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 Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:06 pm
.:. Pepo'porojo .:.
Note: While I made very much of the following information up, much of it has been taken from actual vodun culture. I did a lot of research for this pride, and am still in the process of researching. That being said, none of the following information is meant to offend anyone, so please keep that in mind. Remember, this is just a SoA pride.
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:07 pm
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:08 pm
.:. Leadership .:. There is no monarchy or any real leading order in this pride. There is no king and queen mated pair, chief, matriarch, patriarch, or anything like that.
The pride instead is more or less a member-run pride with an invisible hierarchy built within the ranks. The one rank that may be considered closest to a leader is the Mama, who is the oldest and wisest female in the pride. Aside from her, the members who perhaps have the most say in matters (though all members have a say in decision-making) are the oldest, most experienced pride members within each of the ranks. (More detailed explanation below.)
.:. Hierarchy .:.
While two individual lions who hold the same rank may be seen as equals on that level, there is a generally acknowledged hierarchy within the ranks. For example, a newly-appointed Medsen Fey is obviously going to look up to a very experienced, older Medsen Fey, and try to learn all they can from them.
While the pride values equality in that they are all the children of Mawu, there is a bit of disconnect between males and females that can be considered "traditional". Females are usually the hunters, caretakers of the sick or pregnant, and keepers of the graves and shrines, while the male take on the heavier physical tasks like guarding and physically training the younger members. Females are also normally the ones to clean the sacred trinkets. Aside from these few traits that usually go hand-in-hand with each gender, the pride members value each other like family and certainly don't go around looking down on someone based on if they're male or female. That's just not how they look at things. Still, on the subject of genders sort of going hand-in-hand with specific ranks, that's not to say that there aren't male hunters or female guards and what have you--genders are interspersed all throughout, so if you want a female guard or a male hunter or a male Shrinekeep or whatever, feel absolutely free.
There are many individuals within each of the ranks of the pride, and within each rank group, the older, more experienced ones help to train and teach the younger ones who are newer to their ranks. Older Mambo will teach younger Mambo, existing Poupe will share stories of experience with newer Poupe, and so on. There is a hierarchy within the ranks, all working together to train the new generation and helping to keep the pride running smoothly.
.:. Ranks .:.
Mama: Usually the eldest female in the pride, the Mama is greatly respected, and all of the pride helps to look after her. Whether she is a Mambo, Caplata, or any other rank, she is the strongest spiritually in the pride, because she has the most experience. She has no control over anything, but the pride members understand the importance of wisdom with age, so she is sought after for constant advice and spiritual guidance. The Mama also helps to train the younger generation in any of the ranks. Many of the pride members who do not have family due to death or separation will look to her as their mother, so the Mama has many "adopted" children. She is a highly regarded and respected individual, and you would be wise to bow your head when graced with her motherly presence.
Houngan: These are the male priests in the pride. Houngan are able to summon Loa, ordain other male lions as Houngan, perform rituals, give blessings, perform funerals, and are ultimately responsible for spiritually training the younger males. (More details on what they can do in below posts.)
Mambo: Female priests in the pride, Mambo do all that Houngan do--they're just female. As such, they spiritually train the females in the pride, and they are capable of ordaining other females as Mambo. One key importance is that while a Houngan and Mambo can work together to summon a specific Loa (strength in numbers!), some Loa strictly prefer males or females, in which case a single or group of Mambo would be the summoners, and vice versa.
Bokor: These lions are just like Houngan and Mambo, only they specialize in "black" magic. They are sorcerers. They are usually not without bad intentions, and are normally seen as being just a tad (or way more than a tad) dark and malevolent. They enjoy the company of crueler Loa, and are not above tricking and cheating someone to get what they want, or even just for amusement. They create trinkets that are said to hold spirits--trapping the spirit from within so that the Bokor can summon it at will to do their bidding. Many of them are said to have sold their own souls to the Petro Loa for more power--considered the greatest, most favored offering to the Petro Loa, and definitely one that would earn you a lifetime of dark powers, supplied by the Petro Loa. No one knows how the soul-offering is done, and the Bokors sure as hell aren't going to tell you. Either way, they can be either mean, nice (but kind of sly--none of them are ever truly kind, no matter what), downright cruel, playful, or completely solitary. So the personality type isn't set in stone, but the obviously aren't going to be nice, smiling, and happy--they're darker, more sinister, no matter how they portray themselves on the outside. Many would suggest you watch your step around them--they tend to have silver tongues.
Caplata: Exactly the same as a Bokor, only female. The only noteworthy difference is that many Caplata use their female wiles to get others to do as they wish...
Medsen Fey: Also known as Leaf Doctors, this rank is for those who specializes in herbal remedies, healing, and health. (Detailed list of herbs and remedies further down?) There is also a huge market for love potions. Many seers take up the rank of Medsen Fey, because sometimes their visions help them to know what herbs to use in their remedies. These particular pride members have a special relationship with familiars, even monkeys and baboons, who help them to gather ingredients, and even help mix their concoctions.
Poupe: The translation of this rank means "puppet/doll". These are the lions who are considered able to be possessed by Loa and the spirits of deceased ancestors. They are average individuals for the most part who participate in hunting along with the Gathers, and also help with a multitude of miscellaneous tasks whenever needed. However, they are slightly revered in that they are the ones "chosen" by the Loa and spirits to be possessed and used as vessels. Sometimes the Poupe is given a special drink to help them connect with the spirits... (Here's the thing: Do the lions REALLY become possessed? Or do they just BELIEVE they are? Or do they just pretend, knowing it's all a lie? YOU DECIDE.)
Gatherer: These are the lions who hunt to provide food for the pride. They are also the ones who collect living sacrifices for the summoners. They can be compared to regular town citizens and are normally the bulk of the pride. They are skilled in the art of the hunt, as well as the strange art of shepherding live animals back to the pride. These individuals, being just "ordinary" lions, do not have a stereotypical attitude like Shrinekeeps and Bokors do. They come in all personalities, shapes, and sizes. This is by no means a dull, "normal" rank--Gatherers are highly skilled hunters and shepherds, possess a vast amount of knowledge about wildlife species and plants, know in and outside the pride lands like the backs of their paws, and since they gather live animals, plants, and various objects for required spiritual tasks, they are highly in-tune with the Loa. When all of the Gatherers get together and head out into the wild, it can be quite a spooky image...
Pèseptè: Maybe by now you're wondering, "How do these guys get the bones and hair from the dead? Do the Gatherers do it?" Nope. Gatherers deal in living animals, hunting for food, and collecting various items for those who need them. This rank, however, is...sort of dark, to say the least. Meaning "collector", Pèseptè are the ones who collect the bones and such from the dead. That means they go out into the land sort of scavenging for the rotting corpses of pride members who were left in their Dead Places, and they also dig deep into any Hounfor to collect what they can or what is needed, as well... No one can say how the Pèseptè feel about death and living as a result of their close proximity to disfigured corpses--that's up to the individual. Generally, though, most pride members seem a little uneasy around the Pèseptè. Their task is not often spoken of. The only ones who seem truly comfortable with them are the various priest/ess members, but even some of them may look at Pèseptè in an off-put way. But, as always, it varies with the individual. Some members have absolutely no problem with Pèseptè at all, while others may walk in the other direction when they see one coming their way. The Pèseptè, as in most ranks, come in all personalities, but their rank does have the stereotype of being the "quiet, creepy" type. In a nutshell, their rank is to provide the priestly lions (or others) with items from the dead required for various types of ceremonies.
Just like Poupe, though they do have their own special tasks to perform, they also help in anything that needs help, including hunting or anything else.
Shrinekeep: Very, very commonly female, the Shrinekeeps tend to the different Hounfor, keeping them tidy and making sure there are always a few offerings around that pertain to each particular Loa's likes. They carry their gifts to the spirits in their arm bands and place them at the Hounfor by pulling the offering out gently with their teeth, then positioning it around the Hounfor with their paw. They are seen as pure and peaceful individuals, never having fiery tempers or speaking sharp words. It is not unusual for a Shrinekeep to never take on a mate, since many of them, being so close to the spirits, choose to devote their lives to serving them.
Guard: While the entire pride helps to look out for each other, a specific rank is offered for those whose sole wish is to protect the pride territory and its members. Males and females take on this rank, though usually the female guards are a bit larger and stronger than average. However, it's not uncommon for there to be a small or thin female (or male) guard, as it is considered helpful to have very fast, agile bodies for times when quick warnings are needed. There is true camaraderie among members of this rank, and they treat each other like military brothers. In this rank, the females are considered truly equal to the males. Communication between guards is thick, not always requiring vocal messages. They train with one another physically, and also in the strange spiritual art of attempting to read one another's thoughts, which is helpful when taking down an enemy or going to investigate potential disturbances.
Little One: These are the cubs of the pride. Pretty plain and simple! When a cub reaches the juvenile age, they begin to get a good idea of where they want to go in life, and from there they are taught by the more experienced individuals of the rank they show an interest in. They take on the rank name they are pursuing at the juvenile stage, but obviously they are not a full-fledged whatever they are yet! Really, the offspring don't get a huge say in what they train in. They are encourage to decide for themselves, but in this pride, the parents (with some feedback from other pride members or elders) would decide what rank is best for their offspring (if their young couldn't decide, or picked one way off the mark), and the youth would train in that rank.
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:09 pm
.:. Religion .:. Beliefs: Their religion and way of life centers around Voodoo and the Loa (spirits). There are spirits that govern nature and its forces, and spirits that govern individual things, like a spirit that governs all trees, or all rocks (these are the children of Mawu). The pride also believes that when one dies, the dead becomes a Loa, and are able to come back to the land of the living by means of possession. There is a hierarchy within the Loa, as well. Despite them believing in the dead becoming Loa, they do believe in an afterlife--heaven and hell. Despite which place you end up, they still believe they can summon you back for a time, or that you can come back during specific festivals on your own. Mawu: While they have a bunch of individual Loa and spirits they believe in and worship (which we will get to in a bit), they do believe in a single Divine Creator. This one god is called Mawu. She is generally considered to be androgynous, but most texts refer to her in the female sense, so this pride will refer to her as a "she". According to pride legend, Mawu made absolutely everything in the world. She did, however, make certain higher-up spirits (demi-gods of sorts) who created specific things (volcanoes or rocks or trees, for example--these are the gods of SoA), but they created things because of her, because she created the higher-up spirits. So basically, Mawu is the absolute divine creator of everything. Her followers honor her, but it is understood that Mawu sort of set the world up like a spinning top. She doesn't interfere much in their daily lives, but she watches from above. Loa: "Loa" is the general term for all of the spirits. Since Mawu is distant, the Loa are sort of like go-betweens--they manage things on the earth as they please, acting as intermediaries. In this pride, it's going to be like this: Mawu ---> Higher-up Loa (the gods of SoA; while it is understood that they won't possess the living, it is known that the higher-up Loa may disguise themselves and walk among mortals) ---> Rada, Petro, Kongo, and Nago Loa ---> Ghede Loa While the term "Loa" is collective, each Loa is seen as an INDIVIDUAL. It's very similar to how Catholics see Saints. For the Loa, they all have likes and dislikes, and they each have their own unique personalities. Certain things must be done to gain their favor, and doing the wrong things for them could spell disaster. Rada Loa: These are the "cool" spirits--the "white" spirits. These are the kindest of Loa, possessing their Poupe very quietly and calmly. Many of them are older, as well. When a Mama dies, many believe she is adopted into the Rada Loa family. As the Rada Loa are the "guardians of morals and principals" and "normal affairs", many will pray at their hounfor or summon them about matters related to those. Sometimes, though, people will just pray at a Rada Loa hounfor if they're having a bad day and want to feel a little kindness. Likes: Flowers, soft-colored things, living creatures, needy emotions... Petro Loa: These are the darker Loa, possessing their Poupe violently and aggressively. They are the "red" spirits. They are more likely to attack the summoners and surrounding lions, even murdering or maiming in some cases (this is not punishable, however, as the Poupe supposedly has no control over the Petro Loa's wishes). They aren't really evil, but compared to the Rada Loa, who are cool, the Petro Loa are "hot". (OOC side note: these are the Loa who were Dr. Facilier's "friends on the other side" in The Princess and the Frog.) Likes: Being summoned at night, dark colored things, blood, dead things, many bones, hair of the dead, angry emotions, souls... Kongo Loa: These Loa are most commonly associated with water, usually possessing serpent-like traits, or are spirits of serpents. This family of Loa is large and fierce, and great care must be taken when summoning a Loa from this family, lest you accidentally call forth the most evil heads of the family of Kongo Loa...who will most certainly kill you. These Loa are usually summoned for revenge or punishment on an individual, so they are rarely summoned, as a meeting with them will usually result in death. They are not often prayed to, but there are some who prefer their company and pray to them often. Likes: Water, dlo benit, cool colored things, animals that live in water (dead or living), water plants, snake venom, fish bones, female summoners... Nago Loa: Strong, militant brutes, the Nago Loa are normally summoned for war-related reasons (for tactical guidance or strength), and are considered patrons of the Guards. The Guards pray to them the most often, but many other pride members pray to them, as well. They are strong and sometimes fatherly, offering strength to those who ask it (or who they deem worthy of it). But you better be careful...Because they will mess you the heck up if they want to, son. Likes: Claws and teeth (of any species), hair of guards (living or dead), bones of deceased militant-like lions, corpses of defeated foes, strong summoners and Poupe... Ghede Loa: This group of Loa are all the spirits of the deceased. They are the most dominant of Loa in number. They are the "black and purple" spirits. While this group of Loa consists of the spirits of ALL the dead--ALL...the dead, the ones most commonly prayed to and called upon through summoning are the spirits of the pride's deceased ancestors. Ancient heads-of-pride may be summoned forth for help in making political decisions, while average deceased family members are called upon for matters that depend solely on the summoner's personal reasons. Likes: Depends on the individual being summoned!
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:11 pm
.:. Ways - Traditions - Rules .:. .:. Rules .:.
These are the rules upheld by all pride members, and breaking any of these rules could be punishable by exile or some other form of punishment.
1. Always respect Mawu.
2. Always obey the will of the Loa.
3. Respect the spirits of the dead.
4. Fulfill your duties with gratitude.
5. Respect one another.
6. Incest is against Mawu.
7. Keep holy trinkets clean.
8. Do not kill one another.
9. Provide for your family.
10. Do not speak falsely of one another.
.:. Relics and Ways .:.
Bones: Bones are seen as sacred objects, especially those of deceased ancestors. They are believed to possess magic powers capable of curing ailments or easing the pain of wounds. They are good luck charms, wish-granters, or items that simply remind the individual carrying them of their ancestors. Being objects that the pride views in a sacred light, they are cleaned regularly and kept in the best possible condition. They don't clean them with just plain water--Medsen Fey are enlisted to make a leaf-water mixture (dlo benit; see below), and then one of the priestly lions puts a blessing on said water mixture. That mixture is used to clean any sacred trinkets the pride members have, including other things besides bones. Usually each family has a large bark-shell bowl of this special water at their den site, which they use regularly to clean with until they run out. In that case, they take a trip to request more from a Medsen Fey, and the cycle repeats itself. Sacred decorations and bones are kept clean and shiny. NO ONE wears any bloody or dirtied bones. There are no dirty, grimy pelts, or splotchy, blood-stained skulls. Everything is clean in this pride. The only thing that could potentially be seen as "dirty" is if a pride member put paint on any of their trinkets, even bones. That is allowed, and is not seen as being unclean.
"These sacred relics of our ancestors, both biological and through initiatory lineage, are highly valuable objects. Their ownership indicates respect and reverence for ancestral spirits, not affiliation with "black magic" or "evil". In fact, there is no "black magic" in Haitian Vodou or the associated magical traditons - that is a racist term imposed by outsiders. In our tradition, there is religion and there is magic. If a Mambo does magic that helps Anne get a job, and therefore prevents Anne's competitor Janet from getting that job, did the Mambo do good to Anne, or evil to Janet, or both? Magic in Haitian Vodou is best characterized as "effective" or "ineffective", not "black" or "white"."
Another thing the pride members may do is "throw the bones" to make predictions. Officially it is the priest/ess members and Medsen Fey who do this. (Any member of the pride may do this, though, no matter what rank or age, but they're really not supposed to, technically-speaking...) The exact type of prediction also has something to do with whose bones one is throwing, as well as what types of bones they are, but the exact method of throwing bones varies with the individual. Normally, one goes to a space of clear ground and asks a question, throws the bones down, and gathers the answer. Lastly, when one does this, they must always make sure to properly clean the bones after!
Dlo benit: This is the sacred water used for cleaning trinkets and mixing and cleansing herbs. Medsen Fey are the only members who are able to make this mixture (with the help of their primate "friends"), and as said above, they provide all of the pride members with this water so that everyone can keep their bones and trinkets clean. It basically looks like water with some green, torn-up leaves and such mixed in.
Dead Places: This is the term for a place where a pride member has died and was not buried, but left to be a part of the circle of life. Some family members will choose to let this happen, while others may not have had a choice.When a family member wishes their deceased kin to be buried, their place of rest is in a Hounfor (see below).
Hounfor: These are shrines. Various-sized mounds of dirt covered in grass, rocks, logs or what have you, which has been dedicated to a specific family of Loa, or as a grave-site of one who has died (they are either buried there, or the mound has been erected in their memory). These are what the Shrinekeeps look after. They intimately know every deceased member, going so far as to meet with family members for several days at a time so that they can learn what the deceased member liked. Since Hounfor are also erected as shrines for specific Loa, they are visited often by every pride member depending on which family of Loa the pride member wishes to pray to. The Loa Hounfor are also what the priest/ess members visit with a Poupe in order to summon it. Offerings are given both to deceased ancestors and to Loa. If a specific Petro Loa, let's say, likes the blood of baby hares and the bones of a female ancestor, these items would be offered at the base of the shrine before a summoning ritual, or just as an offering to have the Loa hear the individual's prayer and hopefully answer it. Ordinary pride members must be careful in doing this, however, for if the wrong items are offered, or are offered in the wrong manner, it could spell DISASTER. It is always wise to confront a nearby Shrinekeep or priest/ess to get an idea of what to offer and how, first.
Punishment: As noted above, when someone breaks a rule, depending on the offense, they may either be punished or exiled. For punishment, there are a number of ways to make the offender pay, either by public humiliation (making them do something stupid, wear something stupid, say something embarassing, etc. This is a light punishment that can be pretty humorous), forcing them to repent in front of a Loa Hounfor for a period of time (the time can vary from a few hours to a few days), having the pride ostracize the individual for a period of time (a few hours to a few days), or, in worst cases, physical punishment (the level of punishment will vary based on the offense).
Exile: There is no such thing as the death penalty in this pride, as they feel only Mawu and the Loa have a right to claim another's life. So when a pride member does something truly against the ways and rules of the pride, and this offense is too extreme for any other punishment, the individual will be exiled. Generally the sentence of exile is determined by majority vote, since there is no leader in the pride. Once an individual has been voted to be exiled, the Mama steps forward and declares it to be so, and that individual must immediately leave the pride. They are never allowed to return, no matter what.
Joining: For the most part, the pride is wary of outsiders. They are a secretive, secluded pride, set in their ways and beliefs--they grew up together and with the Loa, while any outsiders did not. The Guards would be the ones to meet with the outsider first, and if the outsider expressed a wish to learn about the pride and join, the Guards would firstly use their own judgment to decide whether the outsider was more or less okay to go in (they wouldn't let in an outright nutjob, for example), and then a group of Guards would escort the individual into the pride, where they would consult the Mama and the rest of the pride. It would be kind of like a town meeting or something--kind of like if you wanted to take up a residence in a private village, everyone would have to decide if you could stay or not.
Ranks and Teaching: As noted in the ranks section, when cubs reach juvenile age, they usually decide what they want to do and are then taught in that specific rank. An example of the teaching process is this: let's say several juveniles decide they are interested in becoming Medsen Fey. Once they decide that, they notify their parents and the family meets with the Mama, who will more than likely approve of their choice. Then, every day, the juveniles as a group will meet with several experienced Medsen Fey in an area of their teachers' choosing. They may go different places depending on what they are being taught on any given day (perhaps one area contains one type of herb, another contains something else, etc.), but regardless of where they go, they are all taught as a group, with some one-on-one time thrown into the mix. This happens for every juvenile, regardless of what rank they choose--they pick their rank and are then taught collectively by older, more experienced members of that rank who are capable of teaching the next generation. To add to this, there's also the subject of newcomers--older felines who are newly joining the pride and must now choose a rank to dedicate themselves to. In cases such as these, they usually don't join the "classroom" of the juveniles, but are taught separately at later times by the various teachers of their rank. It is not unheard of for an older feline to be seen among the juvenile group, however, if the teachers have somehow deemed it necessary for that individual to sit with them. So, the youth (or older SoA) is taught in this way until adolescence or adulthood when they "graduate" and are declared full-fledged members of their rank. However, once they pick their rank as a juvenile, they are declared whatever they choose from that age onward--they're just not considered a full-fledged and capable member of their rank until they "graduate".
Marriage: This pride holds mostly monogamous beliefs, but there are cases (usually not smiled upon) of a male being with more than one female. If a male has cubs by another female other than his life mate, he is expected to help provide for her and the cubs, as well as his mate and their cubs (the exception to this is if a male flings with a female outside of the pride--which is not smiled upon, either, but hey, who's tattling?). As far as marriage ceremonies go, usually only the older, more experienced members of the pride who take on mates later in life will have the more elaborate ceremonies involving lots of celebration, good food, singing, etc. For the less-experienced members, especially adolescents (so yes, adolescent breeding is allowed), there is not normally a big celebration. Once it is announced that the female is going to have cubs, the male and female are considered paired for life, and their marriage is official. As far as courtship goes, it varies on the individual. Sometimes the male will try to impress the female, while in other cases it is the female who tries to impress the male. Gifts of trinkets are offered to show affection, while others try to impress the one they like with their born talents--hunting, spiritual knowledge, physical prowess, loyalty to their duty, and so on. As always, everything depends on the individuals. Usually, it's pretty normal and the two just...fall in love.
Flings: Marriage is highly preferred over flings, but in troubled times when member count is low or a female is finding it exceedingly difficult to find a mate (males are not allowed to have flings due to the fact that the mother would be a non-member and it takes some time to wean cubs--it wouldn't be right for the male to take them back to the pride), the female may meet with the Mama and discuss her feelings on the matter. If the Mama approves, the female is free to leave the pride's lands for a short time and return, pregnant with a rogue male's cubs. (Permission is required before you fling your lioness.)
Greeting: Greetings are extremely important to this pride. When you visit another's den site, it is considered very rude not to announce your entry or leave, and even more rude not to accept any hospitality offerings from the one you are visiting (perhaps they offer you food, so it would be rude not to at least take one bite). As for everyday greetings, males will lightly bump foreheads, and females will tap cheeks--just one cheek, not both. When males and females greet, there is no physical contact, but the two will nod their heads to one another. Family members may greet one another differently, however, as would mates. All members follow this etiquette, even if they despise the individual they are greeting or visiting.
Taboos: While the pride upholds equality and respect, there are obviously some taboos. There is no culture in the world that doesn't have at least one taboo. For this pride, taboos include laughing at a funeral, adolescents loving someone quite a bit older than themselves (and vice versa), cub-napping, and homosexuality. While homosexual individuals are not treated differently and are loved and respected like any other pride member, they are expected to take on a mate of the opposite sex in order to bear cubs. If they refuse to do so, they are to stay single, usually devoting their lives to the Loa.
Animals: Very common animal sightings are giraffes, elephants, buffalo, elands, gazelles, impala, warthogs, wildebeest, and zebra.
Prey: There is nothing this pride won't eat (well, except other regular SoA species). Basically, whatever they can catch, they will catch. And that's lunch. Most South African hooved animals are the most commonly hunted. Basically, if it exists in South Africa, the Gatherers may target it as a meal. The Gatherers will hunt all of the animals listed in the above "animals" description depending on how many are in their hunting group, with the exception being elephants. They will, however, target elephant calves if the chance of success seems good.
Familiars: This pride isn't too big on familiars, BUT there are some that they are very commonly be seen with. Snakes (because of the Kongo Loa), various types of primates like mandrills or baboons (Medsen Fey are seen with them the most, as they help them greatly with their tasks--if they can befriend them, or entice them to help now and then), vultures (excellent for scavenging for carcasses and bones--Pèseptè love these), and some various types of birds (if one finds something useful it can do). Other than that, not really any other familiars are seen (or allowed) in this pride. (If your SoA is bonded to a familiar not listed and you wish to join without parting them, let me know and I'll see about making an exception or not.)
Zombis: As far as the Pepo'Porojo is concerned, Zombis are a myth and a scary bedtime story used to frighten children. Supposedly, dark, evil Bokor or Caplata--those who are the closest and least afraid of the Petro Loa--know a way to mute the spirit of an individual and turn that individual into their personal mindless slave. No one has ever been found capable of doing this, so as far as anyone knows, it is not possible--as far as they know...
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:12 pm
.:. Festivals - Ceremonies - Summoning .:. Dead Day: Similar to the Day of the Dead, this is the day that the dead can supposedly walk amongst the living without being summoned. During this day, deceased ancestors' spirits possess Poupe (usually relatives) quite spontaneously. They walk around the pride as normal and are truly believed to be the deceased possessing the living. Great feasts are held for this occasion, with all the pride wanting to feed their ancestors heartily before they depart once more. For those deceased ancestors who did not possess any of the current living, food is offered at their Hounfor, or in large heaps in random areas in the pride for ancestors to feed on as they wish. For those dead who possess their choice of Poupe, they eat at their leisure and enjoy the great company and gifts from others (the Poupe live the sweet life on this day, bby).
For all the families, if their ancestors did or didn't visit, all members will visit their Hounfor or Dead Places. Once there, they will place the dead's favorite food or trinkets (whatever the individual liked in their lifetime) in a ceremonial sort of feast for the dead. After this has been done, the families will call upon them in prayer and request things like health, safety and the like, with a promise to keep serving the immortal spirits of the dead.
Funerals: While this isn't a festival, it is a type of ceremony that everyone has to go through at some point in life. As stated previously, when one dies, they are either left at their Dead Place or buried in new Hounfor. Depending on the family member's wishes, only family members or priest/ess members may attend the funeral, or it is open to the entire pride, in which case anyone may come and pay their respects. The priest/ess selected to bless the new Hounfor will say some words about the newly-deceased, then others may come forward and place their offerings on the Hounfor, as well as say their own words about the individual. The process of how the funeral goes exactly varies depending on the family.
Sacrificial Ceremony: While no lion (or any other regular SoA species) is ever killed for a ceremony, in some cases a priest/ess may kill a species of preybeast or small animal if they think it's what a certain Loa wants. In fact, some Loa will only "come out" if a specific animal is slaughtered for them. This pride are not murders, however, as said above--they just sacrifice small animals at times if that's what they believe the Loa wants. The Gatherers will herd the animal of choice towards a clearing of black earth, free of grass and obstructions. Once at the center, one or more priest/ess lions will come forward and cleanly kill the animal, leaving it as unmarred as possible. Once the animal is dead, the priest/ess will say a quiet word of thanks to the creature, the spirits, and to Mawu, and will bless the deceased animal. At that point they may use either the whole carcass, parts of it, bones, hair, or whatever, to place on a Loa's Hounfor.
Summoning: (THIS IS STILL BEING WORKED WITH A TON.) Loa can be summoned by the Houngan, Mambo, Bokor, or Caplata, individually or collectively. A ritual is performed to summon a specific Loa, and once the group knows for certain the Loa is the one they have called upon, the specific actions and offerings preferred by that Loa are performed and given. Depending on the Loa they wish to call upon, the priest/ess will select the Poupe they believe is most suitable or most favored by that specific Loa. That Poupe is called forth and then stands in the center of the group of summoners, with the summoners encircling them (however many or few there may be--if it's just one, the Poupe simply stands in front of that individual). All of them encircle the Loa's Hounfor. The lions give the offerings that specific Loa may like, such as a specific type of meat, bones, a yellow flower, a beaded necklace--whatever they are said to like--and once it has been offered before the Poupe at the base of the Hounfor, the summoner(s) begin praying, calling upon the Loa. Depending on the Loa, this ritual may be very tranquil, or it may be very violent, with the Poupe convulsing, falling to the ground, or even attacking (or in worst-case scenarios, killing) the summoners or surrounding pride members. It depends on the Loa.
Medsen Fey play a small role in the summoning process, as they are the ones who provide certain special drinks that their familiar friends helped them to concoct. These drinks are said to help the individuals connect with the spirits, but not all choose to take these drinks. Many Poupe choose to drink them, as many of them get scared during the entire process. These drinks help the summoning individuals to "see" the Loa (sometimes it can get pretty trippy and colorful...), and get a better connection with the Other Side.
Kase fey: This is the ceremony of the collection and breaking of the leaves. At certain bountiful times during the year, instead of individually going out to collect things for their trade, the Medsen Fey will move out in a group to collect many, many herbs together. They would most certainly bring some baboons or something along with them. Sometimes they will ask a priestly lion to summon one of the herb and medicine-related Loa via a Poupe, and that Poupe would accompany them until the group returns home. It's a pretty happy ceremony that tends to involve a lot of teaching, even though that's not the point of the ceremony. When everyone returns home, they bless the herbs with sacred water, and each Medsen Fey returns to their dwelling place with a share of what has been collected. The Loa in the Poupe is withdrawn and the Poupe returns home, the baboons depart, and all of the Medsen Fey leave with a head full of new memories and maybe something new they learned.
Kuhitimu: This is graduation day. On this day, there is a celebration for all of the pride members who have successfully gone through the education and training process and have been declared full-fledged practitioners of their rank. Much food is gathered, and there is singing, story-telling, and games. Those graduating are treated as the guests of honor and decorated in jewelry and flowers. It is an all-day celebration.
Potions & Poisons: The Medsen Fey are the ones in charge of healing, remedies, love potions, other types of potions, spiritual drinks for priest/esses, making creepy things that Bokors and Caplata request, and poisons. Their poisons (made with the help of their mandrill and baboon "friends"), can make certain things happen to you--get sick, vomit, fever, hallucinate, etc...while there would be scientific reasons for the side effects, the pride has other beliefs about them. One poison might be believed to make snakes grow inside you, making you swell and suffer and writhe like a snake, when really you're just having an allergic reaction to the ingredients in the poison. Love potions are highly requested, especially amongst adolescent females, and while they are said to work (for a time), they're really only making the male light-headed and dazed, often making him more open to agreeing with whatever he hears.
List of remedies, potions and poisons is in the works.
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:13 pm
.:. Current Events .:. It's been some time since the late Mama passed away, but Simbi is still settling into her new responsibilities as the new Mama. More recently, with the younger generation growing up, the pride has begun to tentatively accept non-lion felines into the pride. Still, because of the pride's secretive nature, they are a bit wary of newcomers, although they are welcomed. The Loa have been peaceful, and bonds among pride members are strong. All is well...for now.
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:14 pm
.:. Member List .:. Temporarily moved here.
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:15 pm
.:. Joining the Pride .:. This pride is very old and has been around for many generations. They used to be extremely racist and the pride was only made up of lions, but lately, with the most recent younger generation growing up, they've begun to adopt a different sort of mentality towards other felines. Other feline species are allowed in, but not as openly as lions are. The pride is still mostly lion-centric, but they won't turn a cheetah away at first glance. In the pride now, the older generation are a bit more up-tight about other feline species, whereas the younger generation seems more open to them. Still, no matter what age, some lions in the pride are more racist than others (that's up to you!). While other feline species are allowed in, there is still a bit of a shaky atmosphere about things, as it is a newer concept--something going against the generations-long tradition of a lion-only pride.
That being said, no other species besides lions can be joined as born-in pride members. All non-lions must be newer members. Time-wise, any newer-member non-lion who isn't completely new to the pride
could only have been an adolescent at the youngest when they first joined.
Species allowed in: LIONS, cheetahs, leopards, hybrids, familiars (with a bonded only) Any other species are not permitted to join. Sorry!
Custom concepts are absolutely allowed for both newer and older members. Whichever one you'd like to custom for--new or old--just fill out the appropriate form as if you already owned the SoA, and include a picture link of their concept in the image place. (If you don't have a picture of their concept, you can put a description of their concept there instead. x3)
If you have any questions about joining, feel free to post them. <3[size=9][b].:. OLD MEMBER .:.[/b]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]Owner's Name:[/b]
[b]Picture:[/b] (Link, please!)
[b]Rank:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Name of Parents:[/b] (Father) x (Mother) <-- ((You can put names of parents if they have passed away (like if they don't exist ICly) OR if they will be achieved via customs! Or just put question marks. Either way, it is assumed that this SoA was born in the pride.))
[b]What's their story?:[/b] (Doesn't have to be long--just a little summary of their life in the pride, whatever you want to include.) [/size] [size=9][b].:. NEWER MEMBER .:.[/b]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]Owner's Name:[/b]
[b]Picture:[/b] (Link, please!)
[b]Rank:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Name of Parents:[/b] (Father) x (Mother) ((<-- Or question marks--whatever's on your SoA's cert.))
[b]Why is this SoA joining the pride/how long have they been in the pride?:[/b] ("Newer members" doesn't have to mean just-off-the-boat new--these SoA could have joined a while back; they just weren't born-in. However long ago they joined is up to you. It really depends on how much of a history they have.)[/size]
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:17 pm
[size=9]
[b]Pack/Pride Name:[/b] Pepo'porojo
[b]Current IC Owner(s):[/b] [Eskimo]
[b]Current OOC Owner(s):[/b] [Eskimo]
[b]Default ranks:[/b] Gatherer
[b]Current Pride/Pack Members, and Rankings of Each:[/b]
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/Minishops/SoA/simbiadultcert.png]Simbi[/url] ([Eskimo]) - Mama
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/SoA/Growings Rogue Lions/Uovuadultuncert.png]Uovu[/url] ([Eskimo]) - Poupe
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/Minishops/SoA/ithambocert.png]Ithambo[/url] ([Eskimo]) - Bokor
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/reeshiehack/GaiaJournals/SoA/Certs/jeanluc.png]Jean'luc[/url] (Reeshie Hack) - Houngan
[url=http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j391/Tanakako/soa/xuncert/tana2.png]Kivuli Cha'mifupa[/url] (Tanakako) - Mambo
[url=http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h288/Scarsareforever/SoA/Uncerts/septmmc27-1.png]Umbra'de'noapte[/url] (Velveteen Angel) - Caplata
[url=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r264/ERkaisanti/BC-Pets/SoA/xxCerts/Meodencert.png]Mèo Đen[/url] (Tanakako) - Guard
[url=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r264/ERkaisanti/BC-Pets/SoA/xxCerts/siyahkediadultcert.png]Siyah Kedi[/url] (Tanakako) - Guard
[url=http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr346/nessiaing/Certs/PyasCert.png]Pya[/url] (nessiaing) - Pèseptè
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/SoA/Growings Rogue Lions/Safiadultuncert.png]Safi[/url] ([Eskimo]) - Shrinekeep
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v21/Colche/soas/big/njaasuguadultjpg.jpg]Njaa'sugu[/url] (Syrius Lionwing) - Houngan
[url=http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv156/Zzpie88/SOA/hippogriff.png]Pavla[/url] (Znaruto) - Medsen Fey
[url=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z263/artistic_twink/Shadows of Africa/HukonjooleAdult.jpg]Hukonjoole'tari[/url] (Adona Benedicta) - Poupe
[url=http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff501/cremedelakitty/Misc stuff/msanifu.png]Msanifu[/url] (Creme de la Kitty) - Poupe
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/skandranon2148/Breedables/Coryth-1.png]Coryth[/url] (Jikde Bonyac) - Pèseptè
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/SoA/Event SoA/Oldman.png]Dènye Fèt[/url] (Adona Benedicta) - Houngan
[url=http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/MoonRazor/Medsenfeyitems.png]Eran[/url] (MoonRazor) - Medsen Fey
[url=http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa418/pinchmonster/Lions/Wiseshrinekeepitems.png]Mahalia[/url] (pinchmonster) - Shrinekeep
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Dragonchaser/Sikitiko.png]Sikitiko[/url] (Larisha Dragonchaser) - Caplata
[url=http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/j_i_h_i/firyali-haoniyaouncert.png]Firyali[/url] (Mriae) - Medsen Fey
[url=http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/uu184/Quiftan/Runihuracert.png?t=1293744258]Runihura[/url] (Quiftan) - Shrinekeep
[url=http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n9/elsbethfelishade/TheflirtyPoupe.png]Fon Youn[/url] (Princess_Feylin) - Poupe
[url=http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i181/animestaind/BC Pets/GhislainAdolUncert-1.png]Ghislaine[/url] (YourxStarlessxEyes) - Shrinekeep
[url=http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae115/Day_Dreamer427/SoA/Guard1.png]Kimya'dhoruba[/url] (Day Dreamer427) - Guard
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/SoA/Event SoA/BrotherGatherer.png]Samedi[/url] (Zephira738) - Pèseptè
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/SoA/Event SoA/Gatherer2.png]Ayida[/url] (ChezaRain) - Gatherer
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/SoA/Event SoA/Gatherer3.png]L’envoi[/url] (magnadearel) - Gatherer
[url=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r264/ERkaisanti/BC-Pets/SoA/xxUncerts/Gatherer1.png]Sanuye[/url] (Tanakako) - Gatherer
[url=http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/sarge2005/SOA/sfr.png]Kialio[/url] (Sergeant Sargent) - Poupe
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/SoA/Event SoA/vc2.png]Rajnish'Imamu[/url] (Doodle p***s) - Bokor
[url=http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx338/Mtorolite/Lites SOA/Ukukwi.png]Upholi[/url] (Mtorolite) - Gatherer
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/SoA/Gifts/Lazarusadoluncert1.png]Lazarus[/url] (Thalion) - Pèseptè
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/SoA/Growings Rogue Lions/Betsabejuveuncert.png]Betsabé[/url] ([Eskimo]) - Little One
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v242/monkeylovefirework/Pets/SoA/Africa/Guard3-1.png]Rada[/url] (Moonlit Monkey) - Guard
[url=http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af344/LithiaBrandon/Customs/march2.png]Bambara[/url] (Fea Line) - Caplata
[url=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/Dulciespets/DulceaSoA/davke.png]Davke[/url] (Dulcea) - Medsen Fey
[url=http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff422/zeroandbelow/SoA/march3.png]Fushide[/url] (Zero and below) - Caplata
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/jollyhotty/10-1.png]Busu[/url] (ChezaRain) - Little One
[b]Links to at least five [i]current[/i] RPs:[/b] [url=http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=21695717]1[/url] [url=http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=21701075]2[/url] [url=http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=21753459]3[/url] [url=http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=21754181]4[/url] [url=]5[/url]
[b]Brief Description of your Pride/Pack: [/b] The Pepo'porojo is an ancient feline-centric pride whose way of life centers around their religion--Voodoo. They believe in a goddess named Mawu, the creator of all things, and in the spirits, who they call "Loa". The pride's way is a relatively simple one (albeit somewhat complicated in its spirituality and traditions), with every member working together to help run the pride and provide for their fellow pride members.
[b]Cert Background Large Image:[/b] [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/Minishops/SoA/Temporary/VoodooBG.png]xXx[/url]
[b]Pride Symbol for Cert:[/b] [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/XTRIBE/Minishops/SoA/Temporary/aimimg_4.png]xXx[/url]
[b]Where is this pride located on the SoA map?[/b] N/A--I would say off-map, I have no idea.
[b]Any Extra Information:[/b] [url=http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=20155371]Here`s the interest thread.[/url]
[b]Pride/Pack History:[/b] The Pepo'Porojo stretches back many, many generations. It is a very old pride set in its ways and traditions. The pride itself does not know who the first believers were or who the founders of the pride were, but they follow their ancient traditions and faithfully maintain their pride. Their way of life centers around their religion--Voodoo--and the Loa (spirits). They are the children of Mawu, the goddess and creator of all. As the circle of life moves, those who die become Loa, and those who are born bring new joy to the pride and to Mawu. They teach the younger ones their ways and work together to keep the pride going strong. This has always been the pride's history, just as it is their present and future.
[/size]
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:18 pm
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Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:19 pm
Concept Sketches
(Anyone who has any ideas can feel free to sketch something!
I'll consider any outside ideas anyone has, and the sketch
may be included in this post if it seems like it could work. x3)
 
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Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 1:09 pm
Open, lol.
One thing I REALLY, REALLY WANT is for absolutely ANYONE to offer suggestions or tweaks, point out if something seems like it couldn't work, or anything like that.
I'll definitely make sure to mention who helped with what in the future if this pride gets enough interest to be official. XD
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![[Eskimo]'s avatar](https://a1cdn.gaiaonline.com/dress-up/avatar/ava/ea/2c/53920899312cea_flip.png?t=1541710050_6.00_00)
