Welcome to Canis Major

a wolf and animal rpg (role-playing game)

Canis is a writing community for play-by-post (forum-based), freeform roleplay set in a fictional dream world in the intrusion fantasy genre. Most characters on Canis are wolves; many play elements are focused around wolves and canids, but the world makes room for a large variety of other animal characters such as dogs, horses, cats, bears, deer, and many, many more.

Our community is focused on flexibility, creativity, and collaboration. That boils down to a few important features:

  • There is no set activity requirement to write
  • The setting and plot are member-created and staff-supported
  • The game is continuously improved to increase fun and decrease stress

Learn more in our Rulebook!

P
The fisherman fishes, the bakerman bakes


Morning Snow
#1
P
Elkshire
Ecologist
11-18-2021, 11:31 PM (This post was last modified: 01-29-2022, 09:53 PM by Aldritch. Edited 3 times in total.)

^^
Another day meant another adventure away from the den. The shy prince was now growing bolder as he wandered further away from the den, alone as he didn't bother to ask any of his siblings for companionship but instead turned his nose up at the mere thought of it.

Though bolder and more certain of himself, Aldritch still didn't talk very much to any of his siblings, mother or packmates. He was a recluse, keeping to himself as well as learning of the ungulates that his family loved so much. Instead, he kept everything internal, only speaking when he felt it was necessary to voice himself and instead chose to listen for the most part.

He followed the elk to the open fields, as they grazed on the dying grasses in autumn's chilling grasp as something new to his eye began fluttering down from the skies... little white things. His frowning face lit up at the sight as they danced all around in the tranquil air where no breeze blew them at an angle.

What are they? He thought to himself as the easily distracted boy began following every flake he found with his head tilted to the skies. Every one that landed on his nose would bring his eyes to cross against each other trying to focus on one... only for it to fade away immediately upon contact. The intrigue made his tail flutter with joy, swaying lightly as he pranced around in the field with the grazing deer paying him no mind.

The usually solemn prince was given new life as curiosity drew out his youth once more.
^^
the staff team luvs u
[Image: fornoki_widget_trade.gif]
#2
Adventurer
11-27-2021, 03:27 AM
Every day seemed to feel colder than the last, or maybe it was just the rain that did that. Once or twice he had caught cold dandruff falling from the clouds, but didn’t you need skin for dandruff? Did clouds have skin? Eugh, you know never mind he didn’t want to know that sounded disgusting and took away from how pretty they could be. Lately their mother had been leaving them to their own devices, something he seemed to like greatly, though surely some of their siblings would not agree.

Some of the younger ones were such cry babies or just annoying and clingy, he on the other hand would rather spend more time on his own away from prying eyes and the ever forming hold of his mother’s gaze. He wasn’t too sure why they had to spend so much time training. Nothing ever happened here. It was boringly peaceful, or so he believed. If there was something more exciting out there he wanted to see it.

It was still early in the day when the Elken colored boy slunk away from the den, some of their siblings still curled up fast asleep. He on the other hand wanted to see what laid beyond the meadows and woods. He knew of a mountain somewhere along the side of the range so maybe that would be his first target. Shortly into his venture though did a grey blotch spill across the lingering patches of white. Aldritch.

What are you doing up already? Edith or Warwick, sure, he excepted them to run off to find something cool, but Aldritch was one of the cry babies who usually clung to their mother’s hide for comfort and free food. It was pretty sad, or so he believed based on Remus’ reaction to the other kids when they were tasked with food. I mean, the rabbit was just laying there and they wanted to cry about how it wasn’t in their mouths instead? Vermillion probably asked mother to chew for her still too.

the staff team luvs u
#3
Ecologist
11-27-2021, 03:36 AM (This post was last modified: 01-29-2022, 09:52 PM by Aldritch. Edited 2 times in total.)
^^
With tall strides he was trying to lift up off the ground to catch the flakes as they fell from the heavens. They tasted like nothing if he had to be honest. They were a little cold on his tongue and nose but it quickly faded and left nothing to the imagination. But still there was a certain pleasure that came from catching them which had him continuously trying to catch another, and another until he would get too tired from chasing them - and maybe get a little lost while doing so.

But there was no time to get lost as a familiar voice called out to him and the little dark prince turned with an annoyed glare at his more "blessed" brother. “Nothing. Why?” Frankly he didn't want to tell any of them anything. If he was so different than they were due to their mother's bedtime story, then he would be out here proving his worth by any means necessary... even if it meant just catching as many of these white things as possible...

Okay that was not why he was doing it, it was just fun, but he was still young so give the little prince a break and let him play!

Somewhat annoyed with being caught, Aldritch would lift his head and purse his blackened lips with a little curl of his lip. He didn't want to challenge Calhound but at least come off as less of a little weakling he was months ago... No way was he going to keep being a pushover. “What are you doing here?”
^^
the staff team luvs u
[Image: fornoki_widget_trade.gif]
#4
Visionary
11-27-2021, 07:06 AM
Almost immediately did his brother turn, annoyance clear on his face as he glanced upon him with a glare and hid his activities with denial. Nothing huh? It looked like he was trying to attack the sky, though for what reason he couldn’t say. Seemed kinda silly. This white stuff didn’t hurt and they could easily stomp it under their paws even if it was kinda cold. Nothin’. Just wasn’t expecting to see anyone else out here. So defensive, yeesh.

It was true, his brother was considered cursed under the eyes of the high elk. A blight in their woods compared to his own fur or many of their siblings, but he was still…his brother. Even if it upset him that his siblings had to be looked down on by Him all while being connected, there was only a warning on his mother’s lips…he hadn’t…done anything yet. Yet. Maybe he could stop him from betraying the High Elk.

Just as quick as he had asked his simple question though, Aldritch would turn the question back to him with a bite to his tone. As he raised his head with a curled lip, Calhoun could feel his ears tilt back, sitting like horns of aggression much like his father unbeknownst to him. Getting away from mother. What else? Aren’t you tired of being babied? The high elk knew he was and he hadn’t even been the one crying in recent weeks. At some point his siblings had to feel ridiculous crying and begging all the time. Based on Aldritch’s reaction though…maybe he was starting to finally get it.

the staff team luvs u
#5
11-28-2021, 03:09 AM (This post was last modified: 01-29-2022, 09:52 PM by Aldritch. Edited 2 times in total.)
^^
Of course he was defensive - well Aldritch thought he had every right to be. Everything was just so unfair and he had the decks stacked against him from the very start. It was just so unfair and Calhoun would never be able to actually understand it, he might never care to even try. “Well, this time I'm here first.” So stop being surprised when someone else is up before you.

Of course, everything he thought was purely speculation. Purely fed by his anger and spite brought on by the injustice brought on by the mere stupid colouration of his pelt! It was quite likely even if Calhoun did tell Aldritch how he felt that the dark prince wouldn't listen or trust his words anyway. The only one he could really trust was the High Elk... only they could forgive him for the future transgressions he would commit - and hopefully avoid doing.

Tired of being babied? He was the less liked of the bunch. Even now he could barely remember it... the memories were faint but what he did remember was crying out a lot and not always being responded to. That their mom was too occupied with the other more favoured children and too busy to answer to the yearning cries of a newborn prince. Try as she might now to mend what was broken, the seams would never vanish and a scar would remain.

“Maybe you are, you're the favourite.” There was some clear disdain there. Not only was Calhoun too rough with Aldritch when they "played" to which he saw more as a torturous event of him screaming and crying for it to be over - but mother always liked him the best. And now because of that whole rabbit thing, even Remus, that asshole, liked Calhoun too.
^^
the staff team luvs u
[Image: fornoki_widget_trade.gif]
#6
Visionary
11-28-2021, 07:37 AM
Only more surprised by the continuously raising defensiveness, Calhoun tilted his head quick each way as he tried to assesses what the hell was biting Aldritch’s ass. He didn’t think he had done anything worth the grumpy attitude, at least not right now, so why was he being a stick in the mud. Thats… fine??? I don’t care if you were here first I was just surprised you’re up already. Why are you so grouchy?

Maybe he skipped breakfast, only the High Elk knew how crabby and aggressive they could all get when they didn’t have food. If Remus’ little tree training hadn’t proved that then he wasn’t sure what it would take to convince someone, but growing puppies didn’t exactly like being starved. You aren’t making sense. While he did like to believe he was a favorite amongst their large litter, that didn’t have anything to do with what he had asked or so he thought.

The plight on his brother’s mind was miles above his blessed head, but how would he ever understand. You could be a favorite too ya know. Maybe not in the same way as he or Warwick or even Edith, but so long as he picked up his shit then why not. He was grey and that was…troubling to him, but he hadn’t done anything yet. So that meant it wasn’t too late right? Maybe if he worked extra hard he could even get a blessed pelt like his more…favored siblings.

If you try harder in our training that’s probably a good start. Aldritch had been so quick to give up last time they were given a task and as a result he was forced to starve another day and go back at it the following morning. Taking a seat Calhoun let his rump slap down, a hind leg raising to scratch at the back of his head as a single eye squinted. The High Elk would like your effort for sure. Wasn’t that what made one…blessed? Doing well to please their god and supporting the family? If he was strong enough to protect the others then surely that would put him on a good path.

the staff team luvs u
#7
Visionary
01-29-2022, 10:04 PM (This post was last modified: 03-10-2022, 01:06 AM by Aldritch. Edited 1 time in total.)
Funny enough, Aldritch was always grumpy. He just never really expressed it as much as he did today. He was angry at everyone, every day, but only recently did he know why. It was all slowly making more sense to him as he grew older and listened to the adults in their whispers and mother and her "stories". “Sure, whatever.” The boy snorted at how casual his brother was being about all this.

“It's impossible for me to be the favourite and you know it!” The little boy's voice cracked in frustration, turning to face the brown pelted brother of his with fury burning in those large peachy eyes of his. “I wasn't born with white just like you, but instead, I'm this dark colour. But still, mom loves them more than me! You, Edith and Warwick the most!” The cat was out of the bag now. The boy didn't want to tell Calhound what was wrong, what was on his mind but there was little filter that had grown within his mouth during his younger days.

Aldritch would learn later to keep his mouth shut and internal thoughts to himself.

“No he won't.” The boy sneered angrily, wrinkling his nose just a little in a sign of distaste. The High Elk won't appreciate the same effort Calhound and the others would put in, Aldritch had to do something else. Something more to show his devotion. What that was he didn't know yet... but he would figure it out someday. “I can't be favourite but I can be something else.” This time his voice grew softer, almost plotting within himself but outloud.

the staff team luvs u
[Image: fornoki_widget_trade.gif]
#8
03-05-2022, 12:49 AM
Unknowingly he had just stabbed a bag weighted with sand, the contents pouring out vigorously as soon as the blade was removed. His brother turned snapped at him as he spewed on about favorites. Fine, not the favorite, does it matter? He never claimed that he would be number one. He knew that Aldritch wouldn't top him or their more blessed siblings, but that didn't mean he had to be a blight.

At least you aren't white. Mother said she would still love them even if they were, and some were, but they acted differently. Whimpy and weird and yet it was said to not be their fault. Predictions to come or...as he was starting to piece together...perhaps the faults of their parents. Mother skirted his questions, answering in ways that didn't feel like he was actually answered. He couldn't see a reason for her to avoid telling them. She had always answered their questions....still something felt different in his gut.

So be something else. Whatever, just don't mope about it. The High Elk cares for his children so do whatever to prove you're loyal and it will be fine. It's only a sin after you've done it. Whatever it was. Mother hadn't touched much on what would make one a sinner aside from harming the elk.

the staff team luvs u
#9
Visionary
03-10-2022, 12:56 AM (This post was last modified: 03-10-2022, 01:05 AM by Aldritch. Edited 1 time in total.)
Not anymore. The boy would say with a disgusted look pulled across his face. The boy held his head high over his shoulders, further as though trying to look down at Calhoun if at all possible. Perhaps, no, definitely at one time he would have adored to be favourited. To have gotten all the attention he had wanted as he whined and squirmed when he was nothing but a newborn; but as the child grew so did his resentment for reasons he did not completely remember.

But like a seedling, it was there. Growing roots into his soul. Twisting his thoughts and beliefs in ways that were perhaps not predicted. “And yet I am still despised. Pitted.” Whatever mother said her actions said differently. Her religious teachings and ways she looked at them all, he could tell, he could feel it.

“I don't need lectures from you, brother!” For some reason it irked him, even more, to think that Calhoun thought he knew more about the religion, about the High Elk even if they were all at the same lectures. Told the same thing. Or was he? Has Aldritch pulled away from some lessons simply for being the outlier? It didn't matter! “I will only listen and follow the High Elk.” After all, judging by their mother's actions and words, mortals were flawed. Twisting the words of the High Elk to suit their own needs.

Even he saw some pale markings among the Elkshire civilians. Cynefrid, Niklaus, Alcott. If they were like Aldritch, even worse as some had white on them, why would such cursed beings be allowed in the pack and not seen as lesser-than? Their siblings could be understood... they were birthed in the same litter, but even then. If he was in mother's position, perhaps Aldritch would have fixed them himself.

Perhaps sacrifices had to be made. The thought began to blossom within him. Sacrifices their mother was unwilling to take.

the staff team luvs u
[Image: fornoki_widget_trade.gif]
#10
03-10-2022, 06:30 AM
An itch of annoyance crawled his spine as his brother continued to shout at him. Not the most becoming of a prince, but then again he never was one to look up to. It was only once he clearly tried to look down on him that his ears would fall back like horns accompanied by a curl on his lip. He might have lectured him, but he did not look down on him. Following his brother's example, he too would straighten his spine, head arching to ensure he was never looked down on.

As you should. For once it seemed they would come to an agreement. He too had taken notice of the discrepancies around their home, the flaws in their lessons, their mother, or so he believed at least. Maybe it is best that you are not in Mother's graces. Not because of his color, not for the plagued ink he spilled on their name, no. She's not very consistent, is she? Several times now he found himself wanting more only to be left with confusion at their mother's explanation. If only he could speak with the High Elk directly to answer his concerns...

Whatever. He wasn't going to stand around and be yelled at for doing literally nothing. He had only been trying to help, but instead, he was spat on. It wasn't he who cast a scorn gaze, nor him who ignored the plight of his siblings. Maybe their fur was ugly, but it was not their fault as far as he was concerned. Not yet. Having said what little left there was to say he turned on his heels to leave. I am not your enemy, Brother. Maybe next time he would remember that.

the staff team luvs u
#11
03-23-2022, 02:11 AM
It seems they could agree on something after all. As prickled as the young prince was, Calhoun had some sense to him after all and not just so far up mom's skirt that he was blind to what was seen from the outside. “No, she isn't.” He replied with a much calmer tone. Even the hatred that burned within his orange hues faded as the talk simmered down.

“Then, what do we do now?” He asked, a rhetorical question mostly as he knew Calhoun would know just as much as Aldritch did in a time like this. They were too young and inexperienced to know what to do. Who to turn to other than fully turn to the High Elk himself and listen to his word in the wind.

“I felt lost at first but I find peace with the deer. What about you?” He wanted to see what Calhoun had done to deal with their confusion. With their lack of spiritual guidance from someone who was on the opposite spectrum than Aldritch was.

the staff team luvs u
[Image: fornoki_widget_trade.gif]
#12
03-23-2022, 03:31 AM
So he had finally hit a chord or something to get his brother to stop spitting his hatred at him. Blame him for his colors all he wanted, it was neither's fault they looked the way they did. The High Elk had his plans...and their mother, her's. Calhoun huffed at his brother's question. There was no way he could have the answer, but Aldritch likely knew that.

Wait and watch. That's what they had been raised to do, hadn't it? Unfortunately, he saw what he saw and now he could not tell what he should trust. I wouldn't share with anyone what you find. There's no telling who knows what and what might be fake. and unlike he, his brother was more likely to receive ire for any mistake thanks to his fur.

Honestly, some might consider him a sinner for what he had just shared. Perhaps it would be seen as aiding a sinner with his sins...but something just wasn't quite right. Plus... at the end of the day, it was still his brother. He may have a set path of sins before him, but maybe he could help Aldritch stay in the High Elk's good graces. The boy's lips scrunched as he sat on his brother's words.

For a moment his thoughts drifted to the dream he had beneath the tree while he had been watching the herds, but he thought it was best he followed his own advice. No one had to know about his dream until he was certain what it meant. I like watching them. Reddened eyes stared blankly at the blanket of white between them. Sometimes I note how they interact or how they look at us even though they're protected.

the staff team luvs u
scroll to top