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 Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:13 am
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Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:15 am
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LEADERSHIP ROLES [IMPORTANT]
These roles are not open to any lion who has had a fling while in the Bahari. As they are deemed to have failed to adhere to basic Bahari cultural expectations, they will never be permitted to hold a position of authority.
~~~~~~~~~~~~Mkuru-maji (leader)RP Required? Yes
RP Requirements: Pridal Purge Requirements
Role Description:
In the Council, one member is appointed the leader, the peace-keeper of them all. They must be non-biased, neutral to all things and capable of making decisions and weighing facts. Its the Mkuru's duty to see to it that the Council operates in the best interests of the pride and nothing else. They are the equivalent of a king or queen and THE authority in the pride. Mtaguso-maji (council)RP Required? Yes
RP Requirement:
- To apply for this position you must have ften RPs with the character.
- To maintain the position you must have at least one RP with this character every six months.
Role Description:
Mtaguso are the rest of the council. All lions of any gender or background are accepted if they feel they have enough to offer. They liaise with the Mkuru-maji personally whenever they encounter problems within their specific field or feel that something may need changing.
The roles on the council are as follows:
Security, Health/Welfare, Construction, Diplomacy, Traditions/Culture
SENIOR RANKS [IMPORTANT]
These roles are not open to any lion who has had a fling while in the Bahari. As they are deemed to have failed to adhere to basic Bahari cultural expectations, they will never be permitted to hold a position of authority.
~~~~~~~~~~~~Nyangumi-Maji (Head Guard)Limit: 1/3 (Shio, SilverLutz)
RP Required? Yes
RP Requirements:
- To apply you must have five SRPs or three RPs with at least one with another person.
- To maintain your position you must have one RP with this character every six months.
Role Description:
The Head Guard has a number of guards assigned to them. They are responsible for ensuring that these guards patrol their section of the border properly. In addition they are responsible for organising the 'schedules' and ensuring that there is enough cover at all times. They'll typically settle the disputes their own guards might have with one another as well.
A Head guard has the authority to refuse entry to even diplomats or ambassador ranks from other prides, though they will need to clarify why this is the case to leadership if asked. Bumani-Maji (Head Builder)Limit: 1/3 (Solomon, Epine de Rose)
RP Required? Yes
RP Requirements:
- To apply you must have five SRPs or three RPs with at least one with another person.
- To maintain your position you must have one RP with this character every six months.
Role Description:
The Head Builder has a number of Bumani assigned to them. They will generally be the ones that are provided with any large scale projects by leadership. It is generally up to them to decide who within their team gets what job, meaning that on occasion some bumani may get jealous if someone seems to get the better role - it's up to the head bumani to settle these complaints.
These individuals are also the ones who will sign off on requests for large improvements to homes e.g. if you want an extension, these are the guys you ask for approval. Kinengwe-Maji (Head Hunter/Huntress)Limit: 0/3
RP Required? Yes
RP Requirements:
- To apply you must have five SRPs or three RPs with at least one with another person.
- To maintain your position you must have one RP with this character every six months.
Role Description:
The Head Hunter is often in charge of a contingent of hunters and huntresses - they will typically specialise in a type of hunting i.e. they may hunt warm blooded prey, or they may be expert fishers. They will often be provided with direction by leadership regarding the quantity of food that might be required, particularly in advance of celebrations. It is up to them to ensure that the pride has enough food.
The Head Hunters have the ability to provide permission to their hunters to travel far and wide in search of meals if they deem it necessary, though the Bahari typically doesn't want for food... Mwani-Maji (Head Healer)Limit: 1/3 (Hokulani, DavyJnah)
RP Required? Yes
RP Requirements:
- To apply you must have five SRPs or three RPs with at least one with another person.
- To maintain your position you must have one RP with this character every six months.
Role Description:
The Head Healer is usually in charge of a small contingent of more junior healers. They're responsible for their education and training, while ensuring that those who require medical assistance are well tended to. They'll typically take requests for potions and so on from their healers and communicate this to the Hlare.
When the Hlare have created their medicines, the Head Healer will then traditionally organise for these to be collected and distributed. Hlare-Maji (Head Alchemist)Limit: 2/3 (Zephyranthes, Epine de Rose) | (Unyawo`Olulula, *Greenie)
RP Required? Yes
RP Requirements:
- To apply you must have five SRPs or three RPs with at least one with another person.
- To maintain your position you must have one RP with this character every six months.
Role Description:
The Head Alchemist is the most advanced potion-master within the compound. Typically the lead alchemists don't have staff, but they actively work with each Hlare and as a unit to research and improve upon a variety of products.
They are the only ones with authority to work on the less benign potions, and may be seen crafting deadly concoctions in order to find reasonable treatments for them. At times they might also grant the authority to research these potions to the Hlare under them.
The Head Alchemists are also responsible for the continued training and education of those who enter the field... Pomba-Maji (Head Storyteller/Nanny)Limit: 1/5 (Afina, Syrius Lionwing)
RP Required? Yes
RP Requirements:
- To apply you must have five SRPs or three RPs with at least one with another person.
- To maintain your position you must have one RP with this character every six months.
Role Description:
The Head Storytellers and Nannies have the unenviable job of raising and educating some of the prides' most boisterous members. It is they who train the new nannies and storytellers extensively in how to keep the young blood of the pride happy and healthy.
They will normally have several nannies or storytellers assigned to them at a time.
STANDARD RANKS Mshauri-Rafiki (Ambassador)RP Required? No
Role Description:
These lions are the diplomats of the pride; they travel around regularly in a diplomatic capacity in order to seek out new allies. They are generally permitted to set up trade deals, and to communicate invitations to the Bahari king (and vice versa) from one pride to another.
If an alliance is founded, the ambassadors are often the ones who can take credit for the effort taken to establish it! Nyangumi (Guard)RP Required? No
Role Description:
A guard's duty is to patrol the territory, either alone in shifts, or in teams, and welcome newcomers who present themselves as friendly. Its also their job to root out the troublemakers and also prevent the troublemakers from getting in. Bumani (Builders)RP Required? No
Role Description:
These are the lions that are there to help rebuild the pride, this will include dens and the nursery. This will be a position for the stronger lions as they will need to be able to build structures that won't fall apart if the wind blows. Kinengwe (hunter/huntress)RP Required? No
Role Description:
Your average lion, most newcomers will be this position, as will most growing cubs unless they choose a certain vocation. Pombuka (child-sitter)RP Required? No
Role Description:
A responsible lion or lioness, who can handle a multitude of cubs and keep them entertained, while their parents are busy with their duties. Pomithi (story-teller)RP Required? No
Role Description:
A lion who teaches the lore of the pride and gathers up the stories of new and old members alike. They can weave tales at a festivity with ease - they can be anything from poets to singers. Mwani (healer)RP Required? No
Role Description:
There can be as many mwani in the pride as needed, perhaps every member has some basic training and knowledge of healing plants and methods. But generally the mwani devote themselves to using the medicines and balms provided and researched by the Hlare. They are masters of healing and can assist with even the most severe injuries. Hlare (medicine makers/alchemists)RP Required? No
Role Description:
These individuals are the master herbalists, they dedicate their time to understanding the properties of florae and fauna in the area. While generally utilising the healing properties of these plants, they are also well versed in the more dangerous aspects as well. The Hlare are benevolent, so while they might know how to create dangerous concoctions, they very rarely do so.
RESTRICTED RANKS Royal GuardRP Required? Yes, to achieve rank.
Role Description:
The elite guards of the Bahari'mtoto King, they answer only to him. Their duty is to expel the unwelcome from the borders so that the Nyangumi who are often much more pleasant don't need to struggle with conflicts of interest.
These lions are very well versed in combat so it isn't unusual for foreign lions to achieve this rank when they have the trust of the King.
In order to achieve this rank you will need to RP with an existing Royal Guard. TrapperRP Required? Yes - To attain Rank
Role Description:
Also known as the Architects, these individuals have a knack for building weapons of war. They use their creativity to creative destructive inventions that are design to maim/kill anything that triggers them. This is not something they do maliciously, but it is designed with purely the defence of their home in mind.
Those who wish to join would need to be creative, but would also need to appreciate that on occasions one must be brutal to keep their homeland safe.
In order to achieve this rank you will need a previous RP with an existing Trapper.
CUB RANKS Jana (treasured child)RP Required? No
Role Description:
The name given to royal cubs until they reach adolescence (when they attend Ba’Ushufo). Pomboo (youth)RP Required? No
Role Description:
Cubs and Adolescents who are not royalty receive this rank.
Still seen as precious youngsters and are therefore expected to still spend at least some time with the pombuka and pomithi of the pride, possibly helping with the younger generation while their parents may be busy with their duties. |
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Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:16 am
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 Note: Map is not to scale, while features are drawn close to each other on the map they are a lot more extensive. Feel free to set your own distances as you see fit.
Caves (1)
Once the home to the royal family, this has now been re-purposed to act as the "seat of power" for the Bahari'mtoto. These particular caves, based on the outcroppings, are used when the Bahari'mtoto pride leader holds counsel with his advisers, or during periods when great announcements are made.
While there are caves below that of the council, they do not make for good dens due to how cold and damp they are, however they do make for ideal pearl farming!
Jungle (2)
Considerably more comfortable than the caves, most lions make their homes here, as there is ample room for dens. Here is also where a lot of hunting takes place, taking advantage of forest deer, avians, primates, rodents, warthogs, and any grazers that should happen to pass through on their way towards the river. It is not a dense jungle, and fairly sparse in places, the ground is a strange spongy mix of earth and sands.
River (3)
The Bahari’mtoto may worship the sea, but they still need to drink fresh water! Thankfully, one such river winds through and behind the jungle, but beware - its recommended that lions drink from much further up the river, as it starts to mesh with salty water in the estuary.
Cliffs and Outcroppings (4)
There is a combination of high and shallow cliffs abound in the Bahari’mtoto territory. Thankfully, the most dangerous of which are generally inaccessible. Lions generally use this to make more direct offerings to the sea, simply dropping items into its moving waters from the end of the stone path. It is also the place of the Ba’Chaguliwa.
Coastal Bay (5)
The main area of the Bahari’mtoto lands, that which it is famous for. Beautiful sands and dunes and grasses.
Hunting Grounds (6)
There is more the Bahari'mtoto lands than just the beach and cove. Beyond the dunes and rocks lies an slightly undulating landscape with some rocks and boulders breaking through the skin of the earth. The grass is long, yellowed, dry, the odd patch of trees. Herds do wander through often and the odd stray goat from a farmer gets lost this way.
Fog-Bound Islands (7)
Once hidden from view by thick fog, these four islands have recently been revealed as its residents have made the journey from their home to the mainland. Ravaged by the tsunami, their supplies and numbers dwindled to the point that they required immediate assistance. Since these islands have been revealed, it's inhabitants have all been embraced into the Bahari'mtoto as family.
Former colonists and Bahari'mtoto alike are allowed to make their homes on these islands or on the mainland.
Note that these islands are slightly more exposed to harsher climates and may not be entirely appropriate or safe for young cubs.
*These islands can be accessed by a strong swimmer or during low tides when sand bars become visible and can be walked upon (pink dotted lines). |
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Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:17 am
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Patron Gods/Goddesses of the Bahari’mtoto
These deities are revered with the utmost respect in the Bahari'mtoto...
Yemaya, Goddess of Oceans
Bahari’nswi, God of Fish
Tamu’dihaka, God of Water
Juuku, God of Surf
Special Homage
These deities are recognised to have provided assistance or favour in some way...
Arimathras, Goddess of Harvest
Those Who Stop By...
The Bahari'mtoto has become a source of interest and relaxation to a large number of deities in years gone by. They are welcomed, embraced and respected as with all of the divine species.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the years have gone by the Bahari'mtoto have undergone several changes. Through the tsunami came the evolution of leadership and a new perspective.
While Ram may be an outsider, he has actively encouraged the pride to recognise the more positive aspects of their culture while quietly dispelling the myths of the more negative beliefs.
Consequently returning members may discover that what was once regarded with fear is now something of mild curiosity or at worst, caution.
Celebrations have also become somewhat less private and a lot more pride orientated with the new rulers believing that through participating in these large celebrations, the pride will come closer together. With stronger bonds, this will lead to prosperity...
[ANNUAL EVENTS]
Dabiku'Asante (Offering of Thanks):
This is the time of year when the Bahari'mtoto will gather to give thanks for anything they feel truly blessed with in their life.
An offering is usually made up of things that the Sea has granted them - shells, fish bones, seaweed, and even strands of fur from any recently born cubs. They arrange them into something what will easily be lifted by the tide as it moves in, like a necklace, etc.
Mwezifichika (time of no moon):
This was once a regarded with fear in the Bahari'mtoto. However, Ram has dispelled this myth and while he preaches caution during periods in which the light is at its lowest, the ocean is no longer feared.
During this time, to reassure the more traditionalist pride members, Ram will deliberately order more guard patrols of the region to ensure it remains safe.
It is very common for the majority of the pride to stay on land during this time due to the low visibility. As they are unable to hunt, play or socialise near the shoreline, Ram has turned this period into a time for storytelling. It provides the elders the opportunity to tell their stories and for the rogues to tell theirs...
Ba'Ushufo (Rites of Passage):
Every youngster must perform this Rite at sometime in their life, no matter how much they want to avoid it. Before the reign of the new King this was a personal matter for the family, he has since changed this tradition so that it is a time of great celebration.
This event is presided over by the entire pride, with the strongest swimmers waiting on the shore to recover any adolescent that struggles in the water during their Rite.
At the end of the Rite, when all the Adolescents (and new rogues) have completed their task, a large feast is held with the fish they have successfully managed to capture.
Ram has placed great importance on learning team work, so it is not uncommon for the adolescents to succeed in bringing in huge catches when they operate as a group!
[AD HOC EVENTS]
Ba'Kifa (Rites of the Dead):
When a member of the Bahari’mtoto passes on, they must be reunited with the life-giving Sea. A large piece of driftwood or a large leaf is gathered and the deceased laid upon it.
It is a time of reflection and reverence, the ceremony is held at night by moonlight. Taken to the shallows of the cove, the deceased is allowed to drift out to Sea, taken by the tide to be reunited with the sea goddess and then judged by their life's deeds.
Items of importance from family and friends are then left on the beach for the sea to claim, so that the deceased have memories of their life on land.
Ba'Chaguliwa (Dawn of a New Leader):
This ritual shares much in common with the Rites in that a new leader must be tested as much as new members and new adults. They must likewise be washed over by the Sea, but rather than the shore, they must perform this ritual in the more dangerous rocky outcrops.
Their task is stay on those rocks. To master their will over the Sea, to prove they have what is required to lead and to tame, to appease and to nurture. It is fair to say that quite often in the Bahari’mtoto, most leaders are never the first choice of the resigning leader - many lions perish in this ritual.
If the lion survives, they are then the new leader of the Bahari’mtoto, in this case the Mkuru-maji as instated by Tamu.
Oana‘barakiwa (blessed union):
Not a mandatory ceremony, but is highly encouraged as a show of one’s love for another, and can be repeated any number of times during a lifetime. It is basically a combination of a giving of thanks and a blessing.
The couple to be blessed give thanks for having found each other, and are then in turn blessed by the Mkuru-maji and various Mtaguso-maji. The couple exchange gifts they have received from the sea, such as shells, fish bones, etc, to wear like wedding rings and show they are bonded. |
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Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:39 am
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 Among the Bahari'mtoto there are several items and creatures that are regarded with interest, curiosity or reverence. While those of rogue blood may not necessarily recognise these superstitions quite as much, they do typically embrace many aspects of them.
Whether your lion prefers to avoid superstition, or to fully embrace it, these are still a very real part of the Bahari'mtoto way of life.
Shells:
The lions of the Bahari'mtoto regard shells very highly, and some types more than others. The flat scalloped type shells are beautiful ornaments and decorations for body and den. Cowries are very rare and sometimes plaited into manes and tails by friendly coast-dwelling birds. But the most precious of shells are the spiralled, conical shells. Once home to hermit crabs, these shells positively glow with the life of the Ocean and are held as dear keepsakes. A Bahari'mtoto lion will ask loved ones to whisper into the shell, so that when the lion feels lonely, it need only listen to its shell to hear them again.
Mermaids Purse (shark egg):
These are considered very bad luck indeed. For the Ocean to throw one of its many creatures onto the shore at a time when it hasn't even fully developed is a sign of forboding and possible looming storm. The egg should be returned to deeper waters, but that is not always a guarantee of a clear day.
Jellyfish:
Also another bad luck charm, these are to be avoided entirely because of their sting.
Sea-stars (starfish/urchins):
The Bahari'mtoto pride regards these as good luck, not only from the Sea, but from the moon, as well. Sea-stars are seen as signs of recognition and love from the moon god, and are thought of as 'rewards' for being loyal to the Sea and moon. If sea-stars are not abundant, the pride will make more than one offering a day. Quite often, sea-stars are plucked from the beach and taken to rockpools, so that there’s always a good luck charm handy.
Driftwood:
Driftwood is always met with mixed reactions. Its a dead thing that washed up on shore, but it has its uses. An offering of thanks is usually given after finding driftwood, to settle any ill-will the driftwood might have with it. It can signify fragility and the splintering of something in life, so some lions just prefer to leave it alone.
Seagulls/Warm-water Penguins:
These birds are far from the birds of the savannah, with their screeching kakawing and aerial acrobatics above the water, and in some cases IN the water. They share the territory with these birds and generally don't hunt them. Rather, they try to barter with them, knowing sea-faring birds can be useful for many things, such as fashioning items, acting as look-outs, or even for fishing larger prey.
Sharks/Dolphins/Whales/Seals:
These beasts are not always interacted with but are definitely seen along the coast, sometimes more at certain times of year. Original beliefs hold that these great beasts of the sea used to be lions of the land, and were granted a life in the water with the sea goddess after great deeds and an honourable existence.
Fish:
The staple diet of the Bahari'mtoto is the same as any other lion - red meat from the plains just outside the pridal borders and within the stretch of jungle. However, at certain times of year, fish can be found in the shallows of the beach cove and even in the mouth of the river. At this time, fish are a delicacy and to be caught whenever possible. The skeletons of the fish may even be saved and used as jewelry, a sign of a good hunter.
Human items:
Of course, unless told, your average lion will not know if an item has been fashioned by a human or not. However, that doesn't mean they're worthless or more precious than most. Its generally seen that human items might have more meaning for each individual lion as opposed to the pride as a whole, although suspicious or beneficial items should be shown to the Mkuru-maji. If they are beneficial, the finder has an opportunity to become the 'keeper' of such a useful item. |
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Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:46 am
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Q. I'm not sure whether or not I want to join at the moment. Do the pride allow others to stop over in their land and explore?
The pride are receptive to visitors, however, please be aware that there will be some areas where you aren't going to be allowed to explore. For example, there will be no access to the Nursery without expressed permission from the ruler of the pride and even then, the individual would be escorted by the guards.
That being said, the pride welcomes and encourages others to explore and enjoy what the region has to offer so feel free to visit and meet the regulars!
Q. Are non-lions allowed in the area or allowed to join the pride?
The pride appreciate all creatures and recognise what advantages they can bring to the pride, as such, all species are allowed to join.
Q. I want my cub to RP on the borders or go swimming in the sea!
Swimming yes, borders no. In order to keep the cubs safe they aren't allowed to approach the border until they are adolescents.
Q. Are gods allowed to visit the region?
Gods are permitted to visit this pride but please be aware that if they aren't benevolent we would prefer that the owner contact the pride owners first.
Q. Are the Bahari'mtoto open to pride alliances?
Yessum!
Q. Are the Bahari'mtoto open to pride vs pride plots?
There is potential for this, but not for a while to come! |
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Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:48 am
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Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:52 am
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