Ceremonies

Ceremonies comprise a backbone of clan life. They mark most important milestones in the life of the clan cat and most significant events find one of the ceremonies at the center of them. The great majority of ceremonies are preformed during clan meetings.

Ceremony List, by Tab

NEW VERSION ITEMS

• Meetings
  • Calling a Clan Meeting
  • Convene a Medicine Cat’s Meeting
  • Naming a Blue Moon
• Warrior
  • Apprentice Ceremony
  • Warrior Ceremony
  • Retirement Ceremony
• MC
  • Medicine Cat’s Apprentice Ceremony
  • Apprentice Acknowledgement of Adulthood without promotion
• Other
  • Ceremony for the Dead

OLD VERSION ITEMS

• Leadership
  • To select the next Deputy for the Clan
    • In the Instance of Deputy Death
    • In the Instance of Deputy Resignation
  • To Name & Ordain a Leader
    • In the Instance of Leader Death
    • In the Instance of Leader Resignation
• MC
  • To make a Medicine Cat’s Apprentice into a Medicine Cat
    • If they do not already have an adult name
    • If they have an adult name already
• Other
  • To Give a Dying (or potentinaly Dying) Apprentice a Warrior Name
  • To Rename a Cat

Calling a Clan Meeting

The Leader and Deputy of a clan have the authority to call the entire clan together for meetings.

The Ritual Setting: Each of the Four Clans has a traditional location that the Clan is called together for meetings.

• ThunderClan: The leader stands on the stone in the camp that hides the dens of the Leader and Medicine Cat. The members of the clan gather in the open area near the main exit.
• RiverClan: The leader stands on a large root on the western edge of the Fresh-kill Hollow that is worn smooth by generations of paws treading on it. The members of the clan gather in the open area of the Fresh-kill Hollow.
• WindClan: The leader stands on a small raise plateau on the northwest side of the camp backed by thick bushes. The members of the clan gather below the plateau in the open area in the center of camp.
• ShadowClan: The leader stands in a small raised spot on the western edge of camp where the briars surround it. The members of the clan gather together nearby in the open space found only slightly lower than the rise.

The Calling of the Clan: The following words are announced loudly from the traditional location:
“ Let all cats old enough to catch thier own prey join here [PHRASE for a clan meeting. “

The Phrases: These represent the list of the announcement, and do not need to be used exactly.

• ThunderClan: beneath the Highrock
• RiverClan: in the shade of the TwinWillow
• WindClan: on the flatlands below the Talking Cliff
• ShadowClan: in the shelter of the briar patch

The Result: The members of the clan are expected to gather in the appropriate location and await the words of the Leader or Deputy.

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Convene a Medicine Cat’s Meeting

Medicine Cats meet once a moon cycle to share tongues with StarClan.

The Timing: During the Waxing half-moon on the 7th day of each moon.

The Attendees: All Medicine Cats and their Apprentices.

The Senior Medicine Cat: This is the eldest of the gathered Medicine Cats.

The Ritual Setting: Mothermouth, on the ledge in front of the entrance to the passageway that leads to the Moonstone.

The Procedure:

• Assemble: The Attendees gather on the ledge of Mothermouth.
• Descend: Once all are assembled the Senior Medicine Cat leads the procession into the cave. Once they pass Mothermouth all speaking is forbidden.
• Commune: The attendees lay down on the stone floor, placing their noses against the Moonstone and begin to meditate. Once they have reached StarClan they appear deeply unconscious.
• Emerge & Discuss: The Attendees return to Mothermouth and discuss what they have experienced.

The Result: During the ‘Commune’ phase of the procedure the Medicine Cats share a vision in which they interact with StarClan within a Dreamscape. Attendees will remain in this state until StarClan themselves frees them. Should StarClan choose not to release all or part of the group they would remain bound in a coma that cannot be lifted by earthly means.

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Naming a Blue Moon

The Timing: During the waning half-moon on the 22nd day of the Moon.

The Attendees: All Medicine Cats and their Apprentices.

The Senior Medicine Cat: This is the eldest of the gathered Medicine Cats.

The Ritual Setting: Mothermouth, on the ledge in front of the entrance to the passageway that leads to the Moonstone.

The Procedure:

• Assemble: The Attendees gather on the ledge of Mothermouth.
• Descend: Once all are assembled the Senior Medicine Cat makes the Profession of Purpose before leading the procession into the cave. Once they pass Mothermouth all speaking is forbidden.
• Commune: The attendees lay down on the stone floor, placing their noses against the Moonstone and begin to meditate. Once they have reached StarClan they appear deeply unconscious.
• Emerge & Discuss: The Attendees return to Mothermouth and discuss what they have experienced.

The Profession of Purpose: “Let us go forth and learn the name of the moon to come“; This phrase is spoken by the Senior Medicine Cat and is not required to be exactly spoken.

The Result: During the ‘Commune’ phase of the procedure the Medicine Cats share a vision in which they interact with StarClan within a Dreamscape. During this vision StarClan will reveal the name of the Blue moon (and potentially more). Attendees will remain in this state until StarClan themselves frees them. Should StarClan choose not to release all or part of the group they would remain bound in a coma that cannot be lifted by earthly means.

The Return: On returning to their Clans the Medicine Cats inform the Leader of the name of the coming Blue Moon so that it can be announced in a Clan Meeting.

Apprentice Ceremony

The Leader is entrusted with the secret duty to promote kits into apprentices, sending them unto the path of becoming contributing members of the clan.

The Ritual Setting: An apprentice ceremony is held in each clan’s traditional meeting location following the calling of a meeting.

The Procedure:

• Acknowledge: The leader uses the ritual words to call forward the litter to be promoted.
  ” We are here today to give [#/a] kit[s] their apprentice name[s]. Come forward [Kit(s)]. ”
• Present: The kit(s) come forward to stand before the leader.
• Assignment: A mentor is called forward by the leader and the new apprentice name is given using traditional words and actions.
  ” [Mentor], you will be mentor to [Apprentice]. You are [Trait] and [Trait]. Pass on all you can to this young apprentice. ”
• Joining: Touch noses to signify their coming together as a mentor and apprentice team.
• Note: An individual assignment should be preformed for each of the kits in the litter and their respective mentors.

The Result: The apprentice and mentor team begin their journey of training and learning together. The new apprentice also moves into the Apprentice’s Den.

Note – The exact wordings are not required for the ceremony to be official. As long as the core ritual is accomplished the ceremony is valid.

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Warrior Ceremony

When an apprentice learns the required skills of a warrior they are honored with a promotion to the rank of Warrior by the Leader.

The Ritual Setting: A warrior ceremony is held in each clan’s traditional meeting location following the calling of a clan meeting.

The Procedure:

• The Call: The Leader calls the apprentice forward for the ceremony.
  “ [Apprentice], come here. ”
• The Prompt: The Leader preforms the assignment of a new name using the traditional words.
  “ [Apprentice], [promotion-explanation]. It is time for you to become a warrior. I, [Leader], leader of [Clan], call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn. [Apprentice], do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life? ”
• The Oath: The apprentice must agree to the responsibilities of a warrior using words of affirmation.
• The Naming: The leader using the traditional words to give the former apprentice a name before StarClan.
  “ Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. [Apprentice], from this moment forward you will be known as [Warrior-Name]. StarClan honors your [virtue/trait], and we welcome you as a full warrior of [Clan]. ”
• Ritual Gestures: The leader then rests their muzzle on the bowed head of the New Warrior. The New warrior responds by giving the Leader’s shoulder a lick in a respectful manner.
• The Greeting: The clan gives voice to a greeting for the newly named warrior.
• The Vigil: The newly named warrior is expected to stand a night of vigil alone in silence, reflecting on this new chapter of their life.

The Result: The newly named warrior takes on the duties that comes with the rank and moves into the Warrior’s Den in the Clan’s camp.

Note – The exact wordings are not required for the ceremony to be official. As long as the core ritual is accomplished the ceremony is valid.

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Retirement Ceremony

As a warrior ages the time eventually comes when retirement is necessary. At that time the Leader will promote the Warrior to Elder.

The Ritual Settling: A retirement ceremony is held in each clan’s traditional place after the calling of a clan meeting.

The Procedure:

• The Call: The leader calls the warrior to be retired forward.
  “ [Warrior], come here. ”
• The Agreement: The leader then announces the intention behind the ceremony and the retiring warrior speaks their words of assent.
  “ [Warrior], after a long life of service to your clan the time has come for you to rest. [Accomplishments-of-new-elder] Are you ready to enter the Elder’s Den? ”
• The Retirement: The traditional words to transition the Warrior into the Elder’s Den are spoken by the Leader.
  “ Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your place in the Elder’s Den. StarClan honors your [virtue/trait] ”
• The (optional) Renaming: At times the Leader may opt to rename a cat who is becoming an Elder. At these times the names of renaming are used.
  ” [Warrior], from this moment forward you will be know as [New-Name]. ”
• The Greeting: In the closing of the ceremony the Leader asks for the clan to greet the new elder, and the clan responds with a cheer.
  ” [Clan] welcomes you as an Elder! ”

The Result: The newly named Elder moves into the Elders Den within the Clan’s Camp.

Note – The exact wordings are not required for the ceremony to be official. As long as the core ritual is accomplished the ceremony is valid.

To select the next Deputy for the Clan

In the Instance of Deputy Death

• Preformed at Moonhigh.

LEADER: “Cats of [Clan], listen and I will appoint the new deputy.”

CLAN MEMBERS: Assemble in the appropriate location.

LEADER: “I say these words before StarClan, that the spirits of our ancestors may hear and approve my choice… The new deputy will be [Senior Warrior’s Name].”

CLAN MEMBERS: May now greet the deputy in the manner they see fit.

In the Instance of Deputy Resignation

• Preformed at Moonhigh following a standard meeting call is given.

CLAN MEMBERS: Assemble in the appropriate location.

LEADER: Speaking to the current Deputy. [Current Deputy], you have decided to [Statement]. Are you prepared to pass the responsibility for your clan on to another?

CURRENT DEPUTY: Provides a statement of agreement or disagreement, as appropriate.

LEADER: “I say these words before StarClan, that the spirits of our ancestors may hear and approve my choice… The next deputy will be [Senior Warrior’s Name].”

CLAN MEMBERS: May now greet the deputy in the manner they see fit.

Statements

1. Retire to the Elder’s Den
2. Return to the duties of a Warrior

To Name & Ordain a Leader

In the Instance of Leader Death

• Preformed following the death of the previous leader, at the first Moonhigh following that death that the Deputy can make the trip to Highstones.

DEPUTY: Leaves their selected sentry to stand watch at Mothermouth, while they descend into the tunnel and lay with nose touching the Moonstone.

STARCLAN: Gathers around the deputy, speaking together “Welcome, [Deputy’s Name], are you ready to receive your nine lives?”

DEPUTY: Gives assent in some way, be it physical or verbal.

STARCLANNER 1: Says “With this life I give you [TRAIT 1]” and touches the Deputy.

STARCLANNER 2: Says “With this life I give you [TRAIT 2]” and touches the Deputy.

STARCLANNER 3: Says “With this life I give you [TRAIT 3]” and touches the Deputy.

STARCLANNER 4: Says “With this life I give you [TRAIT 4]” and touches the Deputy.

STARCLANNER 5: Says “With this life I give you [TRAIT 5]” and touches the Deputy.

STARCLANNER 6: Says “With this life I give you [TRAIT 6]” and touches the Deputy.

STARCLANNER 7: Says “With this life I give you [TRAIT 7]” and touches the Deputy.

STARCLANNER 8: Says “With this life I give you [TRAIT 8]” and touches the Deputy.

STARCLANNER 9: Says “With this life I give you [TRAIT 9]” and touches the Deputy. The 9th StarClanner then gives the new Leader name to the Deputy-Turned-Leader.

STARCLAN: Raises a cry of the new name.

NOTE: While the basic format is given, the cats giving the lives can interact with the receiver of the life freely, exchanging words prior to the life actually being given, or directly after the transfer.

In the Instance of Leader Resignation

• Preformed when the Leader decides to step aside and permit the current deputy to become Leader.

OLD-LEADER & DEPUTY: Leaves their selected sentry to stand watch at Mothermouth, while they descend into the tunnel and lay with noses touching the Moonstone. 

STARCLAN: Gathers around the Leader and Deputy, speaking together “Welcome, [Leader’s Name], are you ready to pass your lives on to [Deputy’s Name]?”

OLD-LEADER: Gives assent in some way, be it physical or verbal. STARCLAN: Gathers around the deputy, speaking together “Welcome, [Deputy’s Name], are you ready to receive your nine lives?”

DEPUTY: Gives assent in some way, be it physical or verbal.

INDIVIDUAL-STARCLANERs: The givers of each of OLD-LEADER’s lives come forward and touch noses with OLD-LEADER, collecting the life from them. They then touch noses with DEPUTY to grant that life to deputy. New StarClanners come forward to provide DEPUTY with any lives that OLD-LEADER had lost, taking the total number of lives to 9. The 9th cat will pronounce the new name of the EX-DEPUTY, and they become LEADER.

STARCLAN: Cries the name of the new [LEADER].

OLD-LEADERs NAME-GIVER: The cat who gave OLD-LEADER their name originally comes forward. “Your service to your clan is honored, but without the nine lives of a leader you cannot live up to the name you carry. We shall know you now as [OLD-LEADER’s NEW NAME].

STARCLAN: Echoes the thankyou, so that all present have thanked the retiring leader.

NOTES:

• While the basic formula is given, the cats giving the lives can interact with the receiver of the life freely, exchanging words prior to the life actually being given, or directly after the transfer.
• The exact wordings here are suggestions, so long as the patterns and steps are all observed.
• The Deputy-turned-leader will receive the normal -star name.
• The Old-leader’s -star suffix is revoked, and replaced with either a new elder’s name or their former warriors name.
• On return to camp the new leader will announce their own name, and then the new name of the ex-leader. That night they should name the new Deputy via normal protocol.

Medicine Cat’s Apprentice Ceremony

Medicine Cats provide essential healing services to all members of the clan. Becoming one starts here.

The Selection: Before the ceremony the Medicine Cat or Cats interact with the kits of the clan. Should one draw their interest they will interview. Should they wish one as their apprentice they inform the Leader of their Claim.

The Presentation: In the quarter-moon prior to the apprenticing of the litter a selected kit belongs to the Medicine Cat must present their selection to StarClan. This is done by taking the Kit to Mothermouth and instructing them in communion with the Moonstone. Should the Kit be drawn into the vision it proves they have the faith and conviction to serve StarClan.

The Ritual Setting: A Medicine Cat’s apprentice ceremony is held in each Clan’s traditional meeting location following the calling of a meeting.

The Ceremonial Procedure:

• Acknowledge: The Leader users the ritual words to call forward the Medicine Cat and Selected Kit.
  ” [Medicine-Cat] feels it is time to pass on what they know and ensure a Medicine Cat for [Clan]’s future. [Kits-name], please come forward and join [Medicine-Cat]. ”
• Present: The Medicine Cat and Kit come together before the Leader.
• Assignment: [Medicine-Cat], you will be mentor to [Apprentice]. As it is StarClan’s will, teach them all you know.”
• Joining: The new pair touch noses to signify their coming together as Mentor and Apprentice.

The Result: The Apprentice and Mentor Team begins their journey of training and learning together. The new Medicine Cat’s Apprentice also moved into the Medicine Den.

Note – The exact wordings are not required for the ceremony to be official. As long as the core ritual is accomplished the ceremony is valid.

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Apprentice Acknowledgement of Adulthood without promotion

Medicine Cats frequently reach 12 moons, the age of majority, before finishing their apprenticeship and may be recognized as an adult without being promoted to Medicine Cat.

The Ritual Setting: A Medicine Cat’s adult naming is held in each clan’s traditional meeting spot following the calling of a clan meeting.

The Procedure: 

• The Call: The Leader calls the Medicine Cat’s Apprentice forward for the ceremony.
  ” [Apprentice], come forward. ”
• The Statement of Purpose: The Leader announces the reason for the ceremony.
  ” I [Leader], leader of [Clan], call upon our warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. [Apprentice], while your training is not yet complete the journey to reach your adulthood has already been made. ”
• The Naming: The leader uses the traditional words to give the Medicine Cat’s Apprentice a name before StarClan.
  ” By my authority as clan leader, and with the approval of our Warrior Ancestors, I give our Medicine Cat’s Apprentice a new name. From this moment on they will be known as [Adult-Name]. “
• The Greeting: The clan gives voice to a greeting for the newly named adult Medicine Cat’s Apprentice.

The Result: The Medicine Cat’s Apprentice continues to hold their rank but is now considered an adult while still being an apprentice.

Note – The exact wordings are not required for the ceremony to be official. As long as the core ritual is accomplished the ceremony is valid.

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To make a Medicine Cat’s Apprentice into a Medicine Cat

If they do not already have an adult name

• The MC to be must first attend an MC’s Meeting and be approved by StarClan as ready, then returns to camp where the Clan Leader calls a Clan Meeting

LEADER: “[MC Apprentice’s Name], come here.”

APPRENTICE: The MC apprentice then comes forward to join the Clan Leader.

LEADER: “[MC Apprentice’s Name], you have been found worthy by your Mentor and StarClan themselves. It is time for you to receive your name as a fully recognized Medicine Cat. I [Leader’s Name], leader of [Clan], call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. S/he has already been found worthy by you, and I commend him/her to you in his/her turn. [MC Apprentice’s Name], do you promise to uphold the Warrior’s Code and the Medicine Cat’s Code?”

APPRENTICE: “I do.”

LEADER: “Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your medicine cat’s name. [MC Apprentice’s Name], from this moment forward you will be known as [Apprentice’s Medicine Cat Name]. StarClan honors your [some virtue of the apprentice-turned-MC], and we welcome you as a medicine cat of [Clan].” The leader then rests their muzzle on the bowed head of the apprentice-turned-med-cat

MCAPPRENTICE-TURNED-MED CAT: Licks their shoulder of the Leader in a respectful manner.

CLAN: Then greets the new MC by their new name.

NOTES – The wordings of this ceremony may be altered slightly as long as the core meaning and style is maintained.

If they have an adult name already

• The MC to be must first attend an MC’s Meeting and be approved by StarClan as ready, then returns to camp where the Clan Leader calls a Clan Meeting

LEADER: “[MC Apprentice’s Name], come here.”

APPRENTICE: The MC apprentice then comes forward to join the Clan Leader.

LEADER: “[MC Apprentice’s Name], you have been found worthy by your Mentor and StarClan themselves. It is time for you to become a fully recognized Medicine Cat. I [Leader’s Name], leader of [Clan], call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. S/he has already been found worthy by you, and I commend him/her to you in his/her turn. [MC Apprentice’s Name], do you promise to uphold the Warrior’s Code and the Medicine Cat’s Code?”

APPRENTICE: “I do.”

LEADER: “Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your position as Medicine Cat. StarClan honors your [some virtue of the apprentice-turned-MC], and we welcome you as a medicine cat of [Clan].” The leader then rests their muzzle on the bowed head of the apprentice-turned-med-cat

MCAPPRENTICE-TURNED-MED CAT: Licks their shoulder of the Leader in a respectful manner.

CLAN: Then greets the new MC by their new name.

NOTES – The wordings of this ceremony may be altered slightly as long as the core meaning and style is maintained.

Ceremony for the Dead

The closure of a ceremony helps the clan come together and release the deceased one into StarClan.

The Ritual Setting: Following the death of a member of a named member of the clan a Ceremony for the Dead is held in the Clan’s traditional meeting location following the calling of a meeting.

The Announcement: The Leader uses the ritual words to formally acnowlege the death and call the clan into mourning;

” [Name] has left us to join StarClan. They have served [Clan] well. I welcome all those who wish to stand vigil and share tongues with themb one last time. “

The Vigil: As the evening falls the members of the clan are welcome to join in standing vigil over the deceased cat. This is a time of sharing tounges with the dead and sharing tales about the life of the deceased and the accomplishments they have made.

The Final Farewell: As dawn rises the Leader gives voice to the words that will end the vigil;

” With [Name] gone to StarClan, we say goodbye. “

The Burial: Following the Leader’s words the Elders of the Clan (sometimes assisted by various other cats as needed) collect the empty body and carry it from the camp. The rest of the clan may speak a final goodbye, but interference in the removal is not acceptable. The burial is held outside the camp and the place is considered inconsequential due to the spirit being safe with StarClan.

The Result: The deceased cat is now considered laid to rest and entrusted to StarClan.

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To Give a Dying (or potentinaly Dying) Apprentice a Warrior Name

• Done when needed, without calling the clan together.

LEADER: The leader speaks to the apprentice, “I ask my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. S/he has learned the warrior code and has given up his/her life in service of his/her clan. Let StarClan receive him/her as a warrior. S/he will be known as [Apprentice’s New Warrior Name], so [insert reason for name here].”

NOTE: This ceremony is used only in dire circumstances.

To Rename a Cat

Performed after the clan is called together for a Clan Meeting

LEADER: “[Cat Name], Come forward.”

CAT: Comes forward, to stand in the appropriate location.

LEADER: “Spirits of StarClan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what S/he is… By my authority as Clan leader, and with the approval of our warrior ancestors, I give this cat a new name. From this moment S/he will be known as [Insert New Name Here].” The leader then rests their muzzle on the bowed head of the Cat

CAT: Licks the shoulder of the Leader in a respectful manner.

CLAN: Greets the renamed cat by their new name.

NOTE: This is another ceremony not to be used lightly. It is almost never used where kits and apprentices are concerned.

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New Versions Being Discussed

Content in this section is being discussed on the game’s discord. It is not currently considered the “Active” version for purposes or RP.