Shaman/Shamala: A Kathula regarded through ancestry as a leader of their respective clan. Using natural ingredients, they will make potions to heal or relax. They will bear the marking of a Shaman/Shamala on their forehead which is where all magical power is stored.
Here is everything you need to know about a Shaman/Shamala-in-Training.
Titles
As an example, I will be using Pinti Segnoshua who, in the first chapter of the story, is a young Kathula learning to be a Shamala under her father’s guidance. He is a Shaman and when he retires or dies, she will take his place.
As the daughter of a Shaman, Pinti has an official title: Saffornalié elí
This is ancient Kathulan language, roughly translating to “my lady” or “little apprentice (female)” depending on context.
Other clan members, out of respect for the Shaman’s daughter, will call her Saffornalélí which is a slurred version of Saffornalié elí.
A male Kathula in line to be Shaman, will be called Savrénivéan elan. This roughly translates to “my lord” or “little apprentice (male)” depending on context. By his clan members, he will be called, Savrénivelan.
Saffornalélí and Savrénivelan clearly reflects the Kathula common naming culture. Often a female’s name will end in “~i” or “~ie” or “~y”. Often a male’s name will end in “~an” or “~n”. Names ending in “~a” or “~o” are considered gender neutral names. However, of course, there are exceptions and there are also differences between clans.
Duties
The daughter of a Shaman (as an example), must study under her father’s guidance. She will learn potion making, made to memorize different herb combinations, and learn about Kathula history. She must also familiarize herself with various ways to treat cuts, bruises, how to relieve stress, and many other medical things.
When she gets older, around fourteen, she is now allowed to participate in helping out with the birth of a baby and dealing with clan member quarrels.
At the age of fifteen, she is allowed to participate in the gathering of Shamans and Shamalas in a field which is in the middle of all four clans’ territories. There, she will be made to vow not to tell anyone about what she sees or hears.
At sixteen, she is considered an adult and her father can, if he wants to, pass down the role of clan leader to her and make her Shamala. Even after she becomes Shamala, she is still expected to listen to the guidance of her father, but now she must do everything on her own. The clan’s well-being now rests in her paws.
The latest age a young Kathula can become clan leader is eighteen, which is also considered the age where they begin to look for a partner.
Extra
What if a female child has a little sister? Who becomes Shamala?
The eldest does.
What if they are twins? Who becomes the leader?
The first born child does.
What if it is an only child and it dies?
If the child dies and there are no siblings, the next family (brother or sister of the clan leader) will make their child the clan leader.
What if one spouse dies before training is complete?
The spouse of the clan leader will complete the child’s training. She or he who married into the clan leader’s family and is given a share (copy) of power (magic) and knowledge (on potion making). This means she or he has just as much power as the spouse and just as much knowledge to continue the child’s training.
Related article: Marrying into the Clan Leader’s Family
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