The Traditions and Rituals of the Caedis
Offerings of acceptance
A tradition that is primarily focused on Scion who wish to become Heir. It can be done in other situations, however, where one wants to prove themselves worthy of a certain rank. First a member of the Council will be alerted of the intention. A time and place will be set and those participating will gather. They'll be given a time limit and be expected to bring back an 'offering' to the tribe. This offering can be anything from a prisoner, to food or even goods.
Upon the return of the participants the tribe will gather. Their offerings will be presented first to the members of the Council and then the tribe. The offerings will be divided and used among the tribe. |
Those participating will be held to a vow of silence as the present members of the Council decide which offering was better. If no offerings are sufficient the participants will face punishment. If an offering is acceptable the winner will be allowed their new rank. This tradition can be done solo or in a group as a competition.
Shreds of Worth
There are countless reasons one would need to prove their worth in the tribe. There are also many other reasons as to how one is demoted to a grunt or prisoner. However, there is only one way to prove value of oneself and potentially be promoted from such ghastly roles; a tradition that has been around for countless generations: Shreds of Worth.
When one wishes to prove themselves they will approach the Duke and state their wish to preform the tradition. The Duke will gather the tribe and alert the Sire and/or Dame if they wish to attend the spectacle. All will gather around the individual to observe, there is no greater joy to the tribe then seeing one pass or fail this test. Once the Duke gives the signal they will be forced to tear off their own tail or rip out one of their eyes. Either will work. If they manage to accomplish the task they will be promoted up from their lowly rank. However, if the Council deems their attempt poor, they will gain nothing but a beating. |
Challenges of Blood
It is no secret that the Caedis Tribe is know for it's violence. This is most apparent in how their higher-ranks are handled. At any time anyone may issue a challenge to overthrow and claim someone else's rank. No one on the Council is free from this, aside from the Druid. To kill or challenge a Druid is seen as taboo and will bring forth bad energy for the tribe. The rank of Heir may also only be challenged for by Scions, their siblings.
After a Challenge of Blood is issues there is no backing down. The tribe will gather, acting as an audience to bear witness to the victory or failure that will come from the fight. A Challenge of Blood will continue until one participant dies or is no longer able to defend themselves.
It will be solely up to the victor to decide what happens to the one that looses. Most often or not they will be killed or demoted to the rank of prisoner or grunt. In the case of a Sire and/or Dame their offspring, both the Heir and Scion, will be killed off if under the age of two years old. If the Heir is older they may in turn fight the victor for their position and become the successor of their defeated parent(s). The Challenge of Blood for high ranks on the Council have limitations. A single character holding a high rank may only be challenged a maximum of twice in a four month period.
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The Crimson Hunt
Hunting is a large part of any groups life, but for the Caedis Tribe it signifies so much more. It is not only how they fill their bellies, but their very existence hinders on it. They hunt for both food and prisoners. Those prisoners will go on for greater purposes such as sacrificial ceremonies or manual labor. Without the hunt there would be none of these things that the tribe relies so heavily on. The Crimson Hunt is also not the same as an ordinary hunt. It is a large scale event in which the whole tribe is able to participate.
Before the hunt the Sire and/or Dame will call the tribe together. They will join around the largest, center fire in the chasm. Incense will be lit for good fortune and those participating are encouraged to adorn their selves in various paints of ash and blood. They will rally together, hyping one another up in a chorus of howls and cheering. Then there will be a beating of drums to signify the start of the Crimson Hunt. The tribe will stampede into the Plague Lands; some will stick in a large group while others will splinter off into other groups.
It is the goal of the tribe to spread out and capture as much prey as possible, whether this be for food or future prisoners. The end of the hunt will be called by a lone call from the Sire and/or Dame or Duke. It is then when the tribe will retire with their spoils and captives in tow.
Before the hunt the Sire and/or Dame will call the tribe together. They will join around the largest, center fire in the chasm. Incense will be lit for good fortune and those participating are encouraged to adorn their selves in various paints of ash and blood. They will rally together, hyping one another up in a chorus of howls and cheering. Then there will be a beating of drums to signify the start of the Crimson Hunt. The tribe will stampede into the Plague Lands; some will stick in a large group while others will splinter off into other groups.
It is the goal of the tribe to spread out and capture as much prey as possible, whether this be for food or future prisoners. The end of the hunt will be called by a lone call from the Sire and/or Dame or Duke. It is then when the tribe will retire with their spoils and captives in tow.
Deity Whisper
It wasn't until the recent generation that the tribe began picking up the traditions of their ancestors; ones that had been lost for many years due to the madness of the plague. One of these traditions is the Deity Whisper It is most often preformed by the Sire/Dame or Druid. It is not unheard for others in the tribe being able to do the ritual in very rare circumstances.
The Deity Whisper is how the tribe contacts the Celestials for guidance. Bits of bone, feathers, shells and crystal shards are normally used; often called Spirit Materials. The items must be blessed first to be of any use. To be blessed the items must sit out on an altar for sixty days. Every day someone must come out to pray and burn incense. It's said the Spirit Material soaks up the blessings and energy due to this. On the sixtieth day the Druid will drop some of their blood on the items and only then are they deemed successfully blessed. |
For the ritual the Spirit Material will be within a container of some sort. The Druid or Sire/Dame will say a prayer while gently shaking the container side to side with their paws.
"Ancestors, hear my voice. We have come to you in a time to need and seek your guidance. Show us what must be seen."
They will close their eyes and dump the Spirit Material on the ground. It will be then up to the Sire/Dame or Druid to decipher them. Only their keen eyes will be able to read into the little signs, placement of certain objects to know what wisdom the Celestials have chosen to offer.
"Ancestors, hear my voice. We have come to you in a time to need and seek your guidance. Show us what must be seen."
They will close their eyes and dump the Spirit Material on the ground. It will be then up to the Sire/Dame or Druid to decipher them. Only their keen eyes will be able to read into the little signs, placement of certain objects to know what wisdom the Celestials have chosen to offer.
Dreams of the Fallen
Dreams of the Fallen is one of the few traditions the Caedis and Fidelis share. It is speculated that somewhere back in the generations there was a time of shared ancestry. Its a ritual where the living may speak to the Celestials via a dream. It is only allowed by the Sire/Dame or Druid. Those unfit to try the ritual are said to have nightmares and hellish dreams for months to follow.
The Sire/Dame or Druid will go to the entrance of the Subterranean Inferno. There they will light incense and say a prayer. "I have come to speak to those fallen before me. I seek an audience with the Celestials, may you grant me entry." They will then enter the tunnel, taking a vow of silence until they reach their destination. Upon reaching the chamber of the Subterranean Inferno they will need to light one of the fires within. A few dried herbs will be flung into the flames before they settle down nearby to slumber. As they sleep the Celestials will speak to them in the form of a very vivid dream. In rare cases a Celestial may come to them much sooner; before sleep even fully befalls them. |
Please the Dead
The Caedis Tribe values their spiritual connection with the Celestials, especially after loosing sight of it for so many years. They uphold the tradition of providing their ancestors and fallen spirits with offerings frequently. There are a variety of ways to present offerings and blessings for the Celestials.
One of the more common means is by simply praying at an altar. In order to successfully pray to the Celestials one must bring offerings. This includes burning incense and resting various things of value near or upon the altar. Things such as food, pelts, bones, feathers or other keepsakes/goods of importance are acceptable. Offerings left at the altar will be collected as needed by the Druid who will proceed to burn them within one of the fires in the Subterranean Inferno. If one goes too long without praying or at least acknowledging the Celestials, it is said to bring bad fortune. The tribe believes the Celestials will bring bad luck to the individual and forsaken them to life of misery. |
Sacrifice of Breath
An important ritual part of Pleasing the Dead is called the Sacrifice of Breath. It is done at minimum at least once every two seasons. Normally it is done on the first days of Winter and Summer; when the moon is highest in the sky (midnight). A prisoner will be selected and taken from the dungeon where they will be kept in order by an entourage of wardens and brutes. They will be taken to the Druid who will rub them down with a variety of herbal mixtures and oils. It's customary that this mixture is made up of dried chamomile, thyme and peppermint. It'll be then they're given a dried psilocybin mushroom to eat. Afterwards they'll be led to the largest, center fire in the chasm.
On the call of the Sire/Dame the tribe will gather, where they will recite the following:
"It is with great honor we present to our Celestials this offering. May you take the breath from their lungs for your own, their blood for your thirst and flesh to fill your belly. Accept our offering and prayers, Ancestors. See to it that we will be blessed by your guidance for another cycle."
Drums will be beaten to a rhythm. Those gathered will began to chant and vocalize in harmony with the drums. All at once someone delegated to do as such will shove the sacrificial prisoner into the flames, who at this point is too drowsy to fight or will be tied up. Led by the Sire and/or Dame the tribe will rise and begin to dance around the fire as the prisoner is burnt alive. This will be followed by a celebration of dancing, drinking and general merriment until the sun begins to rise.
On the call of the Sire/Dame the tribe will gather, where they will recite the following:
"It is with great honor we present to our Celestials this offering. May you take the breath from their lungs for your own, their blood for your thirst and flesh to fill your belly. Accept our offering and prayers, Ancestors. See to it that we will be blessed by your guidance for another cycle."
Drums will be beaten to a rhythm. Those gathered will began to chant and vocalize in harmony with the drums. All at once someone delegated to do as such will shove the sacrificial prisoner into the flames, who at this point is too drowsy to fight or will be tied up. Led by the Sire and/or Dame the tribe will rise and begin to dance around the fire as the prisoner is burnt alive. This will be followed by a celebration of dancing, drinking and general merriment until the sun begins to rise.
Ascension
Another one of the few traditions the Fidelis and Caedis share in some similarities. The Ascension is something that the novices takes part it to prove that they're ready for a full rank. It can be done solo or with a group of multiple at a time. The novice(s) are led down into the Catacombs beneath the chasm. They will be blindfolded and led to a random spot inside by one who was their teacher. If multiple novice are present they will be split up. After a period they may take off their blind folds and in the darkness must find their way back out of the winding set of tunnels. Since the Catacombs are a sacred place they are sworn to a vow of silence throughout their entirety inside. Once finding their way out they will earn their full rank. Those that fail will eventually be gathered after some time and must wait another month before attempting again. It is said that any novice who, instead of finding the main exit, stumbles into the depths of the Subterranean Inferno, is destined to become a Druid.
Once the novice(s) exists a meeting will be called. The Sire/Dame will call the novice to stand in front of them and say the following words.
"You stand before the tribe as a capable part of our society, it is time for your rank. (Name), you have proven your value and worth to the Caedis. As your (Sire/Dame) I welcome you a new start within the tribe as a (rank). May your hunts be well, senses sharp and talons even sharper."
The Sire/Dame will give a nod of acknowledgement to the newly promoted member of the tribe. They will then call out with a howl, yowl, etc.. Soon after the rest of the tribe will follow suit and beginning chanting in approval.
Once the novice(s) exists a meeting will be called. The Sire/Dame will call the novice to stand in front of them and say the following words.
"You stand before the tribe as a capable part of our society, it is time for your rank. (Name), you have proven your value and worth to the Caedis. As your (Sire/Dame) I welcome you a new start within the tribe as a (rank). May your hunts be well, senses sharp and talons even sharper."
The Sire/Dame will give a nod of acknowledgement to the newly promoted member of the tribe. They will then call out with a howl, yowl, etc.. Soon after the rest of the tribe will follow suit and beginning chanting in approval.
Setting Fire to Life
The Caedis believe that burning one's body helps their spirit to travel to the Celestials quicker through the smoke. When a tribe-mate dies they will fist prepare their body, first by cleaning and then by rubbing mint over them. A precession made up of those closest to the fallen and the Druid will carry them to a special fire pit on the outskirts of the territory. Their body will be placed upon a unlit fire, usually on a bed of various herbs, flowers and other things.
After lighting some incense the Druid will say a prayer: "Ancestors, one of our comrades has fallen today. We bring them to you so you may guide them to the Celestial Meadows among the stars." Any other words may be shared about the deceased and then the fire will be lit. The rest of the tribe will attend out of respect, but will not stay long after the fire has been lit. Only the deceased family may remain or those closest to them. They will keep the fire lit throughout the night. Once the fire dies out by morning the ashes will be collected to use for ceremonial rituals and paints. They say this helps keep the departed among the tribe and their spirit alive. |
Binding of Hearts
When multiple individuals find theirself deeply in love they may wish to pledge their hearts to one another. There is a tradition for this called the 'Binding of Hearts'. It is where they will essentially come to an mutual agreement of loyalty and being faithful to one another. Binding of Hearts is seen a special union and is not restricted to monogamy or genders. The tribe believes all love is beautiful and anyone is able to enter this sacred union with whomever they so choose.
First the partners will come together in front of the Sire and/or Dame and ask for their blessing. If approved they must then seek acceptance from the Celestials as well. It's customary to bring forth an offering to the altar and offer a prayer. It is then that the Binding of Hearts Ceremony may begin. The Druid will lead the ceremony. For the ceremony incense will be burned and flowers or leaves gathered by the tribe. The rest of the tribe will line on either side of the partners to watch the ceremony. The mates wishing to enter a union will stand in front of the shrine facing one another. A mender or the Druid will offer paints. Each partner will dip a paw into the paint and place their pawprint over their partner's chest. It is then the Druid will say a prayer. |
"Celestials of the moon may you bless these lovers with peace. Celestials of the sun, watch over and ensure their hearts are filled with warmth. Celestials of the stars see to that their bond is strong and loyal. May the ancestors smile down upon your union."
Once finished the gathered tribe-members will cheer and chant, throwing flowers or leaves into the air to rain down upon the new bonded mates. Afterwards there is a celebration with stories, drinks, food and dancing.
At any time the binding union may be broken if agreed upon. They will approach the Druid together and request their bond to be broken. The Druid will guide them to the tribe's shrine. They will be alone aside from those involved. Members of the tribe are not invited to join in. Incense are burned to appease the Celestials and they will dip their paws into paint once more. Instead this time when placing it on the other's chest they will smear it in a vertical, jagged line. The former partners will depart separately and must stay separated from one another for the duration of three days.
Once finished the gathered tribe-members will cheer and chant, throwing flowers or leaves into the air to rain down upon the new bonded mates. Afterwards there is a celebration with stories, drinks, food and dancing.
At any time the binding union may be broken if agreed upon. They will approach the Druid together and request their bond to be broken. The Druid will guide them to the tribe's shrine. They will be alone aside from those involved. Members of the tribe are not invited to join in. Incense are burned to appease the Celestials and they will dip their paws into paint once more. Instead this time when placing it on the other's chest they will smear it in a vertical, jagged line. The former partners will depart separately and must stay separated from one another for the duration of three days.
Slumber of the Fallen
The Catacombs are a set of tunnels that lie deep beneath the Chasm. It's here where the tribe pays tribute to those that have fallen that are proven significant worth to the Caedis. It's usually Sires and/or Dames laid to rest here, Heirs or Scions. It's not unheard of for others to be granted the honor of finding their final resting place here, however. The Catacombs are a sacred area and only those with certain clearance are allowed to enter.
There is a process that the tribe takes to burying their beloved leaders or others deemed worthy. Unlike with regular ranks, a vigil is not held through the night nor are they burned. Instead, the bodies of deceased must be prepared, so they may travel to join the Celestials with their eminence intact. The Druid alone will tend to the body, rubbing sweet-smelling herbs along their body to mask the scent of decay. Then, they will don the individual with paints and decor. These accessories are the same ones that the individual had worn previously in life. Sometimes, more or less decorations will be added depending on how beloved the member had come to be within the tribe. More decorations has come to be seen as honorable. Once the preparations have been finished, a group will then gently carry them. Usually, this group will be of seniority or experienced members to show respect. It is a great honor to be chosen for this task. They, along with members of the tribe, will set off for the Catacombs. Note: Usually the attendees will consists of the Druid, the seniority group, the tribe's council, and family members of the deceased. All other tribe-mates will pay homage before the group departs for the catacombs. |
Upon arriving at the Catacombs, the Druid will push forward to stand closest to the entrance. From this time forward, all attendees must fall under a vow of silence and bow their heads in respect. The Druid will then begin to lead a prayer in order to send the deceased on their way to the Celestials.
"Celestials, we ask of you to guide the fallen to the distant shore. See them safely to where they will never tire, and will never starve. Allow them to join you among the stars, so that they may continue to watch over the living. Until the day we are fated to meet again."
Once the prayer has been concluded, those carrying the deceased as well as loved ones will come forward towards the Druid. They will bless them with a mark that grants them access into the catacombs. This mark is on their forehead, a single dot made from the deceased's blood that was gathered beforehand. The group will travel down into the cavern where they will find a small, indent within the wall already dug out for them prior. They will lay the deceased into an empty tomb. Then, loved ones will bring forth items of tribute to place inside.
Note: These items may consist of (pelts, flowers, food, toys from their youth, slabs of hardened clay with paw prints either from the deceased or family, etc.)
Afterwards, a stone will be pushed over the tomb to seal it completely as the ceremony comes to a close. The stone on the outside will often be decorated with drawings depicting the fallen's accomplishments in life.
"Celestials, we ask of you to guide the fallen to the distant shore. See them safely to where they will never tire, and will never starve. Allow them to join you among the stars, so that they may continue to watch over the living. Until the day we are fated to meet again."
Once the prayer has been concluded, those carrying the deceased as well as loved ones will come forward towards the Druid. They will bless them with a mark that grants them access into the catacombs. This mark is on their forehead, a single dot made from the deceased's blood that was gathered beforehand. The group will travel down into the cavern where they will find a small, indent within the wall already dug out for them prior. They will lay the deceased into an empty tomb. Then, loved ones will bring forth items of tribute to place inside.
Note: These items may consist of (pelts, flowers, food, toys from their youth, slabs of hardened clay with paw prints either from the deceased or family, etc.)
Afterwards, a stone will be pushed over the tomb to seal it completely as the ceremony comes to a close. The stone on the outside will often be decorated with drawings depicting the fallen's accomplishments in life.
Pit Fighting
Pit Fighting takes place in a designated spot in the center of the Chasm: It's a shallow pit, surrounded by a border or boulders and jagged rock formations. This tradition is one that was created within the more recent generations. Pit Fighting is solely for the tribe's enjoyment and most find it entertaining to watch as a spectacle. Unlike spars or challenges among normal ranks in the tribe, Pit Fighting is only done by prisoners. The prisoners are often shoved into the pit and forced to fight until collapse or even death. Members of the tribe will sometimes make bids or wagers against the combatants.
Though most prisoners dislike the pit fights, some need them to save their lives. Those who are skilled in pit fights might end up being favored by those on the Council, which in turn may lead to a much safer life of being a personal servant or potentially one day earning their freedom through worth alone. Individuals who often loose, and somehow don't die during fights are seen as worthless; normally fated for consumption or sacrificial rituals.
Though most prisoners dislike the pit fights, some need them to save their lives. Those who are skilled in pit fights might end up being favored by those on the Council, which in turn may lead to a much safer life of being a personal servant or potentially one day earning their freedom through worth alone. Individuals who often loose, and somehow don't die during fights are seen as worthless; normally fated for consumption or sacrificial rituals.