[IT] Ukulambabi Clan - Nightmare Hyenas!

[Jovi of Shadows]

Ukulambabi - 'Bad Hunger' in Zulu
(A hyena clan concept.)

In the dark of the night there are tales of a ravenous hunger that carves a bloody path through the savannah. Never staying in one place for too long, but leaving a trail of bones in its wake. Living nightmares that laugh and torment their prey before all is devoured.

OOC owner: Jovi of Shadows (Open to co-owning)
IC owner: Jovi of Shadows
Clan Leader: Zwa'khala Currently being quested.

 

[Jovi of Shadows]

[Territory]
This is a semi-nomadic hyena clan, traveling at the whim of their matriarch (The Udumo), while still having a home territory to come back to. Their traveling is mostly restricted to the Serengeti Plains, as they see anything beyond the mountainous regions as treacherous and barren territory. They do not stay in one place for too long, as the majority of the clan feels they are safest while on the move.

Their home territory is situated at the base of a mountain, where a shallow pool collects in a crater from a year-round stream of a large lake. The rocky out-cropping along its borders hides the pool from passing eyes, and beyond that is where the clan makes its home. There are no dens to speak of, but a large open area of compacted dirt and rock for the entirety of the clan to use as it sees fit. There are other areas that are more closed off due to rock structures, and more private members may use them as temporary spaces to find peace and quiet. However, like everything else in the clan, it may be taken away at any moment by a higher ranked member, or even a lower one if they're strong enough to lay a claim for it.

[Allowed Species and Coloration]
Hyenas! Anything else is unacceptable to the clan. Due to their way of life, only natural or dark/muted colors are accepted. They need to blend into the savannah and are usually only active at night. When it comes to markings, natural is preferred, with spots being a highly sought after trait. Stripes are also accepted as beautiful, but are considered less attractive in comparison.

[Concept]
The idea is a natural hyena clan, with some nightmarish twists based on reality. Contrary to popular belief, hyenas actually hunt most of what they eat, and other times steal, chase off, or kill cheetahs, leopards and even groups of lionesses for their kills. They are also crafty and intelligent, with reports of hyenas waiting until dawn outside of human encampments and attacking lone individuals when they come outside.

For this clan, they have a dark sense of humor. Their numbers are their strength, and so they hunt as a large group lead by the matriarch. It is their pleasure to torment and terrify their prey, staying in shadows and laughing just out of sight, herding them into a small group or sending them fleeting across the plains... and into waiting jaws. If ever the clan feels the need, they lure out individuals of other predatory animals- such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards - and play their games. Tormenting the poor creature as if it were prey, and straight out attacking if threatened with violence or interlopers. They are not known for their mercy, nor are they a particularly peaceful clan.

 

[Jovi of Shadows]

[Clan History]

For as long as the clan can remember, there has always been a matriarch. Cunning in her decisions, cruel in her punishments, and with a hunger for destruction. The bloodline of these matriarchs is long and winding, running deep in the veins of their daughters and plaguing them with the same lust to devour. These females are renowned for their aggression, and are known to lead their clan into glory and legend. Throughout the years the Ukulambabi has become something to fear: a mass of ravenous, ruthless killers and tormentors.

Most recently the clan was led by an aging matriarch, who in her prime had brought the hyenas under her rule much glory in their hunting and games. She had many daughters that were grown and had become strong, and she feared that one day they would challenge her for dominance over the clan. So she devised a plan that would wipe out the threat for good. The elder hyena may have lost much of her strength, but her mind was as sharp as ever, and so she finalized her plan to kill her own daughters. While in the territory of a notoriously vicious lion pride, she sent her daughters out to scout the area, promising the clan would have their back while keeping out of sight- which was the normal way of a hunt or game.

When her daughters caught sight of the lion pride they did as all Hleka were expected to do; they taunted them, drawing out their members into the night and laughing just out of reach. The daughter's realized they had been tricked when they heard no other laughter from the shadows, and in this realization came panic. Uncertain of how to react without their clan, the lions soon overtook and slaughtered them. Except for one. The youngest of the sisters, just recently grown into adulthood, had managed to use the chaos to her advantage. As the scuffle broke out she slipped into the edge of darkness. She had managed to make it several paces out before she was caught from behind, the heavy snarls of a lion ringing in her ears. Her battle with the lioness was troublesome, and more than once she thought her end had come. In a blind panic, with the cries of her dying sisters to serenade the night, the youngest sister's jaws latched onto the lioness' face. Death came swiftly after that for the feline, and the hyena was in no mood to stick around lest the other lions discover her deed.

Dawn broke and the young hyena made her way back to clan territory, outraged and in heavy mourning for her murdered sisters. The look in her mother's eyes upon seeing her daughter return was all the confirmation she needed to understand the truth. They were deceptive by nature, and cruel to a fault. And though she may not have faulted her mother for attempting to remain in power, she certainly didn't forgive her. Still fresh from her fight with the lioness, and sporting an already tattered hide, she challenged her mother for dominance, not wanting to give her a second chance at the attempt. The battle was bloody, long, and more than once a clan member thought they saw the matriarch surrender to her daughter. In the end, the surviving sister stood victorious, declaring it a true victory only when her mother drew her last breath. Surrender was unacceptable and death was the only retribution she would accept for her sisters.

For some time the clan has been keeping a low profile as they transition to the rule of a new matriarch. She is young, just entering her prime, and yet was able to best the previous Udumo (her mother) in one on one combat. Some fear her strength and straightforward dominance, but others embrace the fresh start. The blood of her ancestors flows hot in her veins, the ferocity of her appetite absolute. With her, they mark the beginning of a new era, a time where the clan shall rise again and set forth to carve a trail of devastation and blood- all for their own amusement. Cloaked under the shroud of darkness, they are the nightmares of the savannah.

 

[Jovi of Shadows]

[Clan Structure]
No matter what, the matriarch is the boss, she has the power not only to socially demote any member, but throw out or even kill offenders with the support of her clan. Females are always considered dominate over their male counterparts, regardless of rank. A male that acts out too aggressively will find himself at the end of a very short temper in the case of the matriarch, and may be punished depending on the severity of his outburst. In terms of who eats first, its always the females, with the matriarch having top pick of kills- she will fight over this if challenged! Lesser members of the clan, the Ihlaya, are often kept at the bottom of the totem pole through harassment by other members and are often times considered to be a 'joke'. On the whole, no one takes them seriously, and they can expect to be laughed at for no reason at all. Despite this, they do help their clan whenever possible.

[Ranks]
(From highest to lowest.)

Udumo (Glory) - *Queen* This is the matriarch of the clan, she heads the ravenous group of hyenas with cunning and tenacious ferocity. She can be cruel in her ruling, even to other females, but is shown respect regardless. To become Udumo, she has either defeated the old matriarch or has founded her own clan from the ground up. Either way, she is a fierce and bold leader to lead so many hungry hyena.

Okubi (Something Evil) - *Queen's Adviser* The matriarch's most trusted female. This individual is very special, as they are the only hyena the Udumo will confide in. Likewise, the matriarch is unusually protective of this female, and will likely dull out harsher punishments to those that harass her adviser. Though likely an older member of the clan, she is expected to be amongst the most cunning and wicked of females. There is no room for the weak in the clan, and its the okubi's job to keep it that way with dark encouragements and malicious intents.

Hleka (Laugh) - *Elite Females* These are females directly under the matriarch's rule, having proven themselves to be valuable assets. In times of a hunt, Hleka are the ones who freely torment and bewilder prey beasts by straying too close to the herd or an individual predator the clan has chosen to play with/maul. By doing so they put themselves in great danger, and often are the first ones to go on the attack. They are the only ones with enough clout to gain the listening ear of the matriarch, so concerned members often confide in these trusted females.

Shaya (Beat) - *Default Rank: Female* Any of-age (adolescent or adult) female within the clan. They are strong-willed and the main body of an attack during a hunt or game. Females of this rank enjoy an upper middle-class luxury, under the higher ranking females and always above any male. They are the last to have their pick of mates, with the Hleka above them, and the Udumo above all else.

Gada (Guard) - *Queen's Guard* The matriarch's personal Ithunzi. He does not interfere in her rule, but keeps a constant eye out for danger both outside of and within the clan. His loyalty lies at the paws of the Udumo; she may do with him as she pleases, and he'll not fail her. If there are complications within the male ranks, he'll settle the matter through any means necessary.

Ithunzi (Shadow) - *Elite Males* The highest rank a male hyena can hold. He is still subject to any female's desires, but has shown to be a skilled and trusted ally. This is the kind of male every matriarch craves: strong, cunning, and loyal to his clan. In a game or hunt, he stays just out of eyesight of the clan's target, positioning himself to jump to the rescue of any female that may be in danger by distracting a target or outright attacking to draw its interest.

Sitha (Conceal) - *Default Rank: Male* The main body of the clan's males. During a hunt or game they keep out of sight until the clan goes on the attack, ambushing the target in a great show of numbers. The sitha attack as one large group, and are meant to further confuse and terrify the target. Males never choose their mate, that is a female's job, and if they express too much interest they may earn the ire of the clan's females.

Ihlaya (Joke) - *Lowest Rank* They may be male or female, and are the lowest of the low (females of this rank are higher than males). These are members of the clan that have disgraced themselves in some way. Either by offending the matriarch or by having a particularly colorful pelt. They are not allowed to hunt, but instead tend to the sick, weak, young, or injured. It is a thankless lot in life, as they are often the butt of many a joke or prank.

Cub - The clan's youth, they are called cubs up through their juvenile stage and are taken care of by the clan as a whole. If there are any available Ihlaya at the time, they can expect to get most of their attention from these lowly clan members who are likely to fuss over them.

 

[Jovi of Shadows]

Clan Life
Despite their tormenting and devious ways, the clan has a tight-knit social structure that allows its members to live comfortably around one another. When they're not snoozing during the day, they're often laying around in the shade swapping stories, jokes, or general chatter with one another. Everyone is allowed to participate, though Ihlaya may get laughed at no matter what- even if its a serious matter they're attempting to bring up. Its not unheard of for clan members to play pranks on one another, as they do enjoy a good laugh. Its safe to assume that most don't mean to hurt one another, but given the clan's favorite past time (tormenting other creatures), its possible that a good natured laugh may end up with someone coming face to face with a crocodile. Who knows! If things do get out of hand the matriarch may step in and dull out punishment, but that usually involves retribution for the injured party. All in all, the clan doesn't stray too far from one another, as the clan may decide to get up and change location in a matter of moments. Traveling is usually done during the day, as night is spent hunting as a large group.

[Ideals]
How the clan feels on certain issues that may arise. These thoughts and feelings have been passed down from matriarch to matriarch, and have mostly engrained itself into the clan's behavior and mindset.

Males - Male hyenas do not have a bad life in the clan. Though they are expected to be submissive towards the females, they are treated as assets to be protected, not worthless throw-aways. That's not to say they can't get in trouble, as females won't put up with their nonsense for long.
Lions - Are the enemies of the clan; not even cubs escape their hatred. If ever they get the chance to mess with a lion or lion pride, they'll take it. This can be done through trickery or cruelty depending on which clan members are involved, but bloodshed is highly praised as a victory.
Other Predators - The clan isn't keen on most other predators, though they don't hate them as much as they do lions. Wild dogs in particular are highly annoying, and the clan may harass them for the fun of it. Typically they don't bother with smaller species, such as jackals, servals, or ratels, and will most likely ignore them.
Breeding - Females choose their mating partner on their own terms. There are no marriages in the clan, they simply breed with who they feel has the stronger blood and relish unions that bring healthy pups.
Nocturnal Activity - The clan is mostly active at dusk, dawn, and throughout the night. They have discovered this is the best time to hunt and play their games, as they have adapted to blend into their surroundings and the darkness. The afternoon is spent sleeping and lazing about, and may also be used as social time for the clan.
Religion - On the whole the clan is very open and relaxed about religion. There is no official god or goddess that the clan worships, and individuals are free to do as they please in this area.

[Tactics]
There is strength in numbers, and a lone hyena is an easy target. The clan mostly travels together as a tight-knit group, using their numbers to overwhelm enemies. Its rare for a hyena to go off on its own, though not unheard of, and the clan generally believes its their own fault if they get into trouble for doing so.

Hunting - Usually a clan-wide event led by the matriarch, but can be done by smaller groups as well. The clan does not hunt in the traditional sense, instead they surround and torment any would be prey. Hleka are usually the first to engage the prey, chasing and harassing the poor creatures into laughing shadows: the Shaya and Sitha. Always the females eat first after a successful hunt, with the matriarch getting top pick of any kills.
Raising Cubs - They're fed scraps as soon as they're able to eat solid foods, and are rewarded for 'good' behavior: bullying, pranking, fighting, lying, and stealing. Its these skills that the clan values most in its young, and though it may seem cruel, its done out of love to prepare them for a difficult lifestyle. Of course, not all Cubs are suited for the Ukulambabi way of life, and its these good-natured youngsters that are kicked out at adolescence by the matriarch. Not out of malice, and not to spare them from their lifestyle, but to keep the blood fierce in her clan and ensure no weakness or hesitation lies in her ranks. Those that are deemed fit remain in the clan and are expected to take part in all clan dealings.
Nightmares of the Savannah- The clan delights in hunting down and tormenting lone predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Its the clan's favorite form of entertainment, and despite their targets getting mauled in the process, they are usually left with their lives. There's no fun in killing them, not when they can leave the poor thing traumatized after the assault. Cheetahs and leopards usually get away with minor to moderate injuries or bruised egos, where as lions aren't that lucky. Due to the clan's intense hatred of lions, they go much further in their 'game' to torment and maul without actually killing them. On the whole, the clan normally just likes to freak out any cubs or youths, with only very minor physical assaulting: pushing, knocking over, pinning, ect.

OOCly: I understand that this concept isn't for everyone, so there are no IC consequences for deciding your Cub isn't suited for this lifestyle. It may leave without being harmed, but it will no longer be under clan protection.

[Traditions]
Joining - The clan welcomes any hyena that can adhere to their way of life. They have no room for the soft-hearted, and will chase away any that protest their lifestyle- particularly the choice of entertainment. Though the clan generally accepts females without much hesitation, males are met with heavy skepticism. If he proves to be too much of a handful and unwilling to submit to female rule, he will be chased away without a second chance. The clan's males are an important aspect of clan life, and though they aren't dominate in their society, they are believed to be of the finest blood. Strong, cunning, and loyal to their females. If a rogue male is found unfit, he will be turned away, even by clan males.
First Hunt - A hyena is taken on its first hunt at adolescence, and is taught by its gender group the role it will play during such activities. Males are taught by the Sitha, and females the Shaya. The only exception to this rule are brightly pelted individuals, who have just inherited their Ihlaya title.
Big Game - The clan is feeling restless or somehow stressed and its causing issues socially. The matriarch, sensing the disillusion in her clan, gathers everyone up (even the Ihlaya!) and they decide on a target. This could be one of the clan's known enemies, or just a basic idea like 'lion' or 'neighbors'. Together, as a united front, they hunt down their target in the dead of night and proceed to torment them. In most cases, this helps build the trust of the clan, and relieves any tension that had previously existed.

 

[Jovi of Shadows]

[Joining]
Please fill out the form and post in thread. If you'd like to custom a hyena for the clan feel free to discuss any plans or plots you'd like to play with in here or by pm'ing me personally. I'd be happy to help in any way possible!

[size=11][color=red][b][Murder and Mayhem Await][/b][/color]
[b]Hyena's Name:[/b]
[b]Image:[/b] (cert or uncert)
[b]Rank:[/b] (Sitha for male, Shaya for Female, Ihlaya for colorful)
[b]Would you like to be considered for a Hleka/Okubi or Ithunzi/Gada position?[/b] (Yes or No)
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Brief History:[/b][/size]

[Members]

Udumo (1/1)
Zwa'khala - (Jovi of Shadows)

Okubi (0/1)
Open

Gada (0/1)
Open

Hleka (0/2)
Open
Open

Ithunzi (0/2)
Open
Open

Shaya (Unlimited)
Lattah - (ShinosBee) Application on page 1.

Sitha (Unlimited)

Ihlaya (Unlimited)  

[Jovi of Shadows]

[Currently Working On]

Cert Background [Here]
Cert Colors Black and silver-blue
Cert Symbol [Here]

Matriarch: Currently questing!
Member Applications: Open!

Inspirational Music
Scream - Avenged Sevenfold
The Animal - Disturbed
In the Middle of the Night - Within Temptation

[FAQ]

Have questions? Please feel free to ask in thread, I'd be happy to elaborate on anything you'd like to know about! It'll also help me iron out the idea the more I think about it, so don't be shy. <3

 

[Jovi of Shadows]

Okay, I've filled in as much information as I'm going to at the moment. Feel free to post. ^^  

[Jovi of Shadows]

Would anyone be interested in co-owning the clan?  

[Jovi of Shadows]

Bumping this up, I'm still working on this. <3  

[ShinosBee]

[Murder and Mayhem Await]
Hyena's Name: Lattah
Image:
Rank: Shaya
Would you like to be considered for a Hleka or Ithunzi/Gada position? If you want. I'm neutral about it.
Personality: Blank slate, I've never played her. XD Uhm. Yeenur-ish?
Brief History: Blank slate. razz Can be an old member of the pack if you like.  

[Jovi of Shadows]

What a beautifully dark female, Shino! Glad to have her as part of the clan.  

[Shani_Jamii]

And I made a clan mule. xD  

[Jovi of Shadows]

Still working on this. <3 Currently questing for clan leader.  

[Jovi of Shadows]

Added a new rank (Okubi), and went more in depth with some information: religion, tactics, ect.

And, if anyone has any comments or critiques, I'd love to hear them. Also still open to co-owning.