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SCRIBE

MarshClan Unique Rank | Multiple | art by @rainstride

Scribes are a small but incredibly vital group, specially trained from apprenticeship and tasked with the management of MarshClan’s ever-shifting territory. They are oftentimes the most agile, sure-footed, keen-eyed cats in the Clan, in addition to being skilled navigators, in order to survey the marshes swiftly and effectively. Though there is little restriction on who can train to be a scribe, the job is incredibly demanding and time-consuming, and it is not uncommon for cats who begin training as scribes to opt out to become warriors instead.

With the constant ebb and flow of the tides changing the territory daily, navigating it can be tricky even for experienced warriors. Scribes mitigate these challenges for their Clanmates by scouting the marshes and carving maps noting safe paths through. Scribes are typically the first cats awake and patrolling, particularly after storms or spring tides, when changes to the territory’s topography are the most drastic. They work closely with the Clan’s healers to monitor the growth of herbs, and are often the first to go to work constructing things to divert water flow away from vital areas. Salt marshes can be a harsh environment for many plants and animals, but scribes work to ensure both that the territory stays stable enough to provide for MarshClan’s needs, and that MarshClan doesn’t damage the ecosystem they live in. Scribes act as an advising council to the Clan’s leader and deputy on many internal affairs, and hold the collective ability to veto some decisions if they believe it will threaten the balance of the marshes’ ecosystem.

A scribe’s work seems to never be finished, but by working as a team, they ensure MarshClan’s prosperity – and make sure everyone gets time to rest. Though their skills are most frequently put to use in their jobs, many scribes have artistic and curious spirits, finding joy in learning about the natural world, and in the acts of carving or crafting – form and function should coexist!

HEALERS & SPIRITUALITY – MARSHCLAN

As with many things in MarshClan, devoutness or spiritual belief is largely down to the individual. Personal practice may involve cats volunteering to help out the Clan’s healers, or simply finding a place in the territory that facilitates feeling close to one’s ancestors. Though MarshClan cats do not see water itself as inherently spiritual, finding a reflection of the stars in the waters of the marshes often symbolizes StarClan being nearer to the living. Placing trinkets or tributes into still, reflective water is common – if they can be given to StarClan’s reflection, perhaps reflections of those offerings will reach the stars proper, too.

While the core beliefs of any cat who believes or was raised around belief in StarClan will have commonalities, spirituality as a whole tends to be something private. Even healers largely keep their trips to the Tidefall and communications with StarClan to themselves, unless they’ve received some urgent prophecy. StarClan’s warnings are taken seriously, but cats do not necessarily rely on their ancestors for guidance, and they certainly don’t wait for permission from the dead to take action. While MarshClan healers are trained to recognize signs from StarClan and interpret the prophecies StarClan passes along, they are generally far more focused on the medicinal aspect of their job. They work closely with the Clan’s scribes to monitor and cultivate the territory’s herb supply, and work hard to ensure the health of their Clanmates, with a particular focus on preventive medicine and safety unique to MarshClan. A healer’s duty is always, first and foremost, healing, and they are typically looked to for their knowledge of herbs more than as spiritual leaders.

[ art by @mudpool-art ]