The future's in your paws. Shape it well.Roleplay in a cat Clan of warriors. Based off the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. Takes place in an AU before the cats in the books existed.
Welcome to WCC! Here are our latest announcements:
Activity checks take place on the 1st of the month. PM a staff member with the completed form if you missed it.
Newleaf is finally here, and the Clans hope to find reprieve from the tough Leaf-bare.
Gatherings take place on the 1st of the month; keep your eyes out for a staff member's post!
Please feel free to hit up any staff member if you have any questions!
Subject: Re: Turmoil and companionship (Shadowclan gathering) Fri 2 Feb 2024 - 19:03
Leopardstar groaned under the weight of the dog's massive paw. "The wolves, and now this?"
ShadowClan is cursed, she thought with certainty. It had been some time since she had first had that thought, and she often brushed it off as superstition, but it seemed more and more possible with every passing day. Superstition was for silly things, like not stepping on cracks in dried mud. ShadowClan's constant suffering was a real and present thing, one she felt almost every day of her life.
And when more figures seemed to form from nothing, stepping out of the shadows, she was about to curse their luck once more--but these newcomers turned on the dogs, fighting at their side.
She would deal with it later.
She was a warrior who often relied on skill and strategy, all the graceful movements of her training--but she had been raised in a world where the example was set by the Dark Forest, and while she'd never had much love for them (setting aside her lingering grudge against the stars), she sometimes felt the ghost of it. When she chose to fight wild and reckless, unconstrained by things like proper form.
She'd never found a way to mix the two. Maybe that was why it rarely seemed to work in her favor.
But she was tired, and she was angry, and she simply didn't care about it anymore.
And perhaps the stars were smiling on her, just this once, because her reckless gamble paid off; as she successfully slid underneath the beast and slashed at its belly in an attempt to drive it away from her Clan's camp. She couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph, despite the situation--something else to unpack later, perhaps.
Leopardstar successfully used Belly Rake on Dog #2, dealing 23 damage (20 + 1 from Night Finesse + 2 from Star Striker) costing 25 SP!
Leopardstar 49/80 HP 145/170 SP (-25)
Dog #2 46/100 HP (-23) 148/200 SP
Steadfast 65/65 110/140
Quillsplash 40/40 HP 86/100 SP
Tawnyshadow 65/65 HP 115/130 SP
Badgermask 60/65 HP 105/130 SP
after all the things i’ve said and done; i don’t feel like the chosen one —— info.
Another new figure stepped out from the shadows, light steps leading them into the fight; revealing a cat with fur of a color that matched the powder snow, striped silver markings on her face and legs, and eyes that were the same crystalline blue as ice.
Her voice was soft, with a sing-song quality to it, but the tone was clearly less than pleased; and somewhat childish. "I want to help, too!"
Muse used Ankle Biter on Dog #1, dealing 8 damage and costing 30 SP!
Ankle Biter in effect! Dog #1 deals half damage for 1 turn!
Subject: Re: Turmoil and companionship (Shadowclan gathering) Fri 2 Feb 2024 - 22:16
Larkpaw Apprentice | Shadowclan | She/Her
Larkpaw broke out of her petrified state as more cats joined in the fight, 'All these brave cats and here I am hunkered down in a burrow' She thought to herself. Larkpaw shot of the burrow with outstretched paws and claws ready to tear into the beast closest to her.
Larkpaw used Jumping Strike on Dog #1 for -6 HP \ -7 SP
Subject: Re: Turmoil and companionship (Shadowclan gathering) Sun 4 Feb 2024 - 0:30
Fernkit
Logical : Independent : Curious : Reserved
Text, Thoughts, and "Speech."
OOC:
The sounds of barking and howls, along with a familiar canine scent sent his entire body on alert. Wolves? More wolves? Fernkit peeked his neck out from behind his mother. "They followed us home?" he mumbled in disbelief. Were they waiting for us? He watched as two beasts tore into the cats at the lead. Many warriors sprung to their defense while Pineblossom prioritized him and his siblings. Fernkit was no fool to try and push back against her, but he was nearly desperate to see the battle. Eventually he crouched down to peer between her legs- despite however short those may be. He saw paws scrambling, both small and monstrous, and blood scattered in the snow. The kit held his breath, his body tense and very slightly shaking. Yes, he felt afraid. But the more he waited the more he wanted to be involved, not just safe. If only there were something he could do to help instead of stand by and watch, but Fernkit didn't know the first thing about killing dogs.
He faintly noticed something shifting in the dark through the chaos of bloody claws and feet. A flash of white teeth- then one of the beasts crashed down. A mix of feelings trilled through Fernkit's spine. What was that? Who did that? He watched carefully, this time spotting the swift cat slicing into dog heels, sending it to the ground just like the other. I want to be that clever, he thought with a glint in his eye. But someone would have to teach him- hopefully, as soon as he was an apprentice. Luckily the tom was older now. His legs were longer, his frame more steady. The white specks continued to spread across his face and paws just as his mother's had. His time would be soon, surely.
Subject: Re: Turmoil and companionship (Shadowclan gathering) Sun 4 Feb 2024 - 11:41
As further shapes started to emerge from the shadows, a deep growl escaped Badgermask as she swung to face these newcomers. Other cats - but even if their size paled in comparison of the dogs that were threatening her family, there was a chance they were just as dangerous or even more. It was quite the surprise however when these two strangers struck out with surprising skill at the dogs - earning painful yips that clearly was sending the dogs reeling even if they weren't stupid enough to flee as they were swarmed.
Her eyes flickered - keen interest and curiosity rising as she watched as two other cats arrived, obviously all a group as one called out to confirm their intent to help. Odd... But there was little time to wonder on it as the dogs were still a threat. The dog was being harried from all sides and using the opportunity to strike, she made a running leap - paws coming down with her full weight onto the dog's head before she quickly leapt off to keep her distance from its jaws.
Badgermask used Upright Lock on Dog #2, dealing 12 damage and costing 10 stamina.
Characters : [SC]Heatherberry| [TC]Vinecrawler | [R]Grub | [R] Grun Jr Clan/Rank : [H]T3 BT MC / T4 MC | [G]T4 Rogue | [GJ] T1 Rogue [V]T5 Warrior Number of posts : 4493 Gender : she/her Age : 26
Subject: Re: Turmoil and companionship (Shadowclan gathering) Sun 4 Feb 2024 - 12:15
"Well done, dear brother!" A cheery voice chimed out from the gruff looking silver tom, pride shining in his one remaining eye. It did not last long, however, as his face fell back into a snarl at the dog he was focused on. As much as he didn't approve of young little Muse and a very pregnant Cherish joining the fray, he hadn't really said they couldn't. Every single one of the Riders of the Storm knew how to hold their own. That didn't mean he wouldn't fret over her still.
Originally, it was thought that these lethargic set of cats wouldn't be able to hold their own. That didn't seem to be the case; though he did like to think he had done the right thing in stepping in. "Stay low, Muse!" She was already significantly shorter than he was, but he called out for her to duck anyway anyway. His own teeth met above her attack as an extra irritation. Team work well done as it drew another yelp from Dog #1.
Virtue used Snap, dealing 10 damage and using 7 SP.
Subject: Re: Turmoil and companionship (Shadowclan gathering) Sun 4 Feb 2024 - 14:10
Rookfire didn't expect to have to fight dogs, nor to ally themselves with the rogues living in their territory. It didn't matter what he expected, though, since that was now reality.
He slashed at the nearest dog's nose, trying to deal as much damage as he could to it.
Rookfire used Front Paw Strike on Dog #1, dealing 8 damage and costing 7 stamina.
Rookfire: HP: 50/50 SP: 113/120
Dog #1: 39/100 HP 178/200 SP
Larkpaw: 20/20 HP 53/60 SP
Muse: 60/60 HP 100/130 SP
Sablestrike: 53/70 HP 153/160 SP
Swiftheart: 70/70 HP 153/160 SP
Sunflare: 60/60 HP 133/140 SP
Virtue: 65/65 HP 103/140 SP
______________________________________ Rookfire, ShadowClan T3 Warrior: 50/120 Kitespring, RiverClan T3 Warrior: 50/120 Ambersun, SkyClan T2 Warrior: 40/100
pfp by the amazing xaandiir!
Copperbeanz
Characters : Missing: Juniperpaw(ShC), Quillsplash(ShC) | Dead: Tawnyshadow(ShC), Sootstorm(WC), Ajex(Outsider), Shatteredsky(SkC), Reedshine(TC), Deerleap(ShC) Slightfrost(Skc) Specklepaw(WC) Sunfire(TC), Copperlark(Outsider), Cinderpaw(TC), Quickpaw(WC), Deerpaw(ShC), Willowpaw(ShC) Number of posts : 3221 Gender : female -Romantica wuz here Fly 2 Age : 14
Subject: Re: Turmoil and companionship (Shadowclan gathering) Sun 4 Feb 2024 - 16:44
perfection is found in accepting your imperfections
Tawnyshadow was too preoccupied with the battle to notice the newcomers until one of them joined the fight. Her first instinct was to drive them away, but seeing as they were fighting on ShadowClan's side, she supposed she could let them off for the moment and focus on the far more dangerous threat. Her claws lashed out and raked the beast's side when it was turned away, ripping out fur and flesh as she did. Her shoulder screamed with pain as she darted out of range, a constant reminder of her inability to fight properly. Tawnyshadow used Front Paw Strike, dealing 10dmg and -7SP
Badgermask: 60/65 HP 95/130 SP
Dog #2: 24/100 HP (-10) 148/200 SP Leopardstar: 49/80 HP 145/170 SP
Steadfast: 65/65 110/140
Quillsplash: 40/40 HP 86/100 SP
Tawnyshadow: 65/65 HP 108/130 SP (-7)
Everything I say is a lie, but they’re the only things keeping me alive
The world was washed in a crimson red. Quillsplash had long since lost awareness of where he was, or of the other cats around him. The newcomers seemed to be one with his clanmates; they were all but blurry masses of fur and blood and claws. Someone, somewhere, was screaming. Was that a scream of determination or pain? The tortoiseshell lunged forward, teeth sinking into whatever bits of flesh he could reach.
Quillsplash used Snap, dealing 8dmg and -7SP
Badgermask: 60/65 HP 95/130 SP
Dog #2: 16/100 HP (-8) 148/200 SP Leopardstar: 49/80 HP 145/170 SP
Subject: Re: Turmoil and companionship (Shadowclan gathering) Sun 4 Feb 2024 - 16:53
There were so many of them. Never before had the dog been overrun like this. One cat was easy prey, two was manageable; three, four, and so many that they couldn't count... That was the first time he had ever encountered such a thing. It knew that they were dangerous in groups.
It knew that it had to run, howling to its companion to do the same.
Characters : Sablestrike T5 Deputy (Shadowclan), Stoatclaw T3 Warrior (Skyclan), Alethea T1 (Rogue), Oakpaw [Perma-NPC] (Windclan), Willowkit (Shadowclan) Number of posts : 1256 Gender : Copper was here <3 (& Kitty)
Subject: Re: Turmoil and companionship (Shadowclan gathering) Sun 4 Feb 2024 - 18:23
They were getting overrun, outnumbered. Despite its best efforts there was no stopping the surge of prey that threatened to turn them into the prey. Willing strength into its limbs the monster thrashed on last time, pushing the cats that still had claws and teeth invested in him away before turning tail and limping after his comrade.
Characters : [SC]Heatherberry| [TC]Vinecrawler | [R]Grub | [R] Grun Jr Clan/Rank : [H]T3 BT MC / T4 MC | [G]T4 Rogue | [GJ] T1 Rogue [V]T5 Warrior Number of posts : 4493 Gender : she/her Age : 26
Subject: Re: Turmoil and companionship (Shadowclan gathering) Sun 4 Feb 2024 - 20:06
Raised hackles slowly lowered again as both mutts turned tail and fled. A few moments of silence followed after, listening for their cries to get further away for dying out completely from the distance. Scrunched nose completely relaxed as the threat was no more.
"Looks like you're free to travel safely... For now." His eye scanned the crowd of ragged cats as he recounted how the other, much larger group of cats had split off to into different sections of the forest. Thinking back, they all seemed rather relieved the second they stepped paw into the shadow of the pines that littered this particular area. Wary eyes were given in return to his once-over of each individual, not a single one warm or welcoming besides the glittering eyes of a faintly speckled kit tucked beneath his mother.
Ah. "It seems we may have accidentally trespassed onto your territory. For that, I apologize." He bowed his head respectfully, a slight smile on his rough face. He was not his groups leader. None of them really ruled the other, standing side by side as friends and equals. But he would certainly be the first of them to bend a knee in ask for help. "This is a big ask seeing as we've been leaching off your shadows from the wolves until now, but we are exhausted and Cherish - the bengal there with the goofy grin - is expecting any day now. We need a place to stay. Just until these kits are born and can walk on their own. That's all I ask- No. Beg of you. We will keep to ourselves and cause you no trouble! I swear." He glanced at Muse for a brief second, suspicious of her silence. "We can even help out with any future predators: Steady and I are Soldiers trained to deal with things like dogs and such. Or if you need assistance hunting without dealing with predators, Cherish and Muse are Scouts trained in hunting from the shadows..." His voice trailed off as he awkwardly look at his companions, hoping they'd agree. And hoping whoever was in charge here would take them up on the offer. "Oh, my name is Virtue, by the way."
From beside Pineblossom and her kits, Heatherberry watched Virtue with interest. A few flower petals clung to his pelt, some knotted into the fur as though on purpose. A purple flower. Lavender, maybe? She wouldn't be getting close enough to smell him. She would leave that to Leopardstar or Sablestrike. She was too tired to care. The dogs were gone and they were home. What more could they want?
Subject: Re: Turmoil and companionship (Shadowclan gathering) Sun 4 Feb 2024 - 22:20
As the dogs turned tail and ran, Leopardstar turned her attention to the other intruders--the ones who had stepped in to help. She sat, listening intently as the first of them stepped forward and made his plea.
She took a step forward, establishing herself as the leader of the Clan cats, and studied the strangers. There were few of them--even in comparison to their own dwindling number--and they had stayed to fight, rather than run to save themselves. Their request, all things considered, was reasonable enough; but it left other considerations.
"A moment." She inclined her head slightly, a sign of thought, and turned to the cats behind her. "ShadowClan. You may return to camp, and assess the damage. Rest and heal. Sablestrike, stay. Heatherberry, you are also free to stay; but if you want to tend to the wounded immediately, I understand."
And once her Clanmates had heard, she returned her attention to the newcomers. Diplomacy. A skill she hadn't had the chance to practice much lately, given the state she was in--setting aside her meeting with Birdstar and Wolfblossom about Lighttail. Another Clanmate lost to them.
"Apologies. My name is Leopardstar, leader of ShadowClan. We... Don't often receive visitors that aren't hostile," she offered, as explanation for her Clanmates' less-than-welcoming attitudes. Not that she could blame them; her own instinct had been to fight. "You're correct, this marsh is ShadowClan's ancestral home. Tradition dictates that we fight to defend it--but in this moment, you have aided us in doing so. We have no reason to consider you our enemies."
Especially given their request. A simple one, the need for which was easily confirmed by looking at the indicated she-cat--Cherish; what an odd name. Cherish, Virtue, Steadfast, Muse.
"A place to stay... I sent the warriors to assess the damage, but I can all but guarantee our nursery is destroyed. I expect we'll need to rebuild. Again." She allowed a hint of the frustration she felt to slip through, shaking her head. "You were at the lake?"
Not the point.
"All things considered... If you're willing to offer your aid, I'm willing to offer a place to stay. The code by which we live dictates that no warrior may neglect a kit that is in pain, or otherwise in danger. Regardless of origin. I'm inclined to say you should remain with us as long as you need. Be warned, however, that the marshes are dangerous if you don't know them well--in several places, deep enough to drown. It is a welcome defense from unwanted intruders... And a real and present danger for the innocent."
Her tail flicked once.
"If you would accept, and my deputy doesn't object, I can offer our camp. It's secure, well-guarded at all hours to prevent ambushes--such as the one that just occurred--and safe enough for us to raise our own kits. The only flaw is that I doubt most of the dens happened to survive our unexpected absence. Though if you'd rather keep your distance from the rest of us, I'm sure we could find another suitable location that won't be too dangerous. Sablestrike, what are your thoughts?"
Leopardstar has instructed ShadowClan, bar Sablestrike and perhaps Heatherberry, to return to camp. (You are, of course, still free to post with your cats to get this month's Gathering requirement!)
after all the things i’ve said and done; i don’t feel like the chosen one —— info.
Muse offered an innocent expression as Virtue turned his gaze to her, then turned to watch the gathered cats with curiosity. The one who stepped forward first was so tall, the black spots on her pelt seeming to melt into the darkness as she introduced herself and the place they had found themselves in.
She bit back the desire to speak, again and again, recognizing that this was an important moment and not one she should interrupt--until the larger group's leader seemed to indicate that they would be allowed to remain. "Does that mean we can stay? I mean, I love traveling! I do! But I don't wanna have to run like that again." Her ears flattened. "The wolves were scary... Safe sounds good. Safe means no more wolves, right?"
At last, the she-cat paused to breathe; looking to her companions to answer her most recent question. And then she spoke again.
"I'm Muse, by the way! Sorry. I usually introduce myself first. Promise!"
Characters : Sablestrike T5 Deputy (Shadowclan), Stoatclaw T3 Warrior (Skyclan), Alethea T1 (Rogue), Oakpaw [Perma-NPC] (Windclan), Willowkit (Shadowclan) Number of posts : 1256 Gender : Copper was here <3 (& Kitty)
Subject: [color=#1c8eae][/color] Sun 4 Feb 2024 - 23:47
Sablestrike settled himself as the dogs began to flee, fighting the urge to run after the both of them and rid the marsh of their wretched existence. There were more pressing matters at paw however, namely the band rogues that had joined in the fight. Not a single one of their pelts was familiar. Their stealth capabilities must have been something special if they had been able to avoid detection not just from the main Shadowclan party but the scouts too. Sablestrike inclined his head to the closest nomad as a sign of thanks, but offered no words. At least this tom was knowledgeable enough to know he wasn't welcome on their la- stars, why was he not surprised? This tom, Virtue, not only admitted to stalking them from as far as the lake territories, but was also begging to be let into their camp? It took all of Sablestrike's self-control not to laugh in the tom's face.
Leopardstar on the other paw seemed to be considering it. It would have been much easier to send them towards the Twoleg forest and have them find a cozy Twoleg nest to reside in, so why in Silverpelt was she offering to let them stay in Shadowclan's camp? Sablestrike couldn't help the look of utter disbelief that appeared on his face as Leopardstar extended the offer, only asking for his opinion after it was done. Enemies or not these cats were strangers to all of them, their true motives unknown. It seemed way too easy for them to secure a place in Shadowclan, could they have somehow planned for this predator attack only to swoop in and get in their good graces? Something didn't seem right about all of this.
A golden gaze passed between the four of the cats, settling on the fat- er, pregnant one. She did look near to bursting, but did the code account for unborn kits? "As my leader said, should you stay with us you will not do so for free. Cherish may reside with the rest of the queens in the nursery once repairs have been completed, but the rest of you will be expected to carry out duties around camp the same as any warrior." Stars, he was letting this happen. The deputy shot Leopardstar a look. This decision of hers wouldn't come without a proper conversation, but as it stood the tom had no idea what damage had been done to the camp. There were three able-bodied cats in front of him that could alleviate some of the upcoming workload for their clanmates, it would be unwise to send them off without a good reason.
"Our territory is dangerous to live in, but you lot seem capable enough to make your way. We'd have no reservation of sending you out to the wolves if we suspect you have ulterior motives, and I can assure you that I'll be keeping an eye on all four of you." Who said he wasn't a kind deputy? "That said, I have no current objections." Sablestrike glanced at Heatherberry, trying to gauge her reaction to the situation.
____
The dogs were quick to vanish from sight. It was only natural for the predators to be on the run, after all he and Virtue were an unstoppable force. Turning on his fellow nomad, Steadfast fixed her with a stern look. "You shouldn't be fighting Cheri, what if you had gotten hurt?" The tom spoke swiftly, the sternness in his voice mingling with worry as he gave the molly a thorough checkup. "It didn't get you anywhere, did it?" No, the molly seemed wholly untouched by those beasts. Suddenly the tom was aware of the eyes that bore down on him, beady and frightening. Would these cats repay their kindness with violence? Steadfast stepped closer to Cherish. Should anything happen he would make sure that she would make it out, even if the rest of them couldn't.
Steadfast stood on edge, only loosening his shoulders once the main force the molly commanded trotted off towards an unseen destination. She hadn't outright refused Virtue's request which was a good sign. He almost butted in when his brother affectionately referred to Cherish's beautiful grin as goofy, but this wasn't the time nor the place for that.
Steady kept silent as Leopardstar spoke, turning the conversation over to her second-in-command. His response to their request was much more curt, laced with more direct threats, but he too hadn't objected. The tom gave a respectful dip of his head. "Then it is settled. My name is Steadfast." A nursery, eh? It was the perfect place to house Cherish, he would need to help them rebuild it. Steadfast caught the look thrown in his direction, offering a simple nod to Muse's question. It had seemed the wolves had kept their distance and hopefully it would stay that way.
