#warriorsworldbuilding

Oops

So the thing about elders being revered in most societies that have such a reverence for elders is less the skills and jobs the elders would be performing at that time, and more the skills and resilience needed to reach said milestone.

The reverence and importance in being an elder is that they survived. They are the treasure trove of history and knowledge and skills, which they then pass on to the next generation. And the younger generation reveres and appreciates them because those elders raised them, protected them, and cared for them. With the hope and understanding that when they reach an elderly age and are unable to contribute in a more traditional way, that they will be cared for as well. They gave their blood and sweat in the past, in order to make sure everyone could thrive. And now that they are older and can't continue to do that, they aren't going to be tossed away for being useless, they will be cared for in turn.

In general, my suggestion is to consider their surroundings. What kind of environment do they live in? Is it urban, or rural, or totally wild? What is the general climate and seasonal outlook? What is the population density of humans/how do those humans treat cats? For example do humans tend to try to control or cull large group of cats, or are strays much like in places like Istanbul where they are left alone or appreciated by locals? Do humans let pet cats roam or are they mostly inside only? What predators are in the area, and how do cats guard against them? Do they gather in large groups or are they safer in smaller ones?

Alternative titles: Monarch, King/Queen, Matriarch/Patriarch, Chief, Commander, Ruler, Chieftain, Captain, Boss, etc

The Canon explanation of the leadership of the clans is fairly simple and easily explainable. You have a leader, and a deputy, and when the leader dies the deputy becomes leader. The only requirements when it comes to choosing a deputy (which are often not even kept to anyway) are that a deputy must be chosen by moonhigh if the clan has need of a new one, and the one chosen to be deputy must have mentored at least one apprentice. The thing is, this approach to leadership is honestly a bit shallow. Even the books on occasion will mention what might happen if the rules are broken or twisted or confused (like when Tallstar gives Onestar leadership rather than Mudclaw) or when different deputies are appointed despite not having mentored any apprentices, but there are barely any lasting consequences.

So now the question is, what can we do in our own clans to give the leadership system more depth and solidity? You can stick with the Canon approach and just add more detail, or consider other approaches when it comes to the type of leadership, how it is implemented, and how long it lasts. Let's take a look at some of the options.

Leadership Duties

First, it's wise to consider what your leaders do. Are they just there to order cats around, or do they have their own tasks, expectations and responsibilities? 

In canon, it seems that leaders are the top of the piramid, making general decisions for the entire clan, and running some things such as patrols, training for apprentices, choosing mentors, etc. Some leaders seem more involved in day to day than others, going on patrols or staying back at camp. Of those who do remain at camp, some are more invested in their clanmates lives directly, either by interfacing with various different members of the ranks, or assisting with tasks within and without camp.

So when you are building your clan, consider what purpose the leader serves, what their day to day looks like, what the clan would expect of them and what work they do. That will help guide you when you consider what type of leadership you want.

Types of Leadership

Specifically for the top position of leadership in the clan, deputy/equivalent will come later. 

Canon Leadership

This was discussed above, so I'll be brief. Canon leadership involves one leader, one deputy, the deputy chosen by the leader to succeed them upon death. This system relies on the leader having almost absolute power, as is evidenced by the code which says the leaders word is law. There could be many discussions about the pros and cons of this system, how it encourages nepotism and authoritarianism. While on the flip side it is simple and should, hopefully, not cause any issues with succession (except when a leader changes his mind last minute or both leader and deputy die at the same time). In any case, most people know this way of leadership, so let's look at others.

Inherited Leadership

This type of leadership is different, the premise being that the leadership is inherited through some sort of specific criteria. The most common one would be by blood, similar to a monarchy, where an heir to leadership is chosen among family members as closely to the current leader/monarch as possible. The next leader can inherit through other criteria as well, such as being chosen by a religious sign, or by some criteria of skill or personality. The important part is that these heirs are usually chosen young, and raised to be placed in their role, giving them time to be taught how to lead. At least that's the idea, it doesn't always work in practice. But the point of this is that the heir is not chosen based on skill or experience. In some ways it could be good to choose leaders young, give them the time and training to take on their role, though it would also be a heavy burden to bear. A smart clan would train multiple heirs to be safe, in case one were to not make it to adulthood or the chance to take on leadership.

Elected Leadership

This would be most in line with the way leadership is decided in modern times, though the way it works in a clan would be different. Elected Leadership would be a clan, or part of the clan, casting votes to choose the next leader or deputy, through casting stones, or spoken votes, or another method. This method would hopefully choose a leader which a majority of the clan agreed with. Either through casting votes in some sort of voting system, or gathering in a meeting to agree to the best option. This system would ideally allow for leaders to be replaced if they did not do their job correctly, as the leadership is chosen by the clan itself, and thus beholden to the well being and support of the clan.

Group Leadership

This one goes somewhat hand in hand with the previous one. Group Leadership would be a different set up, in which more than one cat held power. Perhaps the clan has two leaders, or three, or a council with one senior member from each rank. How they are chosen could be from any of the other methods, but it's different in how it's set up, because power is more evenly shared.

Earned Leadership

Earned leadership in this case is a situation in which a leader of a clan has to overcome a set of challenges or hurdles, or fulfill certain criteria. Perhaps the clan warriors all have a battle royale and the winner takes the leadership. Perhaps only cats with a certain age, skills, or renown can become a leader. This type of leadership could encourage a lot of competition, and mean the clan is unstable for a bit until a leader is chosen and establishes themselves. Either way, it's much more individual, and about the cat who becomes leader having enough ambition or at least reason to pursue the leadership, than about the broader clan and it's needs and ideals. It would work best in a more independent clan, than a more community driven one.

Religious Symbolism

Leaders chosen based on the religious symbolism/rites of the clan. This could mean they are directly chosen by Starclan, or through prophecy, or through the word of the religious figure within the clan. It would be the kind of situation with a lot of pomp and ritual and meaning, surrounding their religious beliefs. Perhaps the leader is even considered a religious figure, or the religious authority within the clan. I would give examples, but this one is as varied as the different expressions of religious belief and symbolism. Clans who use this would likely have a more predetermined view of life based on their beliefs, and try to curry favor with whatever religious authority would give them such a privilege. 

Some questions to help you get an idea of the type of leadership that would work best for your clan:

How religious is your clan? Does your religion affect how a leader is chosen? What sort of ritual or ceremony surrounds the naming or choosing of a new leader?

Is it expected that a leader have certain skills? Be a good fighter or something else? Are there specific criteria to be eligible, like mentoring at least one apprentice? Or is it a case by case scenario?

What is the average age that a leader is chosen? Are they chosen young and trained for the role? Or generally older and experienced? How long do leaders remain in their position? A certain period of time? Until retirement? Until death? 

Do they actually get nine lives? If so, how do those function? Where do they come from, how easy is it to lose one? Do they combat old age?

I did at one point have a story with that premise, however what I wrote for it I wrote nearly a decade ago. I did enjoy it, but I think I didnt have a good idea of an arc and an ending, so I set it aside, and now it is lost. It was on my fanfiction.net account, so I can likely recover it, but it wouldn't be easy. And sorry, I wont be giving it out, that was a very old account, and whatever is on it is both unfinished and poor quality. Maybe Ill visit it again.

But for now, the second part of your ask, all the build-a-clan parts:

Clan Form (can help you think things through as you fill it out)

Build a Clan Part 1 : Setting

Build a Clan Part 2: Naming

Build a Clan Part 3: Formations

Build a Clan Part 4: History

Build a Clan Part 5: Mythos

Build a Clan Part 6.1: The Code

Build a Clan Part 6.2: Ceremonies

Build a Clan Part 6.3: Holidays

Build a Clan Part 7: Religion

this is for a rewrite but i think the general knowledge would be helpful lol

When looking at stuff like extra ranks, it's really important that they fit within the culture and such, so that's what I'll be looking at. That said, original canon is woefully scarce about cultural details of the clans, so most rewrites have to build that from the ground up. While I can offer some ideas, I would suggest looking to your rebuilt cultures and territories and finding what makes sense. But here are some ways to use that information to build.

Windclan is known for its open fields and tunnels. In canon you already have the tunnelers, but consider when they no longer exist, that it's most important to ensure the clan is safe while hunting in the fields. In this case I would suggest a rank that's a sort of Lookout. They ensure no birds of prey are flying overhead, and no storms are on the horizon to trap cats in dangerous areas. They also keep on the lookout for two legs and predators and other such dangers. They'd be fast runners, in order to be able to take reports of danger back to camp or patrols, and also keen eyed in able to distinguish threats.

Riverclan could have a cat that is a sort of lifeguard, specializing in strong swimming, teaching kits and apprentices how to swim, and knowing what areas of the river have strong or dangerous currents. They could identify signs of an impending flood. They'd have to be very strong swimmers, and in tune with the feeling and oddity of currents and such.

Shadowclan always has a sort of marshy, piney like territory. Maybe they have a rank that is a sort of Pathfinder. Knows what areas of the marsh are safe to step, and which could drown a cat. Where prey tend to congregate, and how to catch slippery things like frogs. They could also be good at cleaning and helping their clanmates stay healthy after going through the mire.

For Thunderclan... Honestly I can't think of any off the top of my head. If Skyclan isn't present in the rewrite, perhaps a rank dedicated to climbing the dense trees? Raiding bird nests and squirrel holes.

I have a fanclan called SaguaroClan. Their territory is set in the deserts/mesas of Mexico. I'm looking for some names ideas for roles. The ones I have now are pretty basic and boring.

Currently, the roles are:

Hunters - primarily hunters for the clan, skilled in combat, defenders of the Clan

Trackers - cats who patrol the territory identifying threats and reporting back to the Leader about what's going on in the territory

Foragers - knowledge of herbs and healing, caretakers of the Clan, keeping everyone healthy 

This Clan doesn't believe in StarClan & has no knowledge of StarClan.

Sometimes, simplicity is helpful, and honestly these names sound lovely! However, I can offer you some options!

Hunters- Stalkers, Providers

Trackers- Scouts, Guardians, Protectors

Foragers- Healers or Herbalists

Now if you want names themed specifically to your clan? I can indulge in some ideas for that too.

Hunters- I sat for a while to try and think of something more specific. Best I can do is Branches? The branches reaching out to the sun, to provide food and sustenance to the clan.

Trackers- Thorns: just like the thorns or spines of cacti, these cats protect their clan, get stuck under the skin of their enemies and seek to drive off trouble.

Foragers- Roots: just like the roots of trees and plants and cacti, these cats spread out in search of resources, being the lifeblood and healing to the clan