Discussion [Closed] Clan gen Sprites: White Patch Sparkle and the prefix/suffix Spirit

First, to clarify: There was no sparkle on that marking. She was identified as the Markedkit by the Medicine Cats, not so much anything super fancy about the marking. Without the sense of Omen behind it and the Prophecy foretelling it the marking would have just been a marking. So we can firmly say that locket markings won't be restricted because of this past plot. Just ones connected directly with prophecy that are an omen 🙂

"Dream" is already used primarily by Medicine Cats. "Spirit" as a 'prefix' without earning it in some way (probably related to Medicine Cattery) would be much the same. So far "Dream" has been primarily used as a 'suffix', and I think even in canon the same can be said about spirit. Because they're more likely (due to the religious nature of Clanners) to not be laid on a kit, IMO.

I shall make sure the discord knows about this conversation!

Kay. Maybe Spirit could be given to a plot character one day? Or maybe it could be used as the name of Stillborn kits. (I personally wouldn't, although it is a nice name.)

I think that Spirit as a prefix should be saved for only one character though. I don't like the idea of more than two or three cats earning the prefix. The prefix should only be given to those who've earned it, whether through trying times, discovering something that will change the Clans forever, or through prophecies and an amazing connection to StarClan, it has to be an important character, because it is an important prefix.

As for the suffix, it should only be given to the most exceptional warriors or medicine cats. Kind of like great cat names, but much more... special and heavy for a cat to carry. Kind of like how a leader carries nine lives and a duty to protect their Clan. A cat with the suffix spirit would have major responsibilities to their Clan. Probably.

I guess the Sparkle part is already over, but I would like to continue speaking about the suffix spirit. As a prefix though... That'll have to be a complicated conversation. Of course, maybe only give a couple of cats that prefix every full solar eclipse or something? (That's absurd, isn't it? It sounds so absurd. The next one isn't for like... twenty years or something right? Wait... I'll check.)

Huh. Guess not. Anyways, only after a long time can more be named maybe?

I honestly don’t want to restrict names too much more than we need to. I should see putting a list of “Names typically reserved for medicine cats” that includes it, but not an outright ban. It’s not like the word spirit can’t reference things like one’s resolve or one’s zest for life. Relationship to the spirit world isn’t the only context the word can be used in.

On plot related names… We don’t typically force names onto player’s characters without talking with them. Some players like to be surprised, but sometimes people have feelings about the name their character should have.

I also wouldn’t put much of a restriction on how many cats can, or how long we have to have between a name word being used. 

Understandable. The me that said that back then was being petty. You're going to learn over time that, depending on the mood I'm in and the moods I've been in on the days ya talk to me that my manner of speech and the things that I feel strongly about change. Sorry about what I said.

I honestly knew ya'd say something like that. Still, it is a prefix that I would love to see used, especially if the character was plot related or a medicine cat. Seems mysterious and fun, ya know?

Of course, at first I though the prefix and suffix spirit wouldn't be accepted well since that basically would tie the cat to StarClan and other spirit worlds or something. Definitely would be a heavy prefix/suffix to carry.

Don't mind the time stuff and what not. Although having too many cats with the prefix/suffix would be problematic.

The me that was being petty is also you! What you say is still what you said, even if you're in a terrible mood. If you're not happy with your past actions just apologize for being petty and own it rather than fobbing it off like an alternate universe you exists. 😉 Life is actually easier that way.

It's okay to have a strong opinion in this sort of documentation so long as you accept the final staff decisions when they're made (and we will state when we think the conversation is done and we're confident that we have a plan we like to potentially update game lore/documentation or have decided no changes will be made).

Spirit is likely one of those name parts that would need to be well explained in the character's history. Sort of the way I explained how Savagefox ended up with "Savage" in his name.

We currently have no limits on names, though we do sometimes ban a name component if a number of characters alive in a single clan start to share them. Just to avoid confusion.
Staff tries not to limit players freedoms with names as much as possible 🙂 If only because things like Realm of Experience also put a kibosh on alot of times.

Huh. Okay. Sorry again.

Anyways, I don't have anything else to say, so is this wrapped up or is there more to discuss?

The discussion involves more than just the two of us! And I always like to announce a final call so that everyone gets that last bit of input on things!

I do think that making a note (similar to the one about great cat names) in the Realm of Experience document about “Dream” and “Spirit” is in order in response to this conversation. The note would just point out that those names are frequently associated with Medicine Cats, and thus why it was selected (especially for a kit) should be covered in the history.

I think that’s the only bit that needs action taken, unless I’ve forgotten something.

Calling this one here! I'll get those changes made when I have time!