Riverdawn
Riverdawn is a mysterious and different pack of Wild-Born Dogs. They are usually native Egyptian dogs Breeds or Mutts (Pharaoh Hound, Baladi Street Dog, Basenji, etc). They live on an unending border along the Nile, in Egypt.
Ranks
Oni
The respected holy leader of River. Said to the pup of Zitsos, The Sun God. No matter their previous name, they are given the name of Akhena.
Shaman
The holy interpreter of the Gods. Very religious, and said to be the only one, except the Oni and Moonhowlers, to be able to talk to the Gods. They are also both a teacher and co-leader.
Silentfoot
These are both Healers, protectors, very religious and also so-called 'spies' by other dogs and wolves. They make sure that rules are followed, and that everything is working as it should. Can definitely be considered the Shamans other Paws. They patrol the surroundings and borders of the packs territory and carries messages throughout the pack.
Titan
Hunters and protectors/fighters of the Pack. They work on feeding the pack and defending them under attack of other predators. Majority are usually Male.
Carriers
They make sure the camp is stable and clean, and makes sure that future generations carry on whilst they also take care of elders. They are mothers, teachers and caretakers, and refer to each others as 'Sisters' Only Non-Male dogs and wolves of the packs can be carriers.
Moonhowler
The Pups of Amriel, the Goddess of Moon. All of these dogs and wolves are blue-eyed and are considered to be given to the night. They Raise the Moon every night by howling beautifully to wake up Amriel. The only night they do not have to raise the moon is once a Month, when Amriel is away with Zistos, her mate.
Smalltooths
Dogs/Wolves between 6-15 months in training
Pups
Dogs and wolves between 0-6 months old
Elder
The older, retired or disabled dogs/wolves of the pack.
Religion
The wolves of Riverdawn believe in higher power Gods known as Amriel (Moon Goddess) and Zistos (Sun God.) When born the dogs of Riverdawn are called, if born with Blue eyes, a Son/Daughter of Amriel. The Oni and its kin is called Sons/Daughters of Zistos
Riverdawn is very religious and very much worships their two Gods. Higher positions (Oni, Shaman, and Moonhowlers) are greatly and deeply respected and always bowed for.
Riverdawn has been blessed with the territory along the left side of the Nile. They have never had a problem with any other dogs or creatures and their Gods keep them from the harmful hands of Humans
Good to Know Facts!
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Riverdawn believes in being calm and conceiving. It isn't often they start a fight with others
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Riverdawn NEVER talks about the past. They believe in looking forward, therefor nobody knows about their history.
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Riverdawn always has a celebration for something, they love to party and eat.
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The Oni's Mate usually takes care of marriages, births, and things that would be 'under' the Oni.
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Past ancient Blue-eyed Dogs' long ago, used to be able to leave during the day, be able to mates with anyone that so desired, and had the option not to be Moonhowler. However, a past Oni's decision took away these rights, with the god's approval.
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The five seasons that Riverdawn follows are, Nightrich: when the nights get longer but become deathly freezing at times, Riverhigh: when the rain pours down from the sky with no apparent end. The river banks become flooded over and dogs risk being drowned, Highheat: when the days become extremely hot by Zistos' anger and the nights become more bearable than the day to walk through, Moasine: when the days and nights are neither burning nor freezing, but balanced, Serapis: named after a past ancient shaman, its when the desert slowly transition into another season.
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Most of Riverdawn knows how to swim, and they usually teach pups when they're young. This is in case of a mass flooding near the Nile.
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The Hills of Death is where Riverdawn buries their dead.
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The Cave of Zistos is where the Oni sits in a vigil on their first day of becoming a leader.
Akhena, Oni
she/her
Akhena is a big worry-wart and pushover, but don't let that fool you! She is an amazing leader, open-minded, and empathetic, which is a rarity in Riverdawn. She makes sure that all of her pack's needs are met!
"To be announced."
Iqdam, Mate of the Oni
he/she
Iqdam is the near opposite of his mate. He is calm and strict, and he helps rule Riverdawn with an iron paw. Iqdam only wants what's best for the pack and will do anything for that to be.
"Riverdawn is our home, land, or pride and we must nurture and protect it. Only Zistos knows what will happen if we don't."
OPEN, High Shaman
prn/prn
...
Current High-Ranks
List of Lower Shamans
Silvanus, He/They
name, pronoun/pronoun
List of Moonhowlers
Urocis, he/him
Nawal, she/they
List of Silentfoots
Savannah, she/her
name, pronoun/pronoun
Holidays of Riverdawn
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Full Moon: The pack celebrates to thank the gods for keeping the pack safe from harm. Shamans and shamans in training and moonhowlers leave camp at moonrise to go Amriel's Hill to pray and howl, respectively.
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Marriages/Mate ceremonies: Will always start during sunrise, and the couple(s) must receive the support of the Oni's mate and High Shaman. The dogs getting married will be cleaned and have accessories (leaves, flowers, natural paints, etc) put on them before dawn by their respective families. The ceremony will be held by an elder of one of the dog's families or Oni's mate.
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Oni Coronation: When a new Oni is appointed, the pack prepares a large feast of prey for the next day, while the Oni travels to the Cave of Zistos. He must not eat any food during the travel, the resting period, or the travel back. (Water is allowed) (If Oni does not return back the next day, a new Oni is appointed.) When the Oni returns, the pack celebrates!
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Birth of Oni's pups: When the puppies of a current Oni are born, every (adult) dog brings the pups gifts. Which can range from shiny things to rare foods.
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Celebration of Seasons:
During Serapis, the pack washes in the Nile, in order to wash away and forget their past and start anew. The pack has painting games for elders, carriers, and pups where they paint each other and the rocks. While older smalltooths, titans, and silentfoots have hunting games in which they see who can catch the most prey. Smalltooths and pups make wishes to the river at the end of the celebration.
During Nightrich, there is a celebration called the longest night in which the pack huddles around each other, tell stories, gossip, and eat till moonhigh. This is the only time when dogs other than Moonhowlers can be out at night. (It is also common for younger dogs to confess their love to another during this night.)
During Highheat,
During Moasine,
During Riverhigh,
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Death of a Shaman:
When a Shaman dies, all of the other Shamans and Shamans in training must sit in vigil at the burial sight till nightfall. After nightfall, a senior Moonhowler will howl for their spirit to be one with the gods.
When a senior Shaman dies, all High ranks must sit in vigil till nightfall, and the next senior Shaman will be appointed by Oni. (It is also possible for the next senior Shaman to be chosen by the current before death.)
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Smalltooth's Graduation: TBA
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The Great Omen: TBA
Akhena, Founder
he/him
Akhena the first is a headstrong dog that often neglects his own personal needs for the sake of his pack. Despite his terrible humor and stubbornness, he helps bring Riverdawn to their permanent home by the Nile.
Masaharta, The First Shaman
she/they
Masaharta is toughest and roughest dog ever is what anyone who has met her would say. However the dogs closest to her would say that she may be too tough on herself. This is constantly working on figuring out any puzzles or omens that comes her way.
Lah, The First Moonhowler
she/her