Post by Keeper on May 4, 2020 1:49:56 GMT
This describes the process of a classic clan cat, ceremonies they may experience regardless of their clan. If a ceremony is slightly altered depending on which clan, a note will be made. The path of a medicine cat, deputy and leader will also be mentioned. The warrior wikia was copied somewhat and referenced for this guide. You may not copy our changes for your own roleplay as they are unique to Blackthorn only.
OMEN DREAM
It is also custom for a kit to be named after something the clans refer to as "an omen dream." An omen dream is a dream that comes to a queen at any time before her birth. This dream shows different, meaningful symbols believed to be shown to the queen by the Thousand Stars. Often, voices guide the queen through the dream and detail scenes, but not always; sometimes they are peaceful, a narrative of the queen walking through the forest and experiencing everything on their own. The queen makes note of this dream and names her kits in accordance with the order she sees in the dream, the first kit being named after the first omen and so on. Sometimes, queens will go against this dream and name their kits something else. Some believe this is bad luck, and have a distaste for the idea, but there is no proof that disregarding an omen dream will harm your kit.
Some queens find out that they are pregnant from these omen dreams. Some never receive an omen dream, which is said to be a very negative sign, a sign that the Stars do not grace or look upon your kits. And some, some say the dreams are also prophetic of a kit's future.
example:
Whiteflower parted her groggy eyes to take in the wondrously strange scene before her. She stood in an unfamiliar territory, a fogged forest before her. Her heart skipped a beat, and more when a voice echoed eerily from seemingly every direction. "A forest, Shrouded and concealed in fog," It cooed to her, before the scene just as quickly shifted and she felt herself spinning into a new landscape. Now, she stood in a field of sweet smelling lavender, and the strange voice called to her again. At this point, she was well aware she was dreaming, and simply took everything in with delight and curiosity. "A field, with lavender growing wild." She looked around to see where this echoing voice sounded from, but this was to no avail. Suddenly, a storm reigned over the once sunny field, bring a dark shade over it. "A dark storm falls over," She cocked her head from left to right, trying to discern what each omen meant. And then, just as quickly as the dream had happened, she awoke with a stir of bewilderment.
Whiteflowers dream gave her three omens, telling her of three kits. She may name her kits based on each omen, the first one likely named Shroudedkit or Fogkit, the second Fieldkit or Lavenderkit, and the third Darkkit or Stormkit. It's up to her how she translates it to her kits.
Her dream can also be determined as prophetic. A dark storm rages over the once sunny lavender field, something she may interpret as Stormkit being too overbearing or constantly reigning over Lavenderkit.
(You are welcome to write out an omen dream and share it with the announcement of your litter adoptions, but it is not required; it's simply a fun way to incorporate StarClan with queens more, and to offer the possibility for more unique names.)
A DAWN CEREMONY
As dusk is another word for death, dawn is another word the clans use for birth. A dawn ceremony is simply a birth ceremony.
It is custom for a leader and their deputy to enter the queen's den shortly after her kit's birth and touch noses with each kit. A leader nearly always welcomes new kits to the clan by rubbing noses with them, unless a queen specifically directs them not to.
APPRENTICE CEREMONY
(Kit), you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as (new name, ending with "paw"). Your mentor will be (name of warrior or medicine cat). I hope (name of warrior or medicine cat) will pass down all he/she knows on to you.
The leader will then turn to the assigned mentor and inform them of their new apprentice. In Blackthorn, it is common to train two apprentices at once, if that mentor already has an apprentice then both the mentor and current apprentice will greet their new trainee together.
In any case, the leader wishes the pair luck, and they touch noses to seal the ceremony.
"May the Enlightened guide you and the Thousand Stars grace you," is a common phrase when wishing the apprentice and mentor good luck.
WARRIOR CEREMONY
It is common for an apprentice to receive an assessment before their warrior ceremony to truly test their skills as a warrior. Sometimes this assessment isn't needed if an apprentice proves themselves to their clan. In any case, their mentor must approach the leader and tell the leader that their apprentice is ready. If the clan leader is satisfied, they shall soon call for their ceremony.
The warrior ceremony has been slightly revised to include an apprentice's mentor more. It is inspired by the Companions initiation in Skyrim.
Leader will call for the clan to gather, and request that the apprentice step forward. After the apprentice has done so, the leader will ask "Who shall speak on your behalf?"
The mentor will step forward, making claim for the apprentice and essentially making a case for them to become a warrior. Something along the lines of "I, mentor name, shall speak for this apprentice. This apprentice has trained long and hard, and I would shed blood for them, and allow them to shed their blood for the sake of this clan. I suggest (suffix) for this new warrior, because of (reasons)." (Mentors usually give a warrior their suffix.)
The leader will nod and take these words into consideration, before turning to the apprentice. "Are you ready to submit to the warrior code, and to defend your clan, even at the cost of your own life? Will you stand by your clan, until the day you are to join the Thousand?"
The apprentice shall accept.
The next step, after the apprentice's acceptance, depends on the clan.
For WillowClan: The leader leans forward and snatches out two or so whiskers from the apprentice's left side of their face, so the cat may bare a physical mark of their clan.
For BoarClan: The leader leans forward and nips a neat hole into the apprentice's right ear, so that the cat may bare a physical mark of their clan
.
"Then I, (leader name), leader of (clan), grant you your warrior name of (name.) I thank your mentor for their service, as should you, and wish you many moons of fortune in our clan as a warrior. (Clan chants new name.)
MEDICINE CAT CEREMONY
Apprenticeship for medicine cats usually lasts much longer than those for warriors. The cat must learn about all available herbs and remedies, and the treatment of diseases and injuries.
Once the Clan's medicine cat is satisfied with the apprentice's knowledge, they go to the Clans' sacred place, the Moon Circle. This is the only ceremony that is not performed by the Leader. The following words are used, by tradition:
Medicine Cat: I, (name), medicine cat of ___Clan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. (He/she) has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help (he/she) will serve (his/her) Clan for many moons.
Medicine Cat: ___paw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?
Apprentice: I do.
Medicine Cat: Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. ___paw, from this moment you will be known as (new name). StarClan honors your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of (Clan).
The medicine cat rests their muzzle on the apprentice's head, and they lick the mentor's shoulder. The other medicine cats greet them by their new name.
The next day, the previous medicine cat shall depart from their clan and follow River Shallow to the high peaks of the Thousand's Rest, where they shall receive the blessing of the Enlightened and never return to their clan. The new medicine cat must promptly choose an apprentice.
PATH OF ENLIGHTENED CEREMONY
If a cat is given a vision or a medicine cat has retired, they must follow the great River Shallow, up the mountains and to the Thousands Rest where the Enlightened lay. They will join the circle, living out the rest of their days in peace among the far off peaks of Blackthorn.
A leader shall hold a ceremony to say goodbye to a cat given the blessing of the Enlightened. The clan is called to gather.
Leader: You have (come forward with a vision/retired from your medicine cat duties.) It is time that the Enlightened Circle give a greater calling for you. Before you take the trek, know your Clan thanks you for your service here, and your future service among the Enlightened. We wish you luck, and feel honored knowing you shall be one of the many who guide us. This is the Way.
Clan, repeating the leader: This is the Way.
The chosen cat will then depart from the clan, often guided by one or two additional warriors to help them on their journey. These warriors are not allowed into the main chamber of the circle. It is unknown what happens upon a new enlightened's arrival.
DEPUTY CEREMONY
The leader calls a Clan meeting, and performs the ceremony by announcing these words:
Leader: I say these words before the Stars and the Enlightened, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors (or former deputy name) may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of (Clan) is (warrior's name).
It is considered bad luck to not appoint a new deputy before moon-high, though such an occasion may happen if the leader is unwell or is unsure if the previous deputy is still alive.
ELDER CEREMONY
When a warrior feels they can no longer serve their clan, they may approach their leader and request an elder ceremony.
Leader: (Warrior/queen), is it your wish to give up the name of a warrior and go to join the elders?
Warrior/queen/medicine cat: It is.
Leader: Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon the Stars to give you many moons of rest.
Remember that BoarClanners do not have the Elder rank.
LEADERSHIP CEREMONY
When the previous leader has passed, the new leader must claim their 9 lives, gifted to them by the Enlightened. However, they do not go to the moon circle for such a grand blessing; they take the trek up River Shallow, often with a fellow warrior. Before doing this, they leave a new deputy in charge of the clan whilst they make the journey.
It is unsure exactly how the Enlightened go about gifting one their nine lives. Past leaders have stated the Enlightened often ask them many questions, as if testing them, before one strange and silent cat walks forward and touches their nose to their forehead. After this touch, the leader collapses, overwhelmed after suddenly being gifted the knowledge of their past leaders and the gift of new lives. The leader may rest before walking back, and then they are sent on their way.
RITE OF THE BOAR
Also known as just the rite, this is a BoarClan specific ceremony in which a BoarClanner whose time is nearing will engage in a fight with their leader. The leader is to take the BoarClanner's life before the clan. This ceremony exists because BoarClanners believe the best way to embrace StarClan is on one's own terms, and by the claws of their own trusted leader. They see death as a new beginning, and the best way to embrace it is to die as they lived, fighting their best fight. It is a deep wound to the clan when they lose someone who was not fortunate enough to die in the presence of their clan.
Many cats have trouble processing this rite, as it can of course be seen as violent. But they are reminded that this is simply the clan's way of life. Those who speak against the rite actively, and reject it, are asked to depart from the clan.
A BoarClan leader cannot initiate a rite. It can only be initiated by an elder or sickly cat, and the leader holds the right to refuse if they believe this cat will recover.
After the cat has passed, the leader will whisper into their ear as their last breath is exhaled.
"Fight Well, among the Thousand."
The cat's body will be brought to Dusk Rest. Their loved ones may carry them there and say a few words, or leave them to rest in peace.
DUSK CEREMONY
A dusk ceremony may be held after a great battle, over the body of a deceased cat, or once the clan returns to camp after a loss. Dusk is a metaphorical word used in place of death.
It is less a ceremony and more a concise but meaningful honoring.
Leader: Rest easy knowing your fight is over and the Thousand Stars guide you onward. Your clan has honored you from your dawn until your dusk. This is the Way.
The clan, repeating after the leader: This is the Way.
A deceased cat's body is left at Dusk Rest, a field between the two clans. It is up to a leader whether the entire clan goes to Dusk Rest to hold the honoring, or if it is held where the cat has died and then two warriors travel alone to lay the warrior to rest. In times of emergency or battle, a cat's body may be left where they died fighting.
The Dusk ceremony might not be performed by BoarClan if the cat has died in the Rite of the Boar. It depends on what the deceased cat wished before their rite, and on their family, etc.
OMEN DREAM
It is also custom for a kit to be named after something the clans refer to as "an omen dream." An omen dream is a dream that comes to a queen at any time before her birth. This dream shows different, meaningful symbols believed to be shown to the queen by the Thousand Stars. Often, voices guide the queen through the dream and detail scenes, but not always; sometimes they are peaceful, a narrative of the queen walking through the forest and experiencing everything on their own. The queen makes note of this dream and names her kits in accordance with the order she sees in the dream, the first kit being named after the first omen and so on. Sometimes, queens will go against this dream and name their kits something else. Some believe this is bad luck, and have a distaste for the idea, but there is no proof that disregarding an omen dream will harm your kit.
Some queens find out that they are pregnant from these omen dreams. Some never receive an omen dream, which is said to be a very negative sign, a sign that the Stars do not grace or look upon your kits. And some, some say the dreams are also prophetic of a kit's future.
example:
Whiteflower parted her groggy eyes to take in the wondrously strange scene before her. She stood in an unfamiliar territory, a fogged forest before her. Her heart skipped a beat, and more when a voice echoed eerily from seemingly every direction. "A forest, Shrouded and concealed in fog," It cooed to her, before the scene just as quickly shifted and she felt herself spinning into a new landscape. Now, she stood in a field of sweet smelling lavender, and the strange voice called to her again. At this point, she was well aware she was dreaming, and simply took everything in with delight and curiosity. "A field, with lavender growing wild." She looked around to see where this echoing voice sounded from, but this was to no avail. Suddenly, a storm reigned over the once sunny field, bring a dark shade over it. "A dark storm falls over," She cocked her head from left to right, trying to discern what each omen meant. And then, just as quickly as the dream had happened, she awoke with a stir of bewilderment.
Whiteflowers dream gave her three omens, telling her of three kits. She may name her kits based on each omen, the first one likely named Shroudedkit or Fogkit, the second Fieldkit or Lavenderkit, and the third Darkkit or Stormkit. It's up to her how she translates it to her kits.
Her dream can also be determined as prophetic. A dark storm rages over the once sunny lavender field, something she may interpret as Stormkit being too overbearing or constantly reigning over Lavenderkit.
(You are welcome to write out an omen dream and share it with the announcement of your litter adoptions, but it is not required; it's simply a fun way to incorporate StarClan with queens more, and to offer the possibility for more unique names.)
A DAWN CEREMONY
As dusk is another word for death, dawn is another word the clans use for birth. A dawn ceremony is simply a birth ceremony.
It is custom for a leader and their deputy to enter the queen's den shortly after her kit's birth and touch noses with each kit. A leader nearly always welcomes new kits to the clan by rubbing noses with them, unless a queen specifically directs them not to.
APPRENTICE CEREMONY
(Kit), you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as (new name, ending with "paw"). Your mentor will be (name of warrior or medicine cat). I hope (name of warrior or medicine cat) will pass down all he/she knows on to you.
The leader will then turn to the assigned mentor and inform them of their new apprentice. In Blackthorn, it is common to train two apprentices at once, if that mentor already has an apprentice then both the mentor and current apprentice will greet their new trainee together.
In any case, the leader wishes the pair luck, and they touch noses to seal the ceremony.
"May the Enlightened guide you and the Thousand Stars grace you," is a common phrase when wishing the apprentice and mentor good luck.
WARRIOR CEREMONY
It is common for an apprentice to receive an assessment before their warrior ceremony to truly test their skills as a warrior. Sometimes this assessment isn't needed if an apprentice proves themselves to their clan. In any case, their mentor must approach the leader and tell the leader that their apprentice is ready. If the clan leader is satisfied, they shall soon call for their ceremony.
The warrior ceremony has been slightly revised to include an apprentice's mentor more. It is inspired by the Companions initiation in Skyrim.
Leader will call for the clan to gather, and request that the apprentice step forward. After the apprentice has done so, the leader will ask "Who shall speak on your behalf?"
The mentor will step forward, making claim for the apprentice and essentially making a case for them to become a warrior. Something along the lines of "I, mentor name, shall speak for this apprentice. This apprentice has trained long and hard, and I would shed blood for them, and allow them to shed their blood for the sake of this clan. I suggest (suffix) for this new warrior, because of (reasons)." (Mentors usually give a warrior their suffix.)
The leader will nod and take these words into consideration, before turning to the apprentice. "Are you ready to submit to the warrior code, and to defend your clan, even at the cost of your own life? Will you stand by your clan, until the day you are to join the Thousand?"
The apprentice shall accept.
The next step, after the apprentice's acceptance, depends on the clan.
For WillowClan: The leader leans forward and snatches out two or so whiskers from the apprentice's left side of their face, so the cat may bare a physical mark of their clan.
For BoarClan: The leader leans forward and nips a neat hole into the apprentice's right ear, so that the cat may bare a physical mark of their clan
.
"Then I, (leader name), leader of (clan), grant you your warrior name of (name.) I thank your mentor for their service, as should you, and wish you many moons of fortune in our clan as a warrior. (Clan chants new name.)
MEDICINE CAT CEREMONY
Apprenticeship for medicine cats usually lasts much longer than those for warriors. The cat must learn about all available herbs and remedies, and the treatment of diseases and injuries.
Once the Clan's medicine cat is satisfied with the apprentice's knowledge, they go to the Clans' sacred place, the Moon Circle. This is the only ceremony that is not performed by the Leader. The following words are used, by tradition:
Medicine Cat: I, (name), medicine cat of ___Clan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. (He/she) has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help (he/she) will serve (his/her) Clan for many moons.
Medicine Cat: ___paw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?
Apprentice: I do.
Medicine Cat: Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. ___paw, from this moment you will be known as (new name). StarClan honors your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of (Clan).
The medicine cat rests their muzzle on the apprentice's head, and they lick the mentor's shoulder. The other medicine cats greet them by their new name.
The next day, the previous medicine cat shall depart from their clan and follow River Shallow to the high peaks of the Thousand's Rest, where they shall receive the blessing of the Enlightened and never return to their clan. The new medicine cat must promptly choose an apprentice.
PATH OF ENLIGHTENED CEREMONY
If a cat is given a vision or a medicine cat has retired, they must follow the great River Shallow, up the mountains and to the Thousands Rest where the Enlightened lay. They will join the circle, living out the rest of their days in peace among the far off peaks of Blackthorn.
A leader shall hold a ceremony to say goodbye to a cat given the blessing of the Enlightened. The clan is called to gather.
Leader: You have (come forward with a vision/retired from your medicine cat duties.) It is time that the Enlightened Circle give a greater calling for you. Before you take the trek, know your Clan thanks you for your service here, and your future service among the Enlightened. We wish you luck, and feel honored knowing you shall be one of the many who guide us. This is the Way.
Clan, repeating the leader: This is the Way.
The chosen cat will then depart from the clan, often guided by one or two additional warriors to help them on their journey. These warriors are not allowed into the main chamber of the circle. It is unknown what happens upon a new enlightened's arrival.
DEPUTY CEREMONY
The leader calls a Clan meeting, and performs the ceremony by announcing these words:
Leader: I say these words before the Stars and the Enlightened, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors (or former deputy name) may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of (Clan) is (warrior's name).
It is considered bad luck to not appoint a new deputy before moon-high, though such an occasion may happen if the leader is unwell or is unsure if the previous deputy is still alive.
ELDER CEREMONY
When a warrior feels they can no longer serve their clan, they may approach their leader and request an elder ceremony.
Leader: (Warrior/queen), is it your wish to give up the name of a warrior and go to join the elders?
Warrior/queen/medicine cat: It is.
Leader: Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon the Stars to give you many moons of rest.
Remember that BoarClanners do not have the Elder rank.
LEADERSHIP CEREMONY
When the previous leader has passed, the new leader must claim their 9 lives, gifted to them by the Enlightened. However, they do not go to the moon circle for such a grand blessing; they take the trek up River Shallow, often with a fellow warrior. Before doing this, they leave a new deputy in charge of the clan whilst they make the journey.
It is unsure exactly how the Enlightened go about gifting one their nine lives. Past leaders have stated the Enlightened often ask them many questions, as if testing them, before one strange and silent cat walks forward and touches their nose to their forehead. After this touch, the leader collapses, overwhelmed after suddenly being gifted the knowledge of their past leaders and the gift of new lives. The leader may rest before walking back, and then they are sent on their way.
RITE OF THE BOAR
Also known as just the rite, this is a BoarClan specific ceremony in which a BoarClanner whose time is nearing will engage in a fight with their leader. The leader is to take the BoarClanner's life before the clan. This ceremony exists because BoarClanners believe the best way to embrace StarClan is on one's own terms, and by the claws of their own trusted leader. They see death as a new beginning, and the best way to embrace it is to die as they lived, fighting their best fight. It is a deep wound to the clan when they lose someone who was not fortunate enough to die in the presence of their clan.
Many cats have trouble processing this rite, as it can of course be seen as violent. But they are reminded that this is simply the clan's way of life. Those who speak against the rite actively, and reject it, are asked to depart from the clan.
A BoarClan leader cannot initiate a rite. It can only be initiated by an elder or sickly cat, and the leader holds the right to refuse if they believe this cat will recover.
After the cat has passed, the leader will whisper into their ear as their last breath is exhaled.
"Fight Well, among the Thousand."
The cat's body will be brought to Dusk Rest. Their loved ones may carry them there and say a few words, or leave them to rest in peace.
DUSK CEREMONY
A dusk ceremony may be held after a great battle, over the body of a deceased cat, or once the clan returns to camp after a loss. Dusk is a metaphorical word used in place of death.
It is less a ceremony and more a concise but meaningful honoring.
Leader: Rest easy knowing your fight is over and the Thousand Stars guide you onward. Your clan has honored you from your dawn until your dusk. This is the Way.
The clan, repeating after the leader: This is the Way.
A deceased cat's body is left at Dusk Rest, a field between the two clans. It is up to a leader whether the entire clan goes to Dusk Rest to hold the honoring, or if it is held where the cat has died and then two warriors travel alone to lay the warrior to rest. In times of emergency or battle, a cat's body may be left where they died fighting.
The Dusk ceremony might not be performed by BoarClan if the cat has died in the Rite of the Boar. It depends on what the deceased cat wished before their rite, and on their family, etc.