"Being a werewolf, an alpha more so, isn't about being aggressive over others but controlling yourself, the wolf's wild virus inside my DNA, and emotions that comes with the beast."

~Jazz Feylynn, Colorado State of Mind

Lycanthropes face many challenges in the modern world such as prejudices from others, legal limitations, process of adjusting to the changes that lycanthropy brings to one's life, and the inherent social draw that most animals have. As such, lycanthropes often gather in groups for strength in numbers and shared resources. Although each type of lycanthrope has their own rules and social structures, there are some roles recognized by all lycanthropes.

Leaders

Each group of lycans has its own leadership structure, however all lycan leaders are Alphas. The leader of a lycan group heavily influences what that group believes, how they behave, how they interact internally and externally, and who is drawn into the group. An imbalanced, insane, or incompetent leader will result in a dysfunctional group, although those within may not realize anything is wrong. These types of groups may attract individuals with their own issues which further perpetuates the situation.

Alphas

Some lycanthropes, dubbed "Alphas", have certain traits and abilities that elevate them above others. Similar to a Master vampire, Alphas are often able to exert their will over lesser lycans and true animals of their type. This ability can be used to force or prevent a shapechange in others, speed up healing, and enforce obedience to the Alpha's command. Their abilities extend to mastering their own shapeshifting as well.

Alphas take the role of leaders, protectors, and fighters in a group. While it is not always the case, it is not uncommon for an Alpha in a group to be viewed as a threat by other Alphas, or for others to believe there is a conflict brewing. The natural need to establish dominance and ranking within the group is most evident among Alphas.

Betas

Betas are the core of a lycan group, not as individually powerful as an Alpha, but outnumbering them. Their need for social structure makes Betas the ones that follow the rules, create order and routine within the group, and perform a bulk of the mundane work needed to support the group. Because understanding everyone's rank in the group hierarchy is important, even Betas will squabble to obtain their standing.

Betas give the Alphas a purpose by inspiring their protective instinct, and may find it difficult to resist the command of powerful Alphas. Because they do not view everything as a challenge, they are able to serve as advisors or ambassadors and handle sensitive political matters that would be too volatile if Alphas were involved.

Omegas

Omegas bring a softer edge to the group, inducing a soothing, calming influence on others. They are caregivers to the group, offering comfort and peace, prodiving an outlet for the torrents of mental and emotional turmoil, and welcoming new members to the group. Omegas allow a Beta to feel dominant without danger and Alphas to find relief and connection without feeling threatened. One key talent of some Omegas is the ability to take on the shift for another, a vital need for pregnant lycanthropes hoping to carry their child to term.

Although Omegas can be submissive, this is not a universal truth. They are not less, not weaker, not necessarily more timid, they simply have no need or desire for conflict or dominance. It is a serious offense to harm or abuse an Omega, although the definition of harm is relative to what the Omega is able, willing, and comfortable taking.

Rogues

Most lycanthropes belong to a group of their own kind. Those who don't, for whatever reason, are viewed as Rogues. Rogues lack the support system of the pack and must manage on their own.Each lycan group, each Alpha, will view Rogues differently. Some may be willing to form alliances while others will seek to kill these interlopers on sight.

Children

When a female lycanthrope becomes pregnant, she faces several challenges that have made it historically impossible for a woman to carry a child to full term. Chiefly, her own need to turn with each full moon exerts such a strain as her body twists and reforms that miscarriages are expected after the first trimester.

Ancient wisdom has begun to gain ground, resulting in more successful pregnancies. This process allows another lycan of the same type to take on the female's shapeshifting throughout her pregnancy, thus ensuring the welfare of the fetus.

Children do not have a rank within a lycan group, rather they are simply members that are to be protected and cared as would any family. All strains of lycanthropy can be inherited, but it cannot be confirmed whether it has been passed down to the child until they hit puberty and physiological changes trigger it. Children who do inherit lycanthropy from their parent(s) will be as newly infected lycans, but may have a better understanding of what to expect and have an advantage in understanding the group's social structures from being raised in it. Once the lycanthropy manifests, they will go through the same process of discovering their powers, struggling for rank, and shifting that all others do.