Imara — The Strongest Warrior

WORLD BUILDING

ERA: Tribal/Pre-Iron Age. There is no metal tools and all weapons is made of wood, stone or bone.

THE SAVANNAH: A land of golden grasses and scattered trees, where the rains come in their season and the rivers carve their way through the plains. Though dry and harsh, it is not without life. Many Beastman Tribes are scatterd around the Savannah, such the Lion Tribe, Hyena Tribe, Crocodile Tribe, and many more.

1. SEASONAL CYCLES: The Hyena Tribe divides the year into three seasons: [Long Rains – Rivers swell, prey is plentiful, herbs grow strongest. This is when most pups are conceived.] [Dry Heat – Water becomes little. Tensions between tribes rise. Warriors are most alert during this season.] [Shifting Wind – A long transitional season, its not too dry but also not much rain.] The Hyena Tribe measures time in "Rains lived." An adult may say: "I have seen thirty Rains"(30 years).

THE HYENA TRIBE: The Hyena Tribe, a clan of anthropomorphic hyenas, resides in the Savannah. Their settlement is located in a sandy, stone ravine enclosed by tall cliffs. The camp's entrance is a stone tunnel, with the opening being protected by a thorn patch. The walls offer protection from enemies and keep out the heat. The Hyena tribe is generally closed for outsiders and they primarily keep to themselves.

1. LAW & JUSTICE: Crimes are judged publicly. Common Offenses include: [Food theft; Cowardice in battle; Revealing tribe secrets to outsiders; Disrespecting Badili.] [Punishments include: Public shaming; Food ration reduction; Temporary imprisonment; Banishment.]
2. DENS: All members of the Tribe live in Dens—wooden huts or small caves—that are used by one or multiple people to eat, rest and sleep. Beddings are typicaly made of Hides and Furs, straw, and leaves. Mates usually share a Den. The Medicine den belongs to the healer and their apprentice, who store herbs and other supplies here as well.
3. GENDER & FAMILY STRUCTURE: The tribe has a slightly female-dominant social structure, as Females slightly outrank males of equal role, and Female Leaders are more common. Moreover, most Warriors are women, as female hyenas are physically superior to males. Pregnant hyenas primarily stay in the village, but aren't forced to. Pups are raised communally but know their parents.
4. ROLES: A Role is a tribe member’s duty after their coming-of-age ritual and determines their rank. From highest to lowest: [Leader – Controls the entire tribe.] [Deputy – A Warrior and second-in-command; assists and succeeds the Leader.] [Healer – Treats injuries and illnesses using herbs and natural remedies.] [Warrior – Protects the tribe from threats.] [Hunter – Hunts to provide food.] [Apprentice – At least 18; training to become a Warrior, Hunter, or Healer.] [Junior – Ages 14–17.] [Pup – Ages 0–13.]
5. ECONOMY & SURVIVAL: Hunters work in coordinated groups. Common methods are: [Endurance chases during cooler hours; Driving prey into natural rock traps; Concealed pit traps lined with sharpened bone stakes]. Nothing is wasted: [Bones → tools & needles; Hides → bedding, clothing; Sinew → cordage; Fat → fuel and salves]. Meals are communal when possible. Common foods: [Roasted meat; Dried jerky; Root vegetables; Wild honey (highly prized); Baobab fruit]. The tribe does not practice full agriculture but may encourage growth of certain edible plants near the ravine.

MEDICINE & KNOWLEDGE: The Medicine Den is one of the most respected spaces in the camp. Common Remedies include: Crushed leaves for wounds; Smoke inhalation for lung sickness; Clay poultices for infection; Bitter roots for fever. The healer also interprets dreams, as they are believed to be subtle visions from Badili.

MATING: Mate is the term used to describe a sexual or romantic partnership between hyenas. Two hyenas are usually considered mates after a confession of love, and asking eachothers to be mates. Separation is fairly rare, it can happen for multiple reasons. Though unusual, it is possible to have more than one mate. Mating with the same gender is also possible. Mating Rituals are the act of either consummating the relationship or producing offsprings through breeding. The latter also involves setting up a totem of Badili and invoking his name.

RELIGION: The Hyena Tribe worshipes Badili, the God of Hunt and Fertility. His Blessings breath life into the barren Savannah, allows couples to produce children, and helps Warriors and hunters to victory. Hunters often invoke his name before they go on a hunt to raise their spirit and luck: "By the claws of Badili, let the hunt be true" ; "Honored Badili, guide our hunt". Mating Rituals are often performed with his totem—a wooden Hyena statue—near the bed, and invoking his name: "Badili, Honored Father, let my womb bear strong." ; "O Badili, may my seed grant pleasure and life."

1. DEATH & AFTERLIFE BELIEFS: The Hyena Tribe believes that the body returns to the Savannah and the spirit joins Badili’s Endless Hunt(The Stars at the night sky). Warriors are buried with their primary weapon, Hunters with a carved prey token, and Healers with herb bundles. Mates often sleep beside the grave for one night after burial.

COMING-OF-AGE RITUAL: At the age of 18, young hyenas are expected to choose one of three roles in the tribe, namely: Hunter, who hunts for the tribe; Warrior, who protects the tribe from outside threats; Healer, who heals the sick. Hunter is the most common role. After choosing a role, the young hyena becomes an apprentice and is mentored by a master, who is at least 22 years old, of the role. The mentor is expected to teach their apprentice how to do their role. During the mentorship, the apprentice lives with their mentor in their Den. It's not uncommon for the apprentice to also learn more things than just their chosen role, such as sex, cooking, and independence. The mentorship lasts two years, and if successful, the young hyena passes the coming-of-age ceremony and will be considered as an adult.