If a Commander is seen as no longer fit to lead, cats within the tribe can call to vote to have them forcibly retire. The General then will immediately take their place.
If a General is no longer able to serve (death, retirement, etc) A new General must be chosen by moonhigh the next day.
Be prepared to defend your tribe to the death if you are called to do so. The lives of your tribe-mates outweigh your own.
A kit must be at least 6 moons old before advancing to apprentice hood. They must speak with a member of every rank before deciding what role they wish to train for.
Though each apprentice trains for their specific role, they must also learn the basics of the other ranks. (A hunter must learn to fight, a warrior must learn to hunt, etc)
Kits are not permitted to leave camp without an adult supervisor. Apprentices must be accompanied by another apprentice or an adult.
One is only allowed to eat after finishing their duties and making sure the elders, sick, queens and kits have all been fed.
Territory borders must be checked daily; At least once at sunrise and once more at sunset. Every trespassing creature must be questioned or otherwise properly dealt with.
Tribe members must reject the life of a Nomad. All outside temptations such as housepet comforts and food are prohibited
Romantic relationships between tribes is forbidden
Mothers and pregnant cats must not be forced to do laborious tasks around camp or participate in battles. If they have an apprentice, a temporary mentor will take their place until they are ready to resume their duties.
Herbalists and Generals are permitted to have children and families, but if the Commander believes they are not fit to continue their duties they may be replaced or asked to give up the kits to a foster parent until they are apprentices.
When in times of war, every cat must focus on protecting the young, sick, and elderly.
Any cat who has be exiled from the tribe may never return and is stripped of their warrior name within that tribe. (Ex: a cat named "Flowerheart" would simply be referred to as "Flower")
Any cat is welcome to walk in Pathfinder territory, but it is highly discouraged to hunt there unless you plain to bring said prey to them.
All fighting is forbidden during a gathering. Priests may call off a gathering if tensions are too high
A Commander's law may be challenged if more than one cat finds their actions morally wrong.
Non-Tribe born cats may choose to keep their original name while joining or even add a suffix to it to show they have joined the Tribe. However it is seen as respectful to fully change to their tradition showing their willingness to join their ranks.
Cats must always be given a second chance at redemption, and one action cannot alone be used to judge someone's character
Overly harsh punishments (For example; physical attacks or executions) are prohibited. There are other ways to punish without drawing blood.
Resources must go towards the wellbeing of the tribe, but if you come across a cat in need you are encouraged to assist them. You must alert your Commander of this immediately, however.
Friendships with outsiders are permitted, but one must always remember that their loyalties lay with the tribe. Be prepared to meet said friends in battle if you're called to.
Respect all within your tribe and outside of your tribe equally; you never know when you might be able to recruit a cat to join the tribe ranks.
A Commander's word is law; their decision overrides all other laws. If a cat goes behind the back of their Commander it is seen as traitorous towards the tribe.
Non-Tribe born cats are not permitted to keep their old names and must chose or ask for a new one, for it is seen as disrespectful to not commit to the Cliff Tribe way.
All resources must go towards the wellbeing of the Tribe. Using much needed resources on Nomads or other outsiders is strictly prohibited
A cat may be forbidden from eating if a high rank deems that they did not put in enough work that day.
Outsiders wishing to join the Tribe must prove themselves to the Commander in some way. Either by hunting, fighting, or proving they have a worthwhile skill of another kind.
Every cat must thank their ancestors after killing prey and before eating every meal; to not do so is seen as disrespectful
If a cat has broken any of the above laws, they may be subjected to one of the listed punishments after facing a trial led by the Commander. The severity of the law broken will determine what the punishment will be.
If a cat has committed a crime heinous enough, the only way they can receive forgiveness is by visiting the Pathfinders and facing their ancestors. Their punishment is decided by the Priests.
If a Commander refuses to step down after the Tribe has demanded it, the tribe may use force
Refusing to defend your tribe is seen as cowardly and traitorous. The Tribe will vote on your punishment.
Potential Tribe Punishments:
Undesirable Jobs: Tasks seen as humiliating such as; Cleaning bedding, cleaning the dirt-place, cleaning out the fresh kill pile, picking ticks off elders, etc
Delayed Ceremonies: Typically used for apprentices who have lost the privilege of advancing their rank until they can prove they are worthy again. But it can be used in any case where a ceremony would occur.
Skipping Meals: Cats may be forbidden from eating a meal if they have broken a law.
Confinement to Camp: If a cat is seen as dangerous, or if they must be watched by the tribe, a cat may be kept from leaving camp until the Commander decides to let them go.
Stripped of their Rank: If they are a high rank, they will be demoted to their old rank once again. If a lower rank, they will be demoted to apprentice for as long as the Commander deems fitting.
Banishment: A cat may be exiled from the Tribe and never permitted to return. They are stripped of their warrior name.
Execution: The most extreme punishment only to be utilized in specific situations. These may be done using death-berries or by spar.
Priests are to be treated with the upmost respect. Disrespect towards them is to show disrespect towards your ancestors.
Non-Tribe born cats may choose to keep their original name while joining or even add a suffix to it to show they have joined the Pathfinders However it is seen as respectful to fully change to their tradition showing their willingness to join their ranks.
A cat who breaks a law or choses to leave the Pathfinders may never return to their rank.
Pathfinders must not hunt outside of their territory
If a Tribe calls for protection from a threat, it is the pathfinder law that you must go assist them with that threat even if tensions are high.
No cat within any of the Pathfinder Ranks are permitted to have kits. They've left their old lives to devote themselves to the Priests; families are a distraction from their holy purpose.
No cat under the age of 12 moons is allowed to join the Pathfinder Ranks.
One must always use words before claws to settle a disagreement. Violence without just cause on holy ground is deeply frowned upon.
When in the presence of Priests or members from another Tribe, one must always hold themselves regally and speak well. Intense emotions like anger, sadness, or jealousy for any reason creates a bad image for the Pathfinders.
If you find a cat in need of assistance, it is your sworn duty to help them no matter who they are or what you were doing beforehand
You must share all things you make and prey you catch with your community. Do not hoard worldly possessions
Make sure all guests are fed before you yourself eat.
Every night the Priests will emerge from the caves to share a meal with the other Pathfinders. All activity in camp will halt for the time being. They will lead a prayer thanking the ancestors for their food, and then the camp may eat. It is encouraged to mingle and spend time getting to know the other members.
You must dedicate your time to learning about your ancestors. The Pathfinders encourage each cat to become fluent in their own family trees, if they can, and the lineage of past Commanders so they can call upon them in prayer.
When speaking of the ancients, even those seen as bad, you must speak in a respectful manor. Each ancient Commander represents different skills, even the not-so-good ones. If the group is in need of strength, they may call upon a strong leader from their ancestry to help them.
A new priest is typically chosen by the remaining Priests. The new member is picked from the disciples, or if another cat has proven they are a superior choice.
Pathfinder punishments have some slight differences in comparison to the two Tribes.
If a cat within the Pathfinders becomes pregnant, they will be stripped of their rank. They may be sent to stay with one of the tribes, or they may be permitted to stay and give birth as a guest. But once the kits are old enough to walk, they must leave. This will also occur if it is discovered that a tom-cat has impregnated another cat.
If a Pathfinder takes the life of another cat, or is the direct cause of another's death, they will be stripped of their rank and forced to leave. The only exception to this is if it is in defense of themselves or another cat.
Potential Pathfinder Punishments:
Undesirable Jobs: Tasks seen as humiliating such as; Cleaning bedding, cleaning the dirt-place, cleaning out the fresh kill pile, picking ticks off elders, etc
Prayer: A cat may be told to sit in prayer for as long as the Priests deem fit. They are allowed breaks to eat or use the dirt-place if it is required.
The Labyrinth: A cat will be forced to dwell in the winding caves alone until they are retrieved by a Priest or Disciple. This may range from a few hours or days depending on the law broken. There are mice, bugs and water within the caves that can keep a cat alive. The sheer loneliness and darkness is punishment enough.
Rebirth: One of the most feared punishments among the three factions. If a cat wishes to redeem themselves for a particularly horrid crime, they must approach the Priests for a baptism. This ceremony consists of hours of prayer and ends with the priests or disciples holding the punished cats head under water until they pass out. They will then be nursed back to health and sent back to their tribes.
Stripped of Rank & Banishment: Any time a rank must be stripped, the cat must then also be banished. They are no longer fit for their holy role.