[ Loner Colonies ]

[Blinded By Silence]

While the Wild's have no leaders yet, the future is drawing nearer. Loner Colonies are not Clans, as they will not get custom clan cert backers or clan icons, nor will their members become part of SunClan once they pass. But they may still have leaders and healers, laws and territories. This is where those colonies will be kept track of and forms for those colonies can be found.

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Please note that Colony Leaders will have the same responsibilities as Clan Leaders. Those responsibilities can be found here.​

Established Loner Colonies

[ The Garden Colony ]

 

[Blinded By Silence]

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Please note: If your idea is not approved and listed above, your Colony does not exist.​

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Leadership Requirements:

For Loner Groups, there are no leadership requirements other than having a certed Loner cat.​

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To Form a Colony:

1x Leader​

5x Other Cats [Must be Warrior Stage to count]​

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[b]Username:
Colony Name:
Leader:[/b] link to cert - owner
[b]Member:[/b] link to cert - owner (add more as needed)

[b]Camp:[/b] layout, the general idea of where things are positioned.
[b]Territory Features:[/b] what type of territory would they be looking for, streams or moors? etc
[b]Primary Prey Types:[/b] rabbits or squirrels, fish or birds?
[b]Primary Hunting Types and Techniques:[/b] kinda ties into the above but just in case there is something special. you may also include specific ways the cats of your colony are taught to hunt.
[b]Primary Predators:[/b] badgers or foxes, twolegs if near them etc
[b]Attitude:[/b] this is a generalization of the ideals that your colony holds dear. are they brave fighters? willing to do anything to win? or maybe willing to help others, no matter the cost?
[b]Practices:[/b] tell us about some rituals that your colony performs. for example, in the books, skyclan regularly has inter-clan gatherings and old windclan used to dig tunnels!)
[b]Beliefs:[/b] does your colony believe in life after death? how do they value their ancestors, their dead?
[b]View on Others:[/b] how does your colony treat outsiders? this includes clan cats, loners, lost kits, kittypets, twolegs and even other animals.
[b]Strengths:[/b] this is a general idea of what your colony is good at. shadowclan, for example, were very stealthy, and windclan were great runners.
[b]Weaknesses:[/b] this is a general idea of what your colony lacks. thunderclan was thought to be too trusting of others while riverclan were very isolationist in nature.

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[PeterPan_da144]

Username: PeterPan_da144
Colony Name: Blossoms (work in progress)
Leader: Willow
Member:
There are various roles within the colony. The head of each role is the one who doles out duties to the others beneath them. Typically, a cat can only have one role within the colony. Very, very rarely has an exception ever been made. The head roles are in an inner circle with the leader, and all know about the sacrifices.

Caretakers: These are the cats that specifically tend to the flowers within the colony's grounds. A majority of the time, they are elders who are not quite fit for other roles within the colony. However, if a cat chooses specifically to help tend to the flowers, they can also fit into this role.
Head Caretaker:
- Lilac Blossom; Zakiax
- Sunglow; Natty-chan

Nurses: Nurses are those who tend to the younger cats in the colony. When the colony was big, there were many nurses to help with the constant flow of young kits. With dwindling numbers, there are considerably less, but it is still an important role. Nurses allow queens to return to their full duties once the kittens are too old for milk, but are still too young for much training.
Head Nurse: Hollow; Absolutiones
- Rosebloom; Nym
- Snowfire; Revel

Hunters: Cats who specialize in group hunting. One of the largest groups of cats, these cats will go out in groups of four or more to hunt. They take turns flushing prey into each others claws, and will bring back big hauls together.
Head Hunter: Blood Thorn; Zakiax
- Sycamore; Kovak

Farmers: The cats who tend to the herbs and berries used for poultices. They double as what the clans would call Medicine Cats because of this duty.
Head farmer: Hemlock; belloblossom
-

Camp: The camp is positioned to one side of a massive abandoned Twoleg garden. An overgrown willow tree dips down and shades about a quarter of the garden, its branches sweeping against the ground. Beneath the willow tree, the branches are thick and overlapping, reaching deep underground for the massive and old tree. Dens are dug out beneath these roots, with tunnels and deeper dens for things like nurseries, of which they have had multiple in the past. Cats can either share dens or have their own den entirely. The colony has a medicine cat, of sorts, typically with several other cats working under them. As such, they do have a den that they store many of their herbs and poultices in. It is based beneath a stump of a tree just inside of the willows sweeping branches, where another tree once grew, before being cut down by the Twolegs who lived there before.

Territory Features: The garden is overgrown with bushes along the edges of a crumbling stone wall, and the rest if filled with flowers. Several flower beds have merged into one massive flower field since the Twolegs abandoned it. There are small tracks through the fields from the cats moving back and forth between them. A small creek runs through one side of the garden, allowing the cats a cool and refreshing drink whenever they want without having to leave the garden.

Primary Prey Types: Mice, rabbits and lizards, with a sprinkling of insects where wanted. Insects are primarily hard shelled chitinous things such as cockroaches, mealworms, grasshoppers, crickets and beetles. Bugs are not, and should not be, a primary staple of their diet due to the indigestion it can cause from too much. However, they do like to snack on them occasionally because the garden is full of them.

Primary Hunting Types and Techniques: Heavy on stealth, since their prey is very quick and easy to startle. Silent but swift paws. Also, herding. The cats will fan out in a circle around their prey, with one or two cats going after it, and pushing it back and forth until it jumps straight into an unexpected cat's claws.

Primary Predators: Foxes. They prey on the animals that are attracted to the flowers and berries, but won't hesitate to take an unsuspecting kit. Rarely do they attack adults, but it has happened.

Attitude: They were very much a "stick to their own" kind of group until the newest leader. With his urging, they are opening up more, though a majority are likely still hesitant. They have helped cats in the past, but they won't go out of their way to do it, as they also generally don't leave the massive garden and it's protective walls.

Practices: As a whole, the clan gardens. Literally. They feed the flowers and tend to them with reverence. The flowers surrounding them are seen as the lifeblood of the colony, and to have flowers wilt is a horrible omen. Aside from the change of seasons. If a bush seems particularly wilty, they will go out of their way to ensure it is watered and fed properly. They even use their own scat to make a manure to use on the flowers. In secret, however, the leader and the head of each role in the colony will make regular sacrifices. Every new moon under the new leader, which is far less than the old leaders would do, the small group of inner circle cats will look for a new outsider to use. They will ambush them and kill them, before bringing them back to their colony flower beds and bury them. This ritual is believed to increase fertility of the soil and cats alike, as it is bringing in new lifeblood to the colony.

Beliefs: The colony believes that everyone is birthed from the earth, and as such, returns to it after death. They bury their dead beneath the flower beds, so their body may nourish and enrich the soil. The flowers then attract bugs, which attracts prey, which in turn feeds the colony. The flowers are held in the highest regard because of this, and it is believed that their dead reside within them, watching over the colony forever.

View on Others: Typically, they are not very friendly towards outsiders. However, with the newest leader, their views are starting to change. The newest leader believes that their colony is dwindling and needs to branch out to bring new lifeblood into the colony. (He believes the sacrifices aren't doing enough to help enrich his colony, so he has taken it upon himself to fix it, instead of relying on the old rituals entirely). As such, the colony is still very wary of outsiders, but braver cats are looking outside of the colony for mates. A cat wishing to join on their own is scrutinized heavily, but one who is wishing to join alongside a colony member isn't as heavily guarded.

Strengths: Teamwork: The colony is used to working as a whole in regards to everything. As such, they are similar to lions (though they don't know this) when it comes to pretty much everything. They work as a group to take down prey, since a majority of their pray is really fast and quick to startle, corralling it into another cats paws for the kill.

Weaknesses: Closed off: their colony has been closed off to the outside world for a long time, as previous leaders practically outlawed the colony cats from interacting with outside cats. They had everything they needed in the garden, why go anywhere else? This also helped when it came to sacrifices, as cats couldn't build bonds with those outside the colony.

 

[Blinded By Silence]

Username: PeterPan_da144
Colony Name: Blossoms (work in progress)
Leader: Willow
Member:
There are various roles within the colony. The head of each role is the one who doles out duties to the others beneath them. Typically, a cat can only have one role within the colony. Very, very rarely has an exception ever been made. The head roles are in an inner circle with the leader, and all know about the sacrifices.

Caretakers: These are the cats that specifically tend to the flowers within the colony's grounds. A majority of the time, they are elders who are not quite fit for other roles within the colony. However, if a cat chooses specifically to help tend to the flowers, they can also fit into this role.
Head Caretaker:
- Lilac Blossom; Zakiax
- Sunglow; Natty-chan

Nurses: Nurses are those who tend to the younger cats in the colony. When the colony was big, there were many nurses to help with the constant flow of young kits. With dwindling numbers, there are considerably less, but it is still an important role. Nurses allow queens to return to their full duties once the kittens are too old for milk, but are still too young for much training.
Head Nurse: Hollow; Absolutiones
- Rosebloom; Nym
- Snowfire; Revel

Hunters: Cats who specialize in group hunting. One of the largest groups of cats, these cats will go out in groups of four or more to hunt. They take turns flushing prey into each others claws, and will bring back big hauls together.
Head Hunter: Blood Thorn; Zakiax
- Sycamore; Kovak

Farmers: The cats who tend to the herbs and berries used for poultices. They double as what the clans would call Medicine Cats because of this duty.
Head farmer: Hemlock; belloblossom
-

Camp: The camp is positioned to one side of a massive abandoned Twoleg garden. An overgrown willow tree dips down and shades about a quarter of the garden, its branches sweeping against the ground. Beneath the willow tree, the branches are thick and overlapping, reaching deep underground for the massive and old tree. Dens are dug out beneath these roots, with tunnels and deeper dens for things like nurseries, of which they have had multiple in the past. Cats can either share dens or have their own den entirely. The colony has a medicine cat, of sorts, typically with several other cats working under them. As such, they do have a den that they store many of their herbs and poultices in. It is based beneath a stump of a tree just inside of the willows sweeping branches, where another tree once grew, before being cut down by the Twolegs who lived there before.

Territory Features: The garden is overgrown with bushes along the edges of a crumbling stone wall, and the rest if filled with flowers. Several flower beds have merged into one massive flower field since the Twolegs abandoned it. There are small tracks through the fields from the cats moving back and forth between them. A small creek runs through one side of the garden, allowing the cats a cool and refreshing drink whenever they want without having to leave the garden.

Primary Prey Types: Mice, rabbits and lizards, with a sprinkling of insects where wanted. Insects are primarily hard shelled chitinous things such as cockroaches, mealworms, grasshoppers, crickets and beetles. Bugs are not, and should not be, a primary staple of their diet due to the indigestion it can cause from too much. However, they do like to snack on them occasionally because the garden is full of them.

Primary Hunting Types and Techniques: Heavy on stealth, since their prey is very quick and easy to startle. Silent but swift paws. Also, herding. The cats will fan out in a circle around their prey, with one or two cats going after it, and pushing it back and forth until it jumps straight into an unexpected cat's claws.

Primary Predators: Foxes. They prey on the animals that are attracted to the flowers and berries, but won't hesitate to take an unsuspecting kit. Rarely do they attack adults, but it has happened.

Attitude: They were very much a "stick to their own" kind of group until the newest leader. With his urging, they are opening up more, though a majority are likely still hesitant. They have helped cats in the past, but they won't go out of their way to do it, as they also generally don't leave the massive garden and it's protective walls.

Practices: As a whole, the clan gardens. Literally. They feed the flowers and tend to them with reverence. The flowers surrounding them are seen as the lifeblood of the colony, and to have flowers wilt is a horrible omen. Aside from the change of seasons. If a bush seems particularly wilty, they will go out of their way to ensure it is watered and fed properly. They even use their own scat to make a manure to use on the flowers. In secret, however, the leader and the head of each role in the colony will make regular sacrifices. Every new moon under the new leader, which is far less than the old leaders would do, the small group of inner circle cats will look for a new outsider to use. They will ambush them and kill them, before bringing them back to their colony flower beds and bury them. This ritual is believed to increase fertility of the soil and cats alike, as it is bringing in new lifeblood to the colony.

Beliefs: The colony believes that everyone is birthed from the earth, and as such, returns to it after death. They bury their dead beneath the flower beds, so their body may nourish and enrich the soil. The flowers then attract bugs, which attracts prey, which in turn feeds the colony. The flowers are held in the highest regard because of this, and it is believed that their dead reside within them, watching over the colony forever.

View on Others: Typically, they are not very friendly towards outsiders. However, with the newest leader, their views are starting to change. The newest leader believes that their colony is dwindling and needs to branch out to bring new lifeblood into the colony. (He believes the sacrifices aren't doing enough to help enrich his colony, so he has taken it upon himself to fix it, instead of relying on the old rituals entirely). As such, the colony is still very wary of outsiders, but braver cats are looking outside of the colony for mates. A cat wishing to join on their own is scrutinized heavily, but one who is wishing to join alongside a colony member isn't as heavily guarded.

Strengths: Teamwork: The colony is used to working as a whole in regards to everything. As such, they are similar to lions (though they don't know this) when it comes to pretty much everything. They work as a group to take down prey, since a majority of their pray is really fast and quick to startle, corralling it into another cats paws for the kill.

Weaknesses: Closed off: their colony has been closed off to the outside world for a long time, as previous leaders practically outlawed the colony cats from interacting with outside cats. They had everything they needed in the garden, why go anywhere else? This also helped when it came to sacrifices, as cats couldn't build bonds with those outside the colony.

Approved!

 

[PeterPan_da144]

Username: PeterPan_da144
Colony Name: Storm Born
Leader: Bird (PeterPan_da144)
Member:
There are two primary roles within the colony. Healers, which all she-cats are effectively automatically assumed to become, and tom cats rarely are. Thunder Guard, which is where the tom cats are typically put, though particularly large and strong she-cats can also join. Thunder Guard are seen as warriors, hunters, and protectors. Healers are literally the healers, though they can defend themselves too. Apprentice healers are like a sub-role, as there are very very few in the colony at any given time. These are the tom cats who couldn't make it as Thunder Guard and decided to remain with the colony to try to regain their honor.

Healers
- Sleek (belloblossom)
- Vixen (PeterPan_da144)

Apprentice Healers
-

Thunder Guard
- Stomp (PeterPan_da144)
- Swift (Nym)
- Strongjaw (belloblossom)
- Ginger (belloblossom)

Younglings
- Bear (kovak)

Camp: A large cave that acts as the community nest/den for all members of the colony. This large space has many tunnels which lead deeper into the mountain through narrower, natural holes that Twolegs are too large/clumsy to get through. These tunnels lead deeper into the cave and have pockets that are used in case of emergencies, or for expecting mothers to have their kits and keep an eye on them better. Tom cats are generally not allowed in the smaller dens, unless they are visiting their mate during or after the kitting. A mountain river somehow bubbles up and through the rock, before flowing gently back out along one edge of the cavern they call home. This provides them with constant access to water, even during harsh winters.

Territory Features: Mountainous, much like MountainClan. Rocky, windy, sloping. There are no plains to be had here, and the trees are often not clumped together like a forest, instead peeking out of the side of the mountain. Small even spots can be found, of course, but they are not wide expanses of grass or level land. A river flows through the mountain, and no cat really understands how the water goes up, but it comes through the rock of the mountain and flows into their cavernous home.

Primary Prey Types: Rodents (groundhogs, shrews, voles, bats), Birds of prey (much harder to hunt, but not impossible, though often hunted when they are expected to be asleep)

Primary Hunting Types and Techniques: Cliff Scaling, wherein they scale the harsh rock surfaces to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Claw Grab, aka Crag Hunting, where one stretches their leg deep into a narrow crack to hold themselves in place while grabbing a particularly hard to reach prey item with their claws.

Primary Predators: Black bears, Foxes, Coyotes/Wolves (whichever is more prevalent)

Attitude: The attitude of the Storm Born is actually pretty straight forward. Survival of the fittest, at all costs. If you cannot live up to that, then no one will stay behind to help you. Even the elder cats are still required to hunt and participate in the colony life, though they are not treated disrespectfully in this aspect. But they are also not pampered and given the best or softest nests, and apprentices are not required to hunt for them or clear their nests. They respect brains just as much as brawn, if not more in a majority of cases, so however you see fit to survive is fine by them. Tom cats (and occasionally big bulky she-cats) are relied upon as the Thunder Guards. They are expected to swiftly defeat the enemies they might face (such as mountain lions, raptors, Twoleg mountaineers). She-cats are the ones who would be using their intelligence on how to run the colony. Healers are always she-cats (or tom cats incapable of the physical strength required to become a Thunder Guard, though this is culturally frowned upon). It is one of the highest honors for a Storm Born tom to grow into a Thunder Guard when he's old enough, and to be unable to take on the rank is a disgrace to the tom and his parents. Tom cats who cannot become Thunder Guard are allowed two options: Prove themselves worthy of the colony by becoming an apprentice healer, or leave the colony forever. Healers are expected to accompany the Thunder Guards when they go out hunting or patrolling the grounds because mountain life is dangerous.

Kits are held very near and dear to their hearts, no matter the gender. They are raised with the utmost care and guidance, so that they can be the absolute best they can be in their respective positions when they are older. After all, they are the next generation. This is where the "survival of the fittest" can become a wee bit loose, as they won't sacrifice a kit to the elements or predators. However, they will use near death experiences as teaching moments, and help the kits to learn how to get themselves out of such situations going forward.

Practices: If a tom cat proves inept or unable to become a Thunder Guard, and they choose not to become a Healer (or are inept at that job too), the entire colony will come together to see them off. The colony cannot afford to be weak, so they will send these weak links away. Together, they hold a funeral-esque ceremony for the tom cat they are sending off, typically with words of wisdom to help them carry on in the wilderness. The colony and the cat who are leaving both have the understanding that they are effectively being sent to their death, but it is "the punishment of the mountain", and the funeral-esque ceremony is held to mourn the idea of what the cat could have become. It is very rare that a she-cat will be sent away, as they are already given the highest honor of being a Healer, though they CAN become Thunder Guard if they want to. Either way, they are not looked down upon in the same manner as tom cats are who cannot fulfill their duties.

A special hunting event called The Feast takes place once every year, which takes place in the middle of the winter season when prey is scarce. Bats will often come to hibernate in the community cave when it's cold and while there's some disgruntlement about the smell and droppings, the bats provide such a necessary winter food source to the colony that the smell is generally forgotten about once the event begins. One cat is nominated to be the First Jumper. They stealthily scale the walls of the community den until they reach the highest point and then they push off the wall and jump high into the air, raking their claws against the ceiling, yowling and making a giant commotion. Bonus points if they're able to catch a bat as prey on their way down onto the prepped soft floor (feathers, animal fur etc. is laid down to limit the harsh fall.) All the bats will take flight and move in a large screaming flock to the only exit where the community den opens up. All cats are gathered in the community den and jump up to grab bats out of the air or to smack them down to the floor where others (usually younger cats) can kill them. These bats will serve the clan and keep them fed through the rest of winter (or greatly aid in this task) and it's generally a time of merriment. Cats in the colony have been known to be competitive in how many bats they can catch over others and it's an anticipated event. Worry not, the bats will come back next year to roost in the cold seasons again

Beliefs: The Storm Born believe in life after death only for those who have proved themselves exceptional during their life in the colony. Cats will perform funeral rites (or equivalent) for their fallen, but because burying cats is something you can do only when you have ground to bury them, the Thunder Guard will be sent out with the bodies of the fallen and place them on far away, high cliffs. If their lives were lived to the fullest, strongest, smartest, what-have-you, extent, then it's expected that they'll rise into the sky and the next thunderstorm their voice will roar alongside that of their other honored kin. Their body will be left to feed the scavengers (coyotes, foxes, raptors) of the cliffs, because they have no need of it and the colony doesn't wish for the smell of death to attract them into the community den.

View on Others: Dislikes Twolegs, especially ones from the settlement who rarely try to climb up the mountain into their cave. Adventurous Twolegs that stray far from their dens rarely make it back down the mountain again. Unaware of Clans - may change if they meet any of them, potential drama for meeting MountainClan? Lost kits will be taken in, but they'll be expected to prove themselves like any other Storm Born cat. Kittypets are beneath the colony - there's no such thing as a smart or strong kittypet. Loners may join the colony if they are a she-cat or a physically strong tomcat. They turn away weak looking/frail tomcats.

Strengths: Strength! Strength of body and strength of mind. Very good at surviving in harsh conditions and are very resilient and hardy in general.

Weaknesses: Unwilling to change their policies. Very harsh when it comes to sexist practices. Isolated from other communities.

 

[Blinded By Silence]

Username: PeterPan_da144
Colony Name: Storm Born
Leader: Bird (PeterPan_da144)
Member:
There are two primary roles within the colony. Healers, which all she-cats are effectively automatically assumed to become, and tom cats rarely are. Thunder Guard, which is where the tom cats are typically put, though particularly large and strong she-cats can also join. Thunder Guard are seen as warriors, hunters, and protectors. Healers are literally the healers, though they can defend themselves too. Apprentice healers are like a sub-role, as there are very very few in the colony at any given time. These are the tom cats who couldn't make it as Thunder Guard and decided to remain with the colony to try to regain their honor.

Healers
- Sleek (belloblossom)
- Vixen (PeterPan_da144)

Apprentice Healers
-

Thunder Guard
- Stomp (PeterPan_da144)
- Swift (Nym)
- Strongjaw (belloblossom)
- Ginger (belloblossom)

Younglings
- Bear (kovak)

Camp: A large cave that acts as the community nest/den for all members of the colony. This large space has many tunnels which lead deeper into the mountain through narrower, natural holes that Twolegs are too large/clumsy to get through. These tunnels lead deeper into the cave and have pockets that are used in case of emergencies, or for expecting mothers to have their kits and keep an eye on them better. Tom cats are generally not allowed in the smaller dens, unless they are visiting their mate during or after the kitting. A mountain river somehow bubbles up and through the rock, before flowing gently back out along one edge of the cavern they call home. This provides them with constant access to water, even during harsh winters.

Territory Features: Mountainous, much like MountainClan. Rocky, windy, sloping. There are no plains to be had here, and the trees are often not clumped together like a forest, instead peeking out of the side of the mountain. Small even spots can be found, of course, but they are not wide expanses of grass or level land. A river flows through the mountain, and no cat really understands how the water goes up, but it comes through the rock of the mountain and flows into their cavernous home.

Primary Prey Types: Rodents (groundhogs, shrews, voles, bats), Birds of prey (much harder to hunt, but not impossible, though often hunted when they are expected to be asleep)

Primary Hunting Types and Techniques: Cliff Scaling, wherein they scale the harsh rock surfaces to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Claw Grab, aka Crag Hunting, where one stretches their leg deep into a narrow crack to hold themselves in place while grabbing a particularly hard to reach prey item with their claws.

Primary Predators: Black bears, Foxes, Coyotes/Wolves (whichever is more prevalent)

Attitude: The attitude of the Storm Born is actually pretty straight forward. Survival of the fittest, at all costs. If you cannot live up to that, then no one will stay behind to help you. Even the elder cats are still required to hunt and participate in the colony life, though they are not treated disrespectfully in this aspect. But they are also not pampered and given the best or softest nests, and apprentices are not required to hunt for them or clear their nests. They respect brains just as much as brawn, if not more in a majority of cases, so however you see fit to survive is fine by them. Tom cats (and occasionally big bulky she-cats) are relied upon as the Thunder Guards. They are expected to swiftly defeat the enemies they might face (such as mountain lions, raptors, Twoleg mountaineers). She-cats are the ones who would be using their intelligence on how to run the colony. Healers are always she-cats (or tom cats incapable of the physical strength required to become a Thunder Guard, though this is culturally frowned upon). It is one of the highest honors for a Storm Born tom to grow into a Thunder Guard when he's old enough, and to be unable to take on the rank is a disgrace to the tom and his parents. Tom cats who cannot become Thunder Guard are allowed two options: Prove themselves worthy of the colony by becoming an apprentice healer, or leave the colony forever. Healers are expected to accompany the Thunder Guards when they go out hunting or patrolling the grounds because mountain life is dangerous.

Kits are held very near and dear to their hearts, no matter the gender. They are raised with the utmost care and guidance, so that they can be the absolute best they can be in their respective positions when they are older. After all, they are the next generation. This is where the "survival of the fittest" can become a wee bit loose, as they won't sacrifice a kit to the elements or predators. However, they will use near death experiences as teaching moments, and help the kits to learn how to get themselves out of such situations going forward.

Practices: If a tom cat proves inept or unable to become a Thunder Guard, and they choose not to become a Healer (or are inept at that job too), the entire colony will come together to see them off. The colony cannot afford to be weak, so they will send these weak links away. Together, they hold a funeral-esque ceremony for the tom cat they are sending off, typically with words of wisdom to help them carry on in the wilderness. The colony and the cat who are leaving both have the understanding that they are effectively being sent to their death, but it is "the punishment of the mountain", and the funeral-esque ceremony is held to mourn the idea of what the cat could have become. It is very rare that a she-cat will be sent away, as they are already given the highest honor of being a Healer, though they CAN become Thunder Guard if they want to. Either way, they are not looked down upon in the same manner as tom cats are who cannot fulfill their duties.

A special hunting event called The Feast takes place once every year, which takes place in the middle of the winter season when prey is scarce. Bats will often come to hibernate in the community cave when it's cold and while there's some disgruntlement about the smell and droppings, the bats provide such a necessary winter food source to the colony that the smell is generally forgotten about once the event begins. One cat is nominated to be the First Jumper. They stealthily scale the walls of the community den until they reach the highest point and then they push off the wall and jump high into the air, raking their claws against the ceiling, yowling and making a giant commotion. Bonus points if they're able to catch a bat as prey on their way down onto the prepped soft floor (feathers, animal fur etc. is laid down to limit the harsh fall.) All the bats will take flight and move in a large screaming flock to the only exit where the community den opens up. All cats are gathered in the community den and jump up to grab bats out of the air or to smack them down to the floor where others (usually younger cats) can kill them. These bats will serve the clan and keep them fed through the rest of winter (or greatly aid in this task) and it's generally a time of merriment. Cats in the colony have been known to be competitive in how many bats they can catch over others and it's an anticipated event. Worry not, the bats will come back next year to roost in the cold seasons again

Beliefs: The Storm Born believe in life after death only for those who have proved themselves exceptional during their life in the colony. Cats will perform funeral rites (or equivalent) for their fallen, but because burying cats is something you can do only when you have ground to bury them, the Thunder Guard will be sent out with the bodies of the fallen and place them on far away, high cliffs. If their lives were lived to the fullest, strongest, smartest, what-have-you, extent, then it's expected that they'll rise into the sky and the next thunderstorm their voice will roar alongside that of their other honored kin. Their body will be left to feed the scavengers (coyotes, foxes, raptors) of the cliffs, because they have no need of it and the colony doesn't wish for the smell of death to attract them into the community den.

View on Others: Dislikes Twolegs, especially ones from the settlement who rarely try to climb up the mountain into their cave. Adventurous Twolegs that stray far from their dens rarely make it back down the mountain again. Unaware of Clans - may change if they meet any of them, potential drama for meeting MountainClan? Lost kits will be taken in, but they'll be expected to prove themselves like any other Storm Born cat. Kittypets are beneath the colony - there's no such thing as a smart or strong kittypet. Loners may join the colony if they are a she-cat or a physically strong tomcat. They turn away weak looking/frail tomcats.

Strengths: Strength! Strength of body and strength of mind. Very good at surviving in harsh conditions and are very resilient and hardy in general.

Weaknesses: Unwilling to change their policies. Very harsh when it comes to sexist practices. Isolated from other communities.

Approved!

 

[I--LiveWire--I]

Username: I--LiveWire--I
Colony Name: Dawn's Light
Leader: Crowflight - I--LiveWire--I
Member:
Pride - Warrior Guide - PeterPan_da144
Generosity - Apprentice Warrior - belloblossom
Cloudy - Hunter - belloblossom
Mottle - Hunter - belloblossom
Elsa - Lost One/Prisoner - belloblossom

Spoiler

- Roles -
Here's a list of the main roles in the colony.

• Deputy - The leader's right hand. They help manage the day to day of the clan and otherwise act as the second in command of the colony.
• Warrior - The primary fighting force of the clan. They mainly to the patrols and are the spearhead of any conflict. Though they will also hunt when needed or in teaching their apprentices.
• Apprentice - Cat's assigned to a warrior, medicine cat, or guide while they learn the ropes of said role.
• Hunter - Focused on the hunting or prey for the whole clan. Those specialized in hunting or have just not met the requirements to become anything else yet.
• Guide - An role that can be requested or assigned by the leader. They are given cats to guide though their revival rites. This is almost always an additional role/privilege on top of their other duties, but can be a primary role.
• Medicine Cat - Skilled and knowledgeable about herbs and how to care for the sick and injured.
• Elder/Tale Weaver - Typically the older cats that do not have the strength left to preform other duties become Tale Weavers. Though younger cats can gain this role if they have the skill. Tale weavers share their wisdom and stories for the education and betterment of the colony. Though they often will host/share tales for entertainment that also serves as way to unwind for both the young and old.

Camp: The camp is surrounded on three sides by steep walls of rock and dirt. A large tree at the back hangs over a gap in the rock making a large cavern below. Its roots hang down and crawl across the rock faces to hold it's mass in place. These roots and various rocks create paths to various places and levels in the camp. The leader's den is a cave among the rock and tangled roots above the main cave. Announcements and such are typically made from the jutting root or the Dawn rock depending on the situation.

Fresh kill is kept near the Dawn rock near the center of camp. This way it can easily be observed to make sure all get only what they are entitled. Fresh water can be obtained from the small creek nearby or from the small spring in the depths of the medicine cave, located in behind a large rock near the fallen hollow log. The log is shored up and packed to make the nursery.

The elders get the dens nearest the ground in a small camp of rocky holes and plants woven between the rocks to make dens. In this alcove is also the story circle, a small patch of packed earth and grasses where elders share stories and wisdom.

The rest of the cats mainly pick from the various nooks and dens that can be found in the Main Den in the wall. Though various other dens can be found along the walls and in the tangles roots throughout the cavern. Den choice is done by status within the colony.

The main cavern is a mostly open large space with hanging roots for a ceiling. Along the edges many small dens are formed from larger roots and holes in the cave walls. This space is used for shelter, training, holding prisoners, and mainly revival rites.

Territory Features: Their camp is remote and rocky, treacherous terrain that serves a wonderful training ground for cats. And while the lesser foliage and sparse water sources there is still an abundance of prey for a proper cat to hunt.

Primary Prey Types: Birds, rodents, and lizards. Though they will hunt and eat anything they can find.

Primary Hunting Types and Techniques: They are taught to hunt birds specifically so a lot of stealth ambush, and leaping tactics. The ability to climb and hunting in trees or other high places is also something they focus on teaching.

Primary Predators: Eagles, Coyotes, Snakes

Attitude:
Imperious, based on their beliefs and lifestyle they typically see themselves as the top of the pile. They see themselves as the ones in the know with the ability to help those that are lost. This comes in a variety of forms from the genuine and sweet to dark and twisted. Though generally, they are basically cruelty in the guise of good intent as they strive to save cats by any means possible.

Practices:

Spoiler

- Dawn's Code -

• The word of your leader is your law. What they decree shall be.
• Loyalty above all. This is the strong foundation that holds the colony together. And those that would betray their allies are not worthy.
• Origin and blood are meaningless. True cats can be found anywhere and from any lineage. They just must prove themselves and earn their place any any cat should.
• Grow the colony. Bring new blood to the clan to make it stronger. Recruiting cats, bringing in lost/broken cats for revival, or the old fashioned way with kits.
• Protect the colony and those within that cannot do so themselves. All are important and needed in their own ways. There is more to being a true cat than raw strength.
• Guide the lost. It is the duty and honor of those in Dawn's Light to find and guide cats down the right path. It is only right to hold out a helping paw for those in need. Especially those that are so lost they don't even see it.
• Only kill if necessary. It is such a waste for both them and any they could also help had they been alive to do so.
• Prey is only to be killed to be eaten. Waste not the food for otherwise it will become scarce.

- Earning of the Wings -

• In order join the ranks of the warriors of Dawn's Light one must complete all their training and get the recommendation of their mentor they are ready.
• They must then complete their Earning of the Wings ritual hunt. This hunt must be completed successfully solo or is not valid.
• Their target can vary wildly based on availability, circumstances, and individuals. However, it is always a particularly dangerous, cunning, or otherwise difficult prey to test their skills and dedication.

- Revival Rites -

• Those that have lost their cat spirit are assigned guides to help them go through the rites and rituals to regain their lost cast spirit and be reborn anew.
• These rituals come in a variety of styles and and levels of severity based on the assigned guide and the need of the one undergoing them.
• Most commonly they involve closely monitored harsh training, tossing into situations of life and death to awaken instincts, instill loyalty, values and the like.
• Guide cats are pretty much given an end goal and basic ideas and are allowed to take their task of guiding the rehabilitation of the cats in their care however they see fit.
• While death or injury is never the intention, these rites can get dangerous and sadly not all survive.
• Catnapped/lured kitty pets and loners are most commonly taken in to complete these rites.
• Willing newcomers can also go through these rites to prove themselves, their loyalty or to truly test their skills.
• They use several herbs and other hypnosis esk practices to aid in the process of particularly difficult cases to open their minds.

- Greeting the Dawn -

• When a worthy cat passes, this ritual is completed to ensure they are found and their spirit is guided safely to the afterlife.
• The dead cat, if possible, is brought to the Dawn Rock. Here they are mourned by the colony and those closest to them hold vigil with them till the next dawn.
• Then as the rays of of the dawn's light touches their pelt they are seen by the ancestors. Whom them walk down the rays of light to greet and safely guide the spirit to their proper place in the afterlife.
• Then they are respectfully buried outside the camp.

- Choosing Leaders -

• Leadership typically falls to the deputy on the death of the leader if they are deemed fit.
• The eldest/highest up Medicine cat is to hold a ritual to 'swear in' a new leader.
• If there is a case of no leader and no deputy, the eldest/highest medicine cat is tasked with choosing from the top of the colony.

Beliefs: Their core belief is in Dawn's Light. Much like sunclan, dawnclan/dawn's light this is where all of their ancestors and all worthy cats go upon death. When a cat dies their ancestors come down on the rays of the dawning sun to guide spirits to their proper place in the afterlife.

Many of the cats also know of and/or believe in sunclan as well. It is however, viewed as the lesser afterlife but still a good and worthy place to strive for. This is the main reason they rarely seek to disrupt or recruit clan cats as they do not need saving. Though if they see a good opportunity they may just take it.

View on Others:
Clan Cats - A sort of disrespectful respect. Generally, they are seen as whole cats with their spirit intact. As such are on a good path, just a lesser one in their eyes. For the most part they avoid them. As they can be threats if provoked and in most cases don't need saving.
Loners - As potential new blood for the clan. Broken or not they typically attempt to recruit or lure in anyone they meet. The methods vary from cat to cat, and some are less interested in direct recruitment so leave them be.
Kitty pets - Broken cats that need a hand to show them what they were meant to be that was stolen by the two legs. Not all will go out of their way to harass, recruit, or catnap kitty pets, but it is an acceptable practice.
Two Legs - Evil spirit breakers. They, their tools, and monsters are nothing but bad for cats and destructive to all. They are avoided.

Strengths: Adaptable and determined. Their diverse lot and environment lead to strong, cunning, and willful cats that can adapt well to various situations. And when working together can cover each other's weaknesses. Loyalty is a big thing here as if one cannot or will not prove and remain loyal they are removed.

Weaknesses: Rigid, prideful, and often at least a bit twisted mentalities can make for near inevitable conflict with outsiders when they will not yield to their values or desires.

 

[Zakiax]

Username: Zakiax
Colony Name: Troop of Sprouts
Leader: Portobello
Member: There are a few roles in the Colony that are filled by many cats. Each Role will have a head member which will bring problems to the Leader and command their group to perform their tasks.

Growers: These are cats that are tasked with growing and tending the mushroom gardens that litter the colony’s territory.When these cats are not tending to their gardens they help with digging dens and connecting them with a tunnel system.
Head Cat:
Members:
Tabby Heart
Den Keepers:These cats are tasked with keeping dens and tunnels clean and free of invading mushrooms, and other invaders. These cats are often tasked with upkeep of the den and tunnels to make sure they don’t collapse. These cats also help look after weaned kittens while their parents are off doing their tasks for the day. These are often the elderly cats of the colony that have a hard time doing harder tasks around the colony, or cats who feel like none of the other roles are for them.
Head Cat:
Members:

Defenders: These are the warriors of the clan, they are on constant look out for predators. These cats kill by applying toxins to their claws made from the poisonous mushrooms the Researchers develop.
Head Cat: Nym’s Twin to Portobello (He’s Unnamed atm)
Members:
Firefly
Hunters: These cats are trained as Defenders, and are technically a sub role of them, but their sole task is to hunt for prey for the colony. They do not apply anything to their claws in fear to introduce toxins into their main food supply. With the colony growing they will need more cats to bring back prey. In emergencies these cats will become defenders.
Head Cat:
Members:

Foragers: These cats go outside of the territory to search for new mushrooms that the growers can use in their gardens. These cats also work closely with the researchers and will gather herbs, berries and other things needed for medicines and other colony needs. When not foraging these cats help with digging of the dens and the tunneling system.
Head Cat:
Members:
Whirl

Researchers: Researchers are essentially the medicine cats of the colony. These cats create medicines and toxics to be used by the colony. They also tend to sick and injured cats. This role is limited to having 1 Head and 5 Members.(if the colony grows they will open more spots for members) Once a member of this role passes then a new member will be chosen and trained from the forager cats.
Head Cat: Wisp
Members:

Camp: A giant rotting tree houses the leader's den, with smaller fallen trees around which the colony digs out other dens and places. The leader’s den is in the center of these dens, with Researcher cat and kits dens near the center followed by general cats and then the Defender and Warrior dens surrounding them. Most of the inner dens have tunnels connecting them creating an escape system if the colony needs it. Various mushroom gardens are tended to throughout the territory

Territory Features: The camp is nestled in an older forest with many decaying trees and soft soil, near is wetland/bog which is what the colony cats use as their primary hunting ground. There is a spruce forest near the bog which they will often forage in but danger comes from both open areas and the forest, as there are many predators that lurk in the area that would prey on unexpecting cats. North of their territory is a river which they use as their main fishing spot during the summer time. Though this river is known to flood and thus the escape tunnel system was put into place.

Based roughly on Spruce Flats Bog
Primary Prey Types: Fish, Small Birds, Small Rodents such as shrews, rats/mice, moles
Mushrooms that Cats can eat on occasion: (native types will be grown. Non native ones can potentially be stolen from twoleggers to be grown)

• Shiitake.
• Cordyceps.
• Maitake.
• Lion's Mane.
• Turkey Tail. (native to Pennsylvania)
• Chaga.
• Royal Sun.
• Reishi. (Native to Pennsylvania)

Primary Hunting Types and Techniques: A group of Hunter cats go out to hunt together. Fish is the primary diet of the cats in this colony fishing from the river in the north. However when fish are scarce they will corral small rodents and birds as one hunting unit.

Primary Predators: Bobcat, Wolves, Foxes, Otters, Hawks, Copperhead Snakes

Attitude: This colony values the life of every cat that lives in the colony’s territory. If a cat leaves to do their job they must be accompanied by at least two defender or Hunter cats to increase survival chances. Cats are often encouraged to work together in groups, after all there is safety in numbers.

Practices:
Mushroom Growing:This colony grows mushrooms to be used both for food and protecting the colony. They will often also use them in ways to beautify the warren by using different colored mushrooms to spruce up areas around the territory

Tunneling: The cats of this colony dig dens out of the earth under fallen trees and often have a tunneling system that connects the majority of these dens creating an emergency escape system if the colony ever finds themself in a situation where they need to leave and find a new territory the exits of these escape tunnels are hidden with piles of leafs and debris to camouflage them into the bog.


Beliefs:
Death: The Colony sees death as a natural way of life, they currently don’t believe in an afterlife but will honor their dead by growing the cat’s favorite mushroom upon them to help them return to nature. This garden will also be kept up by the growers and will serve as a memorial to that cat’s life.

View on Others: The colony welcomes all cats to visit the colony, they value information they can get from visiting cats that could help colony life thrive. For those visiting they will have dens built for them. With their values the visitors will be protected just as if they were a colony cat should a predator attack. They are cautious of two leggers but will often see them as another food source if food becomes scarce. Kits should be protected and any stray kits or young cats that don’t have a home will be adopted by the colony until they are grown.

Strengths: Teamwork, the colony works together so that everyone in the colony survives, often doing tasks in groups of cats rather than doing them solo.

Weaknesses: Too Trusting: Accepting any cat into their ranks that comes their way the colony, can cause an issue.

Having their dens close to the river can also be an issue where if a large storm comes through the area the river can flood into the den area. The tunnel system is for this purpose if this happens however losing their den system will cause the colony to become vulnerable until they can create a new system of dens.