#strelles gods and goddesses

[strelles-universe]

The Forest Clans - The Nine Souls

Sunsoul - The Day King

Depicted as a massive fire-golden caracal with a bleeding socket in the center of her forehead, Sunsoul is known as the provider goddess and the god of the day. For the creatures of the world, she pulled her third eye from her head and threw it into the sky to warm the creatures of the world. While the eye regrew, she watched the world steadily grow dark as the one in the sky began to fizzle out. She made the decision to pluck the third eye from her head every day, tossing it into the sky to light the way for the creatures of the world. It’s said that her eye was smaller back when she first started tossing it into the sky because she threw it up prematurely to make up for the emptiness of the night sky.

With her eye-plucking, Sunsoul is known as the goddess of compassion, kindness, martyrdom, the sun, lightning, fire and storms. It’s said that she gave ThunderClan their manes of fire when the Ancients still had the favor of the Souls and when they were trapped into their mortal forms, she didn’t have the heart to take them away and the large thick plumes of fur on her throat a marker of her previous favor.

Domains: Martyrdom, The Sun, Fire, Lightning, Kindness, Dry Storms

Titles: Suyaav, King Sun, 

Sacred Animals: Robins and Cardinals

Mates: Slysoul

Child(ren): Supposedly the first Lionstar

Moonsoul - The Night King

Depicted as a cream-ish caracal with a mangled socket in the center of their forehead, Moonsoul is known as the peaceful god and lord of the night. When it became clear that Sunsou;’s eye wasn’t enough to warm the day and the night equally, he voluntarily threw his own silver eye into the sky during the night while Sunsoul’s eye regrew - it’s said that this decision is why the sun is bigger now than it was when the clans were first founded. Moonsoul frequently uses the eye in the sky to Look upon the creatures that roam the world beneath his gaze. When The First Great Battle broke out, Moonsoul grabbed the floating spirits of their dying clanmates and tossed them into the empty sky, allowing them to be seen by the living as stars. 

Moonsoul is known as the god of peace, the dead, leaf-fall, secrets, the moon, travelers and the stars above. Moonsoul is in charge of the Souls of the dead and is the final barrier between a leader receiving all nine lives or receiving none at all - a cat who believes in him will have the opportunity for their Soul to be expanded nine times and therefore, receive nine lives. It’s said that when StarClan is silent even to the Prophets, that means that Moonsoul is looking down upon the clans personally and watching their behavior. 

Domains: The Moon, Night, The Dead, Autumn, Secrets, Peace, Still Water and Travelers

Sacred Animals: Nightjars 

Mates:

Child(ren): Haseni | Silverfoot (freedom, the wind)

Riversoul - The Drifting

A silver blue fishing cat with third eye golden eye that swirls with mysteries and intrigue, Riversoul is the god of moving water and aquatic storms. It’s said that the world grew dry under the combined might of Sunsoul and Moonsoul’s eyes but rather than make them stop, Riversoul reared up until his claws touched the sky and he tore it open bringing a shower of water down onto the land. When he removed his paw, the hole resealed itself - then he came up with an idea. He took his paw and dragged long paths and deep holes before clawing at the sky again. This time when it sealed, the fallen water followed the paths he dug to form lakes, rivers and streams. Many cats say that newleaf rain is the dripping of his pelt as he stretched over the world, shaking Sunsoul awake.

With this, Riversoul is known as the god of rain, moving water, water animals, the future and prophecies. Sometimes when Riversoul sees a particularly interesting dream, he’ll hold onto a creature to watch their dreams to completion - sometimes these cats never awake again. 

Domain: Moving Water, Rain, Sleep, Aquatic Storms, Prophecies, Water Animals, Uncertainty and the Future

Sacred Animals:  Moon Bats and Swans

Mates: Treesoul

Child(ren): Huyewa | Whitespirit (the dreamer)

Treesoul - The Guiding Paw

A bronzy-brown maragay with copper eyes and a glimmering partially closed third eye, Treesoul is the goddess of plants in all forms. When she looked at the rocky earth strewn across the world, she dragged her claws through the earth and tugged the plants to the surface. She propped up the trees, placed the bushes and sprinkled the grasses across the ground. When creatures grew sick, she urged the ground to grow more plants - herbs and berries to heal and sent her servants to lead healers to the medical plants to heal them. When the creatures grew thankless and began taking and taking but never giving back or showing gratitude for any of the things herbs they used, sh urged several of the plants to grow poisons. 

Treesoul is known as the goddess of spring, new beginnings, herbs, healing, plants, poisons and etiquette. Some cats say that the best healers are guided by Treesoul themself through the shadows, marionette them in the right directions. 

Domain: Plants, Herbs, Spring, New Beginning, Healing, Poison and Etiquette

Sacred Animals: Squirrels and Robins

Mates: Riversoul

Child(ren): Haanuki | Greenspirit (the curse, disease bringer)

Slysoul - The Phantom

Said to walk in the shadows of all living creatures, stalking their every breathe ad watching them with a critical eye, Slysoul is known as the goddess of the hunt with her swift, powerful strikes. She’s so stealthy, she often sneaks up on creatures unheard and it’s said she was the one that taught all predators the basics to hunting. With a completely black coat, her trio of amber eyes stand out with blinding clarity when she stares down at a creature from the shadows. Her skill for hunting has made her perfect for capturing the frightened souls of dying creatures to have them escorted to Moonsoul so that they may pass on.

Slysoul’s domains are that of the hunt, stealth, shadows, the dark, cleverness and winter. Slysoul’s Owls and hawks are a terror to the clans with one being responsible for kit snatching and the others for snatching adult cats. That’s not to say she’s always cruel however and ThunderClan in particular knows to follow the owls if other famine occurs for Slysoul will lead them to salvation.

Domain: The Hunt, Stealth, Shadows, Darkness, Cleverness, Death, Winter

Sacred Animals: Owls and Hawks

Mates: Sunsoul

Child(ren): Fleetfoot (the clever, planner), Suhakur | Redtalon (the reaper, harvester), Temekur | Silentalon (merciful, plentiful)

Sweetsoul - The Avenging

A slender and vibrant chocolate furred king cheetah with piercing green eyes and a long winding tail. Watching the violence of the world, Sweetsoul urged the creatures that roam to be more compassionate to each other - reminding all sides that every enemy they face is someone’s precious little one, a beloved child and if they can avoid a fight, they should. She taught the creatures to encourage the creatures of the world to redirect their passion towards protecting their family, to care for their weak and to nurture the bonds they’ve formed. Sweetsoul is a deeply loving Soul and can become enraged when others shirk their duty to their family and kin - her wrath knows no bounds when she thinks someone is neglecting their family or worse, showing them cruelty.

Sweetsoul holds the domains of kinship and warmth, pregnancy, fertility, safety, plenty and of course retribution. More felt than seen, Sweetsoul is often said to be the blaze of love you feel when looking at your kin, the exhausted love when giving birth to kits and the fury of a mother bear when your kin is in danger. 

Domain: Kinship, Warmth, Plenty, Safety, Retribution, Pregnancy

Sacred Animals: Boars and Bears

Mates: Bravesoul

Child(ren): Nimuhav | Littlespirit (the caring, the warm), 

Wishsoul - The Ripple

A lanky bronzy serval with sharp eyes and a mischievous smile, Wishsoul is the Fluttering Wing. Always lurking near the edges of major battles or arguments, Wishoul roams the world casually taking delight in both the failures and successes of all the mortals beneath his eyes. He enjoys gleefully watching their courage and creativity as they handled everything that was thrown at them. Wishsoul is deeply proud of himself with a cocky grin. Though Wishsoul is drawn to dramatic events of high stakes events, he’s not excluded from smaller ones and in fact is said to decide whether or not someone receives good or bad fortune based on the amount of either fortune they’ve already received.

Easily frustrated, Wishsoul is known as the god of karma, luck, victory, failure, strife, balance and indignation. He’s sometimes viewed as especially cruel for his casual decision to cast bad luck down upon those he believes have been too fortunate or grant good luck to those who’ve caused suffering. 

Domain: Karma, Lucky, Victory, Failure, Strife, Balance and Indignation. 

Sacred Animals: Golden Beetles and Salamanders

Mates: Bravesoul

Child(ren): N/A

Bravesoul - The Warrior

A large russet serval with two torn ears and a bobbed tail, Bravesoul is the goddess of war and battle. A sharp gazed and determined molly often stalking fights of every kind - verbal, mental, emotional, physical - Bravesoul sees them all and provides cats with the rush of adrenaline they feel when they face down a terrifying beast. She relishes in the craziest and most desperate battle plans, the sensation of satisfaction when a warrior dies for their clan. Bravesoul is often described as the heart of a true warrior - the rush of battling others to defend your clans, the thrill of the fight, the blood pounding in your ears when you’re facing off against a new enemy - all cats of the clans feel Bravesoul in their veins. In fact, the absence of Bravesoul is exactly what separates a clan cat from an ordinary cat. 

Bravesoul is of course the goddess of pride, strength, devotion, honor, strateg, kin war and battle strategy. Often a cat that feels Bravesoul the most intensely is the cat standing atop the defeated, panting forms of his enemies having painted a line in the sand with their blood and his between himself and their clan.

Domain: War, Blood Kin, Strategy, Strength, Devotion, Honor and Pride

Sacred Animals: Moose and Fire Ants

Mates: Wishsoul

Child(ren): Temekur | Silentalon (merciful, plentiful), Husakhmek | Amberspirit (fear bringer, terror)

[strelles-universe]

The Forest Clans - The Grand Spirits

The Souls have a vast amount of children - either elevated mortals, mortals they lay with in their hidden forms or sole spawned - and the clans worship them proudly. While there are more spirits than even ShadowClan can keep up with, the Grand Spirits are the most popular tales and represent some of the most important minor aspects of clan life.

It's generally accepted that these minor gods are more promiscuous than their parents and that most demigods of the clans and gifted cats in history are children of these spirits.

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Haseni | Silverfoot - The Breeze

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As a mortal, Silverfoot was a member of old WindClan with their lanky builds and long, winding tails. As his name implied, he was a very pretty tom with a silvery coat and deep black spots across his fur - he was the fastest runner to ever grace the moor. The legend goes that Silverfoot was approached by a series of cats who egged him into a race, wanting to see how fast he can go. The race was around the entirety of WindClan territory and when Silverfoot took off, he was so fast he outraced his own shadow - he flew across the moor like a bird in the thermals, springing over the smallest dips with barely a twinge of muscle. 

When he reached the starting place panting the cat who’d challenged him laughed heartily and his formed shifted until Moonsoul himself stood before him. 

“You are faster than even my fastest servants,” the god boomed joyously. “I have a deal for you dear Silverfoot - become my messenger. I will grant you the ability to run tirelessly across any terrain, the freedom to climb over trees and race across waves - and in return you ferry messages between me and my cohorts.”

SIlverfoot thought about the offer, “I will if I am allowed to remain with my family first.”

And so it was - when Silverfoot died, he became the wind the buffets the moor. It’s said that during the few times the air is still on the plain, that Silverfoot is visiting his family on the edges of StarClan.

Divine Parent: Moonsoul

Domains: Wind, Freedom, Messengers, Patron of WindClan

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Huyewa | Whitespirit - The Dreamer

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A leucistic fishing cat with glowing eye sockets. The motherless child of Riversoul, it’s said that Whitespirit was a ghostly figure in his dreams that he grew to love and care about; then one day when he opened his eyes, Huyewa was standing before him and called him father. With a chuckle, he accepted his accepted her as his daughter. Being born in the realm of dreams, Whitespirit is still capable of entering the dreams of mortals everywhere. Often she does so with the purpose of looking in on dreams with her father and changing them if she so pleases.

When angered or trying to give someone a warning, Huyewa is known to dredge up nightmares in the cat’s mind as fear would make them focus on all little details. It’s said that Huyewa is actually very good friends with Haanuki and so when someone is sick, their dreams become distorted and frightening in the prense of the two minor gods. 

Divine Parent: Riversoul

Domains: Dreams, Nightmares, Hallucinations

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Haanuki | Greenspirit - The Harbinger

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Haanuki isn’t exactly a cat in the normal sense, not an organic being with organs inside of her. When the creatures of the world had begun to injure themselves, some of them begged to heal and help those who were harmed. Treesoul took pity upon them and scraped together a large pawful of earth and leaves - both poison and herbal - and with Riversoul’s help, molded it. She has a small puff of a tail, juniper berries growing around her throat and yew berries around the base of her tail. When the shaping was done, she seemed to be a cat with wings made of herbs and stalks in her head in the form of antenna to allow her to travel fast.

With that, Treesoul sent Haanuki off to teach and nurture the wanting tutors of the world. They were eager to work with her, listening with intense ears and following along with careful paws. For a while this was fine and Haanuki was content with her purpose. Then she came across the smog-hearted creatures that used their talents to heal and took advantage of those in pain - those who threatened wanderers with the safety of their loved ones with the herbs in their paws.

Furious she levied a curse upon them, a curse that has steadily begun to destroy their bodies and began jumping from cat to cat. Sickness was cursed upon the creatures of the world for the first time and Haanuki turned away from them, choosing not to teach them anything and not to save them.

Many seasons later, a cat now known as Moth Flight the First Prophet followed the green moth sent out by Haanuki. Moth Flight traveled into the Moontunnels following the moth as it led her through a series of scenarios created by Haanuki from her memories of the cruel cats she came to know. Moth Flight responded to each situation with mild panic but a heart overflowing with kindness and empathy. When she entered the mooncavern, standing upon the glittering stone was Haanuki deeply proud and pleased with what she’s seen.

The creatures of the world were ready for healers again.

She touched noses with Moth Flight and in that single instant, transferred all of the knowledge she had of healing, herbs and poisons to the molly. The information was so voluminous that her mind seemed to fracture and for the rest of her life, she was always faintly distracted by things other cats couldn’t see - for the cracking of her mind opened her spirit to the omens of the world. Moth Flight became the first prophet, always able to see and sense the presence of Haanuki’s Moth and so could all her kin from then on.

Divine Parent: Treesoul

Domains: Disease, Curses, Misfortune,

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Siyeyim | Fleetfoot - The Planner

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Siyeyim - more commonly known as Fleetfoot - was a proud and courageous warrior of Ancient RiverClan said to rival even the lions of Ancient ThunderClan in reckless bravery. A with a proper pelt of gold and the sleekest of pelts, she was the purest of RiverClan blood that you could get. The granddaughter of the Ancient leader Swiftstar, it was long expected that Siyeyim would do something great one day - and something great she certainly did.

It was during a Gathering that Goldenstar of Ancient ThunderClan confessed to the deaths of two apprentices and a young queen at the sharp hooves of Rage, the gigantic boar and one of the Great Beasts. Shadestar of ShadowClan and Flickerstar of WindClan both admitted to suffering casualties of their own from the great boar as he rampaged throughout their territories.

Fleetfoot was young and arrogant, laughing when that was said and proudly boasting that if it were a RiverClan problem, they would face the beast effortlessly, outsmarting and outspeeding it. Rightfully angry by such a flagrant dismissal of their grief of their clans; Goldenstar angrily challenged Fleetfoot to do just that. Fleetfoot was confident and self-assured, even when Shadestar and Flickerstar both agreed that she was barred the assistance her clanmates. It was only when she stood face to face with the napping Rage, father of all boars that she realizes she may have bitten off more than she could chew as the beast was easily larger than even the grandest of bucks that roamed the forest. Instead of her previous plan spawned of bravado and arrogance where she’d charge in and face the beast in direct combat, she wisely chose to outwit it instead.

She fooled the boar into fighting her in the thick brush of ThunderClan territory - for in the ancient days, there was bracken high as a cat was tall and not even the might of Rage would break free. It seemed like an endless assault when Fleetfoot clawed, bit and scratched at the thick, secure pelt of the vengefully squealing boar. Finally the boar died with an agitated wail and Fleetfoot had been prepared to stalk home, head held high with pleasure and success when she was rammed from behind amd flung all the way into Fourtrees.

Rage had a made by the name of Fury and she was so large, so terrifying, so menacing that she could’ve uprooted Fourtrees with a few angry changes into the massive trunks. Fleetfoot fled, suddenly understanding why the three clans couldn’t face the boar - with the RiverClan camp surrounded by water, Fury and Rage would never feel the need to chase them. Still she did not give up; she plotted and tricked and planned - her battle against Fury lasted three long days and three long nights of endless doging, swiping and baiting until she was on the edge of the gorge. Crossing the river , Fleetfoot watched with relief as the sharp hooves of the boar, not meant for smooth, slippery rocks lost their grip and sent her toppling into the river.

When Fleetfoot followed the river down to the slowing stream, she discovered Fury’s drowned body and took one of her tusks in triumph. She lugged both it and a tusk from Rage all the way back to Fourtrees where the leaders had gathered together at the whispers from Slysoul in their ears. She deposited the tusks in front of all five four leaders and bowed her head.

“I apologize for my arrogance,” she said, for Fleetfoot’s usually gorgeously cared for coat was now strewn with mud and lanced with scrapes and blood from the times she couldn’t dodge the tusks of her opponents. “Your dead deserved not the disrespect I showed them.”

“And you deserved not to be surprised,” Goldenstar murmured guiltily.

And then Goldenstar announced that he was granting RiverClan the river and all the fish that inhabited it, a stance echoed by both Shadestar and Flickerstar. Swiftstar proudly accepted their offerings pleased to see that his granddaughter had not only learned a bit of humility but has also displayed the true strength that all of RiverClan possessed to the other clans. 

When she died, Fleetfoot looked shocked into the eyes of Slysoul herself who warmly welcomed her.

“Stay with your kin in the stars,” Slysoul said. “Or become a servant of mine and encourage the cats of the clans to always be as clever, determined and strategic as you were.”

“But I leave my kin?”

“Never for long little one - for RiverClan will immortalize your deeds and the Stars will welcome you.”

And so Fleetfoot accepted, venturing back into the land of the leaving as the burst of pride and assurance you feel whenever you’re defending your clan from a threat. The pride of a warrior on a night’s vigil - Siyeyim is by your side. 

Divine Parent: Slysoul

Domains: Strategy, creativity, determination, pursuit, confidence

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Sukahur | Redtalon - The Harvester

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Suhakur is a brilliant russet tiger/hawk opinicus the soars through the air determinedly. When he was still mortal, he lived his life in fear; having been an apprentice during the age of the Scarlet Leader. During those times, the Scarlet Leader truly despised ShadowClan and the principals that they upheld and claimed linked them tighter to the Souls than any other clan. Redpaw watched as raid after raid of WindClan warriors assaulted their camp, chasing off prey and destroying vital herbs to force ShadowClan into a weakened state. Then they were too tired to fight back, Duststar had any cat he found wandering the moor slaughtered even if they claimed to be heading to StarClan. 

It was long after Redpaw had earned his name as Redtalon that he was approached in the night by haggard looking WindClan warriors, He attacked but they fended him off easily in his weakened and starved state. He expected them to kill him but instead the lead warrior dropped a large rabbit beforehim.

“We’ve seen you fight,” said the warrior. “Like a crimson wave. We want your help.”

“I will not slaughter my clanmates,” Redtalon spat.

“We’re not asking you to - we’re asking you to kill our leader.”

Redralon had been shocked - like everyone he’d assumed that WindClan all supported and agreed with their leader’s actions. They certainly never seemed to have a shortage of warriors on the warpath. That, the small patrol explained is because Duststar kept all dissenters under lock and key, separating kits from their mothers to indoctrinate them in the story he was spinning and culling any that doubted him. The tactics he used to weaken and ruin ShadowClan were first tested on those who spoke against them, leaving the resistance weak and frail. This small trio of warriors were the only ones who escaped and at the cost of their kin’s lives, they sought out a warrior who could be made strong enough to fight.

Redtalon had been wary but eventually he accepted the deal.

For one full moon, the three warriors fed him well while Redtalon sharpened his claws. He felt immense guilt that as he got stronger, his clan got weaker but he understood why they couldn’t share the prey - the strength of one warrior would have to be enough. Nerves danced along his pelt but Redtalon had long stopped jumping at shadows - he embraced the prickling sensation in his toes at the thought of his final battle against Duststar and longed for the taste of the tyrant’s blood on his tongue.

Then one day the squad didn’t come back. One day turned to two and on the third, the leader staggered into their clearing dripping blood and mangled.

“Run,” they rasped. “He knows of you.”

And as the lead warrior died, Redtalon considers that he probably meant for him to leave. But instead, Redtalon had gotten outraged. Without even thinking he sprinted from ShadowClan territory, his paws carrying him across the marsh and then across the moor like he was winged. He saw the shadow of a hawk above him and knew at once that Slysoul was with him - he blended into the shadows, staying hidden as he ventured deeper and deeper into WindClan and abandoned stealth altogether when he reached the wall defending the camp.

With a roar of outrage, he sprung from the edge and landed in the clearing. The warriors of WindClan surged up and despite the waves of claws upon him, Redtalon never felt anything but pity for the those crazed cats who’d been fooled by the captivating words of their leader. Redtalon carved a sea of blood through the WindClan camp and his stalked towards Duststar who snarled and raced to meet him. Though Duststar has the lighter, leaner frame of a WindClan warrior, Redtalon only had one moon of decent food after several seasons of starvation. The battle was hard fought and seemed endless - in all his time as the Scarlet Leader, Duststar had only lost two lives since his ceremony.

Redtalon slashed blindly at the warriors who attacked him, desperate to defend their leader as Redtalon slowly bled out from the number of wounds. A shriek filled the air and the warriors were suddenly pulled off of him as three hawks descended upon the battlefield, targeting any warriors who got near him. Redtalon roared for he knew that these were the warriors who helped him - whose kin sacrificed themselves so that Redtalon may be given a chance. He sank his claws into Duststar’s throat even as the leader slashed his own. Redtalon ripped and Duststar finally fell, the Scarlet Leader’s brown pelt as crimson as his title.

Redtalon collapsed there and then, panting as blood soaked into his pelt unable to stand through his exhaustion. As he stared through half-lidded eyes, he saw the ghostly figures of his three helpers standing around Slysoul who was grinning down at him.

“You’ve done well for yourself Redtalon.”

“I did well for my clan,” he corrected tiredly. “Now no kit will grow up under this bloody reign.”

“Others will come,” said Slysoul dismisively. “Other cats that hunger for power and are willing to sink their claws into anyone to get it.”

“So was my life wasted then? What was the point of my death when other tyrants will rise?”

Slysoul grinned an eerie grin, “Would you like to stop them? Continue to ensure that no tyrant will remain in rule for long?”

Redtalon’s clws sank into the ground as his vision began to blacken, “Yes. Let no further Scarlet Leaders live long and prosperous.”

“So be it.”

And when Redtalon reawoke, he awoke as Suhakur the spirit of rebellion, anticipation, nerves, deadly focus and sacrifice. In his new form, he soars across the world collecting the souls of the deceased and delivering them to StarClan while he sends out his hawks to monitor the creatures of the world.

Divine Parent: Slysoul

Domains: Death, anticipation, nerves, rebellion, focus and sacrifice

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Hanimu | Littlespirit - The Orphan

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Little spirit was a small cheetah cub said to be from Ancient WindClan during one of the hardest dodahiim that the clans had ever seen and the brunt of it raked across the moor. A powerful, deadly wind filled their camp with snow that reached the chests of even their tallest warriors and the ground froze so hard that even the strongest of tunnelers couldn’t break through the permafrost. They struggled day in and day out seeking food. Littlekit saw his clanmates starving and refused to eat the food he was given, secretly feeding it to his den mates. He warmed the smallest kits while the warriors searched desperately for food and did his best to reassure the kits when the queens were busy

 One day on the hardest snow, one of his siblings - Flakekit - went missing. Flakekit was deeply ill and constantly seeing visions from Haanuki - such visions confused him, leading him to wander out and away from the camp. While the clan mourned, unwilling to risk more lives in the intense blizzard, Littlekit snuck out on a quest to find his brother. He eventually found him, trembling in a hollow with a Reaper circling above him. Littlekit didn’t hesitate, carrying his brother through the snow, keeping his head high as his ears, tail and nose froze. When he made it back to camp, the clan was in uproar. Looking at his brother from his nest, he realized that he was too late and his brother’s breathing was slowing - when he spotted Suhakur creeping in, he begged for a chance only to be denied. Littlekit stood in front of his brother and instead offered a trade - his life and warmth to be given to his brother. Surprised by the bravery of the young kit, Suhakur consulted the Souls to reach a decision.

In the end it was Sweetsoul who put down her paw, awed by the loyalty and dedication shown by this small kit to his clan. She offered him a choice - die in place of his brother and ascend to the stars, or to die and become a spirit; looking out for other lost kits and those who need help. Littlekit accepted the offer of becoming a spirit, taking on the domains of orphans, lost children, young travelers, generosity and of course; sacrifice. Young kits who wander too far from camp often remark they saw a little brown kit with strange spots like WindClan and a white mantle down his back, his tail and nose coated in ice that led them back home. 

Within ThunderClan, Littlespirit is viewed as a Soul rather than a spirit and is worshipped accordingly. 

Divine Parent: Sweetsoul

Domains: Orphans, lost children, young travelers, generosity, sacrifice

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Temekur | Silenttalon - The Merciful

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The most unusual of the spirits, Temekur is another spirit who was brought to immortality for their actions. Unlike the other spirits however, Temekur was a mere ghost owl that lurked in the canopy of ThunderClan’s forest. Long-lived enough that many cats claim the owl had somehow obtained and stored the energy of the spirits to enhance its lifespan, this owl had the opportunity to watch the cats of the woods wander about freely. The owl of course was also witness to the first Great Famine of ThunderClan that happened during the reign of Owlstar.

The creature watched as the cats’ bellies grew thin, their ribs stick out and their kits die slowly. It watched in muted sort of fascination as one cat finally collapsed before its tree. The owl was aware enough to understand that this cat was a leader - understood that the presence of this cat could even bring more cats. It made a decision that set it apart from the mindless creatures of the world - it took off and hunted in the dead of night, capturing two decent sized rats outside of clan territory and dropped them before the body of Owlstar. 

To say the ThunderClan leader was astonished was an understatement but he grabbed both mice and sprinted back to camp, unaware that the ghost owl followed him from above. This trip was what led the owl to the camp; led to it witnessing the companionship and prioritizing of the clan over a single cat’s life. No one is quite sure what did it, but the owl waited until dusk and drew the attention of a frightened patrol. It never swooped just fluttered over them - for two more nights the owl did this before Owlstar joined a night patrol. Remembering what this owl had done, he followed his instincts and when the owl flew off he followed.

The owl seemed pleased eventually flew ahead, circling a clearing very slowly. When Owlstar and his patrol emerged on the edge of the clearing, they encountered a deeply injured boar that appeared to be alone. They couldn’t believe their luck - they attacked the boar and brought it down. Following another hunch, he ripped a large mouthful of boar flesh free and tossed it as high as he could. The owl swooped, accepting the freed meet and flew onward.

From then on, Owlstar ordered hunting patrols to follow the owl and somehow, there was always prey available when the owl sought them out. ThunderClan always shared these catches with the owl making sure that the owl knew of the deep gratitude. The cats of ThunderClan even granted it a warrior name - the name Silenttalon, to honor its large part in their survival. Before long, ThunderClan had mostly recovered from the famine and the owl was on the last feathers of its life. As it lay dying in the leaf litter, one of its chicks chirping desperately; the owl watched as a ThunderClan catch clambered up to its nest and grabbed its chick. Instead of eating or killing it, the cat fed it.

The Owl died that day, but its heart was that of a warrior’s so when Bravesoul explained to her fellow Souls that she wanted to ascend it, there was no argument to have. Slysoul created a harvester-like form, leaving it its owl head and wings but offering it the Ancient Form of a ThunderClan cat as its body. Temekur collects the souls of those who died of starvation or dehydration, making sure to frequently visit its favored clan in ThunderClan and to check on its descendants. It’s said that all boreals in ThunderClan were talon picked by Temekur himself.

Divine Parent: Bravesoul and Slysoul

Domains: Sanity, wilderness, mercy, famine, surplus

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Husakhmek | Amberspirit - The Fear Bringer

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Husakhmek is less of a cat and more of a terrifying entity - born of the more horrifying and ignoble side of the warrior life, The Fear Bringer is said to have been born of the Scarlet Leader ‘s actions. When the moors of WindClan were filled with the splayed and mangled bodes of cats of all clans, the kingdoms shied away, and the canines fled from the sea of red that drowned all that roamed, Husakhmek crawled from the carnage. A lopsided face due to the left side of their skull being caved in, split like massive teeth had crushed it and blood leaking from the remaining golden socket is the first thing most think of when Husakhmek comes up. His body is covered in deep scars and drips of blood with overgrown claws that scrape the ground with every step. Husakhmek speaks with the voices of thousands - a raspy and pained throated sound borne of the spirits who perished to create them

Husakhmek is regarded with terror by the clans and is one of the few spirits deliberately referred to by their connection tongue name of Amberspirit for fear that speaking their name aloud would draw their attention. It’s said that if you forsake Bravesoul and shatter the code senselessly, then Husakhek will begin to lurk on your peripherals and stalk your dreams. The worst part of it all is that Husakhmek is very clever - made of the millions of corpses and the innocent blood spilled on the moor, he changes form to hide himself from those who’d be frightened away from him.

Amberspirit is known as the spirit of fear, trauma, despair, horror and slaughter. Though terrifying, it’s necessary to accept that Amberspirit is the lesser acknowledged side of warriorhood - that a cat left to stray could easily fall into his talons. Many cats believe that the Canyons were created by Husakhmek so that they can be surrounded by like-minded individuals - murderers, serial killers, abusers and the spillers of innocent blood. Some cats insist that if you commit deeds atrocious enough, Husakhmek would greet you upon your death and scar you with his sibling.

All of the clans have carved wooden dolls of Husakhmek that are cautiously given offerings and gifts to appease the spirit. 

Divine Parent: Bravesoul

Domains: Fear, trauma, despair, horror, pain, slaughter, night terrors

[strelles-universe]

Loner Culture - Divines of the Dusklands

AIhri the Vain

As it’s said that cats were created in his own image, it’s to no surprise that Aihri is predominantly depicted as a massive cat of golden fur. Unlike the gods of many other societies, Aihri is depicted as simply a cat - not a tiger, leopard or anything but merely a massive cat with a halo around his head - the rays of sunlight that blind those who look at him.

Aihri is the god of creation, of the day sky and obedience - he demands blind faith and perfection from all his followers and it’s said that this desire created the dark voice in the back of every creature’s minds. The only creature that Aihri loved is the daughter he created with the moon goddess, Ihel. The stories in which Aihri is kind and considerate all feature his daughter in some way and thus, he’s also associated with fatherhood and the love of a father for a daughter. Being that Aihri enjoys attention on himself, he has a disdain for secrets of any kind - even white lies - and as such is heralded as a god of honesty.

Domains: Creation, Life, Obedience, Sunlight, Openness, Fatherhood, Honesty

Titles: The Vain One, Lord Day, The Harsh Sun

Sacred Animals: Bobtail Cats

Mates: Naima (former)

Child(ren): Ihel the Changing

Naima the Forgiving

As Aihri’s counterpart, Naima is a massive cat with fur dark as a starless night sky. Mirroring her former mate, she is also frequently depicted with a blue halo around her throat and sometimes around her eyes. She has a massive white space on her face that changes with the changing phases of the moon, although a full moon is the most common depiction of her.

Naima is the goddess of the night sky, protection and forgiveness. She encourages creatures to think on their actions and the reasons for them, adding a domain of reflection and consideration to her list. Naima ensures that her daughter was never forced to face the brunt of her ex-mate’s wrath on the rare occasions he raged at her. She sends her beloved ravens to the creatures below with the intent of delivering messages to them and offering reassurance. Naima is said to be the voice in everyone’s heart that encourages them to do the right thing and even when ignored, beats loudly and untainted. 

Domains: Protection, Forgiveness, Moonlight, Motherhood, Reflection

Titles: Her Lady Moon, Lady Night, The Kind Moon, The Forgiving One

Sacred Animals: White Ravens

Mates: Aihri (former)

Child(ren): Ihel the Changing

Ihel the Changing

Ihel is depicted as a tortoiseshell molly - with a face half black and half orange. She has a split halo around her as well, the Moon side with the moon’s ring and the sun side with the rays of sunlight. She’s always shown to be long furred and is referred to as being thick pelted.

Ihel the Changing is the daughter of Aihri and Naima and acts accordingly. Frequently known as the Mortal Goddess, she bounces between terrifying and shocking cruelty and blissful compassion and kindness. Despite the risks involved with praying to her, she’s the most favorite divine of the mortals as she’s constantly depicted as making mistakes, being rambunctious, acting foolish and various other behaviors that ring as distinctly mortal. Ihel had many children among the mortals, her demigod children make up the backbone of loner tales about humility, caution, compassion and so on.

It’s said that when an eclipse occurs, it’s Ihel changing faces and becoming more like her mother or father for a moon.

Domains: Mortality, Dawn and Dusk Skies, Mischief, Petty Grudges, Compassion, Promiscuity

Titles: The Changing One, The Eclipse, The Spitfire, The Free One

Sacred Animals: Mortals

Mates: Many Flings

Child(ren): N/A

[strelles-universe]

Kindlers of the Sky (WIP)

Vrayushu - Lord of the Day

The Lord of the Day is depicted upon walls as a massive charcoal tiger with cracks running through his pelt. The cracks are the brindled stripes of all tigers, glowing brilliant red as the fire-y skin of the Day God glows from within. His eyes are pure golden with no pupil or sclera visible; just a swirling fire. Vrayushu’s internal fire is so hot, that after he cracked the covering of his pelt he sets the world ablaze every time he tries to touch it. Forest Fires are often said to be the result of this emotional and loving god attempting to embrace his creations and accidentally setting their world aflame. It’s said that the first boars of the world were spawned from one of his fallen teeth which is why they have massive tusks.

Vrayushu created all the creatures of the Day and brilliant life, therefore being known as one of the two Gods of Creation alongside his mate. His domains are Warm Colors (and therefore, warm colored fires), warm fire, the day sky, day-time creation, emotions.

Domain(s): Warm Colors, Warm Fires, The Day Sky, Creation (Day-Time Forms), Emotion

Title(s): Lord of the Day, Father Day

Sacred Animal(s): Firewings

Sacred Plant(s): Sunberries, Sunchasers (sunflowers), Daisies

Mate(s): Vashaŕa

Kit(s): Hreheŕa (The Heat Bringer), Sahreŕa (The Rain Bringer)

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Vashaŕa - Lady of the Night

The Lady of the Night is depicted similarly to her mate with her expanse of charcoal skin broken up with cracks that wrap her pelt in stripes but the fire that pulses from the inside is silver and blue, matching her pupiless blue eyes. Vashaŕa doesn’t reach for the little ones on the ground often, instead feeling that the creatures of the world should be left to their lives without interference from herself and her mate. That said she does hold a soft-spot for the mortals and so, she used the broken casing around her paw to reach out and create the Hearths that rest in the Sky Kingdoms. It was Vashaŕa who changed Ahasra I into a creature of her image and so it’s said that if you sleep near her Hearth, you can get a glimpse of the future. 

Vashaŕa created all the creatures of the Night and all gleaming life as well as holding domains over cool colors (and cool colored fires), cold fire, the night sky, night creature forms and intelligence. Vashaŕa is acknowledged as the colder and more analytical of the two Old Skies in comparison to her softer, more emotional mate. 

Domain(s): Cool Colors, Cool Fires, The Night Sky, Creation (Night-Time Forms), Intellect,

Title(s): Lady of the Night, Mother Night

Sacred Animal(s): Sooty Nightjar, Raven

Sacred Plant(s): Nightfold,

Mate(s): Vrayushu

Kit(s):  Hreheŕa (The Heat Bringer), Sahreŕa (The Rain Bringer), Ahasra the First (The Phoenix)

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Hreheŕa - The Heat Bringer

The Heat Bringer is one of the two flame twins who burst from the bodies of The Eldest Gods, landing upon the world and influencing it immediately. Hreheŕa is the minor divine of the warm seasons; depicted as a lion golden brown lion - in the summer, he possesses a mane of fire haloing his face and on the tip of his tail. As he roams the world, he warms it with his presence, bringing summer to everyone - occasionally his tail-tuft brushes the land and causes small brush-fires and results in the blossoming of ashweed. As he grows tired however, his mane begins to flicker and die eventually reducing to a stream of smoke. In this form, she represents the fall - where she is still bringing heat and warmth to the world but to a much lower level. In her fall form, Hraheŕa has been known to walk alongside their twin, Sahreŕa before they split apart to handle their respective duties.

It’s said that it was the Heat Bringer and Rain Bringer in unison that taught the lonesome and solitary members of cat-kind the benefit of cooperation and grouping together. Particularly in the Summer, Hraheŕa insisted that with the surplus of resources, there was no point in fighting each other when instead, they could share and still be content. The Heat Bringer holds the domains of Summer and Fall, The Harvest, Warm Winds, Dry Storms, Lightning and Brush Fires. 

Domain(s): Summer and Fall, The Harvest, Warm Winds, Dry Storms, Lightning, Cooperation

Title(s): The Heat Bringer, Blazing Mane

Sacred Animal(s): Sooty Feathered Woodpecker

Sacred Plant(s): Ashweed, Marigold

Mate(s): N/A

Kit(s): Vahulimifra (Kit-Bearer)

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Sahreŕa - The Rain Bringer

The Rain Bringer is one of the two flame twins who burst from the bodies of The Eldest Gods, landing upon the world and influencing it immediately. Sahreŕa is a minor god of the cool seasons - another lion like his twin; in the winter he has a mane of icicles halos around his head. His presence brings snow in sheets and blankets, gently coating the world in white and occasionally obscuring all else from sight. As winter wanes, her mane begins to melt and drips around her throat; splattering on the ground beneath her. Sometimes she bumps her head against her twin's cheek or flank affectionately and the combination of water and heat creates a heavy, wet kind of air - humidity.

It’s said that it was the Heat Bringer and Rain Bringer in unison that taught the lonesome and solitary members of cat-kind the benefit of cooperation and grouping together. Particularly in the Winter, Sahreŕa levied that with the scarcity of resources and the insecurity of their dens; they didn't need more enemies and competition - "The pride will stand where the loner has fallen" is a refrain of hers that kits of the Kingdoms whine about hearing a lot. Sahreŕa holds the domains of the Winter and Spring, new groty. Snow, cold winds. wet storms and cooperation. While Sahreŕa has no mate, he grew tired of attempting to rule winter while also spreading frost; so she scraped together enough snow to create a creature in her image - Vasiŕapeŕa who is recognized by the modern folk as his daughter. 

Domain(s): Winter and Spring, New Growth, Rainfall, Snow, Cold Winds, Storms, Cooperation

Title(s): The Rainbringer, Melting Mane

Sacred Animal(s):

Sacred Plant(s): Peakberry, Mistletoe

Mate(s):

Kit(s): Vasiŕapeŕa (The Hail Bringer/Frost)

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Hukyashas - The Peacemaker

Depicted as a massive, thick furred creature with slightly long front fangs; Hukyashas the wolverine is said to have a pelt as dark as the night on the over side while her underbelly is orangey-red like a sunrise. She is a kind divine who has always had a gentle spot for the mortal creatures of the mortal creatures of the world even when they weren't behaving kindly. It is Hukyashas who is associated with the Great Connection - secretly removing the barrier between Canine and Feline, leading to the modern world where cats, dogs and Foxes all associate in harmony.

It's said that while most of the other gods became separated, Hukyashas agreed to remain with the mortals to observe them more directly - if you seek out her cave filled with pointed rocks overlooking the salty waters, you just may find omens and flashes of the future that she left to be accessed. Hukyashas hold domains over peace and unity (hence her title as Peacemaker), Kinship across Species, Language, Travel and Mercy. Though Hukyashas has never taken a mate, she once took an apprentice in Vahrato, the Barterer.

Domain(s): Peace, Unity, Kinship, Mercy, Language, Travel

Title(s): The Peacemaker, The Unifier, The Lonely Divine

Sacred Animal(s): Wolverines, Western Badgers

Sacred Plant(s): Peace Lily

Mate(s):  N/A

Kit(s): Vahrato - (The Barterer)

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Taihakida - The Traitor

...

Domain(s): Betrayal, Doubt, Kinslaying, Malicious Lies, War, Gossip

Title(s): The Turntail, Lie Weaver

Sacred Animal(s):

Sacred Plant(s):

Mate(s):

Kit(s): N/A

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XX - The Loyalist

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Domain(s): Loyalty, Certainty,

Title(s):

Sacred Animal(s):

Sacred Plant(s):

Mate(s):

Kit(s): N/A

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Vahuŕepra - The Death Bringer

The Death Bringer isn’t shied away from in the kingdoms like many things, rather they are celebrated in their day form and revered in their night form. They are shown as a great owl in the day-time; a plume of mottled brown feathers decorating the bird’s body - in the night their plumage turns a ghostly white with cream markings across their back. In both forms their eyes are massive and completely black though it’s said that if you look inside of them; you can see right into the Realm of Moonlight. It’s widely believed by the kingdoms that the sight of an owl can mean death is on the horizon - a barn owl means a peaceful or quiet death; passing in one’s sleep or assassinated in secret; a great horned owl means that death is approaching vibrantly, in battle or through self-performed theatrics.

Vahuŕepra’s domains are death, shadows, complete silence, balance and impartiality. A smaller collection of domains than most of the other gods but Vahuŕepra is a rather heavily specialized divine, focused on one role. It’s said that in the Realm of Moonlight there is a massive tree that is actually three trees that grew together, weaving their trunks together into a single braided entity. This is referred to as Vahuŕepra’s Tower and it’s said that this is the welcoming gate that all spirits pass through to reach Judgement. Though they have no mate, they are considered the parent of Akuufaha - the Guiding Light who assists in leading spirits to their death.

Domain(s): Death, Silence, Shadows, Impartiality, Balance

Title(s): The Harvester, Shepherd of Ghosts

Sacred Animal(s): Owls, Hawks

Sacred Plant(s): Nightcap, Yew Berries, Hemlock

Mate(s): N/A

Kit(s): Akuufaha - The Guiding Light

[strelles-universe]

The Old Gods - Vrayushu and Vashara

☼ ☼ Vrayushu ☼ ☼

Somewhat of a reductive title, Rayushu is not just the Sun God but also holds rank as the most supreme God of Life. Vrayushu is one of the five Old Gods born of something far greater than any mortal can comprehend. Most agree that he is the most sensitive of the Old Gods, always willing to help the little creatures that roam the world and see them as his own kits. Depicted as a massive tiger like creature with a burning tail of fire and glowing, molten stripes bellowing smoke from his body, cats of ginger or molten coats are said to be blessed by him.

Vrayushu is known to grant certain creatures the ability to see the future by Visions seen in the roar of the Hearth or secrets spilled by the Sunwings that inhabit their land. Other cats are born in the colors of his mate and steadily turn a more masculine color, entering his own domain under his protection. 

Domain(s): Fire, the Sun, the Day Sky, Life, the Future

Title(s): The Great Father, The Brilliant Sun

Sacred Animal(s); Firewings, Sun Hens

Sacred Plant(s): Sunberries, Daskuŕai, Aguŕai, Ufeŕuv

Mate(s): Ashara

Child(ren): Siŕahuŕar, Nivahuŕar

Translations:

Daskuŕai - sun chaser, the kingdom word for a sunflower

Agauŕai - sun's eye, the kingdom word for a daisy

Ufeŕuv - sun's blood, the kingdom word for a poppy

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☽ ☽ Vashara ☾ ☾

With a title as reductive as her mate’s, Vashara is the goddess of the moon and as the most supreme Goddess of Death. One of the Old Gods, Vashaŕa is regarded as a goddess of reason and rationality. Unlike her mate, she plans for the future and often views thing analytically - though that’s not to say that she’s heartless and uncaring. She does adore the little morals she helped create - she’s just of the opinion that doing everything for them would leave them helpless.

Vashaŕa is depicted most frequently as a massive white and silver tiger with a glowing tail of blue fire and white smoke drizzling from her body. Cats with silver coats are frequently remarked to be blessed by her.

Domain(s): Fire, the Moon, Night, Death

Title(s): The Great Mother, The Vigilant Moon

Sacred Animal(s); Silverwings

Sacred Plant(s): Moon Lillies, Night Belle

Mate(s): Vrayushu

Child(ren): Siŕahuŕar, Nivahuŕar

[strelles-universe]

Clan Gods - Translated into the Old Language

Rough Draft of 'em but I think I like what I have. Also "Wishsoul" is sometimes called "Desiresoul" since the words are similar and I can probably make some mythology out of that

Emuav -> Moonsoul

Suyaav -> Sunsoul

Karuav -> Treesoul

Namaav -> Riversoul

Imorihav -> Sweetsoul

Nimwav -> Littlesoul

Avenav -> Wishsoul

Beraav -> Bravesoul

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ShadowClan considers Littlesoul a spirit and so, mostly refers to them as; Nimmai

[strelles-universe]

Rogue Culture: Hounds and Hares

Though it’s not ideal to be part of the games of gods, most rogues and loners agree that it’s infinitely better to follow along with them - even if it means suffering in the paws of Aihri - than to be trapped upon the mortal world itself once you’ve expired. Spirits not given proper burial or at least, a little honor are doomed to either become a Hound or a Hare.

A Hound is what happens to most aggressive or violently killed beings. 

The violence of the way they ended, the aggression and rage they’re constantly filled with begins to affect their outward shape. Some may wonder if dogs are offended by the demons of the world being referred to as Hounds - and lone dogs will tell you no, for a Hound is the worst kind of dog to be. The spirit becomes bent on blood - so obsessed with it that it steadily focuses more and more of its senses and skills on seeking out blood either in the bodies of living creatures or spilt across the ground. Hounds menace the creatures of the world, chasing anything with a pulse with no other desire but to rip it to shreds and scatter its remains along the trail it just ran along.

Hounds occasionally will team up in a twisted mockery of a pack to hunt down creatures together, only to turn on each other in the end and maul each other brutally.

A Hare is what happens when a creature is left to die in a miserable state - from illness, from fear or simply left to bleed out slowly and watch as their killer walks away from them. Their bodies instead shift and morph, changing to always run from the Hounds that snap at their heels. They’re nothing but terrified spirits seeking to  live another day.

With the inherent cruelty of this system, it should be to no one’s surprise that Aihri was the spawner of this terrible state of the world.

Cats were created in his image - they’re meant to be completely perfect, his toys that are posed exactly as he wishes, when he wished it. He looked down upon dogs - his first creation, and foxes - his second creation - and of course, monkeys a complete mistake. Aihri was initially so proud of his cats - his creations - that he never even let them walk among the other cats. He kept them confined to his throne room, in the Sun’s Palace whee he could gaze upon them fondly.

But cats were creatures and their willpowers weren’t eternal.

So when a single cat stepped from his podium, bowing his head to drink, Aihri shrieked in anger. 

He took this single action as a form of hatred against him - a disdain for laxity, for being ungrateful for being allowed to live as a toy. So he cursed that tom - Harbor he’s called now - with never being able to hold still. He filled all the larger creatures with an intense hatred for the tom and cursed him so that if he had children, the curse would be passed down to them.

And so the Hounds became the predators of the world and the killing instincts that make them raving mad. Sometimes you can encounter the ghostly form of a Hound in the blood soaked lands of a war, still raging with a thirst for blood.

The Hares were born of another curse, placed upon a molly by the name of Gale. Aihri fed his prized creatures naught but the same old food, day in and day out with no regard to their wellbeing or their health. The molly began to grow sick, finding it harder and harder to maintain the appearance that AIhri so deeply desired. One day she couldn’t handle it, vomiting up the meal as her body rejected the empty nutrition.

And Aihri snarled furiously in response to her actions, he felt that her response was nothing but the result of selfishness and ungratefulness.

He cast her from his Palace as well and granted each creature in the world gifts to ensure that they could always stay just out of claw of poor Gale, for he enjoy seeing her suffer. And so all prey is capable of dodging even the best of hunters - bird can fly, moles can burrow and squirrels race through the trees as if it were flat, solid ground. 

The Hares can be found sporadically, frightened spirits racing away from battlefields with the speed of the wind. 

[strelles-universe]

Personal Notes

The Spider - A semi-neutral entity in kingdom myths, weavers and planners who eventually sided with the Sky Kindlers against the Stoats when their lies resulted in the Spider being separated from her offspring, forgotten by all of spider-kind with some still possessing their gifts

The Lion - One of the original lesser gods that taught the mortal creatures unity and co-operation. Were the final group to push cat-kind into clans and kingdoms instead of living alone - honorable and kind

The Bear - Powerful guardians and a sign of what the world once was. The ability to swim, climb and run at incredible speeds, bears are living proof of the Age of Gods when mortals mingled with the divine

[strelles-universe]

The 9 Greats

The clans worship the main nine deities. All deities are given the suffix “soul” which is never used by the clans as a normal suffix. There are small spirit deities that work alongside the deities and go unnamed for the part. Only a few spirits have names due to their prominence in clan history.

Sunsoul is the goddess of the sun, life, fire and thunderstorms (specifically dry thunder). Sunsoul is the head and leader of the other deities. She’s also responsible for the bringing of Green-Leaf. Interestingly enough, Sunsoul is depicted as a black oncilla with glowing pupiless amber eyes, and amber tipped ears and tail. It’s said that Sunsoul noticed how empty the sky was on the earth and plucked the third eye that was said to sit on her forehead and place it in the sky and allowed it to light up the land. Sunsoul’s blessed cats are capable of sensing when storms are on the horizon and can bring cats from the brink of death.

Sunsoul’s mate is Slysoul- a reddish gray ocelot with glowing blue eyes said to stalk the shadows of living cats and after younger cats learning to hunt. Slysoul is the goddess of the hunt, stealth, patience and cleverness. She’s the most skilled hunter of all the deities and it’s said that she taught the clan founders how to hunt and teach their clanmates to hunt. It’s also whispered that Slysoul walks in the dreams of cats who seem to be particularly talented and take on the form of a passed loved one and teach them. Slysoul is said to grant her favored cats with quick battle senses, unmatchable hunting skills and pawsteps so quiet, it’s like they aren’t moving at all.

Then there’s Riversoul, the god of moving and still water, water-storms, and dreams. Riversoul is a silver gray fishing cat with yellow eyes and a curious temperament. He’s said to be seen as a silhouette in the river and occasionally through the haze of a heavy rain. Riversoul’s spirit sometimes leads mortal cats to special pools of water that send them into a deep, dream-filled sleep. He never means to hurt these cats, he just enjoys viewing their dreams. Riversoul’s blessed cats are said to be able to hold their breath for longer than others, sensing rainfall and are able to tell the difference between safe and tainted water by instinct. One cat long ago claimed to be capable of Dream Walking like Riversoul himself but no one believed them. Riversoul is believed to bring New Leaf with his mate- his pelt drips water in the form of rain.

Treesoul is Riversoul’s mate. She’s the goddess of new life, plants and edible fruits. Treesoul is said to have created poisonous berries as a punishment to cats who only take from the forest without any form of gratefulness or thanks for the berries that heal them, destroying the forest with no regard. Treesoul is a margay that some cats claim to see wandering near the tops of the trees or peering out of dead logs. Treesoul brings New Leaf with her mate, Riversoul- her pawsteps bring baby grass, young berries and new flowers. It’s also said that Treesoul’s touch guarantees a safe and healthy pregnancy. Her chosen are said to be capable of sensing pregnancy, find the freshest and most readily available herbs.

A beautiful king cheetah with a pair of vibrant green eyes, Sweetsoul is most known as the goddess of family and home. Sweetsoul looked at the planet of creatures roaming the earth and declared them family- no matter how many times they fought, every creature at the end of the day just wanted to be healthy and happy. In total, Sweetsoul is the goddess of family, healing, birth and protectiveness. Sweetsoul is less seen and more felt. It’s not uncommon for cats who have their kits away from others to feel a sensation of warmth, joy and protection as if they’re surrounded by unseen siblings and guardians. Sweetsoul is also known to lead cats without family to other cats or comfort them when they feel alone. She is also felt as a blaze of rage when defending home.

Alongside Sweetsoul is her kit, Littlesoul. Littlesoul isn’t a very powerful deity but they watch after orphaned/abandoned kits or kits with a bad relationship with their parents. Littlesoul often sits with young kits when they feel lonely. Young kits often claim to see a “strange kit with a white ruff down its back” that they play with when they’re younger. Littlesoul also tends to lead tiny lost kits back to their families.

Moonsoul is depicted as a kodkod and is the god of death, the moon and animals of the night. It’s said that when Moonsoul saw how brilliant the earth was, she made a deal with Sunsoul- the creatures couldn’t sleep very well in the daylight and while they need light, a less intense one would be more appreciated. Like Sunsoul before her, she plucked the third eye from her forehead and placed it in the sky to light their paths.

Wishsoul is the god of luck, victory, karma and is joint with Riversoul with prophecy and dreams. Wishsoul often appears as an ordinary cat- a rogue- and often encounters clan cats with random conversations for no reason. He’s actually a Geoffrey’s Cat though he doesn’t reveal it very often. It’s rumored that he will watch from the branches during clan wars and sometimes decide to bless one side with greater chances of victory.

Bravesoul is often seen with Wishsoul as the goddess of battle, courage and general strategy. Bravesoul is depicted as an Asian Golden Cat with a pair of blazing amber eyes. She lingers among the battlefield watching cats fight for a myriad of reasons and grants clarity to their leaders. Bravesoul is also said to be fond of prophecy cats who face down their destiny head on and accept their fate.

[strelles-universe]

The cats of the kingdoms believe in their own deities, one of which is Korayūshū.

Korayūshū is the god of the sun, daylight, knowledge, acceptance, living creatures and desire to learn. Often referred to as simply Rayūshū in casual conversation. It’s said that Korayūshū is a tiger made of orange fire. Oray is the shortened version of his name and means “sun.”

[strelles-universe]

The Five Howls

The Packs believe in the Five Howls. The five are the original wolves who created the world.

The Wolf of the Moon howled the moon and night sky into existence to give animals light to roam and allow them to hunt in the night- this wolf was Iren, the She-Wolf of the Night, creator of the stars and ruler of the night.

The Wolf of the Sun saw this and decided that there needed to be a contrast- a time where the prey can replenish. So he Howled the Sun and the Day sky into existence. This wolf is Atella and he is the creator of the sun, the sky and ruler of the day watching over the packs through the sun.

The Wolf of the Waters realized the animals needed something to drink to help them survive. This wolf was Mywel and she Howled into existence the sea, the rivers, lakes and streams. The Wolf of the Land known as Canta saw what she did and worked alongside her and Howled into existence the trees, the flowers and the caves.

When the first wolves of the pack died, the last wolf Eseka Howled into existence the Pack of Stars and Howled up the hunting lands of the dead.

Iren is depicted as a black wolf with white sockets for eyes, black claws and the sigil of a crescent moon on her tail. She has little specks of light that surround her mouth representing the stars she Howled out. Iren is sometimes shown with wings. Dogs blessed by Iren are said to be able to see in the night better than they do in the day.

Atella is depicted as a golden wolf with the same white eye sockets as Iren. His claws are orange and a sun sigil on his tail that seems to glow. Atella’s mouth is surrounded by mist, his paws always shrouded by the clouds he Howled out. Atella is also depicted with wings as one of the two sky wolves. Dogs blessed by Atella are said to have an unmatched sense of direction and the farthest day sight of anyone.

Mywel is depicted as a gray/blue wolf with blue sockets for eyes. Her coat is said to always look wet even when dry. Mywel’s back half is drawn as darker than her front half as if to show the sea and river. Excellent swimmers, dogs of Mywel are said to be fish of dog bodies for their ability to hold their breath for long periods of time and seem less bothered by it.

Canta is traditionally depicted alongside Mywel and is a brown wolf with yellow eye sockets. With a wreath of sporting branches around his neck, it’s rare for Canta to be shown alone. Canta blessed dogs never seem to lose their way on land and their instincts regarding plants is highly coveted.

Eseka is depicted as a white wolf with blue eye sockets and always appears to be walking on a trail of stars. Eseka is shown to have a small pair of horns on the crest of his head. Interestingly, Eseka’s right eye is often obstructed or drawn as injured. Very few old drawings show both open eyes. It’s not common to find dogs who are blessed by Eseka but those who are typically aren’t bothered by species divides. Often they roam on their own or- within the packs- become either Alpha or Luna.