THE HIHIRI TRIBE
HERD INFORMATION
Gender Terms:
Males = Stallions
Females = Mares
Young = Foals
Typical Build:
Light, Light-Medium
Height Range:
14-17 hands (Stallions & Mares).
Preferred Coat Colors:
Anything, although those pink-skinned coats can get pretty gnarly sunburns - yikes!
MAGIC TYPES
Unlike the rest of Anomalous, magic is fairly new to our finned Hihiri friends so it is exceptionally rare to come across an individual who possesses magic! However, since the Hihiri bloodline has not had time to selectively breed for certain magic types, if a Hihiri does inherit magic they can inherit any form of magic that can be found in Anomalous!
HERD SPECS
Automatic Mutations:
Fins
Pescatarian Digestive System
Secondary Ability
Herd Mutations:
Aquatic mutations such as fish scales, gills, aquatic tails, and more! Please note that mutations inspired from aquatic/semi-aquatic reptiles - such as crocodiles and sea snakes - are NOT permitted
Diet:
Pescatarian
Territories Held:
Hihiri Island
Kahukura Island
Manaonui Ocean
Tangaroa Island
Introduction
Long, long ago the inhabitants of Anomalous's tropical island chain were broken into two tribes, each who inhabited a different island. Those of the Kahukura Tribe inhabited the southerly island of Kahukura - from which their tribes name was taken - and flourished upon their island, for though it was smaller than its more northerly sister, tropical fruits and tide pools aplenty provided anything they could have wanted. The Tangaroan Tribe inhabited the larger and more northern of the two islands - Tangaroa Island - and, although they lived in the shadow of the great volcano Ahi Waha, they were quite fearless and protected their lands with tempers as fiery as the volcano itself. Although the islands were both prosperous and bountiful, the two tribes held deep-seated hatred for the other. Clashes between the tribes could become quite violent and bloody as they each vied for control over the other, although as the decades passed it became apparent that the war-like Tangaroans would - sooner or later - overpower the more gentle-mannered Kahukurans.
This was the way of things for many, many years - until the volcano erupted.
When Ahi Waha opened its maw, great and terrible destruction followed. Nearly all of Tangaroa Island was destroyed, burying its once plentiful rainforests beneath layers of lava and setting fire to the rest. Many did not survive the initial eruption but those that were fortunate enough to escape with their lives were forced to leave their once beautiful island and find shelter upon Kahukura Island or dove deep into the sea, where the volcano's rage could not reach them. Those who fled to Kahukura found not hostility but open arms and, although it was to be many years before peace truly settled, the now combined tribes found they rather liked the arrangement! So it was that they no longer called themselves by the names of their old tribes but by the name of the smallest island, Hihiri, which had always been a beautiful and sacred place to both tribes.
Centuries have passed and both islands have long since recovered from the disastrous volanic eruption. In present times, the Hihiri Tribe now live as one and are lead by a Chieftain (who represents the people), a Warchief (who protects the tribe), and a Holy One (who guides them with the voices of both the guides and their ancestors). They are fiercely protective of their islands, chasing away any outsiders who dare to try and land upon their sandy shores.
General Appearance
Lithe and muscular, the Hihiri cut an impressive appearance both in and out of the water. Both mares and stallions alike can get as tall as 17 hands at the shoulder and, although typically light in build, even those on the heavier side of the spectrum rarely have excess fat upon them thanks both to genetics and an active lifestyle based around the sea!
The Hihiri hold no preferences toward any particular coat color, although those who have pink skin are quite susceptible to painful sunburns if they spend too much time in the sun. Regardless of color, thanks to the nutritious diet they consume, a Hihiri's coat nearly always has a healthy, glossy sheen! While magic may not be common among the tribe members, what they lack in magical talent they certainly make up for in fantastic mutations inspired from the many colorful inhabitants of the seas!
Thanks to their hot-blooded ancestors, your typical Hihiri could be described as having a dished profile set upon a well-arched neck, a petite muzzle with nostrils large and capable of bringing large amounts of air in at a time, and wide, expressive eyes that, coupled with slightly-curved ears, leave little question as to what emotion they may be feeling at a given time. Lithe and supple of frame, the Hihiri are graceful both in and out of the water, although even the most skilled swimmers from the Mainland can never hope to out-swim an islander!
Diet & Habitat
Diet Type: Pescatarian
The Hihiri eat a primarily pescatarian diet, filled with nutritious sea-foods like fish, seaweed, and shellfish, which are further supplemented by the fruits and variety of tropical plant life that grows on/around the islands!
While incapable of eating meat that did not come from something waterborne, the Hihiri do not suffer from a mundane diet. Both gatherers and hunters alike spend their days collecting and cultivating any number of nutrient rich foods such as seaweed, tropical fruits, and any number of fish to fill Hihiri bellies. It is seen as bad luck to kill/consume porpoise flesh, except if a recently-deceased specimen floats near enough to their islands; in this case, the will Hihiri jump at the chance to collect what they can from it.
Nothing from a kill is ever wasted upon the islands, for resources are far too precious to be used carelessly. Bones and shells are recycled into fertilizer or tools/jewelry and, rather than waste a rather plentiful crop of fruit, the Hihiri will take what they need and bring the rest to Beryl Bay, where they they actively trade the highly coveted and sweet fruits for items they do not have access to on their islands. Since the Hihiri often lack magic or dexterity, the items that they use are often simply made and therefore simple to use but quite efficient at whatever task they are meant to complete.
The Hihiri tribe inhabits a trio of islands - Tangaroa, Hihiri, and Kahukura - off the southwestern coast of Anomalous. The islands have a very tropical feel where rain falls hard and often, allowing them to be covered in a lush rainforest so thick that in some areas they are impenetrable. Colorful birds and other small species bring the forest alive with their cacophony of calls as diverse as the herd that lives there. Freshwater sources are closely guarded and managed, as it is perhaps the most precious resource available to them - one that cannot be so easily replaced if destroyed. While it has been centuries since the volcano upon Tangaroa Island has erupted, the Hihiri have not forgotten to keep a wary eye upon it lest it once more open its maw and cause mass mayhem and destruction once more.
Tangaroa - the northernmost island known for its white sand beaches and bounty - is the largest island and sports the newest but thickest rainforest upon the islands. Ahi Waha, a giant shield volcano, dominates the southern portion of the island. The tiny island of Hihiri is arguably the most beautiful of the island sisters, and connects the three islands with a series of sand bars dubbed the Whaka-Ma Pass. Hihiri Island has a beautiful waterfall in its center but, due to a lack of other resources it serves as more of a rest stop and sacred place of worship between the islands. Kahukura is the southernmost island and known for its unique black sand beaches! Longer than it is wide, Kahukura is nearly all jungle with little variance in terrain. In the center of Kahukura is a natural stone basin where water collects and it is on Kahukura that the Graveyard rests. An important ceremonial spot, the Graveyard features the perfectly preserved (even after so many centuries of exposure) and bleached skeletal remains of a humpback whale, whose ribs were carved long ago with ancient runes that no one living can read.
In recent years, an increase in the number of Hihiri forced to live a life beneath the sea and the rediscovery of the ancient, underwater city of Wakainga has led to some interest in exploration of the vast Manaonui Ocean. While some push for the rebuild of an underwater city for those who cannot ravel on land, this is a hotly debated subject among the Hihiri and no decisions have yet been made on whether or not they will ever begin to build such a place.
Predators - at least upon the islands themselves - are few and far between. In fact, the greatest threat to a Hihiri traveling upon the islands is more likely to come from a poisonous plant! In the sea, however, the dangers are far greater. It is the job of the Warchief to ensure that warriors are constantly patrolling the ocean surrounding the islands to keep their waters free of massive sharks and octopi that would readily consume an unsuspecting Hihiri.
Upon the paradise-like islands, the weather is usually quite pleasant. While often humid - thanks to the frequent rain showers - springs and summers are pleasant, warm, and sunny and bad weather typically only rocks the islands during the late fall and winter months. Shielded by coral reefs, the islands are usually spared the worst of ocean storms but any Hihiri who has lived a spell can tell tales of monster waves and terrible monsoons that seem hell-bent on burying the islands beneath the sea for good. Snow never falls on the islands, although in the worst of winter's storms the tribe may be pelted by hail!
Trade Market Note!
When it comes to trade items, the Hihiri are most well known for providing fresh fish, rare shells, and tangy, tropical fruits that can be grown nowhere else in Anomalous.
Hihiri Deities
The only herd to actively worship a trinity of gods, the Hihiri have the perhaps the most complex system of religious beliefs in Anomalous!
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Chlos
Depicted as a stallion with a grey coat as steely as an angry sky, Chlos is the ruler of the skies and everything in it. From the sun and the blue expanse upon which it settles to the quiet night with its glimmering stars, Chlos watches over the Hihiri with endless patience. It is said that the day that Chlos turns his eyes away from the islands is the day that the herd will meet its end… For this reason, the Hihiri make sure to pray to Chlos daily, for fear of what will happen should he decide the islands are no longer worth watching.
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Et
At the moment, Et is the least liked of the Hihirian gods - or at least the most feared. As the goddess who supposedly governs the earth and all its things, it is Et who is blamed for the destruction that Ahi Waha’s eruption so many centuries ago. A goddess who has a coat of brown and black, Et - who was formerly praised for her kindness and humble attitude - is now prayed to for mercy, lest she unleash her terrible wrath upon the islanders again… Among the Gatherer rank, she is favored, as it is to her that they pray for rich harvests!
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Seysh
Seysh is one of the most favorited gods amongst the Hihiri, as it is Seysh who provides the tribe with food from his vast oceans. A god with a coat as blue and foaming as the waves that crash against the island sands and mighty fins that arch from his back, Seysh is seen as a symbol of prosperity. It is believed that the sea god was the first to gift the Hihiri with mutations such as fins and gills! While generous in his seaborne gifts, Seysh can also be quite selfish, so anyone who takes from his harvest is sure to give thanks for his endless generosity, lest they face his endless wrath...
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Demi-Gods
For many, it is believed that the Hihiri trinity are some of the most ancient gods of Anomalous. From these gods, they say, it can be argued that the rest of the Anomalous pantheon were born (for example, as the sun and moon are seen as the 'eyes' of Chlos, it is believed that Roth and Induala were born of his creation). Despite this, the Hihiri hold the ancient three as the most sacred and do not recognize any demi-gods... For now.
Chlos, Primary Deity
God of the Skies
Et, Primary Diety
Goddess of the Earth
Seysh, Primary Deity
God of the Seas
Hihiri Leaders
The Hihiri are lead by two chieftains and a Holy One said to be able to converse with their ancestors.
The Chieftain is said to be the leader of the people, and it is his responsibility to organize and takes care of issues concerning the tribe members. From having the final say on petty disputes among tribe members and deciding on punishments, to organizing seasonal ceremonies, the Chieftain deals with all things not pertaining to the protection of the tribe. The Warchief is the leader of the hunters and proud warriors of the Hihiri tribe. It is his job to organize not only patrols and hunts, but also annual fishing contests and handle the training all the fresh-faced stallions who believe themselves worthy of becoming warriors! Both chieftains are always male - or at least, have been for as long as anyone can remember - and are not only allowed but encouraged to take mates and sire many children. Most typically, Chieftains are chosen from the Gatherer or Hunter ranks while Warchiefs are most often promoted from those who served as warriors.
The Holy One, on the other hand, can be either male or female. The Holy One must swear an oath of abstinence, as they must be able to dedicate themselves solely to the voices of the spirits and the ancestors without distractions from raising children. It is the Holy One's job to provide all three-year-old Hihiri in the spring of their third year with the seeds of a sacred flower that grows only upon Hihiri Island, and lead them to the whale bones at the Graveyard. There, they spend a night beneath the ancient bones and it is the Holy One's duty to help the young ones translate whatever dreams or visions they might see to not only choose their Spirit Animal but also their rank in the herd! Outside of the Vigil ceremony, the Holy One is usually looked to as the most proficient healer upon the islands and the line to the gods/Hihiri ancestors should anyone need advice or guidance. Eventually, the Holy One takes on an apprentice who is meant to take over the rank when he/she passes on. Apprentices are almost exclusively chosen from the ranks of the Shaman, although it is not unheard of for a Holy One to pluck an apprentice from any of the Hihiri ranks. If called upon to be the Holy One's Apprentice, it is akin to treason to refuse, as this is seen as a direct rejection of the will of the gods - whether you want the job or not!
Magic Types
While there has been an increase in the number of Hihiri tribe members that possess magic in recent years, as a whole the tribe does not typically possess magic. This is, arguably, due to the separation of the islanders from the waters of Lake Vesta, which is often attributed as the reason for such strong magic upon the Mainland. Since magic is relatively new to the islands, it has not yet had a chance to be so selectively bred for as it is in other territories. For this reason, if a Hihiri is lucky enough to be born with the ability to perform magic, they can feature nearly any form currently known in Anomalous.
Mages, upon the islands, may be seen as either a blessing or a curse to the tribe depending on its form. Of course, the Hihiri find strains such as Laurel and Water exceptionally useful, as these two magic types fit the Hihiri lifestyle quite well. However, some strains - like Electricity or Acroris, for example - can be heavily distrusted due to their destructive potential if not well controlled. Some Hihiri put magic-bearers on a pedestal while others are quite fearful of those who have magic; for this reason, it is not uncommon for magic-possessing individuals to hide their abilities from the eyes of the public - at least not until they themselves have a better grasp on how to manage it.
Regardless of their personal opinions of magic upon the islands, Hihiri as a whole hold a mistrust for the magic-wielding Mainlanders. Magical items that block the use of magic are highly treasured and sought after, while the warriors of the tribe train constantly to be better able to defend themselves/the islands against magical threats as best they can.
Mutations
Remember!
Automatic Mutations are mutations that nearly every purebred Hihiri character will have - in fact, it would be deemed extremely odd if they didn't have these mutations! Herd Mutations are mutations that can only be found in a particular herd. Common Mutations are mutations that are commonly found across Anomalous. For more information on mutations, see the Mutations journal.
Herd Mutations | Aquatic Features
What the Hihiri lack in magic they make up for with a colorful array of mutations! Reptilian features aside, Hihiri can express mutations inspired by any manner of aquatic-based life. Some of the more popular mutations are bioluminescence, gills, fish scales, and tentacles - all of which make their sea-faring lifestyle all the easier. Rarely, the limbs of a Hihiri may be removed entirely and replaced with beautiful hippocampus tails.
Automatic Mutations | Fins, Pescatarian Digestive System, and Secondary Abilities!
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Fins (Automatic)
It is exceptionally rare for a Hihiri foal to be born without at least some sort of fins upon his/herd body! Fins can be quite extensive or limited to small areas, like behind an individual's ears or fetlocks. Regardless of an individual's base coat, fins can come in any color under the rainbow - or even a combination of colors! While fins can be very delicate and ornate, they can also be more sturdy, like the fins of cartilaginous fish (for example, like the fins of a shark) or smooth like the fins of porpoises. Generally, fins follow the line of the spine from the point when the neck meets the head down to the very tip of the tail. Note that, without an additional Fish Scales mutation, having the Fins mutation does not mean that an individual with have scales. As a fun aside, Hihiri who also have the Bioluminescence mutation can sport fins that glow in the dark!
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Pescatarian Digestive System (Automatic)
As mentioned previously, the Hihiri eat a highly varied diet full of nutrient-rich foods from the sea - like shellfish, fish, and seaweed - which is supplemented by the tropical fruits and vegetables that are grown and harvested from the islands. In order to ensure that they are able to get the most out of their diet, the Hihiri have evolved a Pescatarian Digestive System! In addition, this digestive system comes complete with a set of porpoise-like teeth (if you so desire) to help make catching slippery fish much easier!
Secondary Ability (Automatic)
While not a physical mutation, all Hihiri have developed the capability of being born with not one but two abilities! This means that, while the other herds of Anomalous are stuck with only one ability at creation, a Hihiri character may feature two! You can read all about the types of abililties available in Anomalous and what they do for a character in the Abilities Journal!
A Note About Fish-like Mutations!
With their fish-like mutations, Hihiri are often tied to the water not only by their lifestyle but by necessity. Here is a general set of guidelines for the amount of time a Hihiri with a particular kind of mutation might be able to stay on dry land without exposure to water! Note that hot weather will restrict the time limits while rainy/wet weather will extend time limits. Hihiri with Water magic or access to water/methods of wetting their skin may also extend their time above water!
- Exposed Gills/Normal Gills: ~1-2 Hours
- Covered/Shielded Gills: ~4-6 Hours
- Seadweller Skin: ~1-2 Hours
- Fish Scales: ~4-6 Hours
- Fins (Fish-type): ~4-6 Hours
Gill Types Explained!
Exposed Gills/Normal Gills - Average gills that any fish would possess. They are generally visible at all times, through gill slits or without actively opening the slits.
Covered/Shielded Gills - Gills that are covered or sealed and hidden under skin/flesh until a breath is taken, then are hidden again. These are often protected by a mucus membrane.
Herd Celebrations
Common Events
Newborn Ceremony
Occurs whenever a Hihiri colt or filly is born!
An informal affair where the parents of a newborn - usually accompanied by the Holy One - travel to Hihiri to baptize their new foal with the waters of Tukutuku. Foals baptized in these waters are said to grow up strong and have a fruitful life. Close family members and friends may attend the ceremony in addition to the parents and siblings of the foal. Usually occurs within the first few days after a foal's birth, when it is strong enough to make the journy to Hihiri!
Vigil Ceremony
Occurs in the spring of a Hihiri's third year.
The Vigil Ceremony is one of the most integral parts of Hihiri society. The ceremony begins when the Holy One takes the herd’s fresh-faced three-year-olds to the Graveyard. There, they consume seeds of the Spirit Flower and sleep beneath (or next to, if there is a particularly large crop of foals for that year) the rune-carved whale bones and await for a vision or dream to occur. Believed to be a message from their ancestors, the younglings - with the help of the Holy One - interpret the vision's messages to determine what rank they will fill in the herd and what spirit animal is to guide them through the remainder of their life! While it is forbidden to lie about the outcome of a Vigil, those unhappy with their vision may do so to get the station they want or fake one in order to avoid being labeled a 'Blind'.
Seasonal Events
Night of the Soul Moon
Occurs during solar eclipse (once a season)!
Every season, a night known as the Night of the Soul Moon comes to pass when both Chlos's Sun eye crosses behind Chlos's Moon eye to form an eclipse. During this night, Hihiri young and old flock to any open space where the faint light shed by the eclipse can be seen in the sky. It is then that, in the brief moments that the fiery ring of the sun is shielded by the moon's calming shadow, the Spirit Animal of a Hihiri comes to life! In a figure not unlike sparkling starlight the spirit animals leap from a Hihiri's breast and dance in the night. It can be quite a magical scene, with the glimmering, star-like spirits casting an otherwordly glow upon the islands. It is believed that the spirit animals bring with them messages from the Hihiri ancestors but, since the apparitions do not speak, the messages can only be passed along by gestures and motions. The Soul Moon ceremony reminds the Hihiri that, despite no longer being able to see the loved ones that have left the mortal world, they are still there to watch over them and keep them safe. To not be visited by a spirit animal on a Soul Moon night - after a Vigil has occurred, of course - is a grave omen indeed, for it insinuates that the ancestors themselves have abandoned you! (Note that Blinds, as they do not receive a spirit animal, would not have a spirit animal visit them during this time. If you are a Blind in hiding, be sure you aren't seen on this night, as anyone could plainly see if you do not have a spirit animal following you around!).
Summer Flame
Occurs during the first warm, clear night of the summer season.
Bonfires have long been a tribe-favorite. So it is that every summer, the Hihiri throw a massive bonfire that has become known as the Summer Flame! During the Summer Flame, a massive pyre is built upon the Whaka-Ma Pass (where there are fewer threats of setting the islands on fire) and, as the sun begins to set, it is set afire! A feast of roasted fish and seared fruits is provided and, after everyone eats, the real fun begins. Often a massive construct, the bonfire's flames can even be seen from the Mainland! In the shallows of the pass, Hihiri dance and sing around the bonfire, honoring the gods with dance routines passed down from generation to generation. Shamans throw special herbs into the fire to make its smoke dance and change colors for the entertainment of the tribe and young stallions might use the Summer Flame as an opportunity to try and impress mares they intend to woo in the coming breeding seasons and the festivities and music carry on long through the night, until the very last ember dies out.
Herd Ranks
All Hihiri, in the spring of their third year, follow the Holy One to the Graveyard and, after consuming the seeds of the Spirit Flower, sleep beneath the rune-carved whale bones to receive a vision from their ancestors. This vision determines not only an individual's Spirit Animal but also the position that a young Hihiri will take in the tribe! This ancestor-decided role is not one that can be rejected or changed. Luckily, most Hihiri believe that the ancestors are wise and do what they do for a reason! Everyone, regardless of their rank, has a role to play in order for the health and prosperity of the tribe to continue.
Warriors
Requirements: Male Only; Female Warriors require the purchase of Locked Rank reward (3+ Years Old).
The fierce warriors who protect the tribe from harm! Warriors train hard every day, often spending days if not weeks drilling and patrolling without seeing their families in order to make sure they remain in peak condition should anything come to pass. Warriors may be put on land or water patrol to keep both the tribe members and seaborne threats at bay. It is the duty of a warrior to keep the shallows and commonly used areas free of predators such as sharks or, should one arrive, driving it out! To be a warrior is one of the most highly respected positions within the tribe. Nearly all warriors are male. Females warriors, should it happen, are highly frowned upon and expected to perform above and beyond expectation if the ancestors think them worthy of the warrior rank!
Blinds
Requirements: No vision received during the Vigil Ceremony (3+ Years Old).
Blinds are the unfortunate members of the tribe who perform a Vigil but do not see a message from their ancestors or receive a Spirit Animal! Blinds are believed to have been abandoned by the ancestors and, as such, are often viewed by with scrutiny by the rest of the herd. Because of this, many younglings who fail to receive a real vision will actually fake it! While some lucky and clever individuals can get away with the lie for their whole lives, if it is discovered that someone lied about receiving a vision the punishment is death - always. Day to day, Blinds take on the less glamorous tasks of the herd such as clearing away and handling rotting fish bones, keeping the elders of the herd clean, and ensuring the overall cleanliness of the islands.
Gatherers
Requirements: None (3+ Years Old).
From tending to the fruit tree orchards and tending to vegetable gardens, Gatherers satisfy the herbivorous needs of the tribe diet! They are the gardeners of the herd and are expected to provide bountiful harvests at the end of every season! Gatherers who allow an orchard to die off completely or have a lackluster harvest are considered dishonorable and often punished with varying degrees of severity. A gatherer may also take up the job of cultivating ocean-based plants like seaweed, gathering nuts and other useful tubers, or collecting shellfish like clams and scallops!
Youth
Requirements: Less than 3 Years Old.
The young of the herd, Youths are those who have not yet have their eyes opened by their ancestors! This term applies to anyone who has not performed a Vigil ceremony, which is normally conducted in the spring of the third year of a young colt or filly. The foals of the tribe are protected fiercely by the adultsbut, once they have had their Vigil, they are viewed as adults who can ably serve the herd! Young Hihiri have an easy life-style and are expected to use these first few years of life to discover all that they can about the islands, the seas, and their herd customs as, as soon as they complete their Vigil, they will be expected to work just as hard as the adults to keep the Hihiri lifestyle afloat!
Hunters
Requirements: None (3+ Years Old).
The most skilled fishers on the isles, it is a hunter who must dive into the salty depths on the daily and bring home fish to help feed the tribe. Hunters who frequently return empty-handed are considered dishonorable and punished with varying degrees of severity. Especially for newly appointed hunters, it is not uncommon for individuals to stay out into the late hours of the night until they make a decent enough catch to present to the others. Hunters may go after fish on their own or in small groups, the latter being the better tactic for tackling schooling fish or larger game. Due to their tendency to hunt in deeper waters, hunters also work quite closely with the warriors of the tribe, as they require their protection during extended hunts.
Shamans
Requirements: None (3+ Years Old).
The healers of the nation, shamans live a life dedicated to the healing and health (both mental and physical) of their herd. Shamans may take one of two focuses, the first being herbs/medicines and the second being religion. Shamans work closely with the Holy One and often take his/her council, particularly when they have dedicated their lives to the Trinity. Aspiring shamans are often paired with a fully fledged mentor so that they might train and learn their craft for a few years before they are unleashed upon the herd. Shamans are expected to have the most complete knowledge of the healing properties of foliage upon the islands and beneath the sea's surface. In addition, it is the duty of the shamans to ensure the sowing of fresh Spirit Flower seeds, so that each year there are enough seeds to give to younglings soon to enter their Vigil ceremony!