THE NOMBEKO WARREN
HERD INFORMATION
Gender Terms:
Males = Toms
Females = Queens/Vixens
Young = Kits
Typical Build:
Light-Medium (All Builds Accepted)
Height Range:
7-9 hands
Preferred Coat Colors:
Golden Coats/Rosette Patterns
MAGIC TYPES
Common Magic:
Earth Magic
Uncommon Magic:
Wind Magic
Rare Magic:
Electricity Magic
HERD SPECS
Automatic Mutations:
Whiskers, Omnivorous Digestive System, Multiples (2-3 Pairs)*
*Note that only one Multiples (2-3 Pairs) may be applied automatically. Secondary Multiples must be purchased with a Salamander Reward or applied with a token
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Herd Mutations:
Rodent and Plains-Type Species
(Rabbits, Rats, Foxes, Coyotes, Badgers, etc... )
Diet:
Insects
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Territories Held:
Nombeko Plains
Linx Foothills
DEITIES & LEADERS
Overseer:
Introduction
Small, hardy, and intelligent, those of the Nombeko Warren carve out a living for themselves on the expansive Nombeko Plains - a place not for the faint of heart.
What the smallest inhabitants of Anomalous lack in size, they make up in numbers and personality! Those of the Warren are a hardy sort and are often loud, quick-witted, short-tempered, and passionate about the things they care about. After all, it can sometimes be hard to make sure your voice is heard among many! The lives of the Nombeko are often lived at a hard and fast pace; after all, one can’t know when they might meet an untimely demise at the talons of an eagle.
Unlike the rest of Anomalous, the Nombeko are the only herd known to operate in recognizable, separate groups referred to as ‘Clans’, a nod to the ancient ancestors of the Nombeko who roamed in nomadic bands and settled on the plains. Nowadays, each clan has its own distinct territory that they (often aggressively) protect, operating under their own set of rules and beliefs while still (supposedly) adhering to the Commandments of Nombeko administered by the highest-ranking individual on the plains - the Overseer, who takes residence in the Warren.
While the Nombeko are the most populous bloodline in Anomalous, they also suffer from a cruelly short life-expectancy thanks to the high rate of predation they face in their day to day lives. Giant eagles are the Nombeko’s main rival of the Nombeko Plains; taking residence in the Linx Foothills, the giant eagles love nothing more than to make a snack out of an unsuspecting Nombeko! Therefore, those that dare to live on the Plains must be quick on their feet and constantly be aware of their surroundings.
Since it is so dangerous to live out on the exposed plains, the Nombeko have used their small size to their advantage! Instead of creating homes on the surface, the Nombeko have developed a vast tunnel system for themselves beneath the plains! While each clan will usually have its own set of underground tunnels/its own homebase within their individual territories, the largest set of tunnels - known as the Warren - is a neutral area where Nombeko from any clan may gather. With its central location in comparison to the other Clan territories, the Warren has developed over the ages into a thriving underground city and is a cultural hotspot for the Nombeko. The Warren is, arguably, one of the safest places in Nombeko.
In addition, in a deal gone horribly wrong, long ago those of the Nombeko Warren as a whole became the favourite slave of the Saraph Nation and are often captured or sold into slavery. While it is against one of the Commandments to sell a fellow Nombeko into slavery, the high-profit margins of such an arrangement has seen to a prolific a black market being in operation right under the Warren’s nose...
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However, after a successful deal was struck between Overseer Rasiel and Sultana Otrera in Summer 2004, Nombeko has been freed of their slave-fate! Who knows what will happen next to the small animal?
General Appearance
They may be the shortest inhabitants of Anomalous, but Nombeko are exceptionally quick on their feet and know how to use their height to their advantage!
Centuries of natural selection has encouraged the inhabitants of the Nombeko Plains to grow smaller, ensuring that they are better able to dodge, hide from, or outrun their enemies. Most commonly, Nombeko are usually of Light to Light-Medium in build and range from heights as short as 7-9 hands high for both genders. Thanks to their largely underground existence, the Nombeko as a whole often appear to be covered in a fine layer of dust or dirt, and are reported to have the aroma of freshly turned soil!
The majority of Nombeko are generally golden or red of coat, better allowing them to remain hidden amongst the tall and dry grasses of the Plains, but do not - in general - have any particular preference for a certain coat color.
Diet & Habitat
Diet Type: Omnivore
The Nombeko consume a primarily insect-based diet, with the addition of eggs or even sometimes fish if they can catch them! The Nombeko can and do ingest plant-life daily, but note that a Nombeko's diet should be primarily made up of nutrients derived from insects and greens!
A Nombeko cannot properly digest any sort of red meat but could, in theory, digest small amounts of white meat such as bird meat and reptile flesh. Consumption is often limited to special occasions and should only be consumed in a frequency of one meal, once a week at most, as consuming any more than that can cause digestive failure!
The Nombeko Plains stretch from the foothills of the Linx Mountain Range in the north to a giant fault in the earth to the south known as the Gish, which marks the border between Nombeko territory and the Free-Roaming Territory, Beryl Bay. The Gish is a sheer drop in most places but can be crossed in the areas where the crack is not as wide or steep.
While the Nombeko have claim over the foothills of the Linx Mountain Range, fear of predation by the giant eagles who roost there means that they do not often travel there alone - if at all.
The Plains themselves are filled with tall grasses and piles of rock that serve well as outposts. Burrow entrances are scattered across the Plains but, despite often being almost identical in appearance to the untrained eye, any Nombeko worth their salt can easily identify what clan - or even which individual - made each specific tunnel.
Rainstorms - especially in the spring -
All in all, weather is somewhat predictable in the Plains. Springs are mild, summers are hot and can be miserable, fall is a cool and enjoyable season while, in the winter, snow falls in sheets and - while it doesn’t often stick around long except in the coldest of winters - can get deep enough to bury the unsuspecting Nombeko!
Trade Market Note!
When it comes to trade items, the Nombeko are most-well known for their crafted goods (such as baskets and woven items), and their own skill in construction/building with earth!
Nombeko Deities
As one who values a clever mind over physical prowess, Gaophos is, in a word, unique compared to the rest of the Anomalous deities. A son of Chlos (the God of the Skies), Gaophos has earned the reputation of a trickster - of one who often sticks his extra set of floating, windborne raccoon hands where they are not wanted.
He is a deity depicted most often as a fox-like deity with nine tails and taloned hindquarters that can reach down and pluck unsuspecting Nombeko from the Plains. While his primary set of forelegs have similarly vulpine paw structure, a secondary set of raccoon-like paws - borne upon wispy tendrils of wind, are often held in a thoughtful, folded stance in front of him.
Gaophos is the chief god amongst the Nombeko due to his ability to use his intellect to gain the advantage despite not being as prominent a power as the other gods, a trait that the Nombeko find admirable. Small in stature in a world of giants, the Nombeko must rely on their wits to keep their clans safe from harm. While their survival is often game of chance, the Nombeko believe that by paying homage to the god whose winds rustle the grasses of the Plains the odds will be in their favor.
Gaophos the Trickster, Primary Deity
God of the Wind
Nombeko Leaders
In an attempt to unify the divided clans of Nombeko, long ago the various matriarchs/patriarchs came to the conclusion that, every year, the clan leaders would come together and vote one among them to act as the official representative of the Nombeko Territory, should the need arise. While the vote occurs yearly, if all the clan leaders find that their current Overseer is in good standing, an Overseer may serve in the position for as long as they live/can properly perform their duties.
It is the duty of the Nombeko Overseer to keep the peace - however tentative - between the Nombeko Clans. All disputes - be it over territory, food resources, etc - between the clans are typically funneled through the Overseer to try and settle such debates peacefully (at least at first, anyway). While the Overseer originates from one of the various clan leaders, once they take on the responsibility of the Overseer, they are expected to act in an unbiased fashion in any and all rulings they make (of course, whether this happens or not is entirely up to the Overseer!). Those currently serving as Overseer take residence in the Nombeko Warren and often appoint a new/temporary matriarch/patriarch to their former clan to lead in their absence!
In situations where the leaders of Anomalous are meant to come together, it is the Overseer who is sent to represent the Nombeko territory - and all of its clans - in such meetings. It is expected that Overseer take into account the wellness of all the Nombeko Clans and to do what is best for the territory as a whole rather than to pursue selfish goals.
As the highest power in the Nombeko Territory, the rulings of the current Overseer are seen as law and apply to all the clans of Nombeko. For example, if the resident Overseer were to ban a hunt on grasshoppers to allow the prey’s population to grow, all clans are expected to abide by these rules. Referred to simply as ‘The Commandments’, anyone found to be breaking such laws can be arrested and put on trial, with consequences up to and including jail time, exile, or execution!
Current Commandments
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No Nombeko shall commit the crime of murder. Punishable by death.
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No Nombeko shall willingly/knowingly consume the flesh of another Nombeko. Punishable by death.
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No Nombeko shall willingly/knowingly enter a fellow Nombeko into slavery. Punishable by death.
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All Nombeko shall treat Vanguard and Saraph members as guests, as fellow Nombeko (As of 2002/2004 respectively)
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Historically, the clans are notoriously hard to keep track of (and often volatile) and with each new Overseer having the ability to overturn a commandment, it is questionable whether or not all the clans are actually aware of the current set of commandments. It is the responsibility of the Overseer to ensure that the Nombeko Commandments are being followed and to dole out punishments as necessary. However, with the Overseer often hard-pressed to keep each clan in their own territory, this role is often harder than it looks…
Overseer
The Clans of Nombeko
Unlike all the herds of Anomalous, the Nombeko don’t have a lineage-based position - such as a king or queen - as a symbol of authority for the simple reason that, in a territory saturated with danger, it is highly likely that the aforementioned ruler would get eaten without warning! As such, the Nombeko have instead separated themselves into family groups, with individual matriarchs/patriarchs of family clans holding a leadership position over that specific clan who then report to a chosen representative - the Overseer - who they chose via vote to handle disputes/issues across the Plains!
Nombeko family clans live much like a natural horse herd, with various clans occupying specific areas within the Plains that may or may not be challenged for in order to gain better hunting grounds or more protection! The largest and most successful family groups tend to live in the stretches of land closest to the Warren, the oldest Nombekian tunnels that lie in the heart of the Plains. Smaller or new family clans live on the outskirts where hunting may be less plentiful, at least until their family grows strong enough to challenge for a better territory. While there are a few family clans that are well known due to their lengthy establishment, family clans are constantly being created, split into fractions, or entirely dismantled with the passing of time and individuals. Your Nombeko may leave their birth clan at any time to join a different family clan if approved by that clan's matriarch/patriarch or, if they are old enough, may branch off and create their own!
When you create a Nombekian character, feel free to join any of the Nombeko Clans listed below!
Creating a Clan
If you would like to start your own Nombeko Clan, simply fill out the google form below! Please remember to note the group afterwards with the name of your clan to inform us that you have submitted a Nombeko Clan for review! You should have the following information prepared beforehand:
Name of Family Clan: What is your Family Clan called? Clans are often named after things found in nature but may be named after the founding Matriarch/Patriarch or another family member of influence!
Clan's Hunting Grounds: Where does this family clan live? You may listed this as a location in the Plains based on direction (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW). Are they stationary or nomadic?
Clan Status: Is this clan open to new members to join or is it closed
Brief Group Summary: In a few sentences, please summarize the main idea/culture of your group as an introduction for potentially interested members.
Group Culture: The more detail the better! What is the clan like? Why did the first - whoever he/she/they were - decide to become a group rather than live alone? Why do they travel/live where they do? What do they eat? Do they hold a separate religious belief or do they follow the gods of Anomalous, just on their own terms? Do they welcome outsiders or are they friendly to others? Are they traders, artists, or thieves? Do they have a set of rules and laws to guide them or is it a free for all? Do they hold superstitions or only allow those with certain features among their ranks? Let us - and by extension, anyone who might want to join - know as much as you can about your herd!
Leadership Positions: Please provide the titles of any leadership positions within the group. For Nombeko Clans, this will always be the name of the Matriach/Patriarch of the Clan.
Group-Specific Ranks: What kind of ranks exist within your herd? Is there a leader or is this just a small, family band? Leaders can be NPC. Please include a description of what the rank's position requires and whatever responsibilities they may hold.
Current Members: Are there any PC/NPC members of this group that we should be aware of? Please note that any characters intended to become PC’s must be formally approved through the Anomalous Chronicles group AFTER your group has been approved.
Current Clans
Featherhead Clan / Group-Hosted
Link to Clan Journal: ---
Current Matriarch/Patriarch: Kite | Queen | Featherhead Matriarch
Clan's Hunting Grounds: Northwestern Plains.
Clan Status: Open - Queens Only!
Clan Description: Featherheads, as they call themselves, is a large and exclusive queens only group! Only the toughest and capable queens are accepted to be a Featherhead. Most Featherheads include names bird-like in origin/concept and, during breeding season, Featherhead queens will go out and pick a male to breed with and return to the group. Featherheads don't typically take on mates and, if they do, often leave to join their new mate's clan. Male kits, when born into the Featherheads, are raised until they are about three years of age and then forced to leave the Clan.
Clan Creator: Group Hosted.
Prosperous Clan / Player-Made
Link to Clan Journal: http://fav.me/ddw5dqd
Current Matriarch/Patriarch: Hyzenthlay | Queen | Prosperous Matriarch
Clan's Hunting Grounds: Located in the South-West of the plains, Prosper territory is a relatively small area populated by an inordinate number of termite mounds, and marked by a massive tree at its centre.
Clan Status: Open!
Clan Description: Unlike most of the Nombeko, the Prosperous are an entirely static clan with a culture based in agriculture. They farm termites and other ground based insects (such as ants) in carefully maintained mounds and farms, as well as crops, which are grown in concentric circle formations throughout their territory. These crop circles are often placed in predetermined stone 'basins' constructed to prevent accidental damage from tunnelling underneath them. The great tree is centric to their way of life, as it provides a place of safety, both inside its hollowed out structure (much like the homes present in Auster) and beneath it- its roots providing the support needed for a great central space in the warren below. Its branches also provide great lookout points for sentries! Above all else they prize security and peace, preferring to remain neutral when it comes to the various in-squabbling of other Nombeko clans, but outright refuse to bow to Saraph in any way. Peaceful they may be, but they're still proud Nombeko who can hold their own! Earth magic is highly prized here, and rarer strains of magic are seen as good to have, but otherwise not as useful. Coat patterns that mimic light through leaves, such as paint and appaloosa, are especially appreciated! Renegade friendly.
Clan Creator: @LeftLegFlamingo
Reed Clan / Group Hosted
Link to Clan Journal: ---
Current Matriarch/Patriarch: Rasiel | Tom | Overseer/Reed Clan Patriarch
Clan's Hunting Grounds: Western Plains.
Clan Status: Open!
Clan Description: This clan is large and well known for being descendants of Lokan! Most often, Reed Clan members are red of coat. It is an honor to be considered a part of Reed Clan, especially since their Patriarch is the current Overseer! Reed Clan members tend to be a little bit more arrogant in terms of personality and are often a bit heavier in build. Reed Clan holds the largest and safest hunting grounds to the West, as they have since the days of Lokan!
Clan Creator: Group Hosted.
Skrattafel Clan / Player Made
Link to Clan Journal: https://www.deviantart.com/anomalousarchive/journal/Nombeko-Clan-The-Skrattafell-849971350
Current Matriarch/Patriarch: Farrow | Tom | Nombeko Patriarch
Clan's Hunting Grounds: NW Plains, in the Linx Foothills, right up against the Linx Border and western coast. Protected by the natural borders of the Fangburn Forest and open ocean, they are relatively isolated from the rest of Nombeko and the problems of the mainland..
Clan Status: Open!
Clan Description: This clan is centred over one thing: dragons, while everyone loves their pets, the Skra have taken it one step further. Working alongside their scaley companions, this clan serves as a safe-haven for magical creatures. A mesh of Nombeko and Linx culture, these folk have warm hearts and are always looking for new adventures.
Clan Creator: Tyeth
Southern Clan / Group Hosted
Link to Clan Journal: ---
Current Matriarch/Patriarch: Horcrux (NPC Tom).
Clan's Hunting Grounds: Southern Plains.
Clan Status: Open!
Clan Description: A simply named but successful group, Southern Clan lives - predictably - to the South. They are a massive clan but, due to close proximity to the Beryl Bay and slavers, a constantly shifting one. Southerns are one of the few clans who have an active relationship with the Slavers, choosing the peaceful handing over of a certain percentage of kits once weaned over to the Saraph slavers in order to keep the peace. While many other family clans frown upon the Southerns, they do hold a level of respect since their pact with the Slavers keeps the Saraph raids at bay. Southerners see their group as the protectors of the rest of the Nombekian Plains, since they act as a buffer for raids, and are often quite proud of their clan for this.
Clan Creator: Group Hosted.
Talonbait Clan / Player Made
Link to Clan Journal: http://fav.me/ddw5dlx
Current Matriarch/Patriarch: Elil the Fang | Tom | Talonbaits Patriarch
Clan's Hunting Grounds: Nomadic, but favoring the Northeast Plains.
Clan Status: Open - but only to those willing to prove themselves!
Clan Description: The Talonbaits are a small group of savage and crafty Nombeko that worship Gaophos in a strange way: they pride themselves on sacrificing to and ambushing the eagles. They set traps for the birds, usually featuring their own newborn kits or any kits that happen to be handy, as the bait. Every litter born into the Talonbaits must be set out for the eagles. Whichever kits survive the ambush are accepted into the clan and considered blessed for every scar they sport. Appearance and gender mean little to the Talonbaits, beyond what scars and trophies you can boast about. An unmarked body is the sign of a weakling. The Talonbaits consider their eagle hunting as a service to the other weaklings of their kind, as every eagle killed is one less predator to attack the other herds. Occasionally, when their clan numbers swell too far, a raid is arranged on the eagle nesting grounds to smash and carry off as many eggs as they can. To survive a raid and come away with eggs to feast on is a sure sign that the Nombeko in question will be considered for leadership of the clan. They have a fierce grudge rivalry with the Kitskeeper clan, and often try to lure away their clan members... or use their kits for bait too!
Clan Creator: Frostwalker
Former/Disbanded Clans
Kitskeeper Clan / Player Made, Disbanded as of Summer 2004, see Time to Go
Link to Clan Journal: ---
Current Matriarch/Patriarch: Angelyn the Holy Prophet.
Clan's Hunting Grounds: A series of intricate tunnels in the Northern plains.
Clan Status: Open.
Clan Description: Founded when a Talonbait queen had a false vision and fled the clan to begin her own refuge, Kitskeeper was originally a haven full of acceptance and kindness. Unfortunately, it has become the front for a dangerous cult! Led by a conniving queen named Angelyn, members of this clan believe that the strongest, most beautiful, and most obedient of their ranks will Ascend to a heavenly plane, chosen by gods! Especially beautiful kits are often kept inside to preserve their beauty, and the matriarch personally gives her blessing to each mated pair in hopes of auspicious kits. Many members are raised from birth to be obedient and well-groomed in hope of Ascending themselves. It’s all a front, sadly, as the Ascended are simply sold to Saraphs as slaves while the clan remains unquestioning. They are known to steal beautiful kits and raise them as their own, away from the ‘atrocities’ of the world. Sworn rivals of Talonbait.
Clan Creator: @theshoulderissue
Magic Types
Common:
EARTH
This magic type allows those within the Nombeko herd the ability to efficiently dig and clear out burrows, while removing the tailings with ease. Highly useful in a culture that lives and dies by their ability to dwell within said tunnels. An inherent sense of the earth, location of rocks, and possible collapses make this magical type very desirable. However, mates of earth mages often complain of dirt and rocks ending up absolutely everywhere in their home - ignoring the fact, of course, that the walls, roof and floor are… made of dirt.
Uncommon:
WIND
As unpredictable as Gaophos himself, the wind magic gifted to the Nombeko allows for the ability to not only scent possible dangers, but to give those dangers a thorough push in a direction away from their own small bodies. A truly impressive strength to harness, Wind magic can be the difference between life and death when upon the plains, or even deep within the earth. Those Nombeko blessed with wings find this magic an extra boon, depending upon their clan, as it can easily speed their flight, or sabotage the wings of an attacking eagle with ease. In some clans, it is believed that wind magic makes a nombeko more flighty, or likely to wander off some day. This is of course just a stereotype, but youths with wind magic are prone to wandering off to investigate interesting scents until they get used to it - fueling some superstition.
Rare:
Electricity
Once upon a time, a random nombeko tom was blessed with electricity magic (or so the story goes). He survived so well that it spread amongst the Nombeko, and is now a notable strain! This magic is considered useful for chasing off eagles and larger predators, and formerly, saraph slavers - its valued amongst clan brutes especially, but additionally among artisans, as it can be used to make lightning glass.
Mutations
Remember!
Automatic Mutations are mutations that nearly every purebred Nombeko 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 | Rodent-Like/Plains-Type Features
In order to better survive, the Nombeko have evolved a rather unique adaptation to help them navigate the burrows that they dig: whiskers! Whiskers allow the Nombeko to feel their surroundings even when in complete darkness. They are also incredibly cute when waggled.
Perhaps the more important adaption, though, is the acquisition of a nice set of rodent/fox-like chompers and an omnivorous digestive system to go with it! The Nombeko are opportunistic and will take what they can get! While the Nombeko cannot eat red meat, they are known to make meals of nearly all insects, eggs, and would chomp on a fish if given the opportunity!
Other Common Mutations:
The bulk of Nombeko mutations are based off of rodent-like/plains-type species, giving them quite a wide range from which to choose from! From rabbit ears to rat tails, the Nombeko can have them all! As of April 5th, 2018, badgers, coyotes, foxes, and wild dogs are all just fine to pull inspiration from when creating your Nombeko character.
Multiples Notes!
Due to recent godly activity, Nombeko have begun to appear that bear a striking new mutation - multiples! While these Multiples are limited to no more than two or three pairs, this means that you may now use Multiples as a Nombeko auto mutation! Multiples may be applied to Ears, Eyes, or Tails and will feature the same type of eyes/ears/tail already present on the character unless two different forms of these mutations are already present! For example, a Nombeko starter may feature multiple fox tails but, if a rabbit tail mutation is present, they may have one fox tail and one rabbit tail! A single Multiples is considered an Automatic mutation; a secondary set of Multiples (ie, Multiples - Eyes + Multiples Ears) would require a Salamander Reward purchase. See the examples below for some starter examples!
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- Whiskers/Omnivorous Digestive System (Automatic), Multiples (Tails - Double), Fox Ears, Fox Tail.
- Whiskers/Omnivorous Digestive System (Automatic), Multiples (Ears - Double), Rabbit Ears, Rabbit Paws.
- Whiskers/Omnivorous Digestive System (Automatic), Multiples (Eyes - Triple), Fox Ears, Fox Tail, Colored Eyes.
Herd Celebrations
Seasonal Events
Eagle Hunting Contest
Occurs every Spring
So you think you're the best eagle hunter in the business? Well, now you can prove it! With the goal of restoring Nombeko-Saraph relations, every Spring an eagle hunting contest is held at the Warren. This helps keep the eagle population under control and provides a chance for Nombeko to show their strengths. Of course – hunting eagles is no easy feat and you may not come out whole.
Participants usually hunt in teams, and the winning team gets to walk out as the master eagle hunter.
Vanguard participation would be looked at on a per-case basis.
Summer Storm Festival
Occurs at the Start of Every Summer
When the first storms of summer hit the plains, the family clans gather deep into the Nombeko tunnels in a large, ancient burrow dubbed the Cavern Hole. While adults make sure that the tunnels are fortified against flooding and make repairs as needed, kits are gathered into the cavernous burrow for the telling of Nombekian legends. If the storm is mellow enough, kits may be brought out into the storm to play in the rain and listen to the wind. In the evening, a feast is held and a herd-wide prayer - led by any capable Elders - is sent to Gaophos to show their respect to him and the power of his storm.
The Great Race
Occurs Every Autumn
An annual event, the Great Race is a long-standing Nombekian tradition pitting the fastest members of each family clan against each other! This race is quite dangerous, as recruits must put all the skills they have learned to the test to avoid predators, survive any unexpected weather, and not get lost! A three-staged event, entrants are tested on all the qualities a Nombeko must possess to survive. The first leg is a test of stamina and strength, where wind benders and earth benders of the herd batter entrants as they begin the race through the Gish; once they have made it out of the Gish, entrants must swim up the river to a predetermined checkpoint where they may rest and recover for the night if they so desire. It is upon their exit of the Gish that entrants are on their own, as spectators drop off and they must rely on the checkpoints to make sure they are going in the right direction. In the second leg, entrants race through up along the path of the river to the Linx Foothills in the North, a test of agility thanks to the rough terrain. This is the most dangerous leg of the event, as the Foothills are notorious for the presence of predators of all shapes and sizes. As with the first leg, there is a predetermined burrow that serves as a checkpoint if entrants find they need to rest or recover. The final is a test of pure speed! From the foothills, entrants sprint in a mad dash back to the Great Hall. Out completely in the open, eagles are the biggest threat to entrants during this portion of the race. The first to return from the trials are heralded as the Champion of the event and allowed to place a ruby into the wall of the Cavern Hall. The feast that follows is held in honor of those who managed to finish the race at all! If any entrants did not return, they are honored for their bravery and an obsidian stone is put into the wall of the Heart to honor their attempt.
Herd Ranks
Despite being separated into family groups called ‘clans’, the Nombeko clans as a whole share the same ranks and positions that help aid them in the pursuit of survival. Unlike other herds, the Nombeko do not have a dishonorary rank. Those who disappoint in one rank are placed in another but, for the sake of survival, everyone performs to their highest ability as anything less than the best means death no matter who you are!
Matriarchs and Patriarchs
Requirements: +15 years of age
Matriarchs and Patriarchs are the heads of a family clan! Matriarchs or Patriarchs may rule over their clan as an individual who take a mate not considered their co-leader or as a mated pair of co-leaders! This rank holds the most responsibility to an individual, as the health of an entire clan rests on their back!
Brutes
Requirements: 10+ Years of Age
The guardians of a Clan. Usually the biggest of the bunch, brutes tend to be males but can also be females and use their strength to fight off any dangers that present themselves to all ranks of the clan. Brutes work alongside Catchers and Sentries, watching carefully should their services be needed. Their rank is one of the most honorable that a Nombeko can hold but it is one of the most dangerous. Many brutes never live to reach old age, let alone fifteen years of age. Brutes have an intimate knowledge of how eagles hunt and spread their knowledge to as many apprentices as possible as quickly as possible, just in case they should be killed!
Kits
Requirements: Under 5 Years of Age
The babes of a clan, kits enjoy a pampered life. Fed, bathed, and entertained in the safety of the burrows and the Plains just outside of den entrances, kits have little a care in the world until the age of three, when they are often apprenticed by an elder of the herd or experienced adult in the station that they wish to pursue!
The Nombeko Ambassador to Saraph
Requirements: This is a Special Position that requires regular activity checks/challenges. May only be one Ambassador at a time.
The Nombeko Ambassador lives in the heart of Saraph, serving as a source of safety and security for Nombekos living and working in Saraph. Their main job is to make sure nothing criminal (breaking the terms of this deal) is happening. If Nombekos have issues with their employers or working conditions, they bring it up with the Ambassador. In turn, the Ambassador would report this to the Sultan. Should the Sultan do nothing, the Ambassador would then report the crime to the Overseer.
Sentries
Requirements: 8+ Years of Age
Tasked with the important job of keeping an eye out for predators or any other threats, sentries watch over catchers as they hunt. Sentries are taught a series of special calls that indicate different situations at hand. Sentries must be fast and quick-witted, as it is a sentry who must warn their brethren of incoming danger!
Shadowguide
Requirements: Reed Clan Auto-Acceptance Only; other clan members need approval from both the Overseer and their Respective Clan's Matriarch/Patriarch
Following the Nombeko-Vanguard Agreement, Reed clan members have been asked to serve as guides to their new partners, the Vanguard. Guides are expected to treat Vanguard herd members with respect, teach them Nombeko customs, travel with them so they know where the no-go zones are, and make sure that the agreement is maintained. Guides get to have the most direct interaction with the Vanguard (although not allowed to go on the platform or travel to the citadel)! Nombekos can double up this role with their regular jobs if desired.
Elder
Requirements: 20+ Years of Age
The oldest individuals of the Nombeko clan, Elders are highly respected and cherished amongst the herd for their ability to survive all the trials that the Plains throw at them. The opinion of an Elder is held in highest regard, as their life experiences have seen them to the most plentiful years amongst the Nombeko! Elders retire to a comfortable life spent mostly in the burrows and catered to by the young adults of the clan but it is not uncommon for them to lead hunts or train sentries in order to impart their knowledge first hand upon their successors.
Babysitter
Requirements: +5 Years of Age
Babysitters can be either male or female and are tasked with watching all the pups within a clan while parents are out hunting or being sentries! Females can sometimes nurse babes while males provide protection but, no matter the gender, babysitters play with and entertain kits of all ages! Being a babysitter is a very important rank, as it is the job of a babysitter to take care of the next generation.
Catchers
Requirements: 8+ Years of Age
Catchers spend nearly their entire lives hunting for the clan. Speed is integral amongst the catchers, as they must be quick enough to capture their fast-footed prey and able to dodge eagles if they come about. Catchers are the rank most often golden in coat, as it benefits them greatly to be nearly invisible amongst their surroundings! Catchers are not punished for coming back empty-pawed, as catching the type of prey they hunt is a feat, but those who come back with a bounty are praised and celebrated.
Excavator
Requirements: +8 Years of Age
The excavators are those who dig the tunnels! Often working in teams much like firemen who hand buckets of water to each other, excavators work hard and long hours making sure fresh tunnels are dug safely and made secure as well as ensuring that current tunnels are still safe to inhabit. An excavator’s opinion is taken as law. If an excavator says that a tunnel is not safe to live in, entire clans will move in order to prevent disaster.
Other Ranks/Occupations
Because Nombeko's Clans are so varied and diverse in how they go about their daily lives, of course each clan may have differing ranks, or more specified jobs for individuals. For example, those in the Talonbait Clan have ranks primarily dealing with hunting eagles, while those in Prosperous have ranks tailored more for insect farming. So many differing jobs for so many different folk!
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Currently, we do not not have the clans listed here, but for more information on the different ranks for different clans, we recommend looking at the respective Clan Journals currently uploaded to the Anomalous Archive's Official Account!