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 Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:26 am
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Not long ago the Herd did not roam these lands, and were a much smaller group of waterbucks. They had set up their home in a part of the land where they could be hidden, and few predators were seen. Because of this their guards slowly fell, believing themselves safe from the dangers beyond their little 'haven'.
They were mistaken. The secluded little herd had been found by a large group of passing rogues. In their hunger they saw the herd as a nice meal, and found it to be a rather easy one to catch. The waterbucks were taken easily by surprise when the attack came. Those unable to get away were left behind. Each loss was a large one on their already small numbers, but to try and help would mean they might all be killed.
And so they fled their only home, their little haven. Running frantically for days, fear fueling their legs. After a time they came to a stop within a dip in the earth surrounded sparsely by trees, giving them a bit of protection from hungry eyes. Their numbers had fallen by almost half, and as some took stock of who was gone, others started up with words of their downfall. Their home, their peaceful haven had been found, and now they were in a strange area that none knew. The talk was silenced immediately by their leader, a strong and capable buck. He would have none of this talk. They had gotten away, had they not? They could find a new home, one even better than the other. An uproar followed. Where? How? They didn't know where they were, or what was out there. The leader, silencing them once more, spoke of how he would find their home. They would stay here, keep hidden, and he would venture forth to find a new land for them to roam. It took a time, but he finally managed to convince them.
Whispers buzzed through the herd. It was a fool's errand! The leader would do out and get himself killed, and then they would surely follow. These whispers of doom were ignored but he leader though, he knew he could do it, he had to. In the early morning he departed, farewells and murmurs of failure following him as he went.
Many a day passed as the leader searched, determined to find a place for his kin. His trek was not an easy one though. Predators cropped up here and there, a lone waterbuck seemed an easy meal. Each attempt on his life was met with a face full of dirt. He wouldn't fall here, he had not yet found what he searched for. With the sky as his companion he kept on, sleeping only as much as he had to to stay upright, and eating in short spurts when able. However this pace could not go on forever.
Weary to the bone he finally collapsed. With body bruised and scratched from many a close call he lay there. Was this the end? Had he failed his herd, left them there to perish? Attempts to pull himself up were in vain, and finally he lay still, unable to even pull together the energy to make another attempt. As his vision blurred and darkened he saw before him a waterbuck, one of such massive size that is surely rivaled the mountains in height. This waterbuck must have been an ancient soul indeed, he thought, and must be here to guide him on to some land beyond this one.
Days later the leader awoke, greeted by what he first thought to be the waterbuck he had seen before drifting in to unconsciousness. as his vision cleared, however, he came to see that it was actually a tree, one split at the top in such a way that it appeared to have horns. It loomed before him and beneath it's branched he felt safe, at home. A sound behind him caused the waterbuck to spin, expecting predators but instead finding more waterbucks. These were not just any waterbucks though, but there before him stood his herd, as well as some unknown faces. Shakily he stood, realizing quickly that his body no longer ached, nor could he see any wounds on his body. That mountainous waterbuck has saved him, healed him of his ills, and now it had brought to him his herd, his family.
The leader stepped out beyond the strange, stone walls and gazed over those outside. This would be their new home, he spoke. It would be their new haven, thrive and become stronger than that had before. However they would not do this by hiding away behind a veil of false protection, they would defend themselves. To become a strong herd they would be strong, defend it, otherwise they would fall as they had before. Some listening seemed unsure, but most agreed, and with their support the wary followed. They would not be alone though, this he believed as he looked back upon that strange tree. Surely that Great Waterbuck was watching over them, and he was sure it would continue to do so now, helping them become the great herd he believed they could be.
Under the guidance of the first leader they did thrive, and continued to do as time passed, becoming ever stronger and larger a herd. Now, a few generations after a new leader reigns, continuing with the belief that to be safe they must be strong and defend their own, instead of running from threats that would never cease.
The Herd territory is mostly plains, though not all flat. There are small hills dotting the land here and there, as well as a larger hill that the Eastern outpost sits atop. Territory borders form a triangle, with each point having a small grouping of trees on it. These trees are used as outposts, as well as border markers. as each outposts tends to have a water source within or near it these are often used as resting spots for rogues as well as herd guards.
The Southernmost Outpost sports a few charred trees, from a fire that hit a nearby forest. This fire has also caused this end of the territory to be more fertile and green. A river cuts through the Southern outpost and through the middle of the territory, giving them a good water source, and exits past the Western outpost.
In the very center of the territory is a single, large tree that is seen as sacred by the Herd. The tree's trunk splits at the top, giving the appearance that it has a pair of horns. Not only that but the tree has also grown around the corner of some old, stone ruins. The tree's trunk has knocked parts of the corner out, but the rest of the wall stand firmly, tree roots giving a bit of extra support. At this corner, within the base of the tree, is a hollow. Around the outside of the walls a few small herb gardens have been set up, giving easier access to medicinal herbs to the healers of the herd. |
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:27 am
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Patriarch:
This rank can only be held by a Waterbuck.
The Patriarch governs over the more militaristic side of the Herd. They mainly see to the Guards and Sky-Watchers. He generally knows when there is any rogue within the land, and should action need to be taken towards these rogues he will promptly do so.
Matriarch:
This rank can only be held by a Waterbuck.
While the Patriarch focuses on the military aspects, the Matriarch takes care of the general well being of the herd itself. She leads over the Healers and Earth-Tenders, and is usually a healer herself, though not always. She makes sure that all within the Herd are healthy and doing well, as well as seeing that those who are ill get the care they need.
Guard:
Guards are usually the biggest and strongest of the lot. It is their duty to patrol and guard the Territory. Should an unruly rogue enter of unacceptable species then their job is to make sure they leave, either via talking or force. However most of the time they simply wander through the lands, making sure all is well within.
Healer:
Healers hold a knowledge of herbs and their uses, both good and bad. They tend to the wounded and ill, whether this be from fights or simply sick with sniffles. Both in and out of the herd. Passing rogues in need of help, who have shown no sign of threat to the herd, may also be granted the aid of a healer. They also see to expecting mothers, as well as the newly born calves.
Bard:
Members skilled in the telling of stories, either spoken or through song. They are the teachers and historians of the herd, using their skills to teach the young and new about the herd's past, how they came to be, as well as stories centered around a moral to teach young ones.
Not all of their stories are crafted for teaching however, some are purely for entertainment, making them an entertainer to the pride as well. Bards are also the only rank to actively travel outside the herd's territory, doing so in order to find inspiration for their stories.
Grazers:
These are the body of the herd, essentially. They help to care for the young, as well as keep eyes and ears out for any potential threats nearing them. Otherwise they hold no specific roles, and instead just help out when needed.
Saplings:
The youth of the Herd. These are watched very closely as they are defenseless. However they are allowed freedom as long as there are eyes on them, and thus can romp around and play as much as they like.
Sky Watchers:
This Rank is for Avians.
Avians within the Herd are essentially used as scouts. They patrol through the skies above Herd Territory, keeping an eye out for any possible dangers. Should any be spotted they report it to the King, who will then take action accordingly. However it is expected that at least one Sky Watcher stay to keep an eye on the intruder, lest they lose track of them.
Earth-Tender:
This Rank is for Hares.
Tenders take care of the herb gardens situated around the Sacred Tree. They usually are knowledeable in the uses of said herbs, but are mostly trained in how to care for them, and are very skilled at doing so. |
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:28 am
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Allowed Species:
The Tree-born accept all Waterbucks, Klipspringers, Hares and Avians. Felines, Canines, and other familiars are not accepted and will be made to leave as they are viewed as a potential threat.
Rogues:
Rogues of an allowed species are allowed to roam freely within the Herd's territory, though they may be loosely watched and are forbidden from nearing the Sacred Tree.
Non-allowed species rogues may pass through the territory but will be watched closely. If they show any sign of aggression towards he herd within their land then a group of guards will 'escort' them out of herd territory.
However they are free to rest at the outposts, and should they need healing then they may receive it.
Colours:
Syntyi hold no colour-based prejudices, therefore all colours are accepted within the Herd.
Mating:
Syntyi have no real rules on mating. Flings both inside and out of the Herd are allowed, though if the mother is in the herd she is still expected to give birth in the Great Tree.
Birthing:
When a female is pregnant, and close to having said baby, she is escorted to the Sacred Tree to take shelter within the stone walls where she will be protected. Before the calf is born the mother enters the hollow of the tree, where it is said the Ancient Waterbuck's heart lies, to have her calf. By doing this the calf gains the protection of the Ancient Waterbuck.
Afterwards, when both are able, they exit and rest within the walls once more until both are strong enough to rejoin the Herd.
All Herd members are allowed to have their babies at the Sacred Tree, though only Waterbucks are expected to.
Leaving:
While the Syntyi Puuhun do watch their young pretty closely most of the time this doesn't mean a calf could not wander off, or perhaps get snatched up by something. Because of this young may leave the herd if the owner so wishes.
Adults may leave if they so desire, but must be aware that by doing so they lose the protection the herd gives their own.
Death:
When a member of the herd dies they are moved towards the border of the territory and left there to allow nature to take care of it. Those that were close to the fallen member do not accompany the body, instead they go to the Sacred Tree to grieve, as well as wish their fallen kin safe travel as the Ancient Waterbuck escorts them to the next life.
Names:
Tree-born tend to favor names based or relating to things in nature, either in an obvious manner or in another language.
Now with the expansion of the herd due to more rogues joining this tradition has lessened and they no longer require it to be done, though there may still be some that do favor the old naming ways.
Sacred Tree:
The tree in the center of Syntyi territory is seen as sacred by the Herd due to the belief that this tree was once an ancient and powerful waterbuck. It is also believed that the waterbuck still resides in some form in the tree, and can take shape when he so desires. However the tree itself is viewed as his previous body, returned to the earth so that he may watch over the herd and keep them safe.
Only herd members are allowed near the tree, rogues are forbidden from nearing it and will be told to either leave it's presence or be chased off.
Seers:
The Herd views Seers very highly, believing their visions are a blessing from the ancient Waterbuck. Though they do not obtain any special Ranks for being one, they are revered for their gifts, more so if these gifts end up helping to keep the herd safe. |
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:30 am
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:31 am
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:32 am
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:59 am
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 6:54 am
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 12:02 am
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