( Note: This is just background about the main alien species featured in the After the Fall series.)  © GL Drummond, 2008

· A warrior must always be prepared to fight until his last breath to defend females, kittlings, and House.

· Females are the means of continuation of our kind, therefore must be protected above all others, even before kittlings, since they themselves will fight until their last breath to protect those kittlings.

· It is a matter of honor to protect those who are unable to protect themselves, regardless of species. As Katarr warriors, we are strong, and the strong should always protect the weak.

· Kittlings are to be raised with kindness, patience and understanding. Our young represent our uncontrolled instincts; it is our duty to teach them to control those instincts once they are old enough to begin understanding.

· One never strikes one’s kittlings, sesslin, family, friends, or another Katarr in anger.

· Kindness and love are not weaknesses; they are our greatest strengths.

· When one is rendered incapable of exacting vengeance, and another renders it, one owes the renderer a Blood Debt. A Blood Debt can only be incurred outside of the House; never between members of the same House. It is not satisfied until one has exacted vengeance on the other’s behalf. However, one cannot attempt to do repay the debt unless the one you owe it to becomes unable to pursue vengeance themselves.

· The thrill of battle and taste of blood can cause a Blood Rage. One must understand the signs of such a rage, and always attempt to think before acting. Warning must always be given. If an enemy appears to heed that warning and retreat, their choice must be honored.

· There is no dishonor in failure to succeed, only in failure to act. We may not always win the day, and must understand that our sacrifice(s) may allow others to do so in the future.

· Mercy has many forms. Sometimes, it requires ending the life of one too injured to be saved. Mercy must be delivered swiftly and with as little pain as possible. Dishonor isn’t accrued by such acts. It is a difficult choice to make, and no one wishes burden another by condemning their actions.

· Your sesslin’s wishes and needs come before all else. Her words are to be taken as law and acted upon appropriately. You should never give her a reason to doubt your devotion and love. You should always treat her with respect and never speak harshly to her. Even should she be unreasonable, as some are during estrus cycles, you will remain patient and calm with her.

· An honorable warrior never forces himself upon an unwilling female under any circumstance in which he is in complete control of himself and the situation. If such an action occurs, it is up to the Warrior to offer reparation for his inappropriate behavior. It may be as simple as an apology, or as severe as submitting one to one’s House for judgment. A warrior’s honor is important to the entire Katarr community; however judgment and punishment rest solely upon the House as this ensures compassion will be maintained at all time.

· The head of House has the right to make decisions for all members of the House, whether they were born into it or brought in by being claimed as a son’s sesslin.

· A warrior must always be ready to stand with another Katarr, whether known to him or not.

· A warrior does not lie except to protect others, but never to another Katarr.