SECRETS OF THE CLANS, JANUARY OPENING!
In celebration of our January 14th - January 28th opening, we're going to be highlighting each of the clans, to give you a better idea of what they're like / how different they are from the books!
ART CREDITS: carnationcarnivore on discord!
Among the gorse and heather, you see a dip in the earth, shaped almost as if some starry paw had carved it out of the moor. A great rock stands in its midst, and the figure atop it beckons you forward, into the skies and earth and the warmth of a Clan. Will you follow?
Tread well, traveler; you could very well find your family — your true home — with the breeze-blown cats of the moor.
To be your eyes into Windclan Territory, Shrimpskip a Windclan monarch is here to interview some of his clanmates! Take it away Shrimpskip!
"Tell me a bit about WindClan territory!"
“Its big!! And so open, or closed depending where you go- you can see the fields of heather or even some nice ponds. And the tunnels are crazyyyy, there’s so many twists and almost identical places it’s sometimes hard to differentiate. I love that I can always see the stars the most about it though!” - Bluebelldancer
WindClan’s territory is spacious and expansive, not only aboveground, but below it. On the surface, the moors are covered in heather, gorse, and more plants than any one cat could ever expect to learn. The sky overhead is wide and, on finer days, makes it feel as if you could run across the territory and never find its end; at night, the stars shine down bright and close enough to brush against your whiskers.
Below ground exists another world, carefully carved out and maintained by the Clan’s tunnelers. These tunnels weave below the surface, opening up into caverns and hideaways and cave systems speckled with the shining light of glowworms.
Whether your paws take you across the moors or into the tunnels, WindClan’s territory is full of beauty and wonder—and a testament to the strength of a Clan that thrives among the elements.
“What's your favorite spot in WindClan territory? Could you tell me a bit about why?”
“I am partial to the moors, for my heart has chosen the path of a moor runner. However, the glowing trail was where I first found myself with the opportunity of finding a new home and meeting my family. It is a place where the stars never cease to shine. A place of dreams and hopes. It is a cavern with a slow stream singing day and night lit up by the glowing blue stars on the ceiling. Of course I will also add a second favorite place, the hillside watch. A place just beyond the borders of our camp, where heather covers the grounds with a purple tint, and where the wind sings melodies as you watch the stars from the high point before it starts sloping down. Truly a place to gaze at the stars, have a chat with another, or wonder about all the questions that have yet to be solved in your mind.” - Stormweaver
Split between the wide open moorlands and the otherworldly views of the tunnels, Windclan has plenty of interesting views for one to witness. Moor runners and tunnelers often have differing opinions on what they believe to be the best view across all of Windclan, but one thing remains consistent: their love for the territory they call home.
What a variety to pick from, after all. Some spots hold a history of powerful triumph over dark times, such as the deep meadow and echoing cavern. Others whisper of times when twolegs were settled just an arch’s crossing nearby, or even dug underneath the earth just as the tunnelers do. Do you enjoy sheep-watching? Sitting atop Outlook Rock at night to watch Silverpelt gleam overhead? Taking a dip in the underground lake? Even the simple comforts of camp can appeal more than what lies outside of it, from the gentle twinkle of the bells which hang from the grand tree on the camp’s outskirts to the milkscent of the kit den. Windclan is home to many, and the unique ways each Windclanners connects to their home is a thing to take pride in.
“What's a favorite memory you have that's taken place on WindClan territory?”
"Well y'know about the magpie fight right? Oh, it was awesome! I decked so many of those birds! My friend Fireflycry was there with me too, that day we were unstoppable. Ha! Those birds will never be coming back, I'll be sure of it!" - Auburnridge
Windclan has had a running rivalry with the local magpie population for going on three years irp! It started from Goosepaw [Now goosefang] being chased into camp by an irate bird. Now was the years have passed the fighting has become more and more intense; until recently an entire flock of magpies descended upon Windclan’s territory and camp! The fighting was intense, but in the end Windclan defeated the legion of birds and sent them packing for another year. If history is to be considered, next newleaf or greenleaf we shall see a return of those pesky birds.
“What's one thing you'd like others to know about WindClan's culture?”
“We have the funnest holidays! The Day of Many Breezes is super cool, we all play games and hang out. We're also always collaborating - I've trained with so many different warriors and it's great to interact with everyone!” - Crabpaw
WindClan's culture is a familial, welcoming one. Many a cat has wandered into the moors and chosen to remain, appreciative of the Clan's hospitality and willingness to care for strangers as if they were one of their own. Outsiders are an important part of the Clan, for it has been Windclan’s willingness to take in strangers and welcome them into its ways that has kept the Clan so open and determined to do right by one another, no matter the differences between them. The openness of the moor and tightness of the tunnels make the close bonds between Clanmates ever more important—who, if not a Clanmate, will literally dig you out of a problem when one occurs? Many a tunneler and moor runner can attest that when something goes wrong, it’s a group effort to fix it. Besides, there are few things better than being welcomed into a "cuddle puddle" of your family, friends, and Clanmates at the end of a long day, when all you want is a warm place to rest your paws.
WindClan's determination is notable, too! Without the shelter of the trees, WindClan cats have learned to persist even in the worst weather conditions, proud of their enviable proximity to the stars each night. And underground, where the territory is littered with rabbit warrens and badger dens, WindClan learned to make use of these features to provide for the Clan and keep it safe and secure, even in the most dire of circumstances. Adaptability and determination have kept Windclan alive through tough times, but what’s just as important is their refusal to back down from helping each other through it.
Where Windclan is weathered and strong-standing, they are also artists. Song and dance are common ways to show deep love, appreciation, or merely something to brighten one’s day. Tunnelers have perfected the art of communicating with song alone, so it isn’t uncommon to hear melodies echoing far underground. Flowers, rocks gathered from deep underground, and even the more recent addition of magpie feathers can be spotted adorning a Clanmate’s pelt, jewelry woven together from pieces of heather or long blades of grass.
Another such art that Windclan holds dear to them is storytelling. Given how frequently wanderers come in and out of Windclan, exchanging tales and legends have become a useful passtime for Clanmates to bond through, learn more about each other, and pass on their ways of life by coming together. Stories from those who once resided beyond the Clan, stories from those who have lived their whole life within it, stories to keep kits and wide-eyed apprentices awake at night. All can be found within Windclan, if you know who to ask and where to look. Perhaps you can share tongues with the elders, or perk your ears up at a Clanmate’s tale of monsters who once roared across the thunderpath when you pass them by. With a Clan that is so tightly-knit, word travels fast.
“What's your opinion on your council?”
“We have been a cohesive and effective team at leading WindClan through the struggles of life. I wonder, were you expecting to find gossip? You will hear nothing but kind words regarding my fellow healers from me; Beetlenose is our collective mentor, knowledgeable and staunch in her values, the others were all mentored by us, and I shall spare you the time to hear about all five, only that they are all kind and proficient healers I am proud to have taught. As for our leader and deputy, Whisperstar cares greatly for all our clanmates... though the moons have weathered his soul, he keeps up with his duties. Shrikestorm is our deputy, though he will be retiring soon. I thank him for all he has done, he has been a reliable and steadfast presence in our council.” - Morningwatcher
WindClan’s council, for all its shifting in size, has carried its Clan through many downfalls and upswings in the passing seasons. Whisperstar sits at the helm of the Clan, having served as leader ever since he was led to the Clan on a many-moon journey by StarClan itself. Don’t let his scarred surface fool you—there’s a reason many cats see Whisperstar as an additional grandparent, and it isn’t just because he’s rather old. Deputy Shrikestorm, though close to retiring, has used his expertise and wisdom to keep WindClan safe and fed ever since his appointment, moons ago. Whoever steps into his place will no doubt have a worthy legacy to uphold in his place.
The healers, too, have seen WindClan through great strife and great triumph, ensuring the safety of their Clanmates through sickness, wars, and the daily incidents of life on the moors and underground. Their communication with ancestors and those that have departed is essential, even if Windclan’s opinion on the power of Starclan has grown weary over the past few moons. That the entire Council holds great love and appreciation for their Clan is clear—yes, even when the healers are delivering long lectures to unwilling warriors.
