MEET THE DYNASTIES

[attr="class","sitepost1"]

meet the dynasties

There are four dynasties that reside on the continent. These four are all of varying natures, beliefs and of course species.

fengari

“The Canidae of the West”

The Fengari Dynasty is a free-thinking and independent clan that speaks freely about its own opinions on matters. Speaking freely and having a free will is highly valued in the Fengari Dynasty, however, sometimes this leads to a few disorderly individuals and a rambunctious court. The Fengari Dynasty are tricksters at heart and love creating problems with their neighbors and anyone they meet in general. This leads to them being a little wily when it comes to upfronting them about being played. Deception is a second nature to these canidae. They aren’t as religious compared to their neighbors to the North and East, but they do allow religious canidae into their numbers and they do worship the Moon they run under. Despite their unruly nature the Canidae of the West are a tight-knit group who have each other’s back should anyone threaten their “family”. The Fengari Dynasty can be found running in the vast plains of the savannahs and deserts they thrive upon.

Territory: The Fengari territory involves vast plains of deserts and savannahs. Their territory is mostly bald, rocky and sandy surfaces and there is often little moisture. The temperatures during the day can exceed 40°C/104°F, but it is very common for night times to be extremely cold. Rainfall is sparse in Fengari so they tend to make the most of any rainfall when they get it.

Strengths: Deception, running, stamina, leaping, cunning

Weaknesses: Agility, stealth, sneaking and climbing

Food Sources: Rabbits, lizards, snakes, mice, hare, scorpions, large game like antelope.

Culture and beliefs:

• Fengari known symbolically as being guardians of the moon, ingrained heavily in rituals and symbolic beliefs of the moon.
• Litters of only one or two pups is considered bad luck in the eyes of the Moon
• Symbols called the Simádi are marked on edges of the border - shaped much like three scratch lines and 2 spots, are used to strike fear and awe into opponents. These markings are not always used, but are a spiritual meaning from the Moon which they run under.

Tolerance Towards Outsiders: The Fengari Dynasty is open to accepting Canidae joining their cause and family. However, due to the tight bond of the clan, they are wary of strangers at first sight. If one member gets a negative reaction, then it is treated as if the whole pack received it. Joining can be intimidating at first, but it is possible to blend in quickly. 

skotadi

“The Felidae of the South”

Once known as being the cruelest and most violent Dynasty in all of Patria. They are located in the jungles and rivers of the South. Compared to the other clan’s the Skotadi Dynasty believes more in themselves and in their capabilities rather than their Gods and Goddesses. However over many generations, this has started to ease gradually with more and more blessing or miracles seeming to occur across the dynasty. The amount of religious folk to non religious is about equal averaging now at about 50/50 while previously it was around 80/20. All Skotadi clan members are expected to follow and believe in their King and Queen and anyone who challenges their authority is subject to punishment. Yet despite this clan’s rather upfront approach, the Skotadi Dynasty is most known for their stealth and blending in with the shadows. Skotadi in Greek roughly translates to Darkness in English, a most suiting name for this Dynasty given a large amount of their territory is sheltered by jungles. The Skotadi Dynasty has had a long rivalry with the Fengari Dynasty and they consider them their mortal enemies.

Territory: The Skotadi territory consists of vast jungles and deep flowing rivers. Skotadi dynasty is littered with a thick canopy of tall trees which makes it difficult for light to penetrate through. The climate despite the lack of sunshine is usually fairly warm during the daytime, averaging at around 35°C/95°F with cooler nights averaging between 10°C/50°F and 20°C/68°F. The territory is well known for being misty in various spots as well.

Strengths: Stealth, agility, climbing, ferocity, battle tactics, cunning

Weaknesses: Physical power, lack of religious faith and strength

Food Sources: Birds, amphibians, insects, monkeys, eggs, large variety of fish

Culture and beliefs:

• The Felidae are known symbolically for their prowess, valor, intuitive and rather in touch with their passions. There is great mysticism associated with the Felidae.
• Ladronka Burning - a sacrificial ceremony of a living being (could be an animal and/or even a blood sacrifice) to grant good luck. This is a tradition which was started 20 years passed when a King was having a hard time producing a suitable heir. After a sacrifice and a prayer to the gods, it was said a suitable and rightful heir was born.
• An honorable death is one where one dies fighting, hunting or protecting their dynasty
• Painting/bathing in war-paint/blood before a battle is said to grant strength and luck in combat

Tolerance Towards Outsiders: The Skotadi keep and open mind and an open eye for those that peek their interest, otherwise, hardly ever are they tolerant of outsiders.

arkouda

“The Bear’s of the North”

The lumbering giants of the North know what true pain and suffering are and have learned to embrace the darkest sides of life most would wish to cower from. Arkouda is perhaps one of the most religious dynasties found in the Motherland. They particularly take the time to worship Yudire and it is said she considered them her most favored children. Whether this is true or not is up for debate, but one thing is known for sure; Arkoudian’s don't cower away from suffering and death. The word Arkouda in Greek roughly translates to Bear in English. Arkouda is a little different when it comes to the king/queen of the dynasty. It is believed that the Riagáin bloodline is a conduit for the dynasties' every hope and desires and wishes and dreams. Because the king/queen becomes the embodiment of their clan they are revered similarly as a high priest, believed to be incorruptible and pure their whole existence. Arkouda is naturally a reclusive and secretive dynasty, only involving themselves with the other dynasties when they feel it is their civic duty. They are oftentimes considered a mediator for the other clans since they are naturally impartial to the politics that go on. Because of this, they are naturally seen as the protector of the Motherland and the second hand of Yudire, titles that they pride themselves over. However, despite all the wisdom they claim to be aware of they can come off as snobbish and callous, especially when they are a practical heavy minded society. The bears of the North are most notable for their honor and wisdom. An Arkoudian’s word is a guarantee, never an empty promise.

Territory: The Arkouda's territory mostly consists of snowy forests, windy seafronts and ice sheets that provide a plentiful food source during the winter seasons. The further North one travels; the colder the climate. Icy glaciers and snow-peaked mountains reside in the North. The waters around the North are cold and less than ideal for swimming. In Winter and Autumn, it is common to see a blanket of snow covering the North from tip-to-toe. In Summer, it very rarely gets hot. The mountains may lose a little of their snowy form, but not a great deal. The average temperature in Arkouda is 13°C/55°F.

Strengths: Their size, battle tactics, strength, honor, courage, wisdom, and leadership

Weaknesses: Grace, elegance, healing and speed.

Food Sources: Seals, Salmon, Wild Raspberries, Wild blueberries, the occasional migrating caribou

Culture and beliefs:

• Arkouda is known symbolically for being the protector and bearer of courage. Known more commonly as being more “solitary” and independent in comparison to the other dynasties.
• The use of totems - keep away the evil spirits
• Naming offspring before birth considered bad luck
  
• The king/queen is considered the conduit of the dynasties very will and as such is revered.

Tolerance Towards Outsiders: The Arkouda Dynasty always has an open mind towards outsiders, however, they are decorative and reclusive by nature making joining a difficult task.

eleos

“The Herbivores of the East”

In Greek mythology, Eleos was the personification of pity, mercy, clemency, and compassion. To this very day, the Herbivores of the South uphold this very entitlement. They are compassionate to the unfortunate, weak, or injured. They show mercy to even their enemies, willing to give all a second choice to do good. They pity those that can’t let go of revenge and then succumb to its desires. The Eleos Dynasty is also known for its grace and beauty, not only in its land but in its people. The South is a place of envy and at the Eleos Dynasty has kept a hold onto it for generations without fail. The Eleos Dynasty is a close knit group that supports and relies upon one another. They understand the value of having each other’s undying loyalty in times of hardship and what in-fighting does do a clan. They look towards their King and Queen for guidance, trusting in their rule to lead them to safety and prosperity, however they are also taught the value of independent thinking. They are religious, but not so much that they rely so heavily upon it that they won't take action into their own hands.

Territory: Being located in the East, Eleos' territory is warm and breezy with forests and beaches surrounding it. Parts of Eleos are rather steep and mountainous, but the further South one travels, the flatter the territory becomes. The high peaks of Eleos tend to be rather cold with sharp, biting winds. The reefs and beaches dotted along the coast tend to be fairly temperate and great in hotter months. In Winter, Eleos tends to see a fair bit of snow on the mountain peaks and upper areas of their territory. Hail and thunderstorms are common during warmer months.

Strengths: Grace, beauty, knowledge, healing, compassion
Weaknesses: Strength, climbing.

Food Sources: Berries, fish, rodents, fresh grass, figs, nuts, ferns

Culture and beliefs:

• The Eleos spiritually symbolizes regeneration, devotion, inante natural power, healing, and grace.
• The use of tokens placed in one’s nest - freshly picked flowers and broken off branches to demonstrate love/interest or affection in another. Similar to a Valentine’s Day card.
• The death of dynasty members is seen as growth and support for the greater environment, although sad; it is still considered to be what feeds the next generation of young herbivores.
• Bringing food to the dead is a way of commemorating them.

Tolerance Towards Outsiders: The Eleos Dynasty is open and accepting towards outsiders, however, they won't hesitate to ask questions towards a suspicious individual when it involves the safety of their clanmates.