Post by Nightrose on Apr 3, 2022 16:21:10 GMT -6
Intro
The wind buffs your fur as you journey the mountains path unaware of where it leads you. Your journey has been long and at times dangerous and you can’t shake the feeling of being watched but never see another soul, as you venture further you seem to hear a voice carried by the wind “If you seek shelter and mean no harm lay upon the flat stone ahead, may the blaze judge your spirit.” Shivering from the feeling the voice gave you an uncertain feeling fills you, do you trust the voice and follow as they instructed or turn back and try and find another shelter for the night and continue your journey for a new home another day?
That…. Is up to you.
That…. Is up to you.
Territory
Rocky terrain covered by snow, it can sap the stamina and energy to cross without training. Sharp cliffs and deep slopes pose a danger for those not careful, The Tribes Territory lay along the mountain where plateaus allow for pools of water, vegetation and on some small forests all of which provides a variety of prey. The Tribe currently borders none.
The Tribe of Echo Pools has an area for Stargazers and Star-seekers to go to in order to communicate with their ancestors they have called Blazing Lake.
Of the one edge of Blazing lake is the Fire falls on what seems to be the brightest night of the year in a time during Greenleaf the light of their ancestors blaze bright enough to make the falls glow.
The tribe’s camp is entered through the base of a tree that grows and secures the tunnel leading to the cave system this has been covered by thickets, and leafs and is further supported by twigs. Upon entering a large open area can be seen once one’s eyes adjust to the change of lighting this area is lit by patches of what seems like glowing
insects (glow worms) they keep the cave lit enough to navigate starting from the left side off the main gathering space is one of the guardian’s dens, then comes the Chasseurs den, the Seekers den, than comes the Stargazers den which is situated straight across from the entrance tunnel, after moving to the right comes the nursery where kits and their mothers live until kits become of age to become Seekers. After which comes the Tellers den which retired cats can enjoy as the floor of the cave is moss padded, finally on the other side of the entrance of the cave is another guardian’s den as two dens are thought to be needed in order to keep the tribe safe.
The Tribe of Echo Pools has an area for Stargazers and Star-seekers to go to in order to communicate with their ancestors they have called Blazing Lake.
Of the one edge of Blazing lake is the Fire falls on what seems to be the brightest night of the year in a time during Greenleaf the light of their ancestors blaze bright enough to make the falls glow.
The tribe’s camp is entered through the base of a tree that grows and secures the tunnel leading to the cave system this has been covered by thickets, and leafs and is further supported by twigs. Upon entering a large open area can be seen once one’s eyes adjust to the change of lighting this area is lit by patches of what seems like glowing
insects (glow worms) they keep the cave lit enough to navigate starting from the left side off the main gathering space is one of the guardian’s dens, then comes the Chasseurs den, the Seekers den, than comes the Stargazers den which is situated straight across from the entrance tunnel, after moving to the right comes the nursery where kits and their mothers live until kits become of age to become Seekers. After which comes the Tellers den which retired cats can enjoy as the floor of the cave is moss padded, finally on the other side of the entrance of the cave is another guardian’s den as two dens are thought to be needed in order to keep the tribe safe.
Ranks
Stargazer - Leader and healer - two very important roles. They hold a responsibility to lead and also to be knowledgeable in herbs and healing. It is custom for the leader to drop their name and go simply by Stargazer although some may take Stargazer and add it before the beginning of their name. Such as if a cat going by Phoenix Floating Upon Wind before becoming Stargazer becomes Stargazer Wind or Stargazer Phoenix.
They are responsible for interpreting the signs of rock, leaf, and water to read messages from the Tribe. Unlike clan leaders, Stargazers do not have nine lives, but only two. So they are not seen away from the Tribe camp very often.
Star-seeker - The Stargazer will receive an omen from their ancestors simply known as The Blaze when it is time to choose their own seekers. They will be trained to be the new leader, in the skills of medicine, omen reading, and upkeeping the Tribe. These cats have the option, as an adult, to not follow through with the role. It is traditional that a kit is selected to be the Star-seeker at the time of its birth, though in the modern era, the role has not been exclusively filled by kits.
Chasseurs - Small, quick cats with highly trained skills in hunting, able to jump high to catch birds and other animals using camouflage, stealth, and surprise. These cats are specifically chosen from birth, based on their lithe and agile builds, to serve the Tribe by providing food, especially for nursing cats and the young and old. They rely on speed as there is a lack of cover in the alpine territory. They typically work in teams to bring down large birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks. Chasseurs often coat themselves in mud; this disguises them, covers their scent, and protects them against the wind. A group of Guardians accompanies them on hunts to spot trouble.
Tasks that Chasseurs might encounter:
➝ Hunting for the Tribe
➝ Bringing water in moss to camp
➝ Encountering new areas in search of prey
➝ Being aware of herb locations/health for the Stargazer
➝ Building stamina and tactics for ways to get prey in tough conditions
➝ Collecting driftwood, moss, and feathers on their hunts that the Guardians can use
Guardians - Guardians are thick, strong, and lean cats that protect and guard the entrance of the Tribe's cave. They are the main fighting force of the Tribe and have the responsibility of defending the cave from predators such as big birds, Sharptooth, Bears, Wolves, Coyotes, Foxes, and Wolverines. Watching the skies to protect the Stalkers from hawks and eagles while they hunt is another one of their responsibilities, as well as escorting them out on the territory to spot trouble. To hide their scent and blend in with the rocky scenery, they often coat themselves with mud. These cats are chosen from birth for their muscular and stocky build.
Seekers - The Tribe's equivalent of an apprentice, seekers are young cats in training. They are trained to be a Chasseur or Guardian according to what the Stargazer assigned them at birth. This is typically based on if the kit looks like it can run fast or has a strong build. Tribe cats believe that they are born into their duty, though they can change positions. Seekers begin their training at six moons.
Mothers - Cats that are pregnant, or are mothers to kits under five moons; the equivalent of queens in a clan. They remain mothers for a time to nurse them. An ancient tradition is that mothers name their kits after what they see when their kits are firstborn.
Kits - Kits are young cats that are not yet seekers. Unable to perform duties yet, they stay in the nursery with their mother. At their birth, it is foretold by the Stargazer if they will become a Chasseur, or a Guardian, or the next Stargazer. Kits that seem fast and lithe will be Chasseurs, while kits appearing strong will become Guardians. At the age of six moons, they become Seekers.
Tellers - Retired Chasseurs or Guardians of the Tribe, the oldest and weakest members. They are often consulted in times of difficulty, similar to the clan elders. They too eat first.
(Ranks explained with help and wording from FF’s Tribe of Rushing Water Guide with some changes)
They are responsible for interpreting the signs of rock, leaf, and water to read messages from the Tribe. Unlike clan leaders, Stargazers do not have nine lives, but only two. So they are not seen away from the Tribe camp very often.
Star-seeker - The Stargazer will receive an omen from their ancestors simply known as The Blaze when it is time to choose their own seekers. They will be trained to be the new leader, in the skills of medicine, omen reading, and upkeeping the Tribe. These cats have the option, as an adult, to not follow through with the role. It is traditional that a kit is selected to be the Star-seeker at the time of its birth, though in the modern era, the role has not been exclusively filled by kits.
Chasseurs - Small, quick cats with highly trained skills in hunting, able to jump high to catch birds and other animals using camouflage, stealth, and surprise. These cats are specifically chosen from birth, based on their lithe and agile builds, to serve the Tribe by providing food, especially for nursing cats and the young and old. They rely on speed as there is a lack of cover in the alpine territory. They typically work in teams to bring down large birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks. Chasseurs often coat themselves in mud; this disguises them, covers their scent, and protects them against the wind. A group of Guardians accompanies them on hunts to spot trouble.
Tasks that Chasseurs might encounter:
➝ Hunting for the Tribe
➝ Bringing water in moss to camp
➝ Encountering new areas in search of prey
➝ Being aware of herb locations/health for the Stargazer
➝ Building stamina and tactics for ways to get prey in tough conditions
➝ Collecting driftwood, moss, and feathers on their hunts that the Guardians can use
Guardians - Guardians are thick, strong, and lean cats that protect and guard the entrance of the Tribe's cave. They are the main fighting force of the Tribe and have the responsibility of defending the cave from predators such as big birds, Sharptooth, Bears, Wolves, Coyotes, Foxes, and Wolverines. Watching the skies to protect the Stalkers from hawks and eagles while they hunt is another one of their responsibilities, as well as escorting them out on the territory to spot trouble. To hide their scent and blend in with the rocky scenery, they often coat themselves with mud. These cats are chosen from birth for their muscular and stocky build.
Seekers - The Tribe's equivalent of an apprentice, seekers are young cats in training. They are trained to be a Chasseur or Guardian according to what the Stargazer assigned them at birth. This is typically based on if the kit looks like it can run fast or has a strong build. Tribe cats believe that they are born into their duty, though they can change positions. Seekers begin their training at six moons.
Mothers - Cats that are pregnant, or are mothers to kits under five moons; the equivalent of queens in a clan. They remain mothers for a time to nurse them. An ancient tradition is that mothers name their kits after what they see when their kits are firstborn.
Kits - Kits are young cats that are not yet seekers. Unable to perform duties yet, they stay in the nursery with their mother. At their birth, it is foretold by the Stargazer if they will become a Chasseur, or a Guardian, or the next Stargazer. Kits that seem fast and lithe will be Chasseurs, while kits appearing strong will become Guardians. At the age of six moons, they become Seekers.
Tellers - Retired Chasseurs or Guardians of the Tribe, the oldest and weakest members. They are often consulted in times of difficulty, similar to the clan elders. They too eat first.
(Ranks explained with help and wording from FF’s Tribe of Rushing Water Guide with some changes)
Traditions
INHERITANCE || In order to honor those who have lived before, the echos are known to tie their members feather with their stone and rest it upon the ledge of the fallen. If the stone breaks it is said to belong to a kit that is already born or is to be born, incidentally mothers feel drawn to stones that their kits will receive.
FEATHER CEREMONY || A ceremony held for each rank a feather added to the pelt by knotting in one of a few areas when receiving one of the smaller feathers: Chest, Nape of the neck, Tail, or the top of the left-back leg except for the one that is moved between the shoulder blades. The larger feathers are knotted into the top of the shoulder blades along the spine.
-A private feather ceremony is held for a kit who will receive a down feather which is fairly small in size and will be knotted into their pelts once their eyes are open and they are walking around. This feather is a small feather that looks a little scraggly
-The next feather added when one becomes a seeker is a semiplume feather this feather is a rather smooth fluffy looking feather.
-The feather received when one becomes a Chasseur or Guardian is a contour feather which is another small feather that looks mostly smooth with a bit of fluff near its base.
-This one is moved specifically between the shoulder blades if chosen to become the Stargazer.
-Upon becoming a Star-seeker the feather received is a wing these ones are medium or large depending on the bird it is found from or plucked. This feather is sat along the left side of the spine.
-The final feather ceremony is given to those who are honoured enough to become Stargazer this feather is a tail feather and is a little boxy but smooth.
GIVEN PATH || This happens to kits who reach the age of 5 moons the Stargazer and Seeker will take the young kits to an open cave area allowing for the kit to wonder one will than take the kit through a short course seeing where their strengths are and than giving them the title of which they will follow in a moon when they become seekers.
(More traditions may be added as the Tribe developed)
FEATHER CEREMONY || A ceremony held for each rank a feather added to the pelt by knotting in one of a few areas when receiving one of the smaller feathers: Chest, Nape of the neck, Tail, or the top of the left-back leg except for the one that is moved between the shoulder blades. The larger feathers are knotted into the top of the shoulder blades along the spine.
-A private feather ceremony is held for a kit who will receive a down feather which is fairly small in size and will be knotted into their pelts once their eyes are open and they are walking around. This feather is a small feather that looks a little scraggly
-The next feather added when one becomes a seeker is a semiplume feather this feather is a rather smooth fluffy looking feather.
-The feather received when one becomes a Chasseur or Guardian is a contour feather which is another small feather that looks mostly smooth with a bit of fluff near its base.
-This one is moved specifically between the shoulder blades if chosen to become the Stargazer.
-Upon becoming a Star-seeker the feather received is a wing these ones are medium or large depending on the bird it is found from or plucked. This feather is sat along the left side of the spine.
-The final feather ceremony is given to those who are honoured enough to become Stargazer this feather is a tail feather and is a little boxy but smooth.
GIVEN PATH || This happens to kits who reach the age of 5 moons the Stargazer and Seeker will take the young kits to an open cave area allowing for the kit to wonder one will than take the kit through a short course seeing where their strengths are and than giving them the title of which they will follow in a moon when they become seekers.
(More traditions may be added as the Tribe developed)
Beliefs
The Tribe believes in their ancestors those that live in The Blaze, the stars. These ancestors have proven themselves loyal many a time, they are the equivalent of Starclan.
The other ancestors known but usually not communicated with are those that are in The Void, the dark abyss of the skies landscapes. They are the equivalent of The Dark Forest.
The other ancestors known but usually not communicated with are those that are in The Void, the dark abyss of the skies landscapes. They are the equivalent of The Dark Forest.
Laws
-Kits are not to leave camp under no circumstances other than an emergency where they will be closely monitored upon moving through the territory if the need ever arises.
-Seekers are never to be unaccompanied out of camp as they are still learning their roles in the tribe and may cause more harm than good in situations. This means that they remain in a group and is always brought out with a member of their rank.
-Cats must at least be in pairs when out on the territory
-The kits, mothers and elders eat first
-Prey is to be shared among Tribe-mates.
-Seekers are never to be unaccompanied out of camp as they are still learning their roles in the tribe and may cause more harm than good in situations. This means that they remain in a group and is always brought out with a member of their rank.
-Cats must at least be in pairs when out on the territory
-The kits, mothers and elders eat first
-Prey is to be shared among Tribe-mates.
History
Stargazer Raven formally known as Raven who Seeks new Dawn was the first Stargazer she pushed for the finding of their home far from the valley in which these cats came from after the fear of fire was set in their bones from a grass fire that burned their previous home. Stargazer Raven lost both her lives to the illness known as White cough after a harsh leaf bare season.
Stargazer Wind is formally known as Swift is the Feather upon Wind took up the position of Stargazer upon Raven’s passing he brought the tribe through the tough time after Raven’s passing where little by little they began to know the predators that lived upon the Mountian before the Tribe figured out how to reinforce their cave entrance with thickets, twigs, and large beech leaves. Stargazer wind lost a life when a skulk (a group of foxes) entered their camp one night and another to a wolverine while out on a patrol saving some of his tribe-mates.
Past Stargazers
Stargazer Raven - ♀ - Died of Illness
Stargazer Wind - ♂ - 1 life to a fox, 1 life to a wolverine
Stargazer Deer - ♂ - Current Stargazer
Past Star-Seekers
Swift is the Feather upon Wind - Became Stargazer
Deer Hiding Among The Thicket - Became Stargazer
Ghost of Rain falling from Clouds - Current Star-Seeker
Stargazer Wind is formally known as Swift is the Feather upon Wind took up the position of Stargazer upon Raven’s passing he brought the tribe through the tough time after Raven’s passing where little by little they began to know the predators that lived upon the Mountian before the Tribe figured out how to reinforce their cave entrance with thickets, twigs, and large beech leaves. Stargazer wind lost a life when a skulk (a group of foxes) entered their camp one night and another to a wolverine while out on a patrol saving some of his tribe-mates.
Past Stargazers
Stargazer Raven - ♀ - Died of Illness
Stargazer Wind - ♂ - 1 life to a fox, 1 life to a wolverine
Stargazer Deer - ♂ - Current Stargazer
Past Star-Seekers
Swift is the Feather upon Wind - Became Stargazer
Deer Hiding Among The Thicket - Became Stargazer
Ghost of Rain falling from Clouds - Current Star-Seeker
