I had only opened the first flap of @whiskeyramble’s birthday gift, and she plopped down on top of the box before I could even finish opening it. I had to distract her with playtime before she abandoned the box and let me get to work assembling Ken’s new computer chair. Of course I snapped a pic of the devious Mila as a bonus to show him when I gifted his present. Happy birthday, babe! #catsofinstagram #catsinboxes #tortiecats #tortiesofinstagram #greeneyes #orangeandblack #splitface #cute #kitty https://www.instagram.com/p/CXFM1FkMTb6/?utm_medium=tumblr
Welcome, deputy. Are you ready to receive your gift?
The Clan’s leaders are all given nine lives, which marks the importance of their positions, as well as being a way to honor all the hard work they’ve done in their lives to get up to this rank. It was originally believed by warriors from back before the Union that eight cats that were significant to the deputy would each give one life, representing a trait of some kind that the deputy would need to rule their Clan wisely and well. A short while before the Clans became one, however, the word got out that leaders were now simply being visited by one cat who embodied the trait they needed the most and gave eight lives on their own. These cats have identified themselves over time, though no records of their presence in the living world can be found. They are each believed to represent one group in the Territory, even if they were not alive for that group to come into being.
PIPISTRELLEBRIGHT, PARAGON OF COMPASSION: A round, plump and soft-looking calico molly with fluffy fur, she is said to stand for the Marish. This is amusing to some, given that the Marish are seen as less than compassionate. She appears to leaders who are in need of understanding and empathy, both for themselves and for the cats they will be caring for across the Territory.
GEMHEART, PARAGON OF HONESTY: A young dark brown tabby tom with a white underside, white back legs and white feet. He was an apprentice who tragically died young because he stood up against the corruption running through his group. StarClan gave him his warrior name, and now he speaks for the cats of Versant. His gift inspires others to say their truths and fight against deception, especially within the higher ranks of the Clan.
ACORNSHINE, PARAGON OF RESILIENCE: A runty, golden-brown tabby tom, and a former seer of Brae. At a meeting with a new leader, he tells of his history: how he was a seer in a dark and difficult time for his family, and worked tirelessly to speak with StarClan and bring good news from the future, even as it took a toll on his health and drove him to ignore food and rest beyond the sleep needed to communicate with the dead. As such, he encourages leaders to fight the good fight for as long as they can and refuse to give up, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
CLARKIASTRIKE, PARAGON OF CONFIDENCE: A huge ginger-and-white molly and the representative of Plage, Clarkiastrike is well-loved for her sense of bravery and tendency to inspire others to gain courage. Needless to say, anxious and self-hating leaders are visited by her on their ceremony night and gifted a taste of her aggressive cheeriness and stalwart heart. Those who are a little more cynical and faithless in others are also given this cheeriness, though it’s directed outwards this time. Sometimes this works a little too well, as history has proved over time, but it’s generally in the Clan’s favor.
MULLEINBERRY, PARAGON OF AMBITION: The plain fawn-colored tom of the Clast. His history is a surprise to many who meet him in dreams – he was originally a kittypet that came to the Clans and introduced the role of medicine cat (later specified to healer) and may have actually brought several types of herbs into the valley. His ambition is less focused on rising through the ranks (a leader has already gotten to where they’ll top out, after all) and more on expanding the knowledge, health and safe areas to roam for the Clan.
GROSBEAKRAIN, PARAGON OF WISDOM: A blue molly and the calm, intelligent face for Hillock. She was an exceptional mentor and a deputy for the vast majority of her life, never quite making it to leader status and being content where she was. What made her so invaluable as a living cat was her advice, experience and level-headed nature, and to the young and inexperienced, that gift is what they need the most. She is said to have a voice that is hard to place, but is comforting regardless.
SKUNKFLIGHT, PARAGON OF VIGILANCE: A black tuxedo molly that stands for the Fleet. It should go without saying that a sharp mind and eye are the most treasured traits in the Fleet, and so anyone who meets with her will quickly grow observant and quick to react. Not many leaders are lazy or oblivious, but she is of the belief that one can never be too watchful, especially when ruling a group several hundred strong that has so much going on in such a vast area.
SPLITFACE, PARAGON OF JUDGEMENT AND REDEMPTION: By far the most mysterious of the paragons due to their appearance changing between visions. The only consistency is that their face is halved in some way, whether by color, damage or facial structure. All that is known for certain is that they represent the Scattered cats in the paragon pantheon. They are said to appear to new leaders in whatever way they would find the most intimidating, which is appropriate given what they symbolize. Depending on what a leader deserves, and how well they will serve their Clan, they will receive either Redemption, forgiving them for their faults and mistakes, or Judgement, condemning them and damning their future. More malicious and evil leaders tend to be exclusively visited by Splitface.
