001. TRAINING SYSTEM GUIDEBOOK

[DELAWARE]

[attr="class","twfpttitle"]OUR TRAINING SYSTEM [attr="class","twfptnotes"]make an update or request [attr="class","twfptnotes"]current training pairs [attr="class","twfptnotes"]allegiances

[attr="class","twfptcontent"] [attr="class","twfpth1"]OVERVIEW The system for training apprentices on WF is fairly detailed. This guide consolidates all the information you need to know, and should answer any questions that you have. Though it might seem daunting at first, at its heart, the system is meant to get your apprentice to reach warriorhood while supporting the development of your character. The most important take-away from this thread is that it is up to you to prioritize the advancement of your character. The more you prioritize an apprentice, the faster they will become a warrior. Though staff, high ranks, and other RPers will help you, and though there is a lot of support to assist you in achieving this goal, the responsibility of promoting your character is on you and you alone. But don't let that intimidate you! Read on to learn more about the process. [attr="class","twfpth1"]TABLE OF CONTENTS [attr="class","twfpth3"]001. basic requirements [attr="class","twfpth3"]002. mentors & mentorships [attr="class","twfpth3"]003. training & threads [attr="class","twfpth3"]004. ceremonies & promotions [attr="class","twfpth3"]005. example: lightkit's journey

[attr="class","twfptnotes"]sandara [attr="class","twfptnotes"]© DELAWARE

[DELAWARE]

[attr="class","twfpttitle"]BASIC REQUIREMENTS [attr="class","twfptnotes"]overview ◀ [attr="class","twfptnotes"]basic requirements [attr="class","twfptnotes"]▶ mentors & mentorships

[attr="class","twfptcontent"] [attr="class","twfpth1"]what are the basic training requirements? In order for an apprentice to become a warrior, it is required that they fully complete one training thread and one training thread equivalent (more details below). A thread is considered complete if the apprentice has clearly improved their learning and the conclusion of the thread is natural, not abrupt. Any number of mentors and/or apprentices can be involved in a single training thread. Kits do not need to fulfill any requirement to become apprentices, except to be 6 moons of age. [attr="class","twfpth1"]what's the age-related timeline? A kit becomes an apprentice when they turn 6 months old. They then train for another 6 months. An apprentice becomes a warrior on the day they turn 13 months old. Please note that this means an apprentice trains through their 12th moon. [attr="class","twfpth1"]what are the training thread equivalents? There are currently four training thread equivalents. Each of these is in addition to the fully completed training thread requirement. [attr="class","twfpth3"]exemptions [attr="class","twfptsmtxt"]You can purchase a training thread exemption from the Shop (currently $250). An exemption can only be used once per apprentice. [attr="class","twfpth3"]assessments [attr="class","twfptsmtxt"]Assessments are always at the conclusion of an apprentice’s training and are typically the last 'exam' they will do before they become a warrior, unless they need remedial training. An assessment should include the apprentice, the mentor, and at least one other objective third party: another warrior, the deputy, the leader, etc. This third participant can be RPed by anyone, including yourself. [attr="class","twfpth3"]multi-apprentice training session [attr="class","twfptsmtxt"]Any number of apprentices can be involved in a single training session (even if there is only one mentor). The thread is counted for all apprentices involved as long as it is complete. [attr="class","twfpth3"]event participation [attr="class","twfptsmtxt"]Only available if offered by the Clan leader or DELAWARE. In the place of a thread, the apprentice must participate a set amount in an event (e.g. 10 posts, etc.). Exact conditions will be decided on an event-by-event basis. [attr="class","twfpth1"]who is responsible for making my apprentice into a warrior? You. On WF, all associated responsibilities, when it comes to training an apprentice, lay on the shoulders of the apprentice’s RPer. While leaders and mentors have responsibilities as well, everything must be initiated by you. As you will see in this guide, we have a lot of support in place to help you finish your training - however, it is up to you to take advantage of it. We will do everything in our power to help you get your apprentice to warriorhood, but you have to reach out to us first. [attr="class","twfpth1"]are apprentices ever banned? Yes. If there is a surplus of apprentices or soon-to-be apprentices in a certain Clan, all apprentices for that Clan are banned. Depending on situation, the ban may be negotiable (aka you can still purchase a banned apprentice in the shop) or non-negotiable (you cannot purchase a banned apprentice). Bans will be announced in the Updates and the Bans & Encouragements.

[attr="class","twfptnotes"]sandara [attr="class","twfptnotes"]© DELAWARE

[DELAWARE]

[attr="class","twfpttitle"]MENTORS & MENTORSHIPS [attr="class","twfptnotes"]basic requirements ◀ [attr="class","twfptnotes"]mentors & mentorships [attr="class","twfptnotes"]▶ training & threads

[attr="class","twfptcontent"] [attr="class","twfpth1"]are mentors assigned automatically? Yes. Unless you have told us otherwise, staff will automatically assign you a mentor from the current available characters. You will receive a notification in two threads: the current training pairs and updates and requests. The allegiances will also be modified. [attr="class","twfpth1"]can I request a specific mentor? Yes; just post in the updates and requests thread. In order to make sure you get your requested mentor, try to post right when you finish your biography. Staff members will typically assign mentors right after accepting a bio, so getting your request in before this is ideal. [attr="class","twfpth1"]how do I find an apprentice? (for mentors) Like for apprentices, the training assignations are done randomly. We'll do our best to prioritize members who have voiced an interest in receiving an apprentice. However, the best way to guarantee receiving an apprentice is to reach out to a member who is creating an apprentice and see if they would be interested in plotting with you. After that, you or the apprentice's RPer can post in the updates and requests thread. [attr="class","twfpth1"]can my warrior opt-out of mentorship? (for mentors) Yes; if you do NOT want your warrior to receive an apprentice, post in the updates and requests thread and your character's allegiances entry will be edited. Instead of saying "apprentice: open," your entry will now say "apprentice: closed." If you change your mind, all you need to do is post another request and the status will be switched back. [attr="class","twfpth1"]are there any eligibility requirements to become a mentor? None as of now. [attr="class","twfpth1"]can I change mentors / apprentices? Yes, but only if you have not started any threads or plots with that member. Once you have begun this, unless the other member agrees, it would be rude to request a new mentor out of the blue. Otherwise, if there is no problem with a change, then all you need to do is post in the updates and requests thread and your apprentice will be reassigned. [attr="class","twfpth1"]I have my training pair. how do I start a training thread? Simple - just choose an appropriate board, choose a person to post first, and start RPing! Keep in mind that although some mentors may take the initiative to start, it is ultimately up to the apprentice to get the training thread moving once a pair has been assigned. Basically, if you’re an apprentice: be proactive! [attr="class","twfpth1"]do i have to train with my mentor? (for apprentices) Nope! We highly encourage it, but in reality, we know that sometimes a thread between another warrior/your apprentice might end up becoming a lot like a training thread. If that happens, you can count it as a training thread. However, we ask you to at least try RPing with your actual assigned mentor before you jump to this option! [attr="class","twfpth1"]my apprentice has gone inactive! (for mentors) There’s not much you can do, unfortunately. You can reach out to the apprentice’s RPer, but otherwise don’t worry about it. As long as the thread isn’t waiting on your post, it’s not your responsibility to keep it going. [attr="class","twfpth1"]my mentor has gone inactive! (for apprentices) Don’t worry - we have some options to help you out! [attr="class","twfpth3"]send a PM and wait [attr="class","twfptsmtxt"]Sometimes a member is just busy. Send them a PM reminding them of the thread and then wait to see if they reply. If they don’t, or if you have to do this pretty much every time you want a post from them, start looking into these other options. [attr="class","twfpth3"]pick/request a new mentor [attr="class","twfptsmtxt"]Ask to get reassigned to a new mentor in the training requests thread - the easiest solution. You can either start a new thread with this mentor, or continue and finish the pre-existing training thread (we will still count it for your apprentice, no matter how many mentors you cycle through). [attr="class","twfpth3"]mentor the apprentice with your own warrior character [attr="class","twfptsmtxt"]Instead of asking for a new mentor, you can choose to mentor your apprentice with one of your other warrior characters. Keep in mind this must be purchased in the shop (Self-Train an Apprentice, $120 to $250 per apprentice). [attr="class","twfpth3"]use a moderator prompt [attr="class","twfptsmtxt"]If your thread is nearly finished, you can choose three prompts from this list of training prompts. You/your apprentice must then fulfill these requirements via an RP post or series of RP posts. You can post multiple times and power-play your mentor (within reason: e.g. giving praise, explaining the prompt, moving out of the way, etc.) as well. Once you have met these requirements, the thread is finished and you can count it as a training thread. [attr="class","twfpth1"]what's this about power-playing? (for mentors) If your character is the reason an apprentice can’t finish their training thread, then they can power-play your character a limited amount to achieve their goal. It would only be for the current training thread; they could not power-play your character in any other circumstance, or start a new thread. Nor could they do anything that would change or develop your character in any way: they are limited to basic reactions, phrases, prompting, and the like. Don’t worry though - if this happens, mentors tend to be pretty tangential to the apprentice’s posts, and more there to chew on the background than anything else.

[attr="class","twfptnotes"]sandara [attr="class","twfptnotes"]© DELAWARE

[DELAWARE]

[attr="class","twfpttitle"]TRAINING & THREADS [attr="class","twfptnotes"]mentors & mentorships ◀ [attr="class","twfptnotes"]training & threads [attr="class","twfptnotes"]▶ ceremonies & promotions

[attr="class","twfptcontent"] [attr="class","twfpth1"]are there any rules for training threads? Absolutely none. You can be as creative as you want - within reason of course, no defying the laws of physics or anything! - and make up details about the Clans, moves, and techniques. As long as the apprentice learns something and the thread reaches a natural ending, both RPers are free to make up the craziest, most interesting training session possible - or keep it familiar and traditional, if you so prefer. Just remember - please make sure whatever your apprentice does is age and level appropriate. A 6 month old apprentice at their first training session will not be able to catch a mouse using perfect technique without guidance, whereas a 13 month old apprentice on their assessment should be able to do the same in their sleep. Similarly, an older warrior who has trained multiple apprentices before will be better at training an apprentice than a younger warrior on their first apprentice. [attr="class","twfpth1"]help! I don't have any ideas for a training thread. If you need ideas, I recommend checking out the Warriors Wiki Fighting Techniques and Prey Types (the latter for a hunting-based curriculum). You can also check our list of Training Prompts for inspiration. Feel free to also ask other members if they have ideas, and finally, some RPers may already know what they want their apprentice to focus on or learn. Communication is key! [attr="class","twfpth1"]assessments versus training threads An assessment is only for apprentices about to become warriors (between 12-13 moons of age). It is the final, cumulative assessment of everything they have learned. Typically an apprentice will be given a task or set of tasks to complete, which they must do alone while their mentor and another warrior-level cat watches, typically hidden, from the sidelines. An apprentice will then be approved for promotion or asked to train a little longer in their weaknesses. A training thread is not cumulative and involves teaching an apprentice new things rather than assessing what they have learned. It will typically involve only two RPers, the apprentice and the mentor. [attr="class","twfpth1"]how long does a training thread need to be? There is no required length. As long as the apprentice learns something and the thread reaches a natural end, you’re golden. Generally, threads average around one page. [attr="class","twfpth1"]how do I track my apprentice's progress? You can track your progress through the Current Training Pairs thread. Once you have completed your requirements, you are removed from this list and your entry in the Allegiances is updated appropriately. [attr="class","twfpth1"]I've finished a training thread! now what? Congratulations! Now, post in the training updates and requests with a link to your finished training thread. Your Current Training Pairs entry will be updated appropriately. Then, depending on whether that was your last requirement, you can either move on to getting your apprentice promoted or start your second training thread.

[attr="class","twfptnotes"]sandara [attr="class","twfptnotes"]© DELAWARE

[DELAWARE]

[attr="class","twfpttitle"]CEREMONIES & PROMOTIONS [attr="class","twfptnotes"]training & threads ◀ [attr="class","twfptnotes"]ceremonies & promotions [attr="class","twfptnotes"]▶ lightkit's journey

[attr="class","twfptcontent"] [attr="class","twfpth1"]can I have an apprentice / warrior ceremony? Clan leaders are guaranteed to hold one Clan meeting per year, during which time they can also perform any ceremonies that need to be done. If your character is ready to be promoted and you would like a ceremony, just send a PM to your Clan leader so they know to include you. Unfortunately, if your character has not finished their training and misses the yearly meeting, you will likely need to wait until next year to receive a ceremony. Though some leaders will hold additional meetings beyond the scheduled one, this is not guaranteed, so please plan accordingly. You can view the year's current meeting schedule here. [attr="class","twfpth1"]do I need to have a ceremony? Not at all. If you don’t want a ceremony or do not request one, your character's promotion in the Allegiances will be enough to indicate their change in rank. ICly, you may pretend that your character received a ceremony even though it was not role-played. [attr="class","twfpth1"]how do I request a warrior suffix? Please include your desired suffix when you post a link to your completed training thread, so that staff can easily update the Allegiances. You can also post your new name in the Name Claim Index. If you have not chosen a suffix, you may request that staff choose a suffix for you. [attr="class","twfpth1"]can I be promoted before I finish my requirements? At the moment, you cannot be promoted without finishing your training thread requirements or before your character turns 13 moons old, whichever comes first. [attr="class","twfpth1"]my character is 13 but I haven't finished the requirements! Don’t worry - this happens a lot! Once a character reaches 13 moons, they are frozen at that age indefinitely, and the site-wide moon change will not apply to them. They will begin aging again once they have completed their requirements and been promoted. It is up to you to make sure this does not interfere with any of your character’s other plots (e.g. coordinating with siblings and so on), though we have ways to help make this juggling act easier. [attr="class","twfpth1"]when can I start RPing as an apprentice / warrior? As soon as your character's rank changes in the Allegiances. We will update the Allegiances as soon as a ceremony starts OR when you make a promotion request. This means that you can RP your character as an apprentice or a warrior even if the ceremony is still in progress. Similarly, even if a ceremony is abandoned or never finished, your character will still be considered promoted. [attr="class","twfpth1"]can I make my apprentice temporarily older for a plot? Yes, you can! There is a shop option available for 12-13 moons old apprentices only: Aging Potion (𖤓100/thread). You can only use it twice per character, aka in two threads, but that should give you plenty of time to finish up your training while still keeping up with other characters and plots. You will have to provide justification for why you want to use this with your character, however, and a thread will count towards your 2 maximum regardless of whether or not you were able to finish it - so please plan accordingly. [attr="class","twfpth1"]can I keep aging my apprentice past 13 moons? If you have a plot that requires your character to extend their apprenticeship past 13 moons, please PM DELAWARE. We generally can accommodate all such requests, but be aware that you will have to provide another “freeze by” age in case you cannot finish your plot in a timely manner. We typically ask that all apprentices, regardless of plot, become warriors by 20-24 moons of age. Moons spent actually training can be spread out during this time at your discretion. [attr="class","twfpth1"]how does this work for medicine cat apprentices? Medicine cat apprentices must also finish the training thread requirements. Once that is complete, the apprentice and the medicine cat must work out how they wish to proceed. Medicine cat apprentices can be promoted to “Junior Medicine Cat,” while the original medicine cat becomes “Senior Medicine Cat,” but this should only happen once both RPers are in agreement as to how they’ll divide the role. It is also possible for a medicine cat apprentice to remain an "apprentice" indefinitely, if both parties agree. Medicine cat apprentices are not frozen at 13 moons like other apprentices, as it is assumed their training period is nonconventional.

[attr="class","twfptnotes"]sandara [attr="class","twfptnotes"]© DELAWARE

[DELAWARE]

[attr="class","twfpttitle"]EXAMPLE: LIGHTKIT'S JOURNEY [attr="class","twfptnotes"]ceremonies & promotions ◀ [attr="class","twfptnotes"]lightkit's journey [attr="class","twfptnotes"]▶ back to overview

[attr="class","twfptcontent"] If you are still confused by the specific details of our training system, we have put together an example walkthrough for you that will hopefully clear up any final issues. [attr="class","twfpth1"]KITHOOD [attr="class","twfpth2"]I start with Lightkit, 0 moons old. Wait until Lightkit ages naturally to 6 moons old - using our aging system, this will take 1.5 years - or age him up by buying moons ($50 per moon) from the shop. [attr="class","twfpth1"]PROMOTION #1 [attr="class","twfpth2"]Lightkit turns 6 moons old. I don't want a kit-to-apprentice ceremony, so I just post in the training updates and requests to let staff know that Lightkit is ready to become to Lightpaw. At this point, I could also request a specific mentor, but I don't really have a preference, so the staff assign me the warrior Teapot. Lightkit becomes Lightpaw in the Allegiances. Both his entry and Teapot's are updated to reflect their new pair; they are also added to the Current Training Pairs. I have two black stars, because I have not finished any requirements yet. [attr="class","twfpth1"]TRAINING THREAD #1 [attr="class","twfpth2"]with Lightpaw and Teapot! I contact Teapot's RPer and we start our training thread together. I don't really care what Lightpaw learns, since he's so young, so Teapot's RPer decides to do a basic training thread. Lightpaw learns how to execute a basic hunting stalk and pounce. The thread ends with him and Teapot heading back to the camp for dinner. [attr="class","twfpth1"]MAKE A RECORD [attr="class","twfpth2"]of the thread completion! I post in the training updates and requests with a link to the completed training thread. Staff update Lightpaw's entry in the Current Training Pairs with a pink star! [attr="class","twfpth1"]AGING UP [attr="class","twfpth2"]Lightpaw turns 12 moons I don't want to wait 1.5 years for Lightpaw to become warrior-age, so I consider buying 6 moons ($300) in the shop. I make sure this isn't going to cause any problems for Lightpaw's plots with other characters, but once I determine it won't, I go ahead with the purchase. [attr="class","twfpth1"]TRAINING THREAD EQUIVALENT [attr="class","twfpth2"]to do or not to do? I also consider buying a Training Thread Exemption ($250), seeing if anyone wants to do a multi-apprentice training session, or going straight to an assessment, but eventually I decide against it. I contact Teapot's RPer again to see if they want to do another training thread instead. [attr="class","twfpth1"]TRAINING THREAD #2 [attr="class","twfpth2"]with Lightpaw and Teapot! Lightpaw is 12 moons old here, so he knows a lot more. As a warrior, I want him to become an expert on taking down large prey animals, so we focus the training thread on Lightpaw learning how to track and hunt a badger. The thread ends with Teapot heading off to patrol and Lightpaw staying behind to practice. Luckily, Teapot's RPer stays active throughout our training thread, but just in case I had already picked out some possible training prompts in case I needed to finish the thread alone. I make a record of the completed thread, following the same procedure outlined above. [attr="class","twfpth1"]NOW I WAIT... [attr="class","twfpth2"]until Lightpaw turns 13 moons! Since the next moon change is only a few months away, I decide to wait for Lightpaw to age naturally. In the meantime, I have fun finishing up his other apprentice threads. [attr="class","twfpth1"]PROMOTION #2 [attr="class","twfpth2"]Lightpaw turns 13! This time I want a warrior ceremony for Lightpaw! Luckily, the next scheduled Clan meeting is in a month, so I let the Clan leader, Bucketstar, know that Lightpaw is ready. Bucketstar also includes two other apprentices in the ceremony, since they're ready to become warriors too. It means I have to wait a month for the actual ceremony, but that's fine with me. I already know the suffix that I want, so I tell Bucketstar's RPer and also post my update in the Name Claim Index. This way, staff can easily update the Allegiances. [attr="class","twfpth1"]CONGRATULATIONS! [attr="class","twfpth2"]Lightpaw becomes Lightbulb! Lightbulb is moved from Apprentice to Warrior in the Allegiances. And that's that! But I don't want him to receive his own apprentice just yet, so I make a post in the training updates and requests. Lightbulb's Allegiances entry is changed from "apprentice: open" to "apprentice: closed." I plan to change it back in a year, but for now, I head over to the plot with me board to start developing Lightbulb's life as a warrior!

[attr="class","twfptnotes"]sandara [attr="class","twfptnotes"]© DELAWARE