[ Update 3 is at the bottom - names ] [ tw, mention of cannibalism ] Hey there y'all, haven't posted in a while I know...... I'll be getting y'all some art soon, mainly of some npcs and possible roleplay characters for a roleplay/comic I'm thinking of starting!! I'll randomly add to this and reshare it when I do, but for now, here. Main idea: After a very bad famine wiped out almost the entirety of the clans, a stranger entered the small territory of what cats still remained. A stranger wearing a mask of bone and plants, a mask they only wear when not around his society. He is known as the Harrower, although his real name is a mystery to most. He spoke of a prophecy, one that would save the last remaining cats. A prophecy that the medics hadn't seen, a prophecy shared only with the crown. Top Harrower ~ Pendragon (the og) Harrower of the Trial ~ Mitsoku Vishier ~ Rebyll Harrower of the Army ~ Sylven Vishier ~ Sawtooth Harrower of the Remedy ~ Hawkfoot Vishier ~ Marigold Harrower of the Feast ~ Eclipse Vishier ~ Warren Each branch is called a Court(Court of Trial, Remedy, Army, Feast), and each branch has a Harrower and a Vishier. The Top Harrower gives instructions to all the Sub-Harrowers. Sub-Harrowers instruct and are advised by their Vishiers. Vishiers are even in standing with Heirs, which are normally the eldest or firstborn child, but on rare occasions can be a different kit that shows a high aptitude for that Court. Mating between Courts is forbidden to keep bloodlines strong. There is an exception to this rule, which is when a cat requests to leave their Court and travel to another. To do so, they must go through a set of tests determined by the Harrower of the Court they wish to join to ensure they have the skills required. Cats outside of the Courts are permitted to join, they must also complete and pass the tests. Names are not strict. Most will have nature-based names, although some cats will have other names that they have learned from traveling. Some names are strictly forbidden, ask for that list. There is a hierarchy within each Court, and that will be shared one I have it fully fleshed out. Ex-clan cats are permitted to keep their names, although it is more common for them to change and match the group. Names are recommended to relate(somewhat) to their Court name or use, although not required. "Apprentices" are called Hyles, "kits" are called Hycs, and "warriors" are Hylemes. To become a Hyle, Hycs must pass a basic aptitude test. If they fail, they may take it again in a moon. 3 fails = disgraced (filitymes) The same is done for Hyles to Hylemes, although 2 moons are required between each attempt. Filitymes(Filis) are cats who have fallen out of the favor of the Courts. These cats are often used as fodder or a front line when fighting, or as food during a famine(yes these cats will sometimes cannibalize). If a Filityme is sheltered or assisted by another cat, that cat will also become a Filityme. Filitymes are required to hunt for their own food, not allowed to eat with the rest of the Court. This is considered the highest dishonor. The privledge of a second name (suffix) is an option given /only/ to cats that reach the rank of Deputy or Harrower. Suffixes are normally hyphenated into the name (Silver-spring) or are added on to create something new (mourning+dove=mourningdove) Harrowers and Vishiers are also given the chance to /change/ their name instead of adding a second name. Please note that name changes are required to be approved by Pendragon(or the current Top Harrower) When selecting a secondary name, the name should relate to either the prefix(primary name) or to the actions of the cat. If you need ideas for names, Pendragon will often select names if a cat wants a secondary and can't think of one. Suffixes should never be a word completely different from the cat or prefix Secondary names are used when formally announcing oneself, but the Primary name is what is used for normal cases.
