Kinziezi
Kinziezi (kin-zeh-chee) is the worship of Great Oma and the belief that those who follow her will go to Kelnekij (kehl-neh-keej), which is the clowders' version of our heaven. Those who follow it are called Kinziezians. Much like Christianity, Kinziezi also has a 'devil' figure in the form of Enkel who resides over the realm of Bosonhiel (boe-sohn-heel).
There are also several minor gods that are worshipped, though it is universally believed that Great Oma is the most powerful of them, and she takes priority over all others.
Main Story
Long ago, there was a cold and desolate land that was nearly impossible for any creature to inhabit. Cats who lived in these lands were often the outcasts who had nowhere else to go. Though at times small groups would form, most cats survived on their own, and for the most part only the toughest and smartest would survive. The old and weak would be left for dead, for no one could afford to care for them.
One day, a kind, old molly began to gather cats together with the promise of a better life if they followed her. No one knew her name, but most called her 'Oma' for her tendency to treat everyone as if she was their grandmother.
Oma claimed that once an ancient civilization had thrived in these now lifeless lands, and that she intended to revive it. While many cats considered her insane, doubting that a whole civilization had ever existed under such harsh conditions, they continued to follow her because she always seemed to know where to find the best resources. Oma could always seek out the fattest prey and the freshest water.
In turn for their loyalty, Oma did not just bring these cats resources though. She taught them magic. She taught them how to summon animal companions, how to enchant objects, and even how to bend the very elements to their will. Not only did she teach them how to use magic though, she also taught them how to protect themselves from it. Curses and hexes can only be placed on someone if their name is known by the one attempting to curse them. So, she taught her followers to use a separate name from the true one. Many theorize this is why no one knows Oma's true name.
Though many continued to doubt Oma's claim of an ancient civilization, they began to believe in the wisdom of working together as one group rather than separately fending for themselves. Even under poor conditions, they thrived and grew. As time marched on, they began to form into an early version of a clowder, with basic jobs for cats to do and a very strong focus on family which had been influenced by Oma herself. The old molly always emphasized looking out for one's kin. She was surprisingly still fertile, and would have litters of 6-8 children at a time. She is famous for never leaving one neglected.
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This prototype clowder continued to grow under Oma's lead in the harsh conditions until one day she gathered them together and announced that she would be leaving them. This was met with both shock and outrage. After everything, how could the one who had brought them together just leave them so suddenly? After the cries and protests died down, it is said that many could see a sad smile on Oma's face, as if she too was reluctant to leave. Suddenly, the small and elderly lady that so many had come to know and love suddenly burst into flames. When the fire died out, in her place stood a massive cat with long fangs. This was who Oma truly was. She explained that she was the last of the ancient civilization that she had spoken so much about. In truth, she was thousands of years old and had died long ago, but was powerful enough to create a small physical form for herself. For centuries, she had wandered the lands, seeking an opportunity to revive the ways and customs of her people. She had achieved her goal, and it was time for her to go. But she would not leave without a final gift. She cast a spell over the land. Suddenly, the snow melted and grass sprouted in its place. Massive trees that were as wide as 8 cats standing head to tail, and tall enough to reach the clouds burst up from the earth. The air was no longer freezing, but now comfortably warm. Oma called it the the deep woods, and thusly named the cats Deepwoods Clowder.
Before she left, Oma promised to wait for her followers in the afterlife and create a realm where they could relax after the troubles of life. This place would be called Kelnekij, and Oma would ensure that the grass would always be green, the prey would always be abundant, and no matter how much they walked one would never be too far from home. A true paradise for those who followed her. She then left, and from that day forth was called Great Oma for her incredible deeds.
Oma's Grave
Shortly after Great Oma's departure, a cave system was discovered outside of her protected territory. In this cave system were the fossilized remains of Oma's original body. It became a place of worship, with cats sleeping within Oma's rib cage in order to receive visions and dreams from her. To this day, cats will trek to the cave system to ask for Oma's blessings or older cats will go when they retire to learn her wisdom and secrets.
Oma's remains can be found after going through a confusing system of cave-like tunnels. It is said that if you truly want to see her, you will find your way there no matter what path you take. However, if you are reluctant and resentful, every path you take will bring you to the mouth of the cave.
The Rise of Enkel
Before the clowders, and before her death, Oma was a lone mother trying desperately to keep her dying cvilization alive. Her last attempt was a daughter she had who would later die giving birth to her grandson who is simply known as Enkel for that fact. Enkel was raised by Oma, and she taught him every piece of magic she knew. He was a talented boy who grew into a skilled young man. Oma was delighted when he fell in love with a girl. Soon, the two were married and expecting children.
However, tragedy struck when bandits attacked Enkel and his wife. While Enkel was strong enough to fend off the attack, he was not able to save his wife and unborn children. Driven mad with grief, Enkel began to ravage the land, using the magic that Oma had taught him for vengeance. He wanted all in the land to feel the terrible pain that he did. None could defeat him, and it seemed that no one could end his terrible reign.
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No one but Oma.
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With deep reluctance, Oma stepped forth to challenge her own grandson. The two fought for many days and nights, both equally matched in power and skill. However, Oma finally ended the battle with a spell that banished Enkel to the void, where his soul would wonder eternally.
Enkel's Return
Unlike most souls, Enkel did not become forever lost and confused in the void. Rather he wandered for millennia, absorbing any other souls he encountered and gaining power. When he had acquired enough souls, he broke through the void to find Oma and take his revenge on her.
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Upon discovery of the clowders, Enkel decided to destroy them in order to undo all of the hard work Oma had done throughout the centuries. However, before he could attack, Oma intervened. Though she still felt love for her grandson, she had sworn to protect the clowders, even if that meant throwing Enkel to the void a second time. Once more, Oma and Enkel were caught in a furious battle. However, unlike the first, Enkel was far older and wiser, and was able to outmatch his grandmother. In a last ditch effort to save the clowders from destruction, Oma lunged forth and plucked out Enkel's eyes.
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In great pain, and now blind, Enkel was unable to find the clowders and stumbled back into the void. However, he would not wander around as a lost soul this time. Instead, Enkel built a small world for himself. It was similar to Kelnekij, except rather than a heavenly resting place for all devout souls, this place was one of suffering and anguish. It was a cage for those unfortunate enough to find themselves trapped in Enkel's claws. Enkel called this place Bosonhiel [Boe-zohn-hee-el]. Here he would stay until he could retrieve his eyes and destroy the clowders once and for all.
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He spent generations plucking cats from the path to Kelnekij and bringing them to his realm where he would hunt them down and absorb their souls. Oma, upset at the loss of these good souls, created the Lantern Sisters to keep Enkel from kidnapping cats off of the path to Kelnekij.
Enkel is often cited as being quite monstrous in appearance, standing several feet above the average cat. One of the most noteworthy things about his appearance is the band around where his eyes should be displaying a chilling drawing of a singular, all-seeing eye. Those who claim to have met him have said that though he cannot see, it seems he can still follow ones movements very well, making it near impossible to escape him.
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Though he never leaves his realm, he has the power to pull a cat into Bosonhiel when they are dreaming, and uses this to put evil ideas into their head and corrupt their soul so that they cannot enter Kelnekij. It takes a powerful mind to resist him. Often times, cats who are considered to be awful people or have done something terrible will be said to have been "dreaming of the dark one."
The Lantern Sisters
It is often debated how the Lantern Sisters were created. Some believe that Oma created them from scratch and believe they are an extension of her own power. Others believe they were once mortals who were raised to godhood by Oma in order to ensure cats would not stray from the path on the way to the afterlife. No matter what origin they believe, all agree that the Lantern Sisters are an integral part of passing on.
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The two sisters bear lanterns to light the paths to the different realms of the afterlife. Strayla, the sister of Kelnekij, has a lantern that looks warm and healthy. A cheerful flame dances inside of it. It is said that though she does not talk, she always has a comforting smile on her face and a motherly aura similar to that of Oma as she guides cats to Kelnekij.
Corruna bears a lantern that is wilted and dead. Glow bugs surround the end and give an eerie glow to light the way. She guides corrupted souls to Bosonhiel to be forever hunted by Enkel. No one besides the deities know what Corruna's face is, for she always hides behind a mask. It is said she despises her job, and does not want the corrupted souls to see her face.
Though heavily associated with death, the Lantern Sisters are not viewed as evil. Rather, they are interpreted as neutral guides to the afterlife. It is believed that should one run from the Lantern Sisters, they will end up a lost soul in the Void, doomed to wander for eternity as a shell of who they once were. Occasionally, these lost souls find their way back to the mortal realm, and it is believed that these are the ghosts and poultergiests that roam the territories.
Great Opa
The origins of Great Opa are unknown. No one knows where he came from, or who he may have been before he joined Great Oma in Kelnekij, but few are concerned. Great Opa is the god of love and fertility. He is kindhearted and soft, looking down on those in the clowders with great adoration. It is said that he loves children and will give more children to couples who he thinks will care well for them.
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Though Opa cares greatly for every cat in the clowder, he can still be harsh. If one or both cats in a relationship are unfaithful, Opa may curse them with stillborns and family tragedy. If a cat is abusive to their children, it is said that Opa will ensure the trauma is repaid later in life. As a result, very rarely do the clowder cats punish their children physically, rather using softer methods to teach their children to behave.
The Void
The Void is a special place that is often nicknamed "The Between." The Void is not an actual place. Rather, it is an absence of creation. Nothing is in the Void. Any soul unfortunate enough to fall between both Enkel's and Oma's realms will be forced to wander in the darkness for all eternity with only their own cries for help to keep them company. Sometimes, a soul can return to the mortal realm from the Void. However, it is said that these creatures are hollowed versions of who they once were. They cannot remember their names or anyone they knew. They can only lash out in violence, becoming the evil ghosts and poltergeists that reside in many abandoned areas in the clowders.