shadeclan-clangen

[shadeclan-clangen]

A Plan Gone Amiss - Moon 2

 A few days had passed since the gathering. The plan to address the rogue group had been discussed, debated, and reworked. The day of actually executing it had finally arrived.

 "Today is the day. This could end up being very dangerous work, but I trust that you all can handle it." LavenderStar addressed the cats from the Carved Stone. "The first patrol will take the East, FireStripe will lead it, ScorchStripe and PetalPaw will join her. The second patrol will go West, I will lead it and I want CoyoteBloom and BrushFalcon to accompany me. The others will stay here to guard the camp. Any questions?" The gathered cats shook their heads. "Good. Remember: do not engage the rogues until the other patrol has been notified and has arrived as backup."

 FireStripe's patrol worked through the forest's undergrowth sniffing and looking for signs of the rogues. They moved farther and farther East. Eventually, they came across some strange scent markers. ScorchStripe sniffed at the scratched up bark of a tree.

 "PetalPaw come here and smell this..." he signaled quietly to the young cat. PetalPaw let the scent wash over him as he approached. He took some deep breaths at the bark and considered the smell.

 "Is that..." PetalPaw trailed off looking with surprise at the older cat.

 "I think so, it's a cat from our old group..." ScorchStripe murmured ominously.

 "But there's no way!" PetalPaw burst out. FireStripe whipped around and hissed.

 "Quiet, there's some cats up ahead!" She spat as quietly as she could.

 "I heard something in the brush behind us!" A strange voice called out.

 "Maybe those cowardly clan cats have finally decided to fight for their land..." another voice sneered. "You! Go check it out!" the same voice snapped abruptly.

 A large tom came tearing through the brambles, nearly stumbling into the patrol.

 "Scorch! Petal!" The tom blinked in recognition at the two former rogues.

 "I thought our group moved on, what are you doing here?" ScorchStripe stifled a growl in his voice. PetalPaw's fur rippled as he struggled to remain calm.

 "Well uh. Some did... We-" The tom was cut off.

 "I chased those weaklings off, and took the best of what they had." A she-cat chuckled cruelly as she padded around the tom. She was the voice barking orders that the clan cats had heard earlier. A couple of other cats began to appear through the brush.

 The she-cat was badly scarred, many of the them ragged and puckered. It was clear that they were old wounds that had been very bad to start with, but then did not heal well, leaving even more damage. Oddly enough, one ear was shredded and torn, which was expected of such a brutal-looking cat, but the other had the tip of it cut clean off, but was otherwise whole. Her scars only made her seem more intimidating. It was clear this cat had seen battle and had fought hard through life.

 "Are you part of this new clan we keep hearing about...?" She scoffed at the patrol. The other cats behind her snickered.

 "We are. Are you the group of rogues that has been attacking cats on our territory?" FireStripe challenged.

 "Your territory?" The she-cat rolled her eyes. "We've been defending the territory better than you have, so I think we have just as much of a claim" She twitched her whiskers tauntingly.

 "Defending it!?! Defending it against what: some loners trying to get their newborn kit to safety? That's not defending borders, that's just targeting the defenseless!" PetalPaw bristled.

 "You're just a kit yourself, so I'll explain... There is no room for weakness in this world. If they can't defend themselves, then they don't deserve to be here. We gave them a choice. Join us or try to leave and they chose wrong!" The she-cat spat. "I'm done picking through the leftovers. I found out about your new 'clan' and that the rogues here had just rolled over and given in. I didn't think that was right: a new clan taking over all this land for themselves? Some of that group agreed with me and is working with me to stake our claim." She nodded to the few cats ScorchStripe and PetalPaw recognized. Only the first tom that had found the clan cats had the decency to look embarrassed.

 "You murdered a weakened queen and her mate! For what? Because they didn't agree with you and join your group? Because they didn't want to fight against a clan!? How can you do something like that?!" PetalPaw glared accusingly at his former group mates. He unsheathed his claws and shook with fury.

 "You don't know what it's like, always having last pick, fighting over scraps. You don't know what it's like to have to fight for every moment in this world! It has made me strong, and if you disagree with me, let's let claws decide who's right!" The she-cat hissed and leapt towards PetalPaw.

 FireStripe intercepted, tackling the she-cat to the ground before she could reach PetalPaw.

 "Run PetalPaw! Get LavenderStar!" FireStripe yowled back to him. ScorchStripe jumped into battle as the other rogues surged to defend their leader.

 PetalPaw froze. It was like he had become rooted as deeply as the trees around them. The hisses and growls of the rogues pummeled his ears.

 "PetalPaw! GO!" FireStripe screeched through the din of battle.

 The image of the rogue leader overtaking FireStripe burned into his mind as he ran through the trees, blurred by his speed and fear. He ran West, praying to StarClan that he could reach the other patrol in time.

Next | Previous | Beginning

[shadeclan-clangen]

Cat Development

This is a breakdown of major milestones in a cat's life. This is not a "one-size fits all" kind of thing. There are always exceptions, but this is a general guide to help with consistency!

Kits:

New Born:

Eyes closed, ears folded.

No teeth yet, milk only.

1/2 Moon:

Eyes open, but blue. ears are still small and rounded.

Still no teeth.

Wobbly first steps.

1 Moon:

Teething.

Claws retractable.

Starting to use the dirt place.

1 1/2 Moons:

Begin the weaning process.

Vision and hearing fully developed.

2 Moons:

Fully weaned.

Eyes are fully transitioned to adult color.

Energetic and playful.

Apprentices:

6 Moons:

Begin their warrior/medicine training.

Still growing and filling out.

Warriors:

12 Moons:

Apprentices receive warrior name, if it was not granted early for experiences.

Still very young and immature.

Considered a Young Warrior.

24 Moons:

Considered a Full Warrior.

Fully an adult, can have kits and apprentices after this point.

72 Moons:

Considered a Senior Warrior.

Wise, but not weak.

Usual pick for deputies or leadership positions.

Elders:

120 Moons:

Most cats consider retirement at this point.

May switch to mediator position.

Starting to slow down.

180 Moons:

Considered very old and are usually very frail.

Death from age, illness, or anything really is more and more likelier after this point.

[shadeclan-clangen]

It's beautiful!!!

🎉THE CLANGEN CREATOR COMMUNITY GATHERING🎉

We just wrapped up our first event over on the CCC discord, a banner featuring cats from a bunch of our server members! Everyone drew a cat to represent their blog and now they are all having one big gathering together. Version under the readmore with labels and tags~

This was such a fun event and we have many more planned, come hang out with us on our awesome discord server! You do not have to have a comic or blog in order to join :3

Thank you so much to Minnow for creating the background, @ranchclan for arranging everyone so wonderfully, and @nimbusclan for creating the file organizer!

Key:

1. Flourishclan - @flourishingclan

2. Havenclan - @haven-clan-blog

3. Tidalclan - @tidalclan

4. Whisp/Chimeraclan - @whispering-in-the-woods

5. Loafclan - @loafclan

6. Sootclan - @sootclan

7. Shadeclan - @shadeclan-clangen

8. Cycloneclan - @cycloneclangen

9. Gutterclan - @gutterclan

10. Boughclan - @boughclan-clangen

11. Aphidclan - @aphidclan-clangen

12. Dustclan - @dustclan-clangen

13. Nimbusclan - @nimbusclan

14. Wtclangen - @wtclangen

15. Pride of the Whistling Stone - @pride-of-whistling-stones

16. Gardenclan - @heavensgaze

17. Noteclan - @noteclan

18. Hillclan - @hillclan-ruins

19. Abyssclan - @light-at-the-end-of-the-abyss

20. Ourclan - @our-clangen

21. Saffronclan - @saffronclan

22. Shifting Valley - @shiftingvalley

23. Liatai - @liatai

24. Ranchclan - @ranchclan

25. Oneclan-gen - @oneclan-clangen

26. Rippleclan - @rippleclan

27. Whirlclan - @whirlclan

28. Whimsyclan - @whimsy-clangen

29. Dogwoodclan - @dogwoodclangen

30. Eveningclan - @eveningclangen

31. Lostclan - @the-lostclan

32. Sparkclan - @kcsparkclan

33. Amazonsclan - @amazonsclan

34. Forestclan - @forestclan-clangen

35. Direclan - @direclan

36. Butterflyclan - @fluttercats-clangen-yippee

37. Runeclan - @runeclangen

38. Plushieclan - @plushieclan

[shadeclan-clangen]

Apologies for the unannounced hiatus. I broke my Clangen save and had to rebuild the files. Still in the midst of that right now, but getting it fixed as soon as possible. Should have more chapters or at least some info posts up soon! Thanks for your patience!

[shadeclan-clangen]

Loners, Rogues, and Kittypets... Oh My!

Loners:

Stray cats, usually on their own or with just a mate/kits.

Nomadic. May linger around twoleg places and form friendships with kittypets. Occasionally travel through clan territories.

Usually friendly, or at least neutral towards other cats. Aware of the weakness solitary life brings them.

Can be abandoned kittypets, former clan cats, or former rogues. Barn cats also fall into this category, although they are not usually nomadic.

Rogues:

Groups of stray cats, not as organized or as large as clans.

Somewhat nomadic, but set up a kind of temporary camp if they stay anywhere for a length of time.

Not usually tolerated by clans if a group comes within their borders.

Attitudes vary group by group, but can be aggressive or violent, unlike loners/kittypets.

Usually former clan cats or abandoned kittypets, but some cats are born into rogue groups.

Kittypets:

A cat that is cared for and owned by a twoleg.

Can be indoor only or indoor/outdoor. Doesn't usually stray too far from their home. Sometimes has several homes with twolegs caring for them.

Sometimes collared.

Eats primarily kittypet food, but may sometimes catch prey.

Usually friendly.

Can be born into the kittypet life or captured by twolegs and adjust to it.

[shadeclan-clangen]

Discussing a Plan - Moon 1

 The kits were getting bigger and bigger everyday. They had all opened their eyes, all of them having that striking kitten blue. PetalPaw purred over the kits.

 "They're adorable. I can't wait to play with them when they can start moving around more!" He grinned at RavenKit who lifted her head to stare at the apprentice. She mewled and lay her head back down like it was just too heavy to hold up. LavenderStar's kits: VeilKit, ThornKit, and GaleKit all curled up together. A mix of gray, cream, and light brown fur that gently rose and fell as they breathed. RavenKit nestled in closer to them, adding fur dark as night to the bunch.

 "Thanks for always bringing me prey, PetalPaw. It's been a tiring few weeks, but it's nice to see you bouncing in with a plump mouse!" RookBellow chuffed. PetalPaw nodded and continued admiring the kits that lay at her belly.

 "Let all cats old enough to catch prey, gather here at the Carved Stone!" LavenderStar's voice called out through the camp. PetalPaw's ears pricked as he sat up. Across the den, ScorchStripe began to detach from SkipKit, TadpoleKit, and ScratchKit.

 "What do you mean we can't go...? We want to know what's going on too!" The older kits whined.

 "You can't catch prey yet, so you have to stay here. Don't give RookBellow any trouble or you'll have to answer to me about it." ScorchStripe let out a huff.

 "You're not joining the meeting?" PetalPaw asked RookBellow, concerned.

 "I've got to watch over all the little ones. Go with ScorchStripe, but come back and tell me what's happened." RookBellow smiled at PetalPaw and shooed him off with her tail. The older kits followed the apprentice to the nursery entrance. Once they reached it and began to step out, RookBellow cleared her throat and gave them a look. The kits lowered their heads in disappointment and trudged back into the den. PetalPaw chuckled and continued on his way to the Carved Stone.

 "As you all know: we have been blessed with many kits this past moon. Kits are the lifeblood and the future of a clan, they must be protected at all costs. However, I'm sure you also know that there are some rogues wandering into our borders that have killed cats protecting their kits. Specifically, killing RavenKit's birth parents not far from our camp when she was not even a few hours old. This is cruel and highly unusual behavior from rogues. I would like to put forth to the clan the idea of investigating these rogues and dealing with them as necessary." LavenderStar announced.

 "What? RavenKit's parents were murdered? I knew they died, but not like that!" PetalPaw whispered to his mentor, ScorchStripe.

 "That's what we think. I don't think it's our old group, this is way too bloodthirsty for them... Killing parents trying to get their kit to safety..." ScorchStripe shook his head in disgust.

 "I think we should track their movements in our territory and see what exactly we're dealing with." FireStripe announced to the clan, beginning the discussion of a plan.

 "Should we organize daily patrols for this?" BrushFalcon asked.

 "I think we should take care of things as quickly as we can. In a single day, if possible. Track them for a bit, confirm that they are a danger, and remove them." CoyoteBloom said bluntly. ScorchStripe nodded, supporting his mate's idea.

 "Regardless, we need to secure our borders. We cannot tolerate wandering rogues in our territory any longer for the safety of our young ones." FireStripe meowed with a quick look beside her to PetalPaw.

 "But some of us were rogues once..? What about us..?" PetalPaw offered quietly.

 "You are all clan cats now, this is your home. We are your family and we must protect each other." FireStripe said, draping her tail across her adopted son's back, comforting him. PetalPaw let out a sigh of relief.

 "I think it's decided that we should take care of this as quickly as possible. However, I think we should try to be as safe as we can about this. Once tonight's gathering is over and we have rested, we shall form a patrol with all willing and able cats. We will then split into two smaller groups, span the territory, and track what we can of these rogues. Once they're discovered, alert the other group. Do not engage them until the other patrol arrives. We will discuss specifics closer to time." LavenderStar decided as all the other cats gave nods of agreement. A plan to protect their loved ones and their clan was now in place.

Next | Previous | Beginning

[shadeclan-clangen]

Introducing my Main Character: RavenKit! You can check her status through the Main Character tab when viewing my blog on browser! Or just search #raven on my blog if you're on mobile!

[shadeclan-clangen]

Good Intentions & Foolish Decisions - Moon 1

 "Um RookBellow, where did these other kits come from?" SneezeDusk looked down at the wriggling mass of fur in confusion. He had brought his mate some prey for breakfast and discovered the surprising new additions.

 "Yeah, about that..." RookBellow trailed off, casting a look at ScorchStripe who was bathing his kits across the nursery, but was not paying any attention to them. "They're LavenderStar's... He brought them last night, but wouldn't say anymore than their names and they were his." RookBellow whispered in her mates ear. SneezeDusk made a noise of surprise, but stifled it quickly.

 "So he's claiming them... Good. I was nervous we went from one kit to a litter of four..." SneezeDusk murmured. "I'll bring you more prey closer to sun high. You rest up, you'll need it with all these furballs." SneezeDusk nuzzled his mate before padding out of the nursery.

 FireStripe entered the dim medicine cat den. "SneezeDusk? You said you needed to see me privately?" She called into the shadows.

 "Did you know LavenderStar has kits???" SneezeDusk began his interrogation quickly as FireStripe's eyes adjusted to the gloom of the den.

 "What!?! Kits?!?! No!" FireStripe bristled with shock at the intensity of the question. "He has kits? Here? With who?" she had taken over the asking of questions now.

 "He brought three newborn kits to RookBellow last night and asked her to nurse them. He's named them and seems to claim them. She said he wouldn't share anything else." SneezeDusk said. "No idea where they came from, but the timing... We would've been in Stone Clan still when he got this unknown mate pregnant..." SneezeDusk mused quietly.

 "Are we sure this mate is really unknown...?" FireStripe suggested, looking intensely at SneezeDusk.

 "Oh Star Clan... It has to be Her..." SneezeDusk gasped with realization.

 "Good morning, what do you need?" LavenderStar greeted his old friends warmly as they approached him outside of the leader's den at the Carved Stone. LavenderStar had been discussing the results of the hunting patrol with CoyoteBloom when the two cats approached. CoyoteBloom quickly bobbed his head and took his leave when he noticed the intensity of the deputy and medicine cat's stares.

 "LavenderStar, we need talk." SneezeDusk meowed directly. LavenderStar deflated slightly, he knew this would be a tough discussion and had a pretty good guess as to what it was about. He turned and padded into his den, flicking his tail to direct his friends to follow.

 Once inside, SneezeDusk launched into his explanation of how shocked he was when RookBellow now had four kits nursing at her belly instead of just the one he expected. FireStripe nodded along with SneezeDusk's words.

 "We know they're yours and that their mother is more than likely from our Stone Clan days. What happened?" FireStripe said gently, looking at her friend who had bowed his head in shame.

 "Look, I didn't know she was expecting then, but She was the reason I didn't want to leave. We'd just become mates, we were gonna announce to the clan in a few days... Then I heard about your dream, Sneeze, I choked up and hesitated... But I realized I had to go, had to follow what you said. I wanted her to come with, but she wouldn't. She didn't want to leave the clan with me." LavenderStar looked away sadly.

 "But how did you end up with the kits? Wouldn't it have been easier to have her raise them?" FireStripe asked, confused.

 "She was gonna raise them on her own. She heard that I showed up again at that first gathering for Shade Clan, but decided she wouldn't tell me, so I could focus on the new clan. She kitted, but she was so weak after. The strain on her was too much. She told her friend that the kits should at least know me, since they wouldn't know her. I saw that friend last night on our territory. She had brought the kits..." LavenderStar stumbled through the words, Interrupted with choked sobs. "They're all I have left of her..."

 SneezeDusk and FireStripe were stunned. They knew LavenderStar had fancied that she-cat in Stone Clan, but they had no idea that things had progressed so far and in such a tragic way.

 "So you moved three kits overnight... By yourself?" SneezeDusk gaped. LavenderStar nodded solemnly.

 "LavenderStar! What in Star Clan's name were you thinking? You should've told us! We would've helped!" FireStripe exploded. "You know us better than that! That was an incredibly mouse-brained, selfish, dangerous move! That rogue group just killed some cats fleeing with a kit, they could've gotten you and your kits too! I know you have all these extra lives or whatever, but they're not to be wasted!"

 "It wouldn't be a waste! Not for them, I'd give all my lives for them! But to endanger them: I admit it, it was foolish. However, I couldn't leave them to stay in Stone Clan, to not know either of their parents, to grow up alone..." LavenderStar spat back but then quieted as he continued.

 "We're not angry with you LavenderStar, we just wish you had relied on us and trusted us. The rogue group didn't attack, you and your kits are safe, and they will be raised well here in Shade Clan." SneezeDusk soothed. "But with all these kits, we need to do something about that rogue group before they get bold enough to try to take us on." SneezeDusk's voice roughened with protectiveness.

 FireStripe and LavenderStar nodded in agreement. They all had things they wanted to protect in Shade Clan now.

Next | Previous | Beginning

[shadeclan-clangen]

New Additions - Moon 1

 A whole moon has passed. The clan was official and honored by the other clans. Life was peaceful, and the new clan was thankful for that.

 SneezeDusk and RookBellow had officially become mates. They had been going on patrol after patrol together, stocking up on herbs and exploring their feelings for each other. They had just announced their relationship to the clan a few days ago. Everyone was thrilled for them and the prospect of the first official Shade Clan kits being born.

 

 "What would you want to name our kits?" RookBellow asked as they pawed through the herbs they had found earlier in their patrol.

 "I'm not sure... I think I'd have to see them first. You're not pregnant yet though, so why the question?" SneezeDusk asked.

 "I just want to be prepared. Names are really important!" RookBellow chuckled.

 "So is the health of the clan. I know you're excited, love, but we need to stock up on New-Leaf herbs before Green-Leaf starts." SneezeDusk nuzzled his mate.

 "I know, I know!" RookBellow gently head-butted her mate back. "I think I saw some new growth on that plant over there!" she meowed.

 As they approached the bush that was putting out new leaves, perfect for early harvest, the two cats heard a small cry.

 "What is that?" RookBellow asked, scenting the air. "I smell blood!" She suddenly shouted and took off in the direction of the cry. SneezeDusk ran after her.

 "Oh no, Oh no..." RookBellow cried softly. "They're already gone." The two loners were laid together and covered in blood, it had been a fight between several cats. "I think they were mates..." Rookbellow continued.

 SneezeDusk sniffed the bodies of the cats, "I think some rogues hunted them down, they have the scent of a rogue group on them. They're cold, they've been dead for a while... But what made the cry?" SneezeDusk mused quietly. Suddenly, the cry they heard earlier, sounded again.

 "It's a kit!" RookBellow began to gently roll the body of one of the loners over, revealing a newborn kit tucked in between the two bodies, hidden from harm. She picked up the mewling kit and began washing it clean of its parents' blood. "What should we do, SneezeDusk?" she asked her mate in between swipes of her tongue.

 "Well, we were wanting kits... and she's so young she'll need milk. I think we should adopt her." SneezeDusk answered. "There's some herbs I can give you that will bring your milk forth. It'll take a day or two, but we have to try or this kit won't make it..."

 "I'll do it. I'll do anything for her." RookBellow said with sudden unshakable conviction. She curled around the kit, comforting it.

 "You have such a kind heart, Rook... Take her back to camp. I'll put her birth parents to rest." SneezeDusk groomed the fur on the top of his mate's head. RookBellow smiled sadly at SneezeDusk.

 "Thank you for protecting this kit, we will raise her the best we can. Rest easy..." She murmured to the two loners laying on the forest floor. She then picked up the kit and carried her towards camp.

 "Yes, thank you. You have brought us a wonderful gift at the cost of your own lives. I will not forget this." SneezeDusk whispered. He then began to prepare graves for the cats so their bodies could rest together as their souls went where ever it was that loners go after they pass on.

 A couple of days later, RookBellow's milk came forth and the kit began to thrive. The whole clan was relieved, they had been very worried about what RookBellow would do if she lost the kit. RookBellow was completely devoted to her already.

 "So that's what I looked like after I was born?" ScratchKit peeked over the edge of the nest at the fluffy black blob that nestled against RookBellow's pale belly.

 "Probably something like that, ScratchKit." RookBellow purred.

 "What are you gonna call her?" SkipKit squeaked.

 "She doesn't have a tail! That's so weird!" TadpoleKit giggled. All the kits were very intrigued by the new addition to their den.

 "TadpoleKit! Be nice! All of you, leave RookBellow alone!" ScorchStripe scolded. CoyoteBloom and him took turns caring for the kits, but ScorchStripe was the more strict of the two. While ScorchStripe cared for the kits, PetalPaw either helped out in the nursery or trained with CoyoteBloom. He was clearing out old nest materials at the moment and was pretending to not be as invested as the kits.

 "ScorchStripe... It's fine, they're just curious. We think she was born without a tail, and it's not weird, it's just how she was made." RookBellow answered patiently. "SneezeDusk and I want to call her RavenKit, but we didn't want to tell anyone until we knew she would make it. So you all are the first to know." She whispered to the kits with a playful glint in her eyes. She then nuzzled the tiny kit as it nursed.

 The kits gasped and chirped in unison, "Hello RavenKit!" But soon they got distracted as kits do and ran out of the nursery to play a game.

 After the kits tumbled out of the den, PetalPaw approached RookBellow. "Can I see her?" he asked shyly.

 "Not you too!" ScorchStripe sighed and laid his head down exasperated.

 "She's the first of the new Shade Clan kits, it's exciting." PetalPaw explained. RookBellow just chuckled. She was glad that the clan accepted RavenKit as if she was RookBellow's own blood. They knew she was the kit of some loners, but once SneezeDusk and RookBellow brought her to camp, she was truly Shade Clan's.

 That night as RookBellow lay gently snoozing curled around RavenKit, LavenderStar poked her awake.

 "Huh, what is it LavenderStar?" she asked yawning.

 "Do you have milk to spare?" He asked intensely.

 "Sure... Those herbs work like crazy, I've got way too much milk now." She said sleepily. "Wait, what do you need milk for?" RookBellow snapped awake once the odd request registered. LavenderStar uncurled his tail and revealed a mound of squirming fur.

 "My kits..." He said solemnly. "I've named them: VeilKit, ThornKit, and GaleKit and they're mine. That's all I can say." He indicated to each kit in turn and then gazed into RookBellow's eyes. She could sense deep grief in him, but knew he would not share.

 "I'll nurse them." RookBellow knew this was the only way she could help LavenderStar's problem, whatever it entailed. He began to pick up the kits one by one and set them in the nest where they mewled and squirmed against RavenKit searching for milk. There were now many new additions in the nursery.

Next | Previous | Beginning

[shadeclan-clangen]

The Last Founder

Came to join Shade Clan with permission from Stream Clan's leader.

BrushFalcon

Tom, 40 moons

Role: Warrior

Trait: Cunning

Skill(s): Formidable Fighter & Great Climber

[shadeclan-clangen]

Gathering Updates - Moon 0

Clan Personalities & Relations:

Salt Clan: Amiable, Neutral

Shade Clan: Wary

Stone Clan: Stoic, Neutral

Stream Clan: Cunning, Neutral

Sun Clan: Proud, Neutral

Clan Leadership:

Shade Clan

Leader - LavenderStar: Tom, 52 moons, Insecure

9 lives left

Deputy - FireStripe: She-cat, 62 moons, Aloof

Lead Medicine Cat - SneezeDusk: Tom, 86 moons, Thoughtful

Salt Clan

Leader - SnapdragonStar: Tom, 81 moons, Obsessive

5 lives left

Deputy - RaggedWhistle: She-cat, 49 moons, Cunning

Lead Medicine Cat - OchreSpot: She-cat, 91 moons, Flamboyant

Stone Clan

Leader - DaisyStar: She-cat, 75 moons, Flexible

3 lives left

Deputy - NightRustle: Tom, 107 moons, Reserved

Lead Medicine Cat - ShatterFoot: She-cat, 65 moons, Troublesome

Stream Clan

Leader - NightStar: She-cat, 26 moons, Stoic

9 lives left

Deputy - WisteriaFlicker: She-cat, 52 moons, Adventurous

Lead Medicine Cat - StretchBelly: Tom, 87 moons, Playful

Sun Clan

Leader - SmokeStar: Tom, 78 moons, Vengeful

9 lives left

Deputy - HickoryShade: She-cat, 117 moons, Grumpy

Lead Medicine Cat - MidnightSpring: Tom, 37 moons, Troublesome

[shadeclan-clangen]

Seeking Power - Moon 0

 The Circle of Stars was completely empty. It was eerie, to go from the playful chatter and noise of many cats to nothing but the cold moon shining sliently down. It truly felt as if Star Clan had descended to the stone hollow. The walls glittered in the moonlight and the pool in the middle was luminous.

 "It's time, LavenderStripe..." SneezeDusk murmured, breaking his friend out of his spellbound state. LavenderStripe took one last long glance around. He had been more than just a warrior for a while now, but this was something he could never turn back from.

 

 "Let's do this." LavenderStripe nodded to himself and his friend. "RosemaryTail talked you through how this works..?" He asked.

 "Yes, though there's not much for me to do. You have to wade to the center of the pool, and Star Clan will reach down to you. I will be here watching over you and ensuring nothing interrupts." SneezeDusk instructed.

 LavenderStripe swallowed around the lump in his throat and stepped forward to the edge of the pool. He stepped gently into the water... It was warm! New-Leaf had barely began and you could still feel the cold tendrils of Leaf-Bare in the nights and the mornings. This water should be ice cold, but it was as warm as a nursery nest full of kits. This explained why the water of the pool never froze, even in leaf bare, even though it did not rush like the streams and rivers that criss-crossed the territories or bubbled like the small creeks that came from the bigger bodies of water. LavenderStripe moved through the water to the center of the pool. The water creeping up his legs as he moved with his tail dragging behind; the fur swirling and moving in the water. He turned back to tell Sneeze Dusk how warm the water was and ask what to do next, but SneezeDusk was gone!

 A cloud of mist had crept into the Circle of Stars while LavenderStripe had entered the pool. He could still see the carved stone perches surrounding the pool, but everything else was shrouded in the silvery mist that reflected the moon's light.

 "Hello?" He called out, his voice somehow sounding very muffled, but at the same time echoing off the stone walls of the hollow.

 "Hello. We are the warriors of Shade Clan." Many cats spoke at once. The mist swirled around the vague silhouettes of cats approaching from behind Shade Clan's stone. The cats seemed to fade into and out of view, shimmering like a reflection on water. They fanned out to encircle the pool. There were nine of them. One stepped towards him. It was too hard to tell anything about the cat, their pelt faded in and out too much.

 "You can call me BlueAntler, I am a warrior of the Shade Clan of old. I was chosen to represent them. I will guide your cats to take their place among the stars when it's their time, but tonight I meet with you." The starry cat's voice was deeply familiar to LavenderStripe even though he was sure he did not know her.

 "This will be a difficult task for you, bringing a clan back from the shadows of death. I grant you this gift to help you find wisdom in desperate times, you will need it." The ever-shifting cat pressed her nose to LavenderStripe's head. Suddenly, he could see her as she was in life. An odd cat, but full of life, a bluish gray she-cat. Her memories poured into LavenderStripe, he saw the peaceful daily life of the previous Shade Clan. He also saw its tragic end with clanmate turning on clanmate. He felt BlueAntler's pain: she had been one of the warriors to work herself to the end trying to provide for the dying clan. LavenderStripe gasped from the sensation. BlueAntler smiled sadly.

 "I worked my hardest and made decisions I thought were wise, but I was consumed by the struggle and paid for it," she spoke softly.

 Each of the mist-obscured cats approached LavenderStripe in turn and pressed their nose to his head. He witnessed their stories: their joy, their pain, and finally their end. The energy of their emotions were what made up each life for the new leader. As the ninth cat pulled away from LavenderStripe, he realized that the water of the pool had risen and the bottom of the pool had fallen away.

 He was drowning, he was being pulled down into the pool. The sensations of each warriors' life washed over him at once and pushed him under the water, sinking him deep. He was overwhelmed with the pain of the former Shade Clan cats, like the water, they flooded his senses. His vision became spotty and darkened at the edges. He had to get air, or he would die and lose all his lives before he even had a chance to lead! He began moving his aching body. His muscles burned and bones cracked painfully. He began to paw at the water, determined to break the surface. He kicked and kicked, fiercer than in any battle, he fought. The gloom of the deep gave way to blinding light, his lungs screamed for air.

 "LavenderStar! LavenderStar! LavenderStar!" The entirety of Star Clan shouted his new name in time with his straining heartbeat, it was deafening. Finally, he broke the surface of the water and gasped. Sharp, cold, delicious air entered his battered lungs.

 "LavenderStar!" SneezeDusk shouted from the edge of the pool. LavenderStar glanced around in a panic. Star Clan was gone, he stood in water that only touched his belly fur, he was dry except for his belly, legs, and tail. He hadn't gone under? Hadn't almost drowned?

 "The moon has set, dawn will come soon. We need to return to camp." SneezeDusk said calmly, seeing that his friend was alright. "What happened..? If you want to share..?" SneezeDusk asked shyly.

 "I saw Star Clan, I met the old Shade Clan warriors. They gave me my lives... And then I drowned. Or almost did." LavenderStar said as he stepped out of the pool and shook the water off his paws.

 "What? You just stood there staring into the pool, I thought something bad was happening... Well, Star Clan drowning you isn't a exactly good thing, but I mean physically." SneezeDusk stumbled over his words. Even with his experience with Star Clan dreams, this was a very different experience.

 "Star Clan didn't drown me. I saw all their memories and pain for a split second. I thought my body was going to tear apart from the overload, and it summoned thoughts of drowning for me. I think the fight to survive through it is what Star Clan uses to make sure a cat has what it takes to truly lead a clan." LavenderStar looked at the dirt floor of the hollow as he spoke. There was something in his voice that wasn't there before, he sounded different, but not really. It was like his soul itself had aged and was showing it through his voice. "I just want to go home and sleep for a while." LavenderStar sighed.

 The two toms reached the edge of camp a while after dawn, they had walked in silence all the way from the Circle of Stars. There was nothing else to be said about LavenderStar's ceremony. Shade Clan was official and had a full leader, they were content and exhausted. When they entered the clearing they found a strange tom and FireStripe waiting for them.

 "Who is this?" LavenderStar said tiredly.

 "My name is BrushFalcon, I come from Stream Clan to join you." The strange tom meowed.

 "We found him waiting on the border during the dawn patrol." FireStripe reported. "He says NightStar gave her blessing for him to leave Stream Clan to join us." LavenderStar looked at the tom and then looked at SneezeDusk, who nodded, another full warrior was desperately needed.

 "You may join us, BrushFalcon, but you must swear loyalty to Shade Clan and commit to living here as a warrior. Can you do that?" LavenderStar yawned mid-sentence, it was not professional of him, but he was bone-tired. BrushFalcon nodded solemnly, LavenderStar inclined his head in return. He then swung his head slowly over to FireStripe. "Take care of patrols and any questions until sun high, I'm going to sleep until then, maybe later... not sure yet..." LavenderStar then trudged towards his den slowly.

 FireStripe shot SneezeDusk an inquisitive glance, this was not what she expected of a newly named leader, she thought he'd be more powerful, exhilarated, or at least not dragging tail like an elder.

 "It took a lot out of him. Star Clan can be hard on cats seeking power, even when Star Clan themselves called for it to be so." SneezeDusk answered, casting a pitying look towards their friend.

Next | Previous | Beginning

[shadeclan-clangen]

A New Chapter - Moon 0

 The moon had grown each day and would now be fat and full tonight. The gathering had come. Shade Clan would join and begin their new chapter officially in the eyes of the other clans, for better or for worse.

 LavenderStripe lashed his tail, he was nervous, but there was nothing to be done now, their efforts would have to be enough. SneezeDusk was surprisingly calm watching his friend fidget, he had been working on his dreams from Star Clan with RosemaryTail and had made great strides in getting more information from the hazy visions. He believed in his visions and in his friends.

 FireStripe approached leading CoyoteBloom and RookBellow.

 "They're coming with us. ScorchStripe thought that former rogues in a brand new clan might not be the best first impression for us. So, him and PetalPaw will stay behind with the kits." FireStripe directed to LavenderStripe. He nodded.

 "That's probably wise..." He trailed off.

 "But I'm coming with!" RosemaryTail called, padding over to the little group. "I won't be much help if it comes to a fight, but if any other elders are there they might remember me... Might lend you some credibility!" She chuckled warmly.

 "We should get going, we want to be ready for our grand entrance." SneezeDusk bumped his shoulder against LavenderStripe. LavenderStripe looked stricken, but then closed his eyes tight and nodded.

 The darkness had settled in and the clans had gathered at the Circle of Stars. Each clan stayed on their portion of the stone hollow, at least during the official meeting. Once the business portion was done, the clan cats could mingle for a while, but by moonhigh they returned to their camps. At moonhigh, when the full moon reached the peak of the sky, Star Clan reached down to the Circle of Stars. This was a sacred time reserved only for leader ceremonies. Hopefully, one would happen tonight after all the other clan cats left, if this went well...

 Each clan leader sat upon their stones encircling the pool of water in the center, with their clan cats behind them: on the hollow's floor or on the ledges that made up the hollow's walls. All the clans were accounted for: Salt Clan, Stone Clan, Stream Clan, and Sun Clan. Only one stone sat empty, the entire portion of the hollow avoided and ignored for moons. Shade Clan.

 "We leaders of the four clans call this gathering to begin..." SmokeStar of Sun Clan boomed. All the clan cats hushed. As SmokeStar moved to speak again, a thundering voice was heard.

 "Don't you mean five clans?" LavenderStripe called out as the Shade Clan cats poured over the ridge into their section of the hollow. LavenderStripe bounded to the hollow floor quickly, then padded slowly up to Shade Clan's stone. He took his time climbing up as all the cats in the hollow murmured and gasped.

 His confidence was purely affectated; on the inside his thoughts churned and roiled like his sick belly. He needed to put up a strong front for his clan. He grasped to that thought and used it to ground himself.

 FireStripe took her place at the stone's bottom and SneezeDusk at the other side. RookBellow, CoyoteBloom, and RosemaryTail lounged on the cliff ledges, watching their leader and letting the other clans watch them.

 "LavenderStripe!? What is the meaning of this?" DaisyStar of Stone Clan demanded. "FireStripe? SneezeDusk too? We thought you were dead!" their former leader gaped.

 "We were summoned by Star Clan to revive Shade Clan, and we heeded their call." LavenderStripe said solemnly. "We apologize for leaving Stone Clan in secret, but secrecy was needed for this quest."

 "Impossible! Shade Clan has been gone for ages, why bring it back now? This is an obvious play for power." SnapdragonStar of Salt Clan scoffed, turning his head in disgust.

 "It is no play, and this is no game. I give my medicine cat SneezeDusk leave to speak to share his prophecy." LavenderStripe was slipping into this role of leader easier than he thought he would.

 "I received visions from Star Clan, they showed the land broken and ruined. They showed that leaving Shade Clan's territory empty and undefended opened a weakness into all the clans. Like the stones here, it takes five clans to occupy this land, to fulfill it. To leave even one empty: invites ruin." SneezeDusk announced to the clan leaders.

 "We have had more trouble with rogues and outsiders since Shade Clan fell. You mentioned it too, DaisyStar..." NightStar of Stream Clan murmured, casting a glance up to CoyoteBloom as she spoke of rogues.

 "It won't just be rogues and outsiders. It will be worse. I'm unsure of what the precise danger is, but Star Clan called it Rot." SneezeDusk nodded to her. "It will begin with the neighboring territories of Stone Clan and Stream Clan, but it will spread. The Rot will infect each clan in turn: Sun Clan, and then finally Salt Clan." SnapdragonStar finally turned his head back to look at SneezeDusk at the mention of his clan, a brief flash of fear in his eyes.

 ShatterFoot, Stone Clan's medicine cat reached up to DaisyStar and whispered something to her. DaisyStar nodded.

 "I would like to speak on behalf of the four clan's medicine cats." ShatterFoot began looking to each medicine cat in turn as they nodded their assent. "During our Half-Moon meeting here at the Circle of Stars, Star Clan spoke to us. They told us that the four alone would not be enough, that only the fifth can heal the wound and stave off the Rot. At the time we weren't sure what this meant, but I think all of us present here today know what it means now." She spoke gently, but loud enough for all to hear. Some of the clan cats took in a breath and began murmuring again. "I support SneezeDusk with his trust in Star Clan and believe that Shade Clan should be revived." She smiled at her former clanmate.

 "As do I." DaisyStar nodded her agreement while speaking.

 "I see some of my exiled warriors have already joined up, are you sure that traitors can save Shade Clan?" NightStar squinted her eyes at LavenderStripe.

 "RookBellow and CoyoteBloom explained to us what happened. Things were unorthodox for sure, but they were following the spirit of the Warrior Code and I was willing to overlook a misunderstanding to have such loyal and kind warriors." LavenderStripe shot back. "In the spirit of that Warrior Code, the first tenant to be exact: 'All cats who follow the warrior code are your allies, and each clan must ensure that no other clan falls.' Our predecessors could not save the old Shade Clan, but you all have a chance to help the new one." FireStripe nodded at the strength in her friend's voice as he told the other leader off. NightStar lashed her tail angrily.

 "I support this decision to honor the return of Shade Clan." SmokeStar's deep voice cut through the tension. The huge tom had been silent after LavenderStripe announced Shade Clan's presence.

 "I agree. Knowing that we are all at risk and Star Clan is trying to save us through you, has convinced me. I apologize for my accusation earlier." SnapdragonStar bobbed his head at LavenderStripe who acknowledged it graciously.

 All the leaders looked to NightStar and the whole hollow held its breath. NightStar wrinkled her nose, but let out a long sigh.

 "I also give my support." She said curtly. LavenderStripe smiled and inclined his head to each of the leaders in turn.

 The rest of the gathering proceeded as normal after the huge upset that Shade Clan caused, with updates on hunting, promotion ceremonies, and other regular gathering announcements. When the official meeting was over, the leaders descending from their stone perches, the clan cats were released to meander about the Circle of Stars.

The former Stone Clan cats were swarmed by their old clanmates and pelted with questions. RookBellow and CoyoteBloom got to greet and catch up with old friends as well, but they made sure to give NightStar a large berth. Even RosemaryTail found a couple of old friends in other clans and began sharing tongues with them, telling them of Shade Clan's fall and now rise.

 The moon rose higher and the hollow began to clear of cats. At moonhigh, it was only Shade Clan left.

 "I'll lead these guys back to camp. We will see you in the morning, leader." FireStripe nodded to LavenderStripe, smirking just a little. LavenderStripe chuckled and sighed, he was already exhausted and he still had to speak with Star Clan. Other than SneezeDusk and himself, Shade Clan began their way up out of the hollow and back home.

 "Are you ready, friend?" SneezeDusk asked quietly.

 "As I'll ever be, I guess." LavenderStripe sighed and turned towards the glowing pool in the center of the empty hollow.

Next | Previous | Beginning

[shadeclan-clangen]

The Young Ones

Son of the kittypet that helped RosemaryTail recover, he was given to the clan to be raised with the freedom clan life offers.

ScratchKit

Tom, 3 moons

Role: Kit

Trait: Charming

Skill(s): Always Learning

The kits that ScorchStripe and CoyoteBloom found and adopted. Leading to the misunderstanding that got CoyoteBloom and RookBellow exiled.

SkipKit

She-cat, 1 moon

Role: Kit

Trait: Noisy

Skill(s): Likes to Sing

TadpoleKit

Tom, 1 moon

Role: Kit

Trait: Honest

Skill(s): Never Sits Still

[shadeclan-clangen]

The Rogues

They come from the rogue group along with the exiled Stream Clan cats. ScorchStripe trades off caring for the kits with his mate while training PetalPaw, both are learning what it means to be a warrior.

ScorchStripe

Tom, 71 moons

Role: Warrior/Queen

Trait: Strict

Skill(s): Always Busy & Meticulous Cleaner

PetalPaw

Tom, 9 moons

Role: Apprentice

Trait: Sincere

Skill(s): Incredible Runner & Good Kitsitter

[shadeclan-clangen]

The Exiles

Exiled from Stream Clan for allegedly sharing information with rogues. They then briefly joined the rogue group within Shade Clan's borders.

CoyoteBloom

Tom, 53 Moons

Role: Warrior

Trait: Mellow

Skill(s): Leader of Snooze Clan & Good Mediator

RookBellow

She-cat, 47 Moons

Role: Warrior

Trait: Trusting

Skill(s): Good Mediator & Good Decorator

[shadeclan-clangen]

The Lone Survivor

The former Medicine Cat of the original Shade Clan, she became a loner in the twoleg place after the clan's fall.

RosemaryTail

She-cat, 124 Moons

Role: Elder

Trait: Patient

Skill(s): Great Storyteller & Trusted Advisor