Altar of Music (Lost Ruins) [Nightingale Altar]

Altar of Music [Lost Ruins]
The expansive stone ruins in which these cats live have been long reclaimed by nature, but there are remnants of the things that came before all around. Prey is plentiful and threats to their overall safety are rare, and so most devote their lives entirely to their arts of choice - Nightingales are musicians, yes, but some have other pursuits; there are artists and artisans and philosophers among them.

Kits are taught by their parents until they’re chosen by a teacher - usually somewhere between three and four moons of age - at which point their training officially begins. Typically, this training lasts for one cycle of seasons, and when a student graduates their final task is to put together their first proper performance, to be held at the Altar. After that, they’re recognized as full-fledged Nightingales and are free to do as they wish.

They believe their spirits are born from the stars, and that when they die that is where they will return to, an eternal paradise of shining starlight.

Allegiances

Spoiler:

Festivals
These Nightingales will happily take any chance for celebration; festivals are a common occurrence. Births and deaths, new moons and full moons, the changing of the seasons; any remotely notable occurrence is likely marked by a celebration in its honor.

Hunters and Soldiers
Technically, Nightingales are meant to hunt for and defend themselves, but most cats of the Lost Ruins have little to no interest in hunting and self-defense. The handful who do serve under the Captains, the two cats who are most skilled and highly trained in the relevant arts. Though the majority of their time is still spent as any other Nightingale would, they do enjoy special privileges for the extra effort they put in, as most artisans will happily exchange some of their work for an extra piece of prey or for protection when gathering materials.

The Council
Though full-fledged Nightingales are free to do as they like, there are rules and conduct that are meant to be followed. Intentional injury and murder of a fellow Nightingale rank high on the list of offenses, though stealing and sabotage are also deeply frowned upon. Instances and suspected instances of these things, as well as the occasional minor dispute, are brought before the Council.

Presently, the Council consists of six cats: the two Maestros that oversee the Altar, their apprentices, and the Captains. They meet each half-moon to discuss any minor issues, as well as the overall state of the Altar, though major trials are dealt with immediately. The Council will typically vote on a solution to any problem presented to them either immediately or at the next meeting; ties are avoided because despite the council consisting of six cats, the Maestros, their Apprentices, and the Captains get one vote each for a total of three.

While only the Maestros possess executive authority, every cat on the council is permitted to make executive decisions in an emergency, and the Captains in particular have special allowance for situations that concern their areas of expertise.

Notable NPCs
Eliot Marin: Maestro. Long ago, he served as Soldier Captain.
Luca Orian: Maestro. A proud artisan, skilled with plants in particular.
Medli Aria: Virtuoso. As Luca’s apprentice, she’s expected to take their place someday. Moonlights as a melodist.
Sage Makar: Virtuoso. As Eliot’s apprentice, he’s expected to take his place someday. Retired from service as a soldier after sustaining a long-lasting injury while saving Eliot's life, and now works as a healer in his spare time.

Notable Places
Marin Plaza: A roof held up by several pillars, like a cave without walls; the Altar of Music stands in the center. The most common gathering place in the Lost Ruins, always bustling with activity. Performances featuring several cats are held at the Altar, as are any more serious meetings.
Rhoda Pool: A large pool of water surrounded by pillars, it’s not uncommon to see several Nightingales swimming in the summer heat or skating over the ice when it’s frozen over in the winter. There are a few fountains, but the Pool is the only place large and deep enough to swim and skate.
Alcoves: The Altar Nightingales of the Lost Ruins mostly make their nests in larger alcoves and crevices, any space sizable enough to settle themselves comfortably and decorate to their tastes. They’re mostly used for sleeping and safekeeping of precious things.