ShadowCLAN
Like a family is quite the apt description. ShadowClan, while frequently misconstrued as deceptive cats who prowl at night and nip the tails of passerby cats, are actually quite the vibrant band. From singing and dancing to plays and art, any form of creativity you can imagine is celebrated and appreciated. During the brightest hours of day and the darkest hours of night, the territory is silent, punctuated only by hushed murmurs and the soft snores of sleeping cats. Within ShadowClan, the song of nature takes the form of a lullaby. When the sun rises and falls, only then does the Clan come alive, every mealtime a festivity to remember. Each member is one part of the whole, loved like blood no matter the cat, with strength enough to move mountains.
From the lush sundew dotted fens to the shadowed highlands, Shadowclan’s territory is thick with plant life that creeps and ensnares those who pay no heed to the land. Flowers bloom within the gloom, thriving in spades along the shores of ponds, pools, and streams, which criss-cross the land and leave little fully dry.
Aside from nature, Twoleg structures which have been long left to rot and be reclaimed by the ever crawling passage of time dot the landscape, providing both cover as well as intriguing spaces to explore. And hidden within one thicket, veiled by the dark on one half and dappled with light on the other, is Shadowclan’s camp. While it’s never quite as busy as the other Clans’, given opposing schedules of many Warriors, it’s still oft bustling with movement, music and dance, decorated with the art their Campminders create (both permanent and performance).
Canterburystar
Canterburystar's Decree
"Well.... with being an ex-kittypet, many are shaky of whether I am fully committed to my clan or not. But as Canterburystar, I hereby promise that both I and Shadowclan are to be there for anyone and everyone. Everyone, no matter what their background is, deserves to start their story on their own terms. It's up to them to make sure that story ends with their clan - only through unity and forgiveness shall that clan be Shadowclan."
- Canterburystar
StarClan & Faith
Canterburystar, despite not being born into Shadowclan, holds Starclan very close and dear to her heart. She has never once doubted the stars and their strength; what happens is meant to happen for a reason. Her faith and trust in the stars above is practically half of the reason she’s stepped up to a position like this. Someone is always watching and protecting her and the ones she loves. And… well… she loves all of Shadowclan!
Warrior Code
Canterburystar was not raised as a warrior; she’s made that clear enough. She came into the clans as a kittypet, and yet had made extra sure her children had followed all of the warrior code by heart. Although this hasn’t paid off the best in the longterm… her heart is still in the right place! She loves the warrior code! Despite having allegations that she had broken it when her [ex] wife had moved clans, she has been known as quite the rule follower in her family, and in the clan. Without rules, there is no structure! Without structure, there is no clan! Anyone who says poorly about the code isn’t frowned upon, but merely misunderstanding in her eyes!
Council
Pipistrellepetal
Healer
Vivid Skies
Healer
Heathermoon
Deputy
Joy's Rest
Healer
Polecat's Purr
Healer
Polluxprowl
Healer
Mallardmeadow
Healer
Apprentice
Ourania
Healer
Apprentice
Flame's Light
Healer
Snugpaw
Healer Apprentice
SHADOWCLAN VALUES
DEVOTION!
The desire for the protection of Shadowclan is felt immensely across its members. Despite their differences, clanmates can all agree on one thing — loyalty to one another. Many warriors make a point to go above and beyond in their dedication to the clan. Even those who may have less favourable opinions on the Council stay caring for their fellow cats, and order is typically maintained easily. Beyond just a devotion to clanmates comes a devotion beyond the grave, with Shadowclan being a very spiritual group. Some Shadowclanners take up a singular patron in Starclan, and others are more inclined to the whole pantheon. Either way, many cats feel a duty to their ancestors that motivate them onward, creating what can be a quite vigorous work ethic for some. These hard working cats are willing to sacrifice whatever they can for their clan.
ARTISTRY!
With creativity at its core, Shadowclan is a group of makers. Musicians are found in abundance in this clan. The most infamous instruments in the musical scene are the plucking bell and wind chimes. Song is used to pass down stories of old, along with dance and dramas. The art of performance is also present in Shadowclan’s masquerades, a further exhibition of the clan’s widespread love for creation. Working alongside each other to put something together is a staple of Shadowclan culture, as well as an assertion of the innovative minds of the clan. Unique self-expression is equally important, with Shadowclanners often turning their resources into accessories and fashion. The ability to take what you’re given and transform it into something beautiful is a valued skill in this clan.
UNITY!
The unspoken, unbreakable bond between Shadowclanners is felt by every cat in the clan. Through ostracisation and tough times, these cats have stuck together, and don’t plan on letting go. Love for one’s family is considered just as, if not more, important than the clans’ code. Sometimes there seems to be a sense of loyalty to one another that goes beyond traditional rules. The clan is supportive yet tight-knit, so come across as fairly secretive. They are hesitant around outsiders due to their perhaps over-protective nature, and some Shadowclanners are viewed as asocial to the other clans. Within their own community however, closeness is valued above all. Shadowclan appreciates honesty and openness, and are always willing to trust their kin with their life.
Clan culture
SPECIALITY RANKS
Nighthunters
These are the warriors that ShadowClan got their namesake from. The Nighthunters rise when the sun sets, and sleep when the moon disappears from the sky. They are typically dependable and hardworking cats of the night, who rule during the long, gruelling nights of the Winter and the hot, short nights of the Summer. They can be counted on to put the needs of the Clan first. Unfortunately, they do not make many friends outside the Clan, as both neighbors are typically asleep during their working hours. Their role within the Clan has made them pragmatic and introverted, and often these warriors are lanky and slim.
DAYGUARD
Although ShadowClan is infamously nocturnal, their lands are not left unguarded. For those within the Clan who wake with the sun and sleep when the moon rises, they fall under the rank of Dayguard. These warriors have been trained specifically to guard the land that they call home while the rest of the Clan sleeps, and usually have bulkier frames built for battle. Though not to be mistaken for warmongers, the Dayguard warriors are usually friendly with other Clans and have a laid-back attitude of leisure and indulgence.
GLOAMWATCHERS
Created by Warblercall, a Deputy once held in high regard and now thoroughly disgraced by controversial means, the Gloamwatchers' duties are... not privvy to the likes of Outsiders. While many in ShadowClan hold them in high regard, many more hold them in contempt, though the latter tend to hold those feelings closer to their chests. How strange.
Campminder
Campminders aren't trained to take on the role, instead doing so for a myriad of reasons; preferring pacifism to the potential of a border fight, enjoying the work of keeping camp up and running (both in the day-to-day and during more dire situations such as evacuations), and/or dedicating themselves to preserving Shadowclan's history in their theatre and artistry. Campminding is a respected position to take within the Clan no matter the reason. While these cats are allowed to join patrols as well as walk the borders just as any other, they are prevented from joining border patrols as well as battles, unless one were to occur within camp.
MONARCH
Monarchs are cats who wish to devote themselves to the raising and care of their clan’s young. Whether they have had a litter themselves and are temporarily monarchs, or have devoted the rest of their lives to this role. Perma monarchs often take on a familial role for cats who need advice/support in difficult times regardless of their age or rank. A cat must be at least old enough to have kits to become a permamonarch, and permamonarchs cannot be mentors.
HOLIDAYS
The
Freeze
❄️ LEAF-BARE
Unlike the river, ShadowClan’s marshes freeze most of the way
through in Leafbare. On the night that they’re
confirmed to be safely frozen, warriors are freed for the afternoon and following evening to make the most of the turning season. Ice skating and ice dancing are popular (particularly among couples young and old), alongside games of icecone, wherein two teams attempt to score goals with a pinecone. Leafbare may be a time of scarcity and of uncertainty, but the clan's bond is celebrated beneath the snow speckled sky nonetheless.