[ ☥ 𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒 ☥ ] കDiscussion Threadക

[LucidDreary]

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.𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝. ക .ʀᴜʟᴇs / Iɴғᴏ . ക .Pʜɪʟᴏsᴏᴘʜʏ. ക .ʀᴀɴᴋs ɪɴꜰᴏ. ക .ᴀʟʟᴇɢɪᴀɴᴄᴇs. ക .Cᴜsᴛᴏᴍs. ക .ᴛᴇʀʀɪᴛᴏʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴀᴍᴘ.

ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴛᴡᴏ:
------------------__--- ☥ 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 ☥ ---__------------------

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxx"𝑨𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆❟
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒖𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆."

xxxxxxx𝑊𝑒𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑.
xxx𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟
xxx𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑅𝑃. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
xxx𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑎𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑅𝑃, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑜
xxx𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑒 & 𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒/𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ. 𝐻𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟,
xxx𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑃𝑀 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑠 𝐼
xxx𝑚𝑎𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦.

xxxxxxxxx☁ 𝓦𝔢𝔞𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯 ☁ xxxx
xxxxxxxxxx☥ Season: Midsummer.
xxxxxxxxxx☥ Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous.
xxxxxxxxxx☥ Temperature: 92°F
xxxxxxxxxx☥ Precipitation: Partly cloudy.
xxxxxxxxxx☥ Nile River Status: Steadily drying up.

[LucidDreary]

xB ʟ ᴏ ᴏ ᴅ B ᴏ ɴ ᴅ ᴀ ɢ ᴇ 🛡
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▷ Ｐ ｕ ｒ ｅ － Ｂ ｌ ｏ ｏ ｄ ｓ
Blood heritage is a huge part of cultural standing in the Empire of Sumer, as it dictates not only birthrights and inheritances, but it also reflects each family's legacy and social reputation within society. To be frank, Sumer has many families competing for high heritage because of the Blood Rite. As the rules dictate, high-heritage families (usually with royal ties) have the automatic right to compete for the throne. The free spots are open to (cats I will announce to prevent confusion) young cats within the age group of those that are competing; this includes Semi-high ranks and even Commoners. In rare cases, even the occasional Servant could compete if they dared.

▷ Ｂｌｏｏｄ Ｂｏｎｄｓ
So, speaking of "pure blood", it's actually very common for the high-born parents to speak to the High Priest to arrange for certain mate-ships. This is what is known as a "blood bond" or "blood contract" before two high-born families arrange to preserve their bloodlines and future generations of pure-bred royalty. It also gives both families the advantage to regain the throne for their specific bloodline. The blood-bond contract usually results in two high-born/semi-high ranks arranging a marriage/assigned mate plans. So, thus it is fairly common to be "betrothed" long before the High Priest announces assigned mates.

▷ Ｂｅｔｒｏｔｈａｌ Ｉｎｑｕｉｓｉｔｉｏｎｓ
If a high-born is not already assigned a mate and has not been pre-marked by a "blood bond", then they are essentially free before they are officially assigned a mate by the High Priest. If a high-born falls for a low-classed cat, there are no laws that technically prevent them from proposing to them. There are many repercussions that include a tainted-blood reputation in your bloodline if you chose to do this. However, for example, if you were a low-classed tom and were offered a betrothal to a high-classed she-cat, by social standard, you are essentially expected to have no choice or say in the matter unless your family representatives (your parents) intervene (no matter your age, they will always represent you until you are no longer single because they are the harbingers/representatives of your Family Name). If you decline, your family can override your decision and you will be engaged to that cat no matter how you feel.


► 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐥 ɤ 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲


The court of the Empire can easily be divided into three categories: The High Class, Middle Class, and Lower Class.


• High Class, or rather High Borns, are descendants of primarily royal bloodlines. They are the closest to the throne and often have a history of their own familiar bloodlines who have ruled in the past (or present). The older the family, the more respect they have in society. While wealth is also a notable trait of a High Born family, connections, influence, and opportunities are another. It should be noted especially that every family has their own quirks and talents...
  
  
• The Middle Class or Semi-High Ranking Families are a slightly mixed pot. They are typically families who have managed to mingle Commoner’s blood into High Born’s blood. Thus, not only are some family names piqued to be a bit of a compound/combination of a high blood name and lower class name, but the reputation of such families are quite the black sheep at many social standards. Some families managed to marry off their sons or daughters to High Borns who desired a certain cat, others perhaps did not care what society or social standards thought. They simply married who they wished and this became their turn out. The middle ground. Where ancient Houses and names are exchanged for power or for dishonor. To marry a lower class individual dilutes the bloodline, just as to marry a higher class strengthens it. Reputation in politics are fragile, after all.
  
  
• The Lower Class or Commoners are, needless to say, of lower standards. Lower standards, however, does not mean that they are of lower standing. Although they may not have the resources of a High Born or opportunities of the Middle Class, the Lower Class possess talents and the comforts of simpler society. They marry more freely and although treated differently, ultimately live a simpler life. And sometimes simplicity can be the best life of all opportunities. They are the sculptors of the Empire’s future, the foundation, and the subjects upon which the Empire depends on to maintain itself. By no means are they living in the best conditions, but the economy (before Sol) of the Empire is wealthy enough that the system supports even the poorest of families.

► 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐫

With these things in mind, I present the quirks of the Court System and the Houses that represent it:

► The High Class Houses


• House Chalcedony - A precious gem mined in Egypt
  
  A very old money name, precious to the Royal Bloodline. Often has the name Chalcedony found itself upon the throne, of which their reputation is profoundly known throughout the Empire. They have many social connections and intimate ties to the markets of Sumer. Particularly the silk trade; few connections in the jewelry business as well. This family is also famed for not just their wealth but also carry the honor of battle along side the Pharaoh, protecting the High Born cats as Guards of Sumer.
  
• House Lazulis - Named after the precious stone Lapis Lazuli
  
  The House of Lazulis is a very particular house of fine taste and refinement. Their House has many ties of ancestry to the Inner Sanctum Temple, particularly in the priestess branch. Thus, this House of the court is rumored to be in high favor with the gods. To insult such a family is to perhaps receive the wrath of a god, to challenge could be a death wish.
  Only one way to find out…
• House Runihura - "Egyptian name for "Destroyer"
  
  The House of Runihura is famed for its paws in the smithing industry. Most definitely an old-money family, they have the most prominent connections to the supply of weaponry and armor, while also having the deepest bloodline in all sorts of positions relating to combat. With much carnage in their history, it comes as no surprise that this family is known to be quite aggressive and loyal to their Empire like no other cat. The very Empire of Sumer runs through their veins and they know it too.
  
• House Sabola - Egyptian name for "prophetess"
  
  Long ago, the House of Sabola had a daughter whom once became the Pharaoh’s mate and queen of the Empire. Long before the Empire truly flourished, she was beloved by many and responsible for rectifying better systems in the court to ensure prosperity to arise with a solid foundation. So kind was the queen that during a flash flood near the Nile, she forfeited herself to save a commoner’s nest of kits. While the kits survived the Nile, the Empire was robbed of their queen. Now in forever memorial, the queen is honored and her House named after her memory. The House of Sabola now commemorates itself by catering to many events involving the grand Nile River; often paying patronage to the Temple, social events, and festivals. They sponsor events involving the royal family especially.
  
  ► The Middle Class / Semi-High Ranked Houses
  
  
• House Talibah - Egyptian name meaning "To seek knowledge"
  
  The House Talibah is quite fitted in society when it comes to well-trained etiquette. They have much of their reputation to make up for since their bloodline was tainted by their most recent head of the family mating into a lower-class she-cat's family. Due to this, their social status in the Empire has decreased to that of a middle-class family rather than their former High Blooded family line. Unsurprisingly, they still act regal in all they do, pretending as though nothing has changed despite their status change. It can be quite the invigorating sight in public... Aside from society's opinion, the facts have not changed that this family has many connections in lower and higher class businesses and often reaps the benefits from both dividends of the hierarchy.
• House Dabbasheth - Egyptian phrase meaning "Flowing with honey"
  
  Dabbasheth is a House that has much history in the business of agricultural arts. Their family often provides the knowledge and supervision of the growth of herbs and spices most often used in the Empire. Thus, business and social standings are rather well-respected and have enough reputation of humble beginnings to have warm connections with even the High-Class cats. With much of their candor, they have even caught the attention of the High Priest and cater to the supply of herbs for the priestess' and Inner Sanctum Temple use. A new-money family on the rise to power and influence, should they play their cards right.
• House Fadil - Egyptian word meaning "To be generous"
  
  The House Fadil is considered to be among the truest to own up to their House name. Although they are not the most wealthy of the Empire, they greatly put much of their faith in the kindness of their community, believing it is the ultimate will of their ancestors to boost the economy and well-being of all cats, High Borns and Low Borns alike. Many High Class look down their noses at such a ridiculous family, believing their endless charity events to be something of an overzealous ploy for attention from the royals and gods themselves. Some even have taken offense to such spectacles and spread rumors about the family's heritage to be too common for even a semi-high rank in society. Some rumors from the Lower Class are even more mixed; many cats appreciate such a family, and others are greatly suspicious of their overtly kind nature. What is this family truly hiding? What are their real motives?
  
  ► The Lower Class Houses
  
  
• House Usi - Egyptian word for "Smoke"
  
  The House of Usi is a humble home, but full of passion for the strong craftsmanship of the art of the blacksmith. Largely contributing to the Empire's supply of armor and various tools widely used locally, this family, although not even of semi-high rank commands respect from many cats. They are known to be quite successful due to their main patron: the House Runihura. Due to this opportunity, it would not be frowned upon should their bloodline mate into the semi-high society with easy succession.
• House Aadhar - Egyptian phrase "to be brilliant like the Sun"
  
  The House Aadhar has many descendants; rather one of the larger commoner families, they often find themselves in the service of other Houses. Whether it is in the ranks of the brave Fighters of the Empire, or in the deep silver and gold mines, they are considered of a rather waning disposition reputation-wise, although not often graced with the best opportunities. This family does what it must to survive and they have persevered much of the worst the Empire has to offer. After all, they were once a proud semi-high ranked Middle-Class family until their ultimate downfall: A son, the heir to lead the family, aided in betraying the Empire to Sol and his Harbingers; plunging his family into humiliation and poverty.
• House Eshe - Egyptian word for "Life"
  
  The House of Eshe is a House of simple artistry and traditionalism. Considered socially to be rather uptight when it comes to their beliefs, the family is most known for their skills in the weaving of tapestries. Amongst art, the family often depicts beautiful work that although not as widespread as their skill certainly should be recognized, they have hopes that perhaps one day they may catch the eye of a generous benefactor to rise the social status of their craft. However, the head of the household is so stuck in their old ways, that it makes it difficult to make connections with other cats due to negative socialization. How will this family rise with so many expectations weighing them down? Their potential remains to be speculated, indeed.
• House Haji - Egyptian phrase meaning "To be born during the/a pilgrimage"
  
  Haji is a House best known for its lineage of the more notable Builders and Scribes in society. They are a rather fickle bunch to some, largely known to be very precise and particular-- one could even confuse them to be higher class if it weren't so painfully obvious they don't quite fit the bill to be of such a family-- a certain aura settles amongst such cats of strategic morals. As far as public information allows, one could surprisingly trace their lineage to that of the throne. But it seems their family never lasted in High Born society, for their blood became meek in that of mates as the generations continued. Should their reputation gain such attention ever again has yet to be decided by time, it seems.
  
  It should also be noted that you do not have to include yourself into one of these houses. The Houses are mainly an idea to help people come up with names and such for their characters since I've gotten rid of Erin Hunter's WC Naming System. You are welcome to pitch your own idea of what family your cats are from, I'll look them over if you decide to add a history to such a family to be sure it fits the narrative of the RP and won't intervene with the RP before I accept your characters to prevent any confusion. ^-^
  
  How the Housing system works:
  If you wish to identify with one of these families, all you have to do is PM me which family and I will add you to it. If someone already identifies with a listed family, no problem! Congratulations, you're related somehow! (cousins, grandparents, brothers, sisters... the list goes on). Simply put you're branches of the same family. Often it's best to double-check to see if anyone else is currently using the name and ask their permission to use it as well to prevent any issues. Relations to such characters under the same name must be defined so that I can put it into the relationships section + under the family name to again, prevent confusion. I will be limiting how often this can happen, and of course, if it's case-sensitive and butts too much into someone else's RP experience/characters I will decline the use of the name. If there are any issues you've noticed, please PM me and we'll discuss it further. :)

▷ 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒈𝒆𝒔

► The Naming System

As this is no longer an RP based on Erin Hunter's Warrior Cats, we will alas become more innovative with our names. :)
I have provided a list of known families in the Empire, but you are welcome to nonetheless create your own surname as long as it doesn't interfere with the RP. With this in mind, I'll give some pointers as to what will fit best in the RP:
Use names that sound old, medieval, traditional, or native to Egyptian culture. There are name generators out there and other baby name websites you can scout out for your characters that work amazing!

With these thoughts in mind, here is the list you will need to have in your character forms to be accepted!

• First Name
  
• Surname (From either the List or of your own making; PM me your surnames so that I can discuss them with you.
  No lore or background for them is required & is entirely optional)
• A Biological Gender (Your characters may choose to identify differently,
  but due to the 'assigned mates' issue, you must choose a biological gender for them, please.)
• A Rank (PM me if you would like to reserve)
• High Born or Low Born? (there is a guide explaining that under Allegiances in the "kits" section)
• A form of Appearance for each cat (Can be written or an image)
• An Age
• A Personality; Some Strengths & Weaknesses
• Kin
• Assigned Mate [I will be announcing those, so for now you should just have an "N/A" or "TBA" in that section]
• A History
  
  Optional Info:
• Crush (Optional) Up to you ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
• Orientation (Optional) Straight? Bi? We're curious~

[LucidDreary]

xxT r a d i t i o n s O f O l d 🕯
__________________________________________

“𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑑, 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔."​
xxxxxxxx- 𝐽𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑣 𝑃𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑎𝑛

xxxx𝐼𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑦 𝑤𝑟𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑜𝑑𝑠, 𝐼𝑠𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑔𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟, 𝐴𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑒 𝑢𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑑.


▷ 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐬

► The Priestess of Isis shall pay Tribute
Ancient traditions dictate that the queen must leave an offering for Isis in the temple every new moon to keep the darkness of the night from swallowing up the light of Sumer. This symbolism is said to keep very ancient spirits away from the Empire that are so ancient, it is said that they are what plagued the original cats of the land with unspeakable terror.
► The Assignment of a Mate in holy matrimony
By the will of the gods, to keep order and pure blood in the Empire circulating, assigned mates are to be put into place to ensure the reproduction and a secure future for new generations. It is purely to ensure that the Empire of Sumer never dies out.
►The Priestesses shall be the handmaids of the Gods
A priestess will swear an unbreakable vow of life-long servitude to the god that has chosen them until the time has come for a new priestess to arise and take their place. They shall not touch others as to not soil themselves; they will maintain chastity, tend to the wounded and sickly, their will to interpret their god in the most pristiene manner possible, and the Inner Sanctum's Temple above all others. Her purpose is to serve and interpret, thus her honor knows no bounds.
► Customary Normalcy

► Customary Normalcy

• None may look directly upon a Royal's face.
  It is considered to be disrespectful, unless during a called gathering or a social event.
  
• Commoners may not directly speak to a Royal unless given special permission.
  
• Proper use of formal language is required by a low rank speaking to their superior. (i.e. LB cat speaking to a HB cat)
• It is customary to bow to your peers and elders; higher-ranking officials and superiors.
• None may set foot in the Temple unless the High Priest or Priestess allows you.
• Priestesses are to never come into physical contact with anyone other than their own. They are holy vessels of the gods and have been chosen to serve as such. Therefore they shan't be tainted by any paws- not even a Pharaoh's.
• Do not formally address one's first name unless they give you permission.

-Will probably be adding to this list. Ideas are welcome.

▷ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐭𝐞
➳ When the Pharaoh is too old, passes into the afterlife, or becomes unfit to rule, he will initiate the Blood Rite. The trial is named thus because the Rite is a challenge for each properly "backed" male of high social standing cats to compete to ultimately win the hand of Isis's Chosen priestess and become the new Pharaoh. Thus, the name "Blood Rite" came from the utterly brutal decisions and gruesome challenges that face the contestants.
xxxxRules of the Blood Rite:

➳ To compete, you must be a male at least the age of 20 Moons old. High Born males are primarily chosen to compete.
➳ The Number of contestants will vary on the number of available males willing to compete. Ultimately determined by the High Priest. If there are not enough High Bloods competing, then by ancient tradition, any cat no matter rank or social standing (depending on how many open slots there are) are given the opportunity to compete IF they are backed by a Sumerian House of high social standing/regard.
➳ Isis's Chosen must be a Priestess. This priestess will be personally selected by Isis herself, of whomever she may be, we will only know when the goddess decides to reveal her within the time of the Blood Rite's initiation. If Isis declines to choose a priestess, the new Pharaoh will have grounds (via her blessing of course) to personally choose his new mate out of the available priestesses.
➳ If you have failed one challenge, you only have one more chance to compete. After failing in a total of two trials, you are eliminated from the competition.
➳ Contestants are not allowed outside combat with each other outside the Trials. If a fight breaks out, they are likely to be disqualified- bringing shame to their Houses.
➳ There can only be up to two Victors of each challenge, depending on the trial given. It is possible the losers may be presented with the opportunity for a bonus challenge. The bonus challenge is a mini-trial chosen by each of the Victors of the Trial that happened previously. The winners of the previous trial are not required to compete in the mini-trial they have chosen for the other contestants. The winner of the Mini Trial is given immunity from a strike of failing the previous Trial.




❃ Ｓｔｙｌｅ Ａｎｄ Ｔｏｏｌｓ ❃
Yes, you just read right. I just said style. And just to make sure that you're not tripping over yourself with too many questions, I'm going to clarify by confirming your suspicions:

These cats wear headdresses, necklaces, rings, earrings, and some even bandanas around their necks. To begin with, priestesses wear colored silk scarf veils over their faces to symbolize Isis's beauty and simplicity in humbleness of their looks since half of their features are covered by the silk. They are welcome to wear any jewelry they wish except the catch is that it must match the color of their scarf veil. The scarf veil is the color of their house they represent [Ra = Red, Anubis = Purple, Horus = Blue, Osiris = Black, Sekhmet = Orange, Isis = Yellow/Gold/or Green]. The Pharaoh wears the usual crown every Pharaoh does, while the Queen also wears a similar crown if she wishes. The Royal Adviser is traditionally given a jeweled amulet that has been passed down from Royal Adviser to their successors for countless years. The High Priest is given a jeweled collar necklace and as well as a gold ruby ring. The Guards wear gold armored tunics/vests and matching gold wristbands. The Captain of the Guard wears a slightly more portrayed tunic that is specially fitted to suit his unique style of fighting; he wears gold gauntlets rather than wristbands as well. Fighters wear silver tunics that are similar to the guard's designs as well with matching silver wristbands. High borns wear whatever they wish- which usually pertains to whatever their House can afford; ranging anywhere from beads to gold. Semi-high/Respected ranks are usually not so fortunate with gold but often wear silver. Commoners never usually are able to wear gold, but some are fortunate to have silver belongings. Servants are often reduced to iron or copper belongings.


• As for tools, I mean by parchment (for writing) and ink, building tools [for things like sculpting], weaving stations, instruments for Squires to play (or Builders), And I'll come up with a few more things to list as well. I'm going to only list old-fashioned things due to the era of the RP, but long story short, they are pretty "modern" in terms of a humanoid sense.
• However, I'm not going to add things that a cat couldn't reach;
  i.g.) A spinning wheel because that requires sitting like a human and functions that a cat cannot even imaginatively really do/function.
  
  
  ► Common Tools
  Parchment and ink
  Clay pottery
  Sculpting tools
  Tanning racks (For leather crafting)
  Feather fans (i.g. - fanning a Royal)
  Small amounts of fire (i.g. - Torches; small fires to light the temple)
  Jewelry (of course)
  Silk items
  Frame Loom (For weaving)
  Basic Instruments (within reason, people. No violins...we all know how that'd look..)


► Common Instruments
Drum(s)
The Sistrum
Small harps
Lyre
Lute
Benet
Bells and Cymbals

[LucidDreary]

xR ᴇ ʟ ᴀ ᴛ ɪ ᴏ ɴ s ʜ ɪ ᴘ s ⌘
__________________________________________

► 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

To be Announced

[url]Name[/url]|♀/♂|Age|Appearance| <---+---> [url]Name[/url]|♀/♂|Age|Appearance|
[url]Name[/url]|♀/♂|Age|Appearance| <---+---> [url]Name[/url]|♀/♂|Age|Appearance|
[url]Name[/url]|♀/♂|Age|Appearance| <---+---> [url]Name[/url]|♀/♂|Age|Appearance|

-----────────────────────────────
► |HB| = High Born ----- ► |LB| = Low Born
-----────────────────────────────

► 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬

To be Added

► 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

To be Added

► 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Name|Gender|Rank - Is Nᴏᴠɪᴄᴇ Tᴏ - Name|Gender|Rank
Name|Gender|Rank -Is Nᴏᴠɪᴄᴇ Tᴏ - Name|Gender|Rank

──────────────────────────────────────────
Ｒｅｌａｔｉｏｎｓｈｉｐｓ Ｋｅｙ

• ≪--------≫ = Enemies!
• ----------> = Crushing!
• <---------> = Mutual Crush
• <---+---> = Assigned Mates

──────────────────────────────────────────



──────────────────────────────────────────

𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐿𝑖𝑠𝑡:


Surnames:
- Ruthian
- Chalcedony
- Rashida
- Nakirah
- Sabola
First Names:
- Cerberus
- Fenrys
- Nadiyya
- Khaba
- Ranya
- Setepenre
- Alsaari

──────────────────────────────────────────

[LucidDreary]

Marking for future use.

[LucidDreary]

──────────── ✷ ────────────
"𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴, 𝘈 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳
𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳; 𝘓𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴
𝘰𝘸𝘯; 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘛𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯, 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰
𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘥𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘰𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥."

𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 🕯 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬
_________________
-------------------------
xxxx𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐓𝐰𝐨 :
xxxxxxxxx𝑩𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒚 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅
--------------------------
Phew; I must say, it's good to be back.
Ancient Whispers has quite the history behind it and is no doubt the best Roleplay I've ever created. It's been too many years in between since I've had the opportunity to pay proper tribute to this amazing experience, but finally, I am excited to announce that this RP is officially ongoing as of now. Ladies, gents, I humbly present to you:
Ancient Whispers - Book Two: Bound By Blood.
To clarify a few questions, yes, this is a continuation of what happened in the previous RP Thread.
The story can connect to a few of the other characters who were very prominent in the previous RP, as I've given the opportunity to the people who previously roleplayed to integrate their characters into this revamped version. To be completely clear, this is no longer an RP based on Erin Hunter's Warrior Cats. You must use the naming system I've provided for you here if you want your characters to be accepted. Please make sure you have the full list of the required information on your character forms!

This Thread is now open to marking and Character Posting. <3
Please refrain from posting on the Main Thread for now as I'll announce
when that is open once we have enough people!
___________________________________________________________

[Fortune's Fool]

Don’t you ask me what my tattoos mean

Given Name: Nadiyya
House Name: Chalcedony
Gender: Female
Age: 46 moons
Status: High-Born Guard
Orientation: Pansexual

'Cause they ain't for you

Appearance: A silvery-white, long-haired she-cat, well-muscled though not especially bulky despite what her fur implies. Blue eyes. Her front left paw is black -- though this is not natural but due to being stained regularly with ink.
Possessions: Alongside her usual guard armor, Nadiyya always wears two small gold loops in her right ear and a gold bracelet set with a sapphire on her back left leg. A final earring -- silver and set with a small black gem -- is in her left ear.

And they ain't for me

Personality: Despite her high-born status and position, Nadiyya chafes under the expectations and rules that surround not only her but the Empire as a whole. This generally only manifests as sass. A mechanism to vent her frustrations without actually doing something that would put her -- or rather her house -- at risk. While she can be rather flirty with anyone that it wouldn't be considered dangerously improper to do so she balks at the idea of being shoved at a tom and expected to have his kits just because she was told to do so. In fact despite being rather fond of and good with kits, she has a distinct negative response to the idea of having her own just in general.
While her sass and flirtations can make her come across as rather shallow or sometimes even abrasive, it's mostly performative and deep down Nadiyya is actually surprisingly kindhearted and introspective -- she doesn't feel the need to look down on the cats below her for their circumstances of birth and she's actually reasonably easy to get along with. So long as those around her are willing to take the time to scale the walls she's built around herself.

I ain’t getting over anyone at all

History: From birth, there were high expectations on Nadiyya and her sister Masozi, but most of that was shifted to Nadiyya almost immediately.Their mother had died in labor and as the larger and stronger of the two she was expected to carry on the family line. Nadiyya, however, really cared only for protecting her weaker, gentler sister. Masozi stuck to her sister like glue until they were old enough to become novices. She was almost immediately chosen to be trained as a guard, while her sister -- ever a disappointment in the eyes of the house -- was instead made to be a scribe. A role that Masozi was actually okay with, she'd always had a sharp mind, and it was safer. Safe enough for Nadiyya to relax. Surely her sweet sister would have a decently happy life as one. Except she never became a full scribe, killed suddenly by a rogue that was far too deep into the territory for anyone comfort not long after.
To the surprise of everyone, Nadiyya didn't even seem to mourn. She carried on with her life as if nothing had happened. The only change seemed to be her dyeing one paw black with ink. Perhaps this was her way of mourning without allowing herself to show any weakness. No one has ever found out.
Kin: Currently unspecified high-born father, deceased mother, deceased sister
Mate: TBD

You can’t pick me up if I don’t ever fall

[Fortune's Fool]

I want someone to tell me it’s okay

Given Name: Khaba
House Name: Rashida
Gender: Male
Age: 34 moons
Status: Low-Born Scout
Orientation: Bisexual

But I know exactly what they’ll say

Appearance: A slim, sleek bob-tailed black tom with a wisp of a white locket on his chest. Bright yellow eyes.
Possessions: A thin gold bangle, worn on his front left leg. A gift from a high-born friend when they were novices, while he draws looks due to it -- jealous low-borns and disdainful high-borns mostly -- there were numerous witnesses to the gift being given, including at least one priestess. He wears no other accessories, suspecting that a low-born with gold is toeing the line of ostentatious as it is.

“Everyone has these problems”

Personality: These days, Khaba may as well be a statue capable of performing the duties of a scout for all that he does when not doing his job. It seems that his entire life is spent either working or waiting for orders to do so, but he wasn't always like that. Khaba was an intelligent kit who became a quick-witted novice, always poking his nose where it didn't belong and getting into good-natured trouble as the young and adventurous often do. Shades of that are still present even now though impossible to see on the surface, and Khaba notices far more than someone might expect due to often blending in to the scenery around him with how little he reacts.
He's actually fairly sweet beneath it all, but he's isolated himself for so long that he simply doesn't know how to reach out to others around him any longer. His life has become a bubble he doesn't know how to burst that keeps him isolated and distant from everyone.

Well, I’m not everyone

History: As a kit, Khaba was always active, poking his nose everywhere with an unlikely friend: a slightly older, high-born kit Adeyemi. The two were inseparable despite all efforts to keep them apart, after all what do young kits know of things like houses and politics. All they knew was that they were friends, and liked to run around together. Even as they grew and learned, Khaba becoming a scout novice and Adeyemi on his way to becoming first a soldier before being selected to train to become a guard, the two would always find some way to spend time together.
It was improper, they were told more and more harshly as they grew older, but not even ever increasing punishments would keep them apart. Until, when the two were nearing the age when they would cease being novices, tragedy struck. The pair had snuck out to visit each other in the night when a cobra crossed their path -- attacking Khaba. Adeyemi leapt to protect him, killing the cobra but being bitten in the process. The two managed to make their way back home but Adeyemi collapsed. It was far too late to save him, but there in front of everyone present he gave his golden bangle -- an item passed down to him -- to Khaba, to remember him by.
Khaba withdrew into himself after that. He would always perform his duties perfectly, but otherwise he was only a ghost of himself. Maybe a good day here or there, but otherwise little else.
Kin: Currently unspecified parents, and one or two possible siblings
Mate: TBD

My mind is hanging by a thread, mistaken for solitude instead

[Fortune's Fool]

Though you've fortified

Given Name: Ranya
House Name: Nakirah
Gender: Biologically female, prefers neutral pronouns
Age: 24 moons
Status: Music Courtier
Orientation: Demisexual

You're haunted inside

Appearance: A small tortoiseshell with brilliantly green eyes. Looks notably younger than they are, looking almost novice age despite being moons past that benchmark.
Possessions: An eagle feather, tucked behind their right ear, and a string of yellow-painted clay beads wound around their tail.

By watching all that you love burned and destroyed

Personality: Kindhearted and self-sacrificing to a fault, Ranya seemingly wears their heart on display for all to see. No matter the circumstances they will always try to help someone if they can and their sympathy can be won even by someone who was cruel to them. It isn't that they are easily fooled, they simply have a high level of empathy for everyone around them that makes it hard for them to ignore suffering of any kind.
While most cats would not have the chance to see it, as Ranya keeps their head down when just about anyone who isn't a servant is around, they are an incredibly friendly and creative cat. Easy to get along with and always able to spin a story or a song for the enjoyment of those around them. In fact, were they not so fearful of punishment they'd likely always be humming or singing -- the music gives them comfort and they hope it can do so for those around them as well.
As kind and well meaning as they are though, there's a fire hidden in those bright green eyes, should anyone bother to look close enough to see it. They still remember how they came to be within the Empire, and likely will never forget.

It creeps into your dreams, infecting your bloodstream

History: Ranya has always been rather musically inclined, from the first moment they realized that songs or a story could bring joy to those around them. They were born into a rather large litter quite some distance from the Empire and while they were never the strongest, or the smartest, or even the loudest they were certainly the one who could capture all their siblings attention with a word -- giving their harried parents a well deserved break for an hour or two. And so their kithood was a happy one.
As adolescence hit they and their siblings slowly grew apart, scattering to the sands and winds. And Ranya met... Him. Kayode was a free spirit. A tom near their own age who was drawn in by their voice and a spark he claimed to see in their eyes. The longer they spent with him the less they wanted to be left behind, and when Kayode left to wander once more Ranya went with him. They were happy together.
Until, in the midst of a sandstorm, the pair blindly wandered across the borders. When caught, unaware of where they'd ended up, Kayode was killed as he naturally tried to protect his mate. Ranya, smaller and far less combat inclined, was instead taken. At first they were simply a courtier due to their stature and temperament. When an older music courtier passed in their sleep not long after, leaving a gap that needed to be filled quickly, they revealed that they had in fact learned to play the harp before and was given that role instead.
Kin: Deceased parents, numerous unspecified siblings
Mate: Deceased

The monster they made you, it lurks underneath.

[The Fallen Soldier]

-removed-

Setepenre of House Sabola

House:

Sabola

Gender

She-cat Pronouns are She/Her

Age

20moons, 1year8months

Breed:

Egyptian Mau

Rank

Priestess of Anubis

Appearance

Setepenre is a lovely shade of silvery grey with black markings of dots and lines. Her face has 3 very dark lines, one above each eye and one straight up the middle of her face from her nose. Her eyes are a lovely shade of grey blue.

Personality

Setepenre is a cold cat, she shows very little emotion and shows even less what she is thinking. She isnt one for talking unless she absolutely has to. If she is comfortable enough to talk to any cat she comes off a little odd, she talks in very short, straight to the point sentences, never saying more than she needs to, and never engaging in small talk. From a high-born family, she certainly acts it, she dislikes any cat who is of a lower family than herself, and refuses to interact at all. She will associate with cats of a similar status though.

History

Setepenre has always been a cat of little words, her family thought she was rather odd, and shes almost been disowned due to this before. She did "Fix Her Mistakes" though and was in the process of making it up to her family when she was chosen to the the Priestess of Anubis, which instantly put her back in her familys good graces again. Though she hardly has contact with her mother or father anymore.

Family

She has no kin she associates with, and definitely no kits, she is not one for romance of any sort.