View source for Wolgos Development From Birth to Adulthood

The development of a Wolgos from birth to adulthood is marked by distinct phases compared to humanity, a process shaped by their physiology, ancestry, and psychology that entirely shapes this hominid subspecies. Wolgos development, while distinct in many ways, still incorporates essential elements of bonding and nurturing that are critical to all hominid development. From birth, Wolgos infants receive care and protection from their parents, fostering a sense of connection and security. However, this nurturing is balanced with an early introduction to the values that are central to the Wolgos psyche and development, such as independence, self-reliance, and the cultivation of both physical and psychological strength. As Wolgos children grow, the focus gradually shifts towards these societal ideals, but the bonds formed in early childhood remain a crucial foundation for their ability to navigate the complex social dynamics that characterize their adult lives.

== Infancy (Birth to 2 Years) ==

=== Physical Development ===
Wolgos infants are born with a robust physical constitution after a longer gestation period of ten months. Unlike human babies, who are relatively helpless at birth, Wolgos infants exhibit more developed motor skills and strength early on, able to grasp and begin to crawl within days of birth. They are larger and more physically developed than human infants, typically measuring around 2 feet (60 cm) at birth. This greater physicality comes with increased discomfort for the mother in the final two months of gestation, as infant movement in the womb becomes more intense and frequent. Wolgos births are typically longer and carry a slightly increased risk of trauma to the mother due to the size and activity of the infant.

* Size at Birth: Wolgos infants typically measure around 2 feet (60 cm) at birth.
* Height at 2 Years: By the end of infancy, they generally grow to about 3 feet (90 cm).

=== Behavioural Characteristics ===
Wolgos infants do not cry as human infants do; instead, they produce monosyllabic utterances, such as a fast and repetitive "oh, oh, oh," to signal that a need is unmet. This vocalization likely evolved to avoid triggering the harm-inducing instincts of adult Wolgos, which could be provoked by cues similar to human distress. These loud utterances are crucial for signaling basic survival and bonding needs, and Wolgos parents respond to them with urgency and care.

=== Socialization ===
In the early months, Wolgos infants begin to explore their environment with a level of curiosity that often borders on defiance and aggression. This exploratory behavior is encouraged, as it sets the foundation for their later independence. Parental care during this period focuses on both meeting physical needs and providing a secure, emotionally supportive environment.

There is an early introduction to societal values of independence and strength, with parents creating a safe environment where infants are progressively encouraged to fend for themselves. This is done by adding manageable obstacles to the infant's efforts to meet their needs, such as placing toys or food just out of immediate reach to encourage them to move and problem-solve. As they age, these challenges are gradually increased.

By the age of six months, Wolgos babies can typically waddle and walk short distances, with their ability to move and explore growing rapidly as they develop.

== Early Childhood (2 to 7 Years) - Destructive Phase ==
As Wolgos children transition into early childhood, they enter what is known as the "Destructive Phase." During this period, children exhibit aggressive behaviors such as breaking objects, destroying toys, and causing harm to smaller creatures. This behavior is not merely tolerated but seen as a necessary step in developing their understanding of the world. Through destructive play, Wolgos children learn about power, consequences, and the physical and social limits of their environment.

* Height at 2 Years: Around 3 feet (90 cm).
* Height at 7 Years: By this stage, Wolgos children would be approximately 4.5 to 5 feet (135 to 150 cm) tall.

=== Social Interaction ===
Interaction with peers during this phase often takes the form of rough play and physical contests. Friendships are forged through these encounters, with children establishing early hierarchies among their peer groups. This is also when they begin to grasp the importance of dominance and submission, both of which are critical concepts in Wolgos society.

During this phase, interactions with caregivers are characterized by playful and confrontational defiance, including instances of physical aggression. This is a critical stage where Wolgos children learn to cooperate and negotiate with their caregivers and peers. Safe corporal punishment is employed not as a form of retribution but as a clear signal that cooperation and negotiation of boundaries must begin.

This period is marked by a cycle of punishment, discussion, and rewards, which collectively work to instil a sense of mutual aims and interests. The goal is to moderate behaviour and guide the child towards the next stage of development, known as the Constructive Phase.

For example, if a child indiscriminately kills a family’s chicks, they would be punished—not for the act of killing, but for failing to choose the right opportunity to do so. A parent may harshly discipline the child to convey the importance of timing and purpose, followed by a discussion to explain these concepts. As a reward and bonding experience, the parent might then take the child to kill and butcher a chicken for dinner, allowing the child to relish and enjoy the experience while satisfying their curiosity in a more controlled and socially acceptable context.

== Late Childhood (7 to 12 Years) - Constructive Phase ==
After the Destructive Phase, Wolgos children enter the "Constructive Phase." This stage marks a shift from pure destruction to a combination of creation and competition. Children begin to work together in groups to achieve common goals, whether it’s building something, organizing games, or engaging in more structured forms of play that still involve competition. However, the underlying drive for dominance remains strong, and these activities often serve as a platform for children to assert their social standing.

* Height at 7 Years: 4.5 to 5 feet (135 to 150 cm).
* Height at 12 Years: Boys grow significantly during this period, reaching around 6 to 6.5 feet (180 to 195 cm). Girls also grow but remain shorter, around 5.3 to 5.5 feet (160 to 165 cm).

Wolgos girls begin to refine their skills in social interaction and manipulation. They form tight-knit cliques and engage in psychological games designed to establish and maintain their social status. These behaviors are not seen as negative but are instead encouraged as part of the natural development of a future Wolgos leader or influencer. Mothers or older sisters typically mentor girls during this stage, treating them as protégés and advising them on how to navigate the complexities of female social interactions. They encourage girls to gossip, play mind games, forge strategic friendships, and take care of their appearance, all of which are considered essential skills for success in Wolgos society.

Wolgos boys, on the other hand, continue to engage in physical contests, though these become increasingly strategic rather than purely forceful. They begin to develop their understanding of group dynamics and leadership, learning to balance strength with cunning. Boys form small gangs and work on childhood projects such as making pocket money, building dens, or engaging in complex forms of creative play. This is an age where boys frequently fight and get involved in physical altercations. These behaviours are often channelled into martial sports like boxing or competitive activities such as Xorgis, which are designed to hone their physical prowess and strategic thinking.

=== Engagement with Animals ===
During this phase, Wolgos children, particularly boys, often retain a natural urge to kill smaller creatures. However, this impulse is typically redirected into more constructive activities. Rural children may become involved in animal farming, where they develop more constructive relationships with their environment by caring for livestock. This fosters a sense of responsibility and a deeper understanding of the balance between strength and stewardship.

Urban children or those in more domesticated environments typically receive their first pet during this phase. Wolgos only keep pets that inspire respect and awe, so children are often given large, aggressive breeds of dogs or felines as pets. These animals are chosen because they are not vulnerable to the child’s urges and instead inspire a sense of respect, teaching the child about the importance of boundaries and the mutual respect necessary for living with powerful creatures.

== Adolescence (12 to 18 Years) ==
Adolescence in Wolgos is marked by significant physical growth. By the age of 12, a Wolgos child can already stand nearly 6 feet tall, with boys generally growing faster and becoming more muscular, while girls develop a physique suited for reproduction. This growth spurt is accompanied by a surge in hormonal activity that intensifies their natural instincts for dominance and competition.

* Height at 12 Years: Boys around 6 to 6.5 feet (180 to 195 cm), girls around 5.3 to 5.5 feet (160 to 165 cm).
* Height at 18 Years: By the end of adolescence, Wolgos males would typically reach 7 to 7.5 feet (210 to 225 cm), while females would be around 5.7 to 5.10 feet (170 to 178 cm).

=== Psychological Development ===
During adolescence, Wolgos boys and girls diverge more clearly in their developmental paths, though both genders continue to prioritize strength and social dominance.

Boys focus heavily on physical prowess, engaging in activities that test and demonstrate their strength, endurance, and combat skills. The surge in hormonal activity not only enhances their physical growth but also amplifies their natural competitive instincts. They view relationships, particularly those with the opposite sex, as another arena for asserting dominance. Competing for the attention of girls, they focus intensely on their appearance and perceived prowess. Once they attract a mate, boys can become very possessive and territorial, often viewing their partner as a symbol of their social standing.

Girls, while also valuing physical capability, place a greater emphasis on social manipulation and the refinement of their emotional intelligence. They learn to use their social skills to attract desirable mates and to navigate the complex social hierarchies that define Wolgos society. Girls approach relationships strategically, often employing subtle psychological tactics to maintain control and influence over their chosen partners. This period is crucial for establishing long-term social bonds, and it’s not uncommon for couples formed during adolescence to lead to marriage.

== Adulthood ==

== Elder years ==
In Wolgos society, the elderly occupy a unique and complex role that reflects both the strengths and challenges of their culture. Wolgos women typically outlive their male counterparts by nearly a decade, a disparity rooted in the demanding and often violent lives that Wolgos men lead, which can result in earlier mortality. This difference in life expectancy significantly shapes the roles and experiences of elderly Wolgos individuals.

=== Elderly Wolgos Women ===
As Wolgos women enter their elderly years, they assume an increasingly vital role within their communities. Celebrated for their wisdom, culinary skills, and expertise in homemaking, they often become the matriarchs of their families and the broader community. Elderly Wolgos women are deeply respected and take on the responsibility of educating younger generations, particularly young women, in the traditions of housekeeping, child-rearing, and community care. Their knowledge and experience make them indispensable figures, ensuring that cultural practices and social norms are passed down to future generations.

These women often form strong networks with other elderly women, creating a support system that allows them to pool resources, share responsibilities, and maintain their independence. In this stage of life, their influence extends beyond their immediate family, as they often participate in or even lead communal activities and decision-making processes.

=== Elderly Wolgos Men ===
In contrast, as Wolgos men age and their physical strength and social influence wane, they tend to retreat from the more active and competitive aspects of community life. Many elderly Wolgos men prefer a quieter, more solitary existence, relying heavily on the support and care provided by their wives or female relatives. While they still offer guidance and participate in family matters when needed, their role shifts from that of an active leader to a more passive advisor.

For these men, the transition into old age often involves a significant reduction in social interaction and public life. They may choose to spend their time in contemplation or engage in less physically demanding activities, such as storytelling or sharing their life experiences with younger generations. Despite this retreat, they remain respected figures within their families, albeit in a more subdued capacity.

In Wolgos society, both elderly men and women rely heavily on their families and fellow elders for mutual support. However, in cases where an elderly individual lacks family or close relatives, it is common for them to join communal living arrangements with other elderly members of their tribe. These communal setups allow them to pool their limited resources and provide mutual care, increasing their chances of survival and maintaining a sense of belonging within the community.

=== The Mr̥tōdǵhem Deywōwelnos: The Final Pilgrimage ===
A deeply ingrained tradition in Wolgos culture is the '''Mr̥tōdǵhem Deywōwelnos''', a final pilgrimage undertaken by those who feel they are too old or infirm to continue living or believe they have become a burden to their family and community. This practice is not just an option but is strongly encouraged, especially for those who have become frail or ill. The pilgrimage involves a journey to special shrine routes located in remote wilderness areas, where the elderly individual prepares for their end.

These shrine routes are equipped with only the most basic shelters, such as man-made caves, hollows, or stone rooms. Elderly Wolgos, unable to make the journey on their own, are often taken to these sites by family members or community caretakers and placed comfortably near a shrine under a plain blanket, where they await death. This ritualistic end is seen as a dignified and spiritually significant way to die, with the elderly person contributing to the upkeep of the shrine by removing the remains of previous pilgrims, thereby performing their final act of unity with their god and race.

As the infirm Wolgos elder succumbs to the elements, hunger, or other natural causes, their passing is viewed as a return to the natural order, fulfilling a culturally respected role in maintaining balance within their society. This practice underscores the Wolgos belief in self-reliance and the avoidance of becoming a burden, making the '''Mr̥tōdǵhem Deywōwelnos''' a common and revered way for the elderly to conclude their lives.