ong ago, before the earthquake – before the plague, there was a small pack - a beautiful flower-pack with flourishing members. They gave worship to their goddess of flowers and rain to keep their pack fed and growing.
However, their flourishing did not last long. The plague struck their home, striking hard against the entire pack. Very few escaped, fleeing the lands ridden with the horrible disease. The remaining group consisted of only three – a now orphaned pup by the name of Dagaa, a priestess – Ua, and a hunter named Maji.
Ua, being the highest ranking of the three, lead the pack continuously, gathering a small amount of stragglers as they moved on. Ua, being a priestess, looked to the God and Goddess of their old pack, trying to soothe the angry gods for the plague to end.
The pack grew and grew again, but tragedy would befall them once again, years later. The earth shook a mighty blow, killing a majority of the pack. Dagaa and Ua remained, trying to collect themselves as the rest of the small pack fled in horror at the events.
Ua, once again turned to the gods, adding earth to the previous Flower and Water Goddess and God. The Priestess threw herself into prayer as the two of them began to move once again, searching out a safe place while suffering the loss of Maji.
The two travelers eventually came to a small valley, run through by a river. Life flourished this area – in rocks, vegetation, and water. It was the perfect place for their worship of the gods. With new vigor, they set out to build a shrine of smooth rocks by the riverbed.
And they prayed. Word of them spread, some of the Second Rising (as they had named the new pack group) had returned, already knowing of the religion. They set out gather more, for dogs are pack creatures. They wished to make a sanctuary for those who had hurt in the past.
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:22 pm
FAQs
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Updates
20/03/14: Some information was added and the layout of the concept changed a little bit for easier reading. Everything should be up soon! 01/02/14: A lot of information was updated and added to the concept!
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Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:24 pm
Appearance & Species
Appearance: There is no color bias in the species of the pack. However, those with markings that deal with flowers, earth, or water are particularly revered. Species: This is a wild dog pack, so only WD are considered full members
Familiars
All: Familiars are not a huge part of the pack, but are accepted none the less. They are called Fikara, which translates to Reflection (as in a pool of water) and seen as a part of the dog they have bonded to. They become, in essence, one entity in the eyes of the pack and are protected from being killed/hunted due to that. Certain ranks benefit from the Fikara (such as guard-ranks as an extra pair of eyes) and are sometimes advised to acquire one.
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Religion
Information Text
Marriage & Breeding
Marriage: Life-Mating does not happen often in the pack and love is often shared freely and without bias. Feelings are ever-changing as the seasons and relationships are often extremely open. Those who do find life-mates are considered blessed and are often crowned with flowers and formally blessed by the priests to show their bond to the gods. Breeding: Flings are absolutely the norm. Rogue flings are encouraged to bring new blood into the pack. Sexuality & Genders: The Watembezi is an open pack, so all sexualities are free to join and are not looked down on for that reason. Same with a dog identifying as a gender different from their appeared one - all acceptable. Surrogates: Sometimes two dogs cannot produce children together and still want pups. Surrogates are perfectly acceptable and are seen as solely the parents and not the surrogate’s pups.
Values & Traditions
Gardening: he garden contains flowers and herbs cultivated from plants from all over the area. Sometimes Machanga will bring cuttings of new flowers or herbs for the garden and the Tumba will either figure it out or gain new knowledge from elsewhere of how to care for the plants.
Flowers are important to the pack, as it is thought to have warded off deadly plagues in the past and is believed to continue to do so now. It especially is thought to please the Goddess of Flowers. Herbs are used by the Uandugu to help patients heal faster. If the garden starts wilting and dying it is a sign that the pack is dying or that something is amiss.
Succession Rights: The Heir is a child or children of the previous leader. Many times the leader will not take on a formal mate to allow for them to sire or birth the strongest litter and ensure the continuation of strong leadership. Sometimes the leader will pass their role onto more than one of their pups and they are to rule equally.
The Wallia often will bless the cubs before they are born in hopes for a strong, healthy litter that may have a pup that will be fit to lead one day. Heir/esses are still expected to take their journey.
A Heir/ess that is still a pup when a leader happens to pass will be put in charge of the Wallia and are guided until they are old enough to lead the pack on their own. The Wallia would also be in charge should the current leader pass before the Heir/ess is back from their journey.
Raising Pups: Pups are generally a joint effort among the pack, though they will always have a designated guardian - usually their birth parents. Should the parents decide to give up their pups, they will be raised by a new parent or parents and treated no differently. It is up to the new guardian to tell the pup(s) of their birth family.
The birth family will not be shunned for their choices and given help where needed. Adolescent pairs or mothers and first time mothers are given aid if they decide to keep their litter, by ways of an older, more experience member watching over them and giving them advise.
Pups are gems in the pack and are treated very much like so. They are taught from a young age to have strong morals and of the religion of the pack. All pups are taught to swim and plant and learn to hunt for themselves just to keep their skills well-rounded.
Pups are highly protected and the pack would do anything to keep them safe.
Text: Text
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:27 pm
History
Long ago, before the earthquake – before the plague, there was a small pack - a beautiful flower-pack with flourishing members. They gave worship to their goddess of flowers and rain to keep their pack fed and growing.
However, their flourishing did not last long. The plague struck their home, striking hard against the entire pack. Very few escaped, fleeing the lands ridden with the horrible disease. The remaining group consisted of only three – a now orphaned pup by the name of Dagaa, a priestess – Ua, and a hunter named Maji.
Ua, being the highest ranking of the three, lead the pack continuously, gathering a small amount of stragglers as they moved on. Ua, being a priestess, looked to the God and Goddess of their old pack, trying to soothe the angry gods for the plague to end.
The pack grew and grew again, but tragedy would befall them once again, years later. The earth shook a mighty blow, killing a majority of the pack. Dagaa and Ua remained, trying to collect themselves as the rest of the small pack fled in horror at the events.
Ua, once again turned to the gods, adding earth to the previous Flower and Water Goddess and God. The Priestess threw herself into prayer as the two of them began to move once again, searching out a safe place while suffering the loss of Maji.
The two travelers eventually came to a small valley, run through by a river. Life flourished this area – in rocks, vegetation, and water. It was the perfect place for their worship of the gods. With new vigor, they set out to build a shrine of smooth rocks by the riverbed.
And they prayed. Word of them spread, some of the Second Rising (as they had named the new pack group) had returned, already knowing of the religion. They set out gather more, for dogs are pack creatures. They wished to make a sanctuary for those who had hurt in the past.
Current Events
The previous leaders perished in a landslide at the northern edge of the pride when searching out a new den to house their new litter. Only one of their children survived and is learning to become the new leader of the pack.
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Festivals & Ceremonies
Rain Festival: This festival takes place at the end of the winter months and welcomes the first rain of the year. Rain is seen as cleansing and is thought to wash away anything bad going on with the pack. Any bad thoughts are washed away with the rain, as well as hopefully any illness. This also brings about new bonds and hope in the new season as the rain will aid the flowers.
Flower Festival: When the flowers come into full bloom, everyone celebrates. It is the mark of a successful year. The Tumba are highly lauded for their skills during this time and any pups born during the last flower festival are celebrated. A feast is held and many will get blessed in their mate-hood.
Earth Festival: Between Autumn and Winter, the flowers begin to die, but that does not mean this festival is about death. It is, in fact, about renewed bonds. The Tumba are often busy during this time, using the death of the old plants to make mulch to help welcome new plants in time for the spring. New mothers are blessed during this time, as well as those hoping to birth a new litter.
Marriage Ceremonies: Bonding for two or more dogs is sometimes rare and highly praised. The pack comes together and congratulates the pair or group on finding their lifemate(s). They are crafted flower crowns made out of flowers from the gardens (often by close friends or family of those bonding) and then are blessed formally by the Wallia. A matching trinket is made for each out of polished stone to show their bond physically in hopes of the bond weathering any hardships brought on by the future.
Funeral Ceremonies: When a dog dies, the whole pack feels it. The pack strives to remain close knit so most dogs interact very closely with one another, so if one did not know that dog, then someone they are close to probably did. The pack collectively moves the body to the garden where it is buried and the ground is blessed. Memorial flowers are placed over the place the body rests and returns life to the earth - in this way, the deceased are never really gone as they continue to bring new life into the pack.
Time of Rebirth Ceremonies: This is a less formal ceremony that occurs when Mvua become Kotoko. They are sent off into the world to find themselves and continue to grow. They are usually accompanied by a Machanga (who know more of the world), though they must continue their journey on their own. All pups are given the chance discover themselves this way. When they return, they are washed in the river by close family members to renew bonds and to officially welcome them into adulthood.
Adolescents that join the pack are thought to have gone through the Rebirth already. If they have family, they are cleansed by them, but if not, then the Kikuta will take on the role of their temporary family to welcome them home.
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Laws
Law: Text Law: Text
Trials
Criminal Trial: Text Civil Trial: Text
Punishment
Information
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Location
The pack resides within a fertile river-valley. They share a river with the Tangambili pack. Dens are dug right into the sides of small hills or into the mountain and are scattered across the lands. There are several small waterfalls in small streams. The pack’s borders are mostly mountain, though there’s a small opening into plains-lands at the southern edge and is used as the main entrance/exit.
Lay of the Land
Weather & Climate
Weather: Text Climate Text
Fauna & Flora
Fauna: Text Flora: Text
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Alliances
Tangambili: the Tangambili is a small pack that resides to the north of Watembezi. Some of their members are related to those that reside within the pack and would aid in a fight against outside forces. Breeding is allowed between the two packs, though it is advised that one members moves into one of the packs to stay.
Neutral Allies
None!
Enemies
None!
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Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:29 pm
Royalty
Ardhimoyo(Earth Heart/Leader) [<2]: The leader of the pack. They control the workings of the pack with the advice of the Wallia. Mdomo(River’s Mouth/Consort) [<2]: Normally a well-rounded dog or dogs that can counter-balance the leader and keep them grounded. Sometimes a life-mate, but not always. Pandikizo (Seedling/Heir or Heiress) [<2]: The pup(s) from the litter that will take over when the current leader steps down. Mche(Seedling/Royal Children) [∞]: Children of the Leader and/or consorts. They often lose this rank once they reach adulthood and return from their Journey and take on an adult rank and are treated the same as the rest of the pack.
High Priests
The high priests are collectively referred to as Wallia, but when an individual Wallia is addressed formally, their full title is used.
Wallichanua (Holy Flower/Flower Priest(ess)) [1]: The priest/ess of the flower goddess. They advise the leaders on issues within the pack as well as teach important lessons to the pack about the Goddess. Wallimaji (Holy Water/Water Priest(ess)) [1]: The priest/ess of the water god. They advise the leaders on issues within the pack as well as teach important lessons to the pack about the God of Water. Wallikiwe (Holy Stone/Rock Priest(ess)) [1]: The priest/ess of the earth god. They advise the leaders on issues within the pack as well as teach important lessons to the pack about the God of Earth.
Mungubariki (God Blessed/In Training) [3]: One in training to take over the position of one of the Wallia.
Priests
Kikuta (Rock Border/Shrine Keeper) [3]: They manage and maintain the main shrine, making sure the water is not stale and the fish within the shrine pool are cleansed daily. This rank is deemed highly important for both health and to keep the Gods and Goddess happy. Jiwembari (Stone Kin/Year Keeper) [3]: They are highly respected and predict the best times to plant as well as keep track of the festivals. One is in charge of each season, the knowing the festivals of that time.Closer to the end of one season and the start of the next the two associated dogs will work closely together to finish out and start the new season. They often advise and aid the leaders of the pack with events.
Common Leaders
(Acquired through RP)
Majiahlijuu (Head Hunter) [∞]: There is one lead hunter to every 10 dogs. Kiambazajuu (Captain of the Guard) [1]: The captain leads over the entirety of the guards, though there are leaders of different factions as well. Kiambazahewa (Head Guard) [∞]: There is one Head Guard to every 15 guards and guards are permanently under this head guard until either the guard is promoted to this rank or the guard gets demoted or steps down from the role. Tumbahewa: (Head Gardener) [3]: Typically dogs that are most knowledgeable about plants, soil, and when to grow. They supervise all aspects of the gardens while Tumba focus on single areas. They’re not so much leaders as advisors, but still highly praised for their work and knowledge. Uandugujuu: (Head Healer) [3]: The three head healers specialize in different areas - birth, life, and death. Each specializes in their own area and teaches it to those who wish to become healers.
Commoners
Majiahli (Water Kin/Fishers or Hunters) [∞]: They catch fish for the rest of the pack, and sometimes larger land-prey. They are the most common rank, and they often share meals with the entire pack and those who do not hunt for themselves. Machanga (Sand/Seeker) [∞]: Drifters that belong to the pack. They come and go often, bringing knowledge, members, or items that they think the gods would like.
Kiambaza (Earth Wall/Guards) [∞]: Strong members that guard and patrol the outer rim of the pack. They keep danger out as well as bring new members in. They're charged with knowing all of the Machanga, so they know to let them in. Tumba (Flower Bud/Gardener) [∞]: They are charged with keeping the plants and flowers healthy and thriving, as well as weeding out the plants that may damage the pack in any way. Uandugu (Flower Kin/Healer) [∞]: Any injuries that befall the pride, the Uandugu are the dogs to go to! They use plants and herbs to aid in healing. They also are in charge of helping mothers introduce their pups into the world safely. Mothers often choose one to consult during pregnancy and all are highly trusted. Mzegazega (Water Carrier/Scholars) [∞]: They carry any knowledge that the Machanga bring back as well as things they find out on their own. They often teach others their knowledge and share it among others of their rank. Relevant information is given to the leaders.
Kokoto (Rain/Adolescent) [∞]: Adolescent. At this stage, the young one must prove himself by going out into the world and bringing back something new into the pack, be it cubs, a mate, another dog, knowledge, what have you. Mvua (Pebble/Pup) [∞]: Pups
Fikara [∞]: Familiars in the pack. They are seen as one entity with their bonded dog and are completely safe. Attacking a fikara is equivalent of attacking a member of the pack.
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:33 pm
Royalty
Xanthus || Ardhimoyo || Mate: none || AstoriaFallen Name | Rank | Mate | Played By
High Priests
Name | Rank | Mate | Played By Name | Rank | Mate | Played By
Reviving this now that I have time Some information in subject to change. Most will stay the same, but just become much more detailed.
<3
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 9:21 pm
exclaim Updated a lot~
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Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:40 pm
I wish to join! Name: Mekachanua Username: Cajanic Image: Personality Blurb: She is a timid dog who spent a lot of time out on her own, and did not like to associate with others. She felt she was too weak to deal with others, and would be attacked if she tried. So she does not speak around others most of the time. However, she does speak to plants a lot, and feels calm in their presence. Desired Rank: Tumba
I wish to join! Name: Dimbwi Username: Cajanic Image: Personality Blurb: Dimbwi was a scamp in his childhood, but has grown a lot in his old age. He has become very wise and thoughtful, though sometimes he lets his mind wander and he distracts himself with his own thoughts and stories of the good old days. He loves gathering and sharing information the best his elder body will allow. Desired Rank: Mzegazega
