ASSEMBLY OF THE LOST;; INFO

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History.

Long, long ago, before the birth of even the oldest elder, there lived a certain Riverclan apprentice. This cat went by the name of Pikepaw, and was about 18 moons old--only a couple moons away from becoming a warrior.The thing was, that he didn't want to become a warrior. You see, pikepaw didn't like the clan life: the fighting, lack of unity, neverending struggle to be the best. It all confused, and irritated him. So he left.
Pikepaw ran away in the night, leaving behind the only life he'd ever known, family, and friends. But the young cat was not alone for long. Soon after departing, he came across about two other loners, who had all felt the sting of not fitting in. From that, the Assembly of the Lost was born; and the team of cats settled in an abandoned twoleg nest two days west of the four Clans. From that day forth,they vowed to take in any cat in need of a new home--clan or otherwise.

Territory.

The Assembly dwells in Darthwaite Manor, an abandoned estate once owned by a wealthy twoleg. The house is rather large, containing two stories, plus an attic, and a small cellar. It's structure is secure, having been built when things were meant to last, and is in no danger of being destroyed. This is because it is currently owned by someone who keeps it merely to have, and has almost forgotten about owning it; not to mention the fact that it's located down a secluded gravel path, and is properly shaded by a copse of trees that hide it from view of the thunderpath. Don't let the image fool you! It's lawn is grown up with thick weeds and bushes and vines, and in the backyard rests a garden teeming with useful herbs, as well as ugly weeds. Their water source can be found in a shallow creek in the backyard, and the rainwater that collects in the gutters and broken flowerpots.


Religion.

When Pikepaw fled the clans, he took with him some of the old clan ways; one of which was his belief in Starclan. But somewhere down the line, the old ways became a bit muddled; their morals slanted. Ceremonies, code, and even Starclan's name was changed to conform with this new clan. This is because most of Pikepaw's ancestors broke off from Starclan to follow him into the new territory. The place where good cats go when they die is called "The Place of Pureness." As for the bad cats, they go to "The Place of Tainted Souls."

Ceremonies.

Ceremony of New Life.

When a litter is born, the Council Luminaries take the kits to the stream and preform a very special ceremony. They should be no more/no less than three days old when this takes place. First, the Luminary takes berries from the river, and uses it to make a series of patterns on the pelt of each kit. White and great kits are more respected amongst the tribe, so sometimes the council will make the patterns more showy. Once this is done, the kits are named publicly by the Council luminaries. The kit's mother will use this as a guideline to renew the berry markings until the kit is eight moons old.

Task of Self-Worth.

This is how a kit, or a new member proves him/herself to the Assembly of the Lost. The litter is basically set out alone for five sunrises, and expected to survive by themselves. Not all kits make it; the weak are weened out. Sometimes foxes and badgers pick them off one by one. That is, unless they can fight. Mothers are not allowed to train their kits for this, but it is not uncommon for those loving mothers to train them under-the-table. Those who survive are celebrated immensely, and respected by all.

Ceremony of Recieving.

At eight moons old, after a kit has completed the Task of Self-Worth, they recieve their Indicia, and are welcomed as a Novice of the Assembly. This means that they are washed free of their Kitten Markings, and have a special little accessory made for them by the Givers. This accessory can range from the shriveled claw of a raven, dangling from a loop of vine, to a band made of dried grasses that wraps around their leg. Novices are allowed to train, hunt, and fight. They also recieve an Instructor, whom teaches novices in a group setting.

Ceremony of Naturalization.

When a Novice has completed his/her training, they become Naturalized. This usually occurs at 25 moons. Once again, the Council Luminaries are called upon to bestow markings on a young cat. However, this mark is less detailed. Maple sap is collected from the nearby trees, and placed in a dot on the center of the cat's head. When the sap becomes less, or falls off, it should be replaced aSAP. Get it? A-Sap? Bad pun...ok. After this is done, the Council Luminary will speak prosperity over the cat, and welcome them as a new, official Citizen of the Assembly, and complement them on finally finding themselves.

Ceremony of Bondage.

In the clans, when two cats fall in love, they become mates; but in the Assembly of the Lost, they become what is known as bonded. It's the same thing, basically, except for the fact that they hold a ceremony. The two cats to be bonded go in front of the clan, exchange promises, and have the pads of their feet cut and pressed together. The Promise a cat speaks is this: "I promise to be faithful, and to honor you, and we are to be united until Death; After which, another Bond I will not make, or I'll be dead aswell." As it states, when a cat is widowed, they are not to take another Bond, lest they be killed by the Healers.

Ceremony of Promotion.

Some cats do not stay Citizens forever. They might join the Council, or become a Healer, or a Raider, etc. When this happens, they are introduced as their new rank by the Luminaries, and have prosperity spoken over them.

Ceremony of the Fallen.

When a cat dies in the Assembly, they are usually greatly honored--unless, of course, they died during their Task of Self-Worth, in which case the clan goes on with their life while the mother grieves. The dead cat is set in front of the clan, and the Luminaries allow cats to speak over their fallen bodies. No cat is to pronounce them dead until their Indicia is removed and given to their families, and they are buried by the Council Luminaries. The Bond of the cat that dies--if they had one--is to smear clay from the creekbed over the whole of their pelt for the rest of their days, to show their grief. They, according to The Assembly of the Lost, are never to be content again.

Ranks.

Council Luminary. A close-knit group of no more than three cats, whom direct the daily life of the Assembly. They are in charge of various ceremonies, and act as ambassadors towards other groups.

Surrogate. These cats are selected carefully; for they take the place of the Luminaries when they die. They are also put in charge of certain things when the Luminaries are busy.

Healer. These cats have a special bond with the Place of Pureness. They also have exclusive knowledge of herbs and healing manuevers. Healers are in charge of 'dealing with' the cats who break serious rule. This may, or may not include poisioning them with Deadly Nightshade, which grows abundantly in the little grove next to Darthwaite Manor.

Raider. This is the Elite Team of Citizens who specialize in getting in and out of places swifly and easily, and can carry their share of goods. Raiders do everything from strip dumpsters of their blankets, to taking hostages from other clans.

Citizen. Citizens are normal cats. They hunt, fight, and help clean the camp and nests. They can range from highly respected, to hardly noticed.

Mothers. These are she-cats with kits. They are excluded from duties such as fighting, hunting, and cleaning.

Novices. These are young cats ranging from eight to twenty-five moons old. They are trained in small groups to hunt, fight, clean, and, if they choose to prolong their training to become a higher rank, such as Raider or Healer, other useful things.

Kits. Cats under eight moons old. Their job is to eat and sleep and wait for their Task of Self-Worth.

Guidelines for Living.

✖ Luminaries are to guide the Assembly, not own it.

✖ One is not to deny anycat a place to stay, no matter what the circumstances--if they are in need.

✖ Member Loyalty is not an option. You are to serve the Assembly with your life, or you are of no use.

✖ Threats are to be dealt with swiftly, and not dwelt upon--whatever the solution may be.

✖ For as long as they live, a cat is to only take on one mate.

✖ Respect your prey, as well as other cats, to a dignified extent.

Darthwaite Manor

Downstairs.

Downstairs is the hub of the Assembly. They gather in the den, which is located towards the front of the house; this room is speckled with smallish windows and the like. Starting back at the center of the room starts a long hallway that stretches into the Kitchen and dining area, where the Healing place is located. Various cabinets act as not only suitable sleeping places for the healers, but an excellent place to store herbs. The dining area contains a large mahogany table, which has been there longer than the Assembly.

To be continued...
**This clan uses Loner type names.