Hi all,

The sun is shining! The birds are singing! Swirling masses of dangerous and deadly water remain! Ah, Green-leaf! We love to see her <3 Welcome to June everyone! We hope you've been able to get outside and enjoy the warm weather before it's too hot to function 🥵

This month, we're continuing the plots and patrols we started in May! A lot of them are still in progress, so we decided to hold off on introducing any new plot elements this month. Though some tasty thread drops are coming. So keep an eye out 😉 We also have our Green-leaf Gathering, but with a twist! Make sure to read more about it in the Event Updates tab!

We're also voting on our favorite Cultural Crafting Contest entry, and celebrating our OTS's. Way to go everyone! You dropped this...king 👑 Regarding site updates, we're introducing new plotting avenues for the tunnel cats based on the results of the survey, and a new shiny process for switching in-characters factions. Otherwise, we have our usual plot updates. The flood be flooding, girl!

UPDATES ---

• Cultural Crafting Contest Voting
• Green-leaf Gathering Raffle
• OTSs
• Flood pt. 2 reminder
  
• Tunnel cat plotting
• Change a faction
• Plot Adopts
• Monthly patrols
• Plot updates

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ---

A big birthday s/o to our favorite c a n n a ! We hope you're able to bash it out with everyone you love and rave it up shrek style. Your birthday deserves all of the maxi skirts and crocs, sexy cat art, and high-quality outdoor only (NO COLLARS OR HARNESSES) face claims. You have also earned the coveted right to say "ass" (mods asleep) 1 time.

ACTIVITY CHECK ---

Reminder: We've moved our Activity Check to the Discord! Gasp! There's nothing here

CULTURAL CRAFTING CONTEST ---

Thank you to every cool cat and kitten participating in our Cultural Crafting Contest! This activity aimed to help support our new clan cultural customs by creating pieces specifically dedicated to their unique celebrations! With a range of events from solstice festivals to duels, it's been thrilling to see everyone's depictions! Once again, we appreciate your participation as we continue to host our art contests to encompass all forms of feline craftsmanship.

Members can vote for their favorite cultural craft at the Cultural Crafting Contest Voting thread! As usual, votes are subjective, so vote for whatever entry you think best embodies the prompt of "Cultural Event.” Members can vote until June 7, 2023. The winner will then be announced on the Discord on June 8!

GREEN-LEAF GATHERING ---

Over the past moon we’ve welcomed a pawful of new faces to the Apostle Islands cult 18+ Warrior Roleplay. As per our usual schedule, we’re hosting a full moon Gathering. This time, we’re shaking things up with a mixer event.

For the Green-Leaf Gathering, every character on your roster is invited! However, there's a catch! To gain entry into this coveted club, you must roleplay with a shiny new face! That’s right, your character must roleplay with a character they've never roleplayed with before, or for bonus points, you can roleplay with a member you've never roleplayed with before, to attend this Gathering.

But wait! There’s more! Each green-leaf gathering thread you create from June 1 to August 31, 2023 earns you and your thread partner a raffle ticket! The raffle will then be drawn on September 1, 2023, and one lucky winner will win an assortment of goodies!

Current prizes include:

• Set of 3 action dice reroll
  
• Rare trait or extra character slot
• Art from maxx
• Art from wish
• Art from other volunteering artists (contact Maxx to participate!)

What are you waiting for? Head on over to the Green-leaf Gathering 2023 thread to learn more about the rules, Gathering context, and more!

MEMBER OF THE SEASON

Only joining at the start of this year, Blitzen's already wow'd us with their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent! Which begs us to ask! Where have you been all our lives??! With the posting speed of a cheetah and the disposition of a kitten, she is both in and out of a roleplay, an absolute joy to be around! We can always count on them to greet everyone with a cheery good morning! blitzen roleplays Mintbreeze, Dogear, Cherrybite, Splintersight, Juncoshadow, Foxglovekit, and Morning Fog Over Lake!

Blitzen is slaying both ICly and OOCly as a dependable and active member on the site! Not only are almost all of her characters busy training their apprentices, but they're already involved in a bunch of juicy plots as well! From Juncoshadow’s romantic conquest with Shellshine, to Dogear’s budding friendship with Gullheart, Blitz's is doing it all! OOCly, Blitzen is a sweetheart, always ready to lift people up and offer their genuine input!. And did we mention her art is absolutely amazing? Give up again for blitzen !

CHARACTER OF THE SEASON

Wow *looks across the water* What the hell is going on in the tribe!? First, Fog "disappears", then Sumac takes over, and now Talon's demoted?? Shhh don’t worry, his replacement is kind of a zaddy Our favorite milk-maid twink, the one and only, Laurel From Where Raven Perches, played by soot , is this season's C-OTS! With spicy energy and a somehow seemingly unassuming, but egotistical attitude, Laurel isn’t just Sumac’s perfect pawn, but he's also the perfect entertainment for us readers!

Despite what we just described above, Laurel isn’t always found in Sumac’s den. Although he might believe in his new leader’s words with a frighteningly intense passion, his blindness does not entirely exclude him from having a heart. He still does care about his tribe-mates, whether they follow Sumac’s or not. For example, he's trying to help take care of Hemlock’s kits! That's somethin'! Can Laurel's horse blinders be taken off? We can't wait to find out! Congratulations miss Soot! And Miss Laurel 😳

RELATIONSHIP OF THE SEASON

What better time to celebrate Finchstar’s and Pebblefoot’s long time coming litter than with a good ole R-OTS? It only took a big ass blizzard to get these two to spend a spicy night together! Aww poor Finchy! He was just dying to confess! Out of all the pairs, this dynamic duo is perhaps one of the most interesting. For their clashing energies take on a whole new life when they are together, inspiring new perspectives and valor in themselves. Congratulations to rain and kaz !

Finchstar and Pebblefoot had always been aware of each other, Finchstar’s precious Heatherstar being the mother of the quirky warrior. But although they respectfully lived alongside each other as Clanmates, it wasn’t until deep within Finchstar’s leadership that something profound and kind of sexy blossomed between them. Pebblefoot aiding in Finchstar’s confidence and Finchstar supporting Pebblefoot in her tribulation — it was only a matter of time before they realized how much they cared about each other. And, of course, how hot Pebblefoot’s bod was We know she's dumped up!!

THREAD OF THE SEASON

Thanks to our lord and savior Sumac, the tribe has been getting a lot of love from our readers this season! Voted as this season's T-OTS, Dissent gave us another sickening, drama-filled Tribe hit! Now deep within his reign, Sumac constantly endures disgruntled faces and hungry moans — one of which belongs to the chair-wielder herself! Maple! And she's pissed. Watch out Sumac! Congratulations to Egotistic and Raven~ for pulling off such a spicy confrontation!

The thread starts with Maple quickly objecting to Sumac’s ‘good faith,’ by pointing out his greedy approach to his position of power. Which quickly turns south, after Sumac demands Maple's obedience. Not only does Maple completely disagree with everything Sumac says, but she gets freakin' pissed off. With a warning sliced into the air, Maple leaves Sumac to seethe in silence. With both cats dreaming of each other's death — Who will prevail in the end? Sumac didn't take Maple's chair. She's got it on prison island. Just sayin' Way to go you two! This thread kicked ass!

FLOOD STAGE TWO ---

As a reminder, we're currently in the second stage of our flood plot, which means the Clans are continuing to share land together in RedwoodClan under temporary borders. Standing water currently occupies most of ThistleClan and LichenClan's territory.

Last moon, it came up to their chests. The water has now drained enough to only reach the middle of their legs, but it still covers most of their land, making it unsuitable for a return. Patrols, however, can begin making the journey home to assess the land as it's slightly safer. See the Special Weather Event: Flood Division thread for more information.

TUNNEL CAT PLOTTING ---

After compiling the results from the Tunnel Cat Survey, we've decided to introduce 4 new features regarding their "knowledge base" and plotting potential:

• Defined tunnel cat knowledge (lore, diplomacy, healing, and stars) in the Plot & Clan/Tribe information thread
• Created a 'Faction Change Request'
• Added a 'ceremony request' thread for Tunnel cats & faction change request section
  
• Added 'Tunnel cats threads' to the Vitality stat options

What does all of this mean?!

We're glad you asked! All current tunnel cat characters have been "grandfathered" in and possess an aproximate knowledge about lore, diplomacy, healing, and stars, which they can teach to visitors. If they thread with a visitor, that visitor (and tunnel cat) can then redeem the thread for a Vitality stat! Cool!

Current tunnel cats do not need to complete any additional training threads to "learn a skill." They can already know about every subject, or only one or two subjects. It's completely up to you! Just say the word, and it's true for your character Similarly, if you wanna thread your tunnel cat learning from another tunnel cat. Go ahead! The tunnels are your oyster! The above additions only apply to new tunnel cats.

What if I'm a new tunnel cat?!

All characters wishing to join the tunnel cats from this point onward, must submit a Faction Change Request, which includes completing 2 threads. See the blurb below or check out the thread for more information.

After submitting a Faction Change Request, new tunnel cats can only thread and 'give out Vitality stats' after they have completed 2 training threads outlined in the Ceremony Request Rules. After completing their training, any visitor can thread with them and put it toward a stat.

If you have any questions about these updates, please reach out to staff for more information!

FACTION CHANGE REQUEST ---

While thinkin' and thunkin' about the Tunnel Cats, we noticed a glaring gap in one of our site processes! Gasp! We don't track faction changes, urgh (which is why the allegiances might be slightly off). Over the seasons, we've had several cats change factions, but no formal process to track and or "earn" the faction change IC-ly. Well! Now we do!

Most faction changes are simple, and require 2 completed threads, usually involving why your character is leaving and them physically joining their new group. However! Be warned! Not every faction is going to willingly let you in. Check out Faction Change Request for more information!

PLOT ADOPTS: CELANDINE ---

*Drum roll please*! We had an incredible turn out for Celandine's plot adopts last month. So we're excited to announce the following characters in their new rogue-y roles!

• Commander - Honeybun (captain ) and Sugarplum (Kazuko )
  
• Spymaster - Leopardface (maxx )
  
• Physician - Mercury  (Silverfire )
  
• Prophet - Silverpaw (Egotistic )
  

Please reach out to lightning to start plotting and shifting your characters into these roles! And a big thank you to everyone who applied! Please continue doing so and keep an eye on the Canon & Plot Adopts each month

MONTHLY PATROLS AND PLOT UPDATE

Even after a moon, the Clan and Tribe islands are continuing to experience substantial flooding. The Clan island remains largely underwater, specifically around the shorelines and where the land slopes down into ThistleClan. However, the water levels have gone down significantly. No longer chest level, it reaches most warrior's forearms and hocks. Still unable to return to their camps, however, ThistleClan and LichenClan remain in their respective, temporary camps at the Bear Stones and the Birch Forest.

Across the sandbar, the Tribe island has mostly recovered from the flood, but their isles, particularly where the prisoners are being held, are partially underwater. Forced out of the tunnels, Vega and his family take refuge in RedwoodClan's camp. While in the north, all of the rogues begrudgingly shelter on the peninsula with Poppy.

During the green-leaf season, you will have the opportunity to explore the following scenarios:

• Navigate Clan politics as each Clan is forced to share RedwoodClan land
• Explore the new territory during the flooding
• Scout your old territory to try and see what's salvageable
• Relish in the warmer weather and return of green-leaf
• Participate in the Gathering

CURRENT ONGOING PATROLS

• Resurgence (Tribe)
  
• Celandine (Rogues)
• You owe me (Leaders)
• Peace is a Delicate Thing (Deputies)
• Trapped in Amber (Medicine Cats)
  

REDWOODCLAN

RedwoodClan continues to offer shelter and resources to ThistleClan, LichenClan, and the tunnel cats after the flood. Though ThistleClan refuses to pool resources with their neighbors and instead draws harsh border lines at the Bear Stones, creating tension between the three Clans. After learning about the tunnel cats and their lives, Icesong decides to step down from her position as deputy and will leave with them once the flood waters recede. At Finchstar's wishes, she'll remain in the Clan long enough to help him choose a successor. Orchidshade receives a mysterious message from Lilacpaw at the half-moon, while Asterstorm struggles with her new position as a medicine cat.

Warriors of RedwoodClan can explore the following scenarios this green-leaf:

• Happily or angrily share resources and mingle with LichenClan
• Taunt ThistleClan warriors at the temporary border
• Explore and navigate the new territory during the flooding
• Relish in the warmer weather and return of new-leaf
• Participate in the Gathering
• Visit with Fog
• Say goodbye to Icesong

RWC NEWS:

• RedwoodClan offers shelter to both Clans
• RedwoodClan & LichenClan share resources
• RedwoodClan attends the Gathering
• Icesong decides to step down as deputy and join the tunnel cats
• Orchidshade receives a mysterious message from Lilacpaw

THISTLECLAN
With their territory still under water, ThistleClan is forced to take refuge in RedwoodClan at the Bear Stones. Refusing to pool and share resources, they frequently patrol their temporary borders, causing skirmishes to break out between both Clans. With the water receding, scouting patrols are sent into ThistleClan territory so they can assess their losses and prepare for their journey back home. At the Gathering, ThistleClan is tense, particularly unnerved by the accompanying tunnel cats and Fog. Shadepool and Meadowpaw return from the half-moon, where they were able to convene with the other medicine cats.

Warriors of ThistleClan can explore the following scenarios this green-leaf:

• Angrily mark their temporary border with RedwoodClan/LichenClan
• Support or oppose leaderships' decision regarding resources
• Scout old territory to assess damage and look for missing den-mates
• Explore and navigate the new territory during the flooding
• Relish in the warmer weather and return of green-leaf
• Participate in the Gathering

TC NEWS:

• ThistleClan draws a temporary border at the Bear Stones
• Several ThistleClanners are missing after the flood
• ThistleClan attends the Gathering

LICHENCLAN
With flood waters occupying their shores and camp, LichenClan remains in the Birch Forest, where they continue to share resources with RedwoodClan and the tunnel cats. Their temporary border with ThistleClan increasingly becomes hostile as the other Clan threatens any wandering warriors accidentally straying too close. Yarrowstar announces the creation of LichenClan's council at the Gathering, a group to help them make balanced decisions. After conversing with Coyotecall, Lilacpaw joins Briarfall at the half-moon and gives Orchidshade his message.

Warriors of LichenClan can explore the following scenarios this green-leaf:

• Happily or angrily share resources and mingle with RedwoodClan
• Taunt ThistleClan warriors at the temporary border
• Scout old territory to assess damage and look for missing den-mates
• Explore and navigate the new territory during the flooding
• Relish in the warmer weather and return of green-leaf
• Go and participate in the Gathering
• Visit with Fog or the tunnel cats in the RedwoodClan camp
  

LC NEWS:

• LichenClan shares resources with RedwoodClan and shelters in the Birch Forest
• Some LichenClanners are missing after the flood
• LichenClan attends the Gathering
• Caveflower and Pigeonheart welcome 4 new kits: Applekit, Foxglovekit, Dustkit, and Hemlock-kit.

THE TRIBE
Flooding has significantly receded on the Tribe island. The floating isles, however, continue to remain partially underwater, drastically cutting resources for the prisoners. With the warmer weather, prey is finally returning to the land. Encouraged by this, Sumac sends a hunting patrol of to-bes out to the boreal forest to assess their abilities. But they are attacked by a group of hungry coyotes. Whispers of revolt rise from the prisoners. On the Clan island, Fog joins the Gathering, where he announces his decision to return home once the waters recede.

Tribe members of the Tribe can explore the following scenarios this leaf-bare:

• Obediently follow or enforce Sumac's new rules
• Challenge Sumc and his rules, risking the chance of punishment
• Survive as a prisoner on the Rock Where All Wounds Heal
• Navigate the remamining flooding regarding hunting and training
• Interact with the other cats in isolation or the guards

TRIBE NEWS:

• The prisoner island remains partially underwater
• Gloom and Icicle try to plan a revolut with the other prisoners
• A group of coyotes attack a hunting patrol of to-bes
• Fog announces his decision to return home at the Gathering

OUTSIDERS
With their home still under water, the tunnel cats continue to take refuge in RedwoodClan's camp, where they convene with any interested warrior. Icesong takes a particular interest in the tunnel cats, feeling drawn to their beliefs and culture. After speaking with Vega, she decides to join them once the waters recede.

In the north, the remaining flood waters continue to strand reluctant rogues, loners, and Clan cats on Poppy's peninsula. With nowhere to go, they are forced to take refuge with her group. Some, however, choose to brave the standing water and try to return home. For those who remain, Poppy begins to strengthen her group and assign roles to her followers.

Outsiders can explore the following scenarios this green-leaf:

• Join Poppy and her new group: Celandine
• Navigate the flooding regarding hunting and training
• Try to get back home in the flood waters
• Take refuge in RedwoodClan camp and connect with RedwoodClan/LichenClan (TUNNEL CATS)
  
• Learn or share knowledge about the ancient Clans, StarClan, and island history (TUNNEL CATS)
  

OUTSIDER NEWS:

• Celandine uses the flood to their advantage to try and grow their numbers and gain intel
• Poppy approaches the following cats and elects Honeybun & Sugar as her commander, Leopardface as her spymaster, Mercury as her physician, and Silverpaw as her prophet
  
• Vega and his family shelter in RedwoodClan's camp
• The new recruits, Fernheart & Shadowface, learn about their new home and role.
  
• Icesong chooses to join them as RedwoodClan's representative
  

AGEING ---

Characters will age one moon this month. Staff will update the allegiances, while members are responsible for their own character biographies. Characters that were created or born in the last week do not have to age and can wait for the next month.

Remember if you have apprentices reaching warrior age check out the requirements and ensure you meet them before putting in a ceremony request.

Note:

Hemlock x River kits are five moons old.

Blazing x Willow kits are three moon old.

Root x Storm kits are three moon old.

Bark x Elm kits are three moon old.

Lavender x Quick kits are one moon old.

Jay x Tansy kit is one moon old.

Cave x Pigeon kits become playable at one moon on June 16.

Finch x Pebble kits become playable at one moon on June 21.


FUTURE UPDATES ---

Next month, we're moving into the third and final stage of the flood! So make use of the current setting if you wanna get in those tasty, tasty inter-Clan interactions We also hope to see a lot of new Gathering threads <3 Perhaps there'll be more cross-Clan friends floating around! Or enemies heh. We also have another exciting contest planned and some new plot drops. Enjoy the sunny and beautiful weather everyone. Summer is finally here!

Best,
The Apostles Staff