Post by Reden on Mar 8, 2022 21:16:02 GMT -5
Hello, this is the unofficial planning page for Shardclan, the sister clan of Wispclan. The official owner is Dark Sun.
I have created this page with their permission to help organize all the information we have gathered. I request that no one but Dark Sun comment on this thread. All information is subject to change. Thank you!
Shardclan:
Historic information:
Culture:
Adopted aspects-
Due to the combination of tribe and clan, they have a adopted various aspects of both cultures. They also have some similarities with Wispclan, often interchanging terms or having adopted aspects they deemed useful. Many cats of the current generation do not acknowledge however. The harsh nature of their environment has caused them to become very strict and militaristic. They do not hold onto traditions tightly.
Ranks-
Note- Suffixes are not given to kits or apprentices. It is also common for cats to go by their birth name. Example: A kit may be called Snow, they will go by this until they become a hunter/defender/mender they will then earn a suffix, Snowfall. They may still go by Snow. Some cats end up preferring their suffix. Many do simply go by their full name, however.
Novice Fledgling- 4 moons
Hunter/Defender Fledgling- 6 moons
Hunter/Defender- 12 moons +
Elder- 80 moon (considered young) elder often still take on warrior duties until they physically cannot
Healer Fledgling- 6 moon but 4-5 moons is not uncommon
Healer- minimum 14 moons but remains fledgling until original Healer retires, dies or becomes Head Healer
Head Healer- minimum 14 moons but remains Healer until Head Healer retires or dies.*
Heir- minimum 33 moons (4 years)
Keeper- minimum 33 moons (4 years)
*if the healer fledgling is more talented/skilled than the healer, they may be selected for the Head Healer lead.
Keeper (Leader)- The leader of Shardclan. These cats are voted into position by the clan (see Heir and High Council section). Unlike in normal Clans, leaders do not truly receive nine lives. Keepers do not make all decisions in the clan, often relying heavily on the Council, however, they do have the power to veto or make choices without discussion if required. The position of Keeper can only be obtained by cats that: Have shown skills in fighting, strategy and hunter; have acted as the guardian (mentor) of one cat successfully, are older than 48 moons (4 years old) and have been voted in as Heir. Many chose to take Star as a suffix but is is not uncommon not to. They do not select an Heir but do have influence in the nominees.
Heir (Deputy)- The Deputy of Shardclan. These cats are nominated by the Council (some do nominate themselves but it is frowned upon). Usually, two to three cats would be chosen and the clan as a whole (excluding kits) vote by placing stones. If it is a draw, the Keeper makes the final selection. If no cat votes, new nominees are selected. To obtain this position a cat must: Have shown skills in fighting, strategy and hunter; have acted as the guardian (mentor) of one cat successfully and are older than 48 moons (4 years old).
Head Mender (Medicine Cat)- The main Medicine cat of the clan. These cats are in charge of all medical duties. They also have a strong connection to Starclan. Often these cats will have a great amount of influence and are able to sway the council if needed. The Head Mender is the most skilled healer and is often the cat that taught the secondary mender. Menders are allowed to have mates and kits, often their young is expected to become menders as well. Head menders are normally old enough to have already had kits. Usually Menders are compassionate, level headed and good mediators though there are exceptions. A new Head healer has the option of adopting the suffix "Sun" but many do not.
Mender (Medicine cat)- The secondary Medicine Cat of the clan. They act as a regular medicine cat and often follow the order of the Head. They have less influence than the Head. They have completed their mender training and are fully able to take up all tasks of the head mender. They are allowed to have mates and kits but usually do not stay in the nursery very long. They usually act as the main trainer for the Mender Fledgling and the regular Fledglings. They are likely to become Head when the Head dies or retires but some have been passed over. If the head is with kits, the Mender take up their tasks until they return.
Mender Fledgling (Medicine Cat Apprentice)- The apprentice of the menders. They are learning all skills and knowledge to become a full Mender. Even if they obtain all skills required, they remain a fledgling until the Head or Mender dies or retires, though they can receive their full name before then. If either the Head or Mender is with kits, they will take all tasks of the mender until their senior has returned, no new Fledgling will be taken. Mender Fledglings are not permitted to have mates or kits- doing so results in heavy punishment. Two Mender Fledglings only occur if an especially talented kit reaches 4 moons before the current Fledgling has moved to the Mender position.
Defenders (warriors)- Cats older than 12 moons that have earned their full name. They focus on fighting and guarding though they are expected to know how to hunt and basic medicine skills. These cats will train Fledglings on basic fighting and defense skills. They act as Guardians for Defender Fledglings. These cats tend to be large, brave and loyal- though there exceptions. Especially talented Defenders may be given special missions, including escorting and ambassador work.
Defender Fledglings (Apprentices)- Cats over 6 moons who are learning to become Defenders. These cats are assigned a Guardian who will teach them. They know basic hunting and medicine skills. They retain their first name (no suffix) until they have reached 12 moons and have proven themselves to their Guardian. Some cats have stayed Fledglings for longer than 6 moons, it is rare for less. Their Guardian often picks their suffix. They are not allowed to have mates or kits. Guardian and Fledgling relationship are banned, becoming mates after a fledgling has earn their name is greatly frowned upon and often results in shunning. They Guardian often loses their rank.
Hunters (warriors)- Cats older than 12 moons that have earned their full name. They focus on hunting and stealth though they are expected to know basic fighting and medicine skills. These cats will train Fledglings on basic hunting skills. They act as Guardians for Hunter Fledglings. These cats tend to be small, swift and clever- though there exceptions. Especially talented Hunters may be given special missions, including spy and sabotage work.
Hunter Fledglings (Apprentices)- Cats over 6 moons who are learning to become Hunter. These cats are assigned a Guardian who will teach them. They know basic fighting and medicine skills. They retain their first name (no suffix) until they have reached 12 moons and have proven themselves to their Guardian. Some cats have stayed Fledglings for longer than 6 moons, it is rare for less. Their Guardian often picks their suffix. They are not allowed to have mates or kits. Guardian and Fledgling relationship are banned, becoming mates after a fledgling has earn their name is greatly frowned upon and often results in shunning. The Guardian often loses their rank.
Queens- Just queens 12 moons or older; their kits leave the nursery at 4 moons instead of 6 with very few exceptions. Full time attending queens are very uncommon.
Novice Fledglings (pre-apprentice apprentices)- Cats between 4-6 moons who have moved from the nursery. They learn basic fighting, hunting and medical skills. They help around camp and are not permitted to leave. The only have their given name with no suffix. They are often taught skills by their parents of the the cat their parents are mentoring. They are observed by the Keeper, Head Mender, Heir and Council to decide which role they are best suited for. If a Novice Fledgling is skilled all around, they are normally placed wherever there is a lack in numbers and are considered potential heirs.
Elders- "retired" cats older than 70 moons (usually around 80). They often attend to camp duties until they are physically unable to. Some are part of the high council but not all. They are treated with high respect and often are not expected to fully complete tasks.
High Council- A group making up of minimal 2 Hunter elders, 2 Defender elders, and usually a Keeper and Mender elder. Number must always be even. There must always be an even amount of Hunters to Defenders. They help provide guidance to the keep, nominate heirs and help with Fledgling selection.
Religion-
Relationship to Starclan:
Shardclan does believe in Starclan, however, they view it more as a final rest opposed to a way of guidance. The lack of a moonstone has caused them to become detached to Starclan, though they still acknowledge it. Due to this, leaders do not receive nine lives, though they do hold a ceremony where their clanmates give them 'lives'. They also do not seek Starclan for advice (feeling that it would be disrespectful to those that have served their clan), instead they rely on the High Council (which was adopted from Wispclan's Elder Circle). Starclan however is still able to send omens, prophecies and visit cats in their dreams.
They often reference Starclan in ceremonies, and it is common for kits to pray to Starclan before they sleep. Terms like "Starclan's blessing" "What in Starclan" and "In Starclan's name" are very commonly used.
Way of life-
Attitude/mentality:
Shardclan often focuses on facts, order and logic. While some cats are dramatic, and elder's tales are common in the nursery, many cats can come off as apathetic and cold to many. There is a strong sense of distrust towards outsiders, even the most outgoing of cats tend to be wary. Loss is common, especially in the colder seasons, most cats have lost loved ones. Some tend to carry this loss as a heavy burden, while other's use it to push themselves to be better. The rules are expected to be followed and punishments can be harsh. Ultimately, the mentality is the clan before a single cat.
Clan Code:
1- Defend the clan with your life; the life of the clan must come before your own
2- Borders must be patrolled and marked regularly- challenge all trespassers
3- Resources must only be used as needed. Prey must be killed to be eaten and herbs must be picked to be used. Starclan is to be thanked.
4- All elders are to be respected, all keepers are to be followed and all healers are to be appreciated
5- Elders and kits are to be fed first as they are the blood and heart of the clan
6- All fledglings are to be trained in fighting, hunting and medicine at 4 moons old- an observation period of 2 moons will determine where they are needed within the clan
7- Upon the death or retirement of a heir, Heir candidates must be selected before moonhigh. A minimal of two cats must volunteer or be chosen by the High Council and Keeper, all cats old enough to hunt their own prey are to vote with stones. If there is a draw or the majority of the clan does not vote, brand new candidates must be selected.
8- A kit in pain or danger is not to be neglected
9- Another cat's life is only to be taken to defend yourself or the clan.
Fighting:
Tail Signals:
Hunting:
I have created this page with their permission to help organize all the information we have gathered. I request that no one but Dark Sun comment on this thread. All information is subject to change. Thank you!
Shardclan:
Historic information:
Shardclan was originally a clan that was located in the midland (NW) of the current clan location. Due to an unrecallable event several generations ago, the clan had to relocate. They suffered many losses which resulted in a stark decline in their numbers. Eventually, they came upon a tribe that also was having to relocate. In order to survive, they merged together, eventually settling in their current territory. They struggled with the large amounts of predators competing for the relatively low amount of prey, causing them to decrease their territory size in order to better manage it.
Some cats observe that the story seems incomplete, perhaps there is more to the clan's origins that has been lost to time.
Some cats observe that the story seems incomplete, perhaps there is more to the clan's origins that has been lost to time.
Culture:
Adopted aspects-
Due to the combination of tribe and clan, they have a adopted various aspects of both cultures. They also have some similarities with Wispclan, often interchanging terms or having adopted aspects they deemed useful. Many cats of the current generation do not acknowledge however. The harsh nature of their environment has caused them to become very strict and militaristic. They do not hold onto traditions tightly.
Ranks-
Note- Suffixes are not given to kits or apprentices. It is also common for cats to go by their birth name. Example: A kit may be called Snow, they will go by this until they become a hunter/defender/mender they will then earn a suffix, Snowfall. They may still go by Snow. Some cats end up preferring their suffix. Many do simply go by their full name, however.
Novice Fledgling- 4 moons
Hunter/Defender Fledgling- 6 moons
Hunter/Defender- 12 moons +
Elder- 80 moon (considered young) elder often still take on warrior duties until they physically cannot
Healer Fledgling- 6 moon but 4-5 moons is not uncommon
Healer- minimum 14 moons but remains fledgling until original Healer retires, dies or becomes Head Healer
Head Healer- minimum 14 moons but remains Healer until Head Healer retires or dies.*
Heir- minimum 33 moons (4 years)
Keeper- minimum 33 moons (4 years)
*if the healer fledgling is more talented/skilled than the healer, they may be selected for the Head Healer lead.
Keeper (Leader)- The leader of Shardclan. These cats are voted into position by the clan (see Heir and High Council section). Unlike in normal Clans, leaders do not truly receive nine lives. Keepers do not make all decisions in the clan, often relying heavily on the Council, however, they do have the power to veto or make choices without discussion if required. The position of Keeper can only be obtained by cats that: Have shown skills in fighting, strategy and hunter; have acted as the guardian (mentor) of one cat successfully, are older than 48 moons (4 years old) and have been voted in as Heir. Many chose to take Star as a suffix but is is not uncommon not to. They do not select an Heir but do have influence in the nominees.
Heir (Deputy)- The Deputy of Shardclan. These cats are nominated by the Council (some do nominate themselves but it is frowned upon). Usually, two to three cats would be chosen and the clan as a whole (excluding kits) vote by placing stones. If it is a draw, the Keeper makes the final selection. If no cat votes, new nominees are selected. To obtain this position a cat must: Have shown skills in fighting, strategy and hunter; have acted as the guardian (mentor) of one cat successfully and are older than 48 moons (4 years old).
Head Mender (Medicine Cat)- The main Medicine cat of the clan. These cats are in charge of all medical duties. They also have a strong connection to Starclan. Often these cats will have a great amount of influence and are able to sway the council if needed. The Head Mender is the most skilled healer and is often the cat that taught the secondary mender. Menders are allowed to have mates and kits, often their young is expected to become menders as well. Head menders are normally old enough to have already had kits. Usually Menders are compassionate, level headed and good mediators though there are exceptions. A new Head healer has the option of adopting the suffix "Sun" but many do not.
Mender (Medicine cat)- The secondary Medicine Cat of the clan. They act as a regular medicine cat and often follow the order of the Head. They have less influence than the Head. They have completed their mender training and are fully able to take up all tasks of the head mender. They are allowed to have mates and kits but usually do not stay in the nursery very long. They usually act as the main trainer for the Mender Fledgling and the regular Fledglings. They are likely to become Head when the Head dies or retires but some have been passed over. If the head is with kits, the Mender take up their tasks until they return.
Mender Fledgling (Medicine Cat Apprentice)- The apprentice of the menders. They are learning all skills and knowledge to become a full Mender. Even if they obtain all skills required, they remain a fledgling until the Head or Mender dies or retires, though they can receive their full name before then. If either the Head or Mender is with kits, they will take all tasks of the mender until their senior has returned, no new Fledgling will be taken. Mender Fledglings are not permitted to have mates or kits- doing so results in heavy punishment. Two Mender Fledglings only occur if an especially talented kit reaches 4 moons before the current Fledgling has moved to the Mender position.
Defenders (warriors)- Cats older than 12 moons that have earned their full name. They focus on fighting and guarding though they are expected to know how to hunt and basic medicine skills. These cats will train Fledglings on basic fighting and defense skills. They act as Guardians for Defender Fledglings. These cats tend to be large, brave and loyal- though there exceptions. Especially talented Defenders may be given special missions, including escorting and ambassador work.
Defender Fledglings (Apprentices)- Cats over 6 moons who are learning to become Defenders. These cats are assigned a Guardian who will teach them. They know basic hunting and medicine skills. They retain their first name (no suffix) until they have reached 12 moons and have proven themselves to their Guardian. Some cats have stayed Fledglings for longer than 6 moons, it is rare for less. Their Guardian often picks their suffix. They are not allowed to have mates or kits. Guardian and Fledgling relationship are banned, becoming mates after a fledgling has earn their name is greatly frowned upon and often results in shunning. They Guardian often loses their rank.
Hunters (warriors)- Cats older than 12 moons that have earned their full name. They focus on hunting and stealth though they are expected to know basic fighting and medicine skills. These cats will train Fledglings on basic hunting skills. They act as Guardians for Hunter Fledglings. These cats tend to be small, swift and clever- though there exceptions. Especially talented Hunters may be given special missions, including spy and sabotage work.
Hunter Fledglings (Apprentices)- Cats over 6 moons who are learning to become Hunter. These cats are assigned a Guardian who will teach them. They know basic fighting and medicine skills. They retain their first name (no suffix) until they have reached 12 moons and have proven themselves to their Guardian. Some cats have stayed Fledglings for longer than 6 moons, it is rare for less. Their Guardian often picks their suffix. They are not allowed to have mates or kits. Guardian and Fledgling relationship are banned, becoming mates after a fledgling has earn their name is greatly frowned upon and often results in shunning. The Guardian often loses their rank.
Queens- Just queens 12 moons or older; their kits leave the nursery at 4 moons instead of 6 with very few exceptions. Full time attending queens are very uncommon.
Novice Fledglings (pre-apprentice apprentices)- Cats between 4-6 moons who have moved from the nursery. They learn basic fighting, hunting and medical skills. They help around camp and are not permitted to leave. The only have their given name with no suffix. They are often taught skills by their parents of the the cat their parents are mentoring. They are observed by the Keeper, Head Mender, Heir and Council to decide which role they are best suited for. If a Novice Fledgling is skilled all around, they are normally placed wherever there is a lack in numbers and are considered potential heirs.
Elders- "retired" cats older than 70 moons (usually around 80). They often attend to camp duties until they are physically unable to. Some are part of the high council but not all. They are treated with high respect and often are not expected to fully complete tasks.
High Council- A group making up of minimal 2 Hunter elders, 2 Defender elders, and usually a Keeper and Mender elder. Number must always be even. There must always be an even amount of Hunters to Defenders. They help provide guidance to the keep, nominate heirs and help with Fledgling selection.
Religion-
Relationship to Starclan:
Shardclan does believe in Starclan, however, they view it more as a final rest opposed to a way of guidance. The lack of a moonstone has caused them to become detached to Starclan, though they still acknowledge it. Due to this, leaders do not receive nine lives, though they do hold a ceremony where their clanmates give them 'lives'. They also do not seek Starclan for advice (feeling that it would be disrespectful to those that have served their clan), instead they rely on the High Council (which was adopted from Wispclan's Elder Circle). Starclan however is still able to send omens, prophecies and visit cats in their dreams.
They often reference Starclan in ceremonies, and it is common for kits to pray to Starclan before they sleep. Terms like "Starclan's blessing" "What in Starclan" and "In Starclan's name" are very commonly used.
Way of life-
Attitude/mentality:
Shardclan often focuses on facts, order and logic. While some cats are dramatic, and elder's tales are common in the nursery, many cats can come off as apathetic and cold to many. There is a strong sense of distrust towards outsiders, even the most outgoing of cats tend to be wary. Loss is common, especially in the colder seasons, most cats have lost loved ones. Some tend to carry this loss as a heavy burden, while other's use it to push themselves to be better. The rules are expected to be followed and punishments can be harsh. Ultimately, the mentality is the clan before a single cat.
Clan Code:
1- Defend the clan with your life; the life of the clan must come before your own
2- Borders must be patrolled and marked regularly- challenge all trespassers
3- Resources must only be used as needed. Prey must be killed to be eaten and herbs must be picked to be used. Starclan is to be thanked.
4- All elders are to be respected, all keepers are to be followed and all healers are to be appreciated
5- Elders and kits are to be fed first as they are the blood and heart of the clan
6- All fledglings are to be trained in fighting, hunting and medicine at 4 moons old- an observation period of 2 moons will determine where they are needed within the clan
7- Upon the death or retirement of a heir, Heir candidates must be selected before moonhigh. A minimal of two cats must volunteer or be chosen by the High Council and Keeper, all cats old enough to hunt their own prey are to vote with stones. If there is a draw or the majority of the clan does not vote, brand new candidates must be selected.
8- A kit in pain or danger is not to be neglected
9- Another cat's life is only to be taken to defend yourself or the clan.
Fighting:
Tail Signals:
Hunting:
