Welcome to Gaia! ::

History: A long time ago, there was a terrible rainstorm, and a majority of their group became separated in the great deluge that rose and separated the main pride. Finwe took charge and worked to lead the split pride to safer ground. Ensuring that as few souls as possible were lost to the waters, he rescued those he could and helped those who were injured to safety. In the aftermath, they took to the nearby jungle to find shelter. In time, Finwe was declared High King as he ruled justly and with temperance. Over time, his firstborn also ruled justly. Then they came in contact with the Dwarves. It was some time after they became dwellers of the mountain. It began as a mutual trust. After a time, a few outsiders came and began a series of lies to each group. Mistrust grew, and soon they each decided to stay apart. Some skirmishes grew, but they never managed to escalate beyond that, though the scars were already there. The current high queen, descended from Finwe, hopes to keep conflict at bay. Working to keep each side separate, she knows there are a few who peacably deal with the dwarves, but they are only from the jewelry-making clan and, at this point, just the traders. It has been some time since the rulers of either clan have had a reason to meet.

The Ellyllon, as they eventually came to call themselves, soon found that they were suited to different ways of surviving the jungle climates, and some took to the trees to remain safe from the rains, becoming caretakers of the trees they made home. Some found the valley preferable to hide from the world and develop beautiful objects to decorate their surroundings, and some simply chose to remain on the ground among the trees, keeping records of the history that had evolved, lest they forget how they came and why they remain in the green wood.

Territory: The Ellyllon are far enough away from Khalima and the Tree Walkers that they generally don't meet, unless a hunt happens to take them towards those territories, but they do not have any issues with either pride. The dwarven lands are rarely traveled unless there is an extremely rare, necessary alliance of some sort, or an unexpected meeting happens. The Dvergr are generally looked down on and are considered unworthy of their time, but have been known to battle if it becomes necessary. At times, there have been trades between the elves and the dwarves to procure any metals they might find worthy of their craft, along with gemstones they could not find buried deep in the valleys.

Culture: The three main clans within the pride work in harmony to ensure peace in their land and consider themselves very in tune with the workings of the jungle.

Ranks:

Only lions can be High King/Queen and Lords and Ladies of Nossë, and heirs.

Cheetahs and Leopards can be in any other position under those ranks, though the numbers are lower for each. Eagles assist, though they are not merely thought of as assistants.

High King and High Queen of the Realm: They are the highest-ranking positions and are in charge of keeping all the clans in harmony. They live on the outskirts of the central area, with a sort of harem that helps with their needs and breeds among themselves, forming a sort of mini clan, the High Nossë. (Available until pride is official, then must RP for High King)

Lord and Lady of each Nossë: They take care of running each Nossë, and when there is a need, a council is called to discuss urgent matters. (Available until pride is official, then must RP for High King)

Gwanurim: They keep each clan informed of the goings on in the pride. Any member can be one, and this is a revered position.

Curunír: They are highly skilled in their crafts and work closely with the Lord and Lady of their Nossë. These ranks are earned through RP.

Galadh-Pedin: Those who work to care for the trees. It is the noblest of the professions of the clans. They are honored by the other clans for their ability to hear the whispers of the trees and work to teach the other clans how to care for all the trees in the wood.

Lindëmaitar: Songs of tales of great heroes and maidens of the clans are sung during great celebrations, and working songs help to keep everyone in good spirits.

Teithron: Ensuring that the memories of the past are remembered and keeping records for posterity.

Mírë-Tano: Having created adaptive tools to craft exquisite and sought-after jewelry, these lions seek to make beautiful metal decorations, be it bracelets, necklaces, and the like.

Bachorion: They travel to other clans and to the edge of the wood to exchange goods; they also work with the dwarves to trade for metals for the Crafters.

Faradrim(Default position for all who first enter or are born into a clan unless a profession is requested upon adolescence or apprenticeship). Gathering food and ensuring the members of each clan are well fed. While each clan has its own hunters, they all work together to ensure all members are fed.

Hiron: they take care of the weaned cubs while the parents are performing their duties.

Lóriennildo: Each position has its helpers learning their craft, and they live with the clan whose professions they chose. They train on the job, so there are no specific teachers; they learn from multiple clan members in their profession.

Hîn: (Basically, all cubs since we don't have a newborn stage.) The cubs are old enough not to be so reliant on their mothers. They either stay solely in the care of their parents until adolescence, if able, or are taken care of by Hiron (Nurturers) until adolescence.

Nîr: The Eagles work to help the big cats in their endeavors. Though they only hold the most basic of positions in the clan professions, they are proud to help and ensure the trees are looked after.

Holidays

Ortane - Celebrates the semi-annual time when adolescents complete their training and become adults. They are gifted with items that will help in their chosen profession, and there is feasting in their honor.

Annui Vin - As the winter season descends, they prepare for the new year. While there is little difference between the seasons, the beginning of winter signals a time of dryer, less rainy weather, allowing for a time of decorating and celebration to welcome this slight break in the weather.

Form: