Folklore: Thorn
Klisa/Klisə
Not all characters within the Clans’ menagerie of stories are gods, spirits or incredible warriors with the power of the sun itself. Not always is an epic necessary to enthrall an audience. Sometimes, one just likes to hear about a good old plain cat with a good amount of common sense and a pleasant attitude.
Thorn is the ultimate in an Aesop fable, existing to teach caution and good morals, especially to kits and young apprentices who aren’t rebelliously declaring they’re too old for baby stories. Thorn’s stories are generally pretty brief and to-the-point, though longer ones meant for sentimental elders to listen to exist. One knows what they’re getting with a Thorn story - whatever actions flavor the telling, it’s expected that a lesson will be taught at the end.
Thorn themself is a very flexible character despite this. Color ranges from a simple brown, to a sleek black, to a vibrant ginger. Gender also fluctuates, with an even balance of the three known pronouns sets. The concrete details that never change are their good manners and their sense of carefulness. Thorn never leaps into things with guns blazing; in fact, they often have to deal with characters who march straight into danger despite their pleads for a second glance into that hollow or forest patch. Fools who refuse Thorn’s warnings often are eaten or severely hurt for their folly - perhaps not the most kit-friendly endings, but when one is a feral cat, one could benefit from a little grimness to steer them onto the right path in the future.
Overall, Thorn is not the most exciting member of the Clan’s cast of legends. They’re not even within the pantheon of those with special powers. And as far as the Clans are concerned, that’s the appeal. A normal, commonplace warrior that anyone could relate to and learn from is a special treasure in the heart of the four colonies.
