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).
Heatherstar
Heatherstar's Decree
"In front of ShadowClan I give my word that all who seek sanctuary here will be tended, any who have true need of aid will receive it. I promise that this Clan will be a home to those otherwise unfairly scorned. You need not be who you once were, and past indignities may be shed at our dens door. I promise that as long as I am fit to hold the position that I will welcome in with open arms anyone trying to find home." - Heatherstar
StarClan & Faith
Heatherstar has done nothing but doubt the goodness and holiness of StarClan her entire life, and that aspect of herself has not dulled with the gift of nine blessings. She believes that the goodness of cats isn't some cosmic will, or divine entity, it's just the plain goodness of plain cats. Morality based on nothing but attempting to bend to the will of StarClan isn't morality, it's rule following. Above all else, Heatherstar believes in the ability in every cat to do charitable feeds as much as evil ones, and she believes in the fact that most choose the former.
Warrior Code
Heatherstar believes in an open interpretation of the Warrior Code. That, in some way, the Code should be seen as a living document that evolves to fit the needs of the cats it currently governs. Therefore, she does not put much stock into what the code strictly says she should do in any given moment. Instead, she spends much of her time deliberating with the team of Gloamwatchers, Healers, and her Deputy to make important verdicts. As far as she's concerned, the Code was created by cats generations before, and she needs guidance for the current times, and therefore she needs to seek outside guidance.
Leaders law, right...?
Council
Pipistrellepetal
Healer
?
Deputy
Joy's Rest
Healer
Polecat's Purr
Healer
Polluxprowl
Healer
Mallardmeadow
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.