🌕 the moonspeakers

The Moonspeakers

" 'Til the Cats on The Moon tire of our endless need of their guidance, we shall continue to recieve their blessings and enact their will, for it is all we know. But we mustn't rely on them entirely, dear Heart; their ways are as old as they. It is only through our sharp minds combined with their wisdom that we thrive the way we do. "

TERRITORY

TERRAIN:	inside a vast cave system
PREY:	birds, bats, certain lizards
HAZARDS:	avalanches, poisonous prey, sharp terrain
LANDMARKS:	crystal pool, spiderden, highest peak

CLAN

POPULATION:	37 cats
BREEDS:	ragdoll, lykoi
EYES:	golds & blues
ADAPTATIONS:	sleek, softspoken, silent

About The Moonspeakers

A group of cats that has lived for as long as tales can tell, The Moonspeakers live deep in the maze of caves their ancestors once did. Each cat has their own unique connection to The Cats on The Moon, but only the one who can speak most clearly to them is The Moon's Blessed, who guides the group carefully. Known for being rather small but very kind, they survive in the harshest territory and live to tell the tale. While kind to outsiders, they only let those not born as a Moonspeaker live in their caves if The Moon Cats give their blessing.. a very rare occurrence.

Notable Skills

Surviving in the harsh labyrinth-like caves is no easy feat; you must develop a certain set of skills if you hope to live as a Moonspeaker. To sneak quietly & speak softly is valued, for you don't want your loud mouth to cause a rockslide or cave-in, and without proper cover you'll need all the silence you can get to kill your prey. Moonspeakers are taught to be quieter than even the breeze. To only strike when they're sure it's the decisive blow. To listen well to The Cats on The Moon. And most importantly; to survive, at all costs.

The Cats on The Moon

While it's unclear to outsiders what exactly these cats are, it's very clear that they are real, as outsiders can even be blessed to see them save their life should they be in trouble inside the caves. Ethereal and unknown, they act as protectors and advisors to The Moonspeakers, keeping guard of the caves even when they can only be seen in reflections.

Customs

Every kit born as a Moonspeaker is capable of speaking with The Cats on The Moon, but their ability to do so varies wildly. Those who can understand their words clearly are ushered into the role of a Healer, who will be able to speak with them at will. The Cats on The Moon themselves will decide who The Moon's Blessed & The Wisened are- a role they can change at any time- telling this information to The Healers to prevent foul play amongst the higher positions. The Mediators & Messengers, however, are decided by The Moonspeakers.

Names for kits are chosen by The Cats on The Moon; the names are given to the parents, who can decide which kit is which. On rare occasions, they will let the parents name their kits instead. It's considered a true honor. While The Moon's Blessed is especially involved with the kits & their growth, Fledglings are taken care of by The Wisened, who decides which Guardian will have the honor of teaching them.

Fledglings train for an entire year before becoming Guardians, but must pass a very specific test first. Watched by their Guardian from places unseen, their knowledge will be put to the test, as they spend an entire week in the caves alone. They must hunt for food, find their way to specific landmarks, and prove they're prepared for anything. Guardians aren't allowed to speak of the test.. passed or not.

Current Leadership

Blessed Wish
Moon's Blessed

The longest standing Blessed the Moonspeakers have ever had, they grow weak with the passing days, and so does their connection to The Cats on The Moon; their time will be over soon. They will look to their Healers for guidance, but what they hear may not be the truth. In their final days, can they discern the threat to the cats they call home before it's too late?

they/them; 27 years

Wisened Mole
Moon's Wisened

A wise and old cat, she only feels slightly bad about replacing the old Wisened; her brother Burr Moon. She is sharp & witty, brutal to those who threaten her home in these caves. She trusts her dear Heart unquestionably, but worries endlessly for her anxious healer.. and the imminent death of her weakening mate. The Wisened is to always be on top of things, to know the right thing to do, to be the shining star of guidance for The Moonspeakers. But in her mate's final days, she comes to the realization that she may not be enough for what's to come.

she/her; 17 years

Healing Heart
Head Healer

An anxious healer who never wanted to be one at all, she's known for being flawless at her job despite it, due in part to her being able to see The Cats on The Moon as they wander the caves; an incredibly rare closeness that only the first Moonspeaker has ever had. Constantly guided & watched by overbearing Mooncats, she struggles to socialize and has frequent meltdowns. As her parent's- the Blessed's- life begins to fade, she is tasked with hearing who the new Blessed will be straight from The Mooncats mouths. The answer will drive her to madness.. and her inability to accept her fate will doom not just her beloved caves, but those outside it, too.

she/her; 2 years

Cats

Moon's Blessed

Moon's Blessed Wish - A kind, quiet cat, who is also a huge softie. They don't often leave the parts of the caves that hold the dens, as they prefer to stay close in case of emergencies. Usually found doting upon kittens, sharing tongues with their children or mate, or simply feeling the breeze for the sake of it. Those who assume their blindness means they are ignorant of their surroundings are in for a huge awakening.

Parents: | Children: Spire Moon (w/ Hollow Moon; deceased mate), Hail Moon, Healing Heart, Whorlpool (w/ Wisened Mole; mates)

Moon's Wisened

Moon's Wisened Mole - A cunning cat who stays on top of every little happening in the caves, she's often times told to buzz off for being too overbearing. The real reason is that she takes her job as The Wisened a bit too seriously... much to the dismay of her fellow Moonspeakers, who love her dearly, but would love for her to chill out. She worries endlessly for her mate most of all, who has already lived far too long for any normal cat. Aside from her inability to stop fussing, she's an expert at her job; The Moonspeakers never want for advice, for it's already delivered before they've realized they need it.

Parents: Deceased | Sibling: Burr Moon | Children: Hail Moon, Healing Heart, Whorlpool (w/ Blessed Wish; mates), Spire Moon (half-child)

Moon's Healers

Moon's Healing Heart - A healer who hates her job, she had no choice but to take up the position with how close she was to The Cats on The Moon. Part of her wishes she had fled with her sister, Whorlpool, but leaving everything had just seemed so much.. and now, she's stuck. No healer of her power would be allowed to leave, and she could never leave Healing Web to do it alone.. not when she's this bad at it, as much as she hates to admit it. Instead, she will abandon her sense of self and the ones she loves..

Parents: Moon's Blessed Speaker & Wisened Mole | Half-Sibling: Spire Moon | Siblings: Whorlpool, Hail Moon

Moon's Healing Web - Exceptionally joyful and mildly bad at her job, Healing Web is a delightful disaster who only stays afloat with the help of Healing Heart. She always wanted to be a healer, and once spoke to them plenty.. but recently, they only wish to speak to Healing Heart. Saddening, but nothing could ever keep her down for that long! ..She does worry for Heart, though. It's not the fact she has a crush or anything, of course.. you just can't help but be worried when your closest friend won't talk to anyone anymore.

Parents: Blossom & Unknown Father | Siblings: Antler Moon, Cascade, Chrysalis, Amaryllis, Flutter

Moon's Mediators

Moon's Voice; Juniper Moon - A mediator for a reason, Juniper is known for being fair to all. Though she may have been born with The Moonspeakers, she holds no bias; her sharp tongue is willing to criticize anyone if it will allow a compromise to make it's way into the conversation. She's a bit distant from The Moonspeakers as a result of her position, but she does still love them dearly; it's why she does what she does. If only she could manage to hold a conversation with her children the way she does the others...

Parents: Deceased | Children: Moon's Legs, Peregrine Moon (w/ Coal Moon; no love)

Moon's Messengers

Moon's Legs; Swift Moon - Unable to sit still, Swift Moon is hardly seen sitting around the caves for long before he's off to see if the other cats have messages for The Moonspeakers. Fast talker, fast eater, fast runner, if he's not fast, your vole back, guaranteed. He's sprained his leg multiple times but refuses to stop... The Cats on The Moon definitely named him aptly. Irregardless, he's great at his job. But he'll need to slow down at one point or another to train a fledgling... right?

Parents: Moon's Voice & Coal Moon | Siblings: Peregrine Moon | Half-Siblings: Finch, Heron, Raven, Swallow

Guardians

Blossom - A solemn old soul, she's often found staring wistfully into the depths of the caves... though nobody is sure why. She politely asks nobody nose into the father of her kits, and will only raise her voice to defend them from possible rumors. Cats have learned to know better now.

Parents: (Deceased; Mapleclan & Moonspeaker) | Sibling: Hornet Sun | Kits: Antler Moon, Cascade, Chrysalis, Amaryllis, Flutter

Antler Moon - Obtaining her rename after miraculously surviving a deer attack, she is physically weak, but mentally strong. Her smarts lead them to victory in any situation, and she is valued the most in patrols.

Parents: Blossom & Unknown Father | Siblings: Healing Web, Cascade, Chrysalis, Amaryllis, Flutter | Mate: Larkspur Moon | Child: Rock (Adopted w/ Larkspur Moon)

Fledgling: Cascade

Coal Moon - Doesn't speak unless spoken to; a loner who prefers to watch from the shadows of the caves. They're a mystery to most.

Parents: Burr Moon & Daze Moon | Children: Moon's Legs, Peregrine Moon (w/ Moon's Voice; no love), Finch, Heron, Raven, Swallow (w/ Talon Moon; mates..allegedly...)

Burr Moon the Wise - Stern, strong, & stubborn. A very difficult cat & the former Wisened, they're still bitter that The Cats on The Moon replaced them. Should be an elder, but is too stubborn to move to a more peaceful life. Severely disappointed in his son; they avoid each other.

Parents: Deceased | Sibling: Wisened Mole | Children: Coal Moon (w/ Daze Moon; mates)

Spire Moon - An anxious and confusing cat, the messages he recieves from The Cats of The Moon often send him into spirals. His visions are seen as extremely serious and trustworthy; his word is as valuable as a Wisened.

Parents: Moon's Blessed Wish & Hollow Moon (Deceased) | Half-Siblings: Hail Moon, Healing Heart, Whorlpool | Children: Plum, Mistle, Amber, Hickory (w/ Nightingale Moon; mates)

Fledgling: Flutter

Peregrine Moon - Always trying to prove themself, Peregrine often doesn't realize they're one of the most skilled & remarkable cats in the caves; they've nothing to prove. Usually found sulking or skittering from others, not seeing how they admire them. The Cats on The Moon don't speak to them much, only adding to their fears of inadequacy.

Parents: Moon's Voice & Coal Moon | Sibling: Moon's Legs | Half-Siblings: Finch, Heron, Raven, Swallow

Fledgling: Amaryllis

Hail Moon - A very gorgous cat; somewhat of a diva. Aware of how desired she is, but has only eyes for Wolven and her job. Extremely dedicated to the protection of The Moonspeakers.. but loves to bathe in the moonlight when she has the chance. Very obviously knows she's the leading duo's spoiled baby.

Parents: Blessed Wish & Wisened Mole | Siblings: Healing Heart & Whorlpool | Half-Sibling: Spire Moon | Children: Bristle & Thistle (w/ Wolven Moon; mates)

Fledgling: Chrysalis

Gouge - A spikey cat, though Nightshade will insist otherwise. He was not blessed with the Moon suffix by The Moon Cats, but was still accepted warmly into the caves by them.

Parents: (From Mapleclan) | Child: Brook (w/ Nightshade; mates)

Fledgling: Rock

Larkspur Moon - Once a healer from the Cove, he's become a devout follower of The Moon Cats after they saved his life. He was blessed with the suffix, and lives his life gratefully as a Guardian.

Parents: (From The Cove) | Siblings: (Cove) | Mate: Antler Moon | Child: Rock (Adopted w/ Antler Moon)

Fledglings

Cascade - Upbeat and kind, Cascade loves to collect twoleg objects when they get the chance, decorating their nest with them. Clings closely to their siblings, and is very stoked to have their older sister as a Guardian.

Parents: Blossom & Unknown Father | Siblings: Antler Moon, Healing Web, Chrysalis, Amaryllis, Flutter

Guardian: Antler Moon

Chrysalis - A diva befitting of being Hail Moon's fledgling. Acts like she runs the Fledgling's den and usually gets in fights with Rock. The most vicious of the current Fledglings.

Parents: Blossom & Unknown Father | Siblings: Antler Moon, Healing Web, Cascade, Amaryllis, Flutter

Guardian: Hail Moon

Amaryllis - Worrywart to the maximum, Amaryllis frets constantly over his scattered siblings and their lack of Moonspeaking abilities. If he chilled out for a second, he might actually realize why Flutter talks to the walls sometimes.. and then freak out over that, too. Peregrine has his work cut out for him.

Parents: Blossom & Unknown Father | Siblings: Antler Moon, Healing Web, Cascade, Chrysalis, Flutter

Guardian: Peregrine Moon

Flutter - A flighty Fledgling, Flutter hardly even registers his Guardian's spirals into madness, yet somehow always seems to get him out of them. Not particularly good at anything, but The Moonspeakers guide him to success anyways. Also, he can literally see them like Healing Heart can, he just hasn't mentioned it yet because nobody asked. Wuh oh!

Parents: Blossom & Unknown Father | Siblings: Antler Moon, Healing Web, Cascade, Chrysalis, Amaryllis

Guardian: Spire Moon

Rock - A very sweet boy. He doesn't understand why Chrysalis always wants to fight, and has begun to feel unsafe in the Fledgling's den.. he'll tell Gouge, his Guardian, but it won't go right. Nothing ever does for him.

Parents: Deceased Rogues; Adopted by Larkspur Moon & Antler Moon

Guardian: Gouge

Nursery Caretakers

Talon Moon - Temporary mother, she's very anxious to return back to her Guardian duties.

Parents: (Mapleclan) | Mate: Coal Moon

Kits: Finch, Heron, Raven, Swallow (w/ Coal Moon; mates, allegedly)

Wolven Moon - A permanent protector of the nursery, she's recently had a clowder of her own with her mate.

Parents: (Deceased) | Half-Sibling: Wisteriapaw | Mate: Hail Moon

Kits: Bristle & Thistle (w/ Hail Moon; mates)

Nightshade Moon - A permanant mother of the nursery. She isn't a fighter, and loves kits, though most of hers have been stillborns to her & her mate's dismay. She's ecstatic about her little girl, though Gouge is disturbed by the two-headed beast. They fight about it. It's.. complicated.

Parents: (Deceased; Rogues) | Sibling: Nightingale Moon | Mate: Gouge

Kit: Brook (w/ Gouge; mates)

Nightingale Moon - A permanent father of the nursery. While he would rather be a protector, he stays a permanent father of the nursery to stay with his sister, letting her take care of he & Spire's kits, as Spire's milk did not come. He despises Gouge, and spoils Brook endlessly.

Parents: (Deceased; Rogues) | Sibling: Nightshade Moon

Kits: Plum, Mistle, Amber, Hickory (w/ Spire Moon; mates)

Kits

Finch

Parents: Talon Moon & Coal Moon | Siblings: Heron, Raven, Swallow | Half-Siblings: Moon's Legs & Peregrine Moon

Heron

Parents: Talon Moon & Coal Moon | Siblings: Finch, Raven, Swallow | Half-Siblings: Moon's Legs & Peregrine Moon

Raven

Parents: Talon Moon & Coal Moon | Siblings: Finch, Heron, Swallow | Half-Siblings: Moon's Legs & Peregrine Moon

Swallow

Parents: Talon Moon & Coal Moon | Siblings: Finch, Heron, Raven | Half-Siblings: Moon's Legs & Peregrine Moon

Bristle

Parents: Wolven Moon & Hail Moon | Sibling: Thistle

Thistle

Parents: Wolven Moon & Hail Moon | Sibling: Bristle

Brook Out of all twelve kits Nightshade has tried to birth over the years, only Brook has lived.. and just barely. A two headed cat, her father can't even look at her, and many of The Moonspeakers see her as a terrible omen. At the very least, her mother and uncle love her dearly.. and though those Moonspeakers don't know it yet, The Cats on The Moon adore her more than they ever will them.

Parents: Nightshade Moon & Gouge

Plum

Parents: Spire Moon & Nightingale Moon | Siblings: Mistle, Amber, Hickory

Mistle

Parents: Spire Moon & Nightingale Moon | Siblings: Plum, Amber, Hickory

Amber

Parents: Spire Moon & Nightingale Moon | Siblings: Plum, Mistle, Hickory

Hickory

Parents: Spire Moon & Nightingale Moon | Siblings: Plum, Mistle, Amber

Elders

Clay Moon - He despises all of the racket Daze causes in the Elders den, only wishing to spend his final years in restful quiet.. so he's usually off in some random part of the caves where the Fledglings can't find him. Actually, none of the cats can find him, and it's worrying, and they keep telling him to stop doing this. Alas, peace and quiet he wants, so peace and quiet he'll get, even at the cost of worrying his poor fellow Moonspeakers to an early grave.

Parents: Deceased

Daze Moon - The only one able to melt her mate's pissy moods, she loves to spend her time bullying the younger Moonspeakers and telling them stories until her throat is raw from mewing. Her back legs have given up on her, so she makes the other cats help carry her to the best moonbathing spots. She uses her elder status to get away with a lot.. and it works, because everyone loves her.

Parents: Deceased | Mate: Burr Moon

Glimmer Moon - Glimmer Moon doesn't speak to others, anymore. They're not even sure she hears them anymore. Hardly eating, she simply lays in her nest all day.. and those that know her would understand. A life like hers.. it's unfortunate, really.

Parents: Deceased | Siblings: Deceased | Children: Deceased