The Kath follow a shamanistic type religion. They worship the spirits of the totems, spiritual representations of traits symbolized by different animals. These include bear, cougar, boar, stag, wolf and eagle. The totem a Kath follows is passed down to the Kath by their mother, all but eagles. The eagle does not choose it's followers rather those who glimpse him during coming of age begin a process of seeking his knowledge. A person can only worship one totem, although they will respect all. There are certain totems that require a special explanation.
There are certain totems that require a special explanation.
Fox
The Fox is the spirit of cleverness and trickery. It is said that the Fox was responsible for man moving away from the spirits. Fox tricked the other spirits into giving him a part of each of their powers, which he used to create man. None follow the Fox openly, for he is not to be trusted. The Fox can never be trusted as he works for his own benefit. To be called a fox is to be called a liar, most slayers are seen as such.
Eagle
Eagle is the most magical of totems. He can soar high above the land, far above the lesser birds, where he can see all there is to know, even into the spirit world. The majority of shaman have this totem, although they are merely chasing his power, this totem is not passed down through families rather a child with special gifts may be noticed at an early age. At coming of age if they even catch a glimpse of his wing then they begin their journey to understand even part of the eagle's power.
Kath shaman can be male or female. They live apart from the tribe usually with one or two followers of the opposite sex to whom they teach the ancient ways. Kath invocations are associated with totem creatures; shaman can perform any they know, but will find when asking of a totem that isn't there own it takes much from them, sometimes even death. The only totem able to call upon all the spirits without hazard to themselves is one of the Eagle totems.
The Dragon
The Dragon appeared during a dire time for the Kath, the nearby trading village had begun attacking and murdering many Kath. Governed by the strong clans of Ravens and Fire Totems, they seemed impossible to be beaten. At the most hopeless of times the Dragon arose from the hills themselves and ran the Kath's enemies from the their land. He then began talking in the minds of all Kath people, asking for a representative to come talk to him. It was then theorized that the Dragon was one of the spirits, as powerful as Eagle. Many thought he must has only been asleep a great time, and was not tricked by Fox like the others. He spoke only when he desired to, and it is often confusing and hard to understand. Sometimes he spoke to the Kath, or to just the Dragonvoice. Although the dragon was the only totem that appears physically to the Kath over time he was seen very seldom, slowly many Kath felt he had forsaken them and only cared for his lair within the hills. As this turn of events occurred the Dragon warriors began to disgrace the tribe with their actions till finally the religion was not one allowed within the sacred circle of the village.
Bear
Bear is the totem of strength and wisdom. He knows when to avoid conflict, but is powerful and dangerous when he chooses to fight. He also knows the ways to catch fish, and teaches this to his followers. Bear is a warrior totem. He aids his followers when they protect their tribe and families.
Boar
Boar is the totem of stubborn defense and long lasting stamina. Even when wounded he can continue to fight, and he never becomes exhausted. He also knows how to dig edible roots from the ground, and teaches this to his followers. Boar chooses the gatherers as his worshippers and aids them supplying the tribe with food and needful things.
Cougar
Cougar is stealthy and fast, and catches his enemies unawares. He is the master of the quiet ambush and the swift-flying arrow. He also knows how to kill large animals, and teaches this to his followers. Cougar is a hunter totem. But other than Wolf his followers prefer to rely on their speed and their ability to move soundless.
Stag
Stag is the totem of virility and strength, who nobly protects his children and ensures their safety. He also knows all the best herbs, and teaches his followers how to find and use them. Stag chooses most of the leaders of a tribe as his followers. He tries to aid them with their decisions to protect and serve their people as good as possible.
Wolf
Wolf is the totem of cooperation, of fighting and hunting in packs. He is cunning, and can often outmaneuver his prey in order to catch a meal to feed his whole family. He also teaches his followers how to hunt in this manner. Wolf normally chooses hunters as his followers and supports their abilities to act like one man so they're able to bring they prey down with as little effort as possible.