The Celestials are the name given to the deceased ancestors of the tribes. How the name came to be is uncertain, but most assume it has to do with the ethereal visions granted to certain spiritual cats. It's said the cat's ancestors help guide them even in the afterlife, always watching over and offering aide. It is the Celestials who blessed the tribes with their elemental gifts as well. When a cat passes on they are said to join the stars and become a Celestial.
They are believed to live in a place deemed the Celestial meadow. No one living is quite sure what the Celestial Meadow is entirely like. It's said the ethereal plains are always basked in the hues or sunset. From the tales that have been told about visions and spiritual audiences with Celestials, their lands are made up of fragmented pieces of memories and lands, melded together into one blissful place. Cats there never go hungry, cold or get ill. They are believed to be reverted back to their most healthies forms that one prefers.
All cats that pass on become a Celestial, but it's believed only those with good hearts are allowed in the meadow. Those with dark hearts or corrupted souls are banished to wander in a fog coated portion of the meadows, forever lost and roaming. It's said they can never leave the fog and spread their hate onto the other Celestials.
The Celestial Meadow
Little is known about the Celestial Meadows aside from those few who have visited. It is a plane for the ethereal beings known as Celestials. It's entire landscape is made up of memories from those in the living world who place their faith in the Celestials. Memories of older territories, Etheria, landmarks, and other memorable area both of past and current make up these meadows. They are joined together, though very loosely. It is difficult to traverse the Celestial Meadow for those that are not Celestials. The terrain and direction seem everchanging, because memories are not stagnant. They come and go, as does the sections of this astral plane. One who is not a Celestial and finds themselves within the meadows could emerge into a forest before mist engulfs them, and they would find themselves in a cave. It can be dangerous wandering these meadows without the guidance of an etheral being, for a cat could find themselves stranded in unknown territory.
This very reason is precisely why only certain cats are deemed entry into the Meadows, only those most trusted by the tribes: Shamans and Overseers. To avoid upsetting the balance of memories that makes up the Meadows, and prevent mortals from getting lost in the confusing layout... only these select few are granted entry. Memory fragments are a precious thing, and should not be trifled with by regular mortals. If a location is entirely forgotten by the tribes, it will cease to exist within the Celestial Meadows. If a Celestial themselves is forgotten by the living cats, they will also fade away into nothing. Without the faith of the living tribes, the Celestials will cease to exist.
Moon Tunnels A tunnel system that the cats of Etheria once used to talk to the Celestials. Very ancient and old, it seems as if not all of the tunnel system is complete as portions or missing or nonexistent. The only solid section is that of the innermost, circular chamber. It has a shallow pool of water fed by an underground stream with a rise of land in the center. There are mystical lights, glowing orbs, and a general wonder about this mysterious place. Cats are normally brought her when receiving their elemental dream.
The Great Blossom There too is a version of the Great Blossom within the Celestial Meadows. One of the more solid, focal points in the lands as it still exists and is vivid in the memories of many living cats. It is always in full bloom with shifting petals falling from the branches. It serves as the centerpiece of the Meadows, where the Celestials will gather to interact.
High Peak A decently sized flat area, raised among cliffs. Once a favorite spot among the ancient cats of the Shinku Tribe; it rested in the heart of their territory. There's a winding path leading down that is quite narrow in some areas. At a certain point, it fades into clouds as the path crumbles away.
Sleeping Tree A long, large willow tree that rests near the side of a river. It's branches hang down low and nearly touch the ground. This was once a common place to visit for the ancient Tribe of Anjuu. The bark of the tree seems to have carvings of various pictures, some more worn than others. The ground here seems to fade away into darkness if one moves too far from the tree.
Snaggle Rocks This area was once a training ground to those in the Tribe of Midori. It seems to be the most unable of the three remaining ancient tribe locations. It's a portion of land with various pebbles and boulders jutting forth. From the cracks, tall tufts of weeds and vegetation grow. It's stability varies and at times, only small sections of it remain. The Catalyst This is a large gemstone that remains at the heart of the Celestial Meadows. All who possess an element have established an invisible connection with this crystal, as it provides the power that they wield. This is where Celestials come to gain the power to bestow or revoke an element.
Aspects of the Celestials
Shrines and Offerings Each tribe has a shrine in their camp dedicated to the Celestials. These shrines are constructed by stones and other materials. There is no right or wrong way to make a shrine. There is no set standard. As long as the intention behind the shrine is true to the Celestials anything is fine. The Celestials are not picky about such things. Most of the shrines have been standing for countless cycles and seasons. They are tended to throughout the generations and seen as the heart of a tribe's camp. Even though tribes may fight it is forbidden to touch another tribe's shrine or damage it in any way. Doing so is disrespectful and viewed as an attack against the Celestials.
The shrines are used to pay respects to ancestors, the Celestials. Cats will often pray here as well and seek blessings. It's not uncommon for offerings to be left to the Celestials here, such as prey, herbs, flowers and other trinkets. A tribe's Shaman and herbalist are the main ones to tend to the shrine and keep it tidy. When needed they will come and gather the collected offerings as at times it can get cluttered.
These offerings are sent off in different ways for each of the tribes. The water elemental cats of the Tribe of Ripples will send their offerings into the river or lake. The Tribe of Breeze is a little different. They will keep their offerings and distribute them around the tribe. Prey will be buried, but things like trinkets will be used to decorate the camp and territory; often being tied in trees or used in making crafts.
Prayers and Blessings The cats of the tribes find great importance in keeping connected with their ancestors. They owe their Celestials for much and look to them for guidance. While not all cats may hold strong beliefs; the majority of them in fact do. The tribes have their elemental blessings from their ancestors. They gain wisdom in prophecies and omens through them. To the tribes the Celestials hold a great deal of importance. Aside from having them involved in many traditions, cats may also pray to them.
While only a few ranks within the tribes as said to have natural connections, anyone is capable of praying to their ancestors and hoping for their blessings. They may pray for anything; a healthy pregnancy, cure for illness, good hunting, relief from certain weather, and everything in between. It is up to the Celestials, however to decide how they will answer these prayers, however. Praying will often be done at a tribe's shrine, but can be done anywhere, It's customary to supply offerings and burn incense when praying.
The Shaman Conclave It's no secret that the tribe cats are highly spiritual. They believe in their ancestors and rely on them heavily. As such it's the job of the Shaman to keep the communication open with the Celestials. Twice a cycle, during winter and summer, the Shaman of each tribe will meet. Together they will journey to the most sacred area of the tribes, the Moon Tree. Very senior and skilled herbalists may attend, but only on the occasion they are being prepared to become the next Shaman.
Once all are ready incense will be lit outside of the cavern entrance before they all enter. From this moment on they will walk in silence, reaching the innermost cavern where the Moon Tree is. Together they will lay down near the tree, letting their muzzle or nose rest upon it's roots. Under the opening in the ceiling of the cavern they will sleep. It is during this time which they will communicate with the Celestials.
The Elemental Dream No cats are born with elemental talents. The Celestials only gift the elements once a cat is able to prove themselves ready. Only those cats within the tribes are able to be blessed. It's not restricted to tribe-born cats. Any cat within a tribe is able to earn their elements as long as the Celestials deem them ready and capable. A cat is only able to be blessed with the element that their tribe holds.
Cats are usually blessed with their element during their Ascension ceremony or not long after completing it. The Celestials bless powers during a dream that has been called an 'Elemental Dream' by the tribes. It's said to be bad fortune and disrespectful to talk about what goes on in the dream. Non tribe-born cats will experience their elemental dream at any time but those born into the tribe all usually experience the blessing during the same timeframe. Not all cats are blessed with elements, however. Some may never earn the blessing or may even decline the gift of the Celestials.
Who are the Seekers?
The Seekers were once Celestials, but have been cast from the Celestial Meadows due to their different ideals. The Celestials feared that they would abuse the Catalyst's powers in order to strip all cats of their elements, so they banished the Seekers to the Shadowlands where their power is entirely reliant on the faith of the living cats. The Seekers were originally made aware of through a bloodthirsty cult led by the very first enforcer. Though even after the cult dispersed, some cats still retained their faith in the Seekers and didn't believe their practices to be entirely wrong. After much deliberation about how the Seekers functioned, the Voidborne religion was sprung into place. Those who are oblivious towards the Voidborne and their morals, might believe that they are "evil," or "misguided." Neither of these are correct. They simply believe that the tribes should be run a certain way to prevent the uprising of law-breakers and criminals. That said, the Seekers govern their disciples under strict regulations.
A considerable difference between the Seekers and the Celestials, is that the Seekers believe in divine intervention. Whereas the Celestials believe that influencing the mortal world will reap dire consequences, and that the living should be held responsible for their own actions. The Seekers disagree with this, and believe that the best way to preserve the tribes is by regularly interacting with the living through a variety of means. For this reason, the Shadowlands in which the Seekers dwell is accessible to any cat under the Voidborne religion. The two tribes that follow this religion were directly influenced by the Seekers intervention, and are forever indebted to these otherworldly entities.
The Shadowlands
The Shadowlands is a place of dark descent, where those unfit to be Celestials go to wander. This plane was once a segment of the Celestial Meadows, but was broken off and cast to the outskirts of the void due to a clash of interests between entities. Because it is a fragment of the Celestial Meadows, it is a very brittle plane that is extremely vulnerable to certain influences. The domain seems to be tied to one cat, who is namely the warden. This cat is able to control what happens in the Shadowlands, and is always aware of what is happening within their domain. Because some terrible cats reside within the Shadowlands, it is the warden's task to keep them from escaping. However, because a warden is tied to the Shadowlands, they are not able to leave it. If a warden were to disperse from existence or leave the domain, the plane would slowly unravel until nothing remained. Not even the beings who dwell there.
Unlike the Celestial Meadows that is fueled by memories, the Shadowlands is fueled by dreams. This is precisely why cats are able to visit the Shadowlands at anytime during their sleep. Each visit strengthens the domain, keeping it afloat. The dreams of the living cats also makes up the landscape of the Shadowlands, causing certain area to be wildly confusing and too dangerous to traverse. A notable feature of the Shadowlands, is that whatever a living cat experiences there during their dreams will be carried over to the waking world. If harm was to be inflicted upon the cat, then they will awaken with that injury.
The Waking Fog A prison of sorts within the Shadowlands. In a wide ravine, a thick fog lurks below. One isn't able to peer through it's contents, but the echoes of screams from below can be heard at the top of the ravine. Terrible cats are kept here beneath the fog. Once shrouded by it, one will slowly begin to lose their memories and all sense of who they are, until they are no more than a walking husk, unable to escape their fate.
Blossom Forest The Blossom Forest makes up most of the Shadowlands, and can be dangerous to enter without the guidance of a Seeker. The forest landscape is made up of dreams, and one can easily become lost if they enter. To walk the dreams of a living cat, a Seeker will go into the forest and find their dream in order to address them there.
Meeting Grounds The centerfold of the Shadowlands, where the crimson moon shines brightest. A large rock sits in the middle, and is often where the majority of Seekers come to dwell. Oftentimes, meetings take place here.
The Void A black, bottomless pit of darkness. Across the wide expanse is the border with the Celestial Meadows, where the Shadowlands had been broken off from. Cats who are not deserving of the afterlife are cast into the void to linger there forever in darkness. Once a cat becomes lost here, there is no possible way to retrieve them.
Mooncrest Peak A jagged mountain peak that overlooks the Shadowlands, and is closest to the moon. This is where the warden slumbers, so they may watch over their domain without disturbances. Climbing to the peak is difficult, and cannot be accomplished by normal means. Only the warden has access to it.
Cavern of Time A large cavern that rests beneath the Shadowlands. One must traverse an array of tunnels to reach it, and must be guided by a Seeker if they hope to be successful. Upon reaching the cavern, a mysterious magic will coat the area. The visitor needs only to think of a specific time in history, and the cavern will change it's scenery to show them the events that transpired. The visitor can only watch the sequence of events, they cannot interact with or change it. The Shadowlands is a place of dark descent, where those unfit to be Celestials go to wander. This plane was once a segment of the Celestial Meadows, but was broken off and cast to the outskirts of the void due to a clash of interests between entities. Because it is a fragment of the Celestial Meadows, it is a very brittle plane that is extremely vulnerable to certain influences. The domain seems to be tied to one cat, who is namely the warden. This cat is able to control what happens in the Shadowlands, and is always aware of what is happening within their domain. Because some terrible cats reside within the Shadowlands, it is the warden's task to keep them from escaping. However, because a warden is tied to the Shadowlands, they are not able to leave it. If a warden were to disperse from existence or leave the domain, the plane would slowly unravel until nothing remained. Not even the beings who dwell there.
Unlike the Celestial Meadows that is fueled by memories, the Shadowlands is fueled by dreams. This is precisely why cats are able to visit the Shadowlands at anytime during their sleep. Each visit strengthens the domain, keeping it afloat. The dreams of the living cats also makes up the landscape of the Shadowlands, causing certain area to be wildly confusing and too dangerous to traverse. A notable feature of the Shadowlands, is that whatever a living cat experiences there during their dreams will be carried over to the waking world. If harm was to be inflicted upon the cat, then they will awaken with that injury.
Aspects of the Seekers
Blood Rituals Sacrificing a drop of blood is a common practice during a ritual pertaining to the Shadowlands. This method is often viewed as dark and cult-like, but is a necessary component to summon forth the Seekers. Not only is it an intimate offering to them, but it fabricates a connection between the Shadowlands and the waking world. The most prominent rituals that require a blood sacrifice is the Oath of Blood, and the Lunar Summoning. Unlike the Celestials, the Seekers are not able to glimpse upon the living world at their convenience. There is no looking glass or portal that allows them to observe the events occurring in the Land of Echoes. This is yet another limitation of the Shadowlands, alongside their lack of ability to revoke an element. They only gather knowledge of the living cats through dreams, or during moments when blood is spilled.
Now, it's quite obvious where the blood sacrifices come in. Seekers are able to manifest within the physical world as a spiritual presence, unseen but still existent. Blood provides them a fraction of bond between the Shadowlands and living world, allowing them to temporarily access it. Blood, however, isn't enough to keep their presence stable. They will eventually wink out within a couple moments. The more blood offered, the longer they may remain in the world. If a life were sacrificed, Seekers harbor the ability to possess the empty body and stay in the physical world permanently. During rituals that require a blood sacrifice, is merely so that the Seekers may witness the ceremony taking place and approve it.
Dreams of the Fallen The Shadowlands and the existence of Seekers is completely reliant on the dreams of living cats. When a cat dreams, they unknowingly awaken within the Blossom Forest that makes up most of the domain's landscape. The Blossom Forest is endless, and it's surroundings change according to the dreams a cat is having. Tales say that when a cat experiences nightmares, it is actually mischievous Seekers tormenting them in the forest. With each dream living cats experience, that dreamscape merges with the Blossom Forest and expands it.
Through dreams, is the most convenient access for the living cat to enter the Shadowlands. Any cat can find their way there, even if they are Starbound. They must only think of the dark domain before they drift off to sleep. The warden of the Shadowlands will be notified of the arrival of a newcomer, and will either greet them themselves or send other Seekers. During this time, the dreaming cat may interact with Seekers and ask for guidance. They may also interact with other dreaming cats who have also found themselves within the Shadowlands.
Cursebranding As mentioned before, the Seekers lack the ability to revoke a cat's elemental powers. To remedy this defect, there are two other options. Either they will assign the silencing ability to enforcers, or they will enact a cursebrand upon a cat. Cursebranding is very circumstantial, and is usually bestowed upon a cat during their elemental dream or trial. Cursebranding is reserved for cats who have abused their element, or have done terrible things prior to receiving their element. Sometimes, it serves as a worse alternative to simple taking away one's abilities. During the dream, the cat will not be greeted by a Seeker as they usually would. Instead, the dream will become horrid, like a nightmare as it introduces the curse that would be bestowed upon a cat. Once the cat awakens, they will find a unique mark burned into the underside of a paw. Whenever they use their elemental power, they will be afflicted with a negative effect.