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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2016 2:38:32 GMT -5
Crocuta Crocuta, aka, the spotted hyena. It is a formidable predator of Sub-Saharan Africa; with jaws that can crush the bones of large animals, a complex social structure, and a highly intelligent brain, it's no wonder that many fear this apex predator.
Perhaps, even admire?
This is a Clan of what-ifs; what if cats could not only live alongside these animals, but learn from them, live like them, BE like them?
Many things differ from them and their namesake, such as their inability to run down large game or strike fear into the hearts of man. They do, however, have the heart and soul of the spotted hyena, one of Tanzania's top carnivores.
They are... HyenaClan.
Hey there, my name is Darth Vader, and welcome to my Clan, HyenaClan! I thought it would be interesting to set up a Tanzania-based Clan that functions similar to the social structures of spotted hyenas. They are incredibly fascinating animals, and after adjusting some aspects of their hierarchy, I think I have come up with a unique roleplay environment that encourages character development and improving roleplay skills.
Most of what you see here is a field guide of sorts, and definitely isn't required reading. Poke through at your own pace, and feel free to post or pm me any questions or concerns and I'll be sure to address them right away. I hope you'll end up joining us!
 Directory
1. The Basics - Introductory Statement, Directory, Links, and Credit
2. About HyenaClan - Clan Characteristics, Culture, and History
3. Knowing the Land - Territory, Camp, Predator/Prey
4. Rules, Character Guidelines, Reserved Prefixes, and Joining Form
5. The Newspaper - IRL News, Current Plot and Weather Conditions
6. Member Roster and Inter-Clan Relationships
7. Allegiances - Leader, Sentinel, Medicine Cat, and Medicine Cat Apprentice
8. Allegiences - Praetorians and Warriors
9. Allegiances - Apprentices
10. Allegiances - Queens, Kits, and Elders
11. Allegiances - Cats Outside Clans, Deceased Cats
Helpful Links  Credit Banner Image Source - It has been labeled for reuse, but I am happy to take it down if need be. The editing of the photo itself was done by me.
Layout and colour scheme by me. I used Gengar's BBCode Guide to practice and help build this layout, so I believe it deserves a mention.
Hyena skull and paw pixels by me. Free for reuse, just ask (though I don't know why anyone else would need a spotted hyena skull pixel, ahah.)!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2016 2:42:02 GMT -5
Clan Characteristics
HyenaClan cats have short, coarse fur to help keep cool and to keep parasites at bay. It also helps to keep the pelt dry during the rainy season, when their environment is constantly wet. Pelt colours vary greatly, but as a general rule, browns, gingers/reds, and golden pelts tend to be most common, as they do the best job at keeping the cat camouflaged from prey and predators. Tortoiseshell, dark greys, and blacks are a tad uncommon, but still can show up a fair bit. Light greys and calicos are rare, with pure white fur being nearly obliterated from the gene pool, as it stands out too much in the African bush. As for patterns, anything from tabby, to dapples, to solid colour pelts are dispersed throughout the Clan.
Mollies are typically smaller than toms, with non-binary warriors found anywhere in between. Various builds are found in HyenaClan, ranging from bulky and barrel-chested to lithe and slender.
HyenaClan cats share a lot in common with their namesake, but probably the most striking similarity is their personalities and temperaments.
All genders and sexualities are welcomed in HyenaClan- in-Clan discrimination is non-existent, and it isn't uncommon for cats of various orientation or identity to reach positions of power.
Culture
Clan Culture Here
Ranks HyenaClan functions in a pseudo-dominance hierarchy, in which the most dominant cats preside over the others. Senior warriors usually outrank younger warriors, and them apprentices. Most of the ranks have stayed the same as traditional clans, with some flavour text as to how they operate under the clan's hierarchy.
Matriarch - Often a former senior warrior, the leader is the dominant cat of the Clan. They lead the Clan until their death, retirement, or upheaval, in which the role is passed onto their second-in-command, their Sentinel. The leader relies heavily on their majordomo to keep their command in check, and must reassure the Clan often of their presiding dominance. as per spotted hyena society, the Matriarch must identify as female.
Majordomo - What this Clan calls a deputy, the majordomo inherits control of the Clan after the current leader passes away, or otherwise. The majordomo assigns cats to patrols, leads raiding parties, and exercises their dominance under the leader.
Sentinel -
Healer -
Warriors - The backbone of the Clan, the warriors do most of the
Apprentices -
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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2016 2:50:02 GMT -5
Territory
Clan Territory Here
Camp
The camp is located in a sheltered den that was previously dug out by warthogs, then used by a long gone spotted hyena clan to rear their cubs. If one focuses hard enough, you can still pick up their scent. The den itself is dug into a large hill with a twisted acacia woodland sprouting from it. Because of this, the entrances are framed by tree roots and serve as both extra protection and places to store items, such as herbs and trinkets. It is a network of underground burrows that lead underground, protecting the Clan from predators and weather alike. This also keeps the cats out of reach of parasites and prevents their fresh-kill from going rancid as quickly. There are various entrances, allowing the Clan to enter and exit multiple different ways.
There are more plenty of dens to house the various ranks of HyenaClan, enough so that the leader, higher ranking members and groups of close-knit friends often choose a smaller den to nest in rather than the main tunnels. However, the majority of the Clan sleep in the burrows of their rank, some of which can house thirty or more cats.
The Medicine Den is quite special, as an acacia tree has sunken into the earth, offering special nesting areas for sick cats and a place to store herbs. Holes in the bark and earth allow sunlight to peek through, keeping the den bright enough to work during the day, and giving it an eerie glow when the moon is full.
The Nursery and Elder's den are located furthest away from the burrow entrances, to offer extra protection from the elements and any predators. Kits are rarely allowed to leave the protection of the den, as animals such as baboons or birds of prey will snatch them up. Elders are respected members of the Clan and thus given the freedom to do as they wish in regards to leaving the burrows, but it is advised that they do not go far without an able-bodied warrior to protect them.
Fauna
Lions - Large felines that live in prides. Lionesses are are a bigger threat than males, as they do the hunting and cub-rearing. Where there is one lioness, there are usually more.
Painted Dogs - Also known as African Wild Dogs, these canines live in packs of up to thirty members, and are easily able to outnumber and swarm an unsuspecting cat.
Cheetah - Although very fast, most cheetahs can be warded off with a loud threat display, as they are very nervous animals.
Leopard - Extremely dangerous solitary felines. They are incredibly strong in the trees, in water, or on land. Run, and pray it doesn't find you.
Crocodile - A large reptile that thrives near any water source. Often preys on members of the Clan when they go to drink. Usually results in death, or crippling injuries.
Baboons - While they may seem like bumbling primates, the many species of baboon that surround HyenaClan are fast, territorial, and intelligent. Their occasional craving for meat can result in stolen apprentices or smaller warriors.
Hippopotamus - While hippos do not feed on the Clan, they are very aggressive animals and will go out of their way to trample of maim any warrior's in their path. Avoid at all costs.
Herbs
Gum Arabic - Used to treat bacterial and fungal infections of the skin, ears, and mouth. Also soothes the upset stomach and inflamed skin.
Bitter Aloe - soothes inflammation and infection of the eyes and skin.
Rooibos - When administered to a kit, cures the chronic restlessness, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Many kits have been nurtured with rooibos- either added to their milk or given as a weak brew.
Centella - This herb encourages the healing of wounds and prevents infection.
Honeybush - A concoction of honeybush is used as a restorative and also increases the appetite after periods of stress.
Devil's Claw - The ultimate herb; treats allergies, blood infections, kit birth difficulties, fever, headache, indigestion, migraines, sores, skin infections, and is also used as a sedative. Quite rare, so limited use is advised.
Umckaloabo - Used to treat acute respiratory infections and diseases.
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