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Post by Akante on Jan 31, 2012 19:00:53 GMT -5
In the depths of the Marshlands lurk creatures with an oddly sophisticated feral nature. With the hopes and pushy aspirations to extend their influence as far as they can, reaping the benefits where possible, the beasts of El Dorado will not tolerate anyone denying them what they see as rightfully theirs. All of the seven deadly sins make themselves at home here, where greed and desire drive the pack forwards.
The main focus for every member of El Dorado is to not only pull their weight, but to be able to provide a unique contribution to the pack. The ultimate goal is to become immortal as a "Legend". Legends never die - their names live on for eternity because of what they contributed. Only the best of the best can make such an impact, and so it is only right that everyone should want this. Everyone must work hard for the pack, for themselves, and for each other to make El Dorado become something that everyone else wishes they were. If this group is ever going to flourish, it obviously needs something that no one else has. If someone else does have it, well then we'll just take it. In order to establish this unique atmosphere, this mindset must be adopted by each of the members.
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Post by Akante on Jan 31, 2012 19:01:10 GMT -5
These laws are set out for you, the roleplayer, to follow.
If you fail to comply, don't be surprised to see IC consequences occur.
As always, if there are any issues, please bring them up to me.
i. OOC =/= IC. This is my biggest pet peeve. I don't care if Sue is your mortal enemy OOCly, you had better behave civilly and keep all OOC matters OOC. If I see any OOC dragged into IC, you can be sure I will interfere right away and punish you. This also means that you cannot have your characters gain knowledge that they would not have obtained ICly. For example, just because you saw a roleplay where Fred and Molly did this, unless your character was in that roleplay, you couldn't know what had happened there without hearing it from someone who was there. Also, if you see any of this happening, please notify me. I will not tolerate immaturity like this.
ii. No begging/whining/etc. All ranks, privelages, and rewards are to be earned. I do not hand out anything on a whim, and will certainly not do so to those who resort to this method. Coming up to me with suggestions or questions pertaining to a rank and how to earn it is fine, but don't come to me demanding a rank because you feel like it. Be courteous.
iii. If you have real life conflicts that are keeping you from the forum, please notify me. Because if you suddenly disappear and miss a couple of activity checks, I won't know not to take your character off the ranks or something. I like to be kept up to date, please and thanks~
iv. As a pack leader, I see it as my right to be notified of any major plots that will occur within my pack. As always, pups should be run through me. An invasion? You bet I want to be notified prior to it happening. Will I stop the invasion? No, but I will like to get things straightened out beforehand, not to mention it's common courtesy. Basically, just let me in the loop, guys. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
v. I expect literacy in your roleplay posts. This means no less than 2 paragraphs. I will enforce this as strictly as I can, mostly because otherwise a domino effect will take over, and I don't want that to happen. I understand a short post once in a while, but please pick it up, guys~
vi. this list is subject to updates~
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Post by Akante on Jan 31, 2012 19:01:24 GMT -5
These laws are set out for the characters to follow.
If you fail to comply, don't be surprised to see IC consequences occur.
As always, if there are any issues, please bring them up to me.
i. El Dorado is a No Consent pack. However, we do not thrill-kill, but rest assured that if your character breaks a rule or misbehaves, s/he is subject to punishment. All fights, invasions, etc are No Consent.
- - What is No Consent? No Consent simply means that other people don't need your permission to go for a kill shot on your character.
ii. Interested in challenging us for territory? Well then, our desired terms are that you'll fight all leaders of the pack, whether that be just the Captain or the Quarter Master as well. We don't mind you having the same amount of fighters, though don't bother trying to have move than us - we will contest it. We fight with No Consent.
iii. Activity. Here we expect you to be able to pull your weight in the ranks. You should be able to post no less than one post a month, and that's extremely lenient. If you're ranked in the Bow or higher, you should be posting no less than two to three posts a month. If you want to keep the rank your in, you should prove to your leaders that you're capable of maintaining responsibilities. However, if you have real life issues that are conflicting with your activity, don't hesitate to let me know.
iv. Respect. This really shouldn't have to be said, but some people need it printed in black and white. Your character should always show respect to anyone of a higher ranking or a higher status. Be sure to be able to recognize someone of more "importance" when you see them (ie if they have vertebrae tattoos, lots of accessories, or are in a higher rank). Incompetence is not tolerated, and if one of the higher-ranked think you're acting out of place, they have the right to set you straight.
v. No mating without permission. Period. El Dorado only allows a select few to mate each season, and if you're not on that list you'd better watch out. Exceptions may be given, yet even those must obtain permission and have good reasons.
- - Rape? Rape is only punishable if the assailant is turned in by the victim and convicted. However, the victim may be shushed/bribed if her assailant has enough influence over her. If the victim does not come forward by the time her pups are born, then it's too bad, so sad.
vi. Puppies. Aww, they're so cute... not really. It's a dog-eat-dog world out there, and so El Dorado expects your pup(s) to be able to stand its own. If you have a high enough rank/worth, you can hand your pup(s) over to a Steward/Stewardess of the pack to be tended to... for a price. If it is obvious that you are struggling balancing family work and pack work, rest assured the middle man (ie. the pups) will be cut out of the picture.
vii. Once you are in the pack, there is no leaving. The only members who are allowed to leave pack territory are the Captain, Quarter Master, Sailing Master and the Embassy. Everyone else must ask permission with a very good reason. If you attempt to leave the territory, you are treated as a traitor and are dead to the pack. Anyone has the right to interfere with your escape, and seeing as El Dorado is No Consent, they have the right to try and kill your character. This pack is full of treasures and secrets, and the thought of someone possibly leaving with these is dangerous.
- - Escapes: If you wish to try and escape, you MUST put "escape" somewhere in your roleplay title. The members of El Dorado have a week to respond to try and stop you. If they don't respond within that week, you're out. If they respond, however, each side has a four day deadline to respond, otherwise the side that posted last 'wins'.
viii. If you happen to trespass on our territory, you're subject to our reprimands. Chances are you will be enslaved, depending on who finds you. However, if you're doing something absurdly rude or rash, don't be surprised if our members want to teach you a good lesson in pain. HOWEVER, if you're looking to be enslaved, please just put "enslavement" somewhere in your title.
ix. El Dorado lives by the phrase "an eye for an eye". If you assault another member, and do not have a high enough rank or a purpose to justify your attack, you will be punished accordingly. The assaulted, if they choose, may give you the same wounds as you had given them. You ripped off an ear? They can do the same. You castrated them? Don't expect to have any children. Unless you have the rank, money, or permission to get out of the consequences, don't expect mercy.
x. Rank challenges are approved in this pack, but only when allowed (aka there may be bans set up every once in a while). One way to gain rank in this pack is simply working and being promoted. HOWEVER, there is an alternative. The challenger must confront the member whom they wish the challenge, and the sides will fight for the rank. If the Captain and Quarter Master think that a particular rank challenge is unnecessary, or they do not approve of the member challenging/the rank they're challenging for, they call interfere and either call off the fight, or bring in their Posse to fight for the member being challenged. Rank challenge fights last 3 weeks, or until one person gives up. The winner has a grace period afterwards for a month. IF you challenge the Captain or the Quarter Master, you will be fighting all who are willing to fight alongside them (be it through loyalty, bribery, or intimidation).
xi. This list is subject to updates~
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Post by Akante on Jan 31, 2012 19:01:42 GMT -5
Here are just some convenient facts about El Dorado that it would behoove you to know about.
As always, if there are any issues or questions, please bring them up to me.
i. El Dorado has its Homeland stationed in the Marshlands, whichever one of the territories it resides in, yet they will have several bases elsewhere. The pack will attempt to ally itself with as many other packs/prides/whatever as possible. If the alliances are made, then according to one of the terms, two wolves from El Dorado may live with each of the allies, with the purpose of learning the customs, traditions, and any dirty/potentially valuable information. There will be two, so one can be sent back to the Homeland to give information, and the other one can stay with the ally.
ii. The pack has a sort of mentorship program set up. It's strongly encouraged for a puppy/new member to be shoved into some line of work as soon as possible, to ensure that they aren't a deadweight that's holding the pack back. Everyone must work, and the earlier they start, the more respected they're bound to be.
iii. Posses. Since El Dorado doesn't have the best sense of 'justice', there's bound to be those that like to take advantage of this. Should one make himself appealing to others, he can gather his own 'Posse'. The maximum amount for someone's Posse is three, unless they're a member of the Captain's Deck, where there is no limit. The purpose of this Posse is backup for everyone involved inside of it. The members of a Posse, even if under the command of the Posse's originator, should be willing and able to support one another. Should someone in the Posse be bullied/attacked/accused, his Posse should be able to support and back him/her up. Also, if someone in the Posse wants to challenge for a higher rank, they don't have to fight for it by themself - their Posse can fight with them. This is also true for the member who's being challenged.
iv. Accessories and scars are a way to show your status and importance in the pack. The more accessories you have, the more you've accomplished. Accessories may be made by anyone, but they should be handed over to the higher rankees (primarily the Captain's Deck) to be distributed to those who earn it. Scars show your resilience and strength, but depending on where they are, they may show disgrace. Scars on the ankles, rear, and tail show incompetence and laziness. Once the ankles and rear are scarred, if you're still an ass and piss someone off, they then move to your tail. Each time you do something to royally tick someone off, you lose a bit of your tail. For short-tailed sabers... well, you're rather unlucky, aren't ya?
v. All species are allowed. As long as you can put yourself to work and prove yourself worthy to be in the pack~
vi. This list is subject to updates~
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Post by Akante on Jan 31, 2012 19:01:57 GMT -5
El Dorado occupies the northeastern corner of the marshlands, where the boggy terrain gradually elevates in rolling hills and slopes. The first thing any recruit will notice as they tread along the borders is the everlasting fog the creeps around the soil. Thicker towards the southern borders, this fog fails to relieve itself as it is generated by the humidity of the marshlands combined with the constant heat of the tar pits. The moist soil clings to this fog, pulling it towards the ground and carrying it further along the territory. When entering this portion of the packlands, only those gifted with flight can see past it all and into the heartland of El Dorado. Every other beast is are condemned to see no further than a good ten to fifteen yards ahead of them before the thick, dull-white wall fully sets in. Small plants, accompanied by a few sparse trees and shrubs, occupy the borders.
Further in, as the land slowly elevates above the bog, grass flourishes and welcomes various plants to accompany them. Tall trees, such as oaks, willows, and birch, grow more abundantly and stretch up towards the skies. Towards the northeastern corner of El Dorado, the canopies reach high enough - and are close enough - to provide thick shade during spring, summer, and autumn. The vegetation becomes thicker as you rise in elevation, where vines cling to trees and twist out to connect to another plant. These rich, various plants have no qualms about their heavy occupation, and make themselves quite at home in the territory.
Around the Gathering Grounds, a series of boulders and minor rocky drop-offs appear. They offer a sort of permanent stability in this forever-shifting territory.
Towards the south, there are also a patch of rather large tar pits. These boiling pits are sunk into the soggy ground, and the turf around it is dry, fragile, and crumbling. Molten, aged rocks surround the tar pits, and a wall of tall oak trees feed off the rich carbon dioxide and have built themselves up around these tar pits. Therefore, unless you break the barrier of trees, you're unlikely to see what occurs at these deadly pot holes.
WIP~
Map Color Guide;
yellow; the borders.
red; restricted area consisting of the tar pits and the area in between them.
black; sparring grounds.
royal blue; gathering grounds.
gold; human camps.
magenta; denning area.
pink dot; Captain's Deck's dens.
teal; mara's island.
Map Color Descriptions;
yellow; the borders should not be crossed by anyone, inside the pack or outside. Recruits are to wait along the borders, not past them. Trespassers are dealt with swiftly, and will either be enslaved or killed (though most likely enslaved). don't be surprised if you receive physical damage upon trespassing. anyone caught attempting to escape will obviously do so through the borders, and they will be dealt with even more savagely than if they were a mere intruder. the borders are to be maintained and guarded by the Watchmen and Sirens.
red; the tar pits are claimed by the Kraken. Here, you enter at your own risk. Those who dare to break past the barrier of trees, shrubs, and vines and caught in this area may find themselves face-to-face with the a beast. They were curious to find out what happens here, so now they're curiosity will be satisfied. Those allowed in the tar pits without repremand are as follows: Captain, Quarter Master, First Mates, Banshee, Kraken, & Legends.
black; any spars, executions, trials, rank challenges, brawls, etc should take place here. The terrain here is out in the open and is highly varied - perfect for practice.
royal blue; one of the highest points of El Dorado's territory, this enclosed open area is where are pack meetings will be held. Deep in the land, they are safe from invasions or skirmishes, and can proceed with important matters relatively peacefully. A large willow hangs over a sloping boulder, where the Captain will usually hoist herself upon to gather the attention of her subjects.
gold; this area is destined for the humans to make their camps. The land is level, drier, and has a bountiful amount of tall trees for added protection. Pack members are allowed here, but should not tamper with the humans' possessions, creations, etc without explicit reason or permission.
magenta; this is the most elevated point in El Dorado's land. A series of small dens are prepared here, and will be occupied during mating season. The Shark's den is also homed here. During the off-season, this land is open for anyone to roam about and occupy. However, once mating season begins, those who are not a part of the mated pairs are restricted from entering or approaching the dens.
pink dot; a large den, separated a bit from the main denning grounds, that is elevated off the ground. A series of rocks and boulders piled one on top of the other create a rather large cluster of rocks, covered by a small layer of soil. In between a few crevises of these rocks, the Captain has laid down a layer of dried grass, feathers, and straw to make a den specifically destined for the Captain and Quarter Master. First Mates may enter upon permission, but otherwise this den is completely off-limits.
teal; the island shared with our neighbors has been claimed by a shadowed beast within the pack, formerly known as Mara. He roams as he pleases here, and you have your best chance of running into him within his reign. Here, unless you have good reason/rank to back you up, you're subject to his demands and wishes.
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Post by Akante on Jan 31, 2012 19:02:16 GMT -5
The Voyage of El Dorado is a trial which every pup borne must undergo - there is no way around it and no excuses.
Failure here results in exile.
When each mating season's pups have reach the age of six months, after being raised and taught by their adoptive parents (with potential aid from the Stewards/esses) since the age of two months, they must undergo a trial. Just as each member of El Dorado has gone through an acceptance to prove their worth to the pack, so must the pups. Butching the idea that being born into a pack entitles membership, El Dorado needs to ensure that each and every single mouth they provide for must be able to provide something back - something tangible and irrefutable.
WIP~
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Post by Akante on Jan 31, 2012 19:02:30 GMT -5
There are many ways to gain favor within the pack, not necessarily by the alphas, but from anyone in general. One of these is to fulfill as many Tasks as you can. These are your way of contributing to the pack that is giving you a home, security, food, and a rank. The more you complete, the more you're rewarded. And if you slack off, you're obviously ripping off and scamming your own pack - a dangerous mistake. It's best to try and pull your weight and prove your worthy to your pack.
Here are some of the more common tasks that every member should be keen on fulfilling:
- First Task: Prove yourself to your recruiter. Should you succeed, your reward is becoming a part of the pack.
- Second Task: Prove yourself to a master. This is done by showing great strength and capability in a certain rank. Should you succeed, your reward is a rank.
+ the following Tasks may be achieved at any time, and may be acheived more than once +
- To The Bank: In order to prove yourself worthy to the pack's bank, you must offer up something tangible and valuable to increase the 'wealth/worth' of the pack. The reward will be a single trinket or accessory if your choice.
- To The Defense: To show your willingness to defend your pack and all it stands for, you must be willing to stand up in the case of a challenge for territory. Whether El Dorado is the target or the aggressor, your presence to back up your pack will be rewarded, whether or not you end up fighting. Showing up will be rewarded with either an accessory OR ten points towards your monetary worth. Showing up and fighting earns you an accessory AND fifteen points towards your monetary worth.
- To The Leaders: This is the ultimate task, where you have proven yourself fully loyal and reliable in the Captain's/Quarter Master's eyes. Who receives this and why is under the discretion of the Captain and Quarter Master. Should you succeed, your reward will be a vertebral tattoo along the back, and a distinguished trinket OR a favor from the alphas.
* you may only receive up to seven vertebral tattoos. by then, you will most likely have earned a status among the Legends.
The amount of Tasks one has completed may very well increase their social standing, even if they are of an unlikely rank. This is, however, up to the masses to decide, for their opinions are the ones in question.
* Masters of the Ranks are welcome to message me with any Tasks you have specifically for your rank.
* I am always open to new ideas for Tasks.
"The ultimate goal is to become immortal as a 'Legend'. Legends never die - their names live on for eternity because of what they contributed. Only the best of the best can make such an impact, and so it is only right that everyone should want this."
The ultimate goal in El Dorado is to become this Legend. Well, what is it?
A Legend is an elite rank, though not on the ranks list. Consider this a personal harem for each of the pack leaders. Anyone may become a Legend, regardless of what their current rank is in the pack, though this status is exclusively reserved for those who have fully proven themselves to the Captain and/or Quarter Master. In order to acheive this status, you must have at least one vertebral tattoo and one accessory. This is to show that you have not only proven yourself a valuable asset to your leaders, but to your pack as well.
It is the sole duty of a Legend to uphold the very idea that is El Dorado, and to carry out the will of their master. Anyone who has been deemed a Legend will have rights that overpower the limitations of rank. These rights are evenly weighed against the responsibilities, though, and should never be abused. If anyone of the Legend status is found to have betrayed their pack in any way, they are to be handed over to the Kraken, stripped of their Legend status, and demoted to Scallywag. The Kraken is to burn off any honorable tattoos via the tar pits, and may continue to torture its victim as it pleases.
The rights of the Legends are as follows:
i. They may breed with permission outside of the breeding season/selection.
ii. They have access to the Kraken as they see fit
iii. In relation to ii., they are allowed near the Black Wells
iv. They have the right to demote members, but may only promote with permission.
v. They have first dibs on adopting a pup.
vi. They may have as many accessories as they wish.
The Legends' Creed:
"I live for my (Captain and/or Quarter Master), and their desires overcome mine. My paws serve to carry out their will, and my tongue to speak of their words. Never shall I betray the honor bestowed onto me, and forever shall I endure to bring glory to my (Captain and/or Quarter Master)'s El Dorado."
WIP~
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Post by Akante on Jan 31, 2012 19:03:10 GMT -5
YOUTH in EL DORADO;
If you think about it, those who are born into El Dorado get the easy way in - they don't have to go through a grueling acceptance, prove their worth, preform any tests or tasks in order to gain membership into the pack. This doesn't seem right, does it? The Captain wants to make sure that every single being that takes up space, air, and food is entirely worth her time and effort. In order to make sure that the youth brought into the world via El Dorado is worthy of being one within the pack, there is a rather extensive process of initiation to make sure to weed out the useless, weak, and incompetent to make way for the strong, dependable, and prosperous. Every being that is born in El Dorado must pass through a series of stages, where each test the child to their full potential. If, at any of these stages, the child fails, s/he is extradited or tossed into the Tar Pits. End of story.
So, here we go~
Stage One; Biannual Mating Season
+ "When it comes to mating, there are only two pairs of members chosen to breed each mating season. These four individuals are supposed to be chosen for their promising attributes and achievements in their duties. However, those who rub the Captain and/or Quarter Master the right way may find themselves with a higher chance of being chosen."
In El Dorado, we always want to make sure we have the highest possibility of getting the best of the best in our realm. Recruitment aside, reproducing is our favored way of bringing in pure blood to the pack. But in order to ensure that we are, indeed, getting the 'best of the best', we need to breed those who have the highest probability of producing such offspring. Therefore, around the time of El Dorado's biannual mating season, the Captain and/or Quarter Master will assess who, from within the pack, has this potential. Two pairs will be chosen, and they will not have the right to deny the decision. Bribes and favoritism have been known to influence the Captain and/or Quarter Master's decision, so if you're keen on getting chosen, take a chance and try to rub your leader the right way. Once the couples are chosen, they may choose a den for themselves up in the denning area - no one else may occupy any of these dens throughout the duration of the mating season.
Stage Two; The Steward/ess
After two weeks, the offspring are separated from their parents and the dens are turned over to the Stewards and Stewardesses. These members are now the primary caregivers to the youth, and they will not only nurture and take care of the children, but they will also teach them. From this early age, it is the responsibility of the Steward/ess to bring up the Whelps with the mindset that the way of El Dorado is the correct and only way to live your life. The young minds must be molded properly during this time frame, so that the proper mentality is adopted and drilled in, ensuring the highest chance of success for the Whelp. If, at any time, a Whelp passes away, goes missing, or is killed during this stage, the Steward/ess taking care of it will not receive his/her due payment. And, depending on the child and the circumstances in which the death occurred, severe punishments may be in order.
Stage Three; Auction
At the age of three months, the Whelps are to be brought by their Stewards and Stewardesses to the pack gathering grounds for the big Auction. The Captain, Quarter Master, and/or First Mates oversee this event.
At this Auction, they are 'put on display', where pack members wanting to adopt one of the pups may walk in, examine, interview, test, etc. etc. the Whelps. As long as the members do not seriously injure or kill the Whelp, there is no set limit to what kind of tests they can give. However, the Captain, Quarter Master, or First Mates may step in and object/deny a test if they see it fit to. The whole point of this Auction is to find a member willing to teach a Whelp their own personal 'touch', in order to add some individuality and new perspective to their views on El Dorado. After having grown up with their fellow Whelps and their caregiver, it's about time that they saw the packlife through the teachings and methods and discipline of a new member. This also gives pack members an opportunity to show just how strong their loyalty is, that they'd use their spare time to ensure the pack's future.
After reviewing the Whelps to their content, the pack members may start bidding on them. The main currency they may offer with are the leather strips, though trinkets may also count (their worth is determined by the Auction overseer). If one has gained favoritism with the Captain or Quarter Master, said leader might end the Auction of a certain child early so that said member can have the Whelp. Otherwise, the Auction for each Whelp ends when the highest bid has been met, or when one of the overseers feels that it is necessary to end the Auction.
When a member has won a Whelp from the Auction, they are to pay their dues to the Captain and/or Quarter Master, who store the money to be used for... whatever. They may then take their prize - the Whelp - as their own, even renaming it if they feel the need to.
Stage Four; New Parents
The Whelps are obviously under a new guardianship, and this is a test of adaptability. After having grown used to the expectations of their original caregiver, they must now be able to adopt a possibly new lifestyle with their new parent. Sometimes they may be taught as apprentices, should their new guardian be in a working rank. Either way, the Whelps must adjust to keep on the rise, all the while learning and maintaining and succeeding in El Dorado's way of life.
Stage Five; The Voyage
As stated before, the Voyage is a test of skill, endurance, and wit for El Dorado's youth. This is the ultimate test for them to complete - and if they don't complete it, they're no longer considered a part of El Dorado. At this age, they are considered to be mature enough to not only be able to sustain themselves, but to be able to contribute something to the pack, as a whole. After all, this is the whole point of El Dorado - we do not wish to merely survive, we do not wish to merely excel, our goal is to become bigger, better, and of more worth than anything has been, is, or ever will be.
To summarize what the Voyage is, exactly, is this:
+ At the age of six months, the Whelps are literally ostracized - cast out of the pack and thrown into neutral lands to fend for themselves.
+ For five days, they are left here - possibly with a few Gunners hidden in the shadows to protect them from thieves, as well as to evaluate, assess, etc etc.
+ During these five days, the Whelps are expected to sustain themselves and fend for themselves against the unpredictable.
+ However, they are also expected to be on the lookout for ways that they can bring something back to the pack in order to prove their worth.
+ At the end of the five days, the Whelps are to return home (we might send someone out to find/fetch them) in a big ceremony.
+ BUT! In order to be allowed back into El Dorado, they must bring something tangible to offer to the pack. This offering must show the pack how you were not only able to fend for yourself, but also capable of providing something beneficial to the pack's wellbeing.
+ If you do not return with something, or if you bring something inadequate in the Captain and/or Quarter Master's eyes, you will not be allowed in. Period.
The point of the Voyage is to be the final 'weeding stage', where the useless, weak, and unworthy are finally picked out and tossed away to make room for the 'best of the best'.
Stage Six; Moving On
After the Voyage, life for a Whelp is pretty easy-going. They've entirely proven themselves to the pack, and may roam as they please... as long as they're obeying pack rules, of course. From here on out, they're simply to focus on the duties and tasks that their guardians have for them, potentially working towards a rank for the future.
Whelps will remain in this stage until they reach the age of nine months, where they will be bumped into the Sailor rank. Exceptions may be made for those who have been extensively training for a certain rank - for this, the Captain, Quarter Master, or the head of the rank must approve, first.
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