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 Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 5:58 pm
In this thread is where you can find all of the general information about the pride. Everything about the pride can be found here from the rules, to the culture, down to the layout of the lands. If you are interested in joining make sure you read this thread through.
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Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 10:57 pm
Story No one really remembers of how the pride started. It was passed on by word and over the years lost in the many different generations. It was rumored to have started simply with a group of lions. A group that was close to the mother spirits, they had traveled for a while before finding the perfect place and settling. It wasn't long before others joined them. They called themselves the Na'vi.
The Na'vi were once a thriving group of lions that lived deep in the jungle. A thick jungle protected from many outside threats, and outside invaders. The Na'vi believed that nothing could get to them, or in that case, nothing could in danger the well being of their pride. The were all happy and peaceful, they were all enjoying the area and each other's company. They were living one of the perfect lives around and there wasn't anything that was going to stop that, or so at least that was what they thought. There was danger on the edge of the pride. Their pride lands were in danger they were all in danger.
One night while they were all sleeping a different pride loomed on the edges of the pride lands. A pride that wanted the land to themselves, massive lions were on their borders getting ready to attack. They found the chance when all was well. They invaded destroying a lot of the lands and killing many of the lions. The Na'vi fought back the best they could, however it was a interesting tie. The invading pride left unsatisfied with the fact they didn't find what they wanted and because their loss of lions weren't worth the effort of trying to take over the dense lands.
The lions were scared and unsure of what to do. They realized that they could just hope and pray that everything could be back to normal. Thats what they did. They prayed everyday to get the pride back running, they prayed to the tree of souls for everything to grow back the way it was. And it wasn't long but thats what started to happen. If was coming back, and other lions were starting to come up. Of course they were cautious of new lions coming into the pride but they didn't let that stop them from rebuilding.
They are slowly starting to come back around. They are slowly starting to let new lions in so they can rebuild their population. Who knows what's in store for them.Land The pride is located in a dense jungle. It is hard to get around unless you know the lands, there are many layers to the jungle because of the trees, the lions here can easily climb and get around in them. There are plenty of plants around and because of that many other animals thrive in the lands. In the lands there is plenty of water going through the lands, between rivers and even some lakes. It rains a good amount of time but not enough to drive everyone crazy to put people out of their homes. There are no dens however there is the mother tree in the center of the lands, there are many of hammock's in the trees where the lions sleep, if not there then in on the branches of the trees or under the trees.
-Map will be coming soon-
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Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 11:23 pm
Culture Looks
Coloring: The coloring for the Na'vi is pretty uniform. They are mostly blues, purples, greens, and the in between tones for those. Most of the general population are blues and purples and even pinks, green a little rarer. It's VERY rare for yellow, orange or red color in the pride. It is really looked down upon to have those colors in the pride. Only small markings may have those colors (If you are all blue with a few orange stripes on your feet then that is okay). Another exception is if you have a MOSTLY white pelt with those colors. Black is a accepted color into the pride. So are grays. White is a very rare but important color. It means a pure spirit and in that case has a strong connection to all around them.
Size: Tall and lanky. They may be tall however they can easily manuver through the dense forests around them.
Species: Lions! All others would be see as threats and driven off of the lands.
Views on...
Flings: Flings are looked down upon. lions who have flings are considered bad lions. The two lions will be driven off of the lands. The pride believes that mating should only be done between a bonded and married pair. If cubs result from said fling the cubs will be taken and given to a new family (A lioness who can't have cubs, family of the lions that want them, a pair who is willing to take them) and the parents will still be driven off of the lands. They believe that the cubs should not be punished for their parents actions, they will be raised like every other cub however they will not know of their parents unless they ask the mother goddess.
Adolescents breeding: Adolescents are believed not to be able to take care of their own cubs at this age (They may start help baby sitting cubs but are thought not mature enough to take care of cubs 24/7) and they are not considered to be adults in the pride. However things happen, when cubs of an adolescent mating are born they are given to another family and they will be raised as that families young.
Divorce: Divorces are only given for good reasons (Such as cheating lions or death. Some times family or Pridal reasons). If there is cubs between the pair they will go with the mother.
Hybrids and other non-lion-species: A pride no-no! These guys will be chased away right away from the pride. They are thought as dangers and will not be tolerated.
Outsiders: If the outsider states that they are interested into the pride they will be guided to the king or queen to join the pride. They will be given judgement the first few weeks in the pride where they will learn about the pride and it's rules. If they have no intentions of joining the pride they will either be chased off or they will be kept at the borders.
Males v.s. females? Males and females are equal to each other. However when it comes to heirs a daughter is normally chosen instead of a male.
Arranged Marriage: (Must be okay OCC Wise!) Depending on the family there might be arranged marriages. The parents will decide on mates for their cubs on occasion. This mostly happens with heir but occasionally can happen among the ranks.
Marrige (also see below under rituals). Marriages/mating is considered a great sign of happiness to the pride. It is celebrated and confirmed before Eywa herself. She will bless the couple and they can start their life together. The male usually goes to the female to get her okay, but sometimes will go to her father and mother as well. Females have the right to say no if they chose.
New: When a male and female become married, they are required to make a hammock sized enough to support both themselves and future cubs. This is a very ceremonial task, with celebration and happiness shared by all. For more information on hammcoks, see that section below on rituals.
Addressing other members of the pride Adults call each other brothers and sisters. Such as "Hello brother (name), how are you?" they may also just address each other by their names. Adults address cubs by their names. Cubs address adults as Tashik (Father) or Eywa (Mother). (If they are talking to their real mother or father they may say Tashik or Eywa but they also can say Mommy, Daddy, Mama, Dad, ect)
Everyone refers to the mother goddess as Eywa. Another common way to address another is by the meaning of their name.
Rituals
Marriage: Marriage is a very important thing among the lions of the pride. When you pick a mate they are for life. So marriage is taken very seriously. On a date when a lioness and lion are going to be married word is spread through out the pride. Everyone gets ready, they paint each other in blues and whites (celebratory and pure colors). They gather around the tree of Voices where the mother goddess marries them. The twist their tails together (like holding hands) they bond (see bonding) while the Mother Goddess says prayers. Afterward the whole tribe parties, they sing, and dance and celebrate life.
Joining: When lions join the pride they spend a week or two learning the rules while the other lions judge them to see if they are fit to join the pride. Once they are approved to join the pride they are allowed to bond with the Tree of Voices and then are fully welcomed into the pride.
Death: Death brings a sad time into the pride. Most lions mourn the lost of the passed on. They mark themselves in dark paint and bury the dead, tossing flowers in with the body and singing sad songs. Some times they will gather around the Tree of Souls to say goodbye to the lost pride mate.
Birth: Around times of birth everyone is happy and cheery. Some may visit the family and bring the cubs presents and give the parents treats.
Bonding and/or marriage: Bonding is a spiritual way of connection to those around you. The Na'vi see their tails as a way bond with those around them. For example bonding with the Tree of Souls, they will wrap their tails around a branch and close their eyes, focusing on the parts of the tree and connecting with the spirits of the tree. It's mostly done when praying. It is like a way of becoming one with that around them.
Hammocks/Hammock ceremoniesWhen a male and female become a bonded pair, they are then required to build a hammock among home trees limbs, in order to support both themselves and future cubs. These hammocks are very important to the workings of the pride. When one does not sleep in their hammock at the time of sleep, they will cause worry among the others; as it is seen as they may be in trouble or lost. Hammocks are designed with swirls and patterns, with furs and other items thrown in to serve as comfort and a private area for those of the people. It is sometimes a group effort for the hammocks to be made; and it is a great time of rejoice and happiness among all.
Gods and Goddesses
Nyasambe: (Goddess of Mothers) This is the main goddess of the pride. This is where most of their beliefs come from in the pride. There is a mother goddess who watches over all of them and their lands. She is also called Eywa.
Mother Tree or Home tree
This is the place where most of the lions spend their time. It's a LARGE tree there are 'hammock' like things hanging from the branches where the lions sleep. This is where most home life goes on in the pride, everyone gathers at it's roots and spend some time together or crawl up into the branches for a long nap.
*The tree is honeycombed with natural hallows and alcoves in which the Navi sleep, eat, weave, dance and celebrate. The circumfrance of hometree is great enough to house dozens of members. It is two to three times taller than Terrain Redwood trees.
Tree of Souls
The tree is huge, not as big as the Mother tree. It has Vine like branches that hang down. This is where they celebrate the life of passed on members of the pride. They come here to pray to their ancestors, some times they come to ask for advice or guidance. When bonded and praying with the tree it is said to hear the voices of the ancestors.
Tree of Voices Utraya Mokri
This tree is a twin tree to the Tree of Souls however it is used for different purposes. The Tree of Voices is mostly used for rituals and also for praying to the Mother goddess. There is a large clearing around the tree for the pride to gather. This is a very sacred place it is also very much off limits for outsiders and anyone who is not completely part of the pride. The Mother Goddess is found around this area for those who need to speak with her for guidance.
Crafting and Painting
There are many items that the lions wear in the pride. They use bones all the time for armor they use many things to show rankings the more the wear the higher the rank. The put beads and flowers in their hair. Painting is another thing that is popular thing in the pride. They pain before hunting, celebrations and even death. It is a major part of the pride.
-Crafting and painting is almost always accompanied by chanting.
*one of the most important jobs of crafters is designing and making of the hammocks.
Hunting
The Na'vi hunt in groups. At least Two lions go out to catch prey. It is believed good luck to share a meal. When the lions kill their prey they chant a prayer. Thanking their meal and for the sacrifices that they make.
Quote; "I see you, my brother/sister, and thank you. Your spirit belongs to Ewya but your body remains so that I may take it to nourish the Na'vi people."
-Interpretations of this quote are perfectly acceptable. Each member can have their own saying.
Coming of Age:
The coming of Age ceremony is one of the major things you have to RP out. (Maybe the only thing? XD) It's when a lion is no longer considered an adult. It is really simple it is the first real meeting they have with the mother goddess, they meet her talking to her a bit and pray with her. And then done! They are considered an adult.
*Depending on the chosen ranking the member has chosen also deplicts their coming of age ceremonies.
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Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 11:36 pm
Ranking Royalty
Spiritual Leader: (Queen) The queen of the pride holds a very important part. She is also the spiritual leader she holds all of the prayers of the pride and the different rituals. The Spiritual leader is the closest to the mother goddess. She some times leads hunts and helps out with cubs. She also decides if new comers are welcomed into the pride. Mated with the Warrior Leader.
Head Warrior: (King) The king is in charge of the ranks of warriors in the pride. He makes a lot of important decisions from when the warriors train, when the pride moves (If they move) When meetings are held, he has the main job of making sure the pride is safe and checking the borders. Mated with the Spiritual Leader.
Princess: The princess is normally the Warrior leader's and the Spiritual leaders daughter. The Princess is normally picked by the spiritual leader that is going to take over the spiritual leader's spot when she is old enough, she is normally trained everyday to prepare to take over the rank.
Consort: The consort is the Princesses's arranged mate. He is picked around the same time that the Princess was born, even if he is a little older. He is picked by the Warrior leader, it might be a orphaned cub or a cub from strong blood in the pride. Will take over the Warrior leader's spot.
Advisers: Once the Spiritual leader and Warrior leader passes on their ranking they become advisers until they pass away. They help out by giving the current kings and queens advice. Some times is the brothers and sisters of the Spiritual advisers, or smart/good friends. If a princess isn't chosen and a king or queen passes away they might take over.
More will be added as the cubs receive ranks
Members
(The leaders [Commanding Warrior, Commanding hunter ECT] are important members like a government, each representing what they are in charge of. Some times they are called to meetings.)
Karyu (teacher): Commanding Warrior -Male- One of the best Warriors in the pride. He works very closely with the King, they plan out attacks and ways to defend the pride. The commanding warrior helps train the Warriors and children wanting to become Warriors
-Warriors Warriors of the pride are both female and males. They are the fighters of the pride, checking borders, making sure everyone is safe, they also protect the king and queen when needed. In times of war they are sent off to fight.
Commanding Hunter -Female- The Commanding Hunter is in charge of training hunters. She plans what the pride is going to be eating for festivals, and also coordinates for pridal meals they know the pride lands like the back of their paws and they know what creatures are around.
These two are default ranks for your members unless specified by the owner in the proper thread! I repeat, Hunter and Huntress are DEFAULT
-Hunters/Huntress - The hunters of the pride are to make sure that everyone is fed. They are good at what they do, they are sneaky and normally can blend in with foliage. Can be males or females.
Uniltaron:
*All warriors must have a ceremony in which their animal of strength is shown to them. This ritual is only viewed by private members of the highest ranking. The ritual involves slipping into a hallucenation and visiting the animal of their strength, but also is important as there is a risk of death. They are first given a sacred worm to consume and then stung by a scorpion to bring on the hallucenations.
Tirea: Lead Priestess -Female- Works hand in hand with the Spiritual leader. She knows just as much as the Spiritual leader. Some times she works with the mother goddess. She makes sure that she teaches all of the priests what they need to know. They also do the same jobs a Priest does.
-Priests A Priest helps gives others guidance. They lead prayers and they are also trained well in healing. They make sure that the religion of the pride is carried on and care deeply about the spirits. They are incharge of burials and communicating with spirits.
Den Mother -Female- The den mother is basically the lead baby sitter of the pride. She is in charge of assigning baby sitters to cubs and deciding who baby sits when. She is also in charge of watching cubs of the older lions and warriors who can't watch them all the time. she also helps keep the Mother tree and area around it clean.
-Baby Sitters Are lions and lionesses who make sure that everything is running smoothly with in the den. They also help watch cubs and watch the den area and clean it too.
*At the coming of age ceremony for babysitters, a harness is given. It is designed to support one cub against the chest, comfortably and easily. It is made of vines and furs. The harness can also be switched to carry the cub on the back or two can be worn at once, to do both.
Lead Crafter -Male - The lead crafter gathers materials for the items they make for the lions of the pride to wear. They make sure there is plenty to use and when some one asks for something to be made they make sure all the materials are around.
-Crafters Crafters make all of the pretty shiny things in the pride. They make simple items to some of the complex items. They know how to do war paints too. They normally are older lions or those who can't fight or hunt, or for that matter some who just want to craft.
Art Leader -Male- The art leader knows all of the traditional songs and dances of the pride. They make sure that everyone also knows the dances in the pride and some times they plan festivals and what happens during them.
-Artisans - The dancers and singers of the pride. They normally are very good at what they are doing.
Taronyu: Adolescences: The young of the pride that are old enough to start training and getting ready for the rank they are going to join. Before they grow they go and do their coming of age ceremony. They are not allowed to hunt alone without a guide.
Youth: The cubs of the pride that are too young to participate in many of the prides activities..
New rank Acolyte:
Acolytes are those of unantural color to the Navi. They have to prove themselves worthy of Ewya's protection and guidance and also, their worthy of being a member. They serve under the priestess herself and are anointed special tasks. They cannot rise in rank ever. Any cubs born with too much of the unacceptable color will also fall under the rank. They are looked down upon but no neglect/hate/abuse would ever be tolerated.
Special Ranks (Limited)
Toruk Mackto
An elite 'specialist' warrior. His role is to research and understand neighbouring prides and packs, to know where, how and why they live, but mostly, to understand how they fight. So if one of their neighbours ever attacks, the na'vi will be prepared, and through the Toruk will know how the enemy will fight and how best to counter with as little loss of life and damage to their environment as possible. (Works under the Warrior Leader and Commanding Warrior.) [Hereditary position]
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