The cat-o-nine tails is a colloquial description of a flail, a multi-pronged whip used for flogging. The cat-o-nine tails depicted in the painting The Taming of the Tempers is of the traditional sort, long braided tentacles of leather, possibly with a sharp piece of metal tied at the end to inflict more damage. The cat-o-nine tails that awaits the honored Refiner of the Quarter is (hopefully) more ceremonial in nature. At the end of each whip strand is a piece of material naming one of the nine virtues of Lumon (Vision. Verve. Wit. Cheer. Humility, Benevolence. Nimbleness. Probity. Wiles.) with which to tame the tempers who are present as dancers clad in lingerie and masks.

• Waffle Party
• The Four Tempers (dancers)
• Tempers