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 Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 6:21 pm
 This post will be used to list the beliefs and rituals of the pride. Please read over everything carefully!
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:34 pm
 Demonic Soul, Inner Power
Within every lion of the pride, there lies a demonic soul – an innate greatness that puts lions above all others. Only lions possess this inner power and only through faithful following of the pride beliefs will any lion be able to unlock this inner strength. No other creatures can compare in this respect, but other feline-esque species will be tolerated. However, they are not the chosen creatures and therefore undeserving of the higher ranks of the pride. Canines and all other non-felines are not tolerated because they are far from being ideal vessels for the sacred soul, fit only for slaves or prey.
Strength in Blood
Every creature can provide strengthening sustenance. Carried in the blood of every living thing is energy that can empower one’s demonic soul. And so, in order to tap into this resource, at every kill the members of a hunt must drink the blood of the prey, thus taking the strength of the prey into themselves and fostering their own demonic power. This practice honors the prey and ensures no outside influence can steal the strength meant only for the pride. If this is not observed, the meal is tainted and unfit for consumption as the strength has flowed into the world and not the pride.
Strength, Unity, Obedience
Strength, unity, and obedience are the most important facets of one’s life. They are to be respected and honored as sacred ideals. Strength allows one to bring down one’s enemies while protecting one’s territory. Unity enables the pride to defend against opposing factions so that they cannot subvert the pride’s power and glory. Obedience guarantees that the strongest lions can guide the pride to success and strength.
The Dark Pride
Colors play an important role as well. Dark, hot colors are sacred as they are representative of strength and action. Pale, cool colors are shunned for they speak of weakness and dependence on others – characteristics fit only for slaves. One’s colors play an important role in determining one’s rank in the pride.
Royal colors are ones that are special and sacred to all pride members. They denote great potential and demonic power. These are: Red, black, gold, silver, and dark purple. Any lion bearing these colors will see a good lot in life.
Pale colored children are to be dealt with in one of three ways. They may become slaves, or they must be cast out or killed, otherwise they will weaken the strength and unity of the pride. Those who do not obey this are viewed as traitors and saboteurs to the pride and will be hunted down and killed. The traitors’ strength will then be allowed to seep into the world, completely dissolving the very being of the traitor so that they are nothing.
Below is a general colour guide of the hues most often seen in the pride. Essentially every colour of the rainbow is acceptable, the brighter and pastel hues are not really accepted. There are exceptions, yes, but they are few and far between. Please use this spectrum as general guide - keep in mind, that the hues do get fairly bright and are still acceptable (Sil'in Drathir for example).
 Scars
Scars are a mark of strength, courage, and pride. They are not to be hidden. Scars received in battle are badges of the highest honor, unless the scar was deliberately made in which case it is a mark of shame and grounds for being run out of the pride and hunted down.
Strength
Strength is the center of the pride. If you are not strong you are not deserving. You advance through the pride via displays of strength – whether it be in single combat, hunting, withstanding the test of pain, or surviving a mortal blow. More will be added in the rituals section.
Blood
Blood is the fluid in which your strength lies, the fuel for your demonic soul, and the medium through which you empower yourself. It is a sacred thing and to be respected. Sharing one’s blood through a rite such as a blood-pact then links the lions and strength will flow through all those involved. Again, more will be added in the rituals section.
Obedience
Obedience is of the utmost importance. Obey your council. Obey pride beliefs. It guarantees survival and the happiness of the pride’s patron gods. Obedience will be rewarded.
One True Name
Every creature in existence has a true name. If these names are known, one can have power over others. This is especially true of those with a demonic soul. The true name of a lion with a demonic soul is the name of the lion's inner demon. The purpose of the pride's name quest is for lions to find their true name. This true name will only be known to those who witness the end of the quest, and those the lion chooses to tell afterward. Be careful who you trust with your true name.
The only lions who use their true names on a daily basis are the pride leaders. They have power enough to protect themselves and are in the gods' favor.
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:36 pm
Name Quest
THIS IS NOT AN OPTIONAL THING. EVEN IF IT ISN'T RPED OUT, IT STILL HAPPENED OR YOUR SOA WILL BE CONSIDERED A SLAVE.
The Name Quest, to put it simply, is the coming of age quest. A lion's true name is the name that was given in hell to the demonic soul that it harbors. Because of this, names hold great power to the demons of the Aikanaro'hini. It is a mark of maturity that you know what your own true name is. At the end of the quest a lion has found this true name and has been charged with keeping it safe, revealing it only unto a select few.
Taking place at the transition between Adolescent and Adult, the Name Quest takes place entirely within the sacred Volcano. Inside the volcano is a massive labyrinth with a lava chamber in the very center. There are three obvious exits large enough for an adult lion to pass through opening onto the three climates of the demon territory – one to the desert, one to the jungle, and one to the savannah. There is a fourth entrance but it is secret and cleverly hidden from prying eyes. Only the ruling members of the pride and the priests of the gods know about.
It takes anywhere from a few days to more then a week to reach the lava chamber and any lion on this quest must navigate the maze of the volcano alone, without food or water. The lava chamber itself is the ritual chamber where three platforms span a chasm that leads down into the heart of the volcano. At the bottom, a pool of glowing magma can be seen, moving and shifting such that it looks like a menacing eye – it is the gate to hell.
Once the new adult has finally reached this place, they much cross over the narrow bridges and meet the Leaders of the Pride on the second platform. The pride's priests will also be present and sometimes the older lion that has been mentoring the younger one. Here the lion is asked three simple questions. From where do you hail? To whom do you owe allegiance? And, What is your true name? It is expected that the answers to these three questions have been contemplated through the lion’s descent into the volcano. Witnessed by hell and those gathered, the lion reveals their true name.
Should any of the answers be tentative or “I don’t know”, a fight ensues in which one leader engages the adolescent in a ritual fight and tries to force the adolescent off the ledge. If the adolescent falls, they were not worthy. The point of this fight is to force the other into finding their name.
Once the questions are answered, the lion is allowed to continue onward. At the entrance to the remainder of the labyrinth, a meal usually waits, consisting of water and a freshly killed prey item. It is gladly offered to those who were confident and mocks those who were not – if the adolescent had to fight a leader then they are not allowed to feast upon the prey but are allowed to water themselves.
The exit through which a lion emerges is seen as a portent of their life to come. Finding themselves in the savannah is a neutral omen but not a fortuitous one. Exiting into the desert is an omen of ill luck and the jungle a mark of grand fortune.
Once outside once more, the new adult is welcomed back into the pride as a full adult and celebrations often ensue. However, the true name is always and only meant for the individual and those who witnessed the taking of it. A lion may choose to entrust a mate with his or her true name but it highly frowned upon to be casual with it.
OOC Notes --- The Naming Ritual is not a required RP and can be assumed. --- --- If you wish for this to be RP'd out, please contact the owner of one of the IC Leaders via a PM. --- --- Ensure that the demon name you choose is not a duplicate of an existing demon names ---
Confirmation of Heir Status
This ritual occurs between Cub and Juvenile stages for any cubs born to the pride's current leaders. It is basically a test of skill and strength that involves two parts. In the first part, cubs are paired off and sent out to bring down a young water buffalo - alone. No older lions may help them.
Once the young ones have brought down their prey, one of the leaders and/or a priest comes and blesses the blood and meat of the animal. While doing so, they slip in an herb which enhances pain. Then, the cubs drink the blood and eat the meat.
After this, there is a ritual test of pain administered by the discipliners of the pride. Cubs are not allowed to fight back, and must be silent and strong. Any cub who passes this without crying out or running away is then confirmed as an heir of the pride. Once confirmed, the heirs are presented to the pride.
OOC Notes --- The Heir Confirmation is not a required RP but is suggested. --- --- If you wish for a royal lion to be confirmed as an official heir to the pride, PM this account with the request and be patient about replies. --- --- If you wish to RP out the heir confirmation, presence of the leader/priest is assumed. --- --- All Heir Confirmation RPs are done in pairs, no smaller, no larger. Make sure you have a partner before you ask for this RP ---
Choosing a General Direction for the Future
This ritual takes place between Cub and Juvenile stages for any and all Cubs, including those born to the pride leaders. The only difference is that Heirs will have that rank on their cert instead of the Trainee rank. All Heirs must also go through this so that they can contribute to the pride until a change in leadership is needed.
In this ritual, all young ones of the appropriate age are gathered and asked one by one what they wish to do with their lives. They are expected to choose a general direction to train toward: High Ranks, General Ranks, Sparda-side, or Mori-side. The Cubs are then arranged into classes with the teachers of the pride to learn more about their chosen paths.
Choosing a Specific Rank to Train For
Taking place between Juvenile and Adolescent, this ritual is more of a personal thing than the last. Juveniles are simply expected at some point to choose a specific rank and seek out a mentor in that rank on their own. Whatever mentor a Juvenile chooses will then test the young lion in some way and either accept or reject them as a pupil. This test is up to the mentor to come up with and administer, so it will likely be different for every Juvenile. This may also be done for any lions in the lower ranks who wish to train to move up to a higher one.
Affirmation of Earning a Rank
This ritual usually takes place right after the Name Quest, when a lion is between Adolescent and Adult. The mentor of the Adolescent will administer a test of the lion's abilities in their chosen rank. This will be an individual and specialized test of the lion's skills. Once the test is over, the mentor will report the results to the pride leaders/priests and if it is determined that the Adolescent has passed, they will earn the rank they have been training for. This ritual also applies for any lions in lower ranks wishing to move up to higher ones.
OOC Notes --- The above 3 rituals are not required either, but the ranks must be applied for the Members and Ranks Thread. --- --- The application is simple, one time and flexible in case anyone wishes to change their ranks so please do use it ---
Choosing New Leaders
When the pride needs a new leader or leaders, a tournament occurs between all the current Heirs. The rules for this tournament more or less match those for Ritual Fights. Whoever wins in one round will move up to the next, and so on - until there is a clear winner. This winner must then travel into the volcano and present themselves to the priests and gods within. They must stay inside, fasting, for a day and a night. When they emerge, they will be confirmed as a new leader of the pride. Obviously, if anything goes wrong inside, or they fail to come out ... they have been rejected by the gods.
OOC Notes --- This is a Required RP --- --- The actual ritual will be a metaplot point, guided with prompts and directed by the Pride Owners --- --- Specific details around the individual tournaments will be stated at the outset of these events --- --- The death, or resignation, of a leader triggers the tournaments --- --- Every leader must be chosen through the tournament, any other way is not valid and he or she will not be recognized --- --- Heirs are the only ones that are eligible to fight in the tournaments --- --- Heirs are those that are children of the current Kings/Queens ---
Joining Ritual
When a lion wishes to join the pride, they must apply to one of the pride leaders and fight them. During the fight, the leader will judge the lion's worthiness (whether they win or lose is not really important) and either welcome or reject them. If welcomed, the lion will then be expected to take the pridal mark (either by tattoo or scarring) and also present themselves to the priest(s).
After this, if the lion is already an adult, they will be expected to go through the Name Quest and also to choose a rank. If they feel that they are ready to take on the responsibilities of that rank, they can take the test for it, administered by a random adult of that rank. Or they can join the current trainees until they feel they are ready for the test.
OOC Notes --- This is no longer a required RP for the pride, however should be considered part of their IC background...ICly, a lion CANNOT join without this fight --- --- The certing RP does not need to be the fight --- --- slaves need not undergo the joining ritual, their owner, however, should PM this mule when a slave comes into the pride ---
Disputes and Ritual Fights
Among the Aikanaro'hini, most disputes are settled through private duels. Most often there is no need to referee such things as it is common knowledge that once challenged to a duel, the two combatants cannot receive help from anyone.
However, when these disputes get out of hand or are of particular importance to the arguing parties, a councilor, mediator, or a discipliner are often called out to judge a ritual fight. These are purely ritualistic and while serious wounds do occur, death is not the point. A duel area is defined and the two combatants ushered inside. Once they are inside the dueling circle, no one else may enter or they will face torture at the paws of the discipliners. A time limit is set and a go announced. The two combatants must then fight one another – only mortal blows are off limits. Should either lion step outside the ring or be forced out, they lose the duel.
If any observers interfere, the lion who they are trying to help loses. If a fighter calls for help, they lose. Only single combat that runs until either of the participants is subdued is considered honorable and worthy enough to be a lasting decision. However, once the duel ends and the outcome it decides is final. Any further arguing with be dealt with seriously.
Ritual fights are used as the main way of maintaining peace as a fight requires strength and cunning to succeed at as well as giving an outlet for the violent tendencies of the demon lions.
OOC Notes --- Obviously, this an optional RP but available for anyone who wishes to invoke this ritual --- --- Presence of the judges and discipliners may be assumed, if you need a PC judge or discipliner, please PM the owner of one prior the fight's start ---
Feeding Rituals
Every creature can provide strengthening sustenance. Carried in the blood of every living thing is energy that can empower one’s demonic soul. And so, in order to tap into this resource, at every kill the members of a hunt must drink the blood of the prey before eating the meat, thus taking the strength of the prey into themselves and fostering their own demonic power. This practice honors the prey and ensures no outside influence can steal the strength meant only for the pride. If this is not observed, the meal is tainted and unfit for consumption as the strength has flowed into the world and not the pride.
At pride gatherings, the pride leaders feed first, followed by the priests, then any children of the leaders or priests. After this, the other children feed and then consorts of the leaders, the royal guards, and so on down the line of ranks, determined by strength. Slaves eat last, always. Should anyone jump their spot, they are denied the meal entirely and banned from the gathering, their voice no long important. Everyone has a place and this hierarchy must be observed.
Personal hunts need only observe the Strength in Blood belief and can eat in whatever order they choose.
OOC Notes --- This can be assumed, no need to RP it out every time --- --- It does, however, add some flavour to RPs ---
Mating Rituals
Anyone may partner with anyone at any time. However, if someone wishes to settle down with a life mate, they must seek approval from three parties: The parents of the life mate, the kings and queens, and the priests. Once these blessings are obtained, the male and female must then fight a parent of their life mate to prove their strength and worthiness. This is a ritual combat and follows the same rules as those observed in duels used to settle disputes. The female fights the mother of her mate and the male fights the father of his mate.
Life mating between members of the pride and outsiders are forbidden, as are any sort of long-term relationships with slaves. Should any lion be found guilty of such treason they are sentenced to death and hunted mercilessly. There are no rules against taking a life mate out of your rank but there is often an unspoken disappointment in lions who choose to do such things.
The only way a long-term relationship with an outsider is tolerated is through the recruitment of demon-kin. The pride is aware that there are demons that are outside the pride and assume that a relationship that forms between an outsider and a pride member is the result of the two parties involved recognizing the demon within the outsider. Usually, such things are frowned upon unless the pride member is a Neumar or Neumare. However, sometimes others may also find suitable candidates for the pride and are expected to bring them back and present them to the leaders for initiation into the pride before any serious relationship is considered.
Within the Aikanaro'hini, life mating is actually fairly rare. A couple may easily choose to stay together for a number of months or years, have a family and raise cubs and yet still see others on the side - with absolutely no jealousy. Harems may form around a single male (or female) and shift and dissolve as loyalties and tastes change. Slaves sometimes may be part of these harems but only to satisfy desires or possibly to punish the slaves - never to have cubs with. This is not really seen as a "relationship" with the slave(s), but as a short-term and generally meaningless pastime - even if the slave remains in the harem for a long period of time. It's all in how it's thought of by the lion in question.
Only a life mated pair will be faithful to one another alone. For demons, this is a rare occurrence, so it is far more common in the pride for lions to simply be free with their love and favors within the pride.
When cubs come, the pride leaders must be notified immediately. No one is to enter the mother’s den besides her mate until such a time as she emerges with her cubs. The first few weeks after birth are a sacred time where the parents are charged with laying the foundations that the newly arrived demons will tread upon. As such, they are not to be disturbed until a full cycle of the moon has passed after the birth of the cubs.
After this time time period, however, the cubs are expected to join in with the other young ones and start their life as members of the pride. Weaklings are often weeded out this way and those who cannot stand on their own among their peers are often killed or run off. Cubs protecting one another is not frowned upon but if it happens too often with any one cub, it is distasteful, a show of weakness on the part of the one being protected.
OOC Notes --- While the permissions and fights associated with the process of lifemating are not required RPs, it is expected you notify the involved parties --- --- PM this account when a lifemating occurs, so we know who's with who, assume permission --- --- As far as committing treason of lifemating with an outsider, a notice will be sent from this account or the account of one of the Pride Owners stating your lion has been run out, what you do after that is your choice but the lion in question is not longer a member of the pride and must be recerted as rogue --- --- If you wish for RP of that nature, contact the leader you wish to RP it out with or if you don't (but are using it at a plot device) please PM this account saying as much --- --- Breeding is not to occur without permission, to obtain it fill out the form in this thread thanks! --- --- Reporting the cubs is done here, please fill out the appropriate forms ---
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