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The Lost Hills Lore [READ ONLY]

Posted 2022-03-27 23:08:14 (edited)

~Roles~

Pack Leader
The one who leads the entire pack and makes decisions regarding the health, wellbeing, and happiness of all in the pack. They can also overrule decisions made by a Head of House if they feel that the decision isn't in the best interest of the members of that House.
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The Leaders Mate
They are tasked with keeping records of the pack history and of the bloodlines of each wolf to ensure that there are no forbidden relationships and inbreeding. When the Pack Leader is unavailable then it falls to the Leader's Mate to run the pack until their return.
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Head of House
The Head of House, or Head Wolf, rules over the wolves that reside in one of the five Houses with their mate, referred to as "Head Mate". They lead the daily happenings of their house-mates, and enforce rules that they or the Pack Leader have enacted.

Each of the five Head Wolves meet up in the Meeting Meadow every full moon to discuss complaints, improvements and the overall wellbeing of each house-mate.

*Requirements*
-Must be a descendant of the House they are in control over
*In cases where their is no wolf to take over, then a new lineage steps up and replaces the previous House
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Head Mate
The mate of the Head of House, they help with ruling over house-mates and enforcing rules. Before being given this title, they are known as "Mates To Be". At the time an heir is chosen, the Head Wolf will begin the search for a suitable mate for their heir.

When the heir is weaned, a Mate To Be will be selected and also begin the long education process as the heir. However the heir and the Mate To Be, are not allowed to meet until adolescence, where they will have supervised meetings to court each other.

*Requirements*
-Must not be a descendant of another House
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Heirs
These are the next generation of Head Wolf. They are named heir at birth by the Seer and usually display some sort of family trait. Once they are weaned, they start the long and strict process of learning pack history, laws, and the specifics of their future roles. 
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House-mates and Pack mates
House-mates refer to the wolves of a particular House that the Head Wolf and Head Mate rule over. Pack mates refer to the general population of the pack.
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Oracle
The head spiritual leader of the pack. This she-wolf is born with a deep and strong connection to the deities and their realm. It is believed that deities and spirits speak directly to her and she to them. And in dire situations can even allow her body to act as a host to them. Some say that the Oracle spends more time in the spiritual realm than the mortal one.

As the main spiritual leader, the Oracle's position in the pack is very high (just under the Leader's mate). She will give all divine messages to the Pack Leader, acting as some sort of advisor. In addition, she carries out all rituals and ceremonies with her mate, the Shaman.

*Requirements*
-Must be female
-Must be descendant of Vanya
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Shaman
The Shaman is the second main spiritual leader of the pack. While he does not have the ability to speak directly to the deities, he does get signs from them. In addition, he helps ground the Oracle in the mortal world so she doesn't lose herself in the spiritual one.

The Shaman also has a paw in acting as an advisor in times of need, but a majority of that work falls onto the Oracle. If messages from the Oracles are too difficult to understand, then he is there to interpret them as well. He also organizes and co-hosts all rituals and ceremonies.

*Requirements*
-Must be male
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The Ambassador
This wolf travels to various packs in order to learn more about them and foster good relationships between them and the Lost Hills. The Ambassador gathers information, history, legends, etc for the host pack, while doing the same, before sharing that info to pack upon their return. They act as a liaison between the packs and as representative the Lost Hills pack. It is important that Ambassadors watch their words and behavior as it can be seen as a poor reflection of the pack.

In tense situations, the Ambassador may covertly gather important intel on other packs. Whether they use gather information to defuse the tension or report it back to the pack to give them the upper edge, is up to them. However, whatever they choose could have dire consequences. 

This is considered to be a high ranking position, earning them spot close to the pack leader and spiritual leaders.
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Soothsayer
A she-wolf gifted with the "sight," eyes that are blinded in the physical world, but all seeing in the spiritual world. This gift allows her to hear whispers from minor spirits and lesser deities, not the major gods, that  grant her knowledge of events to come. Because of this, many pack mates seek her out to have their futures read, be given advice and more.

The "sight" is passed down from mother to daughter, who is then taught the ways of gods and spirits by her mother.
*Requirements*
-Must be a descendant of Yari'ki
-Must be female
-Must Possess the "sight" [Lumino eyes]
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The Herbalist
The healer and herb specialist and Head Wolf of the House of Koh. They research and make all the medicines and remedies needed to heal the ill and wounded. 
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The Druid
Mate to the Herbalist, they cultivate and harvest herbs needed for the herbalist to use. They are selected when the herbalist heir is weaned and undergo strict tutelage by the current Druid on plant care and growth.
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Hunters/Warriors
In the Lost Hill pack, wolves in the House of Kana have two roles. Their primary role is as hunters, bringing in the vital resources. While, their secondary role is as warriors in times of need. By having three teams of hunters ensures that there are always one teams within the pack's territory in case the pack ever falls under attack.
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Scouts/Sentries
Like with the Hunter/Warriors, the wolves in the House of Senka (formally the House of Nala) have two roles. Their primary role is that of a scout, searching for new undiscovered lands and researching them.  Their secondary role is that of a sentry, patrolling the border and granting or denying access into the territory. They are usually the first wolves to know if there is any potential threat on the way and alter the pack and warriors.

-One long howl = Urgent, but not a threat. (usually due to injury)
-Two short howls = Unknown wolf, not deemed a threat, but Pack Leader is Needed!
-Three short howls = Danger! Incoming threat. Converge here and Prepare to fight!
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Pupsitters
As the name suggests, pupsitters watch over and play with the weaned pups. They also provide them with a basic education, which includes topic such as traditions, hierarchy, and dangers. They also ensure the pups are watered and fed properly.
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Mentors
Elder wolves who have retired from their role, they give adolescents a more in depth education about pack life and what to expect. Mentors also help them find what role they would like to go into in adulthood. 
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Dre
#37719

Posted 2022-03-27 23:12:18 (edited)

~The Culture~

Table of Content

Laws & Social Obligations
Taboos & Superstitions
Major Deities
Other Deities & Spirits
Spiritual Beliefs
Rituals & Ceremonies
Festivals

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Dre
#37719

Posted 2022-03-27 23:18:39 (edited)

~Laws & Social Obligations~

~Laws~

1. Thievery is NOT TOLERATED. Punishment is up to the Head Wolf of that house and is also reported to the Pack Leader.

2. Assault and Murder is absolutely FORBIDDEN and punishable by banishment. Unless it is the result of self-defense. If so the wolf must present evidence of so to their Head Wolf and to Soothsayer, Shaman and Pack Leader to determine if it is true.

3. Inbreeding is FORBIDDEN, no matter how decently related. Pups that are found to be the result of inbreeding will be taken from the mother once weaned and sent away or be labeled as Blackbloods.  The names of the wolves involved in the forbidden relationship are then put in the pack records and are separated.

3.1. Blackblood pups are to receive the same level of care and raising as any other pup. However, once an adult, a Blackblood wolf is of the lowest social status and not able to claim titles or have pups. They can, however, still take on a bonded mate if desired. 

3.2. Adult wolves wanting to join the pack will have their family records reviewed. If instances of inbreeding are found, their entry will be denied.

4.Abuse and/or neglect of any pup (even Blackbloods) is NOT TOLERATED. If a pupsitter is found guilty. they will then  be removed from the House of Vali and sent to another, no longer to be trusted around pups, and received punishment. Punishment may entail lectures importance of the proper care of pups or be forbidden to have pups themselves depending on the severity of crime.

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~Social Obligations~

1. All wolves wanting to enter a pair bonding, must seek permission from the Pack Leader and have a Pair Bonding ceremony for the bonding to be recognized as official. 

2. Wolves of higher status are to be spoken to and treated with respect. This includes the Pack Leader, the Oracle and Shaman, Head of Houses, and Head Mates.


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Dre
#37719

Posted 2022-03-27 23:19:08 (edited)

~Taboos & Superstitions~

~Taboos~
-While not against the law, these actions are greatly frowned upon and/or very offensive-

1. Speaking ill of the deities or using their name in vain.

2. Baring teeth to pack members - very offensive gesture

3.Killing an owl or raven. These animals are revered by the pack and are to be protected.

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~Superstitions~

1. Crossing the path of a laughing fox - Bad Luck

2. Giving offerings of food to an owl or raven for luck and fortune

3. Traveling on night of Snake Lights (Aurora Borealis) - Bad Luck

4. Pups born with mutations are thought to be a sign from the gods.
If the pup lives to adulthood - Good sign
If pup dies - Bad sign

5. Owl feathers are buried with the dead for safe travels to the spiritual realm - Good Luck

6. Giving a gift that has an even numbers of items (ex: four gems, six raven feather, etc)- Good Luck. Many of the deities a unique feature that are in even numbers; Vat'ti's eight legs,  Keres' four wings, etc

7. Giving a gift that has an odd numbers of items - Bad Luck

8. Stay inside during the Black Night (New Moon), Without Fey to watch over, it thought that evil beasts and spirits will attack, kill or kidnap any wolf wondering about. 

9. Giving a pup under the age of 6 month a name - Bad Luck

10. Pups born during the full moon, considered to have above average luck/fortune
10.1 Pups born during the new moon, considered to have below average luck/fortune
10.2 Pups born during the any other moon phase, considered to have average luck/fortune
10.3 Pups born during the Solar/Lunar eclipse, considered to have very high luck/fortune
10.4 Pups born during the Snake Lights, considered to have very low luck/fortune

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Dre
#37719

Posted 2022-03-27 23:20:05 (edited)

~Major Deities~

The six major deities of the pack. Each House has taken at least one of the deities as a symbol that reflects that House's core values and aim.  Pups born with a mutation that reflects one of the deities is said to be oman ( either good or bad).

*All art is made by me. Don't use or repost
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Fey
The Mother of Wolves
-Goddess of the Moon and Wisdom
-Mate to Zukai
-Symbol to House of Azura
-Melanism
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Zukai
The Father of Wolves
-God of the Sun and Passion
-Symbol to House of Azura
-Albinism
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Wern
The Provider and Protector
-God of the Hunt, War and Courage
-Vayr - Raven Companion
-Symbol of House of Kana
-Brachycephaly
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Zyna and Revn
The Balancer
-God of Life and Death, Good and Evil, and Truths and Lies
-Son of Fey and Zukai
- Keres - Owl companion
-Symbol of House of Nala
-Conjoined Twins
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Va'ti
The Healer
-Goddess of Health and Fertility
-Symbol of House of Koh
-Polymelia
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Zaja
The Guide
-Goddess of Knowledge and Peace
-Symbol of House of Vali
-Polycephaly

Read more about the Deities and Spirits Here [Coming Soon]
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Dre
#37719

Posted 2022-03-27 23:20:41 (edited)

~Other Deities & Spirits~

~Other Deities~
While not considered as significant as the six major deities, they are still highly regarded and very important 
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Vayr
The Raven God
-He is considerably larger than normal ravens with four glowing red eyes.
-Helps the god Wern with locating prey and enemies
-Raven are protected by the pack and are given offerings of food when seen.
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Keres
The Owl Goddess
-She is large snow white barn owl with light blue speckles, two sets of wings and long flowing tail feathers
-She helps Zyna and Revn with in passing souls into the spirit realm
-Owls are considered to be wise and sacred. The pack often offers food when seen
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Haesten
The Snake God
- considered to be a malevolent god by the pack
-Haesten is an extremely large and brightly colored snake that brings the Snake Lights (Aurora Borealis), a bad omen, to show his anger.
- Snakes are regarded as evil and dangerous, and should be avoided or killed.

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~Spirits~

The Maukoh
Vengeful Spirits of a Prey Animal
-Spirit of decay and illness
-Often seen alone
-It is a festering and half decayed corpse that rots the ground it walks on and taints the air around it.
-This grotesque form is believed to be because of the spirits' refusal to move on and need for revenge.
- Spoiled food and tainted waters are believed to be touched by a Maukoh and consuming them will lead to slow and painful death unless cured.
-If a wolf fall ill after eating, it is believed to cause by a Maukoh, and it's advised to seek treatment from the herbalist before be purified by the Shaman

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The Kikiri
Mischievous Fox Spirits
-Seen alone or in groups
-An unassuming looking red fox often seen with it eyes scrunched closed and chuckling to itself
-Unlike normal foxes, the Kikiri enjoy playing tricks on animals and conning them out of food or other precious items before fading back into the spirit realm.
-Most times the tricks are harmless, but every so often there can be dire consequences
-Avoid strange laughing foxes
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The Fyuko
The Spirits of Winter
-White Foxes with ice white eyes
-A fast and elusive spirit that is believed to help bring in winter's snow.
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The Shikaba
The Spirits of Spring
-Large six legged Deer
-It is believes the the snow melts under their hooves and grass and flowers grow in their footsteps
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The Takan
The Spirits of Summer
- Large four winged Golden Hawks
-The beating of their wings is said to bring summer's heat.
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The Kumaki
The Spirits of Autumn
-Large Brown bears with Long Claws
- With their claws, the Kumaki shake tree to remove dying leaves

Read more about the Deities and Spirits Here [Coming Soon]
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Dre
#37719

Posted 2022-05-05 19:26:42 (edited)

~Spiritual Beliefs~


Spiritual Connections
The Lost Hills pack is very religious pack. They worship the major deities ( doing rituals, paying tributes and praying in their name) and fear evil spirits that enter the mortal world. The pack believes that the Oracle, Shaman and Soothsayer have a true connections to the spiritual realm and can interact with it to varying degrees. It is thought the Azura, the first pack leader, also had some sort of connection as well, but it was never recorded. 

Births
Births are considered blessing from the Goddess Fey, the Mother of Wolves. When a new litter joins the pack, it is a joyous event that is celebrated by gifting the new mother food and furs that were blessed by the Oracle.

Adolescences and Adulthood
When a wolf reaches adolescences and adulthood these milestones are also celebrated, since it is believed that it is thanks to deities for protecting them. When a wolf reaches these ages, they will go to the Blessed Lake with offerings to show their appreciation.

Death and the After Life
When a wolf dies, it is believed that their soul entered the realm of spirits and deities and watching their love ones from the starry sky above. The Oracle and Shaman preforms rituals to purify the body and soul of e recently departed and gives tokens of owl feathers to grant a safe passage to the after life.

Sacred Animals
Crows and Owls are considered to be sacred by the pack as they are mortal representations of Vayr and Keres. These animals are not to be killed or eaten. If seen, if deemed polite to gift them offerings and if they are found injured they must be nursed back to help. As a result, crows have been know to help the hunting teams locate prey and owl have seen to altering the pack to dangers close by.

Evil and Vengeful Spirits
These can vengeful spirits of the dead that couldn't move on or evil spirits that forced their way to mortal realm.  Both can appear as wispy apparitions or take on forms of mortal creatures. A common form evil spirits that is that of snake, as it is thought that it doesn't require a lot of energy to take that form. However, powerful evil spirits can take on coyotes or mountain lions.  These mortal forms must be killed before the spiritual leaders can banish the spirit back to the spirit realm.

These spirits can cause; illness, famine, and death. It been said that powerful one can steal a wolf body and soul to do with what they will and that wolf is never seen again.

Pure Spirits
These spirits are rarely seen in the mortal realm, but when they do it is said that come to provide help, guidance, advice or comfort to those that need it. Pure Spirits are said to take the form of a kind looking wolf most often, appearing from no where and vanishing just a quickly while always leaving behind a small white flower blooming where they stood. These flowers are seen a blessings and good luck for the wolf that finds them.

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Dre
#37719

Posted 2022-12-06 22:18:42 (edited)

~Rituals & Ceremonies~

A ritual refers to group of actions performed for their symbolic value. On the other hand, a ceremony is performed on a special occasion

~Rituals~

Cleansing Ritual - Drinking a bitter mixture of herbs and blessed water made by the Oracle to remove curses and misfortunes caused by evil spirits.

Body and Soul Purification Ritual - This ritual involves grooming and cleaning the body of the recently dead. Smoke from burning herbs are used while makings representing each deities are painted on with a white clay paint. It is thought that the smoke helps the soul separate from the body with the clay-paint markings ground the body to mortal realm and shows respect for the deities.

The Departure Ritual -  This ritual is done when a wolf dies and the spiritual leaders prepare the body burial and the spirit for their journey to the spiritual realm. 

Courting - One of the few rituals not performed by the spiritual leaders. Courting takes place over several months before a Bonding Ceremony to show love and dedication between two wolves.

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~Ceremonies~

Birthing Ceremony - This is a private ceremony between the expecting mother and the Oracle. The Oracle brews sweet  and spicy drinks made from ginger, dandelions and honey for the mother to drink through out the birth to help with her strength and energy. After the birth of each pup in the litter, the Oracle blesses each one by washing the pup in water from the Blessed Lake before painting markings of the deities on their body as a way to ask for protection and guidance.

The Naming Ceremony - When pup reaches adolescents they are finally given a name by the Oracle. Their new name is than announced to the whole pack. 

Bonding Ceremony - Where two wolves who are deeply in love are bonded for life and their bonding will be officially recognized by the pack.

Placement Ceremony - When a young adult announces what House they will enter and what role they will take to the Pack leader, the Leader's Mate, and to all the Head Wolves.

Welcoming Feast - After the Placement Ceremony, the young adults will then move into their new House den where a small celebration and feast is held for them within the House. 

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Dre
#37719

Posted 2022-12-06 22:25:16 (edited)

~Festivals~

[coming soon]
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Dre
#37719

Posted 2022-12-06 22:33:20 (edited)

~The Cemetery~




~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
The death of a pack member is felt by all. However it's not a time to mourn their lost, but to celebrate their life. When a wolf dies, their body is taken  to the Blessed Lake. There the Shaman will prepare and clean the body for viewings and a ceremony later that night.

Once the sky fully darkens, the pack will gather at the Blessed Lake bringing with them food and small trinkets as offerings. The wolves will bring their offering to where the body is laid on the edge of the lake before moving on to share stories about the recently departed  as a way to show the spirit that are remembered.

Finally, the Shaman starts the blessing ceremony. He will start by burning dried herbs and collect the ashes to mix with water from the Blessed Lake. The mixture is then used to paint ruins over the body while he begins his chants, blessing and cleansing the soul. The ceremony finishes with a pack howl to scare away any evil spirit to ensure the journey to the afterlife is safe.

The wolves of the Lost Hills Pack believe that when a soul reaches the afterlife a new star appears in the sky and that it's how the departed watch over their love ones.

The Lost Hills Death Record for every wolf that has ever joined can be found here. The Pack Leader asks that you be respectful to those who have passed and to not add your own packmates to the list.



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Dre
#37719

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