Faith in The Tribes

The Tribe of Eternal Paradise

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.

The Ancients

Havenstar | Called upon when in need of guidance and tradition

This mysterious tom is the founder of the old tribe, and left a great legacy that was respected throughout time. Though there are no records of what his life was like before his leadership, he was known as wise and kind, yet stern. He brought cats together in times of hardship and died leaving a proud and powerful tribe. He and the other founders set up the traditions and values that would be continued for many generations to come. He was a large, pure white tom with warm amber eyes.

Basilheart | Called upon for good health and protection from evil

Basilheart was a loud, blunt tom who was well respected for his expertise in the medicine practice. When the tribe was struck by a horrid case of Greencough, he and he alone cared for the entire community and worked endlessly to nurse them back to health. It was rumored that he never slept, just worked over his herbs for days on end due to his stubborn desire to protect his tribe. Somehow, he managed to save most of those who were afflicted, leading many to claim he was blessed by the ancestors despite his insistence that he was just "good at his job." Instead of fearing or disliking him due to his attitude, many in his tribe found comfort in his matter-of-fact ways and saw his den as a safe place for all.

Timberstar | Called upon for good fortune in battle

This she-cat was a powerful leader who fought many wars and won most. She led her tribe through a period of expansion and seized much needed territory from predators and enemy rogue groups that threatened their safety. And while some commanders might have their warriors fight their battles for them, she would instead lead and fight beside them. Her war-cry was known to strike fear into the hearts of any enemy, no matter the size or number, and she'd leave every battlefield soaked in blood and with a grin on her face. She was a fiery red tabby with green eyes, and her pelt was tattered with scars.

Frozenspirit | Called upon for protection from the elements

A warrior who died keeping his children warm while lost in a blizzard. His kits had disobeyed him and snuck out of camp to explore the dangerous mountainside, and a blizzard would strike just as the father learned his children were missing. He'd go out in search for them against the pleas of his peers, and is discovered the next day frozen solid, his living kits shivering beneath him. This is a very popular story to tell to kits who disrespect their parents. He is described as grey and having ghostly features even in life.

Dovestar | Called Upon for Peace

This is the ancient that is prayed to before every gathering. He was a young diluted calico tom; one of the youngest Commanders to lead the old tribe. He was a nervous feline who avoided conflict as much as he could, and at first he wasn't shaping up to be a very impactful leader. His General on the other hand, was a controlling feline who saw his leaders weakness and spoke over him many times. When the tribe was faced with an enemy nomad group, instead of following their leader the tribe turned towards their war-hardened General. On the night of a full moon, right before the factions met on the battlefield, Dovestar raced out to face down the opposing forces and call for peace, finally taking a brave step forward to control his tribe. The battle halted long enough for Dovestar to speak with the opposing leader, and his soothing words and silver tongue managed to simmer the tension. He saved many lives that day, and showed that not all battles must be won with tooth and claw.

Boarstar | Called upon for good hunting and plentiful food

A simple tom who enjoyed eating just as much as he enjoyed leading. He was a short, husky cat who was very skilled in the art of catching prey. During his leadership he would learn that prey can be stored within the snow to last for longer periods, and would teach his tribe how to burry their kill to save throughout harsher weather. He was a dark, solid brown tom with beady black eyes and an underbite.

Springflower | Called upon for fertility and motherly love

Springflower was a she-cat who desperately wanted to be a mother. Yet throughout her life, time and time again she would lose her litters while in child birth. She, and many others, believed she would never be able to become a parent. However, one day while hunting in the mountainside, she discovered a sickly she-cat going into labor all alone. Springflower would waste no time helping the stranger deliver the children, and while she was able to save the kits, she could not save the she-cat. On her dying breath, this stranger pleaded for Springflower to take the kits in and raise them as her own. In an act of kindness, she would. Despite her own infertility, Springflower is known among the tribes as a kind force who guides mothers through childbirth and bringing about new youth.

Stagpaw | Called upon for good upbringing and protecting the youth

A favorite among the younger generations. Stagpaw was a cunning little black tom who was very nimble and known for being a bit of a troublemaker. Still, he was greatly adored by his tribe for his outspoken nature and many believed he might become a promising leader someday. While on a patrol, his group would suddenly be ambushed by a bloodthirsty eagle. The beast had managed to grab one of the other apprentices, and while the others panicked Stagpaw bravely leapt at the bird and latched onto it. His friend would be released from the eagle's talons but the heroic tom would not fair as well. The bird would take off into the sky as it attempted to shake off the apprentice, and the patrol would watch in horror as Stagpaw fell from the sky. The young feline might have passed, but his story would be shared for many generations as a testament to his heart of gold and an inspiration to do good for others.

Marshstar | Called upon when in need of deep sleep or a healing rest

This she-cat was the final commander before Morningstar took leadership of the tribe. She was an old cat who was not well liked by her peers. Not for any fault in her personality, but for her never-ending laziness. Her leadership was the quiet before the storm, and while she was not known for being a good leader, some cats view her as a reminder of how calm life was before the great rebellion. She was a longhaired tan she-cat with droopy blue eyes.

The Endless Abyss

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.

The Unspoken

Some known cats who are known to dwell among The Endless Abyss

Bane | Evil thing they represent

Used to be known as Scorchingstrike during life. The name was given to him after the crimes he committed in life. He was like a brother to Havenstar, and attempted to take his life and claim to be the founder of their tribe. Taking all the credit.

Splinter | Evil thing they represent

Tried to start a riot within the tribe for ____ reason. Could be why some were wary of Thunder's rebellion. Tried to turn people against their commander.

Cobra | Evil thing they represent

Greedy, wanted power, thought they deserved the general role (and then in turn commander) and went on a killing spree every time a new general was appointed.

Vulture | Evil thing they represent

Cannibal

Dust | Evil thing they represent

Lack of action, apathy, went out of their way to not help when people were in need.

Scarlet | Represents Misfortune in Romantic Relationships

Has kits with a dude, dude starts going after another lass, she gets very jelly. Raises her kids in preparation to kill him and maybe his lover? maybe they also had kids and her kids kill their kids.
Lesson: Be your best for your family/ don't let your family pay for your crimes.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse