Post by sweetclover1 on Jan 15, 2017 19:09:07 GMT -5
Riseclan(or banner)
INTRODUCTION:
"Last night we suffered some casualties," Littlestar called out, the dark brown she cat standing on a cliff just above the camp, dark green eyes glittering with grief as she looked down on the dilapidated group of cats.A dark russet apprentice let out a wail of grief, his sister not making it through the night, only one of the many deaths the clan had seen the night before. You look forward, sitting next to some clanmates nursing some light wounds, waiting to hear what she would have to say next.
"But this will be the last time Whisperclan will get the best of us. We were here first, and we will show those cowards that we won't be going anywhere any time soon," She added, tail lashing as she prepared to jump down. The clan watched in a tense silence, waiting for her next orders, the powerful she cat the center of every cats attention. "Each of you have trained, each of you have special abilities, and tonight we will no longer stand to be pushed around by those homeless badger-hearts. Tonight we rise," She yowled, leaping down as the rest of the cats cheered. This is our home, and we have no intention of leaving.
*No Godmodidng, or Mary/Gary sues- Having a perfect character isn't all its cracked up to be. Please give your character some weaknesses, a few fears, things to have them grow as the role-play continues.
*Please be active! By active I mean try to be on at least three times a week, unless you have messaged me beforehand letting me know you will be gone. For those who wish to be in a leadership role, or are important to a plot please make sure you are on at least every other day! Its understandable, you having school, work, and family, trust me I'm a college student, so I totally get it when you can't be on, but please try your best!
*Be nice- you're characters can be the most fox hearted cats in the world, but please remember there is a person behind the character, and that person is a good human being who deserves respect. If you read this rule please put love in the other part of the joining form.
*Kit_____ing: I am fine with kit stealing AS LONG as you ask me and the rper in advance, and you know that we will come and retrieve the kit.
*Plots/Prophecies- Please ask before you start to do anything major in the role-play, its just common curtesy.
*Have fun!!!
*Literacy: Please respond with at least three sentences, it can be hard some times but it really helps us get to know your character.
*Please keep your kitties realistic with fur color, and eye color. My rule is you can have weird markings, but if you can find a picture with your cats fur color or eye color, then I'm chill with it.
*Please keep the gender ratios even!
*I
I
Name|Gender||Age|Rank|Description|Sexuality|Personality|History|Specialty|other| Screen name
Territory
Riseclan is primarily a pine forest- the branches not thick enough to create a thick canopy above our heads. The trees are large, ancient, with pine and magnolia trees primarily. There is a large river that cuts through the territory, not halfway but just in the top half of the territory. This is where the camp is hidden, behind this river, there are stepping stone for cats and if you continue walking on a dirt path you will find a large, ancient magnolia tree pressed against what would be best described as a cliff. If you climb up the tree you will find a small whole in the cliff, which is the entrance to the camp. It is a tight tunnel, hidden with the branches of the tree, and the camp is an opening in the tunnel, really the camp is a huge cavern with no ceiling, each den a cave that can hold up to ten cats in it, the largest being the warriors den that is two caves connected by a tunnel. Most of the caves aren't low-lying either, the cats having to jump to make it to the cliff ledges, in hopes of this making it difficult if Whisperclan did manage to find the camp and attack. The only two dens that are not above ground are the medicine cats den and the nursery, and the apprentices den is slightly lower to the ground to accommodate their smaller legs. There are many caves in the camp, Riseclan cats only occupy a few of them and haven't explored the rest quite yet. The cliffs and ledges are often used for training practice for the apprentices. Our main prey is fish, mice, and squirrels. Predators are often foxes and badgers, and raccoons.
Special markers:
The Stream: The stream that borders the two clans
The Leaping-stones- The stones that cut through the river so clan cats can get back to camp. Also a fantastic fishing spot.
Lovers Oak- Two large, old spindly Oak trees that are at another point in the borders, a great place to practice climbings and constantly monitored because it would be easy to jump from one tree to the next and invade Riseclan territory.
Thunder path- There is a thunder path that is on the other side of their territory, apprentices are no allowed to go there alone.
Specialties
Starting from their apprenticeship, each cat is assigned a speciality along with their warriors training, so we are prepared for when Whisperclan decides to attack us. Cats can specialize in quite a number of things, including:
Dirty Fighting When in a battle, you can't always play fair, and thats where these cats come into play. Any type of dirty trick you can think of these cats now how to pull. A lot of warriors want to be trained in this, but it requires light paws and a quick mind.
Sneak Attack We can't always play by the code, and we often have snuck into Whisperclans so-called "territory" just to keep them in line. This is where cats specializing in sneak attacking come in. They are typically lightly built, so they can climb through trees and jump down when needed. Not as many cats specialize in this as we like, but we take what we have.
Guards This is where brute strength comes into play. We need cats who are always ready to defend their clanmates, and are often used as buffers between the smaller cats and Whisperclan cats. Those specializing in Guarding often are large and well-muscled, using their power instead of brains to protect those they love.
Battle Strategy Battle strategy is a lesser known speciality, only a few cats in the clan are trained in this. This is because the cats must be highly intelligent and proficient in fighting, so they understand how to fight well. These cats come in many shapes and sizes, but all have a ruthless demeanor about them
Battle healing Healers are important for any war, which is why we have warriors who know how to patch up their clanmates while out in the battle field. We can't have our medicine cats out in the middle of the fray, after all. Those who specialize in Battle healing must be not only quick minded, but quick pawed. Their job isn't to make the cats better, just to make sure they are not actively dying in the field.
Basic Healing Basic healing is for the cats who want to help and actually heal, not just patch up and send the cats on their merry way.
Scouting- these are typically the smallest, fastest cats in the group. Scouts are in charge of getting in and out of Whisperclan territory as fast as they can, trying to get the lay of the land, find the camp, and chase them out. So far, they have had a few successful missions.
Hunting Some cats specialize in hunting, so they can make sure that the clan is fed.This specialty isn't the most appreciated, this one typically given to cats who aren't the best at any other specialty.
Leadership - These cats have to be the perfect measure of smart and empathetic, usually the leaders of battle patrol when the leader is unable to.
*Tag teaming- Cats who are trained to work paw in paw with a partner, so they can overwhelm their enemies.
Relationships
Key:
> One cat likes another
<> Both cats like each other
<3- Mates
</3 Ex mates
Normal font- male
Italics - female
Mentors and apprentices:
Mentors Furzepaw Mentors MinnowpawText/Quote/Lyrics
Leader:
Littlestar|She-cat|| 35 moons |Leader| Littlestar is... well, little. She is dark brown tabby she cat with cream colored toes that are almost always covered in mud. She has a shredded left ear, and a scar over the bridge of her nose, her nose being a dark grey. She has wide dark green eyes that almost look innocent, if not for the coldness to them.|Bisexual, although her preference is in toms currently.|Littlestar isn't the kindest cat around. She is cool, collected, and always focused. Her goal is to drive out Whisperclan at all costs, even if it means the death of her clanmates, no matter how much it may pain her.. She is highly intelligent, one of the main reasons why she became a deputy so fast, but where is is strong in intelligence she sorely lacks in empathy, any type of feeling terrifying her, even if coming from herself.|Born and raised in Riseclan, she never met her father, who died from a fishing accident, and her mother died when she and her brother, Swiftpaw, where barely five moons old. Her brother died when the two of them where on a hunting assessment with their mentors, ambushed by some Whisperclan cats. Since then she has turned her clans hatred into her own personal vendetta. |Specialty is battle tactics||other| Sweetclover1
Deputy
TBD
Medicine cats (0/2)
Medicine cat apprentices (0/2)
Warriors
Darktuft|20 moons|Tom |Warriors|Darktuft is a long legged, long furred tom with dark grey fur that is almost black. He has slightly lighter grey fur on his chest, but it isn't light enough for him to have to cover himself with mud. He has a few scars on his pelt but nothing too prominent. He has wide yellow eyes that are almost owl like and tufts of fur on his ears that resemble those of a lynx.|Pansexual|Darktuft is one of those rare optimists. Don't ask any cat where that came from, because no one really knows, but he just is one. He personally believes theres good in every cat, even Whisperclan cats , although he would never voice that opinion out loud. He's too smart for that. | Specializes in Battle Medicine| When he was a younger apprentice he and his brother, Lightpaw, where taken hostage by Whisperclan cats. They managed to escape, but while running away Lightpaw had fallen into the river and was washed away. No one knows what happened to him, but he is presumed dead.|other| Sweetclover1
Badgertooth |Male | 31 moons |Warrior |Badgertooth has black fur with some white on his muzzle, chest and paws. He has yellow eyes and some scars on his back and a big one on his shoulder. |Bisexual |Badgertooth is strong and tough tom. He is fierce in battle and not known for being merciful. He tends to come off rather cold. Badgertooth keeps his feelings to himself and hates to cry in front of others. He is really sweet and loving though he only shows it to those he loves. Badgertooth has a bitter dislike for Whisperclan and wants them all dead. He is loyal to the clan and will do whatever he clan to protect it. Badgertooth was born and raised in the clan. At one point he had a beautiful mate named Morningfur. He adored her, and was always by her side. She was killed when Whisperclan cats ambushed a patrol they happened to be on. He has never been the same since her death. Guard | He wants to move on from Morningfur's death but doesn't know how. Love | Hawkeyes258
Briarwhisp |She-cat || 27 moons |Warrior |Dusky brown she-cat with light green eyes. She is a bit on the borderline of a slender and normal build in sized, only slightly smaller than normal. |Bisexual | Briarwhisp is a careful and observant cat. She tends to notice things that other cats tend to miss. She is patient and and a good listener. There are days when she can be moody and will prefer to be alone. She is quick on her feet and resourceful. | Her parents died when she was young. | Scouting |When she isn't scouting, Briarwhisp helps out by hunting for the clan. Love | Hawkeyes258
Apprentices
Furzepaw|9 moons old |Tom|Apprentice|Furzepaw is a long legged tom with dark grey fur with primarily dark grey almost black markings that are marbled in coloring. He has dainty, pale grey paws that are difficult to hide. He has dark amber eyes.He is long and gangly, but despite is awkward appearance in the camp, his is quite nimble in the trees.|Bisexual|Furzepaw is a jumpy tom, easily scared and is more likely to accidentally claw the cat scaring him than running away.He is loyal to his clanmates, but not willing to actually talk badly about the cats in the other clan.|Scouting|Furzepaw and his sister, Minnowpaw, where born into the clan, but their mother wasn't happy about their births, thinking it took to much time to raise the two. The moment they where old enough to eat solid food she left them to do their own raising, and once they became apprentices she became overly strict, wanting to have them to be the perfect fighters and was furious when she found out that Furzepaw was to become a scout and Minnowpaw going into Sneak attack, believing that both specialties where for cowards. She died later on. |other| Sweetclover1
Minnowpaw|9 moons old |She cat|Apprentice|Minnowpaw is a small she cat with dark grey fur with primarily dark grey almost black markings that are marbled in coloring. She has dainty, pale grey paws that are difficult to hide. She has dark amber eyes and a scar over her left eye from a training accident that went horribly wrong. |Demisexual, Polyromantic|Minnowpaw is sweet, and fun loving when it comes to her clanmates, but is quiet, cold and calculated when it comes to outsiders.|Same as Furzepaw.|other| Sweetclover1
Queens
Kits
Elders
Cats outside the clan
Starclan
Dark Forest.
Littlestar|She-cat|| 35 moons |Leader| Littlestar is... well, little. She is dark brown tabby she cat with cream colored toes that are almost always covered in mud. She has a shredded left ear, and a scar over the bridge of her nose, her nose being a dark grey. She has wide dark green eyes that almost look innocent, if not for the coldness to them.|Bisexual, although her preference is in toms currently.|Littlestar isn't the kindest cat around. She is cool, collected, and always focused. Her goal is to drive out Whisperclan at all costs, even if it means the death of her clanmates, no matter how much it may pain her.. She is highly intelligent, one of the main reasons why she became a deputy so fast, but where is is strong in intelligence she sorely lacks in empathy, any type of feeling terrifying her, even if coming from herself.|Born and raised in Riseclan, she never met her father, who died from a fishing accident, and her mother died when she and her brother, Swiftpaw, where barely five moons old. Her brother died when the two of them where on a hunting assessment with their mentors, ambushed by some Whisperclan cats. Since then she has turned her clans hatred into her own personal vendetta. |Specialty is battle tactics||other| Sweetclover1
Deputy
TBD
Medicine cats (0/2)
Medicine cat apprentices (0/2)
Warriors
Darktuft|20 moons|Tom |Warriors|Darktuft is a long legged, long furred tom with dark grey fur that is almost black. He has slightly lighter grey fur on his chest, but it isn't light enough for him to have to cover himself with mud. He has a few scars on his pelt but nothing too prominent. He has wide yellow eyes that are almost owl like and tufts of fur on his ears that resemble those of a lynx.|Pansexual|Darktuft is one of those rare optimists. Don't ask any cat where that came from, because no one really knows, but he just is one. He personally believes theres good in every cat, even Whisperclan cats , although he would never voice that opinion out loud. He's too smart for that. | Specializes in Battle Medicine| When he was a younger apprentice he and his brother, Lightpaw, where taken hostage by Whisperclan cats. They managed to escape, but while running away Lightpaw had fallen into the river and was washed away. No one knows what happened to him, but he is presumed dead.|other| Sweetclover1
Badgertooth |Male | 31 moons |Warrior |Badgertooth has black fur with some white on his muzzle, chest and paws. He has yellow eyes and some scars on his back and a big one on his shoulder. |Bisexual |Badgertooth is strong and tough tom. He is fierce in battle and not known for being merciful. He tends to come off rather cold. Badgertooth keeps his feelings to himself and hates to cry in front of others. He is really sweet and loving though he only shows it to those he loves. Badgertooth has a bitter dislike for Whisperclan and wants them all dead. He is loyal to the clan and will do whatever he clan to protect it. Badgertooth was born and raised in the clan. At one point he had a beautiful mate named Morningfur. He adored her, and was always by her side. She was killed when Whisperclan cats ambushed a patrol they happened to be on. He has never been the same since her death. Guard | He wants to move on from Morningfur's death but doesn't know how. Love | Hawkeyes258
Briarwhisp |She-cat || 27 moons |Warrior |Dusky brown she-cat with light green eyes. She is a bit on the borderline of a slender and normal build in sized, only slightly smaller than normal. |Bisexual | Briarwhisp is a careful and observant cat. She tends to notice things that other cats tend to miss. She is patient and and a good listener. There are days when she can be moody and will prefer to be alone. She is quick on her feet and resourceful. | Her parents died when she was young. | Scouting |When she isn't scouting, Briarwhisp helps out by hunting for the clan. Love | Hawkeyes258
Apprentices
Furzepaw|9 moons old |Tom|Apprentice|Furzepaw is a long legged tom with dark grey fur with primarily dark grey almost black markings that are marbled in coloring. He has dainty, pale grey paws that are difficult to hide. He has dark amber eyes.He is long and gangly, but despite is awkward appearance in the camp, his is quite nimble in the trees.|Bisexual|Furzepaw is a jumpy tom, easily scared and is more likely to accidentally claw the cat scaring him than running away.He is loyal to his clanmates, but not willing to actually talk badly about the cats in the other clan.|Scouting|Furzepaw and his sister, Minnowpaw, where born into the clan, but their mother wasn't happy about their births, thinking it took to much time to raise the two. The moment they where old enough to eat solid food she left them to do their own raising, and once they became apprentices she became overly strict, wanting to have them to be the perfect fighters and was furious when she found out that Furzepaw was to become a scout and Minnowpaw going into Sneak attack, believing that both specialties where for cowards. She died later on. |other| Sweetclover1
Minnowpaw|9 moons old |She cat|Apprentice|Minnowpaw is a small she cat with dark grey fur with primarily dark grey almost black markings that are marbled in coloring. She has dainty, pale grey paws that are difficult to hide. She has dark amber eyes and a scar over her left eye from a training accident that went horribly wrong. |Demisexual, Polyromantic|Minnowpaw is sweet, and fun loving when it comes to her clanmates, but is quiet, cold and calculated when it comes to outsiders.|Same as Furzepaw.|other| Sweetclover1
Queens
Kits
Elders
Cats outside the clan
Starclan
Dark Forest.
Text/Quote/Lyrics
Clan History:
Our clan has always been kind and merciful, known to help travellers and those in need. So when Whisperclan came to our borders barely managing to put one paw in front of the other we took them in. Our leader at the time, Crowstar, welcomed Whisperclan and readily provided them with food and herbs despite the coming leafbare in return the leader of Whisperclan, Snowstar, instructed her warriors to help our clan so that we may both survive through the harsh leaf bare to come. Smallfern, our medicine cat took a Whisperclan apprentice and trained her in the art of healing so that when Whisperclan left they might have an experienced healer to help them. We showed Whisperclan how to hunt in our forest, we shared prey and tongues and tales, and were none the wiser to the darkness within their hearts.
Lostsong was a queen in the nursery and mate to our deputy, Mossclaw. It was her, belly heavy with kits, that overheard the first plot against us. The clans had just been ravaged by a green cough outbreak and with it the first Whisperclan leader had died leaving Jaggedleap in her place. But with Snowstar's death it seemed as though the clan had become unruly and ambitious. She overheard the warriors speaking of a plan to murder Crowstar and put Jaggedleap in his place as leader of both clans! Unsure of what do Lostsong did as any loyal cat would and told her leader. But Crowstar dismissed the accusation, Whisperclan was no threat to the strength of Riseclan and this was our rightful home and territory. Starclan would not allow such mutinany. Still Lostsong was concerned for her leaders safety and so brought her concerns forward to Mossclaw begging him to keep quiet about it.
Mossclaw like any other deputy would, placed a guard on Crowstar and a watcher on Whisperclan. It wasn't until Ripplepaw, the Whisperclan medicine cat apprentice that Smallfern had been training came to Mossclaw with information that things became truly dangerous. Ripplepaw was a sweet apprentice, kind hearted and more Riseclan then Whisperclan. She had heard of Jaggedleap's plot to draw Crowstar away from camp and murder him and was desperate to stop any fighting between the two clans. Mossclaw swore to Ripplepaw he would not let anything happen but it was Mapleleaf, a Whisperclan warrior who saw Ripplepaw tell Mossclaw this. That night Mapleleaf murdered the young apprentice and it was Mossclaw who begged Smallfern as the apprentice died to be given a full name for all her courage. And so Ripplepaw became Ripplefur.
From that night on Mossclaw attended every patrol Crowstar did but it was not enough. They were out on patrol with Mapleleaf when Mossclaw paused for a moment to hunt, the snow had fallen heavily and the leafbare was dragging on longer then usual. They needed it. But his hunting was cut short by a yowl and he turned to find Mapleleaf had pushed Crowstar through the thin ice and into the river. By the time Crowstar was fished out he was gone. Mapleleaf swore to starclan she had done nothing that Crowstar had slipped but he was a skilled warrior he would not simply slip and besides Mossclaw knew that Mapleleaf had been the one to murder Ripplefur! The two brought Crowstars body back to camp and Mossclaw made his announcement. Mapleleaf was a murder and Whisperclan needed to leave. The kits and queens with a handful of warriors might stay until the youngest were old enough to travel but the rest must go.
Mapleleaf turned on Mossclaw and pounced on him calling him liar and a foxheart, yowling for Whisperclan to attack- and they did. Riseclan fell under siege fighting desperately to keep their home. Mossclaw defeated Mapleleaf but could find no way to end the fighting so he did the one thing he could. He took a hostage. It was not a noble thing to do, but it was the best thing he could do and in turn Jaggedleap took Smallfern hostage. The fighting ceased and gave our clan a chance to reform. Mossclaw swapped the hostages instantly with Jaggedleaps' promise that Whisperclan would leave and never return. And it would have ended at that but Whisperclan were not that kind. As Jaggedleap turned he made one more strike at a Riseclan cat- at Lostsong murdering her in a moment as vengeance for the false accusations Riseclan had given. The fighting began again and we were forced out of our home. The place where our ancestors had lived for generation upon generation.
Mossclaw ruled for a short time eventually loosing his mind to grief as one by one his remaining family joined Starclan. Eventually he retired leaving his position to Mousespots (Mousestar). Mousestar healed her clan well. We were broken driven from our home with no pride and with half our original numbers. It was her who led the attack on Whisperclan that won us back our home- an attack which she lost all her lives in willingly. To this day Mousestar is known as one of our most brave and wise leaders. Her command was followed by that of Graystrike (Graystar).
Graystar kept Whisperclan at bay but all the same sought for peace between the two clans. At last Whisperclan agreed to let us form a truce with a small party visiting their clan to signify the importance of the occasion. But Graystar was smart- this war had gone on so long he would not go without precautions so he left his deputy in camp and a senior warrior in charge of a back up patrol in case anything happened. At first it seemed as if all was going well and then in the dead of night Whisperclan attacked our warriors. Graystar gave the signal and Littlethorn brought his patrol in to rescue our cats. It was a long and bloody battle and we lost more cats then we had since retaking our camp but we survived. After the gruesome battle things fell back to border skirmishes and minor attacks but they were brutal despite been small. Apprentices murderd and fatal wounds delivered at every chance by Whisperclan warriors- ambushing unsuspecting patrols for no reason. Too many of our young warriors and kits continue to die at their paws.
And now Littlestar is leader of the clan. We are growing strong again and found new ways to hone our skills, we will not be so easily beaten by these invaders. We will no longer let those blood thirsty fox hearts so brutally harm our apprentices and young cats- no we are ready to fight back!
We are ready to rise again!
Cat Traits:
Riseclan cats have strong back legs, useful for jumping up onto tree branches. We typically have darker fur, perfect for sneaking around at night, most of the fur color consisting of blacks, dark greys, and dark browns. Marbled tabby markings are also quite common. Every now and then we see a pale colored cat, but we don't have many in Riseclan. If we do have any their pelt is usually covered with mud when out in the territory to help conceal them in the woods. Our fur is usually thick and sleek from eating fish.
*These lists are from "Warriors paw book to being a warrior" by WιɳƚҽɾႦɾҽҽȥҽ
~The Warrior Code~
If you are a newcomer to the Clan and do not know how we live, then you've come to the right place! All Clans live by these few rules, created by the Ancestors themselves, and passed through the generations as a must-follow code! If you are to survive, please look here!
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1. Defend your Clan, even with your life! You may have friendships with cats from rival Clans, but your loyalty must remain with your own, as one day you may meet them in battle!
2. Do not hunt or trespass on another Clan’s territory!
3. Elders and Kits must be fed before Apprentices and Warriors! Unless they have permission, Apprentices may not eat until they have hunted to feed the Elders!
4. Prey is killed only to be eaten! Give Thanks to StarClan for its life!
5. A Kit must be at least six moons old to become an Apprentice!
6. Newly appointed Warriors will keep a silent vigil for one night after receiving their Warrior name!
7. A cat cannot be made a Deputy without having mentored at least one Apprentice!
8. The Deputy will become Clan Leader when the Leader dies or retires!
9. After the death or retirement of the Deputy, the new Deputy must be chosen before moonhigh!
10. Boundaries must be checked and marked daily. Challenge all trespassing cats!
11. No Warrior may neglect a Kit in pain or danger, even if that kit is from a different Clan!
13. An honorable Warrior does not need to kill other cats to win his battles, unless they are outside the Warrior Code or it is necessary for self-defense!
14. A Warrior rejects the soft life of a Kittypet!
...
~Herbs~
There are a large variety of Herbs here for any Medicine Cat or Medicine Cat Apprentice in need of them for their Clan, do please take a browse through, you might learn something useful. A curious mind is a smart one!
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Borage Leaves- To be chewed and eaten. The plant can be distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. Great for nursing queens as it helps increase their supply of milk. Also brings down fever.
Burdock Root- A tall-stemmed, sharp-smelling thistle with dark leaves. A Medicine Cat must dig up the roots, wash off the dirt, and chew them into a pulp, which can be applied to rat bites. Cures infection.
Catmint(a.k.a catnip)- A delicious-smelling, leafy plant that's hard to find in the wild; often found growing in Twoleg gardens. The best remedy for greencough.
Chervil- A sweet-smelling plant with large, spreading, fernlike leaves and small white flowers. The juice of the leaves can be used for infected wounds, and chewing the roots helps with bellyache
Cobweb- Spiderwebs can be found all over the forest; be careful not to bring the spider along with you! Medicine Cats wrap it around an injury to soak up the blood and keep the wound clean. Stops bleeding.
Coltsfoot- A flowering plant, a bit like a dandelion, with yellow or white flowers. The leaves can be chewed into a pulp, which is eaten to help shortness of breath.
Comfrey- Identifiable by its large leaves and small bell-shaped flowers, which can be pink, white, or purple. The fat black roots of this plant can be chewed into a poultice to mend broken bones or soothe wounds
Dock- A plant similar to Sorrel. The leaf can be chewed up and applied to soothe scratches.
Dried Oak Leaf- Collected in the Autum and stored in a dry place. Stops infection
Feverfew- A small bush with flowers like daisies. The leaves can be eaten to cool down body temperature, particularly for cats with fever or chills.
Goldenrod- A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. A poultice of this is terrific for healing wounds!
Honey- A sweet, golden liquid created by bees. Difficult ro collect without getting stung, but great for soothing infections or the throats of cats who have breathed smoke.
Horsetail- A tall plant with bristly stems that grows in marshy areas. The leaves can be used to treat infected wounds. Usually chewed up and applied as a poultice.
Juniper Berries- A bush with spiky dark green leaves and purple berries. The berries soothe bellyache and help cats who are having trouble breathing.
Lavender- A small purple flowering plant. Cures fever
Marigold- A bright orange or yellow flower that grows low to the ground. The petals or leaves can be chewed into a pulp and applied as a poultice to wounds. Stops infection.
Mouse Bile- A bad-smelling liquid that is the only remedy for ticks. Dab a little moss soaked in bile on a tick and it'll fall right off. Wash paws thoroughly in running water afterwards.
Poppy Seed- Small black seeds shaken from dried poppy flower, these are fed to cats to help them sleep. Soothes cats suffering from shock and distress. Not recommended for nursing queens.
Stinging Nettle- The spiny green seeds can be administered to a cat who's swallowed poison, while the leaves can be applied to a wound to bring down swelling
Tansy- A strong-smelling with round yellow flowers. Good for curing coughs, but must be eaten in small doses.
Thyme- This Herb can be eaten to calm anxiety and frayed nerves.
Watermint- A leafy green plant found in streams or damp earth. Usually chewed into a pulp and then fed to a cat suffering bellyache
Wild Garlic- Rolling in a patch of Wild Garlic can help prevent infection, especially for dangerous wounds like rat bites.
Yarrow- A flowering plant whose leaves can be made into a poultice and applied to wounds or scratches to expel poison.
NOTE:
Deathberries- Red berries that can be fatally poisonous to kits and Elders. They are NOT a medicine! Known to Twolegs as yew berries. BEWARE!
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~Combat Techniques and Strategies~
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ABOVEGROUND BATTLE MOVES:
The Sky-Crusher- Landing with all four feet on top of an opponent, flattening them like a leaf!
The Flick-Over- Landing with front paws outstretched to sweep the opponent off his feet and roll him into his back.
The Kick- Kicking down hard as a Warrior nears the ground, then using momentum from landing to spring away before the opponent can retaliate!
The Slice- Dropping down with claws unsheathed for maximum injury!
The Branch Swing- Holding on to a branch with front claws and swinging the hind legs into the opponent's face.
The Reverse Branch Swing- Holding on to the branch with the hind claws and striking with the front legs through the swing while claws are unsheathed.
The Trunk Spring- Sliding down a tree trunk and springing off at head height, using the hind legs to push off and clearing opponents (Good if tree is surrounded).
The Reverse Climb- Climbing backwards up the trunk of a tree as the opponent advances to gain advantage of height; Often followed by Trunk Spring.
WATER COMBAT MOVES:
Double-Front Paw Slap-Down- Splashes water into the face of the enemy!
Underwater Leg Sweep (Front or Hind)- The opponent will not see it coming under the water's surface so he won't have the chance to brace himself before losing his balance.
Push-Down and Release- Almost all cats panic if they are submerged, while others know how to hold their breath underwater. This move can be used to secure a decisive victory, because its most likely to make the opponent surrender!
Underwater Clinch- Uses a Warrior’s weight to hold the opponent below the surface, with a firm grip that enables the Warrior to bring his enemy spluttering back to the surface before forcing him under again!
Tail Splash- Temporarily blinds the opponent by flicking water into his eyes.
Underwater Push-Off- Crouching and erupting out of the water and into the opponent, using surprise and impact to knock him off balance!
Rushpaw Splash- Using the noise of water splashed at a distance to create a decoy, leaving oppertunity for a surprise attack!
OTHER FIGHTING TECHNIQUES:
Back kick- Explosive surprise move to catch opponent from behind. Judge opponent’s distance from you carefully; then lash out with your back legs, taking your weight on your front paws.
Belly rake- A fight-stopper. Slice with unsheathed claws across soft flesh of opponent’s belly. If you’re pinned down, the belly rake quickly puts you back in control.
Front paw blow- Frontal attack. Bring your front paw down hard on your opponent’s head. Claws sheathed.
Front paw strike- Frontal attack. Slice downward with your front paw at the body or face of your opponent. Claws unsheathed.
Killing bite- A death blow to the back of the neck. Quick and silent and sometimes considered dishonorable. Used only as a last resort.
Leap-and-hold- Ideal for a small cat facing a large opponent. Spring onto opponent’s back and grip with unsheathed claws. Now you are beyond the range of your opponent’s paws and in position to inflict severe body wounds. A group of Apprentices can defeat a large and dangerous Warrior in this way. It was deployed to great effect against BloodClan’s Deputy, Bone. Watch for the drop-and-roll countermove, and try to jump free before you get squashed.
Drop-and-roll- Used as a countermove against leap-and-hold. Drop to your stomach and roll in an attempt to squash your opponent under your weight and escape their grasp.
Partner fighting- Warriors who have trained and fought together will often instinctively fall into a paired defensive position, each protecting the other’s back while fending off an opponent on either side. Slashing, clawing, and leaping together, battle pairs can be a whirlwind of danger for attackers.
Play dead- Effective in a tight situation, such as when you are pinned. Stop struggling and go limp. When your opponent relaxes his grip, thinking you are defeated, push yourself up explosively. This will throw off an unwary opponent and put you in an attacking position.
Scruff shake- Secure a strong teeth grip on the scruff of your opponent’s neck; then shake violently until he or she is too rattled to fight back. Most effective against rats, which are small enough to throw. A strong throw will stun or kill them.
Teeth grip- Target your opponent’s extremities – the legs, tail, scruff, or ears – and sink in your teeth and hold. This move is similar to leap-and-hold except your claws remain free to fight.
Upright lock- Final, crushing move on already weakened opponent. Rear up on back legs and bring full weight down on opponent. If opponent does same, wrestle and flip him under you. This move makes you vulnerable to the belly rake, so requires great strength and speed.
TAIL SIGNALS:
Tail held Erect- "Stop"
Tail Rippling- "Move forward with care"
Tail held Erect and Sweeping Slowly from Side to Side- "Retreat silently!"
Tail pointing low parallel to the ground and Sweeping- "Spread out!"
Tail Flattened- "Get down!"
Tail Bobbing- "Enemy sighted!"
Tail Hooked- "Danger!"
Tail pointed Sharply- "Go that way"
Tail held Erect and Waving from Side to Side- "Stay behind me"
Tail kinked over Back- "Follow me"
...
~Ceremonies~
Ceremonies are held when a new Apprentice, Deputy, or Leader is being named, or when a Warrior retires from his duties to the Clan and becomes an Elder. Each ceremony is different, and must be held by the current Leader of the Clan, unless the Leader has given permission to his Deputy or Medicine Cat to hold it for them, but that is very rare. Ceremonies are Clan traditions and usually begin when the Leader has called for a Clan meeting.
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Apprentices- Performed when a Kit has reached the age of six moons old and is ready to receive his or her Apprentice name and is assigned to a Warrior of the Leader’s choosing to mentor them. It is unlawful for a Kit younger than six moons to become an Apprentice.
Leader: “(Name of Kit), you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to become an Apprentice. From this day on, until you receive your Warrior name, you will be known as (Kit’s name prefix)paw. Your mentor will be (name of Warrior). I hope (name of Warrior) will pass down all he/she knows on to you.”
The Leader calls up the Warrior he/she has chosen as a mentor.
Leader: “(Name of Warrior), you are ready to take on an Apprentice. You had received excellent training from (former mentor), and you have shown yourself to be (quality) and (quality). You will be the mentor of (Apprentice), and I expect you to pass on all you know to ( name of Apprentice).”
The mentor touches noses with the Apprentice, and the Clan greets the new Apprentice by calling out their name. After this, the Apprentice will usually go greet their family, or go see to their mentor.
Medicine Cat Apprentice- Similar to an Apprentice ceremony, however the Apprentice being named will be assigned to the Clan’s current Medicine Cat as their mentor, and after the ceremony both Medicine Cat and Medicine Cat Apprentice must journey to the Moonstone/Moonpool to greet StarClan. In addition, it is the Medicine Cat who holds the ceremony. Same rules apply, an Apprentice must be at least six moons old.
Medicine Cat: “Cats of (Clan), as you know, I will not be around forever. So it's time I took an Apprentice. I have chosen a cat who has shown (virtues or morals). Your next Medicine Cat will be (Apprentice).”
Leader: “(Apprentice), do you accept the post of Apprentice to (Medicine Cat)?”
Apprentice: “I do.”
Medicine Cat: “Then at the half-moon, you must travel to the Moonstone/Moonpool to be accepted by StarClan before the other Medicine Cats.”
Leader: “The good wishes of all (Clan) will go with you.”
The mentor touches noses with the Apprentice, and the Clan greets the new Apprentice.
At the Moonstone/Moonpool
At the next half moon, the Medicine Cat goes with the Apprentice to the Clans’ sacred place to present them to the Warrior ancestors, where the Apprentice confirms their wish to be a Medicine Cat.
Medicine Cat: “(Apprentice), is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a Medicine Cat?”
Apprentice: “It is.”
Medicine Cat: “Then come forward.”
Medicine Cat: “Warriors of StarClan, I present you with this Apprentice. (He/she) has chosen the path of a Medicine Cat. Grant (him/her) your wisdom and insight so that (he/she) may understand your ways and heal (his/her) Clan in accordance with your will.”
The Medicine Cat Apprentice touches his/her nose to the Moonstone or drinks from the Moonpool. Then the Medicine Cat and the Apprentice lay down and have a dream from StarClan.
Warriors- Performed when an Apprentice has completed his or her training, when the Leader or their mentor has deemed them ready to receive their Warrior Name. All newly appointed Warriors, by tradition, must hold a silent vigil overnight and watch over the Clan. They are not allowed to speak during their vigil, even to the Leader unless otherwise permitted, and may not sleep until their vigil has ended.
Leader: "I, (Leader), Leader of (Clan), call upon my Warrior ancestors to look down on this Apprentice. (He/She) has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a Warrior in their turn. (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the Warrior Code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
Apprentice: "I do."
Leader: "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your Warrior name. (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (Warrior name). StarClan honors your (quality) and (quality), and we welcome you as a full Warrior of (Clan)."
The Clan cheers the new Warrior’s name and touches noses with them. From that point forward the new Warrior will hold his or her silent vigil while watching over the Clan overnight.
Deputy- When the current Deputy of the Clan steps up as Leader, after the current Leader has either died, retired, or proven unfit for the rank (either followed by demotion to Warrior or exile), a new Deputy must be appointed. Each new Deputy must be named before Moonhigh. Sometimes a current Deputy may die or retire as well, and leaves the rank to someone else of the Leader’s choosing. Other times a Deputy will be demoted or chased into exile if they have broken the Warrior Code. A Deputy must have trained at least one Apprentice to qualify for the rank.
Leader: “I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our Warrior ancestors (or former Deputy name) may hear and approve of my choice. The new Deputy of (Clan) is (Warrior’s name).”
Medicine Cat- Named when the Medicine Cat Apprentice has earned their new name or the current Medicine Cat has passed.
Medicine Cat: "I, (Medicine Cat), Medicine Cat of (Clan), call upon my Warrior ancestors to look down upon this Apprentice. [He/She] has trained hard to understand the way of a Medicine Cat, and with your help [he/she] will serve [his/her] Clan for many moons. (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the ways of a Medicine Cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan, and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?"
Medicine Cat Apprentice: "I do."
Medicine Cat: "Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your true name as a Medicine Cat. [insert Medicine Cat Apprentice’s name here], from this moment you will be known as (new name). StarClan honors your (quality) and (quality)."
Elders or retiring cats- Performed only when a Warrior, Medicine Cat, Deputy or Leader is ready or ordered to give up their rank and move to the Elders den due to age, illness, or injury, where they will be cared for by the Clan. Elders may still defend their Clan during battle or raids on the camp if they must or see fit.
Leader: “(Warrior), is it your wish to give up the name of a Warrior and go to join the Elders?”
Warrior: “It is.”
Leader: “Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest.”
The Clan will call out the retired Warrior’s name and then they will go to the Elders den.
Name changing- Occurs when there is a purpose for changing a cat’s name, such as due to a sign from StarClan, or when the name no longer suits said cat. A cat may also make a request to the Leader that their or someone else’s name be changed
Leader: "Spirits of StarClan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what he/she is. By my authority as Clan Leader, and with the approval of our Warrior ancestors, I give this cat a new name. From this moment on he/she will be known as (new name), for (description of the reason). We honor his/her (quality) and (quality)."
The Leader rests their muzzle on the newly named cat’s head.
The newly named cat will give the Leader’s shoulder a respectful lick and the Clan will cheer the cat’s new name.
Vigil for the Dead-
If a Clan cat dies, their body is taken to the center of the camp, and several of their Clanmates, usually the cat's family members, close friends, and mentor/Apprentice sit vigil for them through the night, sharing tongues for the last time before the Elders bury the cat in the morning.
There can also be vigils for cats without bodies and suspected dead. There is no burial, but the cats still sit vigil.
...
~Glossary~
Here are the words and terms used in catspeak, or Warriors language, and their meanings.
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Crow-food- Rotting food.
Fox dung- An insult; stronger offense than mouse-brain.
Fresh-kill- Recently killed prey.
Gathering- A meeting that the Clans hold in peace at every Full Moon.
Greencough- Severe chest infection, which can be fatal in Elders and young Kits.
Greenleaf- Summer
Greenleaf Twolegplace- A place where humans visit only in the Summer (a campsite, resort, etc).
Halfbridge- A dock
Horseplace- Fields and stables near the Lake where half-tamed cats live.
Housefolk- A house cat’s word for its humans.
Kittypet- A house cat.
Leaf-bare- Winter.
Leaf-fall- Fall/Autumn.
Loner- Cat that lives peacefully on its own in one place but doesn’t defend its territory.
Monster- Usually refers to human machines such as cars and bulldozers.
Moonhigh- The time of night when the moon is at its highest – often midnight.
Mouse-brained- Not very smart.
Mouse dung- An insult; stronger than mouse-brain, but less offensive than fox dung.
Newleaf- Spring
Nofurs- Another word for humans.
One moon- One month (half-moon = two weeks. Quarter moon = one week).
Rogue- A potentially hostile cat who lives outside the Clans and never spends too long in one place.
Sharing tongues- Term used to describe cats grooming each other.
Silverpelt- The Milky Way.
Sun-drown-place- The sea to the West, where the sun sets.
Sunhigh- Noon.
Thunderpath- A road.
Tree-eater- Bulldozer.
Twoleg nest- A human house.
Twolegplace- A human town.
Twolegs- The Clans’ word for humans.
Upwalkers- Another word for humans.
Whitecough- Mild chest infection.
Our clan has always been kind and merciful, known to help travellers and those in need. So when Whisperclan came to our borders barely managing to put one paw in front of the other we took them in. Our leader at the time, Crowstar, welcomed Whisperclan and readily provided them with food and herbs despite the coming leafbare in return the leader of Whisperclan, Snowstar, instructed her warriors to help our clan so that we may both survive through the harsh leaf bare to come. Smallfern, our medicine cat took a Whisperclan apprentice and trained her in the art of healing so that when Whisperclan left they might have an experienced healer to help them. We showed Whisperclan how to hunt in our forest, we shared prey and tongues and tales, and were none the wiser to the darkness within their hearts.
Lostsong was a queen in the nursery and mate to our deputy, Mossclaw. It was her, belly heavy with kits, that overheard the first plot against us. The clans had just been ravaged by a green cough outbreak and with it the first Whisperclan leader had died leaving Jaggedleap in her place. But with Snowstar's death it seemed as though the clan had become unruly and ambitious. She overheard the warriors speaking of a plan to murder Crowstar and put Jaggedleap in his place as leader of both clans! Unsure of what do Lostsong did as any loyal cat would and told her leader. But Crowstar dismissed the accusation, Whisperclan was no threat to the strength of Riseclan and this was our rightful home and territory. Starclan would not allow such mutinany. Still Lostsong was concerned for her leaders safety and so brought her concerns forward to Mossclaw begging him to keep quiet about it.
Mossclaw like any other deputy would, placed a guard on Crowstar and a watcher on Whisperclan. It wasn't until Ripplepaw, the Whisperclan medicine cat apprentice that Smallfern had been training came to Mossclaw with information that things became truly dangerous. Ripplepaw was a sweet apprentice, kind hearted and more Riseclan then Whisperclan. She had heard of Jaggedleap's plot to draw Crowstar away from camp and murder him and was desperate to stop any fighting between the two clans. Mossclaw swore to Ripplepaw he would not let anything happen but it was Mapleleaf, a Whisperclan warrior who saw Ripplepaw tell Mossclaw this. That night Mapleleaf murdered the young apprentice and it was Mossclaw who begged Smallfern as the apprentice died to be given a full name for all her courage. And so Ripplepaw became Ripplefur.
From that night on Mossclaw attended every patrol Crowstar did but it was not enough. They were out on patrol with Mapleleaf when Mossclaw paused for a moment to hunt, the snow had fallen heavily and the leafbare was dragging on longer then usual. They needed it. But his hunting was cut short by a yowl and he turned to find Mapleleaf had pushed Crowstar through the thin ice and into the river. By the time Crowstar was fished out he was gone. Mapleleaf swore to starclan she had done nothing that Crowstar had slipped but he was a skilled warrior he would not simply slip and besides Mossclaw knew that Mapleleaf had been the one to murder Ripplefur! The two brought Crowstars body back to camp and Mossclaw made his announcement. Mapleleaf was a murder and Whisperclan needed to leave. The kits and queens with a handful of warriors might stay until the youngest were old enough to travel but the rest must go.
Mapleleaf turned on Mossclaw and pounced on him calling him liar and a foxheart, yowling for Whisperclan to attack- and they did. Riseclan fell under siege fighting desperately to keep their home. Mossclaw defeated Mapleleaf but could find no way to end the fighting so he did the one thing he could. He took a hostage. It was not a noble thing to do, but it was the best thing he could do and in turn Jaggedleap took Smallfern hostage. The fighting ceased and gave our clan a chance to reform. Mossclaw swapped the hostages instantly with Jaggedleaps' promise that Whisperclan would leave and never return. And it would have ended at that but Whisperclan were not that kind. As Jaggedleap turned he made one more strike at a Riseclan cat- at Lostsong murdering her in a moment as vengeance for the false accusations Riseclan had given. The fighting began again and we were forced out of our home. The place where our ancestors had lived for generation upon generation.
Mossclaw ruled for a short time eventually loosing his mind to grief as one by one his remaining family joined Starclan. Eventually he retired leaving his position to Mousespots (Mousestar). Mousestar healed her clan well. We were broken driven from our home with no pride and with half our original numbers. It was her who led the attack on Whisperclan that won us back our home- an attack which she lost all her lives in willingly. To this day Mousestar is known as one of our most brave and wise leaders. Her command was followed by that of Graystrike (Graystar).
Graystar kept Whisperclan at bay but all the same sought for peace between the two clans. At last Whisperclan agreed to let us form a truce with a small party visiting their clan to signify the importance of the occasion. But Graystar was smart- this war had gone on so long he would not go without precautions so he left his deputy in camp and a senior warrior in charge of a back up patrol in case anything happened. At first it seemed as if all was going well and then in the dead of night Whisperclan attacked our warriors. Graystar gave the signal and Littlethorn brought his patrol in to rescue our cats. It was a long and bloody battle and we lost more cats then we had since retaking our camp but we survived. After the gruesome battle things fell back to border skirmishes and minor attacks but they were brutal despite been small. Apprentices murderd and fatal wounds delivered at every chance by Whisperclan warriors- ambushing unsuspecting patrols for no reason. Too many of our young warriors and kits continue to die at their paws.
And now Littlestar is leader of the clan. We are growing strong again and found new ways to hone our skills, we will not be so easily beaten by these invaders. We will no longer let those blood thirsty fox hearts so brutally harm our apprentices and young cats- no we are ready to fight back!
We are ready to rise again!
Cat Traits:
Riseclan cats have strong back legs, useful for jumping up onto tree branches. We typically have darker fur, perfect for sneaking around at night, most of the fur color consisting of blacks, dark greys, and dark browns. Marbled tabby markings are also quite common. Every now and then we see a pale colored cat, but we don't have many in Riseclan. If we do have any their pelt is usually covered with mud when out in the territory to help conceal them in the woods. Our fur is usually thick and sleek from eating fish.
*These lists are from "Warriors paw book to being a warrior" by WιɳƚҽɾႦɾҽҽȥҽ
~The Warrior Code~
If you are a newcomer to the Clan and do not know how we live, then you've come to the right place! All Clans live by these few rules, created by the Ancestors themselves, and passed through the generations as a must-follow code! If you are to survive, please look here!
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1. Defend your Clan, even with your life! You may have friendships with cats from rival Clans, but your loyalty must remain with your own, as one day you may meet them in battle!
2. Do not hunt or trespass on another Clan’s territory!
3. Elders and Kits must be fed before Apprentices and Warriors! Unless they have permission, Apprentices may not eat until they have hunted to feed the Elders!
4. Prey is killed only to be eaten! Give Thanks to StarClan for its life!
5. A Kit must be at least six moons old to become an Apprentice!
6. Newly appointed Warriors will keep a silent vigil for one night after receiving their Warrior name!
7. A cat cannot be made a Deputy without having mentored at least one Apprentice!
8. The Deputy will become Clan Leader when the Leader dies or retires!
9. After the death or retirement of the Deputy, the new Deputy must be chosen before moonhigh!
10. Boundaries must be checked and marked daily. Challenge all trespassing cats!
11. No Warrior may neglect a Kit in pain or danger, even if that kit is from a different Clan!
13. An honorable Warrior does not need to kill other cats to win his battles, unless they are outside the Warrior Code or it is necessary for self-defense!
14. A Warrior rejects the soft life of a Kittypet!
...
~Herbs~
There are a large variety of Herbs here for any Medicine Cat or Medicine Cat Apprentice in need of them for their Clan, do please take a browse through, you might learn something useful. A curious mind is a smart one!
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Borage Leaves- To be chewed and eaten. The plant can be distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. Great for nursing queens as it helps increase their supply of milk. Also brings down fever.
Burdock Root- A tall-stemmed, sharp-smelling thistle with dark leaves. A Medicine Cat must dig up the roots, wash off the dirt, and chew them into a pulp, which can be applied to rat bites. Cures infection.
Catmint(a.k.a catnip)- A delicious-smelling, leafy plant that's hard to find in the wild; often found growing in Twoleg gardens. The best remedy for greencough.
Chervil- A sweet-smelling plant with large, spreading, fernlike leaves and small white flowers. The juice of the leaves can be used for infected wounds, and chewing the roots helps with bellyache
Cobweb- Spiderwebs can be found all over the forest; be careful not to bring the spider along with you! Medicine Cats wrap it around an injury to soak up the blood and keep the wound clean. Stops bleeding.
Coltsfoot- A flowering plant, a bit like a dandelion, with yellow or white flowers. The leaves can be chewed into a pulp, which is eaten to help shortness of breath.
Comfrey- Identifiable by its large leaves and small bell-shaped flowers, which can be pink, white, or purple. The fat black roots of this plant can be chewed into a poultice to mend broken bones or soothe wounds
Dock- A plant similar to Sorrel. The leaf can be chewed up and applied to soothe scratches.
Dried Oak Leaf- Collected in the Autum and stored in a dry place. Stops infection
Feverfew- A small bush with flowers like daisies. The leaves can be eaten to cool down body temperature, particularly for cats with fever or chills.
Goldenrod- A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. A poultice of this is terrific for healing wounds!
Honey- A sweet, golden liquid created by bees. Difficult ro collect without getting stung, but great for soothing infections or the throats of cats who have breathed smoke.
Horsetail- A tall plant with bristly stems that grows in marshy areas. The leaves can be used to treat infected wounds. Usually chewed up and applied as a poultice.
Juniper Berries- A bush with spiky dark green leaves and purple berries. The berries soothe bellyache and help cats who are having trouble breathing.
Lavender- A small purple flowering plant. Cures fever
Marigold- A bright orange or yellow flower that grows low to the ground. The petals or leaves can be chewed into a pulp and applied as a poultice to wounds. Stops infection.
Mouse Bile- A bad-smelling liquid that is the only remedy for ticks. Dab a little moss soaked in bile on a tick and it'll fall right off. Wash paws thoroughly in running water afterwards.
Poppy Seed- Small black seeds shaken from dried poppy flower, these are fed to cats to help them sleep. Soothes cats suffering from shock and distress. Not recommended for nursing queens.
Stinging Nettle- The spiny green seeds can be administered to a cat who's swallowed poison, while the leaves can be applied to a wound to bring down swelling
Tansy- A strong-smelling with round yellow flowers. Good for curing coughs, but must be eaten in small doses.
Thyme- This Herb can be eaten to calm anxiety and frayed nerves.
Watermint- A leafy green plant found in streams or damp earth. Usually chewed into a pulp and then fed to a cat suffering bellyache
Wild Garlic- Rolling in a patch of Wild Garlic can help prevent infection, especially for dangerous wounds like rat bites.
Yarrow- A flowering plant whose leaves can be made into a poultice and applied to wounds or scratches to expel poison.
NOTE:
Deathberries- Red berries that can be fatally poisonous to kits and Elders. They are NOT a medicine! Known to Twolegs as yew berries. BEWARE!
...
~Combat Techniques and Strategies~
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ABOVEGROUND BATTLE MOVES:
The Sky-Crusher- Landing with all four feet on top of an opponent, flattening them like a leaf!
The Flick-Over- Landing with front paws outstretched to sweep the opponent off his feet and roll him into his back.
The Kick- Kicking down hard as a Warrior nears the ground, then using momentum from landing to spring away before the opponent can retaliate!
The Slice- Dropping down with claws unsheathed for maximum injury!
The Branch Swing- Holding on to a branch with front claws and swinging the hind legs into the opponent's face.
The Reverse Branch Swing- Holding on to the branch with the hind claws and striking with the front legs through the swing while claws are unsheathed.
The Trunk Spring- Sliding down a tree trunk and springing off at head height, using the hind legs to push off and clearing opponents (Good if tree is surrounded).
The Reverse Climb- Climbing backwards up the trunk of a tree as the opponent advances to gain advantage of height; Often followed by Trunk Spring.
WATER COMBAT MOVES:
Double-Front Paw Slap-Down- Splashes water into the face of the enemy!
Underwater Leg Sweep (Front or Hind)- The opponent will not see it coming under the water's surface so he won't have the chance to brace himself before losing his balance.
Push-Down and Release- Almost all cats panic if they are submerged, while others know how to hold their breath underwater. This move can be used to secure a decisive victory, because its most likely to make the opponent surrender!
Underwater Clinch- Uses a Warrior’s weight to hold the opponent below the surface, with a firm grip that enables the Warrior to bring his enemy spluttering back to the surface before forcing him under again!
Tail Splash- Temporarily blinds the opponent by flicking water into his eyes.
Underwater Push-Off- Crouching and erupting out of the water and into the opponent, using surprise and impact to knock him off balance!
Rushpaw Splash- Using the noise of water splashed at a distance to create a decoy, leaving oppertunity for a surprise attack!
OTHER FIGHTING TECHNIQUES:
Back kick- Explosive surprise move to catch opponent from behind. Judge opponent’s distance from you carefully; then lash out with your back legs, taking your weight on your front paws.
Belly rake- A fight-stopper. Slice with unsheathed claws across soft flesh of opponent’s belly. If you’re pinned down, the belly rake quickly puts you back in control.
Front paw blow- Frontal attack. Bring your front paw down hard on your opponent’s head. Claws sheathed.
Front paw strike- Frontal attack. Slice downward with your front paw at the body or face of your opponent. Claws unsheathed.
Killing bite- A death blow to the back of the neck. Quick and silent and sometimes considered dishonorable. Used only as a last resort.
Leap-and-hold- Ideal for a small cat facing a large opponent. Spring onto opponent’s back and grip with unsheathed claws. Now you are beyond the range of your opponent’s paws and in position to inflict severe body wounds. A group of Apprentices can defeat a large and dangerous Warrior in this way. It was deployed to great effect against BloodClan’s Deputy, Bone. Watch for the drop-and-roll countermove, and try to jump free before you get squashed.
Drop-and-roll- Used as a countermove against leap-and-hold. Drop to your stomach and roll in an attempt to squash your opponent under your weight and escape their grasp.
Partner fighting- Warriors who have trained and fought together will often instinctively fall into a paired defensive position, each protecting the other’s back while fending off an opponent on either side. Slashing, clawing, and leaping together, battle pairs can be a whirlwind of danger for attackers.
Play dead- Effective in a tight situation, such as when you are pinned. Stop struggling and go limp. When your opponent relaxes his grip, thinking you are defeated, push yourself up explosively. This will throw off an unwary opponent and put you in an attacking position.
Scruff shake- Secure a strong teeth grip on the scruff of your opponent’s neck; then shake violently until he or she is too rattled to fight back. Most effective against rats, which are small enough to throw. A strong throw will stun or kill them.
Teeth grip- Target your opponent’s extremities – the legs, tail, scruff, or ears – and sink in your teeth and hold. This move is similar to leap-and-hold except your claws remain free to fight.
Upright lock- Final, crushing move on already weakened opponent. Rear up on back legs and bring full weight down on opponent. If opponent does same, wrestle and flip him under you. This move makes you vulnerable to the belly rake, so requires great strength and speed.
TAIL SIGNALS:
Tail held Erect- "Stop"
Tail Rippling- "Move forward with care"
Tail held Erect and Sweeping Slowly from Side to Side- "Retreat silently!"
Tail pointing low parallel to the ground and Sweeping- "Spread out!"
Tail Flattened- "Get down!"
Tail Bobbing- "Enemy sighted!"
Tail Hooked- "Danger!"
Tail pointed Sharply- "Go that way"
Tail held Erect and Waving from Side to Side- "Stay behind me"
Tail kinked over Back- "Follow me"
...
~Ceremonies~
Ceremonies are held when a new Apprentice, Deputy, or Leader is being named, or when a Warrior retires from his duties to the Clan and becomes an Elder. Each ceremony is different, and must be held by the current Leader of the Clan, unless the Leader has given permission to his Deputy or Medicine Cat to hold it for them, but that is very rare. Ceremonies are Clan traditions and usually begin when the Leader has called for a Clan meeting.
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Apprentices- Performed when a Kit has reached the age of six moons old and is ready to receive his or her Apprentice name and is assigned to a Warrior of the Leader’s choosing to mentor them. It is unlawful for a Kit younger than six moons to become an Apprentice.
Leader: “(Name of Kit), you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to become an Apprentice. From this day on, until you receive your Warrior name, you will be known as (Kit’s name prefix)paw. Your mentor will be (name of Warrior). I hope (name of Warrior) will pass down all he/she knows on to you.”
The Leader calls up the Warrior he/she has chosen as a mentor.
Leader: “(Name of Warrior), you are ready to take on an Apprentice. You had received excellent training from (former mentor), and you have shown yourself to be (quality) and (quality). You will be the mentor of (Apprentice), and I expect you to pass on all you know to ( name of Apprentice).”
The mentor touches noses with the Apprentice, and the Clan greets the new Apprentice by calling out their name. After this, the Apprentice will usually go greet their family, or go see to their mentor.
Medicine Cat Apprentice- Similar to an Apprentice ceremony, however the Apprentice being named will be assigned to the Clan’s current Medicine Cat as their mentor, and after the ceremony both Medicine Cat and Medicine Cat Apprentice must journey to the Moonstone/Moonpool to greet StarClan. In addition, it is the Medicine Cat who holds the ceremony. Same rules apply, an Apprentice must be at least six moons old.
Medicine Cat: “Cats of (Clan), as you know, I will not be around forever. So it's time I took an Apprentice. I have chosen a cat who has shown (virtues or morals). Your next Medicine Cat will be (Apprentice).”
Leader: “(Apprentice), do you accept the post of Apprentice to (Medicine Cat)?”
Apprentice: “I do.”
Medicine Cat: “Then at the half-moon, you must travel to the Moonstone/Moonpool to be accepted by StarClan before the other Medicine Cats.”
Leader: “The good wishes of all (Clan) will go with you.”
The mentor touches noses with the Apprentice, and the Clan greets the new Apprentice.
At the Moonstone/Moonpool
At the next half moon, the Medicine Cat goes with the Apprentice to the Clans’ sacred place to present them to the Warrior ancestors, where the Apprentice confirms their wish to be a Medicine Cat.
Medicine Cat: “(Apprentice), is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a Medicine Cat?”
Apprentice: “It is.”
Medicine Cat: “Then come forward.”
Medicine Cat: “Warriors of StarClan, I present you with this Apprentice. (He/she) has chosen the path of a Medicine Cat. Grant (him/her) your wisdom and insight so that (he/she) may understand your ways and heal (his/her) Clan in accordance with your will.”
The Medicine Cat Apprentice touches his/her nose to the Moonstone or drinks from the Moonpool. Then the Medicine Cat and the Apprentice lay down and have a dream from StarClan.
Warriors- Performed when an Apprentice has completed his or her training, when the Leader or their mentor has deemed them ready to receive their Warrior Name. All newly appointed Warriors, by tradition, must hold a silent vigil overnight and watch over the Clan. They are not allowed to speak during their vigil, even to the Leader unless otherwise permitted, and may not sleep until their vigil has ended.
Leader: "I, (Leader), Leader of (Clan), call upon my Warrior ancestors to look down on this Apprentice. (He/She) has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a Warrior in their turn. (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the Warrior Code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
Apprentice: "I do."
Leader: "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your Warrior name. (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (Warrior name). StarClan honors your (quality) and (quality), and we welcome you as a full Warrior of (Clan)."
The Clan cheers the new Warrior’s name and touches noses with them. From that point forward the new Warrior will hold his or her silent vigil while watching over the Clan overnight.
Deputy- When the current Deputy of the Clan steps up as Leader, after the current Leader has either died, retired, or proven unfit for the rank (either followed by demotion to Warrior or exile), a new Deputy must be appointed. Each new Deputy must be named before Moonhigh. Sometimes a current Deputy may die or retire as well, and leaves the rank to someone else of the Leader’s choosing. Other times a Deputy will be demoted or chased into exile if they have broken the Warrior Code. A Deputy must have trained at least one Apprentice to qualify for the rank.
Leader: “I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our Warrior ancestors (or former Deputy name) may hear and approve of my choice. The new Deputy of (Clan) is (Warrior’s name).”
Medicine Cat- Named when the Medicine Cat Apprentice has earned their new name or the current Medicine Cat has passed.
Medicine Cat: "I, (Medicine Cat), Medicine Cat of (Clan), call upon my Warrior ancestors to look down upon this Apprentice. [He/She] has trained hard to understand the way of a Medicine Cat, and with your help [he/she] will serve [his/her] Clan for many moons. (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the ways of a Medicine Cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan, and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?"
Medicine Cat Apprentice: "I do."
Medicine Cat: "Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your true name as a Medicine Cat. [insert Medicine Cat Apprentice’s name here], from this moment you will be known as (new name). StarClan honors your (quality) and (quality)."
Elders or retiring cats- Performed only when a Warrior, Medicine Cat, Deputy or Leader is ready or ordered to give up their rank and move to the Elders den due to age, illness, or injury, where they will be cared for by the Clan. Elders may still defend their Clan during battle or raids on the camp if they must or see fit.
Leader: “(Warrior), is it your wish to give up the name of a Warrior and go to join the Elders?”
Warrior: “It is.”
Leader: “Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest.”
The Clan will call out the retired Warrior’s name and then they will go to the Elders den.
Name changing- Occurs when there is a purpose for changing a cat’s name, such as due to a sign from StarClan, or when the name no longer suits said cat. A cat may also make a request to the Leader that their or someone else’s name be changed
Leader: "Spirits of StarClan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what he/she is. By my authority as Clan Leader, and with the approval of our Warrior ancestors, I give this cat a new name. From this moment on he/she will be known as (new name), for (description of the reason). We honor his/her (quality) and (quality)."
The Leader rests their muzzle on the newly named cat’s head.
The newly named cat will give the Leader’s shoulder a respectful lick and the Clan will cheer the cat’s new name.
Vigil for the Dead-
If a Clan cat dies, their body is taken to the center of the camp, and several of their Clanmates, usually the cat's family members, close friends, and mentor/Apprentice sit vigil for them through the night, sharing tongues for the last time before the Elders bury the cat in the morning.
There can also be vigils for cats without bodies and suspected dead. There is no burial, but the cats still sit vigil.
...
~Glossary~
Here are the words and terms used in catspeak, or Warriors language, and their meanings.
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Crow-food- Rotting food.
Fox dung- An insult; stronger offense than mouse-brain.
Fresh-kill- Recently killed prey.
Gathering- A meeting that the Clans hold in peace at every Full Moon.
Greencough- Severe chest infection, which can be fatal in Elders and young Kits.
Greenleaf- Summer
Greenleaf Twolegplace- A place where humans visit only in the Summer (a campsite, resort, etc).
Halfbridge- A dock
Horseplace- Fields and stables near the Lake where half-tamed cats live.
Housefolk- A house cat’s word for its humans.
Kittypet- A house cat.
Leaf-bare- Winter.
Leaf-fall- Fall/Autumn.
Loner- Cat that lives peacefully on its own in one place but doesn’t defend its territory.
Monster- Usually refers to human machines such as cars and bulldozers.
Moonhigh- The time of night when the moon is at its highest – often midnight.
Mouse-brained- Not very smart.
Mouse dung- An insult; stronger than mouse-brain, but less offensive than fox dung.
Newleaf- Spring
Nofurs- Another word for humans.
One moon- One month (half-moon = two weeks. Quarter moon = one week).
Rogue- A potentially hostile cat who lives outside the Clans and never spends too long in one place.
Sharing tongues- Term used to describe cats grooming each other.
Silverpelt- The Milky Way.
Sun-drown-place- The sea to the West, where the sun sets.
Sunhigh- Noon.
Thunderpath- A road.
Tree-eater- Bulldozer.
Twoleg nest- A human house.
Twolegplace- A human town.
Twolegs- The Clans’ word for humans.
Upwalkers- Another word for humans.
Whitecough- Mild chest infection.
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