Welcome to the Valley

...you....Hidden.between.treacherous.peaks.lies nature's last bastion of life. This is where our story begins — this is the valley. Three clans call this place their home, each with distinct traditions and cultures. ...you.....you.....At..the..northernmost..part..of..the valley, a waterfall comes down from the mountain. This feeds into the mouth of the great river that splits the valley roughly down the middle...you..It.is.wide.with.a.strong current, though there are several safe crossing points....you....A.lightly.forested.island.sits.almost.perfectly at the center of the valley in the river. This is the gathering ground for the clans. Fallen trees act as bridges to the island, making it accessible to even the non-aquatic clans.

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odhbdd Past the gathering island, the river breaks in two, a smaller branch curving into the steppe. This forms another island that is partially or fully submerged during the flood seasons. It is often fought over by BrookClan and SteppeClan.

...you....SteppeClan.has.the.largest.stretch of territory, usually laying claim to the whole steppe. However, this does not come without a price. ...you.....you.....This..territory..is..shared..with..more.animals.and.by.extension.more threats. Thundering herds of elk and deer can destroy camps or trample entire patrols, their presence alone being enough to draw in larger predators. Wolves, cougars, and bears are frequent visitors to the steppe. Unlike the territories of their sister clans, SteppeClan has little to no cover for the cats....you....Still,.SteppeClan.cats.are.hard.as.stone..They.are.survivors in spite of all that is against them. The high mortality rate of SteppeClan calls for a heightened sense of spirituality. SteppeClanners are very close with StarClan, also emphasizing the importance of oral history.

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...you....Across.the.river.lies.a.more.forested.part.of.the valley. The northwest part of the territory is home to OakClan. A vast old-growth oak forest has allowed for the cats to mostly live in the trees. Surrounded by lumber, OakClan are builders....you.....you.....Their..camp..is..a..testament.to.their.innovation, fortifying it to be the epicenter of their life in the trees. By nature, these cats are resourceful. They strive for evolution, making advancements in many fields....you....Since.they.are.so.close.to.the.sky, some OakClanneres have taken to studying the weather of all things. Given the practicality of OakClan, spirituality isn't as important in day-to-day life.

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...you....To.the.southwest.is.BrookClan..Where.the great oaks of OakClan are replaced by pines, BrookClan is a lightly forested rocky area. From the western mountain that borders BrookClan, their namesake brook runs down....you.....you.....It..snakes..through..their..territory,.feeding.into.the.great.river. The territory closer to the river border is marshland, though deeper into the territory the ground is solid. Closer to the mountain border, the land is rocky and rugged. One wrong move can cause a rockslide, making it generally off-limits to most of BrookClan....you....However,.this.area.does.have.its.spoils..Prey.often.can.be.found.exposed here, making it a prime hunting spot for those who know how to navigate the area. Given how diverse BrookClan's territory is, they have quite an interest in honing in on the best tactics for each area. The intensity of faith is largely up to the individual.

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odhbdd What lies beyond the valley? Nothing good. A wasteland surrounds the mountains. There is little prey and even less drinkable water. These barren lands are dominated by hungry packs of feral dogs, making it not the most friendly place for cats. Due to this lack of hospitable land, the valley is quite the magnet for rogues seeking a better life. Most clan cats are not privy to just how bad it is outside of their little world.

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brookclan

odhbdd The forested wetlands and cliffsides belong to BrookClan. Their territory is by far the most diverse. Unlike their neighbors to the north, BrookClan's forest consists mostly of evergreens — pines, firs, and spruces mostly towards the central and rugged rocky borders. Hemlocks and cedars prefer the wetlands near the river. Just as the trees prefer different parts of the territory, BrookClan warriors also favor and specialize in certain parts of the territory. It's in their nature to strive for perfection in their trades, leading to a different approach to spirituality than the other clans.

CAMP

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LANDMARKS

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Attitudes and Unique Traits

odhbdd BrookClan is a hardworking group of cats with an almost innate sense of civic pride. Their territory is unlike any other, and in their humble opinion, the best of them all. Not only are they blessed with bountiful waterways and forests, but sprawling cliffs that are just as fruitful — however, they are dangerous. Mountaineers are a rank unique to BrookClan, a small group of warriors who are trained to patrol and hunt in the rockier areas safely. The cliff border, despite its danger, is often a way for rogues to enter the valley. As a result, guard duty is a great honor for only the most trustworthy of warriors and mountaineers. Although BrookClan humors the existence of StarClan, with an intensity that varies from cat to cat, they have beliefs unlike any other...

odhbdd BrookClan cats are strong with many builds. Fur lengths vary.

The spirits of BrookClan

...you....Water,.fire,.earth,.air..These.elements.are.far.closer.than.the.stars, BrookClan looks to them when fighting and hunting respectively. The spirits are almost as old as BrookClan, starting with water in their founder Mallardstar. Even though he knew his death was imminent, Mallardstar was not ready to leave BrookClan. So, as rival forces marched into BrookClan's territory, Mallardstar made a promise with his last breath, "Fight as the water flows, and I will be there beside you." Now, the spirit of water is looked to in combat....you....Fire.was.the.next.spirit.BrookClan.adopted..Like.water,.fire.is.looked.to.in.combat..Although Cinderflower was a dedicated herbalist, she was not content with the pacifist lifestyle expected of her. When BrookClan was raided by rogues on the eve of the gathering, Cinderflower fought with the strength of ten warriors as she defended the camp. The capable elders and queens fought alongside her, sending the rogues running off with their tales between their legs. However, Cinderflower was wounded badly. Just as the rest of the clan returned to camp, Cinderflower urged her clanmates not to cry for her. To honor her memory, fight like fire, for there was one blazing in all of them. Ever since then, fire has been looked to just as water is....you....Earth.came.next,.generations.later..The.dry.season.hit.BrookClan.hard,.the.streams.drying.up.and.the.river.ran.dangerously.low. However, rationing water quickly became the last of their concerns. The prey shortage that ensued brought famine to the clan. The fighting spirits were prayed to, but they could not help this battle. Pebblepool, the clan's herbalist, went to collect berries for the kits to eat when they found a mouse that seemed to have the same idea. Catching the mouse, Pebblepool rushed back to camp to inform the clan of their find. With Pebblepool's knowledge of herbs and plant growth, she was able to help the warriors hunt in places that attracted prey. Berry bushes, clover and alfalfa patches, areas where nuts fell to the forest floor. To be better hunters, warriors must be in tune with the earth around them. Pebblepool lived a long life, and even after their death they are remembered for their connection to the earth....you....Air.came.last,.not.so.long.ago.too..Now.mountaineers.are.a.crucial.part.of.BrookClan,.but.they.have.only.existed.for the past several generations. Breezestar had always been drawn to the cliffs, long before she was BrookClan's leader. Before she was Breezestar she was Breezechaser, and before that she was Breezepaw. She passed her warrior assessment by catching the rodents and birds that usually went unhunted in the cliffs. When the origin of the prey was revealed, she only narrowly escaped punishment. However, this did not deter her spirit. Her story is perhaps the longest out of her predecessors, for she spent years following her heart. As leader, Breezestar trained the first mountaineers, a rank that would long outlive her. This does not mean she was forgotten. Now, when BrookClan tastes the air in search of prey, Breezestar is remembered. Her spirit is in the air, guiding BrookClan's hunters to this day.

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odhbdd Both the fighting and hunting spirits are looked to in training. They are thanked for victories and good hunts alike. Given the devotion of BrookClan cats to the spirits in life, some are given a choice in death. A deceased cat's soul may join StarClan, or they may become one with the spirits. Contrary to the belief of the other clans, the existence of the spirits is not in opposition to StarClan. Rather, they exist in tandem, connected.

Prey and Predators

odhbdd Most of BrookClan prefer tasty fish from the various waterways in the territory, though generally, the mountaineers prefer more gamey meals — mice, birds, smaller rodents, and alike. Reptiles like lizards, frogs, toads, snakes, and even sometimes turtles aren't off the table.

odhbdd Proximity to safe drinking water has obvious benefits for BrookClan. However, with it comes consequences. Larger animals are drawn to the area in mass. Bears, wolves, coyotes, foxes, badgers, and alike. Birds of prey too. Similarly, the territory's cliffs also attract birds of prey. Smaller predators like foxes and the occasional hungry coyote or wolf also can be found around there. No part of the territory is entirely safe.

Recent History

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oakclan

odhbdd A third of the valley is uniquely shrouded in an imposing old-growth oak forest. Although the forest floor is consumed by shadow, the sturdy branches reach sky-high. The sky is quite literally the limit for OakClanners. Their very presence in the forest is an act of defiance to Clan nature, OakClanners don’t burrow and hide underground like their sister Clans, instead, they build up.

CAMP

...you....OakClan.camp.is.located.in.what.must.look.like.a.mess.of tangled branches. Years of overgrowth have interwoven branches together, and generations of OakClan cats have used the surplus of lumber to their advantage. Most cats rarely leave the trees, and when they do it is hardly a challenge to hop right back up. However, their camp’s location was chosen by a less spry generation. The Camp’s unused centerpiece is Mother Tree. She is a massive, intimidating oak. Elders say her branches once bore fruit that fed all the forest creatures, and the seeds from the fruit are what sprouted their forest home. Whether that is true or an old cat’s tale is an age-old hotly debated topic of OakClan’s youth. ...you.....you.....Mother..Tree..stands..stronger..than..ever,.but.a.her.trunk.is.entirely.hollow..The hollow groves and remainder of internal bark offer a sort of step-up area for those who lack the athleticism to leap or climb. Mother Tree’s passage brings one to the lowest tier of OakClan camp. It is by far the most fortified part of camp. The camp floor is made by strategically placed picked branches laid across Mother Tree’s. A portion of this tier is roofed by similarly constructed branches, making OakClan’s nursery. It’s a shaded area for parents of kits over one moon old, covered in moss and feathers. Occasionally, elders will also occupy this space. On this level is also where the herbalist den is located. It is a hollow in the side of an oak neighboring Mother Tree, connected with a branch floor. This is where the herb store is kept. The fresh kill pile is across the way, near Mother Tree’s opening....you.....you.....All..that..is..above..is..far,.less.defined..OakClan.cats.climb from branch to branch to get around, roofed areas scattered about. Most OakClan cats don’t make use of the sheltered area unless the weather sours, instead opting to sleep strewn across the many branches. Big Branch is a thick branch that connects to another hollow, this being the Leader’s Den. From Big Branch is where the leader addresses the Clan. Other hollows in trees around camp are where queens will keep their kits until they’re ready to join the rest of camp at one moon old. Weather watchers will often climb to the highest branches, far above the rest of camp, where they observe the sky.

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LANDMARKS

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Attitudes and Unique Traits

odhbdd OakClan cats are resourceful and welcome whatever changes are to come. They are constantly adapting and evolving, finding new ways to better their quality of life. These cats strive for constant improvement, but they are not the type to care for cosmetics or vanity. Their architectural prowess can be found throughout all their territory, but their camp’s fortitude is by far their proudest achievement. Still, tactilely isn’t all OakClanners are concerned with. Weather watchers put their minds to good use by studying the sky and interpreting the weather. Although they are not always praised, their predictions have allowed OakClan to prepare for many storms throughout the seasons.

odhbdd OakClan cats are usually small and nimble with short to medium-length coats.

Inventions

odhbdd meow

odhbdd meow

Prey and Predators

odhbdd OakClan cats have a diet that consists largely of birds and tree dwelling mammals such as squirrels and chipmunks. Ground prey like rabbits, voles, and moles are less common.

odhbdd Birds of prey are OakClan’s biggest threat. However, larger predators that come down from the mountains or the other territories can cause a scare for OakClanners. As long as they can’t climb, however, OakClan cats are usually safe.

Recent History

...you....OakClan.has.been.under.Pythonstar's.leadership.for.3.years.now. The past leader Harpystar stepped down for Pythonstar to become leader earlier than expected. Pythonstar came from a long line of family members being leaders in the past, so it was only fitting for another member of the family to lead OakClan yet again. ...you.....you.....Due..to..Pythonstar..always..working..hard.and.putting.his.clan.first,.OakClan.is.thriving.and.able.to.pride themselves in their architectural abilities and their own rank, weatherwatchers! Pythonstar is a well respected leader because of this. Pythonstar, being the overachiever he is, SteppeClan and OakClan had previously been in a scuffle for many moons, however, Pythonstar took matters into his own paws once Lilacstar had taken leadership. He worked out an alliance with Steppeclan and officially ended the two clans' disputes.

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steppeclan

odhbdd The valley’s lowlands are almost as unforgiving as their feline inhabitants. Without the cover of trees, the steppe is a vast stretch that is entirely exposed to the elements and predators. Living to see tomorrow is the concern of SteppeClanners, and they lead their lives with the mantra: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” They care deeply for the preservation of tradition. Living with a heightened sense of mortality comes with a heightened spirituality. Many cats in SteppeClan feel as though they have personal relationships with StarClan and their warrior ancestors.

CAMPS

odhbdd There are many camps strewn across the Steppe. The one the Clan occupies is dependent upon both the season and state of the Clan.

...you....Stone.Camp.is.by.far.the.least.popular.of.the.camps, but it is without a doubt the safest from predators and the cold. The entrance is hidden within a rocky outcrop, leading to a large underground area. This camp offers little privacy for the average warrior and it is almost constantly cast in darkness. Stone Camp is most often moved to in states of emergency, at least to the Clan’s higher-ups. ...you.....you.....Hilltop..Camp,..more..commonly..just..Hilltop,.is.a.crowd.favorite. It sits atop a hill near the riverbed, and as such the surrounding area floods in newleaf. Once the land dries later in the season, Hilltop becomes an ideal camp. Bushels of wildflowers make for good dens, but most cats prefer to sleep in the tall grass beneath the stars. The Nursery is beneath a wild rose bush, the thorns acting as a deterrent to any predators. The Leader’s Den and the Main Den where the warriors, apprentices, and elders may sleep are beneath brightly colored poppy bushes. The Herbalist Den is between the two poppy bushes, offering cover with space to stand and store herbs comfortably. In this camp, the leader makes their address in the camp center. During Clan meetings, it is expected for other cats to remain on the sidelines unless they are called upon....you....Dirt.Camp.is.in.a.dugout.on.the.side.of.a.hill. This camp is very bare-bones, with much open space and several uninteresting dens dug in the hillside. The Herbalist Den, Main Den, and Nursery are all simple dugout areas, though the Main Den often goes unused unless there is poor weather. The Leader’s Den also goes unused unless there are meetings to be had, it is isolated on the other side of the hill. Leaders make their address on the hill overlooking the camp...you..Thicket.Camp.is.most.often.used.during.the.coldest seasons. This area of SteppeClan territory is overgrown and hard to navigate, though the large briars and thickets offer ample shelter. The camp’s common area is beneath two large thickets that have grown upwards. Beneath the surrounding thickets are the Main Den, Nursery, Leader’s Den, and Herbalist Den. The leader makes addresses in the camp center.

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landmarks

...you....The.Tunnels.is.are.at.various.points.in.SteppeClan.territory. The absence of cover leaves cats vulnerable, thus tunnels were dug at points of the territory to offer quick escapes. Most often they lead directly to a different point of the territory, but they are always at risk of collapse…...you....Honeytounge’s.Point.is.a.rock.formation.points.at.the.highest point in SteppeClan’s territory. It is a naturally occurring rocky outcrop that once was one of the Clan’s many camps. However, it was retired due to the snakes and birds of prey in the area....you....The.Standing.Stones.are.a.strange.formation.of.smooth boulders jutting up from the ground. Its origin is unknown. Some cats think they're bad luck, others use it as an altar....you....First.Butte.is.in.the.northeast.hills.of.SteppeClan's.territory. It's unknown where its name or significance originates, however, it is quite the hot spot for rabbits due to how much clover and other herbs grow in the area. However, cats must be on high alert there. Foxes and coyotes also frequent the area....you....The.Briar.Patch.is.where.Thicket.Camp.is.located. It is a maze of thorn and briar bushes with berry bushes mixed in. This area is especially dangerous in the moons approaching leafbare, as bears like to gorge themselves on berries here in preperation for hybernation.

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Attitudes and Unique Traits

odhbdd SteppeClan cats are not welcoming to change. Generations of knowledge and oral history have guided the Clan thus far, so they have no need for OakClan’s peculiar inventions nor time for BrookClan’s incecinst need for constant "improvement". Besides, SteppeClan has their ancestors always watching over them. The upkeep of camp and preservation of traditions is the job of the Clan’s keepers, who pass down their knowledge to SteppeClan’s youth. Keepers are respected by most, as they have very important jobs to do. However, some warriors, usually young ones with their heads in the clouds, might not always give credit where it's due.

odhbdd SteppeClan cats come in all shapes and sizes, though it is most common for them to have rather long, thick fur.

tales from the keepers

odhbdd meow meow meow meow

odhbdd meow?!

Prey and Predators

odhbdd Small mammals like rabbits, field mice, ground squirrels, and moles are staples in SteppeClan’s diet. Birds aren’t uncommon either. Despite SteppeClan’s proximity to the river, on principle they rarely ever fish.

odhbdd Everything is out to get you on the steppe. Birds of prey often fly over camps and large patrols, while snakes may be hiding anywhere in the grass. The grazers in SteppeClan territory attract larger predators like wolves and mountain lions. What ensues are dangerous stampedes cats must avoid at all costs. Elk are found in large herds while deer keep to smaller groups, and moose keep to themselves and aren’t as common on the steppe.

recent history

odhbdd The passing of this leafbare will mark Lilacstar’s first full year as leader. Last newleaf’s bloom was dulled by the death of Hailstar, a leader who had reigned over SteppeClan for longer than any of its current members had been alive. Then Lilacthorn had only just become deputy a few moons before. Despite her dubious parentage, the young she-cat was respected for her resourcefulness and mentoring capabilities. However, it was fortunate that Pythonstar of OakClan reached out to settle ongoing disputes civilly shortly after Lilacstar assumed her position. For now, SteppeClan has an ally in OakClan. Although Lilacstar is young, what she lacks in experience is made up for in tenacity. Whether it is infectious or insufferable is up to you! Lilacstar has yet to be “tested” as SteppeClan’s leader, but don’t mistake her good nature for weakness.

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faith

...you....The.cats.of.the.valley.worship.StarClan.with.an.intensity.that.varies.from.cat.to.cat. Regardless of personal faith, StarClan does exist. When a cat dies, their spirit can join their ancestors once night falls. Only when the stars are out can one join StarClan. Some spirits, for whatever reason, may choose not to join StarClan after death. These spirits walk the earth unseen by the living until they are ready to join StarClan. However, some spirits can be turned away by their ancestors....you....The.callous.killers,.the.sick.and.twisted,.or.any.other.depraved.individuals.are.banished.to.the.Place.of.No.Stars. The spirits of those who committed heinous acts in life are forced to forever walk the endless maze of tunnels in Cloudseeker's Caves. These spirits must walk alone, burdened by the memories of their actions in life. It is said that in some cases, only after one has repented for their crimes are they presented with the Starcatcher. The next choice is theirs. Genrally, the living aren't trusted with the knowledge the very caves they walk to reach StarClan are where evil spirits carry out their punishment. It's a sticky situation, but the best StarClan can do to keep those spirits contained....you....Now,.if.one.of.your.clanmates.doesn't.believe.in.StarClan,.don't.blame.them. StarClan's spirits are elusive, they don't like to be seen. True signs from StarClan are rare, only coming to foreshadow a prophecy or deliver an omen. StarClan vessels only communicate with herbalists and leaders, it is practically unheard of for a mere warrior to be on the receiving end of StarClan's message. Yet, not impossible.

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Cloudseeker's caves

...you....On.the.outskirts.of.the.valley.lies.the.mouth.of.a.cave..You.might.miss.it, for it is covered by overgrowth, but that is for good reason. Upon entering the caves, you may just never find your way out. An endless maze snakes on through the mountain, with only one known path leading from the mouth to the Starcatcher. This path was charted by the first herbalist to make the journey, Cloudseeker. Since then, their course has been walked and memorized by every herbalist who has come since. It is a long and winding, pitch-black, and rewarding journey. Its oral and physical history is spread from herbalist to herbalist, being a right of passage to know the path by heart. While more secular herbalists aren't as enthusiastic, it is very important to others....you....The.way.is.marked.only.with.the.pawprints.of.those.who.came.before, and there is an unspoken danger to the caves. Whispers like to lure, or at least try to. It is widely accepted that the murmurs of StarClan are what initially led Cloudseeker to the Starcatcher, but what isn't talked about enough is the ones that want to lead cats astray. The most important rules of safe cave travel are to never go without a guide and never stray from the said guide, but the third is usually left unsaid. Every few generations a herbalist apprentice goes missing in the caves, and only then is the last rule coldly uttered again in remembrance. Whatever voices you may hear, don't listen.

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Starcatcher's summit

odhbdd Atop the tallest peak of the tallest mountain on the range sits a lone tree. No matter the season there is not a leaf to be seen. Still, the tree stands tall, branches shooting into the sky as if they are reaching for the stars. This tree is called the Starcatcher. Some say the passage through the caves is what leads a cat into StarClan, but most believe lying among its roots is how a cat is brought to StarClan. Since Cloudseeker's Caves are forbidden to any cat other than herbalists and (sometimes potential) leaders, most cats will go their whole lives without so much of a glimpse of the Starcatcher. Naturally, it is shrouded in mystique as a consequence.

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Ceremonies

...you....The.nine.lives.ceremony.of.a.leader.is.hard.to.describe..A.leader.is.presented.with nine unique trials that relate to the virtues granted with each life. However, no same ceremony occurs twice. Each ceremony is so incredibly fine-tuned for each leader, that it is hard to find common ground between them. Some leaders feel their trials were easy, while others are truly tested by theirs. That said if a leader-to-be fails or quits, they are to return to their Clan. What comes next is usually chaos in trying to determine who is suited to be leader. Upon completion of the ceremony, a leader is gifted with a four-pointed star on their pelt. Size, color, and location varies drastically from leader to leader....you....A.herbalist's.career.starts.at.the.Starcatcher.in.more.ways.than.one. A new herbalist apprentice must be presented to StarClan. This is a relatively brief ceremony taking place at the half-moon herbalist meeting. Before the herbalists lie down to (attempt to) communicate with StarClan, the mentor of the newest apprentice introduces them to the group before the Starcatcher. Usually, nothing of note follows and the meeting follows as always. That's a good thing -- silence is a form of acceptance. What you should be worried about is StarClan's way of showing their disapproval....you....When.the.head.herbalist.decides.a.herbalist.apprentice.is.ready, the naming ceremony takes place. This is a ceremony not unlike initiation. Just like its predecessor, the naming ceremony takes place at the half-moon meeting before the Starcatcher. This time, the mentor introduces their apprentice with a new name, welcoming them as an equal.

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traditions

odhbdd The life of a warrior is a hard one, but it is not without its rewards. The cats of the valley take part in many traditions, some even transcending Clan boundaries. Of course, there are the gathering each moon and the half-moon herbalist meetings, but there is more than that!

Internal Traditions

tba

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External Traditions

tba

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Roleplay info

odhbdd The Valley is a semi-literate to literate roleplay that is going to follow a relatively simple structure. Each arc will have a base plot, and from there, the actions of the characters in the roleplay will determine the events and outcomes of the arc. This roleplay is geared toward a mature audience that can handle darker themes. However, OOC we strive to create a safe and comfortable environment for all members!

arc i: the frosting

odhbdd As leafbare approaches, tensions rise in the valley. This is the cruelest season for all the clans, however, unbeknownst to the feline inhabitants, something dangerous is on its way to the valley. A blight unlike any other, spread from creature to creature almost without a trace. Almost.

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