#ospreystar

[rippleclan]

RippleClan: Moon 95, Part 2

The third time’s the charm when Anchovystrike goes to see Weevilsight in the medicine den.

[Image ID: Anchovystrike approaches Weevilsight and Elmsprout from the back, calling "Weevil? Are you busy?" Under Anchovystrike, it says + MATE: WEEVILSIGHT. Under Weevilsight, it says + MATE: ANCHOVYSTRIKE.]

Anchovystrike placed the freshly caught mouse on the fresh-kill pile, loaded with prey for the caretakers to soon turn into the sunhigh meal. The back of his jaw twinged as he let go. He hissed softly and kept his mouth shut tight. Pain rippled from his jaw in beat with his heart. He glanced toward the medicine den, where Currentsmoke helped Yarrowclaw groom the deep wound on the back of her leg; the LynxClan thieves from the moon before landed a lucky blow on Yarrowclaw's ankle, leaving a wound so deep that Anchovystrike at first feared the clerics would have to take his sister's foot off. But Yarrowclaw was not the reason Anchovystrike hesitated by the fresh-kill pile, unable to stop looking into the medicine den.

Anchovystrike gasped as his tongue glanced over his aching tooth. Sharp pain clawed at his face. He certainly couldn't help Ravenweaver and Frostpaw with their self-defense training that afternoon if his jaw was acting like this. He just had to stop acting like a kit and go in.

Anchovystrike slipped through the crowded camp, where Mitespark entertained the younger cats with a story and Lavendertwist's little group of musicians (including Splashtuft, Brightreed, and Drumtooth) practiced a song. He prayed to the Celestial of Avoiding Awkward Encounters that the molly he dreaded to talk to wasn't inside the medicine den (and that there was, in fact, a Celestial of Avoiding Awkward Encounters). Still, Anchovystrike knew as he passed his littermates that he wouldn't be so lucky.

Elmsprout and Weevilsight were cleaning out Downstar's nest. No one felt comfortable touching it until a few days after the vigil, when Oilstar pointed out that Downstar wouldn't appreciate the smell of her own death polluting the medicine den. As such, Elmsprout and Weevilsight deconstructed the moss, leather, and feathers that formed Downstar's death-nest. They placed the moss and feathers into one basket, likely to be thrown away, and threw the leather into another for the caretakers to wash. Neither noticed Anchovystrike step inside. Oh StarClan, was he going to have to call himself out?

"Weevil?" Anchovystrike gulped. "Are you busy?" Elmsprout looked up first as Weevilsight moved another piece of leather.

"Hello, Anchovystrike," Elmsprout hummed. "If you give us a few moments, I can get out of your fur."

"It's nothing serious!" Anchovystrike insisted as Weevilsight turned to him. In his eyes, Weevilsight's pelt glistened like Silverpelt itself. Where it made Wolfgaze seem powerful and far more confident than she actually was, it just made Weevilsight all the more beautiful. Anchovystrike almost forgot why he came into the den until another ripple of pain erupted from his tooth. He flinched, hissing, "I think I have a toothache."

"Did it just start?" Weevilsight asked, abandoning her task.

"It started to hurt yesterday," Anchovystrike explained through gritted teeth. "I thought it would go away overnight, but it didn't. It's on the bottom left, far in the back." Anchovystrike opened his mouth wide. Weevilsight peered into his glistening jaws.

"Have you been using chew sticks?" Weevilsight asked.

"When I remember," Anchovystrike chuckled awkwardly as Weevilsight's nose nearly entered his mouth.

"Well they haven't been getting to the back of your mouth," Weevilsight huffed. "This time of year, I would give you speckled alder bark, but we haven't been able to get any from SlugClan with the recent tension. The best way to fix this is salt water. You're going to want to head to the coast and get a lot of water in your mouth, but don't drink it. Just let it sit there for a while and then spit it out. If you do that for a while, it can get all the gunk I see back there."

"Thanks," Anchovystrike purred, "but do you have anything for the pain?"

"I have some cow parsnip root," Weevilsight explained, moving to the medicine stores. "What we can do for initial treatment is hold the root on the tooth until the current bout of pain goes away. It's a better option than white cedar gum, but you'll need to sit with the root for a bit. Do you have the time?"

"I'll take as much time as I need for this," Anchovystrike groaned. He found an empty nest near the front of the den's larger patient area and took a seat.

"I can take the baskets out, Weevilsight," Elmsprout said, slipping the basket of dirty moss over her neck. "I'm going to take these materials to the garden, and I'll come back for the leather."

"Thanks, Elmsprout," Weevilsight said politely as Elmsprout left the den. Anchovystrike might have noticed the coy look in Elmsprout's eyes were he not distracted by the pain in his mouth.

A few moments later, Weevilsight had a long, pale tan root in her mouth. She passed the root to Anchovystrike, who quickly adjusted it to sit on his stabbing tooth. The root prevented any chance of Anchovystrike saying something mouse-brained again. He settled down as Weevilsight collected a few more dirty leathers from around the den and put them in the basket.

"I saw you playing with Midnightkit during the vigil," Weevilsight said, startling Anchovystrike. "I heard he's interested in being a warrior. Do you think you might want to mentor him?" Anchovystrike nodded. The young black tom had an odd sort of constantly-unaware charm about him that seemed ripe with potential. Besides, someone needed to keep him from disturbing Wildclaw in her grief. "Good. I think you two will work well together. So long as you don't avoid him for a whole moon." Weevilsight glared at Anchovystrike. Oh StarClan, Anchovystrike was in for it now.

Weevilsight sat by Anchovystrike in a huff, saying, "Yes, I know you've been avoiding me. That's why your tooth is bad, you haven't been getting any chew sticks from us! I'm not a kit, Anchovy, I can tell you don't know what to say to me." Anchovystrike stared at the root protruding from his mouth. "Really, who do you take me for? You're my best friend. I'm not mad that you asked me to be your mate. A lot's happened lately." Anchovystrike wanted to melt through the ground. "Stars forbid I want something to stay the same while my whole life is collapsing."

"Sorry," Anchovystrike said through the root.

"Don't be sorry for asking," Weevilsight snapped. "Be sorry that you ignored me. Don't tell me I can't be your friend if I'm not your mate."

"No!" Anchovystrike gasped. He nearly choked on his cow parsnip root.

"Can you just…" Weevilsight sighed, sinking to Anchovystrike's level, "not ignore me anymore? This feel like a mouse-brained thing to argue about." Anchovystrike enthusiatically nodded. "Good. Now I need to go see Thundergale, I'll be back in a little bit and we can check your tooth." Weevilsight licked Anchovystrike's ear and stood with a big stretch. Just as Anchovystrike laid his head back down and Weevilsight neared the exit, she paused. The tortoiseshell cleric turned around and said, "When your tooth's better, we can go out of camp for a bit if you want. In a… mate-like way."

Anchovystrike held back his yowl of victory until Weevilsight left. The whole camp still heard him, though.

(Anchovystrike: 30, male, warrior, playful, unshakable StarClan link)

(Elmsprout: 62, female, caretaker, charismatic, trusted advisor)

(Weevilsight: 30, female, cleric, daring, deep StarClan bond)

Gingerpaw enthusiastically declares that Stormjump is expecting Honeybuzz’s kits.

[Image ID: Honeybuzz, Sandhollow, and Yellowburst gather around Stormjump. Yellowburst says, "Yes! Thundergale owes me five patrols!" Under Stormjump, it says + CONDITION: PREGNANT. Under Yellowburst, it says - CONDITION: BITE WOUND. In the foreground, Gingerpaw says to Estherfern, "See, Estherfern? I'm more than ready to graduate."]

(Gingerpaw: 11, male, cleric apprentice, charismatic, curious about humans, moss-ball hunter)

(Estherfern: 129, female, cleric, adventurous, great mediator, prophecy seeker)

(Honeybuzz: 43, male, cleric, daring, skilled toolsmith, good teacher)

(Stormjump: 26, female, caretaker, charismatic, incredible cook)

(Sandhollow: 26, male, mediator, ambitious, lore keeper)

(Yellowburst: 26, female, caretaker, adventurous, great mediator)

Oilstar fights with Ospreystar at the Gathering. When she hears Ospreystar’s reasoning for raiding crabs, Oilstar begins to wonder if RippleClan needs to better leverage their access to the coast.

[Image ID: RippleClan socializes in the distance while Oilstar and Ospreystar argue on the Leader's Stone. Ospreystar says, "No Clan owned the ocean until RippleClan came along."]

(Oilstar: 99, female, leader, charismatic, ghost speaker)

When Thundergale wakes up, she cannot hear the late spring birdsong. Her hearing is completely gone.

[Image ID: Sandhollow, Wolverineheart, and Mitespark surround Thundergale. They speak, but all their text bubbles say is "??????" Under Thundergale, it says LEVEL UP! PARTIAL HEARING LOSS → DEAF.]

(Sandhollow: 26, male, mediator, ambitious, lore keeper)

(Thundergale: 27, female, teacher, adventurous, great hunter, good speaker)

(Wolverineheart: 27, female, warrior, troublesome, student of science)

(Mitespark: 37, female, artisan, charismatic, great mediator)

Whiteflower becomes the Clan’s newest historian, although he seems more like a caretaker as he looks after the kits.

[Image ID: Shrewflame stands proudly behind Whiteflower, now in a long-furred sprite, as he talks with Midnightkit, Valleykit, Icekit, Pearkit, and Dovekit. Whiteflower says, "Whoever told you you have to outgrow games lied. Most of you may be apprentices next moon, but you can always play some mossball." Under Whiteflower, it says LEVEL UP! WHITEPAW → WHITEFLOWER, NERVOUS → FAITHFUL, ACTIVE IMAGINATION → GREAT KITSITTER.]

(Shrewflame: 19, male, teacher, loyal, fast as the wind)

(Whiteflower: 12, male, historian, faithful, great kitsitter)

(Midnightkit: 4, male, kit, polite, always wandering)

(Valleykit: 4, male, kit, quiet, avid play-fighter)

(Icekit: 5, male, kit, unruly, oddly observant)

(Pearkit: 5, female, kit, quiet, moss-ball hunter)

(Dovekit: 5, male, kit, impulsive, active imagination)

It’s all Icekit can do to huddle in the darkness of the medicine den with yet another headache.

[Image ID: Icekit huddles to the side, with + PERMANENT CONDITION: PERSISTENT HEADACHES under him. Pearkit talks to Troutpool in the back. Troutpool says "Remember to be quiet for him, alright?"]

---

Icekit had a headache. Again. Pearkit didn't know a lot about the world, but she knew cats didn't have this many headaches. Puddlewhisper must have known that too, as she was deep in conversation with Troutpool while Pearkit waited outside the medicine den. Now Pearkit wasn't supposed to necessarily hear everything the pair were talking about, but it was her brother in there! She deserved to know what was wrong with him! Wherever Icekit went, Pearkit went too. And so she sat in the evening glow, ears turned to the medicine den, waiting to hear what her mother wouldn't tell her.

"I've been counting, Troutpool," Puddlewhisper huffed. "He's had to go to the medicine den almost twelve times in three moons! That isn't normal."

"Well, everyone gets headaches," Troutpool said. She hesitated as she spoke, however.

"Headaches don't make you throw up," Puddlewhisper hissed. "He gets sick every other time he has to go in here."

"I know," Troutpool sighed. "I'm not trying to dismiss you. We just don't have any answers for you. We don't know why he gets these headaches."

"I do. You remember what happened when we brought him home."

"But he was fine then. I checked him over myself."

"Maybe it's something that develops with age. I shouldn't have doubted my gut. She caused this, Troutpool." Who were they talking about?

"It's up to you if we tell them now or not. But they need to know soon if they're going to make their decision." Decision? Pearkit's fur prickled. They certainly weren't talking about apprenticeship decisions. Pearkit had the sickening suspicion she knew what they wanted her to choose.

"I just don't know what to do," Puddlewhisper sighed. "They're my kits now, Troutpool. Maybe even more-so than Nimblestep."

"I know, I know. We should let Icekit sleep, though. Sleep is the best medicine for a headache." Oh StarClan, they were coming out! Pearkit ran back to the nursery. She tumbled into a sloppy loaf in front of the den as Puddlewhisper and Troutpool stepped out. She pretended to only just notice them as they headed for her. She prayed she was convincing. She didn't need to get in trouble so close to her apprenticeship!

"Icekit is going to sleep in the medicine den tonight," Puddlewhisper explained, running her tail over Pearkit's back. "He'll be back with us tomorrow. Let's go to sleep, alright?"

"I actually want to check on Icekit," Pearkit stammered as Puddlewhisper entered the nursery. "Just for a little bit! He seemed really miserable."

"Your brother's sleeping," Troutpool explained. "You both need to rest."

"How can I rest if I don't see him?" Pearkit huffed. Puddlewhisper peeked back out of the den.

"You can go see him, Pearkit," Puddlewhisper sighed. "If his head hurts too much, though, leave."

"I will," Pearkit said politely, already on her paws.

"Remember to be quiet for him, alright?" Troutpool asked. She waved her tail toward the medicine den, giving Pearkit full permission to see her brother. Pearkit ran past Troutpool and into the dark den.

Yarrowclaw was inside, nibbling at the bandage around her leg, but she seemed preoccupied with her task. Icekit's nest was far in the back, in the darkest corner the clerics could manage. Icekit's head hid under the moss and leather of his nest, blocking out painful light. Pearkit crept around Yarrowclaw and toward her brother.

"Icekit?" Pearkit whispered. "Are you awake?" Icekit groaned and shuffled out of his hidey-hole. The fuzzy fur around his face, only just moving into an adult coat, was scuffled and messy.

"I never fell asleep," Icekit whined. "My head hurts too much."

"I'm sorry," Pearkit said. "Troutpool says you'll feel better soon." Icekit bristled. His blood-shot eyes glared at nothing.

"She was talking with Mom," Icekit growled. "They said things we weren't supposed to know."

"I heard a bit of it," Pearkit whispered. She joined Icekit in his nest. "What sort of decision are they talking about?"

"They want us to choose where we live," Icekit huffed. "We can stay here with Mom or go to SlugClan with… our real mom. And Quickkit." Pearkit felt cold. She remembered cowering just a few tail-lengths away as SlugClan stormed the camp, determined to steal the two kits into unknown territory with unknown kin. She and Icekit heard the mediators whisper to each other about "visitation" and "the rights of the mother", but Pearkit barely understood it.

"What do you think Quickkit is like?" Pearkit wondered softly.

"Sandhollow called her 'spunky', whatever that means," Icekit grumbled. "Nimblestep probably treats her well." Icekit groaned, squeezing his eyes tight. He stuck his face back into the nest.

"Slushtrail told me Nimblestep was at the Gathering," Pearkit whispered, curling around her brother. "She asks about us a lot. She's probably very nice."

"Mom didn't tell us everything about how she found us," Icekit growled, voice muffled in the moss.

"Yes she did," Pearkit huffed, only half-believing herself. "Mom brought us home when Nimblestep ran off with Quickkit.

"But she could have taken all three of us!" Icekit pulled his head back into the light, even as he grimaced and groaned. "I heard them talk about it. Nimblestep didn't even touch you! She grabbed me and Quickkit. And then she dropped me! I hit my head on a tree root! That's why I have these headaches! Nimblestep did this to me!" Pearkit's thoughts faltered. That could happen?

"She didn't mean it," Pearkit finally managed to say. "Everyone says she loves us."

"She wouldn't have tried to steal us if she actually loved us," Icekit whimpered as though even his own voice caused him pain.

"I don't know," Pearkit gulped, barely breathing. "Maybe that's what moms do for kits. I want to know who Nimblestep and Quickkit are some day. Maybe they can tell us why Nimblestep saved Quickkit and…"

And not them. Pearkit couldn't make herself say that. She could barely imagine it. Puddlewhisper would die for them, she showed that when SlugClan invaded. She taught them about the warrior code, and what it meant to care for family and Clan alike. Pearkit could see that love reflected in the other mothers of RippleClan; Wildclaw, Elmsprout, even Darkkick! So if Nimblestep dropped Icekit, didn't go back for him, didn't even touch Pearkit… could they really be her kits?

"We can talk to her all we want at Gatherings," Icekit huffed. "I'm staying in RippleClan. I'm not leaving Mom."

"Then I'm not leaving either," Pearkit huffed, throwing herself on top of Icekit. Icekit hid his face while Pearkit relaxed on top of her brother. "We're both RippleClan cats, and that's it."

The pair would fall asleep like that, only discovered when Puddlewhisper tried to call Pearkit back to the nursery. She let the littermates be.

(Pearkit: 5, female, kit, quiet, moss-ball hunter)

(Puddlewhisper: 61, trans female, codekeeper, thoughtful, keen eye, ghost sense)

(Troutpool: 56, female, cleric, insecure, ghost sight)

(Icekit: 5, male, kit, unruly, oddly observant)

[roseclansgeneration]

[spottedbread]

SHIT

[juniper-clan]

The Gathering Page 1 🌙

Feat. Herons only leader friend, Ospreystar from @surfclangen

PREVIOUS l NEXT

[yewtreeclangen]

Wanted to see how many cats I could fit into one pic lolzz

This drawing is a few months old now, I forgor to post it, buut I wanted to make some art for all the Clangen blogs that inspired me! It seems like the Clangen comic hype has sort of died down, and a lot have gone a little silent, but arrgg they’re so fun! I hope to get this blog up and running again soon too, I’m just a little bogged down with collage and my other hyperfixations. Anyway I really hope y’all like this, and now onto the list of cats

Shimmerpaw- @lotusclans-luck

Flowermist- @the-blight-of-mothclan

Halfstar- @leafclan-clangen

Oakpaw- @xthistleclan

Bluecloud- @gray-thistleclan

Marshalstorm- @lichenclan

Wolfmoon- @fog-and-the-frost

Floodflick- @oddclangen

Pumpkinsmoke- @cricketclan

Sootsnow- @chasing-faith-and-fate

Lyrestar- @moons-of-dewclan

Ospreystar- @surfclangen

Coyotekit- @we-are-dogclan

Belle- @almaraclan

Ashsight- @ashpaw-is-alone

Fawnstar- @tangleclan

Ficklehope- @cats-of-rainclan

Sparrowtuft- @featherclan

Bonepaw- Account was deleted

And I cannot find the last two for the life of me 😭 again, this was drawn forever ago so idk what happened to them, but I cannot find their blogs :(

[surfclangen]

Welcome to Surfclan!

At least, what remains of it.

This comic may contain disturbing imagery, animal death, and violence. Proceed with caution!

Asks are open! Please feel free to ask about whatever, I love sharing lore and I love chatting with y'all! So are interactions with other clans! I love plotting.

Cats Available for speaking to

This page will be updated as I design assets.

"What Remains After The Flood" is a clangen based comic inspired by @moons-of-dewclan! (You should for sure check them out if you haven't yet, Nettlepaw is the cat of all time.)

Surfclan is a coastal clan bordered by Reefclan and Tideclan. Traditionally, Surfclan cats are strong swimmers that make their home in the rocks by the water, boldly diving into the waves and cracking open crabs and mussels with their wit.

All of the clans suffered from the hurricane, but it took everything from Surfclan. The rain-slick rocks were nearly impossible to climb in the midst of a storm. All but two cats were lost.

ALLEGIANCES

Ospreystar- Gray colorpoint tom with yellow eyes.

Medicine Cat Apprentice: Darkpaw- Brown tabby she-cat with blue eyes.

Map (Made on Inkarnate with clan icons by yours truly!)

Tag Guide

#Comic page - A page of the comic!

#OOC - Out of character! The writer is a man and sometimes he speaks!

#TW animal death - Animal death!

#TW blood - Blood!

[randomcatgen]

Ospreystar is a lanky tom with thick, orange and white tabby fur. He is 106 moons old. He has downturned, bright green eyes and a round jaw. He is responsible and organized, but spoiled. He has a lazy eye. He smells faintly of lavender.

[skyscratch-wc]

Skyfall: RiverClan Leaders Part 3

Leader of RiverClan during the Song of Stars (I promise I'll post an era-explanation eventually once I've hammered out the details):

Ospreystar (Ospreyclaw) - Took over after Rainstar's untimely death at the claws of Beechstar of SkyClan. He was among the cats to approve Code #8 after Maplestar succeeded Beechstar. The pair worked to repair the rift between their clans.

Fogstar (Fogtail) - Fogstar was leader when Code #9 (deputy must be selected before moonhigh) was introduced. While initially skeptical and worried about the leader rushing the important decision of selecting a deputy, they reluctantly supported the rule.

Reedstar (Reedwhistle) - Reedstar was leader of RiverClan when Ripplestar viciously attacked the other clans during a gathering. Several of his cats were seriously injured in the brief battle and he wholeheartedly supported making the gathering truce a law of the Warrior Code.

Meadowstar (Meadowheart) - Meadowstar came from the unusual position of being a doctor before switching to the protector role and being promoted to deputy of her clan. She was the first leader to have been in a healing role prior to becoming leader.

Ivystar (Ivytwirl) - Ivystar was leader during the creation of the 11th law of the warrior code (protecting kits, regardless of origin). It was introduced by her priest, Graywing.

Talonstar (Talonswoop) - Talonstar supported the 12th law of the warrior code, making the leader's word law. This proved a controversial decision that angered several of his clanmates.

Willowstar (Willowsway) - Willowstar led RiverClan following Talonstar and continued some of his more authoritarian policies. Upon her death, the clan insisted that her deputy, who was deeply unpopular, be removed and replaced with Molefoot, a cat the clan much preferred.

[fading-clan]

what are the current characters pronouns and genders? :0

bonefog and heathpaw use she/her and female. two other background cats have appeared so far, i at first thought no guys appeared yet but i was actually wrong. Vinedazzle who appears in moon 0 is male and uses he/him and Ospreystar who appears in moon 0 and 3 uses she/her and is female!

[mothkingeloth]

im having a time in ClanGen rn...

Ospreystar is affiliated with the Dark Forest and is supposed to be evil but acts charming and charismatic and a strong leader and EVERYONES FALLING FOR IT

[rippleclan]

RippleClan: Moon 81

Sandhollow and Brightreed join their littermates in the warrior’s den.

[Image ID: Sandhollow and Brightreed are graduated adults. Under Sandhollow, it reads LEVEL UP! SANDPAW → SANDHOLLOW, LOYAL → AMBITIOUS, INTERESTED IN CLAN HISTORY → LORE KEEPER. Under Brightreed, it says LEVEL UP! BRIGHTPAW → BRIGHTREED, LONESOME → RIGHTEOUS, LOVER OF ART → STUDENT OF ART.]

Even though spring had officially arrived, snow still covered RippleClan camp as the Clan gathered under the Shiprock. It stood out like paint on gray stone in the dark of late dusk. It dampened the cheers that reverberated around the clearing, capturing the new names of the two toms standing beside Downstar.

"Brightreed! Sandhollow! Brightreed! Sandhollow!"

Sandhollow politely licked Downstar's shoulder and stood tall beside her while his family and friends cheered him on. Spikecrash preened beside her mother, her proud gaze warming Sandhollow's pelt. While Yellowburst was stuck in quarantine, Waspdawn and Stormjump still cheered Sandhollow on, tails high. Bandages still wrapped around Brightreed's shoulders, covering the hunting dog's vicious bite, but he was more than healthy enough to stand before the Clan and accept his name.

"Alright, Brightreed," Wolverineheart laughed, charging out of the crowd and nudging her brother. "Time for your vigil! We suffered, now you suffer!" Brightreed glanced back at Sandhollow while Wolverineheart led him to the camp entrance. Ha! Like Sandhollow would do anything to help him out. He was a mediator. He had no vigil to attend. Sandhollow stood even taller as the newly named warrior left camp.

"Enjoy the warrior's den, Sandhollow," Downstar declared with a deep nod. She slunk into the crowd, which now faded out to finish the day and prepare the Clan to nest. Cats touched noses with Sandhollow, passing along their personal congratulations as they returned to their business. Waspdawn and Stormjump squirmed through the crowd.

"We built your nest next to Yellowburst and I," Stormjump chirped, rubbing against her brother. "I think Spikecrash and Slushtrail worked on your gift. Let's see what they made!"

"Tomorrow, we'll do something fun together," Waspdawn promised, touching his son's forehead. "Whatever you'd like. Consider it a father and son day."

"Alright, Dad," Sandhollow purred. "I love you!" Sandhollow waved his tail goodbye and headed for the warrior's den, Stormjump stuck to his side.

"We're stuck against the rock wall," Stormjump explained as Sandhollow peered inside. It still felt like he was doing something forbidden as his paws found empty spaces between the thick, well-loved nests. His memories found him back in the apprentice's den, setting up his new nest surrounded by the other apprentices, trying not to let his kithood crush on Thundergale show. Speaking of Thundergale, she and Clammask tidied an untouched nest further back along the rock wall. Brightreed's nest, no doubt.

Stormjump tilted her brother's head toward his new nest. Duck down peeked from the curling moss. A small clay rattle sat like an egg in a bird's nest. Sandhollow purred and picked the rattle up. Sand shifted inside. It sounded like the ocean. He chuckled and placed the rattle at the edge of his nest. He settled into the down and moss and gently batted the rattle between his paws.

"I have to fix the clerics' oven," Stormjump said, drooping as she glanced outside. "One of the stones cracked, and Oilstripe assigned me to find a solution before I go to sleep. Sorry we can't lounge around for a while, Sandhollow! Enjoy the new nest, though. I'm glad you're with us." Sandhollow bid his sister farewell with a soft flick of his tail. The rolling sand inside the rattle soothed the joy smashing through his blood. He purred and scooted deeper into the nest.

As Thundergale and Clammask finished with Brightreed's nest and left the den, Sandhollow found himself almost entirely alone. For a moment, the den didn't seem like the warrior's den. It felt more like the apprentice's den had over the last moon, with Brightreed in the medicine den and Cobaltpaw and Lightningpaw busy with patrols. Luckily, he was almost alone, not entirely. Yarrowclaw laid in her nest near the far back of the den, facing the wall.

"Yarrowclaw," Sandhollow called. "You missed my ceremony! I'm Sandhollow now."

"Good for you," Yarrowclaw yawned, rolling over. Her dead eye stared blankly at Sandhollow, her good eye pressed into the moss.

"I'm not very tired yet," Sandhollow admitted, giving his gift another playful smack. "Want to share tongues for a bit?" Yarrowclaw purred. A flick of her ear invited Sandhollow closer. The newly named mediator crept around his Clanmates' nests. He had to sit in Anchovystrike's nest in order to groom Yarrowclaw. Yarrowclaw sat up with a soft groan and moved closer to Sandhollow. Sandhollow raked his tongue along Yarrowclaw's coarse pelt. Sandhollow's tongue caught tangle after tangle, easing them straight with a few focused licks.

"Too busy to clean yourself lately?" Sandhollow hummed as Yarrowclaw bit an itch on her leg.

"I guess so," Yarrowclaw huffed. "I went on a lot of patrols."

"Avoiding Currentsmoke?" Sandhollow guessed. Yarrowclaw's brother hadn't left the medicine den since Yarrowclaw brought Currentsmoke into camp a few days prior, face crunched and bleeding. Yarrowclaw groomed Sandhollow's shoulder rather than answer. "We have four clerics looking after him. If there's any chance he might survive, he'll survive."

"Truthfully, Sandhollow?" Yarrowclaw grunted as she groomed. "That entire day is a blur. Lately, I've gone on so many patrols, the days started blending into one another."

"No wonder you're so tired," Sandhollow chuckled. "You're probably exhausted. You're not the only warrior in the Clan, though."

"I know that," Yarrowclaw huffed, pulling back. "It's just hard to sit still lately. I wake up, and there's so much I need to do."

"If you need time to rest," Sandhollow reminded her, puffing his chest out a bit, "I am a mediator now. I can tell Downstar and Oilstripe to let you off patrols for a couple of days. Considering how much you've done lately, I don't think they'll mind."

"I think I need that," Yarrowclaw admitted, laying back down. "StarClan, for a while there, it felt like I could do anything. I think Anchovystrike was right. I am too much of an overachiever."

"I'm the same way," Sandhollow promised, touching noses with Yarrowclaw. "Tomorrow, you should join me in the nursery! Splashtuft and I are telling this grand story about Clan history to Shrewkit, help him decide what he wants to train as. You're welcome to sit and listen."

"If I fall asleep, don't blame me," Yarrowclaw scoffed.

"Considering Shrewkit's attention span?" Sandhollow laughed. "I don't think you'll be alone in that."

(Sandhollow: 12, male, mediator, ambitious, lore keeper)

(Brightreed: 13, male, warrior, righteous, student of art)

(Downstar: 140, female, leader, wise, trusted advisor, very clever)

(Wolverineheart: 13, female, warrior, troublesome, student of science)

(Stormjump: 12, female, caretaker, charismatic, incredible cook)

(Yarrowclaw: 16, female, warrior, cold, talented fire-starter)

RippleClan, WheatClan, AshClan, and LynxClan discuss SlugClan.

[Image ID: Downstar meets with Ospreystar, Gentlestar, and Eelstar.]

---

WheatClan agreed to escort Downstar and her entourage through WheatClan territory rather than along the border with SlugClan. It simply wasn't safe, especially with a group their size. Downstar picked Wolverineheart, Thundergale, Lemmy, Splashtuft, and Lavendertwist to accompany her to her meeting at the Leader's Stone. With SlugClan's recent behavior, a patrol that size could have been considered a war party.

Downstar's patrol met with Gentlestar and her warriors at the border. The two groups melded together, with both leaders at the front. Spring frost melted under their paws as they crossed through WheatClan's more open land. Sunhigh slowed their progress as everyone ached for their nests, but a tiring time like that was perfect for such a secretive meeting. The warriors muttered amongst themselves, sharing recent news about SlugClan.

"Weevilsight's tail looks awful. How could they do that to a cleric?"

"Who knows what's going through Gorgestar's mind lately."

"He's so apologetic after attacking Honeybuzz and Venturedapple, but doesn't even bother to show up to the Gathering after Weevilsight's attack? I thought Gorgestar was supposed to be a kind leader."

"He's the oldest leader now. Maybe age has changed him."

"My mother became a different cat after she became an elder. By the time she died, I barely recognized her."

"So what, he's old so now he's evil?"

"That's an oversimplification. Gorgestar could have a reason for changing his border policy."

"That doesn't excuse attacking two clerics."

"I know that! Don't act like RippleClan's the only one they've been aggressive towards. Try sharing a border with them. We've gotten into, what, three border skirmishes with them in the last two moons? That's not to mention all the encounters that didn't end with fangs flying."

"All of you, that's enough," Gentlestar called back to the two patrols. "We're working together, not against each other. I don't want to hear another word until we're at the Leader's Stone."

"Yes, Gentlestar," the WheatClan patrol muttered, bowing their heads.

"That applies to RippleClan as well," Downstar noted. Lavendertwist groaned. but Lemmy smacked the back of his head and shut him up.

The path to the Leader's Stone was easier in WheatClan territory. With fewer trees to navigate around and less threat of catching your paw in some muddy crevice, the two Clans arrived faster than Downstar had ever managed on a typical trip to the Leader's Stone. Even when she was in SlugClan, it took a Gathering patrol longer to reach the festivities.

The Leader's Stone seemed harsh and dull in the light bursting through the thin, hazy clouds. Without the usual light of a fire or the joyful chatter of celebrating warriors, the entire clearing had an air of mourning to it. Unsurprisingly, LynxClan was already there when WheatClan and RippleClan arrived. Ospreystar paced around the Leader's Stone. Bandages wrapped around his front leg.

"Ospreystar," Downstar called. Ospreystar pulled himself from his thoughts. He and his entourage focused on the arriving patrol. Downstar and Gentlestar joined the youngest leader by the Leader's Stone. "What happened to your leg?"

"A bite from an eager SlugClan apprentice," Ospreystar sighed, showing off his wound. "Their mentor insisted they didn't know who they were attacking, but I don't think I believe them."

"This is getting ridiculous," Gentlestar huffed, shaking her head. "We have our conflicts, but border aggression typically makes sense. We see the reasons demonstrated at Gatherings. But we're getting conflicting reports from Gorgestar and his warriors."

"We'll figure out a solution," Downstar promised, climbing onto the Leader's Stone. "We've brought along some of our smartest historians and codekeepers. We should find the best way forward if we all discuss the situation."

"Speaking of historians and codekeepers," Ospreystar said, glancing back at Downstar's entourage, "those two are neither, if I recall." Wolverineheart and Thundergale sat with two LynxClan codekeepers, with Wolverineheart signing for her sister.

"I told you about Thundergale at the last Gathering, remember?" Downstar sighed. "Thundergale is experimenting with a new role devoted to teaching her Clanmates. I wanted her to come along and understand the advisory aspect of the historian role. Wolverineheart offered to accompany her and interpret our conversation, as Thundergale is partially deaf."

"Yes, the 'teacher' role, as you call it," Gentlestar hummed. "If you believe Thundergale could add something to our conversation, I'm happy to have her. I'm curious how this experiment will go."

"So am I," Ospreystar sighed, "but let's get back to the topic of the day."

"I hope you weren't planning to start without me!" Eelstar marched into the clearing, furless paws shining with melted frost. His patrol of codekeepers and historians followed behind, heads held high.

"Just getting our bearings, Eelstar," Downstar promised her gray-furred counterpart. "Did you have any trouble on your way here?"

"We followed the river around SlugClan and down along the LynxClan border," Eelstar explained. "Gorgestar shouldn't find out we passed through."

"Then let's begin," Downstar sighed. She flicked her tail high and called, "You all know why we're here. SlugClan's recent unchecked aggression along their borders has resulted in unfair attacks on all four of our Clans. SlugClan warriors have attacked two of my clerics, one of them on the night of the half moon meeting."

"SlugClan's not getting away with attacking my brother!" Splashtuft yowled. The codekeepers around him hissed, silencing his fervor.

"No, no they will not," Downstar declared. "SlugClan's recent behavior will not go unchecked, for the good of us all." Downstar jumped off the Leader's Stone and sat among her fellow leaders. "Now let's figure out the best way to confront Gorgestar and stop this madness before it kills someone."

(Downstar: 140, female, leader, wise, trusted advisor, very clever)

(Lavendertwist: 47, male, historian, playful, great singer, good storyteller)

(Lemmy: 57, female, codekeeper, cold, deep StarClan bond, good mediator)

(Wolverineheart: 13, female, warrior, troublesome, student of science)

(Thundergale: 13, female, teacher, adventurous, great hunter, good speaker)

(Splashtuft: 29, male, historian, adventurous, fast runner, student of art)

The four Clans send a war patrol to SlugClan.

[Image ID: Downstar and Puddlewhisper approach Gorgestar, who says "Downdapple, there you are." Under Puddlewhisper, it reads LEVEL UP! NATURAL INTUITION → KEEN EYE.]

---

Downstar won the right to lead the war patrol. Sure, the other three Clans had their fair share of skirmishes with SlugClan, but none had been as insulted as RippleClan. SlugClan's attacks against two clerics could not go unanswered. Downstar picked her most trusted codekeepers and warriors (Puddlewhisper, Waspdawn, Rapidleaf, Halibutdusk, Scaleripple, and Leathermask) and set off for SlugClan two days after the secret meeting.

They chose the dead of night for their assault. The chosen warriors could better ration their energy throughout the day, and there would be a few less warriors in SlugClan's camp upon arrival. Winter's chill still dug its claws into the land, frost coating everything living in a cocoon. It was the work of an Autumnfrost, those new spirits born of Autumnstar's Shardlings, Downstar was certain of it. They were mocking Downstar, rejoicing in her newfound warlust. What they didn't know was that there was no lust for war in Downstar's heart. Necessity drove her paws through the frost that night.

When Downstar stepped across the SlugClan border, she stepped across time. The weight of dozens of moons faded like snow melting across the territories. For a moment, she was Downdapple, a young caretaker, exploring her home with Fennelspot at her side, pulled into whatever hijinks Downdapple had planned for the day. A youthful vigor stirred her muscles as the smell of her kithood home filled her senses. Yet a wave consumed Downstar's nostalgia with a sickening reminder; she would be leading a war patrol into SlugClan's camp, the place she had been born, where she held vigil for her mother, her father, her littermates. She prayed their spirits would forgive her.

"I can smell AshClan's patrol," Puddlewhisper noted as they trailed along the SlugClan border. "They'll be at the meeting place before us." Downstar nodded, her thoughts too focused on the past to fully take in Puddlewhisper's report.

The four Clans decided to meet in a large dip along the SlugClan border. More than a few cats found themselves tumbling into the dip on their way to Gatherings, so everyone would know of it. Warriors from WheatClan, AshClan, and LynxClan were already waiting for RippleClan within the dip. It was a sizable group, able to match SlugClan's numbers. Oh StarClan, why was this the solution? The RippleClan war patrol merged with the other Clans as Downstar stood at the lip of the dip.

"Your leaders have all agreed," Downstar said, voice low and caught within the dip, "that for tonight, for this mission, you are to treat me as your leader, regardless of your Clan. As such, I expect everyone to follow my commands. Under no circumstance is any warrior to target the nursery. You'll answer to me if any harm comes to a kit during this attack. Allow noncombatants to leave camp freely, we are not taking prisoners."

"They attacked your clerics," an AshClan warrior hissed. "They attacked one of our artisans. Why shouldn't we attack theirs?"

"Because we are following the code," Downstar snapped, fur bristling. "Our four Clans have allied with each other because SlugClan's behavior has broken our code again and again. We are not going to return codebreaking with codebreaking. We are going to find Gorgestar and force him to Warriors… follow me." Downstar marched past the SlugClan border and deep into the territory itself. The war patrol climbed out of the dip and slunk after her, each Clan putting their unique training to use.

Still water pooled throughout SlugClan territory; leftovers from spring showers and runoff from the Great Northern River, forming thick, permanent puddles and tiny ponds. Downstar could almost hear the slugs and snails worming along the muddy shores and along the giant protruding roots. Downstar jumped from root to root, avoiding the algae-filled water. She hoped the other warriors were wise enough to know about leeches. How many times did Downstar go back to SlugClan camp as an apprentice with those disgusting creatures sucking on her legs? At least RippleClan copied their leader, following her path through the territory.

Downstar's mediators and artisans had been to SlugClan's camp since the founding of RippleClan; they often visited for trade and diplomacy's sake. Yet Downstar herself had not seen her birthplace since she set off with her fellow founders. How would it look now? How would Downstar's memories, her glories and tragedies, melt into the battle yet to come?

"Downstar!" a LynxClan codekeeper hissed from the back of the patrol. "I saw movement, racing past us. I think a patrol's seen us."

"That was bound to happen eventually," Halibutdusk muttered.

"Then we move quickly," Downstar huffed. She jumped off a buldging root and let her memories carry her to SlugClan's camp. The paws of her war patrol thundered behind her.

Thorn bushes marked out the walls of SlugClan's camp. Two willows, only just showing signs of spring growth, sheltered the Clan, with one standing amongst the thorny walls and another blossoming from the camp's heart. The nearly full moon danced through the fuzzy tendrils of the willow trees, dappling the area. Downstar could already hear warning yowls ring out inside the camp, stirring the sleeping warriors. The warriors on guard arched their backs, eyes darting about for signs of the incoming swarm.

Scaleripple and Leathermask lunged past Downstar. They tackled the two guards, spinning into one another. Two WheatClan warriors followed suit, pinning the guards down. With a flick of her tail, Downstar and her patrol stormed into SlugClan's camp.

If it weren't for the well-formed walls, it wouldn't have been strange to assume SlugClan's camp was just another part of the forest. All their artisan tools and ovens were hidden in a small grove away from the main part of camp, leaving just the giant willow tree and a series of thick bushes visible. The camp was too crowded for even a fire to warm the warriors through the night. Each bush marked the entrance to one of SlugClan's many dens, with the warrior's den right near the camp entrance. This meant, as Downstar and her war patrol breached the safety of SlugClan's camp, a horde of warriors met them before they got a tail-length in.

"Gorgestar!" Downstar yowled as her claws dug into a SlugClan caretaker. This particular caretaker was a bulky mass, shoving Downstar back into the swarm of intruding warriors. An AshClan codekeeper helped Downstar up and lunged at the offending caretaker. Downstar couldn't help but laugh; had she ever imagined an AshClan cat helping her in battle?

The tendrils of the willow tree that formed part of the camp wall shook. Waspdawn's gray eyes beamed from the branches. He, Puddlewhisper, and the rest of the AshClan warriors launched from the willow, landing on the SlugClan warriors. Tufts of fur flew across the clearing. The war patrol streaked around Downstar, finding the closest SlugClan scent and digging into their pelts. The queens scrambled out of the nursery, standing guard in front of their beloved kits. Elders who still had fire burning in their pelts stalked toward the chaos, daring the intruders to strike. Young, skinny warriors ushered mediators and artisans across camp. None of them were important to Downstar, not that night. No, her focus rested on the thick bush at the base of the central willow. The leader's den.

Downstar pounced on a SlugClan warrior. She tore into his ear, just as one of SlugClan's ranks had ripped into Honeybuzz. The warrior threw his head forward, flipping Downstar onto her back. Downstar's back paws slashed at the warrior's belly. The warrior yowled, stumbling back, giving Downstar enough time to get back on her paws. Her patrol tumbled and caterwauled across the camp, pinning down any SlugClan warrior they could get their claws on. One of the mediators burst from the procession of retreating noncombatants—Voleflake, that was his name, he was the go-to mediator to visit RippleClan—and raced into Gorgestar's den. Fine. Having a mediator during this confrontation would be better. There wasn't a hair on Downstar's pelt that wanted to draw blood from her old friend.

Downstar ran for the leader's den. She jumped over Waspdawn and a SlugClan codekeeper, teeth buried deep into one another. Downstar was just a few tail-lengths from the den. A pale gray blur slammed into Downstar's side. The tortoiseshell leader stumbled, but stayed on her feet. A pale gray tabby tom sneered at her with glistening green eyes. The huge scar along his chest, an infamous mark from a roaming wolverine, identified the muscular tom as Lettucecloud, the deputy of SlugClan.

"Downstar, why are you doing this?" Lettucecloud yowled, claws bracing for Downstar to pounce. "Why would you attack us?"

"Why would we attack you?" Downstar spat. "Why would you attack us? SlugClan has been out of control, Lettucecloud! I can't let you maul my clerics and go unpunished."

"Clerics?" Lettucecloud snapped, rearing back. "As in more than one? I only know about Honeybuzz."

"Weevilsight—" Downstar hissed, but a screeching mass of lilac fur smacked into her face. A long-furred SlugClan warrior pinned Downstar into the frosty ground.

"Carvingfur, we are talking!" Lettucecloud yowled. The warrior, Carvingfur, froze with a paw raised to claw at Downstar's eyes.

"Well forgive me for fighting an intruder," Carvingfur hissed.

"You've been attacking everyone you see by the border!" Downstar yowled. She shoved Carvingfur off, loosing a chunk of fur in the process. "You've mauled noncombatants! You tried to kill Weevilsight at StarClan's Shrine!" Lettucecloud's eyes bulged. Downstar stood tall, keeping an ear pricked for another would-be attacker.

"Call off your patrol," he gulped. "Stop the fight. We need to talk."

"You…" Downstar muttered, her ears ringing from the battle cries around her. "You don't know what I'm talking about." Downstar scurried up the central willow. She jumped onto the lowest sturdy branch and yowled, "Warriors! Halt! Halt!" Lettucecloud hurried up the tree beside Downstar. He yowled as loud as his lungs could manage. Slowly, the bloody warriors filling SlugClan's camp slowed in their bloodshed. Waspdawn hacked out another cat's blood and fur. Scaleripple and Leathermask limped into camp, covered in scratches and bruises. A SlugClan historian stepped off Halibutdusk. Warriors slipped on melting frost, which diluted the blood dripping from long claw marks. All eyes turned to the central willow.

"Give Downstar and I a moment to talk!" Lettucecloud yowled. "We… we will resolve this peacefully." Outrage tore through the warriors. SlugClan warriors hissed and batted at their camp's intruders, while the war patrol demanded SlugClan's heads.

"Remember why we came here!" Downstar snapped. "We've made SlugClan listen. We will draw no more blood tonight. I expect the codekeepers in our ranks to keep the peace. Puddlewhisper, with me."

Downstar's war patrol crept to one side of the camp, licking their wounds. The two clerics of SlugClan hurried to their Clanmates, sniffing their pelts for serious wounds. Codekeepers and the cooler heads of the war patrol held back vengeful warriors with a few curt words. Puddlewhisper slipped around the grumbling cats and scaled the willow. She eyed Lettucecloud closely and sat beside her leader.

"What's going on, Lettucecloud?" Downstar sighed.

"I have a theory," Lettucecloud sighed, staring down at the leader's den. Downstar suddenly realized that despite the chaos of the battle, Gorgestar had not shown his face since the war patrol's arrival. Sure, he couldn't fight, but he should have at least confronted Downstar.

"Start with why you attacked our clerics," Puddlewhisper huffed.

"One of your patrols told us they had orders to increase their aggression at the border," Downstar said. "Did Gorgestar give those orders?"

"He must have," Lettucecloud admitted. "I thought I stopped it after the incident with Honeybuzz. Gorgestar must have encouraged our warriors behind my back."

"You're trying to say your warriors got into skirmishes and you never knew of them?" Puddlewhisper said with a less-than-convinced sneer.

"In a cruel twist of fate," Downstar chuckled with a sad shake of her head, "that's the most believable part of this story. Gorgestar loves to handle patrol duties, he was that way when I was a caretaker here." Downstar's battle hardiness returned as she set her face and continued, "The rest of what you're saying, now that is less than believable. Gorgestar is a just leader who has always sought peace along his borders. He wouldn't change overnight." Lettucecloud's ears sunk low. He jumped out of the willow, in front of the leader's den. Downstar and Puddlewhisper followed him down.

"Talk to him yourself," Lettucecloud muttered. "You'll understand then." Lettucecloud peered into the leader's den and said, "Voleflake, Downstar and her codekeeper are coming in. They don't mean Gorgestar any harm." With that, Lettucecloud stepped back, giving the mollies room to enter.

The last time Downstar saw Gorgestar's den, she had been bidding her Clan farewell, preparing to take the lead over RippleClan and start a new story for the Clans. The cocky youth that still stirred in Downstar's chest laughed at the den's simplicity; the shipwreck and the overturned human basket Downstar nested in were far superior. Gorgestar's nest was the only thing of note within the bushy den, pressed against the trunk of the central willow. Voleflake sat beside the nest, whiskers twitching rapidly as he watched the two leaders meet. Gorgestar himself stood in his nest, trying to slide himself into his sled. Moss tore from his nest and collected on his motionless hind legs. He muttered something unintelligible, sparing nary a glance toward Downstar and Puddlewhisper.

"Gorgestar?" Downstar called. Gorgestar jolted from his work, eyes glazed. It took him a moment to settle on Downstar. The tension in his neck relaxed and his entire face softened.

"Downdapple, there you are," Gorgestar sighed. "What's the situation out there? Who attacked us?" Dread dripped down Downstar's throat and drowned her voice. "It was Autumnstar, wasn't it? Who else would come into camp like this?"

"They're gone, Gorgestar," Voleflake promised, touching his nose to Gorgestar's shoulder. "Down… Downdapple is just making sure you're alright." Voleflake's long, tense stare clued the two RippleClan mollies in.

"Yes, yes, of course," Gorgestar muttered. "You're a devoted caretaker, Downdapple, even if you turn a few of my hairs gray." He chuckled as he shuffled himself into his sled. "Tie me in, Downdapple. I should address the Clan, check on our warriors."

"Fennelspot is taking care of everything," Downstar said quickly, hurrying to Gorgestar's side. "He wants to focus on his work. Maybe you can address SlugClan once he's finished?"

"Clever molly," Gorgestar chuckled. His eyes caught on Puddlewhisper, who still lingered near the entrance. "Downdapple, I didn't realize, I should have known you wouldn't stumble in here without cause. We have a prisoner! Puddlespeckle, isn't it?" Puddlewhisper suddenly seemed too big for her pelt. "Good work, Downdapple. Make sure the codekeepers keep a close eye on this tom."

"I'll take care of the prisoner right now," Downstar said, backing up. "I just wanted to check on you." Downstar brushed against Puddlewhisper, easing the unnerved codekeeper out of the leader's den. "Don't strain yourself… sir." Downstar escorted Puddlewhisper out of the den before she could face more of Gorgestar's delusions.

"I've had a few cats misgender me in my life," Puddlewhisper groaned as they rejoined Lettucecloud outside, "but somehow, that was the worst." SlugClan glared at Downstar and Puddlewhisper, but most were too busy licking their wounds to speak up. Downstar's patrol tried to approach her, but Waspdawn and the other codekeepers kept them at bay.

"You'll have to forgive Gorgestar," Lettucecloud insisted in a soft voice. "His mind is caught in the past. It's anyone's guess what he'll think is real. He's been like this for some time now. It was managable for a while, at least I thought."

"He shouldn't be leader," Downstar growled, the fog of shock and grief fading. "He should have retired as soon as his mind began to fade. Surely your clerics and mediators would agree."

"He only has one life left," Lettucecloud sighed, lowering himself before the furious leader (much to the shagrin of Lettucecloud's Clanmates). "I've taken over most of his duties and keep him comfortable. I didn't want to disgrace his legacy by forcing him into the elder's den. How would it have looked to the other Clans? Do you think Eelstar, Gentlestar, or Ospreystar would respect my leadership if I ousted my predecessor?"

"He's been organizing patrols behind your back," Puddlewhisper huffed. "I've heard how age can cripple the mind, make one paranoid. StarClan knows what he's been telling his Clan, Downstar."

"It stops tonight," Lettucecloud declared. "I'm calling together a vote to officially remove Gorgestar from leadership. If I had realized what he was having SlugClan do, I would have ousted him moons ago, Downstar."

"You let your sentimentality endanger your Clan and mine," Downstar growled, ears and tail high as she spoke. "I speak for the other four Clans when I say this. When you come to the Gathering in a few days, I expect to be calling you Lettucestar. We will not tolerate any more skirmishes along your borders. It's up to you to keep your Clan in check, Lettucecloud, or the other leaders will do your job for you." Downstar looked back into the leader's den. Voleflake spoke softly to Gorgestar, but the paralyzed leader's eyes were far away.

Truthfully, the war patrol could only be called a success, Downstar knew that. But somehow, it would have been better if Gorgestar had some secret plan for Downstar to thwart. She couldn't thwart her old friend's mind.

All Downstar could do was grieve.

(Downstar: 140, female, leader, wise, trusted advisor, very clever)

(Puddlewhisper: 47, trans female, thoughtful, keen eye, ghost sense)

(Halibutdusk: 73, nonbinary (they/them), gloomy, masterful storyteller, clever)

(Scaleripple: 34, male, warrior, lonesome, formidable fighter)

(Leathermask: 29, male, warrior, nervous, good fighter, eloquent speaker)

(Waspdawn: 47, male, codekeeper, strict, learner of lore, clue finder)

[fallenetar-of-lizardclan]

Deep in a mountainous, rainforest region lives LizardClan, one of the four Jungle clans. When their leader, deputy, and several warriors go missing while exploring a collapsed cave system, LizardClan elects ordinary Vipercatcher as temporary leader of their clan. However, their ancestors, known as CanopyClan, bestow a new name onto her, Fallenstar, and leave without another word. The clan struggles to understand why CanopyClan rejected her and debate if it's a sign that their clanmates are still out there. They alone must decide whether to trust Fallenstar and doubt their Ancestors or follow the stars and be disloyal.

Moon 0 | Founder art

Allegiances

° = Founder

LizardClan

Moon 6

Leader

°Fallenstar (Vipercatcher) - Dark brown smoke and white she-cat with hazel eyes - Righteous and fast as wind

Deputy

°Featherfur - Spiky bluish black tom with greenish yellow eyes and a cyan poppy on his right ear - Strict and lore keeper

Medicine cats

°Brushsun - Bulky light yellow-brown mackerel tabby with a white face and paws - Nervous, great storyteller, and great mediator

Warriors

°Daisyghost - Orange rosette spotted tom - Confident, masterful storyteller, and fast runner

°Laurelheart - Lanky dark ginger marbled tabby tom - Compassionate, renowned hunter, and good storyteller

Pikachu - Speckled pale ginger she-cat with a white tail tip - Insecure, great speaker, and good hunter

Wisteriarise - Silver speckled she-cat - Loving, good climber, and great speaker

°Bubblingbright - Long-furred brown sokoke tom - Childish, impressive climber, and helpful insight. Apprentice traits: Childish, careful listener, and constantly climbing

Apprentices

°Fernpaw - Long-furred dark ginger and brown tortoiseshell she-cat Apprentice traits: Sneaky, never sits still, and oddly observant 

Queens/Kits

Rabbitkit - SIlver-gray she-cat with long ears and a short tail. Kit traits: Sweet and active imagination 

Elders

None

Deceased

°Strikepaw - LizardClan guide to CanopyClan - Long-furred white sokoke she-cat with heather-colored eyes - Daring, confident with words, and never sits still

°Zinniapaw - Gray she-cat with dark grey speckles and emerald eyes - Responsible, splashes in puddles 

MorphoClan

Moon 1

Leader

°Ospreystar (Ospreywisp) - Short-furred silver-gray Bengal tom - Insecure, eloquent speaker, and great climber

Deputy

°Lynxsnarl - Short-furred black Bengal she-cat with vibrant blue eyes - Loyal and natural intuition

Medicine Cats

°Dustypatch - Fluffy light brown tom with white muzzle, chest, and paws - Charismatic, incredible runner, and great storyteller

Warriors

°Sandbite - Yellowish gray masked tabby she-cat - Charismatic, fast as the wind, and great teacher

°Flamesnarl - Pale gray mackerel tabby tom with amber eyes- Loving, good climber, and formidable fighter

Apprentices

°Daisypaw - Long-furred gray she-cat with white patches - Nervous and lover of stories

°Mousepaw - Pale gray agouti tabby she-cat Compassionate and active imagination

°Fallenpaw - Dark gray mackerel tabby she-cat - Thoughtful and moss ball hunter

Queens/kits

°Mulberrykit - Black she-cat with a long dorsal stripe - Unruly and picky nest builder

Elders

°Smokegorse - Long-furred pale white agouti tabby she-cat - Strict and good storyteller

Deceased

°Roarpaw - Short-furred pale mackerel tabby she-cat with heather blue eyes - Vengeful and good teacher

LoachClan

Moon 1

Leader

°Wildstar (Wildmurk) - Silver rosette spotted tabby she-cat with a dark brown tail - Charismatic, great teacher, and learner of lore

Deputy

°Voleblink - Small light brown speckled tabby tom - Playful, renowned hunter, and good teacher

Medicine Cats

°Needlefruit - Black agouti tabby with white muzzle, chest, and paws - Compassionate, excellent teacher, and natural intuition

Warriors

°Bluelily - Dark gray speckled tabby tom with cyan eyes - Bold and incredibly clever

°Stormbone - Fluffy gray ticked tabby she-cat - Sneaky and clever

°Rowanfire - Ginger she-cat with white patches and a darker ginger dorsal stripe - Strict and talented swimmer

°Dusttrot - Light brown ticked tabby tom - Compassionate, excellent teacher, and great climber

°Hawthornshine - Dark ginger rosette spotted tom - Ambitious, clever, and good hunter

°Honeystripe - Dark ginger tabby tom with a white spot on head, chest, and paws - Insecure and lore keeper

Apprentices

°Twilightpaw - Long-furred dark ginger tom with a long red dorsal stripe - Responsible and oddly observant

Queens/Kits

None

Elders

None

Deceased

°Froststar - Short-furred orange Bengal she-cat with white patches - Bold, lore master, and good mediator

ApeClan

Moon 1

Leader

°Stonestar (Stoneseed) - Long-furred silver-white rosette spotted tom with cyan eyes - Charismatic and steady paws

Deputy

°Cottondapple - Golden-brown rosette spotted she-cat - Troublesome and keen eye

Medicine Cats

°Firepelt - Long-furred black tabby tom - Childish and good healer

Warriors

°Weevilcatcher - Pale white Bengal she-cat with white patches - Arrogant, valuable insight, and good climber

°Tawnydapple - Dark gray Bengal she-cat - Fierce, good hunter, and great climber

Apprentices

°Ratpaw - Light brown masked tabby Tom - Bloodthirsty and oddly observant

°Dovepaw - Long-furred dark gray masked tabby tom - Troublesome and quick to help

Queens/Kits

None

Elders

°Ottergrowl - Pale gray tom with a scar across his muzzle - Ambitious and incredibly clever

Deceased

°Hailpaw - Short-furred gray mackerel tabby she-cat - Loyal and quick-witted

ParrotClan

Moon 1

Leader

Gracklestar (Gracklepelt) - Gray classic tabby she-cat with yellow eyes - Ambitious, skilled mediator, and great kitsitter

Deputy

Skydawn - Long-furred beige she-cat with brown and ginger calico point markings - Strange, valuable insight, and good healer

Medicine Cats

Lyrepuddle - White she-cat with gray tabby patches - Charismatic, great hunter, and clever

Warriors

Guppymoon - Dark brown tom - Cunning, great teacher, and great climber

Stripeheart - Dark ginger tabby tom with white muzzle, chest, and paws - Troublesome and beloved kitsitter

Furzenip - Gray rosette spotted tom with gold eyes - Compassionate and valuable insight

Apprentices

Goldpaw - Dark brown tabby she-cat with white markings - Insecure, moss ball hunter, and quick to help

Hushpaw - Pale gray speckled she-cat with a white tail tip - Bold and quick to make peace

Phloxpaw - Golden tom with white undersides, tail tip, and spot on face - Lonesome, lover of stories, and avid play-fighter

Queens/Kits

None

Elders

None

Deceased

Moonantler - Short-furred white she-cat with a single, gray dorsal stripe - Strict, fast runner, and good mediator

Outsiders

Kittypets

Calliope - White with black patches - Righteous

[spottedbread]

lilacpatch's son looks oddly like ospreystar huh

hmmmmmm

[surfclangen]

Remind me to never do a full leader ceremony again. Even this rushed short version has so many cats and so much text. I plan on making a family tree next, these guys being introduced also introduces a lot of familial connections!

Paws crossed this is legible! TLDR:

Dovesmoke gave Ospreystar a life for Empathy

Spindlepaw gave Ospreystar a life for Fun

Mudfeather gave Ospreystar a life for Familial Love

Mudsplash gave Ospreystar a life for Foresightedness

Egretkit gave Ospreystar a life for Longevity

Talonfang gave Ospreystar a life for Strength

Riftgash gave Ospreystar a life for Perseverance

Sandstrike gave Ospreystar a life for Wariness.

Otterwisp gave Ospreystar a life for

The Tree That Cracks The Stone Will Still The Surf.

Dig Up The Twisted Roots ,

Or Be Lost In The Flood.

[ciitrus--fruitz]

Every Clan leader for my warriors fic! Now allow me to dump all their personalities:

Amberstar: Leader of WindClan. She's a just leader and is not bad at solving conflict, but she does have a slight problem with being hot-headed and jumping into fights too quickly. She is also kind of strict and will not hesitate to punish wrongdoing in a way she sees fit. Amberstar chose her deputy not based on any interpersonal connections, but because she felt he would be best suited for the job and would work well with her; in truth, the two didn't know each other well at the time. She's good at keeping her Clan informed and calls frequent meetings to tell them about the happenings around the lake, and she keeps close contact with her deputy, medicine cats, mediator, and messenger. For personal info, she's 36 moons old, a trans lesbian, and is on her 3rd life. She's single with no kits. She has one brother as a living relative. She's had 2 deputies in her leadership.

Orchidstar: Leader of ThunderClan. The oldest leader, Orchidstar is very level-headed and fair. She is able to assess situations from a logical standpoint and see both sides of an argument, and then come to a decisive conclusion easily. Despite her small stature, she is a commanding presence in her Clan and earns respect from her clanmates through being incredibly compassionate and understanding. She had a rocky beginning as a leader, when she was too stubborn to really provide for the needs of her Clan, but over the years she's become more well-rounded and better at listening. She chose her deputy based on his skills in battle and hunting and his young age. Some of her more skeptical clanmates speculate that it's because he's her son, but if asked, she would vehemently deny this. For personal information, Orchidstar is 84 moons, cishet, and on her 7th life. She had one mate who she'd been with for a long time and five kits from two separate litters. She has her five kits as living relatives. She's had 6 deputies in her leadership.

Dandelionstar: Leader of SkyClan. Dandelionstar is the youngest leader and therefore the least experienced. She honestly became leader by accident after both the previous leader and deputy passed away and her Clan needed someone to take the role. She's a bit insecure and a pushover, very easy to sway in an argument. She doesn't like to make others angry, so she will normally agree with what others say, and is pretty indecisive. Beneath all this, though, she's an incredibly kind cat who just wants to do the best she can for her Clan. Dandelionstar chose her deputy because she was her sister, someone who she knew well and who could act as a decisive force for her. For personal information, Dandelionstar is 24 moons, pan and cis, and on her 1st life. She is single with no kits. Her living relatives are her mother, sister, and brother. She's had 1 deputy in her leadership.

Ospreystar: Leader of RiverClan. He's a stern leader who makes room for no nonsense. Just like Amberstar, he won't hesitate to punish wrongdoing and weed out the dangerous members in his Clan. He's probably the leader who's done the most severe punishments, exiling or demoting any cat who poses a threat to the well-being of his Clan. Ospreystar is a reserved leader who prefers to keep his personal affairs just that, personal. He's not great at keeping up relationships due to his reclusive nature, but those around him can help him to come out of his shell when needed. He chose his deputy because she was a good friend of his and a very charismatic cat, someone who could be the spokesperson for him. For personal information, Ospreystar is 40 moons, cishet, and on his 2nd life. He has one mate and one kit; his mate is also expecting. For living relatives he has his mother, sister, nieces and nephews, mate, and son. He's had 2 deputies in his leadership.

Rumblestar: Leader of ShadowClan. Rumblestar is exactly as his name suggests, a very rough-and-tumble tom. Don't let his battered appearance fool you, though, he's actually a pretty cool cat. Rumblestar leads as best as he can, but sometimes his personal benefit can get in the way. He has a love for drama and laughs, and is known to let some inter-clan conflicts continue despite them being easily solvable. While he was very hot-headed and abbrasive in his youth, Rumblestar has cooled down as he got older. His love for collecting scars remains, however, and he'll still try to fight a hawk or two to gain another one. This ties in to his passion for telling stories, often calling meetings just to regail his clanmates with the tales behind his scars. The older warriors and elders of the Clan see him as irresponsible and arrogant, but he really doesn't care what they think. He chose his deputy because he liked his atitude towards clan life and because he needed a fresh new face for his deputy. For personal information, Rumblestar is 52 moons, bi and cis, and on his fifth life. He has had 5 mates and no kits. His living relatives are his sister and nephew. He's had 3 deputies in his leadership.

This is all a part of my Warriors Fanfiction "The Butcherbird's Wish". I'll hopefully be posting more of it soon!

[warriorcats-rewrite]

Lilywhisker looked up to Hawkheart and Leafshine as her ‘true’ older siblings. She was born to a moor-runner mom and had two brothers who always wanted to be moor-runners. Before Heatherstar decided leaders had the ultimate say in what kits grew up to be, Ospreystar let the kits choose. Lilywhisker wanted to become a tunneler, which made her mother and brothers furious.

Lilywhisker loved tunneling, despite being rather lanky, and enjoyed getting dirty. She supported Hawkheart in his decision to become a medicine cat and loved helping him collect herbs. When Hawkheart was fine collecting his own herbs, she’d spend her time with Leafshine. 

Cloudrunner and Aspenfall, her brothers older than her by ten minutes (she was a pain to get out) made their disgust known to her, but she didn’t care too much; Hawkheart and Leafshine was all the family she needed and wanted. Their words became harsher when Hawkheart’s brother, Snaketooth, died when he fell into a tunnel and suffocated on the dirt. She slowly began developing a fear of tunneling.

Leafshine helped her get over her fear when it became crippling and made it impossible for her to get work done. This all came crashing down when Lilywhisker and Leafshine go to work on the gorge tunnel (which is said to be cursed due to how many cats died trying to dig it) and it collapses. Tunnel cave-ins around the gorse tunnel tend to be easy to get out of, but along with the heavy dirt came water. Lilywhisker is able to get out but at the cost of her leg. She tried to go back to Leafshine but is unable to due to the water. Leafshine drowned. 

Lilywhisker felt awful and is unable to even look at a tunnel. Flailfoot, Lilywhisker’s mentor, comforted her and tried and succeeded to get her back into tunneling before retiring. However, her leg pain soon became unbearable and she would spend most of her days in the medicine den with Hawkheart in agony .Heatherstar decides to make her retire, claiming she’d be better in there then risking her own life in the tunnels (this pisses off all the tunnelers in WindClan). Cloudrunner and Aspenfall don’t give her an ounce of sympathy or even try to convince Heatherstar to change her mind. 

Lilywhisker’s leg got worse and soon became dead weight. This only brought her further into the depression she had been stuck in for moons. She and Hawkheart drifted away after Barkpaw was apprenticed and Hawkheart began worrying more and more about Heatherstar and ‘protecting the future of WindClan’. 

When Sandgorse was killed, Lilywhisker came out of the den to go comfort Tallpaw. She grows close to him due to them being in similar positions. Spending time with Tallpaw helped her get back on her paws and moving around camp more. She became good friends with Dawnstripe, and soon Appledawn and Hickorynose. Dawnstripe helps Lilywhisker work out her legs and they develop a bond similar to the one Lilywhisker had with Leafshine. In less than a year, she’s able to go out with Barkpaw to gather herbs and chase kits around camp. 

Hawkheart and Lilywhisker made up and were able to die peacefully in the elder’s den together. 

(a little bit of rambling about Hawkheart, Lilywhisker, and Leafshine because I love their relationship and it makes me big sad)