Prowling Echoes - A Hyena Shop Idea

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So this is just a quick little dump for general interest in an idea i had and spent way too much time fiddling with today and figured I'd see if there was any interest before further working on things. XD

So the lore side:

A hyena based world set in an alternate esk or inspired world to Lion King. The vibe is much like warrior cats but hyenas. A more serious plotty and darker story vibe while still being fun for all kinds of things. They have a tribal/spiritual beliefs and some have the ability to actually communicate with the spirits of their ancestors.
They hyenas have clans with a matriarchal hierarchy.

I've got a bunch of info ideas and bits that if anyone has any questions at please pester me with questions and I will answer, even if I have to make it up on the spot!


The Shop Side:

So this is where things get a bit more deviant from the typical shop. The lines that would be used are bases on Deviantart that I got permission that I could use to do a breedables shop. The catch is that anyone that wants to color would have to pay to use the bases. The plus side is that there will not be a traditional artists on staff thing. Anyone that has bought the bases can color pets. If you want to use them in the shop and get them certed, they must go through approvals to make sure the fit the shop/rules/style/vibe.
Any edits that people make they can choose to share in the discord but any files would have to be just the edits as the base itself is not allowed to be shared. Or they can keep them as their exclusive or unique edits.

The plan was to have a group on DA and a discord. Would likely do most things through discord but adopts or other things as well as some of the official hosting/drops on DA.

I know it's a bit different but thought it could work and be interesting. A few other notes is that this artist also has lion bases and such that so long as they could be found in the savannah could be bought and used even if they are not in the main Hyena focus. Also, while people can do freebies, games and the like, RLC adopt sales, breedings and commissions would be the main thing.

Again any questions thoughts or comments please feel free to ask or converse below. It's a work in progress idea that I thought could be fun.

The art:

So my cert in progress is below. And if you wish to see the other bases by this artist you can check them out here. [ xXx ]

 

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Noting here I am considering commissioning my own line set and having a more typical style shop. Either way though it will be mainly be done through discord and probably da.

A bunch of my in the works lore to give more a look at the bones and see if the lore itself interests anyone.

SETTING

The vast sun drenched savanna of the Wild Heartlands is a mystical land filled with majesty and danger in equal measure. Where the Sun pride of lions reigns over the lands as the self-proclaimed rulers of the Heartlands. Yet, in the shadows lurk the often vilified Hyenas thrive. They call their home the Valley of Echoes, a place believed to be imbued with the mystical power of ancient spirits. While others often fear this place and even call a graveyard, Hyena's have embraced and been able to harness a fraction of this ever present power for the benefit of their clans through the spirits of their ancestors.

I don't have a good bit for actual history lore at the moment... But they keep and share their stories orally and with symbols and the like.

Oral Traditions: Storytelling holds immense cultural significance among hyenas. Myths, legends, and historical tales are passed down through generations, preserving clan identity and reinforcing shared values.
Art and Symbols: Hyenas may engage in forms of artistic expression, such as body painting or the creation of symbolic artifacts used during rituals and ceremonies.

 

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Spirituality is at the core of hyena traditions and beliefs. Ancestors, and lineage is very important to them. The strong connection they have to the spirit lands empowers them and helps them to be able to make more of themselves and their clans then what stigma and titles others foist upon them. They are proud and strong to the core and their spirituality hones this.

Among the hyenas are a number of individuals that are born with or later gain abilities. The main one is the ability to receive communication with the spirits of their ancestors. Find a few of them below:

• Spirit Communication
  • The ability to communicate with the spirits of the dead. The most common version is tied to the hyena's ancestors. Though some more potent versions allow a more general ability to communicate with any spirit.
  • This ability is more passive and relies on a spirit reaching out first. Often manifesting in dreams, visions, or echoey whispers.
  • This ability is almost always granted to a new leader, if they did not already possess it, during the ritual if their ancestor's power is sufficient.
• Dreamwalking
  • Some hyena's have the gift to enter the world of dreams, guided by their ancestors, to gather insights.
  • This skill can allow them to communicate with allies across vast distances to impart feelings of hope, warning, and the like. Though they are unable to convey words directly they can impart feeling and small flashes of memory.
  • It it a highly valued skill in a clan, though some that do not understand the ability may shun those with it.
• Shadow Manipulation
  • There are a few skilled hyena that have the gift to manipulate their own shadows in small ways.
  • They do not take on a physical form but can be used the blend into their surroundings, create distractions, or other small illusionary effects.
• Healing Laughter
  • The power of laughter is a significant spiritual motif in their culture and is believed to channel positive energy into healing arts.
  • This is a mild and innate ability of all hyena to share a laugh to promote healing and drive away negative influence.
  • It is acknowledged to have actual minor effects in healing quicker, producing better medicines, improving mood and performance.
  • It is believed to be more potent with larger clans or when the laughing is shared by many through the bonds of clan and attachments.
• Ancestral Insight
  • This ability is kind of like a low power version of spirit communication. A spirit can send this tingle, ringing, sensation, to a member of the living to warn them quickly and at low cost.
  • It will give the affected hyena the feeling of unease and a very vague tug of intent or direction.
  • It doesn't directly convey anything but is the spirit's way to alert them to something and it is up to them to put the pieces together from the information they already have.

RITUALS

Hyena's are very spiritual and have many ceremonies to honor, celebrate, and mark meaningful events.

• Dance of Echoes
  • An important event where hyena's gather to celebrate life and honor their ancestors.
  • During the ritual they preform wild dances and laugh under the moonlight to invite the spirits to join them.
  • This important ritual strengthens bonds between both the living and the dead.
• The Gathering of Spirits
  • Also just known as the gathering, is where some members from many clans gather peacefully under the full moon. They share news, events, ideas, stories and the like.
  • A safe place to speak, understand, and foster the growth of hyenas as a whole.
• Naming and more in the works

- Also still working on writing more about spirits and the afterlife coming soonish i hope lol-

 

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Social Structure / Hierarchy

- This is the general vibe I'm working on a more clear description and visual but happy to further explain questions.


Hyenas are matriarchal and have a heavy focus on lineage in their social hierarchy. There is much room to rise or fall based on loyalty and merit but the basic framework follows as such.

The Matriarch: Alpha, leader and the ultimate word on all decisions for the clan.

The Second Fang or The # Fangs: Usually one, but can be a small council of sub leaders. They act as advisors and the ones that make sure the rest of the clan follows the rules and orders of the matriarch.

The Matriarch's Cubs: The offspring of the matriarch are typically placed above the rest of the clan members. When they come of age they still have that social advantage of another of similar merit, but will fall into the pecking order as usual.

The Matriarch's Life Mate: If the matriarch has chosen a singular mate at all and they do not hold a place on the Fangs, they will sit at this position socially. Though pushing their boundaries in this honorary spot will often loose them this status and they will be shunted back down the pecking order.

The Clan's Females: Each individual will hold their own place in the line of power or social status. Though all females are most typically placed above males.

The Female's Cubs: Each set of cubs sits socially right below their mother. So it would be 1st female -> their cubs, 2nd female -> their cubs, ect. This above others is until they come of age. After which they will slide into the typical places based on their merit. Though again in situations of those with similar rank and merit, children of higher ranked females are slightly higher in order socially.

The Mated Males: Below all females, those that have formed life mates are above other males.

The Males: Much like females they also have a ranking among themselves when it comes to food or mating privileges this and often scuffles to prove themselves.

This is just the typical social order, but it often is variable from clan to clan. And while it is rare for a male to become the alpha, it can happen in some rare cases. However, it not uncommon for males to prove their merit and climb the ladder even among female members.


Pecking Order

[ Matriarch ]
|
[ Second Fang ]
/ \
[ Matriarch Cubs ] [ Matriarch Mate ]
|
[ Females ]
|
[ Their Cubs ]
|
[ Mated Males ]
|
[ Males ]
​

Raising Young

The clan as a whole takes part in providing for and protecting the cubs. However, the bulk of care and focused attention is taken on by their mothers. As often there is vicious rivalry among the cubs and sometimes even lower rank females seeking to climb the ladder. So their own mothers are usually the ones with the most vested interest in keeping them safe and teaching them to be valuable not only for their status but to not shame or lower theirs.





MALES

Males generally occupy lower statuses socially compared to females that dominate in the matriarchal hierarchy. Despite their importance in mating, In order to fit anywhere but solidly at the bottom they must work hard to prove their worth and loyalty to a clan.

The main challenges males face:

Proving Worth: Males may feel the need to work harder to demonstrate their worth to the clan and to earn respect from female leaders. This pressure can manifest in competitive behaviors, where males often seek to prove themselves through successful hunts or demonstrations of strength.

Limited Leadership Opportunities: Given the established matriarchal hierarchy, males have fewer opportunities to ascend to leadership positions. If a male wishes to become part of the clan's leadership, he may need to prove his exceptional abilities or align himself closely with a powerful female figure.

Struggles with Identity: The societal norms can create challenges for male hyenas grappling with their identities and roles within the clan. They may feel conflicted about their responsibilities and the expectations placed upon them, leading to potential feelings of inadequacy or frustration.


Achieving Leadership

Exceptional Merits Required: While it is historically rare for a male to lead a clan, exceptional circumstances may allow for a male to rise to a position of influence. This could happen if he demonstrates extraordinary abilities, tactical acumen, or earns the unwavering loyalty and respect of the clan members, particularly the matriarchs.

Matriarchal Relations: In some unique cases, a male may be chosen as a leader if he is the son of a strong matriarch who believes in his capabilities or if he has formed a significant alliance with her. These situations typically depend on cultural contexts that allow for flexible interpretation of leadership roles.


Cohesion and Collaboration in clans

Complementary Roles: Despite the challenges they face, males can still play vital roles within the clan that support and complement the females' leadership. Their responsibilities can include protecting the clan, participating in hunts, and scouting for food.

Emotional Bonds: Males who establish strong relationships with females may find themselves in supportive roles that enhance their status and influence within the clan, helping to foster community solidarity and resilience.

 

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Names, Naming, and language



Hyena names often carry meanings that relate to personal traits, physical characteristics, or significant life events. This significance reinforces the idea of identity and the hyena's role within their clan and community.

Some hyenas might choose to give or adopt names of distinguished ancestors or beloved figures from the past as a way to honor their legacy and wisdom. This practice highlights the connection between the living and the spirit world, emphasizing the importance of ancestry in shaping identity.


Names are typically broken down into three parts.


Given Name: This is their first and primary name given by their parents. It commonly reflects the individual’s personality, behavior, or notable traits. For instance, names could describe physical features, such as *Kali* (meaning "dark" for a hyena with darker fur) or *Mfalme* (meaning "king" for a confident and leadership-ready young hyena).


Clan Name: In addition to their given names, hyenas often use the name of their clan as a suffix or prefix establishing pride in both individual and collective identity.



Honorifics and Titles: hyenas may earn titles based on their accomplishments, roles, or experiences within the clan. These are attached as prefixes or suffixes. For example, a wise elder might be called *Zuri the Wise*, while a skilled healer could be known as *Mwamba of the Green Touch*. These honorifics serve to acknowledge achievements and respect. Though some titles are marks of shame or the like for ill deeds.



Name Guide and Examples


Their names are derived from a fictional language inspired by various African languages and cultures. While the specific language may not be named, it can be imagined as a blend of sound patterns and linguistic elements that reflect the richness of the hyenas' cultural heritage.


The below is the general vibe intended for naming and their language. Though it is not a hard rule and you are free to use this and similar as inspiration when naming hyenas.


Look into Language Characteristics

1. Phonetics:

- The language features strong consonant sounds combined with melodic vowel combinations, making it sound rhythmic and musical when spoken. This reflects the emphasis on song and storytelling in their culture.

2. Symbolism in Words:

- Many words may carry multiple meanings or layers of significance, allowing for depth in names. For example, a name that means "bringer of joy" could also symbolize hope, laughter, or community spirit.

3. Nature-Inspired Vocabulary:

- The language incorporates elements from the natural world, with many names referencing animals, plants, or natural phenomena.

4. Oral Tradition:

- Names are often accompanied by stories or anecdotes that explain their meanings and significance. This oral component enhances the cultural value of names and reinforces the importance of storytelling in their society.



The language and names draw upon actual African languages and linguistic systems, such as:

- Swahili: Known for its melodic sounds and vast vocabulary, this language can inspire names like *Zuri* (meaning "beautiful").

- Zulu: Rich in proverbs and oral tradition, Zulu could influence names that convey strength, community, and spirituality.

- Xhosa: Relatives to the Zulu people, Xhosa is known for its clicks and poetic nature, enhancing the linguistics of hyena names with unique phonetic elements.



A few name examples:

- Kito: Meaning: "Joy" or "bringer of joy."

- Zuri: Meaning: "Beautiful" or "wise."

- Mwamba: Meaning: "Healer."

- Binti: Meaning: "Daughter."

- Jabari: Meaning: "Brave."

- Nia: Meaning: "Purpose."



Throughout the life of a hyena they may undergo naming ceremonies to change or grant names during significant life events.

 

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Choosing Leaders in Clans

The process of selecting a new leader typically follows a few key principles and practices but can vary widely between clans and their individual culture.

Lineage and Heritage
- The most common way leadership is passed on is through familial lines. The eldest daughter of the current Matriarch will have the first claim to the position when they retire or pass on.
- This can be altered by circumstance or the will of the Matriarch. If they see their eldest as unfit they can select a younger daughter. Very rarely in cases of no daughters or a son being extraordinarily exemptional/favored by the matriarch a male can claim the role.

Recognition of Worth: While lineage plays a significant role, a leader’s worth and abilities are critically examined. It is common for the Matriarch and/or their Fang members to scrutinize the qualities of potential leaders to ensure they are capable of leading the clan with honor.​

Trials by or for Leadership
- Some clans simply desire and have the culture that the strongest member should be the leader. So the leader must accept any and all challenges and defend their position.
- In some cases this is more organized and challengers must pass a set of trials before being granted the right to challenge the current leader for their position. These could include tests of courage and wisdom or tasks that demonstrate their ability to lead and make decisions.

Council of the Fangs
- The council, composed of experienced and respected members of the clan, often plays a pivotal role in selecting the new leader. They provide wisdom and counsel, evaluating the candidates based on their actions, decisions, and the support they garner from the community.
- This is a common fall back if the current leader passes suddenly or the clan is otherwise left with no heir or other more traditional option of leader selection.
- In clans that don't have or have few Fang members, respected elders of the clan are included in the council.

Community Voice
- This is a less traditional and more uncommon method that some clans use where clan members have a voice in the selection process. Discussions and gatherings may be held where community members can express their support or concerns about potential leaders.
These clans often value diverse perspectives, and new leaders are expected to welcome input from various segments of the community, fostering an environment where every voice matters.

Adaptation to Circumstances
- In some extraordinary cases odd, strange, or very atypical selections are used to select leaders. When a leader passes and there is not the time to properly do things leaders will show themselves by taking control and slide into the position with little or no complaint. In cases of hostile takeovers, or cunning bits of underhandedness can result in atypical situations that force clans to adapt and follow the flow even if it goes against tradition in order to survive.



Ceremonial Affirmation
- Once a candidate is chosen, an official ceremony is conducted to affirm their leadership. This ceremony showcases the transition of power from the outgoing leader to the new one and includes rituals that honor ancestors and ask for their guidance.
- Blessings from the Spirits: During the ceremony, spiritual rituals may be conducted to invoke the blessings of ancestors, ensuring the new leader is protected and guided by the spirit world throughout their tenure.


Leader Blessings & Abilities

Leaders that have successfully connected with and gain the mark of approval from the ancestors are granted a boon.

The abilities gifted to a leader are deeply tied to their personal traits, skills, and experiences. Each individual may inherit or develop unique abilities based on their lineage, emphasizing the characteristics and strengths of their ancestors.

The abilities also reflect the overarching traits and values of the clan as a whole. Each clan has its history, traditions, and cultural significance that shape the abilities granted to its leaders.
The clan's collective identity and the stories of its ancestors play a crucial role in shaping the gifts of leadership. The ancestral spirits of the clan may bestow abilities aligned with the clan's needs, ensuring that the leader is equipped to face challenges relevant to their group's history and cultural context.

**Recognition of Heritage:** The leader’s ability to connect with their ancestors and embody the clan’s history strengthens their legitimacy and authority.

 

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Roles & Duties - General ideas

Matriarch
- Duties: Leads the clan and makes major decisions regarding territory, hunting, and conflict resolution. Serves as a mediator in disputes and upholds cultural traditions. Provides guidance and mentorship to younger members.

The Fang(s)
- Duties: Offers wisdom, advice, and support to the matriarch. Helps resolve conflicts and ensure things get done.

Hunters
- Duties: Responsible for coordinating and participating in hunts to secure food for the clan. Identify prey, set strategies for hunting, and work collaboratively to ensure a successful catch. Assess the health of the prey population and communicate this to the clan.

Healers
- Duties: Utilize knowledge of herbs, medicine, and spiritual practices to care for injured or ill clan members. Conduct rituals for healing and facilitate spiritual guidance.

Scouts
- Duties: Gather intelligence about neighboring clans, prey movements, and potential threats. Utilize stealth and agility to observe without being detected. Communicate findings to the clan, playing a crucial role in defense and decision-making.

Teller of Tales
- Duties: Keep the clan's oral histories and traditions alive through storytelling. Share lessons, morals, and heritage during gatherings. Play a key role in cultural identity and community bonding.

Pup Watchers
- Duties: Responsible for caring for young hyenas and teaching them essential skills. Assist mothers in nurturing pups and providing a safe environment. Foster a sense of community by engaging young members in games and learning activities.

Gatherers
- Duties: Forage for fruits, seeds, and herbs in the surrounding environment. Provide additional food sources and gather resources for healing or community celebrations. Help educate younger hyenas about edible plants and their uses.

Defenders
- Duties: Protect the clan's territory and members from threats, such as rival clans or predators. Monitor the perimeters of the clan's dwelling areas, and support hunting parties in case of ambush.
- While most members are expected to be somewhat competent in a fight, defenders specialize in battle between other hyenas and other large threats.

 

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Healers & Medicine

Skills of a Healer

• Identification of Plants: Healers are skilled in identifying medicinal plants and understanding their properties. They often have vast knowledge passed down through generations, learning from both their ancestors’ experiences and their own observations.
• Harvesting Practices: Healers collect herbs at specific times to ensure maximum potency, often selecting plants during particular lunar phases or seasons believed to enhance their healing properties.
• Preparation Methods: They know how to prepare and store herbs for many uses.
  • Infusions - Steeping herbs and other ingredients in water to create teas/drinkable solutions.
  • Salves and Poultices - Dried or Fresh Herbs crushed and/or mixed with other ingredients such as animal fat or water. Resulting in a powders and pastes applied topically to the skin or held in place with a bandage or grass or leaves of some sort.
• Spiritual Healing: They often poses the knowledge and ability to commune with their ancestors for guidance and support. It is believed that one can get a blessing of a spirit to aid in healing.
• Ritual Components: Knowledge and ability to procure or make components needed in important rites and rituals.

The number of Healers in a clan vary mostly on the size of the clan and their cultural practices. Smaller clans will usually only have one or two generalist healers. While larger clans will often have more and/or those specialized in certain areas of healing and medicinal practices. Most notably larger clans will have a 'spiritual healer' and a 'medicinal healer'. Though it can be broken down further to those specializing in spiritual, medicinal, therapies, herb gathering& storage, poisons, teas, salves, ect.

Healers will usually only take on one apprentice at a time to ensure direct and specific knowledge and skills are effectively passed on. General practice becoming an apprentice is to catch the eye of the current healer or show enough potential in gathering duties or other things that a fang or matriarch directly advocates for you.


Commitment to Healing Arts

Healers are held to a high standard and are expected to follow and adhere to certain expectations and requirements. These can impact their roles, behaviors, and responsibilities in the clan.

- Devotion to the Craft: Healers are typically required to show a deep commitment to their healing practices and spiritual responsibilities. This often means dedicating significant time to studying herbal remedies, spiritual rituals, and ancient texts related to their craft.

- Continuous Learning: Healers must actively seek to expand their knowledge through apprenticeships, interactions with other healers, and participation in rituals, which can limit their ability to engage in other clan activities.

- Participation in Rituals: Healers are expected to play key roles in community rituals and ceremonies, particularly those involving healing, ancestor honorings, or significant clan events. Their presence is often considered essential for the success of these activities.

- Spiritual Purity: Healers may have to adhere to strict rituals of cleanliness and spiritual purity before engaging in healing practices. This can involve abstaining from certain behaviors or foods, participating in purification rites, or avoiding conflict to maintain their ability to connect with ancestral spirits.

- Emotional Resilience: Given their responsibilities, healers often need strong emotional resilience to cope with the suffering and pain they encounter while treating others. This requirement can weigh heavily on them and necessitates a careful balance between compassion and self-care.

- Confidentiality and Ethics: Healers are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding the ailments and personal matters of the clan members they treat. This ethical duty reinforces trust within the community but also places a significant burden on healers to navigate sensitive situations delicately.

- Limited Personal Freedom: Due to their responsibilities, healers might face restrictions on their personal freedoms. They may find it necessary to prioritize their healing duties over personal ambitions or desires, leading to sacrifices in their social lives or personal aspirations.

- Sacrifice of Normalcy: Healers might have to avoid certain activities that could undermine their status or influence their ability to heal.

- Exemption from Certain Roles: Healers may be exempt from standard clan obligations that do not pertain to their healing duties, allowing them to focus on their specialized role. However, this can also lead to a sense of isolation, as they may feel removed from other clan activities.

- Respect and Scrutiny: While healers often enjoy respect and reverence in the clan, their elevated status also subjects them to scrutiny. Decisions they make in their healing practices can significantly impact clan members, creating pressure to perform their duties with exceptional care and success


Notable Healing Plants

1. Woundwort (Mnairel)
- Use: A key herb for treating cuts, scrapes, and bruises. When crushed and applied as a poultice, it promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
- Properties: Known for its antiseptic qualities, it helps prevent infection in injuries.

2. Gloomleaf (Nshiro)
- Use: This plant is used to treat fevers and colds. It can be prepared as a tea to help reduce body temperature and alleviate discomfort.
- Properties: Possesses mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Root of Renewal (Fayal)
- Use: Valued for its restorative abilities, this root is often ingested to replenish strength and vitality after illness or exhaustion.
- Properties: Rich in nutrients, it boosts energy levels and helps restore balance in the body.

4. Bitterthorn (Kragnar)
- Use: Used for digestive issues. The leaves can be brewed into a tea to relieve stomach aches and enhance digestion.
- Properties: Known for its mild laxative effects, it helps resolve issues of bloating or constipation.

5. Dreamshade (Vrenara)
- Use: Often used in rituals and during sleep to promote restful nights and lucid dreams. Healers may use this plant to create tinctures that are applied to the temples or consumed before sleep.
- Properties: It has calming properties that help soothe anxiety and promote restful sleep.

6. Spirit Herb (Tirnash)
- Use: This plant is used in rituals focused on spiritual healing, believed to enhance the connection between the healer and the ancestral spirits. Often burnt during healing ceremonies to invite guidance.
- Properties: Known for its calming fragrance, it helps create a peaceful environment for healing.