Six Clans have ruled the wild for moons beyond number, terrorizing any cat who dares to be born an outsider. When BleakClan attacks a neighbouring group of rogues known as The Fringe, they bring back five kits as the spoils of war. Little do they know that one of these kits will spark change that will ripple throughout the clans for the rest of time, and challenge what it means to be a clan cat.
First Moon: Moon 1
Latest Moon: Moon 14
Allegiances (Updated Every Moon)
AO3
Playlist Masterpost
other blogs you should know:
@sootclan - my other ClanGen story, comic form.
@bleaksoot-cats - my blog for interacting with the ClanGen community.
@lycanthrope-petall - my main blog. I will like and follow from here.
@workclan - an extremely low-key ClanGen run done via doodles at work.
Content Warnings
Graphic violence, xenophobia, horror themes, cannibalism, basically take any problematic element of the warriors series and ramp it up (minus the tribe stuff). I will add to this list as time goes on, and make sure that each chapter is labelled with specific content warnings.
This is meant to be a dark story that explores the fucked up elements of warrior cats and the culture of the clans. The idea is that over time things will improve and the clans will become more accepting, but that change will happen slowly over the course of many generations. Most of the cats in this story, including the protagonists, are not designed to be good people (at the very best, morally gray). This will likely change over time, but expect everything to be a little fucked up for a long while.
About the Story
My name is Petall (they/them) and I have been a fan of warriors since around 2009. I ended up taking a 10 year hiatus from the fandom, but recently found myself rereading the books and rediscovering my love for the series. I am now caught up, and plan to reread the series every 1-2 years, as well as keep up with all of the newer books. I have discovered ClanGen and have become hooked on the game. I have previously started a comic, but I wanted a story that would span many, many generations and realized that with the speed that I draw at, it is unlikely it will pass more than one or two in a timely manner. This story is going to be a written story, with an art piece drawn for each chapter to stop this from being just a wall of text.
This story is played out in LifeGen. Aside from occasional "prologue" style chapters or bonus content, everything will be from the POV of my controlled cat.
As with my comic, this is designed to be a low pressure creative project. As someone with a number of other hobbies and creative projects, a full-time job, and plans to get a master's degree soon, I have found it is not sustainable for me to update on any sort of schedule. This will be the sort of story that is updated as I have the time and motivation, and may take long breaks. Unless I specifically announce that I am no longer writing this story, assume I am coming back to it at some point.
ClanGen Playstyle
As stated before, I am playing in LifeGen.
I like to keep things as random as possible, though I may manually choose things like mates or mentors if I am feeling super strongly about something.
The exception to the above is I will change names for kits born in the clan to reflect names based on the parents' names or names I think they would choose. For single abandoned kits, I will keep their generated names.
Whether or not I proceed on patrols will depend on what choices I think the cats on it would actually make.
When a protagonist cat dies, the next protagonist will be chosen from the next-born litter following their death. The chapters before the birth of this litter will be written in StarClan, with little to no insight into what is happening in the living BleakClan.
I am not drawing official references for any of the cats as part of the story. Many cats will likely get featured in the start-of-chapter art sooner or later, and screenshots of their ClanGen sprites can be found in the allegiances linked earlier in this post. If there is a particular cat you are looking for a reference of for fanart purposes and they do not have clear art already, send me an ask. I would be happy to do a drawing if it is to help facilitate fanart. I am also happy if you want to do art of your own interpretations of their sprites, so long as you understand there may be elements of their design that get changed if I do draw them in the future.
Every so often I will do a "catastrophic event" where the majority of the clan is wiped out and is rebuilt by the survivors. This is partially to avoid the population getting too out of check, and partially for the ability to do some high stakes narratives. In my casual clangen runs, I usually do this every 500 moons, but it may end up being more like every 250 or 300 moons approximately for BleakClan. When this happens, I will use a random number generator to determine how many cats (from 1-10) survive, and to determined which cats survive. The POV cat will always be a guaranteed survivor, unless I think it will hit a particularly strong narrative beat for their story to end in the catastrophe.
When a new leader takes over a clan, I must roll for star fever.
Important Blog Tags
#bleakmoons - Official moon updates
#bleakclan bonus - Additional content like art, bonus chapters, etc.
#gameplay decisions - Posts about me talking about decisions I have made to deviate from the naturally generated outcomes of the games, such as apprenticeship roles and changes in mates.
#not a moon update - Any post I make that is just me babbling about the game/story but has no important bearing overall.
#bleakclan asks - Asks I have received about BleakClan.
I have finally started writing BleakClan Moon 15! It should be out sometime within the next week or two!
I did not mean to take a one month hiatus, but my April was incredibly chaotic and I did not have much mental capacity to write. I'm slowly gaining that back and returning to my projects.
If you didn't see, the Clangen Creator Community celebrated it's 1st birthday on March 23rd, so we thought we would run the same event that we ran the first month that the server was open - a banner event!
The original event featured 38 cats, but this time we were able to have a gathering of 60! Each cat was drawn and submitted by a different creator in our server in their own unique style, meaning we also have over 60 art styles represented here, which is so incredibly cool.
HUGE SPECIAL THANKS TO @bristleclanismissing, whom we commissioned to make the background but graciously assembled and FULLY SHADED the whole piece! Thank you so much, Coffee <3
We mention it a lot, but we are truly so grateful for this community, and hopefully the immense amount of love put into this project by our participants is easily felt. Here's to another year of creation!
I know I have already said this story doesn't have an official release schedule for this exact reason, but I do want to give you a heads up that Moon 15 might be a while. My dog recently had surgery (just a neuter, nothing serious) and all my energy this past week has gone towards making sure he doesn't overexert himself, which he is very bad at not doing. I probably won't have the energy to write anything until he has fully recovered, which will be at least another week.
Okay, now that Moon 14 has been posted, I NEED to talk about BleakClan's new deputy because oh my god it's wild.
Putting this under a cut because it is spoilers for Moon 14. (Namely about who the new deputy is)
I meddled when I made Shadowblaze step down and made Rushstar leader, I openly admit that, but I swear I did not meddle to make Wisteriastripe deputy. I have been screaming about it ever since I progressed the moon, because it is so narratively perfect, and it is also a complete fluke.
What happened is that when Violetbark returned to BleakClan after her stint as a kittypet, the game did not assign her back as Pondskip's apprentice. It assigned her to Wisteriastripe, who has just been made a warrior that moon. I didn't notice at first, and saved the game, locking it in. Even after I changed her mentor back to Pondskip, Wisteriastripe still had Violetbark listed as a former apprentice. (you can see it now if you check Wisteriastripe's screenshot in allegiances linked in my pinned post).
When I had Rushstar take over, I wanted to let the game decide who she made her deputy. I briefly thought about how wild it would be for Wisteriastripe to be promoted (because according to game data, she has had an apprentice and is eligible for deputyship), but there were so many other cats who also were qualified I didn't think it would actually happen. But then I progressed to Moon 14 and this was one of the first events I saw:
I instantly scrolled down to the bottom before reading anything else because I had to be sure this meant what I thought it meant, and sure enough...
Wisteriastripe is deputy.
I am so excited, because with Rushstar's age, this probably means we will get to see Wisteriastar, and that will be really fun to play with narratively, given Crocuspaw's prophecy.
Content Warnings: Animal Death (prey and cat), Kit Endangerment, Xenophobia, Drowning
The rain had begun a quarter-moon ago, and had not stopped. Wisteriastripe felt like a fish; she could not remember the last time she had been properly dry. Her pelt was perpetually slicked down to her skin, and she could feel a constant squelch of mud between her claws. Even asleep, she felt soaking wet. While the clan had been able to keep their moss nests dry the first few nights, there was only so much tromping in and out that one could do without bringing the puddles in with them.
It was the cold and the damp that was keeping Wisteriastripe awake. Try as she might, she couldn't get comfortable. She felt like all the heat had been sapped from her body, and pressing up against the other warriors only made her colder.
She peered out across the camp at the prisoner's log, only just making it out in the rainy haze. Fallowcrawl must be having an even worse time, with a leaky roof and a solitary nest. Her fate had not yet been decided by Rushstar, despite the moon that had passed since her confession. Wisteriastripe longed to go visit her friend, but she knew it would be risking too much if she got caught. She couldn't be the only warrior having trouble sleeping, though she didn't want to lose what little warmth she had by uncurling to check.
Wisteriastripe lowered her head, closing her eyes in a fruitless attempt to fall asleep. She had only shut her eyes for a moment when she suddenly felt water lapping at her chin. Her eyes shot open once more as she became aware of the sound of rushing water.
"Flood! Everyone wake up! There is a flood!" Wisteriastripe called out, immediately springing to her feet to shake everyone awake. Already, water covered her paws; the camp was filling at an alarming rate.
The air was filled with disgruntled hissing as the BleakClan warriors roused to find themselves even wetter.
"Come on everyone, we can swim out of here," Puddlebud grunted, sinking into the water without hesitation.
"Swim?!" Yewswoop yowled at her former mentor. "Not everyone likes the water as much as you!"
"Fine, drown then!" Puddlebud snapped. "See if I save your sorry pelt!"
"It's not that bad, Yewswoop," Pondskip nudged her friend. "If you're scared I'll help you."
"I'm not scared! And if you think that I am, I'll bite your tail off!" Despite her harsh words, Yewswoop leaned gratefully against the dark gray tabby molly as they dipped into the water. Wisteriastripe could hear Pondskip subtly whispering swimming instruction to Yewswoop. She was the only one to get away with that without getting scratched by the smokey cream cat.
Wisteriastripe looked around at the remaining warriors. Gingerpath, Violetbark and Lilacfrond were standing, water lapping at their bellies. Antlerfleck had already rushed out to go help Shadowblaze and the kits.
"Well, shall we?" Wisteriastripe asked. She did not particularly want to get even more wet, but it didn't look like she had a choice.
"I'm not waiting for your sorry behinds," Lilacfrond huffed, and dove into the water. She was clearly struggling to swim, her mouth kept dipping below the surface, causing her to splutter and cough every time her muzzle met the air.
Wisteriastripe jumped in. She remembered what Antlerfleck had taught her, and easily fell into a nice rhythm of paw movements, keeping herself afloat. Gingerpath swam up beside her. His body seemed naturally more buoyant than hers, and he quickly outpaced her. Winking at Wisteriastripe, he dove under the water, rising up under Lilacfrond until she was splayed out on his back.
"Hey! I don't need your help! I'm a strong warrior!" Lilacfrond hissed, though she did not attempt to get off of the ginger and white warrior.
"Is that how you thank me for saving your life?" Gingerpath teased. "You would have inhaled half of this flood without me!"
"Are you doing okay?" Wisteriastripe turned to Violetbark. Her sister still had barely spoken to her since their argument moons ago. She had been desperate to bring up Crocuspaw's prophecy with her, but every time she approached Violetbark, her sister gave her the cold shoulder.
"Why do you care?" Violetbark shot back with a growl. "I'm just a kittypet to you, aren't I?"
"No, of course not! I mean, we are all kittypets!" Wisteriastripe let out a growl of frustration. "I'm not explaining myself well. Look, we need to talk. I've been thinking things through, and-"
"Look, save your breath for swimming," Violetbark said, pulling on ahead. "We'll talk after all this is done."
As she found herself alone, Wisteriastripe looked around the camp, hoping everyone had gotten out. To her relief, she could see Fallowcrawl gliding through the water on her own, white fur streaked with mud, but otherwise intact. Sleekbloom and Blueclaw were swimming side by side, cracking jokes like this was a greenleaf fishing trip. Lavenderpaw and Trouthowl were carrying Dapplekit and Elkkit on their backs while Antlerfleck helped support Shadowblaze. Primrosestripe bounded along the top of the stone dens of the healer's clearing, keeping herself as dry as possible. Everyone was making it out okay, there would be no deaths today.
Except, Wisteriastripe realized with a jolt, she had not seen Rushstar yet.
Even though she was close to the edge of camp, she turned, looking around for her mother. She caught sight of her, clinging to the Tallbranch, looking down at the swirling, rapidly rising water. She seemed to be frozen in shock, and the sight made Wisteriastripe's own paws freeze up. Her head dipped under the water, and she inhaled a mouthful of water. She began kicking again, remembering herself, but still shaken. She had never seen her mother afraid before.
Everyone else was too distracted getting themselves and their loved ones to safety to notice. Wisteriastripe didn't even stop to think about it, she turned towards the tree that held the leader's den.
"Come on! Jump down! We'll swim to safety with everyone else!" Wisteriastripe called out. Her legs were beginning to get tired from the constant treading of water, she could feel a gentle ache forming in her muscles.
Rushstar did not even acknowledge her, just stared wide-eyed at the water. She looked so small and frail, fur flat to her body. Wisteriastripe could see the age in her waning muscles, and her stomach churned.
"Come on, do you want your clan to see you like this? Weak and afraid? We need you to be strong right now!" Wisteriastripe yowled.
That snapped Rushstar to attention. The fire returned to her eyes, and she looked more like her old self. Gritting her teeth, BleakClan's leader launched herself into the water. Her impact send an extra rain of water over Wisteriastripe, through in this weather it hardly made a difference. She spat out the muddy-tasting liquid, and looked around to see where her mother would pop up.
Rushstar didn't surface.
With a growing panic, Wisteriastripe dove under the water. It was difficult to see with how muddy it was, and she found herself dodging sticks, branches, and dead prey animals. For a moment, she thought she would have to return to the surface, and leave her mother to drown, but she saw her mother, flailing, mouth open. Rushstar could not swim, and instead of asking for help, she had flung herself in the water to prove she was strong.
For one awful moment, Wisteriastripe contemplated leaving her there. Every awful thing she had heard about Rushstar swept through her mind like a current. Fallowcrawl's accusations of kit murder, Shari's warnings at The Moonhollow, Trouthowl's mistrust... maybe it would be better to let the flood take her. If she couldn't surface, all nine of her lives would drain out of her at once.
Then, Rushstar's gaze met Wisteriastripe's. She could almost see the whites of her mother's eyes, and she seemed to be pleading with Wisteriastripe. In that moment, she knew she could not let Rushstar drown. She dove forward, kicking her legs a few more times, and grabbed her mother's scruff.
In doing so, Wisteriastripe's air rushed out of her mouth in large bubbles. She didn't have much time, or both of them would drown. Finding all her strength, she kicked upwards, trying to ignore how heavy Rushstar was. Just as her vision began to swim, she and Rushstar broke the surface of the water. Wisteriastripe began gasping for air, and Rushstar coughed violently, pushing muddy water from her lungs.
Thankfully, there was a branch floating nearby. Wisteriastripe awkwardly flung Rushstar's front paws over it, and Wisteriastripe grabbed on herself, kicking her weary legs to bring the two of them to safety.
"Thank you for not leaving me down there," Rushstar wheezed once her lungs were empty. Her face still held a harrowed expression that sent chills to Wisteriastripe's very core. "Water is my only fear, one I have hidden well. I almost drowned once before, as a 'paw. It was Dapplestar who saved me, she was just a 'paw too, but she was a mighty swimmer. That's how we met."
"You only met Dapplestar as a 'paw? Didn't you train together? You must have been in the nursery together too." Wisteriastripe furrowed her brows, trying to put the pieces together. Her mother must be delirious from all the water.
Rushstar didn't say anything more. She slumped over the branch, using all her strength to hold on. She didn't seem to feel like talking more.
After what felt like an eternity of kicking, Wisteriastripe and Rushstar reached the edge of the hollow where the rest of the clan was gathered. Water was still rising along the banks, but they were on high enough ground to stand. Wisteriastripe shook out her pelt, though in the pouring rain it made little difference.
"Alright, BleakClan, let's head to high ground," Rushstar said, her old strength returning.
"Wait! Where's Elkkit!" Antlerfleck yowled.
"He wanted to see the water, oh I told him not to wander off," Shadowblaze's brow furrowed.
It was then that Wisteriastripe saw a swirling white and brown shape in the water, mewling in fear. Despite her exhaustion, she prepared herself to leap into the water once more, but a pale golden pelt rushed past her.
It took a moment for Wisteriastripe to register that it was Lavenderpaw rushing into the water. She had never seen her sister so sure of herself. Lavenderpaw moved as smoothly as a fish in the water, easily reaching the kit. She took him effortlessly into her jaws, and returned swiftly to the bank.
She dropped Elkkit at Shadowblaze's feet and began licking his pelt backwards to fluff it up. Elkkit coughed, pressing in to his mother's pelt.. As soon as it was clear the poor scrap was going to be okay, Lavenderpaw's expression harshened.
"What were you thinking? You could have died! When an older cat tells you what to do, you listen!" Lavenderpaw scolded.
"I-I wanted to see!" Elkkit sniffed. "I had to make sure camp was really gone!"
"You're a mousebrain, you could have drowned while I stayed safe, because I listened," Dapplekit huffed, stepping forward to sniff her brother.
"You're safe now, and that's what matters," Shadowblaze leaned down to lick her son. "We'll get Primrosestripe to give you a proper look over when we find somewhere safe and dry."
"Where did you learn to swim like that? How did you know what to do for Elkkit?" Wisteriastripe asked her sister.
The bravery had faded from the golden molly's posture as she returned to her usual hunched form, violet eyes darting around.
"Oh, I mean, that's what we do for kits when they are born," Lavenderpaw admitted, "and I like swimming. When I get really overwhelmed, I go to the pond near camp. It helps me calm down."
"Well, if it were up to me, you've more than earned your name. Maybe Rushstar will finally give it to you," Wisteriastripe nudged Lavenderpaw encouragingly.
"Oh, I don't know about that..." Lavenderpaw looked at the ground, suddenly growing very quiet. She cast one more look at Wisteriastripe before falling back to walk beside Trouthowl.
Limbs already tired from swimming, walking to higher ground felt like a monumental challenge. Though, with their camp underwater, there was little choice but to keep moving until they could find shelter. They eventually found a spot at the top of a hill. There were enough bushes and shrubs for makeshift dens, and the everyone found their own spots to fall asleep, too exhausted to set up a guard or make proper nests. Any moss in the forest would be soaking anyways.
Wisteriastripe found herself curling up next to Gingerpath. As she was drifting off, she saw Fallowcrawl through half-slit eyes, curling up on her own under a holly bush. The former healer cast a long look at Pondskip, who stared back wordlessly before curling up next to Yewswoop. Fallowcrawl lowered her head to rest on her front paws and sighed deeply. Wisteriastripe saw nothing more as her eyelids drooped closed.
***
Wisteriastripe awoke to Rushstar yowling for a clan meeting. Every muscle screamed as she got up, and her fur still felt unpleasantly damp. To her surprise, however, she could feel the warmth of sunlight on her skin, and the only falling drops of water were from the branches above, not from the sky. The rain had finally passed.
Wisteriastripe tried not to let her exhaustion show as she took her place among the gathered cats. Everyone was clustered much more closely than usual in an attempt to warm each other up, though Fallowcrawl still kept her distance.
"First of all," Rushstar began once all the cats were roused and gathered around the stump she was sitting on. "One young cat has finally earned her name. I cannot deny the asset Lavenderpaw is to our clan, and the care she gives our kits."
Despite her words, Rushstar was not looking at the golden molly. Instead, she was glaring at Trouthowl, who met her gaze evenly. Lavenderpaw didn't seem to notice, however. She was shaking too hard as she stepped towards the clan leader.
"I, Rushstar, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code and care for our young, and I commend her to you as a full queen in her turn. Lavenderpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and defend BleakClan's kits, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do." Despite Lavenderpaw's shaking, it was clear she meant it.
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your full name. Lavenderpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Lavenderlightning. StarClan honours you for your good nature, and we welcome you as a full queen of BleakClan."
"Lavenderlightning! Lavenderlightning! Lavenderlightning!" Of all the voices, Trouthowl's was the loudest. The newly named Lavenderlightning met the older queen's gaze and sat up straighter.
"That is not the only reason I have called you here," Rushstar said, interrupting the clan's cheers. "The time has come for me to name my new deputy. Last night, there was one warrior who rose above the rest and put the good of the clan above herself. There is no other cat I would rather have by my side. It is time for a new era of BleakClan, a new bloodline."
Wisteriastripe looked around, trying to figure out who Rushstar might be talking about. Puddlebud had been the first to jump into the water and start the evacuation, perhaps Rushstar was talking about her. She was a fierce warrior, once who would be a strong leader alongside Rushstar. She also had a daughter in Pondskip, which might be what Rushstar meant by 'bloodline.'
"I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of BleakClan is Wisteriastripe." Rushstar announced.
"Me?" Wisteriastripe could not stop the exclamation from slipping out of her mouth.
"That's preposterous! She's barely more than a kit, and she hasn't even had an apprentice yet!" Sleekbloom yowled. "You've already broken the code by waiting so long to name your deputy, are you going to break the code further by naming an unqualified cat as your deputy?" He cast a guilty look at Wisteriastripe. "No offence meant, of course. I just think you should be a bit older and more experienced, it's not fair to put such responsibility on such a young cat's shoulders."
"You spit in the face of our ancestors, after they granted you leadership," Primrosestripe's tail swished slowly. "Do you really want to anger them?"
"StarClan's will or not, I am doing what is best for BleakClan. Besides, young cats have been deputy before. Shadowblaze was given an apprentice soon after she was made a warrior, and as soon as her apprentice graduated, Dapplestar demoted me and named Shadowblaze in my place," Rushstar huffed. "Should I not also name my own kin deputy? She has proved a strong, capable warrior, willing to risk herself for what is important."
Wisteriastripe's paws still felt frozen to the ground. She could hardly believe it. She knew Rushstar had wanted to make her or Lilacfrond deputy, and she had been pushing herself extra hard since Rushstar became leader just in case, but she never expected it to happen so soon. Sleekbloom was right, she hadn't even had an apprentice. How was she supposed to lead?
"Wisteriastripe, as our new deputy, will organize hunting patrols. I also want regular patrols set up to monitor the water levels in camp, I want to return home as soon as we can," Rushstar nodded, jumping down from the stump. "Meeting adjourned."
***
"Alright, I want Puddlebud to lead a hunting patrol... um, how about along the TigerClan border?" Wisteriastripe said. "Take Yewswoop and Lilacfrond with you."
"Very well, O great deputy," Puddlebud lowered her head. Wisteriastripe could not tell if she was trying to be respectful or mock her. Either way, she couldn't let her nerves show.
After the initial excitement had worn off, Wisteriastripe realized just how much work being deputy was. Perhaps it would be easier if they were back in their usual camp. Wisteriastripe just couldn't get comfortable out in the relative open, so close to TigerClan. She kept imagining Crocuspaw staring at her from the undergrowth with his unblinking blue eyes.
Wisteriastripe suddenly realized she had forgotten to assign herself to a patrol for the day. Not wanting to seem like she was slacking off, she left the makeshift camp to do some hunting on her own. She needed to clear her head anyways.
She began to make her way towards the MulberryClan border, though she realized too late that the river coming from MulberryClan would still be too high to cross. The corner of BleakClan territory on the other side would still be out of reach for a while longer, unless she wanted to risk swimming.
Maybe she would hunt along the river then, Wisteriastripe decided. She could check the water levels while she went. Maybe she could return to camp with some good news.
It was treacherous going, where the floods had begun to recede, the ground was muddy and slippery. Perhaps this was not Wisteriastripe's wisest idea. She was just about to turn back when she caught sight of a silver and orange cat bobbing in the river, pelt covered in a darker gray rosette pattern.
It was Snowstar, MulberryClan's leader, and she was not moving. No bubbles rose from her mouth, though her head was submerged in the water. With a jolt, Wisteriastripe realized she must be dead.
She did not know why she dove into the water after the body, but Wisteriastripe soon found herself in the water, dragging Snowstar towards the opposite bank.
Once on dry ground again, she dropped the MulberryClan leader, and began inspecting the body. She was no healer, though the smell of death was unmistakable. Her golden eyes were fixed in the distance, unseeing. It didn't look like there was anything more she could do.
No sooner had the thought entered Wisteriastripe's mind, the scent of death began to fade, and Snowstar gasped, coughing up water. Wisteriastripe moved to push on the leader's chest, helping to expel the liquid from her lungs.
"Get off, I may have just lost a life, but I won't let you take another!" Snowstar yowled, pushing Wisteriastripe off.
"I'm trying to help! If I hadn't been around, you might have drowned all your lives away!" Wisteriastripe snarled, arching her back.
Snowstar tilted her head, squinting as she sized up the BleakClan deputy. "And what is a BleakClan cat doing risking her life for an enemy leader?"
Wisteriastripe lowered her head, suddenly realizing her disloyalty. If Rushstar knew anything about this, she would be demoted before she could say 'mouse.'
"Don't worry, I won't say anything. I am merely intrigued. There are not many who would risk their lives for a cat from another clan," Snowstar blinked. "You are a special kind of cat. Wisteriastripe, is it?"
"Yes," She still could not meet the MulberryClan cat's gaze.
"Well, I will be keeping my eye on you," Snowstar said. "And I owe you a debt. I will find some way to pay you back soon, it is not becoming of a leader to be at the mercy of an enemy warrior, especially not one so young."
"I'm deputy now," Wisteriastripe blurted out. Her eartips burned as soon as the words left her mouth. What was she, a bragging kit?
"So Rushstar has finally named a deputy, I was wondering how long she would dither for," Snowstar purred in amusement. "This flood has brought some interesting changes to the clans. Daisystar apparently lost her final life in a mudslide. I do not envy the dangers of SnowClan's mountain slopes. I'm grateful that MulberryClan is not also changing leadership, I would like a few more years before handing things over to Oddcreek. I have you to thank for that. You, however, may find leadership in your paws much sooner."
"Rushstar has many years left in her," Wisteriastripe hissed defensively.
"Yes, that may be true if she dies of old age, but I do not expect a cat like her not to squander all her lives in the heat of battle," Snowstar mused. "Ah, here I am, insulting your leader. That is not the way to treat the cat who saved my life. I will leave your territory now, and return home to my clan. Thanks again for your kindness. I look forward to seeing the fate that StarClan has laid out for you."
Wisteriastripe watched Snowstar leave, partially to ensure the MulberryClan cat actually left BleakClan territory, and partially to ensure she did not drown again crossing the swollen river. Once she was satisfied she was back over the border, Wisteriastripe made her own way back across the river.
Upon reaching the other bank, Wisteriastripe shook herself dry, and stopped to lick some of the remaining water from her pelt. She was interrupted by the rustle of undergrowth.
Violetbark stepped out from the bracken, sauntering towards Wisteriastripe.
"So, you have a heart after all," Violetbark sniffed. "At least towards clan cats."
"You saw that?" Wisteriastripe looked away.
"You don't need to look so guilty about it, it's a good thing!" The fur along Violetbark's spine stood on end. "I don't want you turning into Rushstar on me!"
"And what's so bad about that? I am her deputy!" Wisteriastripe shot back.
"See? You haven't changed at all," Violetbark sighed, looking away. "I had hoped that with you as deputy, BleakClan stood a chance at not always bathing ourselves in the blood of outsiders. We could be different from the other clans in the forest! Rushstar is going to turn you into a mini murderer if you are not careful!"
"You have to understand, this is all so confusing to me," Wisteriastripe admitted. "I don't know who I should be, I feel like every cat wants me to be something different."
"Then stop trying to be what every cat wants you to be and be who you want to be," Violetbark's voice softened. "That's all I've ever asked."
"And if I am a murderer like Rushstar?" Wisteriastripe challenged.
"We both know that is not who you are. I have heard the way you scream Almondpaw's name in your nightmares, Rushstar sleeps much easier," Violetbark said. "Be careful, sister. You may think walking the easy path will preserve your life, but what kind of life is a life of fear? A life where you have to hide who you are and take the lives of others just to belong?"
"I think you should be careful. If the wrong cat hears you saying these things, your throat will be slit in a heartbeat," Wisteriastripe's heart pounded in her chest.
"I have only told these things to you. You aren't the wrong cat, are you?" Violetbark met Wisteriastripe's gaze evenly for a while, eventually turning away to return to the woods without another word. The challenge in her sister's words weighed heavily in Wisteriastripe's chest.
Wisteriastripe was left on the swollen riverbank, turning over Violetbark's words in her head. She did not return back too the hill camp for a long, long while.
Here is a snapshot of BleakClan’s territory for the @cccdiscord event! It’s very rough because landscapes/maps are not my strong point, but I figured it would be helpful to have a general vibe for the territory.
I'm making this here so I can reblog it to BleakClan and SootClan instead of writing the same post twice, but in light of recent events in the ClanGen/Cat Comic community.
These stories are trans friendly. I am a trans non-binary author, and trans characters are integral to the stories I tell.
Right now, since both stories are so close to their start, the trans characters that exist are in more minor roles (Blueclaw in BleakClan, Sparksky in SootClan) but I have plotlines planned that will dive deeper into trans themes and there will be many, many trans characters. While I may dive into themes of discrimination in my stories, I do not accept any real life discrimination towards any marginalized identities. Anyone coming to these blogs spouting transphobia, or making my trans characters cis will be blocked on sight.
Since Moon 14 is taking a bit of extra time (it has been started, but isn't close to being ready to post yet) I am going to give you all a little essay on my thoughts on Wisteriastripe and her character arc/constant moral crises. I know that Wisteriastripe is likely to be a polarizing protagonist for people and this isn't meant to convince people to like her, but I want to provide a bit of a background of what I am doing with her for the "nuanced and complex character" enjoyers who will appreciate her.
Putting it under a cut because it is likely to get long.
Content Warnings: Religious Trauma, Queerphobia, BleakClan-specific xenophobia
Wisteriastripe was never someone who I went out of my way to write as a representation of my self/past, but like many of my OCs and TTRPG PCs, it happened anyways. The time in which I was Wisteriastripe is far in the past, and it is a time I grapple with a lot, but I think it is an important story to be told, which is why I am telling it both in this essay, and throughout Wisteriastripe's arc in BleakClan.
I was raised in a very Christian environment. Both my grandfathers were pastors (one Baptist, one Anglican), as was one of my uncles. One of my aunts is a nun. I went to a Private Christian High School (of my own choice, but yeesh that one left a mark). My mom is still to this day heavily involved in church leadership. My dad is an atheist, but that made little difference in my upbringing. Every summer I went to an overnight Christian summer camp for a week, and I was very active in a lot of youth groups. I was lucky to have been overall raised in an environment that valued caring for and loving other people above any concept of sin, but I don't think it is possible to escape the insidious judgement that comes with Christianity, not all of my Christian influences held the same values.
Even with my Christian upbringing being gentler than most, I still was left with the unshakable feeling I was Wrong somehow. From the time I was a kid, it was heavily implied that my interests (pokemon, fantasy involving magic, etc) were sinful and wrong, and while I was allowed to engage in them, if they ever became more important than my faith or I engaged with them in the "wrong" way, I would no longer be allowed to engage in those interests. There was also the fact that I was very deeply closeted gay and trans. I did not have words to describe what it was then, but I did know there was the feeling that if I did or said the wrong thing, I would be "wrong" and "bad" and people wouldn't like me.
This made me a very shy, anxious person. I struggled to connect socially, and to have a voice for myself and for my experiences. Looking back, I feel like I was a shell of a person, trying to find my place in the world and trying to figure out who I was and how not to be so closed off.
For a while, I leaned hard into religion. It was what I knew, and it was supposed to be a good thing. I tried so hard to fit in, to devote myself to Christianity. I was pretty serious about it for a while (I was even contemplating becoming a pastor, as my church was progressive enough to allow women pastors). I regret a lot of that time. It hurt me, as well as hurt some important people in my life.
See, when I was taught about sin, I was not taught that it would condemn you to hell. I was taught that sin was bad because it hurt people. A lot of it was false, of course, but I could see the logic in it. I could see why they said sex outside of marriage was bad and why abortion was bad and a number of other things that I have since put a lot of effort into unlearning. The tripping point for me, however, was always queer people. I heard what was said about how being gay or trans destroyed the plan god had for humanity, but I couldn't wrap my brain around it. From what I could see, gay relationships were just as loving and impactful as straight ones, and I could not understand why god would make someone feel not at home with their gender and body, and then not allow them to change it.
I wish I could say it was as cut and dry as saying "this doesn't feel right" and leaving the church, but it was a process. I was deeply entwined in the church, I had built my whole life there, I had dreams and goals that relied heavily on my faith. By the time I had friends and family members coming out to me as queer and my beliefs were really challenged, I was in so deep. Ultimately, it was those connections that pulled me out, because my love for them overrode my faith at the end of the day, but because I was so deep in it, it was not an immediate process. I never cut anyone off or outright condemned them for their queerness, but I know there were times I said hurtful things to them while I was processing everything, and that pain is not minimized by the fact that I was trying. I don't want to make excuses for it.
Eventually, I pulled myself out of it enough to realize that I myself was also queer, and that was the catalyst for really unpacking everything I had been raised with. For a short amount of time, I attempted to be a "progressive" Christian, but that didn't last long before I got so sick of the oppressive force that is the church and I decided to leave it all behind forever. I put a lot of effort and years into unlearning what I had been raised with, examining my biases and making real change in my beliefs and how I saw the world. It is to the point that I believe myself to be basically an entirely different person than I was back then. I don't see my past self as me, aside from the fact that I still carry the guilt of who I used to be. (I also want it to be noted that challenging biases and unlearning systemic oppression is a lifelong process, and it something that is a very important part of how I continue to interact with the world, I don't want to imply that I am perfect or that I have completely unlearned all the oppressive systems I have grown up in and continue to live in).
Wisteriastripe is painfully obvious to be as a representation of this whole process. Her story is mine pushed to extremes, BleakClan is a lot more controlling than any environment I was in growing up, but she encapsulates that same pull I felt between what I was taught was right, and what I knew in my soul to be right. She has many reasons to lean into BleakClan's oppressive culture. She too knows that there is an intrinsic part of her that puts her in danger of being rejected or killed for being "wrong" that she is trying to make up for. She is desperate to find a place, to find love. In this process, she has hurt others (Violetbark, Crocuspaw), some of which have more patience for her than others. At the same time, however, she knows that what she is doing is wrong. At this point, she can't stop herself, the influences pushing her to play into systemic oppression are too strong. That being said, she can't silence that voice inside of her for good, it is still there. She is constantly torn, trying to figure out what the right thing to do is, and she often chooses wrong.
I hope that the people reading BleakClan can see that Wisteriastripe is a complex character. I don't think black and white morality is a good mindset, it reminds me too much of the way I was taught to see "right" and "wrong" growing up. Wisteriastripe has caused real and significant harm to people who don't deserve it (Dismissing Violetbark's concerns, killing Almondpaw), but she has also made choices that have helped others at the risk of her own safety (hiding Violetbark's time as a kittypet, choosing not to kill Shadegleam). Her life is also only just beginning, she has only just become an adult. There will be a lot more harmful actions and a lot more helpful ones to come. Wisteriastripe is an oppressed figure, but she is also the hand of the oppressor. I don't see her as a purely good or bad character at all, and that is what I am interested in exploring with her. (And maybe in doing so I can finally figure out how to make peace with my past and care about my past self without excusing any of my past harmful actions. Maybe I would deal with less self-esteem issues if I didn't hate such a big part of my life).
I don't know if Wisteriastripe will live long enough to break out of the hold BleakClan's current culture has on her, I'm playing this game moon by moon so I don't know how long she will be around for. However, this is a multi-generational story that I plan on writing for years, maybe even decades. If she doesn't manage to unlearn her harmful beliefs, there will be other protagonists who will stand on the progress she has made to continue to change the culture of BleakClan. She will fulfill Crocuspaw's prophecy, whether it is her paws that do it, or the paws of those who come after her.
Because the truth is that many of BleakClan's members are hurting and scared and traumatized because they cannot truly live up to the impossible ideals that BleakClan holds them too, especially now under Rushstar's rule. The majority of BleakClan is seen as lesser because they are not "full-blooded BleakClan cats". We have half-clan cats and kittypets and rogues and loners and Fringe cats who are pushing aside their heritage for the sake of survival or belonging, and none of them are okay, even if it seems like they are. As this story progresses, you will see how this has fucked up many of BleakClan's members, it is a traumatic experience to deny a core part of who you are, especially if it is under the threat of death. Not all of them are "good" cats, but the hurt they feel is still very real.
I am not telling this story to be edgy or go "look how dark I can go." (Thought I do eventually want to play more with horror themes, and explicit violence will remain a constant throughout, no matter how much more accepting BleakClan becomes). I am telling this story because we live in an oppressive society and I want to explore the impact this has on people (positively and negatively and everywhere in-between), and provide the hope that things can change, even if it takes a long time. There are little actions people can do every day to make a difference and push for acceptance for everyone, to dismantle oppressive forces. You don't have to be perfect to make a difference, you just have to try, because trying is better than doing nothing at all. The forces we are up against (fascism, colonialism, racism, queerphobia, ableism, etc) are big and powerful enemies that will not be dismantled in one lifetime, but we can work to lessen their grip on our world. Sometimes it feels like we are taking steps backwards, but as long as there are people fighting, there is always hope.
I don't know where I am going with this. Wisteriastripe is a funky little cat character in a funky little cat story, but I think about her a lot, I think about my past self a lot, and I think about the scary state of our world a lot. I hope others like the story I am telling as well, and sees the value of it. Even if this story impacts just one person, even if the person it impacts is just me, it is worth telling, and that is what matters.
Content Warnings: Xenophobia, Emotional Abuse, Death and Grief
"So," Rushseed hissed as she circled Shadowstar. "What are we going to do with you?"
Upon returning from the gathering, Rushseed had roused the rest of the clan and called a meeting. Everyone stared wide-eyed as the deputy took charge, stalking menacingly around BleakClan's leader. Shadowstar did not meet her gaze, just stared at the ground with an absolutely shattered expression. A cold wind blew over the hollow, the newleaf warmth of day not quite touching the night.
"I swear to you, Rushseed, I did not know," Shadowstar said quietly.
"Dapplestar was a deceiver, she has besmirched the name of our noble clan by taking a TigerClan mate, and having not one, but two litters with that scum," Rushseed lunged at Shadowstar, snapping her jaws shut just before she reached the pale ginger molly's throat. "She does not deserve her legacy, you are not fit to be leader, and I'll rip all nine lives out of you myself if I have to."
"How dare you!" Antlerfleck began bristling. He lunged forward, claws unsheathed. He was only held back from striking Rushseed by Sleekbloom, who was blocking him with his wide body.
"Let the two of them sort this out, Antlerfleck. If Shadowstar is to be out leader, she needs to stand up for herself on her own merit," Sleekbloom whispered. Wisteriastripe could only just hear his voice over the rumble of the other murmurs from the gathered cats. "For too long she has let Rushseed run this clan, it is time she put her in her place."
"Rushseed, I agree with you," Shadowstar sighed.
Gasps filled the air. Clearly BleakClan did not expect Shadowstar to give in so easily. Rushseed was watching Shadowstar with orange eyes as hungry as fire. Wisteriastripe was almost certain she could see her mother's tongue swiping across her lips, but even in the light of the full moon, it was too dark to tell.
"Really? I didn't think this would be so easy," Rushseed's eyes gleamed. "You really are a pathetic leader, just like your mother."
"You are heartless, Rushseed," Primrosestripe spat, suddenly stepping out from the gathered cats. "Dapplestar was your best friend, that's why she made you deputy, and why Shadowstar trusted you enough to make you deputy again. All you are is because of her."
"I appreciate it, Primrosestripe, but really, there is no need," Shadowstar said, meeting the healer's eyes for only a moment before flashing her gaze back down at the ground. "Rushseed is right, I have been a weak leader. I believe my mother was honourable, and I will never be able to live up to her example, but Rushseed is right. Dapplestar broke the code, and I should not exist. She does not get her heir. Besides, I am tired. I just want to be an ordinary warrior, I want to keep my family safe, and fight alongside you all as an ordinary clanmate. Rushseed should have been leader all along, she has always been the stronger cat. I accept my fate, from now on, call me Shadowblaze. Rushseed and I will travel to the Moonhollow in two days time, and I will give up my lives."
"This has not ever been done before," Sleekbloom said quietly. "What if StarClan does not honour the switch?"
"Then we will accept StarClan's wishes, their will should be followed above all else," Shadowblaze flashed a wary gaze at Rushseed.
Wisteriastripe did not believe for a second that Rushseed would let StarClan tell her what to do, but to her credit, she did not say so.
"Of course," Rushseed dipped her head. "Until then, I will continue to lead this clan, as I have while Shadowblaze has been in the nursery. Once I gain my nine lives, I will be making some changes around here. BleakClan has become a tainted clan, with all of its outsider blood. We must remember who we are, and value pure-clan blood above all else."
"What will come of those of us who are not BleakClan-born?" Blueclaw asked. He stood bravely resolute, gray fur bleached silver in the moonlight, but Wisteriastripe could smell his fear-scent.
"We have lost too many cats to drive out any of our number, as tainted as we are, but I will be expecting us to make a concentrated effort to increase our number," Rushseed's eyes flashed to Antlerfleck and Sleekbloom.
"I get what you are implying, Rushseed, but Shadowstar is my mate. I will not betray her," Anterfleck warned. His green-yellow eyes gleamed sharply, and Wisteriastripe had never seen her former mentor look so serious.
"Then I shall blame you when BleakClan has become nothing more than a band of rogues," Rushseed hissed.
"We are already a band of rogues!" Violetpaw piped up, and Wisteriastripe immediately cringed. She wanted to rush over to her sister and stuff her paws in her mouth so she would stop speaking, but she was frozen to the spot, watching her clan crumble before her eyes. "Even if Sleekbloom and Antlerfleck fathered a thousand kits with pure BleakClan cats, it would only be a generation or two until the only choice would be to mate with cousins or outsiders. Shouldn't a cat be judged by their deeds, rather than where they came from? Face it, Rushseed, your perfect BleakClan is already dead and gone."
"Is that any way to speak to your leader? To your mother?" Rushseed's eyes were sparking balls of fury as she stalked over to face her daughter. For a second, Wisteriastripe was certain she was going to kill her where she stood, but the gray molly only chuckled. "You have guts. I may not agree with what you have said, but I like your spirit. It's about time you were made a warrior, I will give you your name when I return to the Moonhollow. However, be warned, continue speaking such blasphemy and I won't be so generous."
Thankfully, Violetpaw had the good sense to not say anything more. She simply dipped her head, though Wisteriastripe could still see the spark of defiance in her gaze. The sight made her feel like her heart was going to leap out of her chest like a fish.
"Violetpaw makes a good point. Perhaps we will have to look past bloodlines for our survival. I will accept those with outsider blood as my allies if you prove yourself worthy of it. Show me you have left the weakness in your lineage behind, turn your back on it completely. Be brutal, give everything to me and to this clan, and you have a place here," Rushseed growled. "If you show softness, if you betray us, exiling you will be the nicest thing I can do for you. I will not hesitate to kill anyone who is a threat to our survival, and I expect you all to do the same."
Blood rushed in Wisteriastripe's ears as her heart pounded even harder. She could not tell if it was from excitement or fear. Her time was coming, she knew it. She just had to prove it, she knew just how badly she wanted to succeed, and how much she stood to lose if she failed. She would not end up the next splash of blood on Rushseed's claws.
Looking around the camp, she could see both Yewswoop and Puddlebud were inspired by Rushseed's speech. Gingerpath, who was sitting at the entrance to the Healer's Clearing tunnel, wound still wrapped in cobwebs, met Wisteriastripe's gaze. She did not need to speak with him to know that they were swearing an oath to one another, a vow to be the strongest warriors BleakClan had ever seen.
"Thank you Rushseed," Shadowblaze dipped her head. "You will make this clan powerful, I know you will. Let's all go to bed, it has been a busy night."
The clan dispersed, but Wisteriastripe could tell from the chatter that no one would be sleeping anytime soon.
***
Two nights had passed since the fateful gathering. The energy in the camp had shifted since Shadowblaze had stepped down. Rushseed was already ruling the clan with an iron claw, and everyone seemed determined to show off their strength. There had been more prey brought back than ever before, and cats were far more likely to return from patrols bearing wounds from scuffles with TigerClan or Fringe cats.
Wisteriastripe was exhausted. Both she and Lilacfrond had remembered Rushseed's promise to them. Neither of them had trained an apprentice yet, but neither wanted to take the chance that the other might be given the position of deputy once Rushseed gained her nine lives. Wisteriastripe felt like she was constantly bickering with her sister, but she could not bear to let Lilacfrond outrank her. She had sent herself on as many patrols as she could fit in a day, and was not willing to slow down anytime soon.
As Wisteriastripe emerged from the warrior's den, she ran into Elkkit. The white and brown tom was carrying thorns in his mouth, and was staring up at Wisteriastripe guiltily.
"What might you be doing with those?" Wisteriastripe asked. Elkkit always seemed to be getting into trouble one way or another.
"Nothing," Elkkit's yellow eyes did not meet her gaze.
"You weren't planning on putting them in some brave warrior's nest, were you?" Wisteriastripe narrowed her eyes.
"Noooooo, I was taking them out of camp so no one would step on them!" Elkkit insisted.
"How brave!" Wisteriastripe chuckled. "How about you give them to me to throw out, and lets go back to the nursery." Despite herself, she admired the kit's gall. She would never have intentionally pissed off a warrior like that when she was a kit.
Sulking a little, Elkkit trailed behind Wisteriastripe as she returned him to the nursery.
"I found this little one 'helping out' with some thorns," Wisteriastripe told Trouthowl, nudging Elkkit towards her.
"Well, how brave of him!" Trouthowl said, catching Wisteriastripe's meaning. "I hope he did not get in the way of any of the warriors."
"No, I helped him get them out of camp safely," Wisteriastripe said. She looked around, figuring she should say hello to Lavenderpaw before she found a patrol to join. Her sister was nowhere to be seen.
"Lavenderpaw hasn't been doing too well," Trouthowl said, noticing how Wisteriastripe was scanning the nursery. "Between you and me, Rushseed has always scared her, and the thought of her running this clan has left her a mess. I can't say I'm too happy about our noble deputy becoming leader myself, but Lavenderpaw has always been a particularly sensitive one."
"You shouldn't be saying such things," Wisteriastripe said, looking over her shoulder to see if anyone had overheard.
"See, I think a clan where a cat can't say what is on their mind is dangerous," Trouthowl said in a low voice. "Come on, Wisteriastripe, I know you have always wanted Rushseed's approval, but you are smarter than this. I raised you, you know. I know your heart, and it does not truly lie in ceaseless violence."
"You may have raised me, but that was your job, nothing more, you are not my mother," Wisteriastripe said curtly, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. "It's different as a warrior. I would not expect a queen to understand. Make sure Lavenderpaw sees her senses, I do not want to see her blood spilled."
"That is not a threat, is it?" Trouthowl said in a low growl, tail swishing. Her eyes betrayed the hurt she felt at Wisteriastripe's retort, but she did not challenge her. "Think about the cat you want to become, Wisteriastripe. Some bloodstains can never be licked away."
"It is not a threat," Wisteriastripe said quietly, throat suddenly feeling tight. She had to leave here, and get as far away as she could. She did not like the way Trouthowl was staring at her.
She left quickly, without saying anything more, feeling like a coward. What kind of warrior got unnerved by a queen? She almost tripped over Dapplekit as she went.
"What do you mean I can't be deputy?" The cream and ginger molly was demanding of Shadowblaze. "I was gonna be your deputy when I grew up!"
"Things have changed, my love. I'm not saying you can't ever be deputy, but I am not leader anymore," Shadowblaze said. "Now, you be good for your father. Make sure your brother doesn't get into too much trouble while I am gone, I have to take a little trip."
"But when will you be back? Can I be deputy when you get back?" Dapplekit asked.
"I'll be back tomorrow, before the sun goes down," Shadowblaze promised, "and you are still too young to be deputy."
Wisteriastripe did not stick around to hear anything more. She didn't want to be anywhere near the nursery. She was concentrating so hard on leaving that she almost ran into Rushseed.
"Ah, there you are, Wisteriastripe," Rushseed said. "I've been looking for you. I want you and Lilacfrond to accompany us to the Moonhollow. I think it would be a great opportunity to show me what you are capable of."
"I would be honoured, thank you," Wisteriastripe could hardly believe what she was hearing.
"Well, don't just sit there like a wide-eyed squirrel," Rushseed said. "Go get your travelling herbs from the healers. We have a long journey ahead of us."
***
So far, the journey to the Moonhollow had been uneventful. However, that had not stopped Lilacfrond from challenging Wisteriastripe at every step.
"I'll race you to that big tree!" Lilacfrond flicked her tail down the path between TigerClan and MulberryClan.
"You run on ahead and use up all your energy right at the beginning of our journey!" Wisteriastripe taunted. "I'm going to keep a nice even pace and you can explain to Rushseed why you collapse before we reach the Moonhollow."
"Sounds like you think you can't do it, I can race all the way down this border and back and still not be tired," Lilacfrond boasted.
"Alright then, you show me," Wisteriastripe challenged. "You'll look just like an apprentice on their first day out of camp!"
Despite her bold words, Lilacfrond did not run ahead. Instead she stewed next to Wisteriastripe. The two sisters walked in silence for a little while.
"TigerClan," Rushseed suddenly growled from in front of them. "A patrol is nearby."
Sure enough, Icystar and Tuftedwhisker emerged onto the path. It was then that Wisteriastripe noticed that Tuftedwhisker's tail was now marred by a frostbite scar. It had been a hard winter for TigerClan.
"Rushseed, Shadowstar, what brings you to our neck of the woods?" Icystar asked, staring down the patrol menacingly.
"You cannot stop us, Icystar, you know the code," Primrosestripe said evenly.
"And I am no longer Shadowstar, I am Shadowblaze. We are going to the Moonhollow so I can give up my lives, and Rushseed can get hers," The former BleakClan leader said quietly.
"So, you actually did it," Icystar looked impressed as she sized up BleakClan's new leader. "Good on you, sometimes you need to take things into your own paws. It's a good choice too, we exiled Rimestripe after the gathering. If you come across him, know he is no longer a clan cat."
"I agree," Rushseed dipped her head, a sickeningly satisfied look entering her eyes. "You and I have much to discuss. Perhaps, now that BleakClan has a much more level-headed leader, our two clans can see peace."
"Yes, come by once you have your lives, it is time this war is ended." Icystar dipped her head in agreement.
Wisteriastripe stared at the two leaders in shock. Icystar was talking as if Rushseed hadn't started the war with TigerClan in the first place. She had scolded Rushseed for it during the first raid, and now she was acting like it had all been Shadowblaze's fault. Her mind also kept catching on what Icystar had said about 'taking things into her own paws.' Did she have something to do with Bristlestar's passing?
Wisteriastripe suddenly felt sick. Clan cats were supposed to be honourable, and to stand up for one another. Wasn't that the whole point?
"Psst!" A voice suddenly sounded from the bramble wall of the border path. Wisteriastripe turned to see Crocuspaw beckoning her towards him.
Wisteriastripe looked over her shoulder to see if anyone was watching her. Everyone was so engrossed in the conversation with Icystar they would not notice her slipping away.
"What do you want?" Wisteriastripe hissed.
"Believe me, you are the last cat you want to talk to." The fur along the back of Crocuspaw's spine prickled. "But I can't stop having that dream. I need to tell you about the prophecy."
"Quickly, I can't have my patrol seeing me disappear! Rushseed will have my pelt if she knows I am talking to you," Wisteriastripe urged.
"I keep being visited by a ginger tom. He does not smell of any of the clans, I do not think he is from StarClan. Whenever he speaks, I see the whole forest blanketed with wisteria, covering everything like kudzu." Crocuspaw explained. "At first, it looks as though the clans are destroyed, but that's when I see them. There are still cats, and they still smell of the six clans, but some of them are wearing kittypet collars, and some look like rogues or loners. Then the ginger cat speaks to me, and he tells me 'Wisteria will take root in the forest, and the forest will be changed.' I think you are going to change the clans, and I think you are going to save us all."
"You have to be joking," Wisteriastripe felt sick to her stomach. Kittypet warriors? Surely Crocuspaw was mistaken. Perhaps the prophecy was warning that she couldn't be too weak, or else the clans would grow too soft and be taken over by kittypets.
"I swear on StarClan that I am not. The ginger cat then tells me that I have to tell you about my vision, because you will not hear him," Crocuspaw said. "So I am fulfilling my duties."
Will not hear him? If Crocuspaw was talking about the ginger cat that kept appearing in Wisteriastripe's dreams, she had tried to hear him. It wasn't that she wouldn't, it was that she couldn't. She felt a prickle run up her spine at the accusation.
"You have bees in your brain. Why would you listen to a dead cat who is not even a StarClan cat?" Wisteriastripe asked.
"Because I am an outsider, and so are you. We got lucky, and we found a home in our clans, that's all the separates us from any kittypet or loner." Crocuspaw was starting to sound a lot like Violetpaw. "Why should we get to live while they die at our claws? Why should we find a home in the clans while they are barred? I love TigerClan, and I will give everything I have to serve them, but every cat should be given that opportunity, if they want it."
Wisteriastripe's head was starting to hurt. This was the second time she had been challenged today. She wanted to snap back at him, like she had with Trouthowl, to push all this nonsense away, but there was something in his intense blue gaze that made every word die in her throat.
"Just think about it, okay?" Crocuspaw said. "I don't know why it's you. I think Violetpaw would make a lot more sense, but I have heard this prophecy enough to know that it is undeniably you. The ginger cat even said so himself."
"Who even is this ginger dream cat?" Wisteriastripe asked, hoping that Crocuspaw could not smell the fear-scent she knew was emanating from her.
"All I know is that he told me his name is Dixie," Crocuspaw said, shrugging. "Though that name means nothing to me."
"Dixie?" Wisteriastripe said quietly as her throat tightened.
"Do you know him?" Crocuspaw asked, tilting his head slightly.
"I never met him, but he is one of my fathers," Wisteriastripe said, unsure why she was telling a TigerClan cat this. "I need to go. The patrol is going to notice I am gone soon."
She was glad Crocuspaw didn't say anything more to her as she left through the brambles, though she could feel his burning gaze on her pelt every step of the way.
***
Wisteriastripe was exhausted by the time the patrol reached the Moonhollow. The waning moon was just rising over the horizon as they exited the tunnel into the hollow, and the night-chill of the air was only slightly warmer than the cold of the tunnels.
She was grateful to have finally arrived. Between all her extra patrols and the weight of her conversation with Crocuspaw, she wanted to curl herself into a ball and never wake up, but she could hardly show weakness in front of Rushseed and Lilacfrond. Her sister in particular had been prodding her the entire journey with various challenges, and it had been difficult to give excuses without coming off as weak.
The cats ascended the stone path towards the basin, and Shadowblaze and Rushseed knelt down to drink from the water before curling up and falling asleep.
"You two keep watch," Primrosestripe told Wisteriastripe and Lilacfrond before bending down to take her own drink of water, leaving the two sisters awake and watching over the dreaming cats.
"Do you think it is going to work?" Wisteriastripe asked.
"Of course it will. StarClan would have bees in their brain to think that Shadowblaze makes the better leader," Lilacfrond huffed.
"Are you just saying that because you want to be deputy?" Wisteriastripe challenged.
"No, I'm saying that because I have eyes in my head." Lilacfrond narrowed her eyes. "You're not going soft on me, are you?"
"Of course not!" Wisteriastripe balked.
"Good, because I can't lose my competition!" Lilacfrond said, looking away.
Was that a compliment? Wisteriastripe stared at her sister, trying to get a read on her, but she wasn't meeting her gaze.
Her eyelids suddenly felt very heavy. She fought to keep them open, feeling like she would rather die than be caught shirking the duty bestowed upon her. However, despite her best efforts, she just could not stop them from closing, and she half-collapsed, half-lay down as she drifted off to sleep.
***
A different ginger cat was awaiting Wisteriastripe in her dreams. This one had a darker pelt, like a more vibrant version of Violetpaw's. His eyes were violet, looking very much like Wisteriastripe's. He had a similar lack of jowls to Blueclaw, though Wisteriastripe noticed he had fluffed up his long face fur to give the impression of jowls.
"I figured I might have an easier time getting through to you than Dixie, as you and I are very much alike," He said. "I'm doing this as a favour to him. I don't think any of you should have anything to do with the clans, you should be Fringe cats, but he is convinced you have a destiny there."
"...Shari?" Wisteriastripe asked, eyes widening. Was this the cat who bore her?
Shari dipped his head in acknowledgement. "You have grown up well, Wisteriastripe. I have been watching you. I wish you could have given your prowess to The Fringe, but I am still proud of your strength. Come, I have something to show you."
As the two cats walked, the void around them solidified into forest. They eventually found themselves on the rim of the Moonhollow, looking down into it. Wisteriastripe had never seen it from this angle, as the clifftops were strictly SnowyClan territory. Down on the stone platform by the pool, Shadowblaze, Rushseed and Primrosestripe stood together. A crowd of starry cats surrounded them. This must be the Moonhollow from StarClan's side.
"You can walk in StarClan?" Wisteriastripe breathed, staring wide-eyed at her father.
"If you know what you're doing, a cat can walk in any afterlife. I learned to do it so I could visit Dixie," Shari explained, "and to keep an eye on my daughters."
"Why are we here?" Wisteriastripe asked.
"Dixie wanted you to see it," Shari said, shrugging. "Something about watching as your clan turns onto the path of destruction."
"What does that mean?" Wisteriastripe's eyebrows furrowed.
"Look, if you keep asking questions we will miss what is happening below. Let's just watch," Shari sighed.
In the depths of the Moonhollow, Shadowblaze was standing in front of the other two living cats. In front of her was a tortoiseshell cat with a white belly and star on her forehead. She could see enough family resemblance to tell this was Dapplestar.
"I am very disappointed about this, you know," Dapplestar said to Shadowblaze, who could not meet her mother's gaze. "You had a legacy to carry, and now you are giving it up. It is not too late to turn back."
"I can't remain BleakClan's leader knowing I am half-clan," Shadowblaze said quietly. "Besides, I was not cut out to be leader. I have tried, and I am just not strong enough."
Dapplestar stared at her daughter for a long time, like there was more she wanted to say. She then looked at the StarClan cats behind her. Wisteriastripe could tell from the way that they looked back at her that Dapplestar's disloyalty was not going unpunished here either. She did not have as much power here as she was positing.
Dapplestar sighed. "Very well. Shadowstar, we revoke your lives. From this moment on you will once more be known as Shadowblaze. May you continue to serve your clan with all the strength of a leader, even in your diminished role."
Dapplestar touched her nose to Shadowblaze's and a light emerged from the former BleakClan leader's chest, returning to her mother's body. The ginger molly gasped, as if in pain, but she did not pull back as seven more cats stepped forward and removed their lives from her one by one. By the time it was over, Shadowblaze was shaking, almost unable to stand. Primrosestripe moved forward to support her, licking her comfortingly on her shoulder.
Dapplestar rejoined the crowd, and a brown rosette molly with cream patches stepped forward, beckoning Rushseed forwards. The gray molly's eyes gleamed hungrily as she stepped up to join the StarClan warrior.
"Applegaze, you look well," Rushseed grinned.
A jolt flashed through Wisteriastripe. Applegaze! This was Seedpaw's mother, who had died in the same battle Wisteriastripe and her sisters had been born in.
"I could not have asked for a more honourable way to die," Applegaze dipped her head. "Thank you for leading us into battle, it is my honour to give you your first life. I give you this life for sympathy for your clanmates. You must be strong together if you hope to stand against the forces of those outside your borders."
Wisteriastripe could tell from the flash in Rushseed's eyes that gaining a life was just as painful as losing one, though Rushseed held herself strong, showing none of the same weariness Shadowblaze had displayed.
Applegaze then rejoined the crowd of starry cats, and Seedpaw stepped forward, brushing pelts with her mother on the way. Wisteriastripe's breath caught in her chest. Even now, her heart ached with grief for her lost friend.
"I give you this life for honesty," Seedpaw says. "Some secrets should not be kept hidden." She had to reach up to make contact with Rushseed's nose. It was strange to realize that the apprentice was now smaller than Wisteriastripe, now that the warrior was fully-grown. In life, the apprentice had been older and larger.
The next cat was an elderly silver sokoke tabby tom with yellow eyes. Though he was old, his eyes were sharp and every move was clearly calculated.
"I am Rainfeather, BleakClan's StarClan guide. I give you a life for precision. Every claw-strike is valuable, and comes with consequences." The old tom said, touching noses with Rushseed.
It was strange, seeing a cat Wisteriastripe had only heard of in Trouthowl's nursery stories. Rainfeather had been a sickly cat, who had spent most of his life in the elder's den, but he was respected for the way he had watched over BleakClan in life, just as he now lead the BleakClan cats of StarClan in death.
Next was a silver rosette tom. His muscles rippled with strength and his eyes gleamed with a look she had seen on Rushseed's face many times before.
"I am proud to call you a descendant of mine, I am Downydapple, the warrior who felled a thousand enemies," The silver tom said. "I give you a life for accountability. Remember the legacy you are carrying as your forge a new path for BleakClan."
A shiver ran down Wisteriastripe's spine. Downydapple was the greatest warrior in BleakClan's history, the hero of many stories and the victor of many impossible battles. She couldn't help but quiver in the presence of such a powerful cat, and she wondered if she would ever be as powerful as he was.
The next cat to come forward was a soft-looking pale ginger tabby tom with golden eyes. He looked out of place among the other, fiercer warriors, and Wisteriastripe realized that he must be Sporefur. The tom was the protagonist in many a cautionary tale about trusting twolegs. He had been taken away, and had never been seen again by BleakClan.
"I give you a life for courage," Sporefur said. "Though I know you lack none of it, life throws twists and turns, and you must always be strong."
Rushseed's face showed clear distaste at being given a life by a warrior-turned-kittypet, but she accepted the life without comment.
The sixth cat was a solid gray tom with pale green eyes. He was extremely thin, almost unhealthily so, though he walked with his head held high and green eyes gleaming with wisdom.
"I am Irisflood. I lost my life during a redcough outbreak, where I chose to leave camp with the other sick cats and care for them to spare those still strong and healthy back at camp. I give you this life for empathy. Sometimes the survival of a clan comes at great sacrifice, and strength does not always look like claws and teeth. There are many ways to serve your clan."
Rushseed accepted his life, though Wisteriastripe could tell without her mother saying anything that she would not be taking Irisflood's advice.
The next cat was a speckled golden tom with golden eyes. Rushseed's eyes flashed in recognition as he stepped forward to grant his life, though Wisteriastripe could not recall him from any nursery tales.
"Canaryfur, I remember the battle that killed you," Rushseed dipped her head.
"I did not need to die. I rushed into battle trying to please cats older and stronger than me," Canaryfur's eyes flashed sharply at Rushseed, as if trying to pass on a warning. "With this life I give you mercy. Not every battle needs to be fought."
"It was your own fault you got killed," Rushseed snorted after she received the life. "You were too reckless for your own good."
Canaryfur bristled at her, but did not interrupt the ceremony, returning to the crowd with his golden fur fluffed up and tail swishing angrily. Wisteriastripe wondered if he regretting giving that life to Rushseed. After all, until Rushseed lost her seventh life, a piece of his soul would dwell within her body.
The eighth cat to present a life was a tortoiseshell tom with cream ear and tailtips. Cream also covered his paws and splashed across his chest. He walked up and bestowed his life upon Rushseed.
"With this life I give you spontaneity. You may be old in age, but you must be vigorous and open to move with the flows of time," He said. "I am Crowriver, and I spent my life advocating for changes to the warrior code to allow cats to change their gender. Change is coming, and you must be ready for it."
Wisteriastripe was almost certain Crowriver had turned to wink at her before returning into the crowd, though she did not understand why he should pick her out of all the cats gathered.
The final cat to step forward was Dapplestar.
"Rushseed, despite your betrayal to my bloodline, you have always been my best friend. It is my honour to give you your final life. With this life I give you loyalty. Do not forget those who have stood by your side."
Rushseed gritted her teeth as the final life flowed through her. Of all the lives, it seemed to be the most painful. Once the pain ebbed, she held her head high. A black star, the same colour as the stripe along her back, now sat on her chest. As Wisteriastripe looked closer, she noticed that the star marking on Shadowblaze's shoulder was gone, replaced by a single speckle.
"Let me be first the one to welcome you as Rushstar, BleakClan's new leader." Dapplestar said. "Lead well, and remember the weight of responsibility that sits on your shoulders."
"Rushstar! Rushstar! Rushstar!" The name echoed around the hollow as the starry cats welcomed the new leader, and with that the ceremony was done.
"A cat like that as leader only spells doom," Shari sighed, eyes darkening as he got to his feet. "Not for your clan, but for all who live outside their borders." He turned to look at Wisteriastripe. "You walk a narrow, treacherous path, be careful which way you fall."
The Fringe cat walked away, leaving his daughter alone at the rim of the Moonhollow. Wisteriastripe wanted to call after him, but the scenery around her was fading, and soon she found herself waking up on cold stone.
She quickly got to her feet, relieved that Rushstar, Shadowblaze and Primrosestripe were still asleep.
"Have a nice nap?" Lilacfrond sniffed. "Don't worry, I kept us all safe all on my own."
Wisteriastripe's thought were too consumed with the dream she had just woken from to form a retort. This was the third warning she had received today about following in Rushstar's footsteps, and she did not know what to think of it.
***
"From this moment on, you will be known as Violetbark. StarClan honours you determination, and we welcome you as a full warrior of BleakClan. Congratulations on being the first warrior I have named during my leadership, I hope you take it for the honour that it is," Rushstar announced, touching noses with Violetbark. Wisteriastripe could see the hesitation on her sister's face that most others would miss. Still, she couldn't help but feel relief that Violetbark had finally earned her name. It meant she had finally been accepted into the clan.
"Violetbark! Violetbark! Violetbark!" The clan chanted. Though their voices were enthusiastic, there was an apprehension in the air, as heavy and electric as the sky before a thunderstorm.
The patrol had returned from the Moonhollow as the sun was setting, and Rushstar had immediately called a clan meeting announcing her new status as leader.
"Will Lavenderpaw be getting her full name?" Trouthowl asked, standing up and stepping towards the Tallbranch. Lavenderpaw lingered near the back of the crowd, hunched over and shaking, not making eye contact with any cat.
Rushstar's face stretched into a disgusted sneer. "She has done nothing to earn it. Even by a queen's standard, she is weak and useless. She will remain an apprentice until she grows a spine, I am willing to leave her a 'paw her whole life if she doesn't smarten up."
Wisteriastripe could see tears forming in Lavenderpaw's eyes, and her sister began shaking harder. Trouthowl opened her mouth to challenge Rushstar further, but the leader gave the queen such a glare that she clamped it shut, teeth clenched, and returned to Lavenderpaw's side. Trouthowl began stroking her apprentice's back, speaking calming words that Wisteriastripe could not hear.
"Next matter of business, my deputy," Rushstar said, sitting up straighter and surveying her clan. "Since I have taken leadership so suddenly, I do not feel prepared to name a deputy quite yet. I will take the next moon to keep an eye on everyone, and will name a deputy once I am satisfied I have a strong and capable choice."
The crowd bust into an uproar.
"This is nonsense! A new deputy must be named before moonhigh!" Sleekbloom yowled, mouth agape.
"You must not anger StarClan so early in your leadership by breaking the code," Primrosestripe snapped, ears back.
"StarClan may be angry, but they cannot take my lives away from me. I am doing what I think is best for this clan, regardless of if StarClan agrees. If anyone wants to challenge me further, be my guest." Rushstar glowered.
The camp fell silent, and no one said anything more. They knew better than to challenge their new leader.
"Then, with that, I conclude-" Rushstar began.
"Wait!" Fallowcrawl interrupted, stepping forward in front of the gathered cats. "While everyone is here, I have something to confess. I've been hiding it since I was an apprentice, but I can't stay silent anymore!"
Wisteriastripe opened her jaws to yowl at her friend to stop, but the young healer met her gaze and shook her head. Heart pounding, Wisteriastripe fought every instinct rushing through her nerves and shut her mouth. She could only watch in horror as her friend destroyed her entire life.
"Seedpaw did not die from eating a poisoned rabbit," Fallowcrawl said, now making pleading eye contact with Pondskip. Her mate was staring at her wide-eyed, pupils nothing more than pinpricks. "It's my fault she is dead. I was trying an experimental treatment, I didn't realize that what I was feeding her was poison."
"So it wasn't my rabbit that killed her?" Pondskip took a step back, staring blankly ahead. Her voice shook as she spoke. "All this time, I thought it was me-"
"That's why I had to confess the truth," Fallowcrawl was looking at Pondskip with eyes brimming with a soft affection. "I couldn't let you carry that guilt anymore, not when it is my burden to bear." She turned to address Rushstar and the rest of the clan again. "I have learned from my mistakes, I have worked hard to learn how to heal properly, and no longer take risks with herbs I don't understand. I would love to keep serving you as your healer, but understand if you want me to step away from my duties and become a warrior instead."
Primrosestripe was staring at Fallowcrawl with an intense look of loathing. Wisteriastripe had never seen the head healer look at someone with such venom.
"I trusted you," She spat, arching her back as she raised her lips in a hiss. "I knew there was something that didn't line up about Seedpaw's death, but I figured my apprentice wouldn't lie to me. If you had only come clean in the moment-"
"Then you would have made me become a warrior apprentice!" Fallowcrawl wailed. "I love healing, I don't want to be anything else, but it's worth it now, if it means that Pondskip can stop feeling guilty about killing Seedpaw."
"If you had trusted me, we could have worked something out. I would not have demoted you immediately, mistakes happen, and it is possible to learn from them. Instead you lied to me and lied to your whole clan and put them in danger by being a mediocre healer," Primrosestripe's face was consumed with fury. "Do you ever wonder why I named you Fallowcrawl? It's because you crawled your way to becoming a healer, your guilt weighed you down so much your healing skills suffered. It's a miracle no one else was killed at your paws. The only reason I made you a full healer is because your mother begged me, and I could not say no to my leader."
"Fallowcrawl, you are responsible for the death of one of the few full-blooded BleakClan cats we had left," Rushseed's eyes were nothing but slits as she seethed with her own rage. "If only you had killed one of our outsiders, your sentence would be lessened."
"Please, I promise I will be a good warrior. Just let me learn. I'll give up my title," Fallowcrawl pleaded, cowering under the looks of shock and rage from her clanmates. Wisteriastripe's heart broke for her friend. It was an accident, she didn't deserve this. She wanted to yowl across the camp and defend her clan, but she knew doing so would be suicide.
"You are definitely not becoming a healer while I am alive," Primrosestripe spat. "I would like to propose that Fallowcrawl not even be allowed to train as a warrior until we figure out a suitable punishment. I will of course leave that up to you, Rushstar."
"Very well, Fallowcrawl, you shall be treated as a prisoner until I decide what to do with you. You will only eat when I give permission for a warrior to bring you food, and you will not contribute to the clan as a warrior or a healer. You will be confined to the camp, under a constant guard, and no one will be allowed to speak to you unless I command them to do so." Rushstar announced. "You must be punished for taking the life of Seedpaw, but I do not want to be hasty in removing someone with BleakClan blood from the clan, even if it is tainted by TigerClan filth. I need some time to think."
"Yes Rushstar, I understand," Fallowcrawl was crouched low on the ground. She cast a desperate glance at Pondskip, who would not meet her gaze. She then looked to Wisteriastripe. The warrior knew she could not draw any attention to her support of her friend, but she nodded, hoping that she understood.
The former healer was then shuffled away by Yewswoop and Puddlebud, who took her to a rotten log at the edge of camp. Wisteriastripe had been told it once was the apprentice's den, but many seasons ago it had fallen into disrepair. Even now, she could see puddles from where a recent rain had leaked through the roof.
"Well, with that out of the way, the meeting is adjourned." Rushseed sighed. "I will organize the moonhigh patrol and guards for the night, and the rest of you may go to sleep."
Wisteriastripe knew she should be tired after travelling to the Moonhollow and back within the past couple of days, but after all the excitement of the meeting, she felt wired. She instead turned to Violetbark, who was getting ready to sit her vigil at the entrance of the den.
"Congratulations on your warrior name, it suits you," Wisteriastripe said, finally breaking the silence between her and her sister. Violetbark simply looked at her and did not respond. Wisteriastripe could not tell if it was because Violetbark had already begun her vigil, or if she was refusing to speak to her on principle.
Sighing, Wisteriastripe turned to go settle down in the warriors' den. Maybe sleep would come for her if she lay down in her nice mossy bed. Her head was spinning with all that had happened within the past several days, and she didn't know what to make of half of it. Perhaps things would be clearer in the morning. As she curled up in her nest, she screwed her eyes shut, begging everything whirling around her mind to stop. It took a while before her head was empty enough to allow her to doze off into a fitful slumber.
Star Fever, as introduced in Moon 12, is a condition that some leaders get upon gaining their nine lives. When a leader gains nine lives, each StarClan cat that bestows a life gives the leader a fragment of their soul to strengthen and guide them. When they lose the life that has been given to them, that soul fragment returns to StarClan to rejoin the soul of the cat it originally belonged to. Sometimes, for whatever reason, a cat's body is unable to handle housing all these extra soul bits and they come down with what the clans call Star Fever.
Star Fever is inspired by typhros, a disease in The Mighty Nein animated series in which a soul that has been reincarnated many times may lose themselves in memories of their past lives. I have also taken some inspiration from some of the depersonalization elements of In Stars and Time. When a cat has Star Fever, they become disoriented. Sometimes cats lose themselves in the memories of the cats who gave them their lives, believing them to be the current reality of the clans. They may take on characteristics of cats who gave them their lives, or believe themselves to be those cats living in the time period in which they were alive. Sometimes, cats with Star Fever can't even hold onto any sense of identity and see themselves navigating a star-filled world with no sense of what is going on around them. Cats with Star Fever find their bodies giving out as they are unable to hold the power bestowed upon them, and they lose lives at an alarmingly rapid rate, until they die for good. There is currently no cure for Star Fever, as of Moon 12.
Among the clans, this is believed to be a bad omen and a sign of weakness. Most cats believe that Star Fever is a curse for the unworthy. It is expected that if a leader is discovered to have Star Fever, they are killed by their clanmates so that a stronger leader may take their place. Letting a leader with Star Fever live is a great taboo. The reality of the matter is that Star Fever is not a punishment from the stars, it can happen to anyone, though the clans do not see it this way.
Mechanics:
When a new cat becomes leader (beginning from Moon 13 onwards), I will roll a d20. If it lands on a 1, that leader will have Star Fever. There may be times I skip the dice roll if I feel that having Star Fever would mess with the narrative, or if I think that Star Fever is what the narrative needs.
Every moon, I will flip a coin. If heads, I will allow the leader to carry on as normal. If tails, the leader loses a life to Star Fever. The coin flip carries on until a leader has lost all their lives, or until the clan decides to remove their lives by force and promote the deputy.
If you wish to use Star Fever in your own stories/lore, including adapting it in any way, you are welcome to do so! Just please credit me or link back to this post when you first introduce the concept. If someone else has already created a concept like this that I am not aware of, I will remove the request for credit and leave it as an open concept.
Star Fever is not capitalized in the story as it is not a proper noun, but for the purposes of this informational post I decided to capitalize it.
I have been itching to write Moon 13 so bad, but this past week has ended up being incredibly busy with very little downtime. (I also had some temporary health stuff come up that has sapped all my energy). I really hope I can get to it soon, I'm super excited for everything that is going to happen.
