An Omegaverse is a descriptor for a fictional universe in which humans carry a different set of characteristics. If this is your first encounter with the term ‘omegaverse’ – and you are interested in finding out more – then I would suggest doing some further research. The explanations given on this page are for those that are already fairly intimately familiar with how omegaverse worlds work and simply need to know the difference between ‘traditional’ omegaverse and my omegaverse.

I will tell you that the inspiration for an omegaverse type world comes from a science-fiction world in where humans share some physical dynamics with wolves and wolf packs. Because the dynamics share and cross over with animals, it is sometimes used in fiction in where anthropod creatures exist (humanoid, but not quite human, and can be used to describe were-creatures or others). However, as that is not something that triggers my moe, I stick to my characters being distinctly human.

What does trigger my moe about omegaverse worlds, however, is the way it helps to highlight some social commentary. Omegaverse as I understand it is usually dedicated to boys love/yaoi/male homosexual fiction, and can serve to help highlight some social injustices. And sometimes it’s just a fetish thing, and sometimes it is ‘only’ that for me, so whatever floats your boat!

In my particular version of an omegaverse, I decided to take it a step further and create a more ‘balanced’ form of society in some ways. Where in real-life, women are still struggling for equality across the globe, simply by virtue of either not having male anatomy or being able to conceive and bear children (a gross oversimplification of the issue, I know, but going into it further is more appropriate in a different space). In my omegaverse, there are more complexities than that, and I have sought to ‘even’ the playing field where some males can conceive and some females can impregnate by virtue of a ‘sub-gender’ identified as alpha, beta, or omega (words taken from how wolf packs are formed).

If you are reading a story I have written that takes place in an omegaverse world, the following information might be useful, or, I hope, interesting to you. Thanks for reading!

Sub-Gender Dynamics:

Betas:

Betas are at the top of this list because they are the most fluid in my Omegaverse worlds. They are, like most ‘Verses, the majority of the population, (about 85%). However, the divergence I have created is that betas are typically only unpresented. They will present either alpha or omega once their True Mate appears in their life. For some people, this will mean never presenting, and for others it means that they will present very soon after finding someone that their pheromones/hormones really connect with. The connection typically has to be a very emotional one as well, but that isn’t all there is to it. I’ll explain this further in another section.

Betas can be forced to present a subgender, either omega or alpha, by being injected with large doses of pheromones and hormones. This process can’t be reversed and is very dangerous to the beta being injected if it’s not handled well. It’s a common practice in human trafficking to force a beta to be an omega because of high demand of wanting to experience an omegan heat. Some people will have a preference for being either alpha or omega, and will purchase the presenting drugs for themselves. This is illegal across the world, however, because it is dangerous and can have long-lasting effects to fertility, and can cause other imbalances that can cause disease or infection.

There are no major physical differences between beta males and females and non-fiction human sexes. Meaning beta males cannot conceive unless they have presented, and female betas cannot impregnate anyone unless they have presented.

Alphas:

Alphas are extremely virile and stereotypically have an easier time with physical pursuits – such as in sports or other types of physical labor. Their chemical makeup makes them a bit stronger and they usually have a higher metabolic rate.

True Alphas, or those that present around puberty rather than upon finding a True Mate, are very rare.

Any presented alpha can conceive or impregnate, whether their primary gender be male or female. It is easier for female alphas to conceive, and more difficult for female alphas to impregnate another based on traditional physical makeup. Any alpha will be able to form a knot, though female alpha knots are smaller and are triggered through clitoral stimulation.

Omegas:

Omegas are extremely fertile and are stereotypically more intellectual. Because their bodies aren’t as well developed in terms of muscular strength or endurance, their brains compensate by developing quicker.

True Omegas, or those that present around puberty rather than upon finding a True Mate, are very rare.

Any presented omega can conceive or impregnate, whether their primary gender be male or female. It is easier for male alphas to impregnate, and more difficult for male omegas to conceive based on traditional physical makeup. A womb is developed upon presentation, and for omegan males it will have an ‘entry’ and and ‘exit’ – entry for conception and then an exit that opens close to the time to give birth. Because the birth canal does not open fully until an omegan male is close to giving birth, miscarriages in omegan males are less likely to happen.

True Mates:

True Mates doesn’t necessarily mean ‘soul mates’ – though media in this world will generate buzz that’s exactly what it means. It’s a biochemical reaction within two betas who have spent a lot of time together, resulting in them presenting as either alpha or omega after a period of time of being attached in some way. This does not happen with family members or with friends that a beta’s mind will emotionally consider family. Most commonly, it does happen with someone betas have a romantic connection with, but it can, rarely, happen if they have an extreme emotional dislike for someone. It can also trigger when a very strong platonic attachment is formed. The chemicals in the brain that are responsible for this are oxytocin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Both emotions of love and hate can trigger the chemicals to be produced, and therefore also can influence the hormonal levels of betas, triggering a presentation of a new subgender.

In rarer cases, a beta experiencing a phenomenon akin to Stockholm Syndrome can also present.

The way a pair of betas bodies will decide to present as either alpha or omega is based on the way they interact naturally together. Consider this to be more of a yin and yang situation. If one beta is more prone to intellectual, nurturing, or giving, then they will likely present as omega – and if their partner is more physically active, protective or dominant, they will likely present as alpha. This is just a rule of thumb, however, and no beta will truly know what they present as until the presentation process actually begins.

Presentation:

Presentation can be a lengthly process. Every beta is born with the ability to present as either alpha or omega – but wombs, for beta males, and the gland necessary for knotting, for beta females, will not fully develop until presentation starts. Symptoms include cramping, nausea, body aches, headaches, and any other symptom that goes along with an excess of either testosterone or estrogen.

Social Dynamics:

In the past, female betas and both male and female omegas were seen as the ‘lesser’ genders of society, and males and alphas especially, were seen as the superior ones. However, through social reformation, by and large this inequality has been more or less eradicated, especially once betas-turned-omegas or alphas started to lend their voices to the social conversation. There are laws in place protecting those that were seen as unequal and have been adopted by most countries. There are still circles of society that will act upon the archaic views, and are typically perpetuated by closed minded alphas – but there are those omegas that also buy into it independently.

Scenting and Scent Glands:

All humans, regardless of subgender, have scent glands. Two on either side of their neck, at the base of the nape, on each wrist, on their thighs, and on the bottom of their feet. Only the scent glands on the neck are large enough to accept a bonding bite from their partner, but more on bonding later.

Every human has a natural scent that can be detected by others, regardless of subgender, and everyone has the ability to release their scent at will – though sometimes in times of distress or extreme positive emotions scents will be released involuntarily. Just as in traditional humans, some people are naturally attracted to other scents – but scents alone do not trigger rut or heat states.

Scenting is a culturally based ritual. In some countries, scenting is a very casual norm and can be used as a greeting between friends or, more rarely, in business interactions. In other cultures, it is only done with family members or intimate partners as a form of comfort or enticement. It is a more intimate act, however, and most cultures lean toward the latter usage of scenting.

True Mates, Bonded Pairs, are far more attuned to their partners’ scents, and are able to tell their emotional states just by being near them if a strong scent bond is in place. The same goes for paternal figures (biological or not, based on how strong a scenting bond is between an adult and infant) and their children. For children, as they get older and more independent, it becomes more difficult for parental figures to be able to pick up on their emotional state, and once past puberty it fades to the point of not being able to tell a scent unless giving a hug or being in very close proximity. This also goes for children being able to pick up on their parental figures’ scents – the older they get, the less they will naturally respond to their scent. This is a natural phenomenon, but can be counteracted by creating a scent bond, as is described in the next headlined section.

Scent blockers are also used when it would be socially inappropriate for them to be emitting their aroused scent – thereby triggering an arousal in their partner. Scents also do not trigger a heat or rut wave state. At most it would trigger arousal unless that individual is in their pre-heat or pre-rut, in which case the first heat or rut wave can be moved up a couple of hours. This is not an uncontrollable phenomenon, however, and most people are able to control themselves until they reach a more appropriate and private setting before allowing the first wave to start.

It’s important to note that aroused scents don’t ‘trigger’ just anyone. There has to be a mutual attraction for it to work. So if one person was trying to manipulate another by targeting their aroused scent toward them, it would not work if the target has no interest. Even in the case of a physical interest, if one person says ‘no’ then consent has not been given, and charges of assault or rape can be given, and scent as an argument of defense has no legal bearing.

Bonding:

Scent Bonding:

This can occur between any individual and another. Between parent and child, siblings, good friends, or romantic partners (whether a pair or polyamorous). Scent bonding does not always mean a sexual bond, and it doesn’t always mean a platonic bond either.

For families and friends, it is platonic. This means that if an individual is giving off an aroused scent because their partner(s) is near, a family member or friend will not be affected. This saves everyone from a good deal of embarrassment. For romantically involved individuals, they will more than likely be able to pick up on both the platonic and aroused scents – unless their relationship is strictly sexual and the platonic bond has not been a focus.

To build a scent bond, whether platonic or sexual, people can do several things. Most commonly, it is between extended hugs, or scenting specified items (such as security items like a stuffed animal or blanket for children, or scarves, pillows, and other articles of clothing for adolescents and adults). It is intentional and purposeful, and doesn’t ‘just happen’ unless an individual is more unstable in how they release their scents – for instance, if they are naturally overly emotional and not good at hiding it, in which case there are scent blockers for them to use.

Scent bonds are natural and healthy. So while a scent bond can fade over time normally like described above, in many cultures, it is common for families and friends to provide a scent bond to show familial affection, trust, and to give comfort and reassurance of love and security. A scent bond, if regularly maintained, will last about a month. If it isn’t regularly maintained, it can fade in as little as 3-7 days.

Because scent bonds are formed as a way of signaling trust, a ‘forced’ scent bond cannot take place. This is simply because if one does not wish to foster an emotional connection, they will naturally reject that sort of empathic communication that can come with a strong scent bond.

Scent bonds are also limited by proximity. So if one has a scent bond but isn’t near the one they have this sort of bond with, the empathic connection will not be there.

Mating Bonds:

In addition to scent bonds, there is also the mating bond or bite. This traditionally happens within a shared heat or rut, but can happen outside of it – therefore betas can also experience a mating bond without being presented. It is not a legal proceeding and has no influence in a court of law except to demonstrate emotional connection.

Mating bonds can happen several ways. It can be one sided, where only one of the partners receives a bite on their mating gland, or it can be mutual. In the case of a polyamorous relationship that wishes to experience a mated bond, then it would simply have to be full circle, (such as A bites parter B, B bites C, and C then bites A to complete the circle, and can be used for more than just three partners!)

A mating bond comes with an ability to empathically communicate instantly, with or without a scent bond. Those in a bonded relationship will be able to tell their partner(s) emotional state without having to say a word. This is controllable, however, so if one does not wish to share their emotions with their mate(s), with practice they can conceal how they are feeling, unless it is sudden and extreme and they do not have a chance to conceal it. The empathic communication knows no distance, so even if they were on opposite sides of the world, they will still have that open communication should they so choose.

Forced mated bonds can happen. Fortunately for the victim of a forced bond, the form of rejection comes with not having to practice concealing their emotions. The empathic communication just simply is not there unless the one that had received the bond decides to open up that form of communication.

Mated bonds are not necessarily permanent. They can fade naturally with time. The stronger the emotional connection, however, the longer it can take. A forced mated bond can take between 6-12 months to dissipate completely if it isn’t renewed in that time, though there are medicines to help speed up that process to 3-4 months. If the mated bond was mutual and the emotional connection was very strong, it will stay there until the individual is ‘over’ the break of the relationship, and has finally moved on – therefore, for some, the mated bond may never completely go away naturally (as is the case in some widow/widowers situations).

Heats/Ruts:

Pre-heat/rut time is between 1-2 days prior to their cycle. Their bodies start to signal that the cycle is about to start, and pheromone production starts to increase. The most common symptom is feeling feverish, but cramps in their lower abdomen can also happen, along with some mild nausea, back pain, or headaches.

As usual, heats and ruts are only experienced by Alphas and Omegas. These happen every 3 months for both sub-genders. The biggest thing to note about heats and ruts in my ‘Verse is that they are still able to have coherent thoughts and conversations. It’s more like being drunk, and being able to function ‘normally’ depends on how ‘lightweight’ the person is to their body’s chemistry. Some will have a very strong reaction and, in the middle of a heat/rut wave, will not be able to make rational decisions; some will have a more mild reaction and can better think things through.

There are other factors that affect the ‘level’ of arousal and intensity, such as if their cycles are regular/healthy, or if they have a regular partner, if they’ve suppressed it or previous cycles have been enhanced through drug use. It’s important to remember that the way each individual reacts is based on their own chemical makeup at that point. For instance – just because one partner is so deep into their wave that they can barely string words together, and, as a result, are releasing far more pheromones than usual, doesn’t mean that their partner will be as affected. If their partner is a bit more ‘sturdy’, they will be able to mentally function at a more normal level – albeit their physical body might be trying to tell them to act more in accordance to the levels of pheromones their partner is releasing.

Waves toward the beginning of their cycle will be more intense, tapering off throughout the time they are in their cycle. Waves can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 or 4 hours, with a refractory period that corresponds to the intensity of stimulation during that time. Entire cycles can last anywhere from 3 days to a week, and the factors that go into that are also determined by the same as how ‘deep’ into the wave they will go (regular/good partners, healthy cycles etc). Most commonly, cycles last about 3-4 days.

Recovery time is also between 1 and 2 days. The length of time depends on the intensity of the cycle, if they are in good physical condition, and how well they or their partners took care of them during the cycle. If they had a good cycle where they ate well, stayed hydrated, stretched out between waves, and slept well, then the recovery time will be significantly shortened. Pheromone levels return to normal very quickly and how ‘safe’ it is to go out into public simply depends on how well the individual is feeling.

Cycles can be repressed through hormonal medications. Doctors recommend suppressing for no longer than a year (4 cycles.) On the flip side, cycles can also be induced. Doctors typically will not do this unless the person’s cycle is irregular and they need help in having healthy cycles. Stressors, anxiety, and trauma can affect having regular cycles. Inducing or repressing a heat or rut too much can affect fertility, and so it isn’t something that is usually messed with unless there is a need.

Good doctors will not induce cycles more often than the natural 3 month period between, but black market options are available to induce more often. If someone is abusing the medications for induction, then they run the risk of their body becoming addicted – and the process of recovery is excruciating and requires a detox, preferably one that is monitored medically and in the care of a healthcare professional.