CypressClan -- Warriors of Legend (Closed to New Members)
Jul 8, 2024 20:58:41 GMT -5
Sand, 𝕊’𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖, and 3 more like this
Post by Headphone Actor on Jul 8, 2024 20:58:41 GMT -5
boxddddd A Forest of Beasts
Magic runs thick through the blood of CypressClan, and their presence is even a rumor amongst the local humans who live at the edge of the forest. Tales of cats haunting their homes, walking as they do, talking as they do, and even understanding the gift of fire. Words like "bakeneko" and "nekomata" are often used to describe these creatures, these unnatural beings that seem a bit too uncanny to truly be cats. Tales are woven by the nearby village that these monsters will kill you and steal your form -- not that that's ever been proven to be the case -- to live amongst humans in your place.
That being said, these are all....mostly unfounded rumors. Folklore and old wives' tales to keep children from wandering into the forest and getting hurt.
Mostly.
Truth be told, the legends of the bakeneko and nekomata are true, CypressClan just doesn't quite care about terrorizing the human population beyond things that benefit them.
A civilization exists deep in the forest, the forest dubbed "Kemono no Mori" or "Forest of Beasts" by the villagers. The cats of CypressClan have built it up over moons uncounted, and while they have occasional contact with other clans of cats -- rumor has it that they descend from the same group of godly ancestors that CypressClan does -- and the other local yokai, they tend to keep to themselves, guarding their ways and practices ferociously against change.
However, it's unknown how long they can hold on to this period of isolation, as trouble looms on the horizon.
However, it's unknown how long they can hold on to this period of isolation, as trouble looms on the horizon.
Clan Mythology
Summary and Yokai Basics
As you've probably gathered by now, this isn't quite the standard, mostly realistic clan. This clan was made with Japanese mythology in mind, and the clan itself centers around two particular types of yokai (spirits) from it; the bakeneko and nekomata. Most cats in the rp will fall under the classification of bakeneko, a cat with an unusually long tail and the ability to walk on it's hind legs and mimic human speech. They live extraordinarily long lives, well beyond that of normal cats. They are still the size of normal cats, if maybe a bit larger than average. The clan elders, such as the Shogun, certain members of the Kannagi (healers), and the three Daimyo, are classified as nekomata, having undergone a ceremony under the light of the full moon, their long tail now forking into two tails as they grow more powerful.
While the idea of a StarClan, known to the cats of CypressClan as Kumonokyūden (The Cloud Palace), exists, they also worship certain gods based off of Japanese Mythology, listed in the next section.
The clan itself credits it's creation to a mythical figure known formerly as Flame Jumper, the daughter of one of those gods and a mortal cat, who once tried to make her way amongst human society. She was shunned by them, alongside her kin, and they became the first members of this new Clan, with Flame Jumper taking on the name Flamestar. Her descendants can still be found amongst CypressClan today, particularly within the Himawari Den, cats whose eyes appear to be touched by flames and rarely gifted with the power of prophecy.
CypressClan Deities
* Akatsukino-ō - The father of Enkino-ō/Flame Jumper/Flamestar, Akatsukino-ō is commonly depicted as a massive golden tom with burning orange eyes and flames licking at his paws. He is generally a benevolent force to CypressClan, if a bit detached from his shorter-lived descendants. Officially known as the Lord of the Skies, he typically lets his daughter handle the affairs of her former clan, while he pursues his own mission to rid the forest of evil.
* Maboroshino-ō - Akatsukino-ō's former divine mate, Maboroshino-ō rules over the dead and darkness of night, sending her horrible children to prowl the shadows and spirit away those who aren't wary of their call. She is shown in many different forms, from a beautiful, long-furred white molly with pitch black eyes, to a ragged, pitiful creature, her beauty partially decayed by death. Legends claim that she's sealed away in the hellish kingdom, Chiri no dōkutsu.
* Kazenori-sha - Even though the cypress grove protects the Clan from most of her wrath, the furious screams of Kazenori-sha can be heard throughout the territory as she prowls in search of prey. Young cats are warned to avoid the highland cliffs on the northern side of the territory, where the daughter of Maboroshino-ō dwells. She is depicted as a slender, silvery molly with ice blue eyes and unusually long fangs and claws. The most easily distracted of the Dead Queen’s children, which can be an advantage. She is the goddess of fierce winds.
* Rakurai - The trees aren’t quite as much protection from Rakurai, as he has been known to set them ablaze in search of his prey. He is said to be far more focused than his littermates, however, almost as if he’s wearing blinders. He is depicted as a slender, pale golden tom with yellow eyes, with unusually long fangs and claws. The most focused on the hunt for Akatsukino-ō.
* Utsurigina-ame - As fickle as they come, the heavenly princess of rain and snow can be both burden and benefactor. Her gentle rains can soothe the tantrums of her siblings, quelling the destruction caused by their hunts, and her snow can put the land to sleep to recover for newleaf. But her wrath can cause horrific mud slides and freeze an unwary cat to death before they’re aware of their offense. She is associated with leafbare, and has an intense rivalry with her half sister, Enkino-ō. Utsurigina-ame is often depicted as a large, pale furred molly with intense blue eyes and unusually long fangs and claws.
* Maboroshino-ō - Akatsukino-ō's former divine mate, Maboroshino-ō rules over the dead and darkness of night, sending her horrible children to prowl the shadows and spirit away those who aren't wary of their call. She is shown in many different forms, from a beautiful, long-furred white molly with pitch black eyes, to a ragged, pitiful creature, her beauty partially decayed by death. Legends claim that she's sealed away in the hellish kingdom, Chiri no dōkutsu.
* Kazenori-sha - Even though the cypress grove protects the Clan from most of her wrath, the furious screams of Kazenori-sha can be heard throughout the territory as she prowls in search of prey. Young cats are warned to avoid the highland cliffs on the northern side of the territory, where the daughter of Maboroshino-ō dwells. She is depicted as a slender, silvery molly with ice blue eyes and unusually long fangs and claws. The most easily distracted of the Dead Queen’s children, which can be an advantage. She is the goddess of fierce winds.
* Rakurai - The trees aren’t quite as much protection from Rakurai, as he has been known to set them ablaze in search of his prey. He is said to be far more focused than his littermates, however, almost as if he’s wearing blinders. He is depicted as a slender, pale golden tom with yellow eyes, with unusually long fangs and claws. The most focused on the hunt for Akatsukino-ō.
* Utsurigina-ame - As fickle as they come, the heavenly princess of rain and snow can be both burden and benefactor. Her gentle rains can soothe the tantrums of her siblings, quelling the destruction caused by their hunts, and her snow can put the land to sleep to recover for newleaf. But her wrath can cause horrific mud slides and freeze an unwary cat to death before they’re aware of their offense. She is associated with leafbare, and has an intense rivalry with her half sister, Enkino-ō. Utsurigina-ame is often depicted as a large, pale furred molly with intense blue eyes and unusually long fangs and claws.
* Seiryū - Seiryū is the third eldest of the nature litter, and while he isn’t bad natured by any means, he has a bit of an odd sense of humor. He is the god of water, and his silvery fur can be seen in the currents of any streams in the territory, but while he is the giver of life in that manner, he can take it away just as quickly in a prank gone wrong. The gossip of the gods, if you need to know something, asking a stream will guarantee some potentially useful chatter. He is depicted as a sleek silver tom with clear gray eyes. He and Kazenori-sha will often sit and share tongues -- and vital news -- for hours, and both have been known to play games with mortal cats, offering information for a game. He is also considered one of the gods of death, a ferrier to the afterlife, as it is claimed that only he can navigate the rapids of the Sanzu river, the border between life and death.
* Todoroku-yama - The final -- and eldest -- of the nature litter, Todoroku-yama is typically the most peaceful of his littermates. He has a temper, often coming with the roar of earth and crash of rocks, but he’s more than content to sleep his days away, and will often only get involved if personally offended, or if Utsurigina-ame disturbs his slumber. He wants no part in the hunt for his father. Depicted as a massive dark brown tom with orange eyes and large paws. Suspected to be the father of Morino-ō, Hano-ō, and Hana-no-manto, but this origin is only speculation.
* Nokoribi-no-manto - As easily distracted as his elder sister, he’s often guided by his elder brother’s flames to cause even further disaster on her behalf. Nokoribi-no-manto is the spirit of the forest fire, and is more intent on fulfilling his mother’s promise than hunting down his estranged father. Nokoribi-no-manto is depicted as a muscular ginger tom with yellow eyes, his body crossed over with numerous scars. He is from a different litter than the first four, and it is claimed he was born alone.
* Morino-ō - Morino-ō's presence can be felt in the silence of the forest while you're hunting, his steps as soft as moss and his movements as smooth as a leaf floating through the air. No one knows where he or his brother came from, but the masked twins are almost as revered as Enkino-ō herself. Morino-ō is the god of hunting and fishing, depicted as a large brown tabby who wears a wide-brimmed hat, gleaming claws, and a simple mask made of white wood.
* Hano-ō - Hano-ō is Morino-ō's twin brother, the god of combat and judgment, and upon a cat's death, he is called upon to decide their fate alongside Enkino-ō. It is claimed that he has a neutral view on his charges, balancing the Queen of Kumonokyūden's favoritism towards her kin. Like his brother, he is depicted as a large, dark brown tabby tom with a wide-brimmed hat and gleaming claws, but his mask is black.
* Tsukiakari-no-jō - Created from Akatsukino-ō's flight from Chiri no Dōkotsu, the Moonlit Princess is shy and not very forthcoming with her subjects, and typically lets her elder brother and formerly-mortal half sister take the spotlight. It is said that she was created from the Lord of the Skies grieving the death of his former mate, as she is said to almost be her spitting image. She's depicted as a small white molly with silvery eyes and a dainty step, and she has taken over Maboroshino-ō's place of guiding the moon across the sky.
* Shakunetsu-no-ji - The Scorching Prince has no trouble taking the spotlight, and is often depicted competing for it with various siblings. It's said that he was created from his father's rage towards the kit that killed his mate, and he is often shown as the third judge -- the harsh, righteous judge -- of the afterlife, alongside Enkino-ō and Hano-ō. He is a handsome, long furred tom with golden fur and golden eyes, and has taken over his father's role as the sun god.
* Enkino-ō - Known in life as Flame Jumper or Flamestar, Enkino-ō was promoted to the heavens for her heroic acts during her life. She is typically seen as the goddess of guidance and protection, guiding her former clan with a gentle paw when she deems it necessary. She is also credited as being the goddess of fire and greenleaf, and her name is often invoked when praying for the safety of others. She is portrayed as a tortoiseshell molly with bright orange eyes. Her father has mostly ceded control of his kingdom to her, in favor of his eternal battle with his estranged mate.
* Tamashī-no-Senshi - The Warrior of Souls, mortal-born like his mother, Enkino-ō, was brought into Kumonokyūden as a godly prince due to his heroic acts in life. While his true name, and the name of the beast he fought, has been lost to time, his actions haven't, and he is invoked as a god of cleansing and purification, and he is featured in most -- if not all -- ceremonies in CypressClan. Tamashī-no-Senshi is often depicted as a pure white tom with one golden eye and one blue eye.
* Hana-no-manto - The god of flowers and herbs, Hana-no-manto is revered by the clan healers as the first Kannagi, and is said to be a child of Todoroku-yama. It is claimed that, even in his mortal life, foliage would spring up in his pawsteps. He is often depicted as a slender, dusty brown tom with pale green eyes and a cloak of flowers and leaves over his shoulders. His name in life was Light Willow, and he was one of Flame Jumper’s original companions.
* Keikana - Born entirely mortal, Keikana’s legacy is that of joy and mirth. She is often called upon in clan meetings and celebrations. Known as Laughing Brook in her life, she was able to use her words to settle a dispute between three daimyo that threatened to shake the clan to its roots, reminding them that they were friends and brothers in arms. She is depicted as slender black molly with bright golden eyes and strings of shells tied around her ankles that chime when she’s around.
* Morino-ō - Morino-ō's presence can be felt in the silence of the forest while you're hunting, his steps as soft as moss and his movements as smooth as a leaf floating through the air. No one knows where he or his brother came from, but the masked twins are almost as revered as Enkino-ō herself. Morino-ō is the god of hunting and fishing, depicted as a large brown tabby who wears a wide-brimmed hat, gleaming claws, and a simple mask made of white wood.
* Hano-ō - Hano-ō is Morino-ō's twin brother, the god of combat and judgment, and upon a cat's death, he is called upon to decide their fate alongside Enkino-ō. It is claimed that he has a neutral view on his charges, balancing the Queen of Kumonokyūden's favoritism towards her kin. Like his brother, he is depicted as a large, dark brown tabby tom with a wide-brimmed hat and gleaming claws, but his mask is black.
* Tsukiakari-no-jō - Created from Akatsukino-ō's flight from Chiri no Dōkotsu, the Moonlit Princess is shy and not very forthcoming with her subjects, and typically lets her elder brother and formerly-mortal half sister take the spotlight. It is said that she was created from the Lord of the Skies grieving the death of his former mate, as she is said to almost be her spitting image. She's depicted as a small white molly with silvery eyes and a dainty step, and she has taken over Maboroshino-ō's place of guiding the moon across the sky.
* Shakunetsu-no-ji - The Scorching Prince has no trouble taking the spotlight, and is often depicted competing for it with various siblings. It's said that he was created from his father's rage towards the kit that killed his mate, and he is often shown as the third judge -- the harsh, righteous judge -- of the afterlife, alongside Enkino-ō and Hano-ō. He is a handsome, long furred tom with golden fur and golden eyes, and has taken over his father's role as the sun god.
* Enkino-ō - Known in life as Flame Jumper or Flamestar, Enkino-ō was promoted to the heavens for her heroic acts during her life. She is typically seen as the goddess of guidance and protection, guiding her former clan with a gentle paw when she deems it necessary. She is also credited as being the goddess of fire and greenleaf, and her name is often invoked when praying for the safety of others. She is portrayed as a tortoiseshell molly with bright orange eyes. Her father has mostly ceded control of his kingdom to her, in favor of his eternal battle with his estranged mate.
* Tamashī-no-Senshi - The Warrior of Souls, mortal-born like his mother, Enkino-ō, was brought into Kumonokyūden as a godly prince due to his heroic acts in life. While his true name, and the name of the beast he fought, has been lost to time, his actions haven't, and he is invoked as a god of cleansing and purification, and he is featured in most -- if not all -- ceremonies in CypressClan. Tamashī-no-Senshi is often depicted as a pure white tom with one golden eye and one blue eye.
* Hana-no-manto - The god of flowers and herbs, Hana-no-manto is revered by the clan healers as the first Kannagi, and is said to be a child of Todoroku-yama. It is claimed that, even in his mortal life, foliage would spring up in his pawsteps. He is often depicted as a slender, dusty brown tom with pale green eyes and a cloak of flowers and leaves over his shoulders. His name in life was Light Willow, and he was one of Flame Jumper’s original companions.
* Keikana - Born entirely mortal, Keikana’s legacy is that of joy and mirth. She is often called upon in clan meetings and celebrations. Known as Laughing Brook in her life, she was able to use her words to settle a dispute between three daimyo that threatened to shake the clan to its roots, reminding them that they were friends and brothers in arms. She is depicted as slender black molly with bright golden eyes and strings of shells tied around her ankles that chime when she’s around.
Mabaroshino-ō’s Promise
It’s claimed that when the world was still young, things were peaceful. Death didn’t exist, and gods and cats were hardly distinguishable from one another. Mabaroshino-ō and Akatsukino-ō were happy with their small family, the first litter that created the world we live in today. Time went on, and Mabaroshino-ō would have another litter, one destined -- in their eyes -- to continue building the wonderful world the couple had imagined.
The time came, and everything that could go wrong, absolutely went wrong. The litter to build upon their kingdom and help the mortal cats that came into this world consisted of a single, burning kit. A kit that scorched and scarred everything he touched, including -- unfortunately -- his own mother. As his mate lay dying, Akatsukino-ō, in his fear and grief, tore his new son to shreds before he'd ever even received a name.
It was dark, whatever hellish pit Mabaroshino-ō had awoken to, and even worse was the ever-present keening of a hurt kitten -- her hurt baby. Frantically, the new mother hauled herself to her paws, searching the dark, stinking cavern for every piece of her newborn son, and painstakingly stitched him back together with her own claws and the thin tendrils that covered the cave like muscle fibers.
In the realm of the living, Akatsukino-ō was preparing for a journey of his own, preparing to delve deep into what he'd been told was an entrance to something far more sinister than their beloved home on Kumonokyūden. They had never died before - he hadn't been aware that they could die.
His children had searched far and wide for this cave, with his eldest, Todoroku, finally finding a passage in his familiar earth.
Armed only with his own claws and a pouch of seeds to guide his way, the King of Gods descended into the caves in search of his love, ignoring the maddened whispers and impending dread as he went further and further into the cave. When he finally found the cavern where his mate hid, he couldn't see a thing. It was so dark that even his eyes couldn't pull anything through the blackness, like something had sucked all the remaining light from the air. The flames surrounding his paws had been extinguished by the pool of water spread across the cavern floor, unusually chill even for the cave air.
Even still, they had been reunited, and Akatsukino-ō was overcome with joy and relief, so he ran to her. After a quick embrace, he insisted that it was time for them to leave. His mate agreed, but sounded unsure. She made him swear not to turn back and look at her, no matter what, until she could return home and fix herself up.
It had earned a quick laugh from the tom, but as they walked along, in silence, curiosity started to nag at him. Why was she so insistent on evading his gaze? He loved her, surely he could handle what had happened to her. It was a miracle that he'd even gotten her back in the first place. He could take it, couldn't he?
They were close to the exit now, what could it hurt?
The end was in sight, just one look...absolutely changed the course of history as they knew it.
Akatsukino-ō had no idea what possessed him, be it some errant demon or his own shortcomings, but when he beheld the scarred, skeletal form of his mate, an immediate fear pierced his insides, and before he knew it, he was running.
Mabaroshino-ō called after him, screamed even, and gave chase, but something in his gut told him that terrible things would happen if his mate resurfaced, and that he needed to keep the dead out of the world of the living. He rolled a massive boulder before the entrance, and sealed it, still hearing the wails behind it and wishing he could shut his ears.
One thing that he couldn't unhear was a dying whisper on the wind, one that promised that she would send her children to hunt him for the rest of their days, so that they could be reunited in this dark place. One that swore to him that every day he remained apart from her, a thousand creatures would die in his place.
And that's when everything went wrong.
The time came, and everything that could go wrong, absolutely went wrong. The litter to build upon their kingdom and help the mortal cats that came into this world consisted of a single, burning kit. A kit that scorched and scarred everything he touched, including -- unfortunately -- his own mother. As his mate lay dying, Akatsukino-ō, in his fear and grief, tore his new son to shreds before he'd ever even received a name.
It was dark, whatever hellish pit Mabaroshino-ō had awoken to, and even worse was the ever-present keening of a hurt kitten -- her hurt baby. Frantically, the new mother hauled herself to her paws, searching the dark, stinking cavern for every piece of her newborn son, and painstakingly stitched him back together with her own claws and the thin tendrils that covered the cave like muscle fibers.
In the realm of the living, Akatsukino-ō was preparing for a journey of his own, preparing to delve deep into what he'd been told was an entrance to something far more sinister than their beloved home on Kumonokyūden. They had never died before - he hadn't been aware that they could die.
His children had searched far and wide for this cave, with his eldest, Todoroku, finally finding a passage in his familiar earth.
Armed only with his own claws and a pouch of seeds to guide his way, the King of Gods descended into the caves in search of his love, ignoring the maddened whispers and impending dread as he went further and further into the cave. When he finally found the cavern where his mate hid, he couldn't see a thing. It was so dark that even his eyes couldn't pull anything through the blackness, like something had sucked all the remaining light from the air. The flames surrounding his paws had been extinguished by the pool of water spread across the cavern floor, unusually chill even for the cave air.
Even still, they had been reunited, and Akatsukino-ō was overcome with joy and relief, so he ran to her. After a quick embrace, he insisted that it was time for them to leave. His mate agreed, but sounded unsure. She made him swear not to turn back and look at her, no matter what, until she could return home and fix herself up.
It had earned a quick laugh from the tom, but as they walked along, in silence, curiosity started to nag at him. Why was she so insistent on evading his gaze? He loved her, surely he could handle what had happened to her. It was a miracle that he'd even gotten her back in the first place. He could take it, couldn't he?
They were close to the exit now, what could it hurt?
The end was in sight, just one look...absolutely changed the course of history as they knew it.
Akatsukino-ō had no idea what possessed him, be it some errant demon or his own shortcomings, but when he beheld the scarred, skeletal form of his mate, an immediate fear pierced his insides, and before he knew it, he was running.
Mabaroshino-ō called after him, screamed even, and gave chase, but something in his gut told him that terrible things would happen if his mate resurfaced, and that he needed to keep the dead out of the world of the living. He rolled a massive boulder before the entrance, and sealed it, still hearing the wails behind it and wishing he could shut his ears.
One thing that he couldn't unhear was a dying whisper on the wind, one that promised that she would send her children to hunt him for the rest of their days, so that they could be reunited in this dark place. One that swore to him that every day he remained apart from her, a thousand creatures would die in his place.
box CypressClan Structure
CypressClan began as a coalition of three smaller groups of cats, known as dens, each led by a separate cat called a Daimyo. Under the leadership of Flamestar and her successors, however, the Clan has become a -- mostly -- unified force underneath the main leader, the Shogun. The separate dens remain the same, three small groups loyal to the same cause:
Shogun
Daimyo (Himawari) - Daimyo (Hanashobu) - Daimyo (Tsubaki)
Daimyo (Himawari) - Daimyo (Hanashobu) - Daimyo (Tsubaki)
These dens are referred to as the Himawari Den (symbolized by sunflowers), the Hanashobu Den (symbolized by an Iris flower), and the Tsubaki Den (symbolized by the Camellia flower). Each Den has their own priorities and energy, and politics tend to be discussed between the three Daimyo, the Shogun, and the elder healers.
The Shogun and the three Daimyo must be nekomata, having undergone the moonlit ceremony where they ascend to the next level of ability, becoming more powerful than their denmates in size, strength, and cunning.
As previously mentioned, CypressClan is divided underneath the Shogun into three dens, clusters of family related only by methods and ideals, and only sometimes blood. Each Den is run by a Daimyo, generally chosen from the elder members of the den, typically skilled shokunin (artisans) and accomplished bushi (warriors). Their apprentices are not permitted to vote, lacking the proper experience to make an informed vote. The three Dens are named after the flowers that symbolize them, the passionate and respectable Himawari, the patient but militant Hanashobu, and the elegant and dramatic Tsubaki. Clan members are allowed to choose to change dens exactly twice in their lives: upon their appointment as kosho and if they get a mate. Those who change dens have to undergo a trial -- decided by the daimyo and senior bushi of the intended den -- and specified training to catch them up to speed in the lifestyles of their new den.
The Three Dens
* Himawari Den (向日葵) -- Basking under the banner of the golden sunflower is the Himawari Den, a group that prioritizes form and appearance above all, which makes them incredibly disciplined, but perhaps a bit vain looking. The Himawari Den was originally led by one of Flamestar's companions, Honeyripple, who's claim to fame was never killing an opponent and still being greatly feared. Their fighting style emphasizes flow over speed, preferring to use their opponents' momentum against them and throwing in a precise strike to certain points to immobilize a target. Getting blood on their paws is seen as shameful, when they can just as easily defend themselves and the clan without them. As such, they are trained to never use their claws or teeth in direct battle, as they believe it is dishonorable. They sometimes boast of Enkino-o's favor, as they historically have the highest concentration of Flame-Touched cats in their Den, but then neglect to mention that Honeyripple, herself, was Flamestar's daughter.
* Hanashobu Den (花菖蒲) -- Rallying under the deep blue iris flower is the Hanashobu Den, who boast the largest, most muscular frames in the Clan and the fighting spirit to match. The Hanashobu are powerful warriors, next to the artistic Himawari and sly Tsubaki, with military strength and valor being their main focus. They are precise, well-trained, and disciplined, and this sometimes makes them come across as distant and stiff to outsiders. As far as history goes, it rightfully appears that cats who can wield the power of fire in their paws are drawn to this Den, with those who can help them hone this offensive skill. The Hanashobu train tirelessly, conditioning both their bodies and minds with exercises and practice drills. They view their claws as sacred weapons gifted to them, and will use them at any opportunity. This Den augment their claws with crafted sheaths of sharpened bones for real battles, and dulled (but not too dull) bamboo caps for training. They were initially founded by Falcon Patch.
* Tsubaki Den (椿) -- Hidden beneath the red camellias is the Tsubaki Den, a pragmatic bunch who prefer efficiency and wit over their compatriots' flashy displays of honor. This isn't to say that they disregard civility entirely, but the sometimes the most peaceful end to conflict is the quickest method, and sometimes that method isn't as...savory. Not much is known about this phenomenon, but it's rumored that over the centuries, a few of their cats have gained the ability to shapeshit. Tsubaki Den's combat style reflects their insistence on subtlety and pragmatism, where they strike quickly from the shadows, with claws dipped in poison. They tend to -- physically -- be some of the smallest, most slender cats in the clan to reflect their swift, silent style. Their first Daimyo was one of the original nekomata that fled society with Flamestar, Grim Sky.
Ranks
* Shogun -- The true leader of the clan, the daimyo answer to their boss, and any issues outside of their specific dens are to be elevated to them. They host all three legendary powers (fireballs, transformation, and ghost-sight) but gain them, alongside seven lives in addition to their current life for a total of eight. It's rumored that the Shogun can raise the recently dead and use them as puppets, but this hasn't been seen in living memory.
* Daimyo -- Second only to the Shogun, these three cats are the true planners of the clan. They handle training, assessments, discipline, and other matters pertaining to their dens, juggling their own politics while keeping an eye on the other two dens. They have partaken in the moonlit ceremony that transformed them from bakeneko (one long tail) to nekomata (two forked tails), and are physically stronger and more skilled than their clanmates.
* Onmyoji -- The eldest and most skilled Kannagi in each den, they are of almost-equal rank to the Daimyo, and they also possess the forked tails earned by moonlit ceremony. Unlike the Kannagi, Onmyoji have been trained in combat, and are a terror on the battlefield.
* Kannagi -- The healers and spiritual leaders of the clan. There is no verbal distinction between a Kannagi who's still learning and one that is finished with their basic education. They are present for most, if not all ceremonies, and while they never take part in battle, it's an honor to become one.
* Bushi -- The warriors of the clan, they swear fealty to their Daimyo and participate in training, guarding, and hunting for the clan, as well as fighting threats whenever they surface. Young bushi still under instruction from their mentors are referred to as kosho. Bushi kosho are trained in the ways of battle, strategy, magic, art, and music.
* Kits and Elders -- Self explanitory, cats that are too old or too young to perform their jobs. Both are treated with the utmost reverence and attention, as they are the future and past of the clan.
The Shogun and the three Daimyo must be nekomata, having undergone the moonlit ceremony where they ascend to the next level of ability, becoming more powerful than their denmates in size, strength, and cunning.
As previously mentioned, CypressClan is divided underneath the Shogun into three dens, clusters of family related only by methods and ideals, and only sometimes blood. Each Den is run by a Daimyo, generally chosen from the elder members of the den, typically skilled shokunin (artisans) and accomplished bushi (warriors). Their apprentices are not permitted to vote, lacking the proper experience to make an informed vote. The three Dens are named after the flowers that symbolize them, the passionate and respectable Himawari, the patient but militant Hanashobu, and the elegant and dramatic Tsubaki. Clan members are allowed to choose to change dens exactly twice in their lives: upon their appointment as kosho and if they get a mate. Those who change dens have to undergo a trial -- decided by the daimyo and senior bushi of the intended den -- and specified training to catch them up to speed in the lifestyles of their new den.
The Three Dens
* Himawari Den (向日葵) -- Basking under the banner of the golden sunflower is the Himawari Den, a group that prioritizes form and appearance above all, which makes them incredibly disciplined, but perhaps a bit vain looking. The Himawari Den was originally led by one of Flamestar's companions, Honeyripple, who's claim to fame was never killing an opponent and still being greatly feared. Their fighting style emphasizes flow over speed, preferring to use their opponents' momentum against them and throwing in a precise strike to certain points to immobilize a target. Getting blood on their paws is seen as shameful, when they can just as easily defend themselves and the clan without them. As such, they are trained to never use their claws or teeth in direct battle, as they believe it is dishonorable. They sometimes boast of Enkino-o's favor, as they historically have the highest concentration of Flame-Touched cats in their Den, but then neglect to mention that Honeyripple, herself, was Flamestar's daughter.
* Hanashobu Den (花菖蒲) -- Rallying under the deep blue iris flower is the Hanashobu Den, who boast the largest, most muscular frames in the Clan and the fighting spirit to match. The Hanashobu are powerful warriors, next to the artistic Himawari and sly Tsubaki, with military strength and valor being their main focus. They are precise, well-trained, and disciplined, and this sometimes makes them come across as distant and stiff to outsiders. As far as history goes, it rightfully appears that cats who can wield the power of fire in their paws are drawn to this Den, with those who can help them hone this offensive skill. The Hanashobu train tirelessly, conditioning both their bodies and minds with exercises and practice drills. They view their claws as sacred weapons gifted to them, and will use them at any opportunity. This Den augment their claws with crafted sheaths of sharpened bones for real battles, and dulled (but not too dull) bamboo caps for training. They were initially founded by Falcon Patch.
* Tsubaki Den (椿) -- Hidden beneath the red camellias is the Tsubaki Den, a pragmatic bunch who prefer efficiency and wit over their compatriots' flashy displays of honor. This isn't to say that they disregard civility entirely, but the sometimes the most peaceful end to conflict is the quickest method, and sometimes that method isn't as...savory. Not much is known about this phenomenon, but it's rumored that over the centuries, a few of their cats have gained the ability to shapeshit. Tsubaki Den's combat style reflects their insistence on subtlety and pragmatism, where they strike quickly from the shadows, with claws dipped in poison. They tend to -- physically -- be some of the smallest, most slender cats in the clan to reflect their swift, silent style. Their first Daimyo was one of the original nekomata that fled society with Flamestar, Grim Sky.
Ranks
* Shogun -- The true leader of the clan, the daimyo answer to their boss, and any issues outside of their specific dens are to be elevated to them. They host all three legendary powers (fireballs, transformation, and ghost-sight) but gain them, alongside seven lives in addition to their current life for a total of eight. It's rumored that the Shogun can raise the recently dead and use them as puppets, but this hasn't been seen in living memory.
* Daimyo -- Second only to the Shogun, these three cats are the true planners of the clan. They handle training, assessments, discipline, and other matters pertaining to their dens, juggling their own politics while keeping an eye on the other two dens. They have partaken in the moonlit ceremony that transformed them from bakeneko (one long tail) to nekomata (two forked tails), and are physically stronger and more skilled than their clanmates.
* Onmyoji -- The eldest and most skilled Kannagi in each den, they are of almost-equal rank to the Daimyo, and they also possess the forked tails earned by moonlit ceremony. Unlike the Kannagi, Onmyoji have been trained in combat, and are a terror on the battlefield.
* Kannagi -- The healers and spiritual leaders of the clan. There is no verbal distinction between a Kannagi who's still learning and one that is finished with their basic education. They are present for most, if not all ceremonies, and while they never take part in battle, it's an honor to become one.
* Bushi -- The warriors of the clan, they swear fealty to their Daimyo and participate in training, guarding, and hunting for the clan, as well as fighting threats whenever they surface. Young bushi still under instruction from their mentors are referred to as kosho. Bushi kosho are trained in the ways of battle, strategy, magic, art, and music.
* Kits and Elders -- Self explanitory, cats that are too old or too young to perform their jobs. Both are treated with the utmost reverence and attention, as they are the future and past of the clan.
