There are really only 2 rules that count in the Merwolfpack:
Rule #1:
Missy Good is the alpha wolf of the pack (Merwolf) and as such is the
leader of the pack in all ways. Where Merwolf leads we follow. What
Merwolf says goes. (And we like it that way!)
Rule #2:
Merpups never hurt or flame other
Merpups. This is very important as we are a diverse pack and feel
it is very important that all pups feel
supported by the pack.
Follow these two rules and you will get lots of nuzzling from
the other pups. Speaking of nuzzling...
Mother pup (Gaia) has found that body language is an extremely important form of communication in the pack. Nowhere, however, has she found exactly what it means when one pup puts another in a headlock and gives him a noogie. Breadstick fighting doesn't seem to be covered either. Nor group slobbers. Although, all of these have been known to happen at one time or another.
Because of the current limitations of the online environment, present Merpup communication leans heavily toward the body language type rather than verbal. The following activities have been observed and translated:
- Spray painting each other in various colors - a form of playful activity that shows affection.
- Getting virtually drunk (usually by imbibing exotic drinks invented by one of the several bartenders on the Merchat list) - a way of bonding in cyberspace.
One of the primary forms of communication within a real life pack is through verbal signals. Even in the online world verbal signals are used by the cyberpack. Whimpering, growling and howling are common among the merpups. Here's some more info:
Wolves use several types of vocalizations for different purposes. They are:
- Whimpering - by mother to calm the pups
- Squeak - to call the pups
- Growl - in dominance disputes or aggressive encounters
- Bark - to alarm fellow pack members or challenge intruders
- Howl - to reunite pack members, solidify pack cohesion or defend territory
Mailing Lists
On the various mailing lists a merpup will often accompany
their name with a description, as in "Xana, the Font of Useless Knowledge
Pup." This description may stay the same for every post, or may change
as the situation demands. This is a very useful way of communicating
a merpup's emotional state or possible useful or useless skills.
A pup should feel free to ask questions about anything posted on the
list, and should never be critical of other pups (with the exception of
joking, which should be gentle) and a pup should try not to offend or be
offended. We are all friends here.
Pups are very supportive to others when it comes to Real Life. We
pride ourselves on our ability to be there for each other whenever
necessary. Here's some additional points of pup protocol for
emailing:
Merchat Rules
Now for those of you who have signed up for the Merchat
mailing list, this group has some additional rules to help manage
the wild bunch of pups that participate. This is by no means a
complete list as there are special rules for use of various items in
the wolfhole including the stereo and the waterbed. Again,
since the wolfhole/foxhole/bomb shelter was dug in mother pup's
backyard, here are some of her rules:
- No sharp objects for pups
- Pups may not drive the backhoe
- Don't do anything that will occasion the calling of police for any reason
- Never eat anything that is still moving.
- Never get a tattoo when you are drunk enough that you have to close one eye to see the choices.
- Never begin anything with other pups unless you have a safe word.
- Never try to win a flirting contest with Tanya the Bartender Goddess.
- Never try to shock your old Mother. It won't work. She'll just laugh indulgently.
Since the pack is a living thing, the rules will continue to grow and change. We will try to keep all pups fully informed of any changes to the above.
