Del Cenere Gang Culture and Customs
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- 1. Community and Colloquialisms
- 1.1 Life and Death
- 1.2 Borders
- 2. Beliefs and Superstition
- 3. Crimes and Punishments
- 3.1 Laws and Conduct
- 3.2 Punishments
➵ Del Ceneren Culture
The Del Cenere Gang is a coyote-dominated pack leaning into heavy themes of Frontier cultures reminiscent of the American Wild West. Among them lie the ideals of the "Self-Made Man" and foundations of found family - work ethic is highly praised and sought after to benefit the whole and investment is expected to be reciprocal: folks reap what they sow. Whilst understated and neighborly in inter-pack interactions, the Gang is host to hard workers, hustlers and barons alike - the route to power may not necessarily always be paved with honor, and it's a careful and precarious balance whilst treading along the line between civility and savagery.
» Archetypes |
Frontiersmen, farmers, rustlers, traders, disenfranchised, the morally gray |
» Scent |
Coyote, earth, woodsmoke, horse, cedar, pine, tobacco |
1. Community and Colloquialisms
Bias Note: Del Cenere has a strong anti-wolf bias. As such, wolf visitation is largely limited and prospective members must be below 50% wolf to join their community.
Del Cenere is a group of predominantly Coyotes and Coyote-dominant hybrids, with exception for dogs and low-content wolfdogs. Work ethic is highly praised amongst the Gang, as well as personal agency; it's considered that individuals are what they make of themselves and rhetoric abound for 'bootstrap' mentalities; Whatever life was led before induction into the Gang is absolved and forgiven, provided they are able to assimilate into the Ashen's fold. There is heavy emphasis on a 'found family' within the community and members are expected to help and protect individuals within their ranks to the point that individuals straying past borders are highly advised to bring a companion with them to avoid potential trouble - after all, there is safety in numbers.
Higher ranking members are considered ultimately trustworthy amongst the Ashen, and may exercise discretion in order to bring prospective members into the Gang - however, they will be tasked to teach new members the finer points on what it means to be a member of the Del Cenere Gang and help usher them along the right paths. It is worth noting, however, that only coyote or coyote hybrids hold the highest rankings within the Gang, and individuals lacking coyote blood may experience subtle prejudice.
» Humanization |
The Gang's humanization is rated moderate to high. Given the nature of the Gang's cultural importance on the ability to work and fondness for livestock and animal handling, Optime forms are largely preferred for ease. While Non-Luperci are not denied entry into Del Cenere, they are still expected to contribute towards the wellbeing of the community and may find difficulty progressing through ranks. While clothes are not considered a requirement by any means, a number of Ashen members wear them for individual expression rather than for flaunting of affluence or wealth. Many adopt similar stylings to "Frontier Fashion" - or clothes (albeit simplified within the realm of Luperci means) akin in style to those of the American West circa late 1800's to early 1900's. |
» Speech and Vernacular |
Most of the Gang have locally adopted slang and patterns of speech indicative of subtle drawls or twangs. It is not uncommon amidst the Ashen for them to drop g's at the end of "ing" verbs (as in "workin'" in exchange for "working"), drop d's from the end of 'and', or to soften t's in the center of words (as in "moun'n" in exchange for mountain), though the latter is far more understated in conversation. In reference to the numeric, often times it's common to replace the full term 'zero' for the shorthand 'oh' when reading off numbers (example, 1903 being read off as "nineteen-oh-three" and so forth). Spanish terms and slang are also not uncommon given a number of the Gang's polyglot nature. Del Ceneren members also have subtle manners in which how they regard one another in speech to indicate respect:
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» Animal Husbandry |
Animal companions are commonplace amongst the Ashen, and horses, especially, are held in high regard. Due to the highly transient lifestyle Del Ceneren founders lead prior to the Gang's founding, these animals are considered indispensable. Animal stock of all kind have been considered useful, and as such, are a valuable resource - abuse of companion animals is largely frowned upon among members and wandering traders seen mistreating creatures in their possession may sometimes be liberated of their pets by sympathetic individuals.
Individuals seeking IC rewards may choose to select barding that relates to their character's rank: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() (Hover for associated rank.) |
» Mateship |
Given the Gang's importance upon personal agency, Marriage and Mateship is much in the same - Individuals are not forced into weddings at the behest of Leadership, however plays may be made by individuals to make political moves; A high-ranking mate, for instance, may invoke nepotism on behalf of individuals seeking to flex some semblance of power over their fellow Ashen. Weddings and Ceremonies reflect these thoughts; each is tailored to suit the desires and needs of the new couple and they may call upon Ashen Ring members for favors in setting up prospective festivities as far as food or gifts. Larger events, naturally, may draw more eyes than more private affairs. While it is customary for the Rey Salvaje to officiate unions, the couple may choose another member to oversee the ceremony as they see fit. However, divorce is another matter. Adhering to more archaic outlooks, a break-up may draw gossip or be seen or skewed as scandalous - while it may not hold bearing on hierarchy, reputations may be temporarily damaged or tarnished pending outcomes of divorce. Divorcing parties, without exception, are expected to evenly split their household's possessions. |
» Offspring |
It's said that it takes a village to raise a child, and within Del Cenere that sentiment rings true. Community members are, by extension, regarded as a large-scale family, and as such, it's encouraged for individuals to reach out to families that are either expecting or have had young in order to impart their assistance with rearing offspring. It is customary to bring food to a new mother for a week after a birth, and Gang members may choose to bring gifts for whelps; as litters age, they are given guidance but are free of the expectations beholden to adults and thus, are not given true jobs until they hit adulthood. However, delegated tasks to keep them out of an Ashen's hair is never off the table. (It's best to instill that work ethic young, after all!) Del Cenere holds no extensive bias against bastard children in particular, though the circumstances of their birth may be speculated upon - however, to prevent unruly children turning into unruly adults, often times bastard children may be watched more closely than pups brought up by a more traditional nuclear family unit. |
» Bautizo |
The Bautizo, or coming of age ceremony, is a celebration of the shedding of gawky puphood - No longer bound by the frivolous nature of Youth, pups celebrate their welcoming into adulthood with a competition devised in tandem between their parents and leadership; each Bautizo is tailored to fit the children's strong suits by means of friendly competition, designed to challenge them whilst they still enjoy the last moments of their childhood. As is customary, each Bautizo concludes with a feast and (presumably), their first alcoholic drink (should they so choose). Young members who undergo their Bautizo are shuffled into the Las Brasas rank, whilst those who don't are filed beneath the Unkindled. Bautizos may be withheld at Leadership discretion, generally in extenuating circumstances. |
» Burial |
Burial for the honored involves the making and burning of a funeral pyre; any animal companions will be painted with ash and turned over to the Community and cared for. The ashes of the dead will then be placed in a plot, and buried alongside a pouch of wildflower seeds or marigolds and marked with either a tall stone, plank, or wooden cross - graves will be tended to, and given decoration in memoriam to the deceased. The most popular of such are the skullcaps of deer, cattle, or goats - to which other baubles can be tied onto; these decorative antlers and horns are considered lucky, and are supposed to guide wandering spirits to rest as well as protect the gravesite. In the case of dishonorable deaths, the bodies are usually left to rot far outside pack borders, or worse, scavenged and turned into Effigies as a means of redemption. |
» Posses and Conduct |
Venturing outside Del Cenere’s borders is considered deeply dangerous - as such, it’s usually frowned upon for individuals to leave on their own (and, at the very least, are expected to let higher ranking Ashen know where they are going, in case anything happens), but as such, they implement a “buddy system”. Groups that venture beyond borders are encouraged to be a minimum of two, but rarely above four members, and are referred to as a posse. When in a posse, Del Cenere members are expected to uphold the ideals of their home, give away nothing of where they hail from, and will delegate control to the highest ranking within their Posse, unless circumstances circumvent this. Whilst outside of Borders, Del Cenerens are expected to behave accordingly. They may not give away the location, nor descriptive details of the Gang’s whereabouts - if you are to start trouble with an Outsider, you could potentially bring trouble back to the Gang, and will be reprimanded accordingly. Needless heckling is frowned upon. |
» Border Marking |
Deeply inspired by the old roots of Inferni, the hodgepodge Gang embraces motifs with ash, and circles, as well as the creation of Effigies.
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» Charmingtown and Semi-Open Borders |
Del Cenere was the first pack to host a semi-open border in the form of its main trading hub, Charmingtown. Outsiders are welcome to visit the little coyote-run town to barter or drink at the Ugly Coyote, with a few stipulations: Wolves and Wolf-Heavy hybrids are only permitted a two day's stay within the Gang's borders (unless given express permission otherwise), and should expect closer monitoring than other visitors. Individuals who linger for extended periods of time may be subjected to pressure from Gang members to join - after all, they don't take particularly kindly to freeloaders or the like. Conduct is expected to be respectful within Charmingtown - scuffles and skirmishes with outsiders, or individuals seeking to cause trouble, will be swiftly escorted from Del Cenere. More severe infractions may result in details posted to the Bounty Board or temporary incarceration. Friendly borders are marked on Del Cenere's map in white - roaming outside of this border is considered trespassing. |
» Trespassing |
Territory beyond Charmingtown is, for safety concerns, held in secrecy to non-Gang members. Guided tours are not permitted unless given express permission - as such, any outsider found breaching Del Cenere's borders, regardless of intention, will be subject to getting run off by Ashen populace or risk more serious repercussion from the Gang. Repeat offenders may experience more direct or drastic measures to ensure the Gang's safety as a whole. Desecration of effigies is not permitted - if an individual is caught vandalizing, they may be subject to capture and temporary incarceration. Outsiders may meet individuals at Del Cenere's border to request escort to Charmingtown. |
» Ritual and Religion |
Del Cenere is beholden to no specific religion as a whole, though many prescribe to almost ritualistic mannerisms linked to non-spiritual superstition. It could be considered that the Gang believes in the concept of "Luck", and will often times guide their actions via seemingly unrelated motions that are believed to change outcomes:
It is suggested by the celebration of Día de los Muertos that the Ashen believe in some form of the afterlife and the presence of the supernatural. |
» Symbolism |
Given the Gang's roots in the now-defunct Inferni and abroad, many of their motifs revolve around ash, bone, circles signifying rebirth; They do not shy from the grim nature of death and, more often than not, use it as an opportunity to celebrate life as it was known. Gravesites are often marked or decorated with antlers or skulls of deer or goats on gravestones due to rooted believe in protective qualities of 'grave guardians', and wildflowers seeds are sown on sites and tended yearly to harvest in fall for ofrendas. Members may also participate in the construction of 'prayer ties' - the physical manifestation of prayers and well wishes. Bundles may be filled with curative herbs: tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, tea, or cedar. Colors offer symbolism, for example: white is to heal, yellow to give thanks, or red for ancestral calling. It’s sacrilege to move or disturb a prayer tie, or prayer bundle, once their bound to tree branches as offerings to higher whatever powers there may be. The Angel Oak is littered with decorations of such, and commonly traversed trails throughout the territory may be marked with their own colorful ties. |
» Celebrating the Thaw |
Luces de Primavera is a flexible holiday, typically taking place between Late March and Early April - whenever, essentially, the ice starts wearing thin around Moosehead Lake and breaking thanks to the flow from the Three Sisters. It's a signifier, more or less, that spring has finally sprung and heralds the change in seasons. At this rate, greenery has started to emerge, and with it comes a time to refresh, reflect, and welcome in the new year.
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» Spring Lights |
As the ice on the lake begins to thaw, it's customary for Ashen to build little rafts for wooden lanterns. Families may construct more elaborate displays, while some folks favor a little something simpler; regardless, there is a small sense of friendly competition as to predictions over which will sink or float the moment that the ice finally gives way. Participants in the Spring Lights lantern race gather south of the Three Sisters and due north of the Ojo del Diablo on Moosehead Lake's eastern shore. Once dusk begins to fall, Ashen light their lanterns and set them out onto the still-frigid waters and watch as the current takes it southward.
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» Inter-Pack and Loner Band Interaction |
Designated groups are sent out towards prospective groups within neighboring territories to extend invitations to Del Cenere's annual trade event, the Lancaster Stockshow. A week's worth of trade and camaraderie, the Stockshow is intended to bolster trade and relations between packs for mutual gain. As such, for the week, restrictions on Wolf visitors are lifted. All guests to Del Cenere's events can expect accommodations by way of camp-setup supplies for groups, or rooms at the Trailside Inn for unaffiliated individuals. All visitors are expected to keep their weaponry peace-tied, out of reach, or generally put away throughout the entirety of the event. Larger weapons or dangerous substances may be subject to confiscation for the duration of the Lancaster Stockshow, and kept in an undisclosed location under lock and key until it's return at the event's conclusion. |
» Livestock Trade |
Aside from the Best-in-Show where individuals may want to flaunt their animal companions, the Stockshow's roster of individuals from near and far allow for plenty of opportunities to trade out old livestock to freshen up bloodlines and gene pools. At this time of the year, communal animals are often culled or traded out, individuals may seek to replace their equine companions or stud them out, and the Gang often chooses to trade out some of their Polvo de Oro stock that otherwise do not fit their breeding program. Culled animals and fish are contributed towards a Barbecue Competition, held on the beach next to Charmingtown, which contributes to the Lancaster Stockshow's closing feast event. |
» Contests and Events |
The Gang hosts a number of competitions for Ashen members and visitors alike, ranging from carnival-like games, hosting gambling, or larger scale rodeo events that are liable to change each year with what livestock is on hand and materials available. Prizes are allotted for a great deal of these contests, and there's no shortage of entertaining, small-scale affairs to catch the eye; The Gang looks at the Stockshow as an opportunity to show their hospitality, as well as their opportunistic nature. |
» For more information, check our stockshow page.
» Honoring the Dead |
The end of October through Early November marks the day of remembrance for members past - Death is turned into a celebration for life, and reminiscing over tales, food, and festivities. Amongst these activities include Prayer Tie ceremonies beneath the boughs of the Angel Oak guided by El Corazón, or gatherings of families within the Pasillo Gris or the Ugly Coyote for feasting or games of dice made from sheep knuckles. Much of the days' themes and cultural attachments harken back to bygone eras of a holiday of the same name, brought on by the slew of Southern coyotes who brought their culture Northwards with them.
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» Ofrendas |
Families construct altars within their homes surrounding the memorabilia of their deceased, and lay out incense, food, candles and décor to draw the spirits of the dead into their homes. Wildflowers are often harvested from the Parish's gravesites and brought to decorate floors and ofrendas, and alongside the wax and lit wicks, are thought to guide the departed to their destination. The days are spent cooking warm foods for their offerings - flatbreads, stews - and drinking is saved for night. This is one day a year when those ranked Chispa may be allowed to imbibe alcohol prematurely before their Bautizos, free of speculation from adults. The Gang's La Mano may often play a hand in assisting families to gather their ofrenda's decoration, as well as decking out Charmingtown in festive colors. |
» Trickster's Season |
A joint event co-run between La Carne and La Oreja - the Trickster's Season is an all-out prank war waged between individuals to call back on the favor of all coyotes' guile. All individuals are fair game - the more individuals roped into elaborate hoaxes and good-natured hijinks, the better. Gifts are given out in tandem with grievances. The only rule? All japes must be made in good faith - we don't need to accidentally injure Gang members!
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» Desfile de Calaveras |
The Desfile de Calaveras (Parade of Skulls) is a small-scale event amidst the Ashen, generally reserved for those aligned with the combative arts - Archers and knife-throwers alike gathered by El Ojo and El Diente don costumes and the title of Calavera for a day to parade through Charmingtown to the Lancaster Stockyard in order to flex their prowess with a small-scale competition to show off their prowess in the spirit of competition - and, once their showcase is completed, they engage in frights and fun aplenty and practicing stealth to leave gifts for the living.
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» Seven Days of Giving |
It's the season of giving - and, traditionally, the Ashen set aside a week to give out gifts to those they so choose to give gifts to. Each day fits a specific theme, though is unlimited in the creativity of the craft or nature of the present. Seven Days Prompts...
Hunt a meal with a companion, prep something, or surprise a friend with something warm (or, perhaps, not-so-warm) to eat, or give a gift to nourish the soul.
Foliage is in short supply, and spring seems far away; sometimes the color can prove as a comfort.
Have you trapped anything lately? Have you seen someone trying to stave off the cold? Give something thoughtful to keep your loved ones warm.
Tools, stories, memories; gather with your neighbors and exchange what you will!
With nights so long, and folks cooped up indoors, everyone could use something a little cozy to get by.
Passionate, determined, vivacious - sometimes a little reminder as to what's needed to get through the cold months is what we all need.
It's said that good alcohol can warm you to your bones! |
» The Everglow |
An ice-fishing and wild game feast held off the beach of Charmingtown, the Everglow marks this time of unexpected bounty; Where the world around them grows dark and prey animals are enfeebled by the weather, clever Ashen seek to take advantage of these leaner months to their advantage. With evenings long and cold, food is prepped and brought in a potluck to a bonfire held to help stave off the frigid winter in reverie to usher in the newer years at the turn of the solstice. |
» Crimes Against the Gang |
It goes without saying that Del Cenere values cohesiveness and unifying ideals, and as such, to avoid total anarchy, laws are in place to ensure members stay within line to maintain structure. While many of the Gang may fit the motif of an Outlaw, that's not to say that they are permitted to turn on or aggress one another!
Able-bodied individuals are expected to share whatever bounties they so accrue and meet tithes appropriately. Whilst not a necessity to get along with fellow Gang members, it is expected that individuals treat eachother respectfully and uphold Del Cenere's ideals; behave neighborly. Keep a wary eye. There is safety amongst the Gang, but this only continues provided there is Unity.
Insubordination is not tolerated amidst Gang members - while challenging higher members may not be out of place, it is expected for lower ranked individuals to concede and keep from escalating. Open insubordination can result in unfavorable outcomes and ostracization, and excessive shows of force are seen as equally unseemly.
Japes and Hijinks are to be expected of coyotes - however, malicious lying with the intent to tarnish reputation or stealing from fellow Gang members is prohibited if caught.
Scuffles are not out of the question. Excessive brawling or combativeness falls in line with insubordination and aggression - if a Gang member is thought to be excessively violent, measures may be taken to subdue or punish the individual.
Sexual Misconduct (harrassment, assault) has a zero-tolerance policy amidst the Ashen, and is dealt with on a similar scale of severity.
Much like Sexual Misconduct, murder of a fellow Gang member will be dealt with appropriately - the only acceptable excuse is in self defense. |
» Crimes Against Outsiders |
The Gang is largely indifferent towards misconduct outside of their borders - Individuals or Posses that cause trouble abroad are merely beholden to the strict rule that they do not let on where they are from, should they engage in hijinks or more serious crimes. The Ashen largely lean on their opportunistic predilections and are advised to exercise proper judgement and caution to ensure theirs, and the Gang's safety, as a whole. Should trouble find its way back to Del Cenere, however, repercussions will be carried out.
Members who betray the Gang via selling out secrets, inviting danger or trouble, or otherwise acting out against the Gang's ideals and interests towards outsiders are shunned from Del Cenere's society, and may be held in contempt for Treason.
Safety is priority - Posses are discouraged from engaging in raids, thefts, or robbery unless they think the outcome will be favorable. Bringing undo conflict to Del Cenere's doorstep will result in repercussion.
Posses are discouraged from engaging in inappropriate behavior resulting in violence or sexual misconduct and other actions that may draw dangerous attention towards the Gang as a whole; However, of course, this is entirely dependent on if members get caught in their misdeeds. |
» Light |
Light punishments include but are not limited to:
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» Medium |
Mid-grade punishments include but are not limited to:
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» Severe |
Severe punishments include but are not limited to:
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