Welcome!
This is the plot thread for the colony of Lightwalkers. Originally an idea founded for the colony starter pack idea, we fell so in love with the concept that we decided to try bringing it to life regardless of whether or not we won. We came in second for the contest (congrats to the Stormblessed!) and here we are. c: We've begun to change some of the original idea as we're no longer constrained by the contest and there's no reason to keep the B'alam as cubs. If you're interested, please continue reading! We have plots in the works for the colony and would love to see your ideas as well!
What are Lightwalkers?
How about some basics first? Lightwalkers are what the colony calls themselves. For whatever reason, those who join the colony tend to believe in light and all its sources as the Grand Weaver. Some come with different beliefs, but perhaps are soon convinced that the colony's beliefs and traditions are true. Others may quietly stick to their ideas whilst participating in the colony's traditions. No matter the personal belief of a new B'alam, the core colony founders (the Council) and their second in command along with many of the colony's resident B'alam all believe that the Grand Weaver can be found in light and in all light sources. It is very sacred to them, from a glorious sunrise, to the pale moonlight, to the fireflies that seem to be abundant in the colony's homeland. All are welcome, particularly those B'alam who seem lost, or alone, or abandoned. It is a colony based on mutual hard work and a profound sense of connection.
Ideal Location ::
Physical Attributes ::
The main council members and their second in command tend to have very specific coats. They are either very dark, with swirling galaxies and stars, very glowy pelts, or extremely light pelts of yellow, gold, and tawny with swirling designs.
The Council
- The council is made up of five B'alam. These five came together at a rather auspicious time. They each stepped out into the same clearing at the same time during a bright sunrise. It seemed to them that they were drawn together for a purpose and vowed to stay together. Eventually they formed the council, each heading a specific clan within the colony. Each council member also selects a light source that they hold dear and presides over a festival dedicated to their clan and/or light source.
The Second In Command
The second in command are the right hand of each council member. They can function in that role solely, or as another part of their specific clan. For example, the second in command for Sorva can be only second in command, or can also be the lead Seer.
The Clans
Sova > Seers>Shamans > Lorekeepers > scribes
Ochre > Guardians > Hunters/Gatherers
Kaimana > Crafters > Merchants
Truu - Instructors> Matrons/patrons> ambassadors
Roena > Sunspinners >Storytellers > Singers > Dancers > Bards
Seers ::
Seers are the spiritual leaders. They lead the ceremonies that ask for blessings from the light bearers to enhance the colony or help them through hard times. They accept offerings from those in the colony that wish for a blessing.
Shamans ::
Shamans find and create new medicines to help the colony through injuries and sickness. They experiment with new substances to create better things. They work hand in hand with the Gatherers, sometimes joining the Gatherers in the field to find new herbs and plants that would benefit them.
Lorekeepers ::
These B'alam are record keepers, historians. They organize and record events that have happened or are happening.
Scribes ::
The Scribes work very closely with Lorekeepers. They often are found out and about, copying down stories from various other B'alam to be organized by the Lorekeepers. They assist the Lorekeepers in organization and in transcription. Both the Scribes and the Lorekeepers will eventually come up with a written language and are the first to learn the language of outside B'alam.
Guardians ::
These B'alam protect the colony from any threat that may present itself. They set a night watch to be sure the sleeping colony is protected. On quiet days, a few may join the Hunters. They train daily to keep themselves in shape and ready for any threat.
Hunters & Gatherers ::
Hunters are the B'alam that hunt other living beings. It could be small game or fish, etc. They provide the bulk of protein foods consumed by the colony. Gatherers are those who forage for berries, nuts, herbs, and materials that may otherwise be useful. They work in tandem with Shamans and with Crafters.
Crafters ::
Crafters are creators of many things, whether it is buildings, toys, instruments or other objects. They work closely with the Merchants and Gatherers to obtain new items to create new crafts. In a sense these can be called the inventors of the colony. They also create the decoration for all of the festivals the colony puts on. Cooks are apart of these crafting new tastes for the colony.
Merchants ::
Merchants sell the wares of the colony to other clans and bring back new goods and items for the crafters. They take the crafters' wares to other places over the continent, usually travelling with the Ambassadors.
Instructors ::
Instructors educate the young so when they grow they can chose where they want to be placed in the clan. Also help in choosing ambassadors for the many roles. They also help pair cubs to roles they think would be good for them, where their talents would shine. They will help bring out the utmost potential in each cub.
Matrons & Patrons ::
These are B'alam that help watch over the cubs in the colony, along with any stray or lost cubs who either have no parents, cannot find them, or have lost them. They help nurture the cubs and instill a sense of family and discipline.
Ambassadors ::
Ambassadors are chosen from the best of each profession, each having its own representation when sent to contact other colonies and tribes. They usually travel with Merchants.
Sunspinners ::
Sunspinners are the name given to the entertainers of the colony.
Storytellers ::
These B'alam work closely with the Lorekeepers in coming up with stories about the world around them, or events that have transpired. They can weave words together with great skill and know how to bring life to anything that might spark the imagination.
Singers ::
Singers play the more melodic role of weaving poetry into art. They know how to create the mood with their words and will work closely with the Lorekeepers and Storytellers in finding the perfect route to take whatever subject they may have, whether it be a sad tragedy or the whimsy of singing about the sun and moon.
Dancers ::
Dancers play the role of adding movement to the music from the Bards, the tales from the Storytellers, or to add more fire to words that the Seers might say. They add depth to ceremonies and enjoy the limelight above all else. Dancers are trained closely by Roena, and when the Dancing Light Festival occurs, the newly made Dancers are given the spotlight to debut their finest moves.
Bards ::
These are the ones who shape everything that the Sunspinners stand for. They work closely with Crafters in creating different instruments from the world around them. They use these instruments to bring life to the dances, tales, songs and just about everything else. They may work with the Seers in adding a certain mood to the prayers, or they may adding a lamenting note to the passing of someone to the embrace of the Light.
The Traditions
Dawning Festival ::
Sun based b'alam, various prizes and activities surrounding the summer solstice?
Dance of the Moon Festival ::
Based around the worship of the moon and its cycles. Happens some time in winter where the nights are longer. Inviting multiple merchants of all kinds to attend to sell their wares during this festival. Perhaps a change to give away moon based B'alam?
Awakening Ceremonies :: An event that would be spring-based, where the colony would gather and join one another in songs, dancing and overall merrymaking in order to "awaken" the power of the growing of the leaves, flowers, etc.
Harvest Festival ::
Ceremony that takes place in autumn and celebrates life both in its sustenance and in its closure. Honors those that have died (when applicable, obvs not right away) Cooking Event included here with Fall themed B'alam as prizes?
Coming of Age Ceremony ::
All the cub/teens that are deemed mature enough by their instructors may be a part of it. They all gather, under the scrutiny of the leaders of each of the guild/faction/whatchamacallits and choose where they would like to learn their trade. This doesn't have to be a set in stone decision, but if the cubs decide they do not like where they go, they must go to the leader of where they are and explicitly tell them that they feel they do not belong. In that case, they are give the freedom to go to the leader of another group and ask if they may come under their tutelage.
Winter Event where an ambassador for each will take a journey to accept their new role and be recognized as one of the best, also a celebration of all the roles working as one. perhaps challenges as teams and games
Firefly/Night Event ::
A night they use to celebrate the different light sources in their world. Focuses on the different light sources that are used to define the different sections/roles that the leaders selected to begin with. Catching fireflies would be a main part of this event. They use hollowed out tree branches, small receptacles and the like to hold the fireflies throughout the event. Spiderwebs and honey can be used to trap them, or a firefly whisperer to help keep them contained. [During this event the firefly whisperers release fireflies raised in the crystal caverns, who are attracted to the glowing moss. At the end of the night the newly caught fireflies in addition to recaptured ones that were released are herded back to the caverns and help to light them in addition to the glowing moss that grows there. May be during a meteor shower?]
Spring Storm Gathering ::
A gathering to celebrate the springs rains. Done in early spring. Ochre runs this festival in honor of Lightning and the thunder that comes with it. Music will be provided by low bass drums (Representation of the booming thunder) and crystal chimes (to represent the rain) This gathering will be at night around a large bone fire to represent the light Lightning brings to the darkness. Dance will also be done, a dance to hope for good rains for the up coming rainy season. He will collaborate with the Entertainers and Seers to put this festival on.
Dancing Light Festival ::
Around the wintertime, when the chilly air has taken it's hold on the land, and snow covers the ground, this festival occurs. It is a night event that takes it representation from the shimmering, colorful curtains of light that dance across the skies. This is particularly a fanciful time for new Dancers to make their debut. All gather around warm fires and are enraptured by the Dancers dancing in whimsical spirals around the fires, caught up in the sweet sound of Singers weaving their beautiful songs while the Aurorae (Dancing Light) dances overhead in it's shining colors.
Since this festival is a debut for the Dancers, there could be competitions for all those part of the Sunspinners, or even those who are part of the other factions in different facets, like dancing, storytelling, singing or music-making. Those who are seen to be best at each will receive a token from Roena to proudly show that they were the best that year at what they crafted.
Starlight Festival :: A summer festival, when nights are warm. Sova and the Seers gather to celebrate the starlight. Tales of constellations are created, fires burn low and only enough to ensure visibility for walking. Usually takes place at the large ceremonial stones, or atop the waterfall where the stars are most easily visible. A time to make wishes and have them granted. Music is usually in the form of soft song and wind chimes. Also a time when new Seers are chosen.
