DEADLY SHADOWS. book one; shadows of frost.

clan key.

Leader: The head of the Clan. Their word is law, and they must use this responsibly to take care of their Clan: calling Clan meetings, appointing cats new ranks, and just making decisions for their group. Their name must end in -star.

Deputy: The heir of a Clan. Until they take the leader's place, they are second in command. If the leader is unable to do their duties (falls ill, has kits, etc.), the deputy may temporarily take over. They are to counsel the leader and give them advice on their decisions. They may also assign patrols.

Sacred Blood: The 'Sacred Blood' is a smaller group of warriors who commonly are related to the leader, which is why they are deeply respected by lower ranks. If the leader and deputy die, or are unable to fulfill their duties, one of these cats will be selected to be the next leader and choose a cat of this group to be their deputy. Every quarter moon, at the darkest hour, they will attend a ceremony in which they are deeply scratched on their shoulder to resemble their loyalty.

Sacred Mender: Cats of this rank are very talented with herbs. They heal wounds or treat illness to their beloved Clanmates. These cats are also deeply respected because of this, and the fact that they share tongues with StarClan. When both the leader and deputy join Starclan or are unable to fulfill their duties, these cats will select a cat from the Sacred Blood group to be leader and choose a deputy. Every half-moon, Sacred Menders will attend a special ceremony in which they meet with the other Sacred Menders from other Clans and share tongues with StarClan. They also control a special ceremony stated in Sacred Blood above.

Warriors: These are adult cats usually in the age range of 12 - 15 moons who have fully been trained in hunting and fighting, allowing them to feed and protect their Clan by going on patrols and fighting alongside their Clan in battle. Senior warriors are older warriors that are more experienced and plan to serve their Clan for as long as they can until they join the elders. These cats are seen as role-models for others. Warriors, both senior and young, are expected to mentor apprentices and teach them all they know in hunting and fighting.

Apprentices: These are young cats, usually between the age of 6 - 12 moons. Once a kit reaches the age of 6 moons, they will be apprenticed to any rank above theirs (except mortal blood) and will learn how to serve their Clan. Sacred Mender apprentices will be taught herbs and healing, while others will learn to hunt and fight for their Clan.

Kits: Born in litters of 1 - 6, these cats are the youngest of the Clan (under 6 moons). Their parents name them after appearance or name them after someone else. Kits are protected fiercely  by the Clan, as they are the future of it. They often listen to stories told by elders or queens and love bothering warriors. Kits are not allowed outside the nursery until their mother believes they are old enough. However, territory outside of camp is strictly forbidden.

Queens: These are adult female cats who are expecting or nursing kits. However, some are permanent queens and stay in the nursery to watch over any other's young. When a warrior is expecting, she will give up her duties temporarily. Once her kits reach the age required and become an apprentice, she may go back to being a warrior.

Mortal Blood: Cats who have served their Clan greatly, cats of Mortal Blood are the oldest cats of the Clan who have retired. Although it's not often, they may go outside to stretch their legs, or even hunt- they may also attend gatherings. Because of their age, they may suffer stiff joints and are most capable of catching an illness, especially during leaf-bare, like greencough.

Lost Souls: The cats in this group are unsure of what their place in the Clan is, or dont think they fit into any rank. This role is for cats who can't find their place in the Clan, making this the best group for them. They are sometimes frowned upon and some cats may treat them rudely, but they serve their Clan as well as any warrior.