Sept 29, 2019 21:56:13 GMT -5
Tribe High Rank Views
Each group is run differently and are shaped by their leaders. The leader in the Tribe of Twisted Roots is called a Commander. Below are the current decrees of the Commander which act as the "code" for the clan since The Tribe does not have a Warrior Code. Tempest Rages at Night is the current Commander of the Tribe. Her second in command is called a Quartermaster. The current Quartermaster is Monarch that Migrates North. The Tribe's Witch is the cat who cares for the clan as well as advises the other High Ranks. The current Healer is Sand Where Stingray Hides. Below is all of their views on important matters.
Tribe Commander's Views
Tempest Rages at Night - Rosa
Belief Level: Tempest is the kind of cat that sees the Gods in everything he and his Tribe does. He puts great faith in the beings that have guided them for generations and endless moons, and will not be pleased if any of those following his leadership reject them. As for StarClan...He is aware of their existence due to the Island God's explanation of them yet believes much as his ancestors did - That the dead are just that and carry no power here.
Relation with Gods: In Tempest's opinion, the Gods are vital to the Tribe's continued survival. They are to be revered and obeyed, respected and only challenged to prove oneself such as with the Swabbie Trial. Though there are no offerings to be presented, worship and observation of traditions pertaining to the Gods must be upheld no matter the situation.
Relation with Ancestors: Ancestors are an interesting thing where Tempest is concerned. While they were important in life and their opinions to be valued, death is a finality that can not be ignored. After all, how can the cats of the past know the current struggles without living them themselves? What is the worth of advice if it's outdated or held back by the past? As far as he's concerned, each cat should be allowed to live his or her life as they choose, without worrying about the judgment of felines who have no power upon life itself. They are to be respected and remembered should they have lived well...but not obeyed without question.
General Observation of Morals/Tenants: Though each cat is allowed to make his or her own decisions about certain things in life, one thing must be remembered - Tempest's word as Commander, much as those who came before him, must be heeded. According to tradition, the time for challenges has passed and he deemed worthy; thus, breaking any of his rules will certainly result in harsh punishment. Cats belonging to the Tribe must prove themselves and remember that the weakest link amongst them will define the entire Tribe. Thus training and remaining in high form is highly encouraged while laziness and a general reluctance to better yourself will be looked down upon. This extends into battle and protection of one's self. Should a cat behave bravely and fall in battle, they will be given the proper respects. However, if they are cowardly (such as running, hiding, etc.) and do not meet death with courage, they will be scorned and left for the scavengers. Another action that will label one as weak-willed is a forbidden romance. As the Tribe cats have been told for generations to avoid the large island cats, any romance with one would cause the offender to be exiled immediately. Should they be expecting kits/give birth to the kits before being discovered, they will be shown mercy and sent to the large island. If they are not, exile to the Island of Shadows is the traditional punishment. Kits themselves regarded as bad luck if born of a sour union and though they will be protected as they are delivered to the other half of the offending pair, they will not be welcome within the Tribe itself. As for borders, Tempest's understanding is loose at best. He sees the Tribe's refusal to visit the large island as a matter of mere convenience - The waters between them are choppy and often too dangerous to cross. It would not be reasonable most days to make the journey. However, should he become interested in the idea of expansion, he would not hesitate to cross over into another's territory. As a result, trespassers are more regarded as a curiosity than a threat...at least until they steal something that the Tribe considers their own such as prey. That is worth defending and, according to Tempest, extreme measures are allowed. Killing a fellow cat is not seen as a sin or against the rules if done in battle - Squirmishes, arguments, defending one's honor...all are acceptable situations in which death is allowed. Underhanded tactics are accepted as well - though less impressive should you be caught in the act (after all, how cunning can one really be if their secret plans can be brought to light?). The last matter that Tempest feels strongly on is the treatment of the very young or very old. Both must be protected - the young have yet to have a chance to prove themselves and are innocent while the elderly have earned respect and admiration due to the Tribe's aggressive nature making old age something of a prize that only the most skilled amongst them achieve.
Relation with Other Groups: As of this moment, the Tribe has no connection with either Tidal or JungleClan, nor does Tempest have any interest in forging one. He and his Tribe are not even aware of the groups existing as two separate entities; they just know the main island belongs to cats other than themselves and, for the moment, it will remain that way.
Extra Info: Though he rules a Tribe that, at times, seems to thrive on chaos due to their tendency to take risks and fight amongst themselves, Tempest is by no means weak. Having taken leadership at a young age has hardened this tom against much of the world and, when ruled by ambition, aggression, and experience, is not a cat to be taken lightly.
Tribe Quartermaster's View
Monarch that Migrates North - @sovereign
Belief Level: Monarch loathes to believe too much but fears in believing too little. He respects the Witch and will take their word but puts far more faith in the Tribe than any deities. As far as he is concerned, the world of the supernatural is one for the Witches; his job is the Tribe at hand.
Relation with Gods: Monarch himself has never been visited by the Gods, and thus he remains skeptical of their power. He believes in the Gods, but deep down has never truly felt connected to them. To this day, he searches for the godly presence that most other cats piously believe in, and fears that the Gods have rejected him.
Relation with Ancestors: Monarch looks up to the cats of the past far more than the Gods. He believes the Tribe should be decisive in their ways and uphold their way of life, even when interacting with outsiders. He often uses anecdotes and insists on consulting the Guides. However, like Tempest, he does not believe in an afterlife and believes death is a finality. His reverence to ancestors is merely anecdotal and he strives to one day be a name the Guides pass on in their stories. Ancestors do not return, but there is much to be learned from the past.
General Observation of Morals/Tenants: Education and respect are two things that Monarch holds very high on his moral tenants. He spends much time ensuring the training of the next generation and also making sure all cats know their place in the Tribe. He loves the way the Tribe thrives on chaos and sees nothing wrong with the violent and difficult lives they lead. Young cats must be trained to face this harsh reality, else they are simply not worthy. Killing or injuring other cats are simply a display of dominance, as nature’s order should be. He has equal respect for cunning tactics as he does strength ones. Thus, Monarch does not hesitate to kill those who cross him. A death, even in defeat, is an honorable one. Being young, Monarch has little to say on romance. He would be extremely judgmental regarding romance. He likely would not tolerate it, and simply exile the cat. He is not interested in raising the kits of a half-blood pair, and he would rather exile the offending cat and tell the family to reunite elsewhere away from the Tribe.
Monarch dislikes the idea of territory lines. Land is land. He believes the Tribe should be allowed to explore and expand as far as they want. Monarch thinks that the Tribe is the oldest and most sophisticated group on the island and thus should not need to respect the borders of other groups. He thinks that the other cats on the island are stupid to not adopt the Tribe’s way of life, or even join them, because the Tribe’s customs are simply superior.
Relation with Other Groups: When it comes to other cultures, he approaches most interactions diplomatically but hesitates to forge friendships. His attitude toward the Clan cats nearby is not hostility, but intrigue and wariness toward their unfamiliar customs. Monarch still believes that the Tribe’s way of life is superior and would hate to compromise it in any way. He sees no reason to interact with them more than absolutely necessary.
Extra info: None
Tribe Witch's View
Sand where Stingray Hides - dove
Belief Level: xtremely devout. After all, Stingray sort of has to be. He sees the Gods in everything he does.
Relation with Gods: Stingray is exceptionally close with all of the Gods, but he will be the first to admit that the God of Water is his favorite. The Goddess of Death brings pain, and so does the God of Fire. The God of Water only brings suffering to fools who test him.
Relation with Ancestors: Strained. Stingray is very much not fond of being given seizures every time the mainlanders's ancestors decide that he needs to be spoken to. He recognizes that they exist, but he'd rather not talk to cats who usually only appear to him as distant voices at the end of a strange cave.
General Observation of Morals/Tenants: Stingray has a slightly different moral code from the rest of his tribemates, but regardless, he holds himself to a high standard. He cares for his tribemates, but he is unafraid to challenge the words of navigators who think they can talk over him. He is not the war-monger most of his tribemates are -- he always considers peace an option -- but he also knows that pacifism can get cats killed.
Relation with Other Groups: Strained. Stingray would reluctantly admit that he sees the Tribe as being more... resilient. While he does not hate the outsiders, he strongly disapproves of their blood mixing with his. Stingray believes firmly that the hardships of his ancestors are in his blood, and any cat who has not looked the God of Water in the eye, defied him, and survived is someone whom he considers in some way unworthy.
Extra info: Stingray holds a strong distaste for anyone who openly does not believe in his gods. While he would never dream of harming anyone, it would not be a stretch for him to prioritize those he prefers when it came to treatment.
Belief Level: xtremely devout. After all, Stingray sort of has to be. He sees the Gods in everything he does.
Relation with Gods: Stingray is exceptionally close with all of the Gods, but he will be the first to admit that the God of Water is his favorite. The Goddess of Death brings pain, and so does the God of Fire. The God of Water only brings suffering to fools who test him.
Relation with Ancestors: Strained. Stingray is very much not fond of being given seizures every time the mainlanders's ancestors decide that he needs to be spoken to. He recognizes that they exist, but he'd rather not talk to cats who usually only appear to him as distant voices at the end of a strange cave.
General Observation of Morals/Tenants: Stingray has a slightly different moral code from the rest of his tribemates, but regardless, he holds himself to a high standard. He cares for his tribemates, but he is unafraid to challenge the words of navigators who think they can talk over him. He is not the war-monger most of his tribemates are -- he always considers peace an option -- but he also knows that pacifism can get cats killed.
Relation with Other Groups: Strained. Stingray would reluctantly admit that he sees the Tribe as being more... resilient. While he does not hate the outsiders, he strongly disapproves of their blood mixing with his. Stingray believes firmly that the hardships of his ancestors are in his blood, and any cat who has not looked the God of Water in the eye, defied him, and survived is someone whom he considers in some way unworthy.
Extra info: Stingray holds a strong distaste for anyone who openly does not believe in his gods. While he would never dream of harming anyone, it would not be a stretch for him to prioritize those he prefers when it came to treatment.