▌SPECIES: lions only || COLORS: all accepted, natural preferred || OWNED BY: quaji ▌
Nestled deep within the mountain lies an unseen vale, the Sacred Lands. Verdant lands bestowed to the lost, haggard souls of eld fleeing pestilence and slavery and war that overwhelmed and dominated their old way of life. In those days, the Sacred Lands were vulnerable to change, teetering on the edge, as the outside world was. And so they entered into an accord. In exchange for obedience and reverence, the gods three would bestow such divine gifts upon the pride.
The god of mountains led the mountains together, creating the Neck, a pass in which to easily guard. The Gift of Home.
The god of herds led the given-herd to the Sacred Lands, prey to hunt, but by laws governed. The Gift of Safety.
The god of seasons gave his children, an offering of divine flesh, to lead and ensure the continuity. The Gift of Future.
Founded in a time of legends, the truth of their birth, their arrival, and their long-forgotten history have all been lost to the sands of times as countless retellings over the generations have distorted all but the fundamentals into something so unrecognizable to reality, but some truth still remains even lifetimes later. The given-herd still roams the Sacred Lands, migrating in a circular pattern around the cradle, a cluster of immense trees and brush and foliage that is the center of life within the pride. The Neck, the highly defensible pass still acts as the only entrance to the valley. And the leadership within the pride still claims lineage to the god of seasons, ensuring the pride's adherence to tradition and vows uttered so long ago.
(Their mythos is told orally and have been made more grandious as the generations pass. None can tell fact from fiction.)
Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2022 5:57 pm
The Sacred Lands
Seasons in the Sacred Lands Jan - March — Normal April - June — Rainy July - September — Dry October - December — Sporadic rain
The Sacred Lands Known as the Sacred Lands, this valley is expansive enough to utterly surrounded the Cradle. It's relatively dry and windy due to being surrounded on all but one side by mountains. It takes two days of consistent walking with minimal breaks to traverse the breadth of the Sacred Lands. With temperatures only reaching close to 85 °F, during the height of the rainy season into the middle of the dry period, the Sacred Lands is generally very mild and easily traversed even during the hottest parts of the day. Most nights will see temperatures drop to close to 50 °F, making the nights very pleasant. Adding to that, the expansive, open territory gives spectacular views of the stars above.
Plant life is short and sturdy, enduring regular grazing from the given-herd during its annual migration in a circular pattern around the Cradle. Some taller grasses, flowers, and the like are typically only seen around water sources in the Sacred Lands as they are reserved for the given-herd otherwise and are extremely coveted by the pride for not only their beauty but also the medicinal purposes some possess. Knowledge of such uses is rare within the pride as few dares to travel so far south.
With laws dictating how and who the lions of the Ihlathi may hunt, many of the animals in the Sacred Lands have adapted to a slower, easy way of life, just as the pride has.
The Cradle Centrally located in the Sacred Lands stands the grove of the Ihlathi, the cradle is the primary meeting point within the pride. Ancient trees, insulated with bushes and rocks, protect the pride against the wind that dominates the Sacred Lands and the worst of the rains during their wet seasons. The area is well-shaded by the ancient trees' boughs that lie overhead, leading to cooler days and nights than outside of the cradle. While there are no dens to bed in, most members huddle together for warmth within the common grounds.
At the center of the cradle lies the Pale Tree, the most sacred place to the pride. It is the final resting spot of Msimu, the former god of seasons, who is buried beneath it. It is a common place for prayer and weddings.
The Given-Herd A massive herd of mixed animals that, according to legend, was led to the Sacred Lands by the god of herds. It migrates in a clockwise circular pattern, with the Cradle at its center. The given-herd is primarily the host to a sea of zebra. There are small, splinter herds within the Sacred Lands, but they are too few in number to hunt from. Most notably, the Sacred Lands support a small herd of giraffes who tend to remain far north, near the Neck.
! There are other animals that call the Sacred Lands their home. This list includes a native songbird population, said to be descended from the god of mountains, hippos that call the Tail home, rhinoceros, gazelle, meerkats, as well as warthogs.
The Neck The mountains nearly converge to the north, creating a natural pass that allows easy access in and out of the herd's grazing lands. This around is heavily patrolled by the wardens and anyone, including former members, who attempt to pass is promptly intercepted. At the widest, this gap is only about three miles wide, but most of the pass is wide enough only for a dozen lions to walk shoulder-to-shoulder.
The River The river has no official name and is simply referred to as 'the river' by most of the pride, although some have taken to calling it the tail. It lies in the south and spans between 5-20 meters depending on the weather and location. Most of the river stays roughly 15 meters wide year-round except during the dry season. The river is home to crocodiles and hippos, though they all live downriver. Though the threat of drowning still exists as the river is fairly deep in places. All of these conditions and dangers lead to the river being a nearly impenetrable defense that few would be foolish enough to attempt swimming across.
The river is typically patrolled by new wardens or those who may have pissed off their superior as it's typically a really boring assignment.
Quaji Crew
Noble Cub
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Quaji Crew
Noble Cub
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Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2022 5:58 pm
Cub [cub] › Apprentice [adol/adult]
Limited Ranks These ranks can only be obtained through events, breedings and auditions.
▌KING social level: highest
The king is the unanimous leader of the entire pride. Born with divine blood, those of this line claim lineage tracing back to the god of seasons that first oversaw the settling of the Sacred Lands. As part of the accord the pride entered into with the triumvirate, this line continues the god of seasons' promise to uphold order within the lands. They generally spend their days and nights tending to the pride, acting as a civil servant to all that call the Sacred Lands home. He additionally serves as the head of the wardens—the central protective agency for the given-herd, an organization established in the time of old in the days following the establishment of the accord. Working alongside the wardens and the queen, they oversee the defense of the valley from external threats and internal strife.
The King is typically male, following the tradition of the god seasons being male, but this is not a law within the lands, and should there be no male heir to continue the tradition, a queen could easily be placed on the throne. In this event, the terminology between king and queen would reverse to accommodate.
▌QUEEN social level: high
The queen acts as an advisor to the king of the Ihlathi. She is a model for all within the pride, often seen as the mother of the pride.
Traditionally of divine birth, most queens historically have been godborn seers, although those who have simply been lucky may also rise to this station should the king take her as his mate. However, while there are no laws to prevent a non-seer from becoming queen, the Ihlathi is a pride of traditions forged over generations and this is no different.
The queen serves as the head of the hunters—a small select few given permission to hunt the given-herd. Working closely with the king, she uses her visions to establish when new hunters are to be chosen, and when the pride abstains from hunting the given-herd. Given the religious nature of her position, the queen is also typically seen as the spiritual leader of the pride.
▌ROYAL social level: above average
Members of the royal family—those that can trace their line through the last two generations of the king's line—may consider themselves royal. Children of the king are referred to as prince and princess. Of their children, one will be chosen as the heir apparent. While there are no formalities for such a decision and rules pertaining to how an heir is selected, traditionally it is the firstborn son that has been chosen.
Former princes and princesses are given the rank of lord and lady. The title of lord or lady is kept for life. While their lives may be seen as spectacular due to their birth, they take ranks as any other members and are not treated any differently except for some respect earned only by their bloodline. They are not immune to consequence and may still lose or earn standing within the pride and be punished as anyone else.
▌GENERAL social level: above average
Easily identified by the golden necklaces around their neck and zebra skin laid across their back, a warden general will oversee the movements of one to three captains, but may have up to five under their command. While their duties may have more formalities involved, such as attending meetings, and conversing with dignitaries across the southern borders, they are still wardens are at heart and perform all of their duties. While there may be more than one, will never be more than three generals that are beholden to the king.
▌ENVOY social level: above average
Traditionally seers within the pride, envoys leave the safety of the Sacred Lands with the blessing of the royal family and the gods as ambassadors for the pride. Their dedication to seeking out new prospective members and gathering intelligence in other lands makes them invaluable in keeping the Sacred Lands projected and from dying out entirely.
They are some of the few allowed to leave the safety of the Sacred Lands, learning the path through the Neck after taking up this mantle. Upon leaving for the first time, envoys are presented with two gifts. A bird by which they may relay information and a feather supposedly taken from a god's wing.
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Unlimited Ranks These ranks are always available for being chosen if any and all prerequisites are met.
▌SEER social level: above average
Those able to ascertain history in any capacity as seen as touched, blessed by the gods with the ability to grant wisdom to the pride. They perform rites for the newly born and freshly deceased, oversee weddings, and tend to the sick and injured among the pride. A small, unofficial council within the seers exists, meant to meet and agree upon topics of debate so that they may be better prepared to guide the royal family. Requirement: Be a seer. Complete two roleplays of 500+ words. These roleplays must be focused on learning what it means to be a seer. Use the rank description for guidance.
▌HUNTER social level: above average
Within the Sacred Lands, hunters are seen as priests of sorts, performing the duty of hunting from the given-herd, a noble task that involves a number of rites and sacrifices both before and after, regardless if the hunt proves successful. They answer directly to the queen, who is tasked with observing the given-herd's vitality and authorizing sacred hunts.
Hunters do hunt from other smaller groupings of prey animals that call the Sacred Lands home, but these herds are nowhere near large enough to remain healthy if hunted regularly and so preying upon them is frowned upon. Requirement: Complete two roleplays of 500+ words. These roleplays must be focused on learning to hunt or the rites surrounding them.
▌CAPTAIN social level: above average
With time and experience comes wisdom and none exemplify that truer than the captains within the wardens. Tasked with maintaining a small group of wardens, typically between three to ten, they delegate daily duties, lead patrols, and are charged with the safety of their group. They are beholden to the general over them and by proxy, the king. Captains are easily recognizable among their peers for the three bands of silver around their neck in place of a warden's bronze. Requirement: Complete the form in the update thread and link to anywhere between three to ten wardens that are willing to follow your lion's command.
▌WARDEN social level: average
The vitality of the given-herd is of the upmost importance and it is the task of the wardens to protect them and by proxy the Sacred Lands from internal and external threats. Wardens safeguard the herd, often trailing and observing the herd from a safe distance. When a lion becomes a warden, they are given a zebra skin, easily identifying them among the pride and a set of three simple bronze necklaces. As a warden ages and gains experience, this band will be changed to different metals to denote this experience. Requirement: Complete two roleplays of 500+ words. These roleplays must be focused on learning the Spine, tracking and/or defending the given-herd, sparring with other wardens or apprentices, or learning the local flora and fauna.
▌APPRENTICE social level: low
Description
▌CUB social level: low
Description
Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2022 5:59 pm
Pride Values
Species
Main Species: The Ihlathi is a lion-only pride. Their bloodlines are ancient and new genes are scarce but more frequent.
The pride itself holds no disdain or bad blood towards other felines, or even wild dogs or hyenas, but none have been chosen by an envoy as a prospective member in any known history. Some seer debate that this is due to personal prejudice, while others affirm that it is simply a choice as a primary duty of an envoy is to help expand the existing bloodlines, and bringing in in-compatible or non-lions would only dilute and eventually end branches of the family.
Familiars: Many hold the belief that Shan Lurin, the former god of mountains, took the form of a bird and made his home in the surrounding mountain range where all of the other birds in the Sacred Lands are supposedly from. This, and the protective nature of the pride concerning the ecological stability of the Sacred Lands, has led them to only allow the company of avian familiars.
! Non-avians are allowed with joining characters, but are not allowed to breed within the pride.
Colors
Generations of stagnant bloodlines and scarce new blood have led to a homogenized look within the pride.
Most lions of the Ihlathi sport natural coats in varying shades of browns, reds, and even those on the greyscale. Even the occasional bright orange so ubiquitous to the old blood of the Pridelands may appear without outside influence. Markings are similarly natural in appearance, with patterns reminiscent of zebra, gazelle and other wild game appear commonplace, even if they are nowhere near identical to their hooved counterparts. The most common marking among the pride is simply the "TLK" markings: markings around eyes (under and/or over), muzzle, stomach, and toes. Nearly all members have some combination of these.
Members of the Ihlathi that display bright coloring, wildly unnatural markings, or other similarly strange features on their coats may be easily identified as either being newly joined or the product of unions formed with a new-blooded member. Some older members may look upon those with strange coats and colors as strange. There is some range in acceptability for colors that may avoid such scrutiny if the lineage is well-known for producing vibrant coats, such as the line of Msimu known for their deep and varied blues, or if the cub is starborn.
Starborn
Individuals with markings that evoke the imagery of celestial bodies are considered starborn. These markings are thought to be symbols of good luck bestowed on the lion by the gods, specifically the god of seasons and the god of mountains. Members of the Ihlathi that are starborn may be considered lucky, or otherwise blessed by the gods, but nothing more. They are not royalty, ranked differently, or given any deferential treatment that would put them apart from their peers. In current times, having a starborn cub is a rare, blessed occurrence. • Stars, constellations, the sun, and the moon all count as starborn markings.
Breeding & Mates
Mates: The Ihlathi is so far removed from other prides and outside lands, that new blood is a rare occurrence that has not happened in some time. A direct result of this cloistered nature, most partnerships are, in some capacity, arranged to avoid inbreeding. That said, not all partnerships are meddled in and some occur with no additional influence than between the two in question.
While marriage is something that is expected within the Ihlathi, it is not a requirement. Those who choose to have cubs outside of wedlock may face scrutiny by pride members. Marriage is viewed as a public commitment between partners but may be as private or as lavish as desired. Divorce is allowed within the pride but typically does not occur with such care going into picking partners.
Breedings: Breeding is always open OOCly, but socially, the pride may discourage partners from having cubs if the pride cannot support it in the coming days depending on the stability of the given-herd. Traditionally, it is the queen's prophecies that foretell these changes.
! Only breedings within the pride with other pride members are allowed with very few exceptions. • Mix-and-match is not permitted due to the pride's separation from the majority of the other prides and even the rogue lands. • Adolescent breeding is shunned. They are simply not ready for parenthood. • Only envoys may rogue breed due to their travels outside of the pride's lands.
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Superstitions
The Triumvirate
The trio of gods; Herd, Mountains and Seasons, that brought the ancient Ihlathi to the Sacred Lands are colloquially known as the triumvirate. Their presence and influence are still felt in daily life even so many years later through their descendants and the legacy they left behind.
Msimu, the god of seasons, is said to be buried within the Cradle, his body and bones nourishing the Pale Tree and the surrounding grove. His bloodline still holding the throne as it has since the founding of the pride, although its divine touch has been diluted over the years.
Shan Lurin, the god of mountains, whose body is said to have created the tallest peak within the Spine. They are also believed to have taken the form of a bird on more than one occasion. Both topics of debate for the scholars within the pride.
Kuwindo, the god of herds, fathered children whose bloodline can still be found within the hunters and wardens of the pride, continuing to honor the gift their progenitor gave them
Although these three deities are revered within the Ihlathi, they are not seen as true gods. More akin to spirits, able to use and manipulate the world around them in controlled way ordained by some higher power. This is a hotly debated subject often heard within the Cradle, although momentum is forming surrounding the idea that the gods do hold stronger sway than once thought. However most believe them simply to be blessed beings, who are able to bleed and die like any mortal creature.
Law of Three
A belief that has grown and evolved over the years, the Ihlathi hold the number three in some amount of reverence, seeing it as a sign of good fortune in all things. Having stemmed from the three gods that the Ihlathi revere, things that appear in threes are seen as divinely sent or touched; lucky. This superstition is entirely subjective though and the interpretation of what the good fortune is is up to the viewer.
Some examples in everyday life would be: • Seeing three zebra grazing away from the herd may be seen as a symbol that a hunt will be successful. • The third cub to be born may be favored by the gods. • Three clouds in the sky with no others may be interpreted as a symbol of fair weather ahead, or if they appear as storm clouds, rain.
By extension, things in multiples of three may be seen similarly lucky, but to lesser extents.
The Sacred Hunt
As part of their accord with the god of herds, the Ihlathi have become stewards of the given-herd and are tasked with its protection and prosperity. Hunters are considered priests among the pride, performing the most important ritual they have: hunting the given-herd. Despite restrictions, the herd does not suffer from overhunting as careful management has never seen the herd diminish in any measurable size. If they are forbidden from hunting the given-herd, there is still other prey they are able to hunt, such as gazelle, giraffe, and warthogs. However, hunting from these alternative sources is seen as undesirable.
The hunts within the given-herd may only occur if all these conditions are met: • Hunters may only hunt alone. No other may accompany or aid them. • Their prey must be at its peak. No ill, injured or young may be hunted. • Hunts must occur while the sun hangs overhead.
...
Quaji Crew
Noble Cub
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Quaji Crew
Noble Cub
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Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2022 6:00 pm
HOW TO
Due to the nature of the pride (and that is an I/T), the Ihlathi is currently closed for joining.
All current members will be given out in the post below this one by an application process. Given the secluded nature of the pride, their restricted joining and how wary they are of outsiders, I feel this is the best way to establish the pride and what is 'old blood'.
Blank slates will be allowed to join within the I/T phase as born-in members, but I am currently working on solidifying the concept before allowing this. However, I do aim to have this open in the near future. Blank slates will require the following to be eligible: • They have never been certed on anything other than the rogue cert. • They have no children aside from within the Ihlathi if they are not an envoy. • They have no roleplays.
If you like to make an appeal and petition your rogue that does not meet the above criteria to be able to join, there will be a chance for this. However, in general, rogues will have a chance to join after the pride is official.
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ROGUE JOINING
This option is not open during the I/T phase. What is written here is just informative for the future.
Joining as a rogue requires meeting an envoy and having an offer of joining extended to them. Typically, a rogue must express wishing for a home, safety, or something along those lines. They are then led through the mountains on a week-long journey before they reach the Neck. Most prospective members will turn back during this time as the trek is rough on the mind and body. As they begin the final approach, wardens will greet and ask the joining rogue to blindfold themselves. (If they refuse, they are told to turn back.) They will then accompany the returning envoy and company the rest of the way.
In the Sacred Lands, the prospective member is brought before the king and queen, where they are judged. If allowed to join, they will be given the rank of apprentice. If they are not, they will be escorted—forcefully, if needed—to the Tail, where they are told to leave. This protocol allows the river to act as a natural defense and deterrent, not allowing any the ability to learn the passage through the Neck.
LEAVING
Leaving the Ihlathi is one of the most important situations any can find themselves in as most consider it strange, bordering on taboo. To leave with the blessing of the pride they must swear an oath of protection, where they will not endanger the pride in any way. Be that divulging their location, or returning with strife nipping at their heels. Ex-members who swear this oath and uphold it may return one day if they would like, to visit or to join the pride once more.
Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2022 6:01 pm
Current and Notable Members These characters have predetermined lineages and familial connections, some even with ranks associated with them. Current members will be available for character adoption.
! These characters will be a mixture of limited and unlimited ranks. These characters will be edited (non-inheritable).
Random Semis - NOT OPEN ! These characters may have any of the unlimited ranks except seer (unless given a god parent or rolled) and captain (unless you have 3 other wardens agree to follow them). These characters will possibly be edited (non-inheritable).
Quaji Crew
Noble Cub
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Quaji Crew
Noble Cub
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Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 7:06 pm
I think I'll actually save one more for good measure.emotion_bigheart
Pardon the dust, I'm still working on polishing this idea, but it is open for anyone to post in here if you'd like.
