Warrior Cats of the Forest
of the Forest
Subtitle
News
New Clans Planning
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Update: a formal poll regarding the new clan's name can be found here. Once you complete the poll, there will be an option to "see previous responses" that will let you see where everyone else is standing. If it's close or we get a bunch of "other" responses, we could potentially re-poll.
The vote on what to do about EarthClan closed yesterday, with those in support of keeping EarthClan and forming a new clan receiving the most votes. While this new clan won’t be able to actually come together until we have EarthClan moved into DawnClan’s territory, we should start planning for the new clan now so we know what they want to be when they are formed.
Please limit discussion of how we will form this clan to what immediately affect the clan’s identity. Keeping plot-planning to the actual Plot Planning Blog Entry will help us keep on-topic here as we focus on building up two new clan identities. As well, this is not the place to discuss who will be the leader of the new clan. I will decide who it will be using our usual criteria and announce the new leader and deputy closer to when the clan is formed. The best thing you can do now to increase your chances is participating actively in this blog and following the suggestions on the How Leaders and Deputies are Chosen.
I think the best way to go about this would be to see what the established clans are based on, and then use that as a framework for building EarthClan and the new, still unnamed clan. So, here is more or less what I believe each clan identity boils down to.
MoonClan
- Proud/arrogant, honorable, and courageous
- Conformist and the most nationalistic clan
- Moderately skilled hunters and fighters
- Highly value discipline; regimented day to day lives; strict clan hierarchy
- Suspicious of outsiders
- Strong belief in StarClan and The Warrior Code
NightClan
- Cunning, fierce, and ambitious.
- Individualistic
- Strong fighters but weak hunters, mostly scavenge for food
- Loose clan hierarchy and administration, with a low value placed on discipline
- Very accepting of outsiders
- Weak belief in StarClan and in the value of the Warrior Code
DawnClan
- Peaceful, compassionate, and forgiving.
- Individualistic with low value on discipline
- Moderate hunters and weak fighters, have the unique skill of fishing
- Paternalistic leadership style with a flexible hierarchy and a Leisurely day to day existence
- Moderately accepting of outsiders
- Moderate belief in StarClan and generally follow the Warrior Code
SunClan
- Cautious, intelligent, strive to embody “clan before the individual.”
- Value teamwork and place little stock in the individual; conformist
- Strong hunters but weak fighters
- Strict leadership style and hierarchy, highly demanding expectations of warriors
- Suspicious of outsiders
- Moderate belief in StarClan, but follow The Warrior Code to the letter.
Based on those facts, here’s one direction we could potentially go with the new clans, assuming that EarthClan ends up in DawnClan’s old territory and the NightClan rebels resettle in NightClan’s old territory and form the new clan.
New Clan (Possible names: EclipseClan, SkyClan, CometClan, GalaxyClan, NovaClan, MeteorClan, NebulaClan, please suggest more)
- Resourceful, fierce, domineering
- Individualistic
- Strong fighters but weak hunters, mostly scavenge for food
- Rigid clan hierarchy and administration, with each rank asserting themselves over lower ranks
- Moderately accepting of outsiders. Only accepts those who they deem strong enough, or alternatively, those who actually seem committed to their clan. Expect all outsiders to assimilate into clan life.
- Weak belief in StarClan, but a high degree of value in Warrior Code
EarthClan
- Tolerant, compassionate, and grounded
- Individualistic with low value on discipline, strives to encourage each cat’s strengths rather than make a uniform
- Moderate hunters and weak fighters, have the unique skill of fishing
- Paternalistic leadership style with a flexible hierarchy and a Leisurely day to day existence
- Very accepting of outsiders
- Extremely variable beliefs in StarClan and the Warrior Code
Of course, this is only one way to go about it, and I want to hear all of your thoughts on which direction we should head in to creating these new clans.
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79 Comments
If it's alright with y'all, I'm going to wait a few days and then make a formal poll where members can vote for which name they want. I don't want people to get so swept up in today's eclipse that they go with EclipseClan just out of excitement, so moving the vote back a bit will prevent that from happening. As well, there's really no rush, it'll be at least a month if not longer before this clan really gets on its feet.
Elm, I agree that we shouldn't just remake the clans from before. That said, DawnClan and NightClan were popular for a reason, so in those initial ideas I was trying to balance what people liked most about the original clans (NightClan being open to gang cats, for instance) and reframe those in the circumstances in which these new clans were formed. As well, we have to consider what living in their environment will do to them. For example, NightClan didn't have to worry so much about patrolling and such due to their ability to scavenge a reliable food supply, which resulted in a rather loose clan hierarchy. In contrast, SunClanners have to constantly work to keep themselves fed, so following the rules and living by the hierarchy makes that possible.
I do like the idea of a clan based on freedom, especially since that's the way I was going with EarthClan and it's interesting to see how that value could go in very different directions based on location. I.e. while EarthClanners move toward tolerance and compassion, our Sky/EclipseClanners? idea of freedom makes them unabashedly selfish and willing to hurt others in their path to revenge. However, there is some question of how that would be sustainable for a clan, and my idea for that could be that they highly value strength and their own identity as a clan. Therefore, while they're working for themselves on a day to day basis, there is a strong sense of pride in being SkyClanners and they don't stand for outsiders.
Hm, that is one problem with the name EclipseClan. Eclipses either block out the sun or the moon, but MoonClan and SunClan are really the only reason that the NightClan rebels would have ever been able to form their new clan in the first place. SkyClan could work better then, as the moon and sun exist in harmony in the sky...?
Elm, I don't quite see what you're saying about giving NewClan villainous intentions. First, I'm not really seeing where this was suggested, having a more, say, Slytherin-like clan doesn't necessarily mean flat out evil. As well, NightClan was considered something of a villainous clan with shaky belief in StarClan and was a staple of this site for years, so clearly those aspects won't cause the clan to implode in only a few months. Could you explain further? I don't think we're on the same page.
Personally, I actually think it would make some sense for this new clan to be somewhat like NightClan, considering it will probably be founded by the NightClan rebels. The differences will stem from a combination of who joins and where the NightClan rebels will try to fix the mistakes of their past (which I personally think stem from a lack of overall clan identity that allowed them to merge with DC in the first place), with the similarities coming from what the NightClanners liked about NightClan and what they believe set it apart, and what the environment would naturally shape the clan to be like.
Elm, I agree that we shouldn't just remake the clans from before. That said, DawnClan and NightClan were popular for a reason, so in those initial ideas I was trying to balance what people liked most about the original clans (NightClan being open to gang cats, for instance) and reframe those in the circumstances in which these new clans were formed. As well, we have to consider what living in their environment will do to them. For example, NightClan didn't have to worry so much about patrolling and such due to their ability to scavenge a reliable food supply, which resulted in a rather loose clan hierarchy. In contrast, SunClanners have to constantly work to keep themselves fed, so following the rules and living by the hierarchy makes that possible.
I do like the idea of a clan based on freedom, especially since that's the way I was going with EarthClan and it's interesting to see how that value could go in very different directions based on location. I.e. while EarthClanners move toward tolerance and compassion, our Sky/EclipseClanners? idea of freedom makes them unabashedly selfish and willing to hurt others in their path to revenge. However, there is some question of how that would be sustainable for a clan, and my idea for that could be that they highly value strength and their own identity as a clan. Therefore, while they're working for themselves on a day to day basis, there is a strong sense of pride in being SkyClanners and they don't stand for outsiders.
Hm, that is one problem with the name EclipseClan. Eclipses either block out the sun or the moon, but MoonClan and SunClan are really the only reason that the NightClan rebels would have ever been able to form their new clan in the first place. SkyClan could work better then, as the moon and sun exist in harmony in the sky...?
Elm, I don't quite see what you're saying about giving NewClan villainous intentions. First, I'm not really seeing where this was suggested, having a more, say, Slytherin-like clan doesn't necessarily mean flat out evil. As well, NightClan was considered something of a villainous clan with shaky belief in StarClan and was a staple of this site for years, so clearly those aspects won't cause the clan to implode in only a few months. Could you explain further? I don't think we're on the same page.
Personally, I actually think it would make some sense for this new clan to be somewhat like NightClan, considering it will probably be founded by the NightClan rebels. The differences will stem from a combination of who joins and where the NightClan rebels will try to fix the mistakes of their past (which I personally think stem from a lack of overall clan identity that allowed them to merge with DC in the first place), with the similarities coming from what the NightClanners liked about NightClan and what they believe set it apart, and what the environment would naturally shape the clan to be like.
From the villainous intentions I was receiving, most of the comments with the enthusiasm about EclipseClan could easily be taken as encouraging, just as much as like I said before, trigger happy. It can be seen that with this new clan that people are taking the symbolism as "fierce, dominating" and etc. I worry about this because with River mentioning it before, it is kind of reckless to make this new clan the clan where situations like villainous character arcs take place. I agree that Dawnclan and Nightclan were very lovable clans, but in all honesty, it would be very boring on the site to rely on old tricks to make every member on the site happy. As Skyclan's selfishness may not work together, so doesn't the imperialism of the EclipseClan that seems to go with the motto that I've seen mentioned. I agree that it wouldn't make sense to go against Sunclan and Moonclan, considering that they assisted the rebels in attacking. I feel on the site that we are often confined to the resources on the site, and only doing things that serve within boundaries. I'm often concerned about this as of lately, I've become bored with the plots on the site. Granted, this is only an opinion of mine, but I see a lot of plot events repeating, whether they be from long ago, or recent. Or even smaller events being similar to others. I opted to this new change because I feel like we really do need it. Having this clan be different might be something we all need, rather than similarities to past clans, just from the warriors of those clans. Not every cat from the same clan think alike when leading, and I find it poor to think that way. Sorry if this is coming off brash or even rude, considering the amount that has been done so far. I would just like to see something happen that I haven't already seen, or peak my interest yet again. We need to take more risks in my opinion, and that may even mean a move. I'm suggesting that we increase the map a bit, moving a clan out of the city. It doesn't have the be formed in the city, and this would even add more to a future plot. I have no idea where anything will lead to at this point, but all I am really getting at, is that sometimes, we need to take risks, even if that means that many may not like it. Making a new clan shouldn't have to fall back on " what we use to like, " because I would really like to see something that I could " learn to like". 
Hm, while I agree that we should make some changes, I don?t think ditching the idea of a city clan should be one of them. It?s one of the things that makes this site unique and it wouldn?t make sense for the NightClan rebels to settle elsewhere. As well, the original point of having a city clan was to provide a buffer against the city gangs, so MoonClan and SunClan would likely want to keep a clan there and support the NightClan rebels in setting up there.
As well, what would be added to future plots by creating another forest clan (assuming that?s what it would be, if not a city clan)? We already have three nature-based clans, so having one clan in a city offers different opportunities for side- and main plots than are available in the other clans.
As well, what would be added to future plots by creating another forest clan (assuming that?s what it would be, if not a city clan)? We already have three nature-based clans, so having one clan in a city offers different opportunities for side- and main plots than are available in the other clans.
As far as how the new clan should act, I personally think it should reflect how the Nightclan Rebels act since they'll be making up the majority of the new clan. Here's how I see it. Most Nightclan rebels I've seen have been very accepting to outsiders, wary of Earthclaners, not too knowledgeable about starclan, loyal, but independent. However I could be wrong about how I interpreted this.
While they will make up most of the new clan initially, I doubt that is going to last for more than maybe a few weeks. Our clans tend to be about 100 cats and there are about 20 NC rebels, so they will be outnumbered 4:1 before too long. As well, not that many members have cats in the NC rebels, so having them determine everything doesn't seem entirely fair. We can take them into account, though, and I think we definitely should.
I am curious, though, if they were so accepting of outsiders, why are they against the EarthClan merge? I assumed that would be a point of tension as they define themselves against the inclusion of cats unlike themselves, otherwise they would have gone ahead with joining DawnClan.
I am curious, though, if they were so accepting of outsiders, why are they against the EarthClan merge? I assumed that would be a point of tension as they define themselves against the inclusion of cats unlike themselves, otherwise they would have gone ahead with joining DawnClan.
I meant accepting of rouges and loners, but I see your point.
Im still unsure on having the rebels start this new clan.. If any rebels at all, I think it should be Dawnclan Rebels, Not Nightclan Rebels.
Why do you say that?
The NightClan rebels are much larger and more active.
The NightClan rebels are much larger and more active.
Okay, since this conversation seems to have died off a bit, I think there's another angle we could look at this from: how the clans bounce off of each other and how we could fix our fairly flawed former dynamics.
Under the four former clans, it was usual for SC and DC to somehow pair up with the warring factions of NC and MC. What few attempts we had with SC and DC pairing up against a united MC and NC were generally short and boring, as they just couldn't stand up to the more warlike clans. With EarthClan and the new clan, we can avoid this problem, possibly by having EarthClan drop the peaceful nature of DawnClan and instead actively encourage apprentices to enhance their fighting skills.
That does leave SC as a weaker link, but with NewClan possibly dropping NightClan's policy of picking up anyone with a set of claws to swell their ranks and instead expecting cats to assimilate into clan life, they could be comparatively weaker. That said, that would result in a less diverse NC, and I know a lot of people have enjoyed having that more gang-like clan, which wouldn't exist under the structure I proposed.
Under the four former clans, it was usual for SC and DC to somehow pair up with the warring factions of NC and MC. What few attempts we had with SC and DC pairing up against a united MC and NC were generally short and boring, as they just couldn't stand up to the more warlike clans. With EarthClan and the new clan, we can avoid this problem, possibly by having EarthClan drop the peaceful nature of DawnClan and instead actively encourage apprentices to enhance their fighting skills.
That does leave SC as a weaker link, but with NewClan possibly dropping NightClan's policy of picking up anyone with a set of claws to swell their ranks and instead expecting cats to assimilate into clan life, they could be comparatively weaker. That said, that would result in a less diverse NC, and I know a lot of people have enjoyed having that more gang-like clan, which wouldn't exist under the structure I proposed.
Just a thought, if SunClan and MoonClan had merged that would have been perfect for making EclipseClan o.o
I'm still not sold on either SkyClan or EclipseClan, but I also agree now that StormClan would not work.
MoonClan (MC) - 2 syllables - Moon, a celestial object, and a major daily part of cat life.
SunClan (SC) - 2 syllables - Sun, a celestial object, and a major daily part of cat life.
EarthClan (EC) - 2 syllables - Earth, a celestial object OR the very thing upon which all of the clans live. If Earth is taken to mean 'nature', this still makes sense, and is a major daily part of cat life.
EclipseClan (EC) - 3 syllables - Eclipse, a celestial event so rare that any recollection of one would be from multiple generations ago, and would likely be viewed as more of a myth than a story. Additionally, something shocking, odd, and not a consistent, stable, predictable part of cat life; not something that cats could form a connection to or serious, long-term symbolism around, since eclipses are so rare.
SkyClan (SC) - 2 syllables - Sky, more of a concept than an object or place. From the view of the cats, it would encompass the Moon, the Sun, and the Star(s), meaning that three of the other clans would seemingly be subservient to this clan in terms of symbolism. This could be interesting in that, perhaps SkyClan has a very superioristic attitude, seeing themselves to be above even StarClan.
Both of the current frontrunners in this debate to select the new clan name don't quite fit with the other names, and either choice would leave us with a duplicate of one of the other short-forms (EC or SC). Is it too late to come up with some more ideas?
Also, from an in-story perspective, what's to stop the NC Rebels from simply reforming NightClan, and re-using that name?
MoonClan (MC) - 2 syllables - Moon, a celestial object, and a major daily part of cat life.
SunClan (SC) - 2 syllables - Sun, a celestial object, and a major daily part of cat life.
EarthClan (EC) - 2 syllables - Earth, a celestial object OR the very thing upon which all of the clans live. If Earth is taken to mean 'nature', this still makes sense, and is a major daily part of cat life.
EclipseClan (EC) - 3 syllables - Eclipse, a celestial event so rare that any recollection of one would be from multiple generations ago, and would likely be viewed as more of a myth than a story. Additionally, something shocking, odd, and not a consistent, stable, predictable part of cat life; not something that cats could form a connection to or serious, long-term symbolism around, since eclipses are so rare.
SkyClan (SC) - 2 syllables - Sky, more of a concept than an object or place. From the view of the cats, it would encompass the Moon, the Sun, and the Star(s), meaning that three of the other clans would seemingly be subservient to this clan in terms of symbolism. This could be interesting in that, perhaps SkyClan has a very superioristic attitude, seeing themselves to be above even StarClan.
Both of the current frontrunners in this debate to select the new clan name don't quite fit with the other names, and either choice would leave us with a duplicate of one of the other short-forms (EC or SC). Is it too late to come up with some more ideas?
Also, from an in-story perspective, what's to stop the NC Rebels from simply reforming NightClan, and re-using that name?
I agree that eclipses aren't super common and they are somewhat different in that way from the relative constants of the moon, sun, and earth, but I don't think it's fair to say that they would be mythical either or something that most cats have no experiance with. If we count partial lunar eclipses, looking over a list of the times they've happened over Detroit, it seems to happen about once a year.
Personally, I don't think the symbolism matters that much. Sure, some cats may occasionally flaunt their name (as MoonClan potentially could with their name being sacred) and use it as a symbol, but SkyClan's symbolic dominance is subtle enough that I don't think it stands apart from the crowd too much, especially when put in a Sun-Moon, Earth-Sky context.
I'm not too concerned about the short-forms, we could easily shift to SkC and SuC, or EaC and EcC to avoid confusion.
No, it isn't too late. What ideas do you have? I exhausted mine in the original post, haha.
From an instory perspective, that could work, but the vote already went toward creating a new clan so I don't think we should waste time going too far down that path of thinking. As well, Moon, Sun, Earth, and Night make even less sense together than either Eclipse or Sky.
Personally, I don't think the symbolism matters that much. Sure, some cats may occasionally flaunt their name (as MoonClan potentially could with their name being sacred) and use it as a symbol, but SkyClan's symbolic dominance is subtle enough that I don't think it stands apart from the crowd too much, especially when put in a Sun-Moon, Earth-Sky context.
I'm not too concerned about the short-forms, we could easily shift to SkC and SuC, or EaC and EcC to avoid confusion.
No, it isn't too late. What ideas do you have? I exhausted mine in the original post, haha.
From an instory perspective, that could work, but the vote already went toward creating a new clan so I don't think we should waste time going too far down that path of thinking. As well, Moon, Sun, Earth, and Night make even less sense together than either Eclipse or Sky.
Hey guys, here is our formal poll for the clan's name: https://goo.gl/forms/JRwxhavPjZmIRNWP2
Note, if you don't put in your username, your vote isn't going to be counted. What you vote for will never be held against you in any way, this is just the best system for making sure that no one votes twice.
If you didn't put your username in the first time, please revote with your username listed so your vote will be recorded.
If you didn't put your username in the first time, please revote with your username listed so your vote will be recorded.
Everyone should vote on the poll! It's wicked fast and you can add your name option if desired
I'm going to go ahead and close the poll on Friday evening (September 15th) so we can focus our attention on the clan's personality. I know I sound like a broken record, but if you haven't voted yet, please be sure to do so before then.
As well, this conversation is worryingly dead. Please speak up if you have any ideas for the new clan or feedback on what's already been said.
As well, this conversation is worryingly dead. Please speak up if you have any ideas for the new clan or feedback on what's already been said.
The naming poll ended today, with EclipseClan winning (11 votes), followed by SkyClan (6 votes), and GreyClan, CloudClan, and NovaClan getting one vote apiece.
I just finished up a draft of the new clan descriptions, which can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E6cKCELWNHUkVwEGKyB0a1YKYzRdw
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