The borderlands of the Kingdom of the Wolf are vast and untamed. With two powerful human kingdoms to the north, a vast, cold ocean to the west, bleak, frigid tundra to the south and uncharted wilderness to the east, the kingdom's wolvenfolk face many potential threats to their safety no matter where they are. While the alpha and the landmasters of each hold each keep large standing armies and every able-bodied wolf in the land can potentially be called upon as militiamen in a crisis, it is the tireless and often thankless efforts of the roaming border scouts that truly keep the nation safe. This network of intenerant watchmen patrol the outer reaches of the kingdom's territory, constantly on the lookout for threats, be they approaching enemy forces or impending natural threats.

In addition to their duty in securing the nation's perimeters, Border Scouts are expert trackers, guides and outdoorsmen, responsible for a variety of other tasks such as hunting down fugitive criminals, surveying sites for new settlements and escorting foreign dignitaries.

Although every wolf of sound body and mind receives basic military training when they come of age and the competence and fervor of wolvenfolk soldiers is spoken of with reverence among humans, the martial prowess of Border Scouts is the legendary even among the wolvenfolk. Often, they do not have the luxury of retreating to the nearest settlement to sound the alarm - a threat must be dealt with immediately, and Border Scouts must be adept with both sword and bow. Experts in guerilla warfare, trap-setting and the tactical use of terrain, the border scouts are the elite forward guard of any wolvenfolk military operation.

When a Border Scout senses he is gaining in years and losing in swiftness - and only a Border Scout can tell when this time comes - he will select an apprentice from among the most promising young trainees to serve as his replacement. The length of this training can last anything from a year to a decade, depending on the trainee and the tutor, but once a tutor feels their charge is ready, he or she is presented to the alpha themselves, who is the only one who may officially bestow the rank of Scout-Journeyman and induct them into the organisation.

Once a Border Scout retires, their services are much sought-after by landmasters and minor nobles as members of their personal retinue - a former Scout is an excellent tutor in the ways of the sword and the bow, and their competence as bodyguards is matched by few. Since their nigh-legendary reputation extends into human lands, they are occasionally even hired by powerful, eccentric foreigners.

To be the eyes of the kingdom, so that none shall be blind to the world's dangers.
To be the ears of the kingdom, so that none shall be deaf to the enemy's approach.
To be the teeth of the kingdom, so that none shall trespass without cost.
That is the Scout's Oath.

Wolvenfolk © Me

Art by  treats