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ShadowClan Culture

The Cunning: ShadowClan’s territory is colder and sparser than that of other Clans. As a result, these cats prioritize quick thinking and detailed planning. They plan each battle ahead of time, and discuss it afterwards. Their tales are full of heroes who are clever enough to face any obstacle.

ShadowClan cats are small, and often have dark-colored pelts. Kits are named aspirationally, with parents hoping their kit will embody the qualities of their prefix.

Below the cut are the following expansions to ShadowClan's culture:

Council

Holidays

Territory

Territory Powers

Territory Tales

ShadowClan's Council

ShadowClan's Council is made up of 3 members. They will hold the position for three cycles of the seasons, and then a new cat will join the Council. The new member is the winning team leader of their newleaf holiday competition, and one member is replaced each year.

ShadowClan's Council gives advice to the leader, but their main responsibilities are leading battle patrols and coordinating battle training. They are also responsible for guiding discussion and analysis of battles after they are fought.

ShadowClan's deputy is always chosen by the leader. It cannot be one of the cats currently serving on the Council, but may be a cat who has served on the Council previously.

Clan Holidays

MAJOR Each Newleaf, ShadowClan arranges a Clan-wide mock battle. The objective is simple: capture your opponent’s plume, a tall stick with various feather fashioned onto it. Once captured, the plume must be successfully returned to your own base to win the game. The leader of each team is chosen by the medicine cat, believed to be led by StarClan in their decision. The leaders of each team then choose their team members from a line, alternating turns. The leader of the winning team will join the Clan's Council.

MINOR While ShadowClan's major holiday is in newleaf, they still celebrate the holidays of the other seasons.

Greenleaf: ShadowClan celebrates Greenleaf with a game of agility. The Clan is split into two teams, with the leader and deputy taking turns picking cats from a line-up. The cats then gather ripe berries and draw a line through a clearing. Staying on their respective sides of the clearing, each team throws their berries at the opposing team, and when hit by a berry, the cat is 'out'. Afterwards, the Clan works together to clean up all the berry juice, and enjoys a meal together.

Leaf-fall: As the weather begins growing cold, ShadowClan cats will wait for a cold night with a clear sky. On the first such night in the season, cats will go out and find a good vantagepoint of the stars, and spend time reflecting on the past year with the help of StarClan. The following day is spent reflecting as a Clan, and taking time to make amends and air out grievances.

Leafbare: While the other Clans hide from the cold and snow, ShadowClan cats love to play and delight in it. In the heart of leafbare, ShadowClan organizes a stealth exercise. The warriors, queens, and apprentices spread out throughout the territory. Then, the leader, deputy, and council members must work together to catch all of the Clan cats before they reach camp. The kits and elders spend the day within camp keeping track of cats who were found, and cats who got to the camp without being seen!

ShadowClan's Territory

A cold taiga of pine forest, with cold winds blowing down the mountain towards them. With soil frozen solid, there is little to no understory.

Territory Powers

ShadowClan's territory has granted them a variety of abilities to help them thrive in their home.

Softpaws: Leave little to no trace while walking, including making no noise and leaving no footprints, even when walking on snow or frost.

Shadowed: Used to conceal, blending in easily with shadows. Doesn’t make a cat invisible, just harder to notice if you weren’t already looking for them.

Frost-Covered: Can create a thin, icy layer of a surface or item. While the use is in contact with the item, the layer will remain; once there is no more physical contact, the ice will melt as is appropriate for the temperature.

Territory Tales

FROSTFANG Frostfang is a elusive creature. A furred snake with the head of a weasel, it slithers through the snow like an eel through water. Frostfang bites at cats’ paws as they walk through the snow. It’s teeth are made of icicles, causing its victims to get frostbite. Thankfully, warriors can avoid it by travelling in groups and using their Softpaws to walk above the snow. If all else fails, though, climbing a tree with a berry bush at the base will surely get it off your tail! Skeptical cats insist that Frostfang doesn’t exist; a cat on their own in a snowstorm is always susceptible to frostbite and death. They suspect the story is just told to kits to keep them in camp during the cold months.

THE WILD HUNT When the full moon is especially large and bright, a collection of ghostly cats roam all four territories. Named the Wild Hunt, the group catches prey and chases off predators. ShadowClan cats believe that these warriors who broke the Warrior Code in life, whom StarClan has condemned to roam the territories until they earn their place in the Stars.

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RiverClan Culture

The Diplomatic: RiverClan are much like their Clan’s namesake: easygoing and meandering, but able to deal devastating damage. RiverClan cats prefer to talk through problems and come to an understanding. They appreciate good storytellers, and their stories are full of cats who evaded danger with a clever word.

RiverClan cats are often long-furred, with complex fur patterns. They are typically named for the conditions in the world at the time they are born, be that Storm- for a kit born during a storm, or Salmon- for a kit born when the last piece of prey on the pile is a salmon.

Below the cut are the following expansions to RiverClan's culture:

Council

Holidays

Territory

Territory Powers

Territory Tales

RiverClan's Council

RiverClan's Council has 4 members, who hold the position until they step down. New Council members are chosen by the warriors in the Clan. First, cats are nominated either by themselves or a Clanmate. Then each nominee will give a speech, and the Clan will vote for the cat they think will best serve the Clan.

The Council is responsible for advising the leader, and giving guidance to their Clanmates. They are also responsible for keeping the oral history and stories of RiverClan, and teaching them to all kits and apprentices.

The Council is also in charge of choosing a deputy when the need arises, often presenting the leader with two or three candidates and allowing the leader to make the final selection.

Clan Holidays

MAJOR During leaf-fall, the river fills with salmon returning to their breeding grounds. RiverClan’s main holiday happens during this Salmon Run, with a day full of hunting followed by an evening full of feasting and storytelling. Each Clan member has an opportunity to tell a story to the Clan, and the Clan votes for their favorite storyteller.

MINOR While RiverClan's major holiday is in leaf-fall, they still celebrate the holidays of the other seasons.

Leafbare: When the river has frozen over, RiverClan cats will spend time carving through the ice to create small holes. They work together to bait fish to these holes, and catch them through the ice. The team that catches the most by sundown is given first pick of the prey!

Newleaf: To celebrate the warm weather, RiverClan tasks their apprentices with forming groups and decorating camp. In the morning, warriors go out and collect various items to decorate with while the apprentices clean the camp. Then, the apprentice teams will use the collected items to decorate a designated area of camp. Finally, before bedtime, the kits are brought around camp to give feedback and decide on a winner.

Greenleaf: Warm weather and sunshine beckon any cat to relax in a ray of sunlight, and RiverClan cats are no different! In Greenleaf, a day is dedicated to meditation and reflecting on one's own story. Warriors, apprentices, and elders will find a quiet spot in the territory, while kits will listen to the medicine cat's guided meditation in camp.

RiverClan's Territory

A partially meadowed and lightly wooded area with a river cutting through. The river is rich in fish, including salmon, allowing RiverClan to stay well-fed in Leafbare. The river often floods in spring, causing a seasonal marsh to cover a large portion of the territory.

Territory Powers

RiverClan's territory has granted them a variety of abilities to help them thrive in their home.

Water Walk: Move across water as a skipping stone does; speed and constant movement are required.

Water Breath: Allows for a cat to hold their breath longer than normal while underwater.

Water Trail: Can sense recent paths through water; not quite scent, and not quite smell, but a way to help to navigate the marsh nonetheless.

Territory Tales

THE RIVER GUARDIAN The river is home to many creatures, but none is as feared as the river's Guardian. It takes the shape of a small cat covered in seaweed and algae, with a fish’s eyes and gills. It’s very protective of the water, and will play tricks on those who trespass or disrespect its home. Thankfully, its tricks are harmless to a wary cat - it enjoys calling to cats from the reeds and leading them on a unending chase, or mimicking a stepping stone only to move and cause a cat to fall into the water. Many fishing patrols choose to leave it the first catch of the day in order to pacify it. However, some RiverClan cats believe this to just be a kit-tale intended to teach them important concepts of river safety. But someone eats the offered prey nonetheless.

THE WILD HUNT When the full moon is especially large and bright, a collection of ghostly cats roam all four territories. Named the Wild Hunt, the group catches prey and chases off predators. RiverClan believes that these cats are StarClan warriors who have returned to the land of the living due to the power of the large moon. They believe the starry warriors have come down to hunt and enjoy their old territories and hunting grounds.

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WindClan Culture

The Pious: WindClan’s meadow territory lies closest to the Moonstone, and they believe that this allows them to be StarClan’s favored Clan. As a result, they are dedicated to their ancestors. They sleep underneath the stars and take time every day to honor their ancestors.

WindClan cats are often muted colors, with long legs and slender builds. WindClan litters are given 'themed' names. While some cats prefer litters named after all birds or all colors, other cats will name their litter after meaningful places or items.

Below the cut are the following expansions to WindClan's culture:

Council

Holidays

Territory

Territory Powers

Territory Tales

WindClan's Council

WindClan's council has a varying number of members, but usually at least three. These cats are chosen by the healer. Members will hold their position until they step down or retire.

WindClan's council is responsible for giving advice and guidance to warriors. They also are in charge of the Clan's wildfire preparedness, and take charge on fire-fighting patrols.

The deputy is chosen by the leader. While it is not required for the deputy to be one of the council members, it is rare for a leader to choose a non-council member.

Clan Holidays

MAJOR WindClan’s main holiday is in Leafbare, during the longest night of the year. It is customary to fast during the day if possible, and then keep a silent vigil all night to reflect on StarClan and one’s place in the world.

MINOR While WindClan's major holiday is in Leafbare, they still celebrate the holidays of the other seasons.

Newleaf: WindClan celebrates the arrival of newleaf by participating in a scavenger hunt. Each cat finds a collection of items that is important to them. Typically this would cover one item for each cat they'd consider family, and is more about following one's intuition and reflecting on the relationships they hold dear. The item will then be used to decorate their nest until the next Newleaf celebration!

Greenleaf: To prepare for wildfire season, the WindClan Council spends the day reviewing fire safety with all the Clan members. Warriors are reminded of their fire-fighting duties, and apprentices are taught how to properly run messages between groups. Queens and kits are taught how to safely evacuate camp, and shown where the fireproof places on the territory are located.

Leaf-fall: WindClan's Leaf-fall holiday is a day to mourn the dead. WindClan cats are buried with their newleaf-holiday trinkets, and on this day, cats close to those who have died since the last Leaf-fall holiday will place additional trinkets on top of their grave. A solemn meal is eaten together as a Clan, and the Healer will then list off those who have died since the last Leaf-fall. Cats will then take turns saying the names of those they wish peace in StarClan, as a way of caring for their memory and legacy.

WindClan's Territory

A meadow with sparse rock outcroppings. While plentiful in prey, WindClan had to learn to manage wildfires during the dry season.

Territory Powers

WindClan's territory has granted them a variety of abilities to help them thrive in their home.

Gust: Causes a large gust of wind in a desired direction. A hunting patrol can stay ‘downwind’ of prey when working together.

Windbreaker: Toughens the skin, providing some resistance to fire and harsh wind, as well as claws.

So Below: Causes a bright ‘star’ to briefly appear. Can be used to disarm in battle, to locate a cat lost in the meadow, or religiously, as a way of calling StarClan’s attention to oneself.

Territory Tales

THE TUNNELER WindClan warriors tell stories about a rabbit-dog called The Tunneler. It poses as a large, dark rabbit to lure cats into the tunnels. Once inside, it will maneuver to be behind the cat and chase them as a dog. It will confuse the cat by alternating between prey and predator, until the exhausted warrior can no longer keep moving. Cats who are skeptical of its existence believe it is a story made up to explain tunnel disappearances, as well as giving a face to the terror that being surrounded by earth can evoke.

THE WILD HUNT When the full moon is especially large and bright, a collection of ghostly cats roam all four territories. Named the Wild Hunt, the group catches prey and chases off predators. WindClan believes that these cats are StarClan warriors who have returned to the land of the living due to the power of the large moon. The StarClan cats have returned to drive predators away from the Clan territories, protecting their descendants.

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ThunderClan Culture

The Strong: ThunderClan’s old-growth forest protects them from enemies, both Clan and predator alike. They are strong and formidable fighters, believing that fighting for their Clan is the best way to serve it. Unlikely to retire until they have to, they believe that dying in battle for their Clan is the best way to go.

ThunderClan cats are often large and warm-toned. They are typically named very literally, with their looks directly informing the name they are given by their parents.

Below the cut are the following expansions to ThunderClan's culture:

Council

Holidays

Territory

Territory Powers

Territory Tales

changelog: added naming convention and stereotypical features

ThunderClan's Council

ThunderClan's council is made up of 3 members who hold their positions until they step down or retire. They are chosen from the winners of the Clan's Greenleaf Holiday Competition, to ensure that the best warriors are filling the position.

ThunderClan's council often leads border patrols. They are responsible for helping to make big decisions, representing the warriors within the Clan. The council members are often expected to complete special assignments given to them by the leader, such as establishing and maintaining trails, monitoring prey animal populations, and other as-needed responsibilities.

The deputy is chosen by the leader from the current council members.

Clan Holidays

MAJOR ThunderClan’s main holiday is in Greenleaf, during the longest day of the year. The Clan participates in a day of competitions for everything from hunting and fighting to climbing and races. They end the day with a feast, with the winners of each competition getting their pick of the prey. If any council positions are available, the new council member will be named at this feast.

MINOR While ThunderClan's major holiday is in Greenleaf, they still celebrate the holidays of the other seasons.

Leaf-fall: To prepare for the upcoming cold season, ThunderClan sets aside the leaf-fall holiday for making large den renovations. While cats do den maintenance the rest of the year, this holiday is dedicated to big projects such as expanding a den that is too small or replacing a roof.

Leafbare: On the shortest day of the year, each ThunderClan cat will find some alone time between patrols to go on a silent walk through the territory. During their solitary walk, they will reflect on the past cycle. They will decide what things they want to leave behind, and what they want to carry forward with them into the new cycle.

Newleaf: To celebrate the new growth, ThunderClan sets aside the newleaf holiday to clean out the old from camp. All dens are cleared out and thoroughly cleaned; the camp clearing is swept of all leaves and debris. After everything is fresh and new, cats will spend time decorating the camp and their nests. Cats will often coordinate their decor with friends and family.

ThunderClan's Territory

A lush old-growth deciduous forest. Greenleaf is warm and mild, and the large trees protect the Clan from precipitation in the rainy and snowy seasons. There are plenty of birds and squirrels living in the ancient trees.

Territory Powers

ThunderClan's territory lends them strength, but also the ability to grow.

Plant Growth: Can cause small burst of growth in a plant, such as increasing leaf cover or making a flower bloom.

Thunder Strike: A battle move that causes a loud sound, and often staggers or concusses an opponent. Not good for stealth, and often halts a battle while everyone recovers from the noise.

Lightning Leap: Adds a supernatural boost of strength. Useful for moving debris off of trails, or making an extra-big leap from tree branch to tree branch.

Territory Tales

OWLBEAST While the other Clans believe the Owl Tree is named for the owl that lives within, ThunderClan cats know the truth: the owl in the Owl Tree is not an owl at all, but a half-owl half-cat creature. While most of the year it’s not viewed as a threat, during cold Leafbares it may steal kits or apprentices for a meal. Apprentices may sneak out of camp to try and catch a glimpse, and many have claimed to be successful. Skeptical cats insist that it is just a big owl. They think the disappearances of young cats during the cold months can be blamed on Twolegs luring them into their dens, or simply catnapping them from the territory.

THE WILD HUNT When the full moon is especially large and bright, a collection of ghostly cats roam all four territories. Named the Wild Hunt, the group catches prey and chases off predators. ThunderClan cats believe these cats are warriors slain in battle who could not find peace in StarClan. They roam the territories hoping to find and end their killer.

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Territory Powers

Clan cats now have special Territory Powers. These are magical abilities gifted to them by the land in return for the cats' stewardship. They are not particularly strong, often just a small ability that helps the Clan to thrive in their home.

Each cat has their own connection to the land that they can draw on to use their Territory Powers. A cat who is very connected to the territory will be able to use them more often. Kittens typically can't use these abilities, and will begin to gain access to them during their apprenticeship.

Each Clan has different Territory Powers. They are based on the environment the Clan lives in, and will change if the territory changes. Since they are born from each cat’s connection to the land, cats who join the Clans (such as our protagonists!) are still able to use the Territory Powers.

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Clan Structure

Leader A Clan's leader is responsible for the safety and well-being of their Clan. They are in charge of appointing cats to new ranks and making decisions for their Clan. They receive nine lives and the suffix -star from StarClan.

Deputy The deputy is second in command of a Clan. They are chosen by the leader to be their successor. They are responsible for organizing daily patrols, and will take over for the leader if they are sick or injured.

Healer [formerly Medicine Cat] Healers have two roles in Clan life: healing disease and injuries, and being the Clan's spiritual leader. They are responsible for receiving direction and guidance from StarClan, and interpret omens as needed. They are also responsible for healing their Clanmates, and keeping the supplies required to do so. Healers are not allowed to have a mate or kits.

Council Each Clan has a Council, made up of respected warriors. These cats, along with completing their warrior duties, are responsible for providing advice to the leader, as well as bringing concerns from the warriors to the deputy and leader. Each Clan's chooses their council members in different ways.

Warriors Warriors make up the bulk of a Clan. They have worked hard to learn the Warrior Code. Warriors are responsible for feeding and protecting the Clan.

Apprentices At six moons of age, a cat becomes an apprentice. They are given the suffix -paw and a mentor, and begin training to become a warrior or healer. Once they have proved themselves capable of completing the responsibilities of their chosen role, they will receive their full name. Apprentices are often tasked with camp upkeep and helping to clean the elders.

Caretakers [formerly Queens] Caretakers are cats currently expecting or caring for kits. They stay in the nursery and do not complete warrior duties, instead watching over the kits and teaching them Clan history and the basics of Clan life. Many cats return to warrior duties after their kits become apprentices, but some cats choose to remain as Caretakers and help raise the Clan's kits.

Kits When a kitten is born, they are given the suffix -kit along with a prefix chosen by their parents. They must stay in camp until they reach six moons of age, and become apprentices.

Elders Elders are warriors and healers that have chosen to retire from their duties. While often a cat retires due to old age, they can also choose to retire early. Elders are cared for and respected by their Clan. They often enjoy helping watch over and teach kits.

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wildfire alone can save the clans

As young kits, Princess and Rusty dreamed of the open moors. Their mother Nutmeg took them to WindClan, one of the four warrior Clans that lived in the wild. WindClan's leader, Magpiestar, accepted them into his Clan, setting their paws on the starry path of destiny.

The Twin Flames Rewrite has three main focuses!

Connections - expand and explore the connections between characters and the Clans themselves.

Territory - the Clans are now based in the Northern Cascade Mountain Range, allowing for consistent - and new! - ecology and environments.

Culture - expanding the many facets of Clan life and culture, including some changes to Clan structure, as well as fantastical Territory Powers for each Clan.

Ask box is always open - I love to answer questions and chat!

Clan Structure A guide to the updated Clan structure for Twin Flames!