Post by InsidiousFlair on Jul 14, 2018 0:40:06 GMT
Other Rituals, Events, & Traditions
Clan Traditions
The Queen Superstition
During a queen's pregnancy, there is some superstition that, if she herself does not like you, neither will her kits. Because of this superstition, it is typical for cats - especially nervous apprentices - to bring prey, moss, and other gifts to queens as much as possible, so as to not risk the wrath of her kittens.
Senior Stories
Every other gathering, many cats try to reach the Gathering Cave early, so that they may listen to elders' stories in a connected, smaller cave. Elders who wish may tell one - relatively short, although no one will be stopping them - story. Apprentices will often be the main audience for these stories, although plenty of other cats drop in from time to time as well.
Friendly Competition
As apprentices approach their 11th moon, which is typically only one moon before becoming a warrior, the Clans hold a small competition. In these competitions, each of the apprentices nearing their last moon of training will hunt, spar, and practice their Clan-based skills to try to prove themselves to be the best of their group. At the end of each "competition," once the deputy deems that they have seen enough of their skills, the deputy will select one to three cats to be given additional training by them for the end of their apprenticeship. They will continue to be taught by their original mentor, but will also have the deputy as a secondary mentor. Being given this honor, while means for bragging, does not guarantee special positions such as the deputy spot later in life, but can mean the cat has higher chances for such roles. Regardless, the game is mostly for fun and to encourage apprentices to work their hardest. Deputies will sometimes help with apprentices' training whether they win these competitions or not. Competitions are only held when the deputy is willing and able and when there is a suitable number of apprentices nearing the moon of their assessment.