Question not answered on this page? Scroll to the bottom and ask it in the comments!
What is a patrol?
A patrol is a small group of warrior and/or apprentice ranked cats (typically 3-5) assigned to undertake a specific task. Patrols have an assigned leader (typically a senior warrior) and are generally no more than a third comprised of apprentices.
Patrols are organized daily by the Clan Deputy who will include details of who is assigned to the patrol, where the patrol is supposed to go, and who is supposed to be in charge of that patrol.
What are the types of patrol?
- Hunting: A standard type of patrol in which the cats are charged with collecting food to feed the non-hunting members of the clan, or those assigned to other tasks and unable to hunt for themselves that day. It should be noted that a cat heading out alone and of their own accord is not on a ‘hunting patrol’, but simply out hunting.
- Border: A standard type of patrol in which the cats are charged with checking the clan’s borders to ensure no trespassing has happened and the border scent markings are strong and well maintained.
- Security: A non-standard type of patrol in which the cats are charged with ensuring a certain area (most typically the camp, but might include a section of border that’s been frequently breached) is kept safe against intruders.
Who organizes the patrols?
It is the duty of the Clan deputy to organize the Clan’s standard patrols (dawn, sunhigh, dusk, etc). For whatever reason, however, the job may be given to another cat. The deputy picks which cats will go on what patrols and at what time.
Casual hunting patrols (for example, spur-of-the-moment hunting pairs) can be organized by warriors on their own, without the permission of the deputy (though the warriors ought to let someone know what they’re doing).
What happens if a patrol gets attacked?
Patrols, just like everything else, are subject to ICA=ICC.
If a patrol is attacked, the cats of the patrol will need to decide their actions and then accept whatever consequences that may come from those actions. For information ICA=ICC, consent, and permission, see here.
Situations in which border conflicts or attacks happen between clan cats, the attack should be arranged OOC’ly ahead of time. The same goes for situations in which non-clan cats have violent encounters with clan cats.
In situations in which a patrol would like to encounter a predator, they should seek out first the permissions they need to have that predator appear in the game, and then arrange for a player to take on the role of that non-player character (no character sheet would be needed, unless the predator is a part of a plot).
What happens if a patrol leaves the Clan’s territory or enters the territory of another Clan?
Generally, no patrol, unless under specific order or due to necessity, should leave the Clan’s territory or enter into the territory of another Clan. If a patrol does leave its Clan’s territory or enters the territory of another Clan, the patrol should be prepared for what may happen to it.
As stated above, ICA=ICC, and cats will be especially at risk if they enter into a rival Clan’s land.
How come my cat isn’t being picked for a patrol?
It could be a number of reasons. It all depends on your cat. Your cat may be sick, or injured, or on punishment, etc… There may be a better pick for a certain patrol, your cat may not get along with the others on the patrol, your cat may just not be suited for the type of patrol being organized, or the deputy just might not like your cat.
No one ever said that life was fair. In fact, we here at CoSC constantly remind you that it’s not.
Finally, there is also the possibility that the player is simply not active enough. If the player is active, their cat should have little reason to be skipped over in patrol organization, assuming they’re in good shape and standing with their Clan, etc.
What limitations do apprentices have in regards to patrols?
Apprentices lack training, and that serves to greatly limit them in regards to being assigned to a patrol (and it should be noted that they are not included on a patrol with their mentor, but only by inclusion by the cat organizing the patrol).
Most apprentices will not be included in patrols at all until they complete the Beginning Level of training.
- Apprentices are not generally included in border or security patrols until they have completed the Intermediate Level Battle Training
- Cats in the Advanced Level of Training should be expected to be perfecting skills and not require more than very advanced training and practice. This means that cats in the advanced training should be relatively competent cats for patrol work.
How much ground does a patrol cover in an outing?
A hunting patrol is generally assigned an area to hunt. This is so that the same areas aren’t continually hunted and drained completely of prey. Deputies much consider such things and serve as maintainers of the forest, ensuring that the hunting pressure on any one location isn’t so much that it will damage the prey supply.
Border patrols can, in the matter of a approximately 2 hours, cover the entire border of the clan. In times in which there are not concerns the patrols at the various times of day will patrol the entire border and report back on what they find. However, additional patrols might be sent out to check specific areas if threats have been noted. Instances include things like watching the movements of an identified predator in clan territory or additional checks being made of a spot in which a recent incursions by enemy forces has occurred.