Sanctuary

"There are stories about wild cats who live in a forest. Four groups who live in harmony. I've told you about them, haven't I? Ah, I thought so. Have I told you about the group from the mountains? I haven't!? Well, settle down, now, and I'll tell you a new story. This group is nothing like the others I've told you. They're dangerous.

"In the infinite range of mountains stretching across a vacant part of Wyoming is a small tribe of cats, roughened by seasons of harsh weather and scarce prey. They have lived in the mountains for generations, gradually learning the ways of their home and adapting to their environment. They thrive, and feast at night. Their fur is thick and blocks out the cold, and their minds are clear of worry. The mountains are their Sanctuary.

"There are strange customs within this group, but we'll get to that later on.

"See, this tribe got so used to being carefree, no one ever really kept watch or thought to lookout for enemies. Because of this carelessness, they were oblivious to the predator approaching them; a black bear. Perhaps it wasn't as tough as a grizzly, but any group of cats is no competition to it. It followed their scent and found their home, attacking and murdering far too many to count. The tribe fled down the mountain,almost to the bottom. They were battered and bloody, not to mention in unfamiliar territory. Hunting became increasingly difficult, and it was evident that in order to survive they would need to adapt tot heir home once again.

"You want to hear more? Well, I don't know the rest of the story. The rest is up to your imagination. Oh, mind my rattled brain, I may as well tell you their name. This group is called Montem Feles."

*This roleplay will be about the tribe settling down in their new home, with other plot points thrown in frequently.*

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Montem Feles Ranks ::

*This group is a matriarch, though it is not something that is heavily enforced. Both genders are equal, but the higher ranks typically belong to females. It is generally believed that females are more level-headed and cautious, whereas males are more brash and reckless, thus better suited for ranks involving battle. This is a norm in the group and is rarely opposed.*

Matrem: Matriarch The leader of the group, almost always female. She is the ultimate decider of the group who has the power to create new rules, extinguish old ones, and punish those she deems fit. Her word is final and she must be obeyed, not matter how crazy the order. [Closed]

Alterum: Mate This is the mate of the Matrem. They have the same authority of the Bellatorum and have little sway over the decisions of the tribe. They are respected, even if only out of fear of upsetting the Matrem. It is a great honor to be selected as the Alterum. [Chosen in RP]

Nobilium: Nobles These cats are the most loyal of the group who follow the word of the Matrem by heart. They are the 'police officers' of the group who make sure everyone is behaving and help to keep order in times of chaos. They are also allowed to punish those breaking the rules. [ 3 ]

Videns: Seer A single cat who has been granted by the Gods knowledge of future happenings. These visions come at random times and do not always have huge significance. [ 1 ]

Nutrix: Nurse The healers of the tribe, gifted in extensive knowledge of herbs, poultices, and remedies for common illness and disease. When they are not caring for someone, they are expected to complete the duties of the [ 3 ]

Bellatorum: Fighters Cats viewed as strong individuals with skill in battle. Their range of duty extends from scout, to being on the front lines, to marking the territory. They are basic guards of the tribe and are revered for putting their lives on the line. This is a very noble rank that is looked up to, even by ranks above their own. Cats of the rank are typically male. [ 5 ]

Curantis: Caregiver As soon as kits are weaned from their mothers, the Curantis are in charge of watching them throughout the day so the queens may return to their normal duties. At night, the mother will collect her kits and return to her den. She may visit them during the day as long as she completes her other duties. [ 2 ]

Venator: Hunter Regular cats in the tribe who are not strong enough to be fighters, but not lowly enough to be viewed as servants. Their purpose is to hunt until the tribe is well-fed. If the need arises, they will also be expected to fight in battle. [ unlimited ]

Discentium: Learners Typically aged 4-8 moons, these are young cats learning to become full-fledged members of the tribe. They learn mostly by 'paws-on' experience but usually follow around a single cat of their rank. [unlimited]

Imperitus: Inexperienced Kittens. They are cared for by their mothers and the Curantis and are protected at all costs. [unlimited]

Servi: Servants Perhaps they've attacked another cat in the tribe, or maybe they just have consistently poor behavior. Whatever the reason, these cats were once trouble-makers who were punished by the most humiliating way; demotion. They are looked down on and scorned. While they are technically servants, they usually carry out the same duties of the Venator but on occasion will be called upon to do the 'dirty work' of the tribe. [ 3 ]

Rules of Montem Feles ::

>> There is not set of exact rules for the tribe. Basically, you respect those above you and use common sense. As long as you get along and obey your superiors, you should be fine. The Matrem and Nobilium are the ones who decide if someone is acting wrongly on another or toward the tribe.

Religion ::

The tribe is very religious to the point where atheism is frowned upon so much, you will be exiled. In the eyes of the tribe, there are many gods and goddesses. Sacrifices in the form of prey or blood are often made to the gods in times of need or celebration.

Ai-Apolly :: God of all Gods and of the afterlife. He is praised most.

Holyion :: Goddess of love, family, fertility, and health. The Nutrix and Curantis in particular favor her over the other minor gods and goddesses.

Pichu :: God of death. When a member of the tribe dies, a ceremony is performed by the Oracle to release the spirit to Pichu. It is believed that when a cat dies, their spirit is made into a cardinal.

Umbera :: Goddess of prey, predator, and nature. The tribe prays to her for good weather and plentiful food supply.

Icharo :: God of night and day.

Impero :: God of war.

Tireas :: Goddess of fortune.

Important Ceremonies ::

Birth : A new litter is a blessing to the tribe. When a queen kits successfully, a small ceremony is performed. The queen will display each of her kits to the tribe and call out their names. The Oracle will recite a blessing in honor of Tireas and smear berry juice on their nose to bless them with good fortune.

Full Member : When a Discentium is ready to become an official [insert rank here], they stand before the entire tribe with their designated teacher and is announced as a new member of the particular rank. The Matrem then says a brief prayer to Ai-Apolly and the ceremony is complete.

Mates : Becoming mates in the tribe is a long process. The pair that wishes to become mates must first receive the blessing of any family members that are alive. If none are alive, that step is skipped. They must then visit the Oracle who will wait for a sign from Holyion indicating the pair has her blessing to become mates. After that, an official ceremony begins. The Matrem will first say ask if anyone in the tribe has any opposition. If there is none or none with good reason, she will then announce if the pair has her blessing. Assuming everyone is okay with it, the Matrem will officiate the ceremony with berry juice smeared on the foreheads of the two and they will be bonded together. Typically mates are for like, as the ceremony for ending a mateship is even longer and more strenuous.

Death : When a tribe member dies, the whole tribe mourns as one. Blessings are placed on any family of the deceased member, wishing them strength to get over this obstacle in their life. The Oracle will then place a series of flowers, leaves, and berry juices on the deceased and send their spirit to Pichu. The spirit of a good cat turns into a cardinal, and the spirit of a bad cat turns into a raven.

Customs :

>> Cardinals and raven are not hunted due to the belief that these birds are deceased tribe members. Spotting a raven is bad luck, and should one see a raven they need to visit the Oracle to be cleansed. Hunting a cardinal is a very serious offense, almost more so than treason.

>> Punishments can be anything. Literally... anything.

>> If the Matrem dies, the eldest Nobilium is to become the next leader. If the Nobilium and the Oracle decide that the current Matrem is unfit to lead in any way, the entire tribe will vote. Should they deem her unfit they will exile her and the eldest Nobilium will become leader.

>> Pure white cats are thought to be extremely unlucky as they are spotted easily on a mountain when hunting. Thus, when a white kitten is born it is put outside of camp on its first night with no blessing. When morning comes, if the kitten is still alive it is said to have been blessed by Tireas and will be allowed to live. If it has died overnight, they simply bury it with no ceremony and simply forget it was ever born.

>> Oracles are not trained. A sign will show who the next Oracle is to be. They may assist the current Oracle, but there is little they can do for training and must learn by experience.

>> If a Nobilium dies, the two remaining Nobilium each pick a cat they think would be a good replacement, as do the Matrem and Oracle. If the cats chosen agree, they will face various challenges to determine who the next Nobilium will be. The first test is hunting. The cat with the least amount of prey is cast out of the running. The next challenge a private interview by the Matrem and Oracle. No one is allowed to discuss the questions they were asked. The two who move on then will then fight to the death to determine who the next Nobilium will be. If one contestant bails out early, they are scorned and lowered in rank.

>> Love is love to the tribe-- heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual matter not. Being unfaithful to your mate results in severe punishment.

My Rules :
>> I control the plot
>> I will approve your sign up before you are officially allowed to join
>> The roleplay will not start until we have enough members to close the sign ups
>> Everyone is to be respected
>> Please make unique characters. We don't want any Mary Sues here.
>> Literacy is a must. No fewer than four sentences per character per post.
>> No pictures on sign ups, please.

Sign Ups :

Name: (they must be unique, preferably somehow relating to nature)
Nickname: (optional)
Age: (according to rank)
Gender: (male or female)
Rank: (current rank of your character)
Desired Rank: (the rank your character wishes to have if they are not already satisfied)
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Personality: (you don't have to be super descriptive. Allow some room to develop your character.)
History: (required)
Description: (the appearance of your character. Realistic only. And as a note, calico toms are possible, but extremely rare and most likely sterile. Also remember that white cats in the tribe are extremely unlikely.)
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Interested in: (Males, females, both)
Crush:
Mate: (you may not play the mate of your own character)
Kits:
Family:
Other relations: (close friends or enemies)
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Other:
Comments/Concerns: (any questions or confusion?)