๐๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ซ๐ก๐๐๐ข๐๐๐'s Den
Hello.
Welcome to Mother Mountain, where the Mountain Dwellers reside.
Gay? I was gay once. They put me in a pond. A water pond. A water pond with chemicals. The chemicals turned me gay.
STOP. GOOD GOD MAN, YOU ALMOST GOT THE CHEESE TOUCH.
Abracadabra bippity boo. If someone likes feet here, I think it's you.
*Gangsta's Paradise aaaaaahahaaaaaaaaAAA starts to play as I hold out my arms and then my skin suit falls off to reveal 6 pigeons*
Prepare you backside for friendship you shadowy shovel welding shameless six sinister son of a siamese salamander.
I really like Pigeons, Magpies, Crows, Jackdaws, Rooks & Blue Footed Boobies, they're such goofy goobers.
Please be nice to me. :).
SCROLL WITH CAUTION, AS A VERY LONG DEN PAGE BEGINS HERE.
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Creds to my friend ๐ WAS??? (G2 bisected Pearl) #387866 for making this for me
โ โขโฃดโฃฟโฃฟโกโ โขปโฃทโฃโก
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃคโฃพโฃฟโฃทโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃถโฃพโฃฟโฃฟโ ฟโ ฟโ ฟโ ถโ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃพโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโกฟโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โขธโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโกโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโกโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โขธโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโกโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโ โ ปโฃงโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃผโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃโฃคโ ฟโขถโฃฆโกโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โขฐโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโกโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ ธโขฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
I also offer pride lore (and ideas) and individual lion lore. I do actually charge for individual lion lore and detailed pride lore as it is more complex and takes longer for me to do. Sometimes, I will post in giveaway chat to give people free pride lore ideas. Please mention where you saw this message, be it me offering to do some for you, giveaway chat or you just so happen to notice this and want some lore.
My first dwarf: https://www.lioden.com/lion.php?id=794189670858.
๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ค ๐ ๐๐ ๐ง๐๐๐ช ๐ป๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฅ ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ช๐ค๐๐๐. ๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐ค ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐ค๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ค๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ค ๐๐๐ช. ๐ผ๐ง๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ช, ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ ๐ค๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ ๐ค๐๐ ๐จ๐๐ค ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐. ๐ ๐๐ ๐ง๐ ๐ช๐ ๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐.
Every king's rule will be based off of their personality. Such as RuneSong;
A forgiving king but will take out all of his pent up rage on all of the ugly cubs born to his lionesses.
Each cave description will have to be changed, no matter what. This is just to make sure that everything is up to date and everything makes sense.
All old records of cave descriptions will be saved in my journal. Along with the king dynasty and what their rule was like. This is mandatory for the account.
Lmk in my comment box if you've read all my lore, I'd love to know what you think about it.
Pride Information.
After RuneSong stepped down from the throne, EldritchCavern soon took into being the pride's king. He made the Guardian Cave more accessible, became allies with The Desert Wanderer's (#427147), renamed the pride The Mountain Dwellers
and moved the pride to a mountain. The Mother Mountain, they call it. Many caves are there to reside in, there's one very large waterfall running from the top of the mountain, linking to a river that breaks off into smaller ones. It is rumored that ancient snakes were driven into a deep sleep under the earth as the days got colder, creating the Mother Mountain and the Dunes in the Desert. The lions that reside on Mother Mountain have thick paw pads from the rigid rocks, and have thick coats to withstand the coldness of winter. The pride elders say that they've been hibernating for thousands of years, some say that they wake up in the warmer months to cause havoc. Never the less. The cubs love to make up stories of how they will fight the snakes in the future, almost everything in the pride is based off of the snakes. Even the Rattle Rock. An ancient rock shaped like a rattlesnake's rattle that the kings use for meetings. It bears similarities to the Snake Head Rock that the Desert Wanderers use. Must be a coincidence, right? Wrong! The Desert Wanderers and The Mountain Dwellers have had an alliance since a young male cub, called Kunwar, was given to the leader of The Desert Wanderers, Hare'Runner, there, he was given the name, Kunwar'Bound after being accepted by the Desert Spirits.
According to some of the Allseers in the pride, the snakes had began to move when he and his friend, Sin. Decided to visit the dunes for no good reason.
But it was not detected at Mother Mountain.
There were accounts of the pride watching the dunes move as sand fell from them. Still, nothing seemed happened at Mother Mountain.
Sin recorded seeing scales rippling in the moonlight, the beasts eyes were open, staring out into nothingness. The sand creating a sort of wall, protecting the beast as it scented the area with its forked tongue.
There were hundreds of dunes in The Desert Wanderer's territory. The largest one being Mwenye , meaning 'Lord' in Swahili. Their scales as bright as the sun, their eyes as dark as night. But only one made up Mother Mountain. The so-called Jyoti. Meaning 'Light' in Sanskrit. Apparently, Jyoti was the opposite of Mwenye. Scales that even the inky darkness of the night could never come close to compare to. It had been hibernating for centuries, never to be woken. Jyoti was similar to Mwenye, but they were a Horned Desert Viper, Cerastes cerastes. They craved all the respect it could gather. Some even say that when the king mentions Jyoti. The mountains move. As if Jyoti had heard every word, and was pleased with their compliment.
According to Hare'Runner. After Mwenye woke after a millennia, Kunwar'Bound and Sin went to investigate the shed skin of the Desert Serpent. Kunwar had pawed at it, making some minerals fall from underneath the scale. It had stunk of rotting flesh. He called over Sin, and they both said that it smelled unusual. As if Mwenye had heard. The serpent moved its tail to create a dune wall around them. Kunwar'Bound attempted to reason with the Serpent. After many tries, Mwenye finally let them go.
Many of the lions awaited the response of the Allying pride. Awaiting the return of Snake'Skin. The messenger Adolescent tasked to go and tell the Mountain Dwellers of the occurrence. Snake'Skin returned, telling that Eldritch offered to keep the pride at Mother Mountain if any more of the serpents awoke.
Kunwar'Bound had little knowledge of Mother Mountain, but did hold some. He recalled Inesh, The main Guardian that took care of him, telling the young Kunwar about how EldritchCavern was to call them 'The Mountain Dwellers' once RuneSong stepped down from the throne. Other than that. Mwenye had indeed fallen asleep, but was not yet in hibernation. He could be awoken by any wrong step.
Significant Areas, Happenings & Entities.
Jyoti.
One of the largest snakes, she is Mother Mountain, a massive Horned Desert Viper. Jyoti was said to be hunted down my hunters many years ago, and has fallen into a deep hibernation for over a millennia, some say they fell asleep because of the cold. It is told by elders of the pride that the snakes wake up in the warmer months to cause havoc and terror to those who disrespect their authority. She is somewhat the opposite of Mwenye, Jyoti's name meant 'Light' In Sanskrit. She has scales that even the abyss of the darkness could not compare to. She is treated as a goddess by the Mountain Dwellers.
Mwenye.
Mwenye is one of the largest of the snakes, making up one of the largest dunes in the Desert Wanderer's (#427147). His name meant 'Lord' in Swahili for good reason. He craved all the attention and authority he could get, even eating one of the Desert pride's cubs. His rippling scales were as bright as the stars in the sky, but having eyes that were the void itself. Mwenye is the most active out of all of the snakes, shedding his skin now and again.
Mother Mountain.
The physical land form that Jyoti created with her large body. The Mountain Dweller's live on Mother Mountain and treat it like a Queen. The mountain has one main summit that the lions live on, it is still unknown where the summit is on Jyoti's body, some say it's her horns, some say it's her tail. Nevertheless, she is the most inactive snake out of them all, her movement limited to only tongue-flicks and twitches.
The Waterfall or The Tears Of Jyoti.
The waterfall is a beautiful, majestic rarity that can be found behind mother mountain on another major summit. To gain access to the view one must have to find a hole in the wall in the Lioness Quarters. It is bountiful and never-ending, with many Mountain-Dwelling animals going there to bask in the atmosphere, but not drink. Legend has it that The Waterfall are 'The Tears Of Jyoti'. Which are forever running from the greif of losing her many snake accomplices.
When Apprentice Herbalists become of age, and are ready to take on their duties, they will drink from the Sacred waters, to show their dedication to the spirits and Jyoti.
The Rattle Rock.
An ancient, heavy rock that is carved into the shape of a snake's rattle. No one knows where the rock came from, but all the lions know is that the Desert Wanderer's (#427147) have a snake head rock. It seem that the two prides are linked somehow.
The rock is used for important Pride Meetings that include the spirits and Jyoti being involved. The Rattle Rock has the power to take over lions for a small amount of time, giving them prophecies only the other world could come up with.
It also have many ancient carvings on it in a completely different language that only the Herbalists can read and speak.
Spirit Stones.
Spirit Stones can be found embedded into the walls of the King/Queen's cave, in a small, man made box in the Herbalist Cave that's made of a silver, tin-like material & in the Malignant God's Cavern. The Stone-like crystals give different lions an aura that covers their pelt like paint. each lion has a different colour. It follows them everywhere until they exit the vicinity on the rocks.
The Spirit Stones gain their powers from the sprits of the dead, each crystal has its own spirit, be it a lion spirit or one of a snake. The spirits inside have a certain someone that they are deemed to protect against evil and The Famine.
Gorgons.
Gorgons can be found in the Outskirts and with a gaze that can turn anylion whom looks upon it to be Petrified in a layer of stone. If one looks at a Gorgon, it is only a matter of time until one turns into a statue.
There is not a known cure for petrification, same with Akhet's Curse and The Rot. Petrification is just an unfortunate event that happens every so often with cubs.
Petrifecation.
If one is petrified by an entity, it means that they have looked upon a Gorgon and encased in a layer of stone, killing them instantly. Petrified lions are normally buried or erected as statues to honour them - Petrified bodies are only erected as Statues if the lion was of high-importance.
It may take hours or days for the excruciating process of petrification to end. The longest being around a moon.
Medicinal Venom.
Medicinal Venom are tubes of various venom from different snake species. The venom is said to have herbal-like properties and can be used to, allegedly, soothe rashes and irritation. The Medicinal Venom is kept in a backroom in the Herbalist Cavern. No one is to touch and or use the venom except for the Herbalists and Shamans. Shamans are the ones who catch the snakes and extract the venom from their glands. They give thanks to Jyoti before doing so.
Shrines.
Small Shrines can be spotted all around Mother Mountain, especially on the main summit that the Mountain Dwellers live on. It's used for small ceremonies, mainly including welcoming and sacrificing items to the Spirits or Jyoti.
The Shrines are made up of; Bones, Herbs, Fur, Soil, Amber Specimens, Fossils, Fire Starters ect.
Only the Shamans have the power to create Shrines, and they attend to them religiously. Small ceremonies are normally only a few minutes long, or until the herbs burn out. Once a ceremony is finished, the Shaman will take the herbs and bury them. It is an act of giving back to Jyoti.
Alter Snakes.
Alter Snakes are small, Ushabtic Snake Stones that move when a lion approaches it. They are thin and silent, normally being found around - or in - The Malignant Gods Cavern, The Queen/King's Cavern, and the Herbalist Cavern.
Alter Snakes are called Alter Snakes as they tend to the Alters when all lions are asleep, this is the only time they make noise. They take any item that is not supposed to be near or on the Alter and bury it by wiggling down Mother Mountain and rolling their body in the soil at the base of the Mountain. Alter Snakes are amazingly obedient, listening to the higher-ranking lions without hesitation.
Nephthys.
Nephthys or Nebet-Het was a Goddess in the Ancient Egyptian religion, she was the daughter of Nut and Geb, and depicted with her sister, Isis. She and her sister were the protectors of the Mummies.
That brings us to the Mountain Dwellers. Nephthys possesses one of the lionesses, Flash'Flood, as she needed a physical host to possess for her duties on the mortal plain. Nephthys did, too, try and take the lioness back to the spirit world, causing her to go missing for many moons as a cub. Flash'Flood did indeed return, with many scars.
The goddess can take the form of a Shadow Sphinx, which can only be seen by the Shamans, wandering the Outskirts.
Elpis.
Elpis is the Greek spirit of hope, she is the supposed daughter of Nyx and mother of Pheme. She is depicted as a young woman with flowers, and a cornucopia in her hands.
Elpis possessed a Ferus lioness, by the same name. Elpis was born in a time of worry and disrepute, she was the hope that the pride needed.
Elpis - The goddess - can take the form of an Albino Sphinx, whom can only be seen by the Shamans, too, wandering the Outskirts.
Serket.
Serket is the Egyptian Goddess of healing scorpion stings. But she also stings the unrighteous. She possesses a lioness of the name Balesego, and with her new-found powers could destroy anything and everything.
Balesego is an evil lioness, being followed by a small, Hieracosphinx, as the Shamans call it. Still, no one can see the small Sphinx. Only the gifted and skilled.
Serket, taking the form of the Hieracosphinx will too, wander the Outskirts, along with Nephthys & Elpis.
Maahes.
Maahes was the Ancient Egyptian, lion-headed god of war whose name means 'He who is true beside her'. He was son of Creator God, Ptah & Bastet or Sekhmet.
For the Mountain Dwellers, he has been seen as an almost see-through lion whose pelt is solely made of star-dust or stars. On special ceremony nights - however, he can be spotted above Mouther Mountain, sitting and watching what the lions below him are doing.
Maahes also has a physical form that all of the Mountain Dwellers are able to see. He is still a lion made out of solely stars or star-dust, but he resides in the forest below Mother Mountain, occasionally helping huntresses by luring prey towards the lionesses' position.
Nekhbet.
In art, Nekhbet was depicted as a vulture and later identified as a Griffon Vulture. Depictions of animal deities start with the animal being depicted directly. Later the animal appears in human form, but still with an animal head. Individual deities continue into historical times to often be described in their original animal form such as Horus as a Falcon, Nekhbet as a Vulture and Wadjet as a Serpent.
At Mother Mountain, Nekhbet can be found in the forest below Mother Mountain, normally perched on a tree that is stripped of it's leaves. Nekhbet is made up of stardust, also appearing in the night sky as stars on ceremony nights.
Nekhbet was the protector of Upper-Egypt, but now protects Jyoti and the lions who rely on her.
Neith.
In her usual representations, she is portrayed as a fierce deity, a woman wearing the Red Crown, occasionally holding or using the bow and arrow, in others, a harpoon. Neith also is a goddess of war and of hunting and that is the symbolism depicted most often. Her symbol was two arrows crossed over a shield.
Neith is still a fierce woman wearing a crown, normally found on the Desert-side of the Outskirts.
Apep or Apophis.
Apep, also spelled Apepi or Aapep or Apophis was the ancient Egyptian deity who embodied darkness and disorder, and was thus the opponent of light and Ma'at. He appears in art as a giant serpent. His abode was the Duat and his Mother was Neith and his brother was Ra. Tales of Apep's battles against Ra were elaborated during the New Kingdom. Storytellers said that every day Apep must lie below the horizon and not persist in the mortal kingdom. This appropriately made him a part of the underworld. In some stories, Apep waited for Ra in a western mountain called Bakhu, where the sun set, and in others, Apep lurked just before dawn, in the Tenth region of the Night. The wide range of Apep's possible locations gained him the title World-Encircler. It was thought that his terrifying roar would cause the underworld to rumble. Myths sometimes say that Apep was trapped there, because he had been the previous chief god overthrown by Ra, or because he was evil and had been imprisoned.
Apep is treated in a similar fashion by the Mountain Dwellers, he only ever rises in the warmer months, such as June to cause all the havoc that he and the other serpents would before they were slain or put into hibernation.
Mehit.
Mehit was depicted as a reclining lioness with three bent poles projecting from her back. Mehit was the female Goddess of war, and not to be confused with Menhit, who is the Nubian Goddess of war.
Mehit is also a Star-dust lion, too, appearing in the sky on a ceremony night. Legend has it that Mehit can be seen when and if the Mountain Dwellers go to war. Appearing as a lioness in the sky, even in daylight.
Perit.
Perit is the Underworld Goddess/deity. She is one of the twelve goddesses in the ninth sector of Duat. Not much is known about Perit, and she does not have a physical form for the Mountain Dwellers, or the Desert Wanderers. But it is said that she resides deep underground, below the Desert Wanderers camp.
Wepset.
Wepset is depicted as a Uraeus cobra or an eye. Her name means 'She who burns'. She is one of the personifications of the Uraeus Cobra that protected the kings; she is also an Eye of Ra and is mentioned as "the Eye".
According to the elders, Wepset is depicted as a flaming snake or eyes that hovers above the highest point on Mother Mountain, she is there to watch.
Nefertem.
Nefertem is the son of Ptah and Sekhmet or Bastet and potential brother of Maahes. He, too, takes the form of a celestial lion but only resides in the night sky, he has a ruffled mane and, like his potential brother, show up in the night sky on ceremony nights. On his head is a water-lily headdress as a symbol of fragrance and beauty.
Ma'at.
Maโat is the goddess of righteousness and justice, honesty, and most importantly, peace. One of the most significant Egyptian deities, she represented the concepts of harmony and balance in all aspects of ancient Egyptian society, as well as a crucial part of all time and space in existence. She arranged the constellations in the night sky and controlled the cycle of the seasons. As the feather of truth, she measured the hearts of those who died to determine whether they should go to paradise or vanish into oblivion. She was depicted as a woman in an ostrich plume and high heels wandering near The Tears Of Jyoti.
Isis.
As the sister of Nephthys and twin sister of Osiris, in mythology she was to help the dead enter the afterlife as she had helped her twin brother and husband Osiris. She is the goddess of magic, fertility, motherhood, healing and rebirth. The shamans approach Isis when in need of assistance with spells and ceremonies, while herbalists approach Isis when they're in need of assistance with an ill or expecting lion or lioness.
Osiris.
At times, Osiris was told to be the brother and husband of Isis, and brother of Set, Nephthys. Osiris was the god of fertility, agriculture, the afterlife, the dead, resurrection, life, and vegetation. Those who are believed to not live another sunhigh, will worship Osiris and Isis in hopes they have the best experience when going to either the Duat or Aaru. Along with this, shamans and foragers will worship Osiris when the odds of finding herbs and other foliage are slim.
Nehebkau.
Not much is known about Nehebkau, but he was primordial snake deity and funerary god associated with the afterlife. He was one of the assessors of Ma'at and a few translations of his name mean: โthat which gives Kaโ โhe who harnesses the spiritsโ the โoverturner of doublesโ and โcollector of soulsโ. From these translations alone, it is prevalent that Nehebkau was a collector of souls. From this, he is worshipped in hopes to keep lions alive as long as possible, especially when a ruler is growing old.
The Outskirts.
The Outskirts is where the Desert ends and the luminous forest below mountains begin. The Famine cannot go past the Outskirts and into the Mountain Dweller's territory, same for Nephthys and Elpis' sphinx forms. The huntresses hunt near the Outskirts but never in it, for it is way too dangerous. The ground is dry and grey with time, only getting more greener the deeper you go into the Mountain Dweller's territory.
Akhet.
A creature that burns brighter than the sun. It wanders the desert-side of the Outskirts, forever trying to enter the Mountain Dweller's territory. All who look upon Akhet will begin to seize and froth at the mouth, once the process begins, there is no stopping it. Akhet is a surreal being, that has no physical form/shape. Only Foreseers are given the ability to look upon Akhet, as they are blind.
At night, Akhet can be heard singing; ``แจแ แแบแจแ แบแแทแบ แแแกแแ แแบแ แจแแฑ แแ แแขแฑแ. แแบแแค แแแแ แนแแแ แแจแแแ แแ แ แฑแแทแบแแแพ แแบแแ. แแบแ แจแพแฒแแแพแ แฒแแแพ แนแจแ แฉแขแแแ แแขแแ แจแพแ แนแแฑแพ. แแ แแจแดแ แแขแฑแ แแฒแ, แคแแข แ แฑแแแแ แนแจแแแฑ. แนแ แจแฑแ แแขแฑแ แแบแจแ แแพแ แนแจแฑ แแ แแพแแขแทแบ. ``
Aaru.
Another creature, similar to Akhet but not so similar. The Entity wanders the Mountain side of the Outskirts, and it is theorized that Aaru and Akhet are past lovers or enemies.
Aaru does not have a physical shape or form, only appearing as a bright, white light that can be spotted pacing up and down the Outskirts. Nothing will happen to a lion if they do look upon Aaru, but actually seeing The Entity is a sacred happening, only occurring every millennia or so.
Aaru does have a special role in the Mountain Dweller's faith, being worshipped with many Alter Snakes and Shrines.
King or Queen funerals.
After a King or Queen's death, the pride will go into mourning for the next 7 sunhighs. All shamans are to take a vow of silence for those sunhighs. A King or Queen's death is regarded as an omen from the Spirits or the Gods. If a King or Queen dies unexpectantly, it may be a sign of incoming droughts and or famine. When a King or Queen passes, a tuft of their fur must be put into The Tears Of Jyoti to show thanks to Jyoti for their life.
The Rot.
The Rot is not a being and not a place. It is what could happen to an unfaithful lion who disrespects any of The Spirits or Jyoti, though there are stories that lions can be born with it. The Rot is a black, void-like disease that excretes grey puss from the infected area. There is nothing that one can do if infected with The Rot. One can only wait until the pain stops, and has been rotted away.
After a lion dies from The Rot, their body emits a foul smell that is told to infect others with The Rot. Though it is not true, many still live by the superstition.
Spirits.
Spirits are ,well, Spirits of the dead. Be it any animal, Spirits whom reside and have never left Mother Mountain are treated like Gods. They are the opposite of Lost Spirits, only ever Dwelling on Mother Mountain for their entire, spirit-y life.
Many Spirits passed from unnerving, surreal causes chose to be more active with their Spiritual Duties. But those who died a peaceful death normally stay in once place, only moving to preform in dire situations.
Lost Spirits.
Lost Spirits are what the name suggests - Lost Spirits. They wander the Mortal Plain, unable to find their resting place for all eternity. Many Lost Spirits find their way to Mother Mountain and stay there, mingling with the other spirits there.
The Lost Spirits are known for causing mischief and annoying the Mountain Dwellers, leading to the fact they are not treated as Gods like the other Spirits that Dwell on Mother Mountain.
The Amber Specimens.
The Amber Specimens are amber jewels that can be found by digging in the hard soil at the base of Mother Mountain. Inside the Amber is a range of small critters to snakes to reptiles. They each are harvested and taken to the King/Queen's Cavern to be inspected by the Shamans privately. Once an Amber Specimen is declared to be Sacred, they are placed on an Alter or around Shrines or the Rattle Rock.
Amber Specimens are crucial in the creation of Shrines, each and every Shrine has to have at least one Amber jewel in order for it to work.
The Cavern Of The Ruined Temples.
The Cavern Of The Ruined Temples contains many temples that are dedicated to all of the gods and goddesses that the Mountain Dwellers worship. Inside the Cavern, there's many smaller chutes that range from only a cub can fit in there to the whole pride can. The temples have to be kept in perfect condition as they contain vital information about what the lions should do to worship. The Cave also have many Alter Snakes that can leave whenever they chose to. The Cavern Of The Ruined Temples does not have any permanent Alter Snakes, instead the Ushabitic snakes have to be ordered sometimes to clean it out.
The Ancient Papyrus Scrolls.
It is said that within the Rattle Rock there is an Ancient Papyrus Scroll that holds the reason for everything. There is no evidence for the Ancient Scrolls other than inscriptions in the ceiling and walls of the King/Queen's cave & The Malignant Gods cave that read as such:
`` แแบแ แแจแดแ แแแจแฑแดแแแ แแพ แแบแ แฑแแ แบแแ แแขแพ. แนแแแบแแพ แจ แแแแพแ แแจแค แจ แแฒแฑแแแ. แแ แแจแแแแฑแ แพแแ แแ แแ แฑแแจแแ แแบแแแ แนแแฑแแ แแฑ แแบแแแ. แ แแค แแค แพแแทแบแ, แจแพแ แคแแข แนแจแแแ แแแแแแ แแแแ. แแบแ แแขแพ แฒแจแแ แขแ แแ แแแทแบแ แแบแ แแจแแแแฑแพ แแดแค. แแบแ แทแฑแจแแ แจแพแ แแขแแบแแ แนแแฑแ แนแแ แนแแแบ แแแน. แแบแ แแฒแฑแแแ แบแแแแ แจแแ แดแพแแนแแแแทแ. แแบแ แแแจแขแแค แแ แแบแ แกแแแน แแแขแพแพแแ แแบแ แคแแขแพแท แแแฑแแแพแ. ``
Felidae's Wrath.
Is an unknown happening, no one knows the cause of Felidae's Wrath. It is said that lions get infected with Felidae's Wrath when one breaks an Amber Specimen.
Only one case of Felidae's Wrath has ever occurred and it's described as turning a lion into a large, pulsing beast with wild eyes. In the process of becoming fully infected, the Wrath is painful to the point the lion will begin to self-cannibalize. They do not look like a large cat but instead a monster that's only job is to destroy anything in it's path until it's heart gives way.
(Creds for the name: (#243408))
The Song Of The Dunes.
แแบแ แแแพแท แแ แแบแ แแขแพแแ แแ แจ แแแพแท แแบแจแ แจแแขแฑแแแแนแแพแ แแแแ แบแแฑ แแแพ, แดแขแพแนแจแฑ, (แพแแน แดแขแพแนแจแฑ'แแแขแพแ) แนแบแแพ แแบแ แนแจแ แพแขแฑแแแพแท แบแ แจแพแ แบแแ แแแแแแฑ. แจแแขแแแแนแแพแ แแแแ แบแแฑ แแฑแแแ แบแแน แแบแ แนแจแ แแแฑแพ แแพ แแบแ แแแแแฑแ แจแพแ แจแ แพแแทแบแ แแบแ แแขแพแแ แนแแขแแ แแแพแท แบแแฑ แแ แแแแแ. แบแแฑแ แแ แจแพ แแแแแแจแแแแพ แแ แนแบแจแ แแบแ แแขแพแแ แนแแฑแ แแแพแทแแพแท แแ แแบแ แแแแพแแแ:
`` แแแแพ แแบแ แแพแจแดแแ แนแแแ แจแนแจแดแ. แแแแพ แแบแแค แนแแแ แแแแแ. แแแแพ แแบแ แนแแแ แแขแแแ แจ แแแขแพแแจแแพ. แแแแพ แบแ แนแแแ แแขแแแ แจ แแขแพแ. แแแทแแแบแแฑ แแบแแค แจแฑแ แแแกแแฑแแ. แแบแ แแแแพแแแ แนแแแ แทแแกแ แแแฑแแบ แแ แจ แแแแพ. แแบแ แแแแพ แแบแจแแ แทแฑแแน แขแ แจแพแ แแแกแ แแ แแบแ แแแแแฑแ. แแบแ แแแแแฑแ แฒแแคแแแ'แ แจแฑแ แจแพแทแฑแค. แแบแ แแขแพแแ แจแฑแ แแพแแฑแขแแทแแ. แแบแ แแแแฑแแแ แทแแกแ แแบแ แดแแพแท แแแนแแฑแ. แแขแ แแบแแค แพแแแ แแแแแ. แแบแ แแแแแ แฒแแแแ แ แฑแแ แแแแพแ. แดแแพแทแ แจแฑแ แนแแแแแพแท. แแแแแ แแแแแแแ. แแแแฑแแแ แแแแจแแแ. ``
`` แแแทแแแบแแฑ แแคแแแ แจแพแ แแนแแพแคแ แจแฑแ แฒแฑแแจแแแแพ. ``
Protection Hexes.
Protection Hexes are preformed by Shamans and Shamans only. Protection Hexes are used on lionesses who has had their pregnancies foretold to be dangerous, lions who are diseased and lions who are at risk of being killed. When a Protection Hex is preformed, the Shaman must utter these words perfectly:
`` แ แทแฑแแจแ แแคแแแ. แ แจแแด แคแแข แแ แดแแแ แแบแแ แแแแพ แนแแแบแแพ แคแแขแฑ แแแทแบแแค แแคแแ. แแ แนแจแฑแ แแ แ แจแพแค แแกแแ แแบแจแ แแจแค แฒแแแ แแ แแแแแฑแแค แแบแแ. แแฑแแแแฒแ แแบแแ แ แฑแแ แแกแแ, แ แฑแแ แแแแแแพแ, แ แฑแแ แแแจแแแ, แ แฑแแ แแพแ แแฒแแแแพ.
แทแฑแแจแ แแคแแแ, แทแฑแแจแ แแแแฑแแแ. แ แจแแด แคแแข แแ แแ แแบแแ แแพ แฑแแแขแฑแพ แ แแฑ แจ แแจแฒแฑแแ แแฒแ. แนแ แแบแจแแ แแแแแฒแ แจ แแแฑแ แแฒแ แฒแจแพแแแแจแแ แจแพแ แแแพแ แแบแแ แแ แแบแ แแแแฑแแแ แนแแฑแแ แ แแฑ แคแแข แแ แแฑแแแแฒแ แแบแแ แแแแพ. ``
In return for protection, The Mountain Dwellers must sacrifice one of their willing pride-mates. Protection Hexes are not all that common, as all lions are taken care of - and none of them want to be willingly killed.
The Outcasted ones.
The Outcasted ones are spirits of lions who had been killed and or exiled because of doing something that was against the beliefs of The Mountain Dwellers. The Outcasted spirits almost never tread a paw onto Mother Mountain as they had brought dishonour to the pride. The Outcatsed ones are normally either in the forest below Mother Mountain or in the Outskirts. Sometimes, Outcasts will take on the form of a prey item just to taunt the current Mountain Dwellers. If a lioness witnesses one of the faux prey, they are to tell a Shaman immedietly.
Snake Fangs.
Snake fangs are - snake fangs - preserved in a cloudy liquid. They can be found in the Medicine Cavern, tucked away in a corner. Though they are not used as much now, they were once used to relieve pressure on certain parts of the body. A herbalist would take one out of the liquid and press it into the skin of the affected. Letting whatever was causing the pressure to ooze out of the Fang. To collect Snake Fangs, the carcass of a venomous snake is left to rot until only the skeleton remains. Then, a herbalist will extract the fangs and transport them to the cloudy liquid where it will sit to be sanitized and preserved.
แแบแ แแชแแแ แฒแขแฑแแ.
แแพ แแบแแ แแจแค แคแแข แจแฑแ แบแแฑแแแค แแชแแแแ แ แฑแแ แแบแ แแแขแพแแจแแพ แแนแแแแแฑแ.
แคแแข แจแฑแ แพแแ แแ แแแแ แแพ แแแขแพแแจแแพ แแนแแแแแฑ แแแฑแฑแแแแฑแค แแฑ แฒแแแแขแพแแฒแจแแ แนแแแบ แแบแ แแแแพแ แจแพแ แแแแพแแแแแ แแพ แจแพแค แนแจแค แแบแจแแ แแฑ แ แแฑแ.
แแคแแแ แแแแดแ แแแนแพ แขแแแพ แคแแข, แจแ แคแแข แบแจแกแ แแแแฑแแทแจแฑแแแ แบแแฑ แแแนแแฑ แจแพแ แแแกแแพแแแค แ แแฑ แคแแขแฑ แแนแพ แแแแ แแแแจแแขแฑแ.
แคแแข แจแฑแ แแ แแแ แแพ แแบแ แแขแแแดแแฑแแ, แ แแฑ แคแแข แบแจแกแ แแแแฑแจแคแแ แคแแขแฑ แดแแพ.
แแพ แแคแแแ'แ แพแจแแ, แคแแข แจแฑแ แพแแน แแ แแแจแกแ แคแแขแฑ แแแแแพแทแแพแทแ แจแ แแแแบแแฑ แแแขแพแแจแแพ, แคแแข แจแฑแ แพแแ แแ แฑแแแขแฑแพ แขแพแแแ แคแแขแฑ แขแพแแแแแแค แแแจแแบ, แแพ แนแบแแฒแบ แแบแ แแแแ แแแแฑแแแ, แแฑ แแกแแพ แแบแ แแขแแฒแจแแแแ แแพแแ แแบแจแแ แแจแดแ แคแแข แขแพแแแฑ แแบแแแฑ แนแแพแท.
The Wandering Twins.
Born from as one from an eyeless mother, The Wandering Twins were the 'chosen ones' of the deities Ma'at and Nehebkau respectively. Ma'at's chosen one, named Lakini jua halijali, was loved by all around her, especially because she was one of the most recognised goddess's chosen one. On the other paw, Nehebkau's chosen one, named Mwezi unahitaji jua, was disgraced and looked down upon because the deity which had chosen her was one that was related to the bringing of death. Though one needed the other and one that needed no one, they were both given their own bodywear. Though it was the same bodywear, Lakini jua halijali's was warm in colour and reflected the sun - Mwesi unahitaji jua's was dark, and reflected the nothingness of the moon and the void which is the sun, and evidently where damned souls would vanish to if Ma'at were to decide to condemn them to nothing. The Wandering Twins are named 'The Wandering Twins' due to their tendency to wander off into territories in which The Mountain Dwellers have not explored. On many occasions, they will return many sunhighs later.
Mountain Dweller Divine Relics.
The Amber Specimens.
The Amber Specimens are amber jewels that can be found by digging in the hard soil at the base of Mother Mountain. Inside the Amber is a range of small critters to snakes to reptiles. They each are harvested and taken to the King/Queen's Cavern to be inspected by the Shamans privately. Once an Amber Specimen is declared to be Sacred, they are placed on an Alter or around Shrines or the Rattle Rock.
Amber Specimens are crucial in the creation of Shrines, each and every Shrine has to have at least one Amber jewel in order for it to work.
Spirit Stones.
Spirit Stones can be found embedded into the walls of the King/Queen's cave, in a small, man made box in the Herbalist Cave that's made of a silver, tin-like material & in the Malignant God's Cavern. The Stone-like crystals give different lions an aura that covers their pelt like paint. each lion has a different colour. It follows them everywhere until they exit the vicinity on the rocks.
The Spirit Stones gain their powers from the sprits of the dead, each crystal has its own spirit, be it a lion spirit or one of a snake. The spirits inside have a certain someone that they are deemed to protect against evil and The Famine. If a Spirit Stone breaks or shatters, it is considered an omen, be it good or bad.
A Tear of Jyoti.
A Tear of Jyoti is a small vial of water that is buried with a tin box in the Herbalist Cavern. It it slightly clouded with age, but it is said to be the first tear that Jyoti shed after she became Mother Mountain. No ordinary lion is able to touch A Tear of Jyoti, as if it were to smash, they'd be exile and or killed upon the King or Queen finding out.
The Scale of Jyoti.
A leathery black chunk of scale that is said to be apart of a much larger scale buried under the forest below Mother Mountain. The Scale is an imperfect square, located on a small shelf on the wall inside the Leader's Cavern. Each night it is said that the scale sings a song to the leader, giving them a decision to keep their fate or to change it forever.
The Ember Of Wepset.
The Ember Of Wepset is from the first time the goddess Wepset shoed herself to the Mountain Dwellers and offered to be one of their deities. It is one a claw long, and is kept next to The Scale of Jyoti in the Leader's Cavern. The ember has no special purpose, only kept as a Memoir of Wepset.
The Stone of Akhet.
The Stone of Akhet is a small stone that was found after Akhet walked along the Outskirts with Aaru, seemingly in a waltz forever. The stone is shimmering and yellow, pulsing in sync with The Stone of Aaru. The stones together can gift lions with miraculous gifts, such as flight and super strength. When the stones are not together, they do nothing.
The Stone of Aaru.
The Stone of Aaru is a small stone that was found after Aaru walked along the Outskirts with Akhet, seemingly in a waltz forever. The stone is shimmering and whute, pulsing in sync with The Stone of Akhet. The stones together can gift lions with miraculous gifts, such as flight and super strength. When the stones are not together, they do nothing.
The Pillars of Aliyechaguliwa.
The Pillars of Aliyechaguliwa are isolated, burnt trees that are dotted around the Outskirts. The trees came to be burnt during The Battle of Aliyechaguliwa when the Desert Wanderers set many of them on fire. One would expect a burnt tree to be very frail and weak, but The Pillars of Aliyechaguliwa are not. They are hard as stone and have become sacred places. Some speculate that Aliyechaguliwa is an actual snake deity, but it is not recognized by the Mountain Dwellers or does not play a significant role. Alas, then name Aliyechaguliwa is still used to define what the pillars are.
Ceremonies.
Sangoma Rite.
When a Shaman apprentice is ready after training since adolescence, they will take on the Sangoma Rite - Sangoma being another word for Shaman. There are many steps to The Sangoma Rite, many of them being unknown to the lions who are not shamans or herbalists. Firstly, the apprentice will be isolated in an unknown cavern for around two moons. While they are there, they will; preform spells, learn tongues, gain a stronger relationship with the spirits, worship, build shrines, eat herbs excetra. Throughout this time, the mentor of the apprentice (most likely another shaman) will visit them every few sunhighs to leave them prey and herbs. After the two months of isolation, they apprentice will be taken back to Mother Mountain to be sent out into the forest below Jyoti to collect one of every herb. This may take over a moon itself, so there are always huntresses observing. Upon bringing the herbs back, the apprentice will be told to burn them and inhale the smoke. Inhaling herb smoke is a difficult skill to master, and it will show their abilities. After, they will be taken to the Herbalist Cavern to inhale another, different kind of herb, this herb is unknown. Finally, after inhaling the last herb, the apprentice will be filled with the knowledge of Jyoti and the spirits and be in a trance for the next sunhigh.
Herbalist Ritual.
Herbalists take on many years of training before they are able to take on their duties of being a formal Herbalist. Within those man years of training, they will learn how to use herbs, cast spells, understand omens, speak in tongues and an ancient language along with many other things. When the Ritual takes place, the apprentice(or soon-tp-be herbalist) will isolate themselves in the herbalist cavern for a few hours. They will be adorned and painted with bodypaint and jewelry, chosen by the most respected of shamans and herbalists. In isolation, they must recite the same spell over and over again - this spell is unknown to the normal lions. Then, coming out of isolation, they must build their own shrine with no help provided - This is one of the parts of the ritual which the pride is allowed to watch. After the shrine building, the pride will be taken to The Tears of Jyoti where the apprentice will drink from the waters. Finally, they are celebrated and taken to the Herbalist Cavern for 2 sunhighs of isolation.
Wars in which the Mountain Dwellers were involved in/declared.
The Battle of Aliyechaguliwa.
The war began one thick sunhigh, the Mountain Dwellers and the Desert Wanderers were both on edge. Aliyechaguliwa was the snake deity that Uzuri was allegedly the sibling and intercessor of. This was was not about weather or not Aliyechaguliwa was real, it was for the fact that the Mountain Dwellers exiled Uzuri for disrespect against the pride and Jyoti. The Mountain Dwellers had the belief that exiling Uzuri was the best thing to do, but on the other hand the Desert Wanderers believed that Uzuri should not have been exiled, as she was a gift from one ruler to the next.
At The Outskirts, the Desert Wanderers waited eagerly, their tailed flicked and they're armor glinted in the rising sun. Many of the lionesses held large bundles of fabric wound in sinew, lit on fire. Amnesia stepped forwards, into the forest in which the Mountain Dwellers owned and began to look around. A few twigs snapped in the deep thicket, and then a painful yowl. A lioness with a purple-ish coat darted out from the forest and deep into the desert. This lioness is believed to be Uzuri, as she did not have a scent and did not try and retaliate from what the Desert Wanderers did. One of the lionesses had thrown their torch onto one of the trees. Other gathered around, trying to spread the fire with their paws and strategic moves. Amnesia was distracted by the lioness and turned around slightly. Another rustle came from a small bush and a felis lioness jumped out and latched onto the Queen, this tore at the ruler's wings and body for a while before detaching and galloping back into the forest, yowling manically to the others.
The thumping of paws sounded as the felis lioness disappeared into the thicket. A large group of lionesses charged at the Desert Wanderers, their body covered in metallic armor and war paint. They cursed and yowled with anger and excitement, the lionesses at the front leading the others slowed down and began to separate from the group, letting the other lionesses pass them before falling back, behind them. The warriors began to latch onto the enemy lionesses, tearing into their flesh as a cascade of blood and fur came over them like a dust storm. Standing their ground, the Desert lionesses began to use their make-shift torches to burn some of the lionesses, in hopes that they would retaliate.
Another racket of Mountain Dwellers came bounding down the main path in the forest, instead they all separated into strategically-planned halves and began to attack the flanks of the Desert Wanderers. The Desert lions did not pass through to the Mountain side, and made sure that no Mountain lions got onto their turf either. After the dust had settled further into the forest, another lions trotted out. It was J'ba FoFi, he had stayed behind to attack the weak lions. His elaborate headdress was balanced perfectly on this head, but securely in place. He had bright blue war-paint on this pelt that snaked around his body and then into the silhouette of a horned viper.
Amnesia's tail whipped from side to side on eager excitement as her eyes gazed upon the king. She began to trot closer, getting lower to the ground, waiting for her change to strike at the king. J'ba FoFi looked around, taking note of the queen but not doing anything. She then leapt onto the ice king, scraping at his side with her claws. J'ba FoFi let out a horrible hiss at her and then ripped his claws at her face, kicking her off and then batting at her face with his cold paw. The two rulers stopped and interrogated each other for a few moments until Amnesia turned her attention to her lionesses. Some were panicking and others were on the ground seizing. J'ba FoFi also looked and let out a scoff, he was lead to the conclusion that his lionesses had sent them into shock.
But, something wasn't right. The blinking of The Stones of Akhet and Aaru that faithful night. When J'ba FoFi was asleep after making his wish to the two deities. Akhet hovered near the border, its unidentifiable shape crackling and fizzing, its light sent sparks into the air. Amnesia's gaze was immediately drawn to it, and she seemed to tense. But nothing happened. She froze in place, not moving an inch, like she was in a trance. Amnesia flinched, breaking from the trance like state and immediately lashing out at J'ba fofi, snarling for a moment before seeming to come to her senses. it took her a second to realize everything, and she just kind of looked confused. Eventually, J'ba FoFi trotted away, deciding that this wasn't his problem. The Queen snapped out of her trance, and began to look around.
A pained roar and then a hiss came from inside the thicket. The sound caught Amnesia's attention, making her want to explore what the sound was. There were many lifeless bodies left on the battlefield, but she took no notice of them and carried on. She pushed through the flourishing brush and into a small clearing. There stood Atsukpi with the dead, former king, Coin. Amnesia was soon filled with rage, but was too shocked to move. The Shaman dropped the king and then placed her paw on his chest, pushing dark until a few crackles came from inside his body. She eventually found the courage to attack the Shaman, biting at one of her hind limbs. Atsukpi leapt onto her back, and began to rip at the Queen's wings. Eventually, the fighting stopped. And Atsukpi trotted away.
The Queen was filled with sorrow, her throat was thick with pressure and the she sat and began to sob. Flies had already gathered around the corpse, their dark and disgusting limbs rubbing together. The flies had already laid they small, rice-like eggs on the King's exposed flesh. From Death comes new life, as they say. Amnesia finally picked up the corpse of the king and began to drag him back to the desert. All in all, The Battle of Aliyechaguliwa only lasted a few hours, but the effects were devastating for both of the prides.
Mountain Dweller Terminology.
Time & Measurement Terms:
Moon - A month.
Quarter-Moon - Around a week.
Half-Moon - Around two weeks, half a month.
Season - Quarter of a year, four seasons equal a year.
Heartbeat (eg. In a heartbeat) - A split second.
Tail length - The length of a lion's tail (Anywhere from 27inches to 41inches)
Cubstep - A around about 20cm.
Sunup - Dawn.
Sundown - Dusk.
Sunhigh - The point during the day where the sun is at it's highest, known as Noon for humans.
Sunrise - A day.
Moonrise - When the moon is just rising.
Moonhigh - The point during the night where the moon is at it's highest, known as Midnight for humans.
Religious Terms.
Spirit World - Heaven.
Aaru - The Ancient Egyptian Heaven, sometimes used as a synonym for 'Spirit World'.
StarPride - Another synonym for 'Aaru' or 'Spirit World'.
'In The Name of Jyoti' - Mountain Dweller variation for: 'In the name of God'
Insulting Terms.
As short-snouted as an Ant Eater - An insulting phrase which describes a lion as being stuck up, also used as a humorous term as Ant Eaters have long snouts.
Paw pads like a cub's bottom - Used to describe a lion as being needy, as The Mountain Dwellers have harder paw pads.
More Useful if Petrified - Used in a sentence: ' You'd be more useful if you were petrified.' Saying that the receiver is useless, and it would be better if they did not exist.
Place Terms.
The Barren. - A part of the forest at Mother Mountain's base that is fully dead. No lion goes there.
Barren (On it's own). - A place where no prey can be found, it is said to be barren, or stripped of any natural recourses.
Unknown - Land which is owned by unknown leaders, or has not been claimed and or explored by The Mountain Dwellers.
Flourishing Forest - A jungle.
Frozen Plains - Tundra.
Plains - A Feild.
Flowing Rocks land - Volcano.
Frosted Plains - Taiga.
Wet Forests - Rainforest.
Pride roles:
Huntresses.
Huntresses are what make up the bulk of the pride. They are swift on their feet and it requires much training to become one. As soon as a huntress is given the role, they will be assigned to a party and will not change or leave unless it is needed direly. The huntresses communicate not with language, but with sounds they create.
Herbalists.
The herbalists of the pride are lucky enough to have a den to themselves. They are highly respected and normally addressed as 'Your Clarity'. After a herbalist passes, their spirit will stay with the pride until they are forgotten by all. Then, they will be able to rest, knowing that they helped keep the pride healthy. The first herbalist was AzuriteWind, Dam of Kunwar'Bound and the Nurturer of the Mountain Dwellers.
Shamans/Udagans.
The title Shaman is only given to the highest and the most skillful lionesses. They are given the job to keep Jyoti well and to communicate with late pride members and spirits. Small shrines for the Shamans are dotted around Mother Mountain to preform small rituals to keep the spirits happy. They are one of the highest ranking lions.
Jewelers.
Jewelers are the creators of the Mountain Dwellers. They create decorations and items for others to use. They are quick on their paws, and know much more than a normal ranking lion/lioness would. Many jewelers are gifted certain items by the spirits to aid them in their jeweling mission.
Foragers.
A forager's role is to collect items from the nearby territory. These may include; Underbrush, small carcasses, eggs. Foragers must be able to navigate the territory and come back safely. They are lower ranking lions/lionesses, but are still to be respected as they may have helped create the decorations that one is wearing.
Vendors.
The vendor's job is to manage the sales of the pride. They normally stay out for many hours collecting items much like the foragers, then to come back and sell them. It does not take a lot of training to become a vendor, but, a lion needs to be able to grasp the idea of gaining and losing.
Guardians.
The guardians are special lionesses who've dedicated their life to giving cubs a new home. The three original Guardians, Inesh, GoldenMuzzle, and Ace of Spades, created a cave to rescue the cubs who had been rejected. There, Inesh would gather kings and queens to adopt them out.
Foreseers.
One of the highest ranking roles, Foreseers can see into the future. At a cost though. They are blind from the moment they are born, but, they gain a special power to know what's around them as they age. There is usually only one Foreseer in the Mountain Dweller's pride. Once they pass onto StarPride; there will be a search for another one.
Messengers.
Messengers are well - messengers. They are the only lions allowed to leave the territory and tread on other territories that the Mountain Dwellers have not allied with. They are very swift and smart lions, baring great strength to deliver their messages.
Warriors.
Only a few of the strongest and most reliable lionesses are appointed warriors. They bare the responsibility to protect the pride from attacks and are sent to make peace with unknown prides. Warriors are just a rank, or two, above hunters, but share the daily responsibilities with Huntresses.
Barons/Baronesses.
Baronesses hold up the order of the pride, they are neat-freaks and do not like things out of place. Baronesses lay rocks on the outskirts of the territory, marking where The Famine cannot pass. These lionesses teach cubs how to behave and address high ranking members of the pride.
Governesses.
Governesses are the mothers of the pride. Since many of the lionesses are given the role of huntress, they do not have time to care for their cubs themselves, leaving the Governesses to do it for them. They are nowhere near Guardians, only being given cubs to protect and train when they need them.
Star-Watchers.
Star-Watchers are the watchers of the Celestial Omens. Shamans may not have time to be staring into the night sky so Star-Watchers are appointed to do so. They are not the highest rank, only being appointed when they are needed. Star-Watchers sometimes spent their days in the Cavern Of The Ruined Temples or in The Lioness Quarters. When a lioness is given the title of Star-Watcher, they have to spend many moonhighs just watching. The Watchers have to be very obedient and patient, or else they may miss an Omen.
Oracles.
High Priests/Priestesses of the pride are the main lions who gather shamanic herbs, yes, Shamans also get the herbs but Oracles are permitted to travel out of the main territory into other, unknown territories to gather the herbs. The Oracles are decorated with precious jewels with names such as Nguzo Za Uumbaji, meaning Pillars of Creation.
Seneschals.
The Senior servants and attendants of the King/Queen. They are given the responsibility to clean out the hoard most of the day. They throw out any rotting items that are emanating a horrible smell. They may not be the highest rank, but they are to be treated with respect.
Designers.
Designers are skilled and observational, they are well-equipped for dealing with paints and other, strong substances. They have thick paw pads, even thicker than am average Mountain Dweller. They can pass on their unique paw mutation only to their offspring. Designers are a middle ranking role, still to be respected.
Apprentices.
Apprentices - also known as 'Apps' - are young, bright lions that are old enough for to learn about what their role is going to be in the pride. Any and all apprentices are treated with respect, but those who are learning to become soon-to-be Shamans or herbalists are treated with the up most respect.
Temple Attendants.
Temple Attendants spend most of their times in the Cavern Of The Ruined Temples, they make sure that everything is in place. But they do not clean, why would they if there's Temple Snakes that do it for them?
Temple Attendants have to be swift on their paws and be responsible for anything bad that happen to the temple.
Gods/Goddesses.
When it is said a lion is a 'Goddess', it means they are possessed by the spirit of the god and they are their presence on earth. They bare great powers, almost surpassing the pride King/Queen in superiority. Many cannot speak or see leading to them having to communicate through other means.
King Quotes.
`` I am a proud follower of Jyoti, how dare you question our creator. `` - ๐๐ฉ๐ก๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฅโญ๐๐ณ๐ข๐ฏ๐ซ.
`` You are the lioness who dared to quarrel with Mezekia. I give you my fullest respect. `` - แด'สแด ๊ฐแด๊ฐษช
`` I shall be with the spirits awaiting your arrival. I will be watching over you like Maahes. `` - ๐๐ฉ๐ก๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฅโญ๐๐ณ๐ข๐ฏ๐ซ.
Former Mountain Dweller rulers.
EldritchCavern.
J'ba FoFi.
Pride Hierarchy
Gods/Goddesses.
King/Queen.
Foreseers.
Shamans.
Herbalists.
Guardians.
Oracles.
Herbalist & Shaman Apprentices.
Jewelers.
Temple Attendants.
Baronesses/Barons.
Warriors.
Designers.
Messengers.
Star-Watchers.
Vendors.
Foragers.
Governesses.
Apprentices (Excluding Herbalist & Shaman).
Huntresses.
Seneschals.
Ousiders.
Exiles.
Pride Rules:
1. Do not disrespect the spirits or the Shamans of the pride.
2. Do not disrespect Jyoti. She knows everything.
3. If Mother Mountain were to wake up, Do not worry. Atsukpi shall sort it out.
4. If you find an unfamiliar herb, inform either the herbalists or the foragers, they will deal with it.
5. Do not enter the hunting grounds without permission.
6. Never question Jyoti's ways.
7. If you ever have a question about spirits, the Shamans are the ones to ask.
8. Do not leave the territory without permission or company.
9. Some herbs are too dangerous to store in the open. If you require such herb, they will be buried, ask the herbalists to dig them up. Never attempt to dig them up yourself.
10. Never steal from the herbalist den.
11. The Hunting grounds are to be shared with the Desert Wanderers (#427147)
12. Never hurt or attempt to kill an allying pride member.
13. Go to the herbalist den if you spot a pack of coyote's in the territory. They are not real.
14. If a coyote approaches you. Run back immediately. They might see you as an intruder.
15. Nephthys will take the form of a Shadow Sphynx. She cannot speak nor see, but she knows.
16. Nephthys knows if you've vandalized the inscriptions.
17. SฬทฬออฬฬอฬบHฬทฬพออออฬฬกอ ฬฬฎอEฬถอฬฬฌฬฅอฬ ฬดออKฬธฬอฬฬฬอฬฉอNฬดอ อฬฬฬปOฬธฬออฬฉอฬขฬปฬWฬดอออฬSฬธฬอฬฬอฬฟอฬฌฬอ ฬดอฬอฬฎออฬนฬฌEฬดอฬพอฬอฬ ฬพออVฬธฬอฬออฬฬฆฬฒอฬอEฬธอฬฬฬฬฑอฬซฬฬจRฬดฬ ฬฒฬจฬฎอฬฉอYฬตออฬอฬฬอฬฒฬTฬธฬพอ อฬผฬณฬฐฬHฬดฬฬฬฎฬอฬฉอฬฎฬฃIฬดฬอฬฬฏออฬขฬNฬตฬฬฬฏฬฏฬGฬตฬฝฬพฬอฬฬฏอ.ฬดฬฬฬบ
18. Tell a Shaman or someone of higher ranking if the Gods get into any altercations.
19. Interrupting a sacred ceremony will result in exileation or death.
20. Body paints are to be made with herbs and other plant life. Thank Jyoti for growing them before applying.
21. Always thank the spirits and Jyoti before eating anything. They can make prey go scarce at any time.
22. Stay faithful to the pride and Jyoti.
23. Take time out of your day to worship.
24. Hunting patrols will be sent out all day everyday.
25. All Kings/Queens must wear at least one snake-themed decoration constantly to recognize Jyoti.
26. If lionesses are not doing their job without a good reason, they shall be punished.
27. Training is to be done by either the King/Queen or the Governesses.
28. Do not touch the pulsing crystals in the leader's den. They are strictly forbidden to be touched.
29. The Outskirts are forbidden to go in.
30. All who look at Akhet will begin to seize. Do not attempt to help them.
31. Do not attempt to stop a sacrificial ceremony.
32. If a lion or lioness you know is infected with Felidae's Wrath, do not try and approach them. Tell a Shaman immediately if you see the warning signs.
33. All lions who call the Mountain Dwellers a cult shall be exiled or be put to death.
34. The Mountain Dwellers do worship Apophis. They are not Cultists, but will defend one of their gods if necessary.
35. If you see a Shaman eat a herb and begin to seize. Do not fret, they are having a vision.
36. The smoke that come off of some herbs are used to connect with the Gods and Spirits, be careful if you inhale some. You may find out something you weren't supposed to know.
37. Do not eat any of the Shamanic herbs.
38. If you spot a shattered Spirit Stone on the ground. Run. It's an omen.
39. All lions are to have their own funeral.
40. When a King or Queen passes, a tuft of their fur must be put into The Tears Of Jyoti.
41. Don't drink from the Tears Of Jyoti.
42. Some Spirit Stones can be found downstream and in different territories. Leave the Stones in the territory they end up in.
43. Omens are normally the spirits trying t0 communicate with not just the Shamans.
44. If another pride is responsible for the death of a lion or lioness, they will be challenged.
45. After a King or Queen's death, the pride will go into mourning for the next 7 sunhighs. All shamans are to take a vow of silence for those sunhighs.
46. Though there is a hierarchy to the roles, all lions and lionesses much be treated with respect. There is no tolerance to any lion who takes advantage of lower-ranking lions.
47. All lionesses who leave the pride as they have been charmed by another King/Queen are to have all evidence of their life destroyed.
48. The Mountain Dwellers do not tolerate Kings/Queens attempting to seduce the lionesses of the pride, if one of these Kings/Queen are found, they will be punished.
49. Any outsiders who are invited to Mother Mountain for a visit must bow to High-Ranking lions.
Welcome to Mother Mountain, where the Mountain Dwellers reside.
Gay? I was gay once. They put me in a pond. A water pond. A water pond with chemicals. The chemicals turned me gay.
STOP. GOOD GOD MAN, YOU ALMOST GOT THE CHEESE TOUCH.
Abracadabra bippity boo. If someone likes feet here, I think it's you.
*Gangsta's Paradise aaaaaahahaaaaaaaaAAA starts to play as I hold out my arms and then my skin suit falls off to reveal 6 pigeons*
Prepare you backside for friendship you shadowy shovel welding shameless six sinister son of a siamese salamander.
I really like Pigeons, Magpies, Crows, Jackdaws, Rooks & Blue Footed Boobies, they're such goofy goobers.
Please be nice to me. :).
SCROLL WITH CAUTION, AS A VERY LONG DEN PAGE BEGINS HERE.
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Creds to my friend ๐ WAS??? (G2 bisected Pearl) #387866 for making this for me
โ โขโฃดโฃฟโฃฟโกโ โขปโฃทโฃโก
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃคโฃพโฃฟโฃทโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃถโฃพโฃฟโฃฟโ ฟโ ฟโ ฟโ ถโ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃพโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโกฟโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โขธโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโกโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโกโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โขธโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโกโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโ โ ปโฃงโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃผโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃโฃคโ ฟโขถโฃฆโกโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โขฐโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโกโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ ธโขฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโฃฟโ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
I also offer pride lore (and ideas) and individual lion lore. I do actually charge for individual lion lore and detailed pride lore as it is more complex and takes longer for me to do. Sometimes, I will post in giveaway chat to give people free pride lore ideas. Please mention where you saw this message, be it me offering to do some for you, giveaway chat or you just so happen to notice this and want some lore.
My first dwarf: https://www.lioden.com/lion.php?id=794189670858.
๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ค ๐ ๐๐ ๐ง๐๐๐ช ๐ป๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฅ ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ช๐ค๐๐๐. ๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐ค ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐ค๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ค๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ค ๐๐๐ช. ๐ผ๐ง๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ช, ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ ๐ค๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ ๐ค๐๐ ๐จ๐๐ค ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐. ๐ ๐๐ ๐ง๐ ๐ช๐ ๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐.
Every king's rule will be based off of their personality. Such as RuneSong;
A forgiving king but will take out all of his pent up rage on all of the ugly cubs born to his lionesses.
Each cave description will have to be changed, no matter what. This is just to make sure that everything is up to date and everything makes sense.
All old records of cave descriptions will be saved in my journal. Along with the king dynasty and what their rule was like. This is mandatory for the account.
Lmk in my comment box if you've read all my lore, I'd love to know what you think about it.
Pride Information.
After RuneSong stepped down from the throne, EldritchCavern soon took into being the pride's king. He made the Guardian Cave more accessible, became allies with The Desert Wanderer's (#427147), renamed the pride The Mountain Dwellers
and moved the pride to a mountain. The Mother Mountain, they call it. Many caves are there to reside in, there's one very large waterfall running from the top of the mountain, linking to a river that breaks off into smaller ones. It is rumored that ancient snakes were driven into a deep sleep under the earth as the days got colder, creating the Mother Mountain and the Dunes in the Desert. The lions that reside on Mother Mountain have thick paw pads from the rigid rocks, and have thick coats to withstand the coldness of winter. The pride elders say that they've been hibernating for thousands of years, some say that they wake up in the warmer months to cause havoc. Never the less. The cubs love to make up stories of how they will fight the snakes in the future, almost everything in the pride is based off of the snakes. Even the Rattle Rock. An ancient rock shaped like a rattlesnake's rattle that the kings use for meetings. It bears similarities to the Snake Head Rock that the Desert Wanderers use. Must be a coincidence, right? Wrong! The Desert Wanderers and The Mountain Dwellers have had an alliance since a young male cub, called Kunwar, was given to the leader of The Desert Wanderers, Hare'Runner, there, he was given the name, Kunwar'Bound after being accepted by the Desert Spirits.
According to some of the Allseers in the pride, the snakes had began to move when he and his friend, Sin. Decided to visit the dunes for no good reason.
But it was not detected at Mother Mountain.
There were accounts of the pride watching the dunes move as sand fell from them. Still, nothing seemed happened at Mother Mountain.
Sin recorded seeing scales rippling in the moonlight, the beasts eyes were open, staring out into nothingness. The sand creating a sort of wall, protecting the beast as it scented the area with its forked tongue.
There were hundreds of dunes in The Desert Wanderer's territory. The largest one being Mwenye , meaning 'Lord' in Swahili. Their scales as bright as the sun, their eyes as dark as night. But only one made up Mother Mountain. The so-called Jyoti. Meaning 'Light' in Sanskrit. Apparently, Jyoti was the opposite of Mwenye. Scales that even the inky darkness of the night could never come close to compare to. It had been hibernating for centuries, never to be woken. Jyoti was similar to Mwenye, but they were a Horned Desert Viper, Cerastes cerastes. They craved all the respect it could gather. Some even say that when the king mentions Jyoti. The mountains move. As if Jyoti had heard every word, and was pleased with their compliment.
According to Hare'Runner. After Mwenye woke after a millennia, Kunwar'Bound and Sin went to investigate the shed skin of the Desert Serpent. Kunwar had pawed at it, making some minerals fall from underneath the scale. It had stunk of rotting flesh. He called over Sin, and they both said that it smelled unusual. As if Mwenye had heard. The serpent moved its tail to create a dune wall around them. Kunwar'Bound attempted to reason with the Serpent. After many tries, Mwenye finally let them go.
Many of the lions awaited the response of the Allying pride. Awaiting the return of Snake'Skin. The messenger Adolescent tasked to go and tell the Mountain Dwellers of the occurrence. Snake'Skin returned, telling that Eldritch offered to keep the pride at Mother Mountain if any more of the serpents awoke.
Kunwar'Bound had little knowledge of Mother Mountain, but did hold some. He recalled Inesh, The main Guardian that took care of him, telling the young Kunwar about how EldritchCavern was to call them 'The Mountain Dwellers' once RuneSong stepped down from the throne. Other than that. Mwenye had indeed fallen asleep, but was not yet in hibernation. He could be awoken by any wrong step.
Significant Areas, Happenings & Entities.
Jyoti.
One of the largest snakes, she is Mother Mountain, a massive Horned Desert Viper. Jyoti was said to be hunted down my hunters many years ago, and has fallen into a deep hibernation for over a millennia, some say they fell asleep because of the cold. It is told by elders of the pride that the snakes wake up in the warmer months to cause havoc and terror to those who disrespect their authority. She is somewhat the opposite of Mwenye, Jyoti's name meant 'Light' In Sanskrit. She has scales that even the abyss of the darkness could not compare to. She is treated as a goddess by the Mountain Dwellers.
Mwenye.
Mwenye is one of the largest of the snakes, making up one of the largest dunes in the Desert Wanderer's (#427147). His name meant 'Lord' in Swahili for good reason. He craved all the attention and authority he could get, even eating one of the Desert pride's cubs. His rippling scales were as bright as the stars in the sky, but having eyes that were the void itself. Mwenye is the most active out of all of the snakes, shedding his skin now and again.
Mother Mountain.
The physical land form that Jyoti created with her large body. The Mountain Dweller's live on Mother Mountain and treat it like a Queen. The mountain has one main summit that the lions live on, it is still unknown where the summit is on Jyoti's body, some say it's her horns, some say it's her tail. Nevertheless, she is the most inactive snake out of them all, her movement limited to only tongue-flicks and twitches.
The Waterfall or The Tears Of Jyoti.
The waterfall is a beautiful, majestic rarity that can be found behind mother mountain on another major summit. To gain access to the view one must have to find a hole in the wall in the Lioness Quarters. It is bountiful and never-ending, with many Mountain-Dwelling animals going there to bask in the atmosphere, but not drink. Legend has it that The Waterfall are 'The Tears Of Jyoti'. Which are forever running from the greif of losing her many snake accomplices.
When Apprentice Herbalists become of age, and are ready to take on their duties, they will drink from the Sacred waters, to show their dedication to the spirits and Jyoti.
The Rattle Rock.
An ancient, heavy rock that is carved into the shape of a snake's rattle. No one knows where the rock came from, but all the lions know is that the Desert Wanderer's (#427147) have a snake head rock. It seem that the two prides are linked somehow.
The rock is used for important Pride Meetings that include the spirits and Jyoti being involved. The Rattle Rock has the power to take over lions for a small amount of time, giving them prophecies only the other world could come up with.
It also have many ancient carvings on it in a completely different language that only the Herbalists can read and speak.
Spirit Stones.
Spirit Stones can be found embedded into the walls of the King/Queen's cave, in a small, man made box in the Herbalist Cave that's made of a silver, tin-like material & in the Malignant God's Cavern. The Stone-like crystals give different lions an aura that covers their pelt like paint. each lion has a different colour. It follows them everywhere until they exit the vicinity on the rocks.
The Spirit Stones gain their powers from the sprits of the dead, each crystal has its own spirit, be it a lion spirit or one of a snake. The spirits inside have a certain someone that they are deemed to protect against evil and The Famine.
Gorgons.
Gorgons can be found in the Outskirts and with a gaze that can turn anylion whom looks upon it to be Petrified in a layer of stone. If one looks at a Gorgon, it is only a matter of time until one turns into a statue.
There is not a known cure for petrification, same with Akhet's Curse and The Rot. Petrification is just an unfortunate event that happens every so often with cubs.
Petrifecation.
If one is petrified by an entity, it means that they have looked upon a Gorgon and encased in a layer of stone, killing them instantly. Petrified lions are normally buried or erected as statues to honour them - Petrified bodies are only erected as Statues if the lion was of high-importance.
It may take hours or days for the excruciating process of petrification to end. The longest being around a moon.
Medicinal Venom.
Medicinal Venom are tubes of various venom from different snake species. The venom is said to have herbal-like properties and can be used to, allegedly, soothe rashes and irritation. The Medicinal Venom is kept in a backroom in the Herbalist Cavern. No one is to touch and or use the venom except for the Herbalists and Shamans. Shamans are the ones who catch the snakes and extract the venom from their glands. They give thanks to Jyoti before doing so.
Shrines.
Small Shrines can be spotted all around Mother Mountain, especially on the main summit that the Mountain Dwellers live on. It's used for small ceremonies, mainly including welcoming and sacrificing items to the Spirits or Jyoti.
The Shrines are made up of; Bones, Herbs, Fur, Soil, Amber Specimens, Fossils, Fire Starters ect.
Only the Shamans have the power to create Shrines, and they attend to them religiously. Small ceremonies are normally only a few minutes long, or until the herbs burn out. Once a ceremony is finished, the Shaman will take the herbs and bury them. It is an act of giving back to Jyoti.
Alter Snakes.
Alter Snakes are small, Ushabtic Snake Stones that move when a lion approaches it. They are thin and silent, normally being found around - or in - The Malignant Gods Cavern, The Queen/King's Cavern, and the Herbalist Cavern.
Alter Snakes are called Alter Snakes as they tend to the Alters when all lions are asleep, this is the only time they make noise. They take any item that is not supposed to be near or on the Alter and bury it by wiggling down Mother Mountain and rolling their body in the soil at the base of the Mountain. Alter Snakes are amazingly obedient, listening to the higher-ranking lions without hesitation.
Nephthys.
Nephthys or Nebet-Het was a Goddess in the Ancient Egyptian religion, she was the daughter of Nut and Geb, and depicted with her sister, Isis. She and her sister were the protectors of the Mummies.
That brings us to the Mountain Dwellers. Nephthys possesses one of the lionesses, Flash'Flood, as she needed a physical host to possess for her duties on the mortal plain. Nephthys did, too, try and take the lioness back to the spirit world, causing her to go missing for many moons as a cub. Flash'Flood did indeed return, with many scars.
The goddess can take the form of a Shadow Sphinx, which can only be seen by the Shamans, wandering the Outskirts.
Elpis.
Elpis is the Greek spirit of hope, she is the supposed daughter of Nyx and mother of Pheme. She is depicted as a young woman with flowers, and a cornucopia in her hands.
Elpis possessed a Ferus lioness, by the same name. Elpis was born in a time of worry and disrepute, she was the hope that the pride needed.
Elpis - The goddess - can take the form of an Albino Sphinx, whom can only be seen by the Shamans, too, wandering the Outskirts.
Serket.
Serket is the Egyptian Goddess of healing scorpion stings. But she also stings the unrighteous. She possesses a lioness of the name Balesego, and with her new-found powers could destroy anything and everything.
Balesego is an evil lioness, being followed by a small, Hieracosphinx, as the Shamans call it. Still, no one can see the small Sphinx. Only the gifted and skilled.
Serket, taking the form of the Hieracosphinx will too, wander the Outskirts, along with Nephthys & Elpis.
Maahes.
Maahes was the Ancient Egyptian, lion-headed god of war whose name means 'He who is true beside her'. He was son of Creator God, Ptah & Bastet or Sekhmet.
For the Mountain Dwellers, he has been seen as an almost see-through lion whose pelt is solely made of star-dust or stars. On special ceremony nights - however, he can be spotted above Mouther Mountain, sitting and watching what the lions below him are doing.
Maahes also has a physical form that all of the Mountain Dwellers are able to see. He is still a lion made out of solely stars or star-dust, but he resides in the forest below Mother Mountain, occasionally helping huntresses by luring prey towards the lionesses' position.
Nekhbet.
In art, Nekhbet was depicted as a vulture and later identified as a Griffon Vulture. Depictions of animal deities start with the animal being depicted directly. Later the animal appears in human form, but still with an animal head. Individual deities continue into historical times to often be described in their original animal form such as Horus as a Falcon, Nekhbet as a Vulture and Wadjet as a Serpent.
At Mother Mountain, Nekhbet can be found in the forest below Mother Mountain, normally perched on a tree that is stripped of it's leaves. Nekhbet is made up of stardust, also appearing in the night sky as stars on ceremony nights.
Nekhbet was the protector of Upper-Egypt, but now protects Jyoti and the lions who rely on her.
Neith.
In her usual representations, she is portrayed as a fierce deity, a woman wearing the Red Crown, occasionally holding or using the bow and arrow, in others, a harpoon. Neith also is a goddess of war and of hunting and that is the symbolism depicted most often. Her symbol was two arrows crossed over a shield.
Neith is still a fierce woman wearing a crown, normally found on the Desert-side of the Outskirts.
Apep or Apophis.
Apep, also spelled Apepi or Aapep or Apophis was the ancient Egyptian deity who embodied darkness and disorder, and was thus the opponent of light and Ma'at. He appears in art as a giant serpent. His abode was the Duat and his Mother was Neith and his brother was Ra. Tales of Apep's battles against Ra were elaborated during the New Kingdom. Storytellers said that every day Apep must lie below the horizon and not persist in the mortal kingdom. This appropriately made him a part of the underworld. In some stories, Apep waited for Ra in a western mountain called Bakhu, where the sun set, and in others, Apep lurked just before dawn, in the Tenth region of the Night. The wide range of Apep's possible locations gained him the title World-Encircler. It was thought that his terrifying roar would cause the underworld to rumble. Myths sometimes say that Apep was trapped there, because he had been the previous chief god overthrown by Ra, or because he was evil and had been imprisoned.
Apep is treated in a similar fashion by the Mountain Dwellers, he only ever rises in the warmer months, such as June to cause all the havoc that he and the other serpents would before they were slain or put into hibernation.
Mehit.
Mehit was depicted as a reclining lioness with three bent poles projecting from her back. Mehit was the female Goddess of war, and not to be confused with Menhit, who is the Nubian Goddess of war.
Mehit is also a Star-dust lion, too, appearing in the sky on a ceremony night. Legend has it that Mehit can be seen when and if the Mountain Dwellers go to war. Appearing as a lioness in the sky, even in daylight.
Perit.
Perit is the Underworld Goddess/deity. She is one of the twelve goddesses in the ninth sector of Duat. Not much is known about Perit, and she does not have a physical form for the Mountain Dwellers, or the Desert Wanderers. But it is said that she resides deep underground, below the Desert Wanderers camp.
Wepset.
Wepset is depicted as a Uraeus cobra or an eye. Her name means 'She who burns'. She is one of the personifications of the Uraeus Cobra that protected the kings; she is also an Eye of Ra and is mentioned as "the Eye".
According to the elders, Wepset is depicted as a flaming snake or eyes that hovers above the highest point on Mother Mountain, she is there to watch.
Nefertem.
Nefertem is the son of Ptah and Sekhmet or Bastet and potential brother of Maahes. He, too, takes the form of a celestial lion but only resides in the night sky, he has a ruffled mane and, like his potential brother, show up in the night sky on ceremony nights. On his head is a water-lily headdress as a symbol of fragrance and beauty.
Ma'at.
Maโat is the goddess of righteousness and justice, honesty, and most importantly, peace. One of the most significant Egyptian deities, she represented the concepts of harmony and balance in all aspects of ancient Egyptian society, as well as a crucial part of all time and space in existence. She arranged the constellations in the night sky and controlled the cycle of the seasons. As the feather of truth, she measured the hearts of those who died to determine whether they should go to paradise or vanish into oblivion. She was depicted as a woman in an ostrich plume and high heels wandering near The Tears Of Jyoti.
Isis.
As the sister of Nephthys and twin sister of Osiris, in mythology she was to help the dead enter the afterlife as she had helped her twin brother and husband Osiris. She is the goddess of magic, fertility, motherhood, healing and rebirth. The shamans approach Isis when in need of assistance with spells and ceremonies, while herbalists approach Isis when they're in need of assistance with an ill or expecting lion or lioness.
Osiris.
At times, Osiris was told to be the brother and husband of Isis, and brother of Set, Nephthys. Osiris was the god of fertility, agriculture, the afterlife, the dead, resurrection, life, and vegetation. Those who are believed to not live another sunhigh, will worship Osiris and Isis in hopes they have the best experience when going to either the Duat or Aaru. Along with this, shamans and foragers will worship Osiris when the odds of finding herbs and other foliage are slim.
Nehebkau.
Not much is known about Nehebkau, but he was primordial snake deity and funerary god associated with the afterlife. He was one of the assessors of Ma'at and a few translations of his name mean: โthat which gives Kaโ โhe who harnesses the spiritsโ the โoverturner of doublesโ and โcollector of soulsโ. From these translations alone, it is prevalent that Nehebkau was a collector of souls. From this, he is worshipped in hopes to keep lions alive as long as possible, especially when a ruler is growing old.
The Outskirts.
The Outskirts is where the Desert ends and the luminous forest below mountains begin. The Famine cannot go past the Outskirts and into the Mountain Dweller's territory, same for Nephthys and Elpis' sphinx forms. The huntresses hunt near the Outskirts but never in it, for it is way too dangerous. The ground is dry and grey with time, only getting more greener the deeper you go into the Mountain Dweller's territory.
Akhet.
A creature that burns brighter than the sun. It wanders the desert-side of the Outskirts, forever trying to enter the Mountain Dweller's territory. All who look upon Akhet will begin to seize and froth at the mouth, once the process begins, there is no stopping it. Akhet is a surreal being, that has no physical form/shape. Only Foreseers are given the ability to look upon Akhet, as they are blind.
At night, Akhet can be heard singing; ``แจแ แแบแจแ แบแแทแบ แแแกแแ แแบแ แจแแฑ แแ แแขแฑแ. แแบแแค แแแแ แนแแแ แแจแแแ แแ แ แฑแแทแบแแแพ แแบแแ. แแบแ แจแพแฒแแแพแ แฒแแแพ แนแจแ แฉแขแแแ แแขแแ แจแพแ แนแแฑแพ. แแ แแจแดแ แแขแฑแ แแฒแ, แคแแข แ แฑแแแแ แนแจแแแฑ. แนแ แจแฑแ แแขแฑแ แแบแจแ แแพแ แนแจแฑ แแ แแพแแขแทแบ. ``
Aaru.
Another creature, similar to Akhet but not so similar. The Entity wanders the Mountain side of the Outskirts, and it is theorized that Aaru and Akhet are past lovers or enemies.
Aaru does not have a physical shape or form, only appearing as a bright, white light that can be spotted pacing up and down the Outskirts. Nothing will happen to a lion if they do look upon Aaru, but actually seeing The Entity is a sacred happening, only occurring every millennia or so.
Aaru does have a special role in the Mountain Dweller's faith, being worshipped with many Alter Snakes and Shrines.
King or Queen funerals.
After a King or Queen's death, the pride will go into mourning for the next 7 sunhighs. All shamans are to take a vow of silence for those sunhighs. A King or Queen's death is regarded as an omen from the Spirits or the Gods. If a King or Queen dies unexpectantly, it may be a sign of incoming droughts and or famine. When a King or Queen passes, a tuft of their fur must be put into The Tears Of Jyoti to show thanks to Jyoti for their life.
The Rot.
The Rot is not a being and not a place. It is what could happen to an unfaithful lion who disrespects any of The Spirits or Jyoti, though there are stories that lions can be born with it. The Rot is a black, void-like disease that excretes grey puss from the infected area. There is nothing that one can do if infected with The Rot. One can only wait until the pain stops, and has been rotted away.
After a lion dies from The Rot, their body emits a foul smell that is told to infect others with The Rot. Though it is not true, many still live by the superstition.
Spirits.
Spirits are ,well, Spirits of the dead. Be it any animal, Spirits whom reside and have never left Mother Mountain are treated like Gods. They are the opposite of Lost Spirits, only ever Dwelling on Mother Mountain for their entire, spirit-y life.
Many Spirits passed from unnerving, surreal causes chose to be more active with their Spiritual Duties. But those who died a peaceful death normally stay in once place, only moving to preform in dire situations.
Lost Spirits.
Lost Spirits are what the name suggests - Lost Spirits. They wander the Mortal Plain, unable to find their resting place for all eternity. Many Lost Spirits find their way to Mother Mountain and stay there, mingling with the other spirits there.
The Lost Spirits are known for causing mischief and annoying the Mountain Dwellers, leading to the fact they are not treated as Gods like the other Spirits that Dwell on Mother Mountain.
The Amber Specimens.
The Amber Specimens are amber jewels that can be found by digging in the hard soil at the base of Mother Mountain. Inside the Amber is a range of small critters to snakes to reptiles. They each are harvested and taken to the King/Queen's Cavern to be inspected by the Shamans privately. Once an Amber Specimen is declared to be Sacred, they are placed on an Alter or around Shrines or the Rattle Rock.
Amber Specimens are crucial in the creation of Shrines, each and every Shrine has to have at least one Amber jewel in order for it to work.
The Cavern Of The Ruined Temples.
The Cavern Of The Ruined Temples contains many temples that are dedicated to all of the gods and goddesses that the Mountain Dwellers worship. Inside the Cavern, there's many smaller chutes that range from only a cub can fit in there to the whole pride can. The temples have to be kept in perfect condition as they contain vital information about what the lions should do to worship. The Cave also have many Alter Snakes that can leave whenever they chose to. The Cavern Of The Ruined Temples does not have any permanent Alter Snakes, instead the Ushabitic snakes have to be ordered sometimes to clean it out.
The Ancient Papyrus Scrolls.
It is said that within the Rattle Rock there is an Ancient Papyrus Scroll that holds the reason for everything. There is no evidence for the Ancient Scrolls other than inscriptions in the ceiling and walls of the King/Queen's cave & The Malignant Gods cave that read as such:
`` แแบแ แแจแดแ แแแจแฑแดแแแ แแพ แแบแ แฑแแ แบแแ แแขแพ. แนแแแบแแพ แจ แแแแพแ แแจแค แจ แแฒแฑแแแ. แแ แแจแแแแฑแ แพแแ แแ แแ แฑแแจแแ แแบแแแ แนแแฑแแ แแฑ แแบแแแ. แ แแค แแค แพแแทแบแ, แจแพแ แคแแข แนแจแแแ แแแแแแ แแแแ. แแบแ แแขแพ แฒแจแแ แขแ แแ แแแทแบแ แแบแ แแจแแแแฑแพ แแดแค. แแบแ แทแฑแจแแ แจแพแ แแขแแบแแ แนแแฑแ แนแแ แนแแแบ แแแน. แแบแ แแฒแฑแแแ แบแแแแ แจแแ แดแพแแนแแแแทแ. แแบแ แแแจแขแแค แแ แแบแ แกแแแน แแแขแพแพแแ แแบแ แคแแขแพแท แแแฑแแแพแ. ``
Felidae's Wrath.
Is an unknown happening, no one knows the cause of Felidae's Wrath. It is said that lions get infected with Felidae's Wrath when one breaks an Amber Specimen.
Only one case of Felidae's Wrath has ever occurred and it's described as turning a lion into a large, pulsing beast with wild eyes. In the process of becoming fully infected, the Wrath is painful to the point the lion will begin to self-cannibalize. They do not look like a large cat but instead a monster that's only job is to destroy anything in it's path until it's heart gives way.
(Creds for the name: (#243408))
The Song Of The Dunes.
แแบแ แแแพแท แแ แแบแ แแขแพแแ แแ แจ แแแพแท แแบแจแ แจแแขแฑแแแแนแแพแ แแแแ แบแแฑ แแแพ, แดแขแพแนแจแฑ, (แพแแน แดแขแพแนแจแฑ'แแแขแพแ) แนแบแแพ แแบแ แนแจแ แพแขแฑแแแพแท แบแ แจแพแ แบแแ แแแแแแฑ. แจแแขแแแแนแแพแ แแแแ แบแแฑ แแฑแแแ แบแแน แแบแ แนแจแ แแแฑแพ แแพ แแบแ แแแแแฑแ แจแพแ แจแ แพแแทแบแ แแบแ แแขแพแแ แนแแขแแ แแแพแท แบแแฑ แแ แแแแแ. แบแแฑแ แแ แจแพ แแแแแแจแแแแพ แแ แนแบแจแ แแบแ แแขแพแแ แนแแฑแ แแแพแทแแพแท แแ แแบแ แแแแพแแแ:
`` แแแแพ แแบแ แแพแจแดแแ แนแแแ แจแนแจแดแ. แแแแพ แแบแแค แนแแแ แแแแแ. แแแแพ แแบแ แนแแแ แแขแแแ แจ แแแขแพแแจแแพ. แแแแพ แบแ แนแแแ แแขแแแ แจ แแขแพแ. แแแทแแแบแแฑ แแบแแค แจแฑแ แแแกแแฑแแ. แแบแ แแแแพแแแ แนแแแ แทแแกแ แแแฑแแบ แแ แจ แแแแพ. แแบแ แแแแพ แแบแจแแ แทแฑแแน แขแ แจแพแ แแแกแ แแ แแบแ แแแแแฑแ. แแบแ แแแแแฑแ แฒแแคแแแ'แ แจแฑแ แจแพแทแฑแค. แแบแ แแขแพแแ แจแฑแ แแพแแฑแขแแทแแ. แแบแ แแแแฑแแแ แทแแกแ แแบแ แดแแพแท แแแนแแฑแ. แแขแ แแบแแค แพแแแ แแแแแ. แแบแ แแแแแ แฒแแแแ แ แฑแแ แแแแพแ. แดแแพแทแ แจแฑแ แนแแแแแพแท. แแแแแ แแแแแแแ. แแแแฑแแแ แแแแจแแแ. ``
`` แแแทแแแบแแฑ แแคแแแ แจแพแ แแนแแพแคแ แจแฑแ แฒแฑแแจแแแแพ. ``
Protection Hexes.
Protection Hexes are preformed by Shamans and Shamans only. Protection Hexes are used on lionesses who has had their pregnancies foretold to be dangerous, lions who are diseased and lions who are at risk of being killed. When a Protection Hex is preformed, the Shaman must utter these words perfectly:
`` แ แทแฑแแจแ แแคแแแ. แ แจแแด แคแแข แแ แดแแแ แแบแแ แแแแพ แนแแแบแแพ แคแแขแฑ แแแทแบแแค แแคแแ. แแ แนแจแฑแ แแ แ แจแพแค แแกแแ แแบแจแ แแจแค แฒแแแ แแ แแแแแฑแแค แแบแแ. แแฑแแแแฒแ แแบแแ แ แฑแแ แแกแแ, แ แฑแแ แแแแแแพแ, แ แฑแแ แแแจแแแ, แ แฑแแ แแพแ แแฒแแแแพ.
แทแฑแแจแ แแคแแแ, แทแฑแแจแ แแแแฑแแแ. แ แจแแด แคแแข แแ แแ แแบแแ แแพ แฑแแแขแฑแพ แ แแฑ แจ แแจแฒแฑแแ แแฒแ. แนแ แแบแจแแ แแแแแฒแ แจ แแแฑแ แแฒแ แฒแจแพแแแแจแแ แจแพแ แแแพแ แแบแแ แแ แแบแ แแแแฑแแแ แนแแฑแแ แ แแฑ แคแแข แแ แแฑแแแแฒแ แแบแแ แแแแพ. ``
In return for protection, The Mountain Dwellers must sacrifice one of their willing pride-mates. Protection Hexes are not all that common, as all lions are taken care of - and none of them want to be willingly killed.
The Outcasted ones.
The Outcasted ones are spirits of lions who had been killed and or exiled because of doing something that was against the beliefs of The Mountain Dwellers. The Outcasted spirits almost never tread a paw onto Mother Mountain as they had brought dishonour to the pride. The Outcatsed ones are normally either in the forest below Mother Mountain or in the Outskirts. Sometimes, Outcasts will take on the form of a prey item just to taunt the current Mountain Dwellers. If a lioness witnesses one of the faux prey, they are to tell a Shaman immedietly.
Snake Fangs.
Snake fangs are - snake fangs - preserved in a cloudy liquid. They can be found in the Medicine Cavern, tucked away in a corner. Though they are not used as much now, they were once used to relieve pressure on certain parts of the body. A herbalist would take one out of the liquid and press it into the skin of the affected. Letting whatever was causing the pressure to ooze out of the Fang. To collect Snake Fangs, the carcass of a venomous snake is left to rot until only the skeleton remains. Then, a herbalist will extract the fangs and transport them to the cloudy liquid where it will sit to be sanitized and preserved.
แแบแ แแชแแแ แฒแขแฑแแ.
แแพ แแบแแ แแจแค แคแแข แจแฑแ แบแแฑแแแค แแชแแแแ แ แฑแแ แแบแ แแแขแพแแจแแพ แแนแแแแแฑแ.
แคแแข แจแฑแ แพแแ แแ แแแแ แแพ แแแขแพแแจแแพ แแนแแแแแฑ แแแฑแฑแแแแฑแค แแฑ แฒแแแแขแพแแฒแจแแ แนแแแบ แแบแ แแแแพแ แจแพแ แแแแพแแแแแ แแพ แจแพแค แนแจแค แแบแจแแ แแฑ แ แแฑแ.
แแคแแแ แแแแดแ แแแนแพ แขแแแพ แคแแข, แจแ แคแแข แบแจแกแ แแแแฑแแทแจแฑแแแ แบแแฑ แแแนแแฑ แจแพแ แแแกแแพแแแค แ แแฑ แคแแขแฑ แแนแพ แแแแ แแแแจแแขแฑแ.
แคแแข แจแฑแ แแ แแแ แแพ แแบแ แแขแแแดแแฑแแ, แ แแฑ แคแแข แบแจแกแ แแแแฑแจแคแแ แคแแขแฑ แดแแพ.
แแพ แแคแแแ'แ แพแจแแ, แคแแข แจแฑแ แพแแน แแ แแแจแกแ แคแแขแฑ แแแแแพแทแแพแทแ แจแ แแแแบแแฑ แแแขแพแแจแแพ, แคแแข แจแฑแ แพแแ แแ แฑแแแขแฑแพ แขแพแแแ แคแแขแฑ แขแพแแแแแแค แแแจแแบ, แแพ แนแบแแฒแบ แแบแ แแแแ แแแแฑแแแ, แแฑ แแกแแพ แแบแ แแขแแฒแจแแแแ แแพแแ แแบแจแแ แแจแดแ แคแแข แขแพแแแฑ แแบแแแฑ แนแแพแท.
The Wandering Twins.
Born from as one from an eyeless mother, The Wandering Twins were the 'chosen ones' of the deities Ma'at and Nehebkau respectively. Ma'at's chosen one, named Lakini jua halijali, was loved by all around her, especially because she was one of the most recognised goddess's chosen one. On the other paw, Nehebkau's chosen one, named Mwezi unahitaji jua, was disgraced and looked down upon because the deity which had chosen her was one that was related to the bringing of death. Though one needed the other and one that needed no one, they were both given their own bodywear. Though it was the same bodywear, Lakini jua halijali's was warm in colour and reflected the sun - Mwesi unahitaji jua's was dark, and reflected the nothingness of the moon and the void which is the sun, and evidently where damned souls would vanish to if Ma'at were to decide to condemn them to nothing. The Wandering Twins are named 'The Wandering Twins' due to their tendency to wander off into territories in which The Mountain Dwellers have not explored. On many occasions, they will return many sunhighs later.
Mountain Dweller Divine Relics.
The Amber Specimens.
The Amber Specimens are amber jewels that can be found by digging in the hard soil at the base of Mother Mountain. Inside the Amber is a range of small critters to snakes to reptiles. They each are harvested and taken to the King/Queen's Cavern to be inspected by the Shamans privately. Once an Amber Specimen is declared to be Sacred, they are placed on an Alter or around Shrines or the Rattle Rock.
Amber Specimens are crucial in the creation of Shrines, each and every Shrine has to have at least one Amber jewel in order for it to work.
Spirit Stones.
Spirit Stones can be found embedded into the walls of the King/Queen's cave, in a small, man made box in the Herbalist Cave that's made of a silver, tin-like material & in the Malignant God's Cavern. The Stone-like crystals give different lions an aura that covers their pelt like paint. each lion has a different colour. It follows them everywhere until they exit the vicinity on the rocks.
The Spirit Stones gain their powers from the sprits of the dead, each crystal has its own spirit, be it a lion spirit or one of a snake. The spirits inside have a certain someone that they are deemed to protect against evil and The Famine. If a Spirit Stone breaks or shatters, it is considered an omen, be it good or bad.
A Tear of Jyoti.
A Tear of Jyoti is a small vial of water that is buried with a tin box in the Herbalist Cavern. It it slightly clouded with age, but it is said to be the first tear that Jyoti shed after she became Mother Mountain. No ordinary lion is able to touch A Tear of Jyoti, as if it were to smash, they'd be exile and or killed upon the King or Queen finding out.
The Scale of Jyoti.
A leathery black chunk of scale that is said to be apart of a much larger scale buried under the forest below Mother Mountain. The Scale is an imperfect square, located on a small shelf on the wall inside the Leader's Cavern. Each night it is said that the scale sings a song to the leader, giving them a decision to keep their fate or to change it forever.
The Ember Of Wepset.
The Ember Of Wepset is from the first time the goddess Wepset shoed herself to the Mountain Dwellers and offered to be one of their deities. It is one a claw long, and is kept next to The Scale of Jyoti in the Leader's Cavern. The ember has no special purpose, only kept as a Memoir of Wepset.
The Stone of Akhet.
The Stone of Akhet is a small stone that was found after Akhet walked along the Outskirts with Aaru, seemingly in a waltz forever. The stone is shimmering and yellow, pulsing in sync with The Stone of Aaru. The stones together can gift lions with miraculous gifts, such as flight and super strength. When the stones are not together, they do nothing.
The Stone of Aaru.
The Stone of Aaru is a small stone that was found after Aaru walked along the Outskirts with Akhet, seemingly in a waltz forever. The stone is shimmering and whute, pulsing in sync with The Stone of Akhet. The stones together can gift lions with miraculous gifts, such as flight and super strength. When the stones are not together, they do nothing.
The Pillars of Aliyechaguliwa.
The Pillars of Aliyechaguliwa are isolated, burnt trees that are dotted around the Outskirts. The trees came to be burnt during The Battle of Aliyechaguliwa when the Desert Wanderers set many of them on fire. One would expect a burnt tree to be very frail and weak, but The Pillars of Aliyechaguliwa are not. They are hard as stone and have become sacred places. Some speculate that Aliyechaguliwa is an actual snake deity, but it is not recognized by the Mountain Dwellers or does not play a significant role. Alas, then name Aliyechaguliwa is still used to define what the pillars are.
Ceremonies.
Sangoma Rite.
When a Shaman apprentice is ready after training since adolescence, they will take on the Sangoma Rite - Sangoma being another word for Shaman. There are many steps to The Sangoma Rite, many of them being unknown to the lions who are not shamans or herbalists. Firstly, the apprentice will be isolated in an unknown cavern for around two moons. While they are there, they will; preform spells, learn tongues, gain a stronger relationship with the spirits, worship, build shrines, eat herbs excetra. Throughout this time, the mentor of the apprentice (most likely another shaman) will visit them every few sunhighs to leave them prey and herbs. After the two months of isolation, they apprentice will be taken back to Mother Mountain to be sent out into the forest below Jyoti to collect one of every herb. This may take over a moon itself, so there are always huntresses observing. Upon bringing the herbs back, the apprentice will be told to burn them and inhale the smoke. Inhaling herb smoke is a difficult skill to master, and it will show their abilities. After, they will be taken to the Herbalist Cavern to inhale another, different kind of herb, this herb is unknown. Finally, after inhaling the last herb, the apprentice will be filled with the knowledge of Jyoti and the spirits and be in a trance for the next sunhigh.
Herbalist Ritual.
Herbalists take on many years of training before they are able to take on their duties of being a formal Herbalist. Within those man years of training, they will learn how to use herbs, cast spells, understand omens, speak in tongues and an ancient language along with many other things. When the Ritual takes place, the apprentice(or soon-tp-be herbalist) will isolate themselves in the herbalist cavern for a few hours. They will be adorned and painted with bodypaint and jewelry, chosen by the most respected of shamans and herbalists. In isolation, they must recite the same spell over and over again - this spell is unknown to the normal lions. Then, coming out of isolation, they must build their own shrine with no help provided - This is one of the parts of the ritual which the pride is allowed to watch. After the shrine building, the pride will be taken to The Tears of Jyoti where the apprentice will drink from the waters. Finally, they are celebrated and taken to the Herbalist Cavern for 2 sunhighs of isolation.
Wars in which the Mountain Dwellers were involved in/declared.
The Battle of Aliyechaguliwa.
The war began one thick sunhigh, the Mountain Dwellers and the Desert Wanderers were both on edge. Aliyechaguliwa was the snake deity that Uzuri was allegedly the sibling and intercessor of. This was was not about weather or not Aliyechaguliwa was real, it was for the fact that the Mountain Dwellers exiled Uzuri for disrespect against the pride and Jyoti. The Mountain Dwellers had the belief that exiling Uzuri was the best thing to do, but on the other hand the Desert Wanderers believed that Uzuri should not have been exiled, as she was a gift from one ruler to the next.
At The Outskirts, the Desert Wanderers waited eagerly, their tailed flicked and they're armor glinted in the rising sun. Many of the lionesses held large bundles of fabric wound in sinew, lit on fire. Amnesia stepped forwards, into the forest in which the Mountain Dwellers owned and began to look around. A few twigs snapped in the deep thicket, and then a painful yowl. A lioness with a purple-ish coat darted out from the forest and deep into the desert. This lioness is believed to be Uzuri, as she did not have a scent and did not try and retaliate from what the Desert Wanderers did. One of the lionesses had thrown their torch onto one of the trees. Other gathered around, trying to spread the fire with their paws and strategic moves. Amnesia was distracted by the lioness and turned around slightly. Another rustle came from a small bush and a felis lioness jumped out and latched onto the Queen, this tore at the ruler's wings and body for a while before detaching and galloping back into the forest, yowling manically to the others.
The thumping of paws sounded as the felis lioness disappeared into the thicket. A large group of lionesses charged at the Desert Wanderers, their body covered in metallic armor and war paint. They cursed and yowled with anger and excitement, the lionesses at the front leading the others slowed down and began to separate from the group, letting the other lionesses pass them before falling back, behind them. The warriors began to latch onto the enemy lionesses, tearing into their flesh as a cascade of blood and fur came over them like a dust storm. Standing their ground, the Desert lionesses began to use their make-shift torches to burn some of the lionesses, in hopes that they would retaliate.
Another racket of Mountain Dwellers came bounding down the main path in the forest, instead they all separated into strategically-planned halves and began to attack the flanks of the Desert Wanderers. The Desert lions did not pass through to the Mountain side, and made sure that no Mountain lions got onto their turf either. After the dust had settled further into the forest, another lions trotted out. It was J'ba FoFi, he had stayed behind to attack the weak lions. His elaborate headdress was balanced perfectly on this head, but securely in place. He had bright blue war-paint on this pelt that snaked around his body and then into the silhouette of a horned viper.
Amnesia's tail whipped from side to side on eager excitement as her eyes gazed upon the king. She began to trot closer, getting lower to the ground, waiting for her change to strike at the king. J'ba FoFi looked around, taking note of the queen but not doing anything. She then leapt onto the ice king, scraping at his side with her claws. J'ba FoFi let out a horrible hiss at her and then ripped his claws at her face, kicking her off and then batting at her face with his cold paw. The two rulers stopped and interrogated each other for a few moments until Amnesia turned her attention to her lionesses. Some were panicking and others were on the ground seizing. J'ba FoFi also looked and let out a scoff, he was lead to the conclusion that his lionesses had sent them into shock.
But, something wasn't right. The blinking of The Stones of Akhet and Aaru that faithful night. When J'ba FoFi was asleep after making his wish to the two deities. Akhet hovered near the border, its unidentifiable shape crackling and fizzing, its light sent sparks into the air. Amnesia's gaze was immediately drawn to it, and she seemed to tense. But nothing happened. She froze in place, not moving an inch, like she was in a trance. Amnesia flinched, breaking from the trance like state and immediately lashing out at J'ba fofi, snarling for a moment before seeming to come to her senses. it took her a second to realize everything, and she just kind of looked confused. Eventually, J'ba FoFi trotted away, deciding that this wasn't his problem. The Queen snapped out of her trance, and began to look around.
A pained roar and then a hiss came from inside the thicket. The sound caught Amnesia's attention, making her want to explore what the sound was. There were many lifeless bodies left on the battlefield, but she took no notice of them and carried on. She pushed through the flourishing brush and into a small clearing. There stood Atsukpi with the dead, former king, Coin. Amnesia was soon filled with rage, but was too shocked to move. The Shaman dropped the king and then placed her paw on his chest, pushing dark until a few crackles came from inside his body. She eventually found the courage to attack the Shaman, biting at one of her hind limbs. Atsukpi leapt onto her back, and began to rip at the Queen's wings. Eventually, the fighting stopped. And Atsukpi trotted away.
The Queen was filled with sorrow, her throat was thick with pressure and the she sat and began to sob. Flies had already gathered around the corpse, their dark and disgusting limbs rubbing together. The flies had already laid they small, rice-like eggs on the King's exposed flesh. From Death comes new life, as they say. Amnesia finally picked up the corpse of the king and began to drag him back to the desert. All in all, The Battle of Aliyechaguliwa only lasted a few hours, but the effects were devastating for both of the prides.
Mountain Dweller Terminology.
Time & Measurement Terms:
Moon - A month.
Quarter-Moon - Around a week.
Half-Moon - Around two weeks, half a month.
Season - Quarter of a year, four seasons equal a year.
Heartbeat (eg. In a heartbeat) - A split second.
Tail length - The length of a lion's tail (Anywhere from 27inches to 41inches)
Cubstep - A around about 20cm.
Sunup - Dawn.
Sundown - Dusk.
Sunhigh - The point during the day where the sun is at it's highest, known as Noon for humans.
Sunrise - A day.
Moonrise - When the moon is just rising.
Moonhigh - The point during the night where the moon is at it's highest, known as Midnight for humans.
Religious Terms.
Spirit World - Heaven.
Aaru - The Ancient Egyptian Heaven, sometimes used as a synonym for 'Spirit World'.
StarPride - Another synonym for 'Aaru' or 'Spirit World'.
'In The Name of Jyoti' - Mountain Dweller variation for: 'In the name of God'
Insulting Terms.
As short-snouted as an Ant Eater - An insulting phrase which describes a lion as being stuck up, also used as a humorous term as Ant Eaters have long snouts.
Paw pads like a cub's bottom - Used to describe a lion as being needy, as The Mountain Dwellers have harder paw pads.
More Useful if Petrified - Used in a sentence: ' You'd be more useful if you were petrified.' Saying that the receiver is useless, and it would be better if they did not exist.
Place Terms.
The Barren. - A part of the forest at Mother Mountain's base that is fully dead. No lion goes there.
Barren (On it's own). - A place where no prey can be found, it is said to be barren, or stripped of any natural recourses.
Unknown - Land which is owned by unknown leaders, or has not been claimed and or explored by The Mountain Dwellers.
Flourishing Forest - A jungle.
Frozen Plains - Tundra.
Plains - A Feild.
Flowing Rocks land - Volcano.
Frosted Plains - Taiga.
Wet Forests - Rainforest.
Pride roles:
Huntresses.
Huntresses are what make up the bulk of the pride. They are swift on their feet and it requires much training to become one. As soon as a huntress is given the role, they will be assigned to a party and will not change or leave unless it is needed direly. The huntresses communicate not with language, but with sounds they create.
Herbalists.
The herbalists of the pride are lucky enough to have a den to themselves. They are highly respected and normally addressed as 'Your Clarity'. After a herbalist passes, their spirit will stay with the pride until they are forgotten by all. Then, they will be able to rest, knowing that they helped keep the pride healthy. The first herbalist was AzuriteWind, Dam of Kunwar'Bound and the Nurturer of the Mountain Dwellers.
Shamans/Udagans.
The title Shaman is only given to the highest and the most skillful lionesses. They are given the job to keep Jyoti well and to communicate with late pride members and spirits. Small shrines for the Shamans are dotted around Mother Mountain to preform small rituals to keep the spirits happy. They are one of the highest ranking lions.
Jewelers.
Jewelers are the creators of the Mountain Dwellers. They create decorations and items for others to use. They are quick on their paws, and know much more than a normal ranking lion/lioness would. Many jewelers are gifted certain items by the spirits to aid them in their jeweling mission.
Foragers.
A forager's role is to collect items from the nearby territory. These may include; Underbrush, small carcasses, eggs. Foragers must be able to navigate the territory and come back safely. They are lower ranking lions/lionesses, but are still to be respected as they may have helped create the decorations that one is wearing.
Vendors.
The vendor's job is to manage the sales of the pride. They normally stay out for many hours collecting items much like the foragers, then to come back and sell them. It does not take a lot of training to become a vendor, but, a lion needs to be able to grasp the idea of gaining and losing.
Guardians.
The guardians are special lionesses who've dedicated their life to giving cubs a new home. The three original Guardians, Inesh, GoldenMuzzle, and Ace of Spades, created a cave to rescue the cubs who had been rejected. There, Inesh would gather kings and queens to adopt them out.
Foreseers.
One of the highest ranking roles, Foreseers can see into the future. At a cost though. They are blind from the moment they are born, but, they gain a special power to know what's around them as they age. There is usually only one Foreseer in the Mountain Dweller's pride. Once they pass onto StarPride; there will be a search for another one.
Messengers.
Messengers are well - messengers. They are the only lions allowed to leave the territory and tread on other territories that the Mountain Dwellers have not allied with. They are very swift and smart lions, baring great strength to deliver their messages.
Warriors.
Only a few of the strongest and most reliable lionesses are appointed warriors. They bare the responsibility to protect the pride from attacks and are sent to make peace with unknown prides. Warriors are just a rank, or two, above hunters, but share the daily responsibilities with Huntresses.
Barons/Baronesses.
Baronesses hold up the order of the pride, they are neat-freaks and do not like things out of place. Baronesses lay rocks on the outskirts of the territory, marking where The Famine cannot pass. These lionesses teach cubs how to behave and address high ranking members of the pride.
Governesses.
Governesses are the mothers of the pride. Since many of the lionesses are given the role of huntress, they do not have time to care for their cubs themselves, leaving the Governesses to do it for them. They are nowhere near Guardians, only being given cubs to protect and train when they need them.
Star-Watchers.
Star-Watchers are the watchers of the Celestial Omens. Shamans may not have time to be staring into the night sky so Star-Watchers are appointed to do so. They are not the highest rank, only being appointed when they are needed. Star-Watchers sometimes spent their days in the Cavern Of The Ruined Temples or in The Lioness Quarters. When a lioness is given the title of Star-Watcher, they have to spend many moonhighs just watching. The Watchers have to be very obedient and patient, or else they may miss an Omen.
Oracles.
High Priests/Priestesses of the pride are the main lions who gather shamanic herbs, yes, Shamans also get the herbs but Oracles are permitted to travel out of the main territory into other, unknown territories to gather the herbs. The Oracles are decorated with precious jewels with names such as Nguzo Za Uumbaji, meaning Pillars of Creation.
Seneschals.
The Senior servants and attendants of the King/Queen. They are given the responsibility to clean out the hoard most of the day. They throw out any rotting items that are emanating a horrible smell. They may not be the highest rank, but they are to be treated with respect.
Designers.
Designers are skilled and observational, they are well-equipped for dealing with paints and other, strong substances. They have thick paw pads, even thicker than am average Mountain Dweller. They can pass on their unique paw mutation only to their offspring. Designers are a middle ranking role, still to be respected.
Apprentices.
Apprentices - also known as 'Apps' - are young, bright lions that are old enough for to learn about what their role is going to be in the pride. Any and all apprentices are treated with respect, but those who are learning to become soon-to-be Shamans or herbalists are treated with the up most respect.
Temple Attendants.
Temple Attendants spend most of their times in the Cavern Of The Ruined Temples, they make sure that everything is in place. But they do not clean, why would they if there's Temple Snakes that do it for them?
Temple Attendants have to be swift on their paws and be responsible for anything bad that happen to the temple.
Gods/Goddesses.
When it is said a lion is a 'Goddess', it means they are possessed by the spirit of the god and they are their presence on earth. They bare great powers, almost surpassing the pride King/Queen in superiority. Many cannot speak or see leading to them having to communicate through other means.
King Quotes.
`` I am a proud follower of Jyoti, how dare you question our creator. `` - ๐๐ฉ๐ก๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฅโญ๐๐ณ๐ข๐ฏ๐ซ.
`` You are the lioness who dared to quarrel with Mezekia. I give you my fullest respect. `` - แด'สแด ๊ฐแด๊ฐษช
`` I shall be with the spirits awaiting your arrival. I will be watching over you like Maahes. `` - ๐๐ฉ๐ก๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฅโญ๐๐ณ๐ข๐ฏ๐ซ.
Former Mountain Dweller rulers.
EldritchCavern.
J'ba FoFi.
Pride Hierarchy
Gods/Goddesses.
King/Queen.
Foreseers.
Shamans.
Herbalists.
Guardians.
Oracles.
Herbalist & Shaman Apprentices.
Jewelers.
Temple Attendants.
Baronesses/Barons.
Warriors.
Designers.
Messengers.
Star-Watchers.
Vendors.
Foragers.
Governesses.
Apprentices (Excluding Herbalist & Shaman).
Huntresses.
Seneschals.
Ousiders.
Exiles.
Pride Rules:
1. Do not disrespect the spirits or the Shamans of the pride.
2. Do not disrespect Jyoti. She knows everything.
3. If Mother Mountain were to wake up, Do not worry. Atsukpi shall sort it out.
4. If you find an unfamiliar herb, inform either the herbalists or the foragers, they will deal with it.
5. Do not enter the hunting grounds without permission.
6. Never question Jyoti's ways.
7. If you ever have a question about spirits, the Shamans are the ones to ask.
8. Do not leave the territory without permission or company.
9. Some herbs are too dangerous to store in the open. If you require such herb, they will be buried, ask the herbalists to dig them up. Never attempt to dig them up yourself.
10. Never steal from the herbalist den.
11. The Hunting grounds are to be shared with the Desert Wanderers (#427147)
12. Never hurt or attempt to kill an allying pride member.
13. Go to the herbalist den if you spot a pack of coyote's in the territory. They are not real.
14. If a coyote approaches you. Run back immediately. They might see you as an intruder.
15. Nephthys will take the form of a Shadow Sphynx. She cannot speak nor see, but she knows.
16. Nephthys knows if you've vandalized the inscriptions.
17. SฬทฬออฬฬอฬบHฬทฬพออออฬฬกอ ฬฬฎอEฬถอฬฬฌฬฅอฬ ฬดออKฬธฬอฬฬฬอฬฉอNฬดอ อฬฬฬปOฬธฬออฬฉอฬขฬปฬWฬดอออฬSฬธฬอฬฬอฬฟอฬฌฬอ ฬดอฬอฬฎออฬนฬฌEฬดอฬพอฬอฬ ฬพออVฬธฬอฬออฬฬฆฬฒอฬอEฬธอฬฬฬฬฑอฬซฬฬจRฬดฬ ฬฒฬจฬฎอฬฉอYฬตออฬอฬฬอฬฒฬTฬธฬพอ อฬผฬณฬฐฬHฬดฬฬฬฎฬอฬฉอฬฎฬฃIฬดฬอฬฬฏออฬขฬNฬตฬฬฬฏฬฏฬGฬตฬฝฬพฬอฬฬฏอ.ฬดฬฬฬบ
18. Tell a Shaman or someone of higher ranking if the Gods get into any altercations.
19. Interrupting a sacred ceremony will result in exileation or death.
20. Body paints are to be made with herbs and other plant life. Thank Jyoti for growing them before applying.
21. Always thank the spirits and Jyoti before eating anything. They can make prey go scarce at any time.
22. Stay faithful to the pride and Jyoti.
23. Take time out of your day to worship.
24. Hunting patrols will be sent out all day everyday.
25. All Kings/Queens must wear at least one snake-themed decoration constantly to recognize Jyoti.
26. If lionesses are not doing their job without a good reason, they shall be punished.
27. Training is to be done by either the King/Queen or the Governesses.
28. Do not touch the pulsing crystals in the leader's den. They are strictly forbidden to be touched.
29. The Outskirts are forbidden to go in.
30. All who look at Akhet will begin to seize. Do not attempt to help them.
31. Do not attempt to stop a sacrificial ceremony.
32. If a lion or lioness you know is infected with Felidae's Wrath, do not try and approach them. Tell a Shaman immediately if you see the warning signs.
33. All lions who call the Mountain Dwellers a cult shall be exiled or be put to death.
34. The Mountain Dwellers do worship Apophis. They are not Cultists, but will defend one of their gods if necessary.
35. If you see a Shaman eat a herb and begin to seize. Do not fret, they are having a vision.
36. The smoke that come off of some herbs are used to connect with the Gods and Spirits, be careful if you inhale some. You may find out something you weren't supposed to know.
37. Do not eat any of the Shamanic herbs.
38. If you spot a shattered Spirit Stone on the ground. Run. It's an omen.
39. All lions are to have their own funeral.
40. When a King or Queen passes, a tuft of their fur must be put into The Tears Of Jyoti.
41. Don't drink from the Tears Of Jyoti.
42. Some Spirit Stones can be found downstream and in different territories. Leave the Stones in the territory they end up in.
43. Omens are normally the spirits trying t0 communicate with not just the Shamans.
44. If another pride is responsible for the death of a lion or lioness, they will be challenged.
45. After a King or Queen's death, the pride will go into mourning for the next 7 sunhighs. All shamans are to take a vow of silence for those sunhighs.
46. Though there is a hierarchy to the roles, all lions and lionesses much be treated with respect. There is no tolerance to any lion who takes advantage of lower-ranking lions.
47. All lionesses who leave the pride as they have been charmed by another King/Queen are to have all evidence of their life destroyed.
48. The Mountain Dwellers do not tolerate Kings/Queens attempting to seduce the lionesses of the pride, if one of these Kings/Queen are found, they will be punished.
49. Any outsiders who are invited to Mother Mountain for a visit must bow to High-Ranking lions.
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๐๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ซ๐ก๐๐๐ข๐๐๐, the Resurgent
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