Post by F I R E * on Sept 7, 2009 9:03:06 GMT -8
[/b][/font][/size][/center]Leaders
Clan leaders are the heart of the Clan; their personality affects how the Clan operates and how their warriors treat one another and the world around them. It is up to the Clan leaders to set a good example and guide their Clanmates along the path of the warrior code. They are responsible for calling Clan meetings, appointing warriors, mentors, and apprentices, and deciding Clan policy and strategy with the help of their deputy and any cats they choose to consult for advice (usually the medicine cat, the elders, or senior warriors).
When a cat becomes Clan leader, he or she must travel to the Moonstone and share tongues with the warrior ancestors of StarClan. The Clan's medicine cat accompanies them on the journey but leaves them alone for the ceremony, in which the leader is granted eight extra lives and a new name with "star" at the end (Bluestar, Firestar, etc).
This process can be surprising and painful, but it is important for leaders to be able to fight fiercely for their Clan and live long enough to pass their wisdom and prepare a new leader. During the ceremony each life is given to the new leader by a cat whose life was significant to the new leader in some way.
When a leader loses a life, she or he blacks out for a short period of time, during which that cat visits StarClan and speaks with its warrior ancestors. On returning to consciousness, the leader must still recover from the injury or illness that felled him or her. Medicine cats can usually tell how many lives a leader has left, although the number is kept secret from rival Clans.
Deputies
[/b][/font][/size]"I say these words before the body of Redtail, so that his spirit may hear and approve my choice. Lionheart will be the new deputy of ThunderClan."[/center]
A Clan's deputy is chosen by the leader, to assist in taking care of the Clan. To qualify, a warrior must have had an apprentice and must be strong and brave with the qualities needed to take on leadership of the Clan if necessary.
The deputy presides over Clan meetings when the leader is absent, stands in for the leader at Gatherings if the leader is ill, organizes daily patrols, and oversees the training of apprentices. According to the warrior code, when a deputy dies or steps down, the leader must announce a new deputy before moonhigh.
Deputies stop being deputies if:
- the Clan leader dies, leaving the deputy to take over as leader.
- the deputy retires and becomes an elder.
- the deputy commits a crime against the warrior code and is demoted or driven from the Clan.
- the deputy dies or is killed in battle.
Apprentices
[/b][/font][/size]"By naming apprentices, we show that ThunderClan will survive and remain strong. Birchkit from now on you will be known as Birchpaw... Ashfur, you are ready for an apprentice. You will be Birchpaw's mentor."[/b][/size][/center]
Before a cat can become a warrior, he or she must be trained to fight and hunt and defend the Clan. At the age of six moons, kits leave the nursery and become apprentices. At this point they change the second half of their name from "kit" to "paw" to symbolize the path their paws are now on. The Clan leader assigns each apprentice a mentor -- an older warrior to guide the apprentice on the path to being a warrior. Apprentices are responsible for chores around the camp, such as tending to the elders, in addition to their training. If they work hard, listen to their mentors, and live by the warrior code, soon they will earn their warrior name, and hopefully, one day, the chance to be a mentor themselves.
Warriors
[/b][/font][/size]"Brackenpaw, you warned the Clan today, and you fought bravely in battle," Bluestar meowed. "It is time for you to become a warrior."[/b][/size][/center]
Warriors are the lifeblood of the Clan. They patrol the borders, keep the fresh-kill pile supplied, and defend their Clanmates against attacks from enemy Clans or predators. They fight to protect the Clan for as long as they are able and are often called upon to mentor apprentices, passing on the skills they were taught. During the warrior naming ceremony, an apprentice gives up the "paw" half of his or her name and earns a real warrior name -- such as Fireheart, Sandstorm, or Brambleclaw.
Elders
[/b][/font][/size]"Goldenflower, is it your wish to give up the name of warrior and go to join the elders?"
"It is."
"Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given us. I call upon StarClan to give you many seasons of rest."[/b][/size][/center]
The life of a warrior is difficult and dangerous and many die young -- in battle, of disease, or from a natural disaster. Those cats lucky enough to live a long life may eventually retire from their warrior duties to become elders. These elderly cats are viewed with the deepest respect by the rest of the Clan. Many moons of experience make them an invaluable source of advice for the Clan leader, and they keep alive Clan history by passing down the old stories.
Medicine Cats
[/b][/font][/size]"Leafpaw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from the rivalry between Clan and Clan, and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do."
"Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. Leafpaw, from this moment you will be known as Leafpool."[/b][/size][/center]
No Clan could survive without a medicine cat's knowledge of healing herbs and compassion for the sick. IN addition, these cats have a spiritual responsibility. Their unusually strong connection to StarClan allows them to receive and interpret visions that can guide the Clan through dark times.
Most medicine cats are born to their destiny. From a young age, these special kits are drawn to the medicine cat den. They are fascinated by the herbs and often have strange dreams of their own. A medicine cat can spot which kit would make a good apprentice. If the kit agrees, he or she is brought to the sacred space (the Moonstone) and initiated into the ranks of medicine cats through a secret ceremony.
The life of a medicine cat is not easy, but it is very rewarding. Although medicine cats cannot have a mate or kits, they are beloved and respected by the whole Clan. They devote their lives to protecting their Clanmates in a way that ordinary warriors cannot. And they know that there is a special place waiting for them in StarClan.[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]
