Post by Owl on Nov 7, 2018 16:20:31 GMT -5
.. GLENCLAN LORE ..
Cat-egories:
- Type of Leadership
- Location
- Skills/Expertise
- Clan Lifestyle and Religion
- The Goddess
- Prayer and Beliefs
- The Willow Groves and Sacred Hollow
- Ceremonies and Special Occasions
- Families and Voting
- Clan Appearance
- Diet
- Clan Roles
Type of Leadership: The Democracy. A leader is voted on by the cats in their clan, and the leaders of the families serve as their cabinet. They are given five lives upon being made leader, one for each of the families and a fifth for the fifth family the leader is supposed to embody; a blend of all the traits deemed important.
Location: GlenClan lives in a dense, old-growth forest with many different varieties of trees. The trees that are valued the most out of the types are willow, pine, birch, and oak. Moss, hanging vines, and creepers are commonly seen dangling from trees and blanketing the forest floor. Plenty of brambles, ferns, and other bushes make up the underbrush. The camp is located in the center of a small valley, which is what gave their clan the name GlenClan. Visibility is usually very quite low throughout the territory, mostly because of all of the greenery, which makes cats rely heavily on scents to navigate through the thick, yet small forest. Because of the denseness of he forest it is almost always full of prey, mostly consisting of typical woodland animals, such as squirrels, birds, and mice. The territory has several streams and ponds, however they are not relied on much for hunting due to the fact that the rest of their territory is filled with much easier prey to catch. In the deepest part of their territory, there is what they call the Sacred Hollow, which is where the medicine cat(s) and other high positions go to speak with their ancestors about important things if they need, or choose to do so. The largest tree in the center of the Sacred Hollow, named the Great Redwood, has a hole in the bottom that looks almost like the entrance a den. This is where cats receive the guidance they seek if they enter.
Skills and Expertise: GlenClan cats are masters of their forest. They are built to climb, with features that help them do so. A multitude of GlenClan cats are polydactyl and have extra toes on their paws, which many believe is why they are gifted at climbing. This is also the reason that they are typically good at fighting, as their claws help them fight off any enemies that they believe to be a threat. The majority can also pride themselves on their hunting skills, as their extra toes/claws give them more of a grip when running and jumping. Their hunting techniques consist of stalking and pouncing on their prey from a shorter range.
Clan Lifestyle and Religion:
The Goddess:
GlenClan cats worship a single goddess, praising her as the mother of all cats and the creator of the earth that they walk on. She is most commonly referred to as "The Goddess," "Our Goddess," or "The Wood Spirit." Cats are seen praying to her at least once a day, and thanking her after an animal is caught, or something good happens to them. She is the giver of all good luck and fortune. The most widely accepted appearance of their goddess as a graceful yet strong bobcat, with a short tail and tufted ears. Many also say she appears adorned in flowers and vines, which is why cats choose to don plants during special ceremonies. The Goddess is said to be very benevolent and accepting, but they also say she is strict and does have any mercy for the doers of bad deeds.
Prayer and Beliefs:
Many GlenClan cats believe that when you are born your life is all set out for you already, and that you can do nothing to change it. Fate is fate, they say. And if you are fated to die, then you must. There is no escaping the Goddess's will. Others argue that everything that happens is up to you, and that there is no such thing as fate. The Goddess wills you to choose your own destiny. Though cats on each sides may be unaccepting of other's views, they all believe they must get along and work together to please the Goddess. The reverence of their Goddess is the thing that ties them together, as well as their loyalty to the clan. Though their government values and strives for acceptance of other's ideas and views, some GlenClanners are much less tolerant when it comes to religion.
The Willow Groves and Sacred Hollow:
There are two places in GlenClan territory that are considered most hallowed. The willow groves is a place where cats go to worship, the dangling leaves of the weeping trees making little dens for the cats to pray in private. The largest willow is at the banks of the gently flowing river, and that is where offerings and ceremonies are held. It is very common to find the place littered with flowers or plants. Prey is not commonly offered, and if it is, it is buried. The plant life is considered more holy and respectful than the dead bodies of animals. Kits and apprentices are kept a keen eye on around the water, as it is deeper than it looks. To go to the Willow Groves is the only reason kits are allowed out of camp, and they must have a family member with them.
The second place is located deep in the treacherous Gnarled Forest. There is a winding path that leads through the dense trees to a special clearing. Cats are not permitted to venture into this forest unless accompanied by a leader or medicine cat, as it is easy to lose your way. This place is aptly named the Sacred Hollow, a place of peace and light within the unnerving woods. In the center of the hollow is a very tall tree with a trunk that is as wide around as a den. Its branches reach far up into the sky, and many GlenClan cats believe it connects the heavens to the earth. At the base of this grand tree is an entrance to something that is not unlike a den. Cats enter to receive guidance from the Goddess and ancestors in the form of dreams.
Ceremonies and Special Occasions:
Wip. Will possibly be a celebrations contest in the future.
Families and Voting:
There are four families in GlenClan, each representing a specific set of values. They are separated by ideals, not bloodlines, and cats may change families if they so wish. Though changing can be looked down upon as disloyal. The Birch Family values truth and fairness, and believe cats should never utter a lie even if it would be in their best interests to. All viewpoints must be considered when making a decision, and no personal bias should affect the truth. In order for a cat to be condemned there must be authentic evidence, some cats can lie as easily as they breathe. The Oak Family values strength and determination above all, and certainly believes that weak cats are lesser than them. They never give up, even on the losing side of a battle. Loyal to the end, they stand by their clan and their clanmates predict them all to be hotheads. The Pine Family values kindness and wisdom. Passing on the proper values, manners, and beliefs to the younger generations is one of their top goals. Though they would lie in the face of being kind, and step aside if it meant giving someone else a chance. The last family is the Willow Family, they cherish flexibility and grace, saying that the best cat always is confident in their abilities, and knows how to conduct themselves in any situation. They should always know what to say and have a plan for everything, though these values may express themselves in more narcissistic views. It is rumored that most Willow Family cats change their opinions and affections as easily as a leaf is torn from a tree by a strong wind. A kit is born into the family of their mother, and cannot change their family until they are made a warrior even if they or their parents wish. It is not uncommon for cats to switch families to be in the same one as their mate, despite the fact that same-family and different-family partners are seen as no different than one another.
Along with receiving their warrior name, new warriors are gifted with a special stone to vote with. They usually keep this stone in their nest. As apprentices and kits are too young to be trusted to make good decisions for the clan, this is the first time they will be allowed to vote in any upcoming decisions. When a new leader is chosen, whether to stop hunting in a specific area, and many other major decisions are all decided on by the clan.
Clan Appearance: GlenClan cats have the most varied appearance of all the clans. Their fur can be long or short, thick or thin, and just about any color under the sun. They can be small, large, slender, sturdy, and anything else in between. As varied as the trees and the leaves on each tree, each and every GlenClan cat is different. Sometimes the color and build may correspond with their family, for example, the Willow family is generally cool silver, blue, and grey colors. But it is not uncommon for a red cat to be thrown in the mix! Upon looking at more than one clan cat and comparing the features, there are a few traits that most GlenClan cats share. Most have thick, strong claws and legs used to grip tree bark and climb with ease. Cats may also have long tails to help aid them in balance. In addition to these traits, they have keen noses that easily detect and differ one scent from another, as well as eyes that notice movement very well. Polydactyly runs in many of the cats bloodlines, and extra toes are commonly sighted on cats. Stories say the founder of GlenClan had extra toes, and those who are polydactyl claim they are related to them. Many say the extra toes (and thus extra claws) help the cats to grip trees while climbing, but no one is entirely sure whether that is true or not.
Diet: Animals like rodents, mammals such as bandicoots and possums, rabbits, birds, etc. make up the most of GlenClan's diet. Reptiles are less common, as those tend to live in a more arid climate than GlenClan's territory. They may also catch fish or other animals that live near water (such as amphibians or turtles) in the rivers and other watery areas of their territory; though this is more uncommon than their other prey items.
Clan Roles:
Leader: Though the leader has authority over most decisions, they cannot make large decisions such as exiling a cat on their own, this requires the vote of the Family Leaders to be accomplished (see more extensive explanation in Family Leaders below). A Family Leader may suggest an idea to the leader, but if the leader does not agree, they can disregard it. If more than one Family Leader suggests this idea, then the leader may have to reconsider (see impeachment below). They have the power to rank cats up (warrior ceremonies, apprentice ceremonies, etc.) and are the one who speaks to the clan for announcements.
When a new leader is to be chosen, each of the four family leaders select a cat to put forth that they believe best would lead the clan. Normally it is a cat from their own family, but it is not uncommon for two cats of the same family to be selected. If a cat that does not want to have the position is nominated, they may step down and another cat is chosen in their place. After four cats are selected who are willing to lead, most choose to speak before the clan about why they believe they would be the best fit as leader. Then each clan warrior, elder, and queen (apprentices and kits are not allowed to vote, as they may not know enough about clan politics/be mature enough to make a good decision) is required to vote on who they want as their leader. They vote by placing a stone in a circle, one for each candidate. Then the stones are counted up by the medicine cat and the winner of the vote is announced. The leader then travels to the Great Tree to receive their five lives and new name from the ancestors.
It is important for the leader to stay benevolent and just, because if a leader is not doing their job correctly anymore they may be demoted. The process is as follows: the Family Leaders and medicine cat hold a vote, yes for impeachment and no for the leader to keep their position. Though to be demoted this vote has to be unanimous, if one cat disagrees then the leader cannot have their position changed.
Family Leaders: Each of the family leaders is the head of one of the four families in GlenClan (see "families and voting" above for more information on the families). These cats have a surprising amount of say in their leader's decisions. The leader isn't allowed to make any big decisions without informing the family leaders, and the family leaders will either vote on it with the leader or decide to let the whole clan vote, depending on the decision. For example, if the leader wanted to expand territory, they would go to the family leaders and the family leaders may choose to just vote on it with the five of them. But if the leader wanted to, say, move camp to a different location, the family leaders would choose to let the whole clan vote, and so on. Some family leaders may believe an issue is best voted upon by them, others believe it is best voted upon by the clan. Often there is a vote to decide who is to vote.
Medicine Cat: The medicine cat position is a very valued one in the clan. They are considered very wise, and are expected to be like the leader in the way that they represent the values of all the families. The medicine cat is also expected to be extremely fair, the peacemaker in the clan if needed and offering the most unbiased opinions. They oversee any voting between the family leaders and the clan leader, though they themselves are not allowed to vote. Except in special circumstances, such as impeachment or if a cat is missing or unable to participate due to sickness, injury, etc. Along with this, they are the recognized healer of the clan. More often than not they are close with the leader, as both are expected to communicate with the ancestors in the Sacred Hollow frequently. The medicine cat is usually the leader's right paw cat, offering their impartial and reasonable advice if the leader needs it. In special cases it is the medicine cat's job to decide whether or not a cat should still be allowed to vote. This is most commonly used for very sick cats and elders who cannot make very good decisions anymore.
Medicine Cat Apprentices: When it comes time for a new medicine cat apprentice, there are three cats that are chosen. All three are trained in the way of a warrior as well as the healing of a medicine cat. Cats are usually chosen before they become apprentices, and it is announced when they become one. But it is not uncommon for a cat who has already started on their apprenticeship journey to be chosen. Already named warriors are rarely if ever chosen. Each of the apprentices would be trained for a minimum of six moons, or longer as they have to juggle two trainings. When the medicine cat deems them all skilled enough, their trial to find who becomes the final medicine cat apprentice begins. Trials usually occur in greenleaf or early leaffall, for the herb gathering aspects of the assessment. The assessment usually takes a number of days.
There are three aspects of the assessment.
- Healing; in which the apprentice is tested both in memory of herbs and their application. They are asked what a number of random herbs do, and then given a theoretical injury to treat. They may also be asked to treat a real ailment, if there are any cats who have things to be treated.
- Herb gathering; in which the apprentices are told a list of herbs to collect and sent off into the territory to find them. They are judged on speed, as well as accuracy of which herbs they collected. Gathering the wrong herb is big minus points. A medicine cat must know their territory well, and where to gather each herb in an emergency. They must also not forget which herbs they are supposed to gather.
- Connection with the Goddess. The medicine cat and/or leader guides a medicine cat apprentice through a dream, and tests how well they can communicate with the Goddess and their ancestors. Medicine cats must be able to interpret prophecies and speak with the spirits in times of need, so a deep connection is essential.
All other roles and ranks are almost identical to those listed in the books. Kits and apprentices, including medicine cat apprentices, may not vote.
Huge thanks to Fen for helping with writing parts of the lore as well as the rest of the Beta Testers for contributing to lore <3