A pride based on natural lion social structure, run by Quaji & SilverLutz. If you have questions, please PM either of them or this mule.
In English, Ithambo’hlabathi means "land of the bone". It is called this as the heavy droughts during some years often leave animal carcasses strewn throughout the pride lands.
Created by Kaelyndra, the Ithambo'hlabathi is a pride inspired by realism (with a dash of fantasy) found in lion prides. Using real-world inspired hierarchy systems, pride lands, weather, seasons, and even herd movements all in an effort to make it seem like a truly living, breathing pride for users to enjoy.
Directory 1. Location 2. History 3. Important Cultural Topics 4. Rituals and Tradition 5. Options for Boneland's Males 6. Ranks
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 4:59 pm
The Motoujamii is to the North.
Approximate real-world location of Bonelands pride. Obviously, some geology and environment have been altered based on specifics of other prides and room for fantasy. However, feel free to use this as a general guide for landmarks, potential pride locations, and distances to large lakes/the sea.
Pride Territory Ithambo'hlabathi is a territory of nearly 600 sq. miles made of a mostly flat, dry plain with its northeastermost corner giving away to greater, geological mountainous formations. The northwestern boundary is a desert and a steep plateau with few ways up or down. One such entryway is controlled by the Firekin as an Outpost. To the south and directly east, the plains stretch outwards for hundreds of miles, blending into lands unclaimed and those with stakes claimed by other prides.
While the pride is nomadic, some things typically remain the same. During winter (June through August), they will drink from a large, centrally located regional lake that does not dry up like many of the surrounding water sources. Crocodiles, elephants, hippopotami, and other animals—both prey and predator—frequent this site. Drinking can often be dangerous. During the months of the rainy season, lions can spread out to isolated pockets of small ponds and newly formed rivers. To avoid danger to their cubs, they will pick a water source with little interaction with other animals. Lions are the most active during the winter and spring and hunt where the game is the thickest.
Shop Meta Update In the aftermath of a massive earthquake, the pride finds the Ithambo'hlabathi's landscape irreversibly altered; a long-spanning chasm, colloquially known as the isibazi ('scar') now slices through the pride's lands from east to west but is isolated to a non-central location (see: the depression on the right side of above map). This creates two wide 'funnels' in which prey and predator alike may safely leave.
The isibazi is impressively long it would take nearly ten days to walk the length of it. It is four feet at its deepest point, but averages between one to two feet deep. Although its widest point is nearly five miles, it thins to only twenty feet in some locations but averages a mile. The isibazi may be crossed safely in several locations as rain and natural erosion have made depressions in the earth at weak points in its wall, enough that prey animals have begun forcing their way through again.
In the rainy seasons, the isibazi has become another source of water for the pride, reliably (mostly) free of crocodiles, but renders it nearly impossible to cross.
Pride Migration To keep on pride and herd movements, please keep up with the Update Thread. The terrain and current position of the pride varies every few months as they migrate throughout their territory.
The Bonelands are nomadic lions, traveling daily and migrating in and out of the Ithambo'hlabathi's primary territory each year as resources allow them. Traditionally, their migrations are led by the Omama and the elders among them; those who know the way or are suited to lead with the Umholi (or Abaholi) that keep the pride orderly on their move.
From June through the end of November (Winter/Spring), the pride is located exclusively on the plateau, traveling between the eastern and western sides of the plateau as needed before beginning to head south in November ahead of the mass migration's arrival. From December to the end of February (Summer), the pride is located in the southern plains, preying upon the passing herds before beginning their trip back north into the Ithambo'hlabathi while still following the now departing migration herds before the long rainy season begins in April. From March through May (Autumn), the pride is either returning to the Ithambo'hlabathi, but may still be following the exiting migration herds for a short while longer or are forgoing the extra hunting to return quicker. By mid-March, no matter what is chosen, they are returning home and by late April, are back.
Sleeping and Birthing Locations There are a great number of rock formations and scattered African trees that provide both shade, protection, and a location to sleep. Lionesses usually find an area protected from the wind by rocks or shrubs, and are relatively protected by the rain with a tree or two. The presence of caves within the Ithambo'hlabathi is extremely rare, and if one is found, it is usually left completely alone due to snakes, scorpions, and spiders being potential dangers. Members of the Bonelands feel trapped in these often linear areas and would be fairly easy prey for aggressive hyenas. Sleeping locations are usually areas of greater protection from the elements and may be as simply as one rock leaning against another. Otherwise, lions generally huddle together and hide under trees or select bushes to keep out of the elements.
For birthing, lionesses wander away from the pride when she is ready and will pick a spot to birth their cubs. These places are typically no different than the chosen resting places of pridal members. They may be selected because of visibility, a higher degree of shade, proximity to a water source, or simply for nostalgic value. Only the mother knows where their birthing spot of choice is location, and they will have different preferences on what defines the best kind of space for them and their newborn cubs.
Climate The Ithambo'hlabathi use the seasonal patterns of the southern hemisphere when referring to the pride's migration paths in the map above. The pride also utilizes a modified calendar for seasonal rains and contrasting dry seasons that are rooted in realism but modified to allow for fantasy. This creative liberty is taken to help compensate for historically loose standards for when these major events would occur.
All weather patterns and seasons correlate to their real-world equivalent now.
Season
Spring: September, October, November Summer: December, January, February Autumn: March, April, May Winter: June, July, August
Weather Patterns
January: The short rainy season ends mid-January, marking the beginning of the short dry season. Expect approximately 2 inches of rainfall. February: The short dry season continues. March: The short dry season ends mid-March, heralding the beginning of the long rainy season. Afternoon downpours are commonplace. Expect approximately 5 inches of rainfall. April: The long rainy season continues. Expect approximately 9 inches of rainfall. May: The long rainy season continues. Expect approximately 3 inches of rainfall. June: The long rainy season ends. The long dry season begins before the end of June. Expect approximately 1 inch of rainfall. July: The long dry season continues. August: The long dry season continues. Waterlines begin receeding. September: The long dry season continues. The hottest time of the year occurs this month. Wildfires are most likely to happen now. October: The long dry season continues. November: The short rainy season begins. Expect approximately 5 inches of rainfall. December: The short rainy season continues. Expect approximately 4 inches of rainfall.
Dry & Wet Seasons
Dry Seasons: The Ithambo'hlabathi observe two distinct dry seasons. The longest—and hottest—spans mid-June to the end of October. The shorter dry season happens between mid-January to mid-March.
Wet Seasons: The Ithambo'hlabathi observe two distinct rainy seasons—with the heaviest rains, called masika, typically falling from mid-March to early June, and a brief window of lighter rain, called vuli, that spans November to mid-January. During these times the pride will experience upwards of 12 inches in the first rainy season. Flash floods and sudden erosion are the primary concerns during this time.
The Herds of the Ithambo'hlabathi A large variety of prey animals live within the Ithambo'hlabathi. Most of these herds migrate in or out of the lands, taking advantage of green, sweet grass during the rainy seasons, and fluctuate in size dramatically as calves are dropped and members become prey.
The Ithambo'hlabathi is home to at least two permanent resident herds; a grouping of plains zebra and a herd of Thompson gazelle. These herds migrate along the same traditional paths the pride follows in advance of the lions. During the driest times of the year, they are located nearly exclusively around the central lake that waters most of the plateau's residents, only migrating to the eastern grasslands if the rivers have not receded.
Herd Events Most births within herds happen in the middle of the short rainy season (December-early January), over the course of three to four weeks. While the ruts occur during the end of the long rainy season (May-June), where competing males fight over breeding claims.
The Mass Migration The great migration of wildebeest, merged with other ungulates species, passes by the Ithambo'hlabathi during the summer months of December, January, and February. During these months, the grasses in the southern plains bloom to life and it becomes a sea of green. Thousands of calves are dropped within the beginning weeks of their stay near the Ithambo'hlabathi, leading to an increase in predator activity as they prey upon the vulnerable young.
These herds stay in this relative location until the beginning of March when they continue their migration southwest. Within the first week, they have moved far enough from the Ithambo'hlabathi that they are no longer within an acceptable range for the pride to hunt.
The Bonelands
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The Bonelands
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Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 5:03 pm
The Ithambo’hlabathi pride used to be a migratory pride of a few related females, following herds across the plains lands. In recent decades, however, weather in their current location has stabilized to a point that they were allowed to stay. They are still nomadic but travel following migrational patterns on a smaller scale; they no longer wander through half of Africa.
A group of four male rogues traded protection for certain rights, and the pride grew much stronger with more diverse genetics and opinions. The pride has since gone through numerous generations of offspring and one other, single leader. Because of past experiences, the pride tends to prefer a larger group of males to rule with a single male (or two) who heads the pride.
The Bonelands remain a waypoint for traveling rogue females and lions with strong family ties on the journey of life. Because it is a maternal-oriented society (based on who a lion’s mother is), it is unlikely that the pride itself will “die out”, though it may split into factions and migrate in years to come.
The era of Matifu was rocked with drought and threats of plague, worrying seer visions, and more, but a plentiful amount of cubs from the common rogue swaps meant bloodlines were secure, the pride's growth, and the lionesses' happiness. However, in these times, male lion cubs were all outcasted and many were killed. Mothers often abandoned male cubs to give them a chance at survival. No other animals than lions were tolerated. One of the sons he let live, however, returned to to usurp him. Though he allowed his father to live, the male lion died in the roguelands.
Era of Gakere & Surtak
The new reigning Gakere gave more freedoms to males in the pride. They could vow celibacy and hunt and raise children like females. They are also encouraged to become Enda, traveling scouts and entirely nomadic members of the pride. Later in his installment, he reduced the need for rogue swaps by instating the rank of Inselelo which allows males to challenge for ranks beneath him and maintain breeding and protection rights and responsibilities in the pride.
The pact with the Firekin came about at the beginning of Gakere's rule during a severe drought. The Firekin invaded the land and sought to take over a spring where the pride currently resided. This was the first introduction for the pride to a solid concept of land ownership, and also the first attempt for other prides to contact and work with the Bonelands. Since that point, they have instated ambassadors to help any future pridal relations.
Gakere was seconded by a lion named Surtak, who returned after Gakere had defeated Matifu. Surtak was known for being utmostly loyal to Gakere and a vicious proponent of chasing out rogue males on sight. He took a strange interest in his male offspring and greatly encouraged all males to fight and train at the Firekin outpost in addition to rigorous training in the roguelands.
The pair vanished under mysterious circumstances, with blood found coating the ground, but no bodies. The lionesses convene in an attempt to pick a new Umholi among them.
Era of Andhaka and Bangizwe
Andhaka, a former Inselelo was pushed foward to succeed as Umholi by the pride. Not long after, Umama Simosihle brought forth her own champion, Bangizwe. Both would become Umholi and together usher the pride into an era of relative stability and growth that the pride had been yearning for since the loss of both of their former Abaholi. While they would spend their reign dogged by doubt due to the non-traditional manner in which they came to power, they sired many cubs and successfully fended off challengers for years, including the challenge of Umkhombo, son of Umholi Gakere.
Towards the end of their rule, a drought took hold of the lands, and the pride became harried by hyenas, who hunted from their thinning herds and stole kills. During this time, a small group of lionesses called the Qyrhyeshti came to the lands to seek entrance; while Andhaka and some of the Abazingeli supported accepting them, Bangizwe insisted that, due to the hardships being endured, they would need to prove themselves first. Accordingly, the Qyrhyeshti - who included the granddaughter of Umzingeli Ukuthula and Umholi Gakere - sought out and destroyed the troublesome hyena pack, and were accepted as Busisa. In the months that followed, they integrated with the pride while maintaining a semblance of their own culture, gradually forming into their own subgroup.
As the drought dragged on and lives were lost, Bangizwe began to exhibit strange and erratic behavior and distanced himself from everyone but his fellow Umholi, Andhaka. A wildfire caused by a lightning strike, which also incited a stampede, caused the death of new mother Umthunzi, but in the wake of tragedy, rains returned, and the drought was broken. Shortly thereafter, Andhaka and Bangizwe were challenged by Umkhombo, a returning son of Gakere, and his two allies, Ahlaq and Faust. The old Abaholi lost and were permitted to leave with their lives.
Current Era: Umkhombo, Ahlaq, and Faust
The product of Gakere's last litter in the pride, and grandson of Surtak through his mother, Ukuthula, Umkhombo had left the Bonelands as an adolescent, eager to become strong and return to challenge Andhaka and Bangizwe...but life rarely goes as planned, and that resolve faded in far lands. He became ruler of another pride, the Qyrhyeshti, and would have gladly stayed so, had misfortune not struck there. He then meant to secure a safe place for the remnants of the Qyrhyeshti - including his daughter, Khazine bint Aribak - by defeating Andhaka and Bangizwe, but narrowly failed to do so. The Qyrhyeshti lionesses did stay and earn their place, while Umkhombo retreated. He became a member of the warlike Impibutho, where he met Faust and was reunited with an old enemy, Ahlaq sim Sungus. They became his new allies, and with them, he returned to the Ithambo'hlabathi, and the trio overthrew the old leaders.
Completing their first major migration with the new Abaholi, the trio of Umholi began to settle in, siring cubs with several of the lionesses. It was around this time that the Abaholi introduced their first major change; young males would be driven out at adolescence, rather than waiting for their full manes to come in. A potentially unpopular change among the more progressive lionesses, but not wholly unreasonable.
It was during the southern migration for the summer season when true disaster struck. A torrential downpour, one that seemed unending, already had the pride anxious, but in a sudden earthquake, the ground split open, swallowing a number of lions and half of the wildebeest herd the Bonelands had been following. The resulting stampede ended with several more injured in the rush, including Umkhombo. Splitting the pride, most returned north, while some remained behind.
Having recovered from his injuries, Umkhombo returned to his place as Umholi only to have the ripple effects of the newly formed chasm continue to weigh on the pride. The herds have begun leaving, one by one, on their normal migrations, but none have returned, leaving only the resident zebra and gazelle herds in the Ithambo'hlabathi. The pride met to discuss the worrying turn of events and decided the best course of action was to send not just the Aenda and Cinga further out, but also any other pride members who were willing.
Base Belief The only real rules that the Bonelands seem to follow are "survival of the fittest" and "look to your mother". Females will help their own kind and to some extent the males, in the worst of situations. Barring any major insults, it is rare that they abandon one another.
Keep in mind, that this mindset does not extend to all females everywhere. If a member of the Bonelands is injured, the pride will band together to protect them. If an outside female they have not seen before is found in need of aid, she is on her own. There are not enough resources to feed another mouth that may not better the pride in some way.
Because Abaholi are the "strongest" males in the Bonelands area and have proven this by both taking over and keeping reign, they are respected by the females in that regard. Most rogue males are seen as "unfit" because of this which is another reason outside males often do not sire cubs. But, like with any teenager or love-struck individual, flings obviously do happen.
Colors within the Pride There is a strong negative stigma attached to unnaturally colored lions. True blues, greens, and other unnatural coat colors are rarely if ever seen within the pride. They are extremely easy for other predators and prey alike to pick out, and they often die at a very young age. With the passage of time, the pride has grown to believe that not only do colorfully coated cubs bring bad luck but that they are weaker and more prone to disease and death in general.
Historically, the Boneland lionesses tend to prefer males with darker manes, as it was once believed to be a revealing trait for strong lions, but this has been shifting over the years as lighter-and-lighter maned males have become Umholi.
Note: You should be aware that are IC reasoning and behavior your character is likely to give or receive. This is a guideline, not a law. Lions that are on the "line" between one category and another OOCly will likely be on the same line ICly and be subject to different behaviors from one character to the next.
Accepted Colors - Little to No Stigma || Tolerated Colors - Some Stigma || Intolerated Colors - Extreme Stiga
Accepted Colors - Little to No Stigma These include "natural" shades: creme, white, black, brown, grey, and golden yellow. Muted, muddy and ruddy colors of almost any type are also perfectly acceptable, such as: grey or slate blue, grey or slate green, sage green, muddy purples, very light or grey purples/lavender. Lastly reds and oranges are generally accepted as natural in part because of influence from the Firekin and from Andhaka. Any shade of purple/pink that is more red than blue should be acceptable.There may be a preference, especially among traditional females, for darker coated cubs because dark-maned males are believed to be stronger. Other than this, all pridal members are viewed regularly.
Tolerated Colors - Some Stigma Some accent colors (1-20% of the body) of bright blues are accepted, as well as very red coats. Any females with accent colors may be less likely to catch attention of an Umholi. Cubs born with these colors are unlikely to be abandoned, but will likely be watched exceedingly closely by females due to the superstition about their inherent weakness. Females who truly despise unnatural colors will be far more likely to abandon cubs of this color. Non-native lions who are joining may experience some additional difficulty joining compared to their natural-colored counterparts.
Intolerated Colors - Extreme Stigma These include any "bright" unnatural colors that cover more than 30% of the body: Icy or bright blue, bright green or tree green, pink, purple. Some females will abandon unnatural cubs in their birthing location whether because they do not wish to shame themselves, shame the Abaholi, or because survival conditions are poor and they wish to dedicate energy to healthy cubs instead of those believed doomed for failure. A lion or lioness who has survived to late adolescent/adulthood is often considered lucky as opposed to surviving of their own skill. While in the past, individuals of unnatural color were permitted to stay, they were viewed with pity or derision at best and were discouraged from breeding and passing on their undesirable traits.
Under the reign of Umkhombo, any individual born of a predominantly unnatural color - females included - must leave upon reaching adolescence, for the sake of their own mental and emotional wellbeing, rather than remain and be scorned.
Non-native lions wishing to join with unnatural coat colors will be turned away.
Language The liones of the Ithambo'hlabathi are traditionally bilingual and are expected to learn both the common tongue of the plains (Swahili) and their native language (a sort of chopped-up Zulu). That doesn't mean pride members don't struggle with learning a language. Some may know their mother's tongue and some may learn the foreign language with greater efficiency. Newcomers will likely find themselves having a hard time learning the new language as its grammatical structure is poor and has been heavily influenced by variances in language from incoming rogues and other pridal groups that have assimilated over time. Until they prove themselves capable, Busisa will be talked to in the common tongue by most members. This means they'll have to learn mostly by listening and later through practice. As one can imagine, this has the potential to end in hilarious results.
Cub Naming Names should follow an African theme. Different mothers from outside the pride may have a different kind of preference on naming, but the majority of the pride (especially those born there) will name their children African names, most commonly Zulu. Swahili is generally frowned upon, but no more so than a Chinese name would be. Names should also reflect the cub in some way and not the adult he turns into. Mothers commonly use names that describe cubs during their first few weeks or during their travel back to the pride. 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. See: Traditions for more information.
Religion The pride has no distinguished religion. Belief in gods is not shared among all members, although it is generally accepted that they do exist based on eye-witness accounts from outside members. The pride does not, however, hold a belief in any particular god above any other and most members seem to have a great deal of tolerance for different viewpoints. That is to say, they seem to tolerate arguing over the subject for hours.
Seers Seers are a touchy subject within the Bonelands, met with suspicion and apprehension regardless if they are born within the pride or join it. In general, members are not fond of seers, seeing them as harbingers of the bad luck they sometimes predict, and watched for both good and bad reasons. Many may keep their visions secret to avoid this scrutiny. Status-wise, seers aren't viewed any higher than the other members, although may be allowed to eat first if a good prediction comes true.
Inside the Pride Seers inside the pride, especially cubs that have grown and become trusted, are viewed in higher regard than those that come bearing news from outside the pride. There is greater leniency allowed for these seers, where their visions; good and bad, may not result in as aggressive responses from the pride. If they bring too much bad news, the pride may vote to exile them in fear that they are bringing bad luck to them. However, seers that bring good news are pestered in quite a different manner. It's natural for members to ask for predictions such as "when is the next rain" or, "will my hunt be successful".
Outsiders Seers from outside of the Bonelands that bring "bad" news receive a great deal of stigma--they tend to blame it on the seers themselves when bad predictions come true. If an outsider is known to be a seer, they are often chased away. If they bring a bad prophecy that comes true (the illness of cubs), the lionesses may kill them. There are two reasons for this: the first is that blaming the seers gives them some sense of control in a situation that is out of theirs. The second is that some of these individuals are not seers, and their wish of ill on the pride may come true due to their own desire to harm the mass.
The Bonelands
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The Bonelands
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Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 5:08 pm
Breeding & Mates Females are discouraged from courting rogue males and it is their “duty” to see to the Umholi of the pride. If there is more than one ruling male, the females can pick the male that fits more to their choice. The practice is not required, however, and females that refuse to have cubs are allowed to stay as long as they pull their own weight in either hunting or cubsitting. As a rule, all females will take part in watching cubs and those who are able may nurse the offspring of others.
If a female takes a fancy to a rogue male, it is not uncommon for the other females to chase her out of the group. If it is a passing fancy (that is to say a fling), they are miraculously lenient in letting these females back in, providing the male rogue stays far, far away, and out of sight. If he does not, and the males of the pride do not take their own action, the females will chase him out on their own. There are no long-term social repercussions for females involved in flings, but the cubs produced are not viewed as members and are often not treated the same way.
Proven Males The term proven refers to male lions that have been ranked as either Umholi or Inselelo, showing the pride they are capable of protecting them and their cubs from harm and are accepted by the pride.
Cub Raising Although a birth mother is technically responsible for her cubs, the entire pride looks after and raises them. If a cub happens to be in a female’s location, she watches over it as if it were her own. Cub mixing is not uncommon; it is up to children to find their way back to their mothers. Because there is so much family within the group, cubs are often left with aunts or grandmothers while their mothers are out on the hunt or are simply sick of dealing with rambunctious offspring.
Homosexuality The acceptance of this varies widely between the viewpoints of pridal members. Like religion, there is no clear stance, and bickering can last for hours between extremists on both sides. Official pride ruling considers them the same as other members, and they are expected to abide by the same standard of rules. Among females, especially if it’s not seen as sexual, strong bonds are encouraged for the raising of cubs. If there becomes an issue with a female refusing to have offspring due to a female-to-female social bond, the Umholi of the pride may grow to a great deal of anger. These females also risk cultural heckling by other members of the pride.
Because homosexual males do not generally interfere with the genetic survival of the ruling males, they are allowed to stay without a fuss. They are treated equally to other female members and are expected to hunt like the females. They are allowed to adopt and are often given tasks of taking care of children.
Other Species Hyenas, wild dogs, and vultures are generally tolerated as they pick over rotting, leftover scraps and can sometimes produce good, outside information that is needed. The key word is tolerated, and most of the members born within the pride won’t take them on as permanent friends or companions. Of the three, there are several cases of cooperation between Bonelands members and vultures. A few lions have been known to form extremely close bonds with vultures, improving scouting, hunting, and alerting the pride to the presence of rogues.
Poisonous animals such as snakes are considered dangerous and killed. Herd animals are considered prey. Leopards and cheetahs are most often seen as competitors for food, and therefore not to be trusted. All animals sizeable enough to kill a lion are watched with apprehension.
Familiars The only useful familiar within the pride are avians, particularly vultures.
Hybrids Hybrids are scorned and unwelcome. A relationship with another species would be akin to a human having a relationship with a monkey or other animal species. The results of pairings with non-lion species are viewed as abnormal, heinous, freaks of nature. Females that produce hybrid offspring are allowed to stay until their offspring are juveniles and then she and her cubs are kicked out and she will never be allowed back. To avoid the intense shame, many females will kill hybrid offspring or abandon them. What male leaders do in their spare time is their own business so long as the consequences of those outings do not appear on the pride borders. Note: In event-only circumstances, a hybrid may occur in the pride that is able to stay, their lineage unknown to the pride (and typically, themselves. These instances occur only at pride owner discretion.
Subgroups Originally, the pride consisted of two subgroups, one for darker colors and one for lighter colors, but over time it has become less about physical differences and more about differences of opinion. The subgroups are very fluid, so far as belonging to one or the other goes, and can merge together, be absorbed one into another, or even just fade away. The state of subgroups in the pride has been in flux for some time, but especially so during the drought, and as the Ithambo'hlabathi moves past the recent hardship and into the reign of new Abaholi, these are the subgroups they move forward with:
(Please note that ICly, aside from the Qyrhyeshti and the Pridelands, the groups aren't actually referred to by these or any formal names. If anything, they're usually "Umama So-and-so's." )
Current Subgroups
The Conservative Subgroup Highly traditional, lionesses of this subgroup adhere very strictly to Bonelands conventions. Led by Umama Buna. Coat Color: only natural colors and reds are considered acceptable, and members of this group will look down on, if not outright harass, unnaturally-colored individuals. Opinions on red do vary within this group; some much older lionesses may still disapprove of it, though this opinion has largely died out as a consequence of Andhaka's time as Umholi and the subsequent prevalence of red in born-in members. Rogue Breeding: frowned upon outside of a rogue swap. The mother and cubs will likely be 'encouraged' to join another subgroup. Breeding Males: the darker the mane, the better! Dark-maned males are believed to be stronger and healthier, and few in this group would consider breeding with a pale-maned male if there were better options available to them. The choice between a pale-maned Umholi/Inselelo or a dark-maned rogue would be something of a toss-up, depending on the strength of an individual's opinions on one matter or the other. Most females in this group are also likely to prefer that the males not stick their nose into cub-rearing. Ehluke: accepted so long as they do their part to hunt and cubsit, but they rank very low socially, and may face derision from some of the lionesses for choosing to stay instead of leaving the pride to become a 'real' male.
The Moderate Subgroup A happy medium, naturally. Led by Umama Kokulzawa. Coat Color: natural colors and reds are greatly preferred, with no stigma remaining against the latter. A small amount of unnatural color is tolerable, though still not ideal, while predominantly unnatural colors will still carry some stigma. They will rank lower socially, but won't be openly harassed. Rogue Breeding: is still not embraced by this subgroup, mainly because the cubs will be Lusizi and, therefore, their chances of survival will be lower, so it's seen as something of a selfish act by the mother. They will not be chased from the group, however. Breeding Males: will still be preferred by some in this group to have dark manes, but by and large less emphasis is placed on the old belief that darker manes equate to strength; after all, there have now been several Inselele with lighter manes, who were clearly strong and healthy or they would not have earned the rank. Ehluke: so long as he hunts, cubsits, and takes no interest in females, a male who takes the Ahluke rank is generally welcome in this subgroup, but in social status he will still be ranked below the females.
The Progressive Subgroup Who needs tradition? We can do what we want! (Mostly.) Led by Omama Nenkani and and Umlotha. Coat Color: natural colors and reds are still dominant by far, and by some will still be considered inherently better than unnatural colors, but unnaturally-colored individuals will not be harassed or treated harshly. Rogue Breeding: who a lioness breeds with is entirely her own business. As long as she doesn't keep him around, this subgroup doesn't raise a fuss about a lioness breeding with an outside male, though the offspring will still be of the lowest rank until they reach maturity. Breeding Males: personal preference will vary, but if they do their job properly, the color of a male's mane usually holds less importance for females in this group. Ehluke: so long as he hunts, cubsits, and takes no interest in females, a male who takes the Ahluke rank is very welcome in this subgroup, but in social status he will still be ranked below the females.
The Qyrhyeshti Subgroup This is a recent and at times controversial subgroup, comprised of the refugees who arrived in the lands during the drought and exterminated a troublesome local hyena clan in return for admittance into the pride. Currently, it consists almost solely of the Qyrhyeshti, and their views and culture are a hybrid mix of Bonelands and what they brought with them. They continue to value strength and fighting ability very highly and keep themselves in fighting condition, and are willing to teach other females to fight as well. Led by Umama Nesf bint Adala. Coat Color: natural colors and reds are still dominant by far, but unnaturally-colored individuals will not be harassed or treated harshly. Strength and intelligence are highly prized in this subgroup, with appearance a distant third in terms of importance. Rogue Breeding: due to their emphasis on strength and intelligence, this subgroup will generally prefer Abaholi and Inselele to father their litters, as they have proven themselves. A female interested in breeding with a rogue is expected to test them in a fight first - if the male can tie or best her, he is suitable. Breeding Males: very few in this group will place any real importance on the color of a male's mane. Ehluke: are accepted only if they truly have no interest in females (are asexual or homosexual). Anyone else will be discouraged from staying, and lionesses in this group are likely to chase their sons out even before the Abaholi get around to it, expecting them to go out and make something of themselves.
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 5:13 pm
Cub Birth and Naming When females are scheduled to have their cubs, they pick upwards of two females to travel with them and leave the pride until their cubs are born and they are ready to take the trip back (Please note: In the wild, lion cubs can start walking at around 4-5 weeks old). No males are allowed to travel with them. Upon return, cubs receive their names based upon their personality or accomplishments/failures during the journey back. They 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 discouraged. Names are most commonly in the Boneland's dialect, Zulu. Swahili is generally frowned upon as it is a mixed language. Some Busisa may be more likely not to follow this tradition and may give a variety of names based on their original background. This may lead to unpleasant, though usually harmless, chatter from the other lionesses.
Naming Cubs after the Dead Every now and then, a litter is born during, or soon after an Ukufahamba, and therefore the death of a pridal member. While names for cubs are often picked by their personality, there is a special exception for cubs born during this time. They are thought to have the soul of the individual who has died. To honor the dead, the name of the individual who has passed away will take on a modifier to the end or the beginning.
Ending in e, i, o, u - The vowel is changed to "a" or "ku" is added depending on the mother's preference. Ending in a,y - The vowel is changed to "u" or "i" depending on the mother's preference Ending in consonants - A vowel is added to the end. An "a" if it is a female-female soul change. A "u" if it is a male-male soul change. And an "i" if is a female-male or male-female soul change. Beginning in z, x, b, d - "Yu" or "Ya" are added to the front of the name, depending on female preference Beginning in q, l, t, s - The first letter is changed to "r" if a male "w" if a female, or alternately "ge" or "ci" can be added to the front of the name for male and females respectively.
New Member Names Althought this is not an official tradition for the Bonelands and there are no "rituals" surrounding the practice, new Busisa may adopt a new name or nickname. Her fellow lionesses may also simply "give" her one by beginning to call her by a new name. [OOC Note: It is you choice which name you use on the cert - new names will not be given out officially; you can either pick one or tell people to use it or wait for one to show up naturally in RP. On that note, if you own a lioness in the pride, they're welcome to "invent" nicknames for new members.
Rogue Swap An old practice in the Bonelands. It was instated prior to Matifu's era by an Umholi when he noticed a trend of his lionesses "cheating" on him. A solution to having few breeding males, the "rogue swap" was used to introduce fresh blood to the pride while still being seen as "acceptable" as it was done with the Umholi's approval. During this time, females are allowed to take on rogues as temporary mates. Lionesses do not have to participate in this practice, but it is viewed by almost all pride members as being acceptable. Traditionalist lions are likely to frown on this as these rogues are unproven and potentially weak, but are unlikely raise much of a fuss against it if the Abaholi have given permission.
The tradition of the roque swap was mostly done away with by Gakere and his introduction of the Inselele, who fill the need for the practice, while also improving on it by being proven.
The rogue swaps may also be called upon in desperate times, such as when leading males fail to produce offspring or there are few prospective mates.
Kwa - When the males hunt Once a year, preferably when there has been a recent, successful hunt, the pride gathers on a high point in the pridelands and enjoys a bit of sport. The male, or males, that leads the pride is required to hunt on this day to pay their respects to the females that break their backs every day of the week. As males rarely hunt, and are sometimes heavy from lack of exercise, this is often a fun watch, and females are encouraged to joke amongst themselves as the males try to bring down big game.
Ukufahamba - Death Walk Every lion will, at some point in its life, die. To the members of the Bonelands, this is, in fact, life. Death is like a second journey, and it occurs away from the pride. All members, when they feel their time is coming, either male or female, are expected to take an Ukufahamba [literally meaning "death walk"]. This usually occurs when lions feel their age setting in, and they may be losing their ability to hunt, or are no longer able to bear offspring. It is considered a part of life, and while sad, it is also the next step in finalizing their lives in the pride. As such, the pride gathers to see off the lion or lioness on their next journey. It is seen as weak to die within the pride (though some may choose to regardless), and so a whole celebration occurs when a member decides to venture out into the rogue-lands to spend their last days. The Umholi thank the females for all they have done for the pride, and good words, memories and stories are often spoken about the lion/ess and her life by other pridal members. If there is food aplenty, they will gather for one large, last meal among the pride. Multiple members on their death walk may travel together, and some opt to leave with the Enda to have some guidance in the rogue lands.
Inqina - A cub's introduction to their home Literally meaning "hunting party", this is every Ithambo-born lions first introduction to their surrounding world regardless of gender. During Inqina, a few trusted members (no less than two) lead cubs and juveniles on a day-treck away from the pride and into the surrounding environment. They begin at sunrise and usually return by mid-morning the next day. The dangers of floods, drought, prey, and predator are reinforced on this trip through observational learning. As well, cubs and juveniles are introduced to the lay of the land and general survival (where the best water holes are, what downwind is, how to navigate by the sun, etc.). If they are lucky, they will encounter prey and the cubs and juveniles will get to watch their guardians hunt. The entire group spends the night in the wilderness. While Inqina are usually full of fun and games for the cubs and juveniles, it is often extremely stressful for females leading the groups. During the decreased surveillance on the cubs and juveniles, it is easy for things to go awry if cubs do not behave.
IC ORP of an Inqina: Here. It includes more information on how Inqinas typically run. Unless you wish your lion to have not gone for IC plots/etc., you may assume any adolescent-aged lion has gone through Inqina in the past. If your character is still a cub or juvenile, you may wish to wait for a mule-run ORP of an Inqina. You may also run your own whether it is a private RP or an ORP.
Ukuzalwa & Zalwa - The birth of a lion A lion is not considered a proper member of the pride until they are born, or Zalwa. This is the closest thing to a "coming of age" ceremony the Ithambo'hlabathi has in their culture, although it differs wildly between lions and lionesses as to what the requirements for their birth (Ukuzalwa) are.
Females For a Boneland's lioness, hunting is an essential part of life. They live for survival, and survival means hunting. Cubs and juveniles used to die at relatively high rates, so once a lion or lioness reaches adolescence they are said to have finally been born into the world. From cub through adolescence, young Ithambo'hlabathi are encouraged to find an established member to pick as their partner for their Ukuzalwa. The member they choose must have completed her birth (Ukuzalwa) and have been born (Zalwa) for at least a year. When the adolescent is ready, she will ask their hunting-partner (or sometimes partners) to meet them at the dawn of the next day. If the chosen member(s) do not believe the adolescent is ready for their Ukuzalwa, they will simply not show.
If the rite of Ukuzalwa is accepted, both adolescent and chosen partner(s) leave the pride until they find prey. This could take a few hours or a few days depending on herd movement. Once an adolescent has participated in her first hunt (whether successful or not), she is considered to have become Zalwa.
Males Male Boneland adolescents may also participate in the right of the first hunt. However, it does not carry the same cultural importance as it does for females (an exception to this is Ahluke & Enda: those males who choose to remain in the pride are likely to consider it important). Most males will simply practice hunting with other Boneland males their age; these are likely to be their hunting companions when they leave the pride.
Most males and pridal members view a male's Ukuzalwa (birth) as the process of leaving the Ithambo'hlabathi, showing his survivability, and forming his own pride. He has officially become Zalwa (born) when he has produced his first legitimate children in that pride. Enda and Ahluke will never be considered Zalwa due to never siring children in their own pride.
Mkhulu - Great Hunt A Great Hunt, a Mkhulu is a new tradition that was suggested by Umama Ukwazi that is held when the pride is prospering (ie. abundance of cubs, new members, good hunting, etc) as a way to bring the pride together, in addition to being able to ensure the pride is up to the task of feeding the new mouths. It's also an opportunity for those who can hunt adeptly to show off a little. In these hunts, the pride will track and hunt some of the largest prey Africa has to offer; hippopotami, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. If successful, all lionesses present may consider themselves Enkulu and are allowed to eat first from the kill.
Due to the inherant risk, the Mkhulu is entirely made up of lions who volunteered to participate. Those who did not volunteer may either wait behind and mind the cubs or follow at a safe distance to watch the hunt take place.
It is an ICly timed event that will start just as the sun is setting and end either before or after the sun has just peaked over the horizon. During the night, all those who volunteered to participate will collectively hunt one larger prey than normal, such as an elephant, rhino, hippopotamus, or giraffe. Once the prey is downed, if it is, the rest of the pride will be brought over and the pride will feast until they're either full or the prey is gone.
Vulture Chick Hatching This is an IC, ORP "ceremony" where vulture chicks may bond with young cubs of the pride. These cubs, with their partner, may grow up to become Aenda to the pride. A hatching occurs whenever IC and OOC conditions permit. Information can be gleamed from the last ceremony located here.
Heirachy | Who eats first Umholi - Inselelo - Umama - Enda/Cinga/Imbiza - Umzingeli/Busisa - Ahluke - Cubs - Lusizi
Following the groups of lions from which it was inspired, the only truly stable aspect of the Ithambo’hlabathi pride is its collective groups of females. These are often led, or ruled, by one lioness known as Umama (or sometimes a couplet working together, the Omama) who oversees the care and discipline of the female members below her.
These groups of lionesses are generally composed of family members, often one another’s cousins, sisters, daughters, mothers, etc. Not as common, though certainly not rare, unrelated females will form a close bond of friendship or trust with another female, and strings of friendships will create a new group or strengthen ties between two old ones. This trust-bonding is common among rogue females who have first entered the pride and have no family member ties to relate to.
All groups of females answer collectively to the male(s) that officially lead(s) the group. His, or their, responsibilities include chasing off other rogue males and protecting the pride against threats. The benefits are obvious: they eat first during meals and they have the first and final say on breeding. These males do not tolerate rogue males and will treat their own offspring far better than those that are born of rogue flings. For information on flings and mating practices, see the important topics post.
Multiple males ruling a pride historically tend to concede to one another based on the darkness in the shade of the other’s mane. White-maned males will have the least amount of influence in their decisions while dark-maned males will rule without question. The male with the darkest mane also eats first and has the first selection of females.
Cub Rank Guide
*Proven Male refers to male lions that have are ranked as either Umholi or Inselelo.
Pride Lioness + Proven Male = Cub/Umzingeli Pride Lioness + Deposed Proven Male (before cubs are born) or Rogue (rogue swap active) = Lusizi/Umzingeli Pride Lioness + Rogue (no rogue swap) = Lusizi/Busisa Rogue + Proven Male = Lusizi/Busisa Rogue + Rogue = Lusizi/Busisa
Umholi | (pl. Abaholi) - Leaders
The Ithambo'hlabathhi pride are not inventive; the names they choose in Zulu generally describe the position they represent. Umholi, a version of the Zulu word for leader, refers to the undeniable leader of the Ithambo'hlabathi. The Umholi's role is fluid, primarily that of a protector and peacekeeper to the pride, changing daily as needed by the lionesses he protects and looks after. Over certain matters, the Umholi's word is definitive. This includes who is officially accepted into the pride, when cubs are to be expelled, acting as an arbiter between the lionesses, and seeing to the punishments given to lions that deserve them. Typically they rule in pairs but can be anywhere from one to three Umholi leading at a time, although having three Abaholi is extremely rare. In addition, he, or “them” in the case of multiple leaders, has first rights over all the females and he eats first. If a male fails to uphold his responsibilities of protecting the pride from rogue males or otherwise, he is not immune to being evicted or “kicked out” by the females.
It is common for lionesses to refer to males as “Umholi” followed by the actual lion's name rather than a similar honorific like Lord or Lady. It is a symbol of respect, not typically shown to any other rank.
Rank Availability:Locked
Inselelo | (pl. Inselele) - Subordinate to the leaders
These are the rotating Umholi of the Ithambo'hlabathi. Quite literally meaning challenge in Zulu, these males have to be wary of potential usurpation at every hour. They serve under the Abaholi as guests, but beyond that have nearly identical tasks and rights to Umholi themselves. They must defend the pride against outside rogues and outside forces, but in return will eat before the females. They have breeding rights with females, though must submit to any restrictions the Abaholi choose to place upon them. An Inselelo earns his place by challenging and defeating the Inselelo that came before him. The Abaholi will not come to the aid of the challenged Inselelo, and if the Inselelo should lose his challenge and be chased out, then a new Inselelo will take his place. In this way, the pride ensures that new blood is incorporated into their ranks but that the offspring produced is still the strongest the savannah has to offer.
OOCly, Inselelo hold their rank for a temporary amount of time but has the option to extend their time as a breeding-eligible male by completing RPs during the previous term.
Term -- How to get it -- How long it lasts First Term -- earned by getting rank -- 3 months Second Term -- 3 completed RPs -- 3 months Third Term -- 4 completed RPs -- 2 months
After eight months, an Inselelo is automatically up for the challenge though exceptions can be made for extremely active individuals.
Rank Availability:When terms of active Inselelo are expired, the rank may be won OOCly through a challenge . See Member's List to get a general idea of when the next Inselelo rotation will occur.
Enda | (pl. Aenda) - Scouts with vulture companions
Like their Zulu name suggests, these lions travel far. Because of this, they are always lions in their prime age and must have a particularly strong partnership with their vultures. Aenda are the scouts and diplomats of the Bonelands pride. They are in charge of scouting lands beyond the pridal territory in case the pride must move. The Aenda and their vulture-companion bring in the information of traveling rogues or prides that may be a threat. They may be gone for weeks to months at a time, and so are not usually expected to have cubs. Aenda must be able to hunt for themselves and be of a disciplined mind. They are often tasked with interacting with prides the Boneland’s may come in contact with. They will sometimes organize trades, and establish either good or bad relationships with other lion groups. These lions may even spend a few months in other pridal lands, learning culture and becoming friends, before returning to the Bonelands. Some, in fact, never come back. Because of the constant distance from the pride, adolescent (and even adult males) are allowed to become Enda instead of being kicked out of the pride. To do so, they must first prove themselves by obtaining a loyal vulture companion. A feather is taken from the vulture, and a tooth from the lion (an extremely painful process), and traded to one another to signify companionship. For this reason, Enda-lions and their vulture companions are easily recognized by their feather and tooth. Some IC information on Enda taking mates can be found in this post.
Rank Availability:Open, but require one of two paths completed.
Path A: TBA
Path B: Obtain a vulture from a Vulture Chick Hatching.
Ahluke | (pl. Ehluke) - Celibate
Derived from the Zulu word "to be different", this is an exception to the "Aboholi only" rule. This rank is given to either homosexuals, asexuals, or males who have sworn an oath of celibacy. Often doted on by females, these males are considered slightly above cubs in status. They are required to hunt with the females, but they are often given the position of looking over the pride's cubs. They are still subject to the pridal rules and will face punishment, exile, or death for breaking a vow of celibacy.
Rank Availability:Open
Options for Males Nearing Adulthood Contrary to what many outsiders believe, male cubs are not considered to be lesser beings than female cubs. Male cubs are simply held to different expectations than their female pride-siblings.
Unlike females, the majority of males are assumed to grow up and want to challenge the Abaholi. Males are usually expected to show interest in females in late adolescence, when their adult mane has begun to grow. It is commonly accepted that they will then either leave of their own volition or be pushed out of the pride by the Abaholi to avoid conflict. Oftentimes, males are urged out by their own mothers who are sick of them being around. They are expected to leave the pride and attempt to establish their own, elsewhere.
A young male born in the pride who is frisking around with females is generally seen in disgust. He has been spoiled by the pride and has not been required to prove himself as a strong, capable lion. Therefore, flings with these lions are extremely unlikely, and any females fraternizing with them are usually given a cold shoulder, if not pushed out by the other lionesses.
Options for Staying
Taking an Oath of Celibacy Males are allowed to stay within the pride if they agree to abandon sexual interaction with females and become Ahluke. Reasons for abstinence are variant, from simple lack of interest to having a strong bond to the pride and wishing to stay. These males are still expected to pull their own weight, like every other member of the pride and are expected to aid the females in bringing home food for the pride.
While all lionesses may not treat them equally, most view Ahluke males as just another member, and will not treat them with any additional attention, or any specific negative attention. That does not mean, however, that they are free to do completely as they please. Like any other members, celibate males must follow by the rules of the pride, or be exiled or killed.
Becoming an Enda As Enda are migratory and do not often stay in the pride, any male can take up this position. These lions travel, often for extended periods of time and bring back information from the outside world and improve interactions with surrounding prides. In his travels, he takes notations on water sources, potential lands for immigration, hostile prides close to the borders that need to be managers, and other information he deems useful for the Bonelands. When a Enda returns from a journey, he shares this information with everyone in the pride.
What an Enda does in his travels is in his own business, so long as that business does not come home with him. Within the pride, however, he cannot show interest in females. An Enda must follow pride rules within the borders or be subject to a punishment the Abaholi deem appropriate.
More specifics on the Enda position can be found in their rank description.. Specifics on Enda and bringing mates back to the pride can be found here.
Options for Leaving
Bachelor Group As most males come of age together, many will set out from the Bonelands together, forming groups of 2-5 male lions. Males have to hunt for themselves and prove themselves worthy of being able to survive in the harsh roguelands.
Some find they like the life of bachelorhood and never attempt to form new prides. However, most tend to search for their own females by convincing wandering rogues to come with them, by wooing, or outright stealing away females from other prides. Having been raised in the Bonelands, they are taught that only the strongest survive. Being at the head of a large band of females proves one's strength and worth.
Note: You are more than welcome to have your males try and steal females from the Bonelands. Keep in mind that doing so may result in the injury/death of the acting male, so you should plan accordingly. Not all the Umholi are nice enough to let males who fail run away. An IC example can be found here.
Note 2: Any bands created by this or other means should be RPed out in the rogue-lands or another forum. They are, after all, considered rogues. If your lion finds enough females to create another pride, you're more than welcome to make a pride similar to the Bonelands based on your male's cultural beliefs. Unless future IC events entail otherwise, however, the Bonelands pride will not be affiliated with yours in any way.
A Different Home Not all males are destined to form bachelor groups on a constant quest to start their own prides. Some find themselves more adapted to other prides, and can and do settle down in these places. Others remain solo rogues.
These males are considered to have left behind Boneland tradition, and while not considered weak, they are generally not considered strong due to the differences in cultural opinion between groups.
Umama | (pl. Omama) - Leaders
The term means Umama means mother, the reasoning being that the Ithambo’hlabathi pride bases social structure on mothers. Females will often relate to the subgroup that their mother relates to and the leaders of these groups are simply called Umama. These females are generally the eldest, although it is generally accepted that they should still be able to hunt, and they are the backbone and organizing force of their subgroup of females. She watches over all the cubs, knows everyone’s name, and often has a great deal of patience and ability to speak. She brings complaints and opinions directly to the males, and has enough backing from her female associates to challenge him if he tries to take a stance that she does not believe is right. More often than not, she’ll lead hunting parties or assign a female to lead. There can be more than one Umama in a group, though there is generally only one.
Rank Availability:Open, but requires IC following of at least 3 other adult pridal members (You don't have to RP this out, but post the names of the 3 lionesses and the names of their owners in your rank-request form; make sure you have OOC permission from those owners to do so)
Cinga | (pl. Cinga) - Lions with vulture companions
The name literally means "to look around". Cinga can be young, old, or anywhere inbetween. A Cinga's vulture-partner uses his flight to search for locations of water and movements of prey-groups. Those who are leaving for hunts will often check in with a Cinga before they leave, to garner information that may aid them. During droughts, Cinga focus on discovering water and may travel small distances outside of the pride with their vulture-partner in search of stable water sources both above and below-ground. In exchange for their work, the vulture is protected by the lioness when it feeds off of dead carcasses and is guaranteed a full belly.
Rank Availability:Open, but requires a vulture familiar and an RP/SRP between vulture/lion
Enda | (pl. Aenda) - Scouts with vulture companions
Female Enda are uncommon as they are expected to leave the pride and the Bonelands needs females for hunters and cub-rearing. Most females have ties to the pride, and do not wish to spend the long periods of time away from home that are required. Information for Enda can be found in the male ranks section.
Rank Availability:Open, but require one of two paths completed.
Path A: TBA
Path B: Obtain a vulture from a Vulture Chick Hatching.
Umzingeli | (pl. Abazingeli) - Born-In Blood
This refers to all born-in females of the pride upon adulthood. The term literally means “hunter” as all females share this task. As long as they fulfill their hunting duties, members of the pride may persue any other type of “artistic” activity.
A lioness is an Umzingeli if: - She is born into the pride and their father was a Umholi or Inselelo. - She is born into the pride and their father was a rogue during Rogue Swap.
Rank Availability:Open
Busisa | (pl. Busisa) - New Blood
All rogue females entering the pride are given this title. Because the Ithambo’hlabathi pride is so strongly based off of family ties, bloodlines are tightly linked and Abaholi have a hard time finding females that do not share their genes. Female rogues who wish to join and stay are welcomed without much fuss by males (although the groups of females may have something different to say about this!), and the good treatment they receive makes them seem “blessed”.
A lioness is a Busisa if: - She is a rogue joining (or rejoining) the pride. - Her father is a rogue outside of Rogue Swap and the pride knows. - Her father is a Umholi or Inselelo, but her mother is unknown.
Rank Availability:Open
Cub | (pl. Cubs) - Youth
All female cubs born in the pride that are believed to be child of an Umholi or Inselelo that are still reigning at the time of their birth are simple know as "cubs" and will remain this rank until they are adolescent, at which point they will become "Umzingeli".
A cub is a Cub if they are female AND: - Their father is a rogue and the pride does not know. - Their father is a Umholi or Inselelo and was still in power when they were born.
Rank Availability:Open
Titles
Within the Ithambo'hlabathi, lionesses may prove their mettle, setting them apart from their pridal sisters. These ranks are traditionally granted by the Abaholi and purely ceremonial, "bragging rights" to any lioness with the rank. A lioness may be known (and certed) with her title, but she will never stop being a Busisa, Umzingeli or anything else. Members with titles may get a bit more special treatment, especially in the months following earning it, but it should never be expected or considered the norm.
Only lionesses may earn titles as only the Zalwa may obtain them.
Enkulu | (pl. Omkulu) - Great Hunters
Having aided in taking down a great prey, these lionesses are known for their prowess and skill in hunting large, dangerous game by participating in a Mkhulu, going above and beyond a normal hunter's call to aid in celebrating the pride's good fortune.
Rank Availability:Open, but requires IC and OOC participation in a Mkhulu.
Cabanga | (pl. Umcabanga) - Ambassadors
The ambassadors of the pride, cabanga literally means 'to think' or 'to imagine'. These members of the pride must sacrifice their place in Boneland's territory and travel to foreign lands. Even among foreign culture, they must stay true to Boneland's tradition and their ways of thought. As such, Umcabanga are chosen from those who are not rash, foolish, or governed by emotion. They tend to be young, spirited, and heavily dedicated to the pride and can be of either gender. Their job includes keeping the peace between the pride they are stationed in and the Boneland's pride. They are expected to represent the majority viewpoint in the pride and will not be chosen unless they display utmost dedication to the Bonelands. Potential candidates are usually chosen at adolescence. Only the most mature, even-tempered of those will be sent to another pride. Usually, the females talk amongst themselves to pick the best, but the final decision belongs to the lead Umholi of the pride. Once they leave, the ambassadors rarely come back, and one must be stationed in the allied pride at all times.
Rank Availability:Special Event Only
Imbiza | (pl. Imbiza) - Herbalists
An old tradition that is making a return, Imbiza are the healers of the pride. Well known for their skills with identifying useful plants and animal parts that can be used to remedy a variety of pains, ills and more. This rank mostly consists of elderly lionesses or those who can no longer hunt due to a multitude of reasons. The rank, though traditionally female, can be taken by male lions as well, though they still need to take an oath of celibacy.
Rank Availability:Open, but requires at least 1 completed RP/SRP to prove their healing (or lack there-of) knowledge.
Lusizi | (pl. Lusizi) - Unfortunate cubs
The meaning of this word is “sad”, and that’s just how these cubs and lionesses look to the blood-born members of the pride. These children are those that are born because of a fling or were the offspring of a previous Umholi who was overthrown before they were born.
These cubs are treated less well by all of the pride. Pity for them is not unheard of, but the majority of lions present in the Ithambo’hlabathi pride will still treat them less well than other cubs. These cubs eat last and are given less exceptions if they break rules within the pride. The reasoning for this is simple: they don’t share the blood of the current Umholi and so are less valuable to the continued existence of his bloodline.
All male cubs born from any bloodline are also referred to as “Lusizi” as they cannot be "born" until they leave the pride and form their own.
A cub is a Lusizi if: - They're male. - Their father is a rogue and the pride knows. - Their father is a Umholi or Inselelo and was overthrown before they were born.
