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The Holy Peak People (Naatomiistáko'p) Origins The Sacred Mountain Makoyi are a recently formed band comprised of various Makoyi misfits, outcasts, and outliers. It was originally founded by exiles from Secret Lake, but it's membership is now much more diverse. Due to extreme circumstances, a handful of exiles of the Lake people were forced to band together for survival. They settled along the Owanjila fleeing Secret Lake persecution. It was nearby on Mount Shann that they found a few people of a long-forgotten band of Elk Face people known as the Holy Peak people or Naatomiistáko'p. Numbering only a dozen or less, these people enlightened the exiles with their knowledge of Mount Shann and their history. They had avoided the reservations but had become dispersed in the surrounding areas along the way. Not having a chief for many decades. A band so small and isolated on Mount Shann that many younger Makoyi were not even aware of their existence. To the Makoyi at large, the area was regarded by many to be the realm of skinwalkers. The exiles used this to their advantage and began to court these people into joining their newly formed band, position what remained of these Holy Peak people against Secret Lake. They sought allies from every corner of the area: Other Makoyi, other natives, and even sometimes the odd white man. What were considered pale demons before by many were viewed less threatening than the the mad chief of Secret Lake and the aggression of their people Emboldened as their numbers began to swell, they began to head north beyond Colter breaking out various other Makoyi from reservations. Mainly targeting Rising Mountain reservations as this was the background of one of it's leaders, Crow Song. Wandering Elk Face people also made their way to the band's camps due to their affinity with the Holy Peak people. Due to their exiled status, and the Makoyi belief that any led by an exile is an exile themselves, the band is also referred to as Makoyóhkomaki or Bad Wolves. Crow Song and the others have thus embraced this identity in the face of these rising tensions. The Holy Peak People (Naatomiistáko'p as they likely appeared in the early 18th century) The Naatomiistáko'p, also known as the Holy Peak people, has it's origins in the early 1700s as the Makóyi expanded from Mount Hagen into Big Valley and ultimately to Mount Shann. Here, they began to distinguish themselves as the People of the Holy Mountain, marking a significant religious divergence from other Makóyi groups due to their reverence for Mount Shann, which over the course of generations they came to incorporate into their religious beliefs. Residing on Mount Shann for nearly two centuries, they adapted fiercely to the rugged terrains, with this adaptation permeating all facets of their culture—from hunting and gathering to their methods of warfare. Their societal evolution reflected their profound connection to the mountain, which they considered sacred. The aftermath of the Battle of Big Valley in 1876 marked a pivotal era of change for the Naatomiistáko'p. The intensified efforts to eliminate the Makóyi presence led to the merging of the Sacred Mountain Band with the remnants of the Makoyópowáóowahsin ("Rising Mountain") and Ponokáísski ("Elk Face") bands. Many of these band members were forcibly relocated to reservations, but a significant number fled to Mount Shann to evade the authorities. For decades, this band remained transient, moving frequently around the mountainous regions from Mount Hagen to the Montana River. Despite the isolation, the Naatomiistáko'p occasionally traded with the Ponokáísski and maintained connections with their cousins from the Rising Mountain. Even after the broader Makóyi Confederacy's surrender to the American military in 1891, the Sacred Mountain Band persevered. However, a brutal crackdown in 1896, driven by the broader conflicts involving other Makóyi bands, led to a forcible displacement from Mount Shann. The dispersed Naatomiistáko'p sought refuge among smaller, scattered bands or settled in the valleys below. Their history of integration, isolation, and subsequent diaspora renders the Naatomiistáko'p uniquely assimilated yet markedly isolationist and xenophobic, even towards other Makóyi. Their story is one of resilience and fierce independence, striving to maintain their unique cultural identity amidst changing landscapes. Modern Times (Naatomiistáko'p band encampment circa 1887) Recently, the Naatomiistáko'p band has fallen on extremely hard times. Due to the activities of other bands in the Confederacy, coupled with increased pressures from the United States government and the encroachment of settlers, they have been forced to reconsider their once isolationist stance. The early years of the 20th century have seen the band grappling with profound changes, pushing them towards a more assimilated and adaptable approach to survival. As the traditional lands of the Makóyi have been overrun and their resources depleted, the Sacred Mountain Band has started to engage more with the outside world. They are increasingly seen in nearby towns, trading not just in goods but in ideas and technologies that were once foreign to them. This engagement has brought electricity, firearms, and other modern conveniences into their lives, altering their daily existence and their long-held beliefs. In a turn toward the spiritual practices of other Plains Indians, the Naatomiistáko'p have embraced beliefs such as the Ghost Dance, hoping to invoke the spirits of ancestors to return the land to its original state before the arrival of Europeans. Intrigued by tales from other tribes, they have also begun to incorporate stories and beliefs surrounding Skinwalkers into their folklore, blending these new elements with their traditional veneration of Mount Shann. Religious syncretism has become a survival strategy, helping to bind the band together in the face of external pressures and internal divisions. These changes reflect a broader trend among the Naatomiistáko'p of adapting to and incorporating outside influences while trying to preserve the core of their identity. Some have even begun a slight turn towards Christian elements. Moreover, the band has opened its arms to other Makóyi from older, more traditional bands, including those exiled from the Secret Lake who are often referred to derogatorily as Makoyóohkomak, or "Bad Wolves." These individuals, once shunned for their perceived transgressions or failures, are now accepted as part of a broader effort to consolidate strength and unity. The integration of these Makóyi, with their varied experiences and skills, has injected new vitality into the band, helping them to navigate their evolving world. As they move into the 20th century, the Naatomiistáko'p find themselves at a crossroads, balancing between the preservation of their heritage and the inevitable march of progress. Their adaptation and resilience, tested by years of hardship and change, underscore their enduring spirit and determination to thrive despite the challenges of an increasingly modern landscape. The Sacred Mountain Band, once secluded and mysterious, now steps forward into a new era, hopeful yet cautious about the future they are shaping. Membership (Naatomiistáko'p band members circa 1895) Most members are expected to have origins from the Naatomiistáko'p of Mount Shann. However, due to the circumstances of this band and the greater Makóyi Confederacy at large, members from the other, far older historical bands of the Makóyi Ótapi’sin are also accepted. This extends to members of the Rising Mountain, Big Coyote, Elk Face and Secret Lake people, whose fates have intertwined through shared challenges and battles. Our doors are even open to the Makoyóohkomak, or "Bad Wolves," those exiled for past transgressions yet seeking redemption and unity in the face of adversity. Due to their circumstances, the Naatomiistáko'p have also been known to affiliate with Native warriors from other tribes whose own bands have been decimated by the relentless campaigns of the US Army. While traditionalist minority factions within the band disagree, the Band has even been known to adopt such Natives whom prove their loyalty. We maintain a cautious stance towards outsiders, recognizing the complex history we share with white settlers. To the more radical, these settlers are seen as invaders to be eradicated. To others, they are unwelcome guests that can be learned from. Regardless, white Europeans are not accepted on the whole, but there are rumours of extraordinary circumstances once in a generation. We'd like members to share our enthusiasm for what we're trying to portray. That is an eclectic band focused on survival, community building, and a shared cultural history. Members who wish to join the Naatomiistáko'p, and stand with us as guardians of Mount Shann and defenders of their fleeting way of life. Mission We aim to portray the remnants of a tribal band on cultural decline, distinctly different from the broader "Makóyi Ótapi’sin", which embodies the traditional, uncivilized, outlaw image of Plains Indians. Our representation is of a band more civilized and assimilated, and by extension open to coexistence. Our mission is to depict a band that, while facing cultural erosion, is simultaneously adapting to the influences of both white European settlers and other Plains Indian tribes. As the Naatomiistáko'p, we acknowledge the encroachment of European customs and technologies which weave through our daily lives, shaping our interactions and challenging our traditions. Yet, we also draw strength from our Native neighbors, adopting practices that resonate with our spiritual needs and enhance our resilience. Our band is markedly isolationist, keeping a wary distance from outsiders to protect what remains of our culture and sovereignty. Yet, fiercely militant in our defense, standing as vigilant guardians against any threats to our territory and people. We strive to strike a balance between embracing necessary changes for survival and fiercely resisting the dilution of our heritage. In this light, our portrayal is not just a story of decline but also one of adaptation and subtle resistance. We offer a narrative of a people who navigate the complex tides of history, culture, and identity, crafting a unique path forward in the face of an ever-evolving world. Story Prologue: The Gathering of the Exiles Characters JOIN THE DISCORD

The Red Scarf Society (RSS) is a renowned and well known society that encourages women in their quest to get the most from life. Women support other women in their pursuit of freedom, rights, and various other issues in the U.S. Women used this society as gatherings to socialize, learn literacy, and to plan ways to reform society. These clubs allowed women, who had little political standing at the time, to gain greater influence in their communities. Often these women were known to wear a variety of styled red scarfs. Though most of these ladies were not known to be aggressive, they had charisma and there wit's about them to influence not only men, but their own community and even at times, each other. Following several months of peaceful efforts from the group, the Red Scarf Society reportedly sent one of their member's into Saint Denis' saloon on the 18th October, 1892. The member rushed inside with a molotov in hand before throwing it behind the bar, directly towards the bartender. The initial impact of the molotov reportedly killed 2 people, and a further 3 died from their injuries. The molotov caused much destruction for the saloon and nearby buildings, causing over $2000 in repairs to be paid. The offender, Julie MacLoughley, was sentenced to death by hanging, and the Saint Denis Chief of Police publicly stated that should another attack like this occur, "The Red Scarf Society shall seize to exist within hours, and all their members shall be hung." This threat likely scared the organisation from any further violent attacks for the time being, and they continued their peaceful protests, which did not get so far. OOC Information We aim to represent a realistic women's society group, that is used for gatherings, socialization, learning literacy and a way for women to plan ways to try and reform society. The organisation allowed women, who had little political standing at the time, gain greater influence in the community. The Red Scarf Society ICly aims to gain the attention of the government, and give women the rights they deserve, by hosting protests, mainly peaceful, but the odd violent one. We are open to members of other factions joining this faction on the same character, as we are only a group, and are here for the purpose of roleplay only. Should you wish to join this, on a new character, or a character previously made, join the discord, and take a look around! Discord This faction is owned and managed by @Buttercup, I only wrote this thread. Any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Buttercup, or myself and I can assist to the best of my ability.