What Each Clan Is Like - RunningRunning AU
so this is to explain some general lore behind each Clan and how they feel about each other, some traditions, their general relations with each other, etc.
this is to give each Clan their own sense of individuality outside of their ranks I gave and their canon territories and diets.
that being said-
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ThunderClan
General Attitude; ThunderClan cats are generally the cats you notice first in a group - intentionally so. These cats aren't afraid to make their voices heard and their ego is infamous. They're relatively friendly on the outside, though they aren't afraid to show their contempt, even if it's behind a smile.
How They View Themselves; ThunderClan sees themselves as 'in charge' due to their massive egos. Most cats believe they know what's right and they aren't keen on having flaws pointed out. To themselves they're perfect and don't need humbling.
Traditions;
leaders commonly only train the / a kit of their deputy, though there is exceptions to this
deputies are often voted on by the Clan. The leader will name their potential deputies and cats will cast their vote via a system similar to the ones seen with the ancients [with the medic[s] making sure no one messes with the votes]. It's rare for the leader to only suggest one potential cat as deputy.
during storms, ThunderClan will pray to Thunder for his protection and often see these storms as him watching over the Clan and, sometimes, casting judgement if he sees something he doesn't like
after prey is consumed, ThunderClan properly buries the remains as a final thanks for the life given to keep the Clan fed
though considered retired, elders can request to be taken out on patrols and it's not uncommon to see an elder traveling with warriors
Celebrations;
one of the biggest celebrations, referred to as The Great Feast, happens soon after the first leaves start to fall during leaffall. It's a three day long celebration. Day One consists of a massive feast that is prepared the day before. Day Two has many games and activities, ranging from kit games to ghost stories and even historical reenactments. Day Three is when the fun ends and the Clan works together to prepare the camp for the coming leafbare. Dens are reinforced, hunting patrols mark areas of interest for leafbare [places where prey could be found in the cold], and border patrols mark any possible places that may become dangerous when the snow starts to pile
when spring comes around, they host a celebration called The Welcoming, where the last of leafbare is 'sent' away and ThunderClan celebrates surviving another cold season during the day while those who didn't make it are given a memorial later on towards dusk.
Relations To Other Clans;
ThunderClan doesn't keep to themselves and often think the other Clans need 'saving' even when their help isn't asked for or even needed. Being so wrapped up as their belief that they're the 'right' Clan, their ego can lead them to viewing certain cats as 'evil and wrong' when the truth is that their beliefs are different.
SkyClan especially is viewed as the 'younger sibling' Clan and most cats want it to become like a second ThunderClan
About Their High Ranks;
ThunderClan leaders have a long history of being the most vocal cats, especially during times of crisis. They commonly have kits, though the kits aren't given any special treatment and are seen as equal to their Clanmates.
Deputies, as mention, are voted on by the Clan. That being said, the leader always choses cats that are closest to them or those named by StarClan to be placed into the running.
Medics can have mates and kits, so long as they have another paw helping them take care of cats in need - be it a volunteer warrior, an apprentice, or another fully named medic. They're also taught basic self-defense, but are encouraged not to go looking for fights.
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ShadowClan
General Attitude; ShadowClan cats are the reserved sort, not stepping forward until they decide that they want to. Their silence mixed with their mysterious and unusual ways have them cast as villains in the eyes of the other Clans, but they care little for the opinions of the other Clans.
How They View Themselves; ShadowClan views themselves as organized and ready for anything, though that has often let true darkness seep through the cracks. While they value strength, it's not just the physically strong they tend to admire.
Traditions;
when a ShadowClan cat dies, they are given a Celebration Of Life [check Celebrations] and remembered for what they've done for the Clan
there are less patrols during the day and the Clan is mostly active at night, though there are exceptions, like during celebrations or other major events
bones of larger prey [i.e. anything about the size of a rabbit or bigger] are often kept and sun-bleached, later to be carefully turned into whatever tools are needed to protect their camp
during the darkest nights, ShadowClan claims to hear Tall Shadow's whispers drawing them to where they need to be and hearing her is said to be a sign of greatness
apprentices sometimes double as camp sentries - namely during times where most of the stronger cats are away, like gatherings - and are taught to warn of suspicious activity
Celebrations;
one of the most important celebrations for ShadowClan is the Celebration Of Life, where those who have passed are told in stories and remembered fondly. Cats recount stories, deliver the favored prey of those who passed, and then sing [yowl] their final farewell as the darkness settles in and "Tall Shadow comes to take them to StarClan" as it were
though not technically a celebration, there is an event of sort known as The Remembrance which happens when a leader dies or retires, where the Clan thanks the leader for their service to the Clan while also helping the deputy prepare to take over. It's nowhere near as big as a Celebration Of Life, but it plays an importance as leaders seen as tyrants are not given a Remembrance [which, in ShadowClan, is considered an act of spite]
finally there is The Longest Night, where ShadowClan does not speak a word for the entire night during the leafbare. This day is for remembering the events of the year, properly mourning loses, and paying respect to Tall Shadow herself.
Relations To Other Clans;
ShadowClan is distant from most of the Clans, not liking ThunderClan's ego or WindClan's intense devoutness. That being said, they hold respect for RiverClan, even when they're actively on opposing sides, and modern SkyClan is seen as a Clan with the most potential to become something tolerable.
About Their High Ranks;
ShadowClan leaders are the most hardy cats in the Clan. They're often encouraged to have a mate - or at least kits - as leader kits are treated as heirs and are seen as the most likely to become deputy.
when an heir isn't chosen, the deputy may also be someone close to the leader. If the leader isn't close to someone, it's often the strongest cat in the Clan - physically, mentally, or emotionally [sometimes even a mix].
medics are allowed to have mates, though when it comes to kits, there's some issues. Medics cannot sire or carry kits themselves and it's not encouraged that their partner does either, though there's no rules against it for the partner. If it is revealed that a medic sired or carried kits, the kits are taken away and the medic risks losing their right to have a mate.
medics are also trained how to fight and know how to mix poisons for cats to dip their claws into in order to inflict intense damage
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WindClan
General Attitude; WindClan is a very cautious Clan - caution that is often mistaken for cowardice. However, they are experts on observation and are very politically strong and, if given the chance, could cause and solve problems in just a few words. What they lack in physical strength, they make up for everywhere else.
How They View Themselves; WindClan views themselves as the Clan with the most 'common sense' so to say. They don't think the other Clans are as guided as they are and believe that StarClan favors them over any other Clan due to territory location [in both territories].
Traditions;
loners are welcome into the camp, so long as they're just passing through. Their stories are considered valuable to WindClan
the leader and/or medic, when choosing a deputy, will go sit near the Moonstone/Moonpool and wait for a sign. If no sign is found, then the medic is asked to make the choice, as they are considered closest to StarClan
Moon- and -moon are seen as suffixes that shouldn't be used for an 'ordinary' cat and are saved for cats considered to be of true importance. They dislike when the other Clans use Moon-/-moon.
on days of prey abundance, pieces of prey will be left at their gravesite in order to share with their ancestors as a thanks for blessing them with plenty to eat. this is rare during colder seasons
apprentices are easy to pick out of a crowd, as they wear flower bands around their tail to mark that they are training. Medic apprentices wear flower necklaces as well as the tail bands.
kits are the responsibility of the entire Clan, though the parents tend to be the main caretakers
Celebrations;
WindClan only has one active celebration, which happens during every second full moon, known as The Night Of Whispers, where the leader, deputy, medic[s], and any willing warriors / apprentices travel to the Moonstone / Moonpool and visit their ancestors. this is because WindClan prides themselves on their closeness to their ancestors, plus it's to help with the closure of loss for the warriors that attend these
there's also a smaller, less common celebration, known as Wind Runner's Blessing, which only occurs when a leader has kits. The kits are celebrated, though they don't hold any high importance [anymore]. Back in the day, however, WindClan did work with a heir-system that stopped being used after a leader who decided that the system wasn't fair and that there were plenty of talented cats outside their own bloodline who would be far better leaders The celebration of leader kits is the only remnant of this
Relations To Other Clans;
WindClan often is on the fence with the other Clans, though safe to say they're the ones who work the hardest towards unity. Even if they see the others as more chaotic, they understand the most that the Clans should stick together and work towards proper peace.
About Their High Ranks;
leaders in WindClan are known for turning to their ancestors when a problem has them stumped. Their reliance on their ancestors can be teased, but that doesn't stop these cats from leaning on the knowledge of the past to learn with hopes of using it to improve their Clan.
deputies are often trained in basic herb usage, a knowledge they'll carry over as needed. This is because the Clan feels the need to be prepared in case of an emergency.
medics are permitted mates and kits, though kits are often left in the care of the mate.*
*in the case of Splashdawn, whose fathers were both medics, they were cared for by the entire Clan and Barkface had to treat them as equally as any other Clanmate
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RiverClan
General Attitude; RiverClan is both the friendliest and most withdrawn of the Clans - the neighbors you see every day, yet you never know what's going on with them. Their pride his hidden behind their general air of confidence and comfort. Their egos could possible even rival that of ThunderClan itself.
How They View Themselves; RiverClan views themselves as the Clan that doesn't need to rely on others, which only grew a deeper rift after Darkstar and Oakstar's long rivalry. While their independence is admirable, they often get too into their own heads with it.
Traditions;
when a leader, deputy, or other cat of great importance dies, they are made a special bed of driftwood and reeds and placed upon it. Afterwards, they are sent down the river. In the lake territories, they're placed in a waterway that leads straight to the ocean.
meanwhile, those who have the heart of Dark Forest warriors, are buried as far away from water as possible to keep them away from the good spirits.
when cats become mates, the pair exchange gifts that the other wears in their pelt. The gift is often something the gift-giver likes, but it could also be an item both cats value in the case of cats breaking up, it's not uncommon for them to publicly remove the gift accessory
leaders, deputies, and medics are the three most decorated ranks; leaders wear a crown made of shells and fish-bone bracelets around their front legs - some even have 'armor' made of the same items during times of war. deputies wear a carefully crafted 'blanket' of fish scales that rests over their shoulders. medics have moss cloaks that have petals of their preferred flowers scattered throughout it
Celebrations;
RiverClan has the most celebrations of any Clan
with the start of newleaf, RiverClan has a celebration called Thaw-End. It's a casual celebration where cats express joy at the end of leafbare and the thawing of bodies of water.
during the longest day of greenleaf, the Clan takes the day to make offerings to River Ripple to ask for rain. This isn't a celebration in the normal sense and is more asking their founder to keep the water safe and it can sometimes be a somber event depending on how the greenleaf is going
during the second new moon of leaffall there is a celebration called the Protection where cats come together do work together to keep Dark Forest spirits out of their camps and out of their dreams. This is usually done by sharing ghost stories, marking the outsides of dens with thistles [save for the nursery, which is marked with clovers to keep kits safe], and decorating camp with art made by kits and apprentices. parents sometimes even use 'paints' [kit-safe berries and other such items crushed down] to decorate their kits so the younger cats can pretend to scare spirits away
their most important celebration is the one that happens as the first snows start to appear and it's called Frost-Start, where all cats [except queens, kits, and elders] take turns taking long patrols out of their own territory [trying not to trespass] and find places to hunt, find important items the camp needs, etc. This is important to the Clan because surviving leafbare on a mostly fish diet can be very hard and swimming in the cold can prove dangerous, so they start to rely on land prey and need locations where land hunting is the best
another celebration, one that happens less consistently, is an optional one. Called River-Wishes, when a pair of cats are expecting or wanting kits, they bring gifts to the river and make silent wishes for their future kits. They then place the gifts in woven reeds and set it off onto the river with the assumption that River Ripple will find their gifts and grant their wishes. this celebration has mostly died off, but it's not completely gone
Relations To Other Clans;
RiverClan is the most independent Clan and don't really think too highly of the other Clans. WindClan is viewed as annoying and talkative, ThunderClan is viewed as stubborn and foolish, and ShadowClan - while respected - are viewed as strange and hard to understand
About Their High Ranks;\
leaders are just a figure-head who makes announcements and considered the face of the Clan, for better or worse.
deputies, meanwhile, have the most say and have the most influence on what happens. Granted, they often side with their leaders, this isn't always the case and can lead to some in-fighting.
medics also have a lot of Clan influence - not as much as the deputy, but more than the leaders. This can lead to some tension between medics and leaders - especially since some of the few powers a leader does hold is demoting and promoting cats.
medics also can have mates and kits like any other cat
leaders are encouraged not to have kits after they become leader, but this isn't heavily enforced. This was started sometime after Darkstar [MV].
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Modern SkyClan
General Attitude; Modern SkyClan is very much doe-eyed about everything and this can cause them to slip up into trouble. Most cats want to believe that there can be strong moral judgement in all cats, which leaves them blind-sided. Even then, they're not ones to give up and willingly face adversity more than any Clan.
How They View Themselves; SkyClan, while still finding their footing, sees themselves as a Clan of possibility. They're the most open and honest of the Clans and they care little for the background of anyone wishing to join them - though sometimes they should care.
Traditions;
cats can be punished for shaming a Clanmate from where they came from - including making fun of former kittypets and Daylight Warriors. A cats' past is considered something to be celebrated.
clear skies are considered a good omen. cloudy skies with no rain that take up the whole sky are considered to be a bad omen and the Clan is a little less active during these days.
prey is given a proper burial after consumption, much like in ThunderClan
during times of danger, those most as risk [expecting queens, nursing queens, kits, and elders] are moved into the leader's den and protected by the leader themself [or the deputy if the leader is caring for kits]
the parent/parents of kits have the final say on who mentors their child/children
cats joining the Clan can choose how they want their name to be - they keep their name, they can be given a 'Daylight' name, or they can be given a 'classic' name.
Celebrations;
since modern SkyClan was saved by ThunderClan, they do celebrate The Great Feast and The Welcoming, though they do have one more celebration all their own
mid-newleaf the Clan celebrates something called Unity, a celebration where cats remember their time before the Clans or stories they've heard from those outside the Clan. It's a reminder that, despite coming from different backgrounds, they're able to live all together. There is also a lot of feasting and, when SkyClan joins the other Clans, warriors can invite friends from other Clans in order for them to be a part of the fun. All friends and family are welcome, so long as there's no fighting.
Relations To Other Clans;
SkyClan believes the most that the Clans can get along despite their differences. Yes, ThunderClan has an ego, but they're hard-working and sometimes even helpful. ShadowClan is unusual, but they care deeply about each other. WindClan isn't strong and talks a lot, but they're passionate and determined. RiverClan is independent, but they're creative and even brilliant in some of their ideas.
About Their High Ranks;
leaders and deputies are equal in power, which can lead to some butting heads, but both parties do work hard to do their best for the Clan.
medics can have mates and kits, so long as the Clan thinks their medic is safe in the relationship.
medics also help meditate the leader and deputy - even when there's already a meditator, just so that one cat isn't alone in dealing with the squabbles.