As we’ve discussed previously, the Clans run on strict hierarchies, where every cat has specific duties to carry out based on their rank within the Clan. But what are these ranks, what are their associated duties, and how does a cat achieve any given rank? If you want a broader overview of the ranks and how a cat can go from one to another, you can find that in our visual Clan rank flowchart, but here we’ll be taking a more in-depth look at the specific Clan rank of deputy.

The deputy is the second-in-command of the Clan, and the next in line to the Clan’s leadership once their leader dies or retires. They are chosen by the Clan’s leader upon the death, retirement, demotion, or ascension to leadership of the previous deputy, and must be chosen by moonhigh the same day that the position was left vacant. Only warriors who have previously trained an apprentice are eligible to become deputy. There is no particular assessment for whether a cat is ready to become a deputy, a leader may simply choose from among any of the eligible warriors. A new deputy is promoted through a ceremony held in front of the Clan. The leader will descend from the elevated position where they usually address the Clan and speak the words, “I say these words before the spirits of StarClan, so they can hear and approve my choice.” Sometimes, in cases where the previous deputy or leader has died, the leader will instead say “before the spirit of [previous deputy/leader’s name]”. They will then name the new deputy by speaking the words, “[New deputy’s name] will be the deputy of [Clan’s name].” The new deputy must openly accept their position, and then the Clan will cheer their name.

A deputy must fulfill all of the daily hunting and patrolling duties of a warrior, as well as fighting to defend the Clan when necessary, while also fulfilling some duties unique to their role. Deputies must assign the hunting and border patrols for the day every morning, as well as keeping track of the progress of any apprentices in training, and supporting the leader in any decision-making or upholding of the Clan’s leadership. In some Clans, the deputy also has the task of preparing the three trials of any warriors who wish to join their Clan. How much a leader might choose to indulge in the support and joint leadership of their deputy varies from leader to leader, with some leaders preferring their deputy to operate somewhat autonomously and provide their own advice for their leader to consider, while other leaders prefer their deputy to act as an extension of their own decisions as leader and back up their choices among the Clan. Whatever their relationship with their leader, a deputy must always be mindful of the fact that they are next in line to lead the Clan, and prepare themselves for the day that their own leadership might be upon them.