Pertaining to their element, it is custom to burn a deceased tribe member in fire. It is said that the smoke assists in carrying the soul swiftly to the meadows of the Celestials. This is one of the main events that the large bonfire in the center of Cinder Tribe's encampment is used for. The flames are smothered for a couple moments while the body is laid gently on top. As the scent of burning flesh has a tendency to make cats feel ill, the clans will leave sweet-smelling herbs, mint, and flowers over the corpse of the deceased. Incenses can also be placed around the bonfire to mask the scent.
Once nightfall comes around, the fire will be lit. Tribe-mates will bid their farewells while loved ones and those closest to the deceased will remain by the fire. During this time, words of appreciation and stories of the deceased's life will be exchanged between the loved ones. Once dawn arrives, the fire will be put out once more so the ashes may be collected. The cats of the tribe will venture out to the outer edges of Jagged Isle to scatter the ashes along the coast-line. The belief behind this is that those who have departed may walk the island in spirit, guarding their former tribe-mates and warding away any dangers that threaten them.
Scarification
As a display of status or achievement, Cinder Tribe cats resort to gruesome methods of their artistic ability. Many may flinch at the thought of this practice, but the fire-elementals wear their marks proudly. The scarification union will initially be bestowed on a newly made guardian, artisan or herbalist. As the process may be dangerous to weaker cats, trainees and younger may not receive their scars until they successful complete their training. The event is a right of passage, welcoming a cat as a full member of the Tribe of Cinders.
To do this, the area where the mark will be planted must be shaved clean. Regular ranks have the choice of where to receive their first mark, and may personalize it at they place- this includes location and pattern type. Shaving the fur is essential to this process, to keep the cats from being set ablaze. To rid of the fur in the desired area, the cats will lightly singe the fur. One must be careful to not burn the recipient of this tradition.
Furthermore, those of high ranks will receive a specific type of scarring on their face. This pattern must be located beneath the eye(s) of the cat, and will be displayed to look as though they had been struck by a claw. One tick mark is for medicine cats, two for deputies, and three for leaders.
Older, more experienced cats will perform the scarification process under the surveillance of a nearby herbalist cat. This is so that all parties may be prepared for possible accidents, and that aid can be applied quickly. Often times, a stick will be issued between the jaws of the cat so they made clench their teeth down on it to distract from the pain. The etcher will begin drawing the point of their claws into the flesh of the benefactor, focusing the heat of their element into it. Using their element combined with their claws will ensure that the scar will remain intact. They will slowly begin impressing the pattern until finished. Afterwards, the herbalist will cover the scar with a poultice of marigold and comfrey root to heal the burns and prevent infection.
It is common for cats to faint during scarification. If this happens, the process will continue even in their unconscious state. Pausing in the middle of the process is a breaking tradition, and bodes bad luck for the warrior.
Furthermore, one must be careful to not accidentally mess up their mark. If they are wounded in a way that their mark is interfered with, they will be looked down upon as a disgrace to the tribe. Alternatively, if a cat is sent into exile- the current Overseer will burn the outsider's mark off before they are chased off the territory.
Tribal Crafts
Dried & Cooked Food
Contrary to popular reference among the wildcats, Cinder Tribe finds raw meat to be revolting and unsanitary. Once a hunting patrol returns with their haul, the prey will be set aside for others to tend to. Although utilizing the bonfire at the center of camp might be any stranger's first choice in cooking the food, that would prove to be a grave mistake. Because of the size and high temperature of the bonfire, it would be more likely to incinerate anything that came into contact with it. That, and the fact that it is a sacred monument where burial practices are held. To cook food with it would be a severe offense to the Celestials.
As an alternative method, the smaller campfires that line the ridges which overlook the encampment are used. Whichever cats are responsible for cooking will wash the prey thoroughly before carrying it to a nearby fire. Usually this calls for the attention of 2-3 cats in order to maintain temperature and complete the task at a quicker rate. With their claws, they will begin skinning the prey before cutting it into strips. This is so ensure that everything is cooked all the way through. The meat will then be skewered on a stick that is then set above the flames. Once it has been evenly roasted to an edible temperament, it will be taken from the fire and set aside. Before the beginning of winter, the cooked meat will be left out in the sun so that it may be dried and dehydrated. This is a precaution in the event that the cats run out of food during the harsh season of winter.
Storing Animal Fat
Cinder Tribe cats hunt larger animals (such as raccoons, possums, wolverines, etc.) for their fat stores. Because these types of prey are aggressive, a group is required to take one down. It is recommended that only experienced guardians go toe-to-toe with these animals, as trainees could be severely wounded. These woodland creatures tend to be bigger than the size of an average cat, and sometimes with the temperament of predator. That said, the methods used to dispatch these animals are similar to battle tactics used against badgers. Cinder Tribe cats will often launch themselves on the backs of these animals and deliver a killing blow to its neck. It is an invigorating hunting expedition that these cats look forward to, and reap rich rewards. Mentors must train their trainees in these tactics, and take them on one of these patrols towards the end of their time as a trainee as an assessment of their abilities.
Once the patrol returns from the hunt, carrying the large prey- it will be given to those responsible for cooking during that time. As usual when cooking meat, it will be skewered and roasted above a campfire. The relationship between Ripple Tribe and Cinder Tribe is crucial for this trade, as the water-cats provide clay bowls made by their ceramists. The clay bowl is used to contain the fat storage and is placed close to the campfire at the end of the skewer where grease drips down. It will collect in the bowl until the meat is finished cooking. It will then be left outside so that it may cool down and solidify into solid fat.
Fats and grease are critical for certain professions. One of the most important is medicinal purposes. Herbalists will use the fat stores as balms to heal and soothe small cuts and scrapes. Rubbing cooked grease on small cuts provide relief from swelling and redness. It can also be used to remove splinters. The affected area must be cleaned well before the balm is applied and dressed in herbs. After remaining overnight, the grease softens the skin and loosens the splinter.
Grease can also be used for food flavoring, as well as making paints.
Tales of Smoke and Fire
The gray-furs of the Tribe of Cinders don't use mere words and imagination when entertaining the young with stories of their ancestors. They take it a step further- with their element. Occasionally during special evenings, the tribe will come together around the bonfire at the center of their camp. The younger cats will get the best seats at the front of the crowd, closest to the flames. Then, the gray-furs will take up their positions on either side of the bonfire and begin bending the flames to their will. They will begin telling a story from the past, all while re-enacting it with their element. This tradition has been carried on for many generations.
They will create a spectacle in the sky with the forms of their ancestors and dialogue, often surrounding the crowd with smoke to make the scene more entrancing and mystifying. During the demonstration, prey will be shared among the watching cats as they enjoy dinner and a show! Since gray-furs are more adept in their element, they are trusted to have more control over the flames during this performance. They receive the privilege of educating the younger cats and showing off the grandeur of their abilities.
Brewing Teas
Another use of Ripple Tribe's pottery is being able to brew tea in clay bowls and small cups. Cinder Tribe cats enjoy the different flavors that teas have to offer and it's health benefits. Often times during events and sharing stories, the cats will lounge around camp drinking teas with their meals to settle down for the day. Usually those responsible for cooking as well as herbalists will work with this process.
Because the encampment is closed to a body of water, it makes it easier to transport liquid back and forth. Oftentimes to make it easier, they will build smaller fires on the shoreline near the water. They will fill each bowl up individually before setting it above the campfire on a bed of gravel. Using their element, the Cinder Tribe cats will then start the fire on a low simmer. It will take a couple minutes to bring the water to a boil. Although they could easily add strength into the flames to boil the water quicker, they risk the fire getting out of control over over-boiling the water and contracting toxins. Once it's ready, different types of herbs still be steeped into the water to draw out the flavor and medicinal effects.
Chamomile tea: Known for it's calming effects and is used as a sleeping aid. Chamomile and poppy seeds are steeped to make this tea, honey can be drizzled into the pot to sweeten it.
Peppermint tea: Known for it's beneficial effects on the digestion tract. It can help relieve indigestion, nausea, and stomach pains. Also helps with fevers. Peppermint and juniper berries is steeped to make this tea.
Dandelion tea: Known to improve overall health, digestion, and strengthen bones. Often drank to help mend fractured or broken bones. Boiling the flower petals from the yellow dandelion flower extracts the oils to make this tea. The stem can also be chewed.
Fennel tea: Known to help reduce the effects of food poisoning, dieting agent, and helps nursing mothers increase their milk supply. Fennel and borage are often boiled together to make this tea.
Thyme tea: Known as a powerful antioxidant for the body. It is often used as treatment for common whitecough or worse. It is a remedy for sore throats, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Thyme and feverfew can be brewed together to make this tea.
Catmint tea: Known for helping induce a relaxed mind. It can also be used to treat whitecough because it increased perspiration while keeping the body temperature stable. Catnip found in gardens is used to make this tea.
Paint Symbols
The tribes of the Land of Echoes have used paints to mark their fur for many generations. Each tribe has their own colors and symbols that represent certain virtues and ranks. It's said to be good fortune to be painted with symbols before battles or summonings and each symbol will bring the cat it's intended virtue. The paints are made from various things on the clan's territories and over time has changed over the years. During battles cats are decorated with many symbols, but at summonings the paints are less detailed aside from those of higher ranking.
The Tribe of Cinders primarily uses charcoal and ash pastes for their paints. They are one of the only clans who don't need to rely on Heather Tribe solely.