Clan Ceremonies
Ceremonies mark every important moment in a cat's life, from their naming as a kit to the night they join StarClan. Each clan performs them slightly differently, but the words and meaning are shared.
Naming a Kit
Kits are named by their mother in the nursery, six moons before their apprenticeship. The name usually reflects their appearance or personality — a grey kit might be called Ashkit, a bold one Firekit.
In game: Kitten naming happens in the prologue. You choose your own name, which determines nothing mechanically but is referenced throughout dialogue.
Apprentice Ceremony
At six moons, a kit becomes an apprentice and receives a mentor.
The words:
"From this day forward, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as [name]paw. [Mentor], you are ready for an apprentice. You will pass on all you know to [name]paw."
The leader touches the apprentice's head with their muzzle, and the clan calls out the new name.
In game: This is your first ceremony, at the start of the tutorial. Your mentor becomes a recurring NPC who teaches skills and gives quests.
Warrior Ceremony
When an apprentice has completed their training, the leader names them a warrior in front of the whole clan.
The words:
"I, [Leader], call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn."
The new warrior keeps a silent vigil through the night, alone with the body of the clan.
In game: Warrior ceremony triggers at the end of the apprentice questline, typically around 8-12 hours of play. Your name changes from -paw to your warrior name, and you gain access to the warriors' den, hunting patrols, and the mentor system.
Medicine Cat Ceremony
Medicine cat apprentices are chosen differently — StarClan sends a sign, and the medicine cat interprets it. The ceremony takes place at the Moonstone or Moonpool.
The words:
"Medicine cats are the link between StarClan and the clans. You will walk a path that no warrior walks."
The new medicine cat is forbidden from taking a mate or having kits, and is expected to remain neutral in disputes between clans.
In game: Choosing the medicine cat path at level 5 unlocks a separate questline, herb-gathering mechanics, and the ability to heal clanmates.
Deputy Ceremony
When a deputy dies or retires, the leader names a replacement before moonhigh.
The words:
"[Name], you are a brave and loyal warrior. I name you deputy of [Clan]."
The deputy's first duty is to organize the dawn patrol.
In game: Deputy appointment is a story event. As a senior warrior with an apprentice, you may be chosen. Your responsibilities expand to assigning patrols, which affects clan morale.
Leader Ceremony and the Nine Lives
A new leader travels to the Moonstone (or Moonpool) at moonhigh to receive nine lives from StarClan.
The words, spoken by each StarClan cat who grants a life:
"With this life I give you [virtue]. Use it well in the service of your clan."
The leader's name gains the -star suffix and they lose their warrior name.
In game: The nine lives ceremony is a cinematic sequence where you meet nine StarClan cats from your clan's history. Each life is a distinct virtue, and you'll see them listed in your character screen afterward. Losing a life plays a brief vision sequence, and your final death is permanent.
Gathering
Once a month, at the full moon, all four clans meet at Fourtrees in truce.
Rules:
- No fighting, under any circumstances
- No border disputes raised directly
- Leaders share news, apprentices meet each other
- StarClan covers the moon with clouds if the truce is broken
In game: Gatherings are a monthly event where you can meet cats from other clans, hear leader announcements, and occasionally receive quests unavailable in your own camp.
Apprentice Assessment
Not a formal ceremony, but a milestone: an apprentice must prove their skills to the leader and deputy before earning their warrior name.
Typical assessment:
- Catch prey unassisted
- Win a sparring match against a peer
- Demonstrate knowledge of the warrior code
- Navigate the territory without guidance
In game: The assessment is a multi-part quest. Failing any part delays your warrior ceremony by one moon.
Death and StarClan
When a cat dies, the clan holds a vigil. The body is buried, and the cat's spirit joins StarClan if they served honorably.
The words:
"May StarClan light your path, and may you find good hunting, swift running, and shelter when you sleep."
In game: The death of a named NPC triggers a vigil scene. Depending on the circumstances, you may visit them later through the Moonstone.