1. For the 2024 New-Leaf Gathering, all characters are welcome to attend and create Gathering threads if they meet the following criteria:

a. They are a Clan, Tribe, or Tunnel cat

b. React to Finchstar and Stagstar's argument and the sudden covering of the moon.

2. As a reminder, we will not have 1 universal and shared Gathering thread. You are free to create your own individual Gathering threads! Threads must include [New-leaf Gathering] or some variation in the title.

3. All leaf-bare Gathering threads must be created from March, 2024 to May 31, 2023. They cannot be created after May 31.

4. There is no deadline to finish the Gathering threads. However, come June 1, a new Gathering will be posted. So try to finish them in a timely manner.

5. For every Gathering thread you create, you and your thread partner earn 1 raffle ticket once they respond!

a. For example, Wish and Maxx create a thread with Tigerpool and Brambleheart. Maxx starts. When Wish replies, they both can turn in the starter & reply to #contest-submissions in the Discord  for 1 raffle ticket each!

b. 1 thread = 1 raffle ticket per member (it is not per post)

6. You and your thread partner can earn an additional bonus raffle ticket for the leaf-bare Gathering if you thread a ThistleClan warrior getting into a fight with RedwoodClan warrior.

a. For example, Blazingstorm threatens to send Larchtail into next week, and she explodes on the spot. Wish and Maxx both earn a bonus ticket because it's a negative TC and RWC interaction.

7. Characters in a Forbidden Relationship can use the Gathering as an opportunity to meet and develop their relationship since it's not suspicious and makes IC sense.

a. However, if your characters are in a romantic relationship, and you plan for them to have kits, you cannot use a Gathering thread towards your Litter Requirements as it defeats the entire purpose of our FBR rules.

8. Staff will keep track of each raffle ticket you earn, and on September 1, 2024 (Yes, a year from now, we know it's long but that means the prize will be insane) we'll do the BIG draw and 1 lucky member will win a bunch of tasty prizes! Check em' out in the Prizes tab above : )

The current prizes for the 2024 include:

•  Art from other volunteering artists (contact maxx to participate!)

There's an irony to the way that as the warmer breezes snake through the forest, the world grows more looming, dire, in the prickling silence of anticipation. The travels are eerie and unforgiving to the first evidences of new-leaf, as fresh growth tramples under the paw-steps of cats consumed in in furrowed brows. Vendettas hang heavy over the pelts of Redwood and ThistleClan. Above, the sky is dappled in a pelt of clouds, a few dazzling ancestors peeking through the cracks in its canopy. A large moon watches above.

LichenClan is the first to reach the falls, Yarrowstar arriving early in hopes of chatting with Finchstar. He is stoic as he approaches the head of the falls, hiding his emotions well. Quickstrike silently pads behind him to take his seat as deputy. He watches everyone with scrutiny. Lilacmist disperses to the medicine cat's corner and waits for the others to arrive. RedwoodClan comes in second. Finchstar is notably tense as he joins Yarrowstar. He is amicable with the older leader, but noticeably in a bad mood. Tigerpool is far more confident. There's a sense of pride to his step as his accompanies Quickstrike. Asterstorm does her best to keep a nervous Blossomstep calm as they join Lilacmist and chat.

Fog and the Tribe comes in next. He is stoic and calm as he leads his new to-be to the falls. Foxtail is overwhelmed but readily warms up and chats with whoever she encounters. Talon pads calmly in their shadow, comfortably joining the other deputies. Sunrise is happy to attend the Gathering again, but begins to worry when ThistleClan arrives. Electricity crackles in the wake of Stagstar's arrival. In his usual foul mood, Firfoot's interactions with his leader are terse before they split up, and he omits himself from talking to other deputies. Despite her air of confidence, Meadowshine is apprehensive among the other medicine cats, especially Lilamist, who is igorning her, and ties to stay close to Blossomstep.

As the basin begins to fill, Yarrowstar leans into Finchstar and quietly offers LichenClan's aid regarding the growing war with ThistleClan. Finchstar respectively bows his head to the older leader, but denies his offer. He wants to figure this out on his own. Respecting his decision. Yarrowstar pulls away and draws the Gathering to a start:

"LichenClan welcomes Lilacmist as our new head Medicine cat and council member."
He steps back, bowing his head as he thinks of Briarfall. Fog takes the opportunity to go next and introduce the young she-cat at his side, Foxtail. His calming call rings out:

"The Tribe of Floating Stones is grateful for the coming of melting snow. With this turn of seasons, the Ancestors guided me to take on my to-be, Foxtail Carried by Wind. I will be guiding and teaching her as my successor."
Fog steps aside slightly, so Foxtail can step aside and speak.

"Hi! I'm Foxtail. Nice to meet you. I'm excited to learn!"
Yarrowstar and Finchstar blink warmly at the young to-be, tickled by her youth and optimism. It quickly dashes, however, as Finchstar steps ahead and makes his pointed announcement toward ThistleClan:

"Now that RedwoodClan is finally whole again, we continue to thrive in the thick of leaf-bare. Tigerpool and Asterstorm are doing well in their roles, and a new litter is in our nursery."
Stagstar steps forward, a scathing glare shot in Finchstar's direction, as he makes his announcement:

"Thistleclan prospers in our rebuilt camp and looks to a brighter future of security and stability—a future that Tawnyfire fought and died bravely to protect, and one that we will stop at nothing to reclaim. Rest assured that her death will not be in vain."
A slight growl writhes in Finchstar's throat as he counters, unable to remain quiet, under the notable thread:

"Stagstar, are you  threatening a retaliation in the middle of a Gathering? For land that was never yours? Have you fallen so low?"
Stagstar is quick to respond, nape slightly bristling:

"No more than you have already threatened us with your actions. The last two new-leaf seasons devastated our territory with floods. It would be unwise for us to assume it will not happen again, and it's my duty as leader to prepare for that."
Finchstar releases a sharp snarl:

"And prepare for that I already have, for allowing you my territory in rainy seasons. What is unwise here, Stagstar, is how you can disrespect the borders our ancestors put down."
Both leaders are bristling at each other and baring their teeth, on the precipice of an attack. The entire basin tightens under a palpable tension. It crackles in the warm new-leaf air. RedwoodClan warriors and ThistleClan warriors turn on each other, claws unsheathing, tails lashing back and forth with vitriol. Growls and snarls break out, almost rivaling the thunder of the falls.

Suddenly, a shadow falls upon the island.

Everyone glances up in shock.

A large, ominous cloud rolls over the basin, dousing the island cats in utter and total darkness. A hush falls over the crowd. Yarrowstar steps forward and makes a final remark, drawing the Gathering to an unexpected end before everyone disperses:

"The stars have made themselves clear."