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 Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:46 am
The Mzawa'kondo is a band of strong, warrior lions that have made their home in the ruins of what appears to be a natural amphitheater. The area provide home and shelter for all who live there. The lake bordering their territory provides fresh water and an uncrossable border while the open grasslands provide the hunters with ample prey.
Both males and females in this pride are respected for their prowess, neither viewed as being 'weak' unless they prove themselves to be so. No one lion is viewed as being above the whole pride's well-being or safety. Everyone from King to the lowest rank would give their lives to protect another.
Size-wise, the Mzawa'kondo tend to range from larger than the average rogue to slightly smaller, depending on breeding and gender. Most males born of the pride are strong and well-muscled, built for defending their pride as much as they are battling those who rise against them. Females born of the pride are generally slightly smaller than the males with a sleeker build, making chasing after prey on the hunt easier. As the females hunt as a pack size does not often factor into how well one can perform her specific duty.
The lions of the Mzawa'kondo are very haughty when it comes to coloration. Variations of black, grey, white and brown are viewed as being 'natural' while all others (pinks, blues, greens, purples, etc.) are viewed as showing proof of 'outsider' blood. While these may be accepted in small amounts appearing on the coat they will always be viewed as being 'less' in terms of breeding status. No lion with unnatural colors may have claim to the throne.
"Once, long ago when the grasses were still green in the lands we call ours, two prides lived separated by a strip of land that they both claimed as theirs; the hunting grounds. No pride ever took more than they needed, as that was the way of their beliefs. They shared the herds and the hunt and only then did they view themselves as brothers and sisters, never otherwise.
This changed when the Great Drought brought hunger and thirst to the lands. Famine took hold of both prides when the herds moved on, but the prides would not leave the land of their ancestors. This was their home and just as they lived there so would they die there if the Gods saw it fit for them to do so.
Lucky for them, the Gods did not.
The Gods spoke to one of each pride, letting each know what they must do to survive; how they could bring the rains back to the land, and with those rains the herds, if they came together as one. The Gods whispered into the ears of those who listened to them, giving them the strength to withstand should they chose to do so; strength through the promise of unity and brotherhood.
To preserve their prides the leaders listened to the speakers, meeting one another on the neutral field of their hunting grounds. They met at dawn, talking long into the dark hours until an agreement was reached. One would not rule over the other. They would work together, as the Gods had instructed, bringing balance to the power of ruling a pride. No decision would be made without the agreement of both; no law would be made without their joint approval.
The rains returned and with them came the promise of a strong new beginning, filled with life and the continuation of the warrior pride."
We tell this story to all so that they may know well and remember what strength we come from. Remember this strength and take great pride in it. In your veins runs the blood of those two prides that joined to form one long ago. Remember this and hold your head high. Take pride in your brothers and sisters and remember those who have gone before us. Always uphold the honor that you were born into. Always.
Current Events
The attack by a group of rogues devestated the numbers of the Mzawa'kondo and injured the spirits of those who survive. The lands that they thought safe and protected from harm are no longer as welcoming as they once were. Mfalme Hodari'rasi is in mourning over his wife and has been given unquestionable space to do so. Imara'shujaa has been contemplating their losses, taking stock of what has been and making plans for what will be. He believes that fortune will smile upon them again. They are strong thought and they have learned. They have felt the claws of fate bearing down on their throats before and they were able to endure so they will do so again. The Mfalme now watch the borders for signs of that those who are scattered are returning to their homes. They are coming back slowly and those still in the lands hope that the savanna hasn't claimed more of their brothers and sisters in the months since the attack.
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Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:51 am
The Mzawa'kondo are ruled by two kings, leaving no single lion with power over the entire pride. All matters are brought before them to be discussed between them and their queens. Their queens are considered their advisers; ranked beside them and almost always present during talks or meetings. If at any time the kings are unable to reach a unanimous decision their queens are consulted and asked for their opinions on the matter.
The Speaker is looked to for guidance in the making of some decisions. Major decisions that involve the prides long term well-fair involve discussion with the Speaker.
Judges may also be brought in for major decisions requiring additional wisdom. They are trusted to know about the prides borders and will be brought in if the discussion involves hunting or the guarding of the territory
Mfalme: Kings(2) The Pride is ruled by two Kings from separate lines each descended from the original founding Kings. The double rule helps keep the pride in balance and makes sure no decision is made by the Kings that is not best for the Pride as a whole. All decisions must be agreed upon by both Kings. If the Kings can not reach an agreement then the Queens (The Kings' mates) are asked to help resolve the issue. The Kings are the heads of the warriors and consider it their personal duty to protect every member of the pride, with their own life if nessicary
-Note- Royal line is by birth. Kings are always first born son of the current King, the only exception to this is if the first born son is killed then rule falls to the next son in line (this has often caused brothers to kill each other for a chance at the throne but this is always done in secret, should it be found out it would be considered an act of treason against the honor code and those involved in the killing would be disgraced and thrown from the pride)
Malkia: Queens Ranked alongside the Kings but only have decision making power in the absence of the Kings or if the Kings can not come to a decision on their own. They are given as much respect and honor as their mates. They the leaders of the hunting parties and are in charge of the decision making regarding hunts and food supplies.
Rahimu 'semea: Speaker to the Gods The religious head of the pride. Always a seer and is said to be able to speak to the Gods (or see their wishes) though this ability. They do not hold any true power in the Pride but are respected by everyone and trusted by the Royal families. They are consulted on any matters that may affect the pride in the future and can be brought in to help mediate arguments between the royal family.
-Note- On succession: The speaker holds their position until death, at which point the next Speaker is appointed (generally appointed by the current Speaker just before their death)
Mngojaji: Attendants(2-3) Given the mental state of the speaker they aren't always able to completely care for themselves. The Pride wishes no harm to come to their speaker so they often asign females to watch over the Speaker. They assist the Speaker while they are having a vision, should they need it, and make sure the Speaker is always in perfect health. Attendants are often lions who do not meet standards as Hunters. It is generally one of the attendants who becomes the next Speaker should one of them have the Gift. They are not permitted to speak of anything that the Speaker has either said durring a vision or that they may over hear between the Speaker and a guest. In rare cases, where harm may come to either the Speaker or Pride, they are allowed.
Hukumia: Judges(2) Every cub born into the pride is taken before the Judges to be inspected. Any cubs found to be weak or in anyway disabled will be discarded outside the pride territory and left to die (note: ICly if you wish for this to happen to your cub you may, it will never be forced on you that your cub is discarded. Please make sure you take this seriously if you decide to make a cub blind/deaf or in any way physically disabled because we will remove the cub from the pride. It is your choice to give the cub the disability in the end. If you choose to do this your cub does not have to die but may be picked up by another Rogue or Pride or if you wish can live on it's own.)
-Note- Judges are Elder Warriors, always past their prime and taken out of active duty. Usually they are the most highly honored Warriors or those who were teachers for long periods of time.
Asikari(male): Warriors Patrol the borders of the pride to keep out threats and to make sure that the Pride territory stays clear of Outsiders. Elder warriors are also responsible for the training of the next generation. In times of trouble Warriors may also double as Hunters.
Zengea(female): Hunters Do all the hunting for the pride as a communal event. Food is brought to the pride in large quantities and shared amongst everyone equally. Elder hunters are also responsible for the training of the next generation. In times of trouble Hunters may also double as Warriors.
Nje ya: Outsiders Any of those who were not born of, or into, the pride. Generally lions with non natural colors or other animal species. Servants and helpers to the blood pride members.
-Note- The term 'servant' holds no derogatory meaning when used in general terms, whereas the word 'slave' would hold many. Servants are usually very close to those that they serve, forming honorable bonds of loyalty and friendship. They are not considered to be less than any other rank as all ranks serve their purpose in supporting the whole.
Those not content with a status of servitude or apprenticeship without any means to raise their rank are welcome to leave at any time.
Tazama - Those outsiders who have taken up the job of watching over cubs while their mothers are away.
Mesenja - Those Outsiders who are the general messengers for the pride. They take messages between members of the pride or relay information from groups of hunters or warriors if needed.
Kijana: Youngsters Any member of the pride that is not an adult.
"No son above his brothers"
Base of the honor code between the warriors. No single lion is more important than the pride as a whole. It is considered a great dishonor to try to protect ones self above protecting the group. Acts done by an individual that could lead others to believe they were acting selfishly will result in harsh punishments. This includes acts of cowardice, unneeded acts of bravery (ex. trying to be a hero), and anything outside of the 'norm' that could lead to personal glory.
This is also upheld by the Hunters. There is always enough food brought back for the pride as a whole and no single family may take more than is their share. You never hunt with the intention of only bringing back food for your family or a small group (The only exception to this is if you are bringing food for a sick/injured member who may need food at odd hours)
Always give respect to your elders and those in higher authority to you. This even goes for blood pride youngsters who must repsect elder Outisders who live with the pride.
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Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:57 am
Coat Colors: Neutral base colors. Shades of black, white, brown, and gray are acceptable and on rare occasions small highlights of other colors. Some shades of red and gold are acceptable as 'neutral' colors. Colors that don't fall under neutrals show that somewhere in your line you have 'outsider' blood and while this isn't always a dishonor it will always be the focus on any reason why you do not live up to standards. -Note- Members will loose all claims to Royal blood if they have any non-neutral colors on their coat.
Outsiders: Outsiders who are allowed into the pride cannot join either the Hunters or Warriors. They gain no ranks in the regular society but do have their own ranks. They are considered less in strength than blood members but are highly valued for what they can bring to th epride. They are considered servants and assist others members of the pride in raising cubs, tending injured or sick members, and general tasks about the pride. They are highly trusted by the pride members they serve and often considered as family. Outsiders may -only- be escorted into the pride by Warriors and must be brought before the Kings before they are allowed to wander the pride territories freely. Both Kings must agree on the outsider staying for it to be official. Anyone not gaining the Kings' approval will be forcibly chased from the Pride Territory.
-Note- Cubs born of outsider parents will be given the same treatment as cubs born of the Pride. They will be considered blood members and taken before the Judges. When they are adults and have finished their training they have the choice to join the hunters or warriors or to rejoin their parents in ranks of the outsiders.
Other Species: Any and all species are welcome into the pride. They always automatically fall into the outsiders (because they would not be as strong as lions) and are general helpers within the pride and messengers. The pride's beliefs in helping those who are sick, injured, and lost extends to other species as well. (Note: The only species this does not apply to are prey beasts. Hurt/sick prey animals are considered fast food. The Mzawa know and are comfortable with the balances of life/death and know that everything must die eventually so others can live)
Slavery: The Pride does not believe in slavery or forced labor. All Outsiders are willing servants and are still allowed to make decisions on their own. Any servants are allowed to leave the pride as they wish and they are allowed to choose which Pride members, if any, they serve (they are allowed to serve the pride in a general sense rather than individuals). They are also granted the same rights to food and other resources as any blood member of the pride receives.
Honor System: Honor is a major part of the prides believe and upbringing. You always respect your elders or those in a higher authority than you and you always help those who are in need of it. The honor code extends outside of the pride to those that Warriors may find outside the territories. All elderly, injured, sick, or lost young -must- be brought before the Kings so that they may be helped. This is the only way Hunters are allowed to bring in Outsiders as they are required to help any that they find who need it.
-Stance on lost/alone cubs with family- If a cub is found alone and has parents they are to be escorted back to their parents without question. With or against the Cub's wishes.
-Stance on lost/alone cubs without family- If a cub is truly lost or has been abandoned they must be brought before the Kings. Outsider cubs will be taken to the Judges for inspection. If they are found to be strong and healthy they will be given into the care of a Hunter who currently has cubs (always given to one who has three or fewer cubs to care for so that it does not take away from the health of the blood cubs) to raise as their own. The cubs are treated as blood members and receive the same training and upbringing.
Mating: Mating outside the Pride: While not banned it is severely frowned upon for any to take mates who are not of Pride blood. Those outside the pride are considered to have inferior genes and females of the pride would consider it a dishonor to themselves to birth cubs that were not granted the blessing of the pride's blood. Mating with an Outsider pride member is less frowned upon than mating completely outside the pride. Royalty -never- mates outside the Pride. It is considered a high dishonor and almost always results in the lion loosing all claim to Royal lines and their eviction from the pride in extreme cases.
Hybrids: Hybrid breeding is considered lowering yourself within the pride. No other species is as powerful as the lions so forcing your cubs into the life is frowned upon. The only slightly exception for this is lion/leopard breeding. It is still frowned upon but the cubs are not considered worthless as other hybrids would be.
(OOC Note: This means hybrid breeding other than lion/leopard is forbidden. Just don't do it.)
Cubnapping: Because this has been popular lately we feel that we need to make note of it. Cubs in the pride are -always- under the watchful eye of some adult, more than likely many adults, who are willing to give their lives to keep someone away from the cubs. No cub napping may happen within the pride without the FULL permission of the owners of the pride. Do not do it. If you break this rule we will kick all of your members out of the pride and we will hunt the cubnapper down and take the cub back.
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Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:59 am
The Mzawa'kondo have a very loose religious base. They ask Fortune for guidance and blessing over the things they do. They ask for her guidance to lead them on a good hunt and they ask for her blessing when they are to give birth to cubs for strong litters.. As the seasons change they also ask that Fortune guide them through the dry seasons so that they do not suffer again as they once did.
There is a small ritual upon the death of a pride member that the community that the member was a part of (warriors, hunters, outsiders) takes part in. The pride members gather and wish the spirit of their fallen member a easy journey to the after life. They will often tell stories about the deeds that the other had done and give honor to what was accomplished in their life. The ceremony is most often guided by the Rahimu 'semea. Upon the death of a member of either royal houses the entire pride gathers for the ceremony.
Fahari'ote - God of Honor - non-existant/being quested for
Kitunda'bahati - Goddess of Fortune - (TheMadHatter)
The Pride believes that it was only by the fortune of the Gods themselves that they were allowed to survive and believe that Kitunda was one of those who whispered the fortelling of their doom into the ears of the Speaker as a warning. They thank her for the prosperity she has given to the Pride and continue to hope that she still watches over them. She is often prayed to before a Hunt and mothers often pray to her before the birth of their litter hoping for the luck of strong healthy children.
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Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 12:09 pm
The Mzawa pride resides in the ruins of an ancient natural amphitheater. There are very few traces left of any human activity that might have caved the steps into the sides or left the table in the center. The earth has mostly reclaimed the area and the Mzawa have in turn claimed it.
Females and their cubs along with the elderly, injured, adult Warriors and servants live in the main bowl of the amphitheater. Space is equally distributed to all living there and everyone is free to roam where they wish. There is a large cleared out 'table' ( flat slab of stone almost directly in the center of the amphitheater) where food is brought after hunts so that the Pride may share it. The stone table is also a central gathering place and where any religious or formal meetings take place
Males depending on their age live in one of two places.
Juvie/Adol: Pride members of this age live in the various cleared out spaces along the edge of the rim of the amphitheater. These are the training homes as it is easier to access the edges of the territory and outside lands from there.
Adult: Prides members of this age live in the main caves generally with their mates and families.
Cubs: All cubs stay with their mothers in the amphitheater. There is a large sense of community amongst the pride so cubs are often raised together rather than by their individual families alone. When the mothers go out hunting the cubs often stay under the eyes of Servants or the elder lions. They are not permitted to go into the training grounds or past.
Juvie:
Male: Once cubs are of age they are given by their mothers to those Warriors who are in charge of training the next generation (usually these are Warriors who, while aren't too old to work, are generally old enough that they have given the main jobs to those younger than them). They are thrown into strict and often times harsh training to prepare them for their jobs as Warriors (the training is harsh enough that often times the juveniles die while undergoing it, this is purely optional but you must take into account that they do not have an easy life. Wounds and scars are a common occurrence at this age). They are also taught the honor beliefs of the pride at this age.
Female: Once they are this age the pride members are taken to the elder Hunters to begin learning the skills they will need. These training sessions take place either in the main living spaces with other Hunters or up past the male training grounds inside the territory. They are expected to learn proper hunting skills and are taught the honor beliefs of the pride
Adol:
Male: As they reach their adolescent stage the pride members are given their first task as a Warrior. They are thrown out into the wilderness, most often well outside the pride territory, and told to survive on their own for up to a week. They will either come back fit and ready to continue their training or they do not come back at all (whether this is because they have died, injured themselves and do not wish to feel disgraced so they run away, or they just decide to leave on their own). Upon their return they are marked as a Warrior and begin actually helping patrol the territory under the eye of a senior Warrior.
Female: As they reach this stage they are permitted to go on hunts with the rest of the Hunters. They are not the main hunting party but are often scouts or diversions. They are expected to lead at least one Hunt at this age to prove their abilities to the others. If they fail to lead at least one successful Hunt then will become permanent scouts or backup help during all future hunts.
Adults: At this stage they are encouraged to take a mate, or officially claim another as their mate should they have found one already, and take up residence within the main pride area.
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