09.30.2019 → There has been some exciting changes on CD lately! We've added a new monarchy to the groups of cats on the islands, as well as restructured the boards a bit to allow for some space - thus, redrawing the map! We've also promoted Nifty to Global Mod! There are some auditions open right now for JungleClan Deputy as well as for all of the new Kingdom of Mokuhau high ranks - Artemis
09.12.2019 → Unfortunately Elaedria is stepping down as administrator due to life being too busy to keep up! The site will be going through some restructuring in high ranks as well due to this. Effective immediately, the word count is now 100 minimum. Some more changes will be coming in the future - members have been emailed a survey to help us figure out what to change and how to get better. Thanks for your patience! - Artemis
WEATHER
Year 55, Scorching Sands 09.05.2019 → The temperatures of the islands are a steady 98° F on land/ high 80s in water. There is almost no breeze, the sun is uncomfortably warm.
Prey during the day is pretty scarce due to the heat, however is quite active after the sun goes down.
Lost in the dense jungles of scattered islands, facing perils unimagined by their ancestors, are three warrior groups - The traditional JungleClan, descendants of the original clans carried aboard a twoleg contraption from their home long ago and breaking new ground on old beliefs. Second, the curious TidalClan, made up of kittypets who chose to abandon their long since passed twoleg civilization ways for those of true felines. Lastly, the mysterious Tribe of Twisted Roots, hidden in the mist from others with their strange ways and a deeper knowledge of the land around them. Together they must learn how to take their fate into their own paws if they wish to survive this land of erupting mountains and roaring waters.
Join our crew and dive into an island-based Warriors roleplay - a twist on the original series by Erin Hunter. We are a semi-literate site with a minimum of 100 words per post.
When it is time for another cat to take on the mantle of Leader of JungleClan, there are a few steps they must take. First, the fallen leader must be properly recognized as dead, through a night-long vigil held by the up and coming leader and any other cats close to the fallen. On the morning of the vigil, the leader-to-be will ascend the mountain and enter into the Cave of Twinkling Stars alongside the current medicine cat. Within the cave, the leader-to-be will ingest one of the many glow worms within the cave, and fall into a deep slumber that lasts three days. They will gain one life a day (totalling to three) from StarClan. If this ceremony is interrupted in any way, they may not obtain all of their lives. During this time, the medicine cat will sit vigil outside the cave, only leaving to hunt for food if necessary, though it is advised that a patrol is sent to fulfill this need. Once the new leader has awoken from their three-day long slumber, the medicine cat will escort them back to camp and announce them as the new leader. “After undergoing a three day long trial under the paws of StarClan to prove their worth, (Insert name) has earned the title of Insertnamestar. May their reign be (insert blessing here)!”
Deputy Ceremony
When a new deputy is ready to be selected, a two day festival will take place. During each day, a separate contest will be held - decided upon by the current leader. At the end of the second day, the new deputy will be chosen and announced to the Clan in a short ceremony held at the Rockpile.
“I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors (or former deputy name) may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of JungleClan is (warrior's name).”
Medicine Cat Ceremony
A medicine cat apprentice will be appointed to a full-fledged medicine cat when the current medicine cat of the Clan believes them to be ready. If there is no medicine cat to approve of this transition, it will be decided upon by the current leader in tandem with StarClan. The medicine cat apprentice will travel to the Cave of Twinkling Stars, where they will convene with StarClan. The following words are traditionally said, however the Medicine Cat: I, (name), medicine cat of JungleClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. (He/she) has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help (he/she) will serve (his/her) Clan for many moons. Medicine Cat: ___paw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life? Apprentice: I do. Medicine Cat: Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. ___paw, from this moment you will be known as (new name). StarClan honors your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of JungleClan. After this ceremony, they will each ingest a glow worm from the cave, and sleep beneath their light to confer with StarClan. In the event of there being no medicine cat to speak the words, this ceremony can be done by members of StarClan.
Medicine Cat Apprentice Ceremony
Once a cat has been chosen to become a medicine cat apprentice, they will journey to the Cave of Twinkling Stars and the following words are traditionally said: Medicine cat: (Apprentice), is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a medicine cat? Apprentice: It is. Medicine cat: Then come forward. Medicine cat: Warriors of StarClan, I present you with this apprentice. They chosen the path of a medicine cat. Grant them your wisdom and insight so that they may understand your ways and heal their Clan in accordance with your will. Following this short ceremony, the two will eat the glow worms along the cave wall, and rest beneath their light to confer with StarClan.
Warrior Ceremony
An apprentice is deemed worthy of becoming a warrior after completing a trial set by their mentor and being reviewed by the leader and/or deputy of the Clan. The following words are traditionally said before the Clan in a meeting held at the Rockpile to appoint the new warrior(s). Leader: I, (Leader), leader of JungleClan, 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. Leader: (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life? Apprentice: I do. Leader: Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. (Apprentice), from this moment on you will be known as (new warrior name). StarClan honors your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full warrior of JungleClan.
Apprentice Ceremony
When a kit comes of age to become an apprentice, the following words are traditionally spoken at the Rockpile: Leader: (Kit), you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as (new name, ending with "paw"). Your mentor will be (name of warrior or medicine cat). I hope (name of warrior or medicine cat) will pass down all he/she knows on to you. The leader calls up the warrior he/she has chosen as a mentor. Leader: (Warrior), you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from (former mentor), and you have shown yourself to be (quality) and (quality). You will be the mentor of (apprentice), and I expect you to pass on all you know to (apprentice).
Elder Ceremony
When a cat is ready to retire to the Elder’s den for any reason, the following words are traditionally spoken at the Rockpile: Leader: (Warrior/queen/medicine cat), is it your wish to give up the name of a warrior and go to join the elders? Warrior/queen/medicine cat: It is. Leader: Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest.
TidalClan is unique in their ceremonies, but have adapted them a little to have a similar structure as JungleClan's. That being said, there are some large differences especially in how ranks are appointed.
Once a Chief dies, the law is that the Deputy is to take their place at the head of the clan. The ritual to become the next chief is a bit of a test of strength and courage, as it requires sacrificing yourself to the God of Shrieking Storms to prove your worthiness. This sacrifice includes being drowned by the Healer off of the Drowning Dock reciting the sacred words. The chosen chief will be drowned and brought back to life by the healer, and once they are revived they are given their three lives. However, some do not survive this ceremony. If a chosen chief is not able to be resuscitated by the healer, it is a sign from the God of Shrieking Storms that they were not worthy and the clan holds an election within one evening to determine the next chosen chief.
Healer: “Bless this disciple with the strength of Shrieking Storms. Should they not be worthy of your gift, take them as an offering so that the rightful chief may lead TidalClan.” Deputy/Chosen Chief: “I give myself to the ocean so the God of Shrieking Storms may bless my path. May what is drowned shall once more walk upon the sands.”
If the ceremony is successful, the Healer: “The drowned has risen again, may their strength and courage lead us forward.”
If the ceremony is not successful, the Healer: “The God of Shrieking Storms has spoken. May TidalClan thank (insert deputy/chosen chief name) for their sacrifice to the Gods on behalf of the clan, their courage shall never be forgotten. The election shall commence one evening from now.”
Deputy Ceremony
The deputy is chosen by the chief solely. Deputies are usually chosen from senior Fighters and must be able to prove themselves worthy to one day lead the clan. To prove that they are worthy and become deputy, the chosen cat must complete a quest that is given to them by the chief. This quest is unique to the cat and usually tests a weakness they have as determined by the chief. This is so the chosen deputy can prove that they can overcome anything to serve their clan. Should the quest be completed, the chief proceeds with the deputy naming ceremony.
Upon successful completion of the quest, the Leader: “I say these words so that the three Gods of our Island may approve of my choice. You have completed the quest to overcome (insert weakness here). May the Gods bless your path as you walk along the sands.”
Healer Ceremony
A healer is chosen at a young age after being carefully watched. They are selected when they display a keen interest in healing techniques or have a knowledge of plants. Generally the Healer that is currently serving the clan chooses their apprentice, but sometimes the Chief may give their thoughts on the candidate.
When it is time for the apprentice to move into a full Healer position there is a special ceremony. The Chief gathers the clan for a meeting and speaks the sacred words. “You have completed the trials and tribulations of training as a Healer. Your destiny is to serve TidalClan, and the time has come. May the God of Shrieking Storms bless your path and give you strength.”
Healer Apprentice Ceremony
The apprentice is chosen by the Healer and or the Chief. Generally they are handpicked for the position and once selected begin rigorous training. Healer apprentices do not have time for much else but their training and are encouraged to put aside family and friendships to serve the clan.
Once the chosen apprentice has been selected the clan is gathered and they are given their title by the Healer (or the Chief in the event there is no Healer for some reason). “We call upon the God of Shrieking Storms today to offer (name) as the new Healer apprentice. They have taken on the heavy burden of sacrificing their destiny to the duty of the clan. Thank you for your sacrifice.”
Fighter Ceremony
When a Fledgling is of age to serve the clan as a Fighter, there is a brief ceremony thanking them for their training and continued service to the clan. The Chief will call the clan together and give the Fledgling their Fighter name.
“I, (Chief name), call upon the three Gods to bless this Fledgling. They have trained hard to earn their Fighter name. (Fledgling), do you promise to serve and protect your clan, even if it may come at the sacrifice of your own life?”
Fledgling Ceremony
When a Kit is of age to become a Fledgling and begin training, there is a brief ceremony.
“(Kit), you have reached the chosen age, and it is time for you to become a Fledgling. Your mentor will be (name of cat). (mentor name) is an honourable member of TidalClan and I know they will pass along the necessary skills for you to become a Fighter. You shall be known as (Fledgling name) from now on.”
Elder Ceremony
Once a Fighter has reached an age where they can not serve their clan in the fully capacity they retire and are protected by the rest of the clan. They are given excellent treatment as they dedicated their entire lives to the clan. A small ceremony is held to publicly thank the elders for their service.
“Thank you, (name), for serving TidalClan and the three Gods. We thank you for your service and hope you will continue to bestow your wisdom upon us.”
Clan Meeting
When the leader would like to hold a meeting they will do a call to the clan. "Gather all who are old enough to catch their own prey for a clan meeting!"
Upon the death of the Commander, the Quartermaster and a patrol of trustworthy witnesses including the current Witch will travel to the base of Firebelly Mountain. There any cat wishing to challenge for the position of commander may do so. The Quartermaster must then spar with this challenger to prove their worth. If the Quartermaster falls in battle the winning challenger will instead ascend to Commander and decide the fate of the defeated feline. However, challenges are rare and typically the Quartermaster ascends to Commander with no complaints. Once a cat is chosen to ascend to Commander, they must then climb the Firebelly Mountain and peer into its depths to commune with their Island Gods and receive their lives. Upon their return to the Tribe, it is the Witch’s duty to announce them to the rest of the Tribe with the words:
“[Commander name] has answered the challenge and returns to the Tribe of Twisted Roots with the blessings of the Gods of Life, Water, and Death. May their leadership be as strong as those who came before them.”
Quartermaster Ceremony
Once the new Commander has been established, a Quartermaster must be chosen as soon as possible. After a return to camp, three experienced navigators will be chosen by the Commander as worthy candidates for succession. A battle between the three is initiated, and the last one standing will be crowned the new Quartermaster. Though not required to fight to the death, it is not unheard of for combatants to receive injuries or worse during the altercation.
Witch Ceremony
Witches are often regarded as some of the more mysterious members of the Tribe due to their shared connection with the Gods. Their training may be longer than that of a regular Swabbie; any littermates may be a Navigator for several moons before their sibling becomes a full Witch. Once training is completed, however, the ceremony commences much as their apprenticeship one did - at the base of Firebelly mountain, with their mentor speaking the words:
“[Swabbie name here], you have completed your training in both healing and interpretation of the dreams the Gods bless you with. From this day forward, the Gods of Life, Water, and Death recognize you as a Witch.”
Witch Swabbie Ceremony
Witch swabbie are not chosen by any living feline. Instead, the Tenderfoot who will follow in the Witch’s pawsteps will receive dreams unlike those of their littermates, being more prophetic in nature. The Witch will be informed by the Gods as well, and will then in turn select the Tenderfoot to train under them rather than allow them to become a Navigator Swabbie. The ceremony to become a Witch’s swabbie takes place at the foot of Firebelly mountain, where the Witch speaks the words
“[Tenderfoot name here], you have been chosen by the Gods to serve the Tribe as both a healer and bringer of omens. May they walk in your dreams for all your days.”
Navigator Ceremony
Once a Swabbie has endured the Trial of the Island of Shadows (Surviving a night alone on the forbidden territory), they have proven themselves worthy to become a Navigator. They shall sit beneath the Root Cluster with their Navigator as witness as the Commander speaks the words:
“Gods of Life, Death, and Water, hear my decree. [Name of Swabbie] is declared worthy in your eyes, and vows to serve the Tribe of Twisted Roots in honor of you for the rest of their days.”
Upon completion of these words, a Swabbie must then “make their mark” - Scratch the roots of the cluster to signify leaving one stage of life for another.
Swabbie Ceremony
Tenderfoots leaving the nursery to join the ranks of the Swabbies is no small feat. It is an important stage of life where the Gods officially “recognize” the life of the youngest and, as such, much be acknowledged. When a litter is ready, they will gather beneath the Root Cluster and be assigned a Navigator by the Commander with these words,
“Until they are ready to join the Navigators, [Tenderfoot name] will learn the ways of our Tribe from [Navigator’s name]. May the Gods of Life, Water, and Death guide your path, little one.”
The Tenderfoot will leave their litter to sit by their Navigator in the crowd once the words are spoken, effectively finishing the ceremony.
Guide Ceremony
After many moons of serving, the few cats of the Tribe lucky enough to reach Guide status must be recognized. If one decides to retire, Gods willing, a celebration will be thrown in their honor the eve of retirement where the Tribe both feasts and regales each other with stories and tales of the elderly feline’s achievements.
Tribe Meeting
Should a Commander need to speak with the Tribe, he will summon them from the top of the Root Cluster with these words, “Let all members recognized by the Gods gather to hear my words.”
