Mahina: The Devout of Moon's Light
A player-made Keeper of the Moon Clan
Common TraitsAppearance:The Mahina tend to exhibit skin in the blue tones; even those who have more common skin tones such as peach, white, or brown will usually have cool/blue undertones.They can have any hair texture. Their hair is usually fairly dark, but not always. It's usually cool-toned.Demeanor:By nature they are often secretive and emotionally intense. However most are not unfriendly. They are fierce when defending their hunting grounds and are greatly distrustful of Gridanians, but will generally choose negotiation over coming to blows.Most Mahina are stubborn, zealously devoted to their spirituality, and very opinionated.SocialThe Mahina have loose concepts of gender. They consider flesh and soul separate, and mostly by coincidence the vast majority of them end up with a female presentation regardless of birth sex. They do not impose any particular gender roles or expectations on children or adolescents.There is no social taboo regarding nudity - people can wear as much or as little as they like. They are also rather informal about sex and consider the idea of it being shameful to be similarly alien.Dedicated partnerships typically arise between people, but are rarely exclusive. Almost all Mahina are polyamorous and find the concept of monogamy baffling and offputting.
LocationThe Mahina make their traditional hunting grounds and homeland near the border of The Shroud and Coerthas, meaning that they deal with moderately warm summers and harsh winters.In addition to hunting, the Mahina cultivate a food forest in their homeland, planting native fruit-and-vegetable bearing seeds for later harvest. They always plant more than they take and prefer hardy produce.When hunting, they take what is needed and nothing more.
HistoryMahina; it is not a common clan to meet. They're a secretive and reclusive sect of the Keepers of the Moon, zealously devout to Menphina. Even their name is made to sound like Her's.They crossed the ice flats with the other Keeper clans thousands of years ago, but prefer to keep to themselves. In that time, they've developed a rich culture unique even among Miqo'te. Only rarely does one venture into the wider world and when they do, it is typically for a purpose, such as improving one's skills or gaining knowledge/resources.Over time, due to the harsh climate of their hunting grounds and necessity, they've come to be known as expert leatherworkers. Their Wisdoms, wise women who specialize in healing potions and mysticism, produce magicks and tinctures that even the Great Work of Radz-at-Han would struggle to find fault with.
Clan StructureThe Mahina do not have any formal leader. Resources and duties are shared among the group, and everyone has their say on clan matters. Usually if a speaker for the clan as a whole is needed, this duty will fall to the eldest present.The Mahina are usually comprised of only a couple dozen members at most.They tend to cloister in small villages with semi-permanent structures, moving south during the winter and north during the summer to follow the herds. Their housing structures can become quite elaborate as while they use traditional methods to build them, they augment them with magic. Even the most discerning of city-folk would find themselves comfortable.Children and adolescents tend to stay together in a designated area with their minders when they're not being tutored by the older folks in the clan.
Wisdoms
Wisdoms are those who have shown prowess with magic. Their duties are in healing magicks, midwifery, medicine brewing, seasonal almanac building, and spiritual guidance.They are religious leaders - priestesses and clerics.
Huntresses
One of the most important roles, and one that nearly every member of the clan will take on at some point barring some reason to avoid it (illness, disability, or what-have-you).
Scouts
The ever-important watchpeople who keep the clan safe from threats.
Wolf Trainers
They breed and train wolves as both a religious devotion to Menphina as well as hunting companions and steeds.
Foragers
Botanists, miners, fishers, and others who collect from the bounty of the earth itself.
Seedspreaders
Gardeners who dedicate themselves to maintaining their hunting lands - pulling up invasive plants and tending to the food forests.
Soulsingers
Artists, musicians, and other such craftsmen. Their work makes the soul sing and come alive! Frequently in charge of providing clothing and textiles for the clan, as well as pretty things to enjoy and toys for the children.
Nanny
A role everyone is expected to take at some point, they watch over the children who are raised communally by the community. Usually there's one nanny to five children, although extremely young children who must be at their mother's breast are given individual attention.Shortclaw
A child over the age of 15 but under the age of 18 who has completed their coming-of-age ceremony. They typically have an idea of who they want to become and may begin apprenticing under older clan members.Smallclaw
A child under the age of 15 who has not completed their coming-of-age ceremony. From the age of six they will be taught various skills by every member of the clan.Beloved
These are clan members who are prevented in some way in taking part in regular activities - whether by age, disability, or illness. They are loved and cared for nonetheless, for their contribution is the love they share. Menphina would have it no other way.
Wanderer
An adventurer; may be any of these other roles at home, but they go out into the world seeking something personal. Excessively rare, but they always return.
Religion
Menphina
Menphina is the supreme Deity in Mahina culture and is revered above all others.In her honor, the Mahina shape their worldview around her aspect - love. Romantic, familial, friendship and sexual love are all considered under her domain, and potently sacred.The Mahina use a 28-day calendar in her honor, and raise wolves in dedication to her relationship with the hound Dalamud.They frequently depict her as a Keeper of the Moon herself in their art and writing.
Nophica
Nophica is a matronly goddess of nature and fertility. She is strongly revered by the Mahina as she provides the abundance of the land.Nophica is worshipped through the cultivation of flora and fauna, removing invasive species and caring for the wilds in which the Mahina make their home.She is also a central figure to a number of fertility rituals and holy days. Individuals seeking to bear children will frequently keep an idol of her nearby.The Mahina largely find the Gridanian worship of her to be quite offensive.
Halone
Halone is considered the patroness of huntresses and warriors in Mahina society. Additionally, she is considered to be the lover of Menphina. It is believed that the icy halls of her Heaven were gifted to her by Menphina's moonbeams as a show of her love.Halone is worshipped through acts of competition and sport. Sparring between huntresses is done under the eye of Halone, and competitive sports like ball-games are frequently held in Her honor.They neither approve nor disapprove of Ishgard's Halonic church as long as they are left alone.
The Rest of the Twelve
Revered and respected; individuals needing particular aid in an area not covered by Menphina, Nophica, or Halone may offer a prayer to another god or goddess. However, they're not dogmatically reverent of them.Azeyma, as Menphina's sister, is given a particular degree of respect and reverence but not to the same degree as her sister or the other two who are more directly involved in the Mahina's life.
Holy Days
The Mahina follow a seasonal calendar for their holy days, feasts, and rituals. All holidays incorporate extensive song and dance and are rarely somber affairs.These are just the major holidays; many more may be celebrated throughout the year, some brought in from greater Eorzea and some just because someone had a fun idea.SpringSpring Equinox - Celebrating the passage of winter into spring, this day is used for ritual cleaning of the self and the abode. Ritual bathing is observed, and those who are able fast from moonset to moonset.Bloom of Nophica Festival - Takes place "when spring is well and truly in bloom; when the first crops have shown their leaves and the newborn lambs have opened their eyes". A festival of song, dance, drink, food, fertility and all the good things in life. An effigy of Nophica is erected in her honor, and couples and groups celebrate fertility in the most carnal of ways. It is considered lucky for the seasons ahead.SummerSummer Equinox - A dedication to both Menphina and Azeyma. Frequently they will welcome visitors from other Miqo'te clans and tribes to join them. It is another feast day, and one dedicated specifically to the younger members of miqo'te society. Smallclaws around the age of 15 will undergo a coming of age ritual where they spend the night alone in the woods and let themselves be guided home by Menphina's light. They are expected to make their first kill this night, and the spoils are cooked and enjoyed by the celebrant the next morning.Summer Games - One of two major holidays dedicated specifically to Halone. On this day competitive games are played by the entire clan. These can involve competitive sparring, ball-games, swimming, or dancing.First Harvest - Early-bearing fruit and berry trees are harvested and enjoyed. Celebrations involve a bonfire, music, and storytelling.AutumnVernal Equinox - A grand feast. One of the few more somber holidays, the clan takes stock of what they have and expect to harvest and what they need for the winter ahead. Celebrations involve preservation; particularly in pickling, canning, and preserving various foods from the earlier harvests for use later on.All Saint's Wake - Adapted from greater Eorzea, celebrations strongly resemble those of the wider world. The ancestors are honored through rituals and merriment.WinterHalone's Frost - Taking place on the winter solstice, this rare somber holiday involves taking stock of the year's accomplishments. The holiday focuses on renewal and strength, considering the protection of one another for safety and survival in the deepest of cold.Starlight Celebration - Another Adaptation from greater Eorzea, it looks a little different from the one celebrated outside. Lights are set up and children enjoy sweets and gifts; the gifts represent the gift of Menphina's moonbeams to create Halone's Heaven of Ice. Adults celebrate romance on this day, and children enjoy singing.Winter Games - One of two major holidays dedicated specifically to Halone. On this day competitive games are played by the entire clan. These mostly involve a mixture of survival tactics such as skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing.Throughout the YearEvery New Moon is shrouded in rituals of renewal, varying by the season. General tasks are performed according to the moon phases and Full Moons met with rituals of abundance.
Why did you create a custom Keeper clan?We wanted to expand on the lore of the Keepers of the Moon without infringing on the canon lore or the freedom of others. Creating a custom clan was the easiest way to do this.Can I make a Mahina?Maybe. We would prefer to keep those using this particular clan to close friends. That being said, it is fine to ask.Additionally, all players involved must be at least 18 years of age (21+ preferred).We do not own this particular string of letters, so someone else out there may have independently come up with the name Mahina. If they are not listed on this document, they should not be considered affiliated with this RP group.Do I have to follow the appearance/personality guidelines?We'd like for you to take them into account if you make a Mahina but please do not feel beholden to them. Be creative! Those are just common traits.Is there a linkshell or Discord?Not at this time.Currently confirmed Mahina members (Name - Server - DC)Gwyn Mahina - Seraph - Dynamis
Rai Mahina - Zalera - Crystal
Niki Mahina - Zalera - Crystal
Trivia
Some other miscellaneous cultural information I couldn't find somewhere more prominent to put.
🌙Contrary to popular belief, these Keepers are not completely nocturnal. They consider the start of their day (morning) to be late afternoon as thought of by outsiders, when the sun is just turning to Twilight. They're most active in the evening and early dawn when prey is most active.🌙The crescent moon is considered a sacred symbol. Clan members often wear moon-shaped jewelry or have moon tattoos. Huntresses will often use moon-inspired facepaint during hunts.🌙 The color yellow is considered taboo but nobody quite remembers why. This taboo does not extend to metallic gold.🌙Rabbits are considered sacred for their association with the moon. Rabbits are raised for meat and fur and must be slaughtered in a specific way to ensure that the animal suffers as little as possible.🌙 They raise domestic animals too, such as sheep and dodos.🌙Wolves in particular are considered sacred and harming one is considered a grave sin except in cases of self defense or for the welfare of the animal (for example, if it has contracted rabies or has been gravely wounded).🌙 Swords and bows are particularly revered by the Mahina, and each huntress is expected to craft her first weapon. Symbols of the goddesses are often embedded in the weaponry used by the clan.🌙Most people keep idols of the goddesses in their abodes and decorate them with a plethora of night-blooming flowers.🌙The dead are buried in ornate rituals and decorated with moonstones and flowers. Their wolves are also honored this way.🌙Clothing, when worn, incorporates moon, floral, and ice motifs. Common dye colors are ice blue, sky blue, pastel blue, pale purples, blacks, and whites.🌙They consider the soul and the flesh separate. Gender is who you are, sex is just your biology. The soul matters more.🌙 Many couplings specifically attempt to conceive children on the New Moon. This is considered lucky.🌙 Babies born on the full moon are considered particularly auspicious.🌙Clanmembers will typically pray to Nophica before meals.🌙Certain tasks, like planting, harvesting, and cleaning, are performed according to specific phases of the moon.🌙 The Mahina typically leave out water to charge under the full moon. They use this water to wash their hands and faces every morning as a cleansing ritual.🌙All members of the Mahina are granted a moonstone pendant at birth that they keep their whole lives. Losing it is said to be an omen of grave misfortune.🌙 Embroidery and needlepoint is a common craft, with patterns representing moon phases, seasons, and virtues associated with the goddesses.🌙 Sex is considered a sacred and relationship-building act. This sacredness does not mean it should be limited - on the contrary, Mahina typically believe that sex should be enjoyed freely with any willing individual.🌙 The Mahina produce sweet pastries, typically in the shapes of moons and stars.🌙 Communal bathing is the norm. There are no taboos against nudity.🌙 The Mahina have a love of decoration, and their abodes are typically adorned in all number of banners, flags, symbols, and plants.🌙 While most members of the Mahina are women (regardless of sex at birth, which is of no moment to them), there are still some men within the clan. While most roam, some remain with the clan or return home often, taking on particular roles in festivals and day to day life. They typically exhibit some sort of ceremonial dress and incorporate darker colors than typically used, symbolizing their unique status in Mahina culture.