A Warriors Guide | WC-Universe

Warrior Code

and origins

"Defend your Clan, even with your life. You may have friendships with cats from other clans, but your loyalty must remain to your clan, as one day you may meet them in battle."

The making of this rule was the start of the entire Warrior Code. It all began with a love, a love that could never be. Long ago...

A WindClan warrior, Ryewhisker, feel in love with Cloudberry, a RiverClan warrior. At the time there were no rules to forbid their feelings or their meetings. Their feelings grew with every glance and every smile. So of course it wasn't long before Cloudberry was expecting her mates kits.

During this time, however, their clans were feuding over missing prey. Tensions that eventually broke out into battle. WindClan leading a war patrol into the heart of RiverClan territory.

While the battle raged Ryewhisker defended his mate against his own clanmate, a warrior named Hawkfur, and said that he wouldn't allow a WindClan cat to harm his unborn kits. While distracted, protecting Cloudberry, he was attacked and killed by a RiverClan cat.

Duststar, WindClans leader at the time, called a meeting at Fourtrees during the next full moon. He claimed that Ryewhisker would never had died if he had not fallen for Cloudberry, a cat not in his own clan. He proposed that all cats remain loyal to their own clan over all else.

It was easily accepted by all the clans and formed the beginnings of the warrior code.

"Do not hunt or trespass on another clan's territory."

Only three seasons after the start of the code, the clans gathered once more beneath the four great oaks. This night however was alive with tension between ThunderClan and ShadowClan.

ThunderClans leader, Whitestar, was convinced that ShadowClan was hunting on their territory. But Brindlestar was fierce in her denial over the accusations.

The two clans were nearly at each others throats when a loud crack shook the air. A branch from one of the oaks falling to the earth. Landing with a sickening thud just between Whitestar and Brindlestar. Amazingly neither were harmed, and Stonestar, WindClans leader, announced that it was a sign from StarClan and he proposed a new rule for the code.

That no cat should hunt or trespass on another clans territory.

It was agreed to by all. Although some still say it was reluctant on Brindlestars side.

"Elders and kits must be fed before apprentices and warriors. Unless they have permission, apprentices may not eat until they have hunted to feed the elders."

Mystery clouds the making of the third rule. Some believe it was spoken to the minds of sleeping warriors, so that they would pass it onto their leaders. Some believed that RiverClan warriors were aided in battle by one of their starry ancestors, defending Sunningrocks against ThunderClan. In that version it is said that a young warrior, Splashheart vowed to become leader so that he could propose a new rule to the code; a rule stating that elders and kits should always be fed first.

It is assumed his ambitions were successful because it became the third rule in the code.

"Prey is killed only to be eaten. Give thanks to StarClan for its life."

During the cold of leaf-bare, so many seasons ago, two ShadowClan kits were scolded for playing with the clans last piece of fresh-kill. Sunnytail, the clans deputy and the cat to scold them, warned them not to play with something so precious.

The kits mother, Splashnose, was quick to defend them. As only a mother would. But Lilystar, the clan leader sided with the deputy. The kits were wrong to play with something that could fill somecats belly.

And out of nowhere an owl screeched and swooped down, the cats below scattered for shelter. All but Driftkit, one of the scolded kits, who was paralyzed with fear. As luck would have it, the owl passed up the kitten for the mouse he'd been playing with. Lilystar saw this as a sign from StarClan, that they give the prey and can just as easily take it away again.

It was decided she would propose a new rule at the next gathering, that prey should only be eaten, and this later became the fourth rule in the warrior code.

"A kit must be at least six moons old to become an apprentice."

It was a mothers love that helped to create the fifth rule in the warrior code. Daisytail, mother of Specklepaw, was subjected to watch as her young son marched off to fight against ShadowClan. Afriad to see her son killed she decided she would stop the battle somehow. And so just before the battle could begin Daisytail told the warring clans to stop. Supported by her friend Hawkfoot, a fellow WindClan queen, and Oakleaf, a queen from ShadowClan. The three agreed that young cats shouldn't be allowed into such horrible battles.

Hazelstar, WindClans leader, and Blizzardstar, the ShadowClan leader were interested in their idea and a battle was avoided. The two leaders agreed that young cats should not fight until they are ready.

Daisytail pressed the issue that kits had to be at least six moons before becoming an apprentice, and until that time had to stay within the camp with their mothers. The rule was eventually brought up at the gathering and became the codes fifth rule.

"Newly appointed warriors will keep a silent vigil for one night after receiving their warrior name."

Four young RiverClan warriors were driving their medicine cat, Meadowpelt, mad. The four were constantly daring each other, doing reckless and stupid things.

At one point one of the warriors, Snaketooth, broke his leg trying to climb one of the great oaks. And Neetlepad nearly drowned trying to swim across the river. It was shortly after those accidents that Meadowpelt heard they were going to attempt to jump the gorge. Concerned, the medicine cat went to the clan leader, Troutstar, and told him that he planed to contact StarClan for advice.

And so Meadowpelt went to the moonstone and there his ancestors showed him sitting alone in camp. Listening and hearing every little noise, watching every little motion. It gave him the right idea, a night of listening and watching as the clan sleep through the night.

Troutstar took the healers advice and the four reckless warriors were ordered to stay awake all night. Watching over their sleeping clan. A good thing too because that very night a fox tried to attack the camp. While two of the warriors remained on guard at the entrance, the other two chased the fox away.

Pleased that his plan had worked, Meadowpelt asked Troutstar to suggest a new rule for the warrior code. That every new warrior had to sit a silent vigil after their warrior ceremony. Without much argument it became the sixth rule.

"A cat cannot be made deputy without having mentored at least one apprentice."

WindClans leader, Featherstar, was sad to be promoting a new deputy after the death of Pebblefur. But the clan could not go without one and so she chose Acorntail, an inexperienced warrior, but one with great determination and patience.

Her choice was an unpopular one, as there were many who believed that the young depuy wasn't fit for the job. There were certainly others more qualified. And perhaps they were right. Acorntail made many mistakes. Nearly causing a fight with ThunderClan over a dead rabbit, assigning cats to patrols although they been out already that day, etc.

Ashamed Acorntail begged for Featherstar to chose a new deputy, but she refused. But the WindClan leader was honest enough to admit that he should have had more experience before becoming her deputy. Having mentored an apprentice would have helped, she added.

He asked to have an apprentice, hoping for the experience he needed, and said that in turn he would remain her deputy. The clan leader agreed and at the next gathering suggested a new rule for the code. That a warrior must have had mentored at least one apprentice before becoming deputy.

"The deputy will become clan leader when the leader dies or retires."

Deputys didn't always succeed their leaders. There was a time the leader chose upon their death who would take their position. But such a time came to an end when Beechstar, a SkyClan leader, lay dying. The old tom appointed his son, Mothpelt, as the new leader and as a last request, he asked his son to lead an attack on RiverClan. The dying tom felt as though RiverClan would take advantage of the clans change in athority and SkyClan needed to show their strength.

Mothpelt listened to his fathers request and agreed. But as strong and loyal as he was, he was young and reckless. After his fathers death he rallied up his clan and headed out to battle. But the river that seperated their territories was swollen from heavy rain. Just about imposible for even a RiverClan cat to swim.

One of SkyClans senior warriors, Robinwing, suggested they wait until the rivers level had lowered. Hoping to stop the young leader form leading them all to their doom. But Mothpelt refused to listen to reason and continued to lead his clan into the river. They were all poor swimmers at best and were forced to cling to the rocks or be sweept away.

Robinwing and Maplewhisker, the clans deputy, organized and rescued their clanmates from the waters. Afterwhich Robinwing suggested that Maplewhisker become leader, if Mothpelt agreed, and that a new rule should be added to their warrior code.

That the clan deputy should suceed the clan leader.

"After the death or retirement of the deputy, the new deputy must be chosen before moonhigh."

During an outbreak of sickness within ShadowClan the ninth rule was born. Snowstar, the clans leader, passed away and leadership fell onto Brightwhiskers shoulders. But the deputy had become sick with whitecough and Redscar, the clans medicine cat, insisted she heal before going to recieve her nine lives or appointing a new deputy. But the next morning the clan learned that the deputys whitecough had turned to greencough and she had died in her sleep.

As the last clan member with athority it was up to Redscar to call the clan together and decide upon a new leader. Jumpfoot, an agressive warrior, and Mossfire, a calmer queen, were the clans two canidates. However since none could deicde Jumpfoot announced that they would fight for leadership. It was a bloody fight that left the warriors seriously wounded, both eventualy died of their injuries.

With the clan in chaos now Flowerstem, Mossfire's sister, stepped up to organize patrols and calm her clanmates down. While Redscar retreated into his den, lost now that they were back where they'd started.

In his dreams Snowstar appeared before him. Urging him to chose a new leader and that a new deputy had to be appointed quickly, so that such an inncodent could never happen again. Upon waking the medicine cat slipped a flower stem at the entrance of his den and claimed that it was StarClans wish that Flowerstem become the Clans new leader.

Flowerstem agreed and the two decided a new rule had to be added to the code. Any new deputies had to be chossen before moonhigh.

"A gathering of all four clans is held at the full moon during a truce that last for the night. There shall b no fighting among the clans at this time."

It was a seemingly peaceful gathering during leaf-bare. Though Ripplestar, ShadowClans leader, and his clan was absent, soemthing Finchstar remarked upon. Reedstar, RiverClans leader, and Dovestar, the leader of WindClan, were unconcered. Hawkstar however remarked that his pelt was unusually itchy and he felt trouble was coming, but Reedstar dismissed it as fleas.

Eventually ShadowClan arrived but not with the usual peace the clans held. The ShadowClan cats swarmed down onto the unexpecting cats and turned on them. Shocked, the other clan leaders jumped down to aide their clans. Finchstar confronted Ripplestar, shouting that the attack was cowardly and unjust. But the ShadowClan leader refused to back down.

And suddenly the sky lit up, a bolt of lightning striking the earth. Before anyone could react the lightning was gone and Ripplestar was falling. Dead.

After regaining his composure Finchstar announced that it was the judgment of StarClan, that they had punished Ripplestar and ShadowClan for attacking the other clans during a gather. It was declared that night that the clans would be forbidden from fighting during the gathering.

"Boundaries must be checked and marked daily. Challenge all trespassing cats."

A SkyClan warrior, Poppycloud was hunting with her son and apprentice, Mottlepaw. During their patrol they wondered over the ThunderClan border, it's scent to weak to detect. Eventually they were found and challenged by a ThunderClan patrol. Greeneyes, ThunderClans deputy, accused them of spying and announced that her leader, Lionstar, would hear of this.

The two SkyClanners returned to their camp to inform their leader, Rowanstar. The next day a ThunderClan patrol, led by Lionstar himself, was escorted into SkyClans camp. During the argument Poppycloud suggested that the clans should mark and patrol their boundaries daily, as part of the code.

The two leaders liked the suggestion and agreed to mention it at the next gathering. Lionstar threatened however, that should the rule not be accepted he would attack any cat that crossed their borders.

"No warrior may neglect a kit in pain or in danger, even if that kit is from a different clan."

RiverClans meidicne cat was patrolling the riverside with two warriors, Brindleclaw and Foxwhisker, when they noticed three kits in the river. Hanging onto the rocks for dear life.

Brindleclaw was going to jump into the river to save them, having the soft heart of a queen, but the medicine cat, Graywing, stopped her. Telling her that it was not worth risking the life of a RiverClan cat for kits from a rival clan. Foxwhisker was quick to agree but Brindleclaw was reluctant, although in the end the RiverClan cats went on their way without helping.

Guilt ate at the medicine cat throughout the day and during the night she was visited by three StarClan warriors. They introduced themselves as Runningstorm, Wolfheart, and Smallstar formerly of WindClan.

Confused Graywing asked if perhaps something horrible had befallen WindClans leader, but they shook their heads. Silent. It was then she realized that these cats where the kits she'd let drown, and had she saved them this is what they would have become.

The silent warriors led the medicine cat into the RiverClan nursery, where the kits and their mothers were fast asleep. When they finally deicded to speak it was a small voice, a kits voice. Smallstar said that kits were the most important part of clan life, without them there is no clan.

Upon awakening Graywing tells Ivystar, RiverClans leader, that she is taking out a patrol to search for the three kits. They find the tiny, small bodies washed up along the riverbank and after taking them back to WindClan Graywing suggests that a new rule be added to the warrior code.

That no clan cat can ignore a kit in pain and that they must be protected, no matter what clan they are from.

"The word of the clan leader is the warrior code."

A rule created perhaps by a power hungry leader? Or maybe one created in the heat of anger? So much time has passed that no one can really be certain. But it is known that many seasons ago, during a gathering, the ThunderClan leader, Vinestar, announced that ThunderClan had had several litters and needed more territory to find prey.

Darkstar, SkyClans elderly leader, quickly agreed to give ThunderClan some of their territory. Shocked Darkstars deputy, Raincloud, objected fiercely to this. SkyClans leader silenced the deputy however and with whatever emotion drove him suggested a new rule be added to the warrior code. That the word of the clan leader is law.

The other leaders quickly agreeded to this, while Darkstar told Raincloud never to challenge him again. The deputy listened but worried that the new rule could give a leader the power to change everything the clans hold sacred.

"An honorable warrior does not need to kill other cats to win his battles, unless they are outside the warrior code or it is necessary for self-defense."

The strength and resolve of the clans meidicne cats helped to create this rule, as well as to start the familiar tradition that the medicine cats meet every half-moon.

During conflict between ShadowClan and WindClan, Mossheart, the ShadowClan medicine cat, was healing one of her clanmates after a recent battle. She disagreed with the fighting and the tension and did her best to break up any battles she came across.

Coming onto the scence of a rather nasty fight she broke it up, with the aide of WindClans meidicne cat, Swiftfoot. The two agreed that the fighting had to come to an end and decided to meet with the other medicine cats at the moonstone. StarClan was certain to give them advice. And so the next night, under the light of the half-moon, the five medicine cats rested alongside the moonstone.

Mossheart dreamed of a fallen ShadowClan apprentice, Spottedpaw. The starry cat said that she couldn't stop the fighting but that the cat who had killed him didn't have to.

Waking up she learned that the other medicince cats had had similar dreams, all with the same message. A warrior did not need to kill to win a battle. The group reasoned out that with the exception of rogues and predators, killing another cat was a last resort. And so they took this idea to their leaders, and suggested it be added to the warrior code.

The birth of the fourteenth rule.

"A warrior rejects the soft life of a kittypet."

Lionpaw was a couragous young apprentice. Seeing his leader, Pinestar, slipping out of camp, he decided to impress him with his stalking abilities and followed close after. Of course his little adventure ended with him spying as ThunderClans leader accepted the affections of a twoleg, as well as food. Confused he allowed Pinestar, who noticed him, to lure him into thinking it was okay. And for the time being it was. There were other things to worry about, such as RiverClan.

A few days later during a patrol with Sunfall, ThunderClans deputy, they noticed a patrol of RiverClanners on ThunderClan territory. The deputy told Lionpaw to return to camp and get reinforments and Pinestar. The young apprentice did just that but upon arriving at camp he couldn't find Pinestar, and so he told Thrushpelt to lead a reinforment patrol and then left to find Pinestar.

Knowing his leader would be at twolegplace he slipped through the trees and towards the fence, finding Pinestar the same as last time. Accepting the pets of a twoleg hand and that tastless food. Lionpaw informed he what was happening but was suprised when his leader told him that he didn't want to be clan leader anymore, he wanted to become a kittypet.

Pinestar wanted the apprentice to return to the clan and tell them he was dead. But Lionpaw was angry that his leader would abandon them so easily, and demanded that he return and tell the clan himself, Pinestar agreed.

The clan was conflicted about their leaders decicion but could not change his mind. In the end Sunfall became the clans new leader and a new rule was added to the warrior code. That a warrior was to reject the soft life of a kittypet.

The story of the beginning of the clans has been passed down through time, by the cats of all the clans. From elder to warrior, from warrior to apprentice, and from a queen to her small kits. The story is never the same, some parts are forever uncertain while others become suddenly clear in the telling. There are cats whose great names and heroic actions have been lost in the fog of time. But the clans have roamed the forest for generations beyond counting so it is no suprise that our own story is so scarcely detailed...

It was so long ago that a community of cats settled in the forest, that humans had not yet turned up the earth to create their twolegplace or the thunderpath that cut like a black river across their borders. Some of the cats were kittypets, looking for a life so different from which they were born, and others were born in the wild and knew how to hunt and find suitable shelters in leaf-bare.

The woodlands, the river that ran fast and deep at the trees edge, the stretch of flat plains, and even the marshy pines proved to be good territory for the cats. There was enough prey and shelter to go around and the freedom for everycat to hunt in whichever enviroment suited their skills. Which is what caused the movement of cats within the forest.

Those with skills at swimming and fishing moved to the riverbanks, and the forest dwellers stayed in their forest to hunt mice beneath the thick undergrowth; The wiry, lean cats kept to the moor where they could chase rabbits to their hearts content; And those that preferred the taste of lizards and snakes took to the marsh, with its brittle grass stalks.

And for a time there was peace without borders or rules. The cats lived seperately, even within their own hunting grounds, and meet only in passing or when clashing over a piece of prey. But large battles between the cats were unheard of. But a time eventually came when prey was to scarce to feed them all, and to many bodies to shelter during harsh weather and the cold season. The battles began, a few at first, but more frequent as prey disappeared and tensions between the cats rose furhter. The fighting progressed for more then just another piece of prey, it was for survival and all those that lived alongside them.

One battle left the cold ground wet with spilled blood, the ground littered with still bodies. And yet the living fought on over them. Unable to take the bloodshed any longer the spirits of the dead cats burst from the sky above. Their arrive brought the fighting to a stop and they took that chance to plead with the strongest cats from each hunting ground: Thunder, Shadow, River, Wind, and Sky. Peace had to be made.

The five agreed and vowed to their fallen kin that they would stop the fighting, to live seperately in their own hunting grounds, and pass on their lands to the generations to come.

The time of the clans had begun...

ThunderClan

Leader: Applestar [npc]
Deputy: Birchbelly [npc]
Medicine Cat: Clovercloud [npc]
Medicine Cat Apprentice: TBA
Territory: Forest
Camp: Sandy ravine
Battle Skill: Fighting in dense undergrowth

Clan Character: Courageous, loyal cats who are willing to stick their necks out in order to keep the peace. But they aren't against fighting and are quick to defend their clanmates and their territory.
Prey: Mice, voles, squirrels, the occasional rabbit, and birds [starlings, magpies, wood pigeons, and thrushes].
Hunting Skills: They have great stalking techniques. Keeping upwind of their prey, sneaking nearly invisible across the forest floor.

Leaders

Deputies

Medicine Cats

ShadowClan

Leader: Dapplestar [npc]
Deputy: Echodawn [npc]
Medicine Cat: Marshwatcher [riah]
Medicine Cat Apprentice: TBA
Territory: Marshy pines
Camp: Muddy hollow
Battle Skill: Night ambush

Clan Character: Known for being battle-hungry, aggressive, and sharp-tongued. No one could ever say these cats were two-faced. But despite their seemingly cold hearted, suspicious, and untrusting outlooks they are very family oriented and loyal.
Prey: Frogs, lizards, and snakes. Although they sometimes steal food from the twoleg dump near their territory.
Hunting Skills: They are far better skilled at night hunting, and are gifted with their ability to skulk unseen through the undergrowth.

Leaders

Deputies

Medicine Cats
Fawneyes [killed by dogs]

RiverClan

Leader: Grass-star [npc]
Deputy: Hawkflame [npc]
Medicine Cat: TBA
Medicine Cat Apprentice: TBA
Territory: Plains and riverside
Camp: Well-drained island
Battle Skill: Water combat

Clan Character: They are thought of as well fed, pampered, and spoiled by the other clans. with their long fur and glossy coats. But they are tough as any wild cat and their strength comes from their close bonds and lack of fear of water.
Prey: Mainly fish but they are hunt water voles, shrews, and mice.
Hunting Skills: They are very strong, silent swimmers. They are able to fish along the banks, a skill the other clans cannot master.

Leaders

Deputies

Medicine Cats
Ivygorse [retired]

WindClan

Leader: Jaggedstar [npc]
Deputy: Kinkheart [npc]
Medicine Cat: Sunblaze [blue]
Medicine Cat Apprentice: TBA
Territory: Open hillside
Camp: Saddy hollow
Battle Skill: Speed and agility

Clan Character: These wiry cats are horribly loyal, tough, and easily offended. With their deepest knowledge of twolegs and the lack of cover on the moor, they have grown into a nervous, quick to flee lot. But never underestimate their skills in battle, because they are quick to jump into one.
Prey: Mainly rabbits.
Hunting Skills: Their coats tend to be shades of browns and grays, helping them to better blend into their blank environment. Fast, lean, and swift.

Leaders

Deputies

Medicine Cats
Larkleg [died of old age]

Everything the warriors are can be rooted back to their deceased kin, even the forming of the clans themselves. Which is why the cats hold their ancestors to such high esteem. And like any civilization rules and religion sprout and grow. In the case of the clans StarClan rose in the skys, for those who had lived true to the code and to their own clan. While those who walked a darker path during life were cursed to walk a lightless path after death, in the Dark Forest.

StarClan.

Among the stars StarClan lives on like a real clan. One without fear of the elements, prey shortages, or sickness. It is a paradise after life where their pelts glitter like far-away stars and their bodies are restored to their prime, free from injuries or age or disabilities. But what they don't worry about in their new life, they worry about in their past life. Watching over their living kin and guiding them on the right path. Protecting them as best as they are able.

But StarClan is not all powerful and they have limits to what they can do, just like the living. It's true they can walk in the dreams of living cats, normally only medicine cats and leaders, they can even call the spirits of living cats into StarClan. Their most mysterious powers however are how they give clan leaders eight extra lives, or appear before the living as visible spirits. Another, and easily the most rare, is how they can muster the power to return to the living as a solid being. How long this lasts and its limits are a mystery.

Whatever their powers the cats of the clans worship and rely on their ancestors, but most are not aware that their believed StarClan have limits. StarClan is sometimes powerless to do anything for their living kin, which has more then once caused cats to feel as if their ancestors have abandoned them to their fates. But the truth is that the clans often expect to much from StarClan, some even believe that the starry cats live on forever in their paradise. When in truth, as time passes and the names or deeds of cats go forgotten, they eventually fade away into nothing.

But the clans do their best to have comeplete faith in their warrior ancestors, and follow their guidence and the warrior code that has been passed down to them.

The Place Of No Stars - Dark Forest.

Not every cat goes to StarClan after death. There are those who have murdered and lied and betrayed, leaving the starry path StarClan layed out for them and chosing a darker life. Such cats are banished to live in the dead, wasted forest that is The Place Of No Stars or the Dark Forest.

It is a place truely feared by the cats of the living clans, as the power of that dark place seems to rival that of StarClan. They too have the ability to walk into the dreams of the living, as well as to bring the living into their dark world. However, unlike in StarClan, there are times when wounds inflicted in the Dark Forest are taken back with them in the waking world.

They can appear as spirits or solid beings. Often only using such powers when they wish to manipulate cats for their own ambitions, feelings to strong to die even after death.

Ranks & their Duties

Ceremonies

Leader.

Upon becoming leader a cat must journey to the moonstone to be granted nine lives by StarClan. They also gain complete authority over their clan. Leading them and making all the important decisions, including handing the ceremonies and promotions.

Deputy.

This cat is the leaders right-hand cat. They help run the clan and support the clans leader. Normally holding the authority over organizing hunting parties and border patrols. They even oversee the apprentices training and stand up in the leaders place if the leader is unable. Because of this cats experience in clan life and leading they are the ones to always succeed the clan leader if the current leader dies or retires.

Medicine Cat.

The meidicine cat is a clans healer as well as it's spirital leader, generally having the strongest connection to StarClan. They use local herbs and plants to heal wounds, while using their connection with StarClan to help the clan leader better lead the clan or warn of future disasters. Because of their strict, serious duties they are forbidden to have mates or kits.

Elder.

These are cats to old or simply disabled and can no longer serve their clan. They are usually highly respected within the clans and are always fed first, alongside those in the nursery. Despite age or other set backs, they will defend their clans still if they must.

Warrior.

The main bulk of a clan is made up of warriors. Cats that fight, hunt, and patrol for their clan. Generally no younger then ten moons, which is about when they finish their apprentice training and are made warriors. These are the cats that also training the clans apprentices to become warriors.

Queen.

She-cats who are expecting or nursing kits. They remain in the nursery with their litter until they become apprentices, alougth there are a few that often continue to breed and stay within the nursery. Most however return to their normal duties. The duty of caring for the kits is often shared between the queens.

Medicine Cat Apprentice.

At six moons of age a cat can become a meidicne cat apprentice, if accepted by the clan leader and medicine cat. There have been rare occassions where warriors have been taken as medicine cat apprentices. Their training is vastly different from that of normal apprentices. Although they learn the basics of hunting and fighting, their training consists mostly of learning about plants and herbs, as well as learning the lay of lands. And with the medicine cat as their mentor they learn to interpret signs from StarClan and dive more into the hisotrys and mysteries of the clans.

Apprentice.

After reaching six moons of age cats become apprentices. Nomally having their own warrior to mentor them in the ways of fighting and hunting. Aside form there training their are often charged with changing their clanmates bedding, hunting for the elders and queens, searching the elders for ticks, etc.

Kit.

A kit is any cat six moons are younger. Not old enough to become an apprentice so they must remain in the nursery with their mothers. Never allowed outside camp without an escort, often not at all regardless.

Leader Ceremony.

Upon touching the moonstone with their nose the leader sleeps and awakens in StarClan, where they are approached by nine cats. Usually these are cats whom the new leader has a personal connection to or someone of previous importance to their clan. Each one will give the leader a new life.

The StarClan cat with the strongest personal connection with the leader will greet him, before coming forward to give him his first new life. The StarClan cat will touch their nose to the leaders head.

"With this life I give you [gift. ex: courage, love, etc.]. Use it well to [how to use gift. ex: to protect the clan, etc.]."

Recieving each life will be different. It could be a burning sensation or perhaps drowning, maybe even being overloaded with love or anger. A process repeated until all nine lives have been given. After which the leader will wake next to the moonstone a true leader of their clan.

Deputy Ceremony.

After the current deputy dies, retires, or is promoted to leader, demoted, etc. a new deputy must be appointed. A ceremony that must happen before moonhigh of the same day, or otherwise the new deputy is seen as a bad omen.

When the leader has decided upon a deputy they gather the clan for a meeting and the ceremony begins.

Leader: "I say these words before StarClan, that the spirit of [our warrior ancestors or previous deputy's name] may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of [clan name] is [cats name]."

After those words the deputy will accept and the clan will call out congratulations. Rarely has there been a cat to accept the honor of deputy, but should that happen the leader must chose another cat and re-do the ceremony.

Medicince Cat Ceremony.

The medicine cat ceremonies are the only ceremonies that the clan leader doe snot preform. After feeling that their apprentice has learned everything they need to learn, the medicine cat will take the apprentice to the moonstone during the half-moon to recieve their full name. The other medicine cats as their witness. Gaining their full name doesn't make them a medicine cat however, they must wait until their mentor retires or dies before becoming the clans medicine cat.

Medicine Cat: "I, [medicine cats name], medicine cat of [clan name], call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He/She has trained hard to understand the ways of a meidicne cat, and with your help he/she will serve his/her clan for many moons. [Medicine cat apprentices name], do you promise to uphold the ways of a meidcine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between clan and clan and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?"

Medicine Cat Apprentice: "I do."

Medicine Cat: "Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. [Medicine cat apprentices name], form this moment you will be known as [new medicine cat name]. StarClan honors your [virtues], and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of [clan name]."

After those last words the medicine cat will rest their nose of their apprentices head and the apprentice will lick their mentors shoulder. The other meidicne cats will call out the apprentices new name and congratulate them before settling down to share tongues with StarClan.

Elder Ceremony.

When a warrior, queen, deputy, or even leader feels as if they are to old to provide for their clan any longer they may ask to join the elders. The clan leader often agrees, although regretfully, and calls the clan together for the ceremony. The expection to this ceremony is when a cat is joining the elders because of an injury or disability.

Leader: "[Cats name], is it your wish to give up the name of a [cats current rank] and go join the elders?"

Elder: "It is."

Leader: "Your clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest."

When the ceremony is over the new elder is surrounded by clanmates as they chant his new name and thank him for his service.

Warrior Ceremony.

When an apprentice is old enough, generally six moons are more, and their mentor believes they are ready the clan leader is notified of their potiental. After which the apprentice is generally given a final assessment [a hunting test, etc.], where they are watched over by their mentor and sometimes even the deputy or leader.

There have been some cases in which an apprentice doesn't need a final assessment because they have proved they are ready with some great deed, such as doing great in a battle, or courageously saving another.

Regardless, after the apprentice passes their assessment, the clan leader calls together the clan to preform the apprentices warrior ceremony.

Leader: "I, [leaders name], leader of [clanname], call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. He/she has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him/her to you as a warrior in his/her turn. [Apprentice name], do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Apprentice: "I do."

Leader: "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. [Apprentices name], from this moment on you will be known as [new warrior name]. StarClan honors your [virtues], and we welcome you as a full warrior of [clan name]."

The clan leader will then rest his muzzle on the new warriors head, and the new warrior will lick the leaders shoulder. The warrior is then congratulated by the rest of the clan. That night the warrior will sit a silent vigil, guarding the camp. There have been cases where such a thing isn't possible and they are ordered to do other tasks to make up for it.

Medicine Cat Apprentice Ceremony.

When a meidicne cat is ready to take an apprentice, they inform the clan leader of their decision and of the cat they have chosen. After which both the meidicne cat and the clan leader call a meeting to hold the beginning of the ceremony together.

Medicine Cat: "Cats of [clan name], as you know, I will not be around forever. So it's time I took an apprentice. I have chosen a cat who has shown [virtues]. Your next medicine cat will be [chosen cats name]."

Leader: "[Chosen cats name], do you accept the post of apprentice to [medicine cats name]?"

Apprentice: "I do."

Medicine Cat: "Then at the half-moon, you must travel to the moonstone to be accepted by StarClan before the other medicine cats."

Leader: "The good wishes of all [clan name] will go with you."

The medicine cat will touch noses with his new apprentice and then the clan with chant the apprentices new name and wish him well. But this is only the first half of a medicine cat apprentices ceremony. To become a full-fledged medicine cat apprentice they must make the journey to the moonstone with their mentor, to be accepted by StarClan. Once there the second portion of the ceremony will begin.

Medicine Cat: "[Medicine cat apprentices name], is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a medicine cat?"

Apprentice: "It is."

Medicine Cat: "Then come forward. Warriors of StarClan, I present you with this apprentice. He/She has chosen the path of a medicine cat. Grant him/her your wisdom and insight so that he/shemay understand you ways and heal his/her clan in accordance with your will."

After those words the medicine cats and apprentices will lay down beside the moonstone to share tongues with StarClan.

Apprentice Ceremony.

During this ceremony a kit, six moons or older, is promoted to an apprentice and recieves a mentor to train them. The leader normally informs the kits chosen mentor before the ceremony so that there are no surprises.

Leader: "[Kits name], you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as [new apprentice name]. I ask StarClan to watch over you and guide you until you find in your paws the strength and courage of a warrior."

The leader will signal the chosen mentor forward, to stand beside the new apprentice.

Leader: "[Warriors name], you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from [warriors former mentors], and you have shown yourself to be [virtues]. You will be mentor of [apprentices name], and I expect you to pass all you know to [apprentices name]."

Mentor and apprentice will touch noses to complete the ceremony and then the apprentice will be congratulated by the rest of the clan.

New Mentor Ceremony.

This is often a breif ceremony. Used when an apprentices mentor has been killed or is to injured to continue his/her training any longer. The clan leader will decide a new mentor, sometimes not as prepared as the previous, and call together a clan meeting for the ceremony.

Leader: "I call upon my warrior ancestors to give this apprentice a new mentor. [Apprentices name], [words about the apprentices lose of a mentor, how their mentor is injured, etc.], so your new mentor will be [warriors name]."

The apprentice and his/her new mentor will touch noses to complete the ceremony. Often times there is to much grief to celebrate after, especually if the apprentices former mentor died.

An interesting exception to this ceremony is if the apprentice needs only a temperary mentor, because their current one is only slightly injured. In which case the leader won't often bother with a ceremony.

Dying Apprentice Ceremony.

This is a rather special ceremony in which the clan leader doesn't call for a meeting, and instead sits beside the dying, or forever disablied apprentice, and speaks these words. Usually done only for apprentices who died doing a great deed, or was disablied doing a great deed.

Leader: "I ask my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He/She has learned the warrior code and given up his/her [life or chance of becoming a true warrior] in the service of his/her clan. Let StarClan recieve him/her as a warrior. He/She will be known as [new warrior name]."

Name Changing Ceremony.

Changing ones name requires a ceremony just as special as the one before. Although in this case the clan leader does call the clan together for a meeting. This is normally done because of physical alterations or perhaps because the clan leader, or the target of the name change, feels their current name has no meaning anymore.

Leader: "Spirits of StarClan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what [he/she] is. By my authority as Clan Leader, and with the approval of our warrior ancestors, I give this cat a new name. From this moment on [he/she] will be known as [new name], for [reason for name change]."

The clan will then chant the cats new name.

Herb

Use and Application

Alder Bark.

Beech Leaves.

Bind Weed.

Blackberry Leaves.

Borage Leaves.

Burdock Root.

Catmint.

Chammomile.

Chervil.

Cobwebs.

Coltsfoot.

Comfrey.

Daisy Leaf.

Dock.

Dried Oak Leaf.

Feverfew.

Goldenrod.

Honey.

Horsetail.

Juniper Berries.

Lavender.

Marigold.

Mouse Bile.

Poppy Seeds.

Stinging Needle.

Tansy.

Thyme.

Watermint.

Wild Garlic.

Yarrow.

Used to treat cats with tooth ace.

Used to carry herbs and other plants around.

This, along with sticks, is used to help bind broken legs.

These leaves are chewed into a pulp and applied to treat bee stings.

Chewed and eaten. It is given to nursing kits to help them produce milk, but also helps to bring down fevers. Distinguished by it's small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves.

Cat be applied to rate bites after it is chewed into a pulp. Cures infection. It is a tall-stemmed, strong smelling thistle with dark leaves. The roots must be dug up and washed off.

A delicious, leafy plant that's hard to find, but is the best remedy for greencough.

A plant with a tall stem and white petals. It is not used to treat injuries but when eaten soothes the mind and strengthens the heart. It is one of the traveling herbs given to cats.

A large, fern-like plant with spreading leaves and small white flowers. The juice from the leaves can be used for infected wounds, and chewing up the roots helps with bellyache.

Webs can be found just about anywhere and are used to wrap around an injury to soak up blood or keep a wound clean. Helps to stop bleeding.

It looks a bit like a dandelion, with white or yellow flowers, and it's leaves can be chewed into a pulp. Which is eaten to help with shortness of breath.

It has large leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers that can be pink, white, or purple. The roots can be chewed into a pulp to help soothe wounds or mend broken bones.

This is another plant used for the traveling herbs. When eaten it helps to ease pains.

Similar to to sorrel, it can be chewed up and applied to help soothe scratches.

They are collected in the autumn and stored. They help to stop infections.

A bush with daisy-like flowers. The leaves are eaten to cool down ones body temperature, mostly for cats with fever or chills.

A tall plant with bright, yellow flowers. Chewed into a pulp and is great for healing wounds.

Created by bees and often difficult to get. But it is great for soothing infections or the throats of those who have breathed in smoke.

This tall plant has bristly stems and grows in marshy areas. The leaves are usually chewed into a pulp and used to treat infected wounds.

The berries are found on a bush with spike, dark green leaves. The berries are purple. Used to soothe bellyaches and help cats who are having trouble breathing.

A small, purple flowering plant. It curse fevers.

This orange or yellow flower grows low to the ground. Its leaves or petals are chewed into a pulp and applied to wounds to help stop infection.

A horrible smelling liquid used to remove ticks. Dab some bile soaked moss on a tick and it usually falls right off. Just be sure to wash your paws after.

These little, black seeds are shaken from a poppy flower. Fed to cats to hel pthem sleep, or to help soothe cats suffering from shock, etc. Do not give to nursing queens.

These spiny green seeds are eaten by a cat whose swallowed poison, and the leaves can be used to bring down swelling.

A plant with round, yellow flowers. Used for curing coughs, but must be given in small doses.

It is eaten to help calm anxiety and frayed nerves.

A leafy plant found in damp areas. It is normally chewed into a pulp and fed to a cat to help with bellyache.

Rolling in patches of wild garlic can help prevent infection, especially for rat bites.

The leaves of this plant can be chewed into a pulp and applied to wounds to expel poison.

Dangerous Herbs, all of which are lethal if eaten are as follows:

Deathberries, small red berries. Foxglove Seeds, little seeds that cause heart faliure. Hemlock, easily mistaken for another herb and just as dangerous as deathberries. Nightshade, can just as easily kill a twoleg.

The clans have always had an interesting set of terms and phrases, unique to them, that has made role playing them that much more interesting. In this catagory I will go over each term and it's meaning. And to the right is a list of common phrases and insults used in the books.

Terms relating to cats:

She-cat ► Female cat

Tom or Tomecat ► Male cat

Queen ► A female cat nursing or expecting kits

Kittypet ► House cat

Loner ► A cat living a solitary life, not defending any territory

Rogue ► Cats that roam and sometimes live in small groups. They can be hostile.

Terms relating to humans:

Twoleg, housefolk, nofur, or upwalker ► Human

Twoleg kit ► Human child

Twoleg nest ► Human house

Twolegplace ► Town or city

Thunderpath ► Road

Monster ► Car or other vehicle

Tree-eater ► Bulldozer

Cutter ► The vet

Halfbridge ► Boat dock

Horseplace ► Stable or ranch

Terms relating to prey:

Fresh-kill ► Recently killed prey animal

Blood-beat ► Heartbeat of prey

Crow-food or crowfood ► A rotten piece of prey, often used as an insult

Terms relating to time:

Newleaf ► Spring

Greenleaf ► Summer

Leaf-fall ► Fall or autumn

Leaf-bare ► Winter

Moon ► Month, so one moon = one month

Season ► A year, so one season = one year

Sunhigh ► Around noon

Moonhigh ► Around midnight

As long as it takes to eat a mouse ► The time it takes to eat a mouse, normally a few minutes

Terms relating to length:

Mouse-whisker ► Average length of a mouse whisker. A few millimeters or centimeters

Whisker-length ► Average length of a cat whisker. Roughly a few centimeters

Mouse-tail ► Average length of a mouse tail. Roughly an inch

Mouse-length ► Average length of a mouse. Around two or three inches

Frog-length ► Length of the average frog. About five inches

Tail-length ► Average length of a cats tail. Roughly one foot

Tree-length ► Roughly forty or fifty feet

Kittenstep ► Length of the average kittens step. Around one inch

Kit-hop ► The legnth of a kittens hop. Rouchly one and a half inches

Rabbit-hop ► Length of a rabbits hop. About one and a half feet

Pawstep ► The length of a cats paw step. Around six inches

Miscellaneous terms:

Gathering ► A gathering at fourtrees on the ful moon

Make dirt ► Equivialent of using the restroom

Thistlefluff ► Used to say something as nonsense

Mouse-easy ► Used to describe how easy something is

Fox-toothed ► Used to describe something sharp

Rabbit-fast ► Used to describe something or someone fast

Kitting ► A term used for a cat giving birth

Fear-scent ► The scent of fear that creatures give off when afraid

Sharing tongues ► Often done after a meal, this is when cats groom each other

Silverpelt ► A cluster of stars, representing StarClan. The milky way

Would've made mousemeat out of you.

I'd have shredded you into mousedust.

Who made dirt in his fresh kill?

You fight/hunt like a kittypet.

You're dithering like a kittypet.

That's a load of badger droppings.

Tabbies don't change their stripes.

What in StarClan's name?

Great StarClan!

StarClan's kits!

StarClan knows.

How in Silverpelt!

Once a kittypet, always a kittypet!

Worry-worm.

May StarClan light your path!

I don't give a mousetail.

Crazier than a fox in a fit!

As much use as a dead fox!

Oh my whiskers.

Mouse-brain.

Mouse-dung.

Mouse-heart.

Fox-dung.

Fox-heart.

Foxbreath or fox-breath.

Flea-brain.

Bird-brain.

Bee-brain.

Beetle-brain.

Feather-brain.

Fish-brain.

Fluff-brain.

Fuzz-brain.

Furball.

Dormouse.

Mousefodder.

Fleabag, flea-ridden, or flea-pelt.

Fishface or fish-breath.

Kittypet.

Clan names are made up of two parts: prefix and suffix. At birth a queen will give her kits their 'first name' or 'prefix', normally something that describes the color of the kits pelt [yellow, brown, raven, etc.] or some distinguished feature they have [whisker, heavy, loud, etc.]. A kits suffix is always the same, for every kit, and it is 'kit'. Some examples of kit names are: Smallkit, Morningkit, Ravenkit, and Loudkit.

After reaching six or more moons a kit is able to become an apprentice. The clan leader will call a meeting to hold their apprentice ceremony, giving the kit a mentor and changing the suffix to their name from 'kit' to 'paw'. And so the example names would now read: Smallpaw, Morningpaw, Ravenpaw, and Loudpaw.

Another important stage in a cats life is when they have completed their apprentice training and are ready to become warriors. The leader will call a meeting to hold the cats warrior ceremony. Giving the apprentice the full duties of a warrior, as well as giving them a new and likely final suffix to their name. This new suffix often describes a physical trait on the cat [pelt, tail, face, eyes, etc.], some kind of personality trait [brave, bright, odd, wild, etc.], nature-based aspect [mist, blizzard, sun,rock, etc.], etc. So our example cats are now called: Smallear, Morningmist, Raventail, and Loudbelly.

Generally a cats warrior name is the name they take to the grave, regardless of their rank. But there are two exceptions to this: when a cat is made leader or if they have a name changing ceremony.

If a cat is made leader they must journey to the moonstone, where after sharing tongues with and reciving their nine lives form StarClan, they loose their warrior suffix and gain 'star'. Our example cats then become: Smallstar, Morningstar, Ravenstar, and Loudstar.

A name changing ceremony often occures after a cat has recieved a serious injury, one thats altered their physical appearence in some way. For example: an older warrior named Morningmist had her tail caught in a trap, it had to be chewed in half. After her injuries she requested a name change. The leader promptly changed her name to Halftail.

Now that your a bit more aware of how the clans naming theme then you can jump below to the two lists. One is a list of known prefixes used in the warriors books, all of them. And the second is a list of all known suffixes used in the books. An interesting feature for those that want more traditional clan names.

Prefixes

Suffixes

Ash
Ant
Apple
Arch
Amber
Adder
Aspen
Acorn
Alder

Blue
Brindle
Broken
Black
Brown
Bright
Bracken
Bark
Bramble
Beech
Birch
Berry
Breeze
Beetle
Briar
Bumble
Blossom
Boulder
Blizzard
Bird
Bounce
Buzzard
Billy

Claw
Crooked
Cinder
Cloud
Cedar
Copper
Cherry
Clover
Clear
Chasing
Cloudy

Dark
Dust
Dapple
Dawn
Dead
Dew
Dove
Deer
Doe
Dappled
Dewy

Ember
Echo
Ebony

Fire
Frost
Fern
Feather
Fox
Flame
Ferret
Furze
Finch
Frog
Fuzzy
Fallow
Flail
Fawn
Freckle
Falling
Fluttering
Furled
Fish

Gray
Golden
Gorse
Grass
Goose

Half
Heavy
Hawk
Hazel
Honey
Holly
Hare
Heather
Hollow
Hail
Hickory

Ivy
Ice

Jagged
Jay

Kestrel
Kink

Lion
Long
Little
Leopard
Loud
Lost
Leaf
Lily
Lizard
Lark
Lake
Lichen
Lightning

Mouse
Mud
Morning
Misty
Moss
Moth
Minnow
Mallow
Mint
Mossy
Mole
Moon
Mumble
Milk
Mist
Meadow
Marsh

Night
Needle
Newt
Nut

One
Oak
Oat
Owl
Olive
Otter

Patch
Pebble
Poppy
Pounce
Prickle
Petal
Pine
Pool
Plum
Pale
Pike

Quick
Quite

Red
Running
Raven
Russet
Rowan
Rain
Robin
Rush
Reed
Ripple
Rose
Rat
Ragged
Rye
Rock
River
Raising

Spotted
Sand
Speckle
Small
Stumpy
Swift
Stone
Shade
Silver
Storm
Soot
Sorrel
Squirrel
Spider
Shrew
Smoke
Swallow
Splash
Snow
Sedge
Sneeze
Snake
Scorch
Sun
Starling
Seed
Sage
Shell
Stag
Shimmer
Soft
Sparrow
Sky
Sharp
Short
Sloe
Snook
Shaded
Shattered
Shy

Tiger
Tall
Torn
Thorn
Tawny
Talon
Thistle
Toad
Trout
Timber
Tangle
Thrush
Tiny
Thunder
Turtle
Twisted

Vole

White
Willow
Wet
Web
Weasel
Whisker
Wind
Weed
Wolly
Wasp
Whispering

Yellow

Belly
Brook
Bird
Berry
Breeze
Blaze
Branch
Bracken

Claw
Cloud
Cry
Clouds

Dapple

Ear
Eye
Eyes

Fur
Face
Flower
Foot
Fang
Frost
Feather
Flight
Fall
Fern
Fire
Fawn

Gorse

Heart
Hail
Hare
Horse

Ice

Leaf
Leg
Leap
Light
Lightning

Mist
Mouse
Moon
Moss

Nose

Pelt
Poppy
Pool
Petal
Peak

Runner
Ran
Roar
Ripple
River

Storm
Stripe
Stream
Step
Spring
Scar
Spots
Shine
Strike
Skip
Spot
Song
Splash
Stem
Slip
Sky
Shade
Shadow
Swoop
Sun

Tail
Throat
Tooth
Thorn
Tree

Wind
Whisker
Wing
Water
Willow
Watcher
Whiskers

Shoutbox

Riah:

Sept 11, 2014 4:58:35 GMT

Think I'm going to make bios optional... Hmmm.

Aveine:

Sept 11, 2014 21:43:19 GMT

What's your idea on how to organize who's who/personalities/plotting/claimed names, then? o:

Riah:

Sept 12, 2014 5:51:26 GMT

Who's who?

Riah:

Sept 12, 2014 5:52:17 GMT

As for claimed names, there isn't any rule that names can't be used twice. And members can keep track of their own plots and such. :3

Deleted:

Sept 12, 2014 15:21:24 GMT

hey riah, when the shadowclan thread gets sorted out, do you mind if i make a hierarchy thread for shadowclan? to help me keep track of ranks and whatnot?