── ⋅ ── Circle of Mentors The Circle of Mentors is a group of experienced clan cats trusted with teaching the next generation. While every warrior passes down knowledge in some way, mentors take on the responsibility of formally guiding apprentices through their journey to becoming full clan members. Unlike Envoys, the Circle of Mentors is not a permanent rank. It is a volunteer position that any eligible cat may take on, provided they are willing to teach and have the approval of their clan's leader. ── ⋅ ── What is the Circle of Mentors? The Circle of Mentors exists so that no apprentice learns from only one perspective. Instead of assigning a single lifelong mentor, apprentices are encouraged to train with several mentors throughout their apprenticeship. Every mentor specializes in something different: combat, hunting, history, blessings, survival, craftsmanship, diplomacy, or simply years of practical experience. This allows every apprentice's journey to be unique. No two warriors are trained exactly the same. ── ⋅ ── Becoming a Mentor Almost any adult clan cat can become part of the Council. ── Requirements A cat must: • Be 16 moons or older • Be in reasonably good standing within their clan • Have permission from their leader (or admin OORP) • Be willing to actively teach apprentices When creating a character, simply mention on your signup sheet that you'd like them to be a mentor, or ask your leader later if your character grows into the role. A cat may remain a mentor well into old age if they still wish to teach. ── ⋅ ── IRP Responsibilities Mentors help shape the future of their clan. Their responsibilities include: • Teaching apprentices hunting techniques • Combat training • Survival skills • Territory knowledge • Clan traditions and customs • Craftsmanship • Blessing control • Preparing apprentices for warrior life • Helping apprentices discover their own strengths ── ⋅ ── OORP Responsibilities Being a mentor is just as much about helping roleplayers as it is helping characters. Mentors are encouraged to: • Welcome newer members. • Help apprentices complete graduation requirements. • Create fun and engaging training roleplays. • Keep communication open with their apprentices. • Encourage character development rather than simply "checking boxes." ── ⋅ ── Apprentices Each apprentice is encouraged to build relationships with multiple mentors. Some may naturally connect with one mentor more than another, while others may seek out different mentors depending on what they're learning. For example: • One mentor may teach combat. • Another specializes in hunting. • Another knows nearly every legend the clan has ever told. • Another may excel at controlling blessings. Because of this, apprentices often become close with several members of the Council rather than relying entirely on one cat. ── ⋅ ── Graduation Apprentices do **not** automatically become warriors after reaching a certain age (although 16 is the most typical age, if you complete each of your 5 roleplays within 10 weeks). Instead, they graduate once they've demonstrated that they're ready. Requirements include: • Completing the required number of roleplay threads. • Participating in training with members of the Circle of Mentors. • Learning their clan's customs and traditions. • Demonstrating competency in hunting, combat, survival, teamwork, and their blessing. • Receiving approval from their clan's leader. ── ⋅ ── Mentor Specialties Not every mentor teaches the same things. Many naturally become known for particular skills. Some examples include: • Combat • Hunting • Fishing • Swimming • Climbing • Tracking • Craftsmanship • Blessing control • Survival • History & lore • Diplomacy • Herb identification • Cave navigation • Navigation by stars or rivers A mentor doesn't need to be an expert at everything, they simply share what they know best. ── ⋅ ── Expectations Mentors aren't expected to be available every day. Life comes first. However, mentors should try to: • Check in with apprentices occasionally. • Respond when they're able. • Communicate if they'll be inactive for a while. • Let a leader know if they can no longer mentor apprentices. If a mentor becomes inactive, apprentices may simply continue training with the rest of the Circle. No apprentice should ever be "stuck" waiting for a single person. ── ⋅ ── Working Together The Circle is exactly that - a circle. Mentors often teach together, assist one another during larger lessons, or invite another mentor to help explain a topic they know particularly well. Friendly disagreements over teaching methods are perfectly normal, but every mentor ultimately shares the same goal: Preparing the next generation to protect their clan.
