After half a year,
Haven Keepers Culture Post
[PT: Haven Keepers Culture Post]
Roles
[PT: Roles]
Warden - The group’s leader, the one meant to guide and protect the cats living under their care. While not gifted with nine lives like clan leaders, wardens are near constantly advised by their ancestors, some of whom have granted them gifts such as increased stamina, a stronger constitution, boosted speed in both running and swimming, faster healing times, and more. A warden’s duty is to protect, to be the guardian of others. Their gifts allow them to better withstand the storms and floods that frequent their territory, and they are meant to use them to keep the other keepers safe. Wardens have the strongest connection with the ancestors, but the ability to commune with them is not limited to just this role.
Council Members - A group made up of accomplished keepers who have proven time and again to be dedicated to others. The Council serves as the living advisors to the warden, ensuring they are not overwhelmed with responsibility while also keeping them in check. Alongside the warden, the council determines punishments for crimes, as well as granting final names to cats who complete their training, and determining which deeds are worthy of titles. All council members hold titles.
Herbalists - While every cat who was born in the haven has basic knowledge of herbs, herbalists are cats who have decided to dedicate their life to taking care of the living. Unlike with clans, herbalists are allowed to have families, mates, and kits, and there are no repercussions for doing so. To heal is to care, so why should a healer be limited in who they care for? Contrary to clerics, herbalists have no special connection with their ancestors, and most do not seek to foster one stronger than the rest of their fellow keepers. They serve the living, not the dead, so there is no point in reaching out to their ancestors for any reason except to have a conversation.
Sky Watchers - Sky Watchers are keepers who wish to take up the duty of watching for storms and floods, keeping others safe. Many youth who take pride in their perceptiveness or speed dream of being watchers when they finish their general training.
Guardians - Guardians are keepers who dedicate themselves to sustaining the haven in one way or another, be it by hunting for prey, reinforcing the camps, or being lookouts to prevent attacks. This role is often chosen by those who are restless, as guardians are almost never without something to do.
Caretakers - Caretakers are keepers who desire to watch over others without needing to learn advanced healing. These cats are almost always at the secondary camp, acting as parental figures for kits and companions for sages. Those who daydream about taking care of families and being surrounded by kits often choose to specialize as caretakers.
Keepers - A generic term for all fully trained members of the group, these cats are the lifeblood of the haven. All keepers have general knowledge in healing, hunting, fighting, and recognizing storms, and like every cat in the group, have a basic connection with the ancestors which they can foster.
Trainees - Young cats who have not yet fully experienced each season, not including their first six moons. For the first two seasons, they learn the basics from the entire group, mentored by any keepers willing to dedicate time to teach. After that, those who wish to specialize may spend more time shadowing in the role they wish to take up, while others continue to receive general training in all aspects of life.
Sages - Sages are cats who wish to retire from their position and spend their days resting. While they are usually elders, some may be cats that feel overwhelmed or exhausted by the full life of an active keeper. No matter their age, they are seen as knowledgeable, for they knew when to push past struggles and when they hit their limit. To become a sage is always a personal choice, with no cat being allowed to decide for another. Retiring to become a sage can be suggested, but in the end no one but the cat can choose when. Sages are still able to take part in same activities as keepers, but are not expected to spend as much time working as those without this role. A sage can choose to unretire and relinquish this role.
Beliefs
[PT: Beliefs]
The Haven Keepers believe that all who have passed on become a part of the natural world. The dead can choose their role, with many taking part in various facets of nature. Some are responsible for new life, cradling newborn animals and gently caring for plant sprouts. Others watch over the weather, running as wind and wave. Some take advantage of the safety granted by the afterlife, resting without fear of death. Many choose to guide their descendants, warning them of coming storms and floods and granting wardens their gifts. However, while the keepers respect the wisdom of their ancestors, they also acknowledge that they are flawed, and are no wiser by virtue of being dead.
Naming Conventions
[PT: Naming Conventions]
Each kitten is given the first part of their name, with many being granted names relating to the natural features around them. Those born in leafbare are commonly named things such as Snow and Ice, while those born in greenleaf are more likely to be named Rain and Thunder.
Once an apprentice becomes a keeper, they receive names that are likely to be based on their traits and goals, such as their talents, desires, or vibes. The suffix almost always implies action. Titles are almost always based on what the cat did to earn one.
Examples:
Wind - Hopebringer
Seed - Seedseeker - Seedseeker the Swift
Rain - Rainchaser - Stormcaller
Briar - Briarleap