Profile
. . . .FAITH | A6 . . . .
There isn't any official faith within the Regiment - Brontes wants everyone to be free to believe what they will, so long as those beliefs don't involve hurting themselves or others. With such a magical world, with the presence of ghosts, and many other things, however, most believe that after death, there is another life out there. This means that death, while sad, is also a celebration, as the lion, if they choose to not remain as a ghost, is off on a new and wonderful adventure.
In terms of gods, the group is far more split on the issue. Some believe there is one being who created everything, some think there are a multitude of beings, and some lions just don't care all that much about it. While there is the occasional argument over this, most of the time the Regiment can put aside their differences and work together towards their common goal.
. . . .STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS | A10. . . .
The Regiment's greatest strength is their ability to work together, to join under one banner in the face of friend or foe and collaborate. They all know well the strength of numbers, and most lions in the Regiment do things in pairs or groups. With the harsh area they live in, perhaps it's for the best.
The group's biggest weakness, on the other paw, would probably be that the lions work themselves too hard. Many in the group think there's always more that can be done, and the leadership especially tends to push that kind of work ethic. Of course, working hard is good, but too hard? That can leave one exhausted, drained, and open to attack.
. . . .ANCESTORS | A13. . . .
The dead of Silvarum aren't always dead - or at least, they aren't always gone forever. Some lions, upon death, choose to stay as a ghost, and watch over those who remain. Others, with unfinished business, stay behind until the trouble in their lives is resolved. For those who choose to go to the beyond, no one ever hears from them again, at least not in words. Sometimes, a lion passed on will send down a friendly message in the form of some flowers or a beautiful sky.
Everyone who falls in the battle for the good people of Starheart is revered as a hero by the rest of the Regiment. They know that a life is extremely important - but a life lived for something worthy is even better. So people speak kindly of the dead, and are glad to know that they're still out there somewhere, smiling down and wishing those still alive their best.
. . . .CUBS | A14. . . .
Cubs need time to be cubs - there is a time to grow up, yes, but also a time to enjoy life and explore the world at one's own pace. So the littlest ones of the Regiment get the time they need to gain life experience and learn more about the world and themselves. Once they get a bit older, though, they need to learn that though life is great, it also is full of many dangers. Cubs, once in adolescence, learn how to be brave warriors, crafters, or good healers. They are encouraged to pick the skill they enjoy the most, and at first often learn about all three skills.
The Regiment has high expectations for their future, but they are also very forgiving with their younger members. After all, one learns through trying things out and making mistakes. In addition, it's always such a joy to have new, young life around.
. . . .PREY AND PREDATORS | A15. . . .
In terms of prey, there's all sorts of small creatures that roam about. Rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, insects - all can make a fine meal. The issue is trying to tell if the creature is a being with intelligence and on par with civilized Silvarans, or if they are just a normal rabbit. Hence, the Regiment tends to do most of their hunting in the capital of Starheart, where lots of food can be found and things can be traded.
Threats are a different matter. The ruins have all sorts of dangers in them, and sometimes the monsters will come out of the tunnels to attack the world above. Below the surface, there are traps, puzzles, and all sorts of dangers. Above, the biggest dangers are the threat of falling down the steep cliff where the group resides, or upsetting one of the locals enough that they seek revenge. The above world is fairly peaceful, all things considered. It's the world below that has the issues.
. . . .CLIMATE | A16. . . .
The territory of the Regiment is generally very dry. Rain comes very rarely in the area, and when it does, almost every lion will come outside to appreciate the water as it falls. When it comes to the seasons, there's a long summer, spring, a colder summer, and then the actual spring. Snow comes once every 10 years or so. Flowers bloom quite often in the territory and make the place look quite beautiful. The rainy season comes in the longer summer, and the winds will howl and blow things around as a torrent of rain falls down. This type of rain is a bit more scary, as it's usually accompanied by the loud clap of thunder and the flashes of lightning.
Overall, it's a lovely place to live, and the savannah flourishes in every season. No matter what day you step outside, there's usually something beautiful to be seen out there.
. . . .ILLNESSES | A22. . . .
For the most part, illnesses are rare. These lions take good care of themselves and the medics and their apprentices always do their best to ensure that no one gets sick. It happens every so often, of course. The most common illness is called the shivers, and it leads to lions feeling horribly cold, even in the heat of the summer. The medics usually treat it with several days of bed rest and laying out in the heat of the sun. It certainly can be contagious, though, so lions with any illness tend to stay away from others for a while.
A couple lions get allergies when the flowers bloom, and the sneezing isn't fun for anyone. It's extra unfortunate if the lion in question is an artisan, as lions of that group often weave flowers into their fur. Though, over time, it often improves for them and they can sniff a flower without sneezing three or four times.
. . . .HUMAN RELATIONS | A23. . . .
Humans, other animals, dragons, humanoids, odd insect people - the land of Silvarum is full of all sorts of creatures, and the lions of Starheart's Regiment are strangers to none of them. This is a land of magic, of fantastical adventures and also fantastical dangers. When the group comes into contact with other creatures, human or other, they treat them all the same - with kindness and a friendly word. True, not all humans know how to speak the language of the animals, but most that the Regiment has come in contact with do, or have a friend who does.
When a human comes by to speak with the group, they are welcomed. Just because Brontes has a group of only lions doesn't mean that they exclude all others. It's just that lions are quite common in the savannas of Starheart, and lions are the ones who have flocked to assist in the defense against the dangers of the Ruins.
. . . .LEGENDS | A24. . . .
The Regiment doesn't have any heroes that they look up to from their own past quite yet - the group has just begun, and there are still stories being written in the present. If we look to all of Silvarum, though, there are many figures there that various lions have a great respect for. From storytellers and time traveling heroes, to ancient warriors and brave adventurers, Silvarum has no shortage of heroes. When a lion gets discouraged, it's only a matter of time before someone brings up some great name from the past and tells a grand story to spur them to action. There are also, of course, some heroes around that are still living, or have chosen to remain as a ghost. Every young lion hears the stories and hopes to be as brave as those in the ancient tales. Perhaps, one day, this group of lions will be able to achieve that dream.
. . . .CONFLICT | A26. . . .
The Regiment doesn't usually have big conflicts within their ranks. The biggest issue they have tends to be little arguments here and there. Several of the lions have very different personalities, and they don't always get along. When a fight breaks out, one of the squad leaders, veterans, or Brontes is usually there quite quickly to break it up.
While the group is full of fighters, they consider the best way to solve an argument to be just talking it out. Conflict is better solved when all members involved can live to fight another day. There is hardly ever any lack of food or large illness outbreak, so most of the time, the peace is maintained and the lions band together to fight against more intense threats. No one is perfect, however, and conflict does end up arising. That's a sad fact of life, and something that Brontes requests everyone works on. Arguments within a group can tear them apart.
. . . .STANDING THEIR GROUND | A27. . . .
The lions of the Regiment are well used to battles and issues. They fight all the time against their enemies, and they hardly ever retreat unless they absolutely have to. When they are traveling in the ruins, the lions are very willing to turn around and retreat to help each other get out safely. If the lions are attacked in their camp, however, they refuse to back down and will fight to the end to keep their territory. This might not be the best idea, as if one refuses to retreat the whole group can be wiped out, but without the territory, the lions feel like they'd be quite lost. The danger out there is scary, but the Regiment considers themselves to be even scarier when they work together and fight for each other and the things that they love. They haven't been taken down yet, and hopefully they never will.
. . . .ROARING | A29. . . .
The roar of a lion can mean a lot of things, depending on how it is spoken. Most often, the roar of a lion is a symbol of victory, power, and promise for a new future. Lions will roar when they return from a dangerous mission or when something profound and good happens. But this isn't the only meaning of a roar. When far away from each other, lions might roar to be able to better find each other. If one is trying to make a point, they might roar to make everyone else pay attention to what they have to say. With all of the different meanings, it's a bit confusing for non lions to understand. Visitors see all roars as terrifying, and as much as the Regiment tries to explain how it all works, there are always some people who just can't seem to understand. But then, they can't roar, so what does it matter?
. . . .MARRIAGE | A30. . . .
Romantic relationships are generally taken very seriously within the Regiment. When two lions fall in love, they form a permanent relationship. Pledging your life for another lion in the group is viewed as an admirable statement. Their form of marriage is a ceremony where all the lions and the two getting married, as well as some other folks from other areas in the kingdom, meet under the stars one night. The lions state their love for each other and then they give each other crowns made out of flowers. There is usually a large celebration, and it is a good time for the whole pride.
The next day, things go back to normal for the rest of the pride, but the two married lions consider themselves very closely bound and will fight even harder for each other. It's an incredibly important promise, and a special way to live life within the group.
. . . .MAGIC | A31. . . .
Magic is present everywhere in Silvarum - a good magician is well respected among others in the world. It's much the same in the Starheart kingdom, and in the Regiment. Magic is capable of a great many things, from setting fires and manipulating the elements, to teleporting, flight, and long distance communication. The one biggest restriction on magic is that it takes energy to use. Using a lot of magic makes one feel like they've ran a very long race. If someone decides to use magic beyond the point of exhaustion, they'll eventually collapse and sleep for quite a while while their energy recovers.
Food can help in casting magic, in that food can give you energy. So many magic users tend to have a stash of food on them at all times, just in case. For lions of the regiment, much of the same rules apply. Most lions only know a couple of basic spells and only have minimal magical talent. A few lions are well versed in the magical arts, however, and are quite dangerous in combat and also for pulling pranks on unsuspecting folks.
Magic is such an important asset in the world, but those who don't want to or can't learn how to cast spells still do just fine. One can quite often wear down a spell caster over time by making them use a bunch of weak spells to drain their energy, or by distracting them enough to overpower them.
Laius is the best at magic within the Regiment, although she doesn't speak often of it. It's a secret that she prefers to keep. Even though magic is looked upon as an impressive thing to know within the world, Laius is simply a lion that likes to have a few things kept hidden, just in case she needs to surprise someone.
. . . .TOOLS | A32. . . .
The lions have many kinds of tools that they use to get things done. They have pens to write with, armor for hard battles, and when the nights get cold, they have blankets and warm fires. They've made many of the things they use over time, but they also get many of their more complicated objects through bartering in town or with several of the traders that come through every so often.
For the objects that the lions make for themselves, they have the skills of the artisans on their side. The team of creative crafters are very impressive when it comes to making things that can be useful, but also quite beautiful. With the crafting tools the artisans have, they make some of the most impressive objects in the savannah. They can also make things that are just for decoration, too, and the dens of the artisans are usually full of shiny trinkets.
. . . .NEARBY GROUPS | A33. . . .
There are, of course, many other groups dwelling in the savannah. Silvarum is a busy place, with many people living in various places. The largest group would be the members of the Starheart kingdom. The lions are also members of this kingdom, and they are quite proud of their country. The capital city is a magnificent place, and when the lions visit, they get along very well with the others.
They also tend to get many visitors passing through their lands. The wandering traders always have some very good things for trade and a story to tell. When the traders come by, they are welcomed in the camp and given a place to stay.
In addition, there are many travelers and friendly beings that wander nearby at times. They gain the same welcome as the traders. Anyone who comes by the Regiment's territory with good intentions is welcome, as these are the people the Regiment is choosing to fight for.
. . . .DANGEROUS PLANTS | A34. . . .
Most of the plants that lie around the territory are fine to touch and deal with, and many lions will weave flowers into crowns or use the various herbs for healing. One of the few plants that can cause some issues is a deep purple flower that is poisonous when eaten. Thankfully, there are no flowers like it out there, so it's a simple thing to just avoid that particular flower. Lion cubs are taught to avoid it from a young age, and so far no one has been poisoned by it, at least not since the Regiment got its start.
. . . .MOON | A35. . . .
The moon is a way of keeping time for the Regiment. As the moon changes from a crescent to a half moon, to a full moon, and back again. Every full moon marks the passing of a month in the world of Silvarum. The world has stuck to this way of time keeping for as long as remembered. It is no different for the lions that dwell here. Some lions prefer a different phase of the moon - the darkness of no moon can be great for sneaking around on late night adventures, but the full moon sends a nice light down to light the way.
. . . .SUN | A36. . . .
The sun is the giver of warmth, the bringer of life, and the maker of light. When the sun is out, it can be a bit intense, and perhaps almost too bright, but with no sun, there is no way to see, and nothing but cold. So the sun is appreciated and when it's there in the sky, all is well. Many lions will step outside to sit in the sunlight to get warm, and the day is the best time to go out and explore. In the ruins, the sunlight doesn't come with you, so when on the surface, lions appreciate it all the more.
. . . .SECOND-IN-COMMAND | C1. . . .
While technically there is no rank set aside for the second in command, the Squad Leaders, as well as the Veterans, tend to be most in charge of things in Brontes' absence. The Veterans, mainly for their wisdom and expertise. Laius in particular is quite happy to put herself out there and offer all sorts of tips, wanted or not. When Brontes needs help or advice, she is there.
The Squad Leaders have far more official duties - they each are in charge of a group of lions and are the most respected lions in the group besides Brontes himself. When arguments happen or choices need to be made quickly, a squad leader can jump in and resolve things. And in battle, their calls are endlessly important for the group to stick together and stay functioning. These two groups tend to make up a sort of inner council, that helps run the Regiment as a whole.
. . . .FIRST MEMBER | C3. . . .
Laius was the first lion to give the group a shot - she chose to stop by and assist however she could mainly because she saw the value in what Brontes was trying to do (and also probably because she imagined everyone else would be in big trouble without her help). Her knowledge of the Ruins is matched by very few, and her experiences there are endlessly useful for when groups head into the dark to fight the monsters.
She knows she's too old to really fight, and she's not a crafter or a healer, but she's quite happy with her position in the group as a respected elder. It's good that they're all looking up to her - after such a long life, she appreciates some attention at last. And besides, seeing this group grow and change, and watching new lions arrive, is endlessly fun to watch. There's so much drama to see, after all.
. . .HEALERS | C4. . .
There's a healer or several for the Regiment, of course - though the number changes every so often. These lions are constantly fighting battles and putting themselves in danger, so having a medic around is of mighty importance. Though they only usually get sent out with a squad when a fight is sure to be dangerous, they're more often at the main camp, to heal any returning folks and help maintain the base.
Perhaps one day, when there's more of them, they could send out their medics with squads more often. As it is, though, it takes so long to gather up all the herbs, mix potions, and teach the new medics. Still, for their constant work, they are incredibly valued in the group. Warriors are at the heart of Starheart's Regiment, and Artisans can improve the spirits of all, but Medics are what keep the place from falling apart after each skirmish.
There's a great respect for the healers among those that know how much work they truly put in. Some, however, tend to undervalue them. To this, the medic in the vicinity will usually scoff and offer to just let the offending lion die next time they're hurt. That usually puts a stop to things.
. . . . VETERANS | C7 . . . .
The elders of the Regiment are the Veterans. They're very well respected amongst the other lions, for the most part - for even if those like Laius can be grumpy and aloof, they have endless knowledge to share and are a great help around the camp. Having more folks to talk to before heading into battle, to ask for tips, is endlessly valuable.
While the Regiment may have started out as a group focused on fighting, there's other things that happen within the pride, too. There's artists who craft things, and healers who protect all. But the Veterans are masters of more knowledge than just fighting, and they're helpful in all things.
They aren't appreciated just for their knowledge, though - any lion in the Regiment is a friend, a member of the family. The group makes a place for everyone, no matter who they come from - and that includes the Veterans.
. . . .CUBS | C8. . . .
Cubs aren't incredibly common in the Regiment, but when they are around, they tend to get in everyone's way and be very adorable while they run around and play. While there are some lions that are bothered by them more than others, everyone works together to look out for them and teach them about the world. Cubs get to enjoy most of their time as such enjoying life and wandering within the safety of the camp. And everyone is very careful to not let them stroll into danger - some by just keeping an eye out for them, and others by telling them stories about what dangers could be out there.
The cubs that join the Regiment, whether being born there, found in the savannah, or brought by a parent, are a blessing, according to Brontes. It's a chance to see what, and who, they're all fighting to protect, in the end. The future.
. . . .DUTIES OF LOW RANKS | C9. . . .
Technically, the lowest ranked pride members are cubs that need to figure out what their future rank would be - and also new members who are still undecided about their futures. Their duties, then, are to decide what they want to do. There's healers, artists, and warriors in the group, and Brontes is very open to making new ranks if something comes up that doesn't fit anywhere else. Hence, these lions will spend some time with each group and learn a bit about each job before making their choice. Even if there's something a lion really knows they want to do, Brontes sees worth in having each new lion gaining an appreciation for every job in the Regiment.
There are some restrictions, of course - these members will have to stay back from the most dangerous fights or from treating the most injured patients - but they still learn a lot about the world during their time, before they make their choice.
. . . .APPRECIATION FOR LEADER | C10. . . .
Nearly every lion in the Regiment came to join because they wanted to. Lions heard about a fighting group and wanted to assist, or prove their strength, or something else. Perhaps lions were sent to assist by their own towns because they were excited for an adventure. Some have come to offer their advice and find a community of their own. What matters is that almost every lion that arrived came with an appreciation for the leader Brontes.
It helps that he's also a friendly, honest, and good leader, who really listens to what everyone has to say and makes good choices for the group to follow. When Brontes needs everyone to listen, listen they do. If a lion doesn't want to rally behind him, they're free to return out to the wide open world. There's a lot of other groups out there to join. But Brontes is happy with the lions he has, and they are happy with him.
. . . .STRONGEST LION | C12. . . .
Dagda is probably up there for the most physically strong lion in the Regiment. He fights with brute force and power, and could likely win in any wrestling contest. While there are other strong lions out there, and surely one or two might be able to match him in strength, no one trains as much as Dagda does. This lion lives for the battle, lives for the fun of the fight. It's no wonder he's a squad leader.
When he was younger, he fought constantly for the army of Decay. He had skills back then, and has brought those skills out to the Regiment, and to his new life. One can be born with natural strength or athleticism, but constant honing of the craft helps one get even better. It helps that he's always carrying his giant shovel around - that thing is heavy, with all the tools stuck inside it.
. . . .SMARTEST LION | C13. . . .
The smartest lion? This is a bit more disputed than the title of strongest. Phaedra, Laius, Psyche, and Brontes himself would all have good reasons to consider themselves as such. Strength and battle prowess are easier to judge, but intellect is a bit more subjective. One can be smart in several different ways. There's smarts in wisdom, in battle tactics or leadership, and trickery.
Perhaps the real measure of the intellect of all these lions is that none of them tend to insist that they're the very best. Even Laius, who is quite happy to show how smart she is, still keeps many things to herself, like her magic. And Psyche prefers to show her knowledge of stealth and intrigue through pranks rather than actually saying it. So in the end, many lions are very smart, and as for who is considered the smartest? It simply varies depending on who you ask.
. . . .WEAKEST LION | C14. . . .
In terms of the weakest, or most afraid lion, it's a real toss up between Zal and Svarog. Both of these lions are appreciated, but they also tend to have the most folks who want them to do better. Zal is considered a bit of a lazy fool by some lions who would put it more harshly, and a bit of a gloomy fellow by others. He still finds it in himself to tell awful puns or jokes, though, and when he does go out with his squad to fight, he can hold his own.
Svarog, on the other paw, is a lion who just doesn't feel confident about himself at all. He's easily scared, and not a very strong fighter, but he's always trying to get better. Svarog puts in all the effort he can, and even if improvement is slow, he thinks he's getting there. One step at a time.
. . . .HUNTERS | C17. . . .
When the squads of lions aren't going into the Ruins to fight, they'll often head out to hunt. Scrappers especially help hunt the most - sneaking after prey in the savannah is a bit of a safer start to training than wandering in the dark tunnels below. In the end, though, hunting doesn't need to be a top priority for the group. Traders often come by with spare food they can trade, and envoys from Starheart will sometimes offer supplies. Asherah has a vested interest in keeping the Regiment running, and so support from her is easy to find when things are going poorly otherwise.
Hunting in Silvarum is a bit tricky, though - it can be hard to tell which animals are sentient and which ones are not. So it's done with much care, and the lions that hunt take great care to not hunt more food than they'll need for the group.
. . . .ADVISOR | C18. . . .
The counterpart to Brontes, the advice giver of the group, is Laius for sure. As the first one to arrive in the group after Brontes, and the first lion to be blunt in the Regiment, her advice is very valuable. She has the experience of age and the knowledge that she absolutely knows what she's doing. From all of her time in the world, she has no problem standing up to others. That includes Brontes, especially.
In whatever dangers will face them, Laius has the information that can help everyone get out of things alive and okay. Brontes has a good heart and a solid understanding of how to be a leader, but he's not perfect. No one is on their own, not even Laius, and so she tries to help as best as she can, and saves her magic in secret for a rainy day, when advice alone won't do anything.
. . . .CONFLICT RESOLUTION | C19. . . .
Arguments arise in the Regiment, of course, and with so many lions fights are bound to happen every so often. Ever since Anthea arrived, however, things have been a lot easier to resolve. She didn't quite fit in any role she tried out, so Brontes suggested a new one for her - the rank of Peacekeeper. While Brontes, the Squad Leaders, and rarely the Veterans make official decisions, Anthea helps keep everyone calm and negotiates through conflict to make sure that everyone is okay. Whether it be through the flowers and magic she brings to situations to help cheer up sad folk, or the words she is able to speak, the Regiment is a great deal better off because of her. Rarely, some of the lions that are more fighting inclined will resolve things with a sparring match, but before long all is back to normal, for the most part, and everyone is working together, if they like each other or not.
. . . .GREETINGS | C21. . . .
Greetings in the Regiment vary between lions, as having come from different backgrounds, many folks have different ideas of what is a friendly hello. The most common way to greet anyone else in the group, regardless of status, is a wave of the tail, or perhaps a wave of one front paw. Marvin, not being a lion at all, often greets everyone by grinning widely and rustling his branches at them. Whatever different lions do, though, it's understood that everyone means well, for the most part.
A respectful nod is sometimes given to lions in higher positions, like the Squad Leaders or the Veterans, but in the end, no one really cares how you say hello to someone as long as you let them know that you're acknowledging them and that you'll be there for them in their battles. The Regiment needs to be there for each other, and in times of conflict everyone is able to put aside their differences.
. . . .STRENGTH/COMPASSION | C23. . . .
Strength and compassion - both of these traits are valued highly within the Regiment, to different levels by different lions. Strength is endlessly valuable in the many battles the group go through, but in the end, compassion probably wins out overall. There's no point in being strong and fighting back all of your enemies if you do it for the wrong reasons. Brontes, and most of the other lions in the group, think much the same. They'd rather a warrior saves a cub than have a brave, dramatic moment in a fight.
Brontes started his little group for the exact purpose of trying to help others. If folks who like fighting for the sake of it want to join, he's fine with that, but he never wants the others to forget the purpose for their battles. In fighting the monsters of the ruins, he'll say, they're making Silvarum a bit safer for everyone else.
. . . .CREATIVITY | C24. . . .
There's an entire group of creatives within the Regiment, and that group is the Artisans. While many lions will make up songs to sing while on patrol, or mess around with doodling things in the sand, the Artisans in particular are the artists of the group. They make all sorts of things - although what, exactly, depends on the lion in question. Some make sculptures of clay or metal, or write poems, and others paint using pigments made of crushed berries and flowers, or compose songs to be sung under the full moon with friends.
There's something about art that cheers others up, no matter what they're doing or how mad they might have been previously. It doesn't always make things perfect, of course, but there's something nice about returning home from a hard battle to find a brand new song or cool new painting waiting there to make your day.