crystal countryside
Crystal Countryside is a 16+ roleplay based on the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. While the cats believe in the same ancestors as the books (StarClan), CC features original clans called LeafClan and SoaringClan as well as additional lore/changes to create a more unique universe. Knowledge of the books is not needed in order to enjoy the group!
Our setting is the Glade, a beautiful landscape featuring lush forests, windy moors and a huge mountain named Crystal Mountain. The clans' ancestors (as well as some of the strays littered about) originally come from the city a long distance away, having had fled from an extermination effort by the local humans (known as Catchers). In the glade, the two clans border one another and must fight over land and resources for the benefit of their own well-being and their clanmates'.
All of our relevant resources can be found on this site, our roleplays and member community is in our Discord server, and all characters are hosted on Toyhouse. Discord AND Toyhouse accounts are required to join!
LEAFCLAN
LEAFCLAN
LeafClan is a forest-dwelling clan that focuses far more on independence and reverence for the living and their surroundings.
✧ Proud of their strong-will and fortitude, LeafClan never back down from what looks like a difficult path ahead. Frustrated with Stonestar's apparent inexperience, Fogstar turns her back on the other clan. What her own clanmates think about this is mixed, with some grumblings about her heartlessness. ✧
- Being more devoted to nature and giving back what they take, LeafClan often 'gardens', cultivating a plethora of plants in hopes of returning favour to the earth as well as keep their herb stocks up. If there’s any debris left by humans nearby, LeafClan will usually recycle these objects (using an old boot as a makeshift pot, for example).
- They specialise in hunting from above, a ‘drop down’ technique in which they catch their prey off guard. These hunters usually have to be lighter and able to climb easily; called ‘tree dwellers’.
- They can also hunt normally. These hunters have to be good at sneaking and camouflage; called ‘ground dwellers’. Use old pelts and mud to blend into their surroundings.
- Teachings are often focused on respecting nature/the earth, as it provides sustenance and allows them to survive. LeafClan cats will thank/bless their prey after killing it.
- Naming traditions focus on wildlife (especially plants), but can also focus on appearance.
Their word is law and the Clan must follow their orders, no matter what. Failing to do so is breaking the Warrior Code and you will be duly punished.
Second to the leader and will take over duties if the leader is indisposed. Will only replace the leader if said leader dies or steps down. This rank is always chosen by the leader.
The Clan’s healer who has in-depth knowledge of herbs. Their primary duty is to help the injured and sickly, though they have a faint connection with StarClan. Take on all of the similar tasks of SoaringClan's Seer.
Assistants to the Herbalist, directly trained by them and help in all of the Herbalist's tasks. Will replace the Herbalist after death/retirement and choose a new Novice Herbalist. As there is no Seer position in LeafClan, two Novice Herbalists are chosen.
Focuses the fighting ranks and teaches them how to work as a unit. Also monitors individual apprentices and can offer one-on-one lessons. Very battle orientated and quick, usually relies on instinct.
Assigned with staying in camp, cats of this rank are tasked with protecting those around them. Their main objective is ensure that their clanmates remain safe, and though they are able to fight, their focus will always be on evacuation if needed (leaving the fighting to the Paladins). Sentinels rely on their decisiveness and conscientiousness in order to keep moving forward. If needed, Sentinels can be sent as back-up to help the Paladins if they are outnumbered or struggling against a foe.
The first to jump into battle if necessary, putting their lives on the line in order to let the Sentinels focus on protection. Cats of this rank can often be described as rash, but also noble and courageous, too. This rank is very popular amongst those that wish to prove their worth, and prove it they shall — Paladins are extremely respected within LeafClan, and many of their clanmates will bow when passing them / before interacting with them.
Hunters of Leafclan that would prefer to be on the ground. Using underbrush to their advantage, they’re excellent stalkers for not only ground-dwelling animals and enemies, but whatever may burrow itself into the ground beneath them as well.
Hunters of Leafclan that want to stay off of the ground. Cats within this rank nearly exclusively hunt and stalk from above ground, making them excellent at catching birds and other animals nestled within trees. They do practice a drop-down technique that they use to catch ground dwelling prey that aren’t burrowed or are in plain sight, however.
Specializing in observancy, Outriders will climb to the tops of trees to look for prey, find items to assist LeafClan cats with camouflage, locate trespassers, and any abnormalities in LeafClan territory that may be off in the distance, but can’t be seen from up close.
Their focus is around the elders and nursery, looking out for the cats that need it most. They will help feed them, replenish/clean their nests, bring them food and generally care for them. Every so often, they can be found rebuilding/strengthening the areas around the Nursery and Elder's Den.
SOARINGCLAN
SOARINGCLAN
SoaringClan is a mountain-dwelling clan that heavily leans into their faith & trust in StarClan.
✧ A clan known for their devotion to their ancestors that is currently struggling with an onslaught of negative events. Formerly led by a tyrant leader, SoaringClan is struggling to gather up the pieces of their clan under the guidance of an overwhelmed Stonestar. ✧
- Use smaller prey to lure larger prey into their tunnels, in which they strike unsuspected.
- Prefer to eat birds as they believe this blesses them because of the eagle that led them to their home. This is seen as particularly important for elders as they believe consuming birds gives them strength. Wasting birds is severely frowned upon and rotting birds are seen as a deadly omen.
- eachings are more focused on having faith in StarClan and following the Code. Apprentices will be encouraged to tell StarClan of their dreams and aspirations, believing that this will allow StarClan to bless them with success if they show enough conviction.
- Use rocks/stones to sharpen their claws. This helps with manoeuvring around their camp/territory.
- Naming traditions usually focus on legacy names or naming after a particularly famous StarClan cat, but can also include naming after appearance.
Their word is law and the Clan must follow their orders, no matter what. Failing to do so is breaking the Warrior Code and you will be duly punished.
Helps support the leader, gives advice for any decisions made. Share duties between each other if the leader is indisposed. When the leader dies, they remain advisors or step down and the Seer chooses a new leader.
The Clan’s healer who has in-depth knowledge of herbs. Their primary duty is to help the injured and sickly, though they have a faint connection with StarClan.
Assistant to the Herbalist, directly trained by them and help in all of the Herbalist's tasks. Will replace the Herbalist after death/retirement and choose a new Novice Herbalist.
While they can act as an assistant to the Herbalists, a Seer's main focus is interpreting signs from StarClan, receiving prophecies or messages, as well as maintaining and studying crystals. They can be slightly knowledgeable in herbs, but not to the extent of a Herbalist. They are chosen by StarClan (in which they and the leader are told via dreams) and left to their own devices a lot of the time.
Normal warriors that have knowledge about fighting. Will be usually be found around camp keeping a watchful eye, but may accompany a hunting patrol if Stalkers believe they need the protection.
The Clan’s hunters. They are especially adept at sneaking and camouflage, will usually cover themselves in the cave’s sooty substance so they blend in better with the shadows.
Cats that specialize in tracking/hunting small to medium sized prey to lure in much larger prey, such as birds of prey and land predators that reside within SoaringClan. Sometimes they are tasked with trapping any unwelcome visitors or trespassers who happen to find themselves on SoaringClan territory.
Specialize in tracking and scouting, are often sent with patrols of Guardians to search for cats when there’s a cave-in, avalanche or rock/mudslide. They can also be requested to help with tracking prey for Stalkers.
For cats that have a weak stomach with hunting and fighting, but a silver tongue, Arbitrators are considered the middlemen of SoaringClan that help to maintain peace between their clanmates, and when necessary, SoaringClan and LeafClan when put together. If a confrontation breaks out, they are the first on the scene and cats from both Clans respect their words.
Their focus is around the elders and nursery, looking out for the cats that need it most. They will help feed them, replenish/clean their nests, bring them food and generally care for them. Every so often, they can be found rebuilding/strengthening the areas around the Nursery and Elder's Den.
STRAYS
STRAYS
Strays are cats that were either exiled from their respective clans, those who decided not to join, or strangers who got to the party a bit late.
✧ Living varying lifestyles, Strays are oftentimes left to a peaceful lifestyle while remaining cautious of their clan-cat counterparts. However, events are beginning to unfold that seem to threaten this peace. And, hey… Some of the cats out here look awfully familiar, don't they ✧
- Include a whole plethora of cats that come from different backgrounds, including but not limited to: kittypets, rogues, loners, those that came from the city, etc.
- Many strays are angry with the clans for their continuous antics, and the fact their territories keep pushing them further and further away from their original homes.
- Fogstar is distrustful of strays, mostly due to the fact that she was an ex-city cat and knows how slimy and selfish they can be, while Stonestar is much more accepting and happy to offer SoaringClan as a new home.
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