Skiringssal is a pride concept based around the premise of survival and, ultimately, success. They are an extremely religious pride that sticks to their values and belief system because it means the difference between life and death in a land where their resources are finite and heavily guarded. For these reasons, things will be done a little differently in this pride. Breeding and joining both have unique restrictions and the path to renown and glory is clearly defined through a house system where the greatest can fall and the unknown can rise to power in the blink of an eye.
Norn (IC Leaders): Mai'dido (*Greenie), Leta (Felyn), Saranta (Z o m b i k ii) OOC Leader(s): Felyn, Krysin, Z o m b i k ii, *Greenie
Symbol:Link - Artist: Z o m b i k ii Cert BG:Link - Artist: Z o m b i k ii
Pack/Pride Name: Skiringssal Current IC Owner(s): Mai'dido (*Greenie), Leta (Felyn), Saranta (Z o m b i k ii) Current OOC Owner(s): Felyn; Z o m b i kii; Krysin; *Greenie Default ranks: Cub > Firar (no House) or Apprentice (House) > Firar (no House) or Svinfylking (House) Current Pride/Pack Members, and Rankings of Each: Links to at least five current RPs:
Link One <-- Leader RP (Mai'dido) Link Two Link Three Link Four Link Five Brief Description of your Pride/Pack: The Skiringssal are an old folk that have hidden in seclusion as far back as any of their ancestors could remember. They live in the mountainous region beyond and within the great forest that borders the lands of the Myrsky Syntynyt and their very survival, especially so close to a notoriously bloodthirsty pride, depends upon their combined efforts toward secrecy. The pride land itself is divided into three definite sections: The Mountain, The Valley, and The Forest. Familiar Rules: Does you Pride/Pack allow familiars? Cert Background Large Image: Pride Symbol for Cert: Any Extra Information: Below effects the default rank into adulthood. When certed the cert must include 'House' below the name. If a character belongs to a House they will become an Apprentice into adulthood whereas a character not belonging to a House (can be left blank or indicate Firar --) they will grow to the Firar (Villager) rank. Pride/Pack History:
Ages ago, in a time before their current history can even recall, a small group of traveling rogues stumbled upon the maze at the center of a strange, eerie forest. It was so spectacular that they believed it must have been something created by the gods and thus, something that could not be ignored Each of them tested their wit against it and although it took some of them several tries to enter, many of them made it into the safe and secluded valley on the other side. The first eight to pass each founded a house and between them, they elected their pride leaders into place. Believing only in wit and strength, they have fought for the right to lead their pride and their houses ever since. Those that did not make it through were claimed by the magic of the forest and their once ties have long been forgotten.
The Skiringssal are an old folk that have hidden in seclusion as far back as any of their ancestors could remember. They live in the mountainous region beyond and within the great forest that borders the lands of the Myrsky Syntynyt and their very survival, especially so close to a notoriously bloodthirsty pride, depends upon their combined efforts toward secrecy. The pride land itself is divided into three definite sections: The Mountain, The Valley, and The Forest.
The Mountain - Mount Bleikr, House of Fólkvangr The pride's main belief system comes down to a simple concept of duality: Light and Dark. The Light is what protects them and the Darkness, although not inherently evil in their minds, harbors all the demons that exist in this world. Due to their fear of the darkness, their most important pride members (the Oracles and Valkyries) live atop the mountain so that they may be afforded protection from the shadows. The cavern system they use as dens are lined with eternal orb lights that have been gifted to them by the Goddess of Light, Alkaid, over the years. This means they are never without light to protect them and most of them have never known what it means to be in the darkness. Only the Norn and Jarls are permitted to visit the summit to meet with them.
At the base of the mountain exists a large cavern that the Norn, the leaders of the pride, occupy as their home. The cavern walls are lined with simplistic paintings from generations of Norn and Jarls, refreshed over time as the paint fades. Most often these are symbols of the reigning houses but great feats or important pride moments may also be depicted in symbolic representations of color and design. Norn are not allowed to marry, although they are encouraged to reproduce, and their cubs are only permitted to remain within the Cavern until they are weaned (adolescence). Once they are old enough, they will be returned to the Norn's original House if it exists and, if not, they will become villagers.
The Valley The main hive of the pride is situated in a valley at the center of a a range of mountains; there is only one way in and one way out - through the maze. It is nestled in a mountain pass between the main valley and the forest. This maze is considered a holy relic, created so long ago that none of the pride lore even accounts for when it was originally founded, although they do correctly attribute it to the God of Labyrinths, Utako, due to his consistent presence in their realm. Whenever he walks among the paths, they fix or change themselves, and those that are lucky enough to witness such a feat are considered to have received his blessing.
Members of the main pride are not allowed to leave the valley except for a few specific ranks. Any pride member that leaves or may have the potential to leave or interact with outsiders (such as those in the maze) must wear pelts whenever they are outside of the main Valley area.
Important areas in the Valley
House Dens The Caverns available to the pride members are finite in number; in fact, it is the availability of these caverns that has ultimately determined the number of houses within the pride. The main cavern at the base of Mount Bleikr belongs to the Fólkvangr while the other eight houses make their dens in the remaining eight caverns. This affords them a safe place to store their wares and the most protection from the shadows. Each cavern boasts at least one orb of eternal light from the Goddess. Villagers who do not belong to a House make their dens in secluded crags out in the open, preferably where they would receive the most starlight and moonlight. On moonless nights, the Houses will typically take pity on them and take them into their caverns.
The Farmlands The west side of the valley is filled with craggy, elevated pastures that the farmers of the pride tend to. They monitor their food sources, drive them to new areas to ensure no one spot gets over-grazed, and report to the Norns on their well-being and population. They are also responsible for killing beasts for their houses or families. Generally, each farmer is responsible for their own herd and its success is directly attributed to their house if they belong to one.
The Ocean At the far west end of the valley the pastures end at sea cliffs. There is a small, single path that leads down to a craggy, secluded beach. This is where the fisherman come to catch their wares from the sea; fish are not generally a main source of food for the pride but they are a good way to supplement the herds so that they do not get picked off too heavily. Generally, each Fisherman has their own preferred method of catching fish.
The Market The area just outside of the Norn's cavern is a wide, open space designated for bartering and trade. Each house or villager will have a small space saved for themselves by a large stone that has been painted either with their house symbol or a symbol they use to represent themselves (for village traders). When a house or village family has done well enough in the week, they meet at the Market to trade their excess wares in exchange for goods they might lack or need from other houses. This helps houses specialize in a single product.
The Forest - Home of the Skadi Beyond the Valley and the Maze are the forests of the Skadi. The Skadi are considered to be 'wild lions' by the main pride, full of bizarre ideas and boasting unpredictable personalities. However, they are an extremely important part of the pride. Although the idea of duality and light vs dark is less important to them, they very much revere the maze and protect it at all costs. To them, it is the sacred heart of the forest that gives them life and without it, the magic that protects them might be lost. Most of their belief system revolves around nature, ancestral spirits and gods but it has no formal foundation.
In reality, their forest was long ago cursed by Muhali, the goddess of insanity. However, since she has never returned to the lands they have no clue. They hear voices that they attribute to gods or ancestors speaking to them; it is not constant for each pride member and each occurrence is considered to be a blessing. Anyone entering the lands will be subject to hearing voices, however, and outsiders can be very startled by this.
The Skadi generally take it upon themselves to confuse outsiders and lure them away from the direction of the maze. They decorate themselves with feathers and bangles, painted whorls upon their face and bodies, making them seem like strange, wild fae creatures when combined with the curse. They are particularly adept at knowing forest paths and places to hide which can often make them appear to have come from nowhere. It is generally only these pride members with whom the outsiders gain any form of interaction; if they do their job well, outsiders are simply confused and turned away. It has developed a reputation for their forest over the years and nearby prides, including the Stormborn, tell tales of the wild spirits in the trees.
They have no formal political structure or rank system; the only lion that has a designation from the rest of the Skadi is their chief, who is elected by popular vote for life. The chief does not so much rule over the Skadi as they do represent them but they are always highly respected and heeded for this reason.
The central focus of this pride both in and out of character is the ever-changing system of houses. There are always nine houses who, at any given time, represent the strongest families in the pride. Not every member of a house has to be related; many times Houses will adopt outsiders into it based on skill, merit, or loyalty. There is a mutual benefit in adopting outsiders into a house; villagers will be afforded better protection from the darkness due to each house being given their own cavern and, additionally, will have access to their house resources. For a House, the more members they have, the more prolific they are likely to be which will ultimately help secure their place.
Houses benefit the most by specializing in a single craft - this affords them the opportunity to pass their knowledge among their house members and become masters. However, it is not required that every house member has the same rank or skill set.
Houses do not get to be houses forever if they become weak or stop producing; twice a year (in February and August) the weakest house will be calculated by the points accumulated over the last six months. That means two houses throughout the year will be designated as the 'weak links' and will have to compete in the Sérstakt Leikir in December to maintain their place as a House (the only exception is if one of the formerly weak houses has the most points at the start of the Sérstakt Leikir).
Likewise, there will be a champion house elected every six months (in February and August). The champion house is the one with the most points for that six month period and they will be afforded an extra breeding period the month after their election (see the breeding post).
Points are reset after the six month period.
The Point System There are TWO point systems - one for specialists and one for warriors. Points are calculated on a per week basis and require a completed roleplay or solo for your character to earn their points for that week. The week that your RP is finished is the week your points will be counted towards. A month will end on the last FULL week of the month (this will be announced). Finished RP requirements follow breeding requirements.
Specialists (Fishers, Farmers, Crafters and Herbalists)
The points that a specialist earns every week is translated as the excess of goods they have left over from their job after they have supplied what is needed to their House.
To calculate your points for the week, randomize a number between 1 & 5. If your character is employed in their House's main specialization (ie: Crafters in Heidr or Fishers in Dido), you may randomize a number between 2 & 5.
If you finish your point requirements for every week of the month, you may double your points for that month.
Warriors (Champions, Jarls, Leifs, Bears, Wolfs, and Boars)
The warriors will earn points for their house through duels.
For an RP between two lions, randomize a number between 1 & 5. The warrior with the least points will keep their roll for points. The warrior with the most points will DOUBLE their roll for points. (So a loser that rolls 3 will contribute 3 to their house points but a winner that rolls 4 will contribute 8 to their house points).
Solo RPs are allowed between your warrior and an NPC but you will only earn a flat 2 points, no more or less. You may NOT solo between two warriors of different houses if you own both.
Merchants, Maze Keepers, and Maze Runners As long as the characters in these ranks complete one RP a week they will add a flat +3 points to their house. There's really no other way to calculate this so they will just always be an easy average.
Random Events To add some flair to point gathering, we will randomize an event every month that may boost or cripple certain crafts (a fish population boom, a drought that affects herbs, constant rain that impedes warriors but helps herbs grow). This is both to give the point system some flair and give people RP opportunities. The details of each event will be explained as they happen.
The pride is divided into four main sections: The Norns, The Houses, The Villagers, and the Religious Sect.
The Norns These are the Jarls of the central House, The House of Folkvangr, and the leaders of the pride. As stated previously, they live in a cavern at the base of Mount Bleikr and apart from young cubs, are the only members of their house that do not live upon Bleikr itself. They consult regularly with the Oracles and Valkyrie and make decisions for the well being of the pride. They have the last word in disputes, the are the judges of the soul and the executioner when necessary. Their position is respected above all others and they maintain until they die. It is only their bloodlines that are permitted to touch the maze.
The Houses (See page two for specific information on each House) Below the Norns are the Jarls and their heirs, these are the leaders of the other eight Houses. This title is usually given by default to the eldest son, however a female sibling or younger brother can challenge the heir to become ‘Jarl’. Then as before, it is their first born son that takes the role after them. In the case of family members believing they might do a better service to the family they may fight for their right to become Jarl. This right may also be passed onto another family member in a time of crisis (mentally unstable or illness). If a challenge is issued it would be common to have a small crowd - likely the family - and a Norn there to witness the challenge and approve the results.
So what does a Jarl do? In the simplest of terms a Jarl tries their damn best to bring glory to their house. They oversee and validate marriages happening inside their house, legitimize b*****d children if a request is made and generally make sure the house is rich and prosperous. A Jarl is a unique rank, these characters are expected to have meetings with the Norns and are the only ones other than the Norns that are allowed to talk to the oracles and priests.
A jarl can give out bracelets to their lovers, as a status symbol. The main female or male associated with the Jarl will have two bracelets as a sign of his/her preference.
Another family specific rank is the ‘second’ or ‘champion’ which is the highest scoring warrior member in the house. This rank is a yearly achievement, it is declared during the yearly Sérstakt Leikir. These house champions will fight on the Jarls behalf if they are one of the two Houses in danger of losing their place.
The Villagers Villagers are, simply put, any member of the pride that does not belong to a House. This could be because they have only recently joined OR it could be because they once belonged to a House that fell from favor. There are also pride members that are simply perfectly happy to be Villagers since it does not come with as much stress as belonging to a House.
The Religious Sect The religious sect belong to the House of Folkvangr and do not participate in duels, House points, or any form of crafting. They are Oracles, the seers of the pride, and the Valkyries, who are their wandering priests and priestesses. These are the members of the pride who are expected to have the most interaction with Gods and, hopefully, the members of the pride that Gods may find worthy enough to give offspring to.
When a God enters the pridal lands, all members are required to stop whatever they are doing and bow their heads. They may not speak unless spoken to first with the exception of the members of the House of Folkvangr.
(They don’t revere Darkness, but they have a healthy respect of it. They recognize that without Darkness there would likely be no Light and vice versa.)
(The pride does believe that great members of their pride can be reborn again to help them in times of need. It is generally attributed to Valkyries and their white coats but it could in theory be anyone.)
The cubs of the pride who are born all or mostly white will be taken at birth and brought to the mountains for the religious section to review and teach. Unfortunately these cubs are taken without much consideration for the families so these situations are typically very emotional, but the pride as a whole understands the need for these individuals. Additionally, any proven child of a god or a suspected seer will be taken to the Oracles to be assessed. Unlike prospective Valkyries, however, if a child proves to have very weak sight or none at all, they will be sent back to the main pride members at adolescence.
Norn (x Three): The Norn are the leaders of the pride. There are always three and those three are always female (no if ands or butts). Typically the leaders produce their own heirs and it’s likely that the first born daughters are the replacements should the leader retire or perish.
(Rocks) Norn’Bjarg (x Six): These six are keepers of the maze. They are selected from the Norn’s bloodlines and grow up with the goal to enter the maze and conduct any required maintenance; only the Norn’s sacred blood is permitted to alter/change the holy maze. They also oversee the Norn’Steinn and often discuss their findings amongst one another and with the Norn to create plans for any maintenance. They are always paired with a Norn’Steinn (stone). They are NOT permitted to leave the maze. Birds: Raven; Hoopoe; Basic Bird
(Stones) Norn’Steinn (x Nine): These nine are maze runners. They are selected from the fastest pride members and are usually identified when they are quite young, thus they grow up with the goal to enter the maze. These individuals know the maze through and through, including the fastest paths and every trap. When they enter the maze they do so with the purpose of ensuring that those who enter make it out, be it the Norn’Bjarg or outsiders. If there are any threats they are the ones who run back to the pride to ensure that the warriors are alerted and prepared to defend. Often times they are mistaken as guards, but truthfully they are simply the all seeing eyes that report back to the Norn’Bjarg. The runners won’t guide new members, but ‘stalk’ their progress and inform the Norn of their findings or impending threats. If someone were to pass out while traversing the maze, they are also the ones that drag them back to the Forest. If there is a commotion outside of the maze that a Norn’Bjarg believes is worthy of investigation, they will be permitted to leave with their permission. (One of four ranks allowed to leave the pride) Birds: Eagle; Falcon; Vulture; Hawk
(Priests/Priestesses)Valkyries (Unlimited - Pelt must be mostly white): The Valks are the spiritual guides of the pride and are believed to have the Gods’ and, specifically, Light’s favor. Thus, they believe this affords them more protection from danger. These lions are all white or mostly white and reside on Mount Bleikr. These individuals aren’t typically involved in the day to day life of the pride beyond collecting other white pelted lions or oracles for the Norns. However, they are often sent out of the pride on behalf of the Norns when the Oracles think there is something that requires pridal intervention; they often pretend to be the leaders of their pride so that outsiders don’t seek out their true leaders. (One of four ranks allowed to leave the pride) (Oracles) Frodleikr (Unlimited - Must be a seer): Oracles are the seers of the pride. They predict the future, remind the pride of the past and encourage changes or improvements to avoid disaster. If the pride if ready to make a big decision they might approach the oracles prior to making it to see the possible outcome. (Possibly use bones to complete readings.)
(Head of House) Jarl (x Nine): The Jarl (male or female) are the head of the house. They ‘rule’ these individual groups and are responsible for the members. The Jarl is also the link between the family and the God’s, they are the only members of the Pride permitted to speak to the norns and the only ones who have regular contact with the rest of the clergy. (Jarl's Heir) Leif (x Nine): Usually the first born male, but can be challenged for this position by their siblings. The Heir is the Jarl’s shadow and their live revolves around learning the duties that will be left to them on the death of their parent. They even follow the Jarl to meet with the clergy, though are forbidden to speaking to them - their roll if to observe. Sometimes if the Jarl is sick, they can take on their duties for short periods of time. (Champions) Vegr (x Nine): The warrior within the family with the highest points, when a Vegr is declared they keep the title for one whole year until the points are tallied again. Their duty is to the Jarl and their family, a personal bodyguard that makes sure no harm comes to them. It is seen as the most respectable rank that can be earned within a family. (One of four ranks allowed to leave the pride)
(Bears) Berserkir (1 for every 5 Wolves or Boars): The glorified warriors, revered and respected. Berserkers are the Norn’s personal guard and generals in the military, every berserker commands 5-10 Ulfhednar or Svinfylking. They often indulge in the ritual consumption of special herbs that dull pain and fear, making them fight harder, longer and stronger. They lead the way when battle breaks out between prides, or if an enemy threat invades. (Wolf) Ulfhednar (Unlimited): The military, Ulfhednar are seasoned fighters who focus their energies on protecting the Pride from enemy invaders. They are the paws on the ground, ready to defend the land from threats and throw themselves into battle if it breaks out. They report to the Berserker and spend the rest of their time dueling between the houses to bring their own family honor. (Boars) Svinfylking (Unlimited): Scouts. The boars are the part of the military that keeps the borders secure. They rarely see lion on lion fighting, a task that is mainly reserved for the Ulfhednar; but they do collect information from the borders and report suspicious activity to their berserker, maintain scent markers and bring in food when the farms yield is lacking.
(Fishermen) Fiskr: These individuals are the fishermen of the pride. They supply fish, seaweed, and precious stones from the waters to the west of the pride. Their wares are usually available to family and friends immediately, but can otherwise be purchased/sold at the market. They are joined to specific families and their ‘profit’ points go to their house. (Farmers) Stadfestr: These individuals are farmers of the pride. They supply fresh meat and raw hides to the pride. Their wares are usually available to family and friends immediately, but can otherwise be purchased/sold at the market. They are joined to specific families and their ‘profit’ points go to their house. (Merchants) Farmadr (one per house): Each house has a merchant to represent them. They are responsible for selling/trading the wares that the pride has to offer. These articles can range from raw pelts, meats, fish, fermented fruits, and much more. (We are working out the currency.) They are joined to specific families and their ‘profit’ points go to their house. (Crafters) Skinnr: These individuals are the crafters and pelt makers of the pride. They supply finished pelts to the pride as well as other crafting goods like rune stones and accessories. Their wares are usually available to family and friends immediately, but can otherwise be purchased/sold at the market. In the early days of the pride, crafters beyond the pelt makers were not recognized for their value but in recent years they have been accepted for their unique skills. For this reason, all crafters go by the original name for this rank - Skinnr, which once belong solely to the revered pelt makers. These pelt makers were and still are considered a highly important part of the pride as earning your pelt is something each pride member hopes to achieve. They are joined to specific families and their ‘profit’ points go to their house. (Herbalists) Heilari: This rank is designated for herbalists, brew crafters, and healer of the pride. However, unlike the other ranks it has special gender-based designations. Males are the gatherers of the herbs and are permitted to leave the maze to venture into the forest. They bring their boon back to the females, who create the pastes and poultices involved in healing as well as the special brew the Berserkirs consume before battle. (The Male is one of four ranks allowed to leave the pride)
Masters: A crafter may add the title of ‘Master’ to their name if they compete and win their crafting competition during the Sérstakt Leikir.
(Villagers) Firar: The villagers are the part of the population that don’t belong to a House. They aren’t useless, however! They can be apprentices or assistants to House members (helping fish, farm, craft) in exchange for a small portion of wares and if they are good enough they may even be invited into a House. They also take up raising/teaching the cubs and organizing the prides events when extra paws are required. They are primarily comprised of new members that have just joined the pride or old houses that have fallen from grace.
(Cubs) Lagr: Cubs belong to the House of their parents (thus, if there parents are villagers they will also be villagers). Generally, if they belong to a House they are encouraged to take up the skill that their House masters in but it is not required. At adolescence, non-House members will pick up the title of Villager but House members will become apprentices. It is possible for a villager-born adolescent to be taken on as an apprentice in a house if a member wishes it and their Jarl agrees.
The breeding and mate system in this pride is quite different from others so please read it carefully and make sure that you understand your limitations before you place a character in this pride.
Mates & Marriage Marriage is something that is quite relaxed inside the Pride, because it is really down to the Jarls and Champions to keep a record and eye on things. It is the females that are moved over to their husbands houses, however if a female marries a rogue or villager they can stay in their own house. Same sex marriage is a-okay here and not treated any different to same sex pairs.
Though that is not to say the Pride is expected to be monogamous by any means, lions usually have their main ‘squeeze’ as their partner, but they can take on other lovers if they so wish. In general any dispute when it comes to flinging without permission is sorted out with a duel, and if they can’t settle it on their own then the Jarl will make a call based on the case brought to them. (If they are a villager, it will be a case for the Norns).
Generally, a female's cubs will belong to her house. Only children born within marriage are considered ‘legitimate’ for a male. If the mother does not belong to any house, a case is brought to the Jarl of his House to make his b*****d children legitimate and, if he so wishes, to make the mother a part of the House without getting married.
When two members would like to officially marry, they simply gather their family and meet before the Jarl or Norns. The overseeing leader will tie their paws together and have them recite very basic oaths. Then, they celebrate. Divorce is also a thing. Simply apply to the Jarl or Champion and the pact is broken. Females return their former House but any duel points earned stay with the house they were earned in and kids will stay in the house they were born into.
Breeding Breeding within the pride is a means to an end for the most part, whether it means selling a family member for status or trading for immunity and so on. The breeding for this pride is done a little differently. Since their resources are finite and cannot be replenished to support a rapidly growing pride they have restrictions of when houses may apply to expand their homes with cubs. The only house that is not restricted by this laws is Fólkvangr, house of the Norn and the priestesses/priests/oracles.
The months below are broken up to represent when each house has been permitted to POST for a breeding. The breeding form will stay posted after that month, but may only be posted during that time. Breedings are limited to one per person per month and regular breeding requirements must be met. The reason the heads of the pride are unlimited to breedings is because the expectation of the priestesses/priests/oracles are too have cubs preferably with Gods or Demi-gods as this will promote sight and guarantee all white spawn for the purposes of expanding their ranks.
January- House 2 / House 4 February- House 1 / House 3 March- Villagers/Champion House April- House 5 / House 7 May House- 6 / House 8 June- House 2 / House 4 July- House 1 / House 3 August- The Jagar Skuggor September-Villagers/Champion House October-House 5 / House 7 November House 6 / House 8 December: (None due to the Sérstakt Leikir)
When a couple in a House is ready to have a breeding posted, ICly the couple will approach the Norn and request that an Oracle beseech the gods on their behalf. A Valkyrie will arrive to visit them within three days, carrying a stone that has had a rune imbued upon it - the runes could mean anything but it is the blessing the Oracles have seen for their children: strength, speed, wit, power, etc. Once this rock is in their possession they may attempt to produce cubs until they actually arrive.
Two members do NOT have to be married to breed, however, the right to do so will always be determined by the house the female will belong to at the time of the cubs' birth.
Any female that gets pregnant without asking for a blessing will be exiled to the Skadi, no ifs ands or buts. If she is married, it is very likely her husband will also be exiled unless he can make a case for the cubs being illegitimate.
Funerals & Death: When a pride member dies, they are carried down to a cavern located in the base of the sea cliffs just off of the beach. The back of this cavern opens onto a fast paced river that runs down from the mountains, called Ginnungagap. Anything dropped into the wild river will be immediately rushed out to sea and carried away on underground current.
They leave the pride member here for three days so that their House and Family may mourn their parting. During these three days, the Valkyrie will paint their fur with runes and symbols meant to carry them safely to the afterlife. At the end of the three days, everyone will gather to watch them be pushed out to sea.
Jagar Skuggor: (aka, Chasing Silhouettes) This is a month long celebration or, rather, a sacrifice to Darkness. Members of the pride adorn pelts and paint their faces so that they look like the demons that lurk in the darkness. At night, they rush out into the maze. This is a chance for pride members to have a fun excursion although many may still be afraid of the Darkness. For those with the courage, it is a time of being wild and free. Interactions with Skadi only happen this way but it is also the only time that unpermitted breedings are tolerated. Many mates find one another through this celebration. This is the one month of the year where all houses can breed at the same time (or post for breedings OOCly).
Evig’natt: (aka, Everlasting Darkness) The longest night of the year. It’s recognized as a sign of balance between Light and Dark, where Darkness has the most effect on the world around them. The pride celebrates all night by lighting various sources to chase away the darkness, folks that would normally be in the maze are discouraged entering as it is consumed by the darkness and there are huge meals, sacrifices to the Light to protect during this time.
Belysa: (aka, Celebration of Light) The longest day of the year. It’s recognized as a balance between Light and Dark, where the Light has the most of the effect on the world around them. This is a very valuable day for the pride where they gather for feasts, duels, and various other festivities. They sacrifice to Light to thank her for thwarting Darkness once again!
Sérstakt Leikir: (aka, The Great Games) This ceremony happens in December, a month where no House is allowed to breed. It is a time of great change and it is considered extremely unlucky to ask the Gods for favor during a month when they are bloodthirsty and eager to find fault.
During this month, the great house competition takes place and the two lowest scoring houses of the year must send their Champions to fight to maintain their rank against incoming hopefuls that want to make a name for themselves.
This is also when the future Maze Runners are selected; cubs, adolescents, and adults may all compete to prove their speed. Although winning this competition does not immediately guarantee the member a place as a runner, it alerts the Norns to those who have potential should a vacancy become available.
The working class can also compete for the title of Master during this competition. They will find the best of their wares to show off for competition against other members of their specialist class, the top of which will be awarded the title. They do maintain this title for life. (aka: there can be more than one master)
More information regarding the The Great Games will be released before the next celebration.
Accepted Species The Skiriginssal is not a lion-only pride. They accept any of the major cat species or hybrids but do not allow hyenas or wild dogs. Hybrids overall are actually quite welcome as they rarely have the potential to create more cubs but can be a boon to Houses as a part of their work force.
The only key difference between Lions and other cat species is that Norns are a lion-only rank and Jarls, being a warrior based rank, are not likely to be anything but lions due to their size.
Familiar Species
Prey Familiars - Hare; Klipspringers; Waterbuck These animals have been destined to be prey animals for all of their lives. They are treated no differently here. These are tended to by farmers. (These animals are also born and raised right on the pride lands. A chosen few are selected to become harvested for articles like special pelts or jewelry.) They unfortunately can not be kept as pets for this reason.
Non-Prey Familiars - Ratels; Jackals Ratels and Jackals are kept by the houses. They are often seen as a sign of health and wealth. Jackals also serve a secondary function of a guard animal for individual dens. They are set to protect the wealth each house has.
All other familiars must be a companion to a member in order to join.
Relationship with the Skadi The main pride has a unique relationship with the Skadi. Overall, they are considered to be somewhat less civilized than the main members of the Skiringssal but they are valued for the benefits they provide the pride. Not only do they protect the pride from intruders but their population tends to be diverse since they do not have restrictions on joining. This means that by interbreeding with their members from time to time they are able to keep their own population from being inbred.
The Skadi, on the other hand, vary widely in their opinion of the Skiringssal. In truth, they have no idea what lies beyond the maze and often think of the members of the main pride as fae-like creatures, especially since they only see them typtically when they are covered in pelts and paint.
Relationship with the Stormborn The relationship between the two prides is strained at best. They wouldn’t actively seek one another out for the sake of it, but they wouldn’t act kindly upon sighting a known Viking or Pelt member. This disgruntled behavior falters when the prides outsiders, Skadi, come into contact with someone beyond their forest. They don’t often see things as threats immediately, but approach things with a more curious eye. They may be intrigued, but not foolish. They will protect their own.
Joining Anyone may join the Skadi in the forest at any time. There are no requirements or restrictions apart from requesting to do so in the appropriate thread. However, if one would like to join the main pride it is somewhat more of a difficult task because your character will have to successfully navigate the maze.
This does not require an RP, simply a dice roll in the appropriate joining thread. If you fail, you may try again in 24 hours.
You must roll four 4-sided dice.
You have successfully entered the pride if you get a unique number on each roll (ie, 1, 2, 3 & 4 in any order). If you get ANY double numbers it means you have gotten lost and one of the Maze Runners has escorted you back to the entrance. Rest up and try again tomorrow!
We are very aware that this is a lot of information and what may seem clear to us may NOT seem clear to others so please feel free to ask questions here in the thread, just make sure you quote either myself or *Greenie when you do. We'll begin to compile a list of answered questions here and for anything that seems to be a big issue, we'll try to rewrite until it makes sense!
If you would like for your character to join, please post this form in the thread! If you do not have a character that suits the pride but would still like to play with us, please fill out this form with a custom concept. We have a few premade blank slates that might suit your idea!
SoA Name: Name Owners Name: Rank: House Personal Blurb: History: Extra:
The Skiringssal are a pride of religious lions with a lot of lore about their gods, their ancestors, and the ways they have come together throughout the years. Not every story they tell is true but not every one is completely myth either. We will be writing lore and stories for our pride members to reference in the future to give their religion true depth but we wanted to give you all a chance to contribute.
If you are interested in writing some pride mythology, just make up a story and post it with the form below! You can enter as many times are you like but PLEASE try to give the stories some value; do not spam dribbles for tickets.
-You can take a story from greek, egyptian, nordic (etc) mythology and adapt it to the SOA world -You can also adapt fairy tales (think more the traditional grimm's tales, not an anime) -You can also create originals
When we are ready for the pride to go live, I will close this thread and draw for a winner.
The Prize(s)
This is the daughter of Cyrus (a lion owned by Felyn) and Meera (a cheeton owned by MangoMeow). She has four siblings (three lions, one cheeton) and they are all a part of their Father's house, Heidr. Their father is the Champion of his house while his mother is simply a traveler that was passing through.
She is not fertile. She must stay with the pride but does not necessarily have to stay with her house.
This is the sister of four original pride members (a mother owner by Saffy, two sisters owned by Saffy and Cavi, and a brother owned by Vash). They are a part of the house of Heidr and all of them, except one, are proud and skilled Skinnrs (pelt makers). She must stay with the pride but does not necessarily have to stay with her house.
