Post by Eztli on Feb 6, 2008 15:18:29 GMT -5
Tlaloc is based off the three ancient cultures of the Mayans, the Incas and the Aztecs, forming a blended culture of its very own. There are many notable rituals and behaviors within the pack that each member must be well aware of. Ceremonies are a large part of the Tlaloc culture, along with their warriors, and shamans.
Eztli, being a Demi-God, feels the need to pay her respects for her existence, her homage always for the Gods that created her. Each member varies in their outward show of appreciation for their Gods, but it can be said that each member does believe in these greater beings. How they show their respect is of their own decision though, of course.
Each member however, does participate in the regular ceremonies that take place. These ceremonies are important to each individual member, and very important to the beliefs of the pack as a whole.
Ceremonies:
Tlaloc is broken into four main branches. Members are placed under these branches based mostly on their personalities, though on some occasions Eztli will allow a member to make a request of which branch to be put in. These four categories are labeled 'Shaman,' 'Warrior,' 'Healer,' or 'Proletarian' (basically the 'working class' within the pack).
[[Please keep in mind that this thread is subject to change. Additions can, and most likely will be made.]]
Eztli, being a Demi-God, feels the need to pay her respects for her existence, her homage always for the Gods that created her. Each member varies in their outward show of appreciation for their Gods, but it can be said that each member does believe in these greater beings. How they show their respect is of their own decision though, of course.
Each member however, does participate in the regular ceremonies that take place. These ceremonies are important to each individual member, and very important to the beliefs of the pack as a whole.
Ceremonies:
- Acceptance -- This is a ritual that takes place most often within the Tlaloc packlands. Every time they accumulate five individuals seeking acceptance into the pack, this ceremony is held. These members are adorned with various piercings, paints and 'accessories' that mark them as Tlaloc members. Participants of each ceremony are required to swear allegiance and loyalty to Tlaloc and Eztli. This also will take place when a litter of pups has come of age at 6 months old. For all members, this is when they receive their placement among the pack for their upcoming tutelage (warrior, shaman, healer, etc).
- Apprenticeship -- This ritual is saved for those who have lived within the pack for a span of 6 months (for pups, it is when they've reached a year of age). Here is where their skills in their line of expertise is put to the test, and they are assigned (either singularly, or as a group) to a single, more adept teacher. These teachers each have their own strengths in their line of 'work' and will teach those that carry the same interests and traits, more advanced branches of all that they know.
- Funerary -- When a member of the pack passes away or is killed, regardless of their rank, their bodies are treated with respect. If it is possible, the body is carried by family, friends or those wishing to pay their respects, and brought to the 'Funerary Stone' atop Khuno. The ceremony is held as a means of both honoring and mourning the passed. At the end of the ceremony, Eztli calls upon their gods to show one last respect to the deceased, bringing down lightning upon the stone, ultimately cremating the body.
Tlaloc is broken into four main branches. Members are placed under these branches based mostly on their personalities, though on some occasions Eztli will allow a member to make a request of which branch to be put in. These four categories are labeled 'Shaman,' 'Warrior,' 'Healer,' or 'Proletarian' (basically the 'working class' within the pack).
- Proletarians -- This class is by far the most common for members to be placed into. It houses the general populous, and branches out itself into various different titles. Hunters, Gatherers, Pupsitters, Sentries, Scouts, Messengers, and also the very few who may some day branch off into smaller packs under Eztli's rule, make up this branch.
- Warriors -- This class is quite common as well, though Eztli is rather picky about who she places within these ranks. The Warrior branch is set up in a military-esque fashion, starting with soldier and moving upward until it reaches the rank 'War Chief,' who commands the entire ranking system, answering only to Eztli and her Cheveyo.
- Healers -- With a pack with a high percentage of warriors, healers are needed, despite times of peace. Of course, each healer has their own technique and their own areas of expertise, so this is a rather variated group. However, despite their smaller numbers, these Healers are highly respected and tend to every member of the pack, even Eztli herself.
- Shaman -- This is the most exclusive branch to be sorted into. Though Shamans are a huge part of Tlaloc's culture, there are very few of them. Only three Upper Shaman reside in the pack, and each one is only able to take on one Apprentice at a time, each apprenticeship lasting several years sometimes. Their time is dedicated to the gods, the ceremonies and rituals, and everything tied to them as well.
[[Please keep in mind that this thread is subject to change. Additions can, and most likely will be made.]]