Clan Nova Cat

The Nova Cats originated as one of the twenty Clans spawned by Nicholas Kerensky. Now Abjured, they still tend to follow the beliefs and practices followed by the other Clans. However, they do share notable differences with the other Clans.

Religion
While technically atheistic, the Nova Cats follow a spiritual way of life that has many religious overtones. Known as Nova Cat Mysticism, this way of life is heavily influenced by ritual and visions. While not an official, government sponsored religion, Nova Cat Mysticism is widespread throughout the Clan and entrenched in the Warrior Caste.

The position of Oathmaster retains its original goal in the Nova Cats. It has also taken on a guiding role among the Cats, and the visions of the Oathmaster continue to help shape Nova Cat decision making and policy.

Blood Names
While Abjured among the Clans in general, the Nova Cats still maintain the tradition of Bloodnames.

General Bloodnames:
 * Deleportas
 * Devalis
 * Watson

MechWarriors:
 * Drummond
 * Nostra
 * Lossey
 * Rosse

Elementals:
 * Lenardon
 * West
 * Winters

Aerospace Pilots:
 * Bavros
 * Leroux

Treatment of the Lower Castes
The Nova Cat Merchant Caste is granted a degree of independence unknown in most other Clans. Allowed to operate freely, the Merchant Caste contributed much to the Nova Cats power before their abjuration. Post-Abjuration, they remain an important fixture in Nova Cat society. The Nova Cat merchant fleet maintains a large number of Carrack class warships modified for Merchant use.

The Nova Cats treat their other lower castes in a manner described as 'fair-handed.'

Crusader vs Warden
Traditionally, the Nova Cats fell into the group known as the Crusader Clans. Interpreting visions that pointed to their inevitable presence in the Inner Sphere, and goaded on by a profit seeking Merchant Caste, the Nova Cats felt that retaking the Inner Sphere was part of their destiny.

Post-Tukkayid, this attitude started to change. Under the guidance of Biccon Winters, the Nova Cats drifted to a more Warden based position. This culminated in the Nova Cats siding with the Inner Sphere during the Great Refusal and they are now fully considered a Warden Clan.