The earth beneath your feet beats a tempo of it's of its own. The sky above you sings songs of ancestors before you. The grass around you dances steps taught to it before the beginning of time. Do you feel the rhythm inside of you? Of course you do, for your pride has taught you well. But once, long ago, it was not so. Long ago, this pride could not recognize the rhythm. Long ago this pride was lost. Not in the physical sense, no no. This pride had no sense of direction and its members could not find their rhythm. Such was the world that our great Malenga was born into.
Indlovu, they called her, for she stomped so heavily on the ground that her mother believed she was an elephant's calf. When she was but a cub it was ignored; however, it proved very difficult when she joined the hunting party. Her loud steps scared the prey away and thus she was left back at the den, playing nanny to the few cubs that had been born that year. Though she didn't mind the job, it was obvious that her usefulness to the pride ended there.
Still, Indlovu worked hard at what she did and used the time she was given to enrich the lives of the cubs. She began to create necklaces and anklets out of bone and teeth, finding that the cubs enjoyed the sounds they made when they walked. Along with these musical bracelets came bean shakers, bone drums, and a whole assortment of wooden beads. It was here that Indlovu found her calling. She began to use her heavy steps as a beat, jingling her jewellery in time to create music. The cubs were eager to join in, their antics eventually incorporated into the first official "dance." Indlovu started to encourage uniqueness among the cubs until each began developing their own variation of their rhythm.
It did not take long for the pride leader Nesibindi to become aware of this "dancing." At first, she was unsure of its nature. Would it lead the pride further down the path of despair? Would it bring more famine, more devastation? Indlovu, however, convinced her that dancing would help boost the moral of the pride and therefore better their lives. It did not take long for the music and dancing to take hold of the pride. It was no surprise that when Nesibindi stepped down, Indlovu took her place as leader of the pride now known as the Nchi'mahadhi.
The Mnyama Era:
Over the years, more vocals were added to the ground stomping, bone clacking music and the stomping was soon replaced by gourd drums (for no one could stomp a beat quite like Indlovu). Chants were created and passed down from generation to generation. Rhythm became inspired by nature, as it was from nature that all the instruments were created. Indlovu's eldest granddaughter Ma'gxila took over the pride shortly after her mother's death and continued to rule for many years. During the second year of her reign, Ma'gxila chose a male to father her first litter, and gave birth to three healthy cubs: Mnyama, Khululile and Sheshile.
Of all her siblings, it was Mnyama who was destined to become the Malenga. Though she was forthright, proud and rather vain, the lions and lionesses of the Nchi'mahadhi enjoyed her charisma and love of tradition. She believed that finding your own rhythm was extremely important, and encouraged all to join in the ritual chants and dancing no matter what your skill. All was going well for the Nchi'mahadhi, however their "Golden Age" was about to end.
When Mnyama was but a juvenile she fell head over heels for a cream-coloured rogue lion by the name of Lubisi. The male appeared to have no intentions of joining the pride, only there to woo the Malenga to be. He was tolerated, however during the Dance of Heat at the beginning of summer Lubisi convinced Mnyama to leave the pride with him. Shortly after Mnyama had departed, the plague struck. The disease nearly wiped out the pride, and killed off both Khululile and Sheshile. Thus began the Ukuhlwa'inkathi or 'dark times.' Only very few of the Nchi'mahadhi survived the plague, and those remaining were either too old or too young to help strengthen the pride. The remaining members live in an almost self-imposed exile, wandering the lands around their homelands.
But their traditions and songs live on in Kazi'Malaiki, the god of the arts. He knows all, and has been helping to bring the pride back to strength. Using his artistic abilities he can paint pictures to show the way to new pride members. It is this way that he met Nsundu, daughter of the previous Malenga.
The Nsundu Era:
Nsundu lead the pride for several years. Older members returned, rogues came in search of a home, and with the birth of new litters they found hope for the future.
It didn't take long for the Nchi'mahadhi to became allies and friends with their neighboring pride, the Mtaishi'miele. The Mtaishi were led by a brother and sister migrated from the Pridelands, Jin'Yue and the new queen, Sen. Through this alliance the Nchi gained valuable hunting partners, added security, and the favor of the Mtaishi's patron Goddess, Mwokoti. But things weren't perfect as they seemed.
Nsundu would eventually have two daughters, sired by a rogue. The eldest, Kitambi, was known for her stoic mannerisms and no-nonsense attitude. Her younger sister, Waseme, for her jealousy and thirst for leadership.
Despite her laudable dancing and singing, Nsundu lacked responsibility and foresight. This she shared with Sen. In an effort to shed their titles and free themselves, Nsundu sent Waseme to live in the Mtaishi as their heiress, while Kitambi stayed to learn the ways of the Nchi'mahadhi.
Meanwhile, it started to rain...
The Kitambi Era:
When her daughter Kitambi was of age, Nsundu bestowed leadership rites to her. Next door, Sen did the same with Kitambi's sister, Waseme. No sooner had the two queens surrendered their titles than they left together to see the world.
The long-term Drummer Isithunzi (at the time known as the Umshayi Wesigubhu), also stepped down from her rank, passing the torch to her daughter, Mawi Mai. Mawi Mai played a vital role in helping Kitambi tend to her duties, and served as a calming presence in contrast to dealing with Waseme.
The Mtaishi and the Nchi remained allies, but the relationship between the sisters was strained to say the least. More so after Mtembei, a rogue who caught both sisters' eye, chose Kitambi as his mate. Together, they had two sons, Araiya and Yoreq, and one daughter, Nantale.
As their lone female cub, Nantale was selected to follow in her mother's footsteps. She had nearly completed her training when a storm more severe than any other accosted the lands, causing what some have deemed The Great Flood.
In the backlash, many members were lost, drowned or fled, including the entirety of the royal family.
The Nantale Era:
In the chaos of the flood, one of the royal family's sons drowned; the other, unbeknownst to them, had taken a trip out of the pride a day before the disaster; Nantale, their only daughter, was severely injured and traumatized, lost in the Roguelands where she would encounter numerous unsavory individuals.
Mawi Mai struggled to maintain the pride by her lonesome. It would be nearly two years before Kitambi, Mtembei, and Nantale would return, guided by the Mtaishi'Miele's Goddess, Mwokoti, and a group of rescuers. As their neighbors were not fortunate enough to rebuild, Mwokoti became wholly dedicated to the welfare of the Nchi.
For a time, Nantale was thought to be too troubled to ever lead. To the surprise of many, she would regain enough courage to not only rise to leadership, but to make controversial changes. Some continue to regard her as a questionable choice for leadership, however.
The Shauku Era:
Being Written.
Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2016 8:11 pm
The pride is situated in the southwestern most portion of Kenya, bordering on Lake Victoria and sheltered by the kanyamaa escarpment. The climate is hot and humid, as is normal in Kenya. The Jungle lies to the south of the Nchi pride lands, and the former Mistweaver lands to the south west. Overall, however, it is a very isolated pride, thus making it difficult to recruit members from around the southern prides.
1 - The Drum Circle. Malenga sits at the head, Umshayi to her right 2 - Raised dancing circle (up to five lions may stand on it at a time) 3 - The Kanyamaa escarpment. The Nchi pride make their dens in the rocky surface. 4 - Black soil, characteristic of this area, made into mud by Lake Victoria 5 - Lake Victoria. The pride's primary source of water 6 - The Malenga's den, highest of all the dens in the escarpment. The Umshayi and the Sha'ihubo live in the two dens below the Malenga.
The Mtaishi'Miele Lands
The Nchi's land once sat behind their neighbors and allies, the Mtaishi'miele, but the pride was lost to the Great Flood and sickness (see history for more information). To get to and from the Nchi, a lion is required to cross these once abandoned lands. As of Nantale's rule, the Nchi expanded their territory to include that of the Mtaishi.
The Mtaishi lands are about two miles of little more than grasslands. Flowers grow there with more frequency and variety than they should. Some are poisonous, and others have potential medicinal properties yet unknown. It's suspected this is the work of the God of Plants *, who was guarded the lands, but cannot be proven, and may very well be due to natural causes.
* Permission given by the owner of God of Plants, Pukio.
NchiMahadhi Pride
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NchiMahadhi Pride
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Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2016 8:12 pm
Dances & Chants / Religion
The center of the Nchi'mahadhi pride is the Rhythm. To them it is both a unifier and a divider. The pride members must be on the same beat for everything to flow smoothly, but the members must also be unique and diverse in their rhythm. Rhythm is a paradox that the Nchi'mahadhi admire and respect. It is not necessarily something that they worship, but neither do they worship gods or spirits. Instead, they give great significance to the Rhythm and its counterparts the Dance and the Chant, for it was these three that brought them out of their time of depression. The making of instruments and learning the ways of the Dance and Chant are also very important to the Nchi'mahadhi.
Aside from their respect of the Rhythm, the Nchi'mahadhi also recognize the importance of self, for it is from their own hearts that the Rhythm is born. It is essential that all members of the Nchi'mahadhi find the Rhythm within themselves and come to understand its meaning and significance. The Nchi'mahadhi also believe that the spirits of the ancestors live on in their Rhythm. Relatives of a dead pride member remember their rhythm and often pass it down to their children, thus making sure that the lion or lioness never really dies.
The Nchi'mahadhi do believe in and acknowledge the Gods, and in fact have been protected and guided by at least two. While they deeply respect the God of Arts, Kazi'Malaiki, his presence has been an absent one for generations. As it stands, most of the current pride have never seen him, let alone met him.
The Goddess of the Lost, Mwokoti, serves as protector for the pride and provides them the security of knowing their kin can never be lost again. Due to her domain, absent members can usually be found.
Because Dances and Chants are such an intricate part of Nchi life, they have their own thread here.
Genders
The Nchi have never been cruel to their males (though some may argue they have been unjust), but until recently, the pride has always been ruled by females. Only males could be guards. Only females could hunters.
Things have changed to where both genders can be found nearly anywhere. Some older members may cling to traditional ways, but they'll likely be few and far between.
Coats & Colors
The Nchi have never preferred one color over another, nor are any particular markings sacred to them. The majority would find this mindset unusual if not disturbing and illogical.
Rulers / Elections
For nearly all of its lifetime, the pride has been led by a female ruler known as the Malenga, whose title passes down to her daughter, often the eldest. As of Nantale's rule, the pride is guided by six members of a council as well as the Malenga, and the Malenga is now elected by a pride vote.
As such vote has yet to occur, there is no OOC / IC example to reference yet for how exactly it will play out.
The Council members are garnered through an apprenticeship by the leader of their particular faction.
Seers
Seers are not utilized in the Nchi and views on them vary. Overall, it could be said they're regarded as they would be most places, with a mixture of curiosity, wonder, and some fear.
Names
The Nchi name their children with your standard Swahili or African-based/sounding names.
Mates
In brief, allowed: Hybrid couples Male x Female Female x Female Male x Male Adolescent x Adult Adolescent x Adolescent 3+ "Open" Relationships
The Nchi are a very live and let live pride, though some individual members may be more judgmental than others. To date, no one within memorable history has done the Courtship Dance except adult male x female couples and it's yet unknown how the society as a whole would react to other things. Also, things can become more complicated when cubs get involved.
In order to be "official" mates, pride members must take part in the aforementioned Courtship Dance (info found on the third post here). This is the Nchi equivalent of marriage. Like in modern day, couples do not need to be "married" to be together or have offspring.
Breeding
Breeding is very open OOC and is unlikely to ever be restricted IC. We only ask you post here and here before posting a breeding and after the cubs arrive in order to maintain the memberlist and keep track of the dance/chant timelines. Couples do not have to be officially mated to have cubs, but every litter will have a New Life Dance and Welcoming Dance (info in the third post here). Whether this is RPed out is up to you, but they do happen IC, so please don't forget to make your posts!
Mix and match breeding is allowed, but please see the info on rogue breeding below and remember to post litters here if you're chosen.
Rogue Breeding
An acceptable and perhaps common practice, rogue breeding is not looked down upon in the pride except on an individual basis (it stands to reason some are personally adverse to it). It's worthy to note, however, that giving away Nchi cubs is illegal and punishable by having the parent(s) cast out and the cubs raised by surrogates. Under Nchi law, a mother is not allowed to have six cubs with a lion from another pride and allow him to take three with him after they're born.
These kinds of plots are not banned OOC and like most things are always welcomed to help spice things up; however, please act realistically when approaching pride leaders about these storylines. Consider gestation period, the guards stationed at the entrance, and other such things. Also, be willing to accept consequence for your character if they're found guilty.
This law was enacted IC under Nantale's rule.
IF THE MOTHER IS A ROGUE: Due to the nature of the shop itself, rogue cubs where the mother is unknown are only possible through customs and extremely rare. It's therefore assumed "rogue cubs" brought home by a male will have a PC mother owned by another player. If she takes half the cubs, there is no penalty for this, as they weren't "Nchi cubs" at birth.
If the father is Nchi’mahadhi and breeds with a rogue, it's technically his own business, and chances are no one would even know. Bragging about having many cubs outside the pride might raise some eyebrows, depending.
Any cubs he brings will more or less be treated as if they were joining as rogues. Therefore, their Welcoming Dance (info found on the third post here) will be the rogue variety, not the one intended for cubs.
Cub-napping:
The Nchi’mahadhi are sheltered on three sides by a lake, a mountain, and an escarpment, leaving only one side open to entry -- and that entry is protected by guards at all hours. There are also nannies watching the cubs (not to mention their parents), who would alert the pride if they noticed someone was missing.
As with most things, these plots are not banned OOC, but please be realistic and, if you wish to have this sort of storyline, consult at least one pride owner first.
* If your character comes to kidnap a cub and this plot has not be authorized by the OOC pride leaders, you are allowing any pride members to take IC actions which will include chasing your character down and quite possibly killing them. Don't say you didn't know. Mix and match litters are not an excuse to disregard this.
Non-Lions
Any non-lion is welcomed into the pride. This has been the case for so long, only the really old members will remember a time when there were only lions within the Nchi borders. Cubs are not raised to view other species "as lions," because they aren't raised to consider lions above say, a wild dog in the pride to begin with.
That being said, there is undoubtedly some bias on an individual basis and even the young will notice most high ranks are occupied strictly by lions. Not everyone will be 100% happy sunshine about non-lions, but their hate is not encouraged here and would probably be considered close-minded or scandalous by the majority.
Hybrids
The Nchi were unaware of hybrids before Binafsi’s leopon cubs and the birth of hybrids at the former neighboring pride, the Mtaishi'Miele. Since then, the pride leaders have opted to treat them the same way as any other non-lion species.
Not everyone will be 100% happy sunshine about hybrids (especially joining rogues) and this is not grounds for being IC banned from the pride. But it's worthy to note one of Nantale's saviors, Hanyu, is a hybrid, and for this reason she is known to be fairly aggressive in her promoting their equality.
Familiars
Familiars are embraced in the Nchi, and in fact, are not labeled or seen as such. A maned wolf is a member same as a lion or a wild dog. The only limits are prey, so no hares, waterbucks, things like that. Exceptions may be made, especially for prey birds. Preferably though, keep it predator-only if you can, unless part of a plot.
Baboons
Baboons are a vital part of the pride. In brief, they help keep an eye on the cubs and help build drums and other things that are a million times easier with thumbs. Players are encouraged to create and RP their own baboon characters same as they would a lion. Because they are not a lined pet in the shop, baboons can be played by anyone at anytime, so go crazy!
Things to note: - Baboons are equal to any other pride member, so they have the same consequences and laws.
-Canon for Nchi baboons is they come in many colors with many different markings, same as the lions do.
Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2016 8:12 pm
New alliances and enemies are welcome! If you have any ideas or plots that you would like to pursue please contact the pride mule directly or seek out *Greenie.
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