The Acolytes of Moloch were founded on the belief of a powerful being, claimed to have been spotted by the Prophet. This beast was described by Him as powerful, massive, and ferocious. This beast's growls shook the earth beneath Him, shaking the Prophet to his very core. This beast looked like feline kind, but more fearsome and massive than any cat He had ever seen. Through this mighty god's growls, The Prophet learned his name. Moloch. The Prophet knew Moloch was the true ruler of the land, and to appease and earn the god's blessing, Moloch roared to Him that sacrafices of food and blood would save cat kind. Only this way could Moloch's growls be contained, lest he destroy the land and all that live upon it.

MOLOCH's BLESSING

Acolytes who wish to have strong offspring may ask a Missionary to arrange a meeting with The Prophet, so that he may mix a vibrant poultice from various red berries that he will paint onto the prospective parents' faces and bodies, with different strokes for the father and the mother. The prospective parents then wash the poultice off with running water and are more likely to have strong and numerous offspring.

COMING OF AGE

Occurs upon a Youth's six month of age (for canines and felines, varies on other species). All those who have sought shelter under The Prophets protection are invited to celebrate the aging Youth's new rank. This is when a young Acolyte may start petitioning a member of another rank for training in that specific skill set. The Pursuers prepare for days in advance to bring home large and numerous prey items for a grand feast held in the Youth's honor.

It is not typical for two or more Youths to have the same day dedicated to their aging, even if they were born on the same day. Youths born on the same day do tend to have their aging days fall close to each other, but almost never on the same day. This is so the ceremony is more personal and feels more special.

RANK ACENSION

Occurs when an Acolyte has succesfully completed their training to their mentor's satisfaction.

Missionary- The Acolyte is taken by their Missionary teacher to meet with The Prophet, who recites the Missionary's Blessing and promotes them to missionary.

Watchful- The Acolyte is taken by their watchful teacher to just beyond sight of the shack. once there, the acolyte is asked to name seven things they can observe through touch, taste, hearing, smell, and sight. The Acolyte will be asked to take the Watchful Oath, and will be stationed on night watch that night as a full Watchful.

Teacher- The Acolyte is presented to the other Teachers (if available) for approval. If approved, the Acolyte begins teaching duties the next time new youths become old enough for class assignment.

Pursuer- The Acolyte is brought to The Prophet for a blessing of protection, and then is banished from the shack until they return with an impressive catch. If the Acolyte returns with an impressive catch, they are accepted as a Pursuer. If the Acolyte fails, and returns empty-handed, they remain an Acolyte and cannot petition to become a pursuer again. Failing the test to become a Pursuer is seen as a great shame, and even though the Acolyte who failed can petition missionaries for training, it is considered irresponsible for a Missionary to accept it

TRAINING

Acolytes do not have to start petitioning other ranks for extra training, nor do they have to start on the day they age out of youth rank. They may take their time, petition immediately, or not at all.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Acolytes may not leave the vicinity of the shack without the permission of a Pursuer or Missionary.

THE PROHPET

Can be adressed as "The Prohpet", "Prophet", "Grand Prophet", etc. The one and only leader, and the head of the religion. Has absolute power but delegates day-to-day tasks to the rest of the holy ranks. The Prophet is given the highest respects. Even joking threats about The Prophet's safety is investigated thoroughly by the Watchful and Missionaries.
Feline Only

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Micah

MISSIONARIES

Tasked with converting nonbelievers. Their main goal is to seek out and offer refuge to those who are uninitiated. Their secondary task is to convert those within The Prophet's ranks to the proper religion. Missionaries are advised not to force conversion or threaten members who believe otherwise, but Missionaries may decide for themselves how to convert. Missionaries often spend days at a time away from the shack on mission trips, and are the most likely rank to encounter nonbeliever animals. Missionaries are also responsible for determining who, and when, a member may seek a meeting with The Prophet. One must be present at the shack at all times.
Feline Only

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WATCHFUL

Appointed watch guards who believe wholeheartedly in the Prophet's doctrine. They make sure that no Acolyte leaves the allowed area. Rank is only deemed holy due to its requirement that those filling it are unwavering believers.
Any species, Feline preffered

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TEACHERS

Educators, indoctrinaters. The few that hold this role are to educate the youth on acolyte life: anything from hunting to fighting to the doctrines of their religion. Teachers are invited to specialize, but must also be at least passably versed in every facet. Becoming a teacher is a very long path to follow, but not difficult or impossible.
Feline Only

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PURSUERS

Hunters, seeking both offerings and food for the general population. Pursuers may choose to exclusively hunt either offerings or food, or they may decide case-by-case.
Feline and medium-to-large canine Only

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ACOLYTES

General population. Members may devote themselve to coexistence, with the allowane of spending their time however they please as long as they stay within sight of the shack. Acolytes have no sway within the group unless totally unanimous.
Feline Only

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YOUTH

Children of all species. The only requirement of them is to learn what the teachers will teach..
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The Missionary's Blessing

"I bless you, [name] the [species], to be protected from the wrath of Moloch and never come to harm by His claws."

Watchful's Oath

"I am Watchful.
I swear to have eagle eyes, bat ears, and cat whiskers.
I swear to be vigilant to hostile invasions.
I swear to be vigilant to possible escapes.
I swear to protect the faithful from the world beyond.
If I fail any of these tasks, I am responsible.
If I fail any of these tasks, I am no longer Watchful."