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 Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:39 am
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History
Many years ago, a pride flourished near the Kokari Waterfall. Although it’s members never went without, their numbers were small; a strategy used to be better survive in the harsh landscape. The Kutembea’moja were harsh to outsiders, and made many enemies from those that were considered neighbors. One such pride, the Mbaya’mabaya, could only take so much. While their pride suffered from the intense heat of the jungle, their wretched neighbors were thriving. Not only was the Kutembea’moja near a constant source of fresh water, the waterfall shielded the pride, making the area a veritable fortress. The Mbaya were a much larger pride, with more to gain from one final, massive strike and the Kutembea knew it. Fearing the pride would not survive the war, a lone guard by the name of Reivar tasked himself with finding allies.
The brave lion found anyone who would help He gathered many willing fighters from across the land and brought them back to his home. With the numbers he collected, they were sure to win! His band was eclectic in both skill and species, but far more balanced than the straight laced forces waiting back in the Kutembea. No lion would be able to match the speed of his cheetahs, the wit of his hyenas, or any of the other traits that Reivar brought together. With his warriors at his side, Reivar knew in his heart that their enemies would fall!
When the hopeful warrior returned home, he expected a warm welcome, a hero’s welcome, for what he accomplished would save the pride! Reivar’s hopes, however, were dashed. The Pride, was stubborn. They absolutely refused the help of their allies, going so far as trying to drive them out. Why did they need help from outsiders? What if they were Mbaya spies in disguise?! Their ways had always saved them before, and would do so again.
The war raged on, and Reivar watched from atop the cliffs. His plan and his aid refused, he turned to his second in command, a cheetah named Rehema. Together, the pair came up with a new plan - one to take over. It mattered little to either one which of the two warring factions won, for within a fortnight of the battle they would take the prize. The Kutembea were slaughtered by the Mbaya, but due to a lack of proper diet, the winning forces were weakened. They could not withstand Reivar’s surprise attack, and were quicky vanquished themselves. With the Mbaya nearly decimated, Reivar stood his ground. He challenged their, who would not even fight his own war.
The pair fought. Rehema led the defense, and used her forces to keep the Mbaya back so that the fight would be uninterrupted. The King was overcome by Reivar’s brutal tactics, succumbing to his wrath like a sandcastle being washed away by the tide.
Reivar stood trimphant. He commanded what was left of the Mbaya to fight with him, or leave. Nothing would ever be the same now. Reivar’s home was marked in war and blood, and so were the lives of those that now called this ‘new’ land home.
Rehema established the culture to which the present day Kuuza live. While their forces fought each battle brought to them by allies of the Mbaya, Rehema created a life for them. One that would aid in the future success of the ever expanding mercenaries. Brutality and ruthlessness was needed to claim their spot, but guidance and trust was needed to keep it strong. She wanted to create a home for her people; one that they would be proud to fight for. As generations went by, the new Pride, dubbed the Kuuza-upanga, changed. While the war was never forgotten, the old ways were phased out under the new, and a unified front was created.
While the Kuuza continue to travel, the Kokari Waterfall will always be their home. They will raise families under it’s protective shield, and teach new generations to guard that which is more precious than life itself; family.
Current Events
In a recent battle for supremacy, the lion Gaige has taken his place as Big Papa by defeating Olyr, the previous Big Papa. Rumors have it that he's a known cannibal, though he has yet to be caught in the act! So far all that is known about this stranger his vicious need for dominance, which while shocking, has proven useful since his knowledge of the rogue lands is extensive. The transition of power has not been an easy one. Olyr was a benevolent leader who was much loved. While the Kuuza respect their traditions, many wonder if it was wrong of them to allow Olyr to accept the challenge of this demon in lion's skin. Only time will tell what sort of leader he shall become... |
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Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 8:07 am
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Appearance & Species
Appearance: The Kuuza have no restrictions on color, or appearance. However, that does not mean that those with “softer” coat colors/patterns (pinks/flowers/etc.) won’t be ribbed from time to time.
Species: Whether they be canine or feline, all are welcome to the Kuuza. So long as they are able to pull their weight and keep up, physical appearances matter little.
Familiars
General Stance: All familiars are welcome, though predators are preferred. Others may run the risk of becoming prey if they are not careful. They must belong to a member, as those who are not will be viewed as food. Larger familiars will have to go through some form of training as well, since most will be in the field with their bonded.
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Religion
The general consensus of the pride is that the Gods have long since lost whatever power they held over mortals. Mercs stand for themselves and their brethren; what need have they for Gods that have never once answered their prayers? Should an individual choose to follow a particular deity or religion, they will not be scorned so long as said religion doesn’t get in the way of their duties.
Marriage & Breeding
Marriage: Mating is viewed as a temporary state in the Kuuza, and is not generally recommended. While the love held between members is celebrated, a permanent mating often leads to heartache once one of the pair inevitably dies in action. It is because of this that love bonds are not restricted to one species, nor to opposing genders, and may be varied between partners. The love between two females, for instance, even with one being a hyena and the other a cheeton is of no concern to the pride so long as it remains positive for both parties.
Breeding: Breeding is always open within the Kuuza, but restricted to adults only. Adolescent breeding may be allowed on a case by case basis if there is plot behind it, but it should be known that the affected youths will be penalized for it. Adols are seen as not being old enough to look out for their best interests, let alone that of a cub, and will have their offspring stripped from them to be raised by another family.
Breeding with outsiders is recommended from time to time to bring in new blood. However, it should be noted that if a female is caught with cubs sired by an enemy male she will be punished. The cubs will be sparred, since it was not their decision, but the female will be placed on the lowest rank/exiled if information gets out.
Values & Traditions
Rehema’s Blessing: Since the foundation of the modern day Kuuza revolves around the cultural system set in place by the cheetah Rehema, black sclera is seen as a blessing from the former Big Mama herself. As she carried the trait, all those born with it are said to be gifted and even prophesied to carry weighty positions in their later years. (perhaps even leadership!)
Training: All members, no matter their rank, will be taught basic defensive fighting styles. This is to ensure their continued safety, as well as others, in times of crisis. Members that have found their career callings will be expected to actively prepare for upcoming events. Examples of this are sparring for Venturers, collecting of herbs for Sawbones, endurance training for Snoops, etc.
Community: Unity is beyond important to the mercenaries. In the Kuuza, each member is part of your family and nothing should stand in the way of familial safety. Any fool stupid enough to put their brethren's very way of life in jeopardy will be met with swift punishment.
However, the concept of unity brings about more joy than pain. It simply means that Kuuza members assist in the raising of cubs from all litters, teaching them as if they were their own, and helping out whenever possible. (Scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours). With an ever changing populace the Kuuza cannot afford to have dissension in the ranks.
Festivals & Ceremonies
Brujah: Since leadership is won, not inherited, it is only natural that upstarts should vie for the position of Big Mama/Papa. Once the challenge has been issued, the current leader may choose to defend their title or secede. Should the latter happen, the current Big Mama/Papa will be banished from that moment forth. Should the challenge be accepted, a fight to the death will occur for the position. Interference from outside parties on the behalf of a combatant is an automatic loss for that fighter.
Upon the end of the duel, the victor will be given choice over what happens to the others corpse; respectfully dispose of the remains or have the losers head mounted on a pike for all to see.
Reivar's Tourney: It is customary during the first Spring of a new rule for the Kuuza to host a tournament. Contestants are pooled from volunteers within the pride, as well as contracted prides/packs/colonies, and are given a week to scope out their fellow contestants. Since the prize is quite considerable the tourney can last for weeks. The prize is of the victors choice; so long as it is within reason the victor may have whatever they desire. A higher rank, the exile of a rival, death of a foe, exemption from hunting, etc. Matches have the option of being to the death or simply until first blood is drawn depending on the mood of the current Big Mama/Papa.
Funeral Ceremonies: As death and loss are commonplace among the Kuuza, under the light of each full moon a grand feast is held. This will be a time for the pride to join the grieving, to share in their loss, and to celebrate the lives of those whom have passed. Most affairs are more joyous than saddening since the Kuuza wish to focus on the life that was lived and not the death itself.
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Laws
First rule about fight club; don't talk about fight club: Seriously, though, if any member is caught spreading any classified information (ie. location of dens, identify of snoops, etc.) they will be severely punished.
Trials
Criminal Trial: All criminal trials will be brought before the Lil Mama/Papa to preside over. Although sometimes the Big Mama/Papa are needed to make final judgement calls, the second in command has enough clout to punish offending parties with the assistance of other ranking members. For example; If a Venturer is on trial, a Captain or two may be asked to weigh their opinions with the Lil Mama/Papa.
Civil Trial: Ranking pridal members may be called upon to settle smaller disputes. Using their best judgement, they will be tasked with finding a solution that quickly quells the situation, as well as benefits as many parties as possible. |
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Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 8:07 am
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Geography
The Kuuza-upanga, while travelers at heart, value their ancestral base of operations above all else. Their stronghold is near the Kokari Waterfall, named so after the first brawler brave enough to settle the land. The waterfall cascades down a massive cliffside into a deep watering hole that feeds into a larger jungle river. There is little land around the waterfall that isn’t covered in overgrown plant life. With so little open terrain many would pass this land in favor of more obvious pridal grounds, but that is why it is so prized to the Kuuza. This rough terrain makes it nearly impossible for outsiders to invade the real pride lands.
Following the narrow pathways surrounding the base of the Kokari, one of the two main entrances to the Kuuza’s base lies behind the waterfall. It is a small opening, a tight squeeze for larger lions, that leads to a massive system of underground tunnels. Though there are many passages to explore, the group itself chooses to focus on the wider, more stable tunnels just behind the Kokari. The dens are further up the cliff itself, closer to secret escape exits near the top where there is minimal risk of flooding. This is used as a denning area that is safe from outside forces, with the only exception being a large open space claimed for meetings. The second entrance opens in the grasslands above. However, because of it’s tiresome distance from the dens and frequent cave ins it is rarely used.
There are several smaller routes that lead to the ledges along side the cliff. These are generally avoided, as the water makes the stone extremely slippery. (Although in some hazing processes, new recruits are challenged to leap from these into the watering hole. It’s unfortunate that some don’t live to tell the tale of their bravery!)
While most prides would separate those of higher rank from the lessers, the Kuuza believe in the strength of unity. It is because of this that most, if not all, of the dens are near one another and nursing families are generally kept together in larger dens.
Although the base contains nothing more than a wild jungle, at the top of the Kokari lies a vast grassland. The vegetation grows thick to the East, but the West is prime hunting grounds for those brave enough to take the topside entrance route.
Weather & Climate
The Kuuza-upanga reside within one of Africa’s larger rainforests, and therefore are subject to its weather. Humidity swells high here, and keeps moisture trapped within the air, causing the already intense heat to seem much warmer than it actually is. There is some relief near the Kokari Waterfall, though most escape into the denning tunnels when a cooling break is needed. Geographically the heaviest rains fall in this region, and such, the Kuuza are prone to flash flooding. It is not advised to den in the lower tunnels for this reason. |
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Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 8:07 am
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