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Post by ♋Makarov♋ on Feb 10, 2011 16:25:39 GMT -5
The clan system of the foxes is one based off of family name, very akin to the Scottish Highland clans, in regards to it's place in the descent from three originating Clans. These were also known as High Clans, which were groupings of the first existing families. The most important of these was the High Clan Lyon with it's individual Sept Clans (sub-clans), of which one of these clans was said to have been the Maciavellis, was regarded as being the closest to the divinity of of the Vulpe pantheon. Since then the families and included names have grown immensely and the nature of the fox has become very loose and almost solitary. But due to this Clan structure, the integrity and pride in their lineage and their species remains a very strong. It is something that allows for a kinship so tight amongst these loosely knit canines that they often consider one another, no matter their clan or family name siblings of some sort. It is a common belief that all the foxes of the world descended from these original ancient clans, who in turn were placed on this world by The Creator.
Through this system every fox is closely tied to one another, despite the distance in between and it makes for an undeniable bond between foxes who meet with the same family name, or even names they were said to have descended from.
These days it is common to see foxes descended of the High Clan Lyon to form High Clans of their own, into which they adopt the surrounding families and clans into a larger integral group, helping keep the tradition and the kinship strong amongst all existing foxes in the area. The way these groupings work is that the family of the Son of Daughter of Lyon and whomever their Chief (usually male, though under very special circumstances they may be a vixen) chooses, make up the High Clan. Several Sept Clans are formed after, their Chieftain chosen by the High Clan Chief (aka the Three-Feather Chief).
Sept Clans are smaller family based units, and though each have their own Chieftain (aka a Two-Feather Chief), these clans ultimately answer to the High Clan and pay homage to the High Clan in order to ensure they are kept a part of the sacred gathering and are allowed a say when all of the Sept Clans gather beneath the Chief. There can be many, or only a chosen few Sept Clans under the High Clan. Each Sept Clan is out to protect the honor of their specific name descent, but as with the High Clan, foxes of other names are allowed into the family and are welcome members to the society, though most who have been born in a clan environment will - out of respect - change their name to that of their respective new group. The only time a name is seen as more pure or better then others is if it descends from the High Clan Lyon, and they are the only ones allowed - in Vulpes Law - to claim full leadership of an existing High Clan.
High Clan-
The family and closest surrounding foxes of a fox descended of the High Clan Lyon when he takes it upon himself to gather the local clans in order to preserve ties. The High Clan is led by a Three-Feather Chief, who shows his rank by fixing three eagle's feathers into the base of his tail as his ceremonial garb. The High Clan ensures the safety, welfare and democracy of the Sept Clans in his jurisdiction and in turn they pay homage in the form of their strongest clansman as well as trinkets of some worth. If there were to be war waged against a clan or between clans, or even against the gathering of clans it is the Chief's job to either solve the issue or lead his own into battle.
Sept Clans-
Sept Clans are the smaller, sub-groups that exist inside of the High Clan. Since foxes spread themselves far and wide, not a notoriously pack-based animal, the Sept Clans allow for groupings of foxes in certain geographical areas to hook up with the clan lifestyle and live within the loose safety of a High Clan's protection. The Chief of the High Clan appoints a family as the leader of each Sept Clan, known as Chieftains (Two-Feather Chiefs, as is shown by their ceremonial garb). Sept Clans must be loyal to their High Clan and will charge into battle at their side. Each Sept Clan, for a small homage, is also granted this in return and will be aided in any way possibly by their presiding High Clan. Each Sept Clan's chieftain is the voice of their smaller clan, and when all of the clans gather in conference with the High Clan it is up to them to speak for the needs and rights of their family.
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