Spiderpaw's Campaign {The Experiment}

[Brain]

ooc>> a "hpyothetical" question?

[duckyaisha]

Ooc: Fixed.

[Ten]

"That is a difficult but important question," Woodstripe mused. Though it wasn't directed at her, she had some comments to input. "A good leader does not attack first, yet does not hesitate to protect and defend the Clan. The challenge is knowing what precautionary measures to take.

"I myself have a question as well, this one being for all our candidates. We've spoken of discussion, negotiation, and voting when it comes to disagreements. However, what specific actions would you never stand for nor tolerate?"

[Gosh]

Spiderpaw meowed, "In response to Speckledclaw's question, I would not start with offense. But it is impossible to avoid using violence altogether, if the other side is violent. I would strive to protect the kits and elders. And if it was possible for an agreement to be made that would not harm the Clan in the long term, then I would make it, provided the Clan agreed. Violence is never right."

She turned to Woodstripe. "Unprovoked violence will not be okay with me. And..." She hesitated for a moment, not sure how to word this. "No one should be forced to, er..." She cleared her throat. "Well, if Grimykit was to ever join the Clan, he would have to change his ways."

[duckyaisha]

"Of course the warriors will have to fight sometime during their Clan life. Since the warriors are the attacking force of the Clan, would you consult with them before making important decisions seeing as they are the ones who will be carrying out? And what about apprentices? Will you choose the mentors or will you allow the mothers of kits to do it themselves?" Patchfur asked, not looking at either she-cat in particular. His question was directed towards them both.

[Gosh]

"Of course," Spiderpaw meowed. "I will consult with my warriors and the rest of the Clan for every major decision. As for the apprentices," Spiderpaw continued, the look on her face growing thoughtful, "I do not think there is anything wrong with an apprentice being taught by their mother or father, unless someone has a reason as to why that would be wrong. I was taught by my mother, and I'm fine."

[Darky [Megan]]

"Specific actions? Well, violence I would not tolerate - considering the nature of the situation, of course - disrespect in any form, be it physical or verbal - again considering the nature of the situation - and thievery.

"As for your questions, Patchfur - I would be glad to consult my warriors for advice in times of battle. It is always good to hear what the Clan has to say, and two heads (or more) are always better than one anyway. As for mentors, the mothers or fathers of the kits should have the freedom and right to choose their kits' mentors, be it other cats or even themselves - it wouldn't be good to make such decisions for them. They would know their own kits better, after all, yes?"

[Brain]

Rockpelt was surprised to hear the word thievery. He spoke up for the first time since his accidental speech: "What do you mean thievery?" he asked. "In a clan, what would there be to steal?"

[Darky [Megan]]

"Well," Redstream mewed, a bit startled by Rockpelt's question. "by thievery I'm referring to things like cats stealing other cats' prey - prey that they are eating or have rights to, not in the fresh-kill pile, is what I mean. Also, some kits and cats like to collect things, I find, and those things might also get stolen.

"Thievery also applies to cats outside of the Clan who try to take without permission."

[duckyaisha]

Patchfur found himself agreeing with both Spiderpaw and Redstream on the answers to his questions. "But if there's a fresh-kill pile, what's the point of getting angry because another cat stole your prey?" the tom asked. Luckily Shortwhisker wasn't here, or this would've been a disaster.

Dingypaw listened carefully to everything Redstream said. Her old ears didn't work that well, and she missed some of what the she-cat was saying, but she got the basic idea. "What if the thief from outside the Clan is starving?" the elder asked in her raspy voice. She knew theivery was not tolerated, and it shouldn't be, but when a cat was hungry enough to steal from a pile guarded by many cats, a certain degree of mercy should be shown.