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As mentioned before, Zykla are very prideful creatures. They do not get along well with species that choose not to respect them or give them the deference they believe they deserve. Coupled with their prideful glutton they frown upon the proper guideline as to what a 'true' Zykla should be.
Should a Zykla be born without their traditional spots or have acquired stripes; their future is often a grim one. Stripes or being born without their spots translates to bad genetics. These Zykla are typically shunned after a certain age to live outside of the populace and are forced to survive on their own. However, death is the primary and the most popular choice.
Beyond the aesthetic approach, should any Zykla be born with a physical deformity, it is often put to death. Example: Leaving them for the wildlife, surrendering them to the ocean via cliff side, cannibalism. Never is a deformed Zykla offered in sacrifice to the Sun or Moon as they are they are considered 'impure' gifts.
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Zykla live in small family groups of no more than 8-25 in a tribe to small 'cities' that range up to 50 - 100 in population. They are typically led by a single dominant male or female, or a mated pair. (See 'War Games' on the Holidays & Events for further information about how leadership is obtained)
Patriarchs - Rulers of a specific tribe who hold authority over a select group that follows beneath them.
Artisans & Craftsmen - Highly respected as they not only craft the ritual bowls/jars/ blades but also aid in building temples and progress in developing the villages and cities. In some cases, renowned Craftsmen will be commissioned by outside establishments to aid in passing along their trade and knowledge to like-minded Zykla.
Shaman - Almost akin to authoritative elders. However, they do not actually rule a tribe and have no real authority. But they are responsible for large events, milestones in life, handling the affairs for coming of age events, inaugurating the first hunt, closure for deaths within the tribe, but also oversee large-scale sacrificial events. Shaman also have the ability to heal in the form of ointments, drinks, and salves.
Oracles - Considered to provide wise and insightful counsel or prophetic predictions or precognition of the future, inspired by the gods. Oracles are regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of benevolent and malevolent spirits, who typically enter into a trance state during a ritual, perform exorcisms, and practice divination.
As such it is a form of divination for insight into a question or situation by way of an occultic, standardized process or ritual with bones. The Oracle ascertain their interpretations of how one should proceed by reading signs, events, or omens. Dealing solely with visions, symbols, omens, and trance-like states of predicting various outcomes of the future.
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Zykla courtships, compared to some other more egregious species, is fairly simple and by the book. Once a Zykla couple find their chosen mate, they will bond with them for life: physically and through a tribal ceremony. This, in turn, causes a more heightened awareness and deeper bond for those gifted with Soulsense. Some have even said that this heightened bond has reunited Zykla over great distances after being displaced. No matter the distance, they will always find their mates. Life-long partners and wedlock outside of their species is forbidden and typically results in either exile or murder of the Zykla in question.
While they may do other species the privilege and honor of bedding them; any serious long-term relationship is never given a second thought. Likewise, any birth or life that would be the result of a Zykla coupling with an outsider is similarly not tolerated and results equally in either exile or death. Almost always it ends in the latter of the two. Should one of the Zykla die, the surviving Zykla either chooses to remain a widow or sometimes chooses to seek a new mate after completing the grieving process. The grieving process may also have a deeper and harsher impact upon those gifted with Soulsense.
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Captured ZyklaFeral Zykla, once captured experiences weakened immune systems, thus causing them to be violent until recovery, but even then they're still a bit sour. Much akin to a dog getting kennel cough. In extreme cases, some feral Zykla will wither and perish if their transition into a ‘domesticated’ life becomes too much of an extreme change for them. While a Zykla who has been enslaved for years may experience a more mild effect akin to a common cold; lasting only for a day or two depending on the climate change.Zykla SlavesZykla slaves while slaves are still considered higher rank than any non-Zykla. Even if the non-Zykla is a well-respected individual, the Zykla slave is still ranked higher in the community. Zykla slaves can also gain their freedom among their tribe after seven years. If a Zykla enslaves a non-Zykla the option for freedom is not offered after seven years. If a slave has a child while under the collar, their child is then also birthed into slavery.
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Zykla have existed for thousands of years. The first recorded sightings of Zykla were by tomb raiders who entered an early First Kingdom burial site near Tenochtitlan. Though the tomb had long been emptied of all jewels, beads, and other trinkets, the raiders sighted a pair of creatures bounding across the lip of a ridge, silhouetted against the moon.
One recorded this event, and swore he could see the creatures carrying bags full of small items. . .
Their sightings have been decreasing steadily over the past several hundred years, as their species is driven closer and closer to extinction. Oil drilling in their natural habitat, the encroachment of humans in their range, and excessive poaching have all taken their toll. Because their coats are similar in pattern and quality to a snow leopard’s, but Zykla are not yet a recognized species, their pelts are just as desirable as snow leopard fur but are not illegal to obtain. The future of the Zykla race remains in question, but the creatures are so secretive and stealthy it is quite impossible to make an accurate count or even a population density mapping of their numbers. It is quite possible that, when the Zykla finally disappear from the Earth, they will take their mysteries with them.