[IC] The Flock: A Harpy Herd | OOC comments in parentheses!

[The Flock Sisterhood]

This thread is for a Harpy flock/herd! However, this does not mean that you cannot join us if you do not own a Harpy... As long as you have a mare, you can join if you want to. (: If you're a stallion... Well, I hope you like being a slave!

I want to make something clear - just because this is a very female-bias society does not mean that everyone will be domineering or abusive towards males. They get influenced by the outside world, and all Harpies do have a heart; some are just born softer than others. Like a mother, what the higher ups do might be for the good of the Flock although outsiders might deem it as cruel. Trust in the Queen is important!

Also, although um, intercourse might happen in backstory/plot because the Harpies do use males as tools for reproduction, please do not assume that this means breedings/babies!

If you're interested, read on...

Links out:
The Flock Plot Thread - Go here to sign up/suggest plots!
Hatetalons, the Northspring Harpies - A Harpy Herd built on hate  

[The Flock Sisterhood]

Unofficial map by Mindsend <3

The Flock: A Harpy Herd
Although never heard of for generations in the Kawani lands, the Soquilis who pride themselves to be 'Harpies' recently fled their homeland deep in the mountains, where they had been undisturbed for centuries, due to nature disasters and a lack of food. Led by their strict Queen Aviania and her two commanders, Zahraa' and Celaeno, the flock arrived at the open plains of Kawani. However, the Harpies were unsettled at the open spaces, used to the more enclosed spaces of their mountain home, and decided to continue moving.

Eventually, they made they way to a river and after crossing it, decided to make the forest borders their home... However, they soon realized that the place was already occupied by an existing herd. In an attempt to preserve their already small numbers, the Queen led the Flock toward the mountains, moving East in an attempt to find an unoccupied plot of land to call home. Eventually, they were led by the Spirits to where a river runs through the plains into the forest and made that their new home, nesting in the mountains behind while hunting in the forest.

Unknown to the land's current occupants, their peaceful forest will never be the same again...

Harpies - According to Mind:
The harpy Soquili from the WoW Event has a (Non restricted) genetic ability. While their wings (Unlike their feather hair and their clawed feet, which are all natural) are just attached to their jewelry like a bird dancers costume, they have the ability to bound farther and higher then normal ground Soquili or even a wind without flight. In Wooded areas, they can change direction quickly using trees to bound off of, making them fairly nimble and able to bound up higher and higher into the trees to catch things higher up/eat hard to reach leaves, even though they cannot fly. While many of the original species source is aggressive and predatory, the Soquili Harpy has a wider ranger of personalities, from vicious to affectionate depending on the individual. They also have a rather wide diet from the interbreeding with other species (Since they are originally born as all females), able to eat anything from vegetables, to insects, to other animals. Which can make the more aggressive members of society especially dangerous.  

[The Flock Sisterhood]

Harpy Lore & History

Two worlds: A Forbidden Love
The Harpies believe themselves to have started out as the forbidden offspring of an Angeni mare, the guardian of Birds of Prey, and a Grounded stallion. The mare, after falling in love with a regular Soquili stallion, appeared as a Wind, hiding the extra pairs of wings on her back, head and feet, to try to get him to love her back. However, when the Great Spirits realized that one of their heavenly guardians had abandoned her duties to be with this stallion, they cursed her offspring without her knowing. As time passed, the stallion did eventually fall for who he thought was a simple Wind and the two mated...

When the foals where finally born, the new parents got a shock - the resulting offspring had terrible claws where their hoofs should be, pupil-less eyes and feathers where their mane and tail should be. In a cruel twist of fate, despite the mother possessing 2 pairs of wings on her back and being the guardian of Birds of Prey, the children were wingless. The only thing they inherited from their mother is their outward grace and beauty. The father fled out of fright at the 'monsters' he helped create, leaving the Angeni and children alone. Although heart-broken, the Angeni brought up her children as a self-inflicted punishment and out of love, teaching them to hunt like the Birds of Prey she had looked after for centuries while teaching them to forage for vegetation like most Soquilis...

Story: Origins of The Flock

It was said that after the Great Mother's departure, her original children called themselves "Harpies" after the Harpy Eagles of the sky as they felt that they possessed the same grace, speed and power. It was also a way of honoring the mother who had so faithfully raised them. However, they soon realized that they were shunned by the rest of the community and thus, decided to start up their own herd. At first, it was without a name. Over time, the growing number of Harpies - all descendants of the original Harpies - referred to it as "our flock" so much, that it became the herd's permanent name... 'The Flock'.

Decades soon became centuries, and nobody knows exactly how long the Harpies were isolated from the world; they left the comfort of The Flock only to hunt and to capture males to father the next generation. The mountain range was their home, and many Harpies died without knowing what the forest looked like. However, as their surroundings deteriorated and threatened their survival, The Flock was forced to move out of the Mountains... It seems like the new generation of Harpies might have a different story to tell.
 

[The Flock Sisterhood]

Harpy Practices

Beliefs: Great Spirit & Great Mother
All Harpies - in fact, most of Kawani's residents - know of the Great Spirit. These are spirits of the deceased, and in Harpy lore, these spirits were the ones who caused their birth. Thus, the Great Spirit is said to be all-powerful and should be respected. As Angeni are almost immortal, many Harpies also believe that the Angeni who had given birth to the first Harpies is still alive and looking after them, generations later. She is referred to as the 'Great Mother' and when in danger, she is the one many Harpies will seek.

Nests: A home above ground
Harpies make nests along the rock walls of the mountain using mud and whatever dried vegetation they could find. However, due to land constrains, some Harpies will have to make their nests on top of trees, between the understory and canopy, sometimes lower or higher depending on the height of the tree. It is usually at a height where the Harpy can quickly reach the ground in a single leap - this helps to prevent injuries as well as allow her to be ready for an emergency at all times. Each tree should only have one nest, but if there are no other suitable trees, each tree should have a maximum of two nests!

The nest is also usually decorated with trophies from both captured males (read: Trophies) and fallen foes - feathers, hair and even the occasional skull are just some of the things they love to hang from or keep in their nest. During All Hallow's Eve, Harpies who have treats to hand out to children will hang a fruit from their nest.

PS. Nests are for Harpies. Any other species will probably have to make do with sleeping under the trees, or enlisting the help of some sisters to build a nest on the ground with mud and twigs.

Sisters: Not in blood, but in sweat and tears
Harpies refer to each other as sisters, and even if two Harpies hate each other, they will not deny each other the title of 'sister' at least. As they do not trust males, they only have each other to rely on when the need arises... Although most Harpies are not trained for combat like the Guards are, all females had gone through some classes on self-defense as children and are able to hold their ground to some extend.

Mating: A one-way, one-day affair
Just like the father had left in Harpy lore, the Harpies do not believe in lifemating. Males are treated as nothing more than a means for reproduction, and are sometimes referred to as lowly pets. Females are taught from young to choose the strongest/best mating partner rather than choose out of love. having said that, it is not uncommon for several females to share a mating partner. However, as rare as it is, there are females of the flock who falls in love with their mating partner and decide on - gasp - monogamy. Most probably, that female will be treated as an abomination by the rest of her sisters.

However, as they get exposed to the "outside world", the younger generation of Harpies seem to be accepting monogamy as a way of life - to the horror of the older generation.

Trophies: How many do you have?
Upon bringing home a new male, females are expected to bring their capture to see the Queen, or if she's out, one of the higher ups - the Commanders or Oracles, although one of our Oracles is a long distance away! The higher-up will inspect the male for any injuries before she starts a ritual to congratulate the sister for her capture. This ritual involves clipping the wings of the stallion if he has feathered wings, or clipping a lock of hair from the stallion's mane or tail if he does not have feathered wings, or if he's bald and grounded, something he possesses will be taken from him. After that, the item from the male will be given to the female(s) who were involved in capturing the male. It then can be used as a decoration for the nests.

Communication: A siren's call to arms
Most Harpies are able to sing decently; even if they don't, they should be able to imitate the calls of various birds or come up with their own. The Queen, her Commanders and the Flock Oracle all have their own song and call - most Flock members know the meaning of each song. There are also "standard" songs/calls female foals are taught to recognize and sing from a young age. These songs/calls are like coded messages that only true Harpies and trusted "adopted" members know. It might mean "I need help", "There is danger approaching" or even "A male had been brought back" - either way, these 'coded messages' are extremely useful and should be remembered.

Dancing: More than meets the eye
Harpies are naturally good dancers - in fact, their dance is said to be enchantingly beautiful. They love to dance more than anything and they dance for many different occasions... They will even dance when there's no occasion! Dancing, to them, is a form of personal expression and can be done anywhere and anytime. In fact, dancing is so important that the first class most females take as children will be a dancing class, learning the steps to dances of festivals is a vital part of being a Harpy.

Safe Zone: Where the males get a bit of respite
Situated near the Queen's nest, this is one area where the Queen oversees personally - say something about escaping and you'll be tomorrow's Plant fertilizer. Thus, having said that, its not really a safe zone in the sense that if a male escapes to that area, it doesn't mean that he'll be safe. This 'safe zone' is just like Daycare - a busy female may leave her current favorite toy/mating partner/slave in it and the Queen will protect him for her - like day care. When in the safe zone, males can have some 'man time' together and do not have to worry about being dragged away by a random female to do the unmentionables! But remember, the Queen is watching you...

Harpy Festivals

Harvest's Victory: First weekend of every season
For the whole weekend, there will be no hunting and no foraging although the guards will have to resume their patrol as per normal due to security issues. During the day, they will eat and have fun in the day. When night comes, they will set up a bonfire in the middle of their territory and everyone will dance around it late into the night. Although males are not allowed to join in uninvited, if a female is kind enough, they will invite a male to dance with her - of course, dance badly and you might get punished by your enraged partner!

Dance Festival: Tenth day of Spring
As if dancing during festivals is not enough, Harpies also dedicated a day just for dancing. However, it is not so much a festival as a competition. The Queen will be the only judge and just on that day, on the dance floor, every sister is equal no matter the rank. The winner will receive a crown of flowers made by the Queen herself... Which is quite a feat considering that the lack of fingers makes it difficult to make a crown of flowers.

Rites of the Great Mother: First whole week of Autumn
The Olympics of the Flock, events range from longest jumper to fastest runner and even most efficient hunter! Most Harpies, being naturally competitive, enjoy this festival where competitiveness is actually encouraged among sisters, and 'holding back' is very much an indirect insult. Some Harpies, however, just take this festival as a way to prove their worth to the Great Mother, whom they are sure are watching them from high above. Winners don't get anything but praise from the Queen and her fellow sisters - which is satisfying enough for most.

All Hallow's Eve: Last day of Autumn
Despite their long lifespans, like all living things, sisters of the Flock will one day join the Great Spirit - some might have died a natural death while others might have died out on the field. Either way, All Hallow's Eve is a day whereby sisters remember and pay their respects to their fallen comrades. For the whole day, no meat is to be consumed by anyone in the Flock. However, for the female children of the Flock, this day is when they dress up in whatever materials they manage to get their claws/hoofs on and go trick or treating with their mother or nanny by going nest to nest. Take note though - not all Harpies appreciate being disturbed at night! Only nests with fruits hanging from should be approached!

Jubilee Call: Last day of Winter
This day was rumored to be the day the Angeni left her children, the first Harpies, and went back to her heavenly home. Everyone would gather together in a clearing outside of their territory as the sun is setting and set up a bonfire. By the time the moon appears in the sky, the bonfire would be done and dancing would commence. Harpies are encouraged to sing their thanks to the Great Mother for a good year.  

[The Flock Sisterhood]

Chaim of Command

The flock had always been led by a single Queen and her two Commanders. Although most Harpies are aggressive, they are loyal (enough) to each other and their leaders, especially in times of need.

The Leaders: Named roles

Queen: Currently held by Aviania
Respected by most of the flock, the Queen holds a considerably large amount of power and is always either the strongest and/or wisest of the flock, but is almost always an Elder (look below). Although not always, it is not uncommon for the Queen to have a trait/skill a majority of the flock do not have, such as an immunity to poisons. The Queen is also the Spiritual leader of the Flock. As an Elder, she had been through a lot in her life, and had been named worthy to hold such a title. When the Queen grows old and retire or dies prematurely, one of her Commanders will take over as Queen, decided by the rest of the flock when the time comes.

Commanders: Currently held by Zahraa' and Celaeno
The right and left hoofs of the Queen, the Commanders are to be feared and are accountable to the Queen herself. They are also known as 'Protectors'. They have the power to make minor decisions by themselves without first consulting the Queen, and even have the power to carry out corporal punishment with good reason. They are the heiresses of the throne, but only one can make it. Once a Commander grows old/dies prematurely, she will be replaced by a suitable female who can beat the retiring Commander in combat. In the scenario where both Commanders are dead or unable to fight, the Queen will pick.

Oracles: Currently held by Aylin
The spiritual helpers of the Queen, the Oracle is accountable to the Queen herself and are sort of the Spiritual Commanders. They are normally Elders, although once in a blue moon, a child with the gift of spiritual sight is born and be given this role. Male children born with this gift will be killed as soon as they are found out. Once a Oracle grows old/dies prematurely, she will be replaced by a suitable female who will be hand-picked by the Queen.

Head Guards: Currently held by AA (for Zahraa') and BB (for Celaeno)
Also directly under the command of the two Commanders, there are two Head Guards, one for each Commander and are accountable to the Commanders. These Head Guards coordinate the patrol of the guards along the rivers as well as the territory border of the forest. It is not an easy job, as although the Flock's territory is not big, it is not small either. Once a Head Guard grows old and retires/dies prematurely, she will be replaced by a suitable guard who is able to defeat the retiring/remaining Head Guard in combat. In the scenario where both Head Guards are dead or unable to fight, the Queen will pick.

Head Huntress: Currently held by BB
Directly under the command of the two Commanders, the Head Huntress lead the flock's Huntresses on daily hunts, deep into the forest, and is accountable to the Commanders. Harpies hunt very much like Lionesses... Thus, it requires certain leadership skills, as killing and dragging a large prey back by coordinating the movements of the hunting party is never easy. Once a Head Huntress grows old and retires/dies prematurely, she will be replaced by a suitable huntress who is voted up by the rest of the huntresses. In the scenario where the huntresses can't make up their minds, the Queen will pick.

Head Foragers: Currently held by CC
Directly under the command of the two Commanders, the Head Forager often bring the foragers to deep into the forest in search for fruits, nuts and other edible plant parts to bring home to the Flock and are accountable to the Commanders. They normally travel in the opposite direction to where the Huntresses are hunting, so as not to distract them from hunting. Once a Head Forager grows old and retires/dies prematurely, she will be replaced by a suitable forager who is voted up by the rest of the huntresses. In the scenario where the huntresses can't make up their minds, the Queen will pick.

The Members: Everyone counts

Elders: The old girls of the Flock
Having led a long life, most are retired from their jobs and spend their days being mentors to the younger members of the Flock. Despite their age, most are still as strong, if not stronger, than the younger members of the Flock. As it stands, experience is golden, and it pays to learn from the Elders of the Flock... Who knows what you might pick up?

Guards: Those under the Head Guards
Alertness, strength and cunning are just some of the skills that are valuable to a guard. Patrolling the border is no easy task - allowing just one dangerous Soquili to enter the Flock territories under your watch, and it might mean certain death for a poor Harpy... For your negligence, you might even be punished by one of the leaders! This is an important job that is not to be taken lightly, for you are the Flock's first line of defense.

Huntresses: Those under the Head Huntress
Agility, strength and the ability to follow orders are important when you're part of a large hunting party led by a single Harpy. The Flock is relying on your hunting party for food, as the protein from your prey will help supply the Flock with valuable energy. A lot of the children of the Flock probably looks up to huntresses for being the main provider of food. Even during winter, when prey is scarce, a hunting group might spend weeks out in the forest just to catch a single prey.

Foragers: Those under the Head Forager
A good sense of sight and smell will be an advantage when it comes to foraging for food, especially during Autumn and Winter, when many plants wilt away. It takes good eyes to spot a berry bush with berries still attached or a winter berry bush during Winter, when plants are covered in snow. It also takes a good nose to sniff out small, edible plants and fungi hidden under piles of fallen leaves in Autumn. Carrying baskets full of food back is also a challenge, especially if you have to cross the river and risk the food getting wet...

Nannies: Getting the young ones ready
Although most Harpies are not the motherly type, there are some who would rather spend their time with children, caring for them and teaching them about the world. Although it might sound like what an Elder would do, a nanny goes beyond that - if it comes down to it, they might have to protect the children they had been entrusted with, with their own lives to preserve the next generation.

Musicians: The beat to dance to
Although not the most respected job a Harpy can hold, musicians are valued members of the Harpy society. After all, with all that dancing, it will be dull without some music to accompany it! As a musician, not only must you be able to come up with your own instrument(s) and play then well, you are also expected to sing when asked to! The best of the musicians often get invited to sing and dance in front of the Queen and her two Commanders during festivals.

Children: The new generation
What's there to explain other than the fact that all will grow out of this stage? Well, male and female children are raised separately - females will grow up learning the ways of the Harpy before they choose they job, while males grow up learning that females are to be respected and held in high regard. There is nobody to tell them otherwise since they will be pretty much isolated from the world otherwise unless they somehow get influenced by the outside world after growing up.

Males: The low-life
If you're here, it means that you were born a male. This is normally not a crime, but in Harpy society, it is. As children are innocent at least, even colts are above the stallions in rank - of course, once they are grown up, they go down a rank to be in the lowest rank possible. You exist to please the females, and for no other reason - try to escape, and face the consequences.  

[The Flock Sisterhood]

The Flock Members
If there are any mistakes, please PM them to the Flock mule! Specify the mistake as well, to make it easier for me. <3 Example, the image is wrong, or wrong spelling, etc.

Queen:
Aviania

Commanders:
Zahraa' | Celaeno

Oracles:
Aylin

Head Guards:

Huntresses:
Luinil | Semuan-Ya Vasszuraj

Guards:
Scaunah Gora | Benn'joon

Foragers:
Shikoba | Shelke | Azshara

Nannies:
Aldora | Glain | Anya

Musicians:
Hafwyn

Males:
The first name is the name of the male; the second name is the name of the female the male is under. "Unclaimed" males are either without an owner, or are no yet captured ICly.
Garuda - Shikoba | Alister | Night Wind - Celaeno | Shiro |
Tilyr | Cabriole Amachi - Zahraa' | Valtiel | Triboulet - Aviania |
Rockin' Blues | Wystan - Anya | Giolladhe - Semuan-Ya Vasszuraj

"Lifemated" Males
Shuckles - Glain
 

[The Flock Sisterhood]

Friend or Foe?

Guest List
These Soquilis had proven themselves to be thrust-worthy, and are allowed in and out of Flock grounds; however, if they start acting suspiciously, no not hesitate to arrest them.

Wanted List
While these Soquilis had offended some members of the Flock, the rest of the Flock has no business with them; as sisters, however, if you see these Soquilis, you should report it to the sister who placed the wanted ad. The wanted Soquili's name comes first, followed by the mare who requested for that Soquili.

• Zutnic -- Aviania

Hit List
Those on the hit list should be killed on sight! Show no mercy, for these Soquilis had incurred the wrath of the whole Flock!
 

[The Flock Sisterhood]

Special Roles

There are some special roles that I've decided can only go to active roleplayers - I know some people find it difficult to RP because of several reasons, and prefer to plot, but these roles are kind of like a "reward" for being active. I mean, if you're an active RPer, I'm sure you'll enjoy the delicious plots these roles can bring you!

Spiritual sense:
Can be obtained by females only, at any stage in their life. Sort of like a 'I feel a disturbance in the force' thing; this means that they are able to sense if something is not quite right. For example, if they're away and The Flock is in trouble, they'll start feeling uneasy or if they capture a male but feels weird as they return home. You can even use it as an intuition of where the best prey are in hunting RPs! So, spiritual sense can actually be used as an excuse for mini-plots.

- The Soquili must have at least 2 completed Flock RPs (Can be member-member, member-male or Flock group RPs, like the hunting or nanny ones).
- The Soquili must have at least 2 completed normal RPs (Between your Soquili and anyone not belonging in the Flock).
- The Soquili must have been in The Flock for a least a month.

Male Oracle:
Can obviously only be obtained by males who are under a month old; if they are over a month old according to their cert, then they do not qualify. This is meant to be rare! Males with spiritual sight are normally killed, but there had been cases in history whereby males kept their gift a secret their whole life, or managed to escape The Flock. Either way, some males do make it to a ripe old age before they were found out; those who kept it to themselves sometimes bring it to their grave. However, male oracles are rare, the spirits favoring the females...

- Roll 5 10-sided dice, get the same number for all 5 rolls or get a total of 5 or 50; if you fail this, then its a no go!
- The Soquili must have at least 1 completed Flock RP (Can be member-member, member-male or Flock group RPs, like the hunting or nanny ones).
- The Soquili must have at least 1 completed normal RP (Between your Soquili and anyone not belonging in the Flock)
- The Soquili's parents must have at least 1 RP between the two of them.
- The Soquili's parents (or at least one of them) must have been in The Flock for a least 3 months.
- Dragain must approve of your plans for the Oracle-boy if it happens, or you must convince the picky woman otherwise.

Female Oracle:
Can obviously only be obtained by females who are under a month old; if they are over a month old according to their cert, then they do not qualify. This is meant to be uncommon!

- Roll 5 10-sided dice, get either 10, 30 or 50 as the total; if you fail this, then its a no go!
- The Soquili must have at least 1 completed Flock RP (Can be member-member, member-male or Flock group RPs, like the hunting or nanny ones).
- The Soquili must have at least 1 completed normal RP (Between your Soquili and anyone not belonging in the Flock)
- The Soquili's parents must have at least 1 RP between the two of them.
- The Soquili's parents (or at least one of them) must have been in The Flock for a least 2 months.
- Dragain must approve of your plans for the Oracle if it happens, or you must convince the picky woman otherwise.
- As ICly, the Soquili will be "trained" by Aylin, you must also ask Dixie to approve of your plot if it happens!  

[The Flock Sisterhood]

Flock Archive

These are either old Flock-related RPs or important events/encounters/etc. Not everything will be here though; if you have a completed RP that can be placed here, please do send the Flock mule a PM with a link to the RP! <3

Flock
[Flock ORP] Hunter's Mark | Aviania, Semuan-Ya Vasszuraj, Zahraa', Luinil, Aldora & Glain
[Flock ORP] Catch me if you can! | Glain, Anya, Luinil & Aldora

Festival


Special
[PRP/Flock ORP] Singing for your Supper | Cabriole, Zahraa', Azshara, Aviania, Benn'joon & Luinil

Joining

For Pony Plots!
[PRP] For the Good of The Flock | Aviania & Aylin
[PRP] Future of the Sisterhood | Aviania, Zahraa', Celaeno
[PRP] The Nobel Minded | Aviania & Zutnic  

[The Flock Sisterhood]

Current Events

 

[The Flock Sisterhood]

Extra