Post by Dreamer on Feb 23, 2015 19:42:01 GMT
The Clans and the Tribes
On CORD we have five distinct groups of cats, four clans and one tribe. The clans are Thornclan,Rapidclan, Duskclan, and Smokeclan, and the tribe is known as Storm Winds. this thread is a guide to their traditions, leadership, territory, and a bit of their history.
So let’s start alphabetically.
Duskclan
Resilient and Sneaky
Leader:
Sootstar
Deputy:
Open
Medicine cat:
Open
Med Apprentice:
Peachstone
Origin:
Duskclan came from a group of the somewhat more violent cats that came from the exodus from the twoleg city. They settled in the deepest forests, and were known as the night dwellers. The cats in the forest eventually joined together to ensure that no one would trespass on their forests and after some conflict eventually became a strong and close-knit group of cats. They took their name, Dusk, from the seemingly perpetual twilight beneath the thick canopy of the trees.
Appearance:
While these cats come in all sizes, they tend to be darker colors, to blend into their twilight surroundings. There are of course those who have lighter pelts, but these have a harder time learning to hunt in the darker territories, especially at night. Even if they are not particularly dark they are wiry and lean, and silent on their paws. Those with shorter fur in this clan tend to thrive, and have less chance of tangling themselves in the undergrowth. But one thing is certain, Duskclan is sometimes considered to be more rumpled, and several cats are less worried with their general cleanliness and appearance.
Territory:
Most of Duskclan's territory is shrouded in old growth forest, in a dip in the valley. Its old dark trees are constantly shrouded in deep mist and filled with creaking hollow sounds.
Camp:
WIP
Traditions:
Over the last several generations of leaders, it seems that the high positions have stayed close within the family, with mates being appointed as deputies and occasionally children as well.
Recent History:
It has only been a few moons since the great coup by Hawktalon, and since Lavenderstar (in her mentally deranged state) had to step down. Sootstar, despite most of the clan's disgust, was made leader. But an interesting stir was caused by the return of Marshfur and Mistleap, The Survivor, to the clan. For now the clan is at an uneasy period of stagnancy.
Rapidclan
Practical and Steadfast
Leader:
Flintstar
Deputy:
Open
Medicine cat:
Dawnlight
Assistant Medic:
Open
Origin:
Rapidclan was born long ago from a group of cats who during the great exodus from the twoleg city, settled on the edges of Shimmer Lake. Over time cats from the surrounding area joined together, and formed a strong group to defend themselves against the other groups of cats establishing themselves around the valley. When the clans were formed they took their name from the Rapids they claimed as the northern part of their territory.
Appearance:
Most cats in Rapidclan are sleek-furred. They tend to be of an average size, neither large nor small, but their pelt colors range widely on the scale. There seem to be several on the ginger side, as well as many grey furred cats, but not restricted to those colors. Those born in the clan are likely to have webbed paws and water-repellent fur. If they are not, they may suffer in the waters during the coldest parts of leafbare.
Territory:
Nearly half of this clan’s territory is water based. Most of this has to do with Shimmer Lake’s size, but also the area around the river can be either impassive or waterlogged in different areas. Shimmer lake takes up central/southern part of the territory, and is also home Minnow islands, a small chain of islands upon one of which you can find the camp. Another one of the islands is commonly used as a training ground for apprentices. Another area of interest is the actual shore of the lake, covered is smooth slippery stones, the shore is frequented by many different prey animals, but also by some predators. Its not surprising to the clan in winter that the lake should freeze over, and as such most leafbare hunting is done in the Birch Copse, a stand of birch trees on the western side of the lake.
Camp:
Located on the main island of the Minnow islands, the camp makes use of various large rocks and trees, as well as a nearby field of rushes to make and strengthen their camp. There are no heavy defenses, the need to swim to the camp is itself a defense, but Rapidclan cats tend to make their nests out of reeds in the case that if the camp should flood their nests, and is particular their elderly cats and kits, should be safe.
One large tree with a hollowed out base serves as the nursery and elders den simultaneously, although separated by a large root, as it has a vast root system that has been excavated for extra space. It is the warmest, driest area to be found in camp. The medicine cat den is beneath a rock shelf that juts out, and has been enhanced by some piles of stone and rushes. It is located right by the water, so that the medicine cat has easy access to it.
The rest of the dens consist of bushes and brambles hollowed out and strengthened by reeds to keep rain out.
Flintstar addresses his clan from High Rock, at a point on the rock shelf above and a bit to the left of the medicine den.
Traditions:
Unlike the other clans, Rapidclan calls its cats to a clan meeting using these words:
“All cats old enough to swim gather before High Rock for a clan meeting!”
To some of the clans, Rapidclan is known as a rather conceited bunch. They are known for their sleek well-fed bodies, as fish are rarely scarce, but also shining fur. Sometimes their apprentices are known as shinies. In keeping with that, several cats are known to be avid collectors of shells, stones, feathers and other trinkets.
As part of becoming official mate within a clan, each suitor tom presents the she-cat he wishes to become his mate with a stone. These are all unique and varying color, shape and size, often smoothed or scratched in a form of engraving with symbols. Should the she-cat accept the stone, they are considered official mates, and the clan holds a feast for them.
As part of becoming official mate within a clan, each suitor tom presents the she-cat he wishes to become his mate with a stone. These are all unique and varying color, shape and size, often smoothed or scratched in a form of engraving with symbols. Should the she-cat accept the stone, they are considered official mates, and the clan holds a feast for them.
Recent History:
Flintstar has led the clan since just before the Great Return, and has done his best to ensure that his clan is safe and sound. He is not one to necessarily look for a fight or for expansion, instead he keeps close to home, but he is severe with any who should attempt to mess with his clan, and will retaliate harshly.
Recently Lichenfur, Rapidclan’s long time medicine cat, passed away, leaving his apprentice Dawnlight in charge of caring for the clan. However she is still young, and has turned to one of Lichenfur’s former failed apprentices for help.
Smokeclan
Dedicated and Hopeful
Leader:
Closed
Deputy:
Closed
Medicine Cat:
Tryouts Open
Medicine cat Apprentice:
Stone
Origins:
Like the other clans, Smokeclan grew from a group of cats escaping from the twoleg city. However unlike the other clans, this one was born from necessity. A fire set by lightning drove several cats together and forced them to rely on each other to survive. When the time came they took the name of Smokeclan, for the smoke that had shone vividly in the sky and had brought them together.
Appearance:
Smokeclan is certainly an interesting mix. Unlike the other clans there is no typical Smokeclanner, they differ greatly in pelt color, eye color, size and build. Granted, there are more cats on the larger side that reside in Smokeclan than in most other clans, but this is not the norm. Instead they are usually more jolly and well-fed than some of the clans, although by no means fat, just fuller. Their coats, although not pristine are usually relatively clean, although occasionally littered and tangled with leaves and twigs.
Territory:
This territory occupies one of the far ends of all the clans, nestled up against the mountains. It is a mixture of old and new growth, deep forests and new trees, a place in a cycle of recovery due to occasional fires.
Camp:
WIP
Traditions:
At one point in time, Smokeclan was known for its climbing skills. While to most cats these abilities have been lost, they remain alive in a few of the younger cats who have rediscovered a love for climbing.
Fire is revered in this clan as a symbol of renewal and strength but also of danger and the need to be cautious. It is important from the games young kits play to even some of their sayings and analogies.
Recent History:
Smokeclan has been greatly plagued by misfortune since the Great Return. Many cats have disappeared and the remaining cats whisper fearfully of a curse upon their ranks.
Not long ago,their leader, deputy and medicine cat disappeared. The clan is in shock, and the warriors are all sharing the responsibilities as they attempt to figure out how to solve this dilemma in the loos of their leaders as well as attempt to find all their lost clanmates. Cats are scared and confused, and all they can do is turn to each other.
Thornclan
Fierce and Unbending
Leader:
Harestar
Deputy:
Snowblind
Medicine Cat:
Emberstep
Medicine Cat Apprentice:
Lightpaw (MIA)
Origin:
ThornClan originated from a small group of cats who had stayed in the city while all the others had left. They were the final group to leave, half out of stubbornness, and therefore were given the worst piece of territory when they joined their fellows in the clan's new lands. They had to fight tooth and claw to get territory at all, and have often been the clan that gets the worst pickings
Appearance:
Thornclanners, while they may have different sorts of patterns of pelts, tend to have a similar look about them. They tend to be lean, sometimes downright skinny, but have toned muscles and sharp claws. They tend to be wary, and highly suspicious of strangers to their clan. They are fighters at heart, and every scar they bear is proudly earned in the defence of what little they have. ThornClan cats carry a slightly acidic scent, a mixture of pine needles and sulphur.
Territory:
This is one of the major issues for the clan. While the other clans and even the tribe live moderately comfortable lives, Thornclan has to work hard to get enough food and especially water to care for the clan. They hold the most barren part of the land as their territory, the lower feet of the mountains, with craggy land filled with barren fields and scraggly pine trees. Little vegetation grows here aside from the pines, which makes herbs hard to find, and often water is scarce, as Thornclan has no access to a natural water source of it own.
Camp:
The camp is surrounded by thorn bushes, giving the clan its name, and is very difficult to enter and exit without scratching yourself unless you know your path well. The dens are all made by tearing the thorns off parts of the bushes and weaving them into a shelter shape with long grasses from the fields, while the camp itself has a few pine trees looming over it, giving them shade in some parts of camp.
Traditions:
This clan has a peculiar dislike yet grudging acceptance of non-clan cats. Compared to the other clans it has been the most accepting of cats from outside who wish to join, however they must go through an intense period of probation before they are allowed to become full members. The only reason that this is even tolerated is that Thornclan could always use more claws to fight and hunt for the struggling clan.
As a way to teach apprentices care but also how to fight realistically and ignore pain, occasionally they spar with claws unsheathed.
Recent News:
Very recently a rogue affiliated to one of the newer members of the clan was found trespassing. He was not particularly friendly, and is now held as a prisoner in the Thornclan Medicine den under interrogation.
Sometime in the last few moons, the young medicine cat apprentice Lightpaw went missing from the clan.
Less recently the clan was hit with a strange sickness that struck during the end of newleaf and greenleaf, which killed several cats. Due to the lack of herbs, Emberstep was unable to treat them correctly.
Tribe of Storm Winds
Devout and Mysterious
Leader:
Pathar
Deputy:
Finbar
Medicine cat:
Manyara
Medicine cat apprentice:
Umbran
Origins:
Of the groups of cats to form after the great exodus form the twolegplace, the Tribe was the first. Unlike the clans, the cats from the tribe came willingly together, cats who wanted to see an end to all the infighting, and saw that companionship with other cats was a surefire way to see it done. Many of these cats were deep thinkers and deeply devoted to their secret beliefs, which over time would evolve into a strong belief system and dedication their spirit ancestors. They took the name of Storm Winds, as they found their connection to the wind as a primary and important part of their identity, but they also wanted to make clear that they would be as a storm if they needed to defend themselves.
Appearance:
Storm Winds cats tend to have a very ethereal look about them, often because of lighter pelt colors and twisting patterns. Many have beautiful long-furred and silky pelts as well as a delicate lanky grace, but it might also be the way they carry themselves. A large portion of the Tribe, through no particular intention, has green eyes.
Territory:
Alpine meadows, a bit of forest, likely the highest of the territories. A stream runs through the territory, becoming a waterfall that leads to the Rapids.
Camp:
WIP
Traditions:
The medicine cat of Storm Winds is often considered to be the first among their peers in the clans, and are often sought for advice, particularly on spiritual matters.
Recent News:
The clan has just received the new medicine cat of Rapidclan, Dawnlight into their camp to rest.
Manyara and Umbran have been quietly bickering over something, a secret which Manyara carries and refuses to divulge.
This thread is currently under construction and subject to change. Please direct any questions either through the FAQ board or through a PM to the Admins
Smokeclan
Dedicated and Hopeful
Leader:
Closed
Deputy:
Closed
Medicine Cat:
Tryouts Open
Medicine cat Apprentice:
Stone
Origins:
Like the other clans, Smokeclan grew from a group of cats escaping from the twoleg city. However unlike the other clans, this one was born from necessity. A fire set by lightning drove several cats together and forced them to rely on each other to survive. When the time came they took the name of Smokeclan, for the smoke that had shone vividly in the sky and had brought them together.
Appearance:
Smokeclan is certainly an interesting mix. Unlike the other clans there is no typical Smokeclanner, they differ greatly in pelt color, eye color, size and build. Granted, there are more cats on the larger side that reside in Smokeclan than in most other clans, but this is not the norm. Instead they are usually more jolly and well-fed than some of the clans, although by no means fat, just fuller. Their coats, although not pristine are usually relatively clean, although occasionally littered and tangled with leaves and twigs.
Territory:
This territory occupies one of the far ends of all the clans, nestled up against the mountains. It is a mixture of old and new growth, deep forests and new trees, a place in a cycle of recovery due to occasional fires.
Camp:
WIP
Traditions:
At one point in time, Smokeclan was known for its climbing skills. While to most cats these abilities have been lost, they remain alive in a few of the younger cats who have rediscovered a love for climbing.
Fire is revered in this clan as a symbol of renewal and strength but also of danger and the need to be cautious. It is important from the games young kits play to even some of their sayings and analogies.
Recent History:
Smokeclan has been greatly plagued by misfortune since the Great Return. Many cats have disappeared and the remaining cats whisper fearfully of a curse upon their ranks.
Not long ago,their leader, deputy and medicine cat disappeared. The clan is in shock, and the warriors are all sharing the responsibilities as they attempt to figure out how to solve this dilemma in the loos of their leaders as well as attempt to find all their lost clanmates. Cats are scared and confused, and all they can do is turn to each other.
Thornclan
Fierce and Unbending
Leader:
Harestar
Deputy:
Snowblind
Medicine Cat:
Emberstep
Medicine Cat Apprentice:
Lightpaw (MIA)
Origin:
ThornClan originated from a small group of cats who had stayed in the city while all the others had left. They were the final group to leave, half out of stubbornness, and therefore were given the worst piece of territory when they joined their fellows in the clan's new lands. They had to fight tooth and claw to get territory at all, and have often been the clan that gets the worst pickings
Appearance:
Thornclanners, while they may have different sorts of patterns of pelts, tend to have a similar look about them. They tend to be lean, sometimes downright skinny, but have toned muscles and sharp claws. They tend to be wary, and highly suspicious of strangers to their clan. They are fighters at heart, and every scar they bear is proudly earned in the defence of what little they have. ThornClan cats carry a slightly acidic scent, a mixture of pine needles and sulphur.
Territory:
This is one of the major issues for the clan. While the other clans and even the tribe live moderately comfortable lives, Thornclan has to work hard to get enough food and especially water to care for the clan. They hold the most barren part of the land as their territory, the lower feet of the mountains, with craggy land filled with barren fields and scraggly pine trees. Little vegetation grows here aside from the pines, which makes herbs hard to find, and often water is scarce, as Thornclan has no access to a natural water source of it own.
Camp:
The camp is surrounded by thorn bushes, giving the clan its name, and is very difficult to enter and exit without scratching yourself unless you know your path well. The dens are all made by tearing the thorns off parts of the bushes and weaving them into a shelter shape with long grasses from the fields, while the camp itself has a few pine trees looming over it, giving them shade in some parts of camp.
Traditions:
This clan has a peculiar dislike yet grudging acceptance of non-clan cats. Compared to the other clans it has been the most accepting of cats from outside who wish to join, however they must go through an intense period of probation before they are allowed to become full members. The only reason that this is even tolerated is that Thornclan could always use more claws to fight and hunt for the struggling clan.
As a way to teach apprentices care but also how to fight realistically and ignore pain, occasionally they spar with claws unsheathed.
Recent News:
Very recently a rogue affiliated to one of the newer members of the clan was found trespassing. He was not particularly friendly, and is now held as a prisoner in the Thornclan Medicine den under interrogation.
Sometime in the last few moons, the young medicine cat apprentice Lightpaw went missing from the clan.
Less recently the clan was hit with a strange sickness that struck during the end of newleaf and greenleaf, which killed several cats. Due to the lack of herbs, Emberstep was unable to treat them correctly.
Tribe of Storm Winds
Devout and Mysterious
Leader:
Pathar
Deputy:
Finbar
Medicine cat:
Manyara
Medicine cat apprentice:
Umbran
Origins:
Of the groups of cats to form after the great exodus form the twolegplace, the Tribe was the first. Unlike the clans, the cats from the tribe came willingly together, cats who wanted to see an end to all the infighting, and saw that companionship with other cats was a surefire way to see it done. Many of these cats were deep thinkers and deeply devoted to their secret beliefs, which over time would evolve into a strong belief system and dedication their spirit ancestors. They took the name of Storm Winds, as they found their connection to the wind as a primary and important part of their identity, but they also wanted to make clear that they would be as a storm if they needed to defend themselves.
Appearance:
Storm Winds cats tend to have a very ethereal look about them, often because of lighter pelt colors and twisting patterns. Many have beautiful long-furred and silky pelts as well as a delicate lanky grace, but it might also be the way they carry themselves. A large portion of the Tribe, through no particular intention, has green eyes.
Territory:
Alpine meadows, a bit of forest, likely the highest of the territories. A stream runs through the territory, becoming a waterfall that leads to the Rapids.
Camp:
WIP
Traditions:
The medicine cat of Storm Winds is often considered to be the first among their peers in the clans, and are often sought for advice, particularly on spiritual matters.
Recent News:
The clan has just received the new medicine cat of Rapidclan, Dawnlight into their camp to rest.
Manyara and Umbran have been quietly bickering over something, a secret which Manyara carries and refuses to divulge.
This thread is currently under construction and subject to change. Please direct any questions either through the FAQ board or through a PM to the Admins
