Welcome to the Cult
The cult is a group of cats based in the city of ROTC. They are led by the benevolent Reign, who has come to be known as the Lord of the Graves. They are a makeshift assembly of loners and former kitty-pets, most of which previously struggled through harsh and unforgiving lives. Many join under the guise of safety and shelter, for the cult is a paradise for the lonely and destitute. Unbeknownst to them dark forces are at play, and the gracious ruler is not what he seems.
The Encounter
The night has always been unkind to you. Starved and alone you’ve wandered the streets, searching for scraps of faith and food. Neither come willingly and you grow weak and weary, tired of a life lived in solitude and destitution.
You wonder if the end would offer some relief as you travel down an unfamiliar road. The thoughts that consume you are grim and unkind, filling you with unspeakable sorrow. As you lift your empty gaze you spy a sea of stones, surrounded by a thick row of fencing. Perhaps you'll find shelter from the cold, damp concrete of the city. As you tour the exterior you search for its entrance, hoping to at least stay dry for the night.
Before you towers the iron gate, ancient and firmly withholding all the secrets it possesses. It abandons you to your curiosities, push it and you’ll hear the eerie sound of creaking metal hinges as it whispers warnings of invisible dangers ahead. You think that surely there is nothing within it that is any more formidable than the sad and unforgiving world around it, so you take your chances.
As you step forward you are shrouded in mist, your paws stumbling through a blanket of fog that wraps around your limbs like serpents. It is difficult to see the ground below and you slip through each uncertain step. The full moon above illuminates the jagged stones just enough for you to catch the wandering shadows, but not enough to recognize these creatures have names.
A panic starts to rise in your chest as you realize you are lost, you turn to escape but quickly realize the exit has disappeared. As your breath quickens and your head thrashes you think that perhaps the end is more terrifying than you expected. The will to survive suddenly surges through you, but leaving is no longer an option.
Then suddenly a voice: "Be not afraid, traveler."
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Smooth and rich like honey, it freezes and melts you all at once. You turn your gaze as a shadow approaches, fading into the form of a sizable cat. His eyes glow bright against the fog as he nears, the look you receive is gentle despite its intensity.
"I see you’ve become lost, unfortunately our home can become quite cloudy this late in the evening. Come, let me give you shelter."
He turns to lead you away but you pause, wondering if it’s really ok to follow this stranger. There’s something about him that seems almost uncomfortable, and yet his aura pulls you in like a magnet. You get the sinking feeling that if you follow him deeper you may never find your way out again.
Would that really be such a bad thing? After all, what have you left to lose?
You sense his eyes and glance up, suddenly trapped in his stare. He smiles at you and it’s like something snaps. Before you can think you move forward, following him into the mist.
Deeper. Deeper. Deeper.
More lost than ever, and found all the same.
The Mission
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The Cult prioritizes finding and rescuing the weak and weary of the city. They pride themselves on their charitable efforts and strive to bring the lost to the light. Many within the cult empathize with these pitiful outsiders and want to provide a safe, loving home to them. A home they themselves had been without up until joining.
Reign himself shares a woeful history and knows the struggles and hardships of a life lived alone. He has made it his mission to rid the city of misery and join all cats under one perfect order. Following the careful guidance of the all powerful Stone Serpents, Reign and his chosen few seek out and recover those who are in need of saving.
Every Cult cat knows the importance of accepting and embracing new cats into the Cult. They are taught to be kind and gracious to outsiders and spread the good news of the Cult’s mission to all. In doing so they hope to create a better life for all cats, one where no one need be afraid or alone ever again.
Our Beliefs
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When Reign was a kit he, alongside his mother and siblings, fell onto the subway tracts and were unable to pull themselves out. He watched in horror as two blinding lights
approached, finally closing his eyes in anticipation
for the end.
By some miracle, when he opened them again he
was still alive. He was the sole survivor of the
incident and went forward believing he had
been chosen specifically to keep on living.
That he was meant for greater things and
thus had been spared the cruel death.
Since then he has prayed to the
Stone Serpents (trains) and believes them
to be creatures of old who play a
significant role in the balance of life and
death. He commands his followers to study
their ways, to be as strong and relentless as they are.
Unresting, unyielding, and uncaring.
Reign declares that those who choose to follow him, the Stone Serpent's chosen one, will be spared a harsh end and instead be allowed a full life and a peaceful death. One they can look forward to, and when they die the Stone Serpents will carry them into paradise where they will never be cold or hungry again.
Territory
Nest of Beast
Adjacent to the graveyard is a tall gothic church adorned with long stained glass windows and sculptures of beasts and ghouls. It is not an active place of worship but rather a museum filled with artifacts and oddities of ancient times. Among these is a looming statue of a snake believed to be the unwoken offspring of the Stone Serpents.
The cult cats will regularly enter the museum through the roof and rafters to see the serpent, offering it trinkets and pebbles in return for prosperity and health. It is a quiet place to clear one's mind and seek guidance from the all knowing Stone Serpents. During the full moon the cult gathers here to adorn the figure with prey and rocks to help the snake grow.
The Graveyard
Currently the base of operations is located in an old city graveyard surrounded by a thick iron gate. It is typically quiet during the day with the exception of a few two-legs moping around. They rarely interfere with the cult and are considered mostly harmless.
The sleeping quarters are spread out across a few different walk-in tombs that are not distinguished between ages. Young and old alike share these spaces, though when receiving punishment they may be isolated in smaller tombs or forced to sleep outside in the elements.
The Catacombs
The catacombs are a system of underground tunnels that connect the cult to key areas of their territory. They can be accessed using a secret passageway located inside the black tomb or by entering the Serpent’s Den directly. These abandoned passages are filled with ancient markings that appear like claws scratching at the walls. The path is littered with bones and skulls from long dead prey, so you must tread carefully as to not rattle them when passing through.
The catacombs are used primarily for safe traveling away from monsters and two-legs, as well as a shortcut between areas of the territory. In times long ago they were often used as secret holding grounds for cats preparing for battle, as the tunnels provided an excellent advantage in a fight. One must be careful when navigating, for once you are lost you may never find your way out again…
Serpent's Den
For those brave of heart, the Serpents Den awaits. Past the gates of the graveyard and beyond the thunderpath lies the entrance to the den. The murky scent of stale water and dirt fills one’s senses as you travels deeper and deeper into the heart of the den. The ferocious roars of the gods, the Stone Serpents themselves can be heard at all times of the day and night as they are forever restless in search of their next prey.
Many cats gather here in order to give their offerings to the serpents directly, hiding from the gaze of the occasional two-legs that guard the area. Despite open access to the den, caution should still be upheld. The serpents strike fast, blinding one with its gaze and leaving you paralyzed in its wake as it rapidly approaches. Only one has faced the Stone Serpent head on and lived to tell the tale. Tread carefully, as if you hear the mighty serpent’s hiss accompanied with the trembling of the earth underneath one’s paws, you must run.
Smokie's Meat Shop
The butcher's shop is the crown jewel of the Cult's Territory. It provides an excellent quality of food for the cats and is extremely easy to aquire. Scavengers will normally stop by twice, in the morning and at night, to collect the scraps and bones to bring back to camp. Some even have friendly relationships with the two-legs and can pander for larger portions by rubbing against them and begging loudly.
It’s also an easy spot to meet other city cats who may be in search of a meal, so recruiters sometimes tag along in hopes of greeting a new face. After all, the easiest way to the heart is through the stomach.
Camp Map
The Tombs
Among the gravestones are a series of large walk-in tombs stitched close together. These tombs range in size but present a dry and safe place for the cult cats to rest at night. They are free to be used by any age of cat, though there are two distinct ones that require special permission to enter.
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The Black Tomb is the personal space of the leader, Reign. It has a secret entrance to the catacombs inside that that cult is unaware of. It is rare he allows others into his area, but on occasion he will allow his particularly devoted subjects to nest with him.
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The Red Tomb is directly across from the Black Tomb, and it used to house the disobedient. It is a common form of punishment in the cult to be isolated in the Red Tomb, where you will be guarded by the enforces and refused visitation until you've reflected properly. It is also used as a holding place for any prisoners the Cult takes in.
Herb Den
Spring is a constant inside this green colored building, as is houses different herbs and plants year round. The menders spend a great deal of time here, sorting though the greenery and insuring it grows properly. The ready supply of resources helps keep the cult strong and healthy, protecting them from the fear of sickness.
During the harsher winters the herb den can also be used as a back up shelter, as it remains warm year round.
Serpent's Tears
Within the middle of the graveyard lies an old, worn stone fountain gradually etched away by its own spilling waters. At the top rests a luminescent orb ever surrounded by its cascading walls of water resembling tears from a serpents’s eyes.
Normal members of the cult tend not to hang around this area for long due to the haunting feeling of being watched, as if eyes lingered around every corner of the fountain. Yet, there are still the occasional menders who are unbothered by such feelings, and in fact feel beckoned to come close and peer into the fountain’s rippling waters. There have been occasions where certain menders have claimed to see visions, prophecies from the Stone Serpent itself within the waters edge.
Ceremonies and Celebrations
Moonlight Assembly
When the radiant full moon reaches its highest point in the night’s sky, the Cult gathers once more within the walls of the Nest of Beast, surrounding the statue of the Stone Serpent with plenty of shiny offerings. This night is dedicated to welcoming new members to the Cult, recognition and celebration of kits coming of age, and over all thanking the great Stone Serpent that they were allowed to spend another moon’s cycle under its guide and prosperity. Selected menders who have received visions or prophecies from The Snake’s Tears share what they have learned with the cats gathered, offering wisdom and warning for their steadily growing family. Overall, this time is used to bring up urgent issues, updates within the cult, and general sharing of information.
Graduation
After three moons of general training and three moons of training within their desired role, the time comes for the trainees to advance into their new positions. Surrounded by their loved ones and mentors, they select a stone that corresponds with the color of their new role (see Roles section for color type). The trainee will reach out, pick their chosen rock and place it at the base of the great Stone Serpent and an offering, praying to it for continued protection and prosperity in their new adventure. They then officially advance from trainee to their desired faction and join their respective group in the tombs.
Soul Binding Ceremony
This special ceremony is performed by Reign on behalf of a pair who wish to become a Soul Bond. Soul binding is the process of fusing one's soul to another cats, be it romantic or platonic. It is the ultimate commitment, a declaration that your spirits have intertwined and can now not be undone. This ceremony is to ensure that your souls will be reunited in paradise.
A cat is not limited to one Soul Bond and is free to ask for as many bindings as desired. However, they are regarded as highly special so it is important to be certain about this decision.
The process is relatively simple. The two cats will step forward under the Stone Serpent statue and be asked to repeat the sacred vows. They will hold out their paws, one placed atop the other, and a snake skin will be tied around them to seal the binding. After that they will be considered Soul Bonded.
A Soul Bond is someone you should treasure for the rest of your life, and betraying them is considered the ultimate sin.
Sacred Vow Speech:
'I hereby decree that from this moment forward… that my body and my spirit be pledged to you… so that in this life and the next… our souls will be bound together… so that we may enter paradise as one.'
Grand Entrance & Grand Exit
In celebration of one's beginning and end, there is a special ceremony known as the Grand Entrance and Grand exit. The Grand Entrance is held when a new litter of kits is born. They are brought in their nest the the Nest of Beast and placed below the serpent's stature. There the cult gives thanks for the prosperity they have been blessed with, and pray for good fortune to come. The kit's nest is then lined with trinkets, stones, and feathers. Little gifts are also presented to the maternal parent for helping to grow the cult and bring glory to the stone serpents.
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Similarly, when a cult member passes on, their nest is brought into the Nest of Beast and placed below the serpent's statue. There it is filled with little gifts, things that reminded others of them such as pretty stones or prey they enjoyed. A time is given to share stories of the deceased and give thanks for the time they shared together. The cult then prays for a safe journey into paradise for their beloved member, and the gifts they received are added officially to the pile under the statue.
History of the Cult
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The formation of the cult stretches far back, even before the current leader Reign came into power. It started out as smaller groups who fought over the territory in hopes to gain control of its exceptional food source: Smokie’s Meat Shop.
The location was so desirable that it sparked a series of wars, until two of the larger groups joined forces to push out the competition. Lead by Titan, founder of the graveyard cats, and Callie, ruler of the underground. With their combined strength they seized control of Smokies and several of its surrounding venues. When they announced their mateship the groups officially merged together to create the original cult.
For moons all seemed to be going well, the cult cats thrived and flourished under the careful
guidance of Titan and Callie. Food was abundant and life was easy and kind to those who
joined, sparking a mass growth in numbers. Things continued smoothly until a personal
matter brought the two cats into conflict: Titan had had an affair and his partner had fallen
pregnant.
Callie demanded his partner, Webster, be banished from the cult. Titan tried to defend him
but was quick to back down when Callie threatened to disband the cult and wage war against
the graveyard cats. Unwilling to see all his hard work ruined he allowed her to shove
Webster out into the unforgiving world of the city.
Webster was left to care for his kits alone and struggled to keep them healthy. He tried
several times to rejoin after the kits were born, even bringing them to see Titan in hopes
meeting them would soften his resolve. However Titan was quick to dismiss them and
refused to provide any assistance, having Webster and their kits removed immediately without a second thought.
The kits; Rain, Willow, and Chime grew weaker by the day as Webster continued to try and fight for their survival. To overcompensate for their father’s abandonment Webster constantly reinforced just how special the kits were, how they’d grow up to be wonderful cats. That their father was a fool for dismissing them, and he’d be sorry he never got the chance to know them one day. He hoped these words would motivate them to keep going forward, so that even if their bodies weakened their spirits would continue to grow.
One day, out of time and options, Webster decided to try and cross the subway tracks in hopes of joining another group on the other side of the city. He knew it was dangerous but it seemed the best option for him and his kits. However once he made it down he was unable to carry himself and his kits back to the top of the other side. Panicking as the train closed in he desperately tried to toss his kits up onto the platform, but it was too late.
Webster, Willow, and Chime fell victim to the oncoming train in an instant. However the smallest, Rain, somehow managed to survive by flattening himself against the center. It was a horrific and tragic event, and the young Rain was unable to fully process the horror of what had happened.
Instead, his mind filled with his dad’s words: he was special, he had been chosen to live. This thing, this serpent of stone, had spared him. Which meant he was special.
Rain eventually found a way across the tracks and stumbled into the city. It took a few days but he eventually found the group his dad had been looking for. They took him in and moons passed, until Rain grew bigger and stronger under the careful attention of his foster mother.
After some time the young Rain became bold, outright proclaiming himself as a chosen one meant to bring justice to the world. Most cat’s ignored him, but his kind nature helped others tolerate him. Even if what he said was a bit unhinged he was quick to defend the weak and always ensured the little ones were cared for, a noble quality that gained him many friends.
One of these friends was a kitty-pet named Salem. The two grew close and Rain eventually opened up about his dad and father, how Titan had cast them away and how Webster had suffered in return. Salem convinced Rain that he should strike back against Titan in some way, that it might help Rain heal from what had happened to his family if he confronted the source of their despair.
Rain agreed and together with Salem the two crossed the tracks, carefully this time, and returned to the cult territory. Upon their arrival they were quick to notice the tension between the cult cats. It was discovered that the two leaders, Titan and Callie, had never truly recovered from the incident of Titan’s affair and remained on bad terms. They took turns trying to push the cult cats around in a bid for sole leadership, and in turn the members were growing tired of their treatment.
Rain, now bigger and stronger, was quick to confront his aging father in front of the other cult members. Some had not even known of the incident between Webster and Titan, or that Callie had banished the poor pregnant cat into the cold city over jealousy. Several of the cats openly criticized their actions, and in an effort to stop the spread of retaliation Titan and Callie quickly removed Rain and Salem from the graveyard.
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Enraged by their removal, Rain devised a plan. With Salem’s help the two secretly began recruiting the cult cats who sympathized with their stance or were fed up with the hostility between Titan and Callie. They told the story of Webster and his kits to anyone who would listen, about how Rain had been spared by the stone beast and proven himself to be the true leader they desired. They continued their campaign until they had a sizable audience to wage war, readying themselves for a fight.
After much planning the two launched their attack on the cult, using hidden members to aid in their surprise. Overwhelmed, Titan and Callie were forced to retreat, trying to escape into the tunnels. However Rain, fueled with rage and hatred, was quick to chase after them. Even after Salem urged him to let them go, saying they’d won and it was enough, Rain refused to listen and kept going.
When he finally caught up with the older pair he showed not an ounce of mercy. He fought until they lay slain at his paws, and even then he didn’t seem satisfied. With Salem by his side he urged him to return to the cats who were waiting for him to be crowned the new ruler of the cult. In short: they had won.
Rain stepped forward before them, vowing to lead them to prosperity as the Stone Serpent’s chosen one. He revised his name to Reign and implemented the new order of the cult, a set of laws meant to bring peace to its weary members. Since then the cult has been under his firm control, though as the moons go by the winds of change once again begin to blow…
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Order of the Cult
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1. Reign's word is law above all else.
2. The cult comes first before the individual. Let all you do be to bring the cult fortune.
3. All members of the cult must return to the graveyard by moon-high unless given special permissions by Reign. Those who are unaccounted for will receive correctional discipline.
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4. Any suspicion of skepticism must be reported to Reign immediately.
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5. The faithless will be rehabilitated.
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6. Deserters are the enemy of the cult and must be dealt with accordingly.
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7. Relationships outside the cult are permitted so long as you are strongly encouraging the other party to join.
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8. Any hatchlings parented by a member of the cult must be raised within the cult.
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9. No one is permitted to enter the Red or Black Tombs without special permission from Reign.
Conflict Within
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Currently there is a secret divide brewing between the cult cats, forming two micro groups known as the loyalist and the skeptics.
Loyalists are true to the cause and their leader. They believe Reign’s every word and are dedicated to the cult with their whole hearts. Most of these cats come from terrible situations and truly, deeply believe that Reign is their savior and that their lives are far better in the cult. They feel a strong sense of gratitude and are often heavily brainwashed and manipulated into going against their personal morals for the betterment of the cult.
Skeptics are those who have started to unravel the true nature of the cult and are seeking a way out. Before things may have been going well for them but after some time they have come to realize the cruel and unforgiving nature of their leader. They have to remain secretive about their intentions to avoid being punished or worse, and they must be careful about who they can trust inside the cult. It’s unknown who is really trying to help and who will betray and expose the operation to Reign.
Currently the skeptics are trying to feel each other out and form a plan to get away or perhaps even stage a coo against their leader. Be careful of the loyalists who seek to gain Reign’s favor by sacrificing their fellow cult members.
The Curs
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A pack of vicious dogs led by the fearsome chow chow Katana and her four dobermann subordinates Butcher, Bowie, Cleaver, and Machete. During the day they act as guards for Smokies Butcher shop, but at night they double as security for the Cult.
Though trained not to attack the cats in broad daylight, they are under careful instruction to eliminate anyone seen trying to escape or enter past moon-high. They take their job very seriously and constantly patrol the outskirts of the graveyard, making it nearly impossible to come or go undetected.
Their leader, Katana, was saved by Reign as a puppy and feels a strong sense of loyalty towards him and his mission. They are able to communicate with one another and have a mutual understanding. The Curs will not listen or abide by the wishes of any other cat and are regarded as wild and untamable beasts. To the Cult they pose little threat so long as you abide by the rules, but to outsiders they are a force to be reckoned with.
Roles
There are a few different role types within the cult. Some of which include Enforcers, Recruiters, Scavengers, Scouts, and Menders. Along with these tasks all cats are expected to hunt and fight as needed. There are no exceptions.
Enforcers
Typically some of the most loyal to Reign and the cult. They keep the other members in line and are quick to shut down any disparaging talk. It is their responsibility to report any suspicious behavior or cats suspected of becoming deserters. They carry out Reign’s commands, regardless of how cruel or undeserving.
Ceremony Stone Color: Black
Scavengers
Not only do they provide most of the food for the cult, but they are tasked with paying special attention to the city and the other groups that may pop up. Similar to a spy they will infiltrate and assess as needed to ensure the reputation of the cult stays decent. They will gossip to other groups and often start conflicts to break them apart, ensuring no other pack grows big enough to rival the cult.
Ceremony Stone Color: Grey
Menders
These cats have some experience with herbs and often tend to the sick and wounded. Their knowledge is considered to be extremely valuable and thus they are heavily monitored so they do not leave. When going out to collect supplies they are often accompanied by a scavenger or a recruiter for safe measure. It is expected for them to teach the other members the basics of their knowledge to keep it circulating within the cult.
Ceremony Stone Color: Moss
Recruiters
These cats tend to be more charismatic and charming, quick talkers who know how to work their will into others. Their main focus is on expanding the cult’s numbers and are frequently sent out to find leads on new loners or kitty-pets who may be in unfavorable situations. They are typically some of the most brainwashed members who believe the cult is a true sanctuary for the misfortunate.
Ceremony Stone Color: White
Ceremony Stone Color: Red
Scouts
Like any normal group the anticipation of growth is considered with extreme importance. Scouts are hand selected by Reign to be sent out into mostly unexplored parts of the city and the surrounding areas. He is extremely careful about allowing these cats out and has strict time limits for when they are expected back. Their purpose is to locate new resources and opportunities for the cult to expand.
Serpents' Fangs
"A blessed gift left behind by the great serpents!"
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[A pair of snake fangs found in the bone piles of the catacombs]
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Size: Small
Placement: Can be worn anywhere, attached by a string.
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Cost: 50 Points
Cult Accessories
Snake Fang Piercing
"Don’t worry, the venom’s all gone! Or at least I hope so…"
[A singular snake fang found in the bone piles of the catacombs.]
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Size: Small
Placement: Can be worn as an ear piercing only!
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Cost: 75 Points
Snake Shed Sash
"I feel even closer to the great serpents covered in their protection!"
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[Tattered shed from a snake tied at the ends]
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Size: Small
Placement: Can be worn anywhere, most commonly over the head and eye like an eyepatch or across the chest.
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Cost: 150 Points
FAQ
Q: What age do cult cats start training?
Cult cats begin the first stage of training at 4 moons old. During this time, they learn the basics like hunting, tracking, and swimming. Most importantly, they learn about the culture and beliefs of the cult. When they turn 7 moons old they select their specialized role and begin shadowing the cats who work those roles. It is the job of the cult cats to train all newcomers, so there is no one mentor for any cat.
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Q: Do outsiders need to complete training before entering a role?
Yes! They will shadow the cats of the role they select just as the trainees do. Once they complete their 3 moons of training, they will have a graduation ceremony. The only role an outsider can not pursue right away is an enforcer, as they need to prove their loyalty first.
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To become an enforcer, they will first need to graduate from one of the other roles and establish themselves as a true cult cat. Once they have Reign's permission they will begin another 3 moon training period with the enforcers before offically recieving the title.
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Q: How long as the Cult been under Reign's control?
As of 11-01-24, Reign has been the leader for 60 moons.