WHAT IS THE OMEGAVERSE?

The Omegaverse — also typically shortened to OV — is a subgenre of speculative (erotic/romance) fiction. It's an alternate universe trope/subgenre that was founded in the (queer) fanfiction community back in the 2010s. Around that time, the Omegaverse could mainly be found within the Supernatural fandom — and more specifically within the wincest sub-fandom. However, it's an understatement to say that this trope has definitely branched out into other fanfic (and non-fanfic) spaces since then.

While there's no clear timeline of its origins, the Omegaverse had originally been formed by writers — and readers — basically combining elements they liked from the werewolves from the Supernatural and the Mpreg trope and made it something entirely new — sometimes without all the actual shifting and other magical werewolfy stuff though, but PNR/Monster and fantasy themed Omegaverse books are very much a thing.

Again, the Omegaverse is an alternate universe trope/subgenre meaning all these secondary genders (or designations), glands and mating bonds and marks, pheromones and scents and all that good stuff that sets the basic foundation of the Omegaverse is a typical day-to-day thing to the people in this universe.

Though, that's definitely not to say that your take on the Omegaverse can't be PNR or futuristic or dystopian or whatever else you can think of. It’s just that typically the Omegaverse, in general, isn't considered magical or otherworldly, because again, the Omegaverse is an alternate universe from ours.

Meaning the people of the Omegaverse don't necessarily think that any of these concepts are otherworldly or magical, but more mundane and a common day-to-day thing. Which is again why it's a subgenre that falls under speculative fiction. But free will is very much a thing, and if you want YOUR world to be all about magic and unicorns you can definitely do that! Go wild! It's all up to you, you're the one writing the book!

💜 GENERAL BACKGROUND 🤍

First off, is it secondary gender or designation? Short answer; it's up to you, because they’re both correct. They'll just kind of set the tone for your worldbuilding in the long run. Long answer; It's very much dependent on the perspective of the Omegaverse you've been exposed/introduced to.

I was first exposed to the Omegaverse through the eastern interpretation (think manga/manwha and “light novels”) before I hopped on over to the western interpretation of the Omegaverse, and oh my gods are they different! Which I'm all for, because it had been — and still is — interesting to see the different route either side of the hemisphere had taken.

The eastern hemisphere’s take on the Omegaverse has gone less werewolf and more mundane — if that makes sense. They show the Omegaverse in a more human and believable light — as believable the concept of the Omegaverse can get in general. The concept of packs, pack leads and packhouses isn't even a thing on this side of the hemisphere. BL/GL fiction reigns supreme which I’m all for, Female Alphas — with their functioning knotty peens — and the male Omegas they love to breed are top tier too.

In the eastern hemisphere, the different classifications — Alpha, Beta, Omega and so on — are called secondary genders and they were considered just that, a second gender. A person would typically know what their secondary gender is from a young age. Usually they find out their secondary gender through a mandatory testing procedure done either, after their birth, or during their school years, but in general they would know what their secondary gender is — unless they go through a secondary differentiation — which I'll explain later in this chapter.

(Side note: a lot of Omegaverse manga/manhwa, commonly breaks down, or explains the classifications as “six genders”, and these six genders are: "Alpha Male", "Alpha Female", "Beta Male", "Beta Female", "Omega Male" and "Omega Female" — I don't really know why or how to explain it, I just go with it.)

The western hemisphere's take on the Omegaverse is different, and considerably so. Unlike the east, who has gone with the more mundane route with their interpretation, the western hemisphere has gone werewolf city with their interpretation of the Omegaverse, so werewolf city that it's sometimes hard to distinguish an Omegaverse book from a werewolf book — because even with the popularity of the Omegaverse trope, the werewolf genre as a whole, is still very much a thing and going strong.

I've read — apparent — Omegaverse books that readS more werewolf than actual Omegaverse, which is fine, but the general idea of the Omegaverse IS that it was set apart from the werewolf genre. Some Omegaverse books I've read from the western hemisphere, read as werewolf pretending to be Omegaverse — meaning, at first glance, I didn't really get how the book was different from a typical werewolf book, or get why it couldn't have just been classified as a werewolf book. But maybe that's just a me thing 🤷🏽‍♀️.

Unlike in the east’s interpretation, in the west’s interpretation of the Omegaverse, the different classifications — Alpha, Beta, Omega and so on — are called designations, and not secondary genders. And neither, from what I’ve seen, are the different classifications typically considered an actual gender like they are in the eastern hemisphere — but that's really up to an author’s worldbuilding.

Again, unlike in the eastern hemisphere where a person would know what their secondary gender is from a young age. In the western hemisphere a person would only know what their designation is after they've presented — or “bloomed”— similar to what happens in a typical werewolf book — if I remember correctly, I haven't read an actual werewolf book in two years.

A person, in the western hemisphere’s interpretation of the Omegaverse, would typically present during puberty, but they could also present later in life, and one who does present later in life would typically be called a “late bloomer” — or “bloomer” for short.

So whether you go with secondary gender or designation to classify your Alphas, Betas, Omegas and so on, in your Omegaverse, it all depends on you and which interpretation of the Omegaverse trope in a whole you vibe with. Again, depending on the direction you take, it'll just set the tone for your worldbuilding.

💜 CLASSIFICATIONS 🤍

I've explained how the eastern and western hemisphere interprets the different classifications, now I'll be explaining what the different classifications — plus some additional ones — actually are. Again, like most things there are a lot of different interpretations on these classifications, so I've just gone with the general explanation and you guys can go from there!

● NEUTRALS ‐ Also called undesignated or unbloomed. This classification is more suited and present in the worldbuilding that has gone with the “presenting/designation” route. Neutrals are those that have not yet presented — or awakened, or bloomed — their designation. Sometimes they'd fall under the beta category, but other times they wouldn't even be considered a beta, but again it depends on your worldbuilding.

Neutrals who have long passed the age when they're commonly known to first present — or bloom — are known as “late bloomers” — or bloomers for short — and this latency can sometimes impact their status or relationships with others and they can also be considered outcasts or lower class in society.

Though a bloomer can present later in life, whether naturally, or because of some kind of external help, like being blasted with an omega or alpha or any of the other more dominant classification’s pheromones.

● ALPHAS - are generally considered larger, stronger and more aggressive and dominant than the other classifications. Their instincts and the way they naturally hold themselves can make them seem domineering, controlling and overpowering. Alphas are also a little — or a lot, in some cases — anatomically different genitally than some of the other classifications.

Most male Alphas have a knot at the base of their penis that expands during intercourse, and acts as a type of stopper, to essentially “tie” them to their partner where they’d remain “stuck together” for a period of time, usually for optimal breeding time. Female Alphas typically have a lock at the entrance of their vagina that keeps their partners locked inside of them.

However, in most of the eastern hemisphere’s interpretations that I've read, all Alphas, whether male, female or otherwise, have a penis with a perfectly functioning knot ready to tie them to their partners. And so far I haven't seen much of this concept in the western hemisphere’s, besides maybe in a couple queer books here and there.

● BETAS - They are considered to be the “balanced” citizens of the Omegaverse and they're typically described to be regular people just like you and me. They don’t typically experience the estrus cycle that Omegas and Alphas do, and neither do they have knots or locks either. In some worldbuilding Betas can have scent glands, but in others’ worldbuilding Betas don't have scent glands and neither can they feel the pheromones or smell the scent of another classification.

(Side note: In most Omegaverse books that feature — cis — male pregnancy as a trope, typically only male Omegas can “bake a bun in their oven”. However, I have seen interpretations where male Betas can also get pregnant — I've even read one where male Alphas can get pregnant too! Whichever route you go along with is all up to you! You have the free will to decide whether dudes can get pregnant in your world or not.)

● OMEGAS - They are usually considered the smaller and more “submissive” and “docile” classification, compared to the other more “dominant” classifications. Their instincts make them softer and more nurturing and makes others instinctively want to protect and coddle them.

Omegas are also able to naturally produce an obscene amount lubricant called “slick”, especially during their heat cycle to ensure that there'll be no chafing during the week of — real or fake — knots — or fists — because according to some omegas, fisting works just as well as a knot.

Typically in this universe, all Omegas, whether male, female or otherwise can get pregnant — as long as they've got an oven for the bun that is — but I've also seen interpretations of the Omegaverse where mpreg isn't a theme, which again, is totally cool, because free will is a thing.

Along with our three “main” classifications, more classifications have also popped up over the years, and while I'm not sure which hemisphere introduced which additional classification exactly, I have seen these additional classifications — especially the enigma — peppered around different communities, especially in the queer communities.

● DELTAS - They are our “fluid” classification — for lack of a better word. They’re not, or typically, can't be fully molded into a single specific classification, which I'm all for! Deltas also tend to give off the vibe of being a “hodge podge” of the other classifications and something new all at once.

Deltas are rare, so there isn’t a whole lot of information found on them, but it’s said that they’re a classification that can “shift” their classification based on their mood, though the “shift” can typically happen based on the presence or role of their mate.

Meaning sometimes they can give off Alpha pheromones, other times they can give off Omega pheromones, or they'll be in their own corner doing their Delta thing. Basically Deltas can’t be put in a box, which can also lead to them being considered “outcasts” by conservatives because of the fact that no one can put an exact pin in them.

● GAMMAS - They are typically described to be Betas with Omega-like traits, mannerisms and pheromones, they just lack scent/mating glands, knots and locks and the other stuff that makes up an Omega — or Alpha. Gammas are also sometimes described as just being submissive — or recessive — Alpha in some guides I've perused — I personally don’t “vibe” with that interpretation, but to each their own.

(Side note: In some interpretations I've seen, instead of being their fluid selves, Deltas are considered the opposite of Gammas and are considered to be Betas with more Alpha-like traits, mannerism and pheromones)

● THETAS - Now this is another rare classification, typically assigned female at birth, they’re commonly described as having both alpha and omega parts, which isn’t really that accurate, or at least, it doesn’t fully describe them. Thetas are basically our intersex of the Omegaverse.

Thetas have a vagina, but instead of a clit, they also have a “peniform” that’s fully functional with its knot and all that good stuff, and instead of having ovaries or testicles, Thetas have a reproductive organ called “ovotestes” which can generate both sperm and eggs, and so, because of this, Thetas can also go through a heat like an Omega and a rut like an Alpha.

● ZETAS - These are our man-made classification or “false classifications”. Zetas can be made either by a gland implantation — with a gland made in a lab, known as a “faux gland” or a gland stolen from another Omega (or if you want your Zeta to be an Alpha, a gland trafficked from an Alpha).

Though this procedure is extremely painful, difficult and illegal and success rates are low. A Zeta can also be made when they're bodies are overwhelmed with a massive amount of a powerful Alpha's pheromones over a considerable amount of time. As their bodies go through the transformation process, their biology can shift to mimic an Omega (or Alpha), and again that's why they're called a false omega (or alpha).

(Side note: Zetas are also said to be a “hybrid” of an alpha and omega, which brings us to them being considered synonymous with Thetas — without the peniform and ovotestes stuff. However, if you want, you could include both classifications in your worldbuilding because again, you can do whatever the heck you want. It's your book.)

● ENIGMAS — They are our super powered, but also super mysterious classification. They're considered to be the “Alpha of Alphas” — though they can also fall into a whole category of their own, and they do — in the Omegaverse — think lycans from the werewolf genre. And they're believed to be a myth because of their rarity.

Basically, Enigmas aren’t bound by the constraints of the other classifications, they can mark and be marked by whoever they want to be, whether their partner is an Alpha, Beta, Omega, Delta, Gamma, Theta, Zeta, Sigma or whatever else.

Enigmas are completely unaffected by the scents and pheromones of the other classifications and neither would the heat pheromones of an Omega send an Enigma into a rut like it would a typical Alpha. It’s said that, no matter what the classification, an Enigma’s command cannot be resisted against, no matter what. Which gives them absolute control.

It’s also said that Enigmas also have a biology that allows them to impregnate any other classification — as long as the one being impregnated has a uterus that is — and that their pheromones are also so strong and super charged that they can induce an Omega’s heat, or an Alpha’s rut, or even force out a secondary differentiation (or designation switch) if they pump an alpha beta, delta or gamma with enough of their pheromones.

(Side note: Enigmas are also said to have two knots — or double knots — at the base of their penis, the normal knot that ties an alpha to their partner and another larger knot beneath it. Enigmas are also called Sigmas, but you can totally worldbuild them to be separate classifications in your book)

💜 SECONDARY DIFFERENTIATIONS 🤍

In the Omegaverse, there is also the concept of “secondary differentiation” — or “designation switching” as it's typically called in the western fanbase — where, because of some kind of internal or external reason — like being sick, or intentionally being bombarded by a more dominant classifications pheromones (typically an Alpha) or taking some kind of medicine — people who have already been informed by the government, doctor etc. of their secondary gender — or presented their designation — can differentiate (or switch or bloom or awaken) for a second time in their life — this is commonly seen when a Beta differentiates (or switch or present) as an Omega later in their life.

So far, from what I've read, secondary differentiation — or designation switching — isn't a common concept explored outside of most eastern and queer fandoms, but thankfully, in recent years, I’ve definitely seen this concept being explored more and more in the western fanbase, which I’m all for!

How, when and why a classification differentiates — or switches — depends entirely on the author's worldbuilding, but typically there will be signs and a process and whatever else — whether those signs are noticed or not depends on the person.

Like I said, the western fanbase is “awakening” more and more to the awesomeness that is secondary differentiation — or designation switching — but I have been more exposed to the eastern interpretations of this concept, so I’ll mainly be talking about the common takes on the concept I’ve seen.

Again, how and why a secondary differentiation (or designation switch) happens depends entirely on the author and their worldbuilding and so do the after effects of said differentiation (or switch) depend on them too! From what I’ve seen so far, compared to the eastern fanbase, the western fanbase’s take on secondary differentiations (or designation switches) is pretty “barebones” for lack of a better word.

And beyond the fact a person that has gone through a secondary differentiation (or designation switch) possibly going through an existential crisis, and having to come to terms with their new status and so on, the western fanbase, so far, hasn’t explored or given a whole lot of detail on this concept. Which is totally okay, because that just means there’s room to grow, and we’re all for growth!

In the eastern and/or queer fanbase’s interpretation of this concept though, that’s like a whole can of worm—or heck a multiple can of worms.

(Side note: There’s so many different takes that I can’t even try to summarise it for you guys, but I will be noting the most common themes I’ve seen so far!)

In the eastern fanbase’s interpretation of secondary differentiation — depending on the worldbuilding — a secondary differentiation can be harmful or even deadly to the person going through it. They also introduce the concept of a differentiation failing — which, from what I’ve seen so far, isn't really explored much in the western fanbase’s take on designation switching, but I can definitely be wrong about this. A failed differentiation can be considered to be a “social death” in society — it also brings along its own health risks — and they’re considered “defective” and are considered misfits and outcasts of society.

(Side note: A lot of the reason why they’re considered defective, especially if their differentiation (or switch) had to do with either presenting as an Alpha or Omega, is that their glands don’t work how they’re “supposed” to or they’re “half formed”. Which again, can bring along its own truckload of emotional, physiological and psychological disadvantages, but the specific disadvantages (and advantages) depends on your worldbuilding, because it can differ from person to person, but typically it includes some kind of "pheromone imbalance” an extremely messed up estrus cycle or whatever else your mind can think up.)

💜 ESTRUS CYCLE 🤍

There's this instinctive cycle that an Alpha and Omega — and any of the additional classifications that can go through an estrus cycle — goes through a few times a year – or once every three years, or whatever timeline you prefer. And this cycle is called an “estrus cycle” — sometimes even a mating cycle).

During this time, Alphas and Omegas — and the other classifications that can go through an estrus cycle — typically want to procreate, and the only way they can get relief is to “knot or be knotted” (or “fist or be fisted” according to our secondary genders that don't need a knot in their life).

(Side note: When triggered, there are some Betas, especially those with more “active” glands, that can also go through something similar to an estrus cycle where they're more hornier and more keen on breeding (or being bred), though it's not as common or on a cycle-by-cycle basis like it is for Alphas and Omegas.)

For Omegas, this cycle is called a “heat” and for Alphas, this cycle is called a “rut” — or burn — but overall it's an estrus cycle. During an estrus cycle, the secondary gender feels a biological and instinctive urge to breed, or be bred — or both — and they typically want to do so in a safe and comfortable space filled with the scents and textures and tastes and colours and whatever else that brings them that sense of safety and comfort, and it's also away to claim sovereignty over a space and tell everyone else to fuck off or else.

For Omegas, this phenomenon is called “nesting” and for Alphas this phenomenon is called “denning”. As an Omega draws closer and closer to their heat, they will feel the urge to nest, and turn a corner of their closet (or their whole room) into a space filled with a truck load of blankets, pillows and whatever else comfy material they can find as well. For Omegas with friends and/or partners, the Omega may also tend to sneak in clothing and other personal items of their friends, family and/or partners, if their scent brings the Omega comfort.

While in heat, an Omega can become obsessed with finding a compatible partner — typically an Alpha, though it also depends on the Omega's preferences — nesting, and breeding. The delirium and increased libido of a heat may drive an Omega to accept someone they normally wouldn’t choose — or at all. Like Alphas, Omegas can produce a unique pheromone, scent or perfume during their estrus cycle, and this pheromone acts as a lure and becomes addicting to their potential mates.

(Sidenote: In some interpretations I’ve read, while Omegas will have a bigger urge to nest during their heat, Omegas typically also like to nest outside of their heat cycle and treat their nests like their comfort space. Omegas can also be very territorial so expect an eye to get gouged out if you encroach on their space without their explicit consent.)

Denning isn't as spoken about as much as nesting, but it’s when Alphas are compelled to tidy up their homes, reorganise, redecorate and whatever else they feel the need to do to make their space a home and their personal territory, and like Omegas, expect to get an eye gouged out or a broken arm if you encroach on an Alphas den without their explicit consent.

(Sidenote: A den can also be considered a packhouse, or well is another way you can refer to the home of an Alpha if the term “packhouse” doesn’t mesh with you or your worldbuilding. Again, free will is a thing and you can do whatever the heck you want!)

💜 ESTRUS ARCHETYPES 🤍

Now the concept I’m going to talk about now, isn’t as explored as the other concepts, I’ll be sharing it because I think it’s a cool idea. Anyway there are two archetypes both Alphas and Omegas — and any of the other classifications that can have an estrus cycle — can commonly fall into during an estrus cycle.

There is the Pursuer or the Hunter; they tend to track, or “hunt” their potential mates, luring and tempting them in, specifically with their pheromones. They're more prone to being territorial (especially when it comes to their dens or nests), aggressive and want to breed (or be bred) by their mates.

The other archetype one can fall into during an estrus cycle is the Caregiver or the Fawner; they're more prone to taking care of their potential mates, to nesting (Omegas) or denning (Alphas) and fawning over their potential mates, to wanting to make their sure their mates are taken care of and loved, that their homes (or dens) are safe, secure and clean.

They're typically known to want to give gifts, with Alphas commonly known for building or buying things for their (potential) mate/s, and Omegas commonly known for cooking or crafting things for their (potential) mate/s. While it's more common for the Alphas and Omegas who fall into the Caregiver archetype, all Alphas and Omegas are prone to denning (for Alphas) or nesting (for Omegas) before, during or after their estrus cycles.

💜 SCENT (or MATING) GLANDS 🤍

Scent (or mating) glands is the organ found on the back (or side) of a person's neck that essentially "controls" the release of one's pheromones or scent. It's one of the most sensitive and fragile places on a person's body, and if injured in any way, it can be harmful or even deadly to the person whose gland was injured.

The gland is also commonly the place where Alphas and Omegas can mark and bond each other, either during an estrus cycle or whenever the author's worldbuilding allows it.

I haven't seen this mentioned at all within the western fanbase, but in the eastern fanbase we also have gland removals. A Gland removal is where a classification does a procedure to have their scent glands removed, either mostly or entirely, in the hopes to “change” their designations or not be “held hostage” by their instincts.

Gland removals can be extremely harmful and painful to the body, especially if not done correctly, and can cause a whole lot of physical, psychological and emotional problems, especially with Alphas and Omegas.

In the case that a classification has recognised their scent matches before a gland removal, one removing their glands can also cause physical, emotional or mental problems for their recognised scent match.

Another concept that I've only seen explored by the eastern fanbase, is faux glands. Faux glands are artificial glands that some choose to have implanted — usually this happens when a Beta wants to be an Omega or Alpha— and can cause phantom symptoms — like heats, ruts etc) similar to what a real gland can do. Like any organ, if a faux gland isn't compatible with a person's body it can make them sick, mess up the way their body functions and so on.

Now typically faux glands are artificially made, but there have definitely been cases where the actual glands of an Alpha or Omega have been trafficked and implanted into a Beta — or another classification — and like I said, fiddling with the gland can be deadly.

💜 PHEROMONES & SCENT MATCHES 🤍

First of all, what are pheromones and what are scents? Pheromones are chemicals secreted by the body that are used to signal a response in other humans (and possibly some animals). They can be meant to signal any range of emotions from attraction to fear. Only Alphas and Omegas — and the other Alpha/Omega-like designations — can secrete pheromones and can feel and be affected by the other’s pheromones.

A scent is a distinctive smell that classification can express or perfume, that is either pleasant or disgusting depending on whoever is smelling it. While Betas can detect pheromones of the other classifications at all, in some worldbuilding Betas can retain the scent of the other classifications and they even have their own scents too, where usually Betas are considered “odorless".

All, if not most, Alphas and Omegas— and similar classifications — can produce a pheromone or scent, and how much or little they produce depends on their physiology. Pheromones are unique to the person and are usually used to attract a mate, comfort a family member or friend, or warn off a threat.

Again, not everyone can produce pheromones and not everyone can perceive others’ — or even their own — pheromones — typically Betas and other Beta-like classifications. Though some can have pheromone/gland deficiencies and can be considered allergic to most, or certain, pheromones. Or their pheromones can be completely repulsive to other designations, though usually their scent matches and their match’s pheromones are the outlier — obviously.

While considered rarer, scent matches (or scent mates) happen when someone scents their “fated soul mate” through their unique pheromone signature, usually their mate's scents are unresistable and signifies that they're extremely complimentary.

Some usually choose to settle down and start a family, but being a scent match doesn't a hundred percent mean that a designation has to be with their match, some have chosen partners, especially because scent matches are rare and not everyone has them, and some may choose to reject their scent matches for whatever reason, though this may also come with side effects.

While it doesn't happen a lot, breaking or rejecting a scent matched bond can end up with one or both of the scent mates ending up with mental, emotional and physical trauma that could manifest in pheromone deficiencies or health problems that could even lead to death in the rare cases.

Because scent matches are rare, this “side effect" isn't spoken about a lot — because some people assume others would go with their scent matches if they found them — and don't realise the damage breaking or rejecting a scent match can do.

In the western fanbase, scent matches or fated mates are more essential for those in pack bonds, because clashing scents can often lead to infighting between the more dominant designations, which can have serious and sometimes even deadly consequences.

(Side note: How one world builds the concept of scent matches, bonds and such in their books is very dependent on the interpretation of Omegaverse that they've been exposed to. With the eastern fanbase it's more mundane, with health problems and so on and with the western fanbase it's more magical with not being able to feel their inner Omega . . . or whatever. Again, free will is a thing and you can go ham!)

💜 PAIR BONDS & PACK BONDS 🤍

First of all, outside of the western why choose/RH fanbase, packs and pack bonds isn't really a concept that's explored or even mentioned, but pair bonds definitely are!

Pair bonds are bonds that can be formed between a couple (in some cases it can also be a triad) and a pack bond is a bond formed between a group of people or a “pack”. Whether someone chooses to form a pair bond or pack bond is almost always dependent on the environment they may have grown up in — though the environment they may have grown up in could also be a factor of them choosing, or feeling drawn towards a bond that differs from the one they had seen growing up.

Whether that type of bond is suited for them or not also factors when a designation is drawn to a certain type of bond. If someone becomes part of a bond that's not suited for them and how their psyche functions, they tend to suffer mental, emotional and physical distress. Sometimes even developing gland or pheromone disorders.

A classification who's best suited for a pair bond, but is in a pack bond will often time push their bodies past what they can endure mentally, physically or emotionally to accommodate and compensate for the extra bonds. A classification who is best suited for a pack bond, but is in a pair bond might struggle to center or calm themselves down during a heat or rut, because there aren't enough bonds for them to satisfy that.

💜 BLOCKERS & SUPPRESSANTS 🤍

Blockers (or anti-dispersers or inhibitors) are medicines most classifications use to “block out” others’ pheromones and scents, and block others from being able to catch a whiff of their own pheromones and scents. Blockers can come in soaps and body washes, patches, perfumes and sprays, and clothing items like underwear etc.

All, if not most, classifications can, and do use blockers.

Suppressants are used by Alphas and Omegas — and other Alpha/Omega-like classifications — to suppress their pheromones and estrus cycle and those other distinctive attributes that make up their classifications. Suppressants can come in pill and liquid form, as well as, patches and plasters.

Blockers (or anti-dispersers or inhibitors) and suppressants can be ranked from low-grade to high-grade and Alphas and Omegas — and other Alpha/Omega-like classifications — need a certified specialist’s approval to be able to legally buy suppressants, especially mid-high grade suppressants, from certified pharmacies and health or medical facilities.

💜 PACKS & PACK LEADS 🤍

Again, I've only seen the concept of packs, packhouses and pack leads explored within the western why choose/RH fanbase, which is cool, because I love me some pack taking, but again it's just not a concept explored or mentioned much outside of the why choose/RH fanbase.

Typically for packs to be legally registered as a pack, there has to be at least four or more members, with at least one or two members being an Alpha or Omega. While most packs have a pack lead that's commonly an Alpha there are some packs that do have other classifications like Omegas or Betas as pack leads, though while not rare, they're more uncommon than Alpha pack leads. There are also packs who choose not to have pack leads.

If a pack has a pack lead, the pack lead can form a connection between each of the pack members by forming a familial or platonic bond between them, and they can do so by simply biting their pack members on the inside of their wrist with the intention of forming a familial bond, which has somewhat similar attributes to a regular mating bite that can allow the pack members to sense each other more easily and feel what they're thinking, though it's not as strong or as connected as a regular mating bonds.

💜 OTHER CONCEPTS I'VE SEEN EXPLORED 🤍

● AURAS - An aura is an energy field that surrounds a person, Alphas and Omegas — and other Alpha/Omega-like classifications — are more sensitive and able to perceive their and others’ auras and those, depending on how much control they have and their level of dominance, are able to manipulate their and others’ auras too. This is a concept I've only seen explored in the western fanbase so far.

Betas — and other similar classifications — have small, if not imperceptible auras. Auras can be used to sense one's emotional or mental state, bond mates can also connect with each other with their auras too, sense what the other is feeling and even manipulate their bond mates’ aura to an extent, though this requires immense trust. Some people can even hide their auras from others.

Now I've only ever seen the concept of auras explored within the western fanbase and with some of the books I've read that feature auras by authors from the western fanbase, how they explained it didn't really make me see how auras isn't just a fancier version of pheromones, but I'm more than willing to be educated!

● COLLARS - I've mainly seen collars as a concept of glandular protection used in the eastern fanbase — especially the queer communities, but I've seen collars pop up a few times in the western fanbase. All classifications, whether Alpha, Omega, Beta or other that have a gland are required to wear a collar. Wearing a collar is mainly for protections’ sake, and to ensure no one is forcefully bitten or marked.

Collars are typically a solid color with a simple design, made for practicality’s sake, but there are collars that also lean more towards the fashion side. Collars, especially designer collars, can be used as a gift for their Alpha or Omega partners, or used as a symbol of their bond, with the collar featuring some design or attribute of their (bonded) mate.

● DOMINANT & RECESSIVE CLASSIFICATIONS - Another concept I've only seen within the eastern and queer fanbase is the different classifications, and more specifically Alphas and Omegas — and Alpha/Omega-like designations — being categorised as either dominant or recessive. So along with there being regular Alphas and Omegas, there are also dominant and recessive Alphas and Omegas.

Dominant Alphas and Omegas are considered much much more in tune with their instincts than regular Alphas and Omegas, their glands are more active, meaning they produce more pheromones, dominant Alphas are larger and more aggressive and stronger and dominant Omegas can be taller than regular Omegas, more “dominant” and have a purr that can soothe a room and are more attractive to all designations.

Recessive Alphas and Omegas have glands that are slightly more active than most Betas, but much weaker than regular and dominant Alphas and Omegas. Their glands are more underdeveloped so their pheromones are weaker and fainter and some are considered (or pretend) to be Betas. Their purrs, croons, whines, barks, growls etc. are weaker as well, and some recessive Alphas/Omegas can't produce “proper” purrs, croons and whines etc. like regular or dominant Alphas/Omegas can in some cases.

While recessive Alphas can still knot/lock their partner, the knot is smaller and the lock is “looser” than a regular or dominant Alphas’. Recessive Omegas produce less slick than a regular Omega and they experience little to no heat cycle, and if a recessive Omega does go through a heat cycle, it usually lasts about two-three days, and isn't as delirium inducing like a regular heat, same with an Alpha’s rut cycle.

● CLASS/TIER RANKINGS - Another concept I've seen pop up more in the eastern fanbase than the western fanbase, is the concept of the class/tier rankings commonly used in manwha style projects and these rankings range from S-class/tier which is the highest to F-class/tier which is the lowest. Though there are worldbuildings where the lowest class ranking was En and F was considered rare/non-existent — until of course our protagonist comes along and proves society otherwise.

● COMPATIBILITY TESTING/MATCHING RATES - Compatibility testing is another concept that I've seen more in the eastern and queer fanbase, though I think I might have seen it mentioned once or twice within the western fanbase, but compatibility testing is when a classification and their partner would go to a government organisation — typically some kind of sector focused on bonds and mating — and test whether their partner and them are a good match!

Compatibility testing can also be done during their childhood with their results being kept on hand within whatever organisation is responsible for the compatibility testing and if they end up being matched with someone later in life they'll be notified by the government of that fact, and while they'd be recommended to get with their partner, it typically isn't mandatory.

How the compatibility testing affects the world and the classifications depends on the worldbuilding of the author, but typically partners with high compatibility testings can have a more successful mating bond, handle each other’s cycles better and be more in tune with each other psyche — if that makes sense — while partners with low compatibility matching rates would be the opposite

💜 AFTERWORD 🤍

This has been my journey into the Omegaverse and maybe something resonated with you guys! I definitely haven't even gone through other concepts that can be found in the Omegaverse like prime Alphas/Omegas or singular Alphas, nor have I really gone into depth about the concepts I've already mentioned, but like I said these are just the basics and you can do further research if you prefer!

All in all, free will is a thing and how you interpret the Omegaverse is up to you! Some Omegaverse stories will have pack dynamics and bondings that also have their own rules on how they're formed and how they work. Some Omegaverse stories might not have pack dynamics or bondings and just feature pair bondings.

Some Omegaverse stories will include auras, something that usually only Alphas and Omegas can see and manipulate — it all really depends on how the author has fit the theme into their stories. Some Omegaverse stories will have Dominant and Recessive designations. Some Omegaverse stories will include scent suppressors, blockers, inhibitors or anti-dispersers.

Some Omegaverse stories will include heat/rut suppressors or boosters or inducers. Some Omegaverse stories will have gland removals or faux glands. Some Omegaverse stories will have diseases and illnesses all dependent on the harming or weakening of their gland — like pheromone imbalance, where either an Omega or Alpha are usually (extremely) allergic to other classification’s scents and pheromones — except for their mate's scent in some cases).

Some Omegaverse stories will have Omegas (and Alphas, in some cases) having to wear collars to protect their glands, in case of forced biting/marking. Some Omegaverse stories will include academies or institutes aimed at the education and discipline of Alphas and Omegas.

Some Omegaverse stories will include Alphas and Omegas having to live on compounds or in designated communities until they're of age or married/mated off. Some Omegaverse stories might not even include the concept of marriage itself, and mating is the way to go.

Some Omegaverse stories might feature a matching rate/system, usually done by the government, where Alphas and Omegas with the highest pheromone matching rate are considered to be "destined mates" and, in some stories, are even obligated by the government to be together.

Some Omegaverse stories also feature the manwha style ranking system found in the Hunterverse too. With Omegas or Alphas of higher rankings being revered and respected. Some Omegaverse stories might even adopt the concept of an Omega being able to "calm" an Alpha like a Guide can calm a Sentinel/Esper from the Sentinel AU and Esperverse — or Guideverse —.

Again, for those who aren't sure, the Omegaverse is an ALTERNATE UNIVERSE trope — meaning an alternate reality from ours — where all these terms and concepts are a regular and mundane phenomenon in that universe. They're not considered fantastical or otherworldly, neither does having these basics that makes an Omegaverse automatically make your story fantastical or otherworldly.

However, your Omegaverse story CAN be considered monster/PNR if you're story ALSO includes fantastical and paranormal elements ALONG with the basics of the Omegaverse, like monsters (gargoyles, ghouls, giants etc.), shifting, magic, time travel and so on. If your Omegaverse story doesn't include any fantastical or otherworldly elements then it doesn't automatically fall under monster/PNR.

Again, every author and reader will have their own take on the Omegaverse. Some will just have the basics of the Omegaverse. Some will create their own subuniverses based on the Omegaverse universe that has their own terms and rules when it comes to their universe. As long as your Omegaverse story follows the basic rules and guidelines of the Omegaverse you can do whatever your heart desires with it.

Again, for your story to be considered an Omegaverse, your story needs to have all, if not most, of the foundational aspects of the Omegaverse (the concepts of designations, glands and pheromones, estrus cycles, scent matches/fated mates — though some stories don't include these —, pack and/or pair dynamics and bondings and so on).

Again, this is just a BASIC exploration on the Omegaverse for a different perspective further research and discernment is recommended!

If you have any questions and such related to the Omegaverse feel free to comment them below