clangenlore

[clangenlore]

todays yesterday

[clangenlore]

Clangen Ask Game V2

I had some questions I wanted to edit, some I wanted to add, so here’s round 2 of the Clangen Ask Game! Most are phrased in reference to clangen comics or fan writing, but this can apply to whatever clangen/clangen-adjacent media you create!

For the cats, please include a cat you’d like to answer

🎨 Favorite Hobbies?

🌙 Heavy or light sleeper, what are their dreams like?

🐀 Favorite Prey?

🌿 Favorite herb?

🎉 Favorite Holiday/Seasonal Event?

👯 Wild circle of friends, or a few close ones? Who’s their best friend?

🌳 What does their family tree look like?

⚡️Special powers or abilities?

🌷Quirks or other mannerisms?

🎯 What do their life goals look like? Deputy, Leader, Medcat, a family?

🏠 Would they ever consider becoming a kittypet?

🐾 What do they think of nearby clans/groups?

🪲What do they value the most?

🌲Favorite location on the territory?

🌧️ Favorite weather?

🧹 Favorite and least favorite clan task/chore/patrol?

🙀What do they fear the most?

✨ What is their relationship with StarClan like?

🍀Secret they’re hiding?

For the clan

🏞️ How did your clan start?

📜 How does your clan’s warrior code differ from other clans?

🎭 Does your clan have any specific traditions, rituals, or holidays?

🌌 Does your clan believe in StarClan, or another sort of afterlife?

💥 What’s the most dramatic event in your clan’s history?

🗿 Does your clan have any important or physical artifacts they keep?

🗣️ Which cat is the biggest gossip in the clan?

👑 Your leader and deputy disappear into thin air, who takes over?

⚔️ Who is the best and worst fighter in the clan?

🐾 Best and worst hunter?

🌟 Which cat has the strongest StarClan/Dark Forest connections?

🔮 Which cat is the most superstitious?

⚰️ What are your clan’s death rituals?

🛡How does your clan choose new deputies?

🌠 Are there any cats in your clan who don’t believe in StarClan?

🐱 Who are some of the cats outside the clan, and what is the clan’s relationship with them?

💔 Which cats have the most complicated relationship with each other?/make you go feral?

🎆What do omens/messages from StarClan look like to your cats?

For the World

🗺️ What does the territory look like? Any unique landmarks?

🐇 What are typical prey you’d find in the territory? Rare or unusual prey?

🐺Typical predators?

🦌 Are there animals that the clan can’t or won’t hunt?

🏘️ What is the twoleg activity like?

⚠️ Are there any dangerous areas cats have to avoid?

🏵Areas that are considered cursed or sacred? Your clan’s equivalent to Moonstone/Moonpool?

🌋 What sort of natural disasters happen here, any that have significantly changed the landscape?

❄️ What is the most challenging season for your clan?

🪴What herbs are most important to your med cats? Rare or magical herbs unique to your world?

🪵 What natural resources does your clan collect for tools, rituals, decoration, etc.?

For the Author

✍️ What inspired you to make your clangen comic/ other media?

⏩ How far ahead do you play in clangen? How far ahead do you draw/write?

📝 What do your notes look like?

⏳ What sort of deadlines or rituals do you follow to keep yourself on schedule?

⛔️How long are you planning on making your comic? For as long as you feel like it, or is there a set end?

🎲 How close to “canon” clangen RNG do you follow?

🔄Do you let clangen fully control names, or do you interfere? Where do you get inspiration for names for warriors and kittypets?

❔Do you have any suggestions for people looking to start their own clangen blogs?

💘 Any cats you ship? Any non-canon/crackship/oddball pairs?

™️Who is your saddest little guy?

😻Which cat would you steal to be your kittypet irl?

🐈 Are there any characters currently based on your irl pets?

🌀Out of context spoilers/WIP?

🏔Lore you’ve been wanting to share but haven’t gotten a chance to?

✏️Who’s your favorite character to draw/write?

❤️ Which character does the audience seem to love that you weren’t expecting?

🌍 What are some of your irl inspirations for the lore/worldbuilding of your comic?

💭 Fan theories or headcanons you love? How much does audience interaction change the events of the comic?

🤝 If you could collab with any other clangen creator (or just want to shout out your favorites), who would it be?

This also might just be me, but be sure to give your favorite creators time to draw or write their responses! Don’t be discouraged if it takes a minute

[clangenlore]

Amazing source for FanClans!!!

This site lets you search up locations and they will give you a database of all plants, animals and more that are in that location!

I've been using this site for my warriors stuff for a while and i love it so much!!!

[clangenlore]

hello people on the internet

[clangenlore]

worldbuilding and lore ideas: religion

everything here is free to use for your own stories, with or without credit!

does your clan believe in starclan? how do they express that belief: prayer, rituals, sacrifices? can only medicine cats or leaders perform rituals? perhaps ordinary cats caught trying to influence starclan's will are punished. or perhaps they are blessed, if at a cost; perhaps rituals have a high mortality rate, but those who survive are richly rewarded. what would lead a cat to take such a risk?

how does starclan communicate with the living? signs, prophecies, dreams? are they direct or vague in their warnings? is starclan cryptic on purpose or is there an outside force hindering their ability to speak? can any cat receive a vision or is it limited to cats with certain skills? would there be any reason to fake a vision? malice, fear, prestige? perhaps starclan's chosen are revered above others and served like demigods. do ordinary cats harbor any envy or resentment toward starclan's chosen?

or perhaps your starclan oversteps: cats with the starclan connection trait might often be possessed by starclan cats to pass on messages; how would this possession impact the cat who acts as their vessel? or, more nefariously, perhaps dead cats who want to live again might take complete control of their bodies, becoming like god-kings among the living. what would happen to the soul of a possessed cat if they are stifled too long? do these cats give themselves up willingly as martyrs or do they resist their fate?

is your starclan benevolent or self-serving? are they simply dead cats, or does the devotion of the living transform them into something more, something eldritch and uncanny? are starclan cats feared? is it a blessing or a curse to be their messenger?

can starclan interfere with the physical world? to what degree? does a wrathful starclan smite those who defy it? are starclan's chosen granted unnatural boons like extended lifespans or resistance to disease? perhaps a chosen cat's blood can heal the sick and wounded, or a chosen cat can make their will a reality simply by speaking it into existence. does starclan approve of how the living use these powers? do they grant them for the benefit of all, or simply to cause a little chaos for the entertainment of the dead?

is starclan the only afterlife? does the dark forest exist? are there many places a cat's soul can go, with only the elite traveling to starclan? is starclan a final resting place or merely a waypoint on a longer journey? can starclan cats be reincarnated? is every cat reincarnated or only a select few? are cats always reincarnated as cats? do the reincarnated retain any memories? are their memories accessible from birth or must they be unlocked over time? does it hurt to remember? do their clanmates fear or worship them, or are they treated like any other cat? is there a benefit to claiming to be a reincarnation? would an ambitious cat lie about being a leader in a past life? can starclan prevent a cat from being reincarnated or is reincarnation a power beyond their influence?

[clangenlore]

the quartz kingdom 💎 moons 10-12

Moon 10

Hemlock and Gray have become mates. (Hemlock: +loyalty to Gray) Whisper wants to spend time alone today. Whisper confronts a rogue at the border, unimpressed and confident in her own strength. Whisper tries to shut out the sound of giggling, feeling sick to her stomach. Hemlock and Gray have obviously taken their relationship to the next level, if the way they're sharing tongues and making eyes at each other is any indication. She tries to take a steadying breath, reminding herself that Hemlock is happy, but she can't help but think bitterly that everyone gets to be happy except for her. Tail lashing in agitation, she stalks toward the tunnel leading out of camp, brushing past Laurel, who seems taken aback by her attitude. Whatever. Whisper isn't in the mood to coddle anyone else's feelings today. She makes her way across the territory, scaring off prey as her petulant stride rustles tall grass and disturbs pebbles underfoot. At last, she finds herself at the border with the Silver Empire. Whisper looks around, scenting the air, but can't make out any traces of the neighboring power's cats. Pity. A good fight might have made her feel better. Just as she's thinking this, she catches a scent, not Empire, but outsider: it'll do. Whisper follows the scent to its source and confronts a rogue, who seems startled and wary to see her. Whisper demands to know what the cat thinks they're doing on Kingdom territory, and the rogue stammers out some story about meeting someone here. Whisper scoffs. As if any loyal Kingdom cat would consort with such a low-life. She lifts one paw and inspects her unsheathed claws, glinting in the sunlight. As soon as Whisper wonders aloud if the rogue wants to know what his own entrails look like, the cat puffs up in terror and flees. Whisper smirks, enjoying the feeling of power; see, universe, she doesn't need Hemlock. She doesn't need anyone! She's strong, and fierce, and independent! So what if she's lonely, or if she misses her friend. She'll make it through... she has to. She tells herself this, repeating it like a mantra, hoping she'll eventually believe it as she hunches over and wails her hurt to the empty expanse around her.

Hail can’t wait to take a nap later. Snow doesn’t want to go on patrol with Hail. Yarrow noticed Rust is doing her best today. Yarrow bumps into Rust and her kits at the mouth of the crystal cave, just as he's returning and they're leaving. Rust seems to be stifling her impatience as she does her best to calmly explain to Snow that no, Snow cannot help Lotus gather herbs today. Snow is not a medic. It doesn't matter if Snow doesn't want to go hunting with Hail; Basalt assigned them to a hunting patrol, so that's what they're going to do! Snow sulks, tail swishing in barely contained frustration. Meanwhile, Hail idly scratches at her ear, looking bored and like she'd rather be in her nest. Yarrow ducks past them, exchanging a sympathetic glance with Rust. He's glad Laurel wasn't such a pawful at that age.

Laurel helps Lotus gather herbs. Lotus, noticing Whisper brush past Laurel without speaking, walks over to the hurt-looking squire and asks if she'd like to gather herbs with him. Laurel thanks him quietly and lets him lead her to his favorite patch of thyme. The calming scent of the leaves seems to soothe Laurel's worries, and by the time they return to camp, she's purring and making conversation with Lotus. She's almost acting like her usual self, but not quite. Lotus knows her well enough to know that she'll carry a small hurt with her for a long time. All he can do is be there for her until the hurt is small enough to let go.

Moon 11

King Frost has finished his training. He is charismatic, a fast runner, and a good storyteller. Advisor Basalt is found dead, a peaceful expression on his face. He was 157 moons old. It's all pomp and ceremony as Basalt announces that King Frost has come of age and is now ready to ascend to his rightful place as sovereign monarch of the Quartz Kingdom. Frost quells his instinctive bashfulness and does his best to project poise and regal calm as the other cats line up to pay their respects. Most of the cats merely murmur their congratulations and bow, but some cats have different reactions to his ascension. Azalea is ecstatic, boldly professing to serve him loyally just as her parents served his father. Laurel offers him a gentle smile. Gray says nothing, letting Hemlock speak for the both of them. Rust and Snow dip their heads solemnly, but Hail winks and sticks her tongue out at him. Instead of being insulted, Frost grins and winks back, thankful for her levity. At last, all the cats have greeted their new king, and Frost looks around for Basalt. Yarrow tells him that Basalt slipped out for some air a while ago, and he and Azalea accompany Frost as the young king goes looking for his advisor. Basalt's unmoving body is found not far from the mouth of the cave, a contented expression on his face. It seems that he had been holding out to see the new king's rise to power, and now that Frost was crowned, he could die in peace. Frost wailed in despair and grief, refusing to leave Basalt's side. The other cats followed his orders to sit vigil for the advisor, but Frost could tell their hearts weren't in it. No one knew or loved Basalt like Frost had. It makes his heart hurt to know that his closest friend and staunchest ally will never be there to help him again. From now on, until he finds a new advisor, Frost is alone.

Hail isn’t paying attention to the lesson… again. Noticing her child's restlessness, Rust takes Hail to train outside of the cave, leaving Snow behind to sit solemnly beside Basalt's body. Rust had hoped that the fresh air would help Hail concentrate, but to her disappointment, Hail doesn't seem to be listening as Rust demonstrates how to identify a safe path along a narrow ledge. Rust is forced to grab Hail's scruff before the trainee falls, and even the brush with danger doesn't make Hail take the lesson seriously. Rust sighs as Hail wanders off to chase a butterfly. She loves her child, truly she does, but sometimes she wonders if Hail will ever truly find her place in the kingdom.

King Frost heard Gray say something mean. Hemlock and Gray argue about their opinions of King Frost and neither of them apologize. Overwhelmed and exhausted after Basalt's vigil, King Frost retires to their - his - den. He lies with his cheek to the cold stone, unable to summon the will to call a peasant to arrange his bedding. He feels empty and strange, like he's missing a limb. He closes his eyes and waits for sleep to take him, but it never does. Instead, the sound of voices echoes into the den, and Frost listens idly as Hemlock reprimands Gray for his behavior during the king's ceremony. Instead of apologizing, Gray hisses that the whole thing is a farce, and no one really cares about upholding the monarchy now that Basalt is dead. That old windbag was the only one enforcing the old rules, so why is Hemlock so worked up? Frost is hurt by Gray's contempt, but feels marginally better as Hemlock replies stiffly that he actually thinks Frost will be a good king, that Frost has never been arrogant or unreasonable, unlike someone. Gray snarls and tells Hemlock that if he's so eager to be oppressed, then fine. He can be oppressed. But don't expect Gray to come running when Hemlock's so-called king inevitably becomes a tyrant. Frost lies there miserably as the two move away, their argument becoming a dull buzz of noise in the background. He squeezes his eyes shut, wishing that when he opens them again, it'll be morning and he'll discover that this whole horrible day has been nothing but a dream.

Lotus, Laurel, and Whisper take a sunbath and share gossip. Lotus and Laurel are sharing tongues in a beam of light that cuts into camp from a hole in the cave ceiling high above. Whisper approaches, hesitantly asking if she can join them. Laurel glances at Lotus, who merely looks back at her calmly; it's her decision. Laurel nods, and Whisper settles beside them, allowing Laurel to lick her ears. Lotus sighs in contentment and stretches out in the sun, listening idly as Whisper and Laurel talk. Neither of them enjoyed overhearing Gray and Hemlock's argument, and Whisper admits that Hemlock had approached her later that night to ask if he could sleep in her den just this once. She'd allowed it, but the night had been awkward and silent, with Hemlock leaving as soon as dawn broke. Laurel murmurs that it was kind of Whisper to let him stay, and Whisper sighs. It was nice not to sleep alone, she admits. Laurel is quiet a moment before saying that she is getting a bit old to share a den with her sister and her mate. Whisper picks up on the implied question and offers Laurel a place in her own den. Laurel graciously accepts, and Lotus purrs, drifting into a contented doze as the two she-cats continue sharing tongues.

Moon 12

King Frost was seen arguing, and borderline fighting, with a rogue. King Frost is lying outside his den when Yarrow walks into camp, escorting a strange cat. Yarrow brings the cat to Frost and explains that he found the cat on the border; the rogue claims to be an old friend of Basalt’s and seeks information on his death. The rogue, introducing himself as Ryder, asks to speak to Frost alone, which Frost allows, provided that they remain in clear sight of the other cats in camp. In a quiet voice, Ryder mentions that he and Basalt would meet frequently to exchange news, and he was concerned when Basalt stopped showing up to their usual meeting spot. Frost is taken aback, letting slip that Basalt never mentioned such meetings to him. Ryder tilts his head and looks intrigued, leaning close to whisper that there's a lot Frost doesn't know about Basalt. For example, it would have been about a year ago to the day that Basalt came to Ryder with a proposition, a proposition that may have led to Frost becoming king in the first place.... Frost flattens his ears, growling that he doesn't like what Ryder is insinuating. Ryder smiles coldly, fangs showing; he purrs that Frost ought to show more respect to the cat who knows how his father really died. Outraged, Frost swipes at the rogue and demands that he leave the camp immediately. Ryder's smile vanishes and he steps back, coolly agreeing to leave, but promising that this will not be the last Frost hears of him. After Ryder walks into the tunnel leading out of camp, Frost orders Yarrow to follow and ensure the rogue leaves their territory. Later, he makes a general announcement that if any cat sees Ryder again, they are to remove him from the kingdom's territory by force if they have to.

Knight Azalea is expecting kits. She accompanies Lotus on an herb-gathering patrol, hoping to ask for tips. To Medic Lotus's surprise, it's Azalea, not Laurel, who volunteers to escort him on his herb-gathering patrol today. When Lotus asks knowingly if there's a particular reason Azalea wanted to accompany him, the knight smiles awkwardly and says she knew she couldn't keep it a secret from him. Yes, she's pregnant, and she was hoping to get his opinion on when she should move into the nursery. Lotus, inspecting a borage plant, tells her that it's early yet, but she should trust her own instincts. Azalea nods seriously, but says she's feeling perfectly capable of handling her everyday responsibilities for a little while longer. After all, she hasn't even told Yarrow yet. Lotus looks at her in surprise, and Azalea grins sheepishly. She just knows Yarrow will become a complete mother hen once he knows she's expecting; surely Lotus can understand her desire for a few more days of normalcy? Lotus purrs in understanding; sometimes you'd think the toms were the ones giving birth with how frantic they become!

Hail hides behind a bush, ready to pounce on Whisper. Whisper and Laurel watch two mountain goats fight, and Laurel breaks a bone after getting too close. Hearing a familiar hiss, Laurel looks up to see a furious-looking Whisper stalk into camp with Hail in tow. Whisper marches up to Rust and tells her that her demon spawn attacked her out of nowhere! Rust, shocked, turns to Hail, who shrugs unrepentantly and says Whisper was just too easy of a target, and besides, Hail didn't even have her claws out. Rust apologizes profusely to Whisper, telling her that Hail wasn't even supposed to be out of camp, and that Rust would have a talk - the word is punctuated with a sharp look at Hail - with her daughter about her inappropriate behavior. Whisper rolls her eyes, knowing the trainee won't listen, and walks over to Laurel. She tells her friend that she found something cool when she was out, and she wants to show it to Laurel. Laurel eagerly agrees, and Whisper guides her through the mountains above camp. There, the two cats come face to face with a small group of mountain goats. Laurel watches, bright-eyed, as two of the animals break off from the group to face off. They charge at each other, clashing horns with a clack. Laurel creeps closer, fascinated, only to turn tail as one of the goats levels its next charge right at her. She manages to leap out of the way, but tumbles down the slope and lands in a heap at the bottom, moaning in pain. A panicked Whisper helps her back to camp, where she's relieved to hear that it's only a broken leg. Still, Lotus scolds the two cats for their recklessness, and though Laurel doesn't seem to hold it against her, Whisper's conscience is heavy with guilt for the next several days.

Snow is saving the softest bedding for her own nest. King Frost is finding Snow annoying. Rust has decided to take Hail out on a walk, just the two of them, no doubt hoping to have a heart-to-heart with her wayward daughter. Snow remains behind, sighing as she approaches the stash of moss beside Medic Lotus's den. She's been assigned to change the king's bedding, and while she won't complain, she isn't thrilled about performing the hardly-glamorous task. Pawing through the moss, Snow notices that some of it is particularly fresh and soft! Glancing over her shoulder to make sure no one's watching, Snow secretly nudges it to one side, intending to save it for her own nest. She deserves it, after all; she's been having a hard time sleeping lately, what with Hail's obnoxious snoring. Picking up a different mouthful of moss, she carries it to the king's den. Frost is in there when she enters, so she drops the moss and waits, expecting him to leave. When he doesn't, she sighs and starts working around him, accidentally treading on his tail. While she apologizes, she can tell Frost isn't keen on having her interrupt whatever it was he was doing, so she finishes arranging his bedding hastily and hurries off to dispose of the old moss. Snow is a bit annoyed; she was told to change his bedding, and she did so, so why did the king have to act like she was intruding?

A trespassing house cat attacks Gray while he patrols the border with Hemlock. (Hemlock: +loyalty to Gray) Hemlock approaches Gray for the first time since their argument. His mate is gnawing busily at a prey bone, and doesn't look up when Hemlock clears his throat, just mutters that he hopes Hemlock is here to apologize. Hemlock frowns and hesitates; he wants things between them to go back to the way they were, but this wasn't exactly how he'd expected this conversation to go. Finally he gives in and tells Gray that he's sorry for arguing with him. At this Gray looks up in satisfaction, listening smugly as Hemlock admits he was wrong to call Gray arrogant. Gray gets to his paws and nuzzles Hemlock's cheek, purring; see, that wasn't that hard, was it? Hemlock swallows his doubt and purrs back, slowly feeling his worries lift as Gray licks his face. Stepping back, Gray waves his tail and proposes they take a little walk together. Hemlock blinks at his suggestive tone, a thrill running through him. As the two meander through the territory, looking for a quiet spot, they suddenly turn at the sound of clattering rocks and a jangling bell. A collared house cat charges toward them, and when Gray steps into their path, the cat tackles him. The two roll around in a ball of teeth and claws, finally separating as the house cat struggles free and races away. Gray staggers to his paws, only bleeding from a small cut on his forehead, the house cat's fur still trapped between his claws. As Gray swears and lashes his tail, Hemlock licks his mate's forehead, staunching the bleeding. Not wanting to upset Gray further, he nods along soothingly as his mate rants about the uselessness of house cats.

YEAR ONE COMPLETE.

King Frost: loyal to kingdom. Lotus: loyal to kingdom. Rust: loyal to family. Azalea: loyal to king. Yarrow: loyal to family. Gray: loyal to self. Hemlock: loyalty undecided. Whisper: loyal to kingdom. Laurel: loyal to kingdom. Hail: loyal to no one. Snow: loyalty undecided.

OTHER POWERS: Neutral: Silver Empire, Coal Coalition, Gilded Alliance

[clangenlore]

the quartz kingdom 💎 moons 7-9

Moon 7

Hemlock thinks Gray is really charming. Hemlock smells like he may have rolled in catmint recently. Whisper thinks Gray is acting strange. Whisper is basking in the sun on a flat rock overlooking a meadow. It's not far down the mountain from the cave entrance to camp, and it's a great place for her to come and gather her thoughts after a long day. And as far as Whisper knows, no one else really comes here. Well. So she thought. Her ears flatten as she hears noisy laughter and the sound of paws crashing through the tall grass. She's even less thrilled when she sees a pale pelt speckled with dark gray. And the universe must be laughing at her today, because following Gray is Hemlock, looking carefree and silly. Neither of them seem to notice Whisper is there. She watches, heart sinking, as Hemlock pounces on Gray and the two tumble through the grass, rolling around. They resurface, laughing, and Whisper notices how different Gray seems when he's with Hemlock. Usually his face is set in a scowl and he slinks around like he expects a fight at any moment, but right now his expression is clear and open and... really, really happy. Hemlock's the same. Without drawing their attention, Whisper backs away and starts walking back to camp. As much as she dislikes Gray, she can't begrudge Hemlock anything that makes him that happy. Even if it's at the cost of her own feelings.

King Frost thinks Basalt was nice to him today. King Frost lazes on his side, bored, as Advisor Basalt lectures him on how running a kingdom takes hard work, integrity, and unquestionable loyalty... from other cats. A king is above these things! Frost's job, Basalt tells him, is to give the orders that keep the cats beneath him on task. He must show strength and surety at all times, he must know of all the goings-on in the kingdom, and he absolutely must act according to his station. That means no more sneaking out to play with Squire Laurel, Basalt scolds him. At Frost's forlorn expression, the advisor's stern look softens and he concedes that while Frost may not play with peasants, there would be no harm in playing with Basalt here in their den. A young king needs exercise to keep his body in top shape, after all. Frost brightens immediately, fetching the moss ball. Basalt chuckles fondly despite himself, settling into a loaf to watch as Frost plays.

Rust is feeling unappreciated… Rust finds an abandoned kit, but it dies shortly afterward. Rust wanders along the Silver Empire border, feeling like something is calling her here. She's been feeling hollow lately, like something is missing from her life. It's the feeling she gets every spring, when the waxing crescent moon rises in the sky and the anniversary of her miscarriage arrives. It was years ago, now, but Rust still feels the pain of losing her pregnancy like it was yesterday. She and her mate had wanted the children so badly, but the kingdom's medic had given her the solemn news that her body was unable to carry the kits to term. The little ones couldn't be saved; they were too early, too underdeveloped. Rust exhales a shuddering breath, noticing that the memory is so vivid, she can still smell the blood. Or, wait, maybe that's real blood! Rust launches into a run, following the scent. Just ahead, two black vultures are hopping around something on the ground. The birds scatter in a flurry of feathers as Rust charges toward them, and her heart breaks when she sees the body of a tiny kitten lying before her, bleeding from being pecked at by the vultures. The kitten is still breathing, but Rust knows it's too late for the little one. She curls around the kit, murmuring soothing nonsense until the tiny creature falls still. A later patrol finds her still curled around the little body, and she refuses to move until Yarrow promises to let her bury it. She's inconsolable for the rest of the day, lying in her nest with a faraway look in her eyes. If only she had just been a little earlier, a little faster....

Laurel goes hunting with Azalea and Yarrow, successfully catching a mouse. Azalea notices Laurel staring worriedly in the direction of Rust's den, from which the red she-cat has hardly moved since returning from burying the kitten she found. Azalea gently prompts Laurel that perhaps a fresh mouse would help cheer Rust up, and Laurel swiftly agrees, wanting to do anything to help. Grabbing Yarrow, the two sisters set off to hunt. Azalea takes the opportunity to silently assess her squire's hunting skills, and is pleased with Laurel's ability to approach a mouse without alerting it to her presence. The knight and her mate catch prey of their own before accompanying Laurel back to camp. The squire gently approaches Rust's den, placing the mouse at the entrance and blinking slowly at Rust. Rust returns the blink, still broken-hearted but grateful for the gesture.

Moon 8

A kittypet leaves their litter with the kingdom; Rust adopts them as her own. There's a commotion in the camp. Rust rolls over in her nest, blearily wondering what could possibly be happening as to justify such a ruckus. Then she hears the mewing of kittens, and immediately she's on her paws and dashing toward the source of the noise. Basalt and Lotus are explaining to the kingdom that a young kittypet left her litter with them, preferring to give them away willingly instead of having them taken from her. At once Rust is sniffing the young ones, checking for any sign of sickness or injury; to her relief, the children are in fine shape, if a little tired after the long journey here. Before Basalt can even broach the topic, Rust announces that she'll be taking the kittens in as her own. The gray tabby kit complains as Rust swipes her tongue over her head, but the white kitten leans into her touch. Rust blinks back the torrent of emotions that threaten to overwhelm her: grief, fear, hope. At last, her family is complete. She swears to herself that she'll keep these kittens safe, no matter what.

Hail | Peasant female | 5 moons | attention-seeker | active imagination

Snow | Peasant female | 5 moons | attention-seeker | active imagination

Lotus is giving Whisper a task. Whisper had a heated argument with Lotus, and said some very hurtful things. Lotus has noticed Basalt disappearing from camp a lot lately. After deliberating, he finally approaches Whisper and asks her if she could trail the advisor to see what he's up to. Whisper bristles, affronted by the medic's lack of trust for their advisor. She vehemently refuses, hissing at Lotus that he's getting fat, stupid, and paranoid in his old age. He should have more respect for the cat who single-handedly kept their kingdom from falling into ruin! Surely whatever Basalt is doing must be essential for the good of the kingdom, and she refuses to hear another word insinuating otherwise. Whisper stalks away in a huff, leaving Lotus to stew in frustration and hurt.

Laurel offers to groom a hard-to-reach place for Azalea, who thanks them earnestly. Azalea feels safe with Laurel around. Azalea and Laurel are sharing tongues in the sun just outside the mouth of the crystal cave. Even from here they can hear the playful squealing of Hail and Snow, who have been terrorizing the camp with their never-ending games. Azalea chuckles to herself, and at Laurel's inquisitive glance she fondly admits that she can hardly believe Laurel was ever that small. Her sister has grown so much in the last few moons, and Azalea couldn't be prouder. Laurel blinks in surprise before breaking into a bashful smile. She rubs her chin against her sister's and goes about grooming a tricky knot out of the fur on Azalea's neck. The sisters spend the rest of the afternoon lazily grooming and sharing stories.

Basalt wants to explore the whole territory with King Frost. Basalt has been at his wits' end with the new kits. They're little terrors, really, always getting underfoot or asking rude questions, especially that little rascal Hail. And Rust won't hear a word against them! Basalt huffs, tail lashing as he notices muddy pawprints entering his den. At his approach, the sisters laugh and flee, leaving behind them a mess of mud and moss. Basalt, silently fuming, gathers the ruined bedding and takes it toward the mouth of the cave, intending to dispose of it outside. As he walks, Frost slips alongside him, for once not offering to take some of Basalt's load. Good. The king is finally catching on to Basalt's lessons. They walk silently together out of the cave, following a narrow path along the mountainside until Basalt can fling the dirty bedding over the cliff's edge. Frost is quiet a moment before asking if Basalt wants to talk about it. Basalt, still upset, starts to snap that everything is fine, but at the young king's hurt look, he amends himself, admitting that he's just been a bit highly-strung lately. Frost waves his tail in the air and says that a walk will do them both some good, and when Basalt opens his mouth to protest, Frost gives him a regal look that brooks no argument. Impressed, Basalt nods to him, and they both take a satisfying stroll through the blessedly quiet and kit-free territory.

Moon 9

Laurel has completed her training. She is lonesome and has helpful insight. To no one's surprise, Azalea and Yarrow cheer the loudest when the young squire comes of age, but more unexpected is the enthusiastic support of Medic Lotus and Whisper. Laurel has taken to escorting the medic on herb-gathering patrols, and the two have developed a surprisingly close bond in the last few moons. Whisper, meanwhile, has also been hanging out with Laurel more since Hemlock moved into Gray's den. While Lotus and Whisper flatten their ears at each other, they manage to exchange cordial words while in Laurel's presence; they both care too much for their friend to ruin her day.

Hail and Snow have begun their training under their mother, Rust. Hail is childish, a careful listener, and has an active imagination. Snow is faithful and confident with words. Rust takes Snow and Hail to the training grounds, but the siblings snap at each other irritably. Snow is upset after spending the day with Hail’s bad attitude. The cats of the kingdom must be giving Hail the benefit of the doubt, probably believing that acting out is her way of coping with the sudden change in her life, but Snow knows better. She's lived with her sister for all six moons of their lives, and Hail has been troublesome, lazy, and self-centered the whole time! Meanwhile Snow has done her best to be humble and obedient, because these kingdom cats didn't have to take them in; she won't have them change their minds just because Hail can't keep herself in line. She snaps as much at Hail during their first outing with their new adoptive mother, Rust. Hail just rolls her eyes, and Rust of all cats defends Hail's abhorrent behavior, telling Snow to be nicer to her sister! Once they return to camp, Snow glares as Hail immediately wanders over to where the food is kept. Instead of following, Snow raises her chin and sets off toward Medic Lotus's den, intent on offering to help the older cat gather moss. Maybe Hail won't take their new life seriously, but Snow is going to be nothing but dutiful and responsible and perfect. Maybe this time, she'll be good enough. Maybe this time, she won't lose her home again.

Basalt begins considering King Frost’s consort options. Currently, he favors Snow. King Frost notices how Basalt is being helpful around camp. Azalea caught King Frost in a lie. Azalea thinks King Frost is being thoughtful of others. Azalea purrs for a long time at one of Yarrow’s lame jokes. King Frost lies beside a freshly-caught cardinal, pawing at it without interest. Basalt had brought it to him as a way of softening the news that Frost would one day have to take a mate, and Basalt thought it prudent if he started looking now; in fact, wasn't that new trainee Snow a good choice? Devoted, deferential to her betters, and that snow-white coat was certainly striking. Frost just nodded, knowing Basalt only wanted the best for him. But when Basalt left, Frost sighed and flopped over, glum. He hadn't even come of age, and Snow was barely out of the nursery; couldn't Basalt give them time to just be young? Now, noticing his dour mood, Knight Azalea approaches him, gently asking if he'd like to share what's on his mind. Frost shakes his head and tries to tell her it's nothing, but she raises an eyebrow wryly, not believing him. Frost sighs and says he knows he has to take a mate someday for the good of the kingdom, but he doesn't feel ready to start thinking about that sort of thing yet. Azalea nods and admits she herself wasn't ready to think about mates until she was in her fifth year. She's sorry that Frost doesn't have the same luxury of time, but reassures him that Basalt will ensure his future mate is a good match, both for Frost and for the kingdom. Frost nods, still unsure, but grateful just the same for Azalea's words. He watches her go touch noses with Yarrow, laughing at something her mate says. He really, really hopes he'll have something like their love someday.

Whisper scares away a small dog by herself. Not learning from the fox incident a few moons ago, Whisper doesn't hesitate to launch herself at a small dog she finds sniffing around the border. The scrappy thing snaps at her, tearing her ear, but she relies on her speed to outmaneuver it, darting in and out to slash and bite at its flank. Finally, bloodied and terrified, the dog flees. Whisper waits until its whimpering fades from earshot before turning to make her way back to camp. Her triumphant return is dampened by Laurel's scolding, and she knows better than to argue this time as her friend hustles her to the medic's den.

Hemlock and Gray go hunting together. (Hemlock: +loyalty to Gray) Hemlock follows Gray as they make their way along the shore of the mountain lake on the kingdom's territory. He's happy to spend time with his denmate, especially if it means he gets to watch Gray's lithe form move through the shallows, intent on capturing a pair of newly hatched loon chicks in their nest. Hemlock watches appreciatively as Gray steps carefully through the belly-deep water, making as little noise as possible. Just as Gray reaches the nest, however, an adult loon appears from the other side of a clump of reeds. The loon protests noisily, buffeting Gray with its flapping wings. Hemlock takes the opportunity and races in, kicking up water as he pounces at the adult loon. Together, he and Gray overpower the bird and manage to take the chicks, too. Gray licks the prey-blood from his lips and looks at Hemlock with intense green eyes. They make a good team, Gray says softly, and Hemlock purrs, feeling warm under his gaze.

[clangenlore]

otterclan: in pursuit of strength

current leadership

blazestar | 32 moons | playful | talented swimmer

as the clan's youngest cat to be granted his nine lives, blazestar struggles with the feeling that he was never meant to be leader. his mother was deputy before him, and only her untimely death led to her son's appointment in her place. despite his impostor syndrome, blazestar works hard to support his clan, often found fishing along the lakeshore with his raucous group of friends. his determination to prove himself leads him to train daily in the camp's arena, where blazestar has proven himself the best fighter in the clan. still, he fears it's not good enough, and keeps training. maybe one day he can live up to the shadow of his mother.

shrikebloom | 19 moons | nervous | very clever & trusted advisor

shrikebloom is blazestar's half-sister through his father; her mother was a lyreclan cat. because of her heritage, shrikebloom has a leaner physique than most of her clanmates and is by her own admission one of the worst fighters in the clan. still, blazestar trusts her implicitly and knows he can rely on her to solve problems on her feet. the two are very close despite not being full siblings, and blazestar managed to convince her to play goalie for his moss ball team. at this, at least, she is very good.

fawntail | 64 moons | strict | camp keeper

graypaw | 7 moons | adventurous | interested in herbs

a no-nonsense sort, it's fawntail's job to patch up the scratches her warriors obtain in their reckless pursuit of glory. she's more than a little done with the young warriors' shenanigans, and blazestar and his friends are a particular thorn in her side. her usual greeting to the leader is, at this point, a weary but resigned sigh. she may have limited patience at times, but she's nothing but dutiful when it comes to her job.

fawntail's apprentice is her adopted son, graypaw. he was found abandoned on the territory as a just-weaned kitten; he'd been tucked into a hollow tree with only a single dead mouse to feed him, which he hadn't touched when an otterclan patrol came to investigate his wailing. upon seeing the little scrap being carried into camp, fawntail immediately took him under her wing, telling her clanmates that she didn't trust any of them to look after him properly. she's spoiled graypaw ever since, hoping to make up for the neglect he experienced in his early moons. she was more than happy when he asked to train under her as a medic, and the two are often seen curled up together sharing tongues. graypaw, for his part, is a curious sort, and to fawntail's dismay he's picking up on his clanmates' tendency to get into trouble. graypaw can't help it; his paws tend to move on their own when his mind wanders, and he finds himself walking the borders, wondering if the cat who left him here will ever return for him.

culture

reckless but surprisingly spiritual, otterclan cats are typical jocks who are fond of all kinds of physical activity, especially honorable combat. they love to spar and are endlessly competitive; an otterclan will fight, touch, or eat anything just for bragging rights or to win a bet. they're constantly stopping neighboring patrols to challenge them to mock battles, and they have a friendly rivalry with the family of otters that lives on their territory. battle is more than sport to them, however; it's sacred. every season, to honor starclan, a chosen few cats of otterclan fight each other in the area in their camp, demonstrating astonishing feats of skill and grace. it's as much a dance as a battle, painstakingly choreographed and practiced to perfection. this ritual reinforces their conviction that every battle's true purpose is to honor starclan.

one of otterclan's most colorful customs is their fondness for wearing body paint made from natural pigments and crushed chalk. it's not just for looks; it's a means of personal expression and a way of petitioning starclan to grant them certain desired attributes. a star invokes starclan's protection and guidance; a flower suggests a desire for growth and gentleness; a clover is a prayer for luck. young cats who have not reached twelve moons of age do not paint symbols but rather wear impersonal stripes: enough that starclan will watch them, but not so much that the stars will claim them before they've reached their maturity.

despite otterclan's battle-hungry mien, they take killing seriously and regard it as a solemn task to be performed as little as possible. otterclan cats who have taken another cat's life in battle will notch their ears to ritually mark each life; cats with heavily tattered ears carry the heavy burden of many cats' souls, and tend to spend their lives doing penance. this consists of hunting, gathering herbs, and otherwise supporting the deceased's family however possible. if otterclan catch wind of any cat, otterclan or otherwise, who does not fight honorably and in accordance with starclan's will, they are horrified and will invoke the right to trial. a council of cats from each clan will gather to hold a trial before all the clans, during which the accused cat may defend themself or accept the punishment the council deems worthy of their crimes.

[clangenlore]

the quartz kingdom 💎 moons 4-6

Moon 4

Hemlock went missing for a few days. (Hemlock: -loyalty to Gray)

Hemlock didn't mean to wander so far, it just kind of happened once he started getting so lost in his thoughts. He's conflicted. On one paw, he really, really likes Gray; he might be troublesome, but Hemlock understands that it's Gray's way of coping with the massacre that took his parents. And Hemlock can't bring himself to abandon Gray; someone has to be there for him, and no one else in the kingdom seems to understand him like Hemlock does. On the other paw, Gray's little digs at the king rub Hemlock the wrong way; King Frost is a kit, and he hasn't done anything wrong, other than be born into a position of power he didn't ask for. Gray's distaste for the hierarchy makes sense, but Hemlock doesn't like the way Gray talks about how thinks would be different if he were in charge.... Shaking his head, he looks around for a familiar landmark before heading back to camp. Maybe he can talk to Whisper sometime soon, to see what she thinks about all this.

Whisper is busy chastising her fellow apprentices.

To Hemlock's disappointment, Whisper doesn't want to hear a word he has to say; she's too intent on scolding him for vanishing without a word. Hemlock winces at her vitriol, but knows it's her way of showing that she was really, really worried about him. Once Whisper has lectured herself out, the two pause and look at each other wordlessly. Whisper sighs and rubs her cheek against Hemlock's, but before they can say anything else, Azalea calls Whisper to come patrol with her and Laurel. Whisper glances regretfully at Hemlock, then follows.

Laurel and Whisper squabble while on patrol with Azalea. Laurel is acting angsty. Yarrow tells Laurel to count on him in a difficult situation.

Yarrow, returning from a patrol along the kingdom's border with the Gilded Alliance, notices Laurel sitting by herself, listlessly pawing at a finch. Yarrow approaches her and sits beside her silently, knowing the lonesome young cat sometimes prefers silence to conversation. Laurel settles beside him, pressing against his side, then quietly tells him about how Whisper said something really mean during their hunting patrol. Yarrow isn't surprised; the black trainee is known for her sharp tongue just as much as her unflinching dedication to her own ideals. He grooms Laurel's head, telling her that he's glad she shared, and that she can always come to him whenever something like this happens. If Laurel wants, he offers, she can join him on his border patrol tomorrow. No Whisper, no pressure. Just two pals taking a walk. Laurel purrs gratefully and tells him that sounds nice.

Basalt surprises King Frost with something nice. King Frost appreciates Hemlock telling him about the feather stuck to his face. (Hemlock: +loyalty to king)

Basalt walks into camp carrying a brilliant red cardinal, which he places before King Frost. The young royal's eyes widen in awe and excitement as Basalt tells him that this cardinal is all for him. Purring, King Frost butts heads with the advisor before Basalt retires to his den. Hemlock watches from the apprentice's cave as Frost tucks into the bird messily, plucking downy red feathers from the bird's breast. After a while, Frost's eating slows, even though his meal is unfinished. Looking around, Frost notices Hemlock and cheerfully waves him over. The king asks Hemlock to take care of the mess he made, but tells him he can finish the cardinal in exchange. Hemlock accepts his deal, casually hinting that the kitten has a feather stuck to his chin. Frost paws at his face, thanking Hemlock earnestly. Hemlock begins to gnaw at the bird, thinking that the little king is surprisingly polite for someone who has supreme authority.

Moon 5

Gray has completed his training. He is now charismatic and a great speaker.

King Frost has officially begun his training under Basalt’s wing. He is now charismatic.

King Frost thinks that Hemlock is always reliable. (Hemlock: +loyalty to king)

Gray isn't thrilled to have his graduation from training overshadowed by King Frost's initiation ceremony. Maybe he would've accepted his meager celebration if it weren't put in such sharp contrast with the cheering Basalt draws out of the kingdom for Frost, but as it stands Gray is feeling particularly mutinous. He waits until Basalt is distracted talking to Lotus before hissing at Frost and stalking out of camp, tail lashing. No longer the type to tattle, Frost watches him go in bewilderment, eyes wide with hurt. Hemlock approaches the new trainee and quietly apologizes for his friend, telling Frost not to take it personally. Hemlock offers to show Frost a thing or two during training, but it's as he says this that Basalt walks up again, blustering that Frost should never stoop so low as to train with a peasant. Frost mouths a 'sorry' from behind Basalt as the advisor starts a grandiose lecture about the rightful treatment of a royal.

Squire Laurel finds jay feathers while out on a walk, and decides to give them to Yarrow.

After their successful border patrol together, Laurel finds herself wanting to do something to show her appreciation. The gorgeous blue feathers she finds will do perfectly! Yarrow is surprised and pleased by the gesture, and lets Laurel attach the feathers to his tail, which he waves high in the air, the blue feathers shining in the sun.

Whisper fought a fox, and emerged with barely any scrapes. Lotus thinks Laurel is very helpful! Knight Azalea saw Yarrow the other day, but didn’t get a chance to meow hello. Yarrow is feeling down...

Azalea bursts into camp with a bloodied Whisper in tow. Ignoring the trainee's complaints, she hustles Whisper over to Lotus, telling the medic that the reckless young cat decided to take on a fox by herself. Whisper protests, letting everyone know that she knew she could handle it; see, she drove off the beast, and she's hardly even hurt! It's only a little blood, she sulks, wishing everyone would stop making such a big deal about it. They should be congratulating her, not scolding her! Azalea, seeing Laurel and Yarrow nearby, directs Laurel to fetch some fresh cobwebs for Lotus, and Laurel obliges without complaint. Lotus thanks the trainee gratefully, demonstrating to Laurel how to bind the wound. Amidst the ruckus, Azalea and Yarrow's eyes meet, but Azalea's attention is quickly drawn back to Whisper as the young cat yowls at the sting of the poultice being applied. When Whisper demands that Azalea back her up on not needing so many herbs, Azalea is forced to side with Lotus on this one; that fox's fangs were nasty, and who knows what kinds of sicknesses it carried? Sighing, Whisper begrudgingly sees reason and permits Lotus and Laurel to treat her wounds.

Moon 6

Hemlock has completed his training. He is sneaky, a beloved kitsitter, and a strange dreamer. Whisper has also completed her training. She is cold, an excellent teacher, and has steady paws. 

Hemlock and Whisper grin excitedly at each other as Basalt announces their training is complete and welcomes them as full adults. This new step in their lives will mean more responsibility, but also more freedom. Whisper shoves her shoulder against Hemlock's in celebration, and he shoves back, laughing. The two purr at each other until Whisper suddenly stops and her body tenses. Hemlock looks up to see Gray approaching, and as Hemlock sheepishly accepts Gray's congratulations, he notices Whisper's expression grow cold. Hemlock's heart sinks as she detaches herself from the group and wanders over to talk to Laurel instead. He wishes both of his friends could just get along.

Azalea goes for a nice long walk with Yarrow. Yarrow thinks they can tell Laurel something important. Azalea and Yarrow have become mates. 

Late one night, Azalea and Yarrow return from their stroll with their tails twined. Laurel bounds up to them, demanding what took them so long. Azalea purrs and tells her that she and Yarrow had a lot of catching up to do. The two exchange a knowing glance, and Laurel gasps, eyes shining. Yarrow tilts his head at Azalea, who nods, and Yarrow reveals to Laurel that he asked her sister to be his mate... and she said yes! Laurel squeals in excitement and shoves her way between them, purring so hard that her whole body shakes. She's so happy, she tells them. They can finally be a family together. Azalea, noticing a note of grief creep into Laurel's voice, wraps her sister in an embrace. They may have lost their parents, but they'll always be each other's family. Always.

Hemlock gives Gray a colorful pebble, and hides behind his whiskers when thanked. Hemlock wants to speak to Basalt about something… 

After Hemlock's graduation from training, he could no longer sleep in the trainees' cave. Gray had asked him if he wanted to share a den, and Hemlock agreed. They'd claimed a cozy spot beneath a tilting crystal located higher than most of the other dens, and often spent their mornings eating on the stone lip in front of their den, chatting idly. One morning, Hemlock interrupts their conversation and shyly shows Gray a colorful crystal shard he found. Gray accepts the gift and thanks Hemlock, who looks away and purrs. Hemlock, noticing Basalt emerge from his den down below, wonders if the advisor has any advice about asking another cat if they want to be more than friends….

King Frost always thought Rust had it all figured out, and is surprised when Rust asks for help. Yarrow helps build Rust’s confidence. 

King Frost is lounging in his super-comfy nest in Basalt's den, a deep crack in the wall of the crystal cave that opens up into a roomy cavern. Sound travels well back here, and Frost likes to listen to the conversations of the other cats of the kingdom. It's not eavesdropping, not really; it's a king's job to know what his subjects are thinking! Today, he overhears a conversation between Yarrow and Rust, and is surprised to hear Rust confess that she feels restless these days, and sometimes wishes she could leave the territory. She's still loyal to the kingdom, she adds quickly, she just feels like something is calling for her, out there. She asks Yarrow if there's something wrong with her, and if he knows how to fix it. Yarrow hastily tells her that there's nothing wrong with her and says she can join his border patrols for a while so she can get a better sense of what lies beyond the borders. Rust is quiet awhile before finally saying thank you.

Basalt said he’d cover for Lotus, but when it came time, he got Lotus in trouble. 

Medic Lotus stands on the mountainside just outside the mouth of the cave leading to camp, arranging herbs on the flattest parts of the ground so they can dry in the sun. Noticing Basalt emerging from the cave, Lotus asks if Basalt could watch the herbs for him for a moment while he runs to grab another bundle to dry. Basalt reluctantly agrees, but he seems antsy, eyeing the path down the mountainside. When Lotus returns with more herbs, he's appalled to find that Basalt is nowhere to be seen, and a patrol had raced past, stepping on some of the herbs and sending others flying. Muttering under his breath, Lotus starts saving what he can, though some of the herbs are crushed beyond saving.

[clangenlore]

the quartz kingdom 💎 autumn, moons 0-3

Moon 0

Lotus doesn't think Basalt has been completely honest lately.

Medic Lotus is shaken by all the death he’s witnessed, and the many cats he was unable to save. Basalt sits with him and attempts to soothe him with conversation, but Lotus doesn’t trust Basalt’s intentions and blatantly doesn’t respond to his words.

Rust is feeling underappreciated. Whisper lectures Gray on her code of honor. Hemlock is dreading his apprentice duties.

Rust gathers the apprentices to help bury the bodies; Whisper harangues Gray and Hemlock for not taking the task seriously. Maybe Gray doesn’t respect the nobles that died, but many knights and peasants also gave their lives for the kingdom! He ought to show the proper respect! Gray snickers at her and doesn’t deign to respond to her righteousness, while Hemlock flattens his ears guiltily at her over Gray’s shoulder. Whisper hisses in frustration and stalks away to help Rust dig.

Laurel is feeling gloomy. Yarrow saw Azalea being considerate.

Knight Azalea sits with Laurel, her younger sister by blood, but whom she’s adopted as her charge and future squire. Laurel watches the goings-on quietly and seriously; she sees and understands more than anyone gives her credit for, and she understands that the Silver Empire is to blame for her parents��� death. She’s not a vengeful sort, though, and shudders at the thought of continuing the cycle of bloodshed. Azalea grooms Laurel’s face, silently vowing to protect her sister and the tiny young king, who represents hope and the future of the kingdom. Yarrow, returning from a border patrol, watches the two from across the camp, wishing to join them but unable to summon the nerve. Instead, he turns to report to Basalt that the borders are, for now, secure.

King Frost isn't scared of anything.

King Frost chases a mossball across the camp, careless and unconcerned by the somber atmosphere that lingers over the other cats. He doesn’t know where his father has gone, but Basalt has told him that he’s the most special cat in the whole world, and he’s happy to know that everyone in the kingdom will treat him as such.

Moon 1

Yarrow feels safe with Azalea around. Yarrow reassures Laurel about something that was bothering her.

Noticing how hesitant Yarrow is around her, Azalea approaches him and offers him reassurance. They used to be friends when they were younger, and she doesn't want her knighthood or the trauma of the massacre to change things between them. Yarrow bashfully accepts an affectionate headbutt, purring. Later, he notices Laurel watching him with an intense expression on her face. She admits she noticed how weird he acts around her sister, and bluntly asks if he likes her. Yarrow is surprised to learn that Laurel knows about romance, and even more surprised that she picks up on such subtle cues, but he promises her that while he does like Azalea in that way, he'd be content with friendship if that was all Azalea wanted. Laurel nods seriously, then her expression blossoms into a smile. She has to stifle a giggle as she whispers to him that she hopes Azalea accepts his feelings, because Laurel really likes Yarrow and would be happy if he became part of her family. Touched, Yarrow settles down beside her and helps her groom, the two of them purring all the while.

Basalt bristles after being scolded by Whisper.

Basalt can't believe the nerve of that little black she-cat! Barely out of the nursery, and she has the gall to scold him for basking in the sun for a moment. Whisper just stares evenly as he splutters in outrage; she wasn't wrong to say that there are more important things to do than relax right now. The kingdom won't rebuild itself, and Basalt needs to demonstrate strength if he expects the remaining cats to follow his lead.

Hemlock starts an argument with Rust over training, but apologizes for his behavior.

Ever since he started hanging out with Gray, Hemlock has lacked respect for his elders, and Rust doesn't hesitate to confront him about it. At first, Hemlock flattens his ears and protests, but Rust calmly explains that she only wants the best for him, and she can't help him train if he doesn't listen. With a sigh, Hemlock apologizes and admits that the massacre was hard on him. He doesn't know how to act with so many of his former friends gone, and Gray just seems so sure of himself. Rust listens but doesn't tell him to stop spending time with Gray; that's something he's going to have to decide for himself.

Whisper demonstrates her hunting skills for Azalea, who is impressed by her perfect form.

Whisper drops into a flawless hunting crouch, stalking silently across the ground despite the scree that covers the ridge. Azalea is impressed by the precocious young cat and offers to show Whisper some advanced techniques she wouldn't normally learn at such a young age. Whisper proudly accepts Azalea's praise and studiously watches as the knight demonstrates how to leap safely from crag to crag on the mountain face.

Moon 2

Gray tries to show off on a hunting patrol with Yarrow, but ends up scaring everything away.

With every other cat otherwise occupied, Yarrow is tasked with taking Gray hunting. Gray insists he knows the perfect hunting spot and the right strategy, but he's overconfident and ends up screwing up his approach, knocking several pebbles down the mountainside and scaring off any prey within earshot. Despite his mistake, Gray refuses to apologize or admit any fault, so Yarrow simply sighs and leads Gray to a different hunting spot, hoping the young cat will at least stay out of the way while Yarrow provides for the kingdom.

Whisper has a mock battle with Yarrow. Yarrow gets stuck under a rock fall, and Whisper scolds him for his carelessness while Azalea digs him out.

After impressing Azalea last moon, Whisper again seeks the knight's approval. She does so by challenging Yarrow to a mock battle, intent on demonstrating her fighting prowess. Yarrow agrees, knowing it's a good idea to freshen up his skills in case a border patrol goes awry. The two begin sparring, but something up the mountain, maybe a mountain goat, sets off a rock fall, and Yarrow gets caught in the rubble. Whisper is displeased that the training session is cut short, and lectures Yarrow about staying alert; the mountain may be their home, but it is also their enemy at times. Yarrow, who already knows all this, merely waits as Azalea clears away the fallen rocks. She blinks comfortingly at him, and purrs in relief when she finds he's merely bruised, not broken.

Gray is complaining that Basalt never does anything helpful. Gray was put on kit-sitting duty.

Advisor Basalt announces that he's going out, and orders Gray to watch over King Frost during his absence. Gray protests, but the growing fury in Basalt's eyes finally convinces Gray not to push his luck. Gray merely grumbles at Basalt's retreating back, resentful that the old cat's status allows him to go and do whatever he wants, while Gray and the other peasants have no choice but to obey. It's stupid, he thinks as he keeps an eye on a sleeping Frost. One day this dumb little kitten will rule them all, all the power in the world just handed to him. What Gray wouldn't give for that kind of power.

Rust goes on a border patrol with Hemlock, longing to go on an adventure.

Hemlock and Rust walk along the Coal Coalition border with no real hurry to their steps. An eagle's nest towers over the ravine that divides their territories, and Hemlock pauses when he realizes Rust has stopped in her tracks, staring wordlessly as a father eagle brings prey to his mate and chicks. Tentatively, he prompts her to share her thoughts, and Rust confesses that she envies the eagles' freedom.

Moon 3

King Frost is annoying older cats. Lotus is talking with Laurel.

Lotus, noticing the kits listlessly batting a mossball back and forth, calls them over to learn about herbs. To Lotus's surprise, Laurel takes the lesson seriously, nodding earnestly and asking questions. The young cat is a pleasure to teach. Meanwhile, King Frost fidgets and yawns, utterly bored. He starts pawing the herbs out of their organized piles, and a bundle of bright red berries catches his interest. He starts batting one around like a tiny mossball, only to be startled when Lotus hisses at him. He'd inadvertently disturbed the deathberries Lotus kept only for emergencies. Unused to being scolded, Frost flattens his ears and hisses back, then runs out of the den to sob to Basalt.

Squire Laurel is officially assigned to train under Azalea. She is now lonesome.

Azalea is surprised to see that Laurel is looking rather gloomy after Basalt declares her a trainee and Azalea's new squire. When Azalea approaches Laurel about it, her sister looks into the distance, eyes unfocused as though she's somewhere else right now. In a soft, haunted voice, Laurel says she can't rely on the comfort of the nursery anymore. If she's going to serve her kingdom like Azalea, she's going to have to fight, and she's going to have to kill. Just like the cats that killed their parents. Azalea resists the urge to coddle her sister and instead places a paw on Laurel's, who finally meets her eyes as Azalea tells her she'll do her best to teach her non-lethal ways of ending a fight. Laurel nods seriously, then looks away again. She asks if Azalea could take her to the place their family is buried. Azalea feels a pang of sorrow in her chest when she hears the grief in Laurel's voice, but agrees to show her the grave site.

Yarrow’s border patrol has a friendly conversation with a Gilded Alliance patrol. Azalea doesn’t get the joke Yarrow tells her.

Azalea and Laurel return to camp after visiting their parents' graves, then taking a quick tour of the territory. Azalea lets Laurel grab a piece of prey and walk to a quiet corner of camp to decompress. She grabs a meal of her own and settles down to eat beside Yarrow, who recently returned from a border patrol. Finishing his food, Yarrow strikes up a conversation, telling Azalea about his encounter with a Gilded Alliance patrol. It started out awkward, he tells her, but he diffused the situation with a joke. But when Yarrow recounts the self-deprecating joke, Azalea doesn't laugh. She swallows her mouthful and protests that Yarrow shouldn't talk about himself like that. No one should talk about him like that! Doesn't he know how great he is at keeping the territory safe? He's such a good diplomat, and he basically handles inter-kingdom relations by himself! Yarrow is startled by her vehemence, but allows her to continue listing off a litany of all the things she likes about him. 

Lotus thinks King Frost is being annoying. Whisper is feeling cross with King Frost. King Frost is hunting bugs.

King Frost is very intently hunting a moth. As the bug flutters from crystal to crystal, drawn to their odd blue glow, Frost follows, leaping and twirling as he chases it. He scampers across Whisper's path, making her drop the snowshoe hare she was carrying. Whisper hisses in irritation, and so does Medic Lotus when Frost's pursuit kicks dirt onto the ptarmigan he was eating. Frost pays no mind to their displeasure, focused only on the hunt. He's not giving up until he catches this moth!

Gray thinks Basalt isn’t very considerate of others. Hemlock feels a sense of dread.

Gray and Hemlock share a marmot between them, watching King Frost's antics as they eat. Basalt, offended that Whisper and Lotus would dare hiss at their sovereign, starts ranting about treating the king with the proper respect, regardless of his youth. Gray twitches his whiskers in wry amusement, nodding at Basalt and telling Hemlock that the old cat must be losing his marbles if he thinks that little brat deserves anyone's fealty. Hemlock chews uncomfortably as Gray launches into an oft-repeated speech complaining about how dumb the monarchy is, and how Gray would do things differently if he were leader. At last, Gray wraps up his tirade and looks expectantly at Hemlock, expecting him to agree. Hemlock nods uncertainly, conceding that Gray has a point about the injustice of being treated differently just because you were born to a cat of a certain rank.

[clangenlore]

the quartz kingdom 💎 rules

Loosely adapted from Kiwi the Cat's Kingdom Challenge series on YouTube.

Hierarchy

King/Queen/Regent: This cat is the leader of the kingdom, possessing the highest authority over all of the cats in the kingdom. The leader may choose whether or not to patrol, at their own discretion.

Prince/Princess/Heir: The children of the leader. The eldest kitten of the leader will inherit the throne. The line of succession follows the children's birth order, with no preferential treatment according to gender. Ideally, the leader's children will be accompanied by a parent or a knight when on patrol.

Consort: The leader's mate and deputy, but acts only as a figurehead. The consort enjoys several privileges, including no mandatory patrols and leniency for any rule-breaking they commit.

Advisor: The leader's right hand, functional deputy, and acting mediator. This cat offers advice to the leader. The advisor is the highest-ranking noble and holds sway over all other nobles, knights, and peasants. When the current advisor retires or dies, a replacement is chosen from among the kingdom's youngest cats.

Medic/Healer/Cleric: This cat heals the cats of the kingdom using their knowledge of herbal remedies. Their rank is similar to that of the advisor, and the two often disagree over who possesses the higher rank. Most medics disdain the advisor's commands, believing their power over life and death excludes them from taking orders. When the medic requires an assistant, a new healer is selected from among the kingdom's youngest members; only cats younger than three moons can be chosen. The medic role overrides even royal or noble blood; a cat is born to this position. In accordance with this rule, no outside healers may be accepted into this position; they must be demoted to peasants.

Nobles: Those of noble rank include relatives of the royal family and cats recognized by the royal family for various reasons, usually a merit-based appointment. These cats do not have to patrol each moon, but many do according to personal preference.

Knights: In order for a peasant to become a knight, they must earn a scar or otherwise protect the royal family in some way. This is the highest rank most peasant-born cats can aspire to. Knights often accompany the royal family on patrols; they must patrol every moon but have the responsibility to decide whether or not to proceed. If a royal dies while under a knight's watch, the knight is exiled in disgrace for failing in their duty.

Squires: Children or close kin of knights, they are trained by their family, usually their parents. They can only become full knights if they earn a scar or their knight mentor retires. On occasion, a squire who goes above and beyond for their kingdom may receive a knighthood posthumously. Squires are subject to the same patrolling rules as knights: they must patrol every moon, but may decide not to proceed in a dangerous situation.

Peasants: The lowest rank in the kingdom, most cats are peasants. Parents are responsible for training their own children, and elders cannot retire unless they have living family to support them. Orphaned peasant trainees will be assigned to train under the kingdom's eldest knight. Peasants must patrol every moon, and must proceed regardless of danger.

Rules

The royal bloodline must inherit the throne. If all royals die, the position goes to the highest-ranking noble (except the medic and advisor). If there are no nobles, the next leader will be the firstborn kit of the next litter, and their family members will become nobles. The leader's kits are higher in the line of succession than the leader's siblings.

Knights must go on patrol every moon, but may choose whether or not to proceed. Peasants always patrol and always proceed. The only exceptions to this rule are patrols that would add a new cat to the kingdom; it is up to the player's discretion whether to invite all newcomers or not. Personally, I don't accept new outsiders once I reach one full page of cats. Also, either reject outside healers or demote them to peasants (warriors).

Settings

General

Nutrition system off (resources > prey_config > set top two values to false)

Show exact xp

Allow dead cats to fade away

Enable Clan page background

Show moons and seasons widget

Relation

Allow cats to breed with cats that aren't their mates

Allow cats to have kittens with an unknown second parent (toggle as needed)

Cats who have litters have "allow kits" toggled off until their current kits are at least 12 moons old

Role

Disable experience-based graduation

Cats will never retire due to a permanent condition

The kingdom doesn't believe in StarClan, so leaders only have one life. Once they die, they're dead for good.

[clangenlore]

the quartz kingdom 💎 cats

After a vicious war with the Silver Empire, the Quartz Kingdom is left in shambles. Their king is dead, and his sole heir has barely opened his eyes. Only the insistence of the royal advisor, Basalt, keeps the remaining cats from disbanding; it was the last wish of his best friend and king that he should guide the struggling kingdom toward glory once more. Taking the young King Frost under his own wing, Basalt rallies the remaining cats and soothes their worries with his words. Little do the others know, it was his will that led the former king to his demise….

Basalt | Royal Advisor | loyal to self

male | 146 moons | charismatic good hunter

Royal advisor and de facto leader of the Quartz Kingdom during King Frost's youth. A manipulative, secretive sort, his affection for Frost is one of the few things about him that's real. His connections to a nearby rogue group are unknown to the rest of the kingdom, though Medic Lotus has his suspicions...

Lotus | Medic | loyal to the kingdom

male | 137 moons | compassionate | fish-like swimmer & good kitsitter

The kingdom's senior medic and Basalt's biggest skeptic. His loyalty has always been to his kingdom above all else, and he despises the cats responsible for the slaughter of his countrymen; however, he knows only what the rest of the kingdom believes, which is that their enemy was comprised solely of Silver Empire cats.

Rust | Peasant | loyal to the kingdom

female | 90 moons | adventurous | excellent teacher & talented swimmer

An earnest, unflinching sort. Destined never to stand out, she nevertheless puts her best effort into every endeavor. Longs for a family of her own, but worries she's missed her opportunity at her age. The most likely to be found gazing longingly into the distance.

Azalea | Knight | loyal to the royal family

female | 60 moons | shameless | good swimmer

The sole knight of the kingdom, she was knighted by Basalt in a quick, unceremonious manner. She hadn't even earned the position, but her parents were knights, and Basalt was determined that the kingdom should have at least one knight to carry on the tradition. He slashed her paw pad and it was done; Azalea has been determined to prove her worth ever since. She's staunchly loyal and deeply respected despite her strange mannerisms. She believes her duty is to the royal family, and particularly the king, above all else, and would protect them over any other. She's responsible but not above a bit of whimsy.

Yarrow | Peasant | loyalty undecided

male | 48 moons | insecure | great kitsitter

A diplomatic type, he found his niche in border patrols and has stuck to them ever since. He takes pride in ensuring the safety of the cats around him, especially Azalea, whom he's fancied for some time but has never mustered the courage to tell.

Gray | Peasant | loyal to self

male | 7 moons | arrogant | confident with words

Arrogant and troublesome, his quick tongue is his only saving grace. He does as he pleases with little concern for others, valuing his own interests above all else. He has a natural disdain for nobles and no respect whatsoever for the monarchy.

Hemlock | Peasant | loyal to Gray

male | 6 moons | sneaky | active imagination & restless sleeper

A good cat at heart, he's easily swayed due to his loyalty to individuals over ideals. His burgeoning crush on Gray ensures he'd do anything the other tom asks, even to his own detriment. He used to be better friends with Whisper during their kithood, but she's grown distant ever since he started hanging out with Gray.

Whisper | Peasant | loyal to the kingdom

female | 6 moons | strict | picky nest builder & quick to help

This young cat adheres to her own morals and isn't afraid to impose them on others. She has high standards for herself and trains diligently in every free moment. She's serious and outwardly cold toward others, but she has a soft spot for Hemlock, even if she hates how close he's gotten with Gray lately.

Laurel | Squire | loyal to Azalea

female | 3 moons | shy | careful listener

Azalea's sister from a much younger litter, Laurel is Azalea's only remaining family. She's wise beyond her moons and understands more than she lets on. Tends to spend time alone, looking serious. Azalea tries to encourage her to act her age more by playing mossball together.

Frost | King | loyal to Basalt

male | 1 moon | fearless | never sits still

Heir to the throne and future king, Frost already knows he's special, and therefore acts according to his own whims with no fear of repercussions. He's pompous and irresponsible, but innocently so; he's too young to understand the gravity of the situation and takes most of his cues from Basalt, who coddles him.

Neighboring Powers

Enemy: Silver Empire

Neutral: Coal Coalition, Gilded Alliance

[clangenlore]

after watching a few of kiwi the cat's kingdom challenge videos on youtube, i started a kingdom in clangen, just for funsies... only to immediately become sucked into the hyperfixation vortex for hours, i blink and realize i've played nearly four years while documenting the whole thing moon by moon in word. so uh. i might end up sharing some of the stories from the quartz kingdom soon ✌️

there have been some super adorable friendships formed between outsiders and the young cats who welcomed them, a chaotic prankster married the king only for the king to develop a not-so-secret crush on another tom (but it's chill and poly), and just now one of my founders cheated on his long-time husband with a newcomer and had kits with her (not chill, not poly). my poor mediator has had the status of wanting to shake some sense into other cats at least three times now and honestly i can't blame her

[clangenlore]

consider: roseclan farming cobwebs by providing ideal habitats for spiders in their camp and protecting the spiders from their natural predators. one notorious cobweb spider is the black widow, which the other clans rightfully fear for its painful bite; but roseclan spider keepers know it won't bite unless startled or threatened, so there's rarely any harm done to those with experience and a calm demeanor.

[clangenlore]

an update: ive got otterclan's art done but life has been throwing its worst at me recently and it'll be a while til i get the next post up ✌️

[clangenlore]

rookclan: in pursuit of knowledge

current leadership

lyrestar | 143 moons | shameless | beloved kitsitter

an eccentric old fellow, lyrestar is old as dirt and usually covered in the stuff to boot. his eyesight is failing and he's missing a few teeth, but by starclan he's not retiring yet! he was a bit of a casanova back in the day, siring litters with multiple she-cats before finally settling down with his current mate, a former kittypet named mae. he loves kits and can often be found playing with his great-grandkits in the nursery. not as technologically-minded, he prefers digging for grubs and gathering clay for pottery; his polydactyly makes his paws great shovels. his tail was burned in an accident when he was a young warrior, and since then the firekeepers have banned him from handling fire.

cherryhawk | 70 moons | responsible | great hunter & fast as the wind

cherryhawk is a very capable deputy, and at this point she's the leader of rookclan in all but name. her birth was a difficult one, leaving her without a tail and with a permanently weak leg, which she usually keeps wrapped in leaves to compress it. she earned the suffix -hawk in honor of her speed, which helped her catch and kill an actual hawk during her assessment. she likes to keep physically fit and often races her otterclan rival along the border. her level-headed nature makes her the ideal cat to curb her clanmates' reckless enthusiasm.

swanplume | 124 moons | troublesome | prophecy interpreter finchbeak | 124 moons | righteous | good healer yewberry | 29 moons | thoughtful | keen eye & dark forest affinity

swanplume and finchbeak are rookclan's elder healers; they're littermates and, surprisingly, lyrestar's younger aunts. much like their nephew, they refuse to retire. they're meddlesome old she-cats and love to gossip and nag. both of them bear scars on their faces thanks to their job requiring close proximity to their clanmates' sometimes-explosive invention accidents. most of rookclan prefer swanplume to finchbeak, whose abrasive tongue makes for poor bedside manner.

yewberry is their much younger apprentice. his demeanor is much calmer and quieter than his denmates', though his tendency to stare at things no one else can see makes him somewhat intimidating. while all of rookclan let their curiosity guide them, yewberry's interest parallels his name: he cultivates toxic plants and experiments with them. he attempted to ingest small doses to try and make himself immune to his poisons, but his first attempt went wrong and cherryhawk forbade him from doing it again. so naturally he's continued doing it, just in secret, and much more carefully.

culture

inquisitive and innovative, rookclan cats are relentless in their pursuit of knowledge. thanks to their experiments and inventions, they're the most technologically-advanced of the clans, developing rudimentary tools, crude wheels, and even a simple written language of glyphs. what's more, rookclan cats have even managed to harness the power of fire. only specific cats are permitted to start fires, however; these cats, called firekeepers, undergo extensive training in order to control the flames. with this fire, rookclan is able to cook their prey, a practice the other clans find odd. dried minnows and smoked jerky are favorite rookclan snacks, often squirreled away in caches marked by stone cairns. another rookclan recipe involves mashing grubs and meat scraps, using bird eggs to bind them, forming them into small cakes, and frying them in fat.

because of their keen interest in learning, rookclan routinely hosts outsiders, engaging in fascinated conversation and exchanging knowledge. thanks to this, rookclan cats believe in a greater variety of gods, spirits, and superstitions; when you're playing with explosive compounds and hazardous materials, you'll take the help of anyone you can get.

rookclan actually has two camps, one on a grassy knoll overlooking a cliff that falls into a gorge, and another on the steep face of the cliff, accessed through a system of natural caves and cat-made tunnels. the primary camp on the surface is where the young and old live, as well as warriors assigned to routine patrols. the secondary camp on the cliff face is occupied by those performing dangerous experiments, using fire or sharp tools, or working with hazardous materials. this area wasn't always a camp, but became one to prevent inventors from falling asleep at their workbenches. the gorge below, meanwhile, is a dumping ground for human garbage, which rookclan cats love to collect and tinker with, if only to discover how these objects work.

[clangenlore]

roseclan's bugs 🐛

inspired by bonefall's posts on the subject (leeches, maggots, bees).

roseclan's medics are known to use... nontraditional healing practices, including the use of medicinal leeches and maggots. leeches are primarily used to treat osteoarthritis and joint pain in elders, as their saliva has anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic properties. maggots are used for wound debridement, the removal of infected tissue. while the other clans balk at the idea, an injured roseclan cat brought to another clan's camp would be shocked to learn they had no such bugs. roseclan's bees, meanwhile, contribute their honey and wax. honey, while good at soothing sore throats or masking the taste of bitter herbs, is better used as a wound dressing for its antibacterial properties; while beeswax is used to soothe dry, cracked skin.

roseclan cats also farm insects for non-medicinal purposes. mealworms and grubs are among their neighbor rookclan's favorite ingredients, but rookclan's husbandry skills aren't as sophisticated as roseclan's, so roseclan maintains these populations in exchange for rookclan firekeepers' assistance in smoking their beehives. as for other bugs, briarstar herself personally keeps a colony of dermestid beetles to clean the bones she collects. these beetles, while they do eat flesh and are very effective at removing hair and dead tissue from bone, do not consume living organic matter, so they present little threat to living cats. still, briarstar likes to drily joke about throwing her enemies into the beetle pit.