The fourth and last-born son of his alpha male father, Faolán was never meant to lead. Though this often perturbed the young black wolf, he shook it off and went on with his life as one of his father's hunters.

When Cúmhaí died after suffering an injury on a hunt, Faolán's eldest brother Aodh took over the clan as leader, and Faolán expected Aodh to name him beta, as they had always been close. After all, Lorcán, the second-born son, had a vicious temper and was unfit for a position of leadership, and Tadhg was too soft-spoken, his head always in the clouds. Faolán was sure the position was in the bag for him.

Instead, Aodh named their feisty sister Sorcha to second-in-command. Enraged by this decision, Lorcán left to start his own clan, and soon enough, Faolán made the decision to go away as well.

"There's nothing for me here," he told Aodh, before padding away to his new destiny further south.