Life in the Dark Forest is rather different from that of the typical Clan life. So why not explore the rules and customs?
Note: a major different between DF and Clan life is that Clan laws are enforced and, well, LAWS, whereas 'rules' in the DF or more things that are generally agreed-upon, but cannot be 'broken,' in the sense that a code can be broken. However, consequences can still follow. For example, it's well agreed upon that kits are not to be harmed. If someone goes against this, they will still face consequences in that someone will beat their ass up.
In this post, I will still refer to these general agreements as 'rules' for simplicity's sake.
--As stated above, kits and apprentices are not to be harmed physically, emotionally, or in any other sense.
--Do not attack cats with leaf-wrap collars. They are working medicine cats and are useful.
--A parent (or both) must go to a still-working leader if they wish for said leader to conduct the ceremonies for their kits.
--Before an apprentice ceremony, the leader, both/all parents (or the one if they are raising their kit alone), and Fungichomp (if the kit was raised inside the Daycare) must agree that the chosen mentor is suitable. The mentor can be someone already close to the kit, such as kin. The mentor must agree as well.
--A mentor may be watched or joined by more trusted cats to ensure the apprentice's safety.
--A ceremony does not have to be necessary for a kit to become an apprentice or an apprentice to become a warrior, however it is typical for those who want their new name and rank to feal more 'real.'
--Leaders typically mark warriors they name with a symbolic scar. It is up to the receiver if they wish to receive this scar and where it is placed (these may range depending on who the leader is).
--Due to the mass population, not everyone attends ceremonies. Only cats that are family, friends, or the planned mentor usually attend, however onlookers are welcome.
--Due to the vast population of the Dark Forest and lack of borders for territories, cats have come to add specific words to the ends of their names.
For example: Alderstar and his family live in the Eye-Out Thorns. Due to this, they would be refferred to as [name]-Eye-Out, such as Alder-Eye-Out.
This is typically used when being introduced or talked about to someone who does not already know the cat or family well, otherwise they are simply refferred to by there name.
--As well, some families have chosen to keep a certain theme.
For example: someone named Hawktree becomes mate with someone named Honeyfinch. They both have bird-related names, and therefore will name their kits Sparrowkit, Kitekit, or Eaglekit.
To go further, say that Honeyfinch's name was instead Twigfinch. Then they and their mate both have bird AND plant-related names. In this case, the full names of their kits could be Sparrowfern, Kitebush, or Eaglebranch. Here, the prefixs and suffixes are interchangeable.
These are things that aren't necessarily rules, much less in the sense that the above are 'rules,' but are instead things most know or agree on to be the case in order to ensure one's health.
To better distinguish, the above 'rules' are what is agreed upon as a general society. This part lists what is agreed upon for the individual's sake.
--Do not harm kits or young apprentices. You will be harmed in turn (Or as Cam put it, 'hit kit, eat shit').
--Do not travel through unfamiliar territory without a trusted escort that knows the way, you may never make it out.
--If you find yourself walking into the same place again and again, keep walking forward. Don't make any turns. You will make it out eventually.
--Walk slow in the fog, and watch your every step. A cliff could be anywhere.
--Do not enter the black waters. It is near impossible to get free of the sucking mud hidden beneath, and you will either be held below, or will become so exhausted from trying to get free that you will no longer be able to hold your head above the surface.
--Do not go immediately from The Brumal to The Torrid, or vice versa. Your body will not be able to handle the instant change in temperature and go into shock. If you are in one and need to enter the other, either circle around or inch forward by the day.
--Cats in the Seamlands are best to be avoided. Do not enter the territory, and do not have kits with a tom named Webstripe unless you do not care if he is not part of their lives.
--If Myrtlewing Eye-Out takes a sudden, intense interest in your well-being, he is lying (--by Lampreypelt).
--Do not enter The Sward (--by Perchclaw).
--Don’t sit too close to especially big cats, they can sit down and squidge you by accident (--by Avery).
—Do not make fun of dark kits or cats with deformities. This is a quick and easy way to learn the color of your innards (--by Wormtongue).
--If Wormtongue talks to you and he insults you one too many times, you are allowed to beat his ass without punishment (--by Mudpatch).
—When approaching an elder, it is generally a good idea to be polite. They’ve survived this long in the Dark forest for a reason (-- by Possumpuddle).
--Do not steal toys or comfort items (--by Mellowtooth).
Feel free to suggest more!
