Ousted from their plague-riddled homeland, the Icala were once the most feared predators in their territory. A beautiful home of plenty, sweeping hills covered in golden grass, and foolish gazelle to gorge upon. Apex hunters, their numbers able to overwhelm even the most daring of their foes. Strength in numbers, in their resolve, the Icala are battleborn. The most pitiful of deaths claimed large swaths of their population, dwindling their numbers until they had no choice but to leave or die like the rest. Those who yet lived, leaving are strong and loyal to their fallen matriarch's daughter, who leads them with the same fire their former matriarch held.
In self exile, the Icala that remain are but a shadow of their former glory. Their former life is gone, buried in the ground with the bones of their fallen clanmates. They now roam the savannah, taking what they need, searching for their new homeland.
Overview: The Icala is a hyena clan built around strength and unity, and survival of the fittest. They could be described as merciless, barbaric, and savage people. Following a simple principle of "look to your mother", barring extreme circumstances, it is rare for an Icala to abandon another. The clan is built upon social bonds and tight-knit family units, following one singular leader that acts as a peacekeeper and protector, deciding their migratory paths and leading them into battle - and to victory.
Predominantly strong-willed and stubborn people, they respect power over all else. Flowery words and a silver tongue will get you nowhere with these hyenas. Skillful prowess within battle is seen as an attractive trait, desirable in both courtship and friendship as having another to guard your back is always ideal. 'To be worthy of life, you must possess the strength to live.' - A common proverb among the Icala.
Joining: During the I/T phase of the Icala, we will be allowing users to submit their hyenas to join in one of two ways: as born-in members that left the Icala's homeland with Khulekani or as rogues who joined their numbers during their travels after proving their worth to the clan in combat. !! After the Icala is official, joining will be restricted. The only way to join will be to fight your way in, through events or being born into the clan.
This clan will be an I/T for two months. Entry before becoming official will close on November 14th. We have the cert background and symbol, and enough members to form the clan.
Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 4:42 pm
Appearance: Hyenas of the Icala are not vain folk. There is often little care, beyond normal hygiene, put into the maintenance of fur and manes. Most hyenas will sport some amount of scarring from their aggressive lifestyle but are worn as badges of honor; an attractive trait...in moderation.
Although there are no color restrictions to speak of and all are welcome, there are preferences that have long been ingrained into the clan. Natural colors, including reds, dark blues, and other muted or desaturated colors with minimal accents of bright, bird-like colors are favored. Traditionally, Icala females tend to favor and choose males with pale coloring, a trait believed to aid them in the theft of kills from other predators. Inversely, dark female Icala are considered the pinnacle of beauty for their bold coloring that stands out on the battlefield. Bright, unnatural coloring covering more than half of the body is a highly undesirable trait, often leading to these hyenas having a lower social rank. It carries the stigma of being considered weak and having to work extremely hard to prove themselves to the clan. The more unnatural the coloring, the lower it likely becomes.
Quick Guide: - All colors are allowed to join. - Dark females and pale males the most attractive. - Brightly colored hyenas have stigma of being considered naturally weaker.
Naming: Mothers commonly use names that describe cubs during their first few weeks. This description may be based on personality or a habit the cub displayed. Cubs can also be named for things like goals, paths for their future, or words with a specific meaning for the mother. A name without some sort of meaning, however, is an empty name and frowned upon.
Breeding: In the Icala, hyenas mate for a plethora of reasons, the primary being to produce strong and fierce children. As a result, a great number of couples are together simply for the quality of their offspring and not necessarily for the love shared between them. Careful consideration is taken before courtship begins. Males will court females, displaying their strengths while endeavoring to downplay their weaknesses. It is not uncommon for fights to break out between them, but traditionally female hyenas will prefer submissive males. The courtship period often leads to devoted pairs in the clan.
There are no formal marriages within the Icala, but partners may consider themselves exclusive if they so choose. Being that the Icala hold the strength and personal progress of a hyena in such high regard, rogue breeding is frowned upon as the outsider is unproven to the clan. It is seen as a poor choice by the mother. A similar opinion is held for the younger members breeding before adulthood.
Quick Guide: - Breeding with outsiders is permitted, with IC consequences. - Rogue breeding is permitted, with IC consequences. - MnM is permitted, with IC consequences. - Adolescent breeding is forbidden.
Outsiders: All not of the Icala are weak and insignificant until proven otherwise. Unless these outsiders stray too close to the clan's current location, they are likely to be ignored, commonly not seen as worth the effort or time. Those that cross the Icala's path are likely to become targets of hunting games, or those seeking entertainment. Likewise, familiars are usually tolerated within the pride so long as they prove themselves useful.
Exceptions: - Avians (particularly ravens and vultures) are used as messengers and scouts for the clan. Unbonded birds often flock in the wake of the clan, feeding on the carcasses that remain.
Religious Beliefs: There is no formal religion in the Icala. While none are expressly forbidden from the practice of worshipping a chosen deity, it is commonly viewed as a sign of weakness in the worshiper. The reliance on some divine force to alter one's life, in lieu of their own strength, is seen as being incapable of seizing their own desires.
If a hyena does decide to worship a deity, it is likely not one of Mkodi's lion-gods that earn the Icala's favor, but rather a spirit, concept or a hyena-faced god.
Seers: Seers, known as Funa, are prized among the Icala for their sight. They are often consulted by others on all manner of things; what to hunt, will they win a fight, where the clan should move to and when, and if their mate is ideal. Funa are bestowed lavish gifts as thanks if the vision proves reliable, typically of bones, pelts, or food, but may include acts of service as well or favors. A cub that shows signs of being a seer may be taken to a Funa for an apprenticeship.
Social Ranking: Inspired by real world hyena clans, inner Icala society is built upon complex social rankings that change with the birth and death of its members. Cubs will always take the social rank directly below their mother, with male cubs dropping beneath the lowest females upon becoming Umdondi. This structure ensures the Ikhanda is always succeeded by her youngest daughter. These social rankings are maintained and exercised through ritual fighting and shows of dominance or submission.
Social rankings are determined not only by the order of birth and their mother's position, but later on in life they may be altered by acts of glory and displays of strength or power. It is entirely possible for female hyenas and their entire family line to move up or down in this complex hierarchy, leading to fierce competition among members. Bloody grudges and bitter jealousy are par for the course in the Icala. The most common way for a hyena to change position is for someone to join after them or for someone ahead of them to die.
However, as a matriarchal clan, Icala females will always rank above any males, regardless of who their mother is, with the sons of the matriarch being the highest among the males. Males will be ranked in the same order as their mothers are.
Hierarchy Breakdown: Ikhanda → Khewla → Ikhanda's Daughters → Other Females → Female Udati → Ikhanda's Sons → Other Males → Male Udati
The Icala
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The Icala
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 4:48 pm
Ikhanda [Matriarch] | (pl. None) The Ikhanda rank seems to be derived from the word for "head", which seems appropriate for this hyena as this rank is held by the largest female amongst the Icala. It is common for others to refer to her as "Ikhanda" followed by the hyena's actual name, similar to an honorific such as Lord or Lady. The Ikhanda acts as the head and matriarch of the clan, acting as warleader and mediator, deciding when and where the clan moves. The role is always filled by her youngest daughter, the clan's Kwehla, in the event of her death. The Ikhanda also appears to hold first rights to any males and will always eat first.
Umdondi [Hunters] | (pl. Umdonda) A word derived from "scavengers" seems aptly ill-fitting for the hyenas of the Icala given their aggressive nature. However, these members fill all roles within the clan. Some roles observed are hunters, babysitters, scavengers, scouts, and finally, warriors.
Cub [Youth] | (pl. Cubs) A cub born within the Icala is simply known as "Cub" regardless of their social ranking and will remain that way until becoming Umdondi by defeating their mother in battle.
Titles Titles are non-ranks that are associated with an Icala hyena. These can be earned or hereditary depending on the title, and they may also be revoked. Kwehla [Heir] The youngest daughter of the Ikhanda holds this title until displaced by a younger sister. In the event of her mother's death, she will take her place as the matriarch of the Icala. This title is fluid, changing hands regularly as new cubs are born.
Osindile [Survivor] An inherited title. These hyenas are born from the old blood of the Icala. Being an Osindile typically comes with the benefit of having a higher social rank, with their opinions taken more seriously by the Ikhanda.
Funa [Seer] Proven seers within the Icala are referred to as Funa, an honorific worthy of their skill.
Udati [Dirt] Those within the lowest possible rank socially are referred to as Udati. These hyenas are the weakest among them, often treated similarly to how some prides would treat slaves. They are treated poorly and picked on relentlessly by others. Most Udati stay only out of loyalty to their clan or family.
Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 4:50 pm
Rite of Strength (coming of age / joining) In this ritualistic battle between one Icala hyena and another overseen by the clan as witnesses. Often these fights continue until one yields, but if neither surrender, it may continue until the incapacitation or death of one party.
This rite may be invoked for a plethora of reasons; most commonly for newcomers to join the clan, to settle grudges, to progress one's family's social rank, to impress a potential mate, or in the case of adolescent cubs, to become a fully-fledged member of the clan.
In the final example, a cub will battle their mother. Regardless if they win or lose, they become Umdondi and may consider themselves a full member of the Icala. Should the cub's mother be unavailable (pregnant, ill, dead), the closest female relative that is a Umdondi will take her place. If none are available, someone else may volunteer. If no one comes forward, the Ikhanda will fill the position.
Each player will roll 1d20 in their first post. Defending hyenas will add +5 to their total. The higher number wins.
The Icala
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The Icala
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 4:51 pm
Only hyenas may join the Icala.
If you have a hyena who you would like to have join the Icala during the I/T phase of the clan, there are two options available to you. The first option is limited and requires approval due to its restricted nature. We suggest utilizing the second option if you are interested in the clan.
Option 1: They are a member of Old Icala and left with Khulekani, the youngest daughter of the former Ikhanda, in their exodus to survive the plague. All of these members will also be considered Osindile. Requirements: They must be a blank slate, with no roleplays or family (including extended family and children).
Option 2: They have joined the Icala after their departure from Old Icala. These hyenas would have needed to prove themselves to the clan in combat to permitted entry. Requirements: None, except to be a hyena.
Please be sure to read this thread in its entirety before posting. To join, simply post your hyena here, include their name and image, and give a brief summary on how they joined / their history.
Free Semi-Customs: If you are interested in the clan, but have no suitable hyenas, free semi-customs are available. You may post for 2 hyenas through this method. Semi-custom hyenas will all be joining rogues.
Theses are the available lines for hyenas. Male: Bald (new), Maned (new / alt) Female: Bald (new / alt), Maned (new / alt), Tail Up (bald / maned, new / alt)
Claiming Pre-made Form
[size=9][b]Image of Horse:[/b] (For inspiration for your character. Please use a real horse, not drawing.) [b]Character Gender:[/b] (Male or Female) [b]Character Lines:[/b] (Which lines you would like.)[/size]
Available Hyenas: There are also some pre-colored hyenas available for adoption through applications. All of these characters have some defining information, be it a name, family, or history. To apply for them, fill out the form below and post it in this thread.
Nameless Osindile #2
Nameless Osindile #3
Claimed Premades
Nameless Osindile #1
Claiming Pre-made Form
[size=9][b]Character you're interested in:[/b] [b]Character Name:[/b] (If they don't already have one.) [b]Character Personality:[/b] (Plus any background you wish to include.)[/size]
Social Hierarchy This will be established after the I/T is closed for new submissions. Numbers will randomly be assigned using RNG and this will be created from that. Males with family will be assigned proper locations based on female relatives.
The Icala
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The Icala
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 5:08 pm
And we'll save one more post for good measure.
Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 5:18 pm
Three generations of angee yees comin' in hot!
Furchtlos Los doesn't know fear, as his name suggests. Even when he was a pup he would charge head-first into danger without a second thought. Rather than being reckless or idiotic, though, he knows when danger exists and is completely aware of it. This makes him a force to be reckoned with in battle. A sadistic masochist, pain only fuels his insatiable desire to win. He gives himself to whatever cause he finds most worthy, giving one hundred and ten percent every moment he can.
Kriegerisch Kriegerisch, or Krieg as she prefers to be called, is one hell of a hyena. Her mother's smarts and her fathers fearlessness have created an incredible monster. She is cunning, tactical, unafraid of pain or danger, and willing to put everything on the line for what she believes in. She is respectful to those of higher rank than her, but to subordinates she is merciless and cruel. Krieg has little respect for weakness and feels as though pain only makes you stronger. Her biggest weakness is that she doesn't expect anything from the underdog. To her, they are dirt and would never dream of rising up. Granted, if someone beneath her were to rise up, the element of surprise would only get them so far.
Qual Qual is like his mother but dialed down to about a 2. He's quiet, reserved, and very calculating. He likes to look before he leaps and consider his options, but once he gets going he's a force to be reckoned with. His father is a god (though he and his mother don't know that) and thus is a seer. His visions are quick but fairly detailed and he utilizes them to figure out his options before a hunt, battle, etc. He's been what's kept the three alive for as long as they've been packless. Qual didn't grow up in the Nergui but his grandfather and mother have instilled the values of the old group and he's very curious about gods, though he wouldn't consider himself religious or on a path to destroy them, more of a scholar studying an interesting, somewhat strange subject.
Former Nergui, they've been kickin' it in the rogue lands as a small pack. They've been looking for a place to call home for a while now and as luck would have it, they crossed paths with the Icala. All three would be more than happy to prove themselves in battle to join.
SilverLutz Crew
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The Icala
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 5:28 pm
Welcome to the clan!
SilverLutz
Three generations of angee yees comin' in hot!
Furchtlos Los doesn't know fear, as his name suggests. Even when he was a pup he would charge head-first into danger without a second thought. Rather than being reckless or idiotic, though, he knows when danger exists and is completely aware of it. This makes him a force to be reckoned with in battle. A sadistic masochist, pain only fuels his insatiable desire to win. He gives himself to whatever cause he finds most worthy, giving one hundred and ten percent every moment he can.
Kriegerisch Kriegerisch, or Krieg as she prefers to be called, is one hell of a hyena. Her mother's smarts and her fathers fearlessness have created an incredible monster. She is cunning, tactical, unafraid of pain or danger, and willing to put everything on the line for what she believes in. She is respectful to those of higher rank than her, but to subordinates she is merciless and cruel. Krieg has little respect for weakness and feels as though pain only makes you stronger. Her biggest weakness is that she doesn't expect anything from the underdog. To her, they are dirt and would never dream of rising up. Granted, if someone beneath her were to rise up, the element of surprise would only get them so far.
Qual Qual is like his mother but dialed down to about a 2. He's quiet, reserved, and very calculating. He likes to look before he leaps and consider his options, but once he gets going he's a force to be reckoned with. His father is a god (though he and his mother don't know that) and thus is a seer. His visions are quick but fairly detailed and he utilizes them to figure out his options before a hunt, battle, etc. He's been what's kept the three alive for as long as they've been packless. Qual didn't grow up in the Nergui but his grandfather and mother have instilled the values of the old group and he's very curious about gods, though he wouldn't consider himself religious or on a path to destroy them, more of a scholar studying an interesting, somewhat strange subject.
Former Nergui, they've been kickin' it in the rogue lands as a small pack. They've been looking for a place to call home for a while now and as luck would have it, they crossed paths with the Icala. All three would be more than happy to prove themselves in battle to join.
Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 8:24 pm
Should probably have seen this coming ROFL
Ququda (Gnaw) A born member of the clan, her mother named her for the fact she kept chewing on her littermate's ears. She can usually be seen with a bone in her mouth, idly chewing on it, simply because she likes having things in her mouth. She bares the scars from many battles with as much pride as any hyena in the clan, especially the one she'd earned fighting her mother, since it was a fairly sound win on her part.
Ququda (Gnaw) A born member of the clan, her mother named her for the fact she kept chewing on her littermate's ears. She can usually be seen with a bone in her mouth, idly chewing on it, simply because she likes having things in her mouth. She bares the scars from many battles with as much pride as any hyena in the clan, especially the one she'd earned fighting her mother, since it was a fairly sound win on her part.
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2022 7:20 pm
Username: Jovi of Shadows Character you're interested in: Osindile 1 Character Name: Fukuza (Chase in Swahili) Character Personality: Fukuza is a ride or die sort of girl. She's fiercely loyal to the Icala as a whole and their way of life, believing them to be the strongest, and absolutely acting like it. Her boldness can sometimes get her into trouble with higher ranked females, but she is always looking for an opportunity to place herself higher in the hierarchy. In fact, most of her scars come from scuffles with other females, some wins and some loses in their fluid social structure. She's typically a pretty happy girl, just as happy to be lazing in the sun as she is picking a fight.
Username: Jovi of Shadows Character you're interested in: Osindile 1 Character Name: Fukuza (Chase in Swahili) Character Personality: Fukuza is a ride or die sort of girl. She's fiercely loyal to the Icala as a whole and their way of life, believing them to be the strongest, and absolutely acting like it. Her boldness can sometimes get her into trouble with higher ranked females, but she is always looking for an opportunity to place herself higher in the hierarchy. In fact, most of her scars come from scuffles with other females, some wins and some loses in their fluid social structure. She's typically a pretty happy girl, just as happy to be lazing in the sun as she is picking a fight.
Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:51 am
Kunohun - Seer - Sibling to SilverLutz's Qual Personality: Kunohun is resilient, he doesn't let anything bring him down, whether that is physically or emotionally. He wants others to see him as a pillar of strength to go to when they are in trouble and need support.
Oluwaseyi Personality: Oluwaseyi was a born warrior. She likes to pick fights, but more so, she likes to win fights. She likes to show just how strong she is compared to others and will often times seek bigger targets to take down.
Mesi Personality: Mesi is Oluwaseyi's closest friend. She goes wherever Oluwaseyi goes and cheers her on. Overall she is caring and generous, but a little on the timid side and expects Oluwaseyi to keep her safe.
