#lightstar

Just a reminder of what the territory layout looks like:

OtterClan

The original clan! Before the cats even got into the territory where the story takes place, they were originally part of a different clan. But when a storm hit, they all got swept up into the river and drifted away from their original territory. One cat, Adderfoot, managed to hoist herself out of the river and got onto land. It was stormy and the currents were wild and they were sweeping away all the other cats. Without wasting another moment, she dived in, getting all the other cats out of the dangerous current and onto the land she had found. After struggling for hours and getting the help of a few other cats, they managed to save nearly everyone from the river. When the storm calmed, the cats gathered and decided they needed to form a new clan and hailed Adderfoot as their new leader. 

Now, OtterClan cats are known as the greatest swimmers. They train in the Adder river from a young age in hopes to become as great as Adderstar, who they hail as a hero. They’re definitely a more relaxed group who don't worry much about the other clans, since they’re completely surrounded by water that really only they can swim past effectively. 

Current leader: Beetlestar - Beetlestar is one of the older leaders, but that only makes him wiser. He prides himself in keeping the tale and the values that Adderstar established flowing within the clan. He’s learned a lot and has definitely grown from his younger days, and for that he is extremely respected in OtterClan. He used to be close with Daisystar back in his day, and while they’ve mostly drifted apart, they still have friendly chats during gatherings. 

FlareClan

This is a group as old as MurkClan that hailed from the Split. They, as well as FlameClan and MurkClan, were originally part of a clan named FireClan, which separated from OtterClan to build new territory on the other side of the river and lake. 

The cats of FlareClan split because of their different ideals. The leader at the time, Sunstar, had firm beliefs on the warrior code, that not every cat was pleased to follow. He stuck to his beliefs however and threatened every cat who thought of opposing him out of the clan. FlareClan are an extremely religious and spiritual clan who hold StarClan to the highest regard. They believe that fate is in the paws of StarClan cats and spend their nights praying to the deceased. They do not take well to anyone who talks bad about StarClan. 

Current leader: Sunstar - An extremely strict, but involved leader. He remembers every cat in his clan’s name, whether that be for better or for worse. He absolutely despises anyone who thinks of going against his or StarClan’s word and will often think of long, vengeful plans to make sure they get what they deserve. However, he does genuinely care for his clan and is a beloved figure amongst the kits. 

When he learned of the few cats who didn’t want to pick either his or Lightstar’s side (cats of MurkClan), he threatened them to make a decision or he would resort to violence. 

FlameClan

The center of the territories and also the center of attention. FlameClan cats separated from FireClan because they did not want to be put under a strict lifestyle. Instead, they followed Lightnose, now Lightstar, into her way of life and now live under her rule. Rather than worshipping StarClan, they worship Lightstar and hold her to the highest regard they can. A big tradition that was established in FlameClan is the passing of stories. Storytelling is extremely important (especially when it’s about Lightstar) and it is practiced by a new role called Spinners. 

Current leader: Lightstar - A cat who greatly opposed Sunstar’s strict lifestyle and rebelled with all other cats who thought the same. She is extremely charismatic and so it was easy for her to convince some other cats to follow her lead. Sunstar did not take it well when they left and swore to find some kind of revenge. Lightnose promised the cats who followed her a better life, and in many ways, it did improve. She may crave attention, but she does genuinely want the cats in FlameClan to live free. 

When she learned of the cats who didn’t pick either side during the Split, she decided to pressure them to make a decision before dawn. 

OrchidClan

OrchidClan split from OtterClan to establish territory near the Stones Beyond. Their intention was to keep spreading past the mountain, but they gave up when they realized the sheer size. To this day, no one dares to venture up, because all those who have gone have never come back. Because of this, OrchidClan cats are trained to have extremely heightened senses. After all, they need to be able to spot whatever may be lurking in the mountain, and they need to be wary of the few monsters that drive down the Thunderpath. 

OrchidClan and RueClan often work together to trade resources. They have access to the outskirts of the Lush Barrier, so they’ll travel across the monster bridge into RueClan territory to give them any herbs they need. In return, they receive animal material, like bone or hide. Orchid-Rue trades happen every new moon, so they can more easily hide from any monsters or Twolegs approaching, and they are done by mediators, healers and the deputy. 

Current leader: Canarystar - Canarystar is the youngest leader of the clans and it definitely shows. He’s childish and troublesome, but he has a big heart and just wants everyone to be happy. He has a more positive outlook on life and expresses it, so in turn, a lot of clanmates come to him when they have problems or they’re in need of advice. He’s especially close with Daisystar, who he jokingly calls “grandma”. 

RueClan

Probably the most forgotten clan. RueClan cats don’t focus on making a big impression and live a quiet lifestyle. They focus on community and the importance of helping one another. Because of this, there’s really only three dens in camp. The healer’s den, the nursery and the communal den. Everyone sleeps in the communal den to further drive their sense of unity and community, though exceptions are made for queens who need a less crowded space, such as the nursery. 

RueClan cats are also a lot more skilled with their paws. They spend their quiet time skinning small animals, collecting bones, plucking feathers and all that, so they can insulate and fortify the dens, as well as use them for trade. They live in a more open, prairie-like space, so catching animals requires speed more than anything. Because of this, apprentices are trained at a young age to be fast and kill quickly when hunting. 

Another big thing in RueClan is that no one really has set parents. Everyone raises the kits together. Because nearly everything in the clan is shared, privacy is extremely hard to obtain. 

Current leader: Daisystar - Daisystar is a very honest cat. She’s not afraid to tell others the truth and doesn’t shy away from calling them out on poor behaviour. After all, if she wants to help lead a community, she has to communicate clearly. While this may be annoying to some of the younger cats, the older ones definitely appreciate it. She’s the entire clan’s mother figure at this point. She also calls Canarystar out on his immaturity during gatherings, though she tries not to be too critical. He's the leader for a reason and she trusts that he will make the right choices.