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 Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 6:22 am
His ears reverberated with the sound of his mate’s roar, and the roars of his fellow kin. His eyes traced the faces of those who had been born and raised here in these lands and over those who had come from lands miles away. But to him, that no longer mattered. It had never mattered.
What made a lion a Firekin was his strength, his wisdom, his soul.
Every heart that beat in the chests of those that remained were strong and worthy, all of them had seen the light of hope and flown for it with claws unsheathed. Yes, there was pain and sadness today, but he would not let that outshine the good that had come of it. Because after today, a new, better breed of Firekin would rise up and he would do his best to lead them into many successful generations.
He looked down at them with pride and respect glimmering clear in his usually dull eyes.
Because whether they were born here or not, all of them had proved themselves worthy. From today, the rogues that had fought alongside No and himself would be considered of the blood. And, in the future, if any other worthy rogues came to prove themselves than they too, would be accepted as kin.
He rubbed his face against No’s, drawing strength from the contact. He was so glad he had her at his side, so glad that she was wise and strong. He didn’t think he could have ever done this without her there beside him. There was no lioness he could trust more than she, no lioness he could worship and respect more than she. Elegant and beautiful and strong. A true warrior queen. It was as if they had been born for this purpose, fated to cross one another’s paths.
He moved slowly but surely. Every step was true and firm. He tried not to let the pain show, although the fatigue was weighing him. His eyes scanned the faces, checking for injuries that might need tending to. It was as he was doing this that he spotted Kaanga.
“My sister…” He halted, tried to keep the pained expression from his face. He’d always adored Kaanga. To him she was a breath of fresh air, she always had been. And yet, the sadness in her eyes now. It was like looking at a completely different lioness. He was torn, torn between tending to the pride as a whole, or going to her side. Guilt suffused him, realising for the first time that he was not the only one to be suffering the loss of a father and friends. Kaanga suffered too and who knew, maybe she’d lost more than he had.
He took a step towards her and hesitated. Was now the time for this? He lifted his head, watched as more Firekin seemed to gather. No, now was not the time for teary-eyed meetings and babbled apologies. But he would not rest until he had seen and spoken with her.
He cleared his throat and turned to survey the others, though he couldn’t free his mind of Kaanga’s sorrow-filled face.
“My kin.” He began, intending to keep it short. “From this day onward you may hold your heads up and call yourselves Firekin, for today you all earned that title. But we must not forget that whilst we are Firekin we are different from those who failed to see the light. From this day forward we are the New Firekin. The Motoujamii-Simo!”
He paused, not for dramatic effect, but because of the wooziness in his head. Sleep seemed suddenly very far away. There was so much to do.
“I will not bore you with words, so I will keep it short. For those new to join our ranks, there are many free dens available. Share these amongst yourselves. All of you, take the next few days to rest wounds and get to know one another. There will be changes, my friends, many fast changes but only for the good of our survival. I will say no more on this for now, only that No and myself will spend the next few days finalising and planning our hierarchy and army. Some of you may be approached by one of us to be given special tasks. Again, I will elaborate closer to the time. The fight was only the first stage. We have many more challenges ahead of us.”
He paused, smiled. “All I have left to say is congratulations, and welcome to those who came to aid us in our plight.” He nodded his head towards the rogue-firekin standing close by. “If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask now. If not, then by all means, go and get some well deserved rest.” His eyes flickered again to Kaanga, taking a small step towards her.
“No.” He turned towards his mate, smiling apologetically. “If you’d like to rest, you can. There’s a few things I have left to do, but if you’d rather stay, I won’t object.” His tail had coiled around hers again.
Lowering his voice; “A shame that the royal titles are going to be forgotten. Queen No does have a certain ring to it. Do you think you could make do with Regent No?”
(( @Tisi - that's totally alright <3 I'd definately be up for doing an RP once the subforums are created. I'll let Andrani know. ))
---
If anyone does have any IC questions for Kidondo then by all means, ask away. The RP has not finished yet.
You can also just RP your firekin leaving for the dens if you'd like to do that.
This chapter will remain open until I post the closing note. The closing note will also hold a lot of important information for the new firekin pride, so be sure to keep a look out for it!
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Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 2:38 am
Azarax stood near the outskirts of the gathered rebels. He had never been the most social of lions, and large gatherings, indeed any gatherings at all, tended to make him nervous. He was unused to simply standing by, and just... being there. He had never had company before with which he could stand and not worry that some Firekin might be angry. Not at him, no, but his companion, whomever it may be.
He still remembered Ripuka's warning the first time he had seen her. That it was dangerous to be out there on the sands. And she had been right, but all that was changing now. The Motoujamii-Simo. The word sent a shiver down his spine. Yes, times were changing. He would have to get up in the mornings and remind himself of that now.
Sleep. His body was weary, yet the thought of sleep haunted him. He didn't want to see what he knew he would see behind closed eyelids. Visions of a fire red lioness and her jet black daughter who looked so much like her. And of a black lion with a mane the same color as Ripuka's that looked so much like Azarax himself. His family.
They were on opposite sides of the line now. But still, he knew they would be coming to him in his sleep. Ripuka in particular - she had been there since he was a cub. Why should it stop now? The images had faded for a while following their meeting, but as the rebellion had neared and the smell of change had hung around in the air, the images had come again. He never questioned them, he never complained, because he knew there was nothing he could do to ward of the memories. But he dreaded the night.
He didn't want to see their faces and feel doubt within himself. He knew, in his consciousness, that he had been right to fight with the rebels. He knew that, but in his sleep, even he had no control of what happened.
Then he found the urge to say what was on his mind, and he spoke up, loud enough for Kidondo to hear.
"Will we be at war forever...?"
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Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 11:44 pm
 "As have you."
He gave her as much of a glance as she had spared him, noting her condition in a single gaze before he took his place at her side. He made no mention of his own injury, there was no need, just as there was no need to make note of whatever injuries she had sustained.
To siblings he spared even less, no words spoken to either brother or sister, or a simple glance acknowledging their existence. Of the brother he hardly knew, he could not have cared less, though it might have pleased him to see his sister well, she was at least useful.
He listened to Kidango's words, tail flicking in silence. Cold and emotionless, Ashi felt neither the pride or the movement of those words as those around him had. Yet there was a truth he knew, the pride had changed as would life within it, and the battle, was far from over.
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 8:08 pm
To her brother’s voice, Kaanga shrinked away somewhat. She wasn’t ready for it. Not yet- not while her father’s blood was still drying on his coat. She knew what was done had been no easy choice, perhaps, not for anyone here. Even in her strange thoughts, there was this clarity. But she far too set in shock to embrace this new order. Her must have understood- because after this, he said no more to her.
His voice had strength behind them as he spoke to the group. She tried to nurse in herself that soon, all the fish and dark flies would be gone. There’d be sunrises and clouds. But in her weary, broken mind she could see her son departing- departing also with her mate, Uzulu. Even if they had not lived as mates these last few months, her heart was sorry for the man she loved.
Even if he had existed only as a carefully crafted illusion.
A chuckle broke from No’s throat. She hurt, muscles strained, and she had more then a few open wounds that would need to be tended to. But she was still adrenaline high- and the idea that she would shrink away and tend to herself while Kidondo checked on their troops seemed preposterous. But by the look in his eyes- she doubted he expected her to retire so quickly.
“Do I look so horrible?” She scolded, half in jest. “You’ll not be rid of me until you’re ready to lie down yourself.” She could imagine what such duties might be- and although she was smiling, her heart was heavy. There was much to be done before sunset, and they’d have to be sure sentries were aptly applied to be sure no traditionalist fool dare try to lead an uprising so soon.
Her tail flicked, pulling with his. The smile didn’t fade- perhaps still drunk on victory. Only a royal would worry on such a thing as titles. To think- that she might even call herself a regent! Of all the things she had aspired to, queen had been an unexpected turn of events.
“Oh, I’m afraid it will have to do.” She mused, walking past him- but not far enough to break their hushed voices. Regent. She liked the sound of it. There was to be no more dynasties in this desert. The firekin would thrive, and she’d spill more of her blood until she was satisfied that it would. It was unfortunate though, she thought quietly. Of all the kings of the motoujamii, for better or worse she was sure Kidondo would have been the most remembered.
But yet- perhaps that was the final honor they could give Kimeti.
No listened to one of the males speak up, her jade eyes losing the victory lust momentarily to consider. "I do not doubt we shall see them again. And it could very well be that none of us here today shall ever see the end of what we've created. The traditionalists will not go down quietly. No one forsakes land and country without the promise of vengeance." Not a happy prediction, perhaps. She straightened her neck. "But you would not remain if you did not have the strength to survive it. Today was the hardest step. Now we can only keep in mind what we fought for- and not lose heart."
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Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 3:01 am
((WHY have I not done a Damu post YET!? D8 *bonks herself on the head* BAD LSX! XD))
It had all changed.
All of it.
In a way he was almost scared as he looked over the other rebels, soft, blue eyes, the blue of the sky when the sun was just preparing to join it in the bask of mid day, searching over their face as he stepped amongst them.
He'd been born here, just a cub himself when he'd viewed Kidondo first few moments in this world...but he never though anything of it.
He thought it'd be a new chance for the pride...but never anything this grand, this...powerful...
And in all truth, now that he thought it over...it did scare him...it really did, but it wasn't a fear that he hated at all, infact he embraced it and enjoyed every moment of this fear.
The fear of something new.
The fear of change.
As black lioness spoke to the younger male, his ears couldn't help but flatten back his ears almost sadly and trudge to the nearest dune, his eyes looking out over the desert where the Traditionalists, including his mother, had disapeared over the horizon.
"...Time changes many things..." He spoke, mostly to himself, but it was loud enough to be heard. "...Maybe it will change them..."
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Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 8:54 am
Kidondo dared not look at Kaanga again; for fear that he’d lose his strength through seeing her sadness and confusion. He felt almost a stranger to her now and in a way…he was. He’d spent so much of his life off by himself or away from the pride altogether that he hadn’t really been there much for her or any of his siblings. Yes, it was true that most of his siblings had all but disappeared. Even Koka seemed to have faded away, though he was sure the psychotic female would be back to plague his life with more violent, unnecessary acts. He wondered briefly where the rest of them were, whether they were happy wherever they had gone.
And then No’s chuckle brought him back from his thoughts and he buffeted his head against her lightly. “You could never look awful, not if you lived to be a thousand years old.” He drew closer. “I’d prefer you to stay with me in any case. Maybe you can ease my sister’s torment. I fear I would only make it worse.” He spoke with lowered voice so that none other could hear. “Besides that, I wish to give my father a resting place fit for a King.” He already knew how he would do it. He’d move the Great King to his chambers – even if it took the last of his strength – and when he was recovered he’d pile the entrance high with stones. A tomb fit for a King who had died for a cause he believed worthy – just as Kidondo would have.
“Then Regent No it is.”
And then the youth spoke and Kidondo looked up. He had not noticed Azarax, perhaps because his fur blended so well with the desert sand, or maybe because he had kept his distance. But now the male had spoken Kidondo’s attention was fully focused. The youth, though not of typical Firekin colours, was clearly of the blood. He had the size and the build and the brilliant flare of red in his mane.
But it were his eyes and the markings that bound them which held Kidondo’s attention the most. He knew those golden eyes, knew the colour of that brilliant red. For it was not the typical royal shade of his own family, but a lighter tone. Red mixed with a hint of orange.
And the only Firekin he knew with that colour was Ripuka.
Could it be possible that this one was one of her children? But what could possibly explain that odd colour of his pelt? All Kidondo knew was that now was not the time to ponder on such things.
Always at war…
He grimaced slightly, unsure of how to answer.
Nodding in agreement with his mate’s wisely spoken words, Kidondo had little to add. She had summed up the situation perfectly and in all honesty he had no idea how things were going to plan out. Only that he was going to try his best to see things through.
And then Damu spoke and the successor looked up.
“The future is clouded. But some things are certain. We will fight for what we believe in. We must if we are to survive.” He dipped his ears. “You are right. Only time will tell whether they will come to see what we all have. If that happens then maybe one day we will be united again, but it seems a fool’s dream to think it now.”
He paused, then continued, turning back to the sandy-coloured lion who reminded him so much of Ripuka.
“May I ask for your name, Firekin?”
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Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 2:15 am
They were right, they were all right, and Azarax nodded his head slightly as his mind attempted to accept this change, this conflict. But it was what had to be done, he knew. If it did not come now, it would come later, and if not then, perhaps later still. But all things must come to an end. And this was the end of everything the Firekin knew. It was all going to be different now, and it was change that was inevitable.
His eyes, like Damu's, wandered once more toward the horizon, where he had last seen Ripuka and the Jua. If only.
"Perhaps time really will..." He murmured, though he knew it might be wishful thinking. Time could just as easily be the herald of years of nursing a grude as it could be the change in the Firekin that they had all fought for. It took more than just time to change things, it took learning, and knowing, and being able to accept change. There were many that had retreated that could not do that, the tan lion knew.
His head turned to face Kidondo at the sound of the older lion's voice. His head tilted somewhat quizzically at the fact that Kidondo had realized he was of the Blood. Experience told him that most didn't see past the sandy coat. But then, he knew, Kidondo was a world apart from the Firekin he knew.
"Of course, sir," The young lion had learned politeness from growing up with the slaves, and in fact he rather enjoyed the ease with which it came. He spoke little, but when he did, it was always with such genuine respect that he couldn't quite help. "My name is Azarax."
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Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 6:11 am
He nodded stiffly, feeling his head stir with fatigue from the wounds scattered on his form. "Azarax." He repeated the name as if to copy it to his memory then smiled, very slightly. "I shall come and find you at a later time to speak. Go with the others now, and rest. You have earned it."
He leaned against No, drew in a deep breathe and turned his head back to the dens also, thinking to the task that he would have to perform.
His tail found No's, linked with it as he readied himself to see his father given a proper burial.
"Change." He whispered. "Change has finally come to the lands of the Firekin."
Fin~
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Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 6:14 am
So what happens now?
SUBFORUMS, CONFLICT AND NEW TITLES
Okay, so now the Firekin Sub-forum will be divided into two:
The Rebel sub-forum will be called the Motoujamii-simo meaning “the new Firekin” and will refer to themselves as such. Their pride will remain in the original Firekin Lands in the eastern section of the desert.
The Traditionalist sub-forum will be called the Motoujamii-safi, meaning “the true Firekin” and will also refer to themselves as such. Their pride will move to the western section of the desert.
Obviously, both sides will govern differently, though they all pride themselves on being Firekin and will always refer themselves as the stronger of the two parties.
The traditionalists will move into another part of the desert, far enough away so as to keep themselves separate from the ‘heretics’ but close enough for some plot and drama between the two sides. The rebels will stay in the original lands of the Firekin and claim it as their own. This will of course mean that battles in the future can and probably will happen; that spies can slip into the ranks and that traditionalists can shift to becoming a Motoujamii-simo if they wish. Even though the two prides will stay apart for the majority of the time, we would welcome and encourage any sort of activity between them, whether it be conflict or not. It’s important that the links between the two remain so that they don’t sever completely. There will certainly be a lot of drama in the future! As you can imagine, there will be constant battling between the two prides. They’ll never live in harmony again and there will always be strife. Rebels found on traditionalist land will probably be killed straight out, so it’s probably best you don’t have your heretic wandering over that way. Traditionalists who sneak into Motoujamii-simo lands will be cautioned upon the first trespassing offence; any other crime such as attempted murder or cub-napping will be taken very seriously and will probably end up in the traditionalist’s death. Remember, just because the Simo Firekin have abolished some rules doesn’t mean they will be any less harsh. If the act is bad enough, the punishment could very well be death.
But, there are also the issues with the Simo Firekin now living alongside rogues. I’m aware that many of the Firekin who have turned against their faith will be okay with this, but I also know that some may still be suffering from a superiority complex of sorts. This is perfectly fine and acceptable, though if any fights break out because of this reason, there could be severe consequences. We’re just saying that we don’t expect your characters to settle in at first if you feel that would be unrealistic for them. The Firekin have had a lot of changes, families have been split apart, many are injured. Spirits will probably be quite low at first.
CONVERTING TRADITIONALISTS
Traditionalists who want to become rebels can do so; though they have to be ‘quarantined’ of sorts to make sure they aren’t just a spy sent to cause havoc. Young traditionalists (cubs and juvies) will be adopted into a family and taught ‘simo’ ways. Adults will be treated with far more suspicion and can take a long time to be accepted into the pride. (Obviously the more you RP the shorter the amount of time it will take to be accepted).
Any adolescent / adult in this quarantine period is forbidden to breed – by doing so will have them thrown out of the pride. Only when they have been accepted as a full member can they take a mate and have cubs and advance in rank. Your character is officially accepted through a small ceremony that usually involves both the regent, regentess and the council members. They will be approached when that time arrives.
RANK SYSTEM
The ranking system will work like this.
An application form for the high ranks will be posted in the subforum. You may give preferences of roles if you have more than one. Ex: Magistrate, Captain of the Guard. You must post reasons for your preferences. We will judge these forms on a strict IC fashion.
(Those of you who applied for a lower rank in the initial thread (ie: hunter, soldier) will automatically be given the rank. No form process will be necessary.)
Before applying you MUST read the RP requirements and descriptions that will be posted in a separate OOC thread beforehand. This will give you a clear indication on the amount of RP expected.
Those going for high ranks must be aware that RP is a necessity. We’re not asking a lot, but if the council has to meet to pass sentence etc… we expect all council members to be active in the RP. (There will of course be exceptions) any who do not RP will be stripped of their rank and a replacement will be found. If your character is demoted then you have the opportunity to apply again after a three month period is over – and only if no one else has taken the spot. Promotion and demotion will probably happen rather frequently so it’s not the end if you find yourself thrown out of a position due to RL issues etc…
There will also be an option for you to ‘sign yourself off’ for RL situations or for the simple loss of muse – which happens to us all from time to time. After a three month period of no activity on the hiatus list, you will be contacted for an update. After another month has elapsed with no activity, your character will be purged.
Once we have all the rank applications, the decisions will be discussed between the IC and OOC caretakers of the pride and those who were successful will be PMed. An RP to confirm the rank is then needed before you can actively RP your character in the role. Once this is complete you will then officially take the rank.
If, after reading your application, we feel that your character may be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss it. For example, if you applied for the Magistrate position but we feel your character may be more suitable to become a Story Teller.
Rank in the rebels is earned, not born into. So a son of Kidondo could grow up to become nothing more than a hunter, whilst the child of a huntress could rise to become Regent. Bloodline is no longer important and a Firekin is merited on his/her strength of mind and body.
However, traditionalists will keep be keeping the status of royalty.
Ranks are available to females and males.
Example Rank application: (is subject to change)
Character Name:
Character RPer:
Preferred Rank: (you may choose up to three. Please give reasons why.)
1st:
Reason:
2nd:
Reason:
3rd:
Reason:
Please include three of your character’s recent RPs
BREEDING
Now, once all the important ranks are filled and the Firekin are settled, breeding will reopen. However, we will also be adopting a new system for this. So that the Firekin doesn’t boom with a ridiculous amount of cubs all at once (which is likely after such a long hiatus) a hopeful pair will have to fill in a form. If, at the time of filling in the form, there are none or few other expectant mothers, then your application will most likely be accepted and you can go ahead with the breeding.
However, if you see that a number have already applied then your chances are slimmer. If this does happen, you may have to wait for a current litter to grow to juvenile before your pair can breed. Really it all depends on the situation at the time.
The breeding request thread will also holds lists of those currently pregnant and those with new litters.
The breeding application still needs to be discussed and finalised so that’s all there is to say about this right now. Keep a look out for further details closer to the time.
SEERS
Also, before I forget; a note on Seers.
Seers are not an excuse to God-mode. Simply put.
I have noticed that some seers are throwing around information in RPs that is not common knowledge.
For instance.
No one is aware that Kidondo’s mother was Finar-Si. She masqueraded as a lioness called Karama and not even Kimeti knew the true identity of his ‘mate’. If I find that this information is being thrown around, I will not be best pleased. I do read RPs other than the ones I role play in, so be warned.
On another note, I’m aware that Kinja’s history with the pride is on the history section, but this does not mean that this is common knowledge. I’m also aware that there was a plot where this manifested itself slightly, but I would appreciate it if this was not conjured randomly in a seer’s vision.
Please, if you want to have your seer receive a vision that involves another character, make sure you get their permission first.
AND LASTLY
The pride forms are being sent to Dusty ASAP!
I, (Kimaria) will be sending in the form for the Motoujamii-simo.
DFA, who will be taking over as the IC ruler of the Motoujamii-sifa, will be sending in the form for the traditionalists.
Once the sub-forums have been created, they will be closed temporarily whilst DFA, Mimsey, Kolina and I sort out the last of the information that needs to go up in both.
An announcement will be made when posting is allowed; hopefully this shouldn’t be too long!
And as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. You can catch me on AIM on Kimaria33 or, if our time zones are too awkward, just throw me a PM. I tend not to use MSN but will do so if need be. For reference I am on the GMT timezone.
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