THE COLLECTIVE

On the tip of the Cape, there is a colorful town nestled between the blue waves and the arid sand dunes. The cats simply refer to it as "The Town" as there isn't anywhere quite as populated in the area. It welcomes both longtime residents and tourists, bringing swaths of beach-goers in the summer months. The furred residents, be they pet or stray, have formed a coalition of sorts led by a Representative, usually for life. 

The Representative leads monthly meetings, oversees the care of the feline population, and does their best to solve any issues that may arise within. With all that being said, the ways of the Collective have seen little change since its founding... it has been a traditional group in turbulent times. The cats follow laws, they fear the world around them, can only go here or there, and the Representative's word must be held in the highest esteem. The role of the Representative is familial, passed down from one family member to the next. This frequently results in a lack of diverse thought and a need to uphold expectation rather than improve.

The current leader, by the name of Shiver, has ruled for many years. His age is beginning to show and so are his stubborn ways. Only three years prior, the son of Shiver by the name of Dunedrift tried to overthrow his father, seeing the Collective’s way of life as unjust and outdated. Unfortunately, he was overpowered and exiled from the town, never to return. The Towncats believe he is dead. As a result, Shiver became paranoid and controlling, forming a strict Guard and even stricter laws to discourage any uprising from happening ever again. 

Now, with so much change thick in the air, the cats of the Collective are starting to see the faults.

 ranks.

The Representative... The highest ranking cat in the Collective. Their word is law; although the Collective has a set of age-old rules in place, the Representative can change them to their discretion over the course of their reign. The Representative comes from a long family lineage— they must be of kin to rule. 

The Advisor... The Representative’s right-hand-man. Works with the Rep. to oversee issues within the Collective and addresses concerns directly from the population. Chosen directly by the Rep. 

The Guards... A group of specially trained cats that watch over the town and control the masses through force and punishment. Each guard has a section of town to protect and patrol. Patrols happen three times a day. Changing of guards happens at sunrise and sunset daily. 

(Anyone above this line is considered the highest class and of utmost importance. Those below are considered average or lower class. Favoritism is rampant and only the strongest of loyalists can skirt by laws.)

The Towncats... Average member of the Collective. If you are a cat that lives in town, you are immediately a member of the group and under their command. Cats moving in, be they stray or pet, must be approved by the Representative directly. If they are not approved… their movement is limited and watched closely.

 current laws.

1. A cat of the Collective is not permitted to leave town without explicit permission from the Representative. They are expected to be back at a certain time or day, depending on needs. Any complications, injuries, or even deaths are the fault of said cat beyond the town.

2. Curfews are in place from sunset to sunrise; any Towncat looking to leave their home at night must have important reason to do so. They must go to their local Guard for approval, and will then be escorted to and from their destination. 

3. No hunting beyond one’s designated section of town. There are many mouths to feed, a cat must only eat and take their fill. Sharing food with another section is only for emergencies.

4. A cat’s reputation will follow them, be it good or bad. Towncats are expected to make choices that are best for the Collective. Any move disapproved of by the Representative or Guards will result in punishment and a permanent scar to one’s record.

5. See something, say something— the Towncats are responsible for keeping each other in check. If one witnesses the breaking of law and does not report the incident, they will be charged with compliance. 

6. The Representative and their family must not mingle with the Towncats. Their personal territory is kept secret from the average cat. Any meeting with the Rep will be heavily guarded and performed in a designated meeting space. 

7. Organization against the Representative or the Collective will result in violent punishment and banishment from town. 

8. Some cats may be excused from certain Collective tasks, based on age or ability. However, they are bound to family and said family may be punished for any wrongdoings on their part.