Code of the Clans

[BEAR.]

The Warrior Code

1. Defend your Clan, even with your life. You may have friendships with cats from other Clans, but do not allow this to affect your loyalty, as one day you may meet them in battle.
   
   
2. Keep your loyalty to your Clan. Divided loyalties or Clan-hopping is frowned upon and may result in punishment at the leader's discretion.
   
   
3. Boundaries must be checked and marked frequently. Borders should be moved only under dire circumstances, such as needing more territory due to a prey shortage, to avoid unnecessary conflict.
   
   
4. Do not hunt on another Clan's territory. Trespassing is permissible in times of substantial need or official business. Challenge all trespassing cats.
   
   
5. Prey is killed only to be eaten unless needed for predator decoys or bait. All prey should be treated with respect.
   
   
6. A kit must meet the Clan's rank requirements to become an apprentice.
   
   
7. Newly appointed warriors should keep a vigil for one night after receiving their warrior name.
   
   
8. A cat should not be made deputy without having an active presence in the Clan.
   
   
9. The deputy will become Clan leader when the leader dies, retires, or is exiled.
   
   
10. In the absence of a deputy, a warrior should be chosen to fill the position within a moon.
    
    
11. Every full moon, a Gathering of all four Clans is held at the Seastones. An understood truce dictates there shall be no fighting among Clans at this time.
    
    
12. Within reason and good judgment, warriors are expected to administer aid to others in danger or pain regardless of affiliation.
    
    
13. An honorable warrior does not need to kill other cats to win their battles, unless their opponents are outside the Warrior Code or if it is necessary for self-defense. Cats who are clearly incapable of continuing to fight, or are actively trying to flee, should be allowed to escape without further injury.
    
    
14. In times of need, Clans should work together to maintain their stability. No Clan should be allowed to fall into ruin.
    
    
15. The word of the Clan leader should be followed unless it directly defies the Warrior Code.