[justify]The Empire of Elsweyr![/justify]
Overview of the Eygptain Mau
Egyptain Mau
All cats in the Empire are Egyptain Mau's or at least 50% Mau. But those who are half breeds are considers outsiders.
Egyptian Maus are a small-medium sized short-haired cat breed. Along with the Bahraini Dilmun Cat, they are one of the few naturally spotted breeds of domesticated cat. The spots of the Mau occur only on the coat. There are no spots on the actual skin. The spotted Mau is an ancient breed from natural stock; its look has not changed significantly as is evidenced by artwork over 3000 years old. Unlike other spotted cats such as the Ocicat or Bengal cat, the Egyptian Mau is a natural breed.[citation needed] Other breeds are created from domestic breed outcross or, in the case of the Bengal cat, domestic outcrosses with wildcats. The Mau is significantly smaller than these other breeds.
The Egyptian Mau is the fastest of the domestic cats, with its longer hind legs, and unique flap of skin extending from the flank to the back knee, providing for greater agility and length of stride. Maus have been clocked running over 36 mph (58 km/h).
Maus often possess very musical voices. They are known to chirp, chortle and emit other distinctly unusual vocalizations when stimulated.
Another behavior, quite common in happy Maus, has been described as "wiggle-tail." The cat, male or female, wiggles and twitches its tail, and appears to be marking territory, also known as spraying, but it is not actually releasing urine. Even veteran Mau owners are known to check after a joyous Mau does this little dance.[4]
Overview of the Empire of Elsweyr
For hundreds of years, the Empire of Elsweyr have thrived in their desert/jungle homeland. They still practice rituals and other rites that come from the founders of the Empire. They believe in many different gods, most god are good although there are some evil gods as well. Many cats who worship these gods come together and form a cult, these cults preform rituals, rites, holy acts, and other things.
But a cult isn't allowed unless the Pharaoh allowes it. Those who form cults and do not notify the higher rankings of the Empire are condisered evil no matter what god they worship and are exiled or killed. This is due to an old myth called. " Night of the Dead"
There are four main cults within the Empire. The Cult of the Sun God. The Cult of Underworld. The Cult of the Night Lord. The Cult of the Moon. These are the cults that have gained favor of the Pharaoh and other high ranking members. Each cult is allowed to do their own things as long as they it has nothing to do with the Empire as a whole, such as, war, alliances, raids, kitnapping. The cults must also provide warriors in times of war and each Cult trains their warriors in different ways.
Each Cult is led by a high priest who is in favor of that certain god. He/she is charged with making sure the cult has enough warriors, gives thanks to the gods, and make sure that they do their duty to the Pharaoh and to the Empire.
But the Empire do their best not to rely on the cults to give them warriors in times of need. Although they do not have as much training as the "holy warriors" of the cults they still have training and their speed makes even the weakest warrior a bit of a challange. The Empire keeps a standing army, in case they are invaded and need to send warriors quickly. They do this to slow the enemies, so they have time to gather all the Holy warriors they can muster before trying to drive off the invaders. But they leave some forces behind in case both armies fail, these warriors who stay behind are charged with making defences as well as leading the old, weak, and young away from the camp.
When a comes to the age of 5 they are taught how to hunt and how to fight. They do this till about the age of 12. This is when a young cat is able to make the most important choice of his life. What he/she wants to do in life. Many pick the cults, some pick becoming lone scouts, some keepers of time. But many will become common warriors who live their days in camp or somewhere around the land.
*I can't think of anything else lolz. If you have any ideas, please leave a comment!*
Religon
The Empire worship many gods, some major and some minor, some good some evil. Each one plays their part and most must be pleased. Here are some of the gods!
Ra- The God of the Sun as well as Life. He is the most known god and is highly worshipped. His favored guards are called the " Sun Guardians." Silent warriors who do not speak to many but themselves and to the High priest. On the battle field they are a terror, for no matter how many wounds they get, nor how deep. They say not a word. ( Cult of the Sun God)
Orisis- The lord of the Underworld. He is the keeper of sinfull souls. It is said that those who are close to death can feel him comming. He is the most feared god in the Empire, but is one of the most important. For when a warrior falls etc. They pass through his underworld and if they have lived a good life in service to the Empire they may pass to their gods realm. If you have lived a bad live you are damned to the pits of darkness. His favored guards are called the " Death Legion" Grim, dark humored warriors who have no fear of death. They are savage in battle and only fall when the last of their blood has fallen on the ground. (Cult of the Underworld)
Amun- The lord of the shadows, night, fate, time. He is the watcher of fate. He knows all of what will happen when and where. Nothing escapes him. But he is also the king of shadows. His favored Guards are called " Shades of Amun" Stealthy assassins, scouts, spies. They are highly respected in the Empire for their skills and loyality. It is said that they know when, where and how they will die. But must keep it a secret. (Cult of the Night Lord)
Baset- The Goddess of the moon, love, kits, caring, calm, healing. She is the most carrying god and shows her self often. Many cats in love will offer their thanks to her. The healers in the Empire usually worship Baset. Her favored guards are called. " Warriors of the Moon." They are daring fighters who go to great feats to save any of their warriors.
Horus- The darkest god in the Empire. He is hateful and cares nothing for the empire or those who live in it. He is the god of bloody war, plots, treachery, blood, murderer. Although not many cats worship him there are those who do. They are rare though and not many can tell who dangerous skills they have and many don't wish to see them. (Was thinking about making this into some kind of plot!)
Cult Overview
Cult of the Sun God- The most respected Cult. They are honorable and strong. They live their days, praying, training. They hone their minds and body as one. Many cats in the Cult become renowned warriors. They are home to the legendarary Sun Guardians. They have few rituals though.
Cult of the Underworld- The most feared Cult. They are dark and cruel, but very loyal. They spend much of their days battling each other, with claws must of the time. They have dark sacrfices once a moon so that their god may grant them his favor. They have a practice were they skin their slain enemies and keep them as trophies. This cult is home to the feared warriors of "Death Legion".
Cult of the Night Lord- Secretive and not to open in their worship. They are said to be shades and not true cats at all. They usually live alone and come together twice a moon for meetings and rituals. Though no one but the cults knows what happens. For those who try to sneak up on them are punished harshly. This cult is home to the famous "Shades of Amun."
Cult of the Moon- Those who wish to learn herbs usually come here to learn. The cult offers healers as well as warriors. These cats are carring and loving towards all but the wicked. They are home to the daring " Warriors of the Moon." They come together once a moon to give thanks.
Rituals/Prophecies
(Cult of the Sun God)
Sun Rising- Each Sun Guardian in training must go through this ritual. The trainies must travel to the ocean, there a small cave awaits. Inside this cave is a small pool of crystal clear water that seems to glow faintly. The cats sit in a circle around the pool and rest their noses on the water. Here they seem to quickly fall asleep. They awake in a dream state, where they can hear a voice talking to them. Once they awake they feel lighter but stronger and more serious, but they find out that they do not want to talk to any others but their own. (Make up your own words etc.)
Ritual of the Sun God- (High Priest Only) Only used twice in the history of the Empire and is only used when all hope seems to be lost. It is said that with the willing sacrifce of the High Priest, that the sun god will give his light to all(Besides the Underworld Cult) and filles them with holy vengance agaisn't whatever is threating their land.
*I'll come up with one sooner or later!*
(Cult of the Underworld)
Price of Blood- Those who wish to join the order of the Death Legion must travel to the jungle that is near by, here there is a cave that is said to lead into the gates of the Underworld. Those who wish to join must walk inside this cave. There they find a sand filled area. The cats seem to already know what to do, they attack each other with unatural fury, slashing wildly. Those who can control their anger and fury must come out of the cave and recount what they felt. Those who don't are left in the cave.
Sacrfice- Once a moon the cult gather together, here they do their dark deed. They will sacrfice a slave, or slaves in glory to their underworld god in hopes that he will grant them his favor. It is a messy and bloodly ritual. The slaves are slashed to death then skined, their pelt kept as a trophie.
Spirit of Vengance- It is said that one day a kit will be born on a new moon, to slaves then given to the Cult of the Underworld as a sacrfice. When presented to the High Priest. He/she seems to sense the spirit within this kit and personally trains it. This cat will grow up to become one of the most vengefull cats in the Empire, taking the battle to his enemies, showing no mercy and asking for non.
Cult of the Night Lord
The Shadows Games- The jungle is a dangerous and a dark place. This is why the Shades of Amun come here to test their skills. It is like a game of hide and seek. Every third moon, the Cult will release their slaves into the jungle. They make it seem like they are giving the slaves their freedom. But they arn't. Waiting in the jungle. The cults cats wait for the kill. They attack an slave that comes to close. This is to test their stalking skills, tracking, hunting, fighting, assassination skills.
Shades of Amun- In the sands of the desert is a totem to Orisis. No one but the Cult knows why this is here. It is said that the Cult of the Night Lord can see their own dooms when they look at this totem and are cursed forever if they speak about it. But all the cults cats look at it when their training is complete...They don't come back the same.
Shadow King- It is said that there will be one cat who can't see his doom, how will cheat death many times. Who will become a legend within the Empire. Who will become as one with the shadows. It is said that when the Empire is near desturction, that the cult will travel to the forest and find out of their own. Who has been filled with the Night Lords blessing. This cat will lead the cult and become a terror to those who wish to see the Empire enslaved etc.
(Cult of the Moon)
*Since she is the most open of all gods, she dosn't demand rituals or anything*