#clanlore

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Clan character: Dwelling within the smallest yet most prey-rich territory, DawnClan are a boisterous bunch known for having the most outspoken warriors. They're quite proud and openly boast of their rich history and many achievements. Refusing to quail from any challenge DawnClan warriors eagerly test their skills against dangerous threats head-on. DawnClan views their bountiful territory as special favor from StarClan, and thus the challenges sent their way as means to prove themselves worthy. 

Other Clans regard them as arrogant and abrasive, it is said they're best at causing a ruckus and taking reckless approaches to various matters. Scorned is their affinity for abiding by twolegs and taking advantage of the benefits they can offer, commonly viewed as soft and kittypet-esque by rivals. DawnClan warriors however will insist that this spirited attitude is what keeps DawnClan lively, and openly dare any cat to call them soft to their faces. 

The most family-oriented Clan, these cats pride themselves on their close kinship. Old families that have held blood within the Clan for many moons often trace their ancestry with reverence and may have their own unique traditions or signifier which set them apart from the others. Remembering the accomplishments of your forebears is considered quite important. Young cats are hungry to prove themselves worthy, boldly vying for fame of their own and further exaltation of DawnClan.

Prominent resources: Chickens and ducks provide a constant stream of feathers and eggs. Milk is gleaned from dairy cows. Careful shearing secures a plentiful supply of wool from sheep. The most experienced shepherds can harvest flexible, hardy hair from The Ranch's resident horses. There is never a lack of straw within the barn's expansive confines. Rodents thrive within The Ranch's immediate area alongside starlings, doves, sparrows, and many other common grassland birds. Wild game such as turkey, pheasant, and grouse can be found roaming the further reaches of untamed DawnClan territory. Deer serve up a specialty boon of prey and pelts, brought down in carefully planned hunting expeditions. Twolegs occasionally leave out heaps of kibble in the cold leaf-bare moons as if a gift for their feline co-inhabitants. Scraps of various unique furs, hides, and other animal parts are often found as leftovers from the ranchers' tannery. Chunks of honeycomb carefully harvested from domestic beehives are a valuable and incredibly rare prize that currently lies within DawnClan's borders.

Renowned skills: Extremely efficient hunting techniques, their teamwork is second to none when it comes time to execute a high-stakes plan. The most adept Clan at hunting and tracking prey alongside the most skilled at consistently felling large game. DawnClan cats known for possessing exceptional physical strength as well. Having a proclivity towards high athleticism is typical even for DawnClan warriors not occupying a labor intensive niche. Most unique of all is DawnClan's understanding of non-feline animals, living beside and caring for all types of domestic stock. They possess advanced knowledge of various wild species both predator and prey which reside within the Ashen Plains. 

DawnClan camp: Established within an impressive barn sporting multiple open-floor levels connected by rustic folding staircases. Spacious enough to keep safely separate from the primary body of daily rancher activity. The great structure's walls are sturdy, impenetrable even to the harshest weather conditions. Voluminous piles of warm straw make for fine nests, supplemented with soft feathers, plush furs, and comfortable hides. DawnClan does not divide their sleeping quarters by rank but instead rest wherever they please, groups of extended family and friends usually choosing to sleep within the same space. The only exceptions are the healers who carefully maintain their own den and the Clan leader who resides in a loft which overlooks camp at the highest point of the barn's interior. Racks of antlers, the polished skulls of cervidae, among other great prey are mounted as trophies around the space, presented as decorations and occasionally enhanced by various prairie flora. The Clan's burgeoning food stores is kept stocked within a secret cold cellar beneath the barn— a space long forgotten by twolegs— maintained and carefully accounted for by the treasurer.

Greater DawnClan territory: A sprawling ranch surrounded by pastures teeming with various livestock makes up the heart of DawnClan's land. Further out towards the south are rolling vistas of wild prairie. To the north a twoleg town lies closest to DawnClan territory and often brings them into contact with outsiders. Eastward heralds DawnClan's border with RubbleClan, alongside an extensive array of domestic beehives managed by twolegs. The valuable honey within has spurred a long history of violence between the rival Clans and contesting who truly holds control over the resource.

A once powerful Moonkeeper clan in the Black Shroud, the Sesshain have a very proud and traditional view. Unfortunately this is part of what destroyed them, as their refusal to adopt new members or mate with commoners has meant that they were not able to recover from the triple blows of war with the Ala Mhigans, Garleans, and the Calamity.

A steadfast clan, the Sesshain were a pillar of stability in the Black Shroud, where they settled half a millennia ago. At its height, the Sesshain were equal to the Rosavuoto - a secretive but strong Duskwight clan - in strength, and were known for their mastery of the shadow arts. They sought to hold onto their glorious history, but the combination of waning power, dwindling numbers, and outside invasions stifled the clan from restarting its hopes. Outclassed, the Sesshain returned to their ancestral practice of isolation. Their numbers are now severely diminished, and no remaining Sesshain clans exist.

Tropes:

Blue Blood: They have a very old aristocratic bloodline, but their attempts to keep it this way is largely responsible for their current state.

Cornered Rattlesnake: During both invasions of the Black Shroud, they fought a largely unseen fight against superior numbers and managed to cause both forces a significant amount of trouble by taking very desperate measures.

Dark Is Not Evil: They dress in all black and revere the darkness... but they are no better or worse on average than the other Keeper clans.

Lawful Neutral: Their general strategy and clan philosophy is to wait, like a spider, and not involve themselves in outside disputes unless necessary.

Pride: The Sesshain are a Blue Blood clan and look down on the commoners. While they have long served as de facto vassals to the Rosavuoto clan, they had the sense to treat them as if they were equal allies.

Proud Scholar Race: They had an entire house devoted to scholarly pursuits.

Slobs vs. Snobs: Somewhat on the snobbish side of the scale as they pointedly refused to mate with non-nobles and did not adopt commoners.

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Clan character: MeadowClan uphold's elegance in the very way that they talk and in the way that they move. They keep themselves light and unassuming to neighboring Clans and outsiders alike. However, upon being the closest to StarClan, and upon the blessings bestowed to them through herbs, MeadowClan cats are quick to become measured, discreet, and restrictaroy of their Clan's whereabouts. However, such prehensiveness stems from the honor and respect held for the gardens that hold the bodies of their ancestors and the preserverance shared amongst their Clanmates alive in the present. MeadowClan doesn't have much to give, and neither the resources to survive alone. However, the herbs provided to them to stave off their desperation and to keep them healthy

MeadowClan's attitude is born from it's first tale, one that brings about these. It is said that the bodies of MeadowClan's first settlers fed life into the soils of their territory upon the great travesty that rendered their bodies down into ashes and cinders. It is admissed that the cats of the past are the ones who are strengthing the roots of the plants and herbs and flowers that make up the lands of MeadowClan's, and having even brought anew their Greenhouse that is confidently said to house every remedy under the sun. These herbs are born, grown, and protected from the spirits of ancestors. And so, as these plants, these bodies of their old clanmates, grow and wilt through the seasons, so too do the MeadowClan cats that they grow besides them. 

This tale has brought MeadowClan see themselves as a collective. They're to be open-minded and insistent of the philosphies and dreams and ideas of their clanmates. Everything that is said to one cat, the whole of MeadowClan keeps it. The secrets of their shared land can only be kept if they learn to foster a deep sense of community, commitment, and trust in one another. As such, this becomes their way of life. Their secrets theirs to cherish, and to be held by the gaze of StarClan as well.

Prominent resources: MeadowClan holds a plethora of different varieties of medicines and herbs. Herbs from their Greenhouse are pricey. After all, The Greenhouse protects their more delicate, rarest herbs. Cats are often told to pay twice the amount of what is typically given from their smaller garden, much to their neighboring Clan's chagrin. Outside of trading raw, unfiltered goods for the health the Clans their woven goods made of twine, twigs, sticks and leaves, and resources taken off from the scarecrow that is typically bundled up in all sorts of things capable of being used to nest-liners. Things such as woven baskets and pouches and all sorts of useful, crafted resources are readily available.

Renowned skills: Inquisitive, intuitive, with their minds running the same length at their quick thinking while on their feet, MeadowClan cats are known for their disarmingly good communication, great intuition, and sharp senses. These attributes are adopted from hunting smaller, faster types of prey as their food source and as pests feeding away their gardens. Cats from across the Ashen Plains are always said to keep their ears sharp and to stand firm in their choices around these felines, for they're quick to sense when anything is amiss. Whether a slip of a paw in battle, or the air of doubt or apprehension lingering in the air, they're quick to carry out any cirucmstance in their favor so long as there is an opening for them. 

MeadowClan camp: Tall, overarching canopies, embellished with innumerable, sweet-scented tangerines, make up the dens surrounding MeadowClan. They come together to create a large canopy, where warriors make their nests across the branches where the leaves protect them from weathering, whereas the most bountiful perch resides as the leader's perch. Below the canopies, a rickety wagon is found toppled on its side, resting beneath the eaves of the tall trees. There, different carrier baskets herald as nests for the apprentices. Below the trees and the wagon, a large, tunneling burrow rests beneath MeadowClan's territory, discreetly placed behind the littered hawthorns and brambles that supplemented the forest floor. This intended to protect their elders from potential invasions and health risks which may arise from environmental causes as the seasons change. MeadowClan's healer's den resides in a more open, sparser area where the trees divide from it's rows of tall barks to smaller, compact shrubs. Their clear access to the sky above them brings a touch of closeness to StarClan, where the healers of their clan an interpret signs in the depths of the great night sky. 

Greater MeadowClan territory: Rolling hills, jagged valleys, and sprawling acres of wildflowers brings to light the distinct smells and sights of MeadowClan's land. Northwards of MeadowClan's camp holds small, wooden structures of rotting harvestables and soil for the gardens. MeadowClan's acclaimed gardens are found right beside the compost pile, while further east leads to the renowned Greenhouse, nestled between long, flushed ferns and a thickset of shrubs. West from the Greenhouse is the golden fields that, upon reaching the other side, marks the line between MeadowClan's and DawnClan's borders. There also inhabits an old tractor shed with a large, worm-eaten windmill that spins slowly from the strong winds that occupy the area, and within the fields lies the scarecrow posts, where multiple fake farmers litter across the area. East of the Greenhouse houses the valley of expansive land, filled with valleys and plants and flowers and a braided river channeling through the soil, and furhter south-east, far into the corners of MeadowClan's territory, rests StarClan's grounds— The Star Gardens and The Moon Fountain.

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The Territories of Once the Fire Fades are vast and expansive, containing a multitude of inhabitants from all walks of life. All equally striving towards survival, for hope shines within the glowing embers of countless tribulations. DawnClan, MeadowClan, and RubbleClan have each carved out a space for themselves inside The Ashen Plains’ heart, where 10 generations of cats have laid their paws along these fields, rivers, and valleys, though more lies past even the hard-fought reaches Clan borders define.

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DawnClan’s territory is an awe-inspiring expanse of pastures and ranging fields, open sky overhead and the roaming of larger-than-life livestock surrounding. Creatures of all kinds reside within the flatlands; both bountiful prey and ghastly predators alike lurking in these gleaming fields. A large barn makes up DawnClan’s camp, though the greater Ranch managed by twolegs provides abundant opportunities for the felines which live there. It appears the horizon goes on for countless days out here, and DawnClan cats race along every stretch of these grasslands with vigor.

MeadowClan’s territory is a gorgeous landscape of lush orchards and quiet meadows, flora blooming in vivid boughs throughout their sheltered hideaway. A pleasant smelling grove of orange trees house MeadowClan’s camp, herb gardens alongside a desolate greenhouse providing them with a rich harvest of herbs every season. A large field tended by twolegs on growling tractors makes up a good section of their territory, the opposite side home to a much more solitary valley lined by dense patches of forest. There is no lack of peaceful glens inside MeadowClan’s home.

RubbleClan’s territory is a desolate scorched delta, guarded on both sides by stormy, churning rivers. Items from the northern twoleg city get swept into the deluge, polluting the environment yet adding a unique sort of benefit for those crafty enough to make use of them. A smaller twoleg settlement used to reside within their territory, however now nothing but broken skeletons of spindly dens licked bare by flames remain. An ominous collection of long since deceased monsters overtaken by nature makes up RubbleClan’s camp, beaten dirt paths spiraling out from it and towards severe rock formations which were once prosperous mines.

Outsider territory is as ranging as it is varied, circling The Ashen Plains from all sides. A long, seemingly endless road with no destination marks the southern border, monsters and hungry scavengers traversing the rough asphalt. To the north is a rural twoleg town, its roots having been laid since before the first Clan even formed. Many dusty, vintage stores group together here, an epicenter of twoleg activity despite how aged the very ambiance seems—relics frozen in time. The northeast is known for a surging river of their own, ancient gorges, overgrown fields, and wild woodland primarily left untouched outside the occasional hiking trail and bridge. Twoleg hunters preside here, and danger lies around every corner for the loners who make the trek. A sawmill and unnatural lines of meticulously structured arbor takes up the east, a foreboding yet solemn location few ever journey past. The west is desolate pastures, rivers that have long since dried and only bones left recount since forgotten memories. Alongside basks a lone train station, still echoing with vestiges of past abandonment, forever holding vigil.

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When life is born, there is nobody around to tell them what their struggles will be in life. Before the creation of a life, there is nothing. Once they are born, they become everything. It’s a cycle that spins endlessly despite all that may try to put an end to it. There is everything, there is struggle, then there is nothing. Life is nothing before it comes into being, and life will continue to be nothing once it is over. What happens in between all of that, those struggles, is what can truly be called living, more than having life and taking a breath could ever do or be. May these lessons follow your pawprints through this journey as you make it from beginning to end.

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Pawsteps drummed against the earth as countless forms ventured into the open area between territories. The field was primarily barren, occupied only by old rusted train tracks and now abandoned cargo boxes alongside the monumentous, metallic beast itself. A machine that has been around as long as time has for these cats; it is as absolute as their will to survive. Despite there being such a large group of cats gathered, not a sound could be heard other than the shuffling of fur in the cold, windy leaf-bare air and a sneeze or two from those fairing less fortunately. Without hesitation, from the back of each crowd, emerged three.

All eyes were laid upon them slowly, yet with the weight of the stars on their shoulders and the confidence mountains have as they sprout from the ground, they each made their way to the train before the crowd and leaped effortlessly into the open car. Eyes of orange, green, and blue gazed through the assembly as if to survey all those who stood before them. Before long, a ginger tabby took a long stretch and opened his jaws to speak. “Last leaf-bare, as fire scorched the lands we chose to call home, we all came together and stood here to decide the future of our group. After being divided, we have returned to reflect on what has passed since that tragic event.” The attention of the cats drew to him as he spoke. Power and confidence leaked from his words into those watching and flickers of life seemed to spark from them like a vine stretching across fences. Murmurs broke out from the cats below and the whispers that rang out among the rest were telling, sharing stories of their lives passing in that time. A pounding paw against the metal box silenced the crowd eventually as the tom continued. “We all have chosen our respective paths, and through sheer luck, or maybe it was a blessing from the stars, we have been able to return here today to speak of what has become of us while we regather the life we once knew.”

He glanced at the other two sitting beside him, checking to see if either would speak up. It was not an inviting look, rather one of slight annoyance as if challenging them to take his time from him. Nonchalance echoed from the brown and white molly, as if to show she wasn’t much to care for what he had to share. The black tom stared with his empty blue eyes, a difficult look to read. It gave way for the bulky tom to continue his speech. “Life around the twolegs has been bountiful! Some may have doubted such a dangerous area to be able to home cats, yet there are many here who can attest to it being a wonderful land.”

A smug look was thrown at the other two before his glowing stare raked across the crowd. Some cats perk their ears, eyes gleaming bright as if to agree with his statement. It gave him the power to continue.

“No cat has gone hungry since we have chosen to take hold of the area. One might have thought that the twolegs kept a closer eye on their livestock, yet it wasn’t difficult to weave about and collect what we needed to make due. I cannot suppose either of you could say the same for the lives you are supposed to provide for, hmm?”

The molly perked up from this comment, almost offended. Despite this, a calm expression quickly washed over her face again as she stood up and added her own soothing voice to the presentation. 

“Well, the fields may have been burned away, but I cannot say bellies have not been taken care of in my time overlooking them.” She shot him a look as if to tell him to quiet down as she continued.

“While you, Dawn, may have been entertained by your life filled with turmoil and… liveliness, I cannot say that myself or my families' could bear to suffer from such things. Wind and rain has brought life back to where it had been lost, and I proudly proclaim that there is new growth— new revitalization— within my gardens.”

“Hah, easy to say for someone who is so scared of a little hard work, Meadow.” Dawn chuckled as his own comment as the molly he interrupted puffed up, either from anger or annoyance. It was difficult to see such a cat be angry, yet the look in her eyes was a fierce one. As both took a breath, likely to continue the beginning of a fight, a third voice deeply echoed. “Both of you, quiet down.” The two cats turned to the last, and both obeyed without question. Their third companion was an older yet staunch looking cat. His hardened eyes and tough, thin body showcased the hardships he had gone through all his time in life. 

His pointed muzzle angled towards the crowd more than the ones beside him as he added his own thoughts. “This land was once lush and full of everything we could ever desire. Beautiful forests with fields plenty, a powerful river providing life to the area, and such large, awe-inspiring creatures providing our territory with more than we each could ever ask for. It was an easy life, but easy things do not last. When life is too easy, you know that soon comes the time where you must face a lesson. One that will show you once more what it takes to feel the need to survive.” Calloused paws landed against dirt as he leapt from the elevated perch they sat upon. Despite this, his voice still echoed through the clearing as clearly as it was to see the full moon above their heads. “I put my everything into my home before the fire burst in and took all that we had. Yet despite facing the most devastation, my cats refused to turn their backs on what we once were. You do not lose what you love just because it is gone. Rather, it creates the way for you to build more in the spaces left behind by the destruction.” “We came tonight to share, not to bicker about who has taken the most righteous path in their survival. The fact that we have all returned is enough proof that our methods serve us well.” His dark, sleek fur wove through the waves of watchers, parting them like two halves of a shoreline. Some began to stand and follow behind him, understanding his silent message.

“Ugh, strange old man,” Dawn muttered to himself as he watched a portion of the crowd depart. “What did Rubble even do to survive this long; nothing is left of his land after the fire took hold and none of it has returned!”

Meadow shook her head. “He told me something once about the water, the river. For him it brings more hope than the stars ever could.” She stood and leapt down gracefully, away from the orange tom. “I cannot begin to understand him, but his departure I think concludes our little get together. I will send a message for him to return next moon. Perhaps a little time can calm the nerves we touched tonight.”

A heavy sigh erupted from the tom as he followed the descent. “Next moon it’ll be then. Maybe the time could also ebb the tang of foliage in your fur.” He flashed a smirk at the molly as another pang of irritation washed over her face. Before she could retort, he bounded towards a large barn in the distance, leading his eager entourage away. To the final cats, she called for them to follow, and one by one the area they stood in became empty once more. A flutter of ash flew in the breeze as moonlight washed over the lands.

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Nothing can erase past tragedy, yet through determination, life fights its way into continuance. A cycle, a cruel cycle, yet one to be embraced it seems. Many seasons will pass with these ideals in mind, and the development of life embraces interconnection and growth as all who fight to live make the most of what they wish to take hold of. Please stay tuned to learn about the modern era of these clans and what they have now become.

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Your eyes fly open, face-to-face with a glowing blue stare belonging to a large black tom. His tall stature is imposing, looming over where you seem to be laying prone against the incorporeal ground. Confusion washes over you as you take in your environment, the star-lined shadows and blustering gales filled with mist giving you an odd sense of welcome. The stranger takes a step back once he sees you awake and speaks before you could think to ask any questions about himself or the unusual terrain surrounding you both.

“Now that you are awake, there is a place I need to show you.” The tom states, coming off rather blunt despite how something in his voice rang inviting. It was a strong, steady presence that felt easy to depend on and ease washes over you as he continues. “I have been told that there would be one sent here interested in learning the ways of my home. If knowledge is what you seek, then I must find myself obliged to share. Come, let us journey to the land of water and rebirth. I promise the river’s banks will never let you down.”

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Barren, flame-scorched prairie and abandoned machinery litter the knockabout territory where this Clan makes their home. This is found evident by their camp itself; a home made within the skeletal remains of rusted, abandoned cars gathered together that have long since lost their original purpose. These cats intimately understand the hardship that life involves as such don’t display much worry for the petty issues that a single inconvenience may impress upon them. With each passing warm season follows heavy rainfall and massive floods that take over a portion of the territory, causing these cats to relocate periodically. However, with these floods come countless incredible and rather useful objects as items from the nearby twolegplace get washed up further downriver. Twoleg trash can be considered feline treasure, ones that these cats may use themselves or trade with others at a high value. RubbleClan has grown extremely skilled at utilizing these twoleg objects to their fullest potential as a result, being considered the most dexterous and strategically-minded clowder due to this reputation. Despite the tumultuous challenges these floods present, nothing means more to Rubbleborn felines than their heralded river and its seemingly endless trove of hidden gems. While other Clans may consider it borderline heretic, RubbleClan sometimes finds themself casting more faith in this grand river than they would place with the stars. RubbleClan’s spiritual connection to the river is so intense that they are the only Clan which actively partakes in swimming, going so far as to teach every apprentice this essential skill quite early-on during training. Aloof and independent yet tremendously loyal to their Clanmates, these warriors are always prepared for the worst-case scenario. They keep a level head on their shoulders and face any difficulty presented with remarkable resourcefulness. No struggle is able to permanently bring these cats down and even less is able to stop them from bouncing back when trouble comes their way.

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Each of the Clans within this territory, all with their own methods for survival, have developed unique roles for each of their members to grow into as they undergo their training and become warriors within the clan. While all warriors will hunt and defend their territory, these specialized roles play a huge part in maintaining the prosperity of their respective Clan. Within RubbleClan, a warrior can find themselves becoming a scavenger, artisan, or explorer.

 RubbleClan has the unique boon of housing a mighty river— known as Storm River— within the heart of their territory. Deep and rugged, this snaking body of water is connected to The Stormpool, a storm drain which feeds into it a medley of items directly from twolegplace. Guaranteed flooding each season brings this clowder a rich array of items both harmful or helpful to discern, which is how the scavenger role came to be. These cats are agile, specially trained to locate and collect anything that may be of value to the Clan. While all RubbleClan members are taught how to swim once apprenticed, scavengers truly take this practice to the next level. Their commitment towards uncovering and retrieving all sorts of items has no boundaries— including the bottom of Storm River. Directly because of this fact they display exemplary swimming prowess, refusing to let any mere depth halt the retrieval of what just might present a possible asset for their Clan. Scavengers must also possess good judgement as many twoleg objects bear the potential to be hazardous or even blatantly harmful upon further interaction. Items once deemed both worthy and safe enough are brought to the Clan’s treasurer for appraisal.

After these aforementioned items have been appraised and sorted for general use, artisans have the privilege of getting paws on every fresh haul of retrieved objects first. Warriors in this role are often intelligent and crafty with a discerning eye for miniscule details most would overlook. They specialize in turning anything from stray wire and broken glass to scraps of metal into something amazing, converting spare, miscellaneous materials into truly masterful creations. The constant influx of trinkets and goods brought into the Clan can always be improved further or reimagined towards new uses, in this purpose artisans gain immense satisfaction. When not attending general warrior duties artisans are typically located within camp, tinkering to-and-fro between various new projects or mending older contraptions which may have started deteriorating. Cats in this role also possess the closely held knowledge behind creating various traps; an incredibly rare and deadly piece of information RubbleClan keeps stowed away from all who reside outside their ranks. 

Finally are explorers, cats who primarily find themselves not only beholden to the usual borders of their Clan but venturing beyond it and towards loner territory. With floods often ravaging the once familiar land it is pivotal that RubbleClan has experienced, versatile warriors more than willing to set out on perilous expeditions to secure emergency resources in unlikely, oftentimes dangerous locations. Those within this niche possess nerves of steel and wills of iron, having to swiftly evaluate unknown situations while simultaneously selecting the best course of action. Explorers also possess battle prowess surpassing the already exceptional average of all RubbleClan warriors, prepared to ward off extensive arrays of vicious predators residing in their untamed environment alongside searching for goods. RubbleClan’s territory and the region beyond is extensively mapped by explorers, entrusted with reliably informing Clan leadership where they should relocate during floods until water levels sufficiently recede.

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From unique clowders that have long since stood independently while cultivating their own lives stems equally unique cultures, and celebration for each of the following Clans which have sprang from their pawsteps. RubbleClan have always held the essence of water in high regard, and this is most heavily reflected in their sacred celebration, the Blessing of Torrents. Before flood season even solitary cats are brought together, making offerings to the river so that they may be gifted a beneficial flood rather than a destructive one during the upcoming season. High quality trinkets and mementos often pawmade with love get sent down the river in hopes that not only may they return after the floods, but that with it other objects of similar value that will help RubbleClan prosper. Their hopes are given to the river as these items are washed away, faith that the Clan knows will be answered when the floods begin. Another more personal side to this holiday arises when cats find themselves alone on the shoreline of the river during this time. Drawings are scrawled within the sand— portrayals of each cat’s deepest worries that they wish to relinquish in exchange for something more hopeful; finally letting go of their heaviest burdens. It is an unspoken rule within the Clan to not watch as another cat creates their drawing, and it is considered taboo to purposefully look at another’s art afterwards even when the creator has departed. These drawings are meant to be kept between the artist and the river as they are washed away by the upcoming floods alongside a feline’s struggle. Once the flood season has passed and a sharp influx of new materials make their way into the now drying lands, these items are gathered and the clan partakes in the heavily anticipated Sunshower Sculpture Fair. Objects are sorted into categories based on value, and many cats can be found creating patrols just to go to the places in the land with the best clay to gather just for this special occasion. Cats work tirelessly to create their masterpieces, a mix of molding clay delicately with their paws and intertwining materials that speak to their heart most. In the end, the oldest and most experienced in the Clan will gather around and intake each sculpture’s truest meanings before a final winner is chosen among the participants. With the honor of winning comes everlasting preservation for the winning piece, the sculpture being placed among the other winners of countless generations’ time in the Clan’s secondary camp. Now safe from raging floods which pass through their home and forever showcasing the culture at that particular time, available to be visited and admired by anyone.

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Swirling mist and glittering starlight greets you as you find yourself in a strangely empty field occupied only by a few shifting shadows and a small breeze. Through this gentle wind, a twinge of distinctly herbal poultice touches your nose and beckons you to follow it. Before long, you find yourself walking into a brown-and-white molly who turns to you with glowing green eyes.

“Ahh, They said that you would be here,” she starts with wry amusement before you could say anything. “Curious about the group I’ve built, are you? Or perhaps you aren’t even aware that this is what you’re here for at all.” She sweeps her tail around you, enveloping you in her scent. Despite the fragrance of many bitter remedies, it wasn’t at all unpleasant. “Riches of the earth are always plentiful whenever I go, so now I am sure that upon feeling my touch the resplendent potential in your heart will blossom within my territory as well. Follow me and let your blessings spread to my lovely orange groves!”

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A soothing zephyr carrying the sweet scent of citrus is the perfect introduction to this clowder. For the ones who make their camp within the thick of an orange field, MeadowClan is the home of aromatic plants and flourishing herbs. This clan has a refined attitude about them and are rarely found to be sick for long when their healers’ den is always well stocked, made prosperous with herbs of their own and those pruned from the twoleg gardens which surround them. Due to this community bonded by vibrancy and a focused goal, MeadowClan is found to be closely knit together. All roles work directly in tandem with each other on a regular basis, making the Clan’s high ranks, elders, and warriors all equal positions within their clans. Knowledge is held in higher regard than any title ever could for these cats, and they believe every cat has something to learn from someone else, and as such they should never limit their potential growth— much like the flora they foster. Nothing quite shows off this close relationship better than the harvest season for crops right before leaf-bare hits, where all cats must communicate at their most precise to ensure their clan is stocked with all they could possibly need to prepare for the upcoming cold as their territory will be left with much less. With open, rolling fields burgeoning with wheat or corn and flowers in plentiful boughs among the groves, gardens, and valley, it is often that MeadowClan cats find themselves with some variety of beautiful plant making home in their fur. 

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Each of the Clans within this territory, all with their own methods for survival, have developed unique roles for each of their members to grow into as they undergo their training and become warriors within the clan. While all warriors will hunt and defend their territory, these specialized roles play a huge part in maintaining the prosperity of their respective Clan. Within MeadowClan, a warrior can find themselves becoming a balancer, harvester, or fielder. 

The first of these roles, balancers, are those who handle the pests within their gardens plenty. Cats fulfilling this role are often particularly witty and quick on their paws, specializing in agility. With such importance placed on maintaining the superior condition of MeadowClan’s flora, it is of utmost imperative that other critters are not able to feed upon their beloved plants. This is where balancers shine, doubling both as a vigilant pest control and skillful hunters. Their ample maneuverability makes these cats fast and accurate, able to locate and capture any rabbits, mice, snails, and even bugs which attempt to evade their path. These pests also make their way into the diet of the clan, presenting a helpful food source among the rest of the bountiful harvest that this Clan is accustomed to. If any cat is needed to explain the ways of these pesky creatures, balancers are always there and ready to help.

Following this are the harvesters, cats with admirable dedication for their craft. They keep close track of the innumerable schedules involving everything they could need for their flora’s care, providing it swiftly and to the most fulfilling extent whenever it is required. Whether it is managing the water supply for their crops, crafting fertilizer from the carefully managed compost depository, or general upkeep and pruning, these cats are always found with their crops and it is almost impossible to pry them away. Without these cats putting their all into what they do and focusing their full attention upon their precious plants, MeadowClan wouldn’t stand as prosperously as it does today.

However both of these roles wouldn’t be able to fulfill their duties properly without the sharp eyed fielders; cats who monitor the movements involving anything within their fields. As the fastest cats within all the territories, they work tirelessly to make sure that any twoleg or tractor activity is known at all times and are always ready to rush off and alert others if there is a threat present which may potentially harm their clanmates. They must be prepared to act at a moment's notice, trained in making quick calls out on the field to ensure everyone’s safety. Fielders also act as excellent messengers, racing to relay information from the fields to the camp to the gardens and then back again. While training is particularly rigorous for this role, there isn’t a single cat with this job who would claim it isn’t worth the effort.

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Vibrant flowers bloom alongside the waking of life within this quaint, delicate group. Saccharine memories, shared laughter, and ever-growing beauty are what carry MeadowClan’s heart more than anything else. With countless moons cultivating these ideals into the very soul of this clowder, unique celebrations have since sprung forth to share this romantic mindset within the Clan. The Harvest Festival, a time to come together to feast their tongues upon unique prey combinations and exquisite culinary creations, nothing short of appreciation for life can be seen sparked within the shining eyes of all MeadowClan cats. This is showcased even more clearly during the customary seed sewing event, in which cats are found placing down seedlings for the plants that they have taken before. It served as a way to respect the lives of those who made it through the hard seasons and those who have not, encouraging new beginnings in turn. To end the night, cats on this sacred holiday will be found at moonhigh sharing tangerines amongst each other as they wish for a gentler season ahead. In a few moons time, cats begin to prepare for The Bloom Pageant, an event where felines have the opportunity to harness their creativity and put together the highest standards of fashion, utilizing the multitude of beautiful, decorative flowers and other flora within MeadowClan’s territory to their fullest potential. As long as the material was found located within MeadowClan’s territory anything goes— leading felines to truly strive towards capturing memorable looks as they attempt to one-up the competition by creating ridiculously extravagant outfits. Felines end up desperately putting the finishing touches on their outfits until moonhigh approaches, which is when the Clan’s leadership will come together to compliment and examine everyone’s efforts, admiring the individual designs participants have put together for this special moment. Winners of this competition can find themselves being gifted with a glorious wreath woven specifically for them, this gorgeous piece of art serving as a crown to further adorn their hard work.

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You find yourself standing in an unfamiliar environment. Nothing but mist and stardust as far as the eye can see until you are greeted with a pair of orange eyes. Before you could call out to ask who was there, a large tom joins you in the vast empty space and gives you a slight chuckle. “Well, I’m not sure how you got here, but I could take a pretty good guess. Either way, I’ve been told to expect company, so I’ll do my job— though I can’t say that showing you my home is considered hard work exactly.” 

His words didn’t make much sense, but you weren’t going to question it. Something about the broad, orange tabby told you to trust him; perhaps it was the glimmer of starlight in his gaze, his tall and proud stature, or perhaps something else that words could not describe as easily. Regardless, as he led you towards a welcoming barn and a land of fences laced with the faint scent of a few too many animals, you followed without hesitation.

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While some cats may find it difficult to work in an environment so close with twolegs, it is something that the cats within this Clan pride themselves on heavily. With the boon of bountiful prey and a multitude of various food sources backing them up, nothing stops these excessively proud cats from boasting about never going hungry even during the peak of leaf-bare. Their lands are smaller than the other two clans, yet this doesn’t stop their territory from being full of life. With sheep, cows, horses, chickens, and the occasional friendly herding dog to keep them company, DawnClan falls nothing short of being one of the most bountiful clans. Working around (and sometimes with, when they can be manipulated) twolegs, these cats are able to fill their bellies and back their Clan up with the power of eggs and milk. It also helps that they are able to get their paws on the highly sought after sheep wool that makes their camp one of the most luxurious. Buzzing bee hives dotting the outskirts of vast, rolling pastures also provide an excellent source of honey when carefully extracted by a feline’s cunning. The only thing that could set this rowdy coalition back is when new-leaf arrives, then every cat is needed to place their full attention  towards the massive workload increase that comes with the birth of new young animals DawnClan strives to oversee.

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Each of the Clans within this territory, all with their own methods for survival, have developed unique roles for each of their members to grow into as they undergo their training and become warriors within the clan. While all warriors will hunt and defend their territory, these specialized roles play a huge part in maintaining the prosperity of their respective Clan. Within DawnClan, a warrior can find themselves becoming a pointer, shepherd, or guardian. 

Pointers work towards surveying and memorizing the migration patterns of prey and the movements of predators to keep the Clan’s territory in perfect balance. Alongside monitoring the behavior of prey and predator alike which rove throughout their territory, pointers are specially suited for tracking unusually large game over long distances. They use coordinated team tactics to bring down quarries several times their size, functioning in sync akin to packs of canines on the hunt— a practiced strategy that is unique to DawnClan’s culture and grants them skill to fell even the most magnificent of prey such as deer. There is nothing more thrilling than a brutal chase and satisfying capture in the eyes of pointers, reveling gleefully in their shared camaraderie. 

Shepherds on the contrary are a more nurturing role, tending to the multitude of animals within the farm and working to understand them on a deeper level. These cats are most often in charge of gathering eggs from the chicken roost, extracting milk from cows, and collecting wool from sheep— even more dangerous tasks such as gathering hair from the mane of horses fall to shepherds. No other cats within the Clan can be found to be as patient and gentle as these, unafraid to approach any animal no matter what temperament they may have. These cats are often inquisitive and have a keen eye, as they must always be mindful of their charges’ health and mood. 

Lastly are the guardians, a role sporting some of the most dedicated warriors within the Clan. Being placed within the most time and attention consuming niche, these cats are tough. Trained to be exemplary fighters with incredible brawling ability, these felines are constantly stationed outside of camp and the animal enclosures. Guardians work together to patrol each section of their ranch’s most vulnerable areas and keep both cats and livestock safe from a multitude of threats. Anything from raccoons to stray dogs can be found attempting to steal a chicken or harass peacefully grazing sheep, and it’s the responsibility of guardians to keep vigilant regarding potential enemies, alerting the Clan and fearlessly protecting their charges from them in turn. 

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From unique clowders that have long since stood independently while cultivating their own lives stems equally unique cultures, and celebration for each of the following Clans which have sprang from their pawsteps. For DawnClan, each season they find themselves partaking in a series of games consisting of multiple trials where all cats can show off their skills. This tradition is called the Red Sun Derby— hosting wild events such as an obstacle course, herding competition, and a bucking showdown, a fervor runs through the lifeblood of DawnClan as each warrior seeks to declare themself rodeo champion. Substantially less dangerous— though no less chaotic— in new-leaf, a scavenger hunt called Suns’s First Light takes place. Imploring cats to work together with their clanmates, special objects often laced with sentimental value to the owner are hidden throughout various sections of the territory, often in tricky or potentially difficult to reach places. Cats must work together to locate and gather each of these objects before the other teams. A cat who finds the particular item can either choose to keep it with permission from the owner or return it, either way serving as a symbol of interconnectivity throughout the Clan as they appreciate each other’s special mementos and the effort taken to retrieve them. Of course, the teams who find the most items may enjoy bragging rights too, but it’s all in good fun as things often are within DawnClan’s jovial environment.