Redwood warriors are known for their kind heart, moral values, judicious manner, and adherence to the warrior code. When the island cats divided into three distinct Clans, the warriors who remained in the ancient redwood forest formed their clan based on a commitment to the established code. This oath roused their desire for a rule that was both moral and fair. Redwood warriors are ethical in their decisions, which can sometimes limit their horizons. Not all decisions are black and white. Redwood cats are also kind in nature. This has led their clan to be rather communal and familial. RedwoodClan takes care of each other, whether this means kits share mothers or warriors fight together as one.

Redwood warriors are also brave and fearless in battle. A redwood cat would not hesitate to risk their life for their Clan or a Clan-mate, nor would a redwood warrior run from a threat. While this heroism is admirable, the trait has also resulted in reckless behavior and countless mistakes. Sometimes Redwood cats are too brash and careless with their last second decisions, all brawn and no brain. Redwood warriors also have an innate love for their Clan. Out of the three Clans in the forest, the Redwood warriors are the most loyal cats in the forest, and this has created a rooted sense of nationalism. The redwood cats love one another and the redwood forest that is their home.

SUMMARY:

• Kind
  
• Loyal
• Ethical
• Judicious
  
• Traditional
• Communal
• Brave
• Reckless

HIERARCHY:

A communal Clan that values experience and wisdom, RedwoodClan fosters an environment where seniority is respected and greatly admired. Young warriors, apprentices, and kits look up to their elders and senior warriors for guidance and direction. It is uncommon for young warriors to show disrespect to their older den-mates. Senior warriors earn the right to sleep in the center of the warrior's den, where it's warmest, train apprentices, and to take first from the fresh-kill pile, after elders and kits of course. They often lead patrols, offer guidance on war planning and strategizing, and participate in story-telling and the sharing of generational knowledge.

MATES & KITS:

RedwoodClan boasts large, communal families. They believe in creating a strong future through sharing their love and having many offspring. They encourage mating out of love instead of mating to simply provide for their Clan. Queens often plan to raise their children together and take turns nursing each other's young to help build a sense of community from a young age.

FIGHTING STYLE:

RedwoodClan is home to large canopy giants, and they use this to their advantage in their training and during battles fought on their territory. Running through the trees, grappling, and employing ambushes from above are essential to their fighting culture. RedwoodClan warriors know how to distribute their weight with unique weather and heights, travel silently through the canopy, and pin-point targets roaming below. Unique to RedwoodClan culture, the Clan often fights in teams and trains their apprentices in assigned pairs, so they learn how to fight together as one.


On the battlefield, RedwoodClan focuses more on the tactic of strength and less on claws. They fight in tag-team bursts of powerful hits and blows. They make an impact with their well-honed agility and strength. Examples of standard RedwoodClan moves include the following:

• Tag-teamed assaults
• Shoulder checks
• Leap-and-hold
• Duck and headbutt
• Grappling

Since the winters stretch across the island for six or seven moons at a time, Redwood warriors have dense coats to combat the cold. Beneath their thick fur, Redwood cats are massive in size and boast refined muscles due to the trees that cover their land. The Clan is renowned for its ability to climb trees and scale inclines in record time. This has allowed their muscles to build in bulk over their limbs and hind-quarters, so the warriors can maneuver between the trees with ease.

Their coats are red or brown in color. Common coat patterns are tabbies, tortoiseshells, and calicos. Some cats have Turkish Angora blood or other breeds with thicker coats. Their fur has colored over time to assist redwood warriors hide within their redwood forest.

SUMMARY:

• Massive and muscular build
  
• Dense, long-furred coats
  
• Red or brown fur
  
• Tabbies, tortoiseshells, and calico
  

THE REDWOODCLAN CAMP:

Deep within the redwood forest lies the Redwoodclan camp. The entrance is an ancient, hollowed out redwood, its branches stretched to the stars; and once inside, it is apparent that several other hollowed redwood trunks act as various dens and intricate corridors, giving home to the Clan's nursery and medicine cat's den. At its center sits a profound, moss-covered rock, where the leader addresses their clan.

THE REDWOOD FOREST:

RedwoodClan's home consists of an ancient redwood tree forest that covers the southwestern section of the island. The massive trees stretch far into the skies. Their colossal trunks house numerous mice, rabbits, and birds. The wide bases and substantial mass of the redwood trees make an effortless climb for trained warriors. In the north lies the famous bear stones, and to the west, an ominous clearing filled with fallen redwoods, known as redwood graveyard, stands in eternal rest.

For a visual representation of the territory, check out Redwoodclan's collage map made by Arlinn . More in-depth territory details are available on the Clan and Tribe maps or in the territory board descriptions.

C = Common             UC = Uncommon             R = Rare

PREY:	ALL YEAR BIRDS:
Shrews - C	Ruffled Grouse - C
Mice - C	Barred Owl - UC
Voles - C	Woodpeckers - C
Red Squirrels - UC	Gray Jay - R
Snowshoe Rabbit - UC	Blue Jay - C
Mink - C	Northern Raven - C
American Marten - C	Black Capped Chickadee - C
Weasels - UC	Nuthatch - UC
Muskrat - C
Raccoon - UC

SUMMER BIRDS:	WINTER BIRDS:
Wren - C	Bohemian Waxwing -R
Warblers - C	Hoary Redpoll - R
Sparrows - C
Blackbirds - UC
Hawks - UC
Swallows - C
Americian Robin - C
Ruby Throated Hummingbird - UC
Common Night-hawk - R

NON-PREDATORS:	PREDATORS:
Deer - C	Black Bear -UC
Porcupines - UC	Coyote - C
Badger - UC	Grey Fox - C

HERBS:

Red Elderberry - UC

Catmint - C

Golden Ragwort - C

Brownwort - C

Comfry - C

Dock - C

Honey - C

Poppy Seeds - C

Chervil - R

Marigold - C

Lavender - UC

Borage - C

Nightshade - UC

Chokecherry - R

Hemlock - UC

WARRIOR CODE:

Redwoodclan adheres to the traditional warrior code more than the other three clans on the island. A redwood cat would never alter, bend, or overlook the code -- to them the code is law. This means that a redwood cat would defend their clan with their life, never cross another clans’ established borders, never kill another animal for fun, honor the truce at full-moons and half-moons, and be the first to assist another cat in need.

STARCLAN:

Redwoodclan believes in Starclan as their existence is tied to the warrior code. Redwoodclan is adamant that Starclan watches over the entire island and does not discriminate against cats with different beliefs or traditions. For this reason, the clan believes that the Mooncave should not be considered Lichenclan land, but rather, it should remain neutral and accessible to all medicine cats or cats in need.

TALES OF GLORY:

When a litter reaches their fifth moon, and is on the cusp of becoming an apprentice, queens will often request a senior warrior to come and visit the nursery for story-time. It is tradition for senior warriors to gather the kits and enchant them with a harrowing tale of bravery or courage. Most stories speak of RedwoodClan's glory, commitment to the code, or other honorable deeds committed by past heroes. RedwoodClan prides themself on sharing wisdom, and the custom helps prepare the kits for a life outside of the nursery and excites them for training.

APPRENTICESHIP:

From the day they start their training, RedwoodClan apprentices are encouraged to fight in teams. A pivotal part of the RedwoodClan fighting experience is teamwork and fighting in pairs, so young apprentices are often paired together as young at six moons old, though this usually occurs around their eighth or tenth moon. Receiving a battle partner is an important part of a RedwoodClan warrior's development as they are often bound to their fighting partners for life and become great comrades.

WARRIOR VIGIL:

After a Redwoodclan receives their warrior name, the cat must find the tallest Redwood tree near the clan entrance and climb its massive trunk. Once the cat reaches the furthest branch from the forest floor, the new warrior must sit a silent vigil for an entire night and think about their goals, commitment to their clan, and what it means to be a Redwoodclan warrior. Usually siblings, battle partners, or close friends will climb the same tree together, so they can come into warriorhood at the same time. When the dawn rises from across the island in the east, the new warrior can descend and return to their clan as a true Redwoodclan warrior.

SENIOR WARRIORS:

As a RedwoodClan warrior nears their fiftieth moon on the island, it's customary for a group of senior warriors to take them under their wing and help them complete a life-long goal. It's akin to a rite of passage and symbolizes their journey from warrior to senior warrior. A Clan of community and shared wisdom, the senior warriors take pride in helping one another by honing their skills together. Each warrior's journey to earning their badge of seniority is different, but some past ventures include, learning to perfect a specific battle move, overcoming a fear, mending a relationship with a loved one, or climbing a particularly difficult tree.

WARRIOR DEATH CEREMONY:

After a RedwoodClan warrior dies, the Clan celebrates their lost one's life in camp, often by sharing stories together and commemorating their lives through tearful laughter and memories. It is a joyous occasion, where each clan-mate approaches the body to give them one last final farewell before they are ceremoniously brought to the Redwood Graveyard for a burial. Many warriors, often close to the fallen, assist in carrying the body and all of the Clan is welcome to see them off.

ThistleClan warriors are noted for their calculative and secluded nature, brutal wit, dark humor, and loose devotion to the warrior code. When the island cats divided into three distinct Clans, the warriors who retreated into the needled forest formed their Clan based on their desire to revise the warrior code. The first ThistleClan cats believed that the warrior code was not strict law, but rather, a set of rules that had to advance as the island evolved. This has led ThistleClan to become secluded from the other clans and more individualized in nature. ThistleClan warriors find solace in solitude as a communal based Clan does not interest them. ThistleClan cats are also calculative in all matters. They are opportunistic in battle, and their conversations are coated in wit.

From the outside, ThistleClan seems hostile due to their brutal wit and dark taunts. However, ThistleClan cats love to test their physical boundaries with one another, which has created a sense of camaraderie around the fighting culture within their Clan. While ThistleClan cats endure this behavior with a smirk, some ThistleClan cats take this behavior too far. This has led them to become vicious and aggressive to their Clan-mates. Thistleclan cats can also be mistrustful, distant, and lack a moral code. Thistleclan rule is not black and white, but rather, a loose set of rules that can bend to the benefit of the individual. This mindset often encourages ThistleClan warriors to break the warrior code.

SUMMARY:

• Calculative
  
• Aloof
• Brutal wit
  
• Dark humor
  
• Flexible
• Rude
• Mistrustful
• Clever

HIERARCHY:

A Clan of aggressive maneuvers and brutality in battle, it is no surprise that ThistleClan warriors prove their worth through fighting. Rank in the pine forest is often determined by whoever wins the most fights and demonstrates their cunning wit in battle. This is not necessarily the physically strongest cat, but the most opportunistic and conniving. Known for dirty moves and going for vitals, ThistleClan warriors will do whatever it takes to win a fight, and it is these warriors who see the most perks in the Clan, from receiving the best den locations, the best prey, and the most respect. Weaklings and cowards are looked down upon and treated more harshly by their den-mates.

MATES & KITS:

Out of any Clan, ThistleClan is least likely to promote healthy and loving mates. Warriors of the pine forest often come together to create strong, promising kits who can better the Clan. Unlike LichenClan, they do not arrange their offspring or engage in long-term mating. They simply agree to create and raise future warriors together and pass on their own skills. ThistleClan queens commonly rear their children separately in their own dens or stay to themselves in the nursery.

FIGHTING STYLE:

Home to dark and foreboding pines and thick, shadowy underbrush, ThistleClan is all about the art of disguise. These clan cats use camouflaging techniques, from their pelt to their smell to their fighting style, such as using artful distractions to wait for the opportune moment to strike. When they do hit, they pack a serious blow, never shying from vital points like arteries or joints. Only cowards fight with their claws sheathed.

ThistleClan warriors are crafty and smart, often calculating their finishing blows from the shadows. They are not afraid to kill an opponent in battle to win the fight. Examples of standard ThistleClan moves include the following:

• Strikes
  
• Slashes
• Crouching hits
  
• “Play dead”
• Killing bite

Since the coniferous forest carries low, needled branches, Thistleclan warriors are shorter in stature and have dense coats to shield their skin. Their fur is not as thick as a Redwoodclan cat, but it is still resilient to the brutal cold. Their bodies are built to slink and slide in the shadows and burrow beneath the earth to where their dens are located. This has allowed them to have hard, refined claws and distinct musculature that is more lean than cumbersome in size.

Their fur is black, brown, or gray in color. Common coat patterns are solid, patched, tabbies, and dark tortoiseshells. Their coats have darkened over moons to let them hide better beneath the trees and within the shadows. Some Thistleclan cats have Russian Blue blood or other breeds with darker colored coats. Cats born with white, silver, or cream coats will roll in mud to better conceal themselves in a battle or hunt.

SUMMARY:

• Small and condensed build
  
• Dense, short-furred coats
  
• Black, brown, or blue fur
  
• Solid, patched, tabbies, and dark tortoiseshells
  

THE THISTLECLAN CAMP:

The Thistleclan camp lies within a deep ravine, sheltered by a canopy of white pines and balsam firs. It is almost impenetrable due to its protective barrier, a wall reinforced with thorny undergrowth and thick bramble. Various moss-covered rocks rest inside its walls, and underneath, the clan cats have exhumed a labyrinth of nests and dens, including the nursery and medicine cats' den. At its crown, the leader addresses the clan from the fallen pine.

THE WHITE PINE FOREST:

ThistleClan dwells in a needled coniferous forest that inhabits the northwestern area of the island. The verdant forest consists of tall, white pines, and lowly balsam firs, which blanket the forest floor with dried needles and cones. Beneath the firs, the underbrush varies from harsh brambles, thorns, and thickets. The forest is rather ominous in nature; its landmarks, both foreboding in presence and name, are known for their sinister plants and creatures: the great owl tree and the poisonous bog.

For a visual representation of the territory, check out Thistleclan's collage map made by Arlinn . More in-depth territory details are available on the Clan and Tribe maps or in the territory board descriptions.

C = Common             UC = Uncommon             R = Rare

PREY:	ALL YEAR BIRDS:
Shrews - C	Ruffled Grouse - UC
Mice - C	Barred Owl - UC
Voles - C	Great Horned Owl - UC
Red Squirrels - UC	Woodpeckers - C
Snowshoe Hare - C	Gray Jay - C
Mink - C	Blue Jay - C
American Marten - UC	Northern Raven - C
Weasels - UC	Black Capped Chickadee - C
Fisher - C	Nuthatch - C
Raccoon - UC	Northern Goshawk - R
Frogs - C	White-Winged Crossbill - R

SUMMER BIRDS:	WINTER BIRDS:
Thrushes - C	Snowy Owl -R
Warblers - C	Great Gray Owl - R
Sparrows - C
Swallows - C
Hawks - UC
American Crow - UC
American Robin - C
Common Loon - C
Mallard - UC
Great Blue Heron - UC
Common Nighthawk - R

NON-PREDATORS:	PREDATORS:
Deer - C	Red Fox -C
Porcupines - UC	Grey Fox - C
	Bobcat - UC

HERBS:

Red Elderberry - C

Catmint - UC

Golden Ragwort - C

Brownwort - C

Comfry - C

Dock - C

Honey - UC

Poppy Seeds - C

Pine Sap - C

Marigold - C

Lavender - R

Borage - C

Nightshade - C

Chokecherry - R

Hemlock - UC

Cardinal Flower - C

Horsetail - UC

WARRIOR CODE:

The warrior code acts as a set of loose guidelines for the usual ThistleClan warrior. A ThistleClan cat would not hesitate to bend, alter, or overlook the code for their own benefit or for the greater good of the clan. This means that a ThistleClan warrior would be much more likely to fight dirty in battle, cross clan borders for prey, disband the truce at full-moons and half-moons, and engage in cross-clan romances despite the consequences from the other clans. ThistleClan warriors are also less likely to assist an outsider or other clan cat in need. Their distaste for outsiders is due to the amount of loners and rogues that live near the Northern peninsula, and their desire for pure, ThistleClan blood.

STARCLAN:

Belief in StarClan varies in ThistleClan from cat to cat. Some warriors are agnostic or atheist, while others believe in StarClan as loosely as they believe in the warrior code. When it comes to the lagoon, ThistleClan could care less depending on the belief-system within the clan and overall leadership. This has created a precarious position for ThistleClan medicine cats, as their connection to Starclan can sometimes seem unimportant to their clan-mates and subject to ridicule.

Regardless of their beliefs, ThistleClan leaders who do not visit the lagoon upon their appointment are still granted their nine lives through one or more dream visions. Responses to these dreams vary, with some leaders who undergo near-death experiences just considering themselves lucky.

APPRENTICESHIP:

From the moment they are born, parents of young ThistleClanners make connections among their den-mates to find the best mentor for their offspring. Whether it be a specific style or on conniving wit alone, mentors are a competitive asset. Because fighting is so significant to Thistleclan’s social dynamics, an apprentice’s mentor can be seen to set the trajectory in their life. It is not uncommon for ThistleClan warriors to bribe their leader and deputy in an attempt to secure a mentor for their kits.

APPRENTICE RANKING:

In preparation for becoming a warrior, it's customary for new ThistleClan apprentices to prove their worth by fighting their den-mates. As soon as an apprentice enters the den for the first time, they are encouraged, oftentimes by their own parents, to pick a fight with an older den-mate. The most head-strong and conniving apprentices will pick a fight with the apprentice at the top of the pecking order and try to displace them. If a new apprentice doesn't try to fight one of their den-mates upon arriving, they will often be picked on and ridiculed until they prove themselves in battle.

WARRIOR VIGIL:

Upon receiving their warrior names, ThistleClan cats begin to dig their own dens. This process can begin at any time of day, but regardless of when they start, new warriors are expected to create a hole that is wide enough to fit their entire bodies and deep enough to hide their upright ears below the rim. A common saying with this ritual is “Ears below earth; show your worth.” Many continue working past this point, as it is said that deeper dens produce stronger warriors. Once their new “home” reaches at least the minimum size, they will lie down in it and sleep. Upon their awakening, they are considered true warriors. Work on their dens will continue for moons to come in between patrols and other duties until their shallow holes become true tunnels, potentially connected with other dens if they so choose.

DUELS:

Disputes in ThistleClan are often settled by duels. If two warriors are arguing or feel slighted by a clan-mate, it is common practice to challenge the other warrior to a duel to absolve the conflict. Some warriors have even challenged their leaders or deputies to prove a point and earn their respect. Rank in ThistleClan ebbs and flows based on a warrior's winning streak. Those who often lose their duels are considered cowardly and weak. Although extremely rare and a great sign of disrespect, ThistleClan leaders and deputies have been known to lose their rank through losing to their challenger in a formal duel.

*You cannot challenge a deputy/leader for their rank as a way to become an HP or displace a current HP. If it makes sense for your character to challenge a leader, please DM a staff member to discuss the plot potential.

WARRIOR DEATH CEREMONY:

After a ThistleClan warrior dies, the Clan honors them in camp with a silent, respectful ceremony, where they recognize the warrior's contributions to the Clan, most often noting their battle prowess and kill counts. Family members and loved ones are allowed to sit with the body and mourn before they choose their final resting place. Unlike the other Clans, ThistleClan does not have a communal burial ground. The next of kin or closest friends are responsible for burying the body somewhere in ThistleClan territory, usually by the warrior's favorite spot.

Lichenclan warriors are notorious for their reserved and introverted nature, habitual tendencies, intellectual conversation, and strict devotion to Starclan. When the island cats divided into three distinct clans, the warriors who returned to the shore formed the clan based on their devotion to Starclan. The first Lichenclan cats believed that the conflict between Redwoodclan and Thistleclan over the warrior code disregarded and disrespected their ancestors, as the focus should have been on Starclan. This has led Lichenclan warriors to become sanctimonious believers who have devoted their entire lives to Starclan. Lichenclan is thus reserved and introverted, as extroverted tendencies, such as chattiness, cockiness, and boastfulness, are considered sinful. These cats are also habitual in nature, since their actions are often methodical and deliberately calculated.

While most Lichenclan warriors are followers and not leaders, that does not mean they lack the ability to think for themselves. Lichenclan warriors are intelligent cats who often think before they speak. A Lichenclan warrior will not share their opinion or converse with another cat unless they have carefully considered their words and its future implications. This thoughtful consideration has led some Lichenclan cats to become successful diplomats, while others have used this trait for cruel manipulation and coercion. Lichenclan cats can be incredibly deceptive and use their intelligence to control others. This has also led them to be ridiculously judgemental and discriminatory toward those they cannot control. Cats who do not believe in Starclan are sinful heathens who should be shunned and ostracized.

SUMMARY:

• Reserved
  
• Introverted
• Sanctimonious
  
• Habitual
  
• Intelligent
  
• Contemplative
• Manipulative
• Judgemental

HIERARCHY:

During Heronstar's reign, a great importance was put on blood-lines within LichenClan. His greatest supporters were determined to carry 'noble' and 'high-ranking' blood, while those who opposed him were deemed 'dirty' and 'sinful'. Over time, it was greatly discouraged to 'mix' high and low blood and a distinct class system was born within the Clan. To procure desirable kits, queens began arranging their children to either climb ranks or prevent their rank from dropping. While Heronstar and his descendants no longer reign over LichenClan, the social structure and custom of arranging mates remains. Though the prejudices against 'low-blood' warriors is starting to dissipate, and it is more commonly accepted to see low and high warriors interact.

MATES & KITS:

Upon the shoreline, mate arrangement is a common practice. High-ranking queens often arrange their children with other notable kits around the time they become warriors. The arrangements are often done to procure a higher status within the Clan. While some warriors mate for love or refuse to arrange their children, it is greatly looked down upon by the more traditional warriors of the Clan. Queens are prominent in LichenClan and tend to the nursery together.

FIGHTING STYLE:

The techniques that LichenClanner’s learn in water help them maintain a sense of speed and accuracy with their fluid motions. Lithe and far more nimble than their forest-dwelling opponents, LichenClan warriors will use their unique training opportunities to their advantage and use their opponent's weight against themselves. They rely on their accuracy and speed to exhaust their opponent on the battlefield and are not afraid to enter the water to gain an advantage.

Fluid, quick motions, and water-toned muscles help LichenClan be the epitome of balance. Their training on various terrains make them an adaptable force, one that can quickly acclimate to any fighting condition. Examples of standard LichenClan moves include the following:

• Roll overs
• Rearing up to slash
• Belly rakes
• Teeth grip
  
• Redirecting motion and momentum
  

Since the caves are narrow and moist from the lake, Lichenclan warriors are lithe, nimble cats with feathered coats that are resistant to water. Their fur is not as dense as the other forest cats, since the caverns and tunnels shield them from the brutal cold in leaf-bare. Their bodies are built to twist and bend in the slender tunnels that snake beneath the island and cover the shore. This has allowed them to be excellent hunters, as their bodies are made to slink within the shadows, free from sound. Their musculature is less defined than the forest cats and instead forms around their legs, which allows them to navigate the steep inclines with ease and accuracy. These are swift and agile cats.

Their fur is white, blue, brown, and silver in color. Common coat patterns are solid, tabbies, dilute calicos or tortoiseshells, and points. Their coats are often lighter in color to let them better blend in with the rocks that cover their land. Some Lichenclan cats have Siamese blood or other breeds with points.

SUMMARY:

• Lithe and nimble build
  
• Feathered, medium-furred coats
  
• White, blue, cream, and silver fur
  
• Solid, tabbies, dilute calicos, and points
  

THE LICHENCLAN CAMP:

Within the southern shorelines lies an elaborate cave system. It is within these caves, the Lichenclan cats have made their home. Protected from the tide, the main cave is the furthest cavern inland. Its entrance is concealed behind a collection of overhanging rocks and stones. Several faux cave entrances line the shore, which shields LichenClan from its enemies. Several smaller caverns are used as dens, including their nursery and medicine cats' den. In this cavern, the leader addresses their clan from a ledge, carved deep into the wall; its stones worn from moons of use.

THE EASTERN SHORELINE:

Unlike their neighboring, wooded Clans, LichenClan warriors are accustomed to rock covered shorelines and esoteric caves, such as the MoonCave. There is a thin, birch tree path that runs above the caves; its forest filled with mice and voles, a useful hunting ground for the lake dwellers. The breadth of their territory, however, is barren sand and shoreline, uncovered beneath the stars. The Clan cats like to sun out on the abandoned, wooden two-leg paths on the shore, while curious apprentices like to venture into the caves.

For a visual representation of the territory, check out Lichenclan's collage map made by Arlinn . More in-depth territory details are available on the Clan and Tribe maps or in the territory board descriptions.

C = Common             UC = Uncommon             R = Rare

PREY:	ALL YEAR BIRDS:
Shrews - C	Barred Owl - UC
Mice - C	Hairy Woodpecker - UC
Red Squirrels - UC	Down Woodpecker - UC
Snowshoe Hare - C	Blue Jay - C
Otter - UC	Black Capped Chickadee - C
Mink - C	White breasted Nuthatch - C
American Marten - UC	Red breasted Nuthatch - C
Weasels - UC	Pine Siskin - C
Trout - C
Small Mouth Bass - C

SUMMER BIRDS:	WINTER BIRDS:
Wrens - C	Iceland Gull -R
Thrushes - UC	Northern Shrike - R
Vireos - UC
Sparrows - C
Swallows - C
Great Blue Heron - UC
Canada Goose - UC
Common Loon - C
Mallard - UC
Ring-Billed Gull - C
Mute Swan - R

NON-PREDATORS:	PREDATORS:
Deer - C	Red Fox -C
Badger - UC	Bobcat - UC
	Coyote - C

HERBS:

Red Elderberry - UC

Catmint - UC

Golden Ragwort - C

Brownwort - C

Comfry - UC

Dock - C

Honey - UC

Poppy Seeds - C

Chervil - UC

Marigold - C

Lavender - C

Borage - C

Nightshade - R

Chokecherry - UC

Hemlock - UC

Lungwort - R

WARRIOR CODE:

Lichenclan warriors are devoted to Starclan first and the warrior code second. Their decisions are based on the stars. While most of these decisions align with the warrior code, the Clan is more than willing to break the code to practice and honor the word of StarClan. This has historically lead LichenClan into dangerous rhetoric in the wrong paws. However, LichenClan revisionists are working to return the Clan to their former pacifists roots and honoring StarClan in a way that aligns with the code.

STARCLAN:

StarClan is the lifeblood to LichenClan. It is the bane of their existence and dominates their lives from customs and traditions to their beliefs about the other clans. From the moment a LichenClan cat is born, they are taught to believe that StarClan is the most important entity on the island and must be honored and adorned respectively. This ranges from sacrificial offerings during times of both celebration and misfortune to customary baptisms and meditative confessions.

KIT BAPTISM:

When kits reach their third moon, it is customary for the clan’s medicine cat to hold a communal baptism for the litter. The mother and father from the litter are invited to watch as their children receive their first bath in the sacred pool. Then the medicine cat will perform an ancient ceremony and bathe them in the pool from their scruffs. This essentially cleanses them from original sin and welcomes them into the clan.

APPRENTICESHIP:

With a vast and diverse territory, LichenClanners are skilled at fighting on a variety of terrains. From an early age they practice in the water, sands, forests, tunnels, and cliffside, making them an adaptive force to different battlefields. LichenClan apprentices are also taught about mindfulness and meditation by spending time in the MoonCave and learning about prayer. It is said it makes them less impulsive on the battlefield and more thoughtful about their moves.

WARRIOR VIGIL:

After a Lichenclan warrior receives their warrior name, they must spend their first night as a warrior in the Mooncave. The medicine cat will accompany the new warrior(s) and perform a ceremony that is similar to their first baptism; however, the warrior will walk independently into the pool, submerge their entire body, and then confess their sins to the medicine cat until their soul has been cleansed.

When the warrior(s) emerges from the water, they must sit in a silent vigil, soaking wet, until the morning sun arrives. If the warrior survives the night and does not later catch a cold, they are able to join the clan as true warriors of Lichenclan.

CONFESSION:

Warriors are encouraged to confess throughout the season. Confession is a healing and meditative practice for LichenClan warriors, where they can safely and freely admit their sins and work on repentance. Once seen as a punishing and shaming act, revisionist LichenClan warriors have altered the act of confession to instead encourage community, acceptance, and change.

WARRIOR DEATH CEREMONY:

When a LichenClan warrior dies, the Clan brings the body to the MoonCave, where they proceed with a lengthy service to commemorate their dead. The body is brought before the Sacred pool in front of the entire Clan, and the medicine cat delivers a sermon so their Clan-mate is ensured safe travels to StarClan. Members of the Clan are then allowed to approach the body and give their blessings before they are brought to their final resting grounds in the Birch Forest.

Tribe cats are known for their naturalistic and adventurous spirits, familial and shared commune, and traditional custom-based ceremonies. When the Great Waters devastated the islands, the cats who followed Tide, the first teller, across the treacherous shore became the Tribe of Floating Stones. The first Tribe cats learned to listen to the earth, water, wind, and stars around them for answers. This has led them to become naturalists who honor and celebrate the native world above all else. Tribe cats are thus adventurous, clever souls, who have been known to observe the seasons, weather, and other natural cycles in order to understand the world and construct their traditional customs.

While most Tribe cats are adventurous in nature, this has led some of them to inherent an impulsive streak. Since the tribe does not share a border with another clan, this means a lot of their actions or endeavors sometimes lack consequences. This has also caused some tribe cats to be rather naive in nature since their island is sheltered and free from the usual threats a clan cat faces from another clan. Tribe cats are also much more codependent on one another due to their close familial ties. A tribe cat will live with their family in a shared den until a cat chooses their own mate and moves out. This communal attitude has led the tribe to be more interconnected and relaxed with one another than the usual clan clan. Inter-tribe conflict is rare. Instead, tribe cats will not waste time to assist one another and make decisions to benefit the entire tribe.

SUMMARY:

• Naturalistic
  
• Traditional
• Adventurous
  
• Impulsive
  
• Naive
  
• Familial
• Communal
• Dependent

HIERARCHY:

Driven to protect the land they love and cherish, the Tribe fosters a truly egalitarian environment, where both prey-hunters and stone-guard receive equal care, resources, and support from their tribe-mates. Even the Teller and head prey-hunter and stone-guard receive the same treatment as their tribe-mates and turn away notions of greed or special endowments. From the youngest kit to the oldest has-been, the Tribe does not discriminate based on age or skill. Though split by faction, the prey-hunters and stone-guard usually work together in harmony under the shared goal of honoring their ancestors and tending to the island and all of its inhabitants.

MATES & KITS:

Mating for life and love is greatly encouraged in the Tribe. A communal group of cats greatly in tune with the earth, the Tribe honors the cycle of life, and finds great joy in the custom of 'Joining Dens' and mating. They believe a strong, happy union, celebrated before the Endless Tribe, will ensure healthy and prosperous kits for the couple. It is common for prey-hunters to court prey-hunters, and stone-guards to stone-guards, due to their prolonged time spent together in their duties, but there is no prejudice towards tribe-mates who fall in love with a cat from another duty.

Since the tribe inhabits an entire island that boasts various terrains and biodiversity, tribe cats are diverse in musculature, coat colors, and fur-lengths. Stone-guards are massive, muscular cats with dense coats that are resilient to numerous threats, such as violent storms, mud, and claws. Their brawn is evident in their thick, barreled chests, wide maws, and overall bulk. Prey-hunters are lithe, slender cats with shorter coats that are wind resistant and streamlined. Their nimble bodies are created to weave across the moorland, beneath the underbrush, and between the waves, which makes them skilled hunters and swimmers.

Tribe cats flaunt diverse fur colors; however, stone-guards are often darker in color and have solid or patched black, blue, silver or brown coats, while prey-hunters have evolved to boast multi-colored fur and patterns, such as tabbies, calicos, or tortoiseshells. Some tribe cats have oriental blood.

STONE-GUARD SUMMARY:

• Massive and muscular build
  
• Dense, thick-furred coats
  
• Black, blue, silver, or brown fur
  
• Solid or patches
  

PREY-HUNTER SUMMARY:

• Lithe and slender build
  
• Short, thin-furred coats
  
• Multi-colored fur
  
• Tabbies, calicos, and tortoiseshells
  

THE MAINLAND:

The Tribe of Floating Stones governs the entirety of their home, South Twin Island, free of borders and other Clans. It's a vast mainland consisting of sloping moors, while a dense, boreal forest reigns over the north. The southern portion of the mainland carves into a deep ravine, where an ancient gathering place, the Tribe Stone, makes it home. Unlike the Clan cats, the Tribe cats do not occupy a communal camp, but instead live in family dens across the entire island.

THE ISLES:

The great waters from Lake Superior washes inland, which has created four smaller islands along the mainland, known as the Floating Isles. Each separate island holds great significance to the Tribe and serves a purpose. The Rock where All Wounds Heal and The Stone that Never Ends provides healing and spiritual guidance for the living and the dead. While The Stone where Fish Leap and The Rock where Leaves Fall provide ample hunting and training grounds for the Tribe.

For a visual representation of the territory, check out the tribe's collage map made by Arlinn . More in-depth territory details are available on the Clan and Tribe maps or in the territory board descriptions.

C = Common             UC = Uncommon             R = Rare

PREY:	ALL YEAR BIRDS:
Shrews - C	Northern Goshawk - R
Mice - C	Ruffled Grouse - UC
Voles - C	Great Horned Owl - UC
Red Squirrel - UC	Pileated Woodpecker - UC
Snowshoe Hare - C	Hairy Woodpecker - C
Beaver - R	Down Woodpecker - C
Otter - UC	Gray Jay - R
Raccoon - UC	Blue Jay - C
Trout - C	Northern Raven - C
Small Mouth Bass - C	Black Capped Chickadee - C

SUMMER BIRDS:	WINTER BIRDS:
Wrens - C	Short Eared Owl -R
Warblers - UC	Bohemian Waxwing - R
Blackbirds - UC
Sparrows - C
Swallows - C
Great Blue Heron - UC
Mallard - UC
Common Loon - C
Spotted Sandpiper - UC
Ring-Billed Gull - C
Mute Swan - R
American Crow - C
American Robin - UC

NON-PREDATORS:	PREDATORS:
Deer - C	Red Fox - UC
Porcupine - UC	Coyote - C
	Bobcat - UC
	Black Bear - R

HERBS:

Red Elderberry - C

Catmint - UC

Golden Ragwort - C

Brownwort - C

Comfry - UC

Dock - C

Honey - C

Pine Sap - UC

Poppy Seeds - C

Chervil - UC

Marigold - C

Lavender - R

Borage - C

Nightshade - R

Chokecherry - C

Cardinal Flower - UC

Chickweed - C

Hemlock - UC

TO-BE:

To-bes are cats between six and sixteen moons old. At six moons to-bes are ceremoniously inducted into the tribe at the tribe stone. The teller introduces them to the tribe and then marks their forehead with a mixture of berries, which symbolizes their pledge to protect and honor their tribe brothers and sisters until their death. After the ceremony, the to-be is allowed to begin their training beneath both stone-guards and prey-hunters until their path is later chosen. Throughout their training, they are taken on a variety of patrols to assess their hunting and fighting skills. They have no specific mentor; and instead, the entire tribe works together to assist and encourage the young tribe cat.

When a to-be reaches twelve moons, they will have a one-on-one session with the teller so it can be determined where their skills best suit the tribe. The teller then announces to the tribe where the to-be will be focussing their training and the to-be then becomes a fledgling of that rank. The new fledging focuses on training in their roll until they reach their eighteenth moon when they are then welcomed as a full Tribe member.

STONE-GUARD:

Stone-guards are large, muscular cats who have high endurance, stamina, and tracking abilities. These cats guard the tribe from natural predators, threats from other cats, and manage the natural health of the island. This includes fighting against erosion, flooding, and storm damage. Similar to prey-hunters, some generations of stone-guards have been trained in specific areas by their families, such as protecting a particular herb and encouraging its growth or governing and taking care of an area on the island. Other guards take pride in sharpening their fighting skills and hunting down natural predators. While not trained hunters, stone-guards will also hunt for the tribe if necessary.

HEAD STONE-GUARD:

The Head Stone-guard is typically an older, experienced stone-guard appointed by the Teller. Their duties include organizing tasks for the stone-guards, evaluating to-bes at their twelfth moon to gauge their final placement, receiving reports from the other stone-guards about the integrity of the island, and accompanying hunting patrols to protect them from wild predators or dangerous weather conditions.

PREY-HUNTER:

Prey-hunters are small, agile cats who are strong swimmers, excellent trackers, and quick on their feet. These cats hunt for the tribe and ensure that each mouth is fed and bellies are full. While there is no code that dictates who should be fed first, they will typically ensure the old, sick, kit-mothers, and kits are fed before distributing food to the rest of the tribe. Some prey-hunters come from long-lines of specialized hunting techniques, passed on by generation to generation, such as those who hunt rabbits or those who hunt birds out of the sky. If a certain type of prey is noticeably suffering on the island, their families are often consulted by the head prey-hunter and then worked with to encourage their numbers. While not trained fighters, they will fight to protect the tribe if needed.

HEAD PREY-HUNTER:

The Head Prey-hunter is typically an older, experienced prey-hunter appointed by the Teller. Their duties include organizing hunting patrols, evaluating to-bes at their twelfth moon to gauge their final placement, conserving food sources by dissuading hunting of a particular prey, and accompanying stone-guard patrols for the occasional big-game hunt, such as a bird of prey.

THE TELLER OF THE STARS:

The Teller of the Stars serves as a healer and leader for the tribe. They are the sole connection to the Tribe of Endless Life, as they are able to connect with their deceased ancestor through visions, dreams, and visits to the Stone that Never Ends. The tribe looks to the Teller for guidance regarding not only their physical health but their spiritual and relational health as well. The Teller’s duties include appointing the head prey-hunter and stone-guard, leading the tribe’s traditional ceremonies, interpreting visions from the Tribe of Endless Life, healing sick cats, and maintaining herb growth on the island.

THE TELLER'S APPRENTICE:

The Teller’s apprentice is chosen by the Tribe of Endless Life. The current teller will receive a vision from their ancestors revealing the cat who is chosen to lead the tribe. A cat does not have to be a to-be to receive this blessing. Any age or rank can be chosen by the Tribe of Endless Life. The chosen cat will then learn the art of healing and medicine while observing how to function as a leader under the tutelage of the current teller. As an apprentice they will only visit the Stone that Never ends once on the first new moon of their apprenticeship. They will not visit the stone again until they become a Teller with their mentor’s death.

HAS-BEEN:

Has-beens are the eldest members of the tribe. They have served and honored their tribe-mates for many seasons and now rest easily in retirement. While has-beens are free from usual tribe duties, this does not mean they do not interact with the rest of the tribe. On the contrary, these cats still have strong bonds with their tribes, as has-beens are a good source for ancient knowledge and heroic stories. Additionally, has-beens are often the first to volunteer to care for the sick cats cast to the sick rock, so the younger tribe members can continue to live a long, healthy life.

THE TRIBE OF ENDLESS LIFE:

The tribe believes in the Tribe of Endless Life; an after-life that is rooted in the natural earth. Unlike the clan cats, the tribe does not believe that their ancestors can talk to them from the stars and deliver them omens and signs; but rather, in death, the tribe member will return to the earth as the wind, stones, stars, trees, flowers, and other native occurrences. Their souls can be felt in the world around them, which drives the tribe cats to treat the earth as their own kin.

FIGHTING & SPILLING BLOOD:

The Tribe carries a sacred bond with one another, the land they inhabit, and all of its creatures. So spilling blood for sport, especially on another cat, verses for nourishment is considered extremely taboo. Tribe members train with one another to ward off dangerous predators who pose a tangible threat to their home, not other cats. They do not believe in unsheathing their claws one another or drawing the blood of a Tribe-mate.

KIT NAMING:

When a litter is born, the Teller will receive a vision at their birth, which reveals the nature of their names and destined futures. The visions are often short and visual, so that the Teller is able to interpret the images and assign them to the newborn kit. The parents of the kits then use the visions to give the kit it's official name.

JOURNEYING TO THE STONE:

On the eve before becoming a full Tribe member, fledgling to-bes must journey to the Stone That Never Ends and pay tribute to their ancestors for the first time by spending the night on the island. It is a powerful custom, one that reveals the breath-taking power of Tribe of Endless Life. But the ceremony is also shrouded in mystery. Older Tribe members purposefully keep the tradition a secret from their younger tribe-mates. It is a very personal and unique custom, one that is different for every to-be who experiences it. Most return the morning after reporting they can now sense the Endless Tribe in everything around them, from the grass they walk on to the sky above.

JOINING DENS:

When two cats wish to become mates, the Teller will hold a ceremonial meeting where both cats announce their public union and receive a blessing from the tribe in celebration. Once the union has been celebrated, the two cats will then merge their dens together to strengthen the bond between both united families. One cat can choose to move into their mate’s already constructed den, or both cats can choose to make a den together to celebrate their new bond.

SOLSTICE FESTIVALS:

During the longest and shortest days of the season, the Tribe customarily comes together at the Tribe Stone to celebrate life. A large feast is prepared for the Tribe cats by the prey-hunters, and stone-guards put together games for the young. They traditionally spend dusk until dawn in each other's company, giving thanks to the land and sharing stories of Tribe members long gone. It is not uncommon for the Teller to receive a message from the Endless Tribe during a solstice festival, usually a sign indicating the upcoming season, whether they promise good hunting or warn of troubles to come.

DEATH CEREMONY:

When a Tribe member passes, the Tribe holds a ceremony at the Tribe Stone, where they honor the deceased and prepare them for their spiritual journey to the Stone that Never Ends. Their family and closest brethren ceremoniously carry them to the Stone that Never Ends and bury them with their kin, so their soul can return to the earth and live on forever. It is rumored that some souls have returned to the earth as new tribe members, but this rumor only whispers in the wind and nothing more.

Rogues are the most common outsiders on the island. These are cats that are either ex-clan or tribe members who have been banished for heinous acts, such as murder or treason, or these are cats who have descended from the ancient, hostile cats that once roamed the island.

The rogues that inhabit the island are malicious, as their desire to kill is as innate as their desire to eat. These cats will not hesitate to murder a clan or tribe cat in cold blood in order to survive. While most rogues are generally hostile towards clan or tribe cats and will not hesitate to steal their resources for their own gain, some rogues will keep their distance and fend only for themselves.

Notably, under the name 'Celandine,' a group of rogues have banded together to survive. They follow their leader Poppy, who wants to create a safe haven for rogues and secure stable resources for them by whatever means necessary.

Loners are rarer on the island since the cats are landlocked, and there are few avenues for travelers and cats from foreign lands. However, some rogue born cats detest their hostile ancestors, and instead, choose to live solitary lives that are neither murderous or cruel. Likewise, some cats have chosen to abandon their clan or tribe in order to live their own life free from the codes that bind them.

These cats tend to be monk-like in nature and move around the northern shoreline as lonely migrants. Loners do not mind solitude and revel as their own sovereigns. While these cats choose to live destitute lives, that does not mean they are peaceful or immune to a fight. These cats will defend their autonomy and act by their own rules.

Far beneath the island, a group of loners live together in the tunnels. Sworn by an oath to protect StarClan and maintain peace among the Clan cats, they serve as a neutral, unbiased entity on the island. Their group largely consists of ex-warriors who were cast from their Clans, injured warriors who never found their way home, or warriors who chose to join them after the Great War. They have a deep, primordial connection to StarClan and want to ensure the Dark Forest never rises to power again. They protect medicine cats during the half-moon and leaders during their naming ceremony, and ensure the truce never breaks at the Gathering.

Refuge:

Originally forming to provide a refuge for ex-warriors or the injured, the tunnel cats continue to offer a safe haven for those who want to leave their old lives behind. Whether they've been banished, injured, or simply deserting their old Clan behind. The tunnel cats pass no judgment. They simply want to heal and share knowledge.

VISIT THE TUNNELS:

The tunnel cats possess a great knowledge relating to island lore, diplomacy, healing, and the stars. Visitors are welcome to journey beneath the island to converse with the tunnel cats and learn about the following four areas of expertise:

Lore: Passed down through stories by their original founders, Cranewatcher and Rookflower, the tunnel cats are familiar with the ancient history of the island, including the origins of the original five Clans. They can be asked about specific historical events and provide information found in the Lore and Island Timeline.

Diplomacy: Vowing to ensure peace on the island, tunnel cats are well practiced in the art of diplomacy. They work hard to maintain a neutral position on the island by attending political negotiations, attending Gatherings, and guarding medicine cats and leaders who visit the lagoon. Visitors can converse with a tunnel cat to learn diplomacy related skills.

Healing: With an ex-medicine cat as their founder, many tunnel cats are knowledgeable of herbs and ancient healing techniques. They routinely note the location of most herbs on the island and monitor their growth. Their healing techniques also closely resemble the original five Clans. They use their skills to help any injured refugees or passing visitors.

Stars: From the Observatory, tunnel cats have taken to watching and examining the Stars. They cannot speak directly to StarClan like the medicine cats, but they are knowledgeable about constellations and tracking the sky and weather patterns. Visitors can learn about constellations and the sky by joining a tunnel cat at the Observatory.

THE NORTHERN DISSENTERS:

Unlike the southern shoreline, which is covered in esoteric sea caves, tunnels, and winding trails, the northern shoreline and its accompanying land is uninhabitable and treacherous. The cliffs are sheer, murderous inclines that cut off directly into the water, making them ridiculously hard to climb or scale. The land above the cliffs is notoriously windy and inches from the Thistleclan border, which makes it a hazardous location for the wandering rogue or loner; however, since it is close to sheltered woodland, the area is popular for hunting and stealing prey from the clan cats.

As the shoreline stretches across the northern peninsula, the land becomes even more deteriorated and barren. Prey is scarce, which makes survival hard for non-clan or tribe cats The terrain is weathered, coarse moorland that is covered with worn stones and rotted, dead trees. Two-leg structures sit abandoned on the northern portion of the island, their shelters decrepit and rotting. Despite their condition, the old homes do provide rogues and loners with shelter during the biting cold of the winter moons.

THE HIDDEN REFUGE:

Providing a safe haven for those who are lost or injured, the cats who live within the underground caves do not speak of a formal camp or home, at least not to those who seek their wisdom. They are a secretive group, residing somewhere in the caverns near the Lagoon. A large chamber acts as their gathering place, though its location is only known to those who are a part of their group, either as a member or a refugee. Those in need of healing are brought to the Cave of Many Colors, while Vega and his family are rumored to have a secret meeting place of their own.

THE UNDERGROUND CAVES:

Living for seasons within its depths, the cats who inhabit the tunnels have discovered many of the island's most enchanting secrets and made their home. Rich hunting grounds are supported by the tunnel's groundwaters, while an open observatory far beneath rogue territory gives way to the sky, allowing the cats of the tunnels to study the Stars. Deep at its center, an ominous trench nearly cuts the island in half, and only those who are privy to its secrets can navigate to its bed of treasures.

C = Common             UC = Uncommon             R = Rare

PREY:	ALL YEAR BIRDS:
Shrews - C	Northern Goshawk - R
Mice - C	Hairy Woodpecker - C
Voles - C	Down Woodpecker - UC
Snowshoe Hare - UC	Gray Jay - R
Weasel - UC	Blue Jay - C
Raccoon - UC	Black Capped Chickadee - C
	Pine Siskin - UC

SUMMER BIRDS:	WINTER BIRDS:
Wrens - C	Snowy Owl -R
Warblers - C	Great Gray Owl - R
Flycatchers - UC
Swallows - C
American Robin - C
American Crow - UC
Rock Dove - UC
Ring-Billed Gull - C

NON-PREDATORS:	PREDATORS:
Deer - C	Red Fox - C
Porcupine - UC	Gray Fox - UC
	Bobcat - UC
	Coyote - R

HERBS:

Red Elderberry - C

Catmint - C

Comfry - C

Poppy Seeds - C

Lavender - UC

Horsetail - UC

Chervil - R

Nightshade - UC

Chokecherry - R

Hemlock - UC