Surrounded by the Great River, the Mto’Mkuu are a pride of hunters and trappers situated deep within the jungle. Their way of life centers around capturing Kipenzi (pets), and using them to battle each other in tournaments.
In other words, think Australian rangers playing Pokémon in a jungle.
Owner(s) | MangoMeow
Pride Symbol
Cert Background
Symbol and background created by MangoMeow.
History
The history of the Mto’Mkuu is a simple one, though perhaps not the most glamorous. It all began with a single lion, a loner with no name or home to call his own, settling within the jungle. Wandering his new home one day, the rogue male discovered a leopard stuck beneath a fallen log. Taking pity on him, he freed him from his “cage”, and the leopard swore fealty, “Under this starry sky, I swear my life to you.” The lion laughed, but agreed to let the leopard trail behind him.
Then a young lioness journeyed into the jungle, bringing alongside her a leopard slave from a previous pride. She brought with her strange words and cultures, but the male was enamored. His attempts to court her though... didn’t go well.
Finally, one day, the female eyed up this male and his leopard, before challenging him for the right to live in the jungle and to become mates -- by having their leopards fight for their honor. The male was surprised as she explained this custom of her former people, but the leopard was intrigued. Offering himself up to this challenge, the two leopards clashed in the stead of their lions.
And thus, the first Kipenzi fight within the Mto’Mkuu occurred, and alongside it, the founding of the pride.
Territory
The Mto’Mkuu are settled deep within a lush, wild jungle which is bordered on all sides by the Great River. The river itself splits into the jungle and spider webs throughout it, and small waterfalls are also a common sight throughout. Because of this (as well as the frequent rainstorms), the locals are used to being wet, and you can expect those born here to have fur that is very thin.
Climate
Humid and hot on a good day, but plagued with rainstorms every other moment. This is a wet place where water can and will get everywhere.
Important Landmarks Within
Star Falls
One of the larger waterfalls set in the very center of the territory. Its unique appearance gives it its name. At night, when the moon shines bright above it, it looks as if stars are falling down from the sky. This is a sacred place for the Mto’Mkuu. When a cub reaches adolescence, they will come to the falls to undergo a rite of passage -- under the watchful eye of their parent/guardian and a Ponya, they will stand beneath the spray of water until the moon rises up and the falls begin to glitter under the light. At this point, they are considered a full adult and can begin catching and training their own Kipenzi.
The Pools
A recreational spot for pride-goers, the Pools are a popular place to go. It’s well hidden from outsiders, and as a general rule, Kipenzi fights are not to be had within them. (on the land beside them is free game, but the Pools themselves are off limits) Parents will often bring their young here to teach them how to swim, an important skill among the Mto’Mkuu, while others will come simply to bathe in the rich sunlight and cool waters.
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2018 12:08 pm
Species : Lion dominate, but all species are capable of joining.
- All other non-lion species are seen as Kipenzi (pets), and can only join as such. - The only exception to this are cheetons and leopons, who have lion blood running through them. They cannot, however, take up any high ranking role within the pride. (Exception described in Hybrids section)
Coat Coloration:
Typically a non-issue, the pride does not discriminate against coat color. Colorful coats are even seen as a sign of wealth and power, as their vibrancy matches some of the more deadly creatures in the jungle.
Rogues:
For Lions, Leopons and Cheetons:
They are allowed to wander in as they please. The only places off limits are the dens and Star Falls. Any rogues caught in those places will be cast into the deepest section of the Great River to be swept out of the pride lands.
For all other species:
You run the risk of being captured as Kipenzi! Kamata (trappers), though not Tetea (guardians), often patrol the borders on the off chance they might come across a new catch – which is you. You will get caught and likely taken as a pet.
Hybrids:
While cheetons and leopons are considered full citizens of the pride, their inability to produce cubs prevents them from moving up in rank. That said, if they can prove that they are fertile, they will be allowed to do so.
- ICly, this means that they will have to prove it through obtaining cubs! The cubs will be presented in front of the pride leader and his/her advisors, at which point it will be put on public record. They may still obtain flak from fellow pride members for their parentage though. - OOCly, your hybrid will need to produce a litter of cubs and post them in the new litters thread before they can apply for higher ranks. - Leotahs are Kipenzi! They do not have lion blood, and cannot achieve any other rank.
Joining:
The following will come into effect after the pride has become official. Until then, see the upcoming post below for more info on joining!
For regular members:
The Mto’Mkuu have an open joining policy for lions and lion-hybrids! However, high ranks are unavailable to joining rogues until after they have accomplished the requirements needed.
For Kipenzi:
Non-lions are always welcome to join, but with the added stipulation that they must have an “owner” or be under the care of a Muuzaji.
Breeding and Marriage:
ICly, breeding is taken rather lightly in the pride, and as such, rogue flings are perfectly fine. In fact, some lions will even try to match their Kipenzi with potential partners in the hopes of gaining a strong batch of Kipenzi to either keep or sell.
Marriage, on the other hand, is something that only actually happens for those with lion blood. Kipenzi marriages are not honored in the pride, and though your Kipenzi can say they’re mated to someone specifically, their master has full right to pair them off with someone else.
OOCly, all we require for breeding is approval in the breeding thread (to come after becoming official). This goes for both lions and Kipenzi.
Religion:
The Mto’Mkuu, as a whole, is very atheist when it comes to religion. To worship some guy in the sky is a silly prospect, and they would much rather focus on the now than commit to something like that. That said, joining rogues are fine to have their own religion... just don’t expect anyone here to want to join in!
Gods & Seers:
Due to their stance on worship, the Mto’Mkuu aren’t really believers of God deities. Instead, they’re viewed as just another variation of a lion, much like a Cheeton or Leopon. A God SoA who enters these lands will be treated the same as everyone else, bar a lot of curious ears who want to hear a good tale. Just be warned -- you might have a few people thinking you’re part bird.
Seers are viewed in about the same way as Gods. They’re simply lions with a little extra, and are more than welcome to use their skills as they please. That said, you’d best keep it to yourself if you use your visions in Kipenzi fights. It’s considered cheating if you’re caught.
Tools of the Trade
Nets are a common tool here in the Mto’Mkuu, and upon finishing their rite of passage, a lion will obtain one as a sign of their adulthood. They are designed to hang off of the back of each lion, though some can choose to leave their net at home. Kamata are well-known for carrying them around wherever they go though, as the opportunity to catch new Kipenzi can strike at any moment.
Hide packs carrying basic medical supplies are also a requirement to have for every lion in the pride. Each member of the Mto’Mkuu is required to have some knowledge of treating injuries, as it is the responsibility of the master to care for their Kipenzi after a fight. That said, anything beyond a few scrapes must still be brought before a Ponya (healer). Medical packs are only there for basic scrapes and bruises.
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2018 12:12 pm
Kipenzi are very important in the daily life of the Mto’Mkuu, though they are equivalent to “pets” for the lions. It’s seen as a sign of adulthood to be able to own a Kipenzi, and as such, only adolescents and adults are allowed to own one. Cubs and newly joined rogues must earn the right through undergoing the rite of passage at Star Falls.
Just like owning a real pet, owning a Kipenzi can be as trying as it is rewarding. A Kipenzi relies on their master to care for them, and some will even seek out that life in exchange for having their food brought to them on a daily basis.
There are two variations of Kipenzi:
Pigana are Kipenzi bred and trained for combat. Those who keep Pigana will use them in battle against other Pigana or to help capture a new Kipenzi. Pigana are also the only Kipenzi allowed to participate in the Kipenzi Tournament, a bi-yearly event held by the pride.
Tamaa are companion pets. They’re not trained in combat, and are more often used as aids and partners for their masters. A Tamaa leads a much more comfortable life than a Pigana, due to being trophy pets, but are also viewed as much weaker.
Factions
Though the pride itself runs as a whole, each person is a part of a faction. These are your teams during Kipenzi competitions, and while it’s perfectly fine to challenge those within your faction, it’s more common for each faction to compete against each other. Each faction is well-known for their specific traits, but this by no means requires a SoA to specialize in that if they fall into that faction.
Unless there’s an IC reason, a lion’s faction will be rolled using 1d6. Kipenzi will fall into the same faction as their master.
There are three factions in the pride:
Ruby | dice roll: 1 or 4
Known for their strength, the Ruby faction is the powerhouse of the pride. Bingwa often emerge from this group, due to their prowess in battle, and you will usually find a Ruby lion at the forefront of Kipenzi fights.
Sapphire | dice roll: 2 or 5
The Sapphire faction relies on defense and strategy above all, and as such, Tetea and Shauri are common around here. They use their brains to take on a challenge, but do clash with the Ruby faction from time to time.
Topaz | dice roll: 3 or 6
Lions from the Topaz faction are normally the more easy-going of the group, usually choosing to have a Tamaa over a Pigana. That said, they are well known for their speed and agility, and can be a fierce opponent in a fight.
Kipenzi Fighting
A Kipenzi fight functions very similarly to a normal SoA duel, albeit with the lion standing in the background yelling commands, much like a coach instructing on the sidelines.
OOCly, you and your opponent will be rolling dice, and can be done in two different ways:
Option 1
The first is by rolling everything all at once. You and your opponent will roll 4d6 at the beginning of your duel, and the one with the higher number will win. This is a good option for those who want to find out their outcome immediately.
Option 2
The second option is by rolling one dice in each of your posts and tallying up the number at the end. At the beginning of the duel, roll 1d6 and keep tally of your score. After each person has rolled 4 times, the person with the highest score will win the fight. This is a good option for those who want to play the duel by ear and find out who wins as they rp.
The Kipenzi Tournament
A special event held bi-yearly in the pride. Sign-ups will occur a week before the tournament starts. More info will come as we get closer to the event.
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2018 12:31 pm
High Ranks These are restricted ranks, and can only be obtained through special means.
Kiongozi (leader)
The leader of the tribe. The Kiongozi can be male or female, but must be a part of the royal line.
There is always one for each faction. They are the head of their group, and act as a advisers to the leader. While not in charge of the pride, they keep the peace while encouraging friendly competition. These are lions well-versed in the ways of the pride with many years of experience to back them up. They are the leader’s most trusted councilors, and cannot be related to the royal line. To obtain this rank, there must be an opening available first! In addition to this, you must submit 5 complete RPs within the pride (one of which must be with the pride’s leader) and have been a member for at least 5 months.
A title of honor. It is most commonly used for those of royal blood (including the mate of the leader) and those who have earned the title. Obtained only through events or special circumstances.
Members:
Aurra [MangoMeow | Sapphire] Kaliphar [Anderleit | Ruby] Moselle [AstoriaFallen | Ruby] Limited, but open (needs prior approval)
Bingwa (champion)
A special title for those who have won in Kipenzi tournaments. Obtained only through winning a Kipenzi tournament.
Members:
N/A (closed atm)
Middle Ranks These are all open ranks.
Muuzaji (vendor)
Merchants for the pride. They will trade and sell goods (which include Kipenzi) to those within and outside of the pride. They gain their goods from Kamata and Hila.
Crafters and artists, Hila usually specialize in a specific craft. They can then sell their goods off to Muuzaji or simply create for the sake of creating. They are also the makers of nets, and as such, are required to make one in order to prove themselves worthy of the title.
Members:
N/A yet
Ponya (heal)
The healers of the pride. While all Mto’Mkuu are taught how to care for injuries, a Ponya specializes in the more intense functions of the job, and are required to be in the vicinity should a Kipenzi fight be issued. Ponya are more likely to have Tamaa as pets, due to their role as companions.
Members:
Cozi’Kari [Syrius Lionwing | Topaz] Kurogoke [I Lady Kiya I | Sapphire]
Tetea (protect)
The guardians and protectors of the pride. Tetea are well-versed in combat, often training both themselves and their pets in the art of fighting, and patrol the borders to ensure that those who enter do so with good intentions. Most Tetea have Pigana as pets, as they’re already trained in battle.
The default rank for the pride. These are the hunters and gatherers that obtain food. They are masters of the hunt, capable of slipping unseen through the foliage and good at making their catches. Those with pets will use them to aid in their hunts.
Members:
N/A yet
Changa (young)
The rank for all lion cubs. Once they become adolescents, they will take up an adult role.
Members:
N/A yet
Low Ranks - Kipenzi
On the cert, your SoA will have the rank of "Kipenzi". The following ranks are for IC purposes. Kipenzi can be either Pigana or Tamaa, regardless of species. “Most commonly” simply refers to which species are normally used for each role.
Pigana (fight)
Pets meant for combat. Pigana are trained and tested in fighting, and will aid their masters as battle pets. They are also the only ones that can be entered into a Kipenzi fight/tournament. Most commonly: Leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, vultures, eagles, maned wolves, ratels, snakes and waterbucks.
Pets meant only for comfort and companionship. These are more or less trophies, and are incapable of being used as battle pets. Most commonly: Cheetahs, leotahs, avians (minus vultures and eagles), genets, hares, jackals, klipspringers, servals and gazelles.
Ready to join the pride? As this is an interest thread, almost all ranks are available, making this a great time to join. That said, the following ranks are unavailable:
Kiongozi Bingwa
And the following are limited, and must be approved for IC plot/personality reasons before they can be allowed:
Mzuri Shauri
All good? Then fill out the form below and post here in the thread!
[color=green][b][size=16]Gotta Catch- Er, Let Me In![/size][/b][/color] [size=11][b]Username:[/b] [b]SoA Name:[/b] [b]SoA Image:[/b] [url=UNCERT[/url][img]CERT[/img][/url] [b]Rank Desired:[/b] [b]Faction:[/b] (ask for a roll, or give an IC reason for choosing a faction)
[b]Brief Synopsis of Character:[/b] [b]Anything Else?:[/b] (anything else that needs mentioning, including if a Kipenzi will be joining with them) [/size]
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2018 12:46 pm
F.A.Q. Section (will make a banner for this later)
I want to join, but I don't have a Kipenzi to send with my lion! Does that mean they won't be considered an adult?
You won't be restricted in that way! ICly, you can say that they've caught an NPC Kipenzi and rp them as such. That said, this means that you won't be able to participate in Kipenzi fights, specifically the tournament (which requires an actual SoA), until they have one officially.
What if I have a Kipenzi I want to have join, but not a lion to own it?
That's also totally okay! Just like the above, you would assume they have an NPC master. The perk about this option is that you can still participate in Kipenzi fighting, but won't be able to join the tournament until after they have an actual SoA as a master.
What if my SoA gains a master/Kipenzi later down the line?
You're good! You can assume that it's like "purchasing" that Kipenzi from their previous owner or from a Muuzaji. Just make sure to let us know!
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Pack/Pride Name: Mto’Mkuu (I/T Thread) Current IC Owner(s): Atreyu (MangoMeow) Current OOC Owner(s): MangoMeow Default ranks: Changa (for cubs) > Mawinda (for adol & adults) Current Pride/Pack Members, and Rankings of Each:
~ High Ranks ~
These are restricted ranks, and can only be obtained through special means.
Links to at least five current RPs: RP 1, RP 2, RP 3, RP 4, RP 5. Brief Description of your Pride/Pack: Surrounded by the Great River, the Mto’Mkuu are a pride of hunters and trappers situated deep within the jungle. Their way of life centers around capturing Kipenzi (pets), and using them to battle each other in tournaments. Familiar Rules: All familiars are allowed, but are considered Kipenzi (pets) and can only have a low rank. It is assumed OOCly that they have an owner, even if they're not bonded to a SoA. Cert Background Large Image:
Pride Symbol for Cert:
Any Extra Information: The cert will need a "Faction" section to it. There are three factions that a SoA can be put into:
Ruby | Known for their strength, the Ruby faction is the powerhouse of the pride. Bingwa often emerge from this group, due to their prowess in battle, and you will usually find a Ruby lion at the forefront of Kipenzi fights.
Sapphire | The Sapphire faction relies on defense and strategy above all, and as such, Tetea and Shauri are common around here. They use their brains to take on a challenge, but do clash with the Ruby faction from time to time.
Topaz | Lions from the Topaz faction are normally the more easy-going of the group, usually choosing to have a Tamaa over a Pigana. That said, they are well known for their speed and agility, and can be a fierce opponent in a fight.
Pride/Pack History: The history of the Mto’Mkuu is a simple one, though perhaps not the most glamorous. It all began with a single lion, a loner with no name or home to call his own, settling within the jungle. Wandering his new home one day, the rogue male discovered a leopard stuck beneath a fallen log. Taking pity on him, he freed him from his “cage”, and the leopard swore fealty, “Under this starry sky, I swear my life to you.” The lion laughed, but agreed to let the leopard trail behind him.
Then a young lioness journeyed into the jungle, bringing alongside her a leopard slave from a previous pride. She brought with her strange words and cultures, but the male was enamored. His attempts to court her though... didn’t go well.
Finally, one day, the female eyed up this male and his leopard, before challenging him for the right to live in the jungle and to become mates -- by having their leopards fight for their honor. The male was surprised as she explained this custom of her former people, but the leopard was intrigued. Offering himself up to this challenge, the two leopards clashed in the stead of their lions.
And thus, the first Kipenzi fight within the Mto’Mkuu occurred, and alongside it, the founding of the pride.
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MangoMeow rolled 1 6-sided dice:
6Total: 6 (1-6)
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2018 12:50 pm
For Sorami and her pigana. heart
Edit: She'll be Topaz~
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 8:14 am
Gotta Catch- Er, Let Me In! Username: Syrius Lionwing SoA Name: Pinku Kaisai Raio SoA Image:Pinku Kaisai Raio Rank Desired:Tetea (maybe raising to Shauri) Faction: I would like him to be in ruby if possible as he is a real fighter
Brief Synopsis of Character: Raio is a powerful beast and while many would have thought he would become a trainer he chose to be a protector of his home. His current Pigana has been well trained from a cub and is a powerful ally in his effort to protect the pride. Anything Else?: The below Kipenzi is his best fighter. I would like him to be a born in member of the pride as he is a blank slate.
Gotta Catch- Er, Let Me In! Username: Syrius Lionwing SoA Name: Drampa SoA Image:Drampa Rank Desired: Pigana Faction: Ruby as above, or which ever faction Raio is in.
Brief Synopsis of Character: Drampa is a canny male whom despite being a Pigana has his own Tamaa, the bird, chatot is his eyes and ears in the pride and at the borders. Anything Else?: Drampa was raised by Raio to be a fighter and is not your average cheetah. Has his own Tamaa Chatot.
Gotta Catch- Er, Let Me In! Username: Syrius Lionwing SoA Name: Cozi’Kari SoA Image:Cozi’Kari Rank Desired: Ponya Faction: is super sweet and really not a fighter at all so I’d like her in Topaz please!
Brief Synopsis of Character: Born in a pride where colour was everything her mostly bright coat allowed her some modicum of freedom. This mainly meant that she made a lot of friends. When the pride disbanded she and her companions wandered for a while until they heard of a pride that welcomed lions who appreciated companions of different species. Due to her always having looked after creatures smaller than her she is adept at healing little things . Anything Else?: While Elekevu and Metis would probably hold their own in a fight Flyta and Tifu are very much the peaceful types.
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MangoMeow
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 9:29 am
Syrius Lionwing
These are all accepted, with their requested factions! heart Flyta and Tifu will end up Tamaa, but do you want Elekevu and Metis to be Pigana or Tamaa?
Also, I'm going to put Raio as Tetea unless you'd prefer moving him to Shauri. I'm fine with making him and adviser if you'd rather though~
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 9:51 am
MangoMeow
Syrius Lionwing
These are all accepted, with their requested factions! heart Flyta and Tifu will end up Tamaa, but do you want Elekevu and Metis to be Pigana or Tamaa?
Also, I'm going to put Raio as Tetea unless you'd prefer moving him to Shauri. I'm fine with making him and adviser if you'd rather though~
Yay ^^! I’ll stick with Elekevu and Metis being Tamaa
I’d love for him to be a Shauri if that is an option from the get go, I’m happy to rp him up to that position tho if you would prefer ^^!
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MangoMeow
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 9:56 am
Syrius Lionwing
MangoMeow
Syrius Lionwing
These are all accepted, with their requested factions! heart Flyta and Tifu will end up Tamaa, but do you want Elekevu and Metis to be Pigana or Tamaa?
Also, I'm going to put Raio as Tetea unless you'd prefer moving him to Shauri. I'm fine with making him and adviser if you'd rather though~
Yay ^^! I’ll stick with Elekevu and Metis being Tamaa
I’d love for him to be a Shauri if that is an option from the get go, I’m happy to rp him up to that position tho if you would prefer ^^!
Since it's still an I/T, I decided to run the Shauri rank like the Mzuri one, where if it works IC, then I'm okay with it. xD And he does sound like a good fit.
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 10:01 am
MangoMeow
Syrius Lionwing
MangoMeow
Syrius Lionwing
These are all accepted, with their requested factions! heart Flyta and Tifu will end up Tamaa, but do you want Elekevu and Metis to be Pigana or Tamaa?
Also, I'm going to put Raio as Tetea unless you'd prefer moving him to Shauri. I'm fine with making him and adviser if you'd rather though~
Yay ^^! I’ll stick with Elekevu and Metis being Tamaa
I’d love for him to be a Shauri if that is an option from the get go, I’m happy to rp him up to that position tho if you would prefer ^^!
Since it's still an I/T, I decided to run the Shauri rank like the Mzuri one, where if it works IC, then I'm okay with it. xD And he does sound like a good fit.
Awesome! The big pink guy will happily advise ^^!
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MangoMeow
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2018 7:42 pm
-also nudges this up- heart
Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2018 9:37 am
-plots stuff-
MangoMeow
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magnadearel
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Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2018 9:21 pm
This is cute! I gotta see who I could throw into here. Anyone with a lion without a pet want to pair up?
