No minors on this post please!
Beta Behaviour in Misceanimalis/Misceverse
As many others I have noticed that Betas tend to get ignored in this community, and are just labelled as “normal” or essentially dynamic-less or at best as neutral soothers. If you identify this way all power to you, however I have decided to establish my own headcanon of behaviour that personally resonates for the Betas in our system, and seemingly another Beta outside of it. If this resonates for you too, I would love to know. :) I hope this brings you joy and affirms your identity.
General Temperament
Like the current understanding, I also believe there is a level of cool-headedness and deep focus to be at the core of a Beta’s instincts. However one of the most important aspects about Betas in terms of pack dynamics is their desire to establish wider territory. Alphas and Omegas have been established in the past as homemakers, homebodies that stay indoors and den and nest and create one safe haven. However I believe that Betas are very different in that they crave going outdoors and being aware of who is in their surroundings and the territory that they have set in their mind. Betas are prone to cabin fever levels of annoyance at being indoors but doing things like opening windows can improve their overall mood.
What Betas do instead of Nesting or Denning
Typically Betas do not nest or den but instead do an activity known as “Sprucing” where they will go into established pack homes (or their own if they do not have a pack) and adjust things. Unlike Omegas whose main goal in nesting is comfort and Alphas whose main priority is security when denning, Beta sprucing behaviour is based around ease of access and maintaining order amongst the chaos.
Sensory Seeking Behaviour and Beta Senses
Betas in general crave a specific type of contact known as deep pressure, and have particular parts on their body which are more sensitive to this contact or that they like to be squished. In one specific spot it can help a Beta get into headspace and it is similar to scruffing but not quite as scruffing is about going loose and unaware. However Beta headspace is focused in and is cool and calm. Betas love weighted blankets and any sort of soft weighted object with which they can comfort themselves with. A Beta's sense of smell is not as strong but they are more sensitive visually and hearing wise, which aids them with their outside and wider territory protection and maintenance instincts.
Beta to Beta Interactions
Betas are great together and often tend to go in groups. While it is unusual to see a pack formed purely of one dynamic, it is possible for Betas to form a cohesive pack. One of the most important behaviours that Betas do with each other is called linking where Betas will get in a very tight hug with each other so every body part is touching. They will then gently squeeze each other and hum to each other to express their joy. It is a social taboo to separate Betas during this time as they are both vulnerable and protective of each other. Betas also enjoy holding parts of other’s body parts in their mouth such as an arm, a hand or a finger and lightly bite down. It helps them feel secure and is a soothing behaviour. This is not Beta to Beta exclusive but is often performed with other Betas.
Beta Cycle
Betas experience a cycle commonly known as Ardor that lasts anywhere from three days to a week. During this time they feel cold, need extra pressure and feel contained by being inside. They don't like to be inside and they need to patrol their territory for a long time which can lead to exhaustion and fatigue so often their pack need to help them (usually other Betas walking with them) or help them warm up with a nice warm bath or letting them organise things and giving those deep pressure hugs and lots of linking. Their behaviour during this time is restless and they are very distressed if unable to confirm the safety of the territory. At the end of Ardor once a Beta is satisfied truly with their territory they will attempt to find a partner to be with. However the majority of Ardor is non-sexual and is instead focused on the safety of the group. Some Betas do not feel the sexual urges at all.