Judilian Band

General Rules

1. Respect for each other and beliefs is paramount. Peace will be kept between members, if there is a dispute that cannot be settled, please bring it to Atreyu’s attention.
- Failure to keep this rule results in community service for both parties, for however long Atreyu deems fit.

2. All couples seeking to have litters must speak with Atreyu first and gain approval. While we hate to dampen anyone’s dreams, this is important for band resources.
- Failure to keep this rule means you risk in-character punishment.

3. Atreyu has the final say in all band matters, but Azriel may be contacted in her stead if need be.
- Failure to adhere to this results in your character risking being ousted from the band.

4. In order to join or leave the band, one must first speak with Atreyu.
- Failure to do so could result in undesirable in-character consequences.

5. Be mindful when visiting other packs and when dealing with loners, your actions directly reflect the band and Atreyu doesn’t like bad press.
- Punishments can include public atonement rituals, both to the band and the offended pack or individual(s).

6. No murder unless absolutely necessary.
- You don't even want to know what the punishment is for this one...

The Morningstar Family:

1. Reverence for the Divine Spirits:
Law: Always show utmost respect and reverence to the deities Kiska, Cordova, Mainyu, and Cudros in thoughts, words, and actions.
Punishment: Blasphemy or disrespect towards the deities will result in severe punishment, including public penance or exile.

2. Observance of Rites and Rituals:
Law: All members must diligently observe and participate in seasonal rites and rituals, including those for marriage, birth, death, war, and peacetime.
Punishment: Failure to participate or improper conduct during rituals will result in mandatory re-education and community service.

3. Protection of Sacred Symbols and Sites:
Law: Sacred symbols, artifacts, and sites dedicated to the deities must be protected and maintained with the highest care.
Punishment: Desecration or neglect of sacred symbols and sites will result in severe punishment, including physical labor to restore the damage and potential banishment.

4. Respect for Ancestral Spirits:
Law: Ancestral spirits must be honored and respected through proper funeral rites, prayers, and offerings.
Punishment: Disrespect or failure to honor ancestral spirits will result in spiritual retribution and exclusion from certain community privileges.

5. Upholding Peace and War Conduct:
Law: In times of peace, strive to maintain harmony; in times of war, adhere strictly to the codes of conduct dictated by Cordova.
Punishment: Acts of unwarranted aggression or cowardice in war will result in trials and severe punishments, including potential execution for severe offenses.

6. Sanctity of Life and Death:
Law: Life and death are sacred transitions overseen by Mainyu and Cudros; all births and deaths must be accompanied by the appropriate rites.
Punishment: Interference or disruption of these rites will result in severe consequences, including exile or execution depending on the severity.

7. Purity and Fertility Rites:
Law: Those seeking blessings for love, fertility, and childbirth must adhere to the demanding rituals of Mainyu with full commitment.
Punishment: Failure to complete these rituals properly will result in temporary exclusion from community events and required atonement rituals.

8. Honoring Mutations as Divine Gifts:
Law: Mutations are to be revered as gifts from Kiska; those with mutations within the family must be treated with respect and dignity.
Punishment: Disrespecting or harming those with mutations will result in social ostracism.

9. Conducting Spirit Walks with Integrity:
Law: Spirit walks using psychedelics and herbs must be conducted with sincerity and under the guidance of the matriarch or oracle.
Punishment: Misuse of these substances or fraudulent claims of visions will result in punishment, including spiritual cleansing rituals and loss of certain rights.

10. Preservation of Community Harmony:
Law: All members must strive to preserve the harmony and unity of the Judila community, acting with honor and integrity in all dealings.
Punishment: Actions that disrupt community harmony, such as deceit, theft, or betrayal, will result in a tribunal and appropriate punishments, ranging from community service to banishment.

A peaceful band, with a focus on healing, rehabilitation, and faith. Mostly a family band, there is a shared goal to vanquish evil in any form, by whatever means necessary. Most of them share a religion, and though they do not press it on anyone, they do ask for respect for their beliefs.

Customs & Rituals
Marriage
The Moon Dance - One of Mainyu's many demanding rituals, this is meant to test the couple's synchronicity and resolve to handle all hardships. It is a complicated dance meant to last for an hour, during this time the couple is to dance in perfect harmony without missing a step or losing the beat. It is performed under the new moon, in honor of Mainyu. Couples who fail this ritual may try again during the next new moon phase, if they fail that one, it is believed that the marriage is not meant to be. After the two have successfully done the ritual, there is a feast and party to celebrate!

Judilian Birthday Vigil & Feast
On a pack member's birthday, the Judilian Band hosts a Vigil of Reflection followed by a lively Feast of Honor. This celebration combines personal growth with communal festivity, honoring the birthday wolf’s journey while embracing the joyful side of life.

Elements of the Vigil:

Nighttime Gathering: The ritual is held under the stars or moon, symbolizing the cycle of time and life.

Personal Reflection: The birthday wolf speaks briefly about their past year—triumphs, challenges, and what they hope to focus on in the future. This moment allows for deep reflection and sharing with the pack, but doesn’t push any religious undertones.

Well Wishes: After the reflection, each pack member offers silent well wishes or brings a small symbolic gift from nature, like a stone, feather, or leaf, symbolizing qualities they wish to bestow upon the birthday wolf (strength, wisdom, peace, etc.).

Feast of Honor: The pack enjoys a bountiful meal with plenty of food and drink, indulging in the season's best offerings. This is also a type for dancing, laughter, and storytelling where everyone lets loose and celebrates the birthday wolf's place in the pack and the collective joy of their lives together.

Return to the Earth ceremonies
When a member of the Judilian Band passes away, a very specific set of rites is performed. The funeral ritual could be drawn out for days, in order to accommodate for the time needed to dig the grave. These days are given to celebrate the dead one's life and remember them with plenty of their favorite foods, drinks, and the offer of spirit walks, music and songs are a big part of this, chanting is not uncommon. The body is prepared with herbs and spices and then ceremonially lowered into the ground to be returned to the earth, the same funerary herbs and spices are burned on a pyre beside the grave to guide the deceased's spirit to the Summerlands.

Unofficial Ranking System
1. Band Leader - Alpha - Atreyu
o The Paladin, leading with courage, justice, and a divine sense of duty to vanquish evil.

2. Second-in-command - Beta – Azriel
o The Executioner, akin to a D&D Rogue or Assassin, responsible for enforcing the pack's laws and carrying out justice.

3. Third-in-command - Gamma – Oath
o The Bard, inspiring and supporting the pack with lore-keeping, charisma, and aiding in strategy.

4. Elite Warriors - Sentinels
o The Fighters, brave warriors who defend the pack and lead the charge against evil forces.

5. Spiritual Guides - Seers
o The Druids, wielders of natural medicines who provide wisdom, healing, and mystical support.

6. Scouts - Rangers
o The Rangers, skilled trackers and scouts who gather intelligence and ensure the pack is always prepared.

7. Hunters - Trackers
o The Rogues, stealthy and cunning, skilled in the art of hunting.

8. Apprentices - Trainees
o The Squires, young pack members in training, learning the skills needed to combat evil.

9. Elders - Sages
o The Wizards, wise and experienced, offering strategic counsel and knowledge.

10. Prisoner-of-War - Captives
o The Captives, held as prisoners from rival packs or enemies, often used for intelligence or bargaining.