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Posted: Jun 22nd, 2008 at 01:02 am
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Physiology
Overview:
The Lo’Ami physiology is quite similar to that of most humanoid species. They have the standard cardio-pulmonary system, respiratory system, epidermis, skeletal structure, digestive system, muscular system, reproductive system, and immune system. There are a couple of exceptions, the first being the nervous system which is explained in detail below. The second exception deals with the Lo’Ami at their most basic cellular structure. They have a high content of various metals, the majority of which is silver and iron. The result of this is that the tissues of their various systems are much more resistant to disease and injury. The less fortunate result is that the tissues also take two to three times longer to heal when an injury or disease does occur. The Lo’Ami age slowly. The average life span for one Lo’Ami lasts anywhere from 200-250 yrs.
General Appearance:
Height: between 4’4” and 5’6”
Weight: 80 lbs – 125 lbs
Skin Pigmentation: Fair skin, slight metallic sheen
Hair Color: White Blonde
Eye Color: Gray
The Lo’Ami facial features are quite soft, often giving outsiders the impression they are much younger than they actually are. They are commonly described as being “baby-faced.” While not strictly looking like children, their faces lack sharp angles and lines. Though they all share the same hair, eye and skin coloration; each Lo’Ami is a distinct individual and looks quite different in facial features and body shape even to someone who knows little to nothing about this species.
Nervous System:
The Lo’Ami nervous system has developed well beyond that of other species. The result is all of their senses are heightened far above average for most humanoid species. Like most humanoids, their brains have developed the ability to take in massive amounts of information from their nerves and process it quickly and easily, sorting it for immediate relevance and either storing or discarding what is not needed. The difference is their brains can handle much larger amounts of information, much more quickly. They are therefore extremely aware of their surroundings. This ability is second nature to them in much the same way breathing is to a human. It takes place with little to no conscious thought. They have formed a unique telepathic link to each other and communicate telepathically, but are not capable of using this ability with any other species though the reasons for this are unclear. The nervous system is the only system in their body with a low metallic content in the basic cellular structure which makes it their greatest weakness. They are much more susceptible to disease and injury in the nervous system.
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jun 22nd, 2008 at 01:06 am
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Government
Overview:
As with almost all areas of Lo’Ami life there are two distinct periods with vastly different governments. During the first period that occurred before the Great Upheaval, the governing body was made of members of the Chidek (caste of priests, see data on society). During the time after the Great Upheaval a democracy was installed.
Theocracy:
Under the theocratic government before the Great Upheaval, Shephelah was ruled by the Holy Court. At this time the world was divided into provinces which were dominated by devotees to a particular god or goddess. The Holy Court was comprised of a priest from each province and thus had a representative for each god/goddess. The head of the Holy Court was the priest of Elim, which had no province or temple. Each province then had a major temple to the god/goddess the majority of that province worshipped and the highest priest in that temple was the ruling official of the province, this position was called the Most Honored. Underneath a province’s Most Honored were any number of priests he/she may appoint to rule in any given area. When the priest on the Holy Court from a province passed away, they were replaced by their province’s Most Honored. This was the manner of rule which the Lo’Ami lived by for thousands of years.
Democracy:
After the Great Upheaval a democracy was put in place on Shephelah. Three provinces were added. Each province was then further divided into five areas. Each area is ruled locally by a Governor. The Governors then vote amongst themselves to decide who will represent their province as a Provincial in the highest governing body on Shephelah, The Elect. The Elect is made up of three parts. The seven Provincials, who set the laws and mediate any legal disputes too difficult for the Governors. The Administrator, an official elected by popular vote from all of Shephelah who heads up the various public service offices. And finally, the Overseer. The Overseer is the figure head of the government, also elected by popular vote. His/her major responsibility is the military and safety of the Lo’Ami. The Provincials have to be chosen from among the current Governors within a province and the Overseer has to be chosen from among active military servicemen. The Administrator is the only position that has no restrictions what background or current job they must come from. There is an election for new Provincials every three years. There is an election for a new Administrator every five. The Overseer is elected for a life term, unless legally removed by the Provincials and Administrator with the support of a majority vote from the Governors.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jun 22nd, 2008 at 01:07 am »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jun 22nd, 2008 at 01:11 am
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Homeworld
Overview:
There are five continents on Shephelah. Two of those continents are nearly uninhabited, used only for penal colonies. The other three continents are clustered closer to the warmer, equatorial region. The largest continent is Sumri in the eastern hemisphere, while two smaller ones, Ronil and Sunrae, are found in the western hemisphere. Sumri is the lushest continent, ranging from fertile farmlands to thick rainforests and soaring mountain ranges. It is abundant with lakes and rivers and hosts more of the wildlife of Shephelah than all the others combined. Ronil is considered the most tranquil with miles of beautiful beaches and the most temperate climate of all the continents. Sunrae on the other hand is the harshest. The majority of Sunrae is a desert, that only the most hardy Lo’Ami have survived in, living mostly as nomads. However, along the most northwestern side of the continent there is a small mountain range that causes a river valley to form and here is more fertile land where the natives raise livestock. These three continents are divided into provinces, four during the time before the great Upheaval and seven in the time following it. The most northern and southern continents are simply called Rel, which translates “Exile.” They are called this because Lo’Ami convicted of crimes were sent there to live out the rest of their days as punishment, forced to mine the rich resources found in the nearly frozen lands.
Theocratic State Provinces:
During this period of time, the three major continents were divided into four provinces, each representing the god/goddess that the majority of Lo’Ami in that area worshipped.
Kitaran Province: The larger of the two provinces located on the continent of Sumri. The prominent deity here was Dionara. This province was known for its flat and extremely fertile farmlands. Its capital city is Ggaidri’. Along the eastern most edge of the Kitaran province is found an ancient forest, with trees taller and thicker than even the redwood forests found on Earth.
Maila Province: The second and more northeastern province located on Sumri. The prominent deity of Maila was D’Meggo. Marked by its beautiful mountain ranges and the longest river in all of Shephelah. The capital city of Kistrad sits within sight of this river, Jain.
Ronil Province: The south-eastern continent-province in the western hemisphere. The prominent deity was Mish’pah. This elongated continent has more beaches than any other and is popular place for Lo’Ami to vacation or retire to. The capital city of this province is Tsarn’il.
Sunrae Province: The smaller continent-province in the western hemisphere. Prominent deity here was Melech. Very dry and arid, much of this continent is desert lands. The capital city is Jiton.
Democratic State Provinces:
Kitaran Province: Located on Sumri, still the largest province.
Maila Province: Located on Sumri, the smallest province on this continent.
Dilse Province: Located on Sumri. Portions were taken from both Kitaran and Maila to form this new province under the democratic state.
Aronila Province: Located on the continent of Ronil, one of two new provinces of nearly equal size formed from the old province of Ronil.
Gitza Province: The second of the provinces now found on the continent of Ronil.
Sunari Province: One of two new provinces formed out of what used to be the Sunrae Province.
Sartil Province: The second new province found on the continent of Sunrae. It is by far the smallest of all provinces.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:35 pm »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jun 22nd, 2008 at 01:22 am
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Society
Overview:
Lo’Ami society has undergone two major phases. The first phase came before the Great Upheaval and is marked by theocratic government, a focus on religion and tradition, and an oppressive caste system. The second phase came after the Great Upheaval and is marked by a democratic government, rejection of tradition and religion, and economic and industrial development. Each phase is equally corrupt in it’s own way. The Lo’Ami are an extremely reclusive species, with a fear of outsiders coming and stripping their home of its rich resources. Traditionally they led a more organic existence, using technology only where necessary, despite having advanced quite far in their capabilities. In the new phase they tend to be more forward thinking and continue to push their limits farther.
Caste System:
The caste system was used under the theocratic government and consisted of four classes. Each was represented by a symbol. These four symbols were overlaid upon each other to create the symbol for the Lo’Ami people as a whole. Only those born before the Great Upheaval will bear a caste symbol. For more information see the religious beliefs section.
Chidek: This was the caste of priests. They were the rulers of the Lo’Ami under the theocratic state. They were driven by power. The symbol was a circle large enough that when overlaid it encompasses all of the other caste symbols.
Relur: This was the caste of nobility. They were the professionals of the Lo’Ami, with such professions as scientists, doctors, artists, architects, etc. They were driven by curiosity, intelligence, creativity, and a feeling of superiority. The symbol was an isosceles triangle with the top pointing above the palm and when overlaid each point would touch the circle of the Chidek symbol.
Baruch: This was the caste of business men. They carried out trades that required less creative thought. Running groceries, clothing businesses, etc. They were driven by greed and personal gain. The symbol was a trinity symbol that fits inside the triangle of the Relur symbol when overlaid with each tip resting in one of the three points of the triangle.
Mayim: This was the caste of slaves and servants. They were seen as dirty and lowly. They would rarely be acknowledged except to be given orders. They were driven by force and fear. The symbol was a small spiral directly in the center of the palm. When overlaid it would lie directly over the center of the Baruch symbol.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jun 22nd, 2008 at 01:32 am »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jun 22nd, 2008 at 01:25 am
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Society (cont.)
Family Life, Pre-Upheaval:
In the traditional phase, the Lo’Ami believed in one partner for each individual. They bonded for life (A’dham Yitzri, the equivalent of marriage, more to follow), and were very conservative in their beliefs about love, bonding and sex. They believed that there was one perfect match for each person called Cat’av. They have an egalitarian society and this is mirrored in the family life. All major decisions are made jointly and both partners are equal. They practice sterilization of females after they have given birth to two children. This is a method of population control due to their long life spans. Often females of the Mayim caste were sterilized before they could have children as a way of keeping them under control.
Family Life, Post Upheaval:
Similar to the family structure under the theocratic state, the Lo’Ami have an egalitarian home life. Decisions and responsibilities are shared jointly. Sterilization of women after two births is still practiced. Since the caste system was abolished, they no longer practice forced sterilization of the Mayim. While some Lo’Ami still practice A’dham Yitzri, many consider the idea of monogamy to be outdated and unnecessary. When they did away with the theocratic state many rituals and traditions went with it, and are rarely practiced any longer.
Dress, Pre-Upheaval:
Traditional dress finds the Lo’Ami women wearing what is strikingly similar to a Hindustani woman’s sari on Earth. The material is very light and gauzy and wrapped around the body as a dress. The men wear long baggy pants of a light material as well and a long sleeveless shirt that has a high collar and buttons down the front made of the same material. Light fabric is used due to the warm temperatures of their home planet. For daily activities they wear pastel colors with little to no embroidery or accents. For important rituals and feasts they will wear heavier fabrics of bold colors and ornate embroidery. The women never wear any jewelry or accessories aside from flowers they pick and often place in their hair or wear around their necks. They do not wear shoes or sandals and hair length and styles vary.
Dress, Post Upheaval:
Clothing is still much the same as it was under the theocratic state. The only difference is the use of jewelry and other adornments.
Education, Pre-Upheaval:
Traditionally only the Chidek and Relur castes were given formal educations, the Baruch received training in whatever trade they would be going into in addition to basic reading and writing skills and the Mayim were never given any education beyond speaking.
Education, Post Upheaval:
Education is available to any and all who can afford it. Educating the people was a main thrust of the people who started the Upheaval, but under the corrupt democratic government money is the only things that matters. Those who have it, can do whatever they dream of. Those who don’t have it have little chance to move up in life.
Architecture, Pre-Upheaval:
Homes are not single buildings but rather they are compounds. A fenced in area serves as one compound referred to as a home. Each compound has smaller “rooms” which consist of a floor, two perpendicular walls and one pillar which helps to support the roof at the open corner. This open air style is for comfort in the hot and humid climate. Each room is connected by small dirt paths through gardens planted between the rooms. A wealthy family would own their own compound, while the poor often share compounds with two or three other families. Every compound has a storm shelter as well. Storm shelters are rooms with four thick walls and a roof. These rooms are built higher off the ground with a system of smaller supports underneath to allow flood waters to run underneath the building. Underneath this room, in the ground, is a cellar where they can take shelter from tornados and other such storms. They do not think much about aesthetics as far as building.
Architecture, Post Upheaval:
Architecture also remains largely the same in the outlying rural areas. However, since the Upheaval, more Lo'Ami are living in cities. They often live in buildings with multiple tiers, each floor functioning as a home for the wealthy or important. Buildings for things such as labratories, businesses, government, etc. have become common as well. The Lo'Ami also now use more technology within the home and strive to make buildings more asthetically pleasing as well.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jul 6th, 2008 at 08:20 pm »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:36 pm
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Religion
Overview
The Lo’Ami religion has one major god and four minor gods, each with its own distinctive style of worship. Each family unit devotes itself to one of the four minor gods, consecrating their child at birth to it and observing all feasts and rituals of that god. Geography plays a large part in determining what god a family will devote itself to, as one minor god is more revered in certain areas than others. If a man and woman who are consecrated to different gods bond they decide together which of the two gods their child will be consecrated to. Each god has its own temples and yearly celebration as well as priests that administer the rites, ceremonies, and care for the god’s temples. All religious teachings are passed down orally; they do not have sacred writings. This is due to the belief that while the Lo’Ami communicate with each other telepathically, the gods communicate verbally. It is believed this is why Lo’Ami possess both the ability to speak verbally as well as telepathically. It is attributed to continued use of the vocal chords within the religious setting. After the Great Upheaval, most of the chidek class were killed or driven off world. The temples have since fallen into disrepair for lack of use because the society which emerged from this period of civil unrest was one which rejected the previous religious beliefs. Some smaller temples are maintained by families or individuals who are still devout believers, but the major temples were ransacked and/or destroyed altogether.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jul 9th, 2008 at 12:03 pm »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:42 pm
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Religion
Mish’pah
Description: The goddess of the sun, death and the afterlife, The Lo'Ami have a very long lifespan due to their slowed aging so death is not viewed as something to be feared but rather something to be welcomed. In most cultures such a deity would likely be a very dark character, but to the Lo’Ami she is seen not as an undertaker but a guardian and guide as one sets out on the path into the afterlife. The common image of Mish'pah is of a beautiful woman, much taller in stature than the Lo'Ami as most of their images of the gods are. She dresses in a flowing gold dress and has long golden blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She is a friendly deity. The color used to represent Mish’pah is a golden yellow.
Temple: Although there are temples of Mish’pah scattered throughout all areas, Mish’pah’s main temple was located in the Ronil province in its capital, Tsarn’ir. This temple is built with a large open air atrium in the center to allow for many worshipers to gather there and have a full view of the sun. The building has entrances both on the eastern side and the western and these open onto long, columned verandas lining entire length of the eastern and western walls to accommodate worshippers for the sunrise and sunset observances. Throughout all the walls are many windows to allow sunlight in as much as possible. The shielded room for this temple is along the northern wall of the atrium.
Worship: Mish’pah is seen as a wise and joyful goddess. As such she is most often worshipped in song and dance. She is also known as the keeper of the sun who is believed to be her mother, and the goddess of death and the afterlife. They observe sunset and sunrise rituals in honor of her. These consist of a classic style of dancing, which is considered prayer to the Lo’Ami, and sometimes singing occurs, though it is not always present.
Major Celebration: Lo’ami who are consecrated to Mish’pah observe the day of her death through the day of her return from the afterlife. This six day religious holiday is called First Journey and it falls in the middle of the hottest months of the year. It begins at sunset on the day they honor as the anniversary of her death. They begin a fast from food and verbal communication at that time. While telepathic communication is not forbidden, they try to refrain from it as much as possible; however it is very difficult to stop thinking. But intentional telepathic communication is frowned upon during these four days from sunset on the first day to sunrise on the sixth. At sunrise on the sixth day the mood is very different. Worshippers gather to corporately observe the sunrise ritual. One person will sing the song of Elim repeatedly until the sun has completely risen, while the others will watch the sun come up. Once the sunrise is over, it begins a day of feasting and celebration. Though there is wine and food, they don’t believe in excess, so they do everything in moderation. The day is marked mostly by much dancing, singing and joy. No work is done this day.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:52 pm »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:44 pm
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Religion
Dionara
Description: The goddess of fertility, Viewed as the deity who blesses their home world with its beautiful plant life and agricultural prosperity. They also view her as the goddess of fertility for mates; however this is not stressed since their culture practices population control due to the long life span of their people. This goddess is also pictured of taller stature. She is often dressed in a shorter green dress, with plant vines weaving into the material. Her hair is auburn and falls down to her ankles with flowers intertwined throughout. The color used to represent Dionara is a deep green.
Temple: Dionara’s followers often do not worship in temples, but rather in secluded, wooded locations or meadows. A small shack was often erected to shelter her followers in harsh weather conditions, but otherwise they are not used. However, she did have one major temple located in the province of Kitaran, in the capital of Ggaidri’. Its appearance is not what most people expect of a temple, looking much more like an arboretum than a temple of worship. It is a large dome shaped building, made completely of glass. It has environmental controls inside to provide the plants growing there exactly the conditions they need to thrive. There are also some smaller animals living within the dome and all the living things within the temple are cared for by the chi. The shielded room for this temple is in the exact center of the arboretum.
Worship: The followers of Dionara are the only Lo’Ami that refrain from eating meat. They see the animals as her creation and consider it their duty to care for them as opposed to eating them. The biggest part of worship is not a ritual done at a certain time, but of tending to living things, especially to plants. Her worshippers always will have gardens full of various plants and somewhere within their home there will be a Dionara Plant. This is the plant she is believed to have stepped forth from on that first day on Shephelah. This plant is tended with more care than any other, and punishment is severe if someone is found to be neglecting one. Her followers also tend to wear more flowers in their hair and around their neck and so forth than other Lo’Ami. This is to celebrate Dionara’s birth.
Major Celebration: The Seeding Feast is held at the end of spring, the day before they begin planting their summer crops. The summer crop is usually the largest of all four seasons, so it is of great importance to them that it grows strong. If not, it could mean a shortage of food later. The Seeding Feast is held in one afternoon and consists of an abundance of food from their spring crops. They gather together corporately and eat outside at midday, usually in a meadow or wooded area as that is believed to be the places most dearly loved by Dionara. Much like Mish’pah’s followers, they drink and eat but not to an excess. The day is more about time spent together, enjoying Dionara’s creation, thanking her for what she provides and asking for a productive summer crop.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:52 pm »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:45 pm
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Religion
D'Meggo
Description: The god of the moon and stars, and imagination. This deity is credited with the source of beauty and the creative and artistic. He is viewed as their inspiration and the most familiar of all the deities. Like the others, the Lo'Ami envision him as taller than themselves. He is also fair skinned with jet black hair but with eyes the steel color of the Lo'Ami people. He dresses mainly in robes of pale blue. The color used to represent D’Meggo is a navy blue.
Temple: Most of D’Meggo’s followers observe their religious rituals at home. They often have a small platform which is built up in the air, above the tree line for an unencumbered view of the moon in the night sky. The main temple of D’Meggo is in Kistrad and is built higher than all the other buildings with a wide, flat platform upon which most corporate religious ceremonies take place upon. There are staircases at each corner leading up to the platform and underneath it is an open area used for the market place to Kistrad. The shielded room for the temple is located underneath the platform in the market place.
Worship: As mentioned previously most Lo’Ami perform their devotions privately or with their family. They believe the beginning of inspiration is between the individual and Mother Moon. As such they don’t do as much corporate worship as they other Lo’Ami. They customarily will spend an hour each night simply watching the moon in silence, what they call Adoration. This is done in honor of and an imitation of what Elim himself was believed to be doing on the night D’Meggo was born. Worshippers revere the arts and creativity, so to worship D’Meggo they will paint, drawn, sculpt or write. Many of these creative works will feature the Mother Moon and/or D’Meggo himself. Mother Moon is not considered a god, but she is considered the principal source of inspiration through her son D’Meggo.
Major Celebration: In the winter months the first full moon of the year occurs. Worshippers of D’Meggo celebrate this with a four night celebration called the Festival of Inspiration. This festival features artwork, plays, poetry readings, recitals of other writings, etc. There is much food and wine, but as with Mish’pah and Dionara it is never taken to the excesses as it is with Melech. During these four days the Lo’Ami participating will sleep during the day and the festivities occur only between sunset and sunrise.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:53 pm »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:47 pm
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Religion
Melech
Description: The god of destruction and natural disasters. This is the deity that many Lo'Ami fear and view as a deity that is set against their people. Only his followers do not fear him. An early or unnatural death is not attributed to Mish'pah, but rather to Melech. He is pictured of tall stature, fiery red hair and dark brown eyes, wears dark brown clothing. The color used to represent Melech is a burnt orange.
Temple: Temples to Melech were the most solid buildings created on Shelphelah. While most home were open on two sides, and other temples were less sturdy; Melech’s temples are built totally enclosed by thick walls and a roof. Every temple has a large circular furnace in the center of the one room building and a chimney extends up through the roof to vent the smoke out of the building. The only source of light within the temple is that furnace which is always kept lit. There is only one door and no windows, so it is fairly dark inside. His temple is located in Jiton, the capital city of the Sunrae Province. The shielded room used for ceremonies is unconnected to the main temple, free standing behind it as its own small building.
Worship: Melech is a god of strength and destruction. He is seen as a warrior and as such it is through strength that he is worshipped. The Lo’Ami who are consecrated to him are trained to be warriors from a young age, male and female alike. They practice a battle form they call Rakto’ri which means literally, First Blood. They revere Melech and see all his deeds as brave and honorable, though other Lo’Ami would disagree. Melech is the only god who requires offerings from his worshippers. They bring a weekly sacrifice, though he doesn’t require one thing in particular. He just requires them show their devotion to him through some form of sacrifice.
Major Celebration: Midway through the autumn months, the worshippers of Melech hold a celebration called the Day of Indulgence. They believe that the moderation practiced by the other Lo’Ami is wrong and we are meant to indulge our desires. This is a one day celebration in which anything goes. There is excessive drinking which often leads to subsequent violence. Other Lo’Ami living in areas dominated by followers of Melech often stay inside or even leave the area to avoid putting themselves in danger. A major part of this celebration is the battle competitions that are held. The strongest of Melech’s followers compete in battle games to see who the greatest warrior is.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:53 pm »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:48 pm
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Religion
Elim
Description: This is the unknown god. He is the highest of all the deities but the least understood or defined. They attribute their planet and people's creation to Elim. The other gods/goddesses are viewed as being beneath this major deity and they usually communicate with the Lo'Ami for Elim and he gave them their power. Unlike the other gods he is never pictured as having any set image, but rather is acknowledged as simply the unknown and undefined. The Lo'Ami have a certain amount of fear of him because of his unapproachable persona.
Temple: There are no temples to Elim, he is seeing as being uncontainable by any temple. Chi of Elim are really only involved in the governing aspect of Shephelah as opposed to day to day religious rituals. Individual Lo’Ami are not consecrated to Elim as he is above all the other gods/goddesses and communicated to the Lo’Ami through the other four.
Worship: Since there are not consecrated worshippers of Elim, there is no set worship to him either.
Major Celebration: As with worship and temple, there is no major celebration for Elim. The chi who serve Elim are given their consecration mark in black to signify they have been consecrated to no god/goddess.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:53 pm »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jul 8th, 2008 at 01:51 pm
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Religion
Ceremonies
A’dham Yitzri
The traditional bonding/marriage ceremony of the Lo’Ami. It consists of three parts.
1. Trom’at: When a couple decides to bond the first step they take is to go to a chi who interviews them. He asks questions to ascertain whether or not they are fit to bond for life. They will need his approval to move forward with the bonding. Trom’at literally means to question.
2. A’dham: Ceremony in which the priest invokes a blessing from whatever god they choose upon the two people and announces their bonding before friends and family. The specific rites involved vary depending upon the god being prevailed upon for a blessing. A’dham literally means blessing.
3. Yitzri: The final stage of the bonding ceremony. The couple is placed in a shielded room to isolate their minds from all others. This situation would normally be quite traumatic for a Lo’Ami as they are so unaccustomed to their mind being separated from the rest of their people. The purpose within this ceremony is for them to share that time to form a new familial telepathic bond, by isolating them together. This isolation is when the A’dham Yitzri would be consummated as well. Yitzri literally means to bond.
At the time of bonding the couple decide together whose name will change or if they will both keep their own names. If they are consecrated to different deities, they also decide together which deity their family will be devoted to.
Lamtiral
Literally means, Consecration. This is the ceremony in which a newborn child is devoted to the family deity. On the tenth day after it is born, the parents will bring their child to the main temple of their family deity. They will give the child to the chi appointed for such duty and the chi will take the child into the shielded room for one to three hours. During this time the chi will listen to the deity of that temple and explore the child’s mind in order to discover his or her Etao, or true name. Once the chi brings the child back out of the shielded room, another chi will perform the marking portion of the ceremony. This is a very painful process by which a tattoo is placed on the child’s right hand palm to indicate it’s caste and the deity to which it has been consecrated. A blessing is then invoked over the child in the name of their deity and then the first chi whispers to the parents the child’s Etao. An Etao is intensely private for a Lo’Ami and is only shared with people who are extremely close or intimate with the individual. To call a Lo’Ami by their Etao without permission is one of the greatest offenses that can be committed.
Ggainu
Upon death it is believed that Mish’pah guides the deceased Lo’Ami on to the afterlife. In light of this all Lo’Ami who pass away will be taken to the nearest temple of Mish’pah, be it the main temple or a smaller local temple and regardless of what deity they are consecrated to. Here the chi of Mish’pah will perform the Ggainu (translated "Journey") rites. These take place in the shielded rooms and little is known about the ceremony. It is guarded with much secrecy. This is because they believe it is only for Mish’pah to know the path to the afterlife and so the individual must start off that path alone, with none but the chi of Mish’pah to see them off.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jul 22nd, 2008 at 02:18 pm »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jul 22nd, 2008 at 10:28 pm
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Homeworld
Flora & Fauna
Jonta: A fowl, roughly the size of an earth chicken with brilliant blue feathers and a dark green beak. While chickens are flightless, Jonta are able to fly and are predators; eating small rodents and occasionally smaller birds as well. These birds are found in the woodland areas.
Briggor: An animal resembling a wild boar only larger and furless. They have no tusks either, but very sharp teeth. These can be quite dangerous to hunt as they are very strong and will attack when cornered or caged. The Briggor live mainly in wodded areas near bodies of water.
Gila'on: Small furry primate, roughly the size of a common housecat. This animal is strictly a herbivore and despite being covered completely in pure white fur, it hatches it's young from eggs as a reptile or bird might.
Dionarila'h Drussila: Literally translated, "Dionara's Flower." A flowering plant that on average grows up to between six and nine feet tall. They bloom year round and with proper care will not die. This plant is believed to be the one which Dionara stepped forth from on the day of her creation. Her followers each raise and care for one of these in their homes and if they neglect or mistreat it, this is an offense that could be punishable by law. The blooms of the plant are about the size of a person's fist and when unattended they are pure white. However, the Dionarila'h Drussila responds to telepathic attention. When a Lo'Ami cares for the plant they must talk to it in their mind, the bloom then will change color to mirror the Lo'Ami's current mood. Whenever the plant is unattended, the bloom will remain white.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jul 23rd, 2008 at 11:00 am »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Posted: Jul 22nd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
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Society
Food & Drink
Poaleti: A fruit the size of a grapefruit with a blue tinted skin and white flesh. Tastes similar to an earth nectarine. It has no pit, but rather many small seeds inside.
Runa: A wild spice that is flavorful and yet bitter. While the Lo'Ami enjoy it and use it liberally in many meat dishes, outsiders rarely enjoy this spice due to it's bitter taste.
'oba: A spice commonly cultivated in every household garden. It is used in many dishes and is almost exactly like earth ginger.
Mintark: Small orange berries that have an overwhelmingly sweet scent and flavor. These are often eaten straight off the bush, baked in pies and other pastries, or used to garnish dishes.
Intaro: A wine mulled from mintark. It is spiced with 'oba and depending on the area you get your intaro from it may be stronger or weaker. Most Lo'ami disaprove of excess and therefore they make their intaro fairly weak to average strength.
kileda: This is a gourd with a somewhat bland flavor, usually used as a base to make sauces and pastes for dishes. Occasionally it is eaten raw, but mostly only by the followers of Dionara. It is a staple in their vegetarian diet.
Truc'ota: Meat dish, made from briggor. It is marinated for several days in a runa and kileda sauce and then slow cooked over an open fire. The meat is very tender and very flavorful, though most outsiders dislike it due to the use of runa.
Was'e: Dish prepared with the meat from a jonta. This fowl tastes like chicken, but it is wrapped in leaves with mintark and chunks of poaleti and then cooked. This allows the meat to absorb the juice and flavor of the fruits and results in a sweet and juicy dish.
« Last Edited by
Annie
Jul 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 am »
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"I'll be a beautiful let down, That's what i'll forever be, And though it may cost my soul, i'll sing for free." - Beautiful Let Down ~ Switchfoot
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Lo'Ami Database - (Read 549 Times)
