The Support Roles and Honor Titles for the New Longstar AU
Historians are a dual-pronged role, often taken by Elders not ready to fully retire. They are mostly known for keeping accurate records of the Clans, though this may vary in accuracy and information. One Historian may focus more on births and deaths, while another only records the glories of battle. Their secondary role is to keep the Clan bloodlines from crossing over. If a Historian stops you from flirting, it’s most likely because you’re related to your crush. Or they think you’re being an idiot.
Every clan needs entertainment, and the Storykeeper is the go-to cat for that. Their stories are often drawn from histories, but may be entirely fictional, and may or may not have a moral. Storykeepers are called upon by queens and kings, Leaders and Elders, by just about every cat at least once in their lives. On cold Leafbare nights or sunny Newleaf mornings, a Storykeeper is a treasured part of the Clan.
A queen or king who have decided that their role lies in taking care of the next generation. Often being trained by Nursery Guards, they watch over kits of all kinds, whether their own or others. Oftentimes they will branch out into other roles, such as Historian, Storykeeper, Tactician, or Herbalist. Traditionally the role has only gone to queens, but occasionally a tom will become a king by choice.
Tacticians are the planners of the Clans. Whether it’s expanding a den, drawing out battle lines, or figuring out what to do with your day off, a Tactician is on the case. They look at a problem from every possible angle before putting out ideas. Often called upon by queens and kings to help their kits find the Role best suited for them.
The cleverest of paws and the artistic of minds become Crafters. They decorate the camp, often helping out Camp Guards, and see that their home is, well, homey. Crafters are called to help other cats decorate their fur, for everyday wear or ceremonial wear, and have the honor of decorating their Leader on Gathering nights. Some Crafters even have made tools, mostly to comb out fur.
Quite possibly the most overlooked Role in the Clans, the Herbalist grows the herbs used to treat injuries. Many a Warrior sees them as not contributing – they just dig in dirt and water plants? Those warriors do not see the moons of work put into growing plants, often in places they do not grow, and making compost of prey scraps and unusable old herbs from the Healer’s Den.
The Head of the Clan, chosen by the previous leader. They have the honor of caring for an entire clan like they would their own kittens, with some Leaders abstaining from having a mate or kits to better care for their constituents. The receive nine lives from Starclan, feeling the death of each life-giver when they die, and are denoted with the suffix -star. For a false leader, known as a False Star, to have extra lives, means they received theirs from another place entirely…
The next-in-line to become leader. Usually an older cat with plenty of experience, but sometimes an up-and-comer will be chosen. Many Leaders have a list of cats to succeed them, and chose the one that makes the most sense at the time.
The youngest of the Clan, usually less than 6 moons old, though sometimes kits can be held back; illness or immaturity or even a Leader’s pettiness. Well beloved and watched with care.
The retirees of the Clan, sometimes only semi retired. Whether by age or injury, the Elders of the clan are well cared for and protected.
The highest rank of a Role, often the oldest and most well respected. For a Senior to ask to train a kit is a high honor for both kit and family.
The Stars may choose to give gifts to cats, different than the Sight they give to Seers. Whether feeling the pain of another, or having the ability to twist hearts with their words, the Star-Blessed are seen as a sign that times are changing. For ages, Star-blessed have been forced into Support or Healing roles, but this view has been changing as of late. Many cats see being Star-Blessed as a blessing, but for some cats, and the victims of their crimes, it can be a terrible curse.