alpine clan(s) planning

SummitClan occupies the middle and upper parts of Hæsta, the tallest of three visible mountains in the region. While they do have limited access to the foot of the mountain, that land is split up between [LowerClan] and [TunnelClan] and often subject to territorial disputes. Because of this, their territory is filled with variety, from pine forest to barren fields of ice, snow, and rock. While they have access to the summit and upper mountain, most cats tend to avoid it and apprentices who have yet to pass their climbing test are forbidden from traveling above the treeline. Below are a few important landmarks:



The Frozen River and Silver Falls -- close to the summit of the mountain, the stone opens up in the mouth of a mighty river. The Frozen River- as coined by SummitClan, starts out only a few tail- lengths across, but gradually grows wider and wider as it joins with meltwater further down the mountainside. When it meets the border with [LowerClan] it stretches a good 10 cat lengths, and cascades downwards in a large waterfall, forming a deep pool on the [LowerClan] side. Along the banks of the river, life thrives. Whether it just be shrubs or massive pines twisting up towards the sky, there always seems to be something green nearby, and the river is the main source of both herbs and prey for the cats of SummitClan.



The Living Stones -- located in the upper half of the mountain, just above the treeline, a small field of rocks, pebbles, and boulders creates a moorland of stone. During most of the day these rocks are in direct sunlight, soaking up warmth and light. However, this area stays hot even at night due to small earthen vents that release steam and warm air from inside the mountain. Because of this, when cats first stumbled across this feature, they believe the rock itself was breathing, and thought it was a cursed and dangerous place. However, they soon learned that it was the best place for relaxing in the sunshine and hunting small rodents like mice and voles.



The Cliff’s Edge -- the only path to the summit leads cats along what has been dubbed ‘The Cliff’s Edge’ a mile stretch of thin paths next to staggering drops, only the most surefooted cats feel comfortable journeying here. The closer to the summit one gets, the more snow covered and icy the paths get, making them even more slippery and dangerous. While most cats of SummitClan ironically avoid traveling to the summit, the cliffs are the best spot to catch large birds of prey like hawks and eagles. The pathways are forbidden for any apprentices who have not passed their climbing test.



The Upper Mountain -- on most days, the cats of SummitClan stay below the treeline and away from the Upper Mountain. Consisting of mainly stone, ice, and snow, the closer cats draw to the summit the more dangerous the landscape becomes. Sharp cut aways are matched with icy slides, and sharp and jagged stones seem to sit everywhere, cutting up pads and awaiting the unlucky cats who tumble off higher paths. However, the Upper Mountain does have its benefits. For starters, they provide the cats with snow and other resources that can only be found above the treeline. Mosses and lichens are more common up here- a vital resource for both bedding and the SummitClan burial process. And most important, the cats of SummitClan are the only ones who know the paths to navigate the Upper Mountain, making it a safe point for retreat if they were ever driven out of their home again.



The Lower Forest and Treeline -- The majority of the lower and middle mountain consists of pine forest. While broken up by rocky clearings, small meadows, and even smaller creeks, the prey found in these forests is fairly consistent. Rodents- whether it be mice, shrews, voles and more; as well as lagomorphs, and songbirds are the most common. However, larger predators like wolves, bears, foxes, and lynxes are also more common below the treeline.



The Ash Forest & Burning Stones -- A part of the Lower Forest, the Ash Forest is the remnants of a clearing of pines that burnt up in a wildfire many moons ago. While new growth is starting to rebuild, the landscape is still coated in ash and debris. Close to the center of this burnt up forest, are a pair of large stone slabs that appear to tilt up towards the summit of the mountain. When a cat of SummitClan passes away, their body is placed onto these burning stones and set on fire so that their soul can join the ancestors among the Haze.