The Mahigan

Culture

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  The Mahigan are known for their hunter-gatherer tribe aspects. Often two mahigan, one male and one female, will form an alpha pair that will then form a pack that typically consists of their offspring or accepted mahigan from other packs. There are three types of mahigan; tame, wild and domesticated, with those that are wild being the most common of mahigan.

  
  

  Tame A tame mahigan has never taken part of civilized society, but will not proceed to be overtly aggressive on first contact. Wild packs of mahigan can have some tame individuals living among them.

  Wild A wild mahigan is one that was naturally born and raised within a pack. They are more primal and are often observed following a more predatory path to life. A wild mahigan is incredibly territorial and more aggressive than most to unknown individuals.

  Domesticated A domesticated mahigan is one that has been tamed in such a way that the mahigan has less primal behaviors in comparison to their wild counterparts. Those that are domesticated are typically found living a life away from the normal tribal culture the species is known for. A domesticated mahigan has the typical characteristics of the species but is often considered more passively aggressive and less territorial.

  

  

  Pack Aspects and Hierarchy

  
  Wild Mahigan packs can range anywhere from six to sixteen total mahigan with the females usually out numbering the males 2:1 in larger packs. Packs of mahigan will usually claim land for a season in which they will hunt prey species in the area before moving on the following season.
  
  The mahigan packs are run by the alpha female who is the one that will decide where the pack moves every season while handling all other important decisions related to the pack itself. While it is the females that command the pack, the males are responsible for the hunting, protection and ultimate well being of the pack. The males are subservient to the females.
  
  Pack Hierarchy
  

  Alpha The dominant, ruling mahigan of any particular pack. The title of alpha can be obtained through combat or inheritance. The alpha female is considered higher than the alpha male.

  Beta The brood mother of the mahigan pack. The beta is responsible for raising the offspring of the pack and equivalent to that of a wet nurse or nanny. The beta mahigan tends to be one of the older females within the pack and often the matriarch behind the alphas.

  Delta Mahigan of a specific gender that will keep the lesser mahigan in order. In the mahigan culture the betas are typically the elders that act as a council for the alpha's of the pack. Delta mahigan also take the role of shamans.

  
  
  

  Epsilon Often considered the warriors and hunters of the packs. These mahigan are known for their physical prowess and tracking abilities and often considered the top of their field.

  Zeta The proven and loyal pack members. Any without a specific role within a mahigan pack are a basic zeta mahigan. The bulk of large packs are most commonly made up of zeta mahigan.

  Omega A shameful title added given to a mahigan. This could be given if one loses a challenge to an alpha or another disgraceful act. Those baring the omega titled are considered subservient to all pack members.

  
  
  

  Mating Mahigan males typically pair themselves with one female at a time and often only sire young with one female throughout the duration of their own or the female's life, though it is not unheard of for an alpha male or female to have had offspring with multiple partners.

  Habitat The mahigan are typically a coastal species of sea wolves that live both on land and under water in the shallows. While most of the species call land their home, it is not unheard of for others to sleep and live predominantly underwater.

  
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  The mahigan partake in a society of totemism. Typically there is one official totem per pack but it is not unheard of for foreign omegas to bring the totem of their pack with them when joining a new one. As totemists, the mahigan believe in a kinship or mystical relationship with an individual totem. The totem often serves as both a religious and diplomatic symbol of a pack and as a reminder of their ancestry. A majority of mahigan are carved a totem by their parents when they are young and can be seen with it around their necks more often than not. While mahigan are raised with this totem, there is a chance that they can switch to another throughout their life.

  
  
  

  Totems

  
  

  The Tree The representation of land and earth, the tree is the harbor in which the mahigan thrive. Those that follow this totem are often considered to be land dwelling mahigan above ocean dwelling mahigan. Brood mothers and hunters of all packs tend to follow the Tree totem whose beliefs are typically more tame. A Tree totemist believes in nurturing and caring for those in their charge while being one with nature.

  The Sun and Moon The sun and moon represents the sky and it's vast openness of the world. The mahigan that follow this totem are often adventurers. The omegas that drift between packs without shame tend to carry this totem. Wild, free spirited totemists who dare to press boundaries and live their lives for themselves rather than for the pack wear this symbol. It is also a symbol of neutrality.

  The Kraken The wretched sea beast represents the ocean and all of it's darkness. It is believed in mahigan culture that the Kraken birthed the mahigan for it's own sadistic enjoyment and the Tree offered it's protection while the Sun and Moon watched on. Those that wear the symbol of the Kraken are sometimes despised and considered evildoers trying to summon the sea beast to land. Those that wear this totem are often mischievous and fairly adept in manipulation of others. The Kraken often stands for fierce cunning.

  The Wolf The wolf is what represents the growth and fertility of the mahigan. Those that hold the wolf totem are considered to be those that walk the proper path. Wolf totemists are humble and proud of their origination from the ocean, but remain strictly loyal to their pack and family. The wolf totem is a simple of pride, loyalty and true bravery.

  The Shark The shark represents war. The nomadic packs that claim the largest territories for the mahigan within them are often the strongest. Those that follow the shark totem are considered true warriors, and it is forbidden for the shark totem to be carved by anyone but the alpha of the pack and presented to one that has earned it. Shark totemists use war paint and vicious howls in their hunting parties. Those that wield these totems are as fearless and powerful as they are merciless.

  

  "Our brood mother, Sintikala, told us the stories of the sun and the moon and how they created the kraken and the tree who created the vast oceans and continents. In the end, the kraken created the mahigan and tortured them until the tree gave them shelter on it's shores." --- Wolf Totemist