Battle System Overhaul

The biggest difference in our patch is the battle system. Rules, regulations, and the fundamentals are all the same. The goal of this project was to reduce the drastic difference between ranks and allow for a more balanced system, with special moves allowing those at a disadvantage to turn the tide of battle. Most adjustments have been made it cut down on the number of redundant moves and add more special moves in their place. Additionally, lowered stamina totals mean that users have to weigh the costs of the moves they are using - making it a more strategic endeavor when playing out battles without a set winner.

Stat Changes - Overall, stat changes have been adjusted to lower the difference between ranks. While ranking up, higher tiers still have the advantage of additional moves and higher hp/sp, it is simply less of a stark contrast from rank to rank. While the numbers may not seem to be the most even, the current system's move set does not allow for even reduction, so not much has changed in that regard. For clan leaders, a blanketed boost in stats will continue to be given as a favor of Starclan. However, deputies will now follow the ranking system for stats and move set but will also receive a passive bonus of +10HP/SP.
Rule Revisions - Not much has been added to the rule system but verbiage has been updated for clarification.
Move Adjustments - Redundant moves have been removed from the system. It now consists of a small pool of standard moves accommodating characters using their teeth or claws, surrounded by a variety of amended special moves. Rouges and kittypets now have their own unique moves. Some pre-existing special moves have been updated or tweaked slightly.

The full update can be found on our battle system page here.

Questions can be posted here in our rolling question thread.

Amendments to Forbidden Romances

Two Step Approval - Forbidden romances are now approved through a two-step system. An initial approval is required before any relationship building topics are made. After the initial approval, roleplayers may work on relationship building topics. Before the relationship can become official in character, users must update their initial approval with relevant relationship building topics, along with information regarding an intended endgame or possible direction in character [whether it be kits, moving clans, a fallout, etc]. Through this process, we hope to minimize confusion about when to seek approval for forbidden romances as well as making sure that such a severe in character infraction is being properly noted.
Restrictions - Only three active forbidden romances will be allowed at any given time. There are various ways for a forbidden romance to become inactive, whether it be one of the characters dying, the relationship ending, etc. Staff has the right to refuse mishandled forbidden romances or deny any relationships that were not properly approved.
Consequences - The overuse of forbidden romances can often lead to the severity being minimized on site. As a result, we have looked at several avenues to make the practice less common and increase the drawback to your character participating in something this severe, while hopefully not making it any less of a fun thing to participate in. That being said, going forward characters who switch clans as the result of a Forbidden Romance will not be allowed to rank to Tier 5 Warrior, or Tier 4 Medicine cat. The in character reasoning for this being that they are unable to reach their max potential after leaving their clan behind. Note: this change impacts circumstances going forward and will not change the situation for characters who have previously switched clans. Currently approved plots with a character switching clans will be impacted, as long as they have not already moved to a new clan.

Minor Moonstone Journey Changes

Starclan Masterlist Adjustments - Starting at the next activity check, the Starclan masterlist system will be slightly different. During activity checks, users will have the option to submit a character for the masterlist alongside their active characters in the check. The look of the masterlist will be updated. If your character is already on the masterlist, you do not need to include them in the activity check - this will be used purely for adding new characters that are not already there.
Clarifications - Verbiage for information about Moonstones has been updated to include the clarification that Moonstone journeys are for apprentices to chat with Starclan in pleasant conversation or receive advise. Moonstone journeys are not for apprentices to find out information about things they should not know, gather secrets from Starclan, or get prophesies unless a part of an administrator approved plot.

Additional Little Revisions:
- As noted underneath the Forbidden Romances section, characters who switch to a new clan of their own volition will no longer be able to rank to Tier 5 Warrior, or Tier 4 Medicine cat. The in character reasoning for this being that they are unable to reach their max potential after leaving their clan behind. Note: this change impacts circumstances going forward and will not change the situation for characters who have previously switched clans. Currently approved plots with a character switching clans will be impacted, as long as they have not already moved to a new clan.
- NPC Voiding Characters - The practice of NPC voiding characters seems to have bled beyond it's original intended use. Going forward, this will not be allowed outside of utilizing the standard elder/permaqueen that is available to all users who have ranked their character T5 Warrior or T4 Medicine Cat. Users leaving the site with the hope of returning in the future may have their character go missing or have their character become a background character with no consequential actions. This is the only situation in which characters may become background NPCs. If you wish to get rid of a character, they can either disappear from the clans and never become usable again, or face death.
- WCC Newsletter - Staff has decided to work on putting out a monthly site newsletter. This will go out on the 1st of the month along with the rest of our regular beginning of month activities. This newsletter will include information on big site events, recent changes, reminders and more. Keep an eye out for the first newsletter, August 1st!