Valley of the Wing is a literate feral cat Play-by-Post RPG based on the series of novels, titled "Warriors", by Erin Hunter. This RPG features feral cats that live in Clans and Guilds, as well as lone cats (Loners) and housecats (Kittypets). For more information on these terms, please visit Ranks and Warrior Terms.
In this particular RPG, we focus on a parallel group of Clan cats and their Guild counterparts, as well as some Loners (Kittypets play only a very minor role in the RPG). They are not related by any means to the original Clans except for the belief system and hierarchy. We have our own history, our own territory, and our own plot -- thus no spoilers for eager readers. Even so, we encourage you to read the first series of the "Warriors" novels to gain a deeper insight to the traditions of the Clan.
We are one of the few RPGs that present two points of view on the same subject matter, and one of the even fewer that incorporates real-life events into fantasy. Even if you would not join us, please do take a look around the site and leave comments, so that we know how to improve.
StarClan wishes you a safe journey.
UPDATES:
25 Apr 2008--
Gathering concluded... Wow, one-month-long!
Hotspots STILL up for grabs. POST, PEOPLE! D<
If you happen to have edited your biographies, please kindly reply to your thread saying you've edited it so that I know -- the topic doesn't show if you just modify it.
Joined: Feb 2008 Gender: Female Posts: 174 Location: Kaitos' Dungeon -- No entry
Ranks and Warrior Terms « Thread Started on Feb 23, 2008, 7:37am »
Clan Ranks:
Leader -- The feline who has the last say in everything. This cat is the head of the Clan, and without him/her, the Clan cannot function. S/He has nine lives, which are granted by StarClan, and therefore can live for quite some time longer than the usual cats. S/He is also in charge of Ceremonies, appointing of positions, making important decisions and assessing apprentices.
Deputy -- The "right-paw cat" of the leader. S/He takes over temporarily when the leader is away, and would succeed him/her if s/he dies or is overthrown. This cat is often very much trusted by the leader, and usually previously a senior warrior. S/He assigns patrols and overlooks the more trivial matters of the Clan, and therefore is very dependable.
Medicine Cat -- The sole link between StarClan and the earthen Clans. S/He is allowed to travel on other Clans' grounds without being challenged, for s/he is an ambassador of peace and friendship. The medicine cat bonds the Clans together in tough times and would give a helping paw to any cat in need. They are often not skilled in battles, but can heal almost any wound or illness with their herbs and share tongues with StarClan.
Medicine Cat Apprentice -- The next medicine cat for the Clan, s/he undergoes training fit for a healer and a shaman. This cat does not have to become a medicine cat at 15 moons, and the previous medicine cat does not have to pass away for him/her to rise to the new position. There can be at most three medicine cats/apprentices at one time. This cat is usually identified by his/her ability to talk with StarClan, organise things, remain cool in chaotic situations, and to face wounds boldly. S/He must also be compassionate.
Senior Warriors -- Respected warriors who have served the Clan for many moons, but are still not retiring to elders yet. They can be anywhere from 50 moons to 120 moons, and are viewed with much respect by the other Clan cats. The group of senior warriors take over if the leader and deputy are both gone. They usually train difficult apprentices rather than leave the job to the warriors.
Warriors -- The bulk of the Clan, they make up the fighting force. They are more than 15 moons of age, and must have passed the apprentice assessment. They patrol the borders and capture prey for the other Clan cats who are unable to do so for themselves, and look to their leader and deputy for advice. Would become senior warriors if they serve the Clan well.
Queens -- She-cats who are late into pregnancy or are nursing kits. They stay in the Nursery most of the time and are not required to hunt for themselves. They remain queens until the kits are apprenticed, and by then they would resume their normal duties as warriors/deputy/leader.
Apprentices -- Young cats between 6 and 15 moons of age, learning necessary survival skills. They are mentored by warriors, who teach them about everything regarding life in the Clan. They often join patrols to learn the territory. They are not allowed to hunt on their own or to leave camp alone unless they are being assessed by their mentor and leader. The assessment comes usually at the 14th moon.
Kits -- Very young cats, not yet 6 moons old. They are not even allowed to wander around the camp, and are barred inside the Nursery. The queens care for them in this period. Kits are very likely to die, sadly, and thus they are often kept watched all day long to make sure they do not come to any harm. They are also the only ones stricken by whitecough.
Elders -- Elders are grumpy old cats who have served their Clan for most of their lives and are now retiring in peace. They often change their names due to important events taking place in the course of their lives, like losing an ear or a claw.
Guild Ranks:
The Chosen -- The Guildmaster, in other words. S/He dominates over the Guild and overlooks its well-being, making sure no harm comes to it. S/He is granted nine lives by the goddess Silversmoke. When s/he dies, a new Chosen would be picked and his/her name sent to the Wise. The Wise would then train the new Chosen and hide him deep in the Catacombs, along with the other Legends. The Chosen is a very secretive cat, you could say.
The Brave -- A cat that shows astounding courage -- true courage, not foolish bravery -- would be chosen to become this Legend. This cat is granted three lives by the god Pyrros.
The Fast -- A cat who is swift-footed and fast in thinking. S/he is granted three lives by Swift.
The Silent -- Thilde gives this cat, who speaks only when needed and with actions rather than words, three lives to help him/her serve the Guild better.
The Wise -- A cat with great wisdom and foresight is chosen for this task. Silversmoke herself grants this cat three lives.
Members -- The members of the Guild. Equivalent to warriors.
Joined: Feb 2008 Gender: Female Posts: 174 Location: Kaitos' Dungeon -- No entry
Re: Ranks and Warrior Terms « Reply #1 on Feb 24, 2008, 3:19am »
Loner -- A cat who is non-hostile, does not live in a Clan or groups of any kind, and is not a Kittypet. Usually not actively kept out of the Clan grounds, but not very welcome either.
Rogue -- A cat who is often anti-Clan, but does not necessarily have to be. Made up of alleycats, exiled Clan cats, runaway Kittypets and others. May congregate in large rogue gangs.
Kittypet -- Owned by a Twoleg. Not necessarily soft and weak, but usually so. Despised by Clan cats for their softness and dependency on Twolegs.
Fresh-kill -- Prey
Crowfood -- Decaying prey. Also used to address cats that one loathes or enemies. Possible uses are "You'll be crowfood if you come any closer" or "Stay away, crowfood! We don't want you here!"
Gathering -- A time when Clans come together in peace and discuss matters.
Sharing tongues -- A past-time for cats: they clean each others' pelts and share what news they've learnt of during the day. Also used when cats meet StarClanners.
Mousebrain -- A term used to address a cat who has done something foolish. Usually used by cats close to each other.
Bossy furball -- Must I explain? X3 Usually used by young cats addressing elders behind said elders' backs.
Mousedung -- Swear term used by warriors. Mild.
Foxdung -- Swear term. Not as mild as mousedung.
Beetlebrains -- Used by cats close to each other. Has the same meaning as Mousebrain, but milder.
Tail-length -- The length of, obviously, a tail. Usually meaning that of a cat.
Fox-length -- Disputed meaning. Taken to be the length of a fox's body in this RPG.
Kit-step -- The step of a kit; used for extremely small measurements.
Mouselength -- The length of a mouse's body, tail included.
"By StarClan!" -- A swear term used by exasperated cats. Usually followed by a sentence describing the action said cats are going to do.
"StarClan guide your paws/light your way." -- Well-wishing for cats about to leave on a journey.
Patrol -- A group of three to five cats. Can be divided into Border Patrol, Hunting Patrol and Search Patrol.
Border Patrol -- A patrol that goes around the borders and reinforce them.
Hunting Patrol -- A patrol that brings fresh-kill back to camp.
Search Patrol -- Sent only when sniffing out a certain object/cat.