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 Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 6:19 am
Updates Things left to do:
Gather more Adult Members
Get Territory Map
Obtain 4 original members
Finish Legends & Stories
The Ile Amba-zua Johari is a Pack filled with those who have dedicated themselves to the art of Crafting. While many prides have ranks for this particular occupation, there has yet to be an entire group to dedicate themselves to the art. As a niche yet to be filled, it's only natural the concept got created and took off eventually!
.: Directory :.
1. Welcome
2. Pack Details And History
3. Territory
4. Members
5. Ranks
6. Beliefs, Customs, Legends, & Gods Given Worship
7. Joining
8. Member Concepts
9. Pack Application
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 6:23 am
Pack Details
Pack Name: Ile Amba-zua Johari
Meaning: Those Who Create Jewels
OOC Owners: Kitsune Mistress Nyoko, Das Tor
Species: Wild Dogs, Familiars
Location: X | South of the Serengeti Plain, Between the Mitumba Mountains and Ruheba Mountains
Pack Symbol: X
Cert Background: X
Pack Symbol created by Mindsend, Cert Background created by _Shouko_
Member Traits
Pelt Color
Wild Dogs from the Ile Amba-zua Johari come in any color imaginable, and quite a few that one would never expect to see on the spectrum at all. All colors are looked upon equally, and having a pelt of any specific color will not garner any sort of special favor.
Physique
The Wild Dogs of the Pack are generally more slender and wispy than Rogues, with delicate paws. Over the years, the joints of their toes have become more flexible and the bones have elongated slightly. This is just enough to make maneuvering small crafting materials into place much easier for them, and serves no purpose other than that. Fur is typically a bit longer than that of your average Rogue, and takes on a slight curl at its longest points. (Most often this happens near the crown of the head, cheeks, elbows, flanks, and the tip of the tail.)
It should be noted that the physique detailed above is not prevalent in all members, and is most visible in Wild Dogs from old Pack blood.
Temperament
As a general rule, Pack members are good-natured and exceptionally creative. Even if this creativity is not directed into Crafting, it is still there, as natural to the Wild Dogs as breathing. Most of them enjoy company, and are quite social with their fellow Pack mates. You'd be hard pressed to find a member not in a good mood in this territory, especially the closer it is to sundown and the Nightly Gathering.
While this is not the case for all members, it is the most commonly seen temper among the Pack. Your member does not have to follow this to the letter, but there should be no overly mean or cruel Wild Dogs in the Pack.
Relations
Relations with all other species are friendly. Felines and hyenas alike are welcome in the lands, but they are not allowed to join the pack, and are not permitted anywhere near the main den area. Should they stay for more than a week's time, it is common for the Tawala to politely request they leave, as the pack's lands only have so much prey - and they can't have a non-pack member taking food from the mouths of the pack. Familiars are always welcome in the lands, and while they can hold no rank in the pack, they are allowed in the den area if they are bonded to a pack member. The only requirement for a pack member when taking on a familiar is that the familiar be introduced to the entire pack, although this is mostly to make sure fellow pack members to accidentally hunt them.
History
The Ile Amba-zua Johari have always existed in some form. Not always as a pack, but as those who lived their lives dedicated to the fine art of crafting. It was only by chance that, long ago, a group of Wild Dogs who all shared the passion happened to cross paths. On that particular day, five Wild Dogs joined over the carcass of a Waterbuck too big for any one of them to finish alone. They discussed as they ate, trading techniques and telling about their favorite materials. By the time the kill was finished, one of the males had spoken up to suggest that they band together and form a pack.
On that night, the Ile Amba-zua Johari were not born, but discovered. The lead male, known as Aurikonde, remained behind with his male companions. The females of the group were the ones who journeyed to spread the news and to gather members. Seasons passed and the pack's numbers swelled. The Wild Dogs thrived and crafted together. The original five members took on mates, had puppies, grew old, and eventually passed on. Everything was well...
Until the great plague.
Disease swept through the pack, killing pups and elders and debilitating adults. Where the Ile Amba-zua Johari had once thrived, they now barely survived. Even after the plague had cleared their ranks, the adults were weakened. Pregnancies became difficult, litters were minuscule, and pups often died before they were old enough to leave the den. Years passed, and their numbers dwindled even further. Finally, the pack was left with only five adults.
They thought for certain that this would be the end of them, and the earthquake the previous year had done nothing to encourage hope for survival. The will to go on had nearly disappeared completely from the remaining five adults. In fact, it was a traveling Wild Dog that managed to encourage them to go on.
A male by the name of Radi Kirauni happened to cross their paths in search of his long lost brothers. Poisoned waters had killed off his own pack long ago, and he was certain his brothers had survived. His determination to find his family lit a spark in the remaining five adults, a spark to live on and regain the pack's former glory.
After all, it had only taken five adults those many years ago to start the pack. They would only need five adults to revive it...
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 6:24 am
Territory
[Map Goes Here]
Common Weather: Mostly Sunny, occasional cloud cover.
Common Temperature: 77-88°F
The Ile Amba-zua Johari members live north of Lake Rukwa, with the heart of their lands situated in the western fork of the Rungwa River.
While not the hottest of lands in Tanzania, the territory of the Pack can reach some respectable highs in the height of summer. Shade is fairly abundant, whether in the safety of the jungle that spans most of the northern half of the land, or in the sparse trees in the southern grasslands. The main den area is situated in the southern half of the jungle, right as the trees begin to thin and transition to grassy plains.
Den Area: The main living area of the Pack. Vegetation is less sparse here than in the rest of the Pack's lands, mostly due to the wear of many paws over the years. Dens have been dug out from both the ground and rises in the lands, and most of the area is sheltered by the forest. A stream cuts through the westernmost point of the Den Area, heading south to rejoin with the northernmost point of the Rungwa River.
Jungle: Spanning most of the northern half of the Pack, this is generally the coolest area and is rich with crafting materials and small prey. In the height of summer, when the grasslands are at their hottest, the Pack will mostly do their hunting here and drink from the stream bordering the Den Area.
Grasslands: Covers most of the southern half of the Pack, and is rich with both large and small prey. The most filling meals come from here, although in the summer many Pack members don't want to risk the heat. Shade is found in sparse trees that dot the landscape, but for the most part it is relatively open.
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 6:25 am
Members
Ruling Ranks
Tawala: ?
Achiwa: Lelakivuli | X | Kitsune Mistress Nyoko
High Ranks
Yakinia: Auri Madini | X | Das Tor
Sanifu: Chungumsanii | X | Adona Benedicta
Common Ranks
Winda: Dúch | X | Truth.Be.Told
Kingiza: Takara | X | Bluefire Dragonz
Pending Rank
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 6:26 am
Ranks
Ruling Rank
Tawala: (1/1)
??? (Questing) - Kitsune Mistress Nyoko
The pack only has one leader, one who rules with wise and just paws. The rank is not hereditary. When the current Tawala believes it is time, they will pick a single Wild Dog from the pack to train. This Wild Dog will take on the rank of Achiwa until such time as the current Tawala steps down.
Higher Ranks
Yakinia: (1/4)
Auri Madini - Das Tor
The Yakinia are the members who make up the Council. When the Tawala is indecisive, or going to make a decision that will affect life in the pack for generations to come, the Yakinia are consulted. More often then not, the Yakinia are Wild Dogs who the current Tawala would trust their life with. Older family members, their former mentors, and even their mates are common choices.
Bayini: (Unlimited)
The seers of the pack. More often than not, the strongest of them are consulted on major decisions, and asked to sleep on what is best for the future. While they are often expected to take on little chores around the pack, no one seems to mind if they spend most of their days in their dens.
Sanifu: (Unlimited)
The most honorable rank in the entire pack, and the heart and soul of why it was form. These are the crafters, Those Who Create Jewels. While nearly all of the pack dabbles in the art of crafting, these are the Wild Dogs who have devoted their life to it. And for their dedication, they are honored and cared for.
Common Ranks
Winda: - (Unlimited/Default Rank)
The hunters and providers of the pack. They are the ones who know the herds of the lands better than anyone else, and who make and bring kills for the rest of their brothers and sisters to eat. This is the default rank, and all pups are apprenticed to a Winda for at least one month.
Kingiza: (Unlimited)
These are the guards, scouts, and warriors. More often than not, they patrol the borders, and chase away aggressive visitors. They are often the first to greet anyone who wishes to gain entry into the lands. They are the first and only line of defense, and are rotated between protecting the borders, and the main pack area.
Paaza: (Unlimited)
The nannies, teachers, and healers of the pack are found among the rank of Paaza. They are the ones who look after pups, teach apprentices, and patch up wounds. In many ways they are one of the most vital ranks, for without the Paaza, the youth and future of the pack would be lost.
Durusi: (Unlimited)
These are the adolescents of the pack. Their main duty is to learn self-sufficiency from the Winda, and apprentice under an individual to learn the skills of their adult rank. Every pup born into the pack will hold this rank at one point.
Mchezo: (Unlimited)
The puppies and juveniles born into the pack. The only duty they have is to play and learn the ways of the world from the Paazo
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 6:27 am
Beliefs
Mating
For the Ile Amba-zua Johari, two dogs mating is a joyous occasion met with great celebration. The pack does not believe in breaking a mating, so for two dogs to believe and know they are that compatible is something very special in their eyes. Upon the announcement of a life mating, the Winda are sent out to bring back enough fresh kill for a feast, and the Sanifu bring out their prettiest creations for the new mates to pick from. It is fairly common for mates to pick out a pair of earrings, and each wear an earring from the pair.
Rogue Breeding
Rogue breeding is almost never permitted, merely because the pack likes to keep the blood together. Pups are meant to be raised by their parents, and that isn't possible when one of the parents is a rogue. In recent history, however, rogue breeding has become somewhat acceptable due to how small the pack has become. Once the pack's ranks have been bolstered by fresh blood, the old ways will reemerge.
(Ooc: Rogue breeding will be allowed for approximately the first three months after the pack's official formation. After that, rogue breeding will no longer be permitted.)
Adulthood
Wild dogs are not considered to be adults until they've filled out completely, and will not take adult rank until that point in time. This goes for all wild dogs, both pack members and rogues, which means non-adult rogues are still capable of being "adopted" into the pack until adulthood. There is no special ceremony or custom apprentices have to go through to be considered adults. As soon as the pack is certain they've reached their full size, they're allowed to take on an adult rank.
Adolescent Breeding
Breeding while still an apprentice is not only heavily discouraged, but even almost punishable. Pups should not be having pups of their own, and any apprentices found to have bred will assuredly receive a heavy tongue-lashing from their elders, parents, and the Tawala. Should pups result from the breeding, they are taken and raised by the grandparents until the birth parents have reached adulthood.
(Ooc: Adolescent breeding is not allowed. It never has been, and it never will be.)
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is seen as a very special time for both parents of a litter. In the later months, when the mother's belly is swollen and her movements awkward, both parents are given time off from their duties to bond with each other and the unborn pups. While not required to, the future parents are expected to spend as much time as possible together before the birth of the litter.
Birth
This is a very special time for both parents, but also a very hard one. Once labor starts, the mother will be sent to her den with the father, while a Paaza waits outside the den in case they're needed. For the most part, the father is the one to help the mother through the birth, comforting her and helping to clean the pups as they're born. If there is a problem, the Paaza is called in to help.
Naming
Names in the pack follow only two truly consistent patterns. They are almost always Swahili, and meanings almost always have something to do with crafting materials. Pups are commonly named after precious stones, plants, types of cord... Anything that can be used to make something shiny. (Examples: Mwezikiwe means Moonstone, Kibuluu Yakuti means Blue Sapphire, Juamawe means Sunstone, Weusi Almasi means Black Diamond, and Pakajicho means Cat's Eye.)
(Ooc: Not all pup names have to follow this naming tradition, as there would be many similar names if they did, but it's encouraged to have all pups named in Swahili at the very least.)
Customs
Joining The Pack
Becoming one of the Ile Amba-zua Johari is actually a rather simple procedure. The pack welcomes all wild dogs with open paws, and the only true requirement to become part of the pack is to receive the blessing of the Tawala. Upon receiving the Tawala's blessing, the new pack member is allowed to choose their rank, and they are fully accepted as members upon completing their first day in this rank. From then on, they are considered part of the pack, and it isn't uncommon for joining members to be adopted into already established families, whether they're pups or adults.
Life Mating
As mentioned in the Beliefs section, life mating is a joyous occasion for the pack. Upon the announcement of a life mating, the entire pack holds a feast in celebration of the couple. Customarily, the two wild dogs will choose matching pieces of jewelry from the selection the Sanifu offer, to display their status as joined mates. At the end of the feast, the Tawala will give the couple their blessing, and the two wild dogs are considered to be life mated.
Morning Gathering
Each morning, just as the sun is beginning the rise, the pack gathers in the center of the den area. The members will converse with each other and swap stories until the sun has risen and the last traces of night have disappeared from the sky. Only then will the Tawala give each pack member their tasks for the day, and the pack departs until the time comes for the nightly gathering.
Nightly Gathering
Every night, when the Winda return with fresh kill, the entire pack joins in the center of the den area. As the sun sets and the moon begins to rise, the entire pack begins a harmonious chorus of barks and howls, both to welcome the night and to bond the pack together as a single unit. The kill isn't touched until the light of the day has completely faded, and once it has the pack eats together. There is no struggle for dominance over the food, and every member of the pack gets an equal share. This is to reinforce the idea that the pack is one being, with each part working together to achieve the same overall goal.
Legends
How Gemstones Came To Be
This is a tale older than the pack, mchezo. It has been passed down to us from the forefathers of our forefathers.
Long ago, there was no sparkle to our creations. We saw the way the water sparkled in the sun, the way the sun itself shined, and the moon glowed. And we grew sad. We could only see these things. And no creation we made could become a proper homage to these. And then one day, through sheer chance, a pup, no older than you all, found a smooth rock in the stream near her family's den. It was a pretty white color, and flat. But when her shadow was no longer on it, the sun caught its surface and the rock sparkled like a little star.
The pup looked for more rocks like it... And found none. She grew sad, knowing she could not take such a treasure home. Her family would fight over it, with there only being one. She tossed it back in the water, with a wish there was more such rocks. She heard her mother's call home, and went to go join her family for the evening.
What she didn't know, was that as she slept, a Goddess heard her wish. The Goddess of Minerals couldn't help but smile at the pure, innocent wish of the pup to share such beautiful things with those around her. And so, as the night crept on, she let some of her precious gems and stones out into the world.
When the pup woke in the morning, and went to go get a drink, she noticed the water sparkled more than usual on a clear day. When she looked closer, she discovered the riverbed was peppered with the white stones she'd found yesterday! She became full of joy, and ran to get her family. She shared with them the discovery.
Over the course of her life, she met others who found stones that sparkled and glowed as well. And every night, she gave thanks to whatever power had gifted the world with the sparkling stones.
And that, mchezo, is how we came to have gemstones.
(Ooc: More tales and legends will likely be added later. Our brains farted and we could only think of one.)
Gods Given Worship
Goddess of Crafting - Sanaa
The most prominent, and most important of the gods worshiped in the pack, is Sanaa. She has domain over the entire reason the Ile Amba-zua Johari were formed. Offerings are made to her every day in the form of the most beautiful trinkets and jewels the Sanifu create, which are set afloat in the stream that cuts through the pack's lands on a small, woven grass mat. Every member of the pack pays homage to her in some shape or form, even if it's simply acknowledging her as the deity she is.
God of Inspiration - Salga Fikiri
Another major god worshiped among members of the pack is Salga Fikiri. Were it not for the inspiration he rules over, the art of crafting would have never been discovered, nor would it continue to thrive. He is given homage with the completion of each and every piece the Sanifu create, although each Sanifu pays homage to him in different ways. Some might say a simple prayer over their piece, while others might simply speak his name as they put the finishing touches on it.
Goddess of Minerals - Boma'burudi
The final major god that is worshiped among the pack is Boma'burudi, who watches over the many metals, stones, and raw materials used to craft. She is paid homage to rather simply, mainly in the cleansing of materials in the stream of the main pack area. A Sanifu will not ever use a raw material that has not been cleansed in the stream and dedicated towards crafting, as it is considered an insult to Boma'burudi.
Lesser Gods
In addition to the main gods, there are a handful of "lesser" gods the Ile Amba-zua Johari pay homage to. They are not considered less powerful than the main gods in any way - they are merely seen as not having such a huge impact on the art of crafting. Among them are Kazi'Malaiki (God of The Arts), Wingu'anuru (God of Colors), Zuri (Goddess of Crystals), Nuruini (Goddess of Paint), and Gawana (God of Trade).
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 6:27 am
Joining
At this point, joining is fairly simple. Just fill out the application below, and post it in the thread.
[size=13][b][u]I'll Join Your Crafters![/u][/b][/size]
[color=#334231][size=10][b]Name:[/b]
[b]Image:[/b] Url please. PLEASE link both a full size for the sake of the pack's Photobucket!
[b]Username:[/b]
[b]Suggested Rank:[/b] (If Apprentice, list for what rank)
[b]Reason for Joining:[/b]
[b]Pre-existing?[/b] Do you want your member to be a pre-existing member of the pack? In order for this to be available, your SoA must have virtually no history. The more pre-existing members we have the better![/size][/color]
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 6:28 am
Member Concepts
This is a place to keep together all the concepts people have for members of the Pack. Want to submit one? Just use the form at the bottom of the post.
Submission Form
[size=13][b][u]I'll Craft My Way In![/u][/b][/size]
[color=#334231][size=10][b]Name:[/b]
[b]Concept Image:[/b] Url please.
[b]Username:[/b]
[b]Suggested Rank:[/b] (If Apprentice, list for what rank)
[b]Reason for Rank:[/b]
[b]Pre-existing?[/b] Do you want your member to be a pre-existing member of the pack? In order for this to be available, your SoA must have virtually no history. The more pre-existing members we have the better![/size][/color]
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 6:29 am
Pack Application
Pack Name: Ile Amba-zua Johari
Current IC Owner: Mwezikiwe (Kitsune Mistress Nyoko)
Current OOC Owner: Kitsune Mistress Nyoko, Mindsend, Das Tor
Current Pride/Pack Members, and Rankings of Each:
Links to at least five current RPs: (These RPs must have been done in the last month. At least one must have included the current ruler.)
Brief Description of the current status of your Pride/Pack: (Do not exceed 175 words, it has to fit in our layout!)
Cert Background Large Image: Here
Pride Symbol for Cert: Here
Any Extra Information: N/A
Pack History: The Ile Amba-zua Johari have always existed in some form. Not always as a pack, but as those who lived their lives dedicated to the fine art of crafting. It was only by chance that, long ago, a group of Wild Dogs who all shared the passion happened to cross paths. On that particular day, five Wild Dogs joined over the carcass of a Waterbuck too big for any one of them to finish alone. They discussed as they ate, trading techniques and telling about their favorite materials. By the time the kill was finished, one of the males had spoken up to suggest that they band together and form a pack.
On that night, the Ile Amba-zua Johari were not born, but discovered. The lead male, known as Aurikonde, remained behind with his male companions. The females of the group were the ones who journeyed to spread the news and to gather members. Seasons passed and the pack's numbers swelled. The Wild Dogs thrived and crafted together. The original five members took on mates, had puppies, grew old, and eventually passed on. Everything was well...
Until the great plague.
Disease swept through the pack, killing pups and elders and debilitating adults. Where the Ile Amba-zua Johari had once thrived, they now barely survived. Even after the plague had cleared their ranks, the adults were weakened. Pregnancies became difficult, litters were minuscule, and pups often died before they were old enough to leave the den. Years passed, and their numbers dwindled even further. Finally, the pack was left with only five adults.
They thought for certain that this would be the end of them, and the earthquake the previous year had done nothing to encourage hope for survival. The will to go on had nearly disappeared completely from the remaining five adults. In fact, it was a traveling Wild Dog that managed to encourage them to go on.
A male by the name of Radi Kirauni happened to cross their paths in search of his long lost brothers. Poisoned waters had killed off his own pack long ago, and he was certain his brothers had survived. His determination to find his family lit a spark in the remaining five adults, a spark to live on and regain the pack's former glory.
After all, it had only taken five adults those many years ago to start the pack. They would only need five adults to revive it...
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 6:58 am
I'll Craft My Way In!Name: Takara
Concept Image: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/dreamy_baby2/pets/takarapaint.png
Username: Bluefire Dragonz
Suggested Rank: Kingiza
Reason for Rank: She's a fighter, a warrior, and she's dedicated to it. She's a bit stiff in personality, but what she does, she does well.
Pre-existing? Yes! Takara has no history and this sounds like a great concept. xD she has little talent in crafting herself, but she can appreciate beautiful things and the work that goes into it. A small part of her regrets her lowly skills, so she throws herself into her duties as a guard with even greater dedication. She's definitely leader material, but that would be up to the pack. xD She would be fine as a grunt.
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 7:05 am
Sounds absolutely perfect, Blue! 8D
*skips off to add her to the Member List*
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Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 10:31 am
*drops into the thread hardcore* >;D
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Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 7:53 pm
HAY BIZZATCH. WHAT BE GOING ON?
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Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 10:34 pm
EVURTHANG.
This cert BG is kicking my butt. :C
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2010 2:33 pm
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