Follow The Leader | A Guide to Clan Life

Ranks

LEADER
The highest warrior in the Clan hierarchy.
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Description:
A Clan leader is the head of their Clan. Their word is law, as stated by the warrior code, and they are required to govern the Clan in a responsible way, calling Clan meetings, appointing cats to new ranks and making decisions for the group as a whole. Their name always ends in -star.
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Appointment:
When the former leader dies, retires or is banished, the deputy of the Clan shares tongues with StarClan to receive their nine lives. This ceremony takes place at the Moonstone and Moonpool in canon books, but can take place at any number of sacred places in fanfiction (if you are inclined to create your own); the medicine cat is usually their escort. During this ceremony, nine deceased cats step forward to give the leader a life and, along with it, a gift of an attribute that is to help them guide their Clan.
The former leader of the Clan then hails the new leader with these words: "Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader and StarClan grants to you the guardianship of your Clan. Defend it well, care for young and old, honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity."
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Qualifications:
- has mentored at least one apprentice
- selected by the previous leader to become deputy
- must have been deputy at the time of the leader's death, retirement, or banishment (unless both leader and deputy die at the same time)
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Tasks:
- oversees the daily operations of the Clan; takes part in patrols, but leaves the organization of them to the deputy
- speaks on the Clan's behalf at Gatherings
- leads the Clan in battles
- appoints new apprentices, warriors, deputies and elders
- keeps counsel with the deputy and senior warriors about Clan affairs; listens to patrol reports
- discusses prophecies and omens with the medicine cat
- solves conflicts between members of the Clan and between their own Clan and another
- makes decisions regarding non-Clan cats joining the Clan
- exiles Clan members, if need be
- punishes Clan members for breaking the warrior code, if the need arises

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DEPUTY
The warrior who is second in command to the leader.
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Description:
Deputies are chosen by the leader as their successor and become their second in command. If the leader is ill or unable to perform their duties, the deputy temporarily takes their place. They are responsible for organizing patrols and keep counsel with the leader, advising them on their decisions. If the deputy is unable to perform these duties, they are temporarily replaced by another warrior. If the leader dies, the deputy becomes the next leader and receives their nine lives from StarClan.
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Appointment:
A new deputy is appointed when the previous deputy dies or retires. The new deputy must be chosen before moonhigh, as dictated by the warrior code. The ceremony usually takes place before the body of the previous deputy, or the living previous deputy if they decided to retire.
Words spoken: "I say these words before the body of (name of former deputy), that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice.The new deputy of (name of Clan) will be (warrior's name)."
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Qualifications:
- must be a warrior
- must have mentored at least one apprentice (sometimes bypassed by omens/prophecies)
- must be chosen by the Clan leader
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Tasks:
- assisting the leader in their tasks
- organizing both border and hunting patrols and listening to reports
- making reports to the Clan leader
- substituting for the leader if they are unable to perform their duties (speaking at Gatherings, leading battles, etc.)
- carrying out warrior tasks (patrolling, hunting, mentoring)

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MEDICINE CAT
Cats who treat diseases and injuries, as well as receive and interpret omens and prophecies from StarClan.
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Description:
The medicine cat of a Clan is highly respected. They have their own den where they store herbs and treat the sick and injured of the Clan. They are not allowed to take mates or have kits and must stand apart from Clan rivalries, as stated by their code. They also receive guidance from StarClan.
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Appointment:
Kits who wish to become medicine cats are apprenticed, like other apprentices, at the age of six moons to the medicine cat. They are then required to carry out tasks like gathering herbs and getting water, as well as watching their mentor treat others so that they may do so as well when the time comes.
Both the medicine apprentice and medicine cat ceremonies take place at the Moonstone/Moonpool/sacred place of StarClan, where the mentor introduces their apprentice to StarClan and gives them their name before their ancestors.
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Qualifications:
- willingness to take on the responsibilities that come with a life as a medicine cat
- an aptitude for healing and herbs
- in some cases, a warrior may become a medicine cat (even if they have had kits)
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Tasks:
- know an herb's appearance, usage and effect
- store a supply of herbs in their den
- treating wounded and sick cats
- assisting queens with their pregnancies and giving birth
- checking the health of Clan members (especially queens, elders and kits)
- visiting the Clans' sacred place at every half moon to seek guidance from StarClan
- interpreting prophecies and omens and sharing them with the Clan leader
- upon the death of the Clan leader, accompanying the deputy to the Clans' sacred place
- training an apprentice as the Clan's future medicine cat
- knowing basic battle training should the need arise
- communicate with StarClan in times of crisis