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Post by Moth's Wish on May 11, 2017 17:37:07 GMT -5
Taigaclan Resourceful & Resilient A brisk breeze surges down the mountain, carrying freezing arctic winds down into the Taiga. You shiver and shuffle closer to the rest of your patrol, all of you huddling together for warmth for a moment. A white she-cat with gray color-point markings stands tall and confident against the frigid gale, eyeing the herd of Musk Deer grazing on the plains before you. You can see her amber irises searching the herd for a weak deer.
"A fawn won't do, Frost." A fluffy, dappled gray tom informs the she-cat, stepping up to stand beside her. "The cold season is on the horizon, food is already starting to become scarce."
You agree seeing as the herd was much farther down the plains than they were the day before. Frost flicks an ear, acknowledging the dappled tom's words. Suddenly her short tail erects, alerting you and the rest of the patrol that she'd found an easy kill. You follow her gaze and find your eyes settling on an injured buck, your mouth watering at the sight of him.
"Smoke, Ash, circle around and lie in wait." The two toms grunt and trot off as instructed. Frost turns to you, her amber eyes shining at the prospect of a hunt. "I'll separate the buck from the herd, you chase it towards Smoke and Ash." You nod in approval as she begins stalking towards the limping buck, soon disappearing from your view. A few moments later, the calls of alarmed Musk deer and beating hooves meet your ears. The hunt has begun.
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Post by Moth's Wish on May 11, 2017 21:58:32 GMT -5
About
Taiga : The biome in which Taigaclan resides. Long, cold winters, and short, mild, wet summers are typical of this biome. In the winter, chilly winds from the arctic cause bitterly cold weather in the taiga. The length of day also varies with the seasons. Winter days are short, while summer days are long because of the tilt of the earth on its axis. Fire is not uncommon in the taiga during the summer. Fires may seem destructive, but they actually help this biome by removing old sick trees, making room for new growth. Precipitation is relatively high in the taiga and falls as snow during the winter and rain during the summer. The cold climate of the taiga makes it a difficult place for many animals to live. Many have thick coats of fur to insulate against the cold, and some hibernate. Others migrate to warmer areas in the chilly winters. Animal populations are mainly seed-eating squirrels and jays; small mammals like ermine and moles; and larger browsing animals such as deer, moose, elk, and snowshoe hare. The typical predators for this area are grizzly bears, wolves, lynxes and wolverines. These are pretty ferocious, so their prey must adapt to flourish.
Territory : Taigaclan's territory consists of mostly forest and open plains. The forest is located at the bottom of a large mountain. The cats of Taigaclan use the forest to collect herbs, hunt lesser prey, and reside in during the warm season. The plains next to the forest are used as a hunting ground where the cats stalk and hunt bigger prey. At the base of the mountain is a cave where Taigaclan stays during the cold season. It's farther away from the plains but bigger prey is easier to hunt. A stream trickles down from the mountain and cuts across the plains. Taigaclan uses this stream as a water source and Salmon can be found here only during the beginning of the warm season. At the top of the mountain is a cliff known to the cats as the Moonstone Point. Leaders, Medicine-cats, and Apprentices becoming Warriors go here to talk to Starclan. The journey to Moonstone Point is a long and dangerous one, cats are advised not to go alone. Separating The Plains and The Forest are the Molehare Hills. Many Moles and Rabbits reside here during the warm season and bury under the ground during the cold one. Molehare Hills also has a nice view of the entire plains and the beautiful sunset. Mates and courting cats often visit the hills.
Taigaclan : The cats of Taigaclan have the features, build, fur density, diet, and size of the Eurasian Lynx. Their coats come in many different colors, except for ginger, and are usually never solid, always having some sort of pattern (tabby, speckled, bi-color, etc). Due to being bigger than domestic cats, they need to eat more and hunt bigger prey than normal clan cats.
Warm Season Camp : The Warm Season Forest Camp (Forest Camp for short) is in a sandy ravine that used to be a riverbed a long time ago. The camp consists of a clearing edged with thick grass, dotted with tree stumps, and has a thick curtain of ferns and gorse shielding it. It is also surrounded by brambles, and the entrance is through a gorse tunnel. There is a tall boulder in the clearing, called the Highrock, used by the leader to call meetings. The Highrock has scuffed earth around its base. A vast, sandy clearing stretches to the Highrock, which is near a clump of nettles. A bit away from the nursery is a crowded corner of ferns, which have a tall barrier of gorse behind it. At one side a fallen tree lies, its tangled branches folded on the ground. The fresh-kill pile usually lies at the side of the clearing.
Cold Season Camp : The Cold Season Mountain Camp (Cave/Mountain Camp for short) is burrowed deep inside the Mountain. It is a wide and spacious cave with a narrow passage on either side of the cave that lead to much smaller caves that are used as the Nursery (narrow passage on the left) and Elder's Den (narrow passage on the right) respectively. Scattered throughout the cave floor are indents that are padded with moss and bird feathers that the cats of Taigaclan use to sleep in.
Prey : Common prey for the cats of Taigaclan are roe deer, reindeer, red deer, chamois, musk deer, salmon, and various other small mammals (hares, rabbits, red foxes, birds, moles). Because they tend to hunt such large prey, patrols of 3-5 cats are usually required for hunting patrols. Deer Fawns only require one warrior (or 2-3 apprentices) to be taken down. One Deer Fawn can feed quite a few cats but doesn't last more than a day. A Doe requires 2-3 warriors (or 5 apprentices) to be taken down and can be fed off of for about two days. A buck requires about 5 warriors (apprentices are not allowed to hunt bucks) and can last quite a few days but is very difficult to take to camp. Moles can feed two full grown cats, 3 apprentices, or 5 kits. A rabbit or squirrel usually only fills one full grown cat, 2 apprentices, or 3 kits. Mice aren't very filling to Warriors or Apprentices and are usually given to the kits. Salmon (if big enough) can feed as much as a rabbit or squirrel.
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Post by mimikyutie on May 11, 2017 22:00:05 GMT -5
Toradora?
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Post by Moth's Wish on May 11, 2017 22:03:45 GMT -5
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Post by Moth's Wish on May 22, 2017 14:42:52 GMT -5
So, would anyone want to join? I'd like to know before I put a bunch of work into making a thread only for no one to join it.
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Post by Moth's Wish on May 22, 2017 14:56:20 GMT -5
I still need to work on a lot of things for it; more land marks, more in depth description of the territory, rules, original warrior code, plots, banner, map, rules, more information on the cats and Taigaclan itself, their customs, maybe fixing the intro (I thought it was cool at first but now...eh). So a lot needs to be done...
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Post by Moth's Wish on May 22, 2017 23:19:26 GMT -5
Beliefs & Traditions
Taigaclan believes that the Moonflower can heal any and every affliction. However, it is only to be used if all herbs within the Taiga die off, as a last resort, as it is the only Moonflower in the Taiga.
It is said that the ancestors of Taigaclan and the Howlers walk the same skies. Most cats believe this is true when it was noted that the Howlers, like them, celebrate the full moon.
Taigaclan refer to their ancestors as Skyclan, since they live amongst the skies.
Due to the absence of other clans, there is not a need for border patrols. However, cats are encouraged to not leave Taigaclan's territory as the amount of predators greatly increases beyond the borders. Instead of border patrols, watch patrols are sent out. Watch patrols travel the entirety of Taigaclan's territory (not including the mountain, even then this can take about an entire day) and report the activities of other animals (make sure no bears have settled too close to camp, no howlers have wandered in, and that the rammers aren't rampaging), take note of the herbs (make sure that no herbs are dying off) and gather some if asked to do so, check the height of the river (make sure it's not threatening to overflow), and monitor the herds (are they starting to leave for the cold season or coming back for the warm one? have they thinned out? are they overflowing? etc).
Watch patrols take a lot of commitment and time out of a cat's day. As a result, being a watch patroller has become it's own rank. Patrollers must learn how to properly and accurately monitor predators and the herds while remaining concealed and at a safe distance, the names and descriptions of herbs and memorize every significant landmark in Taigaclan's territory. Patrollers don't usually take on apprentices but can request to have one. Any apprentice who is trained by a Patroller will become a Patroller, not a Warrior. Patrollers do not hunt big prey, but are in charge of hunting smaller prey (foxes, moles, hares, squirrels, mice, minks, small birds, etc). If a bear or wolf is encountered while patrolling, cats are advised not to engage but rather to return to camp and send warriors to deal with them.
With patrolling having it's own rank, Warriors are trained strictly to hunt big prey and to fight. An apprentice trained by a Warrior that wants to become a Patroller can be trained by one if a patroller picks them to be their apprentice. If said apprentice is not picked, they are encouraged to study what patrollers are required to do and will be tested on this knowledge when they become warriors. If they pass their test, they become Patrollers. If they don't they remain warriors.
No matter the rank they will become, all apprentices must partake in at least one successful hunt (for big prey) and visit Moonstone Point.
Every full moon all of Taigaclan (except for the Queens, Kits, and Elders) go on a big hunt (usually aiming to take down a buck). Once their prey is caught they eat, converse, and rest at the Training Rocks and listen to the Howlers sing to the moon.
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Post by Moth's Wish on May 23, 2017 19:48:01 GMT -5
Taigaclan resides at the base of a large mountain; due to this their territory slopes slightly downward (but the cats have lived here for so long they barely notice it anymore). A river coming from the mountain splits Taigaclan's territory into two sides, separating the plains from the forest.- Forest Camp : Where Taigaclan stays during the warm season (It basically looks exactly like Thunderclan's Forest Camp).
- Bear Camps : No, bears don't live together in a camp like the clans, these are just areas where the bears usually make their home. On occasion they'll stray away from here but only for food or to seek shelter in the mountains.
- Bird Wood : Where birds stay during the warm season. Cats are advised to be careful when hunting here because birds of prey reside here as well. (No, the birds don't just live in the tree that the 3 is on, they live in the taller, skinny trees. Taigaclan use the shorter trees to climb into the tall trees.)
- Mole-Hare Hills : Where moles, hares, and the occasional mink is found.
- Crossing Stones : Stones the cats cross to get to the plains. The water underneath the stones are very deep, so be careful.
- The Plains : Where the cats of Taigaclan hunt their larger prey (roe deer, reindeer, red deer, chamois, musk deer)
- Training Rocks : A circle of rocks near the river where apprentices are trained. The training rocks are also used every full moon as a feasting and resting place (see traditions for more information).
- Mountain Camp : Where Taigaclan stays during the cold season (It basically looks exactly like Tribe of Rushing Water's camp).
- Rammer Rocks : Where Rammers reside, cats are advised to avoid this area (for more information on Rammers, see animals)
- The Waterfall : It's a waterfall -_- .
- Moonstone Point : A ledge just above the waterfall where cats go to communicate to Skyclan.
- Moonflower Pool : A pool of water on the top of the mountain (I know it doesn't look like it's on the top but it is, bear with me, I'm sorry my map making skills suck Dx ) and the source of water in Taigaclan's territory. In the middle of the pond is a very large stone (about the size of a tiny Island) and in the middle of that stone is one lone Moonflower. It is said that seeds of the Moonflower can cure all illness and the petals can heal all wounds (see beliefs for more information). The water in the pool is warm year around as is the large rock and elders usually go here during their final days.
- Howler's Pass : Leads to the other side of the mountain, where most of the herds go for the cold season. The other side of the mountain, however, belongs to the Howlers. This path is called Howlers pass because not only does it lead into Howler territory, but Howlers tend to eerily watch those who pass through it from the cliffs above.
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Post by Moth's Wish on May 23, 2017 22:06:42 GMT -5
Animals
Predators & Prey
- Mice : usually found in the forest, however they can be found skittering among the Rammer Rocks; not very filling for the cats so they're commonly given to the kits.
- Moles : usually found on the Mole-Hare Hills, however they can be found on the mountain; feeds about one cat.
- Minks : usually found in the forest, however they can be found on Mole-Hare Hills;
- Squirrels : always found in the forest;
- Hares : usually found on Mole-Hare Hills, however they can be found in the Forest, on the Plains, or on the Mountain;
- Birds : usually found in Bird Wood, however they can be found almost anywhere during the warm season;
- Salmon : usually found in the river during the beginning of the warm season, easiest to hunt in the shallow parts of the river;
- Foxes : usually found in the forest, however they can be found on Mole-Hare Hills, the Plains, or on the Mountain;
- Wolverines : easily dispatch smaller prey, such as rabbits and rodents, but may even attack animals many times their size, if the prey appears to be weak or injured. These opportunistic eaters also feed on carrion (the corpses of larger mammals).
- Rammers : what the cats call Rams. They aren't predators, they're actually herbivores, but they do pose a threat to the cats. If agitated, or even simply if one were to stray too close, they will attack.
- Howlers : what the cats call wolves. they normally stay on their side of the mountain, however a few lone wolves tend to stray on to Taigaclan's territory.
- Bears : normally (and surprisingly) very calm creatures. The bears and the cats of Taigaclan seem to have some sort of unspoken treaty: you stay out of my way and don't bother me, and I'll do the same with you. The bears are usually seen in their neck of the woods or traveling towards the river for salmon. However, you see (a) bear cub(s) stay very far away. It's mother is usually very close by and will attack if she deems you too close to her cub.
- Predatory Birds : Hawks can be easily taken down (for warriors) but do put up quite the fight. Eagles normally only go for small or weak cats which is why all apprentices are instructed to never leave camp alone and to stick close to whomever they're with. Vultures aren't normally a problem unless food is scarce.
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Post by Moth's Wish on May 23, 2017 22:09:17 GMT -5
History
Following the herds is what originally drew the cats to the Taiga. The warm season provided the herds with an abundance of grass and weeds to eat which, in turn, provided predators with plentiful and plump prey. When the cold season arrived, however, the cats followed the herds out of the Taiga; forced to have to endure the long, grueling journey through Howler's Pass in order to stay close to food. The Howlers were relentless; preying on the weak, the elderly, young kits, and even expectant queens. However, no cats dared challenge the Howlers; for all it took was a howl for one Howler to suddenly become, seemingly, a thousand. Having seen many a cat torn apart right in front of him, it is no wonder Sedge refused to leave the Taiga when his mate confessed to being with kits. Cats begged and pleaded with Sedge to reconsider, even his own mate questioned his decision. Cinder, while not being that old, had successfully made the journey through Howler's Pass many times and was sure that this time would be no different than the last. But Sedge proved to be a stubborn tom, confidant in his abilities to provide for his family. Unable to convince Sedge otherwise, the cats depart, leaving Cinder and Sedge behind. The cold season was torturous and unforgiving; food was scarce and warm shelter was hard to come by. By the time the warm season returned, only two out of Cinder and Sedge's litter of six kitten survived. Upon their return, the cats were surprised to see that the two had not only survived, but managed to keep their kits alive as well. When the time came for the cats to once again follow the herds, more and more cats began to stay behind until the tradition of journeying through Howler's Pass faded.
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Post by Moth's Wish on May 23, 2017 22:13:55 GMT -5
Warrior Code
- Defend the clan, even at the cost of your life. You may have friendships with loners and rogues, but your loyalty must remain with the clan, as one day you may meet them in battle.
- Do not hunt, or trespass into Howler or Bear territory.
- Elders and kits must be fed before apprentices, warriors, and patrollers.
- Unless they have permission, apprentices may not eat until they have hunted and fed the elders.
- Prey is killed only to be eaten. Thanks SkyClan for its life.
- A kit must be at least six moons old to become an apprentice.
- Newly appointed warriors/patrollers will keep vigil for one night after receiving their warrior/patroller name.
- A cat can not become deputy without having at least mentored one apprentice.
- The deputy will become the clan leader when the leader dies or retires.
- After the death of retirement of a deputy, a new deputy must be chosen.
- A gathering of the clan is held at the training rock during the full moon.
- Boundaries must be checked and marked daily. Challenge all who trespass.
- No warrior or patroller may neglect a kit in pain or in danger, even if that kit is not of the clan.
- The word of the clan leader is the warrior code.
- An honorable warrior does not need to kill other cats to win his battles, unless it is necessary for self-defense.
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Post by Moth's Wish on May 23, 2017 22:14:30 GMT -5
Plots
In this rp, cats who die are randomly selected (I have a randomizer on my phone, I enter cats names, and whoever is chosen dies).
- Save The Kits : Sometime during the night, (2-4) kits decide to try and catch a few mice and bring to their mother(s). When day breaks and the kits are discovered to be missing a few cats volunteer to go find them. (at least one kit will pass away during this plot)
- A Clan Divided : A warrior/patroller and apprentice who obviously have feelings for each other become mates. At first not much thought is given to the two until the apprentice is discovered to be carrying kits. Half of the clan is outraged while the other half doesn't see much wrong with the situation. This creates a divide within the clan and causes the two opposing sides to fight each other (figuratively and eventually literally) (one cat gets killed at this point in the plot). After the death of (insert cat's name here), the clan morns for a few days before being called together to decide the fate of the apprentice, the warrior, and their kits.
- A Clan Divided (prt 2) : Predators invade the clan, scattering the cats during a treacherous blizzard. (4-6 cats will pass away by the end of this plot)
- The Plague : A mysterious illness threatens to wipe out the clan. Being the only ones having not fallen ill, an elder, two apprentices (one being the medicine cat apprentice), and a kit journey to Moonstone Point in search of the Moonflower. (at least one cat from every rank will pass away)
- Deputy : (takes place after The Plague plot) After all the cats have been healed, The leader must now choose a new deputy. Realizing this, every warrior/patroller who wants the position makes an effort to show the leader that they would make a good deputy. Feeling overwhelmed and confused the leader goes to some unlikely sources for guidance.
- The Big Hunt : The full moon has come again, which means it is once again time for the big hunt. However, all does not go as planned when a few overeager new warriors ruin the hunt. Can the new warriors salvage the remains of the night or have they ruined their first big hunt as warriors?
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Post by Moth's Wish on May 23, 2017 22:15:11 GMT -5
Rules
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Post by Moth's Wish on Aug 7, 2017 16:14:09 GMT -5
Bump cuz I'm almost done
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Post by Moth's Wish on Aug 11, 2017 3:04:23 GMT -5
bump cuz I made progress on the History
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Post by Moth's Wish on Aug 18, 2017 21:03:18 GMT -5
bump cuz all I need are the rules and then I can make the actual thread for this.
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