WITH YOUR SHIELD OR ON IT
THE NOBLE HOUSE LAW
An old family who has lived among gods in their early generations, if the myths are to be believed. They have never quite bowed to a god, however, and believe moreso in Nature and that it controls the world and fate. Not quite war mongering but certainly a group of strong, soldier-minded folk. They made a name for themselves for their strength, laying waste to enemies who dare stand against them, and even allowing their troops to be purchased in times of war.
A recent head of house, Seror Law, thought to mend the ruthless reputation the family carried and sought to go against family traditions: to marry for political gain and not love. He spurned his chance at finding a soulmate and allowed himself to betroth a man from a neighboring pride whom had been a rival, an enemy, for years. It worked - at first. The prides came together in grudging harmony even as the elder Laws grumble and seethed about the breech of such an important tradition and belief.
But after three months, the wedding was upon them. The game was set to be had and the rival pride assembled to watch - and, again, Sertor broke tradition. He invited the other family to join them in the "hunting" ritual. Appalled, many refused to take part and that would be what saved them. For during the hunt, Sertor's beloved set fire to the Plains that the Law called home before striking down the head of house as they came together amidst the flames.
The rival pride then took to slaying any who fled.
Few survived - and fewer, still, were unscathed by the flames of the betrayal.
quick stats
Names — Latin or Roman bases. Name provided can be changed
Surname — Law ( not taken by spouses )
Physical Traits Primitive markings: spotting, rosettes, sable, dorsal w/ tail. Subtle or minimal markings overall.
Piebald has become commonplace though was not an original marking
bright eyes are the "true mark" of a Law and 99.9% of Law designs should have this!
Primarily large builds. Stocky, muscular, voluptuous; they are endurance creatures, not svelte and small.
beliefs
— Monogamous to a fault. Soul-mates are a heavy belief.
— Equality among all. Life is sacred. Honor and valor above all.
— Unity above everything.
— Leadership is determined by strength and not order of birth nor lineage.
— Cubs are put through strenuous, sometimes deadly training once they reach 4 months of age.
— Taught just as much of politics, court behavior and generally "educated"
— Often employed as warriors. working as a succinct unit. Spartan-esque, but are known to be Ambassadors, Spies and more if the mastery shows.
— 'Clean deaths' preferred. when disease, age, suffering or any other ailment that lends a Law to be "less than" themselves, they will ask a family member to kill them. This is celebrated and respected.
— Once courtship is finished, a mateship ritual is done: the family gathers and all engage in a game of sorts: the partner is released as the "prey" and the family hunts them. Tradition states the Law must catch their own partner and if they fail to do so, they are not deserving and whomever catches the partner may marry them.
— Superstitious, well known to practice small 'spells' and sacrifices as well as having celebrations and rituals.
— Known for large litters, small is a sign of poor luck. Small, weak, or otherwise "unfit" cubs are often sacrificed
— Heaavily cling to a sense of duty. Family above all, duty above self.
4 of 5 available
* click for full size image, personalities can be altered - just ideas!
Egnatius Law — 2 yrs — open genderLittermate to Caeso. Studious, duty-bound. More serious but no less gregarious. Can sometimes be coaxed to let loose but is more often exasperated ( lovingly ) by their littermate.
Caeso Law — 2 yrs — open genderGentleman. Charmer. Smiles for days. They like to be liked and enjoy the attention and flattery of others. Generally a good person but can be a little clueless and absent minded.
Faustina Law — 1 yrs — open genderSole survivor of their litter. A bit withdrawn and quiet; obviously scarred by their experience. Questioning the kindness of "fate" and if it is worth bowing to - but internally; does not openly question the family
Glaucia Law — 6 yrs — femaleFaustina's mother; lost her non-Law mate in the fire. Desperate to keep the family together but feels a little out of her element. Was sister to the late Seror and bears the weight of shame for what he did to their family. Is likely to be the one looked to as leader - whether she feels she can take that or not is left to be seen....
Prisca Law — 4 years, taken, femaleOnly surviving daughter of Seror. Was viewed as a bad omen when she was born due to her melanism but was a strong babe and allowed to survive. Proved herself a steadfast warrior and dutiful Law. Shamed by her father's actions despite her attempts to stop him. Bitter, angry and disgusted at her lineage but doubly determined to help her aunt regroup.