Oceanclan
Noble & Prosperous
Embedded Files
Give Me A Place To Stand, And I Will Move The Earth.
Oceanclan lives along the shores of a vast sea. While their rivals conquer the cliffs, Oceanclan, true to their moniker, masters the waters. They are natural swimmers, believing themselves to be crafted by Seastar, with webbed paws and streamlined bodies perfect for swimming. They take pride in who they are, in their home, and in the scent of fresh sea air that clings to their fur.
Mind, wit, and ambition are the marks of a true Oceanclan warrior. They’ve earned the right to be feared, not for brute strength, but for their skill in shifting the tide of battle— whether in land or water. They are practical, strategic, and, most of all, perfectionists. Reputation means everything here: every warrior’s actions reflect on themselves and their family and clan.
Yet, the rise of the current ruling family is steeped in shadow. Betrayal and bloodshed lie hidden behind their pristine mask, a grim reminder of how ambition can destroy even the closest ties.
Leopardsea
The King
Leopardsea
The King
Torrentheart
The Overseer
Torrentheart
The Overseer
Kelpwhisper
The Oracle
Kelpwhisper
The Oracle
Overview
Overview
Common Traits
Common Traits
Cool-colored pelts and eyes. These range from silver, blue, and black to bright shades of blue, gray, or even slight hints of purple and green.
Short-length fur. Reduces weight and drag, making swimming easier and more efficient.
Strong tails. Aids in steering and balance while swimming.
Webbed paws. Enhance swimming abilities, providing greater speed and agility in water.
Strong lungs. Allows them to hold their breath longer.
Streamlined bodies. Reduces resistance in water, allowing for swift and smooth swimming movements.
Curved claws. Perfect for hooking slippery fish out of the water and gripping wet surfaces.
Clan Rules
Clan Rules
Youngsters and novice swimmers must never brave the waters alone; they are to be accompanied by an experienced warrior to ensure their safety.
While not strictly enforced, patrolling the edges of the territory alone is discouraged.
Unless absolutely necessary, the ocean should never be tainted with the blood of a Cliffclan cat or any outsider.
Do not take more than what you need from the environment, especially the sea.
Beliefs
Beliefs
Divine trials
Challenges in life are sacred tests set by the Gods, designed to gauge strength and resilience. Each trial is an opportunity to prove their mettle against adversity, to foster one’s perseverance; failure to do so often leads to a loss of honor.
Survival over virtue
Morality is not black and white but instead shaped by necessity. What others may see as dishonorable, they view as pragmatic. Success and survival take precedence over rigid codes of honor, and they see no shame in using deception or underhanded tactics if it serves the greater good of the clan. To Oceanclan, the ends always justify the means, as long as they emerge victorious.
Call of the sea
When a cat hears the “Call of the Sea,” they are nearing their final days. This could manifest as a warrior becoming unusually drawn to the ocean, perhaps taking long solitary walks by the shore or gazing out at the waves.
Sea of Souls
Those who dishonor the clan are condemned to the "Sea of Souls"—a section of Tartarus, deep beneath an endless ocean where no light reaches. Their spirits are said to be trapped, eternally drowning in the cold, dark abyss.
Traditions
Traditions
Rite of the Tides.
Naturally, swimming is the most vital skill for an Oceanclan cat. From a young age, kittens are introduced to the water, with a parent or guardian carefully dipping them in while holding onto their scruff, helping them grow accustomed to being wet. As they grow older, they learn to swim in tide pools, and on calm days, along the shoreline. Kits are never permitted to swim without adult supervision. The supervising adult must be physically capable of diving in to rescue the kit if necessary. Should anything happen to a kit while under a guardian's care, they would be stripped of their role.
Oceanclan holds a disdain for "drypaws," aka, Oceanclan-born cats who dislike swimming. They are usually viewed with suspicion, as their reluctance to embrace such a core part of their culture sparks a belief that they lack the divine favor expected of a true Oceanclan warrior. In some cases, drypaws who excel in other areas, such as battle or intelligence, might still earn respect, but they will always be seen as lacking an essential trait in the eyes of their peers.
Accessories.
Warriors decorate themselves with river gems, pearls, and polished shells, carefully woven into their fur. Maintaining a pristine appearance is a mark of discipline, and Oceanclan warriors take great pride in looking flawless, whether in battle or ceremony. Before any important event, they wash in rivers to ensure their fur and gems shine, believing that how they present themselves honors the clan.
Oceanclan cats are less seen adorned with feathers, pelts, piercings, or painted with crushed berries, as these styles are associated with their rivals in Cliffclan.
Accessories consisting of a lot of pearls are usually family heirlooms, gradually built over the years. Please don't decimate the clam population.
Courting.
Many Oceanclan cats are reserved with their affection, and so, courting usually begins as a subtle process, marked by thoughtful gestures. A suitor may quietly express their interest by leaving carefully selected gifts, such as a gleaming river gem or polished shell, near the object of their affection's nest. The most romantic gifts are considered to be amethyst or sea glass, similar to how roses are to us. If a suitor later discovers these items returned to their own nest, it can be considered a polite rejection, although one shouldn't always assume their advances are welcomed if this does not happen.
Naturally, as the relationship progresses, the couple spends more time together. Strolling along the water’s edge, particularly under the moonlit sky, is seen as an incredibly romantic way to enjoy another's company.
Even once a romantic relationship is solidifed, open displays of affection are usually rare. The bond is instead shown through an unwavering support of one another in times of hardship, or with gestures that show their thoughtfulness and care, such as catching eachother's favorite foods to later share, or with other gifts.
Tying the knot.
Weddings are a cherished tradition in Oceanclan. The couple gathers with close family and friends along the shore, spending time together while those who are able to fish do so. Afterwards, they share their aspirations and promises for the future, emphasizing their commitment to supporting one another. The ceremony ends with a meal made up of the fish they've caught, which is enjoyed with the guests and sometimes accompanied with wine. The couple also weaves together strands of gems, shells and pearls, symbolizing the intertwining of their lives, which they use to adorn themselves with during the ceremony.
Offerings to Cloudstar, the goddess of love and family, can be done by burying food or honey, assuming both are already an abundance at the time. This is done mainly during the beginning of one's relationship, but it's also sometimes done if the relationship later goes through a state of turmoil.
Weddings are not necessary for cats to become mates, and are sometimes postponed during hard times, such as during the colder seasons.
Warrior Assessments.
The warrior assessment includes a two-part evaluation, starting with a knowledge test focused on first aid and history. Successfully passing this section confirms their foundational knowledge.
First aid covers how to stop blood loss and infection in its tracks.
The oracle brings the trainee into their den. They look at the array of various herbs and items and must answer correctly as to which ones stop blood loss and prevent infection, as well as detail exactly how it is supposed to be used.
The history test covers both Oceanclan's successes and shortcomings, reinforcing to the future generations as to what makes the clan strong and what makes it weak.
This section is done by the overseer, away from the busyness of camp, somewhere quiet and private within the territory.
The second part consists of a mock battle against a larger and/or more experienced warrior, testing the trainee's strategy and adaptability in combat. This portion can sometimes take several moons for a trainee to pass when it didn't used to, mainly if they are not adept at fighting, strategy, or both. While winning isn’t a requirement, a demonstration of a solid level of skill and the ability to think ahead is. The monarch oversees the battle, ultimately deciding if the trainee is worthy of receiving the title of warrior.
Prior to Howlingsea's reign, the warrior assessment was different, focusing solely on the trainee's ability to swim and fish. The trainee was expected to bring home a decent haul of fish, and then later swim to one of the nearby islands and back, along with a gift to Seastar. After recieving their warrior name, they would carry their gift into the sea and let it go. It was believed that the more precious and rare this gift was, the more fortune the newly made warrior would have throughout the rest of their life. With Cliffclan as a constant threat to her clan, Howlingsea believed that it would be more worthwhile to test trainees in skills that could save their lives against an opponent that was likely bigger and stronger than them. Leopardsea continues to honor this change in tradition.
Some warriors still continue the practice of leaving an offering for Seastar after recieving their name, fearing they may earn his wrath if they don't.
Funerals.
When a clanmate dies, the body is laid on the shore and groomed, the scent of death hidden beneath aromatic herbs and flowers. Family members and close friends surround them and share reflective moments, softly speaking of the cat’s life, believing that the waves will carry these words to the fallen’s spirit. At either moon high or sunrise—whichever comes first—the body is carried into the water by those most important to them, allowing the ocean to take them.
The bodies of prisoners or of those who have greatly wronged Oceanclan are swiftly buried beyond the clan's territory, a deliberate act to sever their connection to the clan and its land.
Battle practices.
Cliffclan consists of many strong warriors. Oceanclan has known this for generations. Instead of allowing this fact to deter them from facing their rivals, they rely on methods that may give them an advantage over their enemy, however slight.
Before a battle, Oceanclan cats sometimes take a swift plunge into the sea, using the saltwater to disorient opponents who bite by flooding their senses with the briny taste.
Some warriors deliberately cover their claws in filth, increasing the risk of infection in their enemy's wounds.
If big enough, or if there are enough cats to overpower an opponent, Oceanclan warriors have resorted to drowning their foes.
Politics
Politics
Standings
Standings
Cliffclan
The two clans have been at odds for several generations now, with many cats having been killed over it. Compared to Cliffclan, Oceanclan sees themselves as superior, valuing intellect and strategy over sheer strength, which colors their perception of the other clan as somewhat primitive and unsophisticated.
Outsiders:
Drifters who are solely focused on their own interests, and lacking in culture. They are mostly viewed as a nuisance rather than a threat, with Oceanclan cats believing their self-serving nature makes them unreliable and untrustworthy. Outsiders are mostly insignificant to Oceanclan, provided they keep their distance from the clan's territory.
Politics: Leopardsea's Beliefs
Cliffclan
Cliffclan cats joining Oceanclan:
Highly depends on the situation. Leopardsea will hear the cat out, and then consider based off their words, their ability to provide for and defend Oceanclan— are they worth the time and investment, are they worth the risk of betrayal? Leopardsea is doubtful that many of them are. These are handled on case-to-case basis, and Leopardsea is unlikely to ever trust them. If they are able to spill the blood of those they once love, what stops them from doing the same thing to an Ocean-born warrior? ...Of course, they better be prepared to learn how to swim.
Friendships with Cliffclan cat
Forbidden. Worthy of exile. If you cannot find the relationships you seek in Oceanclan, then you may as well join your rock-brained friend.
Mateships with Cliffclan cats:
Guess.
Kits with Cliffclan cats:
An unfortunate result of one's crimes against the clan. Children that should have never been born. Leopardsea knows what it's like to have your parent's crimes held against you. He will regard them with the same expectations he gives towards every other youngster born in Oceanclan.
Outsiders
Outsiders joining Oceanclan:
Leopardsea is far more willing to consider curious outsiders, but the same expectations he has for former Cliffclan warriors are extended to them as well.
Friendships with outsiders:
Disapproved of. Even a single outsider should not be trusted with Oceanclan's business.
Mateships with outsiders:
An Oceanclan warrior's loyalty to the clan must surpass all else, even matters of the heart. If an outsider refuses to join, the warrior is expected to forsake their love. Should they choose to leave Oceanclan for the outsider, they may as well consider themselves exiled. In either case, Leopardsea’s trust in the warrior will be deeply shaken.
Kits with outsiders:
Just like in mateships, one must either bring the kits into the clan or let them go.
Past Highranks
Past Highranks
This list only consists of those who have not been lost to time.
Past Highranks: Monarchs
Howlingsea
A formidable white she-cat with sharp blue eyes and a body marked by many scars. Her hearing was limited, but this seemed to heighten her other senses to an almost uncanny level of sharpness.
Succeeded by: Leopardsea
Preceded by: Ripplingsea
A name that still sends shivers down the spines of both Oceanclan and Cliffclan cats. She had slaughtered her own family to seize the throne, forever staining the bloodline's legacy. Yet, she was not driven by cruelty or a lust for power. Convinced that the clan had grown weak under the previous monarch and heir, she took matters into her own paws. Her reign brought a shift in the clan’s focus, pushing trainees and warriors to prioritize survival and success above all else. Whether you hate or love her, there is no denial that she had left the clan stronger than it was when she first came into power.
Ripplingsea
A stout gray-and-white tabby tom, with round, blue eyes.
Succeeded by: Howlingsea
Preceded by: Silversea
When cats think of Ripplingsea, it's often in connection to the tragic tale of his death at the paws of his own daughter, Howlingwind—later known as Howlingsea. What made Ripplingsea stand out was his kind heart and quiet ambition to mend the hatred between Oceanclan and Cliffclan. Unfortunately, his efforts left little lasting impact, as he frequently yielded to his clanmates' calls for battle.
After a string of defeats, he seemed reluctant to confront them again, leading some to whisper that he feared the rival clan. Yet, perhaps all he truly wanted was to protect his own.
Silversea
A small she-cat with sleek, silver tabby fur, and beautiful blue eyes.
Succeeded by: Ripplingsea
Preceded by: Crimsonsea
Silversea was Crimsonsea's sole heir, raised in a sheltered environment and strictly forbidden from approaching the borders. Her quiet and reserved nature led some to perceive her as self-centered, but in truth, she held a deep love for Oceanclan and its warriors. In her young adulthood, an unknown illness began to rob her of her sight, preventing her from ever participating in battle. She rarely left the camp, but despite this, she moved gracefully across the rocky terrain of the gathering place, as if she knew every step by heart. She led a difficult life and was dealt with many losses, which included her entire first litter.
Even in her old age, Silversea remained a symbol of beauty, one of the few monarchs to retire and live peacefully as an elder before passing away in her sleep.
Crimsonsea
A she-cat with a unique silver-and-red calico coat and amber eyes. She had long teeth that jutted out from beneath her lips.
Succeeded by: Silversea
Preceded by: ???
Little is remembered of Crimsonsea, though she was known for her fierce love of battle. Tales persist that she enjoyed killing and had drowned several cats in her time, including a Cliffclan heir, cementing her reputation as a ruthless and dangerous warrior. She was the only living kin of the former monarch and had not anticipated leadership, but accepted it eagerly
Slain during a battle, she died doing what she loved: kicking ass.
Thalassa
A she-cat. Her exact appearance is unknown, but she is said to have been an ethereal looking feline with blue fur; if you were to look into her eyes, you would have felt as though you were looking into the ocean's depths.
Succeeded by: ???
Preceded by: ???
A cat worthy of being a Seastar's champion, she embodied everything an Oceanclan cat should be. Thalassa laid the foundations for one of the two great clans.
Past Highranks: Overseers
Tidewrath, served Oceanclan for 67 moons
A large, robust tom with long, dark blue-toned fur and icy blue eyes.
Succeeded by: Torrentheart
Preceded by: Saltfng
Served under: Howlingsea and Leopardsea
Tidewrath's place alongside Howlingsea had been earned via betrayal and murder. He and the fallen Queen were a terrifying duo, and together, a trail of blood was often left in their wake. He stood alongside Leopardsea for nearly the first two years of his reign before choosing to step down, believing that it was the best thing to do for Oceanclan.
Saltfang, served Oceanclan for 69 moons
A white tom with black tabby patches and blue eyes.
Succeeded by: Tidewrath
Preceded by: Pearlspark
Served under: Silversea and Ripplingsea
Saltfang was respected in his role. He performed his job well, and was devoted to his clan. And yet, he had been demoted once Howlingsea became queen.
A new monarch replacing the current overseer upon their ascent into the throne is not a common occurrence. To be replaced after seasons of dedication— and by Tidewrath at that —invoked his ire. It was rumored that he intended on showing the two cats the justice the gods spared them from, but only a couple moons into Howlingsea's leadership, he had been killed during a border dispute.
Pearlspark, served Oceanclan for 34 moons
A pale ginger she-cat with red eyes.
Succeeded by: Saltfang
Preceded by: Blightheart
Served under: Silversea
A stark contrast to the more quiet Silversea. Pearlspark was outspoken and bold, unafraid to challenge opinions or assert her own views. Despite this, no cat could deny her loyalty to Oceanclan and its queen.
They had their differences, yet Pearlspark and Silversea complemented each other. She passed after being struck with an illness; it is said that, along with her, a part of Silversea died that day.
Blightheart, served Oceanclan for ??? moons
A large dark red she-cat with missing patches of fur and green eyes.
Succeeded by: Pearlspark
Preceded by: ???
Served under: Crimsonsea and Silversea
Crimsonsea's right hand gal. A terror in her own right. Remembered just as well as Crimsonsea is — which is to say, not much. Not outside of how much she revered her queen, that is, and was willing to do anything in her name. When Silversea came into power, she seemed to become depressed when the young queen was not as eager to call for battle as her mother was. When Cliffclan attacked, she was eager to lead the charge, ultimately leading to her demise.
Past Highranks: Oracles
Blackfrost
A frail black tom with pale, yellow eyes.
Succeeded by: Kelpwhisper
Preceded by: Honeydusk
Attendants: Rivershine, Cloverstream, Kelpwhisper
A tom with an attitude larger than himself. He had a sharp tongue and never hesitated to dish out scoldings where it was due. Warmth and sentimentality were concepts that held no interest for him— his bedside manner was lacking at best, but he was a fantastic healer, and wise even in his youth. Blackfrost's relationship with Howlingsea was a peculiar one. When chaos erupted in camp, it had been the newly made oracle's steady voice that cut through it all, and told the clan that Howlingwind's fate was something to be decided on by their gods. During Howlingsea's reign, the two of them spent a great deal of time together, but never did they seem close.
Blackfrost succumbed to illness after refusing herbs. Despite this, he seemed content with allowing this to be his end.
Honeydusk
A pretty calico she-cat with hazel eyes.
Succeeded by: Blackfrost
Preceded by: Driftmoon
Attendants: ???, Blackfrost, Rivershine
Honeydusk's gift as an oracle was not in grand prophecies, but in counsel. Those who came to her for guidance found not only clarity, but relief from their burdens. She was especially fond of Oceanclan's youth and insisted that all of them learn basic remedying skills, which is perhaps what later inspired Howlingsea to make it apart of a trainee's training.
She retired and later passed away peacefully in her sleep, a victim of old age.
Driftmoon
A silver tabby tom with pale eyes.
Succeeded by: Honeydusk
Preceded by: ???
Attendants: ???, Honeydusk, ???
A strange tom with a curiosity that led him to push the boundaries of what was known. He was hardly content with the traditional methods of healing and instead delved into secret experiments. Driftmoon would mix herbs in untested combinations in hopes of discovering new treatments. These concotions would sometimes ease a cats suffering... or sometimes worsen it. Ambition blinded him to the risks involved. It wasn't until one of his mixtures led to the untimely death of a cat that his actions were exposed, and led him to being thrown out of the clan.
Past Highranks: Attendants
Cloverstream
A dilute calico she-cat with green eyes
Served under: Blackfrost, Kelpwhisper
A kind and thoughtful she-cat, who was quite popular among her clanmates— so when Cloverstream had been rejected by the gods for the position of Oracle, the entire clan was left stunned. Although she had the most experience, it was Kelpwhisper who was accepted.
If the gods had told Cloverstream why she had been rejected, she didn't reveal those reasons to the clan. After losing the faith of her clanmates, she disappeared one night. It was assumed that she left, unable to bear the shame she had been dealt with.
Rivershine
A blue speckled she-cat with amber eyes.
Succeeded by: Kelpwhisker
Preceded by: Honeydusk
Attendants: Rivershine, Cloverstream, Kelpwhisker
Served faithfully as Oceanclan's attendant for several seasons. Rivershine was an attendant alongside Blackfrost, and then served under him when he became the next oracle. She seemed content in her role and was an excellent healer.
She died in her sleep. It was strange, she seemed fine the day before, but perhaps there was something wrong that could not be detected.
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