The Tumbela Coalition

[RookiePundit]

Yes, it is a matter of the fate fo th current Othawa cubs. Plain Camps gave no indication they wouldn't be ruthless with them in case of a takeover (which is normal behaviour ofc). Gene wise Plain Camps besides Ndhzengas are as afar as we know least represented in Sabi Sands (Mantimahles descendant are probably doing welli n Kruger though? ) so them sticking around and having surviving progeny would be positivie developement overall (in addition to them being Mantimahle sons with potential to grow into impressive healthy specimen and passing that potential further). But there is also the issue of size and age of Othawa pride. That is where it was crucial the sex ration of the cubs were favourable for the future of the pride, the initial info about them being 2,4 was possibly ideal split, the correcton towards 1,5 is sad for the lone male cub, would he survive, but even better for the pride, including potentially one less sub-adult male to feed which might be crucial if Sassy end up being the lone lioness of the pride. Too many young males might be an issue, the Mhangeni 12 had 9 among them and that sealed their fate.

I guess many like the underdog story and want Tumbelas to succeed and raise a litter. Regardles that PC males eventually taking over the whole western sector is not unprobable cause of action, but as of now that would mean loss of multiple individuals and that is never a good thing to see. At the same time PC males controlling that area should bring more stability there, at the same time that might be met with 1-2 reproductive females per pride in that area (besides Mhangenis who are losing most cubs one way or another anyway since raising the Kambulas). As long as Gingerella is with Ximhungwe, loss of Othawa cubs would probably not help her chances to rejoing the pride as it othewise could - as soon as she would be viewed as a potential mate and not just a youngster by males.

There is also that that Plain Camps are thoguht to responsibl for demise of few individuals in Sabi Sands already, them being still somewhat nomadic or rather without a proper pride (in a away they might have 2 Nkuhumas) there is less news about them and they don't have a compelling story (yet). Even with resisting picking sides, there is bound to be a bit of inclination among people of if not rooting for Tumbelas is the potential conflict than rather hoping that conflict would never happen, or at least not in a couple of years as I guess we instinctively expect Tumbelas to be likely the underdogs in a fight, although their confidence from being pride males, experience and being on their home turf are all things going for them. But circumstances might work for Plain Camps' favour (Limper's condition, Tumbelas more likely not to stick together, PC seem inseparable) and they need just one occassion to capitalize on. With the breaking up of Talamatis, Nkuhumas, Kambulas and vacant Mahgenis there might be enough prides for everybody without losing anymore characters, but it unlikely changes would happen without losses. Reply