Tabaxi Spiritualism
The Beginning
According to Tabaxi legends, millenia ago, the world was there but it was barren. The sun baked the land and little could survive in the harsh wasteland that was the Hickerwick Sands. But as the world lay dying a gentle spirit, Eha, brought the seeds of new life from far away to the Hickerwick. With Eha's gift, trees began to flourish, plants began to grow, and people and spirits were able once more to thrive in their homeland. With the new growth came the spirits. Eha brought her siblings to share their gifts with the people of the Hickerwick and the world began to grow beautiful. Together Eha, Nula, and Qotal supported the lives of those living within the Hickerwick and asked for little in exchange.The Expansion
Once contained to a small section of the Hickerwick as it grew, the spirits allowed those of the land to explore and expand to new places, protected by their gifts and guidance. The trees and plants spread. New animals and Life began to spring up wherever the spirits touched. But there were still places the spirits would not allow the people to tread. Eha warned of her oldest siblings and the cruelty they would bring if they learned of this land. The spirits warned the people not to speak the names of their siblings for fear that names have power and saying them could summon the cruel ones in an instant. These names are lost to time, but the Cruel Ones have not been forgotten by all. And the spirits warned the people to stay in the safety of the trees, for that is where the spirits could keep them safe. Their blessings could only extend past the forest for precious few. And for a time the people and the spirits lived in harmony.The Discovery
After millenia of peace and growth between the spirits and the people, a new life came to the Hickerwick. Appearign on large wooden vessels, Outsiders to the Hickerwick began to make their way to the forests. Efforts by the spirits to warn the people of the dangers of the outsiders fell on deaf ears as the people connected with and sometimes left the shelter of the forest to learn more of the world Outside. Fearing for the safety of their people, and the wrath of the Cruel Ones, Qotal, Nula, and Eha began to pour their power into the forest making it more difficult for the interior to be explored by all those except the people of the Hickerwick. As time passed and it became clear the outsiders would not be dettered, the people saw less of Qotal and Nula. They retreated to the deepest thickets where none could follow in hopes that one day the Hickerwick would be the haven they had desired. Eha remained among the people offering guidance, but after centuries of exploration, Eha retreated as well. It has been millenia since the People have seen or heard from the Spirits, but those who know the ways of old still speak kindly of the spirits and await their return.Modern Day
Today, those who are aware of the "Spirits" of the Hickerwick are few and far between. There are a handful of Tabaxi clans who still use spiritual naming conventions, but even those with these names rarely know the significance of them. Most scholars believe that "Qotal", "Nula", and "Eha" were simply great leaders of ancient tribes that were revered as spirits, despite the protests of the native people that these spirits did exist. Despite the best efforts of scholars, there has been little success in uncovering the names of the "Cruel Ones," but modern researchers believe that they are likely ancient words for the forces of nature that plagued the people of the time, possibly including Sun, Rain, Famine, Drought, or others.
Founding Date
Allegedly, prior to written history
Demonym
the People
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Notable Members
Related Species
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