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Post by ϞSymreeϞ on Jun 30, 2010 14:07:02 GMT -5
The Gwyverth Tribe ~ "Ghost Unicorns"
Often referred to as "Ghost Unicorns", these unicorns and pegasi keep to themselves, and are well known for their strange tattoos and their ability to materialize from seemingly nowhere. What most outsiders never get to see is the vast network of tunnels that runs beneath their section of the southern forest. These were slowly created by the springtime floods that turned the underground rock tunnels into treacherous caverns of roaring water and foaming death. The tunnels open up into the swampland in the southwest corner of their territory, home to swamp cats, alligators, snakes, and other dangers. However, it also borders Sunthara’s eastern edge, so it has its benefits.
Social Hierarchy
~ Council of Elders & The Royal Family ~
The Gwyverth Tribe highest ranked members are the Elders council, and the Royal Family. They lead and guide the tribe in all political and spiritual matters. Often they are consulted in important decisions.
~ War Leaders & Heroes ~
Those who have fought well and bravely, and those who have led others to successful outcomes are given deference in many of the important decisions of tribe, especially in military matters. The Council will pick advisers from these equines to consult the King or Queen in best how to keep the Tribe safe.
~ The Complexities of Social Standing ~
The rest of the tribe has an unspoken but known rank based on heritage, past acts, and the tattoos bestowed by the elders. Unfavored equines will be ostracized, but some prefer it that way.
Spiritual and Political Leaders
~ The Royal Family ~
They lead the Tribe into battle, and act as the political head of the tribe. They are autonomous except for overruling by the Council, but tend to be very good at delegation and diplomacy.
~ The Council of Elders ~
The Council never drops below five or goes above ten members. For a new elder to be accepted, all members must agree to the change. The Council decides when an equine will receive a tattoo, and which tattoo it will be. These tattoos signify important events in their life, or accomplishments. They can also demote someone, for a treachery or other cowardly deed. There is a variety of small tattoos, but renowned ones are given only with the greatest deliberation. Once an equine receives a tattoo, there is no removing it. An equine is viewed as the sum of all their tattoos, not just the good or the bad.
Ethical, Moral, and Spiritual Beliefs
In the arts of magic and of consultation the Gwyverth turn to their council of elders to advise them. The council oversees the royal family, and can remove members from power if it sees fit. Any equine the Council wishes to bestow with the ruling title must be of the Lanthr line, descended from the great king himself. When necessity dictates, they are led by their royal family into war, but this tribe tends to avoid confrontation. They are for the most part a reclusive group, hidden from prying eyes and curious outsiders.
They have a very strong sense of fate, or vyrdia, as they call it. Much of their culture is centered around the belief that everyone has a destiny, and that someone's past choices and events define them. It is this belief that while the past can shape the future, the future also defines you. The Gwyverth seek to present that defining knowledge in the form of tattoos, bestowed upon equines by their life experiences. Tattoos are never given by belief; they are only received once important life events occur. Tribal acceptance: tattoos of life.
Traditions and Rituals
They hold their ceremonies once a month at night, during the light of Lumara, the silver moon. To them, it is the moon of peace and of prosperity. The announcement of any to receive new tattoos was on the first night of the full moon, and the tattoos were completed over the next several days. The equine in question is secluded while the tattoos are being done, and a tattoo is considered tainted if it is not finished by the last night of the full moon. During the second night, paring are made and separations are announced. On the third night those who died in the past month are honored and mourned. On the last night of the full moon equines with new tattoos are revealed and celebrated. If a new leader is chosen, this is the night he or she would take command.
Tattoos of the Tribe
Language Specific to the Gwyverth Tribe
Particular Characteristics
Forest breeds do best here, and the Gwyverth tend to be of shorter stature or longer legs. They are often lithe and fleet-footed, easily able to weave through trees and among the many obstacles the forest presents.
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