Post by Hollow, Sky, Laurel, Jay, Rye on Nov 27, 2014 19:56:45 GMT
APPRENTICE
Description
Apprentices have their own den in the Clan camp where they sleep. Once an apprentice earns their warrior name, they are a full warrior and they are able to contribute to warrior duties, and they move in the warriors den. Sometimes apprentices are referred to as 'paws as mentioned in Fading Echoes. Apprentices can change their position as a warrior or medicine cat apprentice if they get permission, or if they have a certain injury, like Cinderpaw.
Tasks
Tasks of apprentices include training with their mentors, going hunting, border patrol with other cats of their Clan, and looking after the elders, mostly taking ticks out of their pelts. They still have fun, as there is an old apprentice trick of telling the kits that tiny drops of rabbit dung are actually tasty berries.[12]
Duties and Rules
Apprentices cannot leave the camp without the permission of their mentor or another warrior, and they cannot eat until the elders and nursing queens eat, unless they have special permission. If an apprentice breaks a rule, they usually have to go through punishments, such as searching the elders pelts for ticks, and if they find any, they must dab some moss with mouse bile on it to get the ticks to drop off. Another punishment is cleaning out old bedding and replacing it with fresh moss. There are other punishments that have been given out, although sometimes it depends on their actions. In some cases, the leader will not allow the misbehaving apprentice to go to the next Gathering. It is noted that apprentices are worked very hard, as once starting, they'll be glad to get some sleep.
Education
A kit is usually apprenticed to a mentor at the age of six moons. Mentors are assigned by the Clan leader after an apprentice ceremony, choosing pairings based on seniority and whether or not the pair will be able to work together. The mentor is responsible for the training of the apprentice. After apprenticed, in the Forest they would've had to make a trip to the Moonstone with their mentor to receive StarClan's blessing, but now that the Clans have moved to the Lake, the tradition died out.
Warrior apprentices train with their mentor whenever their mentor takes them. In the Forest, ThunderClan apprentices would do battle training in the sandy hollow, and by the Lake, in the mossy hollow. As an apprentice, a cat learns fighting moves, hunting, and becomes familiar with the warrior code. An apprentice is usually not mentored from their blood relatives because they usually go soft on their kin.
After their mentor is satisfied with them and their skills, and after passing their final assessment, the apprentices are made into warriors after a warrior ceremony, and they keep a silent vigil watch overnight.
Assessment
An assessment is a test for an apprentice given by their mentor. When a mentor assesses their apprentice, they watch in secret as their apprentice hunts and judges how well they did. If it is their final test and their mentor deems the assessment a success, then they will become a warrior.
Medicine Cat Apprentices
A medicine cat apprentice sleeps in the medicine cat den with the full medicine cat. Medicine cat apprentices get their full name at the Moonstone/Moonpool. They also stay as an apprentice for as long as their mentor is still a medicine cat, even after they receive their full name, unlike warrior apprentices.
Most medicine cat apprentices take a liking of healing cats almost as soon as they are able to go outside the nursery. Kits or other apprentices can help out with the medicine duties if needed.
Medicine cat apprentices are taught about healing techniques, such as how to care for a sick cat, or what herbs and medicines do. They are usually taught in the medicine cat's den, or outside the camp when they gather herbs. They also learn how to interpret signs from StarClan.
After a medicine cat mentor is satisfied with their apprentice they are given a warrior name in a slightly different ceremony than a regular apprentice's. They are still known as an apprentice until the current medicine cat retires, or joins StarClan.
MENTORS
When a kit reaches six moons and becomes an apprentice, he or she is given a mentor.[ The mentor teaches them how to fight, hunt, patrol, familiarize them with The Warrior Code, and prepare them for life as a warrior. When a leader assigns a new apprentice to mentor, he or she chooses pairings based on seniority and whether or not the pair will be able to work together. Apprentices are rarely mentored by their own parents, as they would be too lenient on their children.
Warriors are able to request a kit they would like to mentor, although this does not necessarily guarantee they will be chosen as a mentor to said kit once they reach six moons. A warrior will often watch a kit they hope to mentor, and become familiar with the particular kit.
Mentors can have more than one apprentice, but this is not frequent. Warriors require certain qualities to be mentors.
However, it does not matter how experienced a warrior is; when a cat is made a warrior, they can then be a mentor at any time.
Leaders usually only train the deputy's kits and other kits of important heritage.
QUEENS
When a warrior she-cat is expecting kits or has recently given birth to a litter of kits, they become known as a queen and move to the nursery. When she-cats become queens, they give up their title and duties as a warrior, however, they become a warrior again once their kits have been apprenticed. Some she-cats, though, prefer to stay in the nursery even after their kits have become apprentices. Queens have a vital role in continuing the Clans' survival as they give birth to the next generation of warriors. When a warrior dies, a queen might prepare the body with herbs for the vigil. Some she-cats can't have kits, however much they want them. If a queen does not wish to tell who the father of the kits is to the Clan, that is her choice. Queens usually adore their kits and want to make sure that they can be the best that they can be.
Nursing
Queens move to the nursery about a moon before giving birth, surrendering their warrior duties. They have their food delivered to them by their Clanmates as they become less mobile.[10] A she-cat's pregnancy is just over two moons, after which she gives birth to the possible litter of one to five kits. The kits usually open their eyes soon, some almost from the moment born, and others in a day or two. Queens that have not kitted yet have no milk-scent; in contrast, those who have kitted have the milk-scent on them.
While kits are weaned at two moons, the queens remain in the nursery until they are named apprentices (typically around six moons) to ensure proper care and education. Sometimes - although it is very rare - a queen leaves the nursery before her kit(s) become apprentices. Also, sometimes they leave before all of their kits become apprentices.
When a queen is unable to produce enough milk to feed her kits, another queen who has plenty of milk to spare will help her nurse until the kits are ready for fresh-kill such as Daisy and Ferncloud did when Squirrelflight didn't have any milk. Queens will also feed kits from outside of the Clan.
A she-cat may request to stay in the nursery after her kit(s) are apprenticed, instead of resuming warrior duties.
Borage leaves are sometimes given to queens that cannot produce milk for their kits, and parsley for those who still have milk even though they don't have kits.
Restrictions
A medicine cat, either male or female, is not allowed to take a mate and have kits, in order to not be distracted from their mission and work. Leafpool and Yellowfang were two examples of breaking this rule.
An apprentice never has kits, most likely to avoid interrupting their training, and a result of being too young.
A female leader or deputy generally does not have kits either, because looking after them would keep her away from her leader or deputy duties for six moons or more. Male leaders, on the other hand, frequently father a she-cat's kits.
DEPUTY
Description
Deputies are second in command of a Clan. A deputy is chosen by the leader to be their successor. Deputies sleep in the warriors' den; they do not have their own den like leaders do. Deputies are responsible for organizing daily patrols for the Clan, such as hunting patrols and border patrols. If a Clan leader is unable to lead a Clan temporarily due to sickness, being away from the Clan, etc., then the deputy would take over for that time. If a deputy is sick or injured, then a warrior will temporarily take his/her place. If the leader dies, the deputy would travel to Moonstone, or Moonpool with the medicine cat to share tongues with StarClan and receive his/her nine lives. If a deputy dies, the leader must appoint a new deputy before moonhigh.
Qualifications
Must be a warrior.
Trained at least one apprentice.
Must be chosen by the Clan leader.
Appointment
The leader of a Clan must decide on a new deputy before moonhigh on the night that the old deputy has either died or become leader, and also must state his or her name before the body of the old deputy (if the previous deputy was deceased - if not, they say the new deputy's name before StarClan) so the spirit of the old deputy or other regular spirits will hear and approve of the leader's choice of the new deputy. One exception to this rule is Fireheart, as Bluestar did not follow through with the ceremony right away. This lead to widespread rumors that Fireheart was unfit to be deputy.
When the leader dies or retires, the current deputy will become the new leader, unless a rebellion starts or the leader changes the deputy before death.
A warrior may not become deputy unless he or she has mentored at least one apprentice. This is not always followed, as StarClan may give the leader or medicine cat an omen to choose a warrior who has not had an apprentice.
Deputy Ceremony
Usually, when a leader appoints a new deputy, it is because of the death of their previous deputy. If this is the case, this is how the ceremony words usually go:
Leader: "I say these words before the body of (name of former deputy), that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice.The new deputy of (name of Clan) will be (warrior's name)!"
Retirement
A deputy can resign from their position if he or she wishes to do so, for instance to retire as an elder (depending on age), or an injury that doesn't heal well. They can also be deposed by the leader if considered unfit for the position. In either of the cases, a new deputy will be named before moonhigh. A deputy can also be banished.
Tasks
Tasks of a Clan deputy include:
Assisting the leader in their tasks; they are a sort of "apprentice leader"
Assigning border patrols, listening to their reports and assigning hunting patrols
Organizing warrior trainings to keep up their skills
Making reports to the Clan leader
Substitute for the Clan leader on Gatherings and in battles if they are unavailable
As a deputy is also a warrior, they are expected to carry out warrior tasks as well (patrolling, hunting, mentoring etc.). They do not have a den of their own, but sleep with the other warriors
If the deputy is unavailable for a span of time, the senior warriors will distribute the deputy's tasks between them
MEDICINE CAT
Description
Medicine cats are Clan cats who treat diseases and injuries, and who receive directions and guidance from StarClan. They have their own den in their Clan's camp, where they sleep, store herbs, and treat wounded or sick cats. Medicine cats are not allowed to take mates or have kits. They are expected to stand apart from Clan rivalries. Medicine cats have a special way of getting their full name. They are deeply respected by their Clanmates and few cats dare to argue with them.
Tasks
Some of a medicine cat's tasks are:
Knowing all of the herbs and store a supply of them in their den
Treating wounded and sick cats
Assisting queens while they are pregnant with kits, giving birth, or nursing them
Check up regularly on the health of Clan cats, (especially queens, elders, and kits)
Visiting the Clans' sacred place (such as the Moonstone or Moonpool) at every half moon to seek guidance from StarClan
Interpreting prophecies and omens and sharing them with the Clan leader
Upon the death of the Clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Moonstone or Moonpool to be appointed as the new leader
Training an apprentice as the Clan's next medicine cat
Bearing the knowledge of basic battle training in case they need them
To visit StarClan when in a crisis that requires direct communication with StarClan.
Appointment and Education
Kits who wish to become medicine cats are apprenticed at the age of six moons to the Clan's current medicine cat. They are introduced to StarClan as a medicine cat apprentice at the first half moon after they gain apprenticeship. They earn their name at the Moonstone or Moonpool after successfully completing their training, assuming full responsibilities even while their mentor is still alive.
When an apprentice, the mentor (or full medicine cat), has them do tasks that prepare them for being a full time medicine cat. The apprentice has to gather herbs, get water, or do other useful things. They are expected to watch carefully when their mentor is treating a cat, so that when the time comes, they can do it, too.
FoxClan trains their medicine cats to fight like warriors.
Special Cases
Some cats have been known to exchange their life as a warrior to be a medicine cat or life-altering experiences may cause take them on that path but this is considered to be very uncommon.
Though most medicine cats believe in StarClan, a few rare exceptions have become medicine cats despite their lack of belief.
Medicine cats usually keep their role until they die.
While medicine cats are not permitted to have mates or kits, cats that have previously had and lost a mate may become medicine cats if they choose, even if they still have kits
WARRIOR
Description
Warriors have been trained in the ways of fighting and hunting in addition to the ways of the Warrior Code. They are charged with the responsibility to feed and protect those cats who are elderly or unable to spend time out of camp.
Warriors make up most of a Clan: each cat is, was, or will be a warrior (except medicine cats) unless they die before they become apprenticed. Although, sometimes this is not true, as some cats would rather stay in the nursery to help other arrivals of new kits.
Tasks
Warriors have the following tasks:
Providing defense and security
Border patrols
Marking borders
Evicting or chasing out trespassers
Camp security
Stand guard and raise the alarm if invaded
Protect the camp in the event of attack
Providing food for the Clan in the form of fresh-kill
Serving in offensive operations
Perform preemptive attacks against other Clans, either to eliminate a specific threat or to carry out another objective defined by the Clan Leader
Mentor warrior apprentices
Education
Kits are apprenticed at the age of six moons to a warrior, and are made full warriors once their mentor is satisfied with their skills and knowledge, and after they pass an assessment, and their leader is pleased with their training. During apprenticeship, the apprentice must pass several assessments - tasks their mentor gives them, usually hunting in a specific place, while the mentor follows them unseen to check how they are getting on.
An apprenticeship usually lasts for six moons or more, thus, warriors are older than 12 moons. Cats become warrior apprentices after an Apprentice Ceremony, and full warriors after a Warrior Ceremony.
Mentors
A warrior who currently instructs an apprentice is called a mentor. Before a warrior can become a deputy, they must mentor at least one apprentice. This is not always true, as sometimes StarClan will send an omen to tell the leader or medicine cat who to choose, even if they have never been a mentor. They will teach their apprentices the way of a warrior: how to hunt and fight, and the ways of the warrior code.
Special Cases
Senior Warriors
A senior warrior is a warrior who is older and more experienced than the others, but has not decided to become an elder yet, and would rather serve their Clan as long as they can. Senior warriors are given respect, and are often asked for advice by the Clan leader. In the warriors' den, the senior warriors sleep towards the middle where it is warmest, while the younger warriors sleep towards the sides.
KITS
Description
When a kit is born, their mother or father names them, usually after its appearance, or sometimes to honor another cat of the same name Sometimes, though, kits have names with no apparent reason to be given. Some kits are named for something significant that happened before or when they were born. When kits are not named because they die before their parents have a chance, the kits are named by other StarClan members. Kits stay in the nursery together with their mother who nurses them and takes care of them for six moons.
All Clan cats, and especially the queens and the mother, are very protective of kits. They are fed first and are not expected to catch their own food or do chores. It is said in the Warrior Code that: "No warrior may neglect a kit in danger, even if it is from a different Clan". However, half-Clan kits or those of non-Clan origins are usually frowned upon by pure-blood Clan cats as their commitment to their foster Clan can be questioned. Half-Clan kits are usually taken in by the Clan of the mother.
Kits are not allowed out of the nursery until their mother feels the time is right. After that, they can go around the camp, though never far from their mother. A kit cannot leave the Clan camp; however, sometimes they get away and get in trouble.
Kits tend to have soft and fluffy fur. They are usually curious, mischievous, and playful, trying to get the Clan warriors to play with them. Most of them are too young to fully understand the Clan traditions or the Warrior Code, but if they break a rule, they are not punished and sometimes very lightly scolded depending on the severity of their deed. They often accidentally annoy warriors and elders, but are fascinated in the stories the elders tell. Kits often want to start training or become warriors immediately, and have to be reminded that they must wait until they are six moons old.
Education
While in the nursery, kits gradually learn about their Clanmates, Clan ways, traditions, rivals, and about the Warrior Code as they age. Their mother, the other queens in the nursery, and the elders will tell them stories of great battles, journeys, and cats. The care of the kits is shared by all of the queens.
Once reaching the age of six moons, they become apprentices, which will replace the last part of their name to from "kit" to "paw". They will either go on the path of a medicine cat or a warrior, and their mentor will teach them the ways of the path they choose.
LEADERS
Description
Leaders are the head of their Clan. Their personality is the same as their Clan's and describes how his/her Clanmates treat others. The word of the Clan leader is law, proclamined by the warrior code, and all other Clan cats must obey them. They have their own den, and are assisted by a deputy in their tasks. They are responsible for the whole Clan, calling Clan meetings, appointing cats to new ranks, and making the toughest decisions. Each Clan has one leader, and their names end with the suffix -star.
Qualifications
In order to become leader, a cat must meet these qualifications:
Mentored at least one apprentice
Selected by the previous leader to become deputy
Must have been deputy at the time of the leader's death, retirement, or banishment (unless both the deputy and the leader die)
In order for a cat to become leader, the previous leader must also be deceased, have retired, have left, or been banished.
Tasks
A leader has various tasks and privileges:
Oversee the daily operations of the Clan and give them orders
Speak on behalf of their Clan at Gatherings
Lead the Clan in battles
Appoint new apprentices and assign them to mentors
Appoint new warriors once they've finished their training
Appoint a new deputy if the former deputy has died or resigned
Counsel with the deputy and the senior warriors and listen to their reports
Discuss prophecies and omens with their Clan's medicine cat, and listen to their advice
Solve conflicts between members of the Clan
Dealing with politics/conflicts that happen out of the Clan, but can still threaten the Clan
Decide if a non-Clan cat can join the Clan
Exile Clan members who severely broke the warrior code or who present a danger to the Clan
A leader is also expected to carry out warrior tasks, like going on patrols or mentoring apprentices
Call Clan meetings if necessary for the good of the Clan
If the leader cannot carry out his or her tasks (for instance, because of illness or injury), the Clan deputy will substitute for them.
Appointment
When the former Clan leader dies or willingly retires, the current Clan deputy is appointed as the new leader. He or she makes a journey to the Clans' sacred place (such as the Moonstone or Moonpool), escorted by the Clan's medicine cat, to share tongues with their ancestors, receive their nine lives, and get their leader name.
The ancestors greet the new leader with the following words: Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader and StarClan grants to you the guardianship of your Clan. Defend it well, care for young and old, honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity.
Nine Lives
Upon sharing tongues with StarClan at their leadership ceremony, the new leader is granted nine lives by the ancestors. This does not necessarily mean they will live longer, but they can survive accidents or injuries that would claim the life of any other cat. Each of the lives are granted by a single ancestor, usually from the same Clan and whose life was meaningful to the cat, and a gift of an attribute. This process can be surprising and painful, but it is important for the leader to fight fiercly for the Clan.
When the leader loses one of these lives, they black out and are taken to StarClan. There, a warrior ancestor speaks with the leader. The cat sees a pale outline of themselves that was their lost life. When the cat is revived back to consciousness, the wound or illness is removed to the best of StarClan's ability. If StarClan can't fix the ailment, each of the nine lives are ripped away.
Demotion
Leaders usually serve until the end of their lives, but there are some exceptions:
Retirement
A Clan Leader can resign if he or she wishes to do so. This is approved by StarClan, and the current deputy can be appointed as the new leader. The former leader loses their leader name and the lives granted by the ancestors. If the leader doesn't give up all of their lives, the next leader's lives will be subtracted.
When a leader decides to retire, he or she must travel to the Moonstone/Moonpool and renounce their remaining lives, except for one. Then his or her deputy will succeed him or her.
Banishment
A Clan can demote a leader if they consider him or her unfit for the position. This is not approved by StarClan, and the ancestors won't recognize a new leader and give them their nine lives as long as the former leader is alive. But in cases where the leader is left with one life left and leaves, the deputy will only recieve eight lives because the leader before was supposed to give the new leader a life, but wasn't there.
Day-to-Day Life
The Clan leader will take part in patrols and hunting, but usually leaves the actual organization of the patrols to the deputy. Most leaders take interest in all aspects of Clan life, kits, elders, warriors, etc. They also listen to cats' personal problems and attempt to help, most likely to keep their Clan argument-free. Their main job is to keep the Clan running smoothly. When something is wrong in the Clan, cats are to immediately tell the leader first. The leader also listens to recounts of patrols, making sure nothing threatens the Clan.
ELDERS
Description
They stay in their den most of the day, and enjoy meeting new kits. However, they may leave the camp if they wish to do so, such as to take a walk to stretch their legsor to hunt. Sometimes, they participate in Gatherings.
Elders are to be held with the utmost respect from cats of all Clans. They have served the Clan well in the past as apprentices and warriors. During their youth, they took care of the elders of their generation. Now, it is their turn to rest, and the youth of the Clan is to take care of them, in honor of all they have done to serve the Clan.
Elders are often susceptible to many diseases and injuries such as greencough and stiff joints. They are often treated by medicine cats and apprentices. They also are more than often tick-ridden, and it is the duty of the apprentices to use mouse bile to remove the ticks.
Tasks
Some tasks elders do are:
Rub certain herbs on a cat's body when they have passed away to disguise the scent of death.
Take dead cats out of camp to bury them.[12]
Often will tell stories about Clan life as it was when they were growing up.[13]
They do not have to catch their own food, nor do hunting patrols or fight, except to defend if necessary.
Obtaining the Rank
An elder is usually an elderly cat who cannot do warrior duties any more due to their old age. When a warrior, queen or medicine cat wishes to retire, an Elder Ceremony is held.[15] Sometimes a cat must retire early for reasons beyond their control (for instance a crippling wound, loss of sight etc). Usually if circumstances force a cat into early retirement, they will receive a new name in order to better suit their current state.
Description
Apprentices have their own den in the Clan camp where they sleep. Once an apprentice earns their warrior name, they are a full warrior and they are able to contribute to warrior duties, and they move in the warriors den. Sometimes apprentices are referred to as 'paws as mentioned in Fading Echoes. Apprentices can change their position as a warrior or medicine cat apprentice if they get permission, or if they have a certain injury, like Cinderpaw.
Tasks
Tasks of apprentices include training with their mentors, going hunting, border patrol with other cats of their Clan, and looking after the elders, mostly taking ticks out of their pelts. They still have fun, as there is an old apprentice trick of telling the kits that tiny drops of rabbit dung are actually tasty berries.[12]
Duties and Rules
Apprentices cannot leave the camp without the permission of their mentor or another warrior, and they cannot eat until the elders and nursing queens eat, unless they have special permission. If an apprentice breaks a rule, they usually have to go through punishments, such as searching the elders pelts for ticks, and if they find any, they must dab some moss with mouse bile on it to get the ticks to drop off. Another punishment is cleaning out old bedding and replacing it with fresh moss. There are other punishments that have been given out, although sometimes it depends on their actions. In some cases, the leader will not allow the misbehaving apprentice to go to the next Gathering. It is noted that apprentices are worked very hard, as once starting, they'll be glad to get some sleep.
Education
A kit is usually apprenticed to a mentor at the age of six moons. Mentors are assigned by the Clan leader after an apprentice ceremony, choosing pairings based on seniority and whether or not the pair will be able to work together. The mentor is responsible for the training of the apprentice. After apprenticed, in the Forest they would've had to make a trip to the Moonstone with their mentor to receive StarClan's blessing, but now that the Clans have moved to the Lake, the tradition died out.
Warrior apprentices train with their mentor whenever their mentor takes them. In the Forest, ThunderClan apprentices would do battle training in the sandy hollow, and by the Lake, in the mossy hollow. As an apprentice, a cat learns fighting moves, hunting, and becomes familiar with the warrior code. An apprentice is usually not mentored from their blood relatives because they usually go soft on their kin.
After their mentor is satisfied with them and their skills, and after passing their final assessment, the apprentices are made into warriors after a warrior ceremony, and they keep a silent vigil watch overnight.
Assessment
An assessment is a test for an apprentice given by their mentor. When a mentor assesses their apprentice, they watch in secret as their apprentice hunts and judges how well they did. If it is their final test and their mentor deems the assessment a success, then they will become a warrior.
Medicine Cat Apprentices
A medicine cat apprentice sleeps in the medicine cat den with the full medicine cat. Medicine cat apprentices get their full name at the Moonstone/Moonpool. They also stay as an apprentice for as long as their mentor is still a medicine cat, even after they receive their full name, unlike warrior apprentices.
Most medicine cat apprentices take a liking of healing cats almost as soon as they are able to go outside the nursery. Kits or other apprentices can help out with the medicine duties if needed.
Medicine cat apprentices are taught about healing techniques, such as how to care for a sick cat, or what herbs and medicines do. They are usually taught in the medicine cat's den, or outside the camp when they gather herbs. They also learn how to interpret signs from StarClan.
After a medicine cat mentor is satisfied with their apprentice they are given a warrior name in a slightly different ceremony than a regular apprentice's. They are still known as an apprentice until the current medicine cat retires, or joins StarClan.
MENTORS
When a kit reaches six moons and becomes an apprentice, he or she is given a mentor.[ The mentor teaches them how to fight, hunt, patrol, familiarize them with The Warrior Code, and prepare them for life as a warrior. When a leader assigns a new apprentice to mentor, he or she chooses pairings based on seniority and whether or not the pair will be able to work together. Apprentices are rarely mentored by their own parents, as they would be too lenient on their children.
Warriors are able to request a kit they would like to mentor, although this does not necessarily guarantee they will be chosen as a mentor to said kit once they reach six moons. A warrior will often watch a kit they hope to mentor, and become familiar with the particular kit.
Mentors can have more than one apprentice, but this is not frequent. Warriors require certain qualities to be mentors.
However, it does not matter how experienced a warrior is; when a cat is made a warrior, they can then be a mentor at any time.
Leaders usually only train the deputy's kits and other kits of important heritage.
QUEENS
When a warrior she-cat is expecting kits or has recently given birth to a litter of kits, they become known as a queen and move to the nursery. When she-cats become queens, they give up their title and duties as a warrior, however, they become a warrior again once their kits have been apprenticed. Some she-cats, though, prefer to stay in the nursery even after their kits have become apprentices. Queens have a vital role in continuing the Clans' survival as they give birth to the next generation of warriors. When a warrior dies, a queen might prepare the body with herbs for the vigil. Some she-cats can't have kits, however much they want them. If a queen does not wish to tell who the father of the kits is to the Clan, that is her choice. Queens usually adore their kits and want to make sure that they can be the best that they can be.
Nursing
Queens move to the nursery about a moon before giving birth, surrendering their warrior duties. They have their food delivered to them by their Clanmates as they become less mobile.[10] A she-cat's pregnancy is just over two moons, after which she gives birth to the possible litter of one to five kits. The kits usually open their eyes soon, some almost from the moment born, and others in a day or two. Queens that have not kitted yet have no milk-scent; in contrast, those who have kitted have the milk-scent on them.
While kits are weaned at two moons, the queens remain in the nursery until they are named apprentices (typically around six moons) to ensure proper care and education. Sometimes - although it is very rare - a queen leaves the nursery before her kit(s) become apprentices. Also, sometimes they leave before all of their kits become apprentices.
When a queen is unable to produce enough milk to feed her kits, another queen who has plenty of milk to spare will help her nurse until the kits are ready for fresh-kill such as Daisy and Ferncloud did when Squirrelflight didn't have any milk. Queens will also feed kits from outside of the Clan.
A she-cat may request to stay in the nursery after her kit(s) are apprenticed, instead of resuming warrior duties.
Borage leaves are sometimes given to queens that cannot produce milk for their kits, and parsley for those who still have milk even though they don't have kits.
Restrictions
A medicine cat, either male or female, is not allowed to take a mate and have kits, in order to not be distracted from their mission and work. Leafpool and Yellowfang were two examples of breaking this rule.
An apprentice never has kits, most likely to avoid interrupting their training, and a result of being too young.
A female leader or deputy generally does not have kits either, because looking after them would keep her away from her leader or deputy duties for six moons or more. Male leaders, on the other hand, frequently father a she-cat's kits.
DEPUTY
Description
Deputies are second in command of a Clan. A deputy is chosen by the leader to be their successor. Deputies sleep in the warriors' den; they do not have their own den like leaders do. Deputies are responsible for organizing daily patrols for the Clan, such as hunting patrols and border patrols. If a Clan leader is unable to lead a Clan temporarily due to sickness, being away from the Clan, etc., then the deputy would take over for that time. If a deputy is sick or injured, then a warrior will temporarily take his/her place. If the leader dies, the deputy would travel to Moonstone, or Moonpool with the medicine cat to share tongues with StarClan and receive his/her nine lives. If a deputy dies, the leader must appoint a new deputy before moonhigh.
Qualifications
Must be a warrior.
Trained at least one apprentice.
Must be chosen by the Clan leader.
Appointment
The leader of a Clan must decide on a new deputy before moonhigh on the night that the old deputy has either died or become leader, and also must state his or her name before the body of the old deputy (if the previous deputy was deceased - if not, they say the new deputy's name before StarClan) so the spirit of the old deputy or other regular spirits will hear and approve of the leader's choice of the new deputy. One exception to this rule is Fireheart, as Bluestar did not follow through with the ceremony right away. This lead to widespread rumors that Fireheart was unfit to be deputy.
When the leader dies or retires, the current deputy will become the new leader, unless a rebellion starts or the leader changes the deputy before death.
A warrior may not become deputy unless he or she has mentored at least one apprentice. This is not always followed, as StarClan may give the leader or medicine cat an omen to choose a warrior who has not had an apprentice.
Deputy Ceremony
Usually, when a leader appoints a new deputy, it is because of the death of their previous deputy. If this is the case, this is how the ceremony words usually go:
Leader: "I say these words before the body of (name of former deputy), that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice.The new deputy of (name of Clan) will be (warrior's name)!"
Retirement
A deputy can resign from their position if he or she wishes to do so, for instance to retire as an elder (depending on age), or an injury that doesn't heal well. They can also be deposed by the leader if considered unfit for the position. In either of the cases, a new deputy will be named before moonhigh. A deputy can also be banished.
Tasks
Tasks of a Clan deputy include:
Assisting the leader in their tasks; they are a sort of "apprentice leader"
Assigning border patrols, listening to their reports and assigning hunting patrols
Organizing warrior trainings to keep up their skills
Making reports to the Clan leader
Substitute for the Clan leader on Gatherings and in battles if they are unavailable
As a deputy is also a warrior, they are expected to carry out warrior tasks as well (patrolling, hunting, mentoring etc.). They do not have a den of their own, but sleep with the other warriors
If the deputy is unavailable for a span of time, the senior warriors will distribute the deputy's tasks between them
MEDICINE CAT
Description
Medicine cats are Clan cats who treat diseases and injuries, and who receive directions and guidance from StarClan. They have their own den in their Clan's camp, where they sleep, store herbs, and treat wounded or sick cats. Medicine cats are not allowed to take mates or have kits. They are expected to stand apart from Clan rivalries. Medicine cats have a special way of getting their full name. They are deeply respected by their Clanmates and few cats dare to argue with them.
Tasks
Some of a medicine cat's tasks are:
Knowing all of the herbs and store a supply of them in their den
Treating wounded and sick cats
Assisting queens while they are pregnant with kits, giving birth, or nursing them
Check up regularly on the health of Clan cats, (especially queens, elders, and kits)
Visiting the Clans' sacred place (such as the Moonstone or Moonpool) at every half moon to seek guidance from StarClan
Interpreting prophecies and omens and sharing them with the Clan leader
Upon the death of the Clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Moonstone or Moonpool to be appointed as the new leader
Training an apprentice as the Clan's next medicine cat
Bearing the knowledge of basic battle training in case they need them
To visit StarClan when in a crisis that requires direct communication with StarClan.
Appointment and Education
Kits who wish to become medicine cats are apprenticed at the age of six moons to the Clan's current medicine cat. They are introduced to StarClan as a medicine cat apprentice at the first half moon after they gain apprenticeship. They earn their name at the Moonstone or Moonpool after successfully completing their training, assuming full responsibilities even while their mentor is still alive.
When an apprentice, the mentor (or full medicine cat), has them do tasks that prepare them for being a full time medicine cat. The apprentice has to gather herbs, get water, or do other useful things. They are expected to watch carefully when their mentor is treating a cat, so that when the time comes, they can do it, too.
FoxClan trains their medicine cats to fight like warriors.
Special Cases
Some cats have been known to exchange their life as a warrior to be a medicine cat or life-altering experiences may cause take them on that path but this is considered to be very uncommon.
Though most medicine cats believe in StarClan, a few rare exceptions have become medicine cats despite their lack of belief.
Medicine cats usually keep their role until they die.
While medicine cats are not permitted to have mates or kits, cats that have previously had and lost a mate may become medicine cats if they choose, even if they still have kits
WARRIOR
Description
Warriors have been trained in the ways of fighting and hunting in addition to the ways of the Warrior Code. They are charged with the responsibility to feed and protect those cats who are elderly or unable to spend time out of camp.
Warriors make up most of a Clan: each cat is, was, or will be a warrior (except medicine cats) unless they die before they become apprenticed. Although, sometimes this is not true, as some cats would rather stay in the nursery to help other arrivals of new kits.
Tasks
Warriors have the following tasks:
Providing defense and security
Border patrols
Marking borders
Evicting or chasing out trespassers
Camp security
Stand guard and raise the alarm if invaded
Protect the camp in the event of attack
Providing food for the Clan in the form of fresh-kill
Serving in offensive operations
Perform preemptive attacks against other Clans, either to eliminate a specific threat or to carry out another objective defined by the Clan Leader
Mentor warrior apprentices
Education
Kits are apprenticed at the age of six moons to a warrior, and are made full warriors once their mentor is satisfied with their skills and knowledge, and after they pass an assessment, and their leader is pleased with their training. During apprenticeship, the apprentice must pass several assessments - tasks their mentor gives them, usually hunting in a specific place, while the mentor follows them unseen to check how they are getting on.
An apprenticeship usually lasts for six moons or more, thus, warriors are older than 12 moons. Cats become warrior apprentices after an Apprentice Ceremony, and full warriors after a Warrior Ceremony.
Mentors
A warrior who currently instructs an apprentice is called a mentor. Before a warrior can become a deputy, they must mentor at least one apprentice. This is not always true, as sometimes StarClan will send an omen to tell the leader or medicine cat who to choose, even if they have never been a mentor. They will teach their apprentices the way of a warrior: how to hunt and fight, and the ways of the warrior code.
Special Cases
Senior Warriors
A senior warrior is a warrior who is older and more experienced than the others, but has not decided to become an elder yet, and would rather serve their Clan as long as they can. Senior warriors are given respect, and are often asked for advice by the Clan leader. In the warriors' den, the senior warriors sleep towards the middle where it is warmest, while the younger warriors sleep towards the sides.
KITS
Description
When a kit is born, their mother or father names them, usually after its appearance, or sometimes to honor another cat of the same name Sometimes, though, kits have names with no apparent reason to be given. Some kits are named for something significant that happened before or when they were born. When kits are not named because they die before their parents have a chance, the kits are named by other StarClan members. Kits stay in the nursery together with their mother who nurses them and takes care of them for six moons.
All Clan cats, and especially the queens and the mother, are very protective of kits. They are fed first and are not expected to catch their own food or do chores. It is said in the Warrior Code that: "No warrior may neglect a kit in danger, even if it is from a different Clan". However, half-Clan kits or those of non-Clan origins are usually frowned upon by pure-blood Clan cats as their commitment to their foster Clan can be questioned. Half-Clan kits are usually taken in by the Clan of the mother.
Kits are not allowed out of the nursery until their mother feels the time is right. After that, they can go around the camp, though never far from their mother. A kit cannot leave the Clan camp; however, sometimes they get away and get in trouble.
Kits tend to have soft and fluffy fur. They are usually curious, mischievous, and playful, trying to get the Clan warriors to play with them. Most of them are too young to fully understand the Clan traditions or the Warrior Code, but if they break a rule, they are not punished and sometimes very lightly scolded depending on the severity of their deed. They often accidentally annoy warriors and elders, but are fascinated in the stories the elders tell. Kits often want to start training or become warriors immediately, and have to be reminded that they must wait until they are six moons old.
Education
While in the nursery, kits gradually learn about their Clanmates, Clan ways, traditions, rivals, and about the Warrior Code as they age. Their mother, the other queens in the nursery, and the elders will tell them stories of great battles, journeys, and cats. The care of the kits is shared by all of the queens.
Once reaching the age of six moons, they become apprentices, which will replace the last part of their name to from "kit" to "paw". They will either go on the path of a medicine cat or a warrior, and their mentor will teach them the ways of the path they choose.
LEADERS
Description
Leaders are the head of their Clan. Their personality is the same as their Clan's and describes how his/her Clanmates treat others. The word of the Clan leader is law, proclamined by the warrior code, and all other Clan cats must obey them. They have their own den, and are assisted by a deputy in their tasks. They are responsible for the whole Clan, calling Clan meetings, appointing cats to new ranks, and making the toughest decisions. Each Clan has one leader, and their names end with the suffix -star.
Qualifications
In order to become leader, a cat must meet these qualifications:
Mentored at least one apprentice
Selected by the previous leader to become deputy
Must have been deputy at the time of the leader's death, retirement, or banishment (unless both the deputy and the leader die)
In order for a cat to become leader, the previous leader must also be deceased, have retired, have left, or been banished.
Tasks
A leader has various tasks and privileges:
Oversee the daily operations of the Clan and give them orders
Speak on behalf of their Clan at Gatherings
Lead the Clan in battles
Appoint new apprentices and assign them to mentors
Appoint new warriors once they've finished their training
Appoint a new deputy if the former deputy has died or resigned
Counsel with the deputy and the senior warriors and listen to their reports
Discuss prophecies and omens with their Clan's medicine cat, and listen to their advice
Solve conflicts between members of the Clan
Dealing with politics/conflicts that happen out of the Clan, but can still threaten the Clan
Decide if a non-Clan cat can join the Clan
Exile Clan members who severely broke the warrior code or who present a danger to the Clan
A leader is also expected to carry out warrior tasks, like going on patrols or mentoring apprentices
Call Clan meetings if necessary for the good of the Clan
If the leader cannot carry out his or her tasks (for instance, because of illness or injury), the Clan deputy will substitute for them.
Appointment
When the former Clan leader dies or willingly retires, the current Clan deputy is appointed as the new leader. He or she makes a journey to the Clans' sacred place (such as the Moonstone or Moonpool), escorted by the Clan's medicine cat, to share tongues with their ancestors, receive their nine lives, and get their leader name.
The ancestors greet the new leader with the following words: Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader and StarClan grants to you the guardianship of your Clan. Defend it well, care for young and old, honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity.
Nine Lives
Upon sharing tongues with StarClan at their leadership ceremony, the new leader is granted nine lives by the ancestors. This does not necessarily mean they will live longer, but they can survive accidents or injuries that would claim the life of any other cat. Each of the lives are granted by a single ancestor, usually from the same Clan and whose life was meaningful to the cat, and a gift of an attribute. This process can be surprising and painful, but it is important for the leader to fight fiercly for the Clan.
When the leader loses one of these lives, they black out and are taken to StarClan. There, a warrior ancestor speaks with the leader. The cat sees a pale outline of themselves that was their lost life. When the cat is revived back to consciousness, the wound or illness is removed to the best of StarClan's ability. If StarClan can't fix the ailment, each of the nine lives are ripped away.
Demotion
Leaders usually serve until the end of their lives, but there are some exceptions:
Retirement
A Clan Leader can resign if he or she wishes to do so. This is approved by StarClan, and the current deputy can be appointed as the new leader. The former leader loses their leader name and the lives granted by the ancestors. If the leader doesn't give up all of their lives, the next leader's lives will be subtracted.
When a leader decides to retire, he or she must travel to the Moonstone/Moonpool and renounce their remaining lives, except for one. Then his or her deputy will succeed him or her.
Banishment
A Clan can demote a leader if they consider him or her unfit for the position. This is not approved by StarClan, and the ancestors won't recognize a new leader and give them their nine lives as long as the former leader is alive. But in cases where the leader is left with one life left and leaves, the deputy will only recieve eight lives because the leader before was supposed to give the new leader a life, but wasn't there.
Day-to-Day Life
The Clan leader will take part in patrols and hunting, but usually leaves the actual organization of the patrols to the deputy. Most leaders take interest in all aspects of Clan life, kits, elders, warriors, etc. They also listen to cats' personal problems and attempt to help, most likely to keep their Clan argument-free. Their main job is to keep the Clan running smoothly. When something is wrong in the Clan, cats are to immediately tell the leader first. The leader also listens to recounts of patrols, making sure nothing threatens the Clan.
ELDERS
Description
They stay in their den most of the day, and enjoy meeting new kits. However, they may leave the camp if they wish to do so, such as to take a walk to stretch their legsor to hunt. Sometimes, they participate in Gatherings.
Elders are to be held with the utmost respect from cats of all Clans. They have served the Clan well in the past as apprentices and warriors. During their youth, they took care of the elders of their generation. Now, it is their turn to rest, and the youth of the Clan is to take care of them, in honor of all they have done to serve the Clan.
Elders are often susceptible to many diseases and injuries such as greencough and stiff joints. They are often treated by medicine cats and apprentices. They also are more than often tick-ridden, and it is the duty of the apprentices to use mouse bile to remove the ticks.
Tasks
Some tasks elders do are:
Rub certain herbs on a cat's body when they have passed away to disguise the scent of death.
Take dead cats out of camp to bury them.[12]
Often will tell stories about Clan life as it was when they were growing up.[13]
They do not have to catch their own food, nor do hunting patrols or fight, except to defend if necessary.
Obtaining the Rank
An elder is usually an elderly cat who cannot do warrior duties any more due to their old age. When a warrior, queen or medicine cat wishes to retire, an Elder Ceremony is held.[15] Sometimes a cat must retire early for reasons beyond their control (for instance a crippling wound, loss of sight etc). Usually if circumstances force a cat into early retirement, they will receive a new name in order to better suit their current state.