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 Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 5:14 pm
The Swamplands
The Swamplands are situated to the south of the Ela'wadiyi territory, and east of the Southlands, although the swamp doesn't border on that unclaimed territory. Its far western border is the Amanzim'tsetse, but the heart of the lands is of course the swamp, at the end of a small eastern-flowing tributary of the Amanzim'tsetse, the Saada'za'mkono (The Lady's Arm). The vast swamp, which is longer north-to-south than it is wide, and the eastern limit of the Swamplands, lies shouldered up against the foothills of the mountains. The lands were previously occuppied by the Jini-misemi, the 'Spirit-talkers.' Two ago, however, the pride was wiped out (as far as anyone knows) by a great and sudden flood. Now the lands lie empty of any lions other than adventurous rogues; the swamp is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of the ill-fated Jini-misemi. But there are those who survived, and now one of them has returned with the meager beginnings of a new family of Spirit-talkers.
[x] Current Weather: Humid
The Jini-msemi ('Spirit-talker') Pride
[Note: Collectively known as the Jini-misemi, plural; Jini'msemi is singular.]
[x] History:
The Jini-misemi were an old pride that kept mostly to themselves, and others kept mostly away -- their ritual mystic traditions often viewed as superstitious by outsiders and the selfmade (and perpetuated and believed) rumors that they could talk to spirits had most others skirting around the pride's Swampland home. But provided the rare wanderer through the heart of the territory (the actual swamp, of course) minded their own business, they'd (probably) be left alone, unless some mischief-minded Spirit-talker felt the need to reinforce the illusion that the swamp is haunted.
The original pride itself descended from the Goddess of Swamps, daughter of the Water God and Earth Goddess. As would follow, this mother goddess of theirs is also their patron, and can often be a meddling one. She's quite happy to bolster their beliefs that they can at least sometimes talk to or see spirits, or even have visions -- of course, she's behind them all.
But two years ago, something angered the goddess greatly (something, perhaps, to do with the Consort at the time, Hidaya'malaika), and possibly with the help of her father the water god, the swamp goddess caused a great and sudden flood to sweep through the swamp, killing most of the pride, who had little time to escape.
At this point, the only known survivors were two of Imara'moyo's daughters, as well as two of his granddaughters, and his sister, Kimulimuli.
Now, one of those granddaughters is returning to the lands with a small troupe of rogues, where they're most certainly not expecting to find Asali's great aunt alive and ticking (albeit a little off-rhythm). But the elderly lioness will attach herself to the blossoming pride, to ensure that they don't screw things up. >.>
(Given their home and their descent, Jini-misemi are usually earthy in color, with greens possible.)
[x] Religion:
The Jini-misemi believe that there are spirits, called 'vijini' ('jini' is singular), all around them. They are everywhere, in everything; they do many things. They encourage the wind, stir the currents; they are the dance in the flames and the life in the growing things. According to their beliefs, when the gods perform their works, it is the vijini they command to accomplish it. If a god commands vijini to do something, if it is in that particular god's domain to give that command and have it be heeded, the vijini must do it; it is not a choice. It is simply the natural order of things. Most vijini are capricious, unorganized beings, who lack the conviction and power to do truly powerful things. When a god directs them, it gives them purpose, and given that purpose by a greater being, they have no choice but to follow.
...so they believe, anyway. Just as they believe that they can and do communicate with spirits, and they hold them in great respect, believing in their power. They make requests of them, offering sacrifices of blood in return, either their own or that of other animals; it is...possible...for a lion to be used as a sacrifice.
While they respect all the gods, they hold their mother-goddess, the Swamp Goddess, in the highest esteem, and also hold her parents in high regard. She takes great care in shaping her children's lives in the swamp, and has missed them in their long absence. Now that they are returning, she's eager to have them back, despite that fact that she's the one who practically destroyed them in the first place. Her children call her, affectionately, Mama Bwawa ('Mother Swamp').
The 'Misemi believe that when a creature dies, their spirit returns to the earth to rest and commune with it before returning to live again. However, without a proper funeral ceremony, their spirit will be trapped, bound to walk the lands without living until someone shows it the way.
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Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 5:49 pm
Rituals and Traditions of the Jini-misemi
[x] Birth:
The sacred miracle of birth is an intensely private, exclusivley female domain. For this reason, the lioness chooses a den and secludes herself utterly; but she must also be careful to find a den with a relatively simple path back to the pride's main den: a sizable island of sorts, a dry(ish) haven in the watery lands, where there is a huge old tree to one side, with a great, natural hollow in its trunk, in which a dozen or more grown lions could comfortably fit (there is a narrow strip of land across the water here, only just big enough for cubs to cross on).
A female may choose to tell her fellow lionesses where this den is, but she will keep it a carefully-guarded secret from any males - and this is something the males will respect. Males are strictly prohibited from witnessing the birth, and thereby profaning the sacred purity of the event.
Other lionesses, however, may be present to assist, if necessary; but they must keep their mouths carefully shut once any cubs have entered the world. Children are to hear no words in the delicate, crucial time before they are given names, although humming and wordless songs do no harm, and are permitted.
Cubs remain in the den with their mother until the dawn after their eyes open, at which time they are shepherded outside and to the main den, where the pride waits for them. Here they will be presented and named.
See: [RP] Dawn Breaks for the Swamp s Children
If the laws are broken, and a male witnesses the birth or sees the cubs before they are named, it is a dire misfortune. Cubs that would have been pure are now tainted, opened to the evils of the world before they have the protection of a name; they are bad omens incarnate, who carry ill luck with them wherever they go. For this reason, the pride must be rid of them - either by their deaths or by their exile.
The mother, too, is considered tainted; while she is not the walking misfortune her cubs are, she carries the profanity inside her, and will give it to any further cubs she bears. For this reason, she too faces death or exile. As for the male, he has broken sacred law, and his punishment is to die or be forced to flee.
[x] The Quest for a Name:
The name given a cub at birth is not intended to be a permanent one, which is why they are often short with a simple meaning - a child's name, a baby name. This becomes the impetus for a fledgling Spirit-talker's coming-of-age rite, where they leave the swamps and go in search of their true name, the one they will carry for the rest of their lives.
This quest usually begins just as a child reaches adolescence - still young, but hopefully able to survive the journey ahead of them. A Noble of the pride will approach them while they are alone, and speak the words that will send them on their way (currently, this role is the Queen Asali'jua's).
While all Jini-msemi children know that one day they will be sent away on their naming-quest, the day itself comes with no prior warning.
See: [RP] Piece by piece, my heart...
The return of a questing lion/ess will be detailed after Nyoe returns from his quest.
[x] Acceptance of an Outsider as Pride:
[x] The making of Suitors, Courtesans, and Consorts:
[x] Succesion:
[x] Nobility:
[x] Death:
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Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:54 am
The Jini-misemi
Royalty
Asali'jua [Suki] Cert
Meaning: Honey Sun
Title: Queen
Parents: Chuju'mja x Tamu'harara
Siblings: Swafi
Owned by: Meepfur
Description: Owned by Meepfur]: Older sister of Swafi, a wise and caring lioness of many travels. After her naming quest, she returned to her mountain home to find the picked bones of her mother and aunt, and no sign of Swafi. After waiting two seasons for her to return, she set to wandering, and has recently come home to the swamp with a small group of rogues. The new Queen for the new Jini-misemi.
Jabali Cert
Meaning: Mountain
Title: Consort
Parents: ??? x ???
Siblings: Matope
Owned by: Vashtya
Description: Traveling companion of Asali'jua, brother of Matope, now Consort to the Queen. Completely devoted to his new pride, and queen, although his lighthearted, easygoing demeanor may not always show it.
Kimumuli [Sadifu'akili]
Meaning: Wisp
Title: Noble
Parents: ??? x ???
Siblings: Imara'moyo
Owned by: Aris Ravenstar
Description: Older sister of Imara'moyo, always a touch on the strange side, has only grown stranger with age. Regularly sees things that aren't there, has a frog she likes to talk to. Just how the old bat survived the flood and the time that followed is unclear. Following the flood, she changed her name to reflect that she was nothing but a remnant of the past.
Lions/Lionesses
Zimwi
Meaning: Ghost
Title: Provisionary
Parents: ? x ?
Siblings: None
Owned by: Andrani
Description:
Safura'miezi
Meaning: Pale Moon
Title: Provisionary
Parents: ? x?
Siblings: None
Owned by: PhoenixGuardianMikazuki
Description:
Youths
Sooleawa
Meaning: Silver
Title: Youth
Parents: Matope x Sehani
Siblings: Mti'a'Aushi, Gharadi, Bin'tope
Owned by: Inside You I Was Reborn
Description: Daughter of Matope and Sehani.
Bin'tope
Meaning: Son of Mud
Title: Youth
Parents: Matope x Sehani
Siblings: Mti'a'Aushi, Gharadi, Sooleawa
Owned by: Tamiko-chan
Description: Son of Matope and Sehani.
Abhaya
Meaning: Fearless
Title: Scion
Parents: Jabali x Asali'jua
Siblings: Ashoka, Ige, Chaka, Mluziluzi, --; Nyoe, Mng'aro, Nyasi, Johari, Juu
Owned by: Vashtya
Description:
Ashoka
Meaning: Without Sorrow
Title: Scion
Parents: Jabali x Asali'jua
Siblings: Abhaya, Ige, Chaka, Mluziluzi, --; Nyoe, Mng'aro, Nyasi, Johari, Juu
Owned by: Prolixity
Description:
Ige Cert
Meaning: Born Feet First
Title: Scion
Parents: Jabali x Asali'jua
Siblings: Abhaya, Ashoka, Chaka, Mluziluzi, --; Nyoe, Mng'aro, Nyasi, Johari, Juu
Owned by: Lady_Ourania
Description:
Chaka
Meaning: Blazing Sun
Title: Scion
Parents: Jabali x Asali'jua
Siblings: Abhaya, Ashoka, Ige, Mluziluzi, --; Nyoe, Mng'aro, Nyasi, Johari, Juu
Owned by: Tahja Estes
Description:
Mluziluzi Cert
Meaning: Tree with Whistling Seed-Pods
Title: Scion
Parents: Jabali x Asali'jua
Siblings: Abhaya, Ashoka, Ige, Chaka, --; Nyoe, Mng'aro, Nyasi, Johari, Juu
Owned by: Meepfur
Description:
---
Meaning: ---
Title: Scion
Parents: Jabali x Asali'jua
Siblings: Abhaya, Ashoka, Ige, Chaka, Mluziluzi; Nyoe, Mng'aro, Nyasi, Johari, Juu
Owned by: kalindara
Description:
Absent
Kinamasi
Meaning: Marsh
Title: Member
Parents: Umo x Kikawaida
Siblings: None
Owned by: Syrius Lionwing
Description: Daughter of Kikawaida and outsider Umo, born lame.
On naming quest
Mng'aro
Meaning: Brightness
Title: Scion
Parents: Jabali x Asali'jua
Siblings: Nyoe, Juu, Nyasi, Johari
Owned by: Vashtya
Description: Son of Jabali and Asali'jua.
On naming quest
Nyoe Cert
Meaning: Green Grasshopper
Title: Scion
Parents: Jabali x Asali'jua
Siblings: Mng'aro, Juu, Nyasi, Johari
Owned by: Meepfur
Description: Son of Jabali and Asali'jua.
On naming quest
Juu Cert
Meaning: High
Title: Scion
Parents: Jabali x Asali'jua
Siblings: Mng'aro, Nyoe, Nyasi, Johari
Owned by: Safaia
Description: Son of Jabali and Asali'jua.
On naming quest
Nyasi
Meaning: Reed
Title: Scion
Parents: Jabali x Asali'jua
Siblings: Mng'aro, Nyoe, Juu, Johari
Owned by: DDB
Description: Daughter of Jabali and Asali'jua.
On naming quest
Johari
Meaning: Precious Jewel
Title: Scion
Parents: Jabali x Asali'jua
Siblings: Mng'aro, Nyoe, Juu, Nyasi
Owned by: TormentedAngie
Description: Daughter of Jabali and Asali'jua.
On naming quest
Matope
Meaning: Mud
Title: Noble
Parents: ??? x ???
Siblings: Jabali
Owned by: Khomi
Description: Traveling companion of Asali'jua, brother of Jabali. Banished from their original pride due to fear of usurpation, he and his brother travelled together, eventually meeting and joining Asali'jua. Although normally a little arrogant or cocky, he still proves as a loyal pride member, ready to defend his companions if need be. Has recently taken a strong, affectionate interest in Sehani.
Disappeared
Deceased/Dispersed Members
Kikawaida
Meaning: Natural
Title: Huntress
Parents: ??? x ???
Siblings: ???
Owned by: Syrius Lionwing
Description: A juvenile at the time of the flood, Kikawaida was thrown to safety by her mother, who then drowned in the mire. Since then she has walked the swamp alone, helping to keep up the illusion that the lands are haunted. Believes she speaks to the spirits. She and Kimumuli have remained relatively unknown to each other in this; Kimulimuli would count her in as just another of her regular hallucinations. Kikawaida has never gone on her naming quest.
Exiled
Imara'moyo
Meaning: Steadfast Courage
Title: King
Mate:
Offspring: Kachala'hekima, Tamu'hara
Description: Last ruler of the Jini-misemi prior to the flood, fair in judgement but often harsh in punishment. A born warrior and a just, if discontent, King. He would have preferred to live life as a rogue, but his honor could not bring him to shirk his position when he was named heir. Perished in the flood.
Deceased
Hidaya'malaika
Meaning: Beautiful Hair
Title: Consort
Description: The beautiful, if empty-headed, Consort of Imara'moyo. In great contrast to her mate, she was vain and proud. Possibly linked in some way to the disastrous flood, in which she perished.
Deceased
Kokotevu'fuadi
Meaning: Slow Heart
Title: Coutesan
Offspring: Kachala'hekima, Tama'haru
Description: As her name suggests, this lioness was slow to accept others or form attachments. But though it was long in coming, she grew to admire and love the steady Imara'moyo, becoming a Courtesan and bearing him two daughters. Perished in the flood.
Deceased
Kachala'hekima
Meaning: Old Wisdom
Parents: Imara'moyo x Kokotevu'fuadi
Siblings: Tamu'harara
Description: Unshakingly calm eldest daughter of Imara'moyo and Kokotevu'fuadi, this lioness was possessed of great optimism and wisdom even in her youth. She never mated, content to watch over and aid the younger members of the pride; teaching was her greatest joy. Fled the flood with her sister, carrying one of her nieces (Swafi) from danger. Later fell victim to plague.
Deceased
Tamu'harara
Meaning: Gentle Warmth
Parents: Imara'moyo x Kokotevu'fuadi
Siblings: Kachala'hekima
Description: The wise Kachala'hekima's younger sister, whose heart was in the right place, although she failed to protect it. Easily swayed by her emotions and the emotions of others, the often overly sensitive lioness fell in love with a handsome rogue who opted to settle with the pride. Fled the flood with her sister, carrying her daughter Suki (now Asali'jua) into the eastern mountains. Later fell victim to plague.
Deceased
Chuju'mja
Meaning: Pale Stranger
Offspring: Asali'jua, Swafi
Description: Dashing rogue who fell to the charms of Tamu'harara, whom he doted on with the greatest joy. Accepted by a daughter of the King, he was adopted into the pride and dubbed 'pale stranger,' which he exchanged his former name for. Father of Swafi and Suki/Asali'jua. Survived the flood, but unable to find his mate and daughters, he believed them to be dead and returned to his birth pride. [From Ardhi'bedhui/Jua'nuru.]
Dispersed
Swafi
Meaning: Bright
Parents: Chuju'mja x Tamu'harara
Siblings: Asali'jua
Description: Youngest daughter of Tamu'harara and Chuju'mja, bright and affectionate. The energetic young Swafi never returned from her naming quest, and is now presumed dead.
Deceased
Sehani
Title: Noble
Parents: ??? x ???
Siblings: ???
Owned by: Tamiko-chan
Description: A recent addition to group of travelers, the adolescent lioness has joined up with this scraped-together pride, although she doesn't intend to abandon her search for her childhood friend, Gana. Traveling companion of Matope, who's growing rather attached to him.
Dispersed
Mti'a'Aushi
Meaning: Tree of Life
Title: Youth
Parents: Matope x Sehani
Siblings: Sooleawa, Gharadi, Bin'tope
Owned by: Lethrossen
Description: Daughter of Matope and Sehani.
Dispersed
Gharadi
Meaning: Desire
Title: Youth
Parents: Matope x Sehani
Siblings: Mti'a'Aushi, Sooleawa, Bin'tope
Owned by: DragonsRage24
Description: Son of Matope and Sehani.
Dispersed
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