Posted by STRAY on Aug 4, 2023 8:10:13 GMT
NAMING CONVENTION
The Clan cats don't just have two-part names for fun, you know! A Clan cat's name ties them to their culture. Two-part names came about as a way to denote which members of the colony needed to be prioritized: the -kits. Once the cat was old enough, they would shed -kit and be called only by their prefix. Later, the Clans started adding a suffix to their name to celebrate when a cat reached adulthood. The suffix -paw came about last, and it actually came from the reasoning behind the older warrior suffix -path! To become nameless is to have your identity shredded by the wind. This guide is also not the end-all be-all of warrior names; it's just to help you in case you're feeling stuck with what to name your cat, or if you're a leader who must name an apprentice.
PREFIXES
Prefixes should be straightforward enough. They first and foremost describe a cat's appearance. Please be realistic and do not choose morbid or unnatural prefixes for your cats. Any half-decent mother wouldn't name their child Blood-, Broken-, Death-, or some other macabre name, and the matriarch will generally intervene if the mother insists upon such a name. If you must, some more "abstract" prefixes will be allowed on-site if you can justify a mother naming their kit that. For example, if it's sentimental and/or inspired by the circumstances of their birth, like Oakkit and Stormkit from the canon books (their names are actually still realistic, but you get the idea). It should still fit their appearance though!
Sometimes, warriors who have survived grave injuries or illnesses will request to have their name changed. This is where you get names like One-eye, Halftail, and Deadfoot. Outsiders think this as cruel and unusual, but warriors know it is a badge of honor.
SUFFIXES
Suffixes are chosen based on the newly-named warrior's skill, personality, and finally, appearance. Some suffixes are rank-specific. You have a lot more flexibility with "abstract" suffixes, but still, you should be able to justify it without a convoluted explanation.
You may see duplicate suffixes under different categories, as many suffixes have many different applications. If a suffix is here, it is valid to use as part of a cat's name. This guide will be continuously updated with more and more suffixes!
You SHOULD NOT choose suffixes that:
• Are similar to your prefix. Fireflame, Snowblizzard, etc.
• Contrast the prefix. We're much more lenient with this one so here's a specific scenario: if your cat is named Black- and they're being named for their appearance rather than their skill or personality, it then doesn't make sense to name them -snow. Your cat's prefix already describes their appearance. Go for -fur, -pelt, -scar, etc.
RANK SUFFIXES
-kit: A cat that has not yet begun their warrior training. This is the lowest rank, but that only makes them all the more precious. The Clan fights to keep them safe so that they may find who they are.
-paw: A cat that is currently training to become a warrior. Their paws are being guided on the path to adulthood by the warriors around them.
-star: The leader of a Clan, acknowledged by StarClan.
HEALER SUFFIXES
Healers receive their names from their mentors with the other Clans' healers and StarClan as their audience. Healer names tend to be softer-sounding and more symbolic than warrior names.
-wind: an exceptionally talented cat who is strongly connected to the sacred wind. This name is reserved for healers only.
-feather: same as above. This name is reserved for healers only.
-chime: same as above.
-leaf: a cat who is notably skilled in herbalism.
-pool: a cat who is strongly connected to their Clanmates or StarClan.
-moon: a cat who is strongly connected to StarClan.
-light: a cat who is talented at interpreting signs.
-stone: same as above.
-watch(er): same as above.
-sight: same as above.
* - a skill suffix that can also be used as a personality suffix/has multiple uses.
SKILL Suffixes
Fighting
A cat is usually named these when they have displayed exceptional prowess in the art of combat.
-claw(s)
-strike: specializes in fast and strong strikes
-flame*
-fire*
-snarl
-spark*
-swipe
-sting: usually given to smaller cats who pack an unexpected punch
-scratch
Hunting and Tracking
A cat is usually named these when they have displayed exceptional prowess in hunting and tracking prey (and enemies).
-whisker
-nose
-talon
-crawl
-sniff
-ear
-eye(s)
-chase(r)
Mixed Hunting and Fighting
A cat is usually named these when they do not show exceptional skill in either hunting or fighting to be named for one or the other, but are still markedly above average.
-fang(s)
-tooth/teeth
-thorn*
-pounce
-swoop
-snap
-hawk*
Swimming
A cat is usually named these when they prove to be an excellent swimmer. More common in FogClan, but the other Clans also use these.
-stream
-splash*
-water
-puddle
-river
-fish
-brook
-creek
-fin
-wave
Speed and Running
A cat is usually named these when they have shown that they can far outrun all of their peers. More common in PoppyClan, but the other Clans also use these.
-foot
-runner
-step*
-thunder*
-wing*
-dust
-breeze*
-rush
-leg
Climbing, Balance, and Agility
A cat is usually named these when they prove that they are competent at climbing and traversing rough terrain. More common in RidgeClan, but the other Clans also use these.
-tail
-leap*
-wing*
-bark
-flight*
-spring
-branch
-cliff
-jump
-dance
Digging and Tunneling
A cat who is excellent at digging and creating safe tunnels. Almost solely used by RidgeClan when a cat is named for the skill.
-root*
-burrow
Foraging, Tending, and Crafting
A cat with deft paws who is excellent at finding materials to craft with and reinforcing plant-based barriers. Almost solely used by PoppyClan when a cat is named for the skill.
-seed
-moss
-stem
-fern*
-sprout*
Stealth
A cat who excels in stealth and espionage. Almost solely used in FogClan when a cat is named for the skill.
-shade*
-haze*
-fog*
PERSONALITY SUFFIXES
If a cat does not fit into a skill-based suffix, the leader will then consider a personality-based suffix. Generally, these suffixes can also play into matching the cat's appearance.
-heart: a noble cat with an incredible sense of right and wrong.
These are usually considered last when naming an apprentice. It simply means a cat has graduated into warriorhood and earned their name, and they do not fit into any other suffix. They're either well-rounded or simply average─or perhaps their leader wants to ascribe a secondary meaning to their suffix a la the abstract rule. "You will be called Mapleplume not only for your long fur, but also for your ability to jump as if you had wings."
-face: a notably attractive cat.
-fur: a cat that has completed their warrior training. usually used for longhaired cats.
-pelt: a cat that has completed their warrior training. usually used for shorthaired cats.
-stripe: a tabby cat.
-streak: a tabby cat.
-plume: a cat with long, luxurious fur.
-beak: a cat with a long, sharp face. usually used in RidgeClan and PoppyClan, and typically with a bird-based prefix.
-song: a cat with an alluring voice.
-tuft: a cat with notably long fur.
-toe: a cat with notable patterns on their paws.
-pad: a cat with notable patterns on their paws.
-speckle: a cat with a speckled (calico/tortoiseshell) pelt.
-fleck: a cat with a ticked or spotted tabby pattern or flecked (tortoiseshell) pelt.
-patch: a cat with patches.
-mask: a cat with a mask-pattern on their face.
-dapple: a cat with a dappled (calico/tortoiseshell) pelt.
-spot(s): a spotted tabby.
-scar: a cat who has earned a notable scar.
The Clan cats don't just have two-part names for fun, you know! A Clan cat's name ties them to their culture. Two-part names came about as a way to denote which members of the colony needed to be prioritized: the -kits. Once the cat was old enough, they would shed -kit and be called only by their prefix. Later, the Clans started adding a suffix to their name to celebrate when a cat reached adulthood. The suffix -paw came about last, and it actually came from the reasoning behind the older warrior suffix -path! To become nameless is to have your identity shredded by the wind. This guide is also not the end-all be-all of warrior names; it's just to help you in case you're feeling stuck with what to name your cat, or if you're a leader who must name an apprentice.
PREFIXES
Prefixes should be straightforward enough. They first and foremost describe a cat's appearance. Please be realistic and do not choose morbid or unnatural prefixes for your cats. Any half-decent mother wouldn't name their child Blood-, Broken-, Death-, or some other macabre name, and the matriarch will generally intervene if the mother insists upon such a name. If you must, some more "abstract" prefixes will be allowed on-site if you can justify a mother naming their kit that. For example, if it's sentimental and/or inspired by the circumstances of their birth, like Oakkit and Stormkit from the canon books (their names are actually still realistic, but you get the idea). It should still fit their appearance though!
Sometimes, warriors who have survived grave injuries or illnesses will request to have their name changed. This is where you get names like One-eye, Halftail, and Deadfoot. Outsiders think this as cruel and unusual, but warriors know it is a badge of honor.
SUFFIXES
Suffixes are chosen based on the newly-named warrior's skill, personality, and finally, appearance. Some suffixes are rank-specific. You have a lot more flexibility with "abstract" suffixes, but still, you should be able to justify it without a convoluted explanation.
You may see duplicate suffixes under different categories, as many suffixes have many different applications. If a suffix is here, it is valid to use as part of a cat's name. This guide will be continuously updated with more and more suffixes!
You SHOULD NOT choose suffixes that:
• Are similar to your prefix. Fireflame, Snowblizzard, etc.
• Contrast the prefix. We're much more lenient with this one so here's a specific scenario: if your cat is named Black- and they're being named for their appearance rather than their skill or personality, it then doesn't make sense to name them -snow. Your cat's prefix already describes their appearance. Go for -fur, -pelt, -scar, etc.
RANK SUFFIXES
-kit: A cat that has not yet begun their warrior training. This is the lowest rank, but that only makes them all the more precious. The Clan fights to keep them safe so that they may find who they are.
-paw: A cat that is currently training to become a warrior. Their paws are being guided on the path to adulthood by the warriors around them.
-star: The leader of a Clan, acknowledged by StarClan.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
HEALER SUFFIXES
Healers receive their names from their mentors with the other Clans' healers and StarClan as their audience. Healer names tend to be softer-sounding and more symbolic than warrior names.
-wind: an exceptionally talented cat who is strongly connected to the sacred wind. This name is reserved for healers only.
-feather: same as above. This name is reserved for healers only.
-chime: same as above.
-leaf: a cat who is notably skilled in herbalism.
-pool: a cat who is strongly connected to their Clanmates or StarClan.
-moon: a cat who is strongly connected to StarClan.
-light: a cat who is talented at interpreting signs.
-stone: same as above.
-watch(er): same as above.
-sight: same as above.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
WARRIOR SUFFIXES* - a skill suffix that can also be used as a personality suffix/has multiple uses.
SKILL Suffixes
Fighting
A cat is usually named these when they have displayed exceptional prowess in the art of combat.
-claw(s)
-strike: specializes in fast and strong strikes
-flame*
-fire*
-snarl
-spark*
-swipe
-sting: usually given to smaller cats who pack an unexpected punch
-scratch
Hunting and Tracking
A cat is usually named these when they have displayed exceptional prowess in hunting and tracking prey (and enemies).
-whisker
-nose
-talon
-crawl
-sniff
-ear
-eye(s)
-chase(r)
Mixed Hunting and Fighting
A cat is usually named these when they do not show exceptional skill in either hunting or fighting to be named for one or the other, but are still markedly above average.
-fang(s)
-tooth/teeth
-thorn*
-pounce
-swoop
-snap
-hawk*
Swimming
A cat is usually named these when they prove to be an excellent swimmer. More common in FogClan, but the other Clans also use these.
-stream
-splash*
-water
-puddle
-river
-fish
-brook
-creek
-fin
-wave
Speed and Running
A cat is usually named these when they have shown that they can far outrun all of their peers. More common in PoppyClan, but the other Clans also use these.
-foot
-runner
-step*
-thunder*
-wing*
-dust
-breeze*
-rush
-leg
Climbing, Balance, and Agility
A cat is usually named these when they prove that they are competent at climbing and traversing rough terrain. More common in RidgeClan, but the other Clans also use these.
-tail
-leap*
-wing*
-bark
-flight*
-spring
-branch
-cliff
-jump
-dance
Digging and Tunneling
A cat who is excellent at digging and creating safe tunnels. Almost solely used by RidgeClan when a cat is named for the skill.
-root*
-burrow
Foraging, Tending, and Crafting
A cat with deft paws who is excellent at finding materials to craft with and reinforcing plant-based barriers. Almost solely used by PoppyClan when a cat is named for the skill.
-seed
-moss
-stem
-fern*
-sprout*
Stealth
A cat who excels in stealth and espionage. Almost solely used in FogClan when a cat is named for the skill.
-shade*
-haze*
-fog*
PERSONALITY SUFFIXES
If a cat does not fit into a skill-based suffix, the leader will then consider a personality-based suffix. Generally, these suffixes can also play into matching the cat's appearance.
-heart: a noble cat with an incredible sense of right and wrong.
-blaze: same as -heart-cloud: a cat who is typically calm and reserved.
-spirit
-flame
-spark
-haze: same as -cloud-storm: a cat who has an unpredictable and dynamic nature, typically mellowing out as they get older.
-fog
-mist
-rain
-whisper
-sky
-fire: same as -storm-flower: a cat who is typically kind and caring in the way a parental figure or older sibling is.
-thistle
-thorn
-briar
-blossom: same as -flower-wing: a cat who is a quick-minded and intelligent.
-rose
-petal
-poppy
-crow: same as -wing-frost: a cat who is a diligent, skilled tactician, often unyielding or resolute.
-owl
-dusk: same as -frost-thunder: a cat who is hearty and proud.
-owl
-wolf: good team player
-gale: same as -thunder-belly: a jovial and upbeat cat, usually quick with jokes and keeping others merry.
-splash: same as -belly-path: a cat who is good with younger apprentices and helping them become great warriors.
-gust
-breeze
-sprout: same as - path-throat: a cat who is good at communication and/or storytelling.
-echo: same as -throat-fall: a cat who is level-headed and graceful.
-tongue
-call
-oak: same as -fall-shine: a kind and vibrant cat.
-willow
-birch
-bark
-berry: same as -shine-bee: an active and excitable (or flighty) cat.
-beam
-wish
-dawn
-bird: same as -bee.-step: a cat that behaves similarly to their terrestrial animal-based prefix.
-bounce
-mouse
-skip
-hop: same as -step
-flight: bird-based prefix
-leap: fish-based prefix
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
APPEARANCE SUFFIXESThese are usually considered last when naming an apprentice. It simply means a cat has graduated into warriorhood and earned their name, and they do not fit into any other suffix. They're either well-rounded or simply average─or perhaps their leader wants to ascribe a secondary meaning to their suffix a la the abstract rule. "You will be called Mapleplume not only for your long fur, but also for your ability to jump as if you had wings."
-face: a notably attractive cat.
-fur: a cat that has completed their warrior training. usually used for longhaired cats.
-pelt: a cat that has completed their warrior training. usually used for shorthaired cats.
-stripe: a tabby cat.
-streak: a tabby cat.
-plume: a cat with long, luxurious fur.
-beak: a cat with a long, sharp face. usually used in RidgeClan and PoppyClan, and typically with a bird-based prefix.
-song: a cat with an alluring voice.
-tuft: a cat with notably long fur.
-toe: a cat with notable patterns on their paws.
-pad: a cat with notable patterns on their paws.
-speckle: a cat with a speckled (calico/tortoiseshell) pelt.
-fleck: a cat with a ticked or spotted tabby pattern or flecked (tortoiseshell) pelt.
-patch: a cat with patches.
-mask: a cat with a mask-pattern on their face.
-dapple: a cat with a dappled (calico/tortoiseshell) pelt.
-spot(s): a spotted tabby.
-scar: a cat who has earned a notable scar.