CULTURE OF THE CLANS
For cats who have lived together for over 50 years, surely they must have some culture?
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CONTENTS
Nomenclature ( Nicknaming, Founder Naming )
Ranks & Successions ( Leadership, Deputyship, Healership )
Clan Interactions & Courtesy ( Gatherings ( Aftergatherings ), Friends & Companionship, Duels & Spars, Death & Mourning ( Vigils ) )
NOMENCLATURE
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When a kit is born, it is up to their parents, usually their mother, to give them their prefix. In a Clan, the name of a new kit is given with the suffix -kit at the end of their name. An apprentice usually has the suffix -paw, unless otherwise noted.
A warrior, however, has a different suffix entirely, sometimes having to do with their appearance, personality, skills or even a significance to another character. A leader, however, takes on -star as the final part of their name, to signify their connection to StarClan and their rank as leader.
Rarely, a cat will change its name if their parents or they themselves do not think it suits them anymore. There have also been times when a character has earned their name based on an accomplishment, a discovery of great importance or their actions in battle. This is known as an honour title, an example of this being Spotfur renamed to Silverspots.
Although, there is such a thing called a 'dishonour' title, where the renaming of a cat has the opposite meaning of an honour title. An example of this would be Yewberry being renamed to Yellowfang at her exile.
NICKNAMING
Sometimes, cats are referred to by others (usually immediate kin or close friends) using a nickname. When a cat is called by their nickname, their suffix is removed. Such as calling 'Jayfeather' only 'Jay'.
Nicknaming other cats from other Clans is considered very unusual and overly familiar. There are cats whose appearances are so striking, for example, wherein their prefix is named after that facet of their appearance and the leader (generally) will fulfill the name their parents gave them unless they have a specific reason not to. Examples are those such as Redtail, Ashfur and Graystripe.
RANKS & SUCCESSIONS
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LEADERSHIP
Leaders are in charge of the Clan as a whole and are the main representative of the Clan at gatherings. Leaders have the final say in most Clan decisions, perform many ceremonies, and forward their cats into battle. The leader is the role model for their cats, and are expected to act justly while overseeing their Clan.
At a leader's ceremony, they are granted 9 lives to serve and protect their Clan. You can often tell when a leader has received 9 lives as they will have a new, less noticeable marking shown somewhere on their body.
DEPUTYSHIP
Deputies are the second-in-command behind the leader and are responsible for organizing daily patrols and overseeing apprentice training. An apprentice being assigned to the deputy as a mentor is usually seen as a massive honor. Redtail being assigned Firepaw's mentor is the most notable occurrence.
A leader must appoint a deputy before the moonhigh of the previous deputy's departure or StarClan may not accept them as the true deputy. The deputy should always succeed the leader, although there have been some instances where this was not the case, such as Wrenwhisker and Mudclaw.
When a new deputy is to be named, the leader usually consults the Clan's Elders for approval and advice on their choice. Most of the time, the Elders simply voice their disapporval/approval unless the leader is stuck on their choice. It is considered dishonorable if a leader does not consult with the Elders before the deputy ceremony. (eg. Fireheart being promoted as deputy).
HEALERSHIP
Normally, there are 2-3 healers in each Clan, ideally with one being a seer; the seer being the healer with the strongest connection to Silverpelt. Seers typically are able to recognize a nearby spirit, although not to the extent as a cat with the Guardian's blood.
When a healer graduates, it is considered a major celebration. At their ceremony alongside the Clan;s other healers, the healer apprentice is stripped of their '-paw' status and is granted their full name. The older healer(s) in their Clan grant them a special herb to wear, usually significant to their character.
Cats in the Clan give the new healer a gift, usually their favourite prey or a useful herb. Cats considered close to the new healer are expected to give more meaningful gifts, such as catmint.
CLAN INTERACTIONS & COURTESY
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GATHERINGS
AFTERGATHERINGS
FRIENDS & COMPANIONSHIP
DUELS & SPARS
DEATH & MOURNING
VIGILS