PAINTED ROCK BAND
FOUNDING
The Painted Rock Band has existed as long as the Canyon itself has. While they do have an extensive documented history, the actual origins of the band is unclear. Currently, the band is being led by South Standing Star, a determined yet indecisive Earthkeeper. She cares not about the territory squabbles of the clans, and made it clear her people exempt from clan borders.
PAINTED ROCK CATS
Painted Rock Cats often have long, thick fur, in almost any shade. Calicos, solid white cats and tabbies are especially common. Like their fur, they have a variety of eye colors.
EARTHKEEPER
The leader of the Painted Rock Band. They are chosen at eight moons by the Elders Council, and begin training to become Earthkeeper. Once the previous Earthkeeper dies or retires, the to-be assumes their position and receives 9 lives.
HEALERS
Cats who are knowledgeable in herbs, their uses, illnesses and act as a spiritual guide. These cats dedicate their lives to maintaining the health of their fellow cats, and communicating with Starclan. There are four or five medicine cats at one time, not counting apprentices. There are three categories that medicine cats can fall into, who serve different purposes.
Medicine Society : The healers of wounds and ailments. They are the most knowledgeable on herbs and the treatments of wounds and disease.
Dawn Society : The mediaries between the living and the dead. These cats receive visions, speak to Starclan and guide the Painted Rock Cats.
Shaking Branch : Healers of the spirit. Once every other moon, the Shaking Branch cat travels to the Painted Rock, and meets with Starclan to heal the spirits of the tribe, learn of upcoming events, and weather. Cats who wish to speak with their ancestors or have questions for Starclan can accompany the Shaking Branch cat to the ceremony.
ELDERS
Retired cats who act as mentors and are part of the Elders Council, which help make decisions and pick the Earthkeeper.
PEACEKEEPERS
Cats who hunt and protect their camp
PAINTERS
Painters are cats with extraordinary creative skill and knowledge of how to create pigments using plants. They are keepers of the Painted Rock Band's history. Painters are in charge of maintenance of the Painted Rock, and create portraits of the current Earthkeeper, elders, and healers, as well as renditions of important events. Painters first practice with temporary colors in the camp, and once they are experienced enough, travel to the painted rock to create their works.
TERRITORY
The Painted Rock Band don’t feel the need to split into groups like the clan cats, and simply inhabit all of the canyon.
The Painted Rock cats reside in neutral territory north of the clans. Its hidden by a waterfall, and surrounded by large rocks to hide it and protect from flooding.
NOTABLE LOCATIONS
THE PAINTED ROCK : The Painted Rock is the spiritual center of the Band, and acts as their gateway to speaking to and seeing Starclan. Hunting here is forbidden, as is fighting of any sort.
CUSTOMS
Kits are given a name when they’re born, given to them by their parents. At eight moons a kit receives another name, given to them by a healer, rather than the Earthkeeper or the family. Once they receive their name, a celebration is held, and the kit’s two guardians (besides the parents) are chosen. They also receive a new name when they become an elder. Kit’s names don’t have to relate to the name they were given at birth.
Ex: a kit named White Snow Eagle at birth may become High Backed Wolf or Red Sky Dancer
At the beginning of Leaffall, a festival is held in honor of all the cats who have passed and share stories.
They also hold two gatherings during Greenleaf, one to socialize and celebrate, the other a gathering of all the healers at the Painted Rock.