Luqual Tribe

Exiled nomads who migrate with the change of the seasons. The tribe is fully open and accepts any who wish to join the tribe. Most likely to attract the abandoned, exiled, or those who do not wish to rejoin their old tribe.

"There is light even in the darkest of nights..."

Lore

There are many who fall victim to cruelty and callousness. Many tribes cast out, subjugate, or torment the ones they deem unworthy, from warriors cast out for not being strong enough to cubs being left for dead for not meeting a certain standard. According to legend, such was the case for one Alpha who had the misfortune of growing horns that branched in several places, a major taboo in a tribe focused on outer beauty. She was cast out into an unforgiving and cruel world where the chances of survival were slim. She would have perished if it had not been for a trail of fireflies that seemed to guide her towards an ancient monolithic tree with branches that hung low. She took refuge within a hollow portion of it's trunk, which kept her safe and dry. She stayed, foraging and fishing to survive and developing the skills necessary to thrive within the environment. When she finally felt the strength to travel once more, she crafted a set of lanterns filled with naturally glowing stones that she hung along the path towards the tree that had rescued her from a slow death. She vowed to return when her journey neared it's end.

The Tree of Lights

The Tree of Lights is an extremely sacred location for the tribe, and they return to it once every one and a half to two years in order to pay respects to leaders of the past. The tree is made up of four very large ancient oaks that have grown and fused into one mighty tree. The split at the base is the very hollow where the first leader of the Luqual once took refuge. According to tradition each new leader must create their own lantern to carry with them throughout their life, which symbolizes their role in guiding the tribe on their travels. Once their time to step down comes, they must make the journey back to the Tree of Lights alone to hang their lantern in it's branches along with those of past leaders. They then live out the rest of their days in the area and upon death have their ashes scattered to the wind from the topmost part of the tree.

The Caretaker
Aside from the old leaders, The Caretaker is the only other tribal member who stays with the tree and does not travel with the rest of the tribe. It is their job to look after and maintain the lanterns, as well as keep a record of the tribe's history to be passed down from generation to generation. The Caretaker will also look after and assist any non member who happens across the area, as well as protect the tree from would-be vandals. Rumor has it that the current Caretaker has seen the passing of three leaders.

Religion

Moon worship is the main religion of the tribe, but because of the open enrollment policy other religions are accepted. Sun worship is not uncommon in tribal members, and darkness worship would not be banned. The Luqual believe that everyone should be free to practice whatever beliefs they have without persecution. 

Culture

The Lantern Ceremony
The Lantern Ceremony is an important event where leadership is passed down to the next generation. It is only held once the old leader feels their time is drawing near and they've selected a successor. During the ceremony, the new leader must craft a new lantern using materials that they themselves must gather using whatever methods they've learned over the years. They must then present it to the former leader who will then add the final touches to it such as decorative painting or carved accents, then light the lantern and return it to it's creator. The ceremony is concluded with song and dance, often accompanied by food gathered from whatever area they happen to be at any given time.

Birth
The birth of new pups is always a celebrated affair, though celebrations are withheld until the first time a cub laughs. This is due to the belief that by laughing the cub has completed their birth into the world by having their spirit fully awakened. Once this milestone has been reached, a celebration is held where the young cub is adorned with woven jewelry and finally given a name. Such events are usually called "Name Day Festivals" and though small have a huge significance within the tribe.

The Rite
The Luqual take the rite very seriously, and seldom send a pup out unprepared. Despite the tribe's belief that all deserve a chance to survive, they are very well aware that they are more than likely sending their loved ones to their deaths. Due to this reason, Luqual pups are often asked to leave a trinket behind, such as a handmade lantern or, more commonly, a stone bearing their paw print. Such trinkets are usually left at the Tree of Lights as a memorial. Should the toskal find their way back to the tribe, either by tracking the group or returning to the Tree of Lights, after their Rite these memorials are ceremoniously destroyed and recycled as building material.

Roles

Leader
The most important role in the tribe, and usually held by an alpha hand picked and raised by the previous leader. Their job is to oversee the safety and wellbeing of the entire tribe as well as hold the role of healer alongside others. Leaders of the Luqual must be able to show good judgement, be shrewd and unbiased, and maintain good relations with all other tribes they meet. The position of leader is not an easy one, for the leader cannot be allowed to to eat before the rest of the tribe an must always travel on foot ahead of the rest of the group when traveling. A tribe leader usually steps down then they're too old to travel long distances on foot.

Hunters
Hunters are split up into three different groups. Trappers focus on catching smaller prey, usually specializing in snares and spring traps. Trackers are large game hunters, usually breaking away from the tribe to track prey over moderate distances. Fishers are those who work best with catching fish and other aquatic creatures.

Scouts
Scouts are tasked with traveling far ahead of the group alongside the Leader, usually starting their journey a few hours before the group to chart a safe path to follow. Scouts must not only have a high level of endurance, but they must also be fit and strong enough to help protect the leader from any dangers they encounter on the path. When not traveling, a scout's duty is to forage for edible plants and berries for the tribe to eat, alongside any meat the hunters bring back.

Healers
Usually trained directly by the tribe leader, healers are a highly valued role in the tribe and must be taught how to identify different medicinal herbs and how to use them to treat various known illnesses and injuries. Healers are usually chosen based on the compassion they show, and cannot be allowed to show any inherent cruelty or aggression. It is considered a grave offence to threaten or insult a Luqual Healer.

Storytellers
This role is usually given to those unable to fulfill any other role. Storytellers are asked to craft stories of fiction, or draw from truths and history, to tell in the evening time during rest. This role is considered just as important as any other, as it keeps the moral of the entire tribe up and can sometimes provide important lessons for younger members.

Guards
A small handful of warriors tasks with protecting the rest of the tribe. Though it is rare to find fit and able warriors willing to join the Luqual, there have been a few who have chosen to take up the mantle. Currently, this position is filled by an apex named Adonis, who oversees and trains other warriors willing to stay and protect the traveling tribe.

Soothsayer
The role of soothsayer is often left unoccupied, as it's not common to find toskals able to communicate with the spirits. However, there have been times when someone has taken up the role, usually to help guide the tribe away from any perceived dangers along the path.