Don't mind me, just making a second Clan.
Secluded and forgotten, a crumbling, water and wind worn castle stands tall, nought a shadow of its original two-legged inhabitants left despite their past glory. Instead, a different, more furry group of creatures chose to make this limestone fortress home, even developing a system or rulers reminiscent to the humans' long ago - a royal family. The stone had protected the cats calling this place home for many generations, through peace and anarchy alike. Unfortunately, these cats have met their ends or fled to live like common loners out in the dangers of the woods generations prior. Nonetheless, the spirits of the olden proud felines still exist today and have managed to track down a couple of descendants to beckon back to their true home. A new royal pair first and foremost, thought by their ancestors this way of life since they were hardly able to walk firmly on their paws. And so starts a new tale and new glory days for the silent walls.
Traditions:
Naming of a new King/Queen: There is a celebration in the Grand Hall, and the Hunters are expected to supply a feast. It is considered polite to toss flowers at the new leader when they enter the hall. The new King/Queen will give a few words, which will followed by a night of feasting and celebration. It is time of joy for the Castle.
Birth of Royal Kits: When the kits are old enough (usually considered 2, sometimes 3 months of age), they will be lead down to Grand Hall, where they are showered with gifts and attention to celebrate the continuation of the Royal Family's bloodline. They will be given a suffix early, unlike most cats. They also have special prefixes only used among royals which are most commonly given.
Training young cats: When a cat reaches the age of seven months, he/she will be taken under the wing of either a Priest, a Herbalist, a Hunter, a Guard, or, considered a particular honour, a Royal Guard. They become this cat's apprentice, and the mentor is responsible for the young cat until he/she deems the apprentice ready. There isn't a set time length. It is simply a matter of when the mentor thinks there is nothing left to teach the apprentice.
Names: Cats are born with a prefix for their name (Leaf, Crow, Flame, etc.), and will earn a suffix (-nose, -claw, -fur, etc.) when they complete their apprenticeship. The suffix will be chosen by their mentors. Members of the Royal Family will sometimes accept a prefix from a mentor as well, but this is rather rare.
Finishing an Apprenticeship: When a mentor has decided that their apprentice is ready to finish their apprenticeship, a ceremony is held in the Grand Hall. The King and Queen observe the ceremony, but usually do not participate. The mentor gives a short speech and gives their apprentice a second part to their name. There isn't a strict script, but it is usually along the lines of "Today, (apprentice name) will become a (apprentice's new rank). (Apprentice's name), you have demonstrated (one or two strengths the apprentice has shown--this part is occasionally exaggerated) and for this reason I believe you are ready for your full name. From this day forward, you shall be known as (Apprentice's name with their new suffix)." Here the apprentice is expected to show gratitude and present their mentor with a gift as thanks for dedicating their time and energy to their training. Afterwards cats are expected to approach the former apprentice and use their new name in congratulating them. The apprentice's family and friends may also give small congratulatory gifts to them, but it is not required--it's simply a nice gesture.
Speaking to the Ancestors: When a cat needs guidance, they will generally go the Ancestor's Hall to ask a Priest to contact their deceased relatives and loved ones. Or they will simply go to pay their respects and ask for guidance on their own. Sometimes the Ancestor will speak directly to a cat without the aid of a Priest.
Courting: When a cat falls in love, it is typical for him/her to go the herbalists and ask for flowers to give to his/her crush, either in person or by anonymously leaving them in the crush's Resting Chamber. If the feelings are mutual, the cat will get flowers in return. Due to cats holding pride in their jobs, it is most common for cats to choose mates in their own clique.
Meal Times: There are two meal times in a day: one in morning, and one in the evening. It is not required to be present for both, but those are the only times one is allowed to eat. Preists and members of the Royal family get to eat first, and after that is first come, first serve. Everyone eats together in the Grand Hall, and if anyone is caught eating when it is not time for a meal, they will not be allowed to eat all for the following day.
Choosing mentors: Usually the parents will have their kits train in the same profession they have. The mentor is often also chosen by the parents, but some will allow their kits to choose their own mentors.
Arranged mates: This is most common among the Royal family where the King and Queen will choose mates for their kits, particularly the one that is expected to be heir. Among other residents of the castle, this is not quite as common, but it is not unusual for such a deal to occur between parents of kits of similar ages. Mates among 'commoners' are only ever arranged while they are kits.
Royal laws:
The King and the Queen are allowed to alter the laws at any time.
The heir must be a direct descendant of the King or Queen.
Murder is strictly forbidden. Only the King and Queen have the power to sentence a cat to execution. Murder in any other case is punishable by exile.
No one but the Royal Family and Royal guards is allowed to enter the Royal Tower.
Eating when it is not meal time is greedy and therefore forbidden. Any cat caught stealing from the Food Storage will not eat the following day.
Mentors are responsible for their apprentices. If the apprentice breaks any rules or is injured, the mentor is responsible and will face the consequences along with his/her apprentice.
Prey and predators
Prey found in the Hazard (the outside of the castle) includes: Mice, Birds,
Rabbits, Squirrels, Voles, Shrews, rats and Stoats. In times of famine, cats may go into the old dungeons to catch rats.
Predators that pose a threat to cats include: Predatory birds, snakes, foxes, more rare are wolves, owls may be a threat to kits in the Meadow (the courtyard), and there can be snakes.
Ranks:
King/Queen - These cats share equal power as the head of the cats of Limestone, like two leaders per se. They choose how they rule, but final say always goes to them. They do not have the -star suffix or multiple lives.
The Royal family - The elites in the castle, the royal family may include all relatives of the King and Queen, but they may also limit it to just their children or may shun some or all of their children, though this is bound to sow seeds of disloyalty that will undoubtedly sprout the danger of being overthrown and killed or exiled. Cats in this rank may have other jobs as well, but it is not a requirement.
They are favoured by the King and Queen and thus gain special privileges.
Royal Guards - The only ones other than the Royal family that may enter the Royal tower. They are tasked with protecting them and their quarters. Some royals may keep them close everywhere they go, but others may try to shoo them away instead, though with such a high position, it is best to have some to keep watch. The training to be a Royal guard takes the longest as they are highly skilled and may be called in to handle tough situations regular guards cannot. Usually an apprentice will graduate at about 2 years old or older, rarely does a royal guard graduate earlier.
Priests - These cats have a close connection with the spirits of ancestors and they usually spend their time in the Ancestors' Hall. They are highly respected and often the King and/or Queen will seek their guidance when a choice is to be made. Priests know many different rituals, including banishing lost spirits. They often use herbs to help lure spirits and thus they see meaning in certain plants. An apprentice usually becomes a full priest at around the age of 20-22 moons. Apprentices are advised to have their mentor there to help with rituals at all times as consequences can be great if mistakes are made. Even as full priests, cats may ask their former mentors for advice.
Herbalists - Herbalists are in charge of the Garden where they grow all sorts of herbs and flowers. They serve as healers or simply supply flowers for ceremonies or courting. Herbalists are often very prideful and protective of the Garden and do not hold back from leaving a few good scratches if someone does damage. Apprentices most often graduate at about 19-21 moons of age.
Guards - Guards are trained for combat. They are either stationed in the castle to protect certain places, may be assigned watch over certain cats outside the royal family if they seem like a threat or in danger or may go out into the Hazard to protect the hunters from predators. An apprentice will generally graduate at 18 moons of age.
Hunters - Hunters have a simple duty. They supply the castle with food during regular hunts. Out in the Hazard, they bring guards to help protect them from the dangers lurking behind every corner. Often times, they are not trained to fight. Apprentices for this position graduate the quickest at an average of 15-16 moons of age as hunters often learn from one another more than from a single cat and creativity is encouraged.
Mothers - Without mothers, the Clan would not survive, of course. They have their own separate quarters and are excused from duties until their kits are apprentices. They are not allowed to return earlier.
Kits - Kits stay under the care of their mother until they are ready to become apprentice at 7 moons of age. This is usually when marriages are arranged between parents, before they are allowed to be independent.
Apprentices - From 7 moons old, a kit will become an apprentice. Most often the choice of who and for what will train them rests on their parents, but some are more lax and allow their kits to choose.
Elders - A cat may retire whenever they wish, as long as they are at least 9 years old by then. They are permanently excused from their duties. Sadly, elders only hold importance to their family and friends. They are considered disposable and last in line for anything otherwise. As such, cats often times will refuse to leave their duties even as they grow old.
If possible, could I start with two cats (the king and the queen, though it's no big deal if not, I could just have them find one another after anyway). Thanks.