Post by Aphelyon on May 4, 2018 23:09:05 GMT -5
Into the Wild
Many moons ago, the forest was a wilderness, untamed by territories. Cats came into the forest, drawn in by the soft rustlings of small creatures, shadows under the water, and the sudden commotion of birds’ wings in the trees. The cats lived in small groups, not yet Clans and there were no borders set down. The cats fought constantly, fearful that prey might run out and that their overlapping territories were being threatened. It was a lawless, bloody time for the forest, and many cats died.
One night, when the moon was full, the cats agreed to meet at a clearing in the forest surrounded by four great oak trees. A terrible battle followed, and soon the ground was wet with spilled blood.
Many cats died that night. When the survivors awoke, all around them they saw the spirits of their slain kin, no longer torn and bloodied but shining like fallen stars. The survivors huddled on the ground, and, as the spirits spoke, they saw terrible visions of the future. They knew that the fighting had to end.
“Unite or die,” said the spirits. Four cats– Shadow, River, Wind and Thunder–came forward claiming that they could individually unite the forest with their strengths. The spirits of the slain kin spoke again, “The forest is big enough to feed all your families and many more. You must each find other cats like you, choose a home in the forest, and set down borders.” At that moment, the moon broke free of the clouds, revealing a circle of starlit spirit-cats around the edge of the clearing: StarClan. A white tom spirit-cat stepped forward. “If you do this,” he meowed, “we will reward you with eight more lives, so that you may lead your Clans for many moons to come.” StarClan promised to watch over the Clans from Silverpelt, a crowded path of stars that swept across the night sky, and to visit the Clan leaders in their dreams and to guide them on their journeys. The spirit-cats proclaimed that all four Clans would meet at the full moon once a month at the four great oak trees for a night of truce.
Thunder, River, Wind, and Shadow were pronounced warriors by the spirit-cats. “From now on, you will live by a warrior code. Your hearts will be filled with courage and nobility, and if you must fight, it will be not for greed, but for honor and justice.” And so the age of warrior Clans began: ShadowClan, RiverClan, WindClan, and ThunderClan.
There was not always peace between the Clans, but that was to be expected– cats are born with claws and teeth for a reason. Still, as long as they lived by the warrior code, their fallen ancestors would watch over them and guide them through their lives.
About This Roleplay
This is a sort of remake of an old roleplay that was, in turn, remade several times. This version has been adjusted somewhat, as the older versions only never lasted more than a few months.
This roleplay is, to put it simply, an AU- an alternate universe or timeline based on the books. This version begins where the original series does. The forest has fallen upon hard times; Brokenstar leads ShadowClan and attempts to chase out WindClan. ThunderClan and RiverClan battle for control of Sunningrocks and ThunderClan is in need of warriors. However, the only glaring difference between this version of events and the original series is that fire will not save the Clan. How would things go differently if not for that prophecy? If Firestar never came to ThunderClan, would Ravenpaw survive? Would Yellowfang become ThunderClan's medicine cat? Would Brokenstar be cast out?
Obviously, this roleplay is claim-a-cat, where we will be playing as canon characters from the original series. For the time being, the roleplay is limited to only ThunderClan, since that's what the main series revolved around and the other Clans never survived in previous roleplays anyways (they just weren't popular enough). Of course, if you don't want to play a canon character (because you don't feel comfortable or the ones that are left open don't interest you), you can always join as a non-Clan cat that interacts with the Clans in some way. However, in order to keep things fair, certain rules will apply to non-canon cats. These rules will be described later.
This roleplay is, to put it simply, an AU- an alternate universe or timeline based on the books. This version begins where the original series does. The forest has fallen upon hard times; Brokenstar leads ShadowClan and attempts to chase out WindClan. ThunderClan and RiverClan battle for control of Sunningrocks and ThunderClan is in need of warriors. However, the only glaring difference between this version of events and the original series is that fire will not save the Clan. How would things go differently if not for that prophecy? If Firestar never came to ThunderClan, would Ravenpaw survive? Would Yellowfang become ThunderClan's medicine cat? Would Brokenstar be cast out?
Obviously, this roleplay is claim-a-cat, where we will be playing as canon characters from the original series. For the time being, the roleplay is limited to only ThunderClan, since that's what the main series revolved around and the other Clans never survived in previous roleplays anyways (they just weren't popular enough). Of course, if you don't want to play a canon character (because you don't feel comfortable or the ones that are left open don't interest you), you can always join as a non-Clan cat that interacts with the Clans in some way. However, in order to keep things fair, certain rules will apply to non-canon cats. These rules will be described later.
Roleplay Rules
Follow all forum rules, as always. No flaming, trolling, spotlighting, powerplaying, godmodding, etc. Lose sometimes. Let other people take the spotlight sometimes. It's okay to not always be the hero.
Please stay as true to canon as possible, in terms of characters' actions and personalities. Obviously, circumstances will turn out quite different, and that may effect characters in subtle ways; however, don't make them drastically different from canon for no reason. For example, Whitestorm is not going to suddenly turn evil, and Tigerclaw is not going to suddenly be kind. Of course, we aren't the Erins, so it might be impossible to write the characters 100% exactly as they're portrayed in the books- just do your best. Still, if your portrayal is way off, I reserve the right to remove a character from your control.
Please stay as active as possible. Obviously, you're not going to be able to be on all the time, but try to keep your characters relevant, especially if they're important to the Clan or any plots going on. If you claim a very prominent character (for example, Bluestar or Tigerclaw), you'll be expected to be on enough to make them relevant. If you are not, these characters may be removed from your control.
Please keep a minimum literacy level of high semi-lit or literate. I'm expecting at least a decent paragraph per post, every post (except in the most extreme circumstances), and hopefully two or three if you can. Please keep the actions, dialogue, and plot rolling as well- I don't want to see three posts of your cat just lazing around camp, or eating a mouse. Talk to others. Patrol. Fight. Plot. Fall in love. Make your characters do things that will effect the course of the story. Really, keeping things moving is almost more important than how many words you use to do that.
Non-canon characters will be limited, as will their ability to join the Clan. Not all non-canon cats will be allowed into the Clan, especially since it's a pretty uncommon occurrence for outsiders to be accepted. Cats must join organically- they're not just going to show up one day out of the blue, request to join, immediately have a perfect understanding of Clan life and be welcomed wholeheartedly and without suspicion. No, they must learn to live in a Clan, and slowly gain its trust. Also, non-canon cats will be partially randomly-generated, so as to avoid people creating their exact, perfect, favorite OC and then promptly working them into the canon. A player may choose the age and gender of their cat, but the cat's appearance will be randomly generated. The player may make small changes (for example, adding tabby stripes, adding markings, or adjusting eye color) but these changes will be relatively minor.
The same random generation rule will also go for any non-canon litters that occur in this roleplay. Since it's not unlikely that cats who did not end up together in the book will in this roleplay (or those who did, won't), then as the story goes on there will likely be lots of mate pairs that have non-canon kits. For example, if Sandstorm doesn't end up with Firestar, she might end up having kits with a different cat- these kits, obviously, wouldn't be Leafpool and Squirrelflight, and would instead be randomly generated with traits from Sandstorm and her mate. However, litters that are born to the same parents around the same time as in canon can remain the same- for example, if Dustpelt and Ferncloud still get together, their first litter can still consist of Spiderleg and Shrewpaw.
As for deceased cats- those in the Dark Forest and StarClan- you may claim any that are not listed as claimed, even if they are not already on the allegiances. The reason for this is that there are simply too many to effectively add, so I'll them in when (if) they are claimed. Obviously, it has to be cats that are already deceased by the beginning of Into the Wild.
Please stay as true to canon as possible, in terms of characters' actions and personalities. Obviously, circumstances will turn out quite different, and that may effect characters in subtle ways; however, don't make them drastically different from canon for no reason. For example, Whitestorm is not going to suddenly turn evil, and Tigerclaw is not going to suddenly be kind. Of course, we aren't the Erins, so it might be impossible to write the characters 100% exactly as they're portrayed in the books- just do your best. Still, if your portrayal is way off, I reserve the right to remove a character from your control.
Please stay as active as possible. Obviously, you're not going to be able to be on all the time, but try to keep your characters relevant, especially if they're important to the Clan or any plots going on. If you claim a very prominent character (for example, Bluestar or Tigerclaw), you'll be expected to be on enough to make them relevant. If you are not, these characters may be removed from your control.
Please keep a minimum literacy level of high semi-lit or literate. I'm expecting at least a decent paragraph per post, every post (except in the most extreme circumstances), and hopefully two or three if you can. Please keep the actions, dialogue, and plot rolling as well- I don't want to see three posts of your cat just lazing around camp, or eating a mouse. Talk to others. Patrol. Fight. Plot. Fall in love. Make your characters do things that will effect the course of the story. Really, keeping things moving is almost more important than how many words you use to do that.
Non-canon characters will be limited, as will their ability to join the Clan. Not all non-canon cats will be allowed into the Clan, especially since it's a pretty uncommon occurrence for outsiders to be accepted. Cats must join organically- they're not just going to show up one day out of the blue, request to join, immediately have a perfect understanding of Clan life and be welcomed wholeheartedly and without suspicion. No, they must learn to live in a Clan, and slowly gain its trust. Also, non-canon cats will be partially randomly-generated, so as to avoid people creating their exact, perfect, favorite OC and then promptly working them into the canon. A player may choose the age and gender of their cat, but the cat's appearance will be randomly generated. The player may make small changes (for example, adding tabby stripes, adding markings, or adjusting eye color) but these changes will be relatively minor.
The same random generation rule will also go for any non-canon litters that occur in this roleplay. Since it's not unlikely that cats who did not end up together in the book will in this roleplay (or those who did, won't), then as the story goes on there will likely be lots of mate pairs that have non-canon kits. For example, if Sandstorm doesn't end up with Firestar, she might end up having kits with a different cat- these kits, obviously, wouldn't be Leafpool and Squirrelflight, and would instead be randomly generated with traits from Sandstorm and her mate. However, litters that are born to the same parents around the same time as in canon can remain the same- for example, if Dustpelt and Ferncloud still get together, their first litter can still consist of Spiderleg and Shrewpaw.
As for deceased cats- those in the Dark Forest and StarClan- you may claim any that are not listed as claimed, even if they are not already on the allegiances. The reason for this is that there are simply too many to effectively add, so I'll them in when (if) they are claimed. Obviously, it has to be cats that are already deceased by the beginning of Into the Wild.
The Warrior Code
1. Defend your Clan, even with your life. You may have friendships with cats from the other Clans, but your loyalty must remain to your Clan, 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 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. A gathering of all four Clans is held at the full moon during a truce that lasts for the night. There shall be no fighting among Clans at this time.
11. Boundaries must be checked and marked daily. Challenge all trespassing cats.
12. No warrior may neglect a kit in pain or in danger, even if that kit is from a different Clan.
13. The word of the Clan leader is the warrior code.
14. 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.
15. A warrior rejects the soft life of a kittypet.
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 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. A gathering of all four Clans is held at the full moon during a truce that lasts for the night. There shall be no fighting among Clans at this time.
11. Boundaries must be checked and marked daily. Challenge all trespassing cats.
12. No warrior may neglect a kit in pain or in danger, even if that kit is from a different Clan.
13. The word of the Clan leader is the warrior code.
14. 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.
15. A warrior rejects the soft life of a kittypet.
Territory
ThunderClan's territory is located in what twolegs call the White Hart Woods. The territory also includes twoleg places such as Windover Road and Chelford Forest. Their territory consists of deciduous woodland, named White Hart Woods by twolegs. Their camp is in a sandy ravine that used to be a riverbed long time ago, surrounded by brambles. There are many landmarks in the territory, including:
Camp - It lies at the foot of a sandy ravine, protected by thornbushes. The camp is easy to defend and hard to attack, as it is protected by steep hills, bramble walls, and has only two entrances.
Tallpines and Treecut Place - A pine forest near the twolegplace, and a loud yard where the trees are cut. The place is usually quiet, but sometimes tree-eaters come through, tearing down some of the trees, and more saplings are planted in their place.
The Great Sycamore - One of the largest trees with strong and thick branches. It is a good tree for apprentices to learn how to climb, because it is sturdy and the branches don't sway much.
The Owl Tree - A tree that serves home to a tawny owl. Apprentices and small cats should be very careful in this area.
Sunningrocks - Massive granite rocks that absorb the sunshine and are a place of relaxation. Moons ago, it used to be an island belonging only to RiverClan, but at some point the river changed so that ThunderClan could access the stones. They are now constantly being fought over and changing paws.
Snakerocks - Home to venomous adders. The caves beneath the rocks can also be homes to other dangerous creatures. However, it can also be a good place to find mice, voles, and other small rodents if one is very careful.
The Sandy Hollow - A large hollow filled with soft sand- good for training so that cats don't hurt themselves during sparring.
Twolegplace - The place where Twolegs live. Mostly nests with gardens and fences- home to many kittypets, who for the most part know to stay out of the forest. Twolegs and occasional dogs might be seen there, but as long as one stays near the trees it is mostly safe.
Camp - It lies at the foot of a sandy ravine, protected by thornbushes. The camp is easy to defend and hard to attack, as it is protected by steep hills, bramble walls, and has only two entrances.
Tallpines and Treecut Place - A pine forest near the twolegplace, and a loud yard where the trees are cut. The place is usually quiet, but sometimes tree-eaters come through, tearing down some of the trees, and more saplings are planted in their place.
The Great Sycamore - One of the largest trees with strong and thick branches. It is a good tree for apprentices to learn how to climb, because it is sturdy and the branches don't sway much.
The Owl Tree - A tree that serves home to a tawny owl. Apprentices and small cats should be very careful in this area.
Sunningrocks - Massive granite rocks that absorb the sunshine and are a place of relaxation. Moons ago, it used to be an island belonging only to RiverClan, but at some point the river changed so that ThunderClan could access the stones. They are now constantly being fought over and changing paws.
Snakerocks - Home to venomous adders. The caves beneath the rocks can also be homes to other dangerous creatures. However, it can also be a good place to find mice, voles, and other small rodents if one is very careful.
The Sandy Hollow - A large hollow filled with soft sand- good for training so that cats don't hurt themselves during sparring.
Twolegplace - The place where Twolegs live. Mostly nests with gardens and fences- home to many kittypets, who for the most part know to stay out of the forest. Twolegs and occasional dogs might be seen there, but as long as one stays near the trees it is mostly safe.
Camp
The camp is at the bottom of stony ravine which was once a riverbed. The camp itself is surrounded by dense brambles which protect the camp from predators, but doesn't stop sunshine from coming in. The main entrance into the camp is through a gorse tunnel. Dens are mostly under bushes, but a few are under boulders.
The nursery has thick bramble walls, full of thorns and closely woven together to make a warm, safe den.
Behind a tree stump, there is a clump of ferns which forms the apprentices' den. Next to the ferns is a large, flat stump.
The warriors' den is under a bush in roughly the center of camp, where the ground has been hollowed around the bush roots out for nests.
Inside the camp, there is a fallen tree, under which the elders' den is located, their nests protected by tangled branches and tall grass.
Across the clearing from the elders' den is a smooth tall rock: Highrock, where the leader stands to address the Clan, which gathers in the clearing around the boulder. The leader's den is in a cave in the rock which was carved out by an ancient stream, with lichen covering the entrance.
The medicine den is divided from the rest of camp by a fern tunnel, and is in another, separate small clearing. The den itself is a large space under a couple of boulders.
The nursery has thick bramble walls, full of thorns and closely woven together to make a warm, safe den.
Behind a tree stump, there is a clump of ferns which forms the apprentices' den. Next to the ferns is a large, flat stump.
The warriors' den is under a bush in roughly the center of camp, where the ground has been hollowed around the bush roots out for nests.
Inside the camp, there is a fallen tree, under which the elders' den is located, their nests protected by tangled branches and tall grass.
Across the clearing from the elders' den is a smooth tall rock: Highrock, where the leader stands to address the Clan, which gathers in the clearing around the boulder. The leader's den is in a cave in the rock which was carved out by an ancient stream, with lichen covering the entrance.
The medicine den is divided from the rest of camp by a fern tunnel, and is in another, separate small clearing. The den itself is a large space under a couple of boulders.