The DawnClan overthrow has already begun, MoonClan’s revolt is scheduled to begin either next weekend (October 16-18) or the following one (October 23-25). This gap will allow DawnClan to gather support and NightClan and SunClan and prevent too much from happening all at once.

In DawnClan, Clawtail has started a clan meeting to call for Dawnswallow’s removal from power because of the foxglove murders. When Dawnwallow returns to the camp, the clan will be rioting for her execution and she will be killed by her clan mates. After this, Clawtail will set up an election for the clan to vote on their next leader and deputy (Locuststrike and Sacredtears) and announce she will step down from her position when she has trained an apprentice. Lotus-star will be stepping down from her position, as she’s never been a full supporter of the medicine cat she will not be executed or run out of the clan. The kits taken from SunClan would also be returned at this point.

All of that is pretty set in stone now, as the revolt has already begun, but past that point there is still room for discussion about what can happen.

The new DawnClan leadership can send patrols to NightClan and SunClan to discuss a joint overthrow of Weepingstar. Having all the clans working together to destroy Weepingstar’s leadership will build trust that will help our next arc, as well as provide a way to have NightClan and SunClan involved in this plot.

We don’t have very many concrete details set out for how MoonClan’s overthrow will go down. We do know that that Eclipseheart and the medicine cats are loyal to Weepingstar and the leaders of the rebellion will be Geckospots and Amberstrike, who have already supported some of their supporters. This overthrow is likely to be bloodier and longer than DawnClan’s and will result in a costly internal war between the rebels and the zealots, who will be put down by combined MoonClan rebel, DawnClan, SunClan, and NightClan forces in a large battle. It’s possible that we could have a group of warriors from each clan staying in MoonClan to maintain peace while MoonClan transitions into a more stable leadership and the former zealots are integrated back into clan life.

Here are some possible options for what will be done with zealots, suggested by Angel. For all of the options, the punishments for each character or each broad category of crimes will be decided upon out of character before the actual trial, to speed things along and ensure we won’t have to be waiting for members to be online at the right time. There has been some discussion about these options in the last plot planning entry on pages 9 and 10, I suggest you check that out.

1. During a gathering, or possibly a special meeting of just the leaders and deputies, the fate of each cat will be individually chosen.

2. The leaders and deputies during the gathering or a special meeting devise a general punishment for each general crime without taking age and circumstances into account

3. The medicine cats could decide the fate of each cat during a medicine cat meeting. May help restore the medicine cats’ image as impartial peacekeepers.

4. The medicine cats devise a general punishment for each general crime without taking age and circumstances into account.

5. The medicine cats or leaders decide on a blanket pardon for all crimes on the possible basis that enough blood has been spilled and there is no reason to cause more strife.

6. The medicine cats or leaders could decide to strip all zealots of certain rights, such as making it impossible for them to hold a position of authority within the clan or being lowered to the status of an apprentice.

What do y’all think would be the best option for handling the zealots? How much and how should SunClan and NightClan get involved in the conflict? Should they send warriors to stay in MoonClan for an extended period of time to help the transition? What about in DawnClan? Should the kits taken from SunClan and NightClan be integrated into this at all? Would MoonClan and DawnClan as a whole face any punishment for their actions, alongside individual warriors? I could see NightClan demanding a share of their territory.