BIRTH

A wolf pregnancy lasts six months, and the children are born in human form. Children age rapidly. On average, it's about twice as fast as humans. In the early stages, it's more.

Example: a 3-month-old is equal to 8-month-old. A 1-year-old can talk and be potty trained.

Wolves start school at 1.5 years old and graduate at 13, equal to an 18-year-old.

COA (Coming of Age)

Coming of age or emerging is what it's called when they shift for the first time. This happens between their 13th and 14th birthday.

Once they graduate from school, they spend this year in physical training and testing to see where their strengths are so they can choose a vocation that suits them.

Once they shift, they spend several months learning to control shifting as well as the temperament of their wolf. The wolf also learns its boundaries and what is permissible, including the laws.

The human side and the wolf side are not different entities. They are one being with two different personalities that communicate with each other through emotions and thoughts. They don't exchange words but can relate memories if one side is unconscious and the other has control. The wolf can speak through the human but is typically just sounds of growling, whimpering, or cries. In the event it is spoken, it's usually a mixture with the human voice.

The human side has the ability, if appropriately trained, to control the wolf side fully - and vice-versa if they are born wild or live in an abusive pack when their wolf emerges.

RIFTERS

When wolves have more control and are the primary, they are called Reverse Shifters (RIFTERS).

Rifters are only allowed in human communities if trained by the Mahani and given permission by the Council. If one breaks the law, it is sent to the Mahani for training unless it is feral, which is when the human side no longer exists. Ferals are put down once a Mahani has confirmed that the human side is gone.

DEATH

A wolf's life span is typically around 90 to 100, and death is due to their bodies giving out from old age.

Because of wolf healing, which kicks in after they shift, most wounds and diseases do not become fatal unless existing damage was present from childhood or if the damage is severe.

Unlike most books, silver does nothing to them. Only drugs made for werewolves will incapacitate them.

Most wolves die from decapitation or their necks ripped out by another wolf. They can die from internal injuries if the bleeding is faster than their healing.