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 Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:05 pm
 Welcome to a concept thread based on the Hylia, Twili, and Sheikah of the Zelda Universe! This is a Sister Pride to the Utatu and Gerudo. <3 Cert Image: ??? || Owners: NovaCracker; Strawberry Gumi Bunny; ??? || Cert Logo: ???? || Cert Colours: Greys and greens; like stone || Nickname: The Hylia or That Hylian Pride
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:12 pm
Known Facts
Location: Ancient Ruins; up western hillside/rim of Ngorongo Crater
Dieties Worshipped: Courage, Power, Wisdom
Also Worshipped: Guardian Spirits; Ordona, Faron, Eldin (The Hylians' name for Hestia), Lanayru
Sacred Beasts: Lemur, Snake, Klipspringer, Birds, Canines, Pigs
Physiology The Uhengu Watu are dominantly a small, delicate breed with softer fur, and many vibrant colours. Colours such as blue, white, purple, pinks, tans, reds, and greens are typically found on the average pride member. Sheikah are often dark browns or blacks, dominantly, or other dark colours. Twili can be of any colour; being born seers in other classes. All classes have slightly larger, slightly pointed ears, believed to help hear the messages of the Gods.
Most pride members of all classes are born without masks. Occasionally, however, pride members ARE born with masks. Masks are seen as a blessing and a curse-- for example, a smaller mask marking means the pride member is destined for great things. Larger masks are believed to restrain the soul of the owner-- being born with a large mask will not cause one to be thrown out-- however they often are the most educated, in an effort to help free their souls. They also tend to be expected to do more work, also part of freeing their souls.
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:29 pm
Religion
The pride worships the 3 Gods of Power, Courage, and Wisdom, believing the trio created the world and all creatures in it. It is said they also hid a special treasure in a realm called the Sacred Realm capable of granting wishes; however, the entrance is sealed to all.
The pride is also split into 4 main Provinces of one larger territory. The north, with the closest proximity to the Utatu royal grounds, is said to be protected by the spirit Lanayru, who bathes it in light. There is a small cave with a spring Lanayru is said to inhabit. Her sacred animal is the Snake.
To the West is the province guarded by Eldin. Eldin is believed to participate in the same role as Lanayru, as sent by the Gods. Eldin's Sacred Animals are birds. Her spring is located in a rocky outcropping.
East is Faron's Province. As the 3rd spirit, Faron's spring is in a grove of trees. Her sacred animals are lemurs.
South, finally, is Ordana's Province. Ordana's Spring is located near the pride in a small ruin. Ordana's Sacred Animals are Klipspringers.
Only the brave are said capable of seeing the 4 Spirits-- Fewer still are said to see the Gods, if anyone.
It is also said there is a Demon called Majora, whom once tried to destroy the pride and forced them to flee, and scatter. The demon has since been sealed away in a mask. This mask is hidden in a temple, buried. Nobody knows it's location.
Temples
The ruins around the pride are believed to be ruins of temples created by the ancestors of the Uhenga Watu and the Utatu. Many are open, but, being dangerous, rarely entered, although sometimes the primary chambers are entered for prayer. It is said only a Sage or the Legendary Hero may enter further and live. These Temples are also thought to open the Great Temple leading to the Sacred Realm. Each has space for a quartz crystal-- these crystals, believed to come of the Gods, are held by the Chief and protected.
There is also one temple dominantly sealed to the pride. This temple ruin is believed to house the entrance to a golden land where the Treasure of the Gods is located. This treasure is thought to grant wishes of the first mortal whom touches it-- and the golden land will change to reflect their heart. No pride member is permitted to go in beyond the primary chamber, which is reserved for worship of the Goddess of Wisdom, believed to
also be responsible for time. Smaller ruins are used as dens and homes, or for trade. The largest homes are reserved for the Twili Princess, Guardian, and Chief.
Masks
As the central theme of the story of the sealing of Majora, masks are extremely valuable, and are used by all pride members save the Sheikah. Masks are thought to have Magical properties capable of altering ailities and appearance. As cubs, all cubs recieve a mask called the Bremen mask, thought to encourage growth to adulthood in safety and with all due speed. As adults, a pride member recieves a mask befitting their rank. Masks are also used in marriage and death, and other religious ceremonies. Common masks include the Couple's Mask, made from the Sun and Moon mask at Weddings, and Burial masks, said to prevent the dead from returning as undead. Masks are forgone for Sheikah.
Also, pride members born with mask markings are not given a mask outside of a Sun or Moon mask for a couple's mask.
Music
While pride members themselves cannot play instruments without help, they can sing. Music is often present at celebrations, festivals, and so on. Lemurs may also play music on instruments-- this is usually asked of lemurs living among the pride.
Sacred Beasts
Sacred Animals are greatly valued within the pride-- the appearance of one of the Gods' or the Spirits' chosen creatures is welcome and accepted, often with celebration. Sacred Animals are not without function, but they are treated on a higher level than a normal pride member. The wisest often advist the Cheif or Sages or Preists in daily matters. Each sacred animal is typically offered different tasks.
Klipspringers: Klipspringers are often herded and kept from harm. While they may be eaten as prey, their swiftness also can be useful for carrying messages across a large distance, or for driving smaller prey animals from hiding.
Snake: Snakes are often treated as omens of good fortune and kept as pets. White or golden snakes are especially valuable, being closest to Lanayru's colours.
Birds: Eldin's sacred beast, the bird, can see much greater distances, and often a young hawk, eagle, or vulture may be raised for aid in hunting. Non-Predatory birds are a sign of wealth and fortune, and may be traded as gifts-- however, as with all sacred animals, may not be sold.
Lemur: Lemurs are surprisingly the most valuable of the Beasts of the Spirits. Where the pride cannot write, Lemurs are capable, and will be trained in the language of the ancient pride before they saught refuge in the Utatu, dominantly, in writing, as all pride members are expected to learn to read the language. Lemurs are used to inscribe messages, history as it occurs, and other important tasks concerning writing,
Wild Dogs and Maned Wolves: While not associated with the Spirits, Wolves, and with that, maned wolves, are a sacred beast, associated with the Goddesses. Blue eyes on a Wild Dog or Maned Wolf is especially valued, believed to be closest to the Gods. Canines are both welcomed into the pride and offered higher ranks for it. It is often thought the Legendary Hero could turn into a wolf. Especially sacred colours are black, with white, or white or golden. Canines of these colours are not expected to do labour, and may do whatever they please, as long as it does not break the law of the Gods.
Wart Hogs and Wild Boars: While a Sacred beast, they are feared, unless proven trustworthy.
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:39 pm
Culture
To all appearances the Uhengu Watu behave as a whole. Hunters hunt, teachers teach, ETC. However, this is not all of it.
While the land is divided into 4 Provinces, the majority of the pride lives close to the center meeting ground, of the marketplace and communal grounds. Dens are devided into the provinces and arranged accordingly. In fact, the provinces serve the establish the guardian spirit of a pridal member. For example, one in the Faron province will be considered protected by Faron. Pride members also pray to the Gods, as well as the spirit of their province for blessings, luck, and more.
The centre of the pride territory is where, when not hunting, the pride meets, almost as a human village. One will often find bards, merchants, stories, and most importantly, a Happy Mask Salesman. This area is heavily guarded, since cubs and young are also within the pride center, learning and playing. Jobs are held by both genders equally, although Males tend to be guards much more often than females.
While the pride gathers in the center lands daily, festivals really bring the pride together. Each festival is meant to be a celebration with song, dance, feasting, and so on.
Festivals
The first major festival is the Picori Festival. At this festival talented warriors will spar and duel to find the best warrior in the land. They are then celebrated for their prowess. The Picori Festival is also an important cultural reminder of the battle waged to unite the provinces long ago. This Festival occurs in RL Time's January.
The second major festival is the Carnival of Time. At this, the pride gathers for 3 days of feasting, watching exotic curiosities, dancing, and giving thanks to the 4 spirits for guarding the land from the beast Majora. Traditionally, this is held once a year, under a new moon, as it is believed if the moon were to see the Festival, He may fall and destroy the pride. Weddings are also held during this festival, and are considered lucky. This occurs in RL time during July.
The Third major Holiday isn't a celebration, except for the 7th day. Known as the Week of the Cataclysm, it takes a 7 day period to be observed properly. For 6 days the pride goes into mourning, as they would if the Cheif or a member of the Royal Family passed, to greive the genocide of the previous members of the pride slaughtered in the Great Cataclysm. No shops or trading may occur, and it is encouraged for families to remain together. There is also a curfew-- families to return into dens by sunset, as the dead are thought to run at night. On the 7th day, the pride opens up with celebration and feasting, celebrating the restoration of the pride. This occurs, RL time, in the last week of October.
The 4th Celebration occurs in Winter, the Celebration of the 3 Gods. This spans 3 weeks, each week dedicated to a different god. The first week is dedicated to Power, believed to have created the earth. This is primarily celebrated with dancing and song, and some may even come covered in writing painted on with mud in honour of Power. The second week is Wisdom. This week has much less dancing, but old legends, prophecies, and folk stories are told throughout, often also accompanied with song. Knowledge is given and shared, celebrating Law being given to the world. The final week is dedicated to Courage. This week is celebrated with tales of Heros, songs, and more, celebrating all life created to uphold the Law. Noone does business during this, but many prayers ar3e offered, and there is feasting throughout, Hunters careful to bring plenty for the celebrations to come. This celebration in RL time occupies December.
There are also 4 smaller celebrations, one each season, in each different province in the following cycle. These are celebrated with song, dance, and feasting:
Spring: Faron
Summer: Ordona
Autumn: Eldin
Winter: Lanayru
During these smaller festivals, major cultural differences in each province is shown, and members of the province, and others from the pride, or outsiders, gather to give thanks, prayer, and praise to the Spirit.
Birth
When a new litter is born, a family is visited by the Happy Mask Salesman, whom gives each cub a present a mask called the Bremen mask. This mask appears as a hawk, with the cub's lower jaw as the bottom of this mask. This mask is thought to encourage faster growth and protection from evil. They aren't required to wear it after becoming Juveniles, but must keep it safe.
Death
When a member of the pride dies, the family will go into mourning. If they do trade, no trade is done. They simply sit at home. The body is affixed with a burial mask, and then pushed into a hole dug by a shaman, and buried. Any dead born without masks are feared to return at night to walk and kill others until put to rest.
Mating Ceremony
When a couple mates, there is a huge celebration. Both male and female provide a mask, the Sun and Moon Masks, made by the bride and groom, which is then combined by the shaman at the mating ceremony into a Couple's Mask. Should the Couple's mask ever break, the mates are thought to be doomed to troubles, or even a split, unless it can be fixed. (The Sun/Moon mask is really a half-mask each).
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:42 pm
Pridal History
Long ago, the world was made of chaos. Thre gods descended upon this void, and began creating our land. From Power, the red earth was formed; from Wisdom, light, and the law of the world; from Courage was given life to uphold the law, and light. Their labours complete, the 3 gods ascended from the Sacred Realm, leaving a golden treasure behind.... - Creation Legend
When our pride was young, the 4 provinces could not agree, and share the land. The four fought a bloody civil war, killing one another; and lo, one stood above all, and quelled the fighting with Wisdom, Power, and great Courage. This lion was out cheif, whom only answered to the Gods, the Spirits, and the Royals of our bretheren the Utatu. And so, peace came to our people at last.... - Pride Unification Legend
Legends only tell what occured in the pride's past, however history only began when the pride, along with the sacred Lemurs, discovered writing. While the pride themselves could not write, the lemurs could, so the pride, expected to read it, began recording history to preserve pridal lore. It is known the first Chief recorded already established most pridal lore and culture; little, if much, remains unchanged, although the pride continually strives to improve what they, as big felines, can do. The pride is noted to live peacefully several generations, since time immemorial, with their sister pride the Utatu.
During the reign of the previous cheif, however, came the Cataclysm, as fortold by the Twili of the pride, including the Twili Princess Herself. When the first sign of destruction came, the Cheif ordered all cubs and nannies to evacuate the pride. Few made it. Those whom did, scattered. The Cheif, unused to crisis after a long peace, soon found catastrohpies hitting his people; famine, disease, and suffering. Finally, one night, the Cataclysm came when a pride of strange lions came, and began slaughtering the remainder of the pride. Some escaped, most did not. Pridal land has lain dormant and forgotten since, until...
Recently, a survivor of the Great Cataclysm, and her adopted cub have returned to pridal land. Nana, one of few survivors, swore to rebuild her people; and assumed the Title of Cheiftess. Ruling as her Right Paw, bearing the Mask of Truth, came her adopted daughter and the new Twilight Princess, Leisong. Together, they have begun rebuilding the pride, and seeking both new and old members of their pride...
...However the Cataclysm still hangs over the pride like some great predatory bird; and the traitor Vaati has ruled the pride with a tyrannical iron paw. Unable to return properly with the Traitor, Nana has begun to seek others to help overthrow her brother. Similarly, an old-blooded member of the Sheikah, a young lady named Man'Tah, has gone to seek the Lady Nana, instead finding hope for the pride in the male Obi. Nana herself, with Leisong, have slowly begun gathering new and old blood, including a consort to the Cheiftess, the once-king Uchusichusi. Slowly, the pride is rebanding, and soon, the pride will turn on Vaati, reclaim their home, and their destiny.
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:58 pm
Ranks
Ruling Class
Cheif
Ruler of the pride, protector of the 8 Quartz Crystals and the Sacred Realm, and of the pride. The cheif is a hereditary role, unless the Cheif proves unable to birth cubs; although after the Cataclysm this role was taken by a younger child of the Cheif. The cheif only answers to the Royal Family of the Utatu and the Sages, if anyone at all. They are not, however, a part of the Utatu, so this is not a constant.
1/1
Consort
Mate to the chief. They do not has as much power as the chief or Twili Princess, and maintain a watchful eye over the lower "Normal" ranks.
1/1
Heir
The oldest child of the Cheif. Alternatively, should the Cheif never bear cubs, this role is filled by the eldest child of the Twilit Princess.
0/1
Twili: The Preist Class
Twili are any seer born into the pride, even the children of the Cheif. It's believed the Twili were given the gift of Sight in exchange for being capable of approaching the Spirits or the 4 most sacred animals. Most Twili are still permitted to house a wild dog or maned wolf, as they are not of the light spirits.
Twili Princess
The ruler of the Twili and the Cheif's right paw. Always a Female, and a hereditary position. The Twili Princess' eldest daughter is always her successor. Should the cheif fail to sire an Heir or Heiress, the oldest male child or second eldest cub is then given role of Cheif. The Twili Princess only bears the Mask of Truth. She has paw in many affairs in the pride.
1/1
King of Twilight
The Twili Princess' mate. The King of Twilight has little responsibility; most stripped early in pride history when a foolish King tried taking his mate's power for himself. Ever since, the King of Twilight is seen as a figurehead only.
0/1
Fused Shadow
Heiress to the Twili Princess. Traditionally guarded by wild dogs or maned wolves, but not always.
0/1
Noble Class
Prince/Princess
Non-heir children of the Chief and their mate.
Unlimited
Lord/Lady
Brothers/Sisters of the Chief.
Unlimited
Guardian
They mind the Cheif's cubs as a Nanny, as well as mind the rest of the Sheikah. They rank under the Cheif, Heir, Twilight Princess, and her Heiress. Should an invasion occur, they are responsible for the safety of the ruler's children first, as their people are the warriors. The heir to this position is chosen by the previous guardian. If no heir is selected, the Chief will select one of the adults.
0/1
Normal Class Ranks
Teacher
Teachers are given masks appearing as a creature whom once joined the pride named Keaton. These masks are yellow to orange with black tipped ears, closed eyes, and a black nose, molded in the shape of a fox.
0/3
Nanny
Minds cubs of the pride.
1/3
Tingle
These crafty business types love the pridal currency, rupees. They go out and help create or update maps, sell rare or common trinkets, ETC. The 'business men and women' of the pride; as well, they are expected to hunt. They tend to get piggy masks.
Unlimited
Faeries
Healers and crafters in the pride. Usually, they are the smallest and weakest, but not always. Faeries are taught from birth all the things they need to be a Healer or Crafter.
Unlimited
Postman
Trainer of the sacred Lemurs. He ensures messages are delivered in good time. He lacks a mask, instead bearing some odd thing called a Postman's hat.
1/4
Sheikah Ranks
Apprentice
Heir to the Guardian role.
0/1
Soldier
The most common Sheikah class. They obey the Guardian and patrol the land, as well as fend off attackers.
Unlimited
Shaman
Sheikah unable to serve as soldiers become shamans, trained by the Twili's Great Faeries. They often heal outsiders, and other animals, especially the sacred animals. Outside the Ruling Class and the Twili, they are considered close to the spirits and guards.
Unlimited
Twili Class
Great Faery
A council of 3. They respond to the Twili Princess and train younger Twili and Sheikah Shamans in the ways of the Gods and Spirits. They are both vary wise and very mysterious, knowing secrets only for the Chosen of the Gods or Spirits.
0/3
Twili
Preists of the pride. They guide the pride in religious celebration, prayer, in temples, ETC. Being the religious figures of the pride, they may dabble in other skills as seen fit. No Twili may keep a Sacred Animal save a maned wolf or wild dog, as it is thought any other beast will kill them for being Seers.
Unlimited
Happy Mask Salesman
Not really a Twili so much as an enigma wrapped in a taquito. The Happy Mask Salesman goes between the Utatu and the pride selling and buying masks, and gives Bremen masks to young. Many think he's a seer. Others think he's a nutjob. Nobody knows how the Happy Mask Salesman selects his apprentices. He just... Does it.
0/1
Mask Maker
Heir of the Happy Mask Salesman. Aside the Utatu Water Tribe, this creature makes the Masks the Happy Mask Salesman sells... Or so he says!
0/1
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 5:37 pm
Members
Ruling Class
Chief - Nana - owned by NovaCracker
Consort - Uchusichusi - owned by Andranis
Twilight Princess - Leisong - owned by Strawberry Gumi Bunny
King of Twilight - ??? - Open! RP Heavy
Noble Class
Lord/Lady - Takatifu - Kitsune Mistress Nyoko - Vaati's mate
Still more slots open, but, does need a rood reason.
Guardian - Kismet - Qwan Yin Club Rat
Advisor - Kokoshuuja - Owned by Strawberry Gumi Bunny
Sacred Beast - Ufo - Owned by Strawberry Gumi Bunny
Blancun - Owned by Seaki
The Normal Class
Teacher - ??? - Open
Nanny - Shetani - Owned by Andranis
Tingle - ??? - Open
Faery - ??? - Open
Blancun - Owned by Seaki
Sheikah Ranks
Apprentice - ??? - Open; must have excellent reason
Soldier - ??? - Open
Shaman - ??? - Open
Twili Class
Great Faery - ??? - Open; Seers only. No imposters!
Twili - ??? - Open; Seers only. No imposters!
Happy Mask Salesman - ??? - Open, seers only, no imposters! But nutjobs OK.
Maskmaker - ??? - Open; Seers only! But whackjobs OK.
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:09 pm
Joining Forms
Forms for joining. Gumi and I have to agree for someone to join a higher rank (Noble and up). If you get declined for a rank but approved for the pride, make sure to put an alternate rank if your #1 isn't accepted.
[size=25][b][color=red]I have old blood wanting back in![/size][/b][/color]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]SoA Owner[/b]
[b]SoA Rank:[/b]
[b]SoA Backup Rank:[/b]
[b]Is this SoA a Seer?[/b]
[b]SoA Personality:[/b]
[b]SoA's history in Pride:[/b]
[size=25][b][color=blue]I have new blood wanting in![/size][/b][/color]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]SoA Owner[/b]
[b]SoA Rank:[/b]
[b]SoA Backup Rank:[/b]
[b]Is this SoA a Seer?[/b]
[b]SoA Personality:[/b]
[b]Why do they want to join?[/b]
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:36 am
Gumi gives this thread a stamp of approval! (It looks like fish, and tastes like sheep O_o )
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:46 am
Strawberry Gumi Bunny Gumi gives this thread a stamp of approval! (It looks like fish, and tastes like sheep O_o )XD *Snuggles Gumi* I worry I got too detail oriented.
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 12:03 pm
Mmmmmm. Much love for this!
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:20 pm
*Curls on Caj* I still have a bit for the fact section to add.
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Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 9:00 am
Uchusi: -Watches over everybody with a grunt-
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Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 10:02 am
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