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 Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2019 11:36 am
 The Great River PrideSurrounded by the Great River, the Mto’Mkuu are a pride of hunters and trappers situated deep within the jungle. Their way of life centers around capturing Kipenzi as pets.
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Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2019 12:09 pm
History
The history of the Mto’Mkuu is a simple one, though perhaps not the most glamorous. It all began with a single lion, a loner with no name or home to call his own, settling within the jungle. Wandering his new home one day, the rogue male discovered a leopard stuck beneath a fallen log. Taking pity on him, he freed him from his “cage”, and the leopard swore fealty, “Under this starry sky, I swear my life to you.” The lion laughed, but agreed to let the leopard trail behind him.
Then a young lioness journeyed into the jungle, bringing alongside her a leopard slave from a previous pride. She brought with her strange words and cultures, but the male was enamored. His attempts to court her though... didn’t go well.
Finally, one day, the female eyed up this male and his leopard, before challenging him for the right to live in the jungle and to become mates -- by having their leopards fight for their honor. The male was surprised as she explained this custom of her former people, but the leopard was intrigued. Offering himself up to this challenge, the two leopards clashed in the stead of their lions.
And thus, the first Kipenzi fight within the Mto’Mkuu occurred, and alongside it, the founding of the pride.
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Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2019 12:18 pm
Territory
The Mto’Mkuu are settled deep within a lush, wild jungle which is bordered on all sides by the Great River. The river itself splits into the jungle and spider webs within it, and small waterfalls are also a common sight throughout. Because of this (as well as the frequent rainstorms), the locals are used to being wet, and you can expect those born here to have fur that is very thin.
Climate
Humid and hot on a good day, but plagued with rainstorms every other moment. This is a wet place where water can and will get everywhere.
ooooooo
Important Landmarks Within
Star Falls
One of the larger waterfalls set in the very center of the territory. Its unique appearance gives it its name. At night, when the moon shines bright above it, it looks as if stars are falling down from the sky. This is a sacred place for the Mto’Mkuu. When a cub reaches adolescence, they will come to the falls to undergo a rite of passage -- under the watchful eye of their parent/guardian and a Ponya, they will stand beneath the spray of water until the moon rises up and the falls begin to glitter under the light. At this point, they are considered a full adult and can begin catching and training their own Kipenzi.
The Pools
A recreational spot for pride-goers, the Pools are a popular place to go. It’s well hidden from outsiders, and as a general rule, Kipenzi fights are not to be had within them. (on the land beside them is free game, but the Pools themselves are off limits) Parents will often bring their young here to teach them how to swim, an important skill among the Mto’Mkuu, while others will come simply to bathe in the rich sunlight and cool waters.
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Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2019 12:39 pm
Species : Lion dominate, but all species are capable of joining.
- All other non-lion species are seen as Kipenzi (pets), and can only join as such.
- The only exception to this are cheetons and leopons, who have lion blood running through them. They cannot, however, take up any high ranking role within the pride. (Exception described in Hybrids section)
Coat Coloration:
Typically a non-issue, the pride does not discriminate against coat color. Colorful coats are even seen as a sign of wealth and power, as their vibrancy matches some of the more deadly creatures in the jungle.
Rogues:
For Lions, Leopons and Cheetons:
They are allowed to wander in as they please. The only places off limits are the dens and Star Falls. Any rogues caught in those places will be cast into the deepest section of the Great River to be swept out of the pride lands.
For all other species:
You run the risk of being captured as Kipenzi! Kamata often patrol the borders on the off chance they might come across a new catch – which is you. You will get caught and likely taken as a pet.
Hybrids:
While cheetons and leopons are considered full citizens of the pride, their inability to produce cubs prevents them from moving up in rank. That said, if they can prove that they are fertile, they will be allowed to do so.
- ICly, this means that they will have to prove it through obtaining cubs! The cubs will be presented in front of the pride leader and his/her advisors, at which point it will be put on public record. They may still obtain flak from fellow pride members for their parentage though.
- OOCly, your hybrid will need to produce a litter of cubs and post them in the new litters thread before they can apply for higher ranks.
- Leotahs are Kipenzi! They do not have lion blood, and cannot achieve any other rank.
Religion:
The Mto’Mkuu, as a whole, are very atheist when it comes to religion. To worship some guy in the sky is a silly prospect, and they would much rather focus on the now than commit to something like that. That said, joining rogues are fine to have their own religion... just don’t expect anyone here to want to join in!
Gods & Seers:
Due to their stance on worship, the Mto’Mkuu aren’t really believers of God deities. Instead, they’re viewed as just another variation of a lion, much like a Cheeton or Leopon. A God SoA who enters these lands will be treated the same as everyone else, bar a lot of curious ears who want to hear a good tale. Just be warned -- you might have a few people thinking you’re part bird.
Seers are viewed in about the same way as Gods. They’re simply lions with a little extra, and are more than welcome to use their skills as they please. That said, you’d best keep it to yourself if you use your visions in Kipenzi fights. It’s considered cheating if you’re caught.
Tools of the Trade
Nets are a common tool here in the Mto’Mkuu, and upon finishing their rite of passage, a lion will obtain one as a sign of their adulthood. They are designed to hang off of the back of each lion, though some can choose to leave their net at home. Kamata are well-known for carrying them around wherever they go though, as the opportunity to catch new Kipenzi can strike at any moment.
Hide packs carrying basic medical supplies are also a requirement to have for every lion in the pride. Each member of the Mto’Mkuu is required to have some knowledge of treating injuries, as it is the responsibility of the master to care for their Kipenzi after a fight. That said, anything beyond a few scrapes must still be brought before a Ponya (healer). Medical packs are only there for basic scrapes and bruises.
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Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2019 12:49 pm
Yearly Events
Kipenzi Tournament
June-July & December-January
A special event held twice a year in the pride. Sign-ups will occur a week before the tournament starts. More info will come as we get closer to the event.
- Events include a swimming competition, Kipenzi fighting, team activities, ect.
The Star Festival
Rain is less common around this time, opening up the sky and allowing the inhabitants of the jungle to see the stars glittering across it at night. The pride will gather one night to enjoy the scenery, share food and tales of the year's exploits, and generally just enjoy each other's company. Kipenzi fighting is prohibited during this festival so as to encourage companionship, though they will hold small crafting, fishing and bug catching games for the youth.
Wakati wa Kijiko
A spooky time for the Mto'Mkuu -- but it's all in good fun! Factions usually use this event to scare and play tricks on other factions, but most will simply regale the most terrifying tales to the youth. Vendors will also set up shop around the Pools, selling off different dyes and trinkets for the pride to dress themselves up as the most colorful creatures in the jungle.
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Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2019 2:55 pm
I want to join, but I don't have a Kipenzi to send with my lion! Does that mean they won't be considered an adult?
You won't be restricted in that way! ICly, you can say that they've caught an NPC Kipenzi and rp them as such. That said, this means that you won't be able to participate in Kipenzi fights, specifically the tournament (which requires an actual SoA), until they have one officially.
What if I have a Kipenzi I want to have join, but not a lion to own it?
That's also totally okay! Just like the above, you would assume they have an NPC master. The perk about this option is that you can still participate in Kipenzi fighting, but won't be able to join the tournament until after they have an actual SoA as a master.
What if my SoA gains a master/Kipenzi later down the line?
You're good! You can assume that it's like "purchasing" that Kipenzi from their previous owner or from a Muuzaji. Just make sure to let us know!
So wait -- are Kipenzi basically slaves?
Some might consider it like that, seeing as they get captured like, well, animals, but not to the Mto'Mkuu. Think of it like Pokemon; a lion captures a Kipenzi to keep as a pet and as such must care for it. Whether it's like a prized possession or a good friend is up to the owner, but bear in mind that mistreatment of a Kipenzi is highly frowned upon.
What if my lions end up duking it out?
That's their own prerogative. It's neither frowned on or encouraged around here. Just... try not to destroy the foliage while you're at it.
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