Herbalist

Herbalists are cats in the Colonies who are responsible for the treatment of illness and injury within their Colony. They are the cats most likely to receive signs and omens from the Spirits Beyond.

Description
Herbalists are cats who treat the illnesses, injuries, and ailments of their Colony using a vast array of herbs from dens called herb stores. They spend much of their time in solitude and contemplation, so they are the cats most likely to receive signs and omens from the Spirits Beyond, though they are not the only cats capable of doing so and are not guaranteed to do so. Herbalists have a special connection with each other that transcends territory lines; they can call their own Gathering at any time - usually after large battles - to share knowledge and herbs. These meeting are taken so seriously that any refusal to attend could break the Alliance. Herbalists have free reign of all territories and are free to go wherever they wish in service of the health of the Alliance.

Once new-claws become rangers, they are able to choose at any time to become a herbalist. As herbalists, their influence on the Council varies from Colony to Colony; for example, Field Colony's herbalists are included in the Council and their opinions are considered on par with those of elders; while Oak Colony's herbalist has the authority of an envoy or less, only there to advise the Captain on what the cliff gardens are looking like and how risky a certain course of action may be. The power and authority herbalists is different in each Colony, depending on the particular Colony culture.

In the case of mates and kittens, there is no specific herbalist code that all herbalists follow, as it tends to change based on the Colony and how strict the Captain is. In Field Colony, herbalists traditionally do not take mates or kits due to their more spiritual role - it can be done, but it is highly frowned upon. However, in Oak Colony, herbalists may have mates, though having kittens would take too much time away from their work so it is not permitted. Still, herbalists having families is a case-by-case matter, and it all depends on the specific situation and circumstances.

Trivia

 * The term "medicine cat" from the Warriors series became "herbalist" in Clouded Moon's separate IP.