[OOC] Peke Na - Beliefs // The Way: Only Now

[The Peke Na Pack]

[ Peke Na ] -•-[ History ]-•-[ Blood of 9 Chiefs ]-•-[ Our Father Tree ]-•-[ Beliefs ]-•-[ Customs ]-•-[ Wolf Mother ]

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.["The Howl"].

"Gather round, kitlings, I've a story to tell,
About the sharpest of all of our kin.
It's a story of dreamberries and a pup 'round your age,
And that young soul's name was Mindcage!"

Right from the start she had them on the edge of their seats.
In the eyes of the cubs shown great interest,
So she lifted her voice as she bowed down her head,
And she weaved them a tale of adventure.

This is the way of the Peke Na's howl,
It carries for ages, and ages.
From decades ago we remember "The Way",
And honor those before us that paved it.
So if you hear a great fuss, on some sweet moon kissed night,
Don't be alarmed, you're in no danger.
It's merely the children of mother Timmain,
Singing of past members' greatness.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@- Anonymous

 

[The Peke Na Pack]

[ Peke Na ] -•-[ History ]-•-[ Blood of 9 Chiefs ]-•-[ Our Father Tree ]-•-[ Beliefs ]-•-[ Customs ]-•-[ Wolf Mother ]

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.[Beliefs; The Way - Only Now].

The pack's beliefs are simple. Live only in The Now and don't let the past or the future blind you from preserving The Way. This is especially crucial for the Chief or Chieftess to uphold, they should always remember to live for the pack, their pack mates, and put their needs above all else. So while at first thought you might think that The Way means that the pack are a lot of wild hooligans that act recklessly without regard for consequence, but this belief is not literal and that could not be farther from the truth. There is a great difference between acting recklessly in the moment at every given chance and living in the moment. They learn from the past mistakes, they cherish the memories of loved ones gone, but they do not let past grievances weigh on their hearts (Most of the time) and they do not let the possibilities of Tomorrow distract them from the needs of Today.

One of the most unique traits of the Peke Na are the Wolf names. In every day, day to day pack life everyone uses Wolf Names when addressing each other, unless the member is a rogue that chose not to adopt a wolf name immediately upon joining (When they have been given their wolf name, however, everyone should switch to calling them by it, please.). Peke Na dogs should be using these when introducing themselves or speaking to fellow pack members (In the same way that the Chinese pride uses "Inside" names in their pride lands and "Outside" names when away from their home or being addressed by outsiders.). As a request, please use Wolfnames in RP titles as well, if at all possible.

Note: It should be noted that when Wisdomchaser took over the pack there were some changes ranging from small to moderate. The basic principle of the pack remained the same and intact, but those that aren't 100% glued in their ways will help the pack become more flexible overall. No matter what, each dog has the freedom of choice to stay with the pack or to leave to pursue their own paths as long as they have a good reason for doing so.

.[Breeding - Recognition].

Recognition is a special bond that is shared when two pack mates who are well suited to one another find love. It's believed that those that are well matched will have a higher chance of bearing pups, however this is just a pack belief and not actually yet proven but also not yet disproved.

Of course, pack members can have pups outside of recognition as well. Nothing says that they can't, and no one frowns upon it, in fact it's quite the opposite. Not all offspring are born out of love, some are born of necessity or nature's call.

It's also not uncommon for pack members to den with others, or even for some pack members to share mates. Threesomes are not unheard of, be they formed from the start or if someone is later added into a pair, and even some lifemates will den with others from time to time.

It's an unorthodox practice for outsiders (Or OOC'ly. ^_^; ), but the pack is family, and they don't question what instinct or their hearts tell them is right. That said, there's really no such thing as a forbidden relationship among the Peke Na, unless one side of a pairing has wished it as such.

 

[The Peke Na Pack]

[ Peke Na ] -•-[ History ]-•-[ Blood of 9 Chiefs ]-•-[ Our Father Tree ]-•-[ Beliefs ]-•-[ Customs ]-•-[ Wolf Mother ]

[ Allies & Trolls ] -•-[ Member List ] -•-[ Contests ] -•-[ Affiliates ] -•-[ Artwork & Credits ]

.[Lunar Cycle - Blood of Nine Chiefs].

Since Moongaze the pack has kept count of each Chief then and thereafter. Some nights at the Howl they'll recount the names of each leader leading to the current, a drop of blood spilt by the current Chief or Chieftess for each name chanted to honor their memory, the "Blood of __ Chiefs". This is so that they will always remember their heritage and keepers and protectors of the pack and The Way, and thus The Way itself. There is usually only one leader at a time, but in some cases the mate of the Chief or Chieftess is considered just as much a leader as their mate, and can be looked to for leadership. However, when the time comes the next Chief must always be of Chief's blood, and so if the Chief falls but their mate remains they're duty and focus is split between leading the pack and raising the heir to take over in their parent's paw steps.

Challenges can be made between offspring of the Chief, or by others in the pack to the Chief themselves if they feel that the Chief is not best serving the pack or feel the Chief is no longer able. These fights are fights to the death, as the basic underlying attitude of the pack is to follow instinct and the law of the wild/nature. In the event that the challenger or Chief is not killed they will either be ousted/outcast, or usually in the case of the challenger losing, forced to admit submission. Challenges for the title of Chieftain are rare and very far and few between, though there have been instances in the past where the pack has lost members when no compromise or peace could be found between challenger and leader (Such as a difference of opinion when it comes to rogues, or other species. Preferences for different lands, a simple disagreement over the laws of the pack, or a failed challenge in which the loser had unwavering support from some members of the pack.).

As such, yes, this means that there are possibly fragmented versions of the Peke Na spread across Africa. In the world of Elfquest there are many, many, MANY different tribes of Elves in all corners of the world and so it's only logical to assume that the same is said for the Peke Na (SOA Adaptation). If anyone is interested in starting their own pack with roots/history beginning from this one please PM Tahja Estes to discuss!

 

[The Peke Na Pack]

[ Peke Na ] -•-[ History ]-•-[ Blood of 9 Chiefs ]-•-[ Our Father Tree ]-•-[ Beliefs ]-•-[ Customs ]-•-[ Wolf Mother ]

[ Allies & Trolls ] -•-[ Member List ] -•-[ Contests ] -•-[ Affiliates ] -•-[ Artwork & Credits ]

.[Mother Wolf: Timmain - Pack Mother].

Something unknown to the pack until Wisdomchaser became Chieftess is that the pack has a patron goddess that looks after them. Her name is Timmain, the goddess of (Instinct). Long ago Timmain took the form of a silver wolf over that of her lion form. Her domain being so vast she is very well traveled, and chose this form based on creatures she encountered on another continent (Where she spent many years learning about creatures in this strange place before returning to her birth land.). Since then she has aged many lifetimes over and now bears a striking white coat. She has not appeared to the pack once in their long existence, but not unlike Finar-si with the Firekin she looks to them as her own, they are her creations (after a fashion), her children, and she looks after them with love and great care. They have changed since she first took to them. They existed, of course, before she came along, but with her aide the pack has thrived always unaware that some of the blessings or challenges that came their way were prompted by their guardian-mother.

The lands that the pack now inhabits was indeed specifically picked out for them, and they were guided there secretly by Timmain's own doing. Wisdomchaser and their band have since learned of her existence through wisps of rumors and legends but none have ever seen proof that she is real, Wisdomchaser simply chooses to believe it is so in her heart of hearts. One day they may get to meet the one that has protected them all these generations, but until then she simply has the pack's silent gratitude.

It should be noted, OOC'ly, that Timmain has switched places with a mortal lioness. Former Pridelander, Kairi, now plays the role of Timmain. She plays the role well, though her appearance is different from before. Since none of the pack previously met Timmain this isn't really a problem. They won't know the difference anyway, if they ever come face to face.

 

[The Peke Na Pack]

[ Peke Na ] -•-[ History ]-•-[ Blood of 9 Chiefs ]-•-[ Our Father Tree ]-•-[ Beliefs ]-•-[ Customs ]-•-[ Wolf Mother ]

[ Allies & Trolls ] -•-[ Member List ] -•-[ Contests ] -•-[ Affiliates ] -•-[ Artwork & Credits ]

.[Dance - The Howl].

The pack has celebration for several events in life. The birth of new pups, the death of a pack mate, the coming of a long awaited rainy season, a successful group hunt, group story telling, and the bond of Recognition. The Howl is almost always held on the night of a full moon or in one of the days closest to it, even if it means celebrating several events in the same Howl. The only time a Howl is not held near or on a Full Moon is when the need for one (Such as for the death of a pack mate or the birth of a litter, or the coming of the rains) falls in a time away from the full moon.

During the Howl the pack joins in howling to the night sky and in dance, however there are also Howls held simply to hold Howls and not always just for special occasions. Welcoming new pack mates, telling stories, it's a way for the pack to reaffirm it's bond and sometimes as a way to honor their chief and the ones that have come before. (It will be assumed that all are present for the monthly Howl unless there is an RP/IC reasons for their absence.)

.[Naming - Wolf Names].

You've probably noticed by now that pack members names are a little bit different than most. They often consist of two words, usually a noun, adjective, and/or verb in any combination, such as Moongaze (Noun - Verb), Morningstar (Noun - Noun), or Quickpaw (Adjective - Noun).

This is known as their Wolf name (It has a special spot on the cert!)

Pack members are named after traits or strengths or sometimes vices that they have. Someone that spends all their time gazing at the stars might have the name "Stargazer", or if they have knowledge or many different ideas about the heavens they might be named "Skywise". Names don't always have to be two words, they can be simple, such as "Cutter", "Swift", "Pike", "Ember", so on and so forth. What's important is that their names make sense. Rogues being accepted into the pack will be given new names when they're talent or personality is revealed so if you don't want your WD renamed consider carefully. Some of them will be given a name just because it sounds nice ("Leetah", "Shen-Shen", "Rayek", "Zhantee"), so that option is available as well, but majority of the pack will have traditional names.

Also, pack members -can- be given new names. When something changes in their lives (Injury/amputation, the development of a new skill, a change in mentality or maturity) they will usually be renamed. This is generally a very casual thing and new names can even be decided in the middle of a conversation ("Well now that you're missing a part of your ear I guess we'll have to start calling you Patch, eh?" For example.).

That said, there are a few rules when chosing a Wolfname for your wild dog. These must receive approval/pack acknowledgment and be listed on the "Approved Wolfnames" post in order for you to request a cert change! This is to avoid doubles and weird naming.

• Rule #1: The first letter in the first word is always capitalized.
  
  
• Rule #2: The first letter in the second word is always lower case.
  
  
• Rule #3: Both words are always typed together as one.
  
  • 3a. There should not be a space between the words. Yes, it's poor grammar/spelling, but that's the way it goes. This is presumably because the same grammatical/spelling rules do not apply in the Elfin language of Elfquest.
    
    • Good Example: Moongaze
      
    • Bad Example: MoonGaze; Moon Gaze; moongaze; moon Gaze
  
  
• Rule #4: There may NOT be duplicate Wolfnames.
  
  • 4a. Check the Name list before picking your wolf name!
    
  • 4b. Try to avoid chosing names that start with the same word, please! if there are already 10 "Strong____", try using

Thesaurus.com to find a good substitute for the word "Strong"!
If you're unsure of a name idea simply pop in with it here and we'll let you know!

 

[The Peke Na Pack]

[ Peke Na ] -•-[ History ]-•-[ Blood of 9 Chiefs ]-•-[ Our Father Tree ]-•-[ Beliefs ]-•-[ Customs ]-•-[ Wolf Mother ]

[ Allies & Trolls ] -•-[ Member List ] -•-[ Contests ] -•-[ Affiliates ] -•-[ Artwork & Credits ]

.[Beliefs F.A.Q. - Wolfnames & Soulnames].

Question: ..... Why do I need a Wolf name and a Cert (Soul) name?

Answer: The pack's belief is that everyone has a "true" name, one that isn't to be shared with anyone else until the bond of recognition is formed, at which point it is to be shared only with that individual. It's a show of the deepest trust between two (or three) souls, lifemates. Sharing your true name with anyone but your recognized mate gives them power over you, is their belief. Call it supersticious if you will, but a Soul name is serious business to them. They have Wolf names instead, that they call one another by.

Question: ..... But if the pack is family then what does it matter if they call them by their Cert/Soul name or Wolf name?

Answer: Soul names are a cherished thing amongst the pack, sometimes even lifemates who have not "recognized" won't share Soul names with one another until or if they do. It's only meant to be shared with your soul mate(s) or whomever one recognizes with. (You can laugh if you want, now.)

Question: ..... Okay then, so what's the deal with the horrible grammar on Wolf names?

Answer: Firekin have names that are related to fire or the sun, the Dawnwalkers use Egyptian names, the Peke Na smash their words together to form their names when they speak. This format was taken directly from the series the pack was inspired by. It is what it is. smile

.[Beliefs F.A.Q. - Challenges, The Way, & Troublemakers].

Question: ..... My wild dog is a trouble maker with a problem with authority. The Peke Na are accepting, so they won't have a problem with that, right? What are the consequences?

Answer: Wrong! Those that cause problems, show disrespect, and/or continually break the rules will find themselves facing off with the Chief/tess, and if you think that simply because the pack chooses a non-violent existance that your wild dog won't be reprimanded you've got it wrong. Punishment ranges from private to public scolding, physical reprimand, banishment, to death. Deaths over discliplinary issues only occur in the event that the Chief is challenged to an all out fight or a challenge for their title, challenges usually end when the losing party is forced to submit/yield (IE: If their opponent stops with their jaws over the loser's throat, or if the loser ends up with their belly exposed, voluntarily or by force.). Those that refuse to yield will be banished. Banishment only occurs when the offense puts the pack at too great a risk and/or the offender shows signs that they will continue to repeat this offense. Not all punishment is served easily, but always readily as needed.

Question: ..... So when will challenges usually take place?

Answer: Simply put, even though IC'ly challlenges can take place anytime we will not be accepting any OOC'ly at this point in time. Ownership/Leadership will stay as it is, though it's possible that it may come up in the future.

Question: ..... Okay, so this "The Way" and "The Now", living on instinct, doesn't that mean that the pack is really just a bunch of free loving, nakkie party time hippies?

Answer: No, and that's a pretty disturbing mental image, by for the record. Though the pack lives by the rules of living only in "The Now" and following "The Way" (Which is a series of small almost unspoken rules or laws for the sake of their survival.) they are far from being mindless rebels or hooligans. There is a great difference between acting recklessly in the moment at every given chance and living in the moment. They learn from the past mistakes, they cherish the memories of loved ones gone, but they do not let past grievances weigh on their hearts (Most of the time) and they do not let the possibilities of Tomorrow distract them from the needs of Today.

.[Beliefs F.A.Q. - Howls].

Question: ..... What are Howl's? When do they happen?

Answer: Howl's are basically kind of like a giant bonfire bonding kind of experience (minus the fire). The pack needs little reason to hold one, a storyteller being in the mood to spin a particular tale, someone receiving their new Wolf name (Usually this is a pup or adolescent "coming of age".), maybe the pack found a patch of dreamberries that were particularly ripe, or even a good hunt is a good excuse. It's merry making and bonding for everyone in the pack. These can also be used when tragedy strikes, such as death, or in preparation the night before for battle, sometimes these particular Howl's will include the Wolfsong. Everyone is generally expected to attend these.

Question: ..... Are Howl's RP mandatory?

Answer: Certainly not. If you like you can simply say that your wild dog attended without actually posting, or you can make a one post appearance. Unless you specify it will simply be assumed that your member(s) was (were) in attendance.

Question: ..... How often are they held?

Answer: We will see about possibly making this a bi-monthly RP event, though IC'ly they can happen with any variety of frequency. It depends entirely on schedules, OOC'ly. Lith works for the shop and Tahja and Kyt don't catch one another very much.

Question: ..... Can we ask for a Howl to be held for a special occassion/Can my wild dog tell a story at one of the Howl's, or is it only for the storytellers?

Answer: Yes you can! The pack is very outgoing, sharing is bonding, and as such it's encouraged! (Some good examples: If your wild dog is assigned/given their new wolf name, has their first hunt, or even just a funny annecdote to share for the sake of sharing it can be shared at the Howl. As long as your wild dog doesn't plan to give a detailed recount of their day.

Question: ..... So back up a little bit, a Wolfsong, what is that?

Answer: Wolfsong is what they use to refer to the recounting of the Chief's until the most recently passed. The acting Chief spills the appropriate count of drops of blood to the number of names intoned. A Wolfsong is also usually how the pack will dedicate a Howl/gathering to the Chief and their ancestors that they wish to honor on that night. Wolfsongs can end with a howl for the current Chief if the pack chooses.

.[Beliefs F.A.Q. - Trolls/Hyenas & Humans].

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