ShiverClan & The Tribe Of Rippling Water [lore challenge]

[iStarz & Everly]

𝕊𝕙𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕣ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕟 & 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕣𝕚𝕓𝕖 𝕆𝕗 ℝ𝕚𝕡𝕡𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕎𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣
*this thread is for the stars lore challenge; please do not post here*


ShiverClan is a very easy going group. Agreeable to learing, teaching, and caring about other not of the group. They don't regularly take in cats, but gladly open their paws to the few that do. Teaching them their ways and helping those in need. Though they are quite secluded in their territory. The cats in this clan have mostly all decended from Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons, giving them thick coats. Most of the cats are large in stature, with big paws that keep them atop the snow, though some are on the smaller side. These cats are built for the cold temperatures and miserable, wet weather in their mountian forest home.

The Tribe of Rippling Water is aloof and fairly reserved. They tend to keep to themselves as a whole, although they are very friendly and enjoy meeting new cats.

[iStarz & Everly]

ℂ𝕒𝕞𝕡 & 𝕋𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪



lake [credit]
stepping stones [credit]
meadows [credit]
forest [credit]
clan camp [credit]
trout creek [credit]



credit to aglassman for the art <3
ShiverClan's camp is based between the forest and the river in the mountian foothills. The dens are built in the caves of the rocky outcropings that enclose the camp and protect it from potential flooding that can sometimes occur in early spring from the winter melt as it flows down the mountian and into the river. The entrance of the camp is facing south, hidden by a large oak tree that has a gap in its roots that has been dug out and provides a way in and out of camp. The northern and western side of the camp are also protected by rocky towers. A few trees inside the camp provide shelter from sprinklings of rain and blazing sunshine. A large red pine half fallen, has nested itself in the northern corner of the camp. Its roots gnarled and thick, trying to find hold on the rocky ground has become partly hollow, here is where the herbalist's den has been placed. The tree is still alive though, providing a sturdy place for the medicines for the clan.

ShiverClan's territory is mostly a hardwood forest at the foothills of a mountain range. Blazing, muggy summers and harsh, frosted winters occur here, along with the almost constant drizzle of rain in spring and fall. But there is beauty here too. ShiverClan territory is bordered to the east by a plentiful, babbling river, and on the otherside, a tribe. To the west, dense hardwoods provide shelter from wind and most blizzards, protecting the clan and its prey from disaster. Rocky outcropings and some hills have now been overtaken by the forest near the river which provides the cats with warm dens and a place to call home. To the south, the land slopes down gradually to some long grassed meadows where deer like to graze and pheasants and grouse can be found nesting or feeding on seeds. Farther to the east is currently unexplored, as the forest is vast.

[iStarz & Everly]

ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕪 & ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕤


ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕪
Prey can sometimes be scarce, especially during leafe-bare, but ShiverClan's territory is vast wit many different types of prey to find. Ptarmigans, hares, pikas, and marmots can be found higher up in the foothills, but can be difficult to catch because of the terrain. The lower meadows hold many small rodents as well as grouse, pheasants, rabbits and even snakes. In the dense forests, squirrels, chipmunks, and songbirds like finches, chickadees, and grosbeaks are plentiful! But the river by far holds ShiverClan's favorites, trout, catfish, arctic grayling, and even chubs and shiners can be found, proving an easy meal for these agile felines. Sometimes a strong cat can manage to grab a ring-neck duck or even a goose chick if they are careful enough.

Common;
- mice
- voles
- shrews
- squirrels
- chipmunks
- trout (brook, brown, rainbow, etc)
- chubs
- shiners
- ptarmigans
- quail
- pikas
- cowbirds
Uncommon;
- garter snakes
- song birds (finches, chickadees, grosbeaks, etc)
- grouse
- cotton-tail rabbits
- channel catfish
- turkey chicks
Rare;
- pheasants
- ring-necked ducks
- geese chicks
- marmots
- snowshoe hares
- whitefish
- arctic grayling


ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕤
With such a widespread territory, the threat of predators is always looming. Black bears awakening from their hibernation move down the mountains towards the meadows at the far stretches of the territory. While these animals don't usually cause much of an issue, a mother with cubs can spell disaster for a patrol if care isn't taken. Rarely, the cats will see evidence of wolves, lynx, or bobcats, but they tend to be nocturnal and don't usually pose a threat for the clan. However, owls, eagles, and hawks like to wait for the cats returning on dusk patrol and occasionally make a move. Coyotes are the biggest threat for the clan, often seeking out patrols while scavenging. Minks, weasles and pine martens are often ran into and these creatures like to steal prey caught while out on patrol. Raccoons, ravens, and crows pose the same threat, sometimes even breaking into camp to loot the fresh kill pile.

Common;
- ravens/crows
- raccoons
- mink/weasles
- ferrets/pine martens
- fox (red or grey)
- falcons/kestrels
- hawks
- gopher snakes [non-venomous]
- bull snakes [non-venomous]
Uncommon;
- rattlesnakes [venomous]
- wolverine
- coyotes
- cougars
- great horned owls
- great grey owls
- eagles
Rare;
- ospreys
- badger
- bobcats
- lynx
- wolves
- black bears

[iStarz & Everly]

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔽𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟




ShiverClan was founded many many moons ago by a cat named Shiver. She was a curious cat who had slipped from her owner's RV one day, wanting to explore a bit before returning to her humans. Unfortunately, she explored a little too far, getting lost. As the sun went down, she began to loose hope of ever finding home again, that was until she came upon a barely flowing river. Pausing to take a drink, the she-cat looked up to see three pairs of eyes staring back at her. Startled, the she-cat bristled, unsure of the strangers.
She soon relaxed when the three cats approached her through the water. They told her that the were from a tribe of cats that lived nearby and the offered Shiver shelter for the night and food which she greatfully accepted.
She never did return to her owners, though. Once she discovered the freedom that the tribe experienced daily, she couldn't leave. She did return to the twoleg camp, three times. Each journey she made she brought more cats back with her before setting off with them into the forest to make her own family. Thus, ShiverClan was born.
Each year, she returned to the tribe at about the same time that she first found them. Eventually she fell in love with one of the Protectors of the tribe and he joined her in her clan. By the next gathering, Shiver had kits of her own with her mate, [tribe name goes here].
Shiver and the tribe leader decided among themselves that an exchange should take place. Trading learners would strengthen the tribe's bloodlines as well as the clan, and bond the two groups together. The Exchange was born. The first two cats to bee traded were Shiver's son, Frost, and the tribe leader's daughter, Sun.

* * * * *

Seasons went by and Frost returned to ShiverClan, he was given his fighter name, FrostFang, for his fighting skills and finesse. The tribe's daughter fell in love with clan life and decided that she wanted to stay, she was also given a fighter name, SunSwirl.
Shiver was impressed with her clan's new fighters. ShiverClan was growing, kits were being born and everyone was happy. FrostFang and SunSwirl soon fell in love and the next new-leaf they had kits of their own.

[iStarz & Everly]

𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟

When new-leaf comes to the mountian forests around ShiverClan, on the eve of the first full moon after the river begins to flow again, a small group of the clan travel across the river to their neighbor's territory. This tribe of cats is very reseved, but embraces the clan when they arrive every year. Old friends greet each other, the clan trades herbs and food with the tribe, and vise-versa. Each year, one young learner from the tribe, and one from the clan trade places, blending the two groups of cats together. Strengthening the bloodlines and bonds of both groups. These young cats must have volunteered to do so and the clan or tribe must have voted that this cat is a good choice to join the other group as a whole. At the end of the year, the two young cats may choose to return to their original clan or tribe, or stay with the group that has taken them in the past year. Once they make their final choice, they will recieve their new adult names, and become official members of the clan or tribe. The next year, the tribe cats come to ShiverClan and they trade off each year to keep the peace, trade, and be friends. This tradition is known as the exchange.


Exchange Order;

current; RussetPaw (ShiverClan) & Wren (TORW)
- Rain Of Coming Storm (originally ShiverClan)
& MoonGaze (originally TORW)
- Echo That Fades (originally ShiverClan) & EmberStream (originally TORW)
- LightStep (originally ShiverClan) & BlazeFlower (originally TORW)
- Screech From Mighty Eagle (originally ShiverClan)
& BlueFang (originally TORW)
- Wolf That Howls At Moon (originally ShiverClan) & MistyNose (originally TORW)
- Shadow Over Tall Grass(originally ShiverClan) & SparrowSong; decreased (originally TORW)
- Tumbling Water (originally ShiverClan) & Cotton-nose (originally TORW)
- Grey Sky At Dusk (originally ShiverClan) & Pine That Droops Over; deceased (originally TORW)
- DriftClaw (originally ShiverClan; deceased) & StoneSkip (originally TORW; deceased)
- FoxFleck (originally ShiverClan; deceased) & Bird That Rests On High Branch (originally TORW; deceased)
- FrostFang (originally ShiverClan; deceased) & SunSwirl (originally TORW; deceased)

[iStarz & Everly]

𝕊𝕙𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕣ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕟 ℝ𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤

𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣; the head of the clan and is in charge. Duties include naming learners into the clan as well as making announcements and negotiating on issues
𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕕; the right hand of the leader, they set the patrols and help the leader make decisions that effect the clan. They become leader if the current one passes into StarClan.
ℍ𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥; heals the sick or injured of the clan, in charge of making medicines as well as reading prophecies or dreams. Can often be found given advice to the cats of the clan. They may take a mate and have kits.
ℍ𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥 𝔸𝕡𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕖; a young cat training to become the next Herbalist. Must be older than 6 moons.
𝔽𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤; the hunters and protectors of the clan. They take the majority of the day to day duties of the clan. They are charged with paroling the borders and training they young cats to become Fighters.
𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕤; the young of the clan, over 6 moons of age, they train to become Fighters of the clan, duties include caring for the elders and catching prey as well as cleaning dens.
ℚ𝕦𝕖𝕖𝕟𝕤; the pregnant or nursing mothers of the clan, though occasionally permanent Queens can reside here as well.
𝕂𝕚𝕥𝕤; the infants of the clan, kits are under 6 moons old they are reliant on their mothers or other caretakers to provide for them.
𝔼𝕝𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕤; the senior fighters and herbalists of the clan, most of these cats are of an advanced age and are retired.



𝕋𝕣𝕚𝕓𝕖 ℝ𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤

ℂ𝕙𝕖𝕚𝕗; the leader of the tribe, charged with guiding the clan as well as negotiating issues and naming new protectors.
ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕖𝕣; the cheifs right hand, often giving them advice. They also take care of the sick or injured and make medicines.
ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕤; the fighters of the tribe, their are two smaller ranks here, warrior and valiants
𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕣𝕤; a class of protector, these are more senior fighters, often older and more experienced, they continue training valiants. They protect the clan as well as patrol the borders
𝕍𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕤; they younger Protectors of the clan, they are charged with teaching all learners basic fighting skills, they all show promise in their own fighting skills
ℍ𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤; these cats do the majority of the hunting for the tribe, as well as searching for herbs for the Healer. They teach basic hunting skills to the learners.
𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕤; the young cats of the tribe, all are over 6 moons old. They spend most of their time training with the Protectors or Hunters. They also care for the Ancients and clan dens.
ℚ𝕦𝕖𝕖𝕟𝕤; the pregnant or nursing mothers of the tribe, though occasionally permanent Queens can reside here as well.
𝕂𝕚𝕥𝕤; the infants of the tribe, kits are under 6 moons old they are reliant on their mothers or other caretakers to provide for them.
𝔸𝕟𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤; the senior cats of the tribe, most of these cats are of an advanced age and are retired.

[iStarz & Everly]

𝕊𝕙𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕣ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕟 & 𝕋𝕣𝕚𝕓𝕖 ℝ𝕦𝕝𝕖𝕤
𝕆𝕟𝕖; keep loyal to your clan/tribe, they are your family and family is most important
𝕋𝕨𝕠; the clan eats together most days. the elders, queens, kits and the ill receive their food first, but everyone eats together.
𝕋𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖; a kit must be at least 6 moons old to become a learner
𝔽𝕠𝕦𝕣; the second will become leader if the current one passes on to StarClan
𝔽𝕚𝕧𝕖; kits must never be neglected, any kit found and known to be abandoned must be taken in.
𝕊𝕚𝕩; the word of the leader is the word of StarClan
𝕊𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟; an honorable cat does not kill others unless completely necessary to protect the lives of the innocent
𝔼𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥; boundaries must be patrolled, checked, and marked routinely
ℕ𝕚𝕟𝕖; prey is only to be killed for food, it is a valuable resource
𝕋𝕖𝕟; trespassing is prohibited

[iStarz & Everly]

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣


ℙ𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪
ShadeStar is a very resiliant cat. He's proud and defiant and likes to do things his own way even it means taking twice as long to do something. He does not like to ask for help or to admit his mistakes. He takes responsibility for his actions, and can be quite hard on himself when things go badly. He's a natural leader and doesn't back down from a challange. He will always be the dominant cat, and mostly likely will be in old age as well. He is quite stubborn, but is fiercely loyal. Protecting his clan and family is his number one priority, nothing is more important to him then his clan.
While sometimes ShadeStar can come off to outsiders as a bit gruff, but to his clan he is a gracious and amazing leader. He is kind and absolutely adores kits. When greenleaf comes and kits start being born it just makes ShadeStar burst with joy. He can often be found playing with young kits and listens to their problems and helps them in any way he possibly can. This makes the queens' hearts melt, watching their babies have so much fun with their leader. Most mornings, before everyone else is awake. ShadeStar and the kittens play hide and seek, or other games.

Ancestry;
family tree

ShadeStar's mother was Shiver's 3x great granddaughter, and for each generation in his family, one of Shiver's direct decendents has always been part of the Exchange.

𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℙ𝕒𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕝

ShadowFrost padded down the worn path leading away from camp, three other cats in tow. His mate, FeatherStep, his friend, DarkShadow, his brother, StormFang. As they reached the part of the path that spilt into different forks, they veered to the left, towards the river, where they would mark the border. Not that there was much need for it, since the only other cats out there were the Tribe of Rippling Water, and there was no need to worry. The Tribe, and ShiverClan were in harmony with eachother.
They continued to walk the border, marking every so often. About half way around the border, on the edges of the meadows, FeatherStep spotted a grouse. These birds were hard to spot, and even harder to catch, but when they did get one, it fed many fighters for the day. They were a welcome sight.
FeatherStep took advantage with her light frame and pounced in perfect time, pinning the bird and quickly dispatching it.
"Great catch, FeatherStep!" StormFang mewed to her, padding over and picking up the large bird. Though it partialy drug on the ground as he carried it, following the patrol the rest of the way through the meadows.
StormFang set the bird down in a small patch of matted down grass. The group listened and sniffed in the long grass for a few mintues, catching a few mice and voles. Adding them to the pile with the grouse, FeatherStep heard a small squeak, of what sounded like another mouse. She snuck up on the spot before scenting it wasn't a mouse at all. She cautiously padded closer and found a tiny little kit, squeaking in the tall grass. He looked to be terribly hungry and weak. FeatherStep didn't think another second and picked up the baby and padded back to the patrol. She layed down and set the kit near her. Just having kits herself a little more than a quarter moon past. She let the little one nuzzle into her and nurse. StormFang padded over looking upon the scene.
"Where did you find it FeatherStep?" He mowed.

"He was all by himself. He looks very weak." FeatherStep mewed sadly, licking the scruffy kit's fur backwards to warm him up.

"We cant just take him, what if his mom is out there?" StormFang frowned.

"Then why hasn't he been fed if she is still out there?" She retorted, "She just left him to die out here. He is only a few days old!"

ShadowFrost nodded "You're right about that." Hovering over his mate, he looked at DarkShadow for approval. When he was met with no resistance, he licked his mates' ear, "Okay, let's take him home." he told her softly.

DarkShadow, StormFang, and ShadowFrost gathered up the prey that they had caught, letting the small kit fill its belly and become content. FeatherStep picked up the kitten and followed behind her mate as they headed back towards camp, ending their patrol early.

[iStarz & Everly]

FAQ

Q. Are cats born into a specific rank?

A.
Cats in both the clan and the tribe are not born into specific ranks, they forge their own path. However, in some instances, rankings like the clan's 'Second' will be passed down to a child of the current rank holder if the learner holds promise for the position.

Q. Do the clan and tribe often trade?
A.
Trade between the clan and the tribe is common, especially when it comes to herbs. The Healer and Herbalist often trade for herbs that are difficult to find in their respective territories. Specifically, fairyslippers are almost non existent in Tribe territory, but are slightly easier to find higher in the mountians that back ShiverClan's territory. The herb helps combat seizures which often follow being bitten by some of the venomous snakes found in tribe territory. It's always a good idea to know where to find this illusive flower.

Q. Are there any heros or villains of note?
A.
The clan in particular doesn't really have any enemies specifically, but their is word of a traveling group of rogues that sometimes is scented in the forests surrounding ShiverClan, but their haven't been any run-ins with them yet.
As for heros, all of ShiverClan knows the story of Shiver and her mate Fox. The story of how ShiverClan started is their greatest tale.

Q. What would be considered a normal family unit? And how important are family connections?
A.
The entire clan is considered family, and is most important. However, a 'normal' family unit is usually a mated pair and any kits they have. Once the kits are grown and have Mates and kits of their own they mostly become their own unit, buy some families stay very close.

The Tribe on the other hand is more aloof, while in general they see eachother as family regardless of who is born to who, family units are mostly a mated pair and their current kits, if any. Once kits are grown and have become adults they are mostly on their own. True family units aren't as common in the tribe as a whole. Though there are instances of siblings sticking close together.

[iStarz & Everly]

The Vikings;

Vikings ℝ𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤

King; the leader of the group, charged with guiding the the group as well as negotiating issues.
Seer; the king's confidante. The Seer is the matchmaker of the group and they are able to see/read the future.
Jarl; the king's right-hand, they manage the warriors as well as petty disagreements.
Warriors; that majority of the cats in the group. They protect the group as well as patrol the borders, go off hunting and such.
Commons; the young cats of the group, all are over 6 moons old. They spend most of their time training with the Protectors or Hunters. They also care for the Ancients and clan dens.
Queens; the pregnant or nursing mothers of the group, though occasionally permanent Queens can reside here as well.
Kits; the infants of the group, kits are under 6 moons old they are reliant on their mothers or other caretakers to provide for them.
Elders; the senior cats of the tribe, most of these cats are of an advanced age and are retired.


Q; How do the Vikings choose their mates?
A; the Vikings have a matchmaker. Cats don’t pick their own mates as much as their mates are chosen by the Seer. Though the King and Jarl is able to choose their own mates.

Q; Do the Vikings have a territory?
A; the Vikings have a permanent territory on the other side of the mountians that their Queens, Kits and elders always live. Every newleaf the warriors venture out, hunting, looking for other cats to join them and trading. Sometimes they even steal food if it's more convenient.