Religion plays a big factor in the lives of the three main factions. The Pathfinders, specifically the Priests, are the ones in direct contact with the ghostly ancestors and deliver their messages to the tribes. Meanwhile, the tribes practice their faith by praying to said ancestors and worshiping them in their own private ways in hopes of receiving their blessings. These ancestors are known as The Tribe of Eternal Paradise. Most, if not all cats go here when they die. Even those who were not well liked among their peers, since the morality of cats is viewed as grey, and it's rare to be pure good or bad. Though, as you'll read later, there is a place for those special bad eggs.
Any cat who has passed on into the afterlife is considered part of the ancestry, and any can be prayed to. But there are some cats who have gained in popularity due to their significant traits or related experiences in the tribes history. These historical figures are known as The Ancients. Some cats chose just one Ancient to dedicate their life to, while others take on many that they wish to gain favor with. That is a personal choice made by the living, and it's left up to personal taste. Timberstar is a popular choice among ambitious warriors.
When a Commander is given their Nine Lives, one Ancient will always grant them one of their own. These Ancient Lives don't provide any special powers over the others, but are mainly seen as a blessing to show the Ancients are in support of the new leadership. And, whoever choses you is seen as a status symbol among the Commander's peers. Havenstar, the founder of the Old Tribe (The Tribe of Mountain's Peak) is known to rarely give out lives and it is an honor to receive one from him.
Havenstar | Called upon when in need of guidance and tradition
Basilheart | Called upon for good health and protection from evil
Timberstar | Called upon for good fortune in battle
Frozenspirit | Called upon for protection from the elements
Dovestar | Called Upon for Peace
Boarstar | Called upon for good hunting and plentiful food
Springflower | Called upon for fertility and motherly love
Stagpaw | Called upon for good upbringing and protecting the youth
Marshstar | Called upon when in need of deep sleep or a healing rest
To live such a horrid, cruel life that even the stars refuse to let you in is a rare feat indeed. Most cats, while doing bad in their lives, can be recognized for the good they did for their tribe. And some manage to redeem themselves before death. But, some acts are seen as so vile, that they have no choice but to label it as true evil. And label it they do; When a cat is seen as horrid enough, Priests will give them a name after their committed crime to represent the evil deeds they committed. This is known as being 'Marked'. Their old name is lost and forgotten.
The cats who commit such crimes are sentenced to a life wandering The Endless Abyss. This isn't to say that they get to rest alone in darkness though- instead these cats walk on a parallel plain to the living world and are trapped forever on the earth as spirits. Most, if not all never know they are dead, and are cursed to wander endlessly. Confused and angry among the living. They may show themselves to unsuspecting cats wondering the territory alone, and are often used as a scary story to keep kits in bed at night. Normally, if something bad falls upon a member of the tribes they will blame one of these unspoken cats. Or, if you wish to cause another to have misfortune, you may pray to one of these evil spirits to place a curse on another. Not many are brave enough to pray to these deities, due to the horrible reputation that clings to them.
What qualifies as true evil?
While morality is a debatable construct, one that the tribes acknowledge, there are a few acts of violence and cruelty that are seen as worse than others. Including enjoying repeated acts of cruelty, cannibalism, the murder of young, sick or old, and such ambition that one would kill their own tribe to achieve the power they crave. Keep in mind, true evil requires the one committing this crime believes they are in the right, and/or don't regret their choices.
Some known cats who are known to dwell among The Endless Abyss
Bane | Evil thing they represent
Splinter | Evil thing they represent
Cobra | Evil thing they represent
Vulture | Evil thing they represent
Dust | Evil thing they represent
Scarlet | Represents Misfortune in Romantic Relationships