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 Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:39 am
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Cancelled
The Leteni-Nuru's name literally translates to "bring (all of you) light," but their favored moniker is that of the Lightbringers. Once a peaceful fellowship who sought equality amongst predators, the Lightbringers have become extremists whose goals remain constant. Their means of obtaining it, however, have taken dramatic shifts overtime.
The Lightbringers as a whole are not evil; rather, they are capable of evil things for a cause they see as just. The more tenderhearted among them rarely disagree with their ambitions in theory, even if they disagree with them in practice. And, generally, you'll find the most crass feel remorseful for what must be done, though they may not necessarily feel guilty for having done it.
They have often been misunderstood by outsiders as little more than savages and racists, but in truth, living amongst the Leteni-Nuru is an enjoyable experience for those who see the light.
• general temperament
The most important thing to keep in mind is while the Lightbringers are anti-lion, not pro-equality, overall they are pro-their kind > anti-lion. If a Lightbringer was in a situation where they had the choice of killing a lion or saving a cheetah (or leopard, hyena, what have you), it would be frowned upon by most for them to not protect their own. If that lion was a God or Goddess, things get more complicated. Opinions will also vary between members, of course.
This is in part why they are so successful as a unit. They place their focus first and foremost on how they are helping non-lions, not how they're harming lions. They have songs to boost morale, regular social gatherings, and foster the attitude that all their kind are worthy of redemption and love. They are not heartless jerkasses who just want to watch the world burn (though some among them may have this view), and genuinely feel what they're doing is for the best.
This isn't a group where predators who just want to act like badasses no matter the cost are ICly welcomed. Actions very much have consequences and strategy is just as valuable as strength, as their history has proven to them. Those who would endanger the entirety of Lightbringers just to stroke their ego will be swiftly dealt with.
• OOC
OOC, the Lightbringers are run by Hopefolly, Shia bean, and Kaelyndra, with ample help from Kimaria and Mimsey. They will be involved with other prides including the Bloodletters, the Bonelands, the Nchi'mahadi, and to some extent the Firekin and the Nergui. They will also tie into various God/Goddess backstories including that of Seasons, the Lost, Obsession, Hypnosis, Pestilence, Blood Magic, and others.
They are always open to plotting with more prides/groups, lions, or Gods.
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:49 am
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In the beginning, there was Mkodi.
From the void, Mkodi drew forth all creation. The lands formed and the seas rose, and life came to the earth in the form of plants and soulless creatures. And it was good. But it was also boring, as Mkodi's creation was too perfect. The world existed in perfect harmony, each being taking only as much as it gave. And so, Mkodi created the thinking creatures of the world. First among those creations were the lions, the largest and most powerful of Her creatures. - SoA God Information Thread
From the beginning of their union, long, long ago, the Lightbringers have embraced faith in Mkodi's existence as much if not more than most lion prides. They abhor her, but they very much believe.
The Lightbringers started as coalition of leopards, mostly males, whose primary goal was to barter for access to food and water. A surly pride of lions had dominated the territory and were monopolizing valuable resources. Through a steadfast negotiation process, leopard and lion were able to reach a peaceful agreement.
Then everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Unfortunately, not all of the lions were as swift to change as their laws had. No lone incident exacerbated the disharmony between the two societies; a gradual series of misgivings and wrongdoings led the Lightbringers to lean less toward pro-equality and more toward anti-lion.
They were joined by cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs; baboons, birds, once even an elephant or two. They were all starting to realize that lions owned a majority share of the land most everywhere, and that Mkodi had created her most powerful beings, the Gods, with only lion representatives. Emboldened by their strong community, the leopards led the charge against not only their lion trespassers, but others of their kind as well.
For a time, they were quite successful in this. They ambushed countless lions and lionesses and killed multiple Gods; lost to their claws was the Goddess of Obsession, Goddess of the Lost, the God of Seasons, Goddess of Hypnosis, and the Goddess of Heroes, among others. A second encounter with Heroes after her rebirth led to the Lightbringers' discovery Gods could be reborn, a relatively unfamiliar concept to mortals in their area at the time, and certainly not something they'd known.
This caused an uproar in their ranks. How were they to cull the lions and bring prosperity if their Gods could not be vanquished by age or death? And so a new belief took root: Mkodi, Creator of All, was hiding amongst the Gods and Goddesses. What she looked like and which domain she was using for her guise, no one could say, but the Lightbringers' focus shifted from mortals to deities almost overnight. They became convinced should they destroy Her, the cycle of rebirth would cease to be.
The details of how many other Gods fell to the Lightbringers in the wake of this has become something of a mystery with one notable exception: The Goddess of Pestilence, Amaret. After their first failed attempt to slay her, a sickness spread rampantly throughout their people. Clever as ever, the Lightbringers left their dead at the borders of lion prides or sent the ill to invade their lands in what were essentially suicide missions to infect them.
Upon the survivors successfully killing Amaret, the curse lifted, but not before an entire pride of lions and half the Lightbringers' population had been lost. From then on, the Lightbringers realized sheer strength alone would not achieve their goal.
The gruesome manner in which their numbers dwindled combined with a rumor Mkodi had fled where she could never be found caused morale to hit rock bottom. They kept together, but mostly kept to themselves, becoming little more than an ineffective bunch of grumbling second class citizens.
Then one day, the Lightbringers learned of hybrids. Many immediately saw these deplorable creatures as proof Mkodi walked among them, and that they were phase one in a plan to create a master race and rob the species of their individuality.
The Lightbringers are ready to answer the call of their ancestors once forgotten.
The coalition is led by a cheetah, Rukiya, who like those before her was elected into her rank. Of the last three leaders, it is Rukiya who has made the most progress in their primary objective. Unbeknownst to her followers, she has made a pact of sorts with the Goddess of Pestilence, Amaret, and at last salvation is once again within reach.
A long-running joke with the Lightbringers is that there's a lion God for every blade of grass. They're cautioned not to say it too many times, lest they believe into existence God of Blades of Grass. They're well aware they are outnumbered and, by comparison, their lion foes are overpowered. If they can't always be stronger, then they must be smarter, more clever.
Education and critical thinking skills are promoted as desirable traits now more than ever. The Lightbringers are well-versed in the subject of Gods, Mkodi, and most species of Africa, though they have much to learn about their hybrid cousins. They are not above using hostages, plague, famine, and other means of warfare to get their way.
As is usually the case with any society, the highest ranked are the more corrupt. Generally, you'll find hearts soften the lower down the ladder you go, and that most at the bottom are either grunts or otherwise kind folks who have one reason or another to support the cause. |
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:50 am
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• genders
Males and females are of equal standing within the Lightbringers. While certain members may believe one more capable than the other, there is nothing barring either gender from working toward whatever rank they'd like.
• species
Any animal not considered prey (with birds being a case-by-case basis) are permitted to join and progress through their ranks. The Lightbringers are extremely liberal in terms of species. Though they were once led by leopards, this was so far back in history that it's often forgotten.
• color / markings
Anyone, be they bright pink or pitch black, are welcome to join. There is no stigma against certain colors or markings.
• religion
The Lightbringers know of the Gods and Mkodi, but needless to say they don't worship them. They believe in the equivalent of a heaven, which was once ruled by lions until it was usurped by their ancestors. Now, there are three: one for lions, one for prey, and one for everyone else. There are many variations of this belief same as you could expect in modern day religions.
Some will say lions don't have souls, that they are part of what powers the Gods. Others are atheists. And on it goes.
• seers
Seers are very important to the Lightbringers. See the rank post for more information.
• names
Names of those born within the Lightbringers are typically your standard Swahili. They have last names / family names, which are usually passed down from the father, but may come from mom's side too. The names are usually set apart, as in "Rukiya Dasara" and not "Rukiya'Dasara" or "Rukiya-Dasara."
• marriage and mating
The most common romances in the Lightbringers are monogamous, heterosexual pairs. Other types of couples (such as homosexual pairs, polygamous pairs, and adolescent pairs to name a few) are not illegal and certainly not discouraged OOC, but may face some opposition from individual members.
In the past (think your SoA's grandfather's grandfather's time), the concept of adolescence wasn't one the Lightbringers adhered to. Adolescents, to them, were adults, and so they often married, had cubs, and were expected to hunt for themselves. Overtime, this changed, but occasionally an adolescent will marry and cite the past as justification for it.
Wedding ceremonies can be as loud or as low key as a couple desires. At present, only heterosexual and monogamous couples can wed, but we OOCly welcome any IC sort of movements / protests to try and change this in the future.
Those who breed are not forced to marry, but it is usually expected of them. See "breeding / cubs" for more info.
• breeding / cubs
The Lightbringers prefer quality over quantity. Most of them have come to terms with knowing they'll always be outnumbered by lions, so there's no reason to have ten disobedient, stupid members over five intelligent, progressive ones.
For this reason, couples are expected to wed prior to or shortly after having their cubs, or at least be in a real relationship. A stable home environment makes for equally stable children, so they say. There are, however, no official laws in place that would keep a SoA from rogue breedings, flings, or the like.
Cubs will usually take the last name of their father unless he refuses them or is absent in their life. The mother is the one who decides, though, so if she says they get her last name, then that's that.
On cubnapping: It goes without saying that cubnapping should be handled respectfully OOC. If a pride does not permit it, don't do it. Period. Even if the parents' owners give you the okay. |
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:51 am
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Have an idea for a rank? Let us know!
• chief
The Lightbringers' leader is called their chief. So far, mostly male leopards have occupied this position, but other species and females have appeared sporadically. The chief is voted in by the people after an election that spans a week and occurs once every two years. If the chief dies unexpectedly, his or her aide steps up in their place.
• chief's aide
The chief's aide serves as a second-in-command and campaign with said chief during elections to win their rank. They're able to socialize more freely and more often, and thus tend to be more popular than than their superior.
• captain
Captains are the leaders of the military and oversee the schedule and general welfare of their assigned soldiers, of which they will usually have anywhere from 5-10. They are appointed by the Chief after having proven themselves capable in combat. Races that are small or weaker, such as birds, can garner the rank of captain if they prove themselves a superb strategist.
• soldier
The daily life of a soldier includes guard duty, training, and keeping an eye on the population to make sure everyone is safe. They are divided into units of five to ten, and are some of the most tight-knit members of the Lightbringers, as they can often go days with speaking to no one but each other.
Soldier is the only rank adolescents are permitted to leave their studies early to join.
If a female soldier becomes pregnant, she maintains her rank, but is off duty until her cubs are weaned.
• priest / priestess
Priests speak of the heaven where all their kind are prosperous and free. Some are the most charitable in their society, some are zealots, and some are privy to secrets that most aren't. Priests and priestesses are not permitted to marry or have offspring; they should be wholly devoted to their calling and that of the Lightbringers. They are taken very seriously and will often be called upon by the chief to provide guidance or to help act as ambassadors.
• teacher
Teachers specialize in a particular field and are vital to the Lightbringers as they help to raise cubs as much or more than parents do. All classes are require attendance by the youth of the pride from cubhood to adulthood (unless they leave to join the military at adolescence).
Required Classes:
Hunting: Learning basic hunting techniques, such as identifying the weakest in a herd, how to avoid being kicked in the throat, etc. This class lasts from cubhood to adulthood.
Study of Gods and Goddesses: Taken at adolescence, this course teaches everything the Lightbringers know (or "know") about the Gods, including their ability to be reborn, domains they have learned of so far, the best ways to disable and defeat them, and of course, how Mkodi hides among them.
Species of Africa: Taken from cubhood to adulthood, these classes teach about the various species of Africa to help promote unity. Among other things, the youth will learn of all the lined non-lion species (excepting hybrids), elephants, hippos, baboons, etc.
Training: Training class is the Lightbringer equivalent to gym. They have races, do practice spars, among other things. This class is started at adolescent and goes into adulthood.
Optional Classes:
Botany: Started at adolescence, this course goes into adulthood and prepares a SoA for a career as a botanist. They are taught only about salutary plants and herbs. Those wishing to pursue a more toxic career field are best off finding a mentor on the side.
Performing: Singing, dancing, and acting. The Lightbringers have plays, musicals, and other entertainment same as modern day. This class may be started at cubhood or adolescence and some SoA have been known to stay past adulthood.
Midwifing: Started at adolescence, this prepares a SoA for career as a midwife. They are taught birthing techniques, potential problems, and receive, er, paws on experience before graduating.
• midwife
Midwives are usually female, but if they are male, they are known as "midhusbands." These SoA help mothers with their pregnancies, at birth, and after the cubs are born they serve as nannies.
• performer
Not everything can be fighting and politics. For this, the Lightbringers have their performers. They sing, put on plays, and keep the civilians happy by entertaining them.
• hunters / huntresses
Hunters are important to the Lightbringers and are not regarded as a sort of default rank. They can't afford to lose members to hunting injuries, so only those with this rank even get to participate in the all too important act of bringing food home.
• botanists
Botanists may be healers, those who know how to create deadly poisons, or both. They are experts in the various plants, flowers, and weeds found around Africa. Many of them are a bit eccentric.
• spies
A secret rank, the existence of spies is often suspected, but only known for absolute certainty by a chosen few. They are sent into prides to search undercover for recruits and gather information.
• seers
Seers are not taken lightly in the Lightbringers, so many hoping for a carefree life choose to hide their abilities if they can. Those who embrace it will find themselves revered, feared, and respected simply for being one. Once someone is known to be a seer, they're expected to live like civilians, only with special treatment. Those who wish to join other ranks may face scrutiny or be denied and have to go through the ranks to get permission on a case-by-case basis.
• civilian
Civilian is the default rank for cub and adolescence (unless they join the military) and is also held by adults who don't have any particular vocation IC. This includes stay at home moms or dads, the elderly, the crippled, etc. |
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:52 am
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 10:09 am
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Who's running this show?
Official pride owners are Shia bean, Kaelyndra, and Hopefolly, with ample help from Kimaria and Mimsey.
So this is a leopard group?
No. Though the Lightbringers history is rooted in leopards, they are a melting pot group in modern day. Individual opinions will vary, and there will be some bigots same as in the real world, but their overall society does not discriminate. They have members from wild dogs, to familiars, and even non-lined species like baboons or elephants.
Will hybrids be allowed?
Hybrids are a complicated issue, but the short answer: Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Hybrids must denounce their lion heritage (in the case of cheetons and leopons). A hybrid may have to kill a lion to prove it, but these incidents are rare.
Leotahs are one of the issues the pride is divided on and uncertain about. Neither leopard nor cheetah, they are usually seen as strange, and may or may not be treated with the contempt of a leopon or a cheeton.
There is no official law against a leopard x cheetah in the Lightbringers, but members are, let's say, strongly encouraged to stick with their own kind from birth as far as rearing cubs goes (if they're a joining member, they'll pick up on this attitude quick). In no way do they present this as bigotry, because that isn't how they feel about it. To them, it's just "their way." If others choose to think differently, they might be scorned by individuals, but they will not be punished in any manner by the group as a whole or the leaders.
Why are they so hung up on hybrids? Most are infertile!
The Lightbringers are without the knowledge of human modern day science / experience and have no idea most hybrid animals are infertile. There is no realistic reason for them to already to know this IC, as that would require them to know a group of hybrids who copulate over and over with no resulting cubs, and for that group to be large enough that they make the connection. Not to mention it would involve everyone being 100% open about their sex lives.
It's inevitable they'll discover this at some point, but for now, we would like to avoid a hybrid who just happens to know most of his kind are infertile sauntering in and saying so. Even if he did, he'd likely be ignored.
Can my character break IC rules?
Absolutely, and in fact it's encouraged to help make this a reactionary RP group that open for all members to help with or even start metas (with some exceptions, as noted above on the matter of hybrid infertility). We just ask you be realistic and accept consequences. For example, the Lightbringers would not recruit someone who is obviously out of their mind to start with, and therefore they wouldn't be in the group to break the rules.
Can the Lightbringers be a part of my mortal's backstory? Could they have killed off their pride or their parents?
More than likely this is doable! Feel free to ask.
Can my God/dess, pride, or other group be involved in this?
Definitely! Feel free to post with any ideas, suggestions, or even if you want involved, but aren't sure how.
What are the Lightbringers doing right now from an IC standpoint?
Furthering their cause. More to come!
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 1:50 pm
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Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 1:33 pm
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