The warrior code is a list of sixteen different rules that should be followed by all Clan cats. These rules were made by the original founders, long before the formation of MarrowClan, BarkClan, and ZenithClan. The rules have not been added to for many moons, but could be in the case of a major event. The Warrior Code is taught from the first moons of kithood to when an elder is faced with death. It is said that, as long as the Clans follow the warrior code, the stars will guide their paws and ensure no harm shall come to them.
Defend your Clan, even with your life. You may have friendships with cats from other Clans, but your loyalty must remain to your Clan, as one day you may meet them in battle.
Do not hunt or trespass on another Clan's territory.
Elders, queens, and kits must be fed before apprentices and warriors. Unless they have permission, apprentices may not eat until they have hunted to feed the elders. If any warrior or apprentice is sick or injured, they may eat while the elders, queens, and kits are eating.
Prey is killed only to be eaten. Give thanks to StarClan for its life.
A kit must be at least six moons old to become an apprentice.
Newly appointed warriors will keep a silent vigil for one night after receiving their warrior name.
A cat cannot be made deputy without having mentored at least one apprentice.
The deputy will become Clan leader when the leader dies, retires, or is exiled.
After the death, retirement, promotion (to a leader status), or exile of the deputy, the new deputy must be chosen before moonhigh or sunhigh, depending on Clan.
A Gathering of the Clans is held at the full moon during a truce that lasts for the night. There shall be no fighting among Clans at this time.
Boundaries must be checked and marked daily. Challenge all trespassing cats.
No warrior can neglect a kit in pain or danger, even if the kit is from a different Clan.
The word of the Clan leader is the warrior code.
An honorable warrior does not need to kill other cats to win their battles, unless they are outside the warrior code or if it is necessary for self-defense.
A warrior rejects the soft life of a kittypet.
Each Clan has the right to be proud and independent, but in times of trouble they must forget their boundaries and fight side by side to protect the other. Each Clan must help the others so that no Clan will fall.
The following rules are not explicitly stated in the Warrior Code, but are expected to be followed.
Oracles may not have a mate or kits, as they must be able to heal all cats equally.
Kits must stay in camp until they are apprenticed, and are not allowed to hunt.
The safety of the Clan as a whole is more important than the safety of one cat.
Clans must not force another Clan to share territory.
Enemy patrols must not attack cats if they are on a mission that the Clans have agreed upon.
Cats cannot eat when going to the Mooncave to speak with StarClan.
There are few exceptions to the rules in the Warrior Code, but they are still expected to be honoured. Exceptions may vary depending on the Clan.
Cats may travel on another Clan’s territory if they have something to report or to ask for help.
Oracles may travel on another Clan’s territory if they are in need of an herb that cannot be found within their own.
The code is flexible about leadership challenges. Cats may challenge a weak or cruel leader if their Clan is in danger, and if their leadership threatens the Clan, the code expects a warrior to challenge their leader. In MarrowClan, one is allowed to kill their leader, should it threaten the safety of the Clan. In BarkClan, leadership challenges are less tolerated.
In BarkClan, oracles are allowed to take a mate, as long as the mate is the leader or deputy, in honour of Lunae and Solis’ relationship.
In MarrowClan, it is tradition to carve the bones of prey, or use animal blood for ritual purposes.
In ZenithClan, oracles are allowed to take a mate, and allowed to have kits, in honour of Solis, Lunae, Lyrus, and Delphine.