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General Roles

East Waves

South Rains

West Peaks

OVERSEER

Overseers, more casually referred to as Leaders, are cats that take upon the responsibility of leading an Arrow. These cats do everything, from assigning various patrols, to dying for their cats in battle. The responsibilities of an Overseer are not taken lightly. This position is not chosen by them, but by the Celeste. To be assigned Overseer, they must venture to the Jadestone, and await the Celeste's decision - a star shooting across the sky. To ensure a strong bond between an Overseer and their respective Nock, these two cats occupy the Overseer's den together.

NOCK

Nocks, otherwise referred to as deputies, second-in-commands, or shadows, are cats who are appointed by their Overseers to take on a deputy like role. They aid their Overseer in decisions, take over tasks that their Overseer passes onto them, and takes care of the Arrow where the Overseer might not. While being a Nock is comparable to being the Overseer, their control does not span as far, nor does the position guarantee leadership after the Overseer dies or retires. They must be accepted by the stars in the sky.

NURSE

Nurses, otherwise known as doctors or sawbones, are cats who specialize in medicine and heal the cats of their Arrows. They are responsible for gathering herbs and using them on cats, for receiving and perceiving omens and signs sent by the Celeste, and assisting their Overseers and Nocks in making decisions. Their connection to the Celeste is strengthened, as every halfmoon they visit the Jadestone to meet with other Nurses, and speak with the dead.

conciliator

Conciliators, otherwise known as mediators, are cats specifically promoted to create peace between Arrows. These cats are commonly not of Arrow-descent to ensure there is no pre-existing biases towards their respective homes. Conciliators ensure that fights and disagreements can be solved through communication instead of fighting, and solve problems both between Arrows, and within them.

Tonguekeeper

Also known as Fire Tenders, this role is undertaken by cats who dedicate their entire lives to tending the Serpent's Tongue; fire. Chosen carefully by their Overseers and Celestial Leaders for the job, they forfeit the rest of their waking days to collecting fire from the North, and bringing it back to their Arrows. These cats must retain a strong self of strength and identity, as the Serpent's Tongue is seen as a very dangerous force that could reawaken the Serpent if tampered with incorrectly. Some cats shun such selfish decisions, while others think the dedication to the Celeste and the world is admirable.

Archer

Archer is the main role a cat can graduate into after training for six moons. These cats take care of the Arrow by hunting, patrolling the territory, marking the borders, fighting battles, and otherwise assisting around the camp. They can be recruited to go foraging for herbs, to aid cats on journeys when they need protection, or with something as simple as helping elder cats clean their bedding. These cats also carry the responsibility of training Tyros.

TYRO

Tyros, often referred to as little paws, or Greenies (negatively), are cats training to graduate to another rank. Tyros can be assigned to Archers, Nurses, Conciliators, or any other role that requires extensive training. Tyros are unable to train as Tonguekeepers until they've graduated as Archers, however. These cats spend moon six through twelve training under their Archer mentors, and undergo a series of final tests near the end of their training. If they fail these tests, they must continue as a Tyro until they're capable of graduating.

GUARDIANS & KITS

Guardians are a set group of Archers who dedicate their time to taking care of, raising, and watching over the young of the Arrow. Any cat under the age of six moons is called a kit, and these kits must stay within the nursery under the watchful eyes of their Guardians. These Guardians may or may not be parents to the kits they watch, as blood relation never matters much and hardly ever impacts the amount of care Guardians put towards them. Pregnant Archers temporarily often become Guardians until their kits become Tyros, and then they return to their usual duties, but some cats stay permanent Guardians.

FISHERMAN | ARCHER SUB-RANK

All Archers have base knowledge of how to catch fish, but expertly trained Senior Archers can become full-blown Fishermen. Archers who dedicate all of their time to perfecting the art of catching fish and other edible sea-life. These Archers go through specific training to learn how to swim underwater, catch things underwater, and explore the ocean in a way other Archers may never try in their life. They run the risk of being attacked by other sea-life because of this, but learn how to fight with them, as well. They also learn the best methods of cracking open crabs, urchins, coconuts, and other dense foodstuffs.

SEARCHER | ARCHER SUB-RANK

These Senior Archers are very closely taught the art of navigating the rocky, slick outcrop on the border of the Cardinal, and learn the ability of braving the wild waves of the great sea. Many Searchers lose their lives to their jobs, but dedicate anyway. It's viewed as a very noble and brave job to take, and only the best Archers are chosen to be trained for this. Searchers will locate lost cats that have strayed too far away from camp, or have been swept out into the water, or otherwise. They get to collect Twoleg objects and keep them as rewards, and may often find boats to hop up on as they pass by.

UNDERTAKER | ARCHER SUB-RANK

Undertakers are Archers who decide to dedicate their lives for preparing for the end of others. Commonly, there will only be one Undertaker at a time, or two Undertakers - one of which is their Tyro, or graduated Tyro. Undertakers arrange death vigils for cats, adorn their bodies in flowers, and carry the body from place to place. After this, they cremate the cats bodies and bring their ashes out along the edge of the crater to spread these ashes in the Ashwind Place. As a result, Undertakers are usually Searchers prior.

ARCHITECT | ARCHER SUB-RANK

These Senior Archers dedicate their lives to building the Tree that the South Rains lives inside. Instead of battling, hunting, or focusing on kitting, these architects are well versed in weaving and building. They create the bridges, the floor of the canopy, the decorations, everything inside of the camp. It's no easy task, and they spend 12 moons teaching their Tyros how to do this as opposed to 6.

ORCHARDIST | ARCHER SUB-RANK

These Archers, as opposed to hunting, take care of the orchards in the South Rains. Along with their Archer duties, they pick ripe fruit and return it to the camp. They also plant seeds, water these plants, use honey to trap invasive insects or birds, and trim rotting plants and fruit. This ensures a secondary source of food for the Rains, since the forest floor can be unpredictable and dangerous.

RAPTOR GUARDS | ARCHER SUB-RANK

While all Archers of the West Peaks must be prepared to weather the hostile environment of the mountains, there are some that have been selected to specifically guard the territory, the camp, and patrols. These Archers are large, broad-shouldered and battle scarred. They sit guard outside of the camp at night, and are the first to catch wind of any danger. They're capable of bringing down Harpy Eagles, and fight off anything bigger than the cats of the West Peaks, ready to give their lives to defend their Arrowmates. These cats often retire early as a result of their injuries.

SPRAWLERS | ARCHER SUB-RANK

These small, clever, level-headed cats are tasked with one of the most dangerous roles of all - map out the Serpent's Belly, explore, search. They are the only Archers allowed to go in the caverns beneath the mountains, knowing their way around and searching for any lost Tyro or Kit who may have went in an attempt to explore or seem cool. These cats don't often go, but can also be sent on explorations to find precious stones, herbs, and other resources, as well as use the tunnels as a way to get around swiftly to deliver messages.

EAST WAVES

Sheltered by the tail-ends of the mountains surrounding the Cardinal, the East Waves have created their camp on the coast of the miniature gulf. Closer to the centre of the gulf, inwards on the coast, the Arrow has created a camp within the tree line.The camp is a large, open clearing, lined by tall palm trees and large seagrape trees, and covered in lush grass. The entire camp is also lined by a hundred conch shells to avoid high tide destroying the land. The dens, created by weaving palm leaves, sea grass, and other plants together, are built on top of bent over seagrape trees. This way, if the tide crawls too high up and into the camp, their dens will not be lost to sea. These dens are designed to be light, and will float on top of water. Shells, woven nests, and other decorations hang from the branches of the trees around them.In the back of the clearing, the Overseer's den is the only den on the ground, where the Overseer and Nock sleep together. It is the most vulnerable place within the camp. It's at the base of a short palm tree, using the toppled palms as walls and a roof. Next to it, there's a large palm tree that is used as the Palm Throne. The Overseers give announcements on top of this trunk to their Arrow.

Along the shore, there's various landmarks in the sand. Further down the beach, volcanic stones called the Solstones are a perfect sunning area for older cats. Small lizards, bugs and crabs often hide in these holes and crevices, and can be chased out for a snack.Further into the treeline on the shore, there's a dipped clearing that is full of soft grass and sand where Tyros are usually taken to train off the sand due to its prime location and soft ground. This area is called the Conch Cove. It's surrounded by conch shells to ensure the clearing remains the same shape.Closer to the edge of the territory, there's a location called the Rainvein. This is a large area of mangroves that border the territory between the Waves and the Rains. They fight over this territory constantly, as it's a prime location to hide in during tropical storms. Currently, it belongs to the East Waves cats.At the edge of the Rainvein, a large swampy area called the Thousandtooth Roots. Mangroves thin out, and leave a large marshy area where crocodiles live in by the dozen. Under no circumstances should any cats attempt to enter this area.Along the edge of the east-most side of the shore, near the rocky walls of the mountains, there is a cavern and tunnel system that supposedly leads to the land on the other side of the crater. This is referred to as the Traveller's Passage, where domesticated cats can enter. This is how two species of Felis Catus exist within the crater.

As the mountains grow shorter, they expand into the water, and create a stone barrier, tapering off deeper into the water. This gulf is a safe haven for various fauna and flora. There's an over abundance of coral, anemone, various tropical fish, and little to no waves due to the reef and the mountains. In the middlemost of the coast, it's a clean transition from sandy beach to water.On either side of the gulf, however, it begins to transition into sandy and rocky tidepools called the Clampclaw Pools. the closer you get to the mountain barriers. These tidepools provide easy catches, and important lessons for young Tyros. Full of starfish, smaller fish, crabs, and other Sealife, Tyros can easily hop about and practice their hunting skills, while also having the joy of finding shells, seaglass, and other eye-catching objects.The entire gulf is protected by a reef underwater called the Shimmer Barrier. Older Archers are capable of swimming through the reef to collect food like fish, urchins, starfish, and other underwater prey. They share this calm part of the ocean with considerably larger fish, however, such as nursing sharks, and the ever invasive lionfish. Safety can be found upon jutting stones and coral that stick out the surface of the water.

Much further out, there's a narrow entrance between the gulf, and the yawning sea, where the mountains taper off. Venturing out so far is only done by senior Archers who have learned the terrain and understand the danger of the open ocean. Out here, if you get swept away by the waves, there will be no attempt to save you ... usually. Senior Archers can hike across the stony, slippery terrain that is the outer stone barrier, to reach the open sea past it. Usually, they try to avoid doing this, unless they're out there to lure away danger, assess an incoming storm, or find a lost companion.There's an area at the edge of the border called the Ashwind Place. This is where Undertakers bring cremated Arrowmates to spread their ashes into the water. To the right from this area, in the deeper water, there's the Twograve where Searchers are trained.Out here is where Arrow members commonly find Twoleg objects caught in the rocks, such as fishing nets, stray fabric, fish hooks and lures, and other forgotten human objects. These can be used by the cats to their advantage. They have learned how to use fishing nets to gather large amount of fish, and crab traps to capture their own crab and any other poor thing that may wander into it looking for food.Often, Twolegs boats pass by the narrow entrance to the Cardinal, but never enter it out of respect of the area. In the human world, it is a protected, inaccessible national park.

SOUTH RAINS

The South Rains camp is lovingly called the Tree of the Heavens by all who call it home, and even other cats from differing Arrows. It is an overgrown, ancient 60 foot tall Banyan tree that has grown with and around a Guanacaste tree. This means that their entire camp is on the top layer of the canopy, woven with vines, roots, leaves, and other natural materials to create an entirely flat pseudo-treehouse of a camp. This camp is 3 levels tall.In the middlemost canopy is where the main camp sits. Vines and planks of thick bark have been tied together to create bridges between branches. Vines are also used to cover the open spaces between the branches that make up the walls, and the leaves above them make for an incredibly suitable roof.In the centre of it all, the hollowed out tree trunk is home to the Overseer's den, where the Nock and Overseer sleep together. This den is quite tiny compared to the other dens. The floor is covered in leaf litter and beds are made from moss and feathers.

Outside of the Tree, the forest is extremely dense and lush. It's covered entirely by countless shrubs, bushes, flowers, and other colourful plants. It's almost like it's curated, planted carefully to create a mind blowing environment - in fact, there's legend that the Gold Tiger had taken the time to painstakingly plant each plant to create a paradise of colour and life. Close to the tree, there are the Gold Orchards, where fruits are grown by Orchardists. The expanse of plantlife also means that the Rains are never short on plants and herbs needed for their camp, their infirmaries, and their dens.Towards the west, the forest gives way to an oasis called the Drownpools. These are ponds and lakes created by the waterfalls coming over the cliffs of the West Peaks, nestled beautifully in a clearing at the base of the cliff-border. There's no need to have to scent mark the border here, as the large cliff-face indicates the border itself. A river from the Drownpools called Tailend cuts through the entire South Rains territory, and dumps into the Rainvein and shoreline.Closer to the north end of the territory lies the Heart of the Cardinal. The South Rains are extremely fortunate to have this landmark. It is the large, deepened crater in the centre of the Cardinal where the comet that struck the earth rests. It's nearly impossible to get into the Heart without getting stuck forever due to the steep, rocky walls surrounding it. At the bottom of the Heart, the large comet is visible, and surrounding it are tunnels and caverns leaning in several different directions. These caverns shimmer at night when the moon's light hits them from salt deposits and crystals. The Heart itself, the comet, shines all hours of the day because of the materials its made of.

Deep in the dense rainforest, there's a downed two-leg aircraft - a large helicopter - that is tangled in the branches and canopy of the forest. It's called the Sleeping Dragonfly, and has begun to rust over the years it has been there. Vines have begun to grow from it, along with air-plants and other small plants. It's a safe-haven for dozens of small birds, and a large training centre for Tyros learning how to hunt in the trees.Along with this, there's a large section of trees that is home to a Howler Monkey Camp. Pressed flush against the south mountain line, these monkeys usually stray away from the Tree, yet will cause issues closer to the mountain border if any cats stray too close. Often, as a group, they will attempt to attack the Arrow and take over the Tree.

WEST PEAKS

Nestled comfortably in the heart of the mountains, the West Peaks camp is a large cavern. It's protected by a large blanket of roots and vines growing from the top lip of the entrance. Hidden beautifully behind large outcrops of rocks, this camp is impossible to find unless you call it home.Inside, the rocks and ground are overgrown with soft moss. The clearing is wide and open. To each sides, there are small cubbies where each den resides. Along the left side, closest to the entrance, is the Archers' den. Next to it, further down the wall is the Tyros' den.To the left, there is the Nursery, the Elders' den, and closest to the wall in the largest cubby is the Infirmary.At the centre, there's a large pool of water that connects to a stream going out towards the entrance, and a waterfall that begins at the back of the camp. At the back of the camp, there's an overlook where the waterfall begins. This is the Overseer Ledge. If you continue to follow the waterfall, you will push through a narrow tunnel and into the Overseer Den.This den is wide and open, surrounded by running water from underground systems, and has no ceiling. Instead, it's a direct window into the sky, so the Overseers can be closest to the Paradise of Lightning. The lightning dances in the sky all night, and the clouds block the clear sky. The clouds are often regarded as Celeste's mane.

The rest of the territory is thin rainforest that grows unevenly across the jagged cliffs and rocks. Most plants grow on top of each other, roots twisted around tree trunks, as opposed to attempting to survive on the forest floor. In this dense forest, closest to the border against the Rains' territory, there's a large sinkhole taken over by hundreds upon hundreds of spiders. This sinkhole is called the Arañapit, and can be deadly if fallen into.Adjacent to the camp cavern, a large river of water cuts through the territory and down two cliff faces, creating two notable waterfalls. These are called the Drownstones collectively. Down the first cliff face, the waterfall creates a lake in a clearing, before travelling down another cliff face and into Rains territory.Past the two rivers at the top of the Drownstones is Hawk's View, an overlook of the entire Cardinal on a cliff-face adjacent to the camp entrance. It's difficult to get to, but has an incredible view. Young Tyros are challenged by making the hike, which half of is up a rock wall they must scale, and are rewarded by the view of the crater.

Further north, there is a large ravine that splits the territory. Beyond this ravine, there's a large cluster of trees called the Harpytree, where several families of harpy eagles have made their home. It's extremely dangerous to go there, considering the size and threat these eagles pose. Some Tyros make a challenge out of it, to see if they can steal a feather and bring it back to prove how strong they are. Archers frown on this practice due to the severe danger of it. However, other Tyros will find the gesture endlessly impressive.Along the rocky ground where grass cannot grow, closest to the Drownstones, the endless rains have created pits of water called The Tinajas that are home to rampant clouds of insects. At the beginning of rainy season, Floodflies will rise from these pits, and wreak havoc on the Peaks. To combat this, they collect and keep lizards and geckos as pets to catch these flies. The dropped tails of geckos prove to be fun snacks for young kits trying out solid food for the very first time.

At the very edge of the territory, bordering the north, there's a fallen over tree trunk that is incredibly large, implying that there used to be a massive forest of some kind on either side of the gorge. This bridge is called Hell's Bridge, and is used by the Arrow to cross into the north, for Tonguekeepers, and for gathering purposes. This bridge is tried and tested, and has yet to fail the Arrows.Beneath the large expanse of territory of the Peaks lie the Serpent's Belly cavern system. Due to flooding and various other dangers, such as the dark, and the twisting endless tunnels, cats are forbidden from entering this cavern system. There's legends that beneath your very paws, paintings and murals depicting the beginning of the Arrows are drawn across every wall, and can only be revealed by determined Tonguekeepers with their torches.

FORGOTTEN NORTH

The Abandoned North is important to the Arrows for several reasons despite the heavy history of the location. In the centre of the territory lies what the cats call Stela. This is a large, statue-like object that is actually the four Celestial Leaders caught in a final battle, and encased in volcanic stone. The Stela is surrounded by dozens of black orchids, planted by Overseers before you to ensure peace is kept at this location, no matter the war-torn history behind it.

The Tonguekeepers job consists of travelling daily to the North. With them, they bring torches, and dip them into what are called Snakepits. These are pits of volatile lava and magma, bubbling and burning with no end in sight, encased by obsidian and volcanic stone. Tonguekeepers are well versed in the dangers of the Snakepits, and any ordinary cat could very well fall in and burn to death. It's said that if a cat falls in, the smoke from their bodies will awaken the Serpent and his hunger once more.

Along the edges of these Snakepits, leading up into the mountains, are the Obsidian Waters. These foul-stenched pits of water are constantly heated by the magma rumbling beneath the earth. While smelling severely of sulphur, these hotsprings can be used recreationally, or to boil herbs and food. Often, Nurses will travel to the North to create herbal teas, or Archers may travel with hard to open foods, such as crab and lobster. This is considered dangerous, and potentially unhealthy.

Towards the east edge of the territory is the Abandoned North. This used to be the north Arrow camp before the Serpent grew greedy, and the Arrow dispersed into the remaining groups around them. Now, the camp is a ghost town. The dens and architecture remains, covered in cobweb and infested with snakes and other reptiles. Near the camp border is the Serpent Wall, a clear stone border of where the camp begins, and where the danger starts - helpful for travelling cats.

In the uttermost north of the territory is the Jadestone. To get to this, you must crawl through a large, yawning Jaguar-like maw of a cavern entrance. The tunnel is demanding, pitch black, and takes time to crawl through. You can only use your paws and whiskers, letting the Celeste guide you until you reach the end of the tunnel, and the open-roofed cavern that houses a large, raw chunk of Jadestone, measuring about 20 feet tall.This Jadestone is where Overseers and Nocks go to to receive their lives, and be picked as Overseer. Nurses meet here to converse with the dead, and with one another. It is essentially a portal to the sky above, and the underworld below - allowing any cat who comes in contact with it to speak with the dead. This may come with a price - not every cat is permitted to interact with it as a result. While you could meet your ancestors and Celestial Leaders, you may very well get lost on the way, and end up in the Solfatara instead.This sacred location's entrance is overwhelmed by black orchids that seemingly grew themselves.