Much like the gods of Rise representing life and death, the founding lore of Rise centers around reincarnation, and what it means for a wolf to be in possession of its soul. It is traditionally believed that Anarket and Malaket loved their original mortal children so dearly, the gods cannot bear to be parted from them forever, and thus they are consistently returned to Rise, with new names and new faces, and mostly without memories from their past. A child may have once been a sibling, a grandfather, an ancestress—even an old, fallen enemy. Reincarnation is the ultimate act of love between Anarket and Malaket. Ferriers—those with Anarket’s blessing, the power to collect and ferry the souls of the deceased to leyline mouths—release their magical burden back to Malaket, who reclaims her mortal children and reshapes them into their next form. Souls do not always return as wolves, and they do not always return to life immediately after death. However, it is believed for those who lived vibrantly and truly, or for those with unfinished business that haunts them still, returning as a wolf is the highest honor Malaket can bestow.

Healing can be done without magic, utilizing plants and herbs found all over the land of Rise, but Healers have the magical gift to close wounds, soothe fevers, and make what is broken whole. This magical gift can only be given by Malaket to her most beloved acolytes. Healers are a highly-sought member of any pack; what group wouldn’t want to recruit the gift of restoring soldiers on the field of battle, or chasing away the risk of a fast-sweeping illness? Healers are revered, beloved, and sometimes hold as much sway as leaders and kings.

Ferrying is a magical gift that ties directly into the lore of reincarnation. Known more commonly by the slang term Griever, these wolves can sense death, collect souls, and are in tune with where the magic of Rise pulses the brightest. These areas are called leyline mouths, and souls can be returned to Malaket magically. Grievers, despite their mythological importance, are not always well-liked or trusted. Not everyone still holds with the old lore or belief in Rise’s gods; others understand the gods exist, but mislike their presence and sway over life and death. Grievers are not always welcomed, and are sometimes seen as charlatans, or worse, corrupt; after all, what proof is there that the soul of a lost loved one is being collected for a higher purpose like reincarnation?

Grievers and Healers may ally with any pack they choose, or remain solitary. They may bear children if they wish, but the children may not interfere with the oaths they’ve sworn to their gods. The ancient law of the land dictates that they are to be given free and safe passage over all of Rise, despite any territorial claims laid by packs, despite any alliances they have made, and despite any current conflicts, battles, or wars. It is the highest crime to harm a Healer or a Griever, or to prevent them from carrying out their holy work. Deceased wolves whose souls are left uncollected may become unmoored—they may find their way back to life again, or they may drift off, lost forever, which is an unfathomable punishment. Grievers are not to turn their backs on the souls of the dead; Healers are not to turn away from wolves who might yet be saved from death.

However, it is unclear if these powers, once bestowed, are ever removed by the gods, and there are dark tales meant to scare children of Healers who used their magic for harm, and Grievers who consumed the souls they were meant to protect…