[I/T] The Bloodletters

[King Flame Pants]

 

[King Flame Pants]

Some Gods are not content to live alongside mortals as equals. They want — and deserve — to be worshiped. To appease their ego is not without its rewards, as the congregation of a God whose name and domain has been lost to time knew well. They were fed, protected, and when necessary, avenged.

The antics of a rambunctious Uuni, the Goddess of Blood Magic, led to the untimely demise of a favored disciple. Fearing the wrath of the God she had wronged, Uuni offered to teach his devotees her magic as penance. Her offer was accepted, and for a time, the God's people reveled in their new powers.

A rift began to form between those loyal to the God and those captivated by the powers Uuni granted. As time passed, it became easier and easier to sway members into favoring their new Goddess. With only the blood of their enemies and a ritual they were temporarily granted enhanced strength, speed, stamina; they could jump higher, think clearer. The possibilities seemed endless and, according to word-of-mouth, they were.

No single disciple is responsible for the rumors that far exaggerated what the Goddess was capable of. By time the next generation had grown, it was believed by most she could grant immortality, perhaps even ascend mortals into the ranks of the Gods. They harvested blood from their enemies or unfortunate captives in mass quantities to no avail. Then, a revelation: Such a powerful magic would require powerful blood. A God's blood.

In secret, over half the disciples schemed to murder their once beloved deity. Those who opposed agreed out of fear for their own life or were killed. According to legend, at least one follower did warn the God, but his demise was imminent and the numbers against him too great.

The survivors gathered to offer the blood of their divine sacrifice until, suddenly, some began to fall. The life drained from their eyes in what seemed like an instant. The losses were carefully studied and a conclusion was reached: Rituals could not be performed with the blood of a loved one, lest the living suffer, even die for their traitorous crime. Those they had lost were still far too loyal to the God.

Anyone who still posed a threat to the new order was quickly culled from their numbers. Practically overnight, they had changed everything.




Much to the surprise of new members and captives, the cult is led not by a burly predator, but a ratel. Known as "the Bloodletter," he is joined by a council of three, presently consisting of a leopard, a wild dog, and a cheetah.

The Bloodletter grows old, but his mind is sharp as ever. Tempted by a thing of legend, he believes immortality can yet be gained. By garnering more followers for the Goddess, as well as more captives to offer, his ritual can be successful. This scheme has been kept under wraps, told to only his reflection and his utmost loyal pair of guards.

However, he is not as immune to suspicion as he thinks. The Lead Infiltrator, Kalenorava, has started to stick her nose into things. She's got her own secrets, including the best spies among them.

For all their dark and dreary, the cult is not entirely doom and gloom. Generally speaking, they can be viewed as progressive due to all genders, species, and colors standing on equal ground. There are squabbles over favoritism, complaints about their limited diet and, believe it or not, a deeply held loyalty shared amongst most members. It's by no means uncommon to find them laughing and joking. Being normal.  

[King Flame Pants]

• genders
Males and females are of equal standing within the Bloodletters. While certain members may believe one more capable than the other, there is nothing barring either gender from working toward whatever rank they'd like.

• species
The cult is progressive in terms of species. It is purely by chance that the current high ranks consist of no lions, however. Any animal not considered prey (with birds being a case-by-case basis) are permitted to join and progress through their ranks.

• color / markings
Anyone, be they bright pink or pitch black, are welcome to join. There is no stigma against certain colors or markings.

• religion
If it weren't obvious by now, the cult primarily worships Uuni, Goddess of Blood Magic. They do acknowledge the existence of Mkodi and her other Gods, having made contact with Mwokoti, Goddess of the Lost, and potentially others.

• seers
Seers have importance within the cult. Refer to the ranks post for more information.

• names
Names of those born within the cult are typically your standard Swahili. The name Uuni is forbidden, but otherwise, they are required to follow no particular theme. Members joining as adults are not told to change their name and it would be out of the ordinary for them to do so.

• marriage and mating
The cult does not recognize any particular marriage rituals. Lifemates are by no means required. Overall, it's mostly a mind-your-own business matter when the coupling is within the cult. Those who are mates with outsiders are handled on a case-by-case basis.

• breeding / cubs
Cubs are a rare sight within the cult, but they are permitted. They cannot practice magic, cannot leave, and must be accompanied by an adult of second tier rank or higher at all times. Most cubs in the pride are born there, but they are known to cubnap when opportunity presents itself. To date no one has been stupid enough to steal from a watchful pride; their targets consist mainly of rogue mothers and abandoned litters (in which case it isn't quite cubnapping).

Pregnant females ranked third tier must stay in the pride at all times, so the same rule applies to their kin. Second tier and higher may opt to have their litter outside the cult, but it is forbidden to have them visit or to breathe a word about it to them.

The cult takes keeping an eye on the cub population very seriously. Youngsters often have minimal self-restraint and biiiig mouths that could threaten the welfare of everyone if they blab to someone important.

(OOCly, plots in which parents tell their outside offspring of the cult, whether they tattle or not, are not banned. Still, players are expected to have their characters act realistically, accept any IC consequences including potential death, and run the plot by at least one pride owner prior to starting.

On cubnapping: It should go without saying that cubnapping should be handled respectfully OOC. If a pride does not permit it, don't do it. Period. Even if the parents' owners give you the okay.)

• slang
For the time being, most slang can be found in the ranks post. We are very, very open to suggestions.





• mentoring
(For more information on rank tiers, see the rank post.)

New members are not given much time to choose which rank they'd like to hold. A week, give or take a day, is the average they're allowed. The sooner the better. Once their rank is determined, new members (or adolescents born into the pride) are given a mentor. Mentors can be first or second tier, but only second tier is able to choose which newbies they accept as their personal students.

If no second tier steps up to claim a mentorless student, they are automatically assigned to the first tier of that rank.

The exact process varies depending on which field a member is specializing in, with infiltrators having the most noteworthy difference. The infiltrator ranks have no third tier and so potential members must be handpicked by the Lead Infiltrator, trained, and will automatically become second tier when they pass.





• bonding ritual

A new member, even before determining their rank, must shed blood into a hollowed skull of what appears to be a lion. No one knows for certain. Cubs born into the pride are bled as soon as they speak their first word.

The skull is said to bind the blood and soul of all members. Should the Bloodletter be killed, anyone who has placed their blood in the skull will perish as well. The skull is carefully guarded at all times.

Some gossip it if the Bloodletter dies at all, even from old age, the cult would suffer this fate; however, official word says that the Bloodletter is able to transfer his power and rank through a secret ritual to be performed when he shows sign of illness or oncoming death, thus ensuring the welfare of the cult. There is still the risk of unexpected death looming over them, but fear-mongering is discouraged.

In reality, the Bloodletter's death, be it by natural causes or murder, would bring no harm to anyone. There is absolutely no way to confirm this aside from him dying. An outsider is far more likely to question its legitimacy than someone born within the cult. Either way, a member risks his life if he's too vocal about his doubts. To call the skull is a fraud is the equivalent of insulting the Bloodletter, if not the Goddess herself.

• the initiation ritual

It's reasonable to say a member is not fully accepted (or safe) until completing the initiation ritual. Uuni's magic requires the blood of oneself, their enemies, or a stranger. To shed the blood of a friend, comrade, or loved one will cause the user to be sapped of their life force depending on how much is spilled.

In proving loyalty to your mentor, you are considered to have proven your loyalty to the entire cult. Feelings need not be affectionate in nature, even friendly respect will do.

A new member (or born member upon reaching adulthood) must cut the flesh of their mentor(s) and perform a ritual. If their condition remains unchanged, they are disloyal to their kin and need to be disposed of immediately.

This can be RPed if desired, but can also be assumed to have happened IC with OOC notice. Recovery time varies depending on how attached to their mentor the individual is, but they will never be at risk of death as the ritual is monitored and there is not enough blood shed to warrant anything beyond exhaustion.

• blood rituals

If a ritual is referred to as a blood ritual, it can be assumed to be part of the most common, standard practice of the cult. This ritual summons the Goddess of Blood Magic and utilizes the following power:

Any blood-magic ritual or incantation can be sensed by Uuni. Depending on the amount of blood spilled, Uuni can grant skill, intelligence, strength, etc. The spell will last for 24 hours regardless, but the amount of blood used will strengthen the effectiveness of the granted boost. Blood from oneself is the most powerful, blood from enemies slightly less so, and of those with no connection less powerful still. However, if the blood of close loved ones are spilled, the power will have a negative effect and sap the user instead.

Due to the broad potential of these rituals, they will be handled case-by-case.  

[King Flame Pants]

The cult consists of several ranks, some of which are standalone and others which consist of up to three tiers (with three being the lowest). Second tier and higher are the only ranks permitted to leave the area.

All ranks are expected to guard, help with the food source, and do other trivial duties. In theory, this is how it works, but things are not so simple.


• bloodletter
New members are prone to mistakenly referring to a single cult member as a "bloodletter." This usage is incorrect. The Bloodletter is essentially the cult's king, president, what have you. They are equal in power to all three of the council members combined, but it's extremely rare to have a Bloodletter who frequently ignores their advice, likely due to the fact a new Bloodletter is chosen by the council creating a list of potential candidates from which the current Bloodletter may choose. This meeting is done in secrecy and the results are known only to those present.

The Bloodletter has your typical perks, including access to everything going on within the cult (or so he's told) and first choice of living quarters when they're elected.





The scholar ranks are considered the most intelligent and knowledgeable within the cult. Often debates concerning history can only be settled by a scholar, as they are well-versed in it. The study of rituals are another responsibility that falls mainly on their shoulders. They are usually the first to test out new theories, for better or worse. The first High Scholar was responsible for connecting the loss of half of the original cult to their affection for the murdered God.

Unlike those of the Vigilante and Infiltrator ranks, Scholars have no base of operations. They are forced to gather in the open, usually the bushbuck pastures. Because of this, they often gripe amongst themselves about being unappreciated.

• high scholar
High Scholar is the highest tier within the scholar ranks. There is only one at a time and they hold a spot on the council. Most of their day is spent handling important issues and mentoring the lesser scholars, though they may choose to help oversee the bushbuck herds, take on hunting or guard duties, and so on.

A High Scholar is selected by the one before them. They may or may not be related.

• scholar
Scholar is the second tier title within the scholar ranks. They are appointed by the High Scholar after they pass their initiation ritual and prove themselves competent and dedicated. Scholars are responsible for tending to the bushbuck herds, studying history, and testing new rituals.

• pupil
Pupil is the third / lowest tier for the scholar ranks. Those yet to prove themselves (meaning adolescents and new members) may become a pupil by default. Pupils can be either lions wishing to join the scholar ranks or the infiltrator ranks, as the latter has no third tier of their own. Pupils are mentored in the duties of the scholars by their higher ranking peers.





The Vigilante ranks are a combination of soldiers and guards. While all members of the cult are assigned guard duty (especially considering so much needs guarding), vigilante ranks are the ones found at these posts most often. Their numbers typically consist of the strong and the bold. Many of them look down upon those of from the Infiltrator ranks as they are notorious for failing to show for guard duty and forcing the Vigilantes to fill in.

• first vigilante
The First Vigilante leads these brave souls and holds a spot on the council. He mentors and trains lesser ranks, brings any security concerns to the Bloodletter, and is often the executioner when needed.

The First Vigilante will often select up to three candidates (in a specific order) to take his title should he die.

• vigilante
Vigilantes are promoted by the High Vigilante after they have completed their initiation ritual and proved themselves worthy. They mentor guards, train for battle, and stand watch more often than anyone else.

• guard
Guard is the third / lowest tier in the vigilante ranks. Guards can be members wishing to join the vigilante ranks or the infiltrator ranks, as the latter has no third tier of their own. A guard aspiring to be an infiltrator (at least publicly) is extremely rare. They will undoubtedly face criticism given the tension between them. Guards are mentored by higher ranks and assigned duties through them.





The Infiltrator ranks are officially said to be recruiters first and foremost. They have only two tiers and many claim two faces as well. All things considered, it's hard to stand out as creepy, but those counted among the infiltrator ranks somehow manage it. While they have proven themselves through the same initiation ritual as anyone else, many continue to regard them as untrustworthy and unreliable due to their secrecy and their reputation for neglecting hunting and guarding duties.

• lead infiltrator
The Lead Infiltrator is responsible for choosing candidates from the low tiers of other ranks to become Infiltrators. They also handle recruitment matters, including keeping an eye on potential trouble-makers. They are the third member of the council.

Officially, the Lead Infiltrator chooses her "heir" among the Infiltrators. In truth, they must first obtain the rank of Spy.

• infiltrator
As they have no third tier among them, Infiltrators are freed from the responsibility of mentoring. Given they also neglect their assigned hunting and guarding duties, many are left wondering if they actually work at all. Infiltrators spend at least half their time outside the cult, searching for both potential sacrifices and new members.

• spy
Spies are secret, extra rank appointed by the Lead Infiltrator. Not even the Bloodletter knows of their existence, and other Infiltrators are just as clueless prior to being promoted. To become a spy, a member must prove themselves very trustworthy, yet only to the right people. Obtaining this rank is by no means easy, but they are the only true candidates for the Lead Infiltrator promotion.





• prophet
All prophets are seers, but not all seers are prophets. Glory awaits those whose visions help better the lives of the group. There is usually no punishment issued to those whose visions bring bad tidings, but they may be criticized or bullied for it. Choose your words wisely.

• captives / prisoners of war
Captives are lions (or other species) usually taken from the rogue lands. Prisoners of War are lions kidnapped from the battlefield or the lands of an enemy pride or group. They are distinct from each other due to enemy blood having stronger abilities than that of a stranger.

On rare occasions, a captive is saved from their fate by a high-ranking member. These lucky (?) individuals have a number of nicknames, ranging from "favorite captives" to "slaves."

• devout

New members are expected to take no longer than a week to choose their new rank. Until that they time, they are sometimes given the rank Devout, also known as Underlings (the more insulting alternative).  

[King Flame Pants]

[image pending]

OOC Note: Because of the number of prides forming and disbanding, as well as the lack of a detailed pride location map, we can't be sure if our chosen location is already claimed. While we assume the area is large enough anyway (especially given the liberties taken with geography in general), if we are toe-stepping, please let us know. We don't know the whereabouts of every pride. Any crowding is not intentional.


The cult can be found in a jungle to the south of the Serengeti Plains.

Currently, the only entry point faces to the north. A pit of quicksand separates the cult from the rest of the jungle. It is muddy and dark, so those unfamiliar with the territory can easily step in and find themselves trapped. Someone with a keen eye might observe the piles of leaves and branches haphazardly thrown over a rotting log stretching from one side to the other. Maintenance on this substitute bridge and the surrounding quicksand has been more or less neglected. Stones, vines, and other debris has fallen into or around the pit. If anyone is daring enough (or just plain stupid), they can attempt to cross using that.

Both sides of the pit are crowded by trees, vines, and prickly bushes. Forward and backward are the only directions to take unless you've a death wish.

---

Once the sand has been crossed, you'll walk just a short ways before you reach an area where the trees have been cleared out in something close to a circle. This open space serves as a place for cult meetings, scholars to gather, or simply for pride members to spend time.

---

North will lead you to the "headquarters" of the vigilante ranks. It consists of a small grassy, open space. The biggest appeal is its private watering hole.

To the side, in the mountains, a path will take you to where the captives and prisoners of war are detained. This is similar to the bushbuck habitat to the west in that it has one exit/entry guarded around the clock, but differs in that the terrain has minimal foliage, no water, and is overall more depressing. Captives are escorted one by one for water at designated times during the day (dictated by the position of the sun). To date, there has never been such a higher number of captives kept in one place at one time that the cult should feel threatened by their presence. This limited space is sure to pose a problem in the future when their numbers increase.

---

South is where the Bloodletter and his two guards make their home. The ratel himself dwells in burrow with no special amenities to be found. His two minions sleep outside it, rain or shine. Behind them is a cave that was by all accounts as luxurious as one could hope to be. This was the home of the previous Bloodletter, a lion.

---

West will lead you down a path through the mountains and to a field where the bushbuck population is kept. These herds are not only the main food source of the pride, they're the only one unless someone wants to chance dragging a carcass through quicksand.

Tall, smooth stone walls in three directions keep the bushbucks trapped. They are rumored to be crafted by a God, not nature. A stream and various plants provide food and water for the prey beasts. Their welfare is maintained by the scholar ranks. They report to the Bloodletter birth rates, illnesses, and deaths.

The single entry/exit is guarded at all times.

---

East is an ominous wall of thorns. Look closely and you'll see the point of entry just big enough for a male lion to pass under -- so long as he's willing to crawl. Beyond this tricky maze is the headquarters of the Infiltrator ranks.

It is strongly advised for those not counted among them to not get too curious and attempt to make their way through alone. One wrong move could mean serious injury, even death. There are several known incidents of members (including infiltrators) finding themselves in peril after they failed to heed the instructions of their guide.

No one outside their ranks knows what lies beyond the thorns, nor who tends to the path, but most assume it is self-maintained given the numerous unexplained scratches infiltrators are often sporting.

 

[King Flame Pants]

bloodletter (1/1)
Ghinjo (Kaelyndra)

personal guards (2/2)
Kya (Hopefolly)
M'ahdox (Shia bean)

high scholar (1/1)
Schirloc (Kimaria)

scholars (Unlimited)
Astha Nisana (F a y t h - x)
Jmeni (Sherlolly)

pupils (Unlimited)
Meraka (Hopefolly)
Velrissa (Hopefolly)
Aijax (Kaelyndra)
Belessi (Hopefolly)

first vigilante (1/1)
Quaid (Shia bean)

vigilantes (Unlimited)
Galivan (Hopefolly)
Bilashi (Hopefolly)
Vevila (Kaelyndra)

guards (Unlimited)
Mzuka (Caliwolfe)
Amun (Kaelyndra)
Kindoro (Hopefolly)

lead infiltrator (1/1)
Kalenorava (Hopefolly)

infiltrators (Unlimited)
Skud (Hopefolly)

spies (Unlimited)
Luci (Kaelyndra)

prophets (Unlimited)


captives / prisoners of war (Unlimited)
Kamau (Shia bean)
Talis (Hopefolly)

devouts (Unlimited)
Hssiss (Kimaria)  

[King Flame Pants]

OOC Owners: Kaelyndra, Hopefolly, Shia bean

IC Owners: Kaelyndra, Hopefolly, Shia bean, Kimaria

We are open to suggestions and questions with anything involving the pride.  

[King Flame Pants]

Application for original / old members (except Infiltrators):
(Note: "Old" members can refer to members who were cubnapped and raised in the cult or adults who joined a significant amount of time ago ICly. Just be sure to include how long they've been there in their history.)

[align=center][b][size=20][color=black]I know my way around here.[/color][/size][/b][/align]

[size=11][color=black][b]SoA Image:[/b]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]Rank:[/b] Scholar, Pupil, Vigilante, Guard, or Prophet
[b]Personality:[/b] Short or detailed as you want.
[b]History:[/b] Having things unknown IC is fine, but please don't spring any OOC surprises on us.
[b]Noteworthy Things:[/b] Any particular rumors about this SoA? Things they might be notorious for? A reason for a high ranked member to love / hate them? [/size][/color]

Application for original / old members (Infiltrators):
(Note: "Old" members can refer to members who were cubnapped and raised in the cult or adults who joined a significant amount of time ago ICly. Just be sure to include how long they've been there in their history.)

[align=center][b][size=20][color=black]I am one shady mofo.[/color][/size][/b][/align]

[size=11][color=black][b]SoA Image:[/b]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b] [i]Must[/i] be detailed. No secrets or surprises OOC.
[b]History:[/b] Please no OOC surprises. Also, include what led up to their being selected for this rank.
[b]Noteworthy Things:[/b] Any particular rumors about this SoA? Things they might be notorious for? A reason for a high ranked member to love / hate them?
[b]Would you be interested in this character promoting to Spy?[/b] Yes/No[/size][/color]

Application for incoming / new members (except captives / prisoners):

[align=center][b][size=20][color=black]I'm just here for the magic.[/color][/size][/b][/align]

[size=11][color=black][b]SoA Image:[/b]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]History:[/b]
[b]Starting Rank:[b] Pupil, Guard or Prophet
[b]Desired Promotion:[/b] Infiltrator, Vigilante or Scholar[/size][/color]

Application for incoming / new members (captives and prisoners):

[align=center][b][size=20][color=black]HALP.[/color][/size][/b][/align]

[size=11][color=black][b]SoA Image:[/b]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]History:[/b]
[b]Captive or Prisoner of War?[/b] Note: unofficial / made-up / "OOC" prides are accepted and can be discussed.
[b]Are you willing to let this character die?[/b]
[b]If not, for what reason would they be spared?[/b] [/size][/color]

 

[King Flame Pants]

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[King Flame Pants]

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