• Only lions and lion-hybrids are susceptible to the disease.
• Most lions in the pride are Carriers - likely to infect others, but not showing any symptoms themselves. This status can naturally progress to Diseased.
• Some lions and hybrids may be immune to the disease.*
• The disease is terminal and incurable.
*We don't want to force you to kill off your pets, but please don't make every lion immune!
Symptoms
• Beginning Symptoms
The beginning stages of the disease can sometimes be confused with that of a severe cold. Aches and pains in the joints (more of a nuisance than anything damaging), occasional chills or fevers (again, nothing that doesn't go away after a day or two) and they tend to be more easily exhausted than another lion or cub their age.
This stage can last anywhere from a few days to many years and can fluctuate in severity from week to week.
For the most part, members of the pride that are in the beginning stages can function as a normal lion can. They still can hunt and still can play etc. etc. They're just a bit weaker than others and might need to take a day or two to rest and recuperate from a fever or chill.
• Intermediate Symptoms
Beginning symptoms become worse and the infected start to suffer from headaches and occasional bouts of vertigo/dizziness. They become weaker and though their appetite doesn't suffer, it becomes more difficult for them to keep food down. Nose bleeding isn't uncommon and on bad days its difficult for said lion to breathe. Phlegm is regurgitated now and then as well.
Depending on the individual, this stage can affect each lion differently; some are practically overwhelmed and begin to starve as they cannot eat well while others can still function adequately. Depending on the amount of energy they have, some can still hunt (if that was their position) and go about life as best they are able. Others are more overwhelmed and in need of more assistance from pride members and nurse-types.
It isn't uncommon for a lion or lion-hybrid to waffle back and forth - some days doing well, other days suffering severe symptoms. This stage can last anywhere from days to years.
• Advanced Symptoms
Once a lion reaches this stage, it is well known that only the lucky will die swiftly. This is the stage where the lion or lion-hybrid suffers the most. The phlegm in their lungs thickens and they struggle to breathe properly. Wheezing and gasping for breath is a sound that many within the pride are accustomed to hearing.
Many lose their appetite or just choose not to partake in the feasting at all due to weakness or an inability to keep food down. What food they do eat has a greater chance of coming back up and some are just too weak to keep on getting so violently sick. Starvation is the better choice for some as wasting a death as it too can be. Chronic pain, especially in their joints, is evident and causes much grief. Internal hemorrhaging is also much more severe. It isn't uncommon for a lion to bleed out from their ears or eyes, mouth, nose and other places.
This stage is the worst by far. Lions and lion hybrids are rendered useless and are usually separated by choice from the younger and more sprightly lions. If they are lucky and favored, death comes swiftly to their side. . . . If they are found unfavorable by Pestilence (or so they assume) they suffer and waste for weeks and months.
• Death
Death comes in one of these few forms.
Starvation: Self-explanatory. The lion or lion-hybrid either grew too violently ill to keep food down or was too weak to swallow, lost his or her appetite completely and couldn't be encouraged to eat, or chose to stop eating despite the hunger pains.
Asphyxiation: Due to the extreme build-up of phlegm in their lungs and body most lions will eventually pass away thanks to suffocation.
Hemorrhaging: Due to mass internal and external hemorrhaging, massive blood loss will render the lion or lion-hybrid unconscious and eventually cause death.
Organ Failure: After so much stress on the body, organs will begin to fail as the body realizes its doom is imminent.
The Kitwana'antara is not united in any single belief system, though most of the pride swears by Pestilence. Priests and Priestesses may lead followers of any of the gods listed below as well as any others they see fit.
It is believed that the Goddess of Pestilence inflicted the plague for which the pride is known as a punishment. Many worship her and make offerings in the hopes that one day their devotion will persuade her to banish the disease.
Belief in this Goddess is somewhat controversial as older members in particular believe that only Pestilence can save them from the disease. However, younger members, especially those who were not born in the Kitwana'antara, worship the Goddess of Healing as a way to ease their pain and that of their fellows, and hope that she might have the power to break Pestilence's curse.
This God has been known to visit the pride in the past, though he hasn't been seen lately. Many pridemembers honor him for helping those who are starving due to the disease.
These are various ceremonies that mark life events and important occasions for the pride. There may not be official pride events to mark them, but they are assumed to happen.
Naming an Heiress*
Because of the disease that marks every aspect of life in the pride, they would prefer to celebrate the delcaration of who will be the next Queen, instead of the actual coronation. This way, the event is not overshadowed by concern for a sickly former Queen or, worse, mourning.
Introduction and Naming of Cubs (Pups, Etc.)
This is a more private ceremony, usually only involving the immediate family, the reigning monarch, and a priestess. It takes place after the cubs are old enough and strong enough to survive. It is simply a formal presentation and recognition of the children as pridemembers.
Devotion of an Outsider
When any member joins the pride, after all parties are certain that the prospective member is willing and worthy, they must observe this ritual. After all the talk is done, it is time for action and the new member is sent out among the pride. They must return with three wounds, preferably bites instead of scratches. This insures that any lion or lion-hybrid has a chance to be infected. Non-lions and non-lion hybrids must still perform this ritual even though they are immune to the disease. The only exceptions to this rule are those who join the pride as children and are raised as children of the Kitwana'antara.
Hunt of the New Moon*
Because of the disease, pride numbers tend to be on the low side. When that happens, the monarchs and the High Priestess may declare a hunt. It is one of the pride's deepest shames, but they go out cubnapping anyway. Other members will try to lure in rogues or at least get themselves pregnant by one.
Health and Good Fortune*
This is the rarest of all rituals, and performed only when the pride strongly feels that Pestilence is truly angry with them. For this ritual a lion or lion-hybrid who is immune, a carrier, or not greatly suffering from the disease, willingly sacrifices themself. The High Priestess leads the sickest lions of the pride in slaying the sacrifice, and then all the sick and royalty must lap at the blood of the sacrifice that some of their health may be passed on.
Death
This is, sadly, one of the most frequent ceremonies to be found in the pride. When a member dies, the pride honors them by remembering their life. Many will come to pay respects, the body will be adorned, blessings will be spoken, stories told, etc. The highest honors go to those who were stricken by the disease. Those who died of other causes aren't treated any differently, they are simply seen as not having Pestilence's favor.
*This ritual will happen only as a pride-run metaplot.
Because any lion or lion-hybrid can become diseased, the Kitwana'antara welcome any and all species - feline, canine, and familiar. There is no stigma within the pride against any nonlions, though some members who come from outside may bring their own prejudices.
Marriage
To bind oneself in marriage is a very serious business. Some pridemembers, like the Queen, must have a mate and the stability of that relationship reflects on the pride as a whole. If an individual chooses to devote themself to a mate, the pride will expect them to remain true. However, because keeping a large gene pool is important, it is acceptable to simply have a series of flings. Having many cubs is seen as a blessing to the pride.
Hybrids
It's no surprise in a pride that values nonlions for their natural immunity to the disease that hybrids should occur. Some pridemembers are against lion-hybrids, as their lion blood can very well get them killed by the plague. Others see the nonlion blood as a better chance at immunity for their children.
Homosexuality
In a pride that emphasizes the importance of cubs, homosexuality is not necessarily encouraged but it is accepted. The pride would still like homosexual couples to find a surrogate, or adopt cubs that others may not be able to take care of.
Infidelity
Because marriage is taken so seriously while cubs are so valued, the pride fears what infidelity may do to hurt all the parties involved. If an individual does not feel they can be faithful to their chosen mate, the pride would much rather that they never make their pairing official.
Ranks available to any member at any time are listed below as Standard Ranks. Special versions of the standard ranks are available through RP.
Royalty
Queen
This is the ruler of the pride, the final say. She must be diseased and show symptoms in order to be able to empathize with her pride. She also must know basic healing and be a devout follower of Pestilence. It is her responsibility to the pride that she choose a King if she does not have a Royal Escort upon assuming the throne. If the King dies or does not show signs of disease, she must choose a new one.
King
He is chosen by the Queen. He must show signs of disease in order to hold his position. While she spends her time amongst the sickly, action and defense of the pride are his domain. He also advises her and helps her rule the pride. If the Queen dies before him, he will become a Vizier while the Heiress ascends to the throne.
Heiress
This is usually the Queen's eldest daughter, though the Queen may choose a cub from a relative's litter or someone else in the pride that she adopts as her own. Males are only chosen if the pride is desperate and unsure if any lionesses will live long enough to become Heiress.
Royal Escort
This is the Heiress' future mate, that she chooses. He must show signs of disease. It is a great honor to be selected for this position.
Prince/Princess
Other children of the monarchs, besides the Heiress. When they reach adulthood, their title will change to Duke or Duchess.
Escort
These are young lions in the pride who are betrothed to a Prince or Princess. When they become adults and officially wed, their title becomes Duke or Duchess.
Duke/Duchess
Adult children of the current monarchs, as well as the children of former monarchs. Basically anyone with royal blood.
High Ranks
Vizier
These are older, wiser members of the pride, including former Kings and retired Queens. They are considered to be the pride's repository of wisdom and history.
High Priestess
This is the High Priestess of Pestilence. No other god will do for the pride as a whole. She works closely with the Queen to ensure that the pride makes good and timely offerings. She does not need to have the disease.
Master Healer
The most skilled Healers of the pride hold this title. There are never more than three, though there have been as few as one in times of trouble. This title is often held by nonlions.
Baron/Baroness
When the Heiress is not the Queen's daughter, this title is granted to her parents. It comes with some responsibilities, but also the chance that their other children may be betrothed to royalty as well.
Head Matron/Patron
This lion is final authority on finding and selecting mates (or flings). His or her job is to find the perfect match not only for any royal offspring, but anyone else whose future is in doubt. All matchmakers report to them.
Standard Ranks
Priest/Priestess
These are devout and religious pridemembers who choose to devote themselves to one of the gods worshipped in the pride. They assist with the various ceremonies and are usually lions, though not necessarily.
Specific Priest/Priestess Titles Requires three complete RPs in chosen field.
Vesper
This priest or priestess tends to focus on composing songs of praise to the gods, as well as for various ceremonies and traditions. These composers often work closely with bards. Their songs and music are primarily for religious purpose and use.
Oracle
These are priest and priestesses that are of Seer blood, and can offer accurate predictions of use to the pride. These are also non-Seer priest and priestesses that tend toward divination, be it through the stars or stones or bones or some other known medium. So long as their predictions are somewhat accurate, they can be called upon by any member of the pride at any time. It is not required that Seers take this position if they do not want to.
Monk
Those that call upon this title tend towards meditation and prayer. They are called upon to beseech the gods, in particular Pestilence, to aid those within the pride. They are particularly devout, and it isn't unusual to see them fasting, or holding vigils.
Healer
One of the most respected ranks open to all pridemembers. Traditionally held by nonlions, Healers welcome anyone who is compassionate, even those who are themselves ill.
Specific Healer Titles Requires three complete RPs in chosen field.
Medic
This specific type of healer is accustomed to battle wounds. They are usually a blend of warrior or guard mixed with a healer background. They should have a base knowledge of the disease, as all healers do, but are best known for their speed when aiding the ill. This style of healing is a bit specific, but good to have, just in case a fight gets out of hand, or (heaven forbid) another war breaks out in the pride lands.
Mind Healer
Not all wounds are physical. In a pride with as much grief and drama as the Kitwana'antara, there are particular healers with a calming touch to the mind, soul and heart. They help settle the anxieties, grief, anger, and bitterness that surrounds the pride. These are counselors, therapists if you would, and their services are greatly needed, even if some individuals would rather not open up to a stranger.
Dusk Healer
These healers deal specifically with those in the terminal stages of the disease. They tend to deal specifically with those that are close to dying, and often see them through to the end. These healers deal with the worst of the disease, and see it on a daily basis. While all healers tend the very ill, Dusk Healers treat only them. They may deal with the non-terminal if requested to do so, or there is a shortage in healers for one reason or another, but for the most part they specialize in comforting and aiding those closest to death.
Apothecary
Perhaps not as respected as Healers, but just as important. Apothecaries double as herbalists and often mix the potions that bring relief to the sick. They gather and tend the necessary herbs, even (rarely and with permission) adventuring outside of the pride in search of special plants and materials. All species welcome.
Specific Apothecary Titles Requires three complete RPs in chosen field.
Herbalist
While all apothecaries have basic knowledge over various plants, herbs, and roots, it is the Herbalist's that tend toward specific in depth knowledge of various plants. Herbalists are also known for studying and investigating new roots and flowers, and tend to work closely with Experimenters.
Experimenter
These apothecaries have taken a keen interest in experimenting with new herbs, roots, fruits and plants. When it comes to new plants, they're the first to investigate their properties, and proclaim whether or not a mixture may be lethal. The Experimenter's are not mad scientists though, and are known for practicing new tinctures and remedies on one another, before they are distributed to the rest of the pride.
Gardener
Those that choose to tend the garden may catch a little flack, for their work seems idle and easy, but it is not the case. There are a few areas in the pride where specific plants tend to grow; it is up to the Gardener's to make sure these needed plants are cared for, and of course, are the first to notice when supplies grow slim. They care for the local area plants, and often pick and collect gourds and fruits to supply for the rest of the pride.
Nanny
The caretakers of the pride. Not only do they keep the little ones out of trouble during the day, they may act as surrogate parents for children whose own are too ill to take care of them. All species welcome.
Specific Nanny Titles Requires three complete RPs in chosen field.
Disciplinarian
No cub likes to be under the watchful gaze of the Disciplinarian. These are the nannies that are often called in when a particular cub, or group, is being fussy. They are the taskmasters, and the ones that lay down the heavy paw when things get out of control. This does not mean they are cruel or violent, however. They are just the ones that deal most with the trouble makers of the pride. They will nanny over any sort of cub, of course, but they often have a bad reputation among the young cubs and juveniles.
Entertainer
The foil to the Disciplinarians, these particularly nannies have shown a knack of keeping little cubs occupied. They are often in charge of coming up with new games and ways to distract and humor the young ones. They have a special touch with humoring the young cubs, especially when tragedy or loss is close at hand. It isn't unheard of for a Bard to transition to this role if they are specifically inclined towards the younger generations of the pride.
Bard
Storytellers, entertainers, you name it, Bards can and have filled that role. They might be lions of longstanding bloodlines telling the history of the pride, they might be former rogues with tales of adventure, they might simply be performers who love the spotlight. Bards teach and entertain all ages of the pride through a wide variety of mediums including story, song, dance, plays, etc. All species welcome.
Specific Bard Titles Requires three complete RPs in chosen field.
Instrumentalist
These bards have an ability and tend to find joy in not just song, but in creating music and sound. They have a knack for crafting instruments out of various resources, such as gourds and bones and stones. They tend to entertain the pride with their strange music, and are always looking for a new and better way to improve the creation of music and sound.
Storyteller
While all bards sing and entertain, these storytellers find a joy and love in the actual creation of stories. These are the Bards that are notorious for their skill at weaving a good drama, or even a comedy, and sucking others in to their tales. They create stories not just for themselves, for can aid other bards who might not be so imaginative.
Hunter/Huntress
Like any group of carnivores, the Kitwana'antara does need to keep itself fed. This is the default rank for any adult. All species welcome.
Scout
Scouts travel within and without of the pride, keeping an eye out for strangers and danger. They do not engage, choosing to report back instead. All species welcome, but lions and lion-hybrids should be immune or a carrier. Diseased lions are not permitted near the border.
Spy
These are the stealthiest members of the pride. Their missions can be much more far-ranging than that of ordinary Scouts - and most people think they're ordinary Scouts - and may be entirely within the pride's borders. They report to the King. All species welcome, but lions and lion-hybrids should be immune. Diseased lions are not permitted near the border.
Guard
These are stronger members of the pride, and their role is to defend the borders and keep the peace. All species welcome.
Warrior
These are the strongest and most skilled, as well as the most militarily inclined and knowledgeable. They advise the King and help train the Guards. All species welcome.
Matchmaker
When looking for a mate, or a fling, it is the Matchmaker who helps a pridemember find that special someone, and ensure that the lineage of the two won't be a problem. They have a knack for figuring out who will be best together, and may even, on occasion, leave the pride to find that pefect match. Lions only.
Secret Keeper
After the Death ritual, there is a secondary ritual carried out by the Secret Keepers of the pride, unbeknownst to all but the Queen, King, and High Priestess. These scavengers...dispose of the body. Eat it, actually. It is forbidden for them to speak of this to other pridemembers and so the rank is filled with mystery for those others. Secret Keepers are treated normally by the rest of the pride. Hyenas, wild dogs, and vultures only. Not all scavenger species must be Secret Keepers.
Master Ranks
A pridemember can become a master of almost any rank with enough dedication. Mastery is a recognition of their skill and devotion to their field. This requires eight completed RPs, and if it's a special rank, the three RPs used before do not count.
Youth Ranks
Kitling The default rank for cubs.
Apprentice The default rank for adolescents.
Applying for special ranks: To apply for a special rank, please fill out the following form and submit it to Kitwana Antara.
[size=11][center][b][color=indigo]I'm Moving Up[/color][/b][/center] [b]SoA's Name:[/b] [b]SoA's Current Rank:[/b] [b]Soa's Adult Cert:[/b] [b]Rank SoA is Aspiring to Achieve:[/b] [b]RP Proof:[/b] Remember, it's 2 for a general rank change, 3 for a specific rank, and 8 for a Master rank. [/size]
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