Life of a Warrior

This thread provides information on what to expect in each stage of life of the typical warrior cat and includes when a cat is considered old and when a cat can expect to mentor their first apprentice.

Kit:

0-1 moons: Kits of this age are completely dependent on the queens and their clanmates for food and protection. Their eyes and ears will open at around a half moon but the kits will not be walking and running until closer to one moon in age. As kits approach their second moon they become more adventurous. Kits younger than 2 moons may only join a group of cats if there is a queen to feed them.

2-3 moons: The kits are now weaned. Kits of this age are still growing rapidly. Games honing their future skills as a warrior are popular at this age as are stories told by the elders. Kits in this age group still need to be watched carefully. Kits this age will grow curious about the world outside camp.

4-5 moons: Kits of this age are much more independent. The games they play are increasingly elaborate and the kits may even prefer to play with apprentices than younger kits. Although there is not much difference between these kits and the youngest apprentices these kits do not have the survival skills of an apprentice and are still in danger from many predators.

Apprentice:

6-8 moons: New apprentices are little more than kits in size, build and capability. In this time frame apprentices will learn the layout of the territory as well as the basics of hunting and fighting. These apprentices spend a lot of time caring for queens and elders and tending to the camp.

9-11 moons: No longer designated to nest and elder duties (apprentice population permitting), an apprentice is likely to  experienced their first combat at this age. The average apprentice is still not able to hold their own against a warrior but as they near adult size the gap is due to skill and experience rather than strength.

12-13 moons: Most apprentices are made into warriors in this time frame. Most apprentices have reached their adult size. There is no longer much difference between a warrior and an apprentice.

(14-? moons): Apprentices at this age have had their ceremony delayed. Sickness, injury or bad behaviour can all delay an warrior ceremony. Some cats  struggle with hunting and/or fighting which can also delay their ceremony.


Warrior:

?-18 moons: New warriors are generally not given particularly strenuous tasks such as leading patrols or assessing apprentices. Larger cats may still be filling out in the early stages of warriorhood. Most leaders agree they lack the maturity and experience to make good mentors. They are not considered when looking for a new deputy as they have virtually no experience as warriors.

19-29 moons: Young warriors are no longer brand new but are still full of energy. As they gain more experience they are likely to mentor their first apprentice. Cats of this age have been chosen to be deputy but nearly all cats are not yet experienced enough to be good deputies. Cats in this age will have more responsibilities and are expected to help with assessing apprentices.

30-50 moons: By the age of 30 moons most cats will have mentored their first apprentice and now have a good chance of becoming deputy. These are no longer new warriors but are nowhere near slowing down yet. Leading patrols and diplomatic missions are now fair game. They are likely candidates to mentor apprentices.

51-72 moons: Senior warriors will still mentor apprentices and they are entrusted with the most sensitive tasks. If a temporary deputy is needed for whatever reason a senior warrior is normally chosen. Senior warriors are very experienced but are beginning to slow down. Some cats may retire in this stage especially if they receive a severe injury or become sick at this time.

73-80 moons: Elderly warriors are very close to retirement. Elderly warriors can no longer keep up with patrols easily and are so close to retirement they will not be chosen to mentor new apprentices but they will continue to mentor their existing apprentices. Sickness and injury are more dangerous for these cats.


Elders:

(?-72 moons): Cats who are elders at this age were forced into retirement before their time. These cats will likely venture from camp fairly often and may be asked to perform tasks around camp.

73-95 moons: These elders are old enough to be elders but are not yet considered ancient. These cats have a lot of stories to tell to kits and apprentices but still venture from camp from time to time. Sickness and injury are dangerous for cats in this age group. Arthritis may start to be a problem.

96-102 moons: These cats are the oldest clanborn cats. (Older cats may be allowed in some circumstances, message Leopard for details). They pretty much always stay in camp and spend a lot of time sleeping. Sickness and injury can be disastrous for cats in this age group.