are also in charge of maintaining security and training young warriors. Warriors always accompany hunting/scavenging parties, usually one or two at a time depending on how far the expedition may be.
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SINGERS

Singers are the bulk of the pack. They can fulfil many duties but tend to specialize in certain areas. Some singers work under the Healer, some specialize in hunting or scavenging, some are Denmothers, and some are Pathfinders. All Singers help take care of the Elders.

HEALERS
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HUNTERS
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PATHFINDERS
Pathfinders explore the island with the sole purpose of finding the next suitable territory to move to.
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DENMOTHERS
Denmothers take care and keep watch over the young, and contribute to the feeding and teaching of young pups. A Salishi is only a Denmother while they can produce milk, and will return to their previous position afterwards.
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