3. The Clans

The Monarchy
The cat with the -star suffix is the clan leader and their sons or daughters will be the next leader. Though all previous heirs were males, this may change under Graystar's rule.

Appearances
Lakeclan cats are typically very lean and stream-lined in order to make it easier for them to glide through the lake. Their pelts are typically short and sleek, and usually come in paler grayscale colors. Large cats, Longer-haired cats and brighter or darker colors have been seen amongst the ranks of the clan though.

Personalities
Lakeclan cats tend to be proud, but not overbearing. They believe wholeheartedly in the Royal Family. They may question their leader's decisions, though it is highly discouraged. They understand the value of having each other's loyalty and do not wish to lose it in petty in-fighting. All look to their leader for guidance, but also have the free-will to make suggestions. They can voice their opinions on important matters, though it is up to the leader to make the final decision.

History
Flintstar was born into a litter of three in the mountain tribe. These three siblings had different views on religion and that caused a rift between the three brothers. Flintstar believed his brothers strayed from their true path, making up religions of their own to try and justify themselves. He would not be swayed when a war broke out between the three brothers and the now divided tribe.

Flintstar was a strong leader despite being smaller than Nightstar. Though he was very stubborn and would not back down against his brothers or their clans. Lakeclan became distraught under his leadership, falling to a much smaller number of cats. They barely made it through Bareleaf, unprotected in the vast meadows. Flintstar did what he could to try and keep the clan together but his stubbornness nearly destroyed the clan. He had one litter of kits, though only one kit survived the harsh weather in their small, unprotected camp. Hawkkit grew to be a strong cat and a good swimmer. Flintstar made a rule that only toms were allowed to be the heir in the clan. Soon after this rule was in place, Flintstar died, Hawkstar being the only eligible heir.

Unlike his father he was not stubborn, he moved what was left of the clan to a different camp, where they settled down on a peninsula that led out into the lake. Under Hawkstar’s rule the clan flourished, returned to the numbers they had before Flintstar’s fall. Hawkstar made a decision in order to increase the clan’s ranks, to have mates picked out for the stronger warriors, believing this was the best way to save the clan. Though not everyone agreed with his decision, it helped the clan become strong again. Peace reigned over the clan and their numbers grew again. After the clan’s ranks were steadied, Hawkstar lifted the rule, allowing everyone to choose their own mates once again. Though Hawkstar still believed a strong tom should be the heir and continued the tradition. He had one litter of three, Ashkit, Willowkit, and Oakkit. Ashkit and his sisters grew to be strong and healthy. Willow- eventually had a litter of her own, though during the apprentices’ rites they were attacked by the large fish. Hawkstar selflessly tried to save his daughter’s kits and succeeded, though he was on his last life and died from his injuries.

Ashstar was the next leader, though he was not as large as his father he was still very strong. He led the clan with great wisdom and strength. Peace continued under Ashstar and he had a litter of two. Slatekit and Brookkit. Slatekit was originally going to be named heir, being a large and strong tom who showed a lot of promise. Though Ashstar got a warning from Starclan about him, seeing Slatekit’s future surrounded in shadow. When they became apprentices Slatepaw and Brookpaw were out of camp one day without their mentors and an accident happened. They were out by the large Oak tree on the great ledge when Slatepaw accidentally pumped into Brookpaw. Brookpaw fell and died instantly, Ashstar blamed Slatepaw for taking her there. Soon after Ashstar had another litter, all but one kit died. This kit was bathed in light as he was born, a light snow sprinkling down on the clan. This was seen as a sign from Starclan, The kit was named Graykit and was soon decided to be the heir instead. Ashstar had a long rule though the last leafbare had been extremely cold and his old body was unable to handle it. He passed on to Starclan, leaving Graystar as the new leader. Graystar is still young and inexperienced, how will he lead the clan?

Religion
Though Lakeclan cats are not religious to an extreme, they do believe in Starclan. They believe Starclan are the ones who guide them and that the other clan's beliefs have strayed from the true path. They disapprove the fact Summitclan cats believe their 'creators' had anything to do with Starclan.



The Tribal Clan
This clan is a dual leadership, lead by two leaders, each choosing their own deputy to one day take their place. The cats with the -star suffix are the leaders of the clan and the deputies becomes the leader once their leader dies. Any warrior that wishes to become deputy must venture to the Sacred Pool and state their intentions in prayer to their ancestors. The leader will receive a vision showing them the warriors that they think are best suited for the position. The leader will then take them out on separate occasions to gauge their personalities further and see what their skills are like as well as their views on clan matters.

The two leaders and medicine cat have special connections to the ancestors Ceri, Cern, and Nemi. They are known as Messengers of Ceri, Cern, or Nemi. The medicine cat is always the Messenger of Nemi, leaving the other two ancestors for the leaders. Each deputy becomes the same messenger of their predecessor. So the Leader who is the Messenger of Ceri or Cern, their chosen deputy becomes the next messenger of Ceri or Cern. There are two leaders, two deputies, one medicine cat, and one medicine cat apprentice positions in this clan.

Appearances
Streamclan cats tend to be smaller than average in size with pelt colours usually consisting of browns, reds and black though it has become more common over the recent years to see cats with lighter pelts, the founder of the clan, Littlestar being a white cat himself. Their small size makes it easier for them to enter and exit the dens and reach the landmarks within the territory where larger cats would struggle more to fit through.

Personalities
Streamclan cats are generally loyal and devoted towards their clan and especially their ancestors though they also tend to be quite laidback and calm, not letting too much bother them. The majority of them are religious, and pray to them about important matters and decisions. They are proud of their clan and despite being laidback can quickly get hostile and defensive if insulted by another clan or other cats. Many look to their leader for guidance and respect them but some are still sore and bitter from the rebellion and refuse to listen to a leader they deem as unworthy.

History
It may be hard to believe that all three clans used to live as one but it is most certainly true. The story begins with the smallest son out of the leader's litter of three. He was a pure white tom and was called Littlekit after his size. Many believed him to be of no use, too small and too weak and feeble to become strong and at first their beliefs seemed to be coming true. The tom kept to himself and never seemed to be gifted to be particularly good at something but as time ticked by, more and more cats were starting to see the quick and sly mind inside of this deceptively timid cat. Instead of boasting about his skills and making himself the centre of attention, the cat now a warrior took the path beneath the rest, snaking his way through and spreading his beliefs around the tribe to those who were willing to listen.

He often heard his siblings speaking of their own individual beliefs and eventually he decided that he had spent enough time spreading his own beliefs in the shadows and stepped up, making it clear that he did not agree with either of his brothers. With the three constantly trying to get cats on their own sides, it slowly but steadily lead them down a darker path and after their arguments grew louder and more often, a final confrontation between the three caused them to separate. From that day, the smallest out of all the siblings was known as Littlestar and he formed a clan with the cats that followed him. 

Littlestar was wholly inexperienced at leading a clan of cats and the first moon was a struggle though it soon began to settle and cats began to see him as a great leader and one that saved their kind from being led astray. Littlestar had always believed that the original tribe should never have strayed from their true roots. He believed that Starclan was a product of a fool's imagination and that a higher power called the ancestors were the true path. He stated that he saw them running in his dreams, the first cats of their kind and that they provided him with help and visions to allow Streamclan to grow bigger and stronger. He had a vision from the ancestors, seeing that each ancestor would have a messenger. He was told that two leaders who share equal power would be the messengers of Ceri and Cern. The medicine cat would be the messenger of Nemi. His current deputy became the other leader, and they each chose a new deputy. The new leader was Foreststar, the first Messenger of Ceri.

As a result of the waging war, it wasn't long until Littlestar was on his last life. He never had a mate and thus never produced any kits. He died a proud death on the battlefield, leaving his deputy to step up and become the next leader, and Messenger of Cern. The ceremony was held that night and the new leader returned to camp now named Falconstar. Falconstar was a proud and powerful leader and ruled by way of respect. If cats respected him, he would respect them back. It was simple and it worked well, the clan starting to grow stronger by the day and with peace falling over all three clans, it gave Streamclan a chance to recover from the losses sustained during the times of war. Despite agreeing that peace was the best option, Falconstar was a strict leader, taking little to no arguments or funny business from anyone but was fair in his ruling and whilst some cats disliked him, they still respected him as a leader and that is what counted. Foreststar grew ill and lost his lives from age and sickness. His deputy became the next leader, Mousestar. 

Mousestar grew old, never finding a mate or having kits. She died peacefully of old age and her deputy became the next Messenger of Ceri, Oakstar. Falconstar and his mate had a litter of two kittens who were both males. However, the leader ended up outliving both of his children and his mate and whilst some say he died of old age, many believe that he died of a broken heart, his ability to lead greatly decreasing after their deaths. The deputy at the time waited until the next morning to make the journey to Moon Crystal but returned successfully with the name of Pinestar. All went well to begin with. Falconstar had left the clan in good condition and it was working well and surviving well there not being any prominent issues that needed worrying about. However, Pinestar was fanatical about the ancestors, driving multiple cats out of the clan simply because their beliefs weren't as strong as his. Oakstar was timid and unable to do anything about Pinestar and his beliefs.

When Pinestar had still been deputy, he and his mate had a litter of three kits, two light coloured toms and one solid black female.  They were called Maplekit, Birchkit and Swankit. Unlike the two toms who were cherished from birth, many cats stayed away from Swankit, always trying to keep their distance. An old tale once said that if a litter of kits produced one solid black kit when the others were light in colour then it was a sign of a bad omen and that disaster was going to strike. However, as all three kits became apprentices and then warriors, the so-called disaster was now just a forgotten memory, only very few cats remembering it and still keeping their distance. She was more accepted now though and got on well with both of her brothers, all three of them often spending most of their time together.

One day, Pinestar went out on a hunting trip with his daughter who he had felt he had been neglecting of attention for many years now. At first, everything was good. They were having fun together and getting to know each other better than they ever had before. But that was when they both caught the scent of fox in the air. Before they even had a chance to react, a mother fox with pups leapt forward. Pinestar swiftly shoved his daughter back and took the attack to protect her. The fox raked its claws across his face and specifically his eyes. However, the two were able to chase them off with his daughter sustaining only minor injuries and for that he was thankful. They both went to the medicine cat and was told that their injuries would heal fine and that there was nothing to worry about. Satisfied and happy once more, they both fell back into the normal day to day rhythm of the clan.

Unfortunately, things were not to last. Over the next moon, Pinestar began to notice difficulties with his vision. At first it was nothing, just a slight blurriness that always cleared after a few minutes. But the blurriness started to get worse and wasn't clearing as quick as it used to. It was when he woke up on a bright sunny morning that he realised he couldn't see out of his left eye. There was no blurriness, just darkness. He didn't hesitate, running to the medicine cat and demanding an explanation. After examining him, the medicine cat said that Pinestar was going blind. It was only a week or so before he lost the sight in his right eye too, making him completely blind. He kept to his den to try to keep it secret from the rest of the clan. Oakstar eventually told the clan what had happened. Pinestar grew angry and lashed out at Oakstar. Unfortunately, Oakstar was on his last life and Pinestar's hit was fatal. Lightstar became the next leader while Pinestar remained in the den. Lightstar was an older she-cat who was well respected by all in the clan.

Lightstar was a kind to everyone and carried great wisdom. While she was deputy she had a mate with whom she had two kits. When she became leader, she chose her daughter as her deputy. Her daughter grew up and had two kits of her own, Emberkit and Sparrowkit. Her daughter died at the claws of another cat and Sparrow- was chosen as her next deputy. The clan assumed it was a loner or rogue who had killed her and didn't look further into the incident. 

Half the cats wanted to keep Pinestar as the Messenger of Cern and leader while the other half wanted to force him out. Arguments were constant and fights started to happen. The clan was in ruins and no matter what Pinestar said, the cats of his clan were out of control. They were all stuck in a constant circle with no-one ever being the winner in the confrontation. Lightstar and Pinestar's deputy tried to regain control but the clan was overwhelming them. Pinestar's deputy tried to break up a fight that was causing apprentices and even kits to get injured but the cat ended up falling victim to both side's claws. Upon realising what they had done the arguments and fighting started to calm down as they mourned the loss of the deputy and the cats who had been involved in the deputy's death were punished severely, being banished for thirty days and thirty nights, Pinestar ruling that if they survived it was the will of the ancestors to have them in the clan but if they died then they were nothing but traitors. Two were found dead, one returned and one was never found.

The new peace was not to last very long however, as Pinestar announced his new deputy, his daughter. Once again outrage sparked at the mere idea. He was appointing her, the disaster that many believed had caused Pinestar's blindness, that had caused the whole confrontation to begin with. Both sides of the clan came back together and formed one once more to express their dislike at the leader's decision but all he ever said in response was that it was the choice of the ancestors. Their outspoken words quietened down to mere mutterings and whispers for they did not want to anger the ancestors. Things had smoothed over and were becoming better once more however, one morning Pinestar was pronounced dead. Shock and grief filled the camp. He had seemed so healthy apart from his blindness. They didn't understand how he could have died so suddenly and then they got thinking. It had to be her. His daughter. Some believed that she had killed him, wanting his power whilst others believed that he must have been sick but hadn't told them. Lightstar stood up for Pinestar's daughter, saying she would never have hurt her father and that Pinestar must have been ill. The clan let it pass because of their respect for Lightstar.

That night, his daughter travelled to Moon Crystal and returned as Swanstar, the new leader of the clan. She knew how some felt. They were bitter, unsure and frankly a bit scared of this black she-cat. Their concerns were never voiced aloud, half of them worried about getting kicked out if they challenged her and the other half scared of angering the ancestors. Now, with the clan teetering on the edge of giving her a chance or condemning her straight away. A few moons after becoming leader, Swanstar vanished. Her deputy became the next leader, Morningstar. Morningstar is another young inexperienced leader, not being a deputy for very long. Some think the way Swanstar vanished was suspicious, whether it was Morningstar, Streamclan cats, or some outside force is unknown. Lightstar supported Morningstar just like with Swanstar, the clan respecting her decisions.

Religion
They believe in a higher power called The Ancestors who are the descendants of the original tribe and the keepers of nature. They believe in something called the balance of nature which means that they should never take everything in one go. They should only hunt for what they need at the time to give the population of animals time to grow and if they have taken all the berries from a bush, they should take one to replant it. If these rules are not kept to then the balance would shift and become off balance causing havoc and destruction as The Ancestors would be unhappy and angry. Without nature there would be nothing and so it must be something that is cherished and not taken advantage of, something that they must give back to when it gives them so much for nothing.

There are three ancestors; Ceri, Cern and Nemi, though it is uncommon for them to be spoken about by their names and are more often than not grouped together under The Ancestors. Despite this, each of them have a different role in what Streamclan cats call the cycle which is how everything, even death contributes to the renewal of nature. 

Ceri is the ancestor of fertility and the seasons. She is the beginning of the cycle and is the ancestor who blesses cats with kits and even their prey with babies. She allows the trees and the grass to grow, enabling everything within nature to begin. It is said that she is the one who paints the landscapes, forming the land that cats walk upon everyday.

Cern is the ancestor of the hunt and survivability. He has a chaotic nature and is the ancestor that gave the cat its claws and sharp teeth, giving it necessary means to hunt and thus survive. If prey is to outrun the cat then that is Cern's will and a cat should never be annoyed or continue to give chase if the prey is clearly out of their reach. With the other two ancestors, he helps represent the balance as a whole.

Nemi is the ancestor of death and decay. She completes and renews the natural cycle of life. Without her, the cycle would simply end instead of continuing indefinitely. She helps those who have died into a peaceful afterlife and whilst death is often seen as departure, Nemi's role is for it to be seen as renewal. When a living thing dies, it breaks down into the ground and gives back to nature in the way of nutrients allowing new life to grow from those that have ended.

With the three of them joined to make up The Ancestors, they govern the way that Streamclan cats live and whilst the cats of the clan do not believe that The Ancestors decide their futures for them, they are still strongly respected and cats will often pray to them for guidance on what to do in particularly difficult situations.


The Democratic Constitutional Monarchy
The leader with the suffix of -star is the clan leader and figurehead for Summitclan. Their sons or daughters will replace them as leader, however major decisions are conducted between the leader, the deputy, and the medicine cat equally. The three cats will discuss ideas and plans before proposing them to clan to allow all cats old enough to vote to assist in making the final decision.

Appearances
Summitclan cats are generally large cats, requiring quite a bit of strength in order to navigate the rocky terrain of their territory. Pelt colors usually consist of gray, white or brown to help blend in with the mountain environment. They also usually have thick long fur in order to protect them from the colder climate during leafbare, usually getting the worst of it due to living near the mountain. Paws are usually large in order to assist them climbing up rocky surfaces and their pads gray and tough unlike cats who live in the soft forest.

Personalities
Summitclan cats are generally proud, outspoken cats. Although their leaders Silverstar and Blizzardstar value the opinion of the clan, they think highly of the bloodline and value them as the Creator's choice of bloodline for leadership. They strongly believe in Nightstar's teaching of the Creators, and often refer and revere them as beings higher than even Starclan. Hardworking, loyal, and faithful, these cats generally keep to their own clan, feeling as though others are blind for their lack of faith in the Creators. At times, they can get aggressive if their beliefs are questioned, some may be even a bit zealous. 

History
A long time ago, when the clans were only made up of one, lived a son of the leader out of three kittens. He was the oldest and the next one in line to be heir. A big and massive cat who thought outside of simple cats. That there must be a higher power than mere Starclan. Who created the sun? The moon? The trees? The powerful mountain? It was then he came to a realization, one he rallied other cats in order to spread his word and beliefs of his grand discovery.


A higher power known as the Creators. Those in charge of everything that made up in life but could never be seen and rarely heard. He would swear to his fellow clanmates that he heard them as he walked through his dreams! Even clearer the higher up the mountain he was and claimed he was the chosen one to spread their word when they could not anymore. Spreading his beliefs, he soon got cats to rally to his side and accept it. However, his two littermates also had different views on matter. Causing a three-way war with his littermates in a struggle to prove that indeed his beliefs were the true correct one.

So from then on he was named Nightstar.

Few moons passed and his daughter, Icestar rose to power, Nightstar believing his bloodline was the chosen ones and should be leader throughout. Icestar, however did not fully agree with her father’s ruling. So when she took his place after the war finally took his lives, she stepped up as Icestar, declaring peace and wishing for a truce with the other clans.

Leading her clan, although she tried to enlist everyone to work together and change forms of government, many zealots were adamant her bloodline remain the Chosen one to lead. So instead, she got a little creative. She agreed to have her line be the rulers, however she shared the decision making with her deputy and medicine cat. Deeming herself, her deputy, and the medicine cat as a council in decision making.

First, the three would offer ideas to the clan and have their clanmates offer ideas and decide on a vote for their opinion before the three cats counseled and came to a final decision. Icestar remained the symbol of leadership for Summitclan, but she made sure that everyone in her clan got a say to a decision. For she believed the Creators, although the Sun and the Moon were the origin Creators, they needed and valued the others just as much as themselves.

Moons passed as she had a litter of kittens, however the only remaining kit to survive was her daughter Silverkit. Icestar taught her the importance of individuality and that it was best to work together instead of being a complete tyrant. To not seek battle but to think out a peaceful solution. Being the sole heir to the throne, Silverstar rose to power after her mother used her final life in order to save a apprentice from a badger attack.

Many moons passed and Silverstar grew to be a old, wise, and kind leader. Her son and heir, Blizzardnight, was a young and passionate cat. Full of talent and was one of the few cats to complete their trail by scaling to the peak of the mountain and earning his warrior name that brought honor to him and his family.

Not too long after the decision was made for him to become Silverstar’s heir out of her three children, she passed away in her sleep. Blizzardstar now, a young inexperienced leader has to face the challenges of leading his clan to prosperity and pleasing his Creators.


Religion
Unlike most clans, Summitclan believes in a higher power over their ancestors known as Starclan. That there are those who created life and the world around them. They are considered Gods, but the cats refer to them as the Creators. First, before the earth, trees and rivers, was the Sun and Moon. There was nothing until the two original Creators formed, bringing light through the endless void of nothing. The two Creators grew a bit bored and lonely so they created others. Together they formed the land, the mountains, the waters, and as they created, more Creators were born.

Together, the Creators created the world and created life to live upon their masterpiece.

The Moon was a bit jealous of how much the Sun got attention from all and loved to bathe in his light, so she decided to blanket the night sky with stars. Giving herself something the daylight did not have. As cats roamed the land, the Creator born from the Moon called the Star Creator, took interest upon the mortals.

One day, the Star Creator came down from Silverpelt to speak to these lost cats who seemed so unsure of everything. The Star spoke to them and offered her assistance and granting them beliefs and government. In which, is when a Clan Leader with nine lives were born. The Star Creator also spoke that in order to show that the Creators care, for each life taken from a cat, the Star Creator would make their spirit a star and live amongst the beautiful night sky.

And so, Starclan born.

Cats may favor one Creator or the other, depending on personalities or traits. Rites will focus around these Creators and will help determine what kind of Warrior name a cat will receive.




List of Creators


The High Creators

Sun
Known for giving warmth. This Creator is one of the very first Creators. He is known for courage and strength. Having a fiery passion for others that is so strong the heat burns. Having a leadership quality and is known to be valued in battle.
-blaze, -bright, -dawn, -fire, -flame,-flare, -shine, -sun,


Moon
Known for wisdom and kindness. This Creator is one of the very first Creators. Often revered as more peaceful and wise, thinking through strategies in order to lead her children to true prosperity.
-dusk, -light, -moon, -night, -shade, -shine, -sky, -spirit


Star
The first Creator to be created by the Moon and also the first Creator to interact with mortals. The Star Creator took interest in the cats and decided to contact them. Bestowing them the gift of nine lives to the leader, and also allowing their spirits to lay rest as a star in her night sky. In honor of this creator, only clan leaders may share her name.
-star


The Creators

Water
Water is a creation from Moon, ruling over the rains, the lakes, and the rivers. She is valued as being calm and calculating, sharing qualities of the Moon Creator. However, it is heard that if this Creator becomes irritated or enraged, she has a biting temper that freezes others in place. Her waters freezing and causing snowstorms. Known to be clever and patient and creator of the fish. Teaching the clans to be calm, but still stand their ground. Always to be perceptive and calculate their moves before striking.
-blizzard, -brook, -creek, -drop, -ear, -eye, -eyes, -fin, -fish, -frost, -gaze, -ice, -mist, -pool, -puddle, -rain, -river, -snow,
-splash, -water, -watcher


Forest
Forest is a creation from Sun, known to be the most docile and peaceful out of all the Creators. Creating the trees, the animals, the food and all the beauty that surrounds life. Giving life, and teaching the cats the values of hunting and that every life is important. She teaches the art of tracking and hunting.
-berry, -branch, -briar, -dapple, -fall, -fern, -flower, -fur, -heart, -leaf, -nose, -pelt, -petal, -poppy, -spring, -stem, -vine,

-vole, -willow, -wing


Thunder
Thunder is a creation from Sun, known for his powerful presence and booming strength. He taught the clans the art of battle, and to strike like lightning itself. Fierce and ambitious, Thunder strikes with power and holds everyone responsible in being loyal to those they align with.
-bolt, -bee, -belly, -bite, -burr, -claw, -cloud, -face, -fang, -jaw, -scar, -spark, -sting, -stone, -storm, -strike, -talon, -thorn, -tooth



Wind
Wind is the creation from Sun, known for her speed and ruling over the wind itself. Everlasting moving everywhere in the blink of an eye. Whistling as she moves across the land and singing songs and bringing a pleasant breeze to cats in her tireless travels.
-bird, -breeze, -call,
-cloud
, -dash, -dust, -feather, -flight, -hawk, -howl, -leap, -leg, -song, -streak, -swift, -swirl, -tuft,

-wind


Shadow
Shadow is the creation from Moon, and he excels at being one under Moon’s night sky. Valuing stealth and cunning over brute strength or speed. He is known for being able to blend in anywhere and sneak anywhere he so wishes.
-foot, -haze, -mask, -pad, -path, -speck, -spots, -step, -stripe, -tail, -whisker, -whisper


Silence
Silence is a creation from both Sun and Moon and unlike the other creators, this one is known to not create life. But to take it. Amongst them, Silence's work is everlasting as they move to take life and pass judgment upon them. Will they guide the fallen to Starclan? Or drag them down to the belly of the mountain? Unlike the rest of the Creators, Silence does not have a rite pertaining to the reaper of spirits. However, it is said that Silence's 'rite' is for every cat. The Rite of their life to see if they are worthy to join Starclan and the Creators amongst the stars. Many Summitclan cat's either fear or respect this Creator.
Unlike others, Silence's warrior names do not pertain to suffix's. Instead, for cats given a name change in order to show dishonor, or to show that they had barely escaped Silence's claws.
Bent-, Broken-, Crooked-, Dead-, Half-,  Lost-, One-, Shattered-, Torn-, Twisted-