The Pride Name:
In (a very rough) translation, Ingwaz-Matleu means "the ancestors that break fate".
For simplicity sake, everyone within the pride will be recognized with the nickname 'Reborn'.
History:
The origins of the Ingwaz' are something vaguely lost in the memories of the pride members, but is a story always heartily reminded to the new generations of the pride. It all started many ages and many miles ago, with a single rogue lioness named Yejide. While she herself was nothing more than another wandering feline, what she carried in her womb would set a new course in history. Fathered by a God lion (fictional character; tbd), the lioness gave birth to 2 sons. One had rich, dark brown fur with white spotted ears. The other brother had a sandy coat, with black and silver spots decorating his body. Despite their differences, it was quickly discovered that both had the seer sight.
The two sons grew with the praise and affection of their mother, until finally their were proud adults and ventured out into the world. Remaining side by side, the two explored to their hearts content and soon became adjusted to the wandering rogue life, along with the reckless adventures their sight provided them. During a day of their explorations, however, the duo were unaware of their passing on the outskirts of an ill and cursed land. Weeks passed without a clue, before the symptoms of illness swept over the darker brother. Harsh coughs and weakened body forced them to draw an end to their travels and rest near a quiet lake. Days would pass, and his symptoms only worsened. One evening while enduring the fit of a fever, one of the brothers was overcome with a vision. Whispering across his mind and speaking in riddles, the brother was able to decipher only bits and pieces of the troublesome dream. In it, he'd seen his sibling falling more and more ill with blue bruises and red scabs falling on his skin. Then, like a ghost in his mind, he shivered at the image of a body lying still and empty, its face hidden in shadows.
Days would pass before the prophecy proved true, with livid bruises starting to mark the ill brother's fur. Desperate to keep his brother alive, the lighter brother ventured out to seek a rare water lily, rumored to have tremendous healing powers. He spent countless days in the far wilderness, but the inexperience of surviving alone and without aid was becoming a thorn to the lion. Meals went missed, sleep ignored, and injuries from scuffles gathered. Collecting the few lillies he could find in vast watering holes, with his last breath the brother finally returned to his kin with a bundle of flowers and hope. And the costly effort was successful, allowing the darker brother to slowly heal to his original strength over time.
Thought the pain of loosing his only family remained with him, the darker brother was forced to move on. Joining a band of benign rogues, the lion soon found himself with a new family, a lovely mate, and the blessings of becoming a father. What he didn't expect was that among his progeny, there was one cub that specifically caught his eye. A son, born with dusty fur as soft as soft as a cloud. Faint and tiny speckling could be seen across his coat, a stunning array of darks and lights. This could be no delusion, as the pelt of his newborn son was a direct mirror of his deceased brother's fur. Except for one, changed detail. Both ears were adorned with a small, white circle.
What could this mean?
Location:
Undecided, but will be placed somewhere near Lake Opeta.
Pride Regulations:
From the first generation on, the pride finds itself intrigued and consumed with the possibilities of reincarnation and karma. Just what is it that determines how somebody lives their life? Fate? And after that life, what pulls them to the next adventure? All of these are questions the pride holds with delicate and cautious care, believing such a thing to exist due to the history of their pride members. The opportunity for a second chance catches the attention of everyone around. But is it for the good of the pride, or selfish reasons that drive pride members with such motivation? How much is someone willing to do and give, in order to obtain a fulfilled life?
Gender Roles:
In general, males are seen as the protectors of the pride and females are seen as the caretakers. Individuals can flip their roles if they prove themselves capable of the task, though they might be lightly joked upon for the decision. However, there may be some disputes against individuals and their roles depending on their fur more than their gender. See below for more info.
Names:
It is tradition for all pride members to take on two names. The first will be their own personal name, followed by their family name, based on the father's bloodline. The family name is normally short- no more than three syllables.
Appearance:
Based on their skittish belief system, there is a restriction on pelt colors allowed within the pride. Only natural hues are accepted, such as follows: red-brown-orange-yellow-white-gray-black
Slight and minor variations of the above colors are acceptable (such as blue-gray). However, pelts and markings of unnatural hues are outright rejected in the pride. Those kinds are seen as 'diseased' in the spirit and kept far away so as not to taint pride members. Should a cub be born with such hues, they will be cared for until Adolescence before being removed from the pride territory.
As for markings on the pelt, the pride will be heavily based on natural-type markings such as stripes, blazes, speckles, etc. The only unnatural markings that will be openly accepted are small ones that look similar to tribal tattoos. Please be advised that this is not the place for stamped-stars and triangle-marked SoA. While it can not be helped with rogue blood mixing in the pride, any pride member that shows extensive features of unnatural markings will be removed from the pride at Adolescence.
Breedings:
Due to the beliefs of the pride, breedings are something almost hesitantly endured. What if the offspring have unfortunate markings and bring shame on the family name? What if one is born with spotted ears? With this concern on everyone's mind, breedings are taken seriously and only allowed for adult pairs. Flings and lifematings are both common occurrences.
Other Species:
All other feline species are openly welcome as pride members, including hybrids. There is no scorn directed at the half-blooded hybrids, and all the felines enjoy competing in friendly competitions set throughout the year. Canine species, however, are not tolerated within the pride.
Rogues:
Non-pride members found within the territory are not tolerated, especially if they are males. They will promptly be chased out of the area sternly but without harm. Should they become troublesome intruders, the males of the pride are quick to deal with them. The only rogues allowed within the territory are the sick, elderly, and youths under Adolescence. However, these rogues can only stay until properly healed or tended to before being kindly escorted back out to the rogue lands, unless they decide to become permanent pride members.
Ranks:
Dirajo - King
The strongest male of the pride, and first in command for the well being of the pride. This title is one commonly challenged by other males of the pride, so while the Haireo marking is preferred for Kingship it is often brute strength that earns the title.
Diraja - Queen
The Matriarch of the pride, and second in command from the King. A Haireo marking is always required for this title, and it is only earned by favor and blessings of the previous Queen before she steps down.
Diru - Heir(s)
All offspring of the current ruler(s) of the pride. They have the potential to be default King and Queen if no other pride members challenge them for the title.
Haireo - Destined Individuals
Individuals with the fated marking on their ears. These individuals are kept a close eye on, depending on the color of their marking. White Haireo markings have the potential to become future rulers. Black Haireo markings have the potential to be slaves in the pride.
Peranguza - Head Warrior
A single title held by a male lion to lead the pride's warriors. This title is handed down to another when the male is either too injured or elderly to continue.
Perangu - Warrior
A title held by many pride members, both male and female. Perangu's are expected to defend the territory from intruders.
Memburuza - Head Hunter
A single title held by a female lioness to lead the pride's hunters. This title is handed down when the female is either too injured or elderly to continue.
Memburu - Hunters
A title held by many pride members, all female. Memburu's are expected to catch the daily meals for their pride.
Amaru - Sentries
A title held by few felines, both male and female. These individuals are responsible for guarding and observing Haireo members of the pride. Their name and honor is put to the test, depending on the faults or successes of their individual Haireo(s) that they decide to guard.
Carianu - Trackers
A title held by few felines, both male and female. Carianu's are frequently on the outskirts of the pride, keeping updated and alert of herds and other prides around their territory.
Mitosu - Storytellers
A title held by few felines, both male and female. It is up to Mitosu's to recall the history of the pride and pride members. With their fountain of information, they can 'help' individuals determine their past 'incarnations' and personalities.
Lukau - Healers
A title held by few felines, primarily female. Lukau are expected to heal ill or injured pride members in times of need. When the situation calls for it, they are permitted to attend to outsiders as well.
Bayu - cub
Beliu - juvenile
Bemaju - adolescents
((credit for the lineart below goes to bluekillerdonkey @ deviantart)) <3
First thing's first, the level of markings found on the pelt.
If a lion is born without any markings, they are considered to be a New Spirit in this world. This will be their first lifetime, and depending on how they live it will determine their pelt design in their future lifetimes. If a lion is born with markings, they are considered to be an Older Spirit. The more markings that they have on their pelt, then the more past lives that they have experienced.
Next on the list, the color of the base fur on the pelt.
Markings come in black, white, and all the colors in between. What matters most, however, is the shade of the markings in comparison to the base fur beneath it. Because of the variety of SoA designs in the shop, the base fur will be determined as the color that takes up the majority of the feline's fur. While markings reveal one's spiritual 'age', the nature of a lion is judged by their base color. A light or bright base indicates an individual who did good deeds in their past. A dark or dim base indicates an individual who did foul deeds in their past. Whether or not they continue behaving with such deeds in their present life, however, is all up to the owners discretion.
???
idk, open for discussion and/or ideas! 8'3
And lastly, the Haireo marking.
This marking is both the most valued and most dreaded for the pride, and is regarded with utmost scrutiny. For if a lion is born with a perfect circle on the back of their ears (and nearest the mind/thoughts in past life influence), it is considered a clear sign of a future leader, royal bloodline or not. However, the shade of the marking is also very important! A light or bright marking indicates a leader that will bring prosperity to the pride. A dark or dim marking, however, is omen of a leader that will one day bring misfortune to the pride. The fate of these individual lions is variable and largely determined by rp.
Overview (in a nutshell):
1. Pride members truly believe they are reincarnations.
2. While they are all regular mortals, some claim to have memories of past lives.
3. Natural coats and colors are a must! Minor tribal markings accepted.
4. Unnatural coats and colors are considered a 'disease' on the spirit.
5. Many markings= old spirit, few markings= new spirit
6. Dark base coat= past sins, light base coat= past virtues
7. A white spot on each ear marks one worthy of leadership.
8. A black spot on each ear marks one with a cursed spirit.
9. This pride is an all feline pride, including hybrids.
10. There is nothing else, y u looking here? 8P
