#echofall

Waterfall near Sam’s Hut, South Island, New Zealand

Before DaisyClan, there was the Colony, a group of loners that made their home in a large twoleg city. The members of the Colony looked out for one another, but at the end of the day, it was every cat for themselves. They had no code and no guidance from their ancestors. For a while, though, the Colony survived.

Then came the Long Cold, an especially deadly leaf-bare. For moons blizzards raged and prey hid in their dens. Even the twolegs rarely left their homes. Cats began to die, or leave the Colony for a warmer, safer life as a kittypet. The cats who stayed valued their freedom, but began to wonder if it was worth dying for.

That's when the Colony's sickly healer began getting messages from the dead. They told her that they saw potential in the survivors of the Colony, and wanted to led them to a new life. The spirit cats gave the healer a message to pass on to her apprentice: Follow the daisy, and it will take you home . . .

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Daisystar

Daisystar is a noble, intelligent cat. They guided their companions to a new home, and helped them learn the ways of a Clan. Although Daisystar is quite young for a leader, they have proven themselves to be more than worthy of their nine lives. 

Minkstalk

Daisystar’s wise deputy, Minkstalk was always there to support the young leader, even when other cats wouldn’t. Daisystar trusts her deputy’s advice more than any cat’s.

Woodpelt

DaisyClan’s eccentric medicine cat is Woodpelt, who was given the first message from StarClan by her late mentor. She hopes to pass on what she learned to the young cats of the Clan.

Fawnfire

Fawnfire is the best fighter in the Clan, and between that and his cold demeanour, the tom can be quite intimidating. 

Echofall

This ginger tom believed in the power of their ancestors even before Woodpelt received StarClan’s message. In fact, he had a big part in convincing the colony to trust their word.

Woodpaw

Young Woodpaw takes after his mentor, Echofall - he can talk his way out of any situation. He was born on the journey to the forest, and his late mother named him after the medicine cat who delivered him.

Lakespark

This fierce, elderly she-cat has lots of horrifying stories to share about the bitter leaf-bare that nearly wiped them out. Lakespark misses the old colony - she was their leader, before she stepped down in favour of Daisystar. 

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That's all for today! This Thursday, look out for the first moon post to see what challenges DaisyClan will face next . . .

If you want to see more of my work, I also have an alt account where I post non-clangen art and a YouTube channel.

Fawnfire couldn’t believe his eyes. Was this some vivid dream? No, it couldn’t be: he could feel the packed dirt beneath his paws, the ache of his back, the pounding of his heart as he stared at the newcomer standing beneath the Leader’s Ledge. Daisystar was . . . back.

It had been nearly seven moons since DaisyClan’s prophesied leader had disappeared, and by this point, everyone was certain they were never coming back. Fawnfire, as grim as the thought was, had assumed they had died. But how could a cat survive for so long on their own? But, looking at Daisystar, Fawnfire could see they looked as healthy as the day they left. Healthier, even, for their pelt was thick and shiny and their eyes were bright. Where had Daisystar been all this time? Fawnfire was eager to learn of his old friend’s journey. But Daisystar hadn’t spoken a word since entering camp. They just waited, calm and quiet, while Echofall went to fetch Minkstar. 

Other cats were starting to gather now, intrigued by the new scent in their camp. Woodfur and Fawnscar emerged from the warriors’ den, eyes wide at the sight of their former leader. The apprentices, Bubblingpaw, Hoppaw and Brushpaw, padded over to peer at Daisystar in wonder. Woodpelt watched from where she was sorting herbs. Her expression was unreadable, but Fawnfire could see the fur along her spine prickling. It was no secret that Woodpelt had never liked Daisystar. But Fawnfire, for one, was glad to see them return. He trotted toward the Leader’s Ledge and settled himself nearby. Daisystar glanced over at the sound of his approach, and gave him a friendly blink. Fawnfire nodded back, his whiskers quivering. He still couldn’t believe what was happening.

At last, Echofall emerged from the leader’s den, followed closely by Minkstar. Spotting Daisystar, she bounded over, touching noses with the younger cat. “We’d all thought you were gone for good!” Minkstar purred, “It’s so good to see you, my friend.”

“Same to you, Minkstalk,” Daisystar purred back. “Or should I say Minkstar? Either that, or you have been keeping my nest warm for me.” There was no hostility in their tone, but Fawnfire felt the prickle of unease that passed through the gathered clan.

“No, it’s Minkstar now,” the leader mewed, a little sheepishly. “I wasn’t keen on succeeding you, when we weren’t sure when - or if - you were coming back, but Woodpelt convinced me it was for the good of the Clan.”

Daisystar glanced over at Woodpelt. Was that a flash of suspicion in their eyes? But before Fawnfire could even identify it, the look had vanished, and Daisystar turned back to Minkstar. “Honestly, I wasn’t even sure if I’d find my way back.” They admitted, “I was captured by twolegs, and sent to live in one of their nests.” 

There were gasps from the circle of cats around them. “That must’ve been awful!” Woodfur commented.

“Not as awful as I thought it would be - the twolegs I ended up with were kinder than most.” Daisystar said. “But living in their nest was nothing compared to living in this clan. The freedom the forest offers, the responsibility of caring for your clanmates, the kinships you can form . . . well, I missed it here, and I knew I couldn’t stay. I managed to escape, but the hard part was finding my way back. The twolegs had brought me far from the forest. Thankfully, StarClan guided my paws.” Daisystar gazed around at their clanmates, their eyes full of love. “I’m so happy to be back!”

Daisystar’s words were met with yowls of joy as DaisyClan welcomed their former leader home. Fawnfire joined in, but he couldn’t help the worry that gripped his belly. Daisystar was back, but Minkstar was in charge now. Surely StarClan wouldn’t have given her nine lives if they wanted Daisystar to be leader again? But perhaps, they too hadn’t counted on them coming back. So who did StarClan want to lead them? Who did the Clan want?

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Notable Events

Daisystar has returned to the Clan, having escaped their twoleg prison. But now the Clans must decide if Minkstar will continue being leader, or if Daisystar will take her place. Both cats respect each other, and want to do what’s best for the clan. They decide to wait for a sign from StarClan.

Daisystar returns! But who will lead the clan now?

If you want to see more of my work, I also have an alt account where I post non-clangen art and a YouTube channel.

Moon 9 

The white she-cat was shivering, but from fear or the cold, Daisystar couldn’t tell. Between her front paws, a tiny black kit, barely a day old, was curled up. Daisystar nodded to the little scrap of fur. “Is that your only kit?” They asked.

The she-cat blinked, her round eyes betraying no emotion. “Yes,” She meowed. “The other two were born dead.”

“I’m sorry,” Daisystar said. They paused, considering their options. Would it be wise to invite this cat to stay with them? With leaf-bare on the way, there was no guarantee that DaisyClan would be able to feed even itself. The last leaf-bare was not kind to us, Daisystar thought.

But they couldn’t just leave this new mother and her kit to their own devices. “Well, we have fresh caught prey and warm nests at our camp,” Daisystar said, “You're welcome to stay while you decide what to do.” Even if the loners didn’t stay, they could at least have some shelter for the time. Daisystar waved their tail. “Come. Let’s get you out of the cold.”

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Notable Events

Fawnfire admits to Woodfur that he had a vision, but neither of them can make sense of it.

At the border, the patrol runs into a loner and her newborn kit, asking to join the Clan. Daisystar agrees to let them join. Icyback and Fawnkit settle into camp.

Moon 10

“Tell me about this vision,” Woodpelt prompted.

Echofall frowned, his pelt prickling. “Well, I’m not sure it was a vision,” He muttered, “It was a weird dream, but I felt . . . unsettled when I woke up. Like there were ants in my pelt.” He shifted his paws, then went on. “I saw a daisy, alone in a forest. But as the moons went by, more flowers grew around it, until the daisy was completely surrounded. The other flowers blocked out the sunlight, and choked the daisy’s roots. The daisy died.”

Woodpelt felt a strange energy crackling through her fur. This had to be a vision. She had been waiting for one for moons, but StarClan hadn’t contacted her since her mentor died. The spirits of our ancestors are trying to tell us something, Woodpelt thought, But what? A group of flowers smothering a daisy . . . a posy of flowers, perhaps . . .

Woodpelt dipped her head to Echofall. “Thank you for telling me about your dream,” She said, “It’s very . . . informative.”

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Notable Events

Fawnfire happily retires at the age of 120 moons.

Fawnkit has yellowcough.

Woodpelt is sure she saw Lakespark’s spirit in the forest today.

Daisystar and Woodfur chase a rogue out of their territory.

While gathering herbs, Echofall tells Woodpelt he had a vision from StarClan. Woodpelt has an idea of what the vision means.

Two new cats join the Clan!

If you want to see more of my work, I also have an alt account where I post non-clangen art and a YouTube channel.

Moon 5

“Are you sure there’s nothing you can do?” Daisystar whispered to Woodpelt. They were huddled in the medicine den, watching as Lakespark twitched and panted on the ground.

Woodpelt’s fur bristled. “No,” She growled under her breath, her eyes haunted. “The venom is in her blood now. There’s nothing I can do.” The medicine cat turned sharply and padded over to where the herbs were stored. She began to gather up the plants that had been strewn about the den in her frenzy to find something that would save the elder.

Daisystar swallowed hard, and crouched, pressing their muzzle into Lakespark’s pelt. They could feel the feverish tremors wracking the old she-cat’s body. “Thank you, Lakespark, for your guidance,” Daisystar murmured, “You taught me how to be the best leader I could be.”

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Notable Events

Woodpaw was given his warrior name, now called Woodfur.

Lakespark was bitten by a snake and passed away.

Moon 6

Echofall laughed good-naturedly, rolling his eyes. “You’re not going to do it, Minkstalk.” He mewed.

Minkstalk was crouched on the edge of the river, her pupils wide as she stared down into the shimmering water. She had spotted a fish dart by, and now was determined to catch it. “Minkstalk,” Echofall said, in a more serious tone. “Come one, we need to get this prey back to-”

Echofall was cut off by a loud splash as Minkstalk plunged into the water, disappearing beneath the surface. With a yowl of surprise, Echofall rushed to the shore, just in time to see Minkstalk’s head appear. In her jaws, there was a large, silver fish.

Echofall gaped as Minkstalk climbed out of the water. She flicked her tail high, and a few water droplets hit Echofall’s nose. Minkstalk dropped her catch. “Next time,” She said, with a smug, playful grin, “Don't be so quick to question your deputy!”

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Notable Events

Woodfur and Echofall chased a dog off DaisyClan territory.

Minkstalk learned how to catch fish.

I was not expecting to lose a founder so soon . . . but such is the way of ClanGen.

If you want to see more of my work, I also have an alt account where I post non-clangen art and a YouTube channel.

Moon 3

“Do you really speak to StarClan?” Minkstalk asked, as she clawed at the earth. 

Woodpelt glanced up, her tail twitching. “Of course!” She replied, “You don’t believe I can?” 

“No, I believe you.” Minkstalk said with a smile. “I just find it fascinating that you’re able to communicate with our ancestors. What’s it like?”

“Well . . . I don’t know,” Woodpelt sat back, her nose wrinkling as she thought. “It’s an amazing experience, for sure. It makes me feel . . . better connected to our past, I suppose. I’m not sure. It’s hard to explain to a warrior.” Woodpelt huffed, dismissing the conversation with a flick of her ear. “Now keep digging! I need burdock root for my supply.”

Minkstalk’s pelt prickled at the medicine cat’s crisp tone. Did she think that a warrior couldn’t understand the ways of StarClan? No cat fully understands StarClan right now, Minkstalk thought, We’ve only just connected with them!

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Notable Events

Woodpaw thinks he had a vision and tells Echofall. They aren’t sure if it’s a real vision.

Daisystar shares their troubles with Minkstalk, and their platonic relationship improves.

Daisystar and Woodpaw are getting along really well.

Minkstalk prompts Woodpelt to teach her more about StarClan while gathering herbs. 

Moon 4

“Fawnfire,” The brown tom looked up from his mouse. Woodpelt was approaching him, her whiskers twitching. “You went hunting with Echofall this morning, yes?” 

“Yes.” Fawnfire confirmed gruffly, and went back to his meal. 

“Well, I was gathering herbs near the stream,” Woodpelt went on, “And I found a dead rabbit, clearly killed by a cat, and I was certain I caught Echofall’s scent.”

Fawnfire pricked his ears. It didn’t sound like Echofall to blatantly waste prey. “That’s odd.” He murmured. “Well, let me know if you find anything else like that.”

Woodpelt frowned. “What, you’re not going to say anything to Echofall?”

“I don’t think it’s necessary unless it happens again,” Fawnfire mewed with a shrug. He started grooming his forepaws, signalling the conversation was over. With a quiet huff, Woodpelt padded away.

When she left, Fawnfire lifted his head, and glanced across the camp at Echofall. He wouldn’t do something like that . . . would he?

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Notable Events

Echofall wears crow feathers on his pelt.

Fawnfire and Woodpelt both hear an ugly rumour about Echofall.

Fawnfire, Minkstalk and Daisystar steal prey from a fox.

With such a small Clan, not much is going on right now. Please enjoy some gossip and drama for now, and don't worry, things will start getting interesting soon . . .

If you want to see more of my work, I also have an alt account where I post non-clangen art and a YouTube channel.

Moon 1

Echofall was perched on a fallen tree, watching as Woodpaw stalked a mouse. There was an intense focus in the young cat’s eyes, and he put each paw down carefully. Echofall was almost sure he would make the catch. But, as Woodpaw pounced, his hind paw slipped on some leaf litter, and he tumbled forward. Alerted, the mouse disappeared under a tree root.

His tail drooping, Woodpaw turned to Echofall. Echofall felt a pang of sympathy. “Don’t look so crestfallen,” He purred, “That was only your first try! There will be plenty more mice.”

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Notable Events:

Echofall begins training Woodpaw

Moon 2

Woodpaw was finding it hard to focus on his training with the clan leader watching from only a few tail-lengths away. His mentor, Echofall, took his distraction as an opportunity. When Woodpaw glanced over at Daisystar, he was suddenly knocked off his paws, and he hit the ground hard. Echofall had shoved Woodpaw, and was now lunging toward him, fangs bared!

Thinking quickly, Woodpaw tensed his hind legs, and as soon as his mentor was within range, he kicked with all his strength. Woodpaw caught Echofall in the centre of his chest, and the orange tom was flung backward. Quickly, Woodpaw sprang to his paws. Before Echofall could recover, Woodpaw was on top of him, pinning him to the earth.

Echofall’s eyes were wide. “Great StarClan,” He mewed “That was incredible, Woodpaw!” 

“It was, wasn’t it?” Woodpaw purred proudly. He stepped off his mentor.

“I agree,” Daisystar said, and Woodpaw purred even louder. “I think you’ll be a great fighter. Just try not to get so distracted next time, okay?”

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Notable Events

Daisystar accompanies Echofall and Woodpaw on their training session. They spar, and Woodpaw is praised for his focus and enthusiasm.

More to come on Monday!

If you want to see more of my work, I also have an alt account where I post non-clangen art and a YouTube channel.