Post by Sloth on Apr 1, 2019 3:24:01 GMT
A lot of this is flavor text for those who enjoy diving straight into the lore of what they're roleplaying. It's not an absolutely required read, but we highly recommend you skim it at the very least and read it entirely when you have the time. There are things you might need to change about an application if you don't look through this thread a bit.
Location: SootClan is the eastern most clan in The Valley. Their home is an expansive meadow with the occasional cedar, alder, and aspen sapling breaking the flat land. It is not uncommon to see old tree stumps throughout the territory; several housing rodents, rabbits, and nesting birds. Bobcats and foxes are often found among the ancient roots.
Average Prey + Predator Populations:
Common: rabbits, squirrels, moles, mice, magpie, crows, lizards, hawks, snakes, and foxes
Uncommon: hares, prairie dogs, quail, falcons, bobcats, and badgers
Rare: chipmunks, armadillos, geese/ducks, lynx, eagles
Skills: Hunting, Running, Jumping
Lifestyle: SootClan has perhaps the most well defined connection to its past, their roots dating back to before FireClan’s creation. As the old territories gradually crumbled SootClan’s ancestors held onto what they had left to keep them together; each other. As the clan cats moved to The Valley SootClan’s founders stayed close to one another, two prominent leaders taking the charge to keep their clan mates safe and together.
These cats are much like their ancestors, relying on the warrior code to guide them through their struggles. While once a zealous following SootClan’s members now rely more on their leaders and medicine cats interpretation of the rigorous rules.
The relationship between mentor and apprentice is typically very amicable within SootClan. Many mentors are chosen based on talent and experience; a young warrior often looked over as an older warrior receives multiple apprentices. A warriors first apprentice is significant to both the apprentice and the mentor.
In SootClan it is encouraged to find a mate, settling down, and have a family early in life. While not frowned upon the chance of finding a loved one tends to diminish with age. Those that do find mates later in life are celebrated heavily, though often face ridicule should they stay single all their lives. Many young warriors are teased for their raging hormones and dating drama but are nonetheless encouraged to discover what and who will make them happy while still in their youth.
Personalities: Proud, blunt, self-righteous, balanced, loyal, expressive, honest, traditional
Pride is evident in almost every SootClan cat. Their long family roots are honored and often taught to young kits soon after birth. Many in the clan are truth seekers, honesty holding prominence in their day to day lives. SootClan cats are encouraged to be generous with their emotions in their youth, often loud and at times obnoxious in the eyes of older clan members. Having a family is an expected and often anticipated moment in a cats life, the processes of kit-rearing meant to age young warriors. Above all else, SootClan cats hold their traditions close and rely on the balance between their leaders to guide their paths.
Code: SootClan's commitment to tradition mean these cats rarely go against the warrior code. The leaders' interpretation of the code is significant in determining how it affects their day to day lives. This clans acceptance of outsiders is largely dependent on leader opinion.
Names: SootClan often uses prefixes denoting how bright a cat's fur is or how big they are. Suffixes are often focused on a cat's skills or appearance more than their personalities.
Appearances: Much like their ancestors SootClan cats have bright, vibrant pelts. Somalis, calicos, red and brown tabbies are all common colorations and many cats sport white feet, tails, and bellies. Fur length and size range drastically within the clan and cats within the same litter are often varying sizes.
Ancestors: Most SootClan cats trace their ancestors back to the once glorious FireClan.
Location: MarshClan is located along the river that flows through the western part of The Valley. The clan's territory clings to the river's edge, their entire culture centered around the life it brings from the smallest prey to the largest predator. Camp resides in the reeds clustered around the river bed in the leaf-fall and leaf-bare seasons and relocated further into the underbrush when the water swells from melting snow.
Average prey + predator populations:
Common: bluegill, trout, carp, smelt, voles, mice, minnows, lizards, frogs, and snakes
Uncommon: bass, river eel, pike, beavers, rabbits, bobcats, and eagles
Rare: Sturgeon, salmon, flounder, coyotes, and black bears
Skills: Swimming, Stealth, Endurance
Lifestyle: Much of the day to day lives of MarshClan cats is dependent on the individual. While the leader is there to make sure the clan is fed and protected, the how of being fed and sheltered is heavily reliant on the clan members themselves. Border and hunting patrols are organized by warriors, kits are raised by queens, and elders are cared for by family.
Mentor and apprentice pairings are often self created and tend to form lifelong bonds far past apprenticeship. When kits reach apprentice age MarshClan’s leader presents them before the clan asking if any warrior would take on their training. Once a warrior steps forward the pairing is made however should the match not mesh well the apprentice is free to change mentors. An apprentice and mentor spend most of their time together, the training process taking up much of their free time. Once a mentor feels their apprentice is ready they approach the leader for an audience. The leader then presents the apprentice to the clan and names them a warrior.
Due to the less restricting nature of MarshClan, this clan’s cats have developed a society heavily reliant on trade. Because no one is particularly forced to go on designated patrols at specific times it can be worrisome to many who question the security of the border or where their next meal will come from. This need for fighters and hunters to do their jobs has created a system based on the bartering of goods in order to assure the clan is serviced properly. Those that find hunting and fighting are not their strongest skills tend to become artists or kitsitters, trading their services for a fish or protection.
Many artists create intricate displays on shells, rocks, feathers, and bones painted by the juice of berries or blood. This artwork is then gifted to hunters that bring in large amounts of prey or fighters who spend much of their time along the borders. Many cats also choose to become kitsitters for working parents, watching young kits and teaching them about StarClan while the parents are away.
Although the practice of permaqueen rearing is common in MarshClan, family members hold deep love and affection towards one another. The closeness amongst family members is perhaps second only to the connection these cats share with StarClan. To MarshClan; it is because of their ancestors struggles that they may live as freely as they do now.
Personalities: free-spirited, fame-seekers, devout, playful, caring, driven, diverse
MarshClan cats are diverse by nature, the independence of its members creating many different styles and personalities. They are free-spirits who live the lives they want to live without interference unless the safety of the clan is in question. The vast majority of the clan's cats are very caring and express their love openly between friends and family alike. Because warriors are rewarded for being the best they can be many of MarshClan's cats are driven individuals who seek fame through honor, art, or skill. Though they are unique the thing that binds them is their connection with StarClan. The medicine cat is vital in keeping their ancestors close to the hearts of the living.
Code: Though the Warrior Code is taught it is not essential to MarshClan. The basics are the only rules that hold significant to this clan, StarClan's will holding more sway to the whims of this clan than any rule ever could.
Names: MarshClan cats more often than not name their kits after their surroundings. When the time comes for a cat to earn their warrior name it is custom to choose a suffix centered around the individuals personality.
Appearances: Many MarshClan cats are solid colors though grey tabbies, pointed cats, and cream colors are common as well. Most of this clan’s cats stand rather tall with varying degrees of thickness, their height making swimming through heavy tides more manageable. Those with short, course hair tend to find living in this clan more comfortable than a cat with thick long fur.
Ancestors: Most MarshClan cats trace their ancestors back to the RavenClan ancestors who were heavily religious and the remnants of OakClan.
Location: Located in the thickest forest within The Valley, FogClan’s territory is shroud in mist almost all year round. Trees are clustered tightly together with thick underbrush covering the forest floor, making travel difficult for the unpracticed. Much of FogClan’s land is at an incline, their territory starting in the mountain and ending in The Valley. Temperatures here drop below freezing most leaf-bares and desperate predators are known to wander into camp if the clan isn’t careful.
Average Prey + Predator Populations:
Common: Hare, mice, moles, pika, squirrels, jays, mockingbirds, cardinals, falcons, lynxes, foxes, owls
Uncommon: chipmunks, ravens, lizards, woodpeckers, quail, snakes, hawks, bobcats, dogs
Rare: geese, eagles, osprey, black bears, panthers
Skills: Fighting, Climbing, Tracking
Lifestyle: Much of what goes on within FogClan is a mystery to their neighbors. They keep to themselves, only ever being spotted while on border patrols or the obligatory Gatherings. Within the clan these cats like to live their lives privately. In their youth they are strongly encouraged to form close bonds with those they grow up with in the nursery and stick to their social circles throughout their lifetime. The kits you grow up with become apprentices you train with and then warriors you ultimately spend your life with, the end result ultimately being close-knit friend groups that become skeptical of others outside their circle. Individuals that have fallouts with their group tend to become ostracized within the clan and are forced to fend for themselves. Because of this more often than not an individual would rather tolerate others within their group than risk being pushed to the outskirts of the clan.
Due to the nature of FogClan cats, friendships tend to pass down through the generations. First generation friends become mates, their litter then grows up with the litter of another couple within their friend group, and so on. Another option for finding a mate involves courtship across social groups. For instance, if a tom were to find a she-cat in another social group desirable he may ask his own friends if they know anyone in the she-cat's social group. Should the two have mutual friends and the molly shows interest back, a patrol may be arranged that involved the tom and the molly he shows interest in. Courtship may continue as long as the two remain interested in one another. Eventually they will either decide against becoming mates or agree to a relationship. Inter-social group relationships tend to be difficult to maintain, neither cat usually wanting to leave their friend cluster for the other. Once committed to a relationship it is highly discouraged to leave one's mate.
Mentor and apprentice pairings can be rather brutal in FogClan. Mentors are encouraged to prepare their charges for the rough life ahead of them, FogClan's territory an unforgiving and perilous place to live. If a cat is not properly prepared they risk dying young and if a cat dies a preventable death it tends to leave a stain on that cats family, mentor, and sometimes even social group.
These cats as a whole do not believe in StarClan. While the existence of StarClan (or rather, the other clan's belief in its existence) is known among FogClan cats they are raised to believe the things they do in life have an affect on the lives that surround them. Ancestors are cats of the past and have no affect on fate, one controls their own destiny and must rely on themselves and those they surround themselves with to see the next generation through. Those that believe in StarClan within FogClan keep their beliefs a secret for fear of being pushed out of their social groups and even the clan itself.
Personalities: Honorable, up-tight, introverted, focused, skeptical, realist
FogClan's devotion to the principles of the warrior code make its members a rather honorable and focused bunch. It is vital to uphold ones place in the clan, every cat has their purpose and it is their duty to support oneself, family, and friends. These cats are up-tight about their way of life and unwilling to accept second best in any form. Despite FogClan's high expectations it is important to these cats to remain realistic, after all knowing the limits of an individual means knowing how to push them to succeed. These cats are incredibly skeptical of outsiders, especially the other clans that share The Valley. A cat that trust deceased cats to show them their future is a cat who admits they have no control over their lives, a concept that is all together unacceptable within FogClan.
Code: The warrior code is taken very seriously within FogClan, any rule specifying discipline used as a guideline for every day life. This clan rarely, if ever, accepts outsiders into their ranks. Should an outsider be accepted they are usually forced to live their lives without a social group to defend them against the bitter FogClan territory and FogClanners unaccepting of outsiders.
Names: Names are meant to strike fear into an enemies heart here due to FogClan’s obsession with strength. Prefixes are focused on power though it is common practice to name the runt of a litter something weak or demeaning in the hope they will rise up and become worthy of a strong suffix. Suffixes tend to focus on a specific thing an apprentice did that showed they were strong and worthy of a warrior name.
Appearances: Dark toned pelts are the most common found appearance in FogClan. While some cats show white spotting, the average FogClan cat is either a tortoiseshell, dark colored tabby, or entirely black. Most cats have long, thick fur to shelter them from the cold while their bodies are large and well muscled. Smoked pelts, Maine coon, and Norwegian Forest cats are common place among the ranks.
Ancestors: Most FogClan cats trace their ancestors back to the RavenClan ancestors who blamed StarClan for the fall of the ancestry clans and what was left of WillowClan.
SootClan
Tandemocracy - 2 leaders, (4 lives each), 2 deputies, 1 medicine cat, 1 mca
Equal life, equal responsibility
Tandemocracy - 2 leaders, (4 lives each), 2 deputies, 1 medicine cat, 1 mca
Equal life, equal responsibility
Location: SootClan is the eastern most clan in The Valley. Their home is an expansive meadow with the occasional cedar, alder, and aspen sapling breaking the flat land. It is not uncommon to see old tree stumps throughout the territory; several housing rodents, rabbits, and nesting birds. Bobcats and foxes are often found among the ancient roots.
Average Prey + Predator Populations:
Common: rabbits, squirrels, moles, mice, magpie, crows, lizards, hawks, snakes, and foxes
Uncommon: hares, prairie dogs, quail, falcons, bobcats, and badgers
Rare: chipmunks, armadillos, geese/ducks, lynx, eagles
Skills: Hunting, Running, Jumping
Lifestyle: SootClan has perhaps the most well defined connection to its past, their roots dating back to before FireClan’s creation. As the old territories gradually crumbled SootClan’s ancestors held onto what they had left to keep them together; each other. As the clan cats moved to The Valley SootClan’s founders stayed close to one another, two prominent leaders taking the charge to keep their clan mates safe and together.
These cats are much like their ancestors, relying on the warrior code to guide them through their struggles. While once a zealous following SootClan’s members now rely more on their leaders and medicine cats interpretation of the rigorous rules.
The relationship between mentor and apprentice is typically very amicable within SootClan. Many mentors are chosen based on talent and experience; a young warrior often looked over as an older warrior receives multiple apprentices. A warriors first apprentice is significant to both the apprentice and the mentor.
In SootClan it is encouraged to find a mate, settling down, and have a family early in life. While not frowned upon the chance of finding a loved one tends to diminish with age. Those that do find mates later in life are celebrated heavily, though often face ridicule should they stay single all their lives. Many young warriors are teased for their raging hormones and dating drama but are nonetheless encouraged to discover what and who will make them happy while still in their youth.
Personalities: Proud, blunt, self-righteous, balanced, loyal, expressive, honest, traditional
Pride is evident in almost every SootClan cat. Their long family roots are honored and often taught to young kits soon after birth. Many in the clan are truth seekers, honesty holding prominence in their day to day lives. SootClan cats are encouraged to be generous with their emotions in their youth, often loud and at times obnoxious in the eyes of older clan members. Having a family is an expected and often anticipated moment in a cats life, the processes of kit-rearing meant to age young warriors. Above all else, SootClan cats hold their traditions close and rely on the balance between their leaders to guide their paths.
Code: SootClan's commitment to tradition mean these cats rarely go against the warrior code. The leaders' interpretation of the code is significant in determining how it affects their day to day lives. This clans acceptance of outsiders is largely dependent on leader opinion.
Names: SootClan often uses prefixes denoting how bright a cat's fur is or how big they are. Suffixes are often focused on a cat's skills or appearance more than their personalities.
Appearances: Much like their ancestors SootClan cats have bright, vibrant pelts. Somalis, calicos, red and brown tabbies are all common colorations and many cats sport white feet, tails, and bellies. Fur length and size range drastically within the clan and cats within the same litter are often varying sizes.
Ancestors: Most SootClan cats trace their ancestors back to the once glorious FireClan.
MarshClan
Republic - 1 leader, (9 lives), 1 deputy, 1 medicine cat, 1 mca
Facing our fate together
Republic - 1 leader, (9 lives), 1 deputy, 1 medicine cat, 1 mca
Facing our fate together
Location: MarshClan is located along the river that flows through the western part of The Valley. The clan's territory clings to the river's edge, their entire culture centered around the life it brings from the smallest prey to the largest predator. Camp resides in the reeds clustered around the river bed in the leaf-fall and leaf-bare seasons and relocated further into the underbrush when the water swells from melting snow.
Average prey + predator populations:
Common: bluegill, trout, carp, smelt, voles, mice, minnows, lizards, frogs, and snakes
Uncommon: bass, river eel, pike, beavers, rabbits, bobcats, and eagles
Rare: Sturgeon, salmon, flounder, coyotes, and black bears
Skills: Swimming, Stealth, Endurance
Lifestyle: Much of the day to day lives of MarshClan cats is dependent on the individual. While the leader is there to make sure the clan is fed and protected, the how of being fed and sheltered is heavily reliant on the clan members themselves. Border and hunting patrols are organized by warriors, kits are raised by queens, and elders are cared for by family.
Mentor and apprentice pairings are often self created and tend to form lifelong bonds far past apprenticeship. When kits reach apprentice age MarshClan’s leader presents them before the clan asking if any warrior would take on their training. Once a warrior steps forward the pairing is made however should the match not mesh well the apprentice is free to change mentors. An apprentice and mentor spend most of their time together, the training process taking up much of their free time. Once a mentor feels their apprentice is ready they approach the leader for an audience. The leader then presents the apprentice to the clan and names them a warrior.
Due to the less restricting nature of MarshClan, this clan’s cats have developed a society heavily reliant on trade. Because no one is particularly forced to go on designated patrols at specific times it can be worrisome to many who question the security of the border or where their next meal will come from. This need for fighters and hunters to do their jobs has created a system based on the bartering of goods in order to assure the clan is serviced properly. Those that find hunting and fighting are not their strongest skills tend to become artists or kitsitters, trading their services for a fish or protection.
Many artists create intricate displays on shells, rocks, feathers, and bones painted by the juice of berries or blood. This artwork is then gifted to hunters that bring in large amounts of prey or fighters who spend much of their time along the borders. Many cats also choose to become kitsitters for working parents, watching young kits and teaching them about StarClan while the parents are away.
Although the practice of permaqueen rearing is common in MarshClan, family members hold deep love and affection towards one another. The closeness amongst family members is perhaps second only to the connection these cats share with StarClan. To MarshClan; it is because of their ancestors struggles that they may live as freely as they do now.
Personalities: free-spirited, fame-seekers, devout, playful, caring, driven, diverse
MarshClan cats are diverse by nature, the independence of its members creating many different styles and personalities. They are free-spirits who live the lives they want to live without interference unless the safety of the clan is in question. The vast majority of the clan's cats are very caring and express their love openly between friends and family alike. Because warriors are rewarded for being the best they can be many of MarshClan's cats are driven individuals who seek fame through honor, art, or skill. Though they are unique the thing that binds them is their connection with StarClan. The medicine cat is vital in keeping their ancestors close to the hearts of the living.
Code: Though the Warrior Code is taught it is not essential to MarshClan. The basics are the only rules that hold significant to this clan, StarClan's will holding more sway to the whims of this clan than any rule ever could.
Names: MarshClan cats more often than not name their kits after their surroundings. When the time comes for a cat to earn their warrior name it is custom to choose a suffix centered around the individuals personality.
Appearances: Many MarshClan cats are solid colors though grey tabbies, pointed cats, and cream colors are common as well. Most of this clan’s cats stand rather tall with varying degrees of thickness, their height making swimming through heavy tides more manageable. Those with short, course hair tend to find living in this clan more comfortable than a cat with thick long fur.
Ancestors: Most MarshClan cats trace their ancestors back to the RavenClan ancestors who were heavily religious and the remnants of OakClan.
FogClan
Union - 9 Captains, 1 leader in rotation (1 life), 1 medicine cat, 1 mca
Strife makes us stronger
Union - 9 Captains, 1 leader in rotation (1 life), 1 medicine cat, 1 mca
Strife makes us stronger
Location: Located in the thickest forest within The Valley, FogClan’s territory is shroud in mist almost all year round. Trees are clustered tightly together with thick underbrush covering the forest floor, making travel difficult for the unpracticed. Much of FogClan’s land is at an incline, their territory starting in the mountain and ending in The Valley. Temperatures here drop below freezing most leaf-bares and desperate predators are known to wander into camp if the clan isn’t careful.
Average Prey + Predator Populations:
Common: Hare, mice, moles, pika, squirrels, jays, mockingbirds, cardinals, falcons, lynxes, foxes, owls
Uncommon: chipmunks, ravens, lizards, woodpeckers, quail, snakes, hawks, bobcats, dogs
Rare: geese, eagles, osprey, black bears, panthers
Skills: Fighting, Climbing, Tracking
Lifestyle: Much of what goes on within FogClan is a mystery to their neighbors. They keep to themselves, only ever being spotted while on border patrols or the obligatory Gatherings. Within the clan these cats like to live their lives privately. In their youth they are strongly encouraged to form close bonds with those they grow up with in the nursery and stick to their social circles throughout their lifetime. The kits you grow up with become apprentices you train with and then warriors you ultimately spend your life with, the end result ultimately being close-knit friend groups that become skeptical of others outside their circle. Individuals that have fallouts with their group tend to become ostracized within the clan and are forced to fend for themselves. Because of this more often than not an individual would rather tolerate others within their group than risk being pushed to the outskirts of the clan.
Due to the nature of FogClan cats, friendships tend to pass down through the generations. First generation friends become mates, their litter then grows up with the litter of another couple within their friend group, and so on. Another option for finding a mate involves courtship across social groups. For instance, if a tom were to find a she-cat in another social group desirable he may ask his own friends if they know anyone in the she-cat's social group. Should the two have mutual friends and the molly shows interest back, a patrol may be arranged that involved the tom and the molly he shows interest in. Courtship may continue as long as the two remain interested in one another. Eventually they will either decide against becoming mates or agree to a relationship. Inter-social group relationships tend to be difficult to maintain, neither cat usually wanting to leave their friend cluster for the other. Once committed to a relationship it is highly discouraged to leave one's mate.
Mentor and apprentice pairings can be rather brutal in FogClan. Mentors are encouraged to prepare their charges for the rough life ahead of them, FogClan's territory an unforgiving and perilous place to live. If a cat is not properly prepared they risk dying young and if a cat dies a preventable death it tends to leave a stain on that cats family, mentor, and sometimes even social group.
These cats as a whole do not believe in StarClan. While the existence of StarClan (or rather, the other clan's belief in its existence) is known among FogClan cats they are raised to believe the things they do in life have an affect on the lives that surround them. Ancestors are cats of the past and have no affect on fate, one controls their own destiny and must rely on themselves and those they surround themselves with to see the next generation through. Those that believe in StarClan within FogClan keep their beliefs a secret for fear of being pushed out of their social groups and even the clan itself.
Personalities: Honorable, up-tight, introverted, focused, skeptical, realist
FogClan's devotion to the principles of the warrior code make its members a rather honorable and focused bunch. It is vital to uphold ones place in the clan, every cat has their purpose and it is their duty to support oneself, family, and friends. These cats are up-tight about their way of life and unwilling to accept second best in any form. Despite FogClan's high expectations it is important to these cats to remain realistic, after all knowing the limits of an individual means knowing how to push them to succeed. These cats are incredibly skeptical of outsiders, especially the other clans that share The Valley. A cat that trust deceased cats to show them their future is a cat who admits they have no control over their lives, a concept that is all together unacceptable within FogClan.
Code: The warrior code is taken very seriously within FogClan, any rule specifying discipline used as a guideline for every day life. This clan rarely, if ever, accepts outsiders into their ranks. Should an outsider be accepted they are usually forced to live their lives without a social group to defend them against the bitter FogClan territory and FogClanners unaccepting of outsiders.
Names: Names are meant to strike fear into an enemies heart here due to FogClan’s obsession with strength. Prefixes are focused on power though it is common practice to name the runt of a litter something weak or demeaning in the hope they will rise up and become worthy of a strong suffix. Suffixes tend to focus on a specific thing an apprentice did that showed they were strong and worthy of a warrior name.
Appearances: Dark toned pelts are the most common found appearance in FogClan. While some cats show white spotting, the average FogClan cat is either a tortoiseshell, dark colored tabby, or entirely black. Most cats have long, thick fur to shelter them from the cold while their bodies are large and well muscled. Smoked pelts, Maine coon, and Norwegian Forest cats are common place among the ranks.
Ancestors: Most FogClan cats trace their ancestors back to the RavenClan ancestors who blamed StarClan for the fall of the ancestry clans and what was left of WillowClan.