Vilebank Spirituality - 1

In order to maintain their connection to the beyond and keep faith strong in the clowder, Vilebank performs routine rituals led by the clowder’s Observers. All cats are encouraged to join, as it is considered a sacred time. Contact with the Beyond is only achieved by the Observers, but their message is relayed to the entire clowder. 

Rituals always occur at nightfall, as the moon is believed to be a symbol of the Beyond. Observers will gather everyone by the central pool of camp, and all cats present watch as the Observers dip their nose to the water. It is said visions are most potent and messages most clear when the moon is at it’s fullest. Every cat waits in bated breath, until after a few minutes the Observers arise and relay the messages they have been bestowed. Sometimes, cats may try to request that a question is asked in their stead, though usually this is reserved for more personal consultations. 

In the past, cats were encouraged to enter a group dream, all napping in unison in hopes the Divine would shine their wisdom upon them. It was believed the closest one could be to their ancestors was within the land of dreams. In more recent times, this practice has been abandoned as Ichor tries to separate Vilebank from the views of her father. Now, rituals are solely handled by the Observers and occasionally Ichor herself. 

Uniquely, as leader, Ichor is blessed with the ability to persuade cats with the help of her ancestors in the Beyond. This ability is strictly held by leaders of Vilebank, and has its own limitations. She cannot innately control cats, only influence their own decisions. Ichor does not enjoy using this so-called “blessing”, and prefers to try and get others to listen to her using her own negotiation skills. 

The venoms and poisons which Vilebank utilizes in their combat and medicines are also considered to be blessings from the Beyond, as the clowders’ territory is abundant in animals and plants which can be harnessed for their potency. It also seems that, when a cat is accepted into Vilebank, they are granted immunity to less deadly poisons, seemingly as acknowledgement from the Beyond.