#junkclan and stoneclan

[cityandstonerp]

Introduction:

Set in a city and sparse forest tucked against a tall mountain, two rival clans exist with a fierce rivalry. While one is strictly loyal to the Warrior Code and holds tight to its tradition and history, the other exists in rebellion to the Starclan that once called it out from the twoleg place. Now, the rebel clan Junkclan resides in its namesake junkyard and claims the streets as its territory, while the loyal clan, Stoneclan lives in the forest where they believe all clans belong.

With tensions running high and opposing ambitions, these two clans are on the brink of war. Who will win? Who will survive the most difficult days? Or will they be forced to exist together for more generations to come?

[cityandstonerp]

Junkclan

A twoleg place based clan with territory just bordering on a forest. Junkclan was formed by kittypets and rogues, and they still welcome newcomers from all walks of life as long as they swear to serve the clan. Their territory is large, covering a good amount of town streets and alleyways for their hunting grounds, and an old junkyard where the cats make their camp. Cats make their home in the shelter of old twoleg junk, and hunt for prey and dig for food among the garbage next to restaurants and twoleg nests.

Although the journey is more a formality than anything else, leaders and medicine cats travel to a cliffside cave deeper into the forest to speak with Starclan. In reality, Junkclan uses this journey to hear about Stoneclan’s news outside of gatherings.

Junkclan warriors hunt for mice, amphibians, lizards, and even rats that hide in the streets and the junkyard. If they’re persistent, they might also catch birds, squirrels, or even fish near twoleg nests. When prey is difficult to find, it is not uncommon for warriors to search out thrown away food among dumpsters to take back to the clan. If they are even more desperate, it is not completely unheard of for warriors to warm up to a twoleg to get food from them, and then bring their most needy clanmates to eat.

Dogs, twolegs, and monsters are the main predators in the territory. Rats, in larger numbers, can also be a danger.

                                                Camp

The Leader's Den: A well-guarded space in a pile of old wrecked cars, where the leader may rest in the seats of any of the vehicles, or completely hidden away in a space between the cars where a comfortable nest made of cushioning is. The leader makes announcements on top of this pile, and the den is constantly protected by guards when the leader occupies it.

The Medicine Den: An old, busted open refrigerator that lays on its side. The medicine cats sleep in the larger refrigerator space and store their herbs in the smaller freezer space.

The Warriors and Guards Den: In the car lot, warriors sleep underneath the shelter of old, rusty cars, while guards sleep inside the cars.

The Apprentices Den: Apprentices sleep in a pile of abandoned wood planks left by the abandoned twoleg shack in the junkyard, where they can hide from the rain under the roof.

The Nursery: Through the broken window of the abandoned shack leads to a long abandoned bedroom, where queens nest their kits in the comfort of shelter and warm blankets. Because it is difficult to transport the kits through the window, they will generally stay here until they are apprentice aged.

The Elder's Den: A shelter of piled up couches close to the shack, cushion stuffing is dug out from the abandoned seating to make nests and surround the den to keep it warm.

                                Territory Landmarks

The Herb Garden: A rich garden in the backyard of a twoleg nest, brimming in herbs for the medicine cats to collect. Guards or warriors will escort the medicine cats here through town to the neighborhood where this garden is found.

The Hunting Alley: A large alleyway next to an Italian restaurant in town, a large dumpster with thrown out food can be found here which draws prey. Mice and rats are commonly hunted here, but food from the dumpster is also sometimes taken by warriors.

The Fountain: A large fountain in the center of town. Water is collected here when water can not be found in puddles or basins around the junkyard. Warriors will also dip inside to cool off.

The Koi Pool: In the courtyard of a Japanese restaurant, large koi can be found in a large man-made pool. However, it is very difficult to steal them without being caught. A warrior that catches one is held in high regard.

The Dog House: A rackety old dog house right on Junkclan and Stoneclan’s border close to the junkyard fence. Rumor has it that there’s a dog on the other end of the chain there.

The Star Cave: In Stoneclan's forest territory, a cave deep in a cliffside holds a pool of water that drips from the cavern's ceiling. The leader and medicine cats drink from this pool to converse with Starclan according to custom, but this is considered to be legend more than fact.

                                    History and Culture

Many moons ago, a vision was sent to a kittypet named Spike to follow the life of a clan cat, and build a life outside the twoleg place following the code given to him by a clan from the stars. The inspired tom traveled through every nook and cranny of the twoleg place to call every cat to join him, both rogues and kittypets alike, and when he had gathered a large group of followers, they made their home in the forest that Leafbare. However, the cats that were so used to feeding off of the twoleg place struggled to withstand the brutal cold and lack of prey, and without a medicine cat, the clan lost many lives. Some cats abandoned the clan and returned back to their kittypet lives. When their numbers were but a few, Spikestar was forced to make a compromise unless he wanted to see his clan crumble altogether. In the decision called The Code Compromise, Spikestar decided that the only way they could survive the winter was to return to the twoleg place, but still uphold the Code and reject the soft life of a kittypet, as well as the lawless ways of the rogues. He insisted they stay in the junkyard, where they would live on the very edge of the twoleg place, and only take prey and scavenged food. Ashamed but relieved to keep his remaining clanmates safe, they took residence in the place they now call home. What was once used as a joke name, “Junkclan”, eventually stuck and became the name they hold pride in. Moons later, the clan started to become more comfortable with twolegs, and started to value the Warrior Code less. This drove a collection of the clan to secede from them after much fighting, and move on to the forest to live in the wild, where they could stay loyal to the Warrior Code. Since then, Stoneclan has had a fierce rivalry with Junkclan.

Over time, ascending leaders were no longer receiving nine lives due to their bending of the Warrior Code. Driftstar, a newly appointed leader generations ago, was a very dedicated warrior to the Code and Starclan, but upon traveling to the Star Cave and receiving no vision or nine lives, rejected Starclan altogether as a myth and manipulative propaganda from Stoneclan. Determined to set Junkclan apart from their rival clan, Driftstar formally declared a new code and a new way of life for his clan.

Because Junkclan cats are very familiar with twolegs, and many clanmates used to be kittypets, they are aware of human objects. They use names that reference human objects or concepts as well as things found in nature.

While most cats will train to be warriors, a select few train to become guards, which serve as bodyguards for the leader. Leaders in Junkclan do not receive nine lives, but this has culturally translated to leaders having eight guards that switch shifts on being with them at all times.

Instead of a new deputy being elected solely by the leader, warriors can spar for dominance before the clan and the winner ascends to the role of deputy. The current deputy can be challenged and then replaced at any time, making it a very fluid role.

                                    The Revised Code

Defend your clan with your life. Once you are one with the clan, you must serve it tooth and claw. Failure to remain loyal is treason and will result in swift punishment.

Do what it takes to keep your clan alive.

Elders, queens, kits, and the sick are to be fed first. The leader, deputy,  and medicine cats are fed second. Guards are fed third, and warriors and apprentices are fed fourth.

The proven best deputy is appointed by moonhigh, but they may be challenged at any time. Junkclan and its leader deserve the best. The warrior who defeats the current deputy will be appointed by moonhigh.

The word of the leader is the Warrior Code.

All trespassers are to be challenged, but a cat in need is always welcome.

[cityandstonerp]

Stoneclan

Junkclan’s rival clan in every way, Stoneclan’s territory is based in a sparse forest marked by many rocky cliffs that ultimately lead up to a mountain at the edge of their territory. The forest also has more stone in general compared to other forests, much of the ground being broken by boulders, long buried in the dirt. Stoneclan thrives on the blessing of many types of pine trees, giving them and potential prey shelter no matter the season. Mice, birds, squirrels, voles, rabbits, and some minnows and frogs are the most common prey in the territory, but further away from the most rocky terrain of their territory, moles can be found burrowing in the ground.

Every moon, medicine cats and leaders travel through their territory to a cave in one of the cliffs to speak with Starclan. Every time they hope not to run into a fierce patrol of Junkclan, with their leader flanked by their powerful guards. Communicating with Starclan is the priority. 

Because of the stony nature of the territory, snakes are very common for Stoneclan, taking shelter between boulders. One collection of rocks and boulders Southwest of their territory is notable for housing many of them. Other common predators include birds of prey that shelter in trees and the mountain behind the clan territory, dogs, foxes, and on a very rare occasion, cougars. 

                                                   Camp

Stoneclan makes its home in nothing short of a pile of rocks. Located deep in their territory towards the mountain, the trees grow thickest around the camp before starting to narrow back out close to the mountain and its cliffs. Brambles are used to guard the perimeter of camp, but warriors are always assigned to sit high on the rocks to keep watch as well.

The Leader’s Den: Between the two top rocks of the rock pile is a cozy space large enough for the leader and one other cat. These two rocks also make an excellent place for the leader to sun themselves as well as make announcements.

The Medicine Den: Set apart from the clans’ other rocky dens is a large fallen log, hollowed out from previous moons. One part of the log has a hole in the top, giving the medicine cats the ability to fall asleep gazing at the starlight on clear nights. Surrounding the den is the medicine cats’ garden where herbs are grown and harvested.

The Warriors’, Apprentices’, and Elders’ Den: Underneath the leader’s den is more rocks. Hidden in these boulders are surprisingly large spaces where the cats can sleep and take shelter. 

The Nursery: Underneath the medicine den is a burrow, where queens and their kits are kept safe and warm. Warriors guard the nursery night and day.

                                 Territory Landmarks

Snake Ravine: A deep ravine in the southwest end of the territory where snakes house between the cracks of boulders. Apprentices are forbidden from traveling here alone. 

Tall Cliff: A staggered, towering cliff North of camp and close to the mountains, where apprentices are taken to practice their climbing skills. The ground is mossy and soft at the foot of the cliff, making the climb safe for trainees. Battle moves are practiced at the base of the cliff as well.

Mole Hill: A sparse clearing of soft earth Southeast of camp towards Junkclan territory where moles, mice, and other burrowing creatures can often be found. This hill and the area around it is a common hunting ground.

Narrow Creek: A small creek that winds through the East to West of Stoneclan territory. Stoneclan cats get their water, cool down, and catch minnows and amphibians from it.

The Dog House: A rackety old dog house right on Junkclan and Stoneclan’s border close to the junkyard fence. Rumor has it that there’s a dog on the other end of the chain there.

The Star Cave: In Stoneclan's forest territory, a cave deep in a cliffside holds a pool of water that drips from the cavern's ceiling. The leader and medicine cats drink from this pool to converse with Starclan.

                                   History and Culture

Many moons ago, a vision was sent to a kittypet named Spike to follow the life of a clan cat, and build a life outside the twolegplace following the code given to him by a clan from the stars. The inspired tom traveled through every nook and cranny of the twoleg place to call every cat to join him, both rogues and kittypets alike, and when he had gathered a large group of followers, they made their home in the forest that Leafbare. However, the cats that Spike had gathered were used to their comfortable lives. When leafbare came and the clan cats had to put more effort into hunting, many complained and started to threaten to leave the clan altogether. Although there were some loyal warriors who were dedicated to staying, Spikestar feared that his clan would fall apart if he didn’t make compromises. In a decision called the Code Compromise, Spikestar chose to ignore parts of the Warrior Code in order to keep more cats in his clan. This rejecting of the Code lead to more and more compromises and changes, and the old Code started to become legend. Moons later, the clan’s medicine cat, Tingletail, received a vision from Starclan urging him to break away from the Code-bending Junkclan. Him, along with others, left the clan and went back to the forest territory where they truly belonged. Tingletail became Tinglestar, leader of the newly formed Stoneclan.

Generations later, the already rebellious Junkclan met with Stoneclan in a gathering. Their leader Driftstar declared war on Starclan itself, fully turning away from honor and tradition - things that Stoneclan holds most dear. While the two clans once bitterly tolerated each other, Stoneclan now considers the border clan their deepest enemy.

Stoneclan strictly follows the Warrior Code, and has no tolerance for any rule breaking or bending. They have seen what it leads to.

Cliff climbing is considered a valuable skill and asset in warriors, especially using that skill to hunt. Birds are a delicacy to Stoneclan cats, and catching birds of prey sets a warrior’s fame for life. 

Because the Warrior Code and clan history is so important to Stoneclan, some apprentices with an enthusiasm for such things also train to become Code Keepers. They collect and share stories, making sure that important names are always remembered through the generations and the Code is kept consistent from leader to leader. History Keepers also serve as the leader’s council, and can vote in favor or against the leader’s decisions. If a leader or deputy becomes corrupt, they even have the grounds to banish them by majority vote.

When a cat wishes to be mates with another cat, they present them with a cardinal feather as a proposal.

[cityandstonerp]

Rootstar, leader of Stoneclan - 54 moons - Player: Quailly

 An elegant and courageous she-cat, Rootstar was born to be Stoneclan’s leader. Her devotion and loyalty to her clan and family are proven time and time again with each choice she makes and the path she leads. Rootstar has always been a strong believer in the diplomatic way of life. Talk first argue second, fight third. She wants to preserve her clan at all costs, even risking herself in times of desperation. She wishes not to fight with Junkclan but it seems like a futile effort as they begin to push their territory farther and farther into Stoneclan’s. However, her first unwillingness to fight does not make her one to cower. Her stubbornness and commitment to her clan override the kind and diplomatic voice inside of her when it comes to war. After all, efforts to peacefully talk are done, she will no longer be so lenient with Junkclan. Her full force and effort will be to hold Stoneclan’s ground and fight back against their rivals till they give in or give out. 

[cityandstonerp]

Metalstar, leader of Junkclan - 55 moons - Player: Tek

 An escaped lab cat, she found Junkclan at apprentice age and worked her way to the top. Those who knew her in her younger years would say she was a determined young she-cat who wanted to turn her life around. However, those who know her as a leader see a fierce warlord who wants the best for her clan - and more importantly, herself. As much as her time with other cats has helped her see past her own needs, it hasn’t erased her tendency to obsess over her own self preservation and success. Despite the expansive twoleg place territory, Metalstar has set her goals to expand into Stoneclan territory, and for this purpose she has opened Junkclan even more to newcomers from all walks of life. 

Rumor has it that when she traveled to the Star Cave to become leader, she laughed in the face of Starclan.