Territory

Map

wip

Special Places

Storm’s Peak: Storm’s Peak is a rock formation, which lies in southern direction near the river. The pride is named after Storm’s Peak and made its home there. On top of the rocks the High Priest/-ess holds speeches. Three caves have been dug here: The High Priest lives in the Stormkeeper Cave, in The Hallowed Cave sleep the mutated lions and in the Stormwhisper Cave lives the rest of the pride.
The Pilgrims Cave: The Pilgrims Cave is located near the northern borders. Here may sleep travelers with the permission of the High Priest/-ess for a short period of time.
The Memorial: The Memorial is an old tree in the Sighing Cliffs. The lions lie flowers at its root to honor their ancestors.
Shrine of Balance: The Shrine of Balance is a cave near the center of Storm’s Peak Pride territory. It is a place for the lions to worship their gods and pray. Half of the cave is dedicated to Umbra, the other to Lux. Umbras half is decorated with moons and Lux’ with suns. A tunnel leads to three more chambers. The first chamber is an altar dedicated to Diana. It is decorated with horns of various antelopes and buffalos. The second chamber is an altar dedicated to Bellum. It is decorated with skulls and bones of various animals. The las chamber is an altar dedicated to Pax. It is decorated with olive branches. In each god’s altar burns a piece of the Eternal Flame, which is used to deliver sacrifices to the respective god.

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)

The Code of Balance

1. The High Priest speaks the goddesses word.
2. You must uphold the Balance. Only take what you need, no more, no less.
3. Uphold your inner Balance between shadow and light.
4. Meet travelers, who mean no harm, with kindness, but defend your territory from those who fail to uphold the Balance.
5. Tolerate your neighbors, as they are as important to natures balance as you. But punish those, who fail to uphold the Balance.
6. Do not hunt birds. They are the eyes of the gods..

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)

Beliefs

Gods

Umbra - the goddess of the moon, darkness and death


Lux - the goddess of the sun, light and life

Umbra created the world together with her sister Lux. They are each other’s counterpart and create the Balance. There is no life without death, no light without darkness, no creation without destruction and no sun without the moon. The Balance is of utmost importance and it is a lion’s duty to uphold it. Without it the world would perish. Umbra’s symbol is the moon and Lux’ symbol is the sun.

Diana - the goddess of the hunt

It is said that Diana once was a mortal lioness. An illness raged in her pride and everyone, but her, was either too sick, too young or too old to hunt. So she had to hunt for alone for her whole pride. It took her two days, because her pride was big. The goddesses were so impressed by her that they helped her pride get well and made her immortal as the goddess of the hunt. The lions pray to her for a successful hunt. Her symbols are hunting trophies of all kinds. Antelope horns are most commonly used to symbolize her.

Bellum - the god of war

Bellum is the manifestation of the lion’s determination for victory and the bloodshed in the Great War. Despite this he is not seen as evil as some battles cannot be avoided. Even though he is considered a god, he is more of a spirit. The lion’s pray to him so that he may Len them their strength in a fight and guide them to victory in a fight. His symbol are animal skulls and bones.

Pax - the god of peace

Pax is the manifestation of the lions desperation for the end of bloodshed and peace in the Great War. This makes him more of a spirit, but he is still considered as a god. In times of peace the lions thank him for the lasting peace. In times of war the lions pray to him, so that he may restore piece again. His symbol are olive branches.

Birds

Birds are seen as the eyes of the gods. The lions believe that the gods use them as a vessel to keep eye an eye on the mortal lion. Black birds are seen as the vessel of Umbra. Lux vessels are usually white birds. Birds of prey are either the vessel of Diane or Bellum. Song birds are usually vessels of Pax. Therefore birds must not be harmed. Killing a bird is a punishable offense.

Mutations

Mutations are seen as a sign of the gods. Mutations that do not hinder a lion are seen as a sign that the gods are pleased with the lions and/or that good times are ahead. Mutations that hinder a lion in any way are seen as a warning that something bad is going to. Lethal mutations are seen as a sign that the gods are displeased with the lions and/or something terrible is going to happen. It is said that lions who have the piebald, patches, melanism or achromia mutation have an especially strong connection to the gods. The more of a lion’s fur is covered in black/white the stronger the connection is.

The Second Sight

The gods may grant a lion with an especially strong or special connection to them a power, which is commonly referred to as the Second Sight. Those lions are usually mutated as they have a stronger connection to the gods than normal lions, but there are always exceptions. The powers include mind reading, feeling another lions emotions, foresight and seeing ghosts. High Priests always have the second sight. They usually have at least the ability to see and interact the ghosts. A High Priest can have more than one power.

Afterlife

Umbra has created a paradise for all animals who live after the Code of Balance. It is believed that all stars represent a lions soul, which has made it to the paradise. If a lion did not live after the Code of Balance, they are denied entrance to paradise and have to wander the earth as ghosts until they fade from existence. Though this is not the only way a lion can become a ghost after death. A lion may not find their way to paradise, if they feel they still have something to do on earth. Once they did what they feel they had to do, they can find their way to paradise.

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)

Traditions

The Rite of Passage

The Rite of Passage is might be the most important tradition of the pride, because only those who complete their Rite of Passage may remain with the pride. The Rite of Passage shows that it is the will of the gods that a lion is part of the pride. Lions who were born in the pride or joined the pride as cubs or apprentices can only compete their apprenticeship once they have completed their Rite of Passage. A lion who wishes to join the pride may be officially a huntress, protector or scout, but they have the status of an apprentice until they complete their Rite of Passage. A lion can start the the Rite of Passage any time they want once they are an adult. To complete the Rite of Passage a lion must pass three trials. The first trial is the Trial of Diana. In this trial a lion must prove that they are able to perform their roles alone. The second trial is the Trial of Bellum. In this trial a lion must fight against the best fighter of the pride. A lion doesn’t have to win the in order to pass the trial. They only have to show that they are capable of defending themselves and the pride in a fight. The third trial is the trial of Umbra. The High Priest puts the lion into a trance in this trial. In this trance the lion sees a vision of an item send by the gods. In order to pass this trial the lion must find the item, which is later sacrificed to Umbra, and a gem stone. They have three days and three to do so. Once they they pass this trial, they have completed the Rite of Passage and are a full member of Storm’s Peak Pride. They get their second name in a ceremony and the gem stone is crafted into some sort of jewelry that the lions wear to show they are a full member of the pride. A priest apprentice must complete the Rite of Passage too, but theirs is a little different than the average lion’s one. They must complete the Trial of Diana three times to show that they can perform all roles in the pride and must pass an additional trial, the Trial of Lux. In this trial the Priest Apprentice shows that they possess the necessary knowledge of herbs and the ability to use them properly.

The Longest Day

The Longest Day is a celebration of life and Lux. It is celebrated on the longest day of the year. To celebrate life the prides holds a tourney for the cubs and apprentices. After the tourney the pride holds a feast in the name of Lux. Before the feast everyone sacrifices something to Lux and a part of the feast is sacrificed as well.

The Longest Night

The Longest Night is a remembrance of the deceased and a thanks to Umbra for bringing the souls of deceased lions to paradise. The Longest Night is celebrated on the longest night of the year. The day and night is spent in silence (Cubs are expected from this rule.). The day is used to prepare for a feast in the name of Umbra. When the moons begins to rise every lion sacrifices something to Umbra and a part of the feast is sacrificed as well. Then the fast begins. Non one, except cubs, can eat something other than the feast on the Longest Night. After the feast everyone, but the cubs, goes to the Sighing Cliffs and places a flower at the roots of the Memorial. This is done to honor the pride’s ancestors.

Full Moon Sacrifice

Every full moon the pride sacrifices something to the gods. This can be everything. It could be a feather, a gem, a small meal, etc. The sacrifice happens at dusk.

Half Moon Meditation

Every half moon the High Priest puts themselves in a trance. This trance cleanses their mind and allows the gods to communicate with them. It is always done at half moon, but the High Priest can do it a time, if they feel they need it. Once the Priest Apprentice is an adolescent they accompany the High Priest.

Funerals

Before the body of a deceased pride member is buried the whole pride stands vigil for a night. After the vigil the High Priest buries the body with the help of everyone who volunteers in the Sighing Cliffs. During the burial the High Priest speaks a prayer to Umbra, so that she may bring the soul of the deceased to paradise. After the burial the pride eats together and shares memories of the deceased.

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)

Ranks

High Priest/-ess: The leader and shaman of Storm’s Peak Pride. They have a special connection to the gods. This connection grants them shamanic powers and they also know the art of healing. It is their duty to tend to the Eternal Flame and perform ceremonies.
Priest Apprentice: They are the High Priest’s/-esses heir. Usually they are chosen as a cub, when the High Priest/-ess is getting old. They learn everything a High Priest needs to know. Their training already starts as cubs and they learn how to perform all other roles in the pride during their adolescence.
Chief Huntress: The Chief Huntress is the High Priest’s/-esses right paw. She coordinates the hunts and advises the High Priest/-ess.
Executioner: It is the executioner’s duty to carry out the punishment the High Priest has given code breakers. The Executioner is always someone the High Priest/-ess trusts. There is only one executioner, who is either a huntress, a scout or a protector too. They advise the High Priest/-ess alongside the Chief Huntress.
Scouts: Their function is it to patrol the lands of Storm’s Peak Pride. They search the borders for trespassers, monitor the herds movements and check that other predators uphold nature’s balance. After their patrol they report back to the High Priest/-ess and the Chief Huntress. They are usually males.
Huntresses: They hunt and provide food for the pride. While it is their main duty to hunt, they also fight if needed. They are usually lionesses, because the lions of Storm’s Peak Pride believe lionesses are better hunters. This is because of Diana’s, the goddess of the hunt, story.
Protectors: They look after the pride’s cubs. Protectors usually train as a huntress or a scout during their apprenticeship and decide after their Rite of Passage to become a protector.
Apprentices: Adolescent lions, who learn their future roles.
Cubs: Cubs do not have any duties, but they learn basic skills once they are old enough.
Elders: Lions, who are too old to perform their roles. They are to be respected as they have served their pride.

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)

History

Originally Storm’s Peak Pride was named Pride of Ancient Whispers. The Pride of Ancient Whispers lived in a land far away. One dry season stroked by a dire drought. The lions were clueless, clearly they had done nothing to threaten the Balance or upset the gods in any other way. The herds perished and many lions died to famine or thirst. The culprit was soon to be found: the humans.

The pride couldn’t influence the humans like they could the other predators, so the High Priest at the time decided they had to drive them out of their land to restore the balance. He died in the first battle and High Priest Storm took over. Storm kept trying to drive the humans out, but to no avail. Soon only a few lions of the once huge pride were left. Storm realized they couldn’t succeed, so he turned to the gods for help. Lux herself appeared in his vision and showed him Glistening Range, the pride’s new land.

Even though he never was where, Storm knew the way to Glistening Range. The journey was long and difficult. The pride suffered some losses, but in the end they made it. They built their dens at a rock formation that was soon to be known as Storm’s Peak. The pride settled easily into their new home and gained new members.

Storm got ill a few months after the pride arrived in Glistening Range. There was nothing that his apprentice Ajnur Midnightmoon could do for him. He passed away only a few weeks later. To honor him Ajnur Midnightmoon named the rock formation Storm’s Peak and renamed the pride in Storm’s Peak Pride.

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)

Naming System

Lions have two names. The first name is given by the mother at birth. The first name is considered very personal and only family and close friends may call a lion by their first name. The second name is given by the High Priest after the lion completed their Rite of Passage. A lion is called by their second name by everyone who is not close to them. The second name is either a one or two word name and is inspired by a lion’s appearance, personality or something remarkable they did. Until a lion has earned their second name, they are often called by their rank. High ranking lions are usually introduced with their full name and their rank as a title. They are also addressed with their rank as a title before their second name.

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)

List of Current Pride Members

High Priest/-ess: Priest Apprentice Astraea Bloodmoon
Priest Apprentice:
Chief Huntress: Kalliope Quietsong
Executioner: Samantha Duneshine
Scouts: Crawford Ravenfall
Bran Fogwhisker
Christie Paleblotch
Casey Dustpelt
Huntresses: Kassandra Fossilpelt
Flora Berrygleam
Maura Moonheart
Dorothea Sunriseglimmer
Isabel Goldflame
Giselle Eveningfall
Wenet Rabbitpounce
Ellen Raintrickle
Karina Goldshine
Valorie Lightrun
Ida Crystalglaze
Elisaveta Darkfur
Samira Nightspots
Jezebel Whiteglow
Dakota Honeyspeckle
Anastasia Crimsonwhisker
Esmeralda Smokeshimmer
Millie Cobwebwhisker
Sarai Ashspots
Michaela Moonspark
Lulu Sandpelt
Alexis Emberflicker
May Swiftfang
Protectors: Fay Blazespeckle
Amelia Slatedapple
Apprentices:Priscilla
Cubs:
Elders:

List of former Pride Members

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)

History

High Priestess Lumiel Shimmershadow’s Reign

- High Priest Ajnur Midnightmoon stepped down and his apprentice Lumiel Shimmershadow took over his position.

- Amaya Windmelody passed away due to old age.

- Kani Silverclaw passed away due to old age.

- Chief Hutress Adiah Sandfang gave birth to one cub. She was named Ilona.

- The cub Serafiina was found alone in Glistening Range and was taken in by the pride.

- Nilay Saphireeye passed away due to old age.

- Nuru Burntsun gave birth to one cub. She was named Eliza.

- Buffy completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Crimsonglare.

- Serafiina began her training as a huntress.

- Dreambound completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Tulippath.

- Rosebud completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Mistbloom.

- Nalah Silentstalk passed away due to old age.

- Maddox Dawnglimmer passed away due to old age.

- Ilona completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Horsemane.

- Serafiina completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Blueshimmer.

- Eliza completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Cinderglimmer.

- Aleela Hyenahowl passed away due to old age.

- Chief Huntress Adiah Sandfang passed away due to old age.

- Chinira Sharpclaw passed away due to old age.

- Nuru Burntsun passed away due to old age.

- Sanura Emberspark passed away due to old age.

- Solstice was chosen as the Priest Apprentice.

- Sadie completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Fatespeaker.

- Logan completed his Rite of Passage and earned the name Whiteclaw.

- The cub Hecate was found wandering alone in the pride’s territory and was taken in by Sadie Fatespeaker.

- Buffy Crimsonglare gave birth to one cub. She was named Ariadne.

- Tabia, Blauestorm passed away due to old age.

- High Priestess Lumiel Shimmershadow passed away due to old age. Priest Apprentice Solstice Moonmist took over her position.

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)

History

High Pries Solstice Moonmist’s Reign

- Hecate completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Raingloom.

- Ariadne completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Slatewhisker.

- Lehsunia completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Dawncatcher.

- Medea completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Splintershadow.

- Felicia completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Flamespark.

- Isadora completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Darkstone.

- Bastet Braveheart passed away due to old age.

- Ylva Moonwatcher passed away due to old age.

- Yuna Moonstorm passed away due to old age.

- Vengeance Bloodshimmer passed away due to old age.

- Executioner Amari Dragontalon passed away due to old age.

- High Priest Solstice Moonmist chose Sylvaine Stripefur as the next Executioner.

- High Priest Solstice Moonmist chose Pandora as the next Priest Apprentice.

- Sadie Fatespeaker gave birth to one cub. The cub was named Flora.

- Hester Heronwing passed away due to old age.

- Jaynie Dreamhunter passed away due to old age.

- Crawford started his training as a scout.

- Kassandra started her training as a huntress.

- Flora began her training as a huntress.

- Crawford completed his Rite of Passage and earned the name Ravenfall.

- Chief Huntress Ezra Nightgleam passed away due to old age. Medea Splintershadow has been chosen as the new Chief Huntress.

- Chief Huntress Medea Splintershadow gave birth to one cub. The cub was named Maura.

- Kassandra completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Fossilpelt.

- Buffy Crimsonglare passed away due to old age.

- Flora completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Berrygleam.

- Maura started her training as a huntress.

- High Priest Solstice Moonmist was killed by a rogue lion. Priest Apprentice Pandora Nightspark took over as the next High Priest.

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)

History

High Priestess Pandora Nightspark’s Reign

- Ophelia Storyteller passed away due to old age.

- Rosebud Mistbloom passed due to old age.

- Dreambound Tulippath passed away due to old age.

- Serafiina Blueshimmer passed away due to old age.

- The cub Samantha was found near the border and taken in.

- Maura completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Moonheart.

- Samantha began her training as a huntress.

- Melanie joined the pride as a huntress.

- The sisters Everleigh and Tamara joined the pride as apprentices.

- Ilona Horsemane passed away due to old age.

- Melanie completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Whitepaw.

- Everleigh completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Morningglimmer.

- Tamara completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Midnightdusk.

- The cub Dorothea was found near the borders and taken in by the pride.

- Eliza Cinderglimmer passed away due to old age.

- Blythe Charcoalglimmer gave birth to one cub. She was named Giselle.

- The cub Isabel was near the borders and taken in by the pride.

- Isabel started her training as a huntress.

- Dorothea started her training as a huntress.

- Melanie Whitepaw gave birth to two cubs. They were named Amelia and Kalliope.

- Samantha completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Duneshine.

- Sadie Fatespeaker passed away due to old age.

- Isabel completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Goldflame.

- Amelia and Kalliope started their training.

- Logan Whiteclaw passed away due to old age.

- Dorothea completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Sunriseglimmer.

- The cub Ellen was found near the border and taken in by the pride.

- Lúcia Brightheart gave birth to one cub. She was named Valorie.

- Tamara Midnightdusk gave birth to one cub. He was named Bran.

- Giselle completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Eveningfall.

- Hecate Raingloom passed away due to old age.

- Fay joined the pride as a Protector.

- Ray completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Blazespeckle

- Lúcia Brightheart passed away due to old age.

- Amelia completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Slatedapple.

- Kalliope completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Quietsong.

- Wenet joined the pride as a huntress.

- Wenet completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Rabbitpounce.

- Ellen completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Raintrickle.

- Karina joined the pride as a huntress.

- Karina completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Goldshine.

- Ida joined the pride as a huntress.

- Ida completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Crystalglaze.

- Ariadne Slatewhisker passed away due to old age.

- Executioner Sylvaine Stripefur passed away due to old age.

- Samantha Duneshine has been promoted to Executioner.

- Bran completed his Rite of Passage and earned the name Fogwhisker.

- Valorie has completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Lightrun.

- Christie joined the pride as an apprentice.

- The cub Astraea was found near the border and taken in by the pride.

- Elisaveta completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Darkfur.

- Dakota joined the pride as an apprentice.

- Christie completed their Rite of Passage and earned the name Paleblotch.

- Astraea was announced as the next High Priest.

- Samira joined the pride as a huntress.

- Samira completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Nightspots.

- Jezebel joined the pride as a huntress.

- Samira Nightspots gave birth to one cub. She was named Sarai.

- Jezebel completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Whiteglow.

- Casey completed their Rite of Passage and earned the name Dustpelt.

- Dakota completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Honeyspeckle.

- Lehsunia Dawncatcher passed way due to old age.

- Anastasia joined the pride as a huntress.

- Dakota Honeyspeckle gave birth to one cub. She was named Michaela.

- Anastasia completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Crimsonwhisker.

- Anastasia Crimsonwhisker gave birth to one cub. She was named Lulu.

- The sisters Esmeralda and Millie joined the pride as huntresses.

- The cub Alexis was found near the border and taken in by the pride.

- Esmeralda completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Smokeshimmer.

- Millie completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Cobwebwhisker.

- Priest Apprentice Astraea completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Bloodmoon.

- Sarai began her apprenticeship.

- Alexis began her apprenticeship.

- Michaela began her apprenticeship.

- Lulu began her apprenticeship.

- Felicia Flamespark passed away due to old age.

- Sarai completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Ashspots.

- Alexis completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Emberflicker.

- Michaela completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Moonspark.

- Melanie Whitepaw retired from her position as a huntress and is now an elder.

- Lulu completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Sandpelt.

- High Priestess Pandora Nightspark passed away due to old age. Priest Apprentice Astraea Bloodmoon took over as the new High Priest.

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)

History

High Priestess Astraea Bloodmoon’s Reign

- Millie Cobwebwhisker gave birth to one cub. She was named Priscilla.

- The cub May was found near the border and taken in by the pride.

- Chief Huntress Medea Splintershadow passed away due to old age.

- May began her apprenticeship.

- Priscilla began her apprenticeship.

- Kalliope Quietsong has been promoted to Chief Huntress.

- May began her apprenticeship.

- Priscilla began her apprenticeship

- Isadora Darkstone retired from her position as a huntress and is now an elder.

- Melanie Whitepaw passed away due to old age.

- May completed her Rite of Passage and earned the name Swiftfang.

- Isadora Darkstone passed away due to old age.

- Blythe Charcoalglimmer passed away due to old age.

Free HTML by Blondie (#372196) | HTML format by Pun (#139)