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Eterne

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WARNING: This page contains material exceeding the general board rating of PG-13. It may contain very strong language, drug usage, graphic violence, or graphic sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.

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Eterne is a small settlement of coyotes, located along the Pacific Ocean coast in Oaxaca, Mexico. These coyote supremacists mostly practice a religion with practices drawn from Aztec, Catholic, and indigenous beliefs. They trade with Barbados and other areas in the Gulf of Mexico, thanks to an overland route to the Ciudad del Carmen.

As of summer 2013, the Kimaris family -- Tlantli Kimaris in particular -- rules Eterne, following a violent revolution. The revolution -- Ochpaniztl Calli -- swept away the old system of high and low class families, as well as the old organized religion within Eterne. In the wake of this revolution, shamanism -- particularly that related to sacrifice -- has become the superstition of choice.

1.  Essentials

1.1  Geography

Eterne is situated in the former human Mexican state of Oaxaca, on the narrow Isthmus of Tehuatepec. The Sierra Madre del Sur mountains rise sharply on either side of the Eternian claim; the Chivela Pass allows access to the northern part of the Isthmus of Tehuatepec.

Coastline

The coyote stronghold sits on the Gulf of Tehuantepec, a large Pacific Ocean bay on the southwestern Mexican coast. The bay's waters are extremely treacherous to ships thanks to the Tehuano winds. Storms and gales forceful enough to blow ships back out to sea are forced through the narrow gap in the mountains. Ships have never landed on this Eternian coast, and Eternian sea technology (in the Pacific) is stunted. Nevertheless, the Tehuano winds induce strong upwelling of nutrient-rich waters -- these waters support abundant sea life in the Gulf of Tehuantepec.

Human Ruins

The Guiengola ruins of the ancient Zapotec people are the centerpiece of the Eternian "urban" area. These ruins are a combination of mountain caves, human, and Luperci stonework. The ruins were carved out and expanded over many thousands of years by people before the Luperci; nature was carving many hundreds of thousands of years before humans!

Eterne is situated near the old human city of Tehuatepec. Parts of the modern human city are included in Eterne's territory, but it has fallen to flood and ruin; the Eternians rarely venture here.

1.2  Climate

The whole surrounding region is hot and malarial; however, in Eterne, winds from the Pacific Ocean render the climate comparatively cool and healthy. The Eternian coast has drier climate than the inlands, as well.

Tehuano

The Tehuano, a violent mountain-gap wind traveling through a pass in the mountains, is most common between October and February, with a summer maximum in July. These strong winds bring cooler sub-surface waters to the surface of the tropical eastern Pacific ocean around Eterne. Their effects may last from a few hours to 6 days.

This wind can reach gale, storm, and hurricane force. The wind's direction is from the north to north-northeast. It leads to a localized acceleration of the trade winds in the region, and can enhance thunderstorm activity.

1.3  Flora & Fauna

Prey animals include Rabbit?, Armadillo, Racoons, Javelinas, and other small mammals.

2.  Culture

Once a highly-stratified society with distinct classes, Eterne has changed significantly since the 2013 revolution, primarily in terms of religion and separate social classes. As of 2013, the culture has transitioned to a more mixed society. Distinctive classes still exist -- the Tezcatli shaman, for example, are of their own social class. All the same, all coyotes are are said to be equals in Eterne -- save the Kimaris family, of course. Wolves and wolf hybrids are highly discriminated against, however; this has increased since the 2013 revolution.

2.1  Species

• Eterne is populated primarily by coyotes: Mexican coyotes are the majority, while there are a number of Mearns Coyote and California Valley Coyote hybrids and immigrants.
• Eternian wolves (slaves) are usually Mexican and Red wolves. All wolves are discriminated against in Eterne, regardless of subspecies. Wolves who come too close to the Eternian territory are killed or enslaved.
• Eterne is somewhat tolerant of coyote hybrids who "renounce" their non-coyote sides -- except for heavily-wolf hybrids, which are considered wolves. Hybrids are a lower caste. They can participate in only some areas of society; they also face discrimination. Hybrids who appear "too wolfish" are regarded as full-blooded wolves regardless of actual heritage.
• Rarely, dogs and even Maned Wolves from the distant south end up in Eterne. In the area immediately surrounding Eterne as well as their territory itself, dogs have been eradicated, out-competed by the coyotes long before Eterne itself was founded. Coydogs receive similar discrimination as coywolves, but may renounce their dog sides and become "wholly coyote" in cases of high coyote percentages.

2.2  Luperci & Shifting

Most canines of Eterne are Luperci. The shifting ability is well-used, and most canines prefer their two-legged forms. Feral living is not a complete oddity within Eterne; many of the canines who spend their time hunting in order to trade meat with other Eternians hunt in their natural forms. Nonetheless, Optime dominates -- especially in "urban" areas of Eterne.

2.3  Demographics

• The "urban" areas of Eterne consist of the small village and the Guiengola ruins.
  • Only the shallows of the ruins are used; the deeper parts of the cave are shunned as living quarters, but may be used as storage for families living in the different portions of the ruins.
  • The village consists of only 15 buildings total, with simplistic, one-story construction. These small buildings are exclusively one, two, or three room constructions; while Eterne has advanced construction techniques for Luperci, they are hardly capable of building something even slightly resembling a modern house, let alone a castle or a huge tower.
• The "rural" areas of Eterne sprawl about these ruins and throughout the small Eternian valley, up onto the surrounding Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. The majority of Eterne's population lives in these rural areas in their own small cluters of one-story, two-and-three room stone shacks.

2.4  Languages

• Mexican Spanish is the primary language spoken in day-to-day life.
• A few families have taken to learning English as travelers from Barbados and other northerly areas have started arriving.
• Some Nahuatl words persist, primarily in the Eternian spirituality. Some Nahuatl words still exist in pejorative form, as well; these terms generally refer to the former Atotoztli religion.

2.5  Technology

• Eternians typically do not seek to restore human items. They prize some especially useful human items restored by others, though; this trade has become a stable of the items coming over from Barbados.
• Fabric cloth is not seen in Eterne; clothing and blankets made from hides and furs are more common.
• Eternians are adept when it comes to stone, earth, and building pursuits -- for example, the restoration of the ruins and the expansion of the caves. Most of this behavior evolved naturally within Eterne, trial and error aided by gradual pursuit of former human knowledge.
• Minor agriculture is seen in the cultivation of psychoactive plants. Livestock fodder is typically gathered rather than cultivated; Eterne does not boast a large enough livestock population to require agriculture.

Companions

• Very young margay and ocelot offspring may be taken and raised by Eternian canines as pets. They are likened to slaves, and are taught to hunt small pests.
• Donkeys are also commonly seen; horses are not seen within Eterne except when brought in by travelers.
• Parrots are occasionally kept as pets by the wealthiest Eternians.

Style

• Feathers are often adorned to the hair.
• Natural hairstyles and human hairstyles (mostly women) are both common.
• Dyes are also commonly used on feathers, hair, and facial fur.
• Piercing the ears and septum are common in Eterne; other styles of piercing are less frequently encountered.
• Jewelry is often seen -- gold, silver, jade, malachite, and obsidian are favored materials.
• Tattooing is seen less frequently than scarfication.
• Obsidian is used in the construction of ritual knives; it is considered a spiritually important substance.

2.6  Practices & Traditions

Family

• Family -- ancestry and descendents -- are extremely important in Eterne: everything is done in the name of one's heritage, family, and ancestors.
• Many things -- land, rank, trade, knowledge, etc. -- pass through the family from mother (or father) to daughter (or son).
• Families may be passed on in either the male or female name. Eternians generally select the more prestigious surname, regardless of which parent it comes from.
• Families each have a Tlahto, or leader, of the family. This canine can be of either gender, and is chosen by the previous Tlahto.

Heritage

• Eternians respect their direct ancestry most, though they typically do not deride aunts, uncles, and other offshoot relatives. Their own mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers, etc. are most important.
• Children, and other nuclear family are as important as direct relatives.
• Siblings are seen as nearly as important, but can sometimes be viewed as competition -- especially if there is stake in some kind of inheritance.

Children and Birth Order

• One's tiacapan, or first-born, is exceptionally important. Stillbirth or death of a tiacapan is a bad omen.
• A female tiacapan brought back from an Ehecatl journey brings good luck to a family.
• Ninth-born males (whether within an individual litter or in the grand total of one's living or dead children) are extremely unlucky. Some families are superstitious enough to kill male children; the de Viteri family was rumored to have killed three sons who would have been ninth living sons until a daughter overtook them as ninth.

Gender and Sexuality

The society is somewhat matriarchal, with a woman leader. Women usually lead the individual families within Eterne. Free women (not slaves) are in less danger of being brutalized than in other areas of the world. Despite this, misogyny is still a problem. Daughters are seen as precious gifts, and sons are viewed as a way to spread the family bloodline and name far and wide.

• Homosexuality is accepted, at least in legal terms of heritage and family.
• Incest is tolerated within Eterne; cousins are sometimes encouraged to marry, but siblings or other closer relatives who choose to are accepted as any other relationship. Some families go so far as to revere such unions as a strengthening of their own blood, though others may have more conservative views.
• Polygamy, adultery, and any form of multiple partnership is not tolerated within Eterne -- it has the chance of muddying the clarity of heritage, and is therefore forbidden.

Slavery

Slavery is a staple of Eterne's labor force. Slaves maintain many aspects of Eternian life, from tending livestock to fishing to hunting and agriculture. They are very important to the Eternian way of life; therefore, slaves are not generally treated with terrible malice. Of course, this varies by family and even individual owner.

Slaves do not have rights; freedom can only be granted by a slave's owner, and a freed slave faces a life of very low regard within Eterne, should they choose to stay. The practice of breeding slaves is no longer common within Eterne. The coyotes of Eterne prefer to trade for wolves from overseas, having found these creatures -- far from their homelands and in a land where they speak none of the common tongues -- make the most passive chattel.

Slaves within Eterne are marked by a metallic ring through their septum, simple metal and unadorned. Pierced septums are not worn by free members of society.

Slave Species

Coyote slaves (and anyone of hybrid heritage who happened to look more coyote than wolf or dog) were freed upon the revolution in Eterne. Many of the wolf slaves from before the revolution were killed outright, reducing their population dramatically. The remaining slave population, however, is exclusively wolf. Enslaving coyotes is no longer permitted within Eterne.

Slave Names

A specific subset of gender-neutral, traditional slave names exists. Some families rename each new slave they get in A Handmaid's Tale-esque traditions; others let slaves keep their original names. Still others give their slaves actual names. Slave naming practices can and do vary by family. However, repetitive names within the slave class is extremely common.

Drug Use

Peyote and psilocybin mushrooms are heavily used. Both substances grow wild in surrounding areas, but cultivation is popular. Marijuana is also cultivated, though less heavily.

• Ceremonial and Religious: While Tezcatli shaman are believed to have natural proclivity for reading the signs of the spiritual world, psilocybin mushrooms and peyote in particular are believed to enhance these abilities. Both are frequently utilized by shaman.
  • The names for these drugs in spiritual settings only are Peyotl (peyote) and Teonanacatl (psilocybin mushrooms).
  • In the right settings, it is believed these substances can even allow non-shaman to tap into these spiritual powers and abilities. The setting and guidance of a Tezcatli is important; this explains to the average Eternian why canines using the drugs recreationally do not suddenly become devout or spiritually able.
• Recreational: Both psilocybin mushrooms and peyote are common as recreational drugs amongst Eternian canines. Marijuana and tobacco are also common recreational drugs. Alcohol is seen occasionally, but does not enjoy the popularity of the other four mentioned substances.
• Trade: In late 2013, the trading of psilocybin mushrooms and peyote, through Barbados and the Sastre family, was "legalized."

Symbols

• Spirals: Spirals are generally a shamanistic symbol. They are frequently used in scarification, either as a simple decorative symbol or as a means to cleanse and purify. The spiral has overtaken the gendered reptilian symbols as the most important of the Eternian canines.
• Gendered Symbols: Lizard symbolizes male; snake symbolizes female. Snakes eating lizards (woman dominating man) are somewhat common, though less so now that the Atototzli religion has less significance.
• Other indigenous symbols -- e.g., jaguars, parrots, fish, etc., are occasionally found. These symbols are generally considered good luck symbols and carved into talismans and similar tokens of luck.

2.7  Outsider Relations & Travel

Barbados and New Orleans

Eterne maintains a close connection with Barbados -- and, more recently, New Orleans. Trade between these areas is frequent. Obviously, the most dangerous time to make the seaward journey is during hurricane season. Luperci have little predictive technology, but it is still relatively easy for a Luperci attuned to tides and the usual ways of the sea to see a hurricane coming.

• See the Sastre family for more information.
• It takes just over one week days to get to the old human Ciudad del Carmen on the Laguna de Terminos.
• From there, canines typically stick to the shallows along the Yucatán Peninsula. The ruins of Cancún, a usual brief rest stop for travelers, marks the point at which they either head north to New Orleans or Barbados.
  • New Orleans is 638 miles north of Cancun across the relatively shallow Gulf of Mexico. It takes about four and a half days on the galleon to get there.
  • Barbados is 1880 miles east and south of Cancun across the shallows of the Caribbean Sea. It takes about a week on the galleon to get there, usually with a night stop in Jamaica? for rest.

Outsiders

They are welcoming and extremely generous to coyote outsiders. All coyote outsiders are invited to stay. Pure coyotes are given many gifts, offers of mateship, and other goodies in the hopes that they stay and help Eterne return to coyote purity.

Non-coyote outsiders are often treated with hostility and contempt. Eterne will trade with these canines and perhaps even offer them a few days' respite in their travels, but Eterne makes it quite plain to these non-coyotes they are not permanently welcome. Wolf outsiders, even those straying near to rather than within Eterne's territory, are often enslaved.

3.  Structure

3.1  Leaders

The Kimaris family rules absolutely.

Structure Rey: The absolute ruler within Eterne. The Rey makes decisions of justice, war, territory, trade, aiding of the people, and so on and so forth. The Rey is easily accessible within Eterne; Tlantli Kimaris has chosen to reside in a small, private section of the Guiengola ruins. Any free Eternian can call on her there, though they will find her well-guarded (generally by a half-niece or nephew). There isn't a whole lot of ceremony and bowing and stuff when it comes to the Rey; she prefers to be addressed simply and honestly. The Rey's mate, should she choose to take one, would not take any power within Eterne; they would be considered a part of the Sangre Principe, but no more. Principe Heredero: The chosen heir of the Rey. The Principe Heredero sits in with the Rey on most matters, learning and absorbing all that is to be learned. Without much established tradition thus far. However, Tlantli passed over her tiacapan daughter Aerakh Kimaris and her even-born son Molakh Kimaris in favor of her third son, Rahovath Kimaris. She has explicitly stated that she wished her tiacapan and only even-born son remain free of duties for the strength of the Kimaris family. Much like other inherited positions in Eterne, it would seem sons and daughters are eligible for inheritance. Principe: The other children of the Rey. Tlantli has not indicated which of her other children might inherit, should Rahovath die. The even-born Principe males may still go on Ehecatl journeys; Tlantli's son Molakh is slated to do so. Sangre Real: The other family of the Rey immediately eligible for inheritance. Tlantli has explicitly decreed only those born into Tlantli's immediate bloodline (i.e., to her children) are part of the royal blood. Thus far, no one is a part of the royal blood! Sangre Principe: The other family of the Rey, not immediately eligible for inheritance. Tlantli has explicitly decreed a number of her family -- her littermates, half-siblings Metetzili and Dieriel, plus Dieriel's children, as well as any descendents they might have -- as a part of the Sangre Principesco. Also included are mates of the Sangre Principesco, Principe, Prinicipe Heredero, or Rey her/himself. Tlantli was careful to exclude those "distantly Kimaris" canines she knew to exist in the region of 'Souls; she did not want someone with Kimaris blood as distant as Loki Jade Lykoi included.

Current Family: Kimaris Rey: Tlantli Principe Heir: Rahovath Kimaris Principe: Aerakh, Molakh, Maecherath, Chanath Sangre Real: -- Sangre Principesco: Dieriel, Hadlai, Pahti, Beraiah, Iztalia, Tetocoyan, Metetzli, Miqui, Imacai, Xochime

3.2  Law & Justice

There are few real "laws" amongst Eterne. Canines are expected to adhere to peaceful coexistence with one another, and most things are enforced via tradition. That said, murder, robbery, and similar crimes of person and property are forbidden.

Major disputes or especially egregious crimes may be handled by the Kimaris family; otherwise, the heads of each family typically enforce justice on their own kin. Justice does vary quite a bit from one family to the next -- some families are vengeance-driven, while others are content to exact a fine. Tezcatli shaman, specifically Bone Readers, are often consulted for their expertise in matters of justice.

4.  Religion

Eterne's previous religion, the Atotoztli religion, was destroyed in the 2013 revolution. Many elements of this former religion persist, though elements of the organized religion -- priests, priest-led ceremonies, religious texts, religious leaders, etc. -- were utterly destroyed.

4.1  Central Beliefs

Deities

The most important element of Eternian religious beliefs is the trickster creator coyote god Momotzli. Eterne is monotheistic, though it is likely to become a polytheistic religion, should Momotzli take a wife of the Eternian populace.

• Appearance: Momotzli is heavily scarified, bearing both male and female symbols as well as a large spiral upon his chest. He wears feathers and a long cape of wolf's skin.
• Lore: Eternians believe Momoztli will one day return and take the a wifeselected of Eterne's population. Momoztli and his wife-god will then repopulate the earth with a superspecies of coyote. He is believed to be the common ancestor of all coyotes on earth and is personified in the sun. He is the "true ruler" of Eternian society.

Saint Worship

• Santa Muerte: Saint Death is a female folk saint venerated in Eterne, thought to personify death. Santa Muerte generally appears as a female skeletal coyote figure, clad in a long robe and holding a scythe. She is revered, not feared.
• Civateteo: Mothers who died in childbirth are revered as familial saints (the obvious exception is slave-mothers who die in birth).
• Tehuano: This malicious saint is a generally thought to personify the Tehuano winds; offerings are made to the Tehuano to stem the ferocity of the winds or give good winds to the sails (primarily of trade ships between Barbados and Eterne).

The Liver

Most Eternians, spiritual or not, believe that the liver is the seat of life itself. Spiritual Eternians furthermore believe that the liver is able to work powerful magic. The liver features in numerous religious practices, including sacrifice and funerary rites.

4.2  Religious Practices

Tezcatlipoca — Shamanism

• Beliefs (General): Many spiritual Eternians believe Tezcatli shaman are capable of practicing magic, creating spells and potions, speaking with the dead, and (most importantly) reading the future. Most Eternians, spiritual or not, believe the Tezcatli command powers beyond the average mortal.
• Shaman Organization: Only a small population of Eterne are actually shaman, though it is believed that a much larger percentage of Eternian coyotes express shaman-like tendencies (i.e., they, too, could Tezcatli be if they were taught). Shaman sometimes make themselves, but it has become most common to be instructed by a more practiced Tezcatli. There is no organization behind shaman -- there's no lead shaman, no order of shaman, etc. (perhaps the one exception to this is the Tezcatli kept by the Kimaris royalty in Eterne). Under threat of the Rey's wrath, the Tezcatli shaman are careful to appear neutral, disconnected individuals. They may gather, but these gatherings are generally informal and small. Organized religion is still highly distrusted within Eterne.
• Practice: Shamanism as a practice is referred to as Tezcatlipoca; individual shaman are called Tezcatli. Shaman are differentiated from the average spiritual or semi-spiritual member of Eterne primarily by their way of life. A Tezcatli devotes him or herself utterly to the task of learning magic, crafting spells, and reading the future; they rarely live within the confines of Eterne proper and are more commonly found in the rural areas surrounding the Eternian central hub, mostly in shallow caves and hollows in the Sierra Madre del Sur.
• Types: A Tezcatli in Eterne must use some form of living matter for their work -- "spontaneous divination" is not well-respected within Eterne. Practicioners of such will be called frauds at the least; should they "deceive" the wrong Eternian with their false ways, they are likely to end dismembered and strung up as a warning. The fate of any canine who dared claim the ability to speak with Momotzli would be far worse than spontaneous diviners.
  • Haruspexes: A Haruspex is able to read the entrails and -- especially important -- the liver of prey or sacrificial animals. These are the most powerful Tezcatli within Eterne; they are regarded with fear and mild contempt. The Haruspex slaughters the prey or sacrifice and inspects the organs; their position, condition, color, shape, appearance, smell, taste, all of the above factors both burned and raw, and all other aspects of the sacrifice and organs are thoroughly considered by the Haruspex in order to make a prophecy.
  • Dririmancy: A Dririmancer is able to read the blood of sacrificed liver when dripped from their fingers. Unlike a Haruspect, the Dririmancer has no ability to read entrails or, most importantly, the liver. Nonetheless, many spiritual Eternians consider the work of a Haruspex and Dririmancer together some of the most powerful magic to be found.
  • Bone Readers: Questions about the future are carved onto the bone or shell of a turtle; the bone or shell is then held over fire until it cracks. The bone-reader then interprets the cracks and is able to tell the future from them. Bone Readers also serve a more specific purpose -- they are sometimes called to aid Eternians in the judging of the guilty. Bone Readers heat the skull of sacrificed individual while reciting the names of criminal suspects. If the skull cracks or the jaw moves when a name is spoken, this is taken to identify the guilty party. Unlike Cleromancers, Bone Readers are more respected -- the fire is said to reawaken the life within the dead bones.
  • Cleromancers: These Tezcatli are capable of reading bones (specifically bones -- sticks, rocks, etc. are sometimes included, but as per Eternian custom, some form of living or once-living matter must "power" the divination) and their positions relative to one another after being tossed. These shaman are regarded with some small suspicion, as most of their power is seemingly derived from long-dead objects.

Rituals

Sacrifice

• Practice: Sacrifices may be very private or very public affairs. The act is done with a ritual dagger; the blade must be made of obsidian, with a handle of carved wood or bone. The sacrifice and sacrificer both are usually intoxicated; peyote is used most frequently (it is believed to help bridge the gap between death and life).
• Meaning (Spiritual): When Tezcatli shaman sacrifice a canine or animal, their spiritual motivation is obtaining the liver of the sacrifice. Blood is also used -- sometimes to create a paste of Teonanacatl (psilocybin mushrooms) and the sacrifice's liver, sometimes to simply offer the liver up on an altar to Momotzli or one's ancestors.
• Meaning (General): Sacrifices are most pleasing to Momotzli and one's ancestry; this form of worship can be practiced by anyone.

Scarification — Tecocol

• Practice: Symbols and decorations are carved into the flesh -- most commonly with obsidian knives, thought to be a spiritual instrument specially made for cleaving the flesh.
• Symbols Used: Spirals are a common choice of scarification symbol: they are thought to be generally cleansing, and in the case of a Tezcatli shaman, to aid the ability to view the future. Typical Eternian symbols are also frequently seen. Outside of these common themes, scarification in Eterne boasts a great number of patterns and symbols.
• Meaning (Spiritual): Amongst the Tezcatli shamans, this ritual is most commonly practiced to strengthen a canine's natural magical abilities. Additionally, Tecocol is thought to purify away any sin. It can also be used to purify a hybrid of wolf blood -- to a point. Heavily hybridized canines are thought to be too wolfish for Tecocol to work.
• Meaning (General): Amongst the non-religious, average member of Eterne, it's just a neat body modification that has become incredibly popular. It's actually difficult to say whether scarification arose in the public populace or the Tezcatli.
• Trivia: Thread: Tecocol in 'Souls

Bloodletting — Zacatapayoli

• Practice: The arms are tightly wrapped with thorny vines; the Eternian canine then goes about their usual business. Natural movement buries the thorns into their flesh and causes pain and bleeding.
• Meaning (Spiritual): Tezcatli shamans use this ritual to strengthen their abilities to speak with the spirits and view the ways of future.
• Meaning (General): For the non-shaman, this ritual is thought to please Momotzli and show the Eternian's devotion and strength.

Ceremonies

Journey — Ehecatl

Most even-born males undergo Ehecatl ("wind serpent") journeys. Females and odd-born males sometimes go on Ehecatl journeys, especially if the family has no even-born males.

The intent of Ehecatl is to propagate the Eternian way of life and individual family bloodlines. For at least four years, an Eternian male on Ehecatl journey is required to wander around making as many babies as they can and yakking it up about Eterne. Ehecatl journeyers aren't discouraged from spreading coyote seed to wolves: there is virtually no species discrimination from journeyers. Many believe these efforts may eventually purify the wolves, overrunning them with coyote blood.

Festival — Xochimana

Xochimana (the offering of flowers) is the only annual Eternian festival. Xochimana is a month-long celebration, occurring in the month of February. There are two parts to the Xochimana festival.

Journey Departure — Ehecatl

During the first part of Xochimana, many even-born males slated for Ehecatl journeys depart during Xochimana. Families send sons off in style, ranging from completely lavish in the case of "wealthy" Eternian families to a more modest show from those without the means. No matter the wealth of the family, boys are always sent away with flowers (obviously, the flowers are more symbolic than practical -- handing wilted and long-dead flowers to a lady is generally not going to woo her).

It is worthwhile noting that most believe leaving on Ehecatl outside of Xochimana bad luck; the vast majority of Eternian Ehecatl journeys begin in February. The rarer unsuperstitious canines in Eterne, however, may send sons at any other time of the year. Alternatively, if a family is trying to conceal the number of sons they send on Ehecatl, or otherwise being sneaky -- they'll send sons off secretly, far outside of Xochimana time!

Mothers' Celebrations — Tlacaxipe

The second part of Xochimana, the latter two weeks of February, consists of the mothers' celebrations. The official name for this part of the celebration is the Tlacaxipe, or "the flaying of men." Mothers celebrate like victorious warriors, cavorting and swaggering through Eterne. They compete with one another in shows of strength or seduction or other prowesses; competition can sometimes come to blood.

Contrary to the name, men are rarely, if ever, actually flayed during the women's phase of Xochimana -- though men should be very cautious of committing crimes against women during the festival. Crimes against men are actually more common during Xochimana -- women often harm or assault men during the Tlacaxipe weeks of the festival.

Funeral — Miquiztli

Miquiztli is the Eternian funeral ceremony. The Miquiztli takes two whole days following an Eternian's death. The liver is cut out and the body is burned. The liver is placed in the sun for two days to absorb the sun's rays; it is then buried in the desert. Stones are arranged into patterns on the ground (spirals are popular) where the liver was buried; the size and sprawl of the design is usually indicative of the Eternian's importance.

Eternians return to their cemeteries with smaller offerings left periodically throughout the year. Common sacrifices are snakes and lizards (depending on the deceased's gender). Eternians who are amending for a severe slight on the honor of an ancestor may make a larger sacrifice instead -- though sacrifices of huge magnitude for ancestry are rare.

Different families of Eterne typically have a particular area they use as a cemetery. Graves of extinguished families -- the de Viteri and Tzatzi, for example -- were destroyed in the Ochpaniztl Calli revolution; their stones were scattered and the earth was planted with many seeds of tall trees so that one day, the resting places of these familes would become shaded and cut off from the sun.

5.  Significant Families

5.1  Current

Sangre Real (Royal Family): Kimaris / Kimaris Offboard

The Kimaris family originated in and currently rules Eterne.

Sastre The Sastre family, with blood ties to Barbados, gained strong influence and notoriety within Eterne after 2009 due to the trade route established between Barbados and Eterne. They not only survived the Eternian revolution, they flourished. Parts of the Sastre family have gained notoriety on the island of Barbados, as well.

Miztli The Miztli family is a very large family; they are primarily responsible for the Eternian marketplace. They value traded labor and useful goods -- but above all else, they value intricate jewelry and fine clothing. They are quite "wealthy" and like to show it. Though they were "wealthy" prior to the revolution, they were not considered high-class by Eternian standards. This made the majority of the family sympathetic to the revolutionaries' cause.

Ojeda The Ojeda family is another formerly lower-class family, upjumped to the higher classes just a year or two before the Ochpaniztl revolution. Though they seemed extremely religious, the Ojeda family was quick to shed old former beliefs. They survived the 2013 revolution relatively unscathed, having assisted the Kimaris family in the take-over. Some of those who had taken the religion to heart were turned in by their own family members.

San Merlo The tiny San Merlo family consists of only a parental pair and their children thus far.

5.2  Former

• The Tzatzi family was another smaller, upper-class family (they were rumored to be descendants of the Eternian founding siblings, Axayacatl and Tepoztecal -- though the oldest member of their family, Xihuitl, remained silent on this issue). The Tzatzi family was rooted out and all but destroyed in Ochpaniztl Calli.
  • Amotlein (meaning: nothing) Tzatzi was selected as Mamexi niman when she was born. Died ~2012 as a part of the Huehueatltzin sacrifice.
  • Molcaxitl Yocatl is a part of this family.
• The de Viteri family was a powerful upper-class family; they were completely destroyed in 2013 during Ochpaniztl Calli.

6.  History

6.1  Influence on 'Souls

• Vieira Lykoi lived here for some time, long before the re-rising of the Kimaris family.
• Eris Eternity (though not a Kimaris) was here from 2008 - early 2010. She pretended to be a part of the Kimaris family.
• Samael Lykoi was here in late 2010, prior to the revolution.

6.2  Early

• 1995: The beginnings of Eterne can be traced back to Mictlantecuhtli, a gathering of several small coyote packs, pairs, and individuals in the ruins of a human village, several miles north of where Eterne now stands. Tepoztecal, Tlazoltectl, and Axayacatl were siblings, brothers Teca and Lazo and sister Aya. They were more than siblings to one another; however, once their incestuous behavior was discovered by Mictlantecuhtli leaders, the trio were promptly ejected.
• 1996: The disgruntled siblings headed south, and finding the ruins of the Guiengola people. They found them suitable for settling, and ended up there. A few more stragglers showed up to join them; the original trio of siblings set about establishing a religion that would allow them to do essentially whatever they wanted without interference.
• 1997: The Atotoztli religion is solidified and completed; Tepoztecal becomes the first Xochitl priest of the order and Axayacatl the first Mamexi (this, of course, is a guise for their play -- in no way was the first Mamexi a "pure" bride for Momoztli). Their brother, Tlazoltectl, abandons Eterne and departs abruptly and without explanation.
• 1998: Eterne began rivaling Mictlantecuhtli in terms of size. This marked a period of strife between Eterne and the canines of Mictlantecuhtli; Eternian scouts and explorers often encountered those of Mictlantecuhtli during this year. These encounters were violent and often fatal. These tensions never escalated into organized attacks; Mictlantecuhtli canines simply began scouting further east instead.
• 1999: Tlazoltectl returned, claiming to have lived in the desert for long months. He revealed the Quauhtli, as well as revealing his brother and sister's incest. He demanded the Mamexi's sacrifice (marking the beginning of the Huehuatltzin practice). Tepoztecal was merely executed instead of sacrificed.
  • Lazo was the first of the true Atotozli devout; his return marks the beginning of the real Atotozli and its control of Eterne. Lazo's return and the reveleation of the Quauhtli marked the start of practices such as reverence of Mecatl (lineage), Civateteo (mothers who die in childbirth) saint-worship, Tecocol (scarification), Zacatapayoli (bloodletting), and Miquiztli (funeral) rites. The laws regarding the Mamexi and who she may have contact with were tightened considerably. Some have surmised these practices arose out of Tlazoltectl's mind alone.
• 2000: The first wolf arrives in Eterne; he becomes the first slave after insulting Axayacatl and reminding the Eternians of how his species once ruled theirs. His enslavement marks the beginning of projects meant to expand the ruins and bring them to their former glory. Hybrid and wolf prejudice arises here, and quickly becomes a stable of the budding Atotoztli religion.
• 2001: Mictlantecuhtli and Eterne once again experienced strife. Eternian scouts are roving far enough north to actually enter Mictlantecuhtli territory. This time, Mictlantecuhtli canines contrived to attack Eterne at their homeland. They were quickly frightened off by the number of canines even in the rural outskirts of Eterne -- these brief tensions ceased when the canines of Mictlantecuhtli relocated further east, leaving an uncontested Eternian presence in the land.

6.3  Recent History

• Fall 2007: a small group of explorers arrived from Barbados, impressing most Eternians with their wares. This marks the beginning of infrequent trade between Barbados and Eterne. One of the explorers, a male bearing the name Sastre, left a lower-class Eternian woman of a small family pregnant.
• Summer 2009: an adventurous coyote named Evaristo Sastre (son of the Barbadosian trader), procured a boat. He began making semi-monthly trips to the island to trade Eternian goods for Barbados trinkets, slaves, and other exotic wares. The perilous journey required both an overland trek and a brief seaward journey through shark-infested waters.
• Spring 2012: The ambitious trader coyote, Evaristo Sastre, is given a boost in his trade. Some of his family began making the overland leg of the journey, leaving him free to head back and forth more frequently.
• Spring 2012: Tlantli Kimaris returned in secret to Eterne and had children. While she bid her time and waited for her children to grow, she set about taking over the Kimaris family and planning the demise of her half-brother Baphomet.
• Spring 2013: In the spring of 2013, with her children nearly a year old and her half-sister's children to aid them, Tlantli Kimaris set into motion her plans to oust the Mamexi and the Atotoztli. With the aid of several downtrodden lower class families, the religious and haughty were extracted from their caves by mid-fall of that year. Though bloody, violent, and ultimately replacing one semi-dictatorship with another more powerful one, Eterne began a prosperous upswing. The revolution is known as Ochpaniztl Calli.

7.  Notes & References

7.1  Quick Reference Index

Essentials Isthmus of Tehuantepec An isthmus in the extreme south of Mexico, forming the shortest distance between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. Isthmus of Tehuatepec Sierra Madre del Sur A mountain range surrounding Eterne. Pine-oak forests occupy the higher elevations. Lower elevations are covered by tropical dry broadleaf forests. Sierra Madre del Sur Chivela Pass A narrow mountain pass in the Sierra Madre Mountains that funnels cool, dry air, through southern Mexico and into the Pacific. The Chivela Pass allows Eternian canines to explore beyond the Pacific Coast region without climbing the mountains. Chivela_Pass Gulf of Tehuantepec A large body of water on the Pacific coast of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, southeastern Mexico. Gulf of Tehuantepec Guiengola Large ruins carved into the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains on top of a natural cave system. Guiengola Zapotec An indigenous pre-Columbian civilization. Zapotec Tehuantepec The second largest modern human city in the region, with a population of 60,000 before the apocalypse. Tehuatepec Leadership Rey ("king"), the absolute ruler within Eterne. Princes Heredero ("prince heir") The chosen heir of the Rey. Príncipe ("princes") The other children of the Rey. Sangre Real ("royal blood") The other family of the Rey. Former Patriarch ("padre ex") The former patriarch of the Kimaris family. Culture Tiacapan The first-born of a litter, considered lucky. Tlahto The head/leader of a family. Substances Obsidian Important element of sacrifice and scarification rituals. Peyotl Peyote. Teonanacatl Psilocybin mushrooms.

Religion Momoztli ("altar") The single deity revered by Eternian religious canines. Tezcatlipoca ("smoking mirror") The general practice of shamanism. Tezcatli A practicioner of shamanism. Haruspexes A shaman able to read entrails and liver of sacrifices. Greatly revered. Dririmancer A shaman able to read the dripped blood of sacrifices. Bone Reader A shaman able to read the burned bones of sacrifices. Cleromancer A shaman able to read the tossed bones (plus rocks, sticks, shells, etc.) of sacrifices. Somewhat distrusted. Saints Civateteo Mothers who died in childbirth, revered to individual families. Tehuano Malevolent wind saint. Placated with sacrifice, gifts, and offerings. Santa Muerte Revered death saint. Rituals, Beliefs, Festivals Ehecatl ("wind serpent") A journey undertaken by some young male Eternians to spread coyote heritage and word of Eterne. Tecocol ("someone's anger") Tecocol refers to the specific ritualized scarification as inflicted by a Tezcatli. Zacatapayoli A bloodletting ritual practiced for purification, strengthening spiritual powers, or simply showing strength and loyalty. Xochimana ("offering of flowers") A two-part, month-long celebration in February celebrating the depature of sons on the Ehecatl journey. Miquiztli The funerary ritual and rites performed for dead Eternians. Old Ways (Destroyed in 2013) Ochpaniztl Calli ("sweeping of the house") The 2013 revolution that removed the Atotozli. Atotozli The former religious order within Eterne. Xochitl The former religious priestly order within Eterne. Mamexi The former female religious leader within Eterne. Quauhtli The former Eternian religious texts. Mecatl The former Nahuatl word for "heritage." As this word was primarily used in a religious context, it was dropped in favor of simpler words.

7.2  Notes & References

Status Creator: Sie — see Wiki page for contact information. Status: CLOSED. I have approved characters from Eterne in the past, but it should be noted that I'm pretty picky about it. Eterne has a lot of culture, history, etc. I have approved characters from the area before -- however, please ask first. You will need to adhere to the information within this document and show me you have a strong understanding of Eterne and its culture in order to be approved. There's no need to ask about characters passing through Eterne in the past, but again, please adhere to the information within this document. Your wolf character would be killed or enslaved, remember, so please play it realistically. There's no need to ask about encountering Eternians somewhere along their Gulf of Mexico or Caribbean Sea trade routes, in New Orleans, or Barbados. This is totally cool. You can also check out Sie's Adoptions to see if I have any available Kimaris characters from Eterne.
Inconsistencies Please remember these coyotes are not intended to be or represent Aztecs or Native Americans or Catholics or anything. Their religion is totally made-up and is not intended to convey anything factual about any religion, people, or group whatsoever. Thanks!	References Wikipedia:Human_sacrifice_in_Aztec_culture Wikipedia:Tehuano_wind Cihuateteo Haruspex Cleromancy Oracle Bone,Celphalonomancy	Name Meanings Aztec Name/Word List Nahuatl word list Ehecatl -- "Wind Serpent" Tepoztecal -- alcohol Tlazoltectl -- carnal love Axayacatl -- water-mask Mictlantecuhtli -- death, darkness