Introducing the Dawnclan deputies versus the Duskclan senior warriors council!
The deputy system works differently in each clan from each other and from Warriors canon, so I’ll include a bit of context (and some introductions to these characters) below.
(thanks to @nanistar who I adopted Windwhispers design from, isn’t she pretty??)
Dawnclan:
Three deputies are chosen upon the election of a new leader; one chosen by the leader, one chosen by the clans elders and one chosen by the healers. Deputies manage patrols, camp upkeep and oversee training between themselves. If a deputy retires or dies they may choose and train their replacement, otherwise the two remaining deputies will decide for them. When the leader dies/retires the new leader is voted for by any fully named warrior/healer from the pool of deputies. The current deputies include:
Windwhisper, the youngest deputy (35 moons), a social she-cat who likes to stay current with clan gossip/news which informs her decisions as a deputy. She primarily organises hunting and border patrols.
Morningstorm, the oldest deputy (108 moons), who was Magpiestars controversial choice of deputy upon her election (because he killed Burningstar, the previous Duskclan leader, as he was healing). He is externally cold but is surprisingly patient in his role of overseeing apprentice training.
Drizzleleaf, the other one (57 moons), who was selected and trained by the deputy he replaced. They are known for being fidgety and awkward and feel like they have to compete with the younger Windwhisper to have enough cats to properly defend their clan. They are in charge of Dawnclan’s camp defenses.
Duskclan:
Since Duskclan’s leadership succession follows the line of clerics/healers, Duskclan lacks the traditional deputy role. Instead a group of senior warriors, known as the council, decide matters such as patrols, battle strategy and apprenticeships. This council selects their own replacements when a member retires/dies which needs to be approved by the leader. It’s common for the kits of council members to be mentored by other council members and later be selected for the position. The current members include:
Slugbelly, one of the kinder members but only when seperate from the rest. He’s known for his humour which is often given at the expense of others and for ultimately following the group consensus with little independent thought.
Willowwind, the only she cat of the group and one of the more senior warriors. She’s uptight and pedantic, almost obsessive over following the clans rules and traditions. As a young warrior she discovered her kin in a cross clan relationship that bore a kit; not wishing to shame her family she kept the secret and the kit was raised in Dawnclan. She’s never been able to look at Windwhisper in the eye since.
Stoatbite, the oldest member with the most power over decisions. He’s incredibly experienced, particularly in battle and has a strong distrust of cats outside of Duskclan, as well as being known for his recklessness and arrogance.
Thunderclaw, a generically xenophobic older warrior who is strict and severe, believing of the effectiveness of “tough love” which he extends to his kits. Ironically he gained his position entirely though nepotism and has experienced little in terms of severe hardship.
Dappledshade, the newest and youngest council member. He considers it an honour to be included with his young age and although he has some discomfort with the views of the other members he lacks the backbone to stand up to them. Well liked and popular amongst other young warriors and is a bit of a player.
Finally finished off a sketch of Dawnclan's camp! Took me a little while to think of something fitting but I think this works :)
Dawnclan's camp is situated in the foothills at the base of Sleettop mountain, some considerable distance from the rivers marking the edge of their territory. The camp is based near the edge of a collection of thermal pools that provide warmth in the otherwise sparse landscape.
The main den, where the whole of the clan sleeps is situated in a cave in the side of the mountain. It looks out eastwards towards the rising sun over the sea. Moss, wool and downy feathers are used to cushion nests between the rocks and further into the dark of the cave glowworms adorn the ceiling, which the clan considers a sign of Starclan's prescence.
A ridge formed by mountainous rock forms a high advantage point for the leader to host meetings and overlook the activity of the clan. The healer's den (not pictured) is situated in a large hollow log resting by/over the edge of the pools, although it is only used for sleep when a cat has a contagious sickness or is gravely ill/injured.
Wild boar, as well as stray cats, are known to occasionally threaten clan life; to combat this the far edge of camp towards the sea is protected by sharp rocks and thistle that grows between them in an attempt to deter any invaders.
**just a quick disclaimer for this one lmao, this isn't supposed to be at all an accurate representation of NZ 's environment or how these things occur realistically. I'm just blending together a mix of natural features from NZ I really enjoy to make a cool setting. Just thought I'd chuck this here since I really don't know how geothermal pools work :)
It's Dawnclan's time! This one's even longer than the last since I've thrown in some brief descriptions of each healer.
Locations:
-Healer's Pool: The pool is a shallow thermal pool that's situated near the main cave den. A dead hollow tree stretches over the pool that acts as a herb storage. Cats with contagious sicknesses or that are close to death will sleep in the shelter of the shrubs near the pool with a healer stationed to watch them.
-Moon Peak: The peak of Sleettop mountain has been Dawnclan's place of worship since they moved further into mountainous territory at the start of Magpiestar's leadership. Due to Dawnclan's belief system that all cats are equally connected to Starclan it's considered important that every cat visit the peak each season, bar kits and elders.
Healer:
Due to Dawnclan believing every cat has an equal connection to Starclan, Dawnclan’s healers are not clerics and their role is solely based in healing through the knowledge of medicinal herbs. Dawnclan has multiple roles associated with the healer title and many more Healers than Duskclan as Dawnclan has a much more tumultuous/less sheltered territory resulting in more injuries and illnesses.
-Primary: The primary healer is the most important role that looks after the more serious injuries, prescribes care and sometimes will delegate tasks to the other roles. They will also help oversee the training of healer apprentices. This is typically the healer with the most experience.
Current Primary: Ramwhisker, the third oldest cat and most experienced healer in the clans. Crass sense of humour but has gained patience and kindness with age.
-Secondarys: Secondary healers look after smaller injuries, assist the primary healer and check up on the health of elderly and sick cats and nursing queens. When the primary healer retires or dies they are succeeded by one of the secondary healers. There are typically 2-3 secondary healers.
Current Secondarys: Pinepelt is an older healer that taught Wrenwing and Wiltedrose and hopes to succeed Ramwhisker when he retires. A known source of gossip she hears from elders and queens. Wrenwing is Ramwhisker's niece although their relationship has been strained since her son died from illness under his care. Scarily efficient in her work.
-Gatherer: Gatherers, or gathering healers maintain the herb storage, gathering fresh herbs from the territory, organising and disposing of herbs when appropriate. There is typically one gathering healer.
Current Gatherer: Wiltedrose, a moody anti-social that spends most time away from camp on account of his role.
-Instructor: Instructing healers are secondary or gathering healers with the additional role of teaching warrior apprentices basic herb lore and other healing knowledge as well as the bulk of teaching the apprentice healer.
Current Instructor: Figheart, a natural teacher with a relaxed and friendly disposition that gets on well with everyone although they freeze and panic under intensely stressful circumstances.
-Apprentice: Apprentice healers are cats training to take one of the other roles. They receive a basic training in all roles before deciding which role they would like to fulfill. During their apprenticeships they spend most time assisting the other healers in various tasks.
Current Apprentice: Wrenwing's son Tumblepaw, a clumsy and irritable tom that often makes a mess out of simple tasks. Frustrated by his inabilities and his parents overbearing behaviour.
