#cwtch

Cwtches

Inspired by @lover-of-mine 's post:

Mallacht was content to live out his life as a lone outcast. Instead he ended up with a small family. The Cynefin Clan, though strange, ended up fostering a unique way of life and traditions that slowly etched themselves into the other tribes.

Mallacht- Male Yautja

Age: 278 years old (370 years old at the time of Juji’s birth)

Personality: Stand off-ish, aloof, sarcastic. He prefers to remain on the outskirts of yautja society and hierarchy due to his lack of social skills and ques that many yautjas perfect while they are being raised by their dames in their clans. All Mallacht learned after he was abandoned was aggression and dominance over weaker yautjas and to earn his place in the hierarchy he must fight for his place or die trying. It wasn’t until later he became less aggressive and more disciplined in keeping his emotions in check. Pain, humiliation, and death are good teachers.

Early Life: Mallacht was born was what is called a Crosswind Clan. Multiple tribes and clans reside in harmony with each other and share resources, hunting grounds, weaponry and fighting techniques, have a larger gene pool for potential mates, and tend to be a trading post for traveling yautjas. Mallacht’s father was a roaming bad blood male that happened to dock during a breeding season. While he was in search of a mate that season, he was also sent by his clan ( Rouge Space Tribe) to steal technology from the Crosswind’s guild. Mallacht’s mother was a perfect alibi to allow him close enough to find a way into the heavily patrolled and guarded guild. After he made off with the stolen technology, Mallacht’s mother was furious she had allowed a bad blood to sire an offspring with her. Her honor didn’t allow her to outright kill Mallacht when he was born, but she was very aloof and inattentive when he was an infant. His albinism further cemented her disgust. Other females would comfort her, but would refuse to acknowledge the whimpering and crying infant in her temporary care. Once he was old enough to walk and be weaned from her, she abandoned him as per the clans honor code. His life and fate would be in the hands of Lil-ka, the goddess of life, if she willed it he would survive into adulthood. The knowledge of why he was abandoned spread quickly through the Crosswind Clan territory and other yautjas refused to take him in. Between his sire being a bad blood from the Rouge Space Tribe and his albinism, he was forced to survive on the outskirts of their clan. Tainted and a walking curse.

Young Adult/Adulthood: Mallacht’s first Chiva was not a normal traditional Hunt instead he was the prey for the other young bloods preparing for their Chiva. Mallacht was not offered any weapons and was forced to flee from the Crosswind’s large expansive territory. If he managed to survive the pack of young bloods hunting him his reward would be his life. Mallacht managed to outwit and out match the pack and made it to the safety of the border where he was branded as an outcast by the clan elders and given his final hunter band. His first was given after he survived a year after his abandonment.

After his branding and outcasting, Mallacht managed to find a small jungle near a large metropolis. He had wandered farther than he expected, but he refused to travel farther once he realized all that lay beyond the city was desert and rocky badlands. His need to seek the safety of the dense forest and the quiet secluded jungle had him laying claim to the small territory. It wasn’t large enough for a clan nor dangerous enough for hunting parties to intrude upon and a small abandoned refueling station on the cliff over looking the jungle was perfect territory for the outcast. The longer he stayed in the area and patrolled, the more hostile he became to outsiders roaming through his territory. Quick to run off other young bloods Mallacht settled into figuring out how to earn his place among the city dwelling yautjas hierarchy.

His first act of integrating into their society was to finally perform his Chiva. Though a few years older than the other young bloods, Mallacht was allowed to participate with the others. After successfully completing his Chiva with scavenged armor and shoddy weapons he crafted himself, a guild of females moved by his attempt to learn their craft and survival skills took him under their wing. The guild becoming an adopted clan to the outcast. 

It wasn’t until many years later Mallacht while preparing for his first solo off world hunt was overpowered and drugged by a pair of bad bloods that had been watching him for several weeks. The pair desired a third for their trio and after learning Mallacht’s sire was a part of the Rouge Space Tribe. Once he finally woke from the comatose state and understood the gravity of the situation, Mallacht fought and overpowered both. Unfortunately for him in the heat of the moment the spacecraft that had been carrying them became damaged and spiraled out of control, quickly falling into earths orbit where the spacecraft crashed into the dense woodlands. Mallacht survived but suffered extensive injuries from both the fight and the crash landing. He waited for sixteen hours after sending a distress beacon back to Yautja Prime before inevitably having to destroy the ship and abandon his position when human military began to descend upon the area. Taking what he needed from the crash site and trophies from the bad bloods, Mallacht destroyed all evidence of the spacecraft before wandering off in hopes of finding a way off the planet he had found himself stranded on.

After Earth: After three years of being stranded on earth enforcers picked up on the stray signal Mallacht had sent out years earlier. The faulty sensor unable to reach long distances so when a band of enforcers had gone to earth to hunt, they followed the signal. Upon hearing the outcasts tales and the trophies he claimed, his actions had granted him passage to return to Yautja Prime with the enforcers. Mallacht was forced into a crossroad when he realized he would be leaving the woman and her feline behind. It had become difficult the last year as the three major corporations had begun to heavily pressure the woman into selling her property alongside and keeping Mallacht’s presence a secret. The rising threat of bio weapons, scientific studies, military collaborations, and other malicious intentions the corporations were planning had Mallacht pleading for the pair to join him in returning to Yautja Prime. After several hours of convincing, the enforcers only allowed them passage if they set up an ambush to stop the building of a new bio tech and weapons facility that was specializing in hybridization. After successfully helping the enforcers, Cwtch’s unique skills and determination proved she was a capable hunter. Though she lost her home, Mallacht readily welcomed her into his territory like she had done with him many years ago.

Cwtch- Female Human

Age: 35 years old (127 years old at the time of Juji’s birth. <after blooding ritual infusion>)

Personality: Calm, nonchalant, protective. Cwtch has no trouble adapting to whatever role she needs to fill. Having spent most of her life as a seemingly dull everyday person to others, she chooses to keep to herself most days and enjoy the little things in life. Her home is her most cherished place. Tucked safely on the outskirts of the city and in the woods, she enjoys the solitude and stillness she basks in. Her cat her one faithful companion until Mallacht came along.

Mallacht’s arrival: Cwtch had spent most of her life living alongside wildlife, she kept her presence to a minimum. Content to watch life in its most primal display carrying on despite living in a modern era of society. With the rise of large corporations destroying everything they set their sights on, Cwtch’s desire to leave earth grew. When a sudden creature stumbled into her land, she was more curious than irate at the strange beast. Having no desire to out the creature she had only seen glances of from the trees, Cwtch kept his presence a secret despite multiple military personnel questioning and patrolling around the city and the surrounding properties.

It wasn’t until one evening the creature finally driven by hunger struck. Much to her dismay the albino yautja stole a rack of barbecue smoked ribs she had been preparing. Driven by hunger and weakness he fled back to the safety of the dense forest leaving her confused and frustrated. A few days later Cwtch began finding small bone trinkets and jewelry left on her back patio. The actions and brief stolen glances easing her nervousness. Finally trusting her instincts she set outside one night in hopes of seeing the yautja on his nightly patrol. Irritated by the growing military presence and skulking businessmen attempting to buy her land for one of the three major corporations vying for her property, Cwtch set outside under the stars. Staring skywards she longed for a quiet place to call her own where she could enjoy the company of likeminded individuals. Unaware she was being watched from the trees, Cwtch was startled when the large albino yautja cautiously approached her. Red eye more curious than aggressive. Both yautja and human silently enjoying each other’s presence began to form a bond. Seeking solace and comfort in each other as they began to live and learn alongside the other.

After Earth: After arriving on Yautja Prime, Cwtch found herself bombarded with questions and aggression. Realizing most yautjas see humans as inferior, she soon found herself learning how to avoid conflicts and keep her head down. With Mallacht by her side helping ease her into yautja society and hierarchy she was quick to learn. Mallacht’s adopted guild was her only true concern. Her desire to prove she was worthy of being part of Mallacht’s life moved the guild matriarch. The human’s demeanor and Mallacht’s tales of his time with her on earth further cemented her worthiness as Mallacht’s mate and they welcomed her as part of his clan. It wasn’t until the guild matriarch performed a blooding ritual with her that she realized she was truly accepted into their hierarchy. With yautja blood infused with her own Cwtch learned it would extend her life beyond normal human age so she could live alongside Mallacht without fear of old age catching her too soon. She would be forever grateful of the gift she was given.

Kjuhte- Male Cat

Age: 8 years old (84 years old at the time of Juji’s birth. <after blooding infusion>)

Personality: Curious, protective, stubborn. Despite only having three legs, Kjuhte is still a very active and curious cat. Ready to charge at wildlife that dares to come into the yard or hiss at strangers when they approach the house. Cwtch had her hands full when both yautja and feline settled into a routine, both wary and untrusting of the other. The only time they truly settled was at night when Cwtch had gone to sleep. Both cat and yautja holding off on their grudges until the morning. Once the pair had grown accustomed to each other, the pair became inseparable and Kjuhte even hunted alongside Mallacht from time to time, startling prey from their hiding spots or distracting larger and more aggressive creatures so Mallacht could fell the beasts he hunted.

Mallacht’s arrival: To say Kjuhte was absolutely irate when the large yautja began to settle into the woman’s bungalow home would be an understatement. Both cat and yautja would give each other a wide berth though a few times both would attempt to drive the other from the property. The pair not intent on killing but showing dominance in hopes the other would scare off. After multiple instances where both yautja and feline failed to drive the other from the territory both simply gave up and tolerated the other’s presence.

Once the first winter hit, Mallacht was suddenly forced to the confinement of the woman’s home. The cold and snow proving to be too much for the yautja who thrived in warmer climates. Unprepared Mallacht found himself miserable and curled up under blankets and in the safety of a home away from the elements. His desire to explore and hunt giving way to depression and stir crazy mania. It was during that time the pair settled their aggressions and lounged together often. One enjoying the company and the other the warmth they provided. Both yautja and cat were quick to form a social bond the longer they were in close quarters with each other. Playing and tussling to work out their pent up energy before going back to lounging. After the winter both became an inseparable duo when it came to patrolling their shared home and territory. Kjuhte became very fond of napping on top of the large yautja in the middle of day as well as hunting alongside the yautja.

After Earth: Kjuhte was quick to adapt to the new environment. Cwtch had been worried the feline wouldn’t be able to survive on the new planet that found themselves on. Instead she was happy Kjuhte seemed to enjoy the small jungle Mallacht had claimed as his territory. With only small non lethal wildlife Cwtch was relieved the feline would be able to roam and explore their new home without keeping him locked away. Mallacht’s home and territory in a way much like his earth home. Other Yautjas traveling through their territory would balk in confusion at the sight of Mallacht trailed close behind by the three legged earth feline during their daily patrols.

Juji- Male Yautja

Age: (48 years old, on the cusp of performing his Chiva)

Personality: Rambunctious, cheerful, determined. Juji is constantly exploring and socializing with other young bloods. Despite his strange appearance among the other jungle and forest yautjas, he was welcomed into the hierarchy with welcome arms. The foundation of honor and respect Mallacht had instilled in his son alongside the albino’s reputation among the nearby clans and large metropolitan also worked in Juji’s favor. Alongside Mallacht, Cwtch made sure Juji’s emotional intelligence exceeded as well as his hunting skills.

Early Life: Mallacht’s need to travel and sire during breeding season later in life found both him and Cwtch in Yautja Prime’s badlands. The albino had secured breeding rights with one female during that time before Mallacht and Cwtch continued their travels. The pair had stood out, especially among the matriarchs in that time, both human and albino making sure to respect the clan they lived among that season and also pulling their weight. When his dame had died during childbirth Juji’s piebald pattern and his dame’s death was seen a bad omen. The clan leader was prepared to perform a mercy kill the now orphan infant, with no female wishing to care for the orphan it left the leader at a crossroads. However the elder matriarch stepped in. Making sure the pup was safe, she sent out word for Mallacht and Cwtch to retrieve his son. The pair quickly took him in, Mallacht was thrilled to able raise one of his offspring with his human mate. Cwtch had made sure to keep in touch with the matriarchs so Juji could learn traditions from his dame’s clan.

A freak accident when Juji was a youngster cost him both his legs. His refusal to leave the other youngsters in the face of danger only added to his growing reputation. Mallacht’s adopted guild and high ranking medics (normally healing enforcers or other high ranking hunters) banded together to make the youngster a pair of bio mechanical legs that could be adjusted and upgraded as he grew into adulthood.

Young Adulthood: Now Juji frequently goes on single day excursions and exploring nearby jungles or scuffling in dominance battles with other young bloods as they improve their hunting skills. Youngster and pups curious over his bio mechanic legs trail behind him in awe and excitement when they watch him train. His strange appearance and bio mechanics garnering attention wherever he goes. Or volunteering to be "prey" during hunt festivals meant to showcase more experienced hunters skills while also teaching young bloods valuable hunting lessons. Mallacht and Cwtch assisting in helping Juji craft a costume armor for such event as it also taught the young blood how important a guilds job is in yautia society and not to take his soon to be hunting armor for granted. The hunt festivals are not simple battles to the death but instead a week long event of learning traditions of past generations as well as fellow clans and the respect and honor of a hunt. Mallacht feared his son’s appearance would cause Juji to be shunned like he was, instead Juji was welcomed into a young blood social pack. The piebald yautja becoming a popular member and frequently easing tensions among the other young bloods when arguments broke out. His humor and willingness to help others earning him his own reputation among the clans.

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Family Height Chart:

(Minus Kjuhte because they don’t have cat avatars)

Cynefin Clan Brand:

Friends 🐻🐻 Cwtch+