༺ ✦ BLOODBOUND ✦ ༻ ✦₊⊹˚ CLAN RESPONSIBILITIES Every cat within a clan has a purpose. While leaders and warriors may carry the most obvious responsibilities, even the youngest kits contribute to the survival and stability of their clan. Duties are generally assigned according to age, rank, and ability, though unusual circumstances may require cats to take on responsibilities outside of their normal role. LEADERS The leader is responsible for the overall wellbeing of their clan. They make important decisions, settle serious disputes, assign positions, and determine punishments when clan rules are broken. A leader is expected to protect their territory and cats, maintain relationships with other clans, and make difficult decisions when the clan's survival is threatened. They also have the final say in matters that cannot be resolved by other ranks. DEPUTIES The deputy serves as the leader's second-in-command and helps keep the clan organized. They arrange patrols, assign daily duties, oversee warriors and apprentices, and make sure important tasks are being completed. A deputy should be able to take command when the leader is unavailable and is often responsible for keeping the clan functioning during times of crisis. MEDICINE CATS / HEALERS Medicine cats are responsible for the physical wellbeing of their clan. They gather and store herbs, treat injuries and sickness, assist queens during difficult births, and keep watch over cats who are recovering. They are also responsible for interpreting signs, dreams, and omens from StarClan—or whatever remains of that connection. Because of this, they are often expected to remain neutral during clan conflicts. WARRIORS Warriors are the main protectors and providers of the clan. Their duties include hunting, patrolling borders, defending territory, escorting vulnerable cats, and training apprentices. Warriors are expected to contribute regularly to the clan rather than simply waiting for assignments. Experienced warriors may also take responsibility for mentoring younger cats or leading important patrols. APPRENTICES Apprentices are learning the responsibilities they will eventually carry as adult cats. They train under their assigned mentor, practice hunting and fighting, assist with patrols, and help with camp duties. Apprentices are expected to listen to their mentors and gradually become more independent as their training progresses. They may also be given smaller responsibilities when the clan is struggling. QUEENS & NURSING CATS Queens caring for kits are primarily responsible for protecting, feeding, and raising the youngest members of the clan. However, being in the nursery does not mean a cat is useless to the rest of the clan. Queens may share knowledge, supervise kits, organize nursery duties, or assist with lighter tasks when they are able. Once their kits are old enough, queens may gradually return to other clan duties. KITS Kits are not expected to perform dangerous or demanding work, but they are still members of the clan. They learn clan traditions, practice basic skills through play, help keep the nursery tidy, and begin learning the responsibilities they will eventually inherit. Kits should be protected by the entire clan, but they are also encouraged to become responsible and respectful as they grow. ELDER CATS Elders are no longer expected to hunt or fight regularly, but their role within the clan remains important. They provide knowledge, stories, advice, and memories of events that younger cats never experienced. Elders may help teach traditions, supervise kits, and advise leaders when their experience is useful. They are cared for by the clan in return for the years they spent serving it. EVERY CAT Regardless of rank, every cat is expected to contribute to their clan in some way. Cats should respect clan laws, protect their clanmates, care for shared resources, and report dangers when they discover them. No rank makes a cat completely exempt from responsibility. During emergencies, every able cat may be expected to help—including assisting with injured cats, defending camp, gathering food, or caring for the vulnerable.
✦₊⊹˚ CLAN TRADITIONS Although every clan has developed its own customs, several traditions are shared between them. These practices help preserve the history of the clans and remind cats that they are part of something older than themselves. THE NAMING CEREMONY When a kit becomes an apprentice, their new name is announced before the clan. Their mentor is chosen by the leader, and the apprentice promises to learn, serve, and protect their clan. When an apprentice earns their warrior name, the clan gathers beneath the night sky to witness it. The new warrior stays awake for the remainder of the night in silence, reflecting upon the responsibilities that come with their name. THE NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE Once every season, each clan takes time to remember those who have died. Names of fallen clanmates are spoken aloud, stories are shared, and particularly important ancestors may be honored with offerings. Since StarClan has become strangely distant, this tradition has become even more meaningful. Some cats believe the dead can still hear them, while others simply see remembrance as a way of keeping their ancestors' stories alive. SHARED PREY When prey is plentiful, clans are expected to remember that abundance does not last forever. Extra prey may be shared with injured cats, queens, elders, or even neighboring clans suffering from famine. Accepting shared prey is not considered weakness; refusing to help when you have more than enough is often viewed much more harshly. THE FIRST HUNT A newly named warrior must complete their first hunt alone. The prey they catch is not theirs to keep. Instead, it is brought back to the clan and given to another cat. This symbolizes that becoming a warrior means putting the clan before personal wants. THE FIRST BLOOD Before an apprentice can become a warrior, they must demonstrate that they can protect themselves and their clan. This does not necessarily require winning a fight. A successful defense, dangerous patrol, or difficult rescue may all qualify. The purpose is to prove courage and judgment—not simply aggression. BORDER RESPECT Clan borders are treated as more than invisible lines. Every clan has places that are considered especially significant, whether because of history, prey, or old battles. Even during peaceful times, cats are expected to understand why these locations matter. Crossing a border without reason is considered disrespectful and can quickly create conflict. THE EMPTY NEST After a cat dies, their sleeping place is left untouched for a short period before being cleaned and given to another cat. This is a quiet reminder that although the living must continue, the space once occupied by the dead should not immediately be forgotten. THE LAST WATCH When a respected warrior, healer, leader, or elder dies, another cat may volunteer to remain near their body throughout the final night. They do not have to be related to the deceased. The tradition is meant to ensure that no clanmate faces their final night alone. THE OATH OF DUTY Cats taking on major positions—such as leader, deputy, healer, or mentor—make a personal promise before their clan. The wording differs between clans, but the meaning remains the same: power is a responsibility, not a reward.
