Battle Moves / Training Sessions

This will be a giant compilation of training moves in reference to battle training, and primarily used by Sentinels. The purpose of this list is giving you an idea on all the battle moves a cat may possibly possess for any reason, whether it be where they're from, what their skills are, and how experienced they are in battle. Different made-up battle moves will be added to the list when caught being used/taught, though it is unrealistic to believe every move can possibly be memorized/known by any given cat. 
The Leader, Sentinels, and Tunnelers will all have a bulk of these moves in their skillset, and they may even have moves invented by them that they prefer to use. Different mentors will pass down different skills, and cats with less/more muscle, weight, or even of different sizes may all have different ways with coming to fight an enemy. Feel free to have fun with this, as this page is more a guide/help of sorts if you're entirely lost in this category. 
== Importance ==
The point of battle moves being trained to any and all cats is so each and every cat is capable of defending themselves if it comes down to it. Every cat is taught one move on how to end a cat's life if they are in genuine danger of being injured themselves, but it's against the Prairies' Promise to kill a cat without reason, and it's punishable by exile to harm or kill a clanmate, or worse, depending on the severity.
Sentinels and Tunnelers are taught many battle moves as they are the first line of defense for the clan, and any and all battles should be fought by them, with Moor Runners and Trackers instructed to fall back behind them. These cats are going to be the strongest of their clanmates, and the cats entrusted to give their lives for the sake of their clan if they see it fit. Sentinels and Tunnelers are expected to do anything to defend their clan, no matter what they need to do to achieve this. They are honored and respected by the rest of their clan and admired for the mental strength it takes to harm cats severely if it proves necessary for the sake of the clan. Sentinels and Tunnelers may also choose to share their skills with their loved ones, as every cat of Sunlit Prairies is prepared at any given time to leap into battle to defend their home and their loved ones. 
Sentinels and Tunnelers most often are the cats scaring off wild animals, and driving them as far from camp as they possibly can. Trackers and Moor Runners have much more stamina than their offensive cats, so it's not uncommon for these cats to be the one to flee, while the Sentinels and Tunnelers build walls of bodies to prevent creatures coming too close to camp. Sentinels and Tunnelers who do not have this courage may be punished for their actions, because even if one Sentinel falters, it could mean devastation. 
== Usage ==
Cats can call on battle moves in any situations that they may fight in. When used in training sessions, think of each move visually on an object / cat in place of an enemy to have your apprentice attack. When used in battles against other cats, all battle skills can be applied. Hunting class specific cats shouldn't be using exclusively rank-based specific skills in battle, however, unless a reason can be feasibly given for why they may have it. 
For battles against wild animals, check the specific tab. There will be a list of battle moves that will be helpful depending on the circumstance.
== Role Specific ==
Like with every list of move-sets, it's considered to be highly unlikely that a cat may possess every skill. More skills can be claimed realistically by a Sentinel, as they are the cats mainly trained for fighting. Every cat at least has basic combat knowledge and should be able to defend themselves, but cats like Moor-Runners and Trackers are the hunters of the clan, with Sentinels and Tunnelers are the fighters. Sentinels that know Tunneler moves should know them sparingly, and possibly referenced to have been taught by a Tunneler rather than them thinking back on it from training. Same for Tunnelers and Sentinel-taught skills. Moor-Runners and Trackers would not have many if any of these move specifics in their skillset, rather choosing from more basic movesets.
== Sentinel Specific ==
=== Training Sessions ===
In a training session, mentors of young Sentinels and Tunnelers may use different objects / scenarios to interpret how they'd use a battle move. Each one is explained, and will have an details on how it is preformed as well as why it is useful/may work in battle. Most battle practice can be preformed with another apprentice/mentor duo- claws sheathed, of course. It is unlikely a mentor, especially one on the larger sized compared to their apprentice, will ever be used as a cat to practice on, and in that circumstance they may only have their apprentice practice on other apprentices and or objects in the territory.
Young apprentices are not taught training moves during their first 1-2 moons of training, as six month old cats are still somewhat small and clumsy. Once they've grown into their pelt more however, or an exceptionally large/built apprentice may begin the training much earlier. In these early moons of training all apprentice will have been learning the territory, scents/basic tracking skills, as well as hunting moves. 
Full-grown or cats nearing 12 moons, however, will be challenged by their mentors and they will spar for practice in place of training sessions. Sentinel and Tunneler apprentices will have learned enough from their mentors to feasibly be able to beat them. If a larger mentor/smaller apprentice duo is the case however, the mentor may be replaced with another cat's mentor for sparring. The assessment for Sentinels and Tunnelers is a spar on mentor and apprentice, and if the apprentice shows tenacity in battle, their mentor will pass them. Apprentices that beat their mentor in the assessment spar- the final spar they will have, and the one that would be the most advanced version, as the apprentice will have finally learned most/all there is to know about battle that they will have gotten from training sessions.
=== Spars ===
Referenced commonly in battle practice, spars are a pair-up of two cats that will fight, claws sheathed, until one cat can be properly beaten. Harming your clanmate physically is against the Prairies' Promise, though spars are looked upon as just a refreshing of skills, and more of a way to pass time when there is little more to be done. Skills can be shared between adult cats, and spars are usually seen as a positive thing, as long as they are not taken too far.
Battles between clan cats that have gotten out of hand, as in claws/teeth wore bared and physical harm was brought to another, are punishable by the clan leader who will assess the situation accordingly, and decide based on her judgement who may at fault if no cat is willing to come forward/both accuse another. Disputes are settled and cats will always be forced to atone for harming a clanmate, taking care of tasks together in a way of acting as apprentices towards one another, and an apology will be arranged, forcing the cats to take fault and sincerely make up for their actions. Cats who refuse to atone/show repeated signs of aggression may be stripped of their rank, or exiled.
=== Basic ===
Described as feasible for most cats to possess, these battle moves are relatively easy to understand and may be the first one taught to a young apprentice, or the only skills taught to inexperienced cats/medicine cats. Cats who are only trained for basic battle moves usually attempt to stay as defensive as possible, and use these moves whilst being attacked. Many of the listed can be done by a cat with only a moderate amount of strength when compared to their opponent. 
* Attack position, the basic structural attacking position. Stand with your shoulders squared, back arched, and tail tucked either under you or straight up, claws unsheathed. This position should be steady in weight all across your body so you cannot easily be pushed over when prodded. Legs can be spread farther in or out to balance weight as needed. Should be able to withstand a cat landing on top of you without falling to your belly, and able to tense and keep your enemy from swiping your legs from under you.
*Young apprentices are taught early on in their apprenticeship to bush out their fur to look bigger and appear more intimidating to the enemy, or to slick it down to appear weaker. 
* Arched back, they are also taught to arch their back defensively, to intimidate the enemy or vent out anger. 
* Hind-paw churning into pelt, the cat will churn their hind paws with intense pressure, claws extended, into a cat's belly, spine, or ribcage. These areas are relatively close to the pelt and seen/felt with ease. Churning hind claws into the spine, belly, or ribcage is somewhat painful, though not very effective.
*Cuffing across ears, cats have easily wounded ears, and it is painful to some to have them swiped or shredded. Cuffing of apprentices is also seen as a punishment for misbehaving or talking back, though with claws unsheathed cats can easily rip tears into another's ears, breaking the flesh and bleeding while leaving a forever lasting visible wound depending on the intensity. Varies heavily on how effective it is depending on how strong it may be and how sharp, long, or whether or not the claws are even extended.
* Battering a cat with their forepaws, similar to churning, but it's more of a kicking with their hind-legs with the front paws wrapped around their victim. The cat will pummel them with their hind paws, kicking them until they've bruised or to force them off when pinned, if kicking into the cat's belly. Decently effective defensively.
*Swiping the muzzle/nose, blows aimed at the muzzle/nose and swipes done on these areas can make a cat's eyes water and are generally painful for them. Blows aimed here are good for defense against larger cats trying to aim for a cat's neck.
*Biting and yanking the tail, biting down hard on a cat's tail can easily send them fleeing. Tugging on it is also incredibly painful. When used in training apprentices are told to be careful not to sink their teeth into the flesh. Very effective.
*Attack crouch, while crouching leap out to attack the cat with forepaws or bites, before returning to crouching-defensive position.
*Tail-tuck, more a defensive tactic to avoid giving the enemy something else to hold onto. Cats are often taught to tuck in their tail in a battle to give the enemy less to harm on their body.
*Neck-break, every cat is taught this simple move to instantly kill an enemy if they are put into a position it may be easy to do so. It takes a lot of mental strength to take the life of another cat, and it is often quite traumatizing. Seen as a last resort if a cat is showing significant danger to the clan, or if they are in risk of losing their life if the threat is not neutralized. Seen as punishable by exile and or execution if used on a clanmate, and it's incredibly effective, however it does take a lot of strength and an already weakened enemy that cannot brace themselves to avoid the attack. The cat will place their paws on either side of the head and grip, and with as much force as they can exert they will twist the neck backwards, usually easier if the enemy is pinned down on their belly not facing the attacker. It is an instant and painless way to kill a cat, and very merciful, and this is why it's taught in place of other moves.
=== Moderate ===
Moderate can be sprinkled in to any amount of knowledge taught to some cats, and are not uncommon to be used. They take a bit more knowledge in battle/extra training to perfect, but with enough practice it's reasonable a cat could easily direct these moves in combat.
* Falling limp beneath the target whilst trapped beneath them, using their confusion in believing you've been defeated to erupt from under them, pushing up abruptly and putting you in attack position.
*Batting at the head with fierce blows while standing steadily on hind legs, using both the tail and hind paws to balance, heavily effective when a cat is backed and supported by another doing the same move behind them. This helps steady the blows and creates a fierce frontal defense, and when backed against something it can protect them from behind, because without it their back is open and exposed. This move is good against a cat aiming blows at the face, giving the cat leeway to send stronger blows against the muzzle, cheeks, and side of head to daze them. When paired with another cat mirroring the movement, two cats can reasonably take on a swarm of enemies, it's seen as a strong defensive move.
*Scruff shake, grab the opponent by the loose skin on the back of their neck and shake violently until they are too dazed to fight back. Heavily effective against a fight with a smaller cat, who would be too rattled to continue fighting back momentarily.
*Leap-and-hold, used for smaller cats, the cat will leap onto the back of their victim and cling on, able to use any number of attacks to inflict heavy damage while attached. Can also apply to cats leaping onto the side, and scratching their hind legs against the cat's side, clawing out heaps of fur and raking their belly viciously. Can be countered by the victim of the attack dropping onto their side and rolling all their weight onto their back in an attempt to squash the opponent. The cat would need to quickly be able to flip back around if the Sentinel was prepared and got away, as it would leave their belly fur exposed for easy clawing.
*Rear-up slash, if a cat is leaping towards you raise up on hind-legs and slash at them in the air before they've had a chance to topple you over.
=== Advanced ===
Advanced skills are exclusively taught to both Sentinel and Tunneler apprentices, passed down for generations of different skill levels and power, as well as adaptations of skills from the past clans that came before them. Sparingly taught to other ranks, these skills are usually very powerful but take a vicious and strong, well-trained cat to pull off.
* Vital Areas on the body are pointed out and designated by certain morally questionable cats. Striking these areas with claws are usually explained to do heavy damage, and certain mentors will avoid teaching this entirely if they've even learnt it themselves, due to it being against the Prairies' Promise to kill another cat. Similar to how a cat may kill a vicious wild animal however, these moves are cat specific, and not so much hunting moves. 
** Belly
***Clawing open a cat's belly can prove to be quite easy if given the opening to do it, though it would take a lot of force. Cats protect their stomach with a fierce vigor, but a cat unable to defend themselves, such as one who has already been beaten, may not have the energy to stop another. Ripping claws down the belly will shred into plenty of vital organs, though it takes an immense amount of pressure, plentiful amounts of swipes with an insane amount of energy exerted, and bring a nauseating and insanely painful, though not immediate death as they bleed out from their wounds. 
**Neck
***Clawing, biting, or slicing a cat's neck is considered an attempt on the cat's life and are not taught by mentors, though it is a commonly known thing by most cats, it takes a strong case with very advanced reasoning/a cat who can physically take it to swipe a cat's throat. It is the most effective way to kill a cat, and is against the Prairies' Promise to use unless necessary for the clan's survival/protection. Cats have very vital organs here, so attacking the neck at all with strong intensity will kill them, having blood gush from the wound until they eventually bleed to death.
**Spine
***At the base of the head where the scruff meets it, all along the back of a cat's neck is where their spine attaches their body to their head. It is considered an attempt on the cat's life and are not taught by most mentors, and it is not commonly known by most clan cats as they attempt to avoid it, due to it being against the Prairies' Promise. It is only used when necessary for the clan's survival/protection. Cats can be heavily injured if bitten down on at any part of the spine, though where it connects to the head will kill them, biting lower down on the body can permanently disable them for life if enough force is used and the spine is broken. Very heavy cats can also crush another cat's spine, though it would take their entire weight/all their force to do so, and may only even work on a smaller, more fragile cat. 
* Head bash, steady yourself and run full-force into the target, using your weight and your momentum, steadying yourself before striking, to bash your skull into the targets, dazing them as well as yourself. The trained cat may normally bounce back from this quicker than the opponent due to the premeditation of the attack, leaving the cat vulnerable to any number of things. When done to a young cat from one much larger, it is very easy to win the fight and inflict serious damage. Cats may do any number of defensive attacks to avoid this, though it's usually most effective after a cats already somewhat confused/impaired.
*Rapid flurry of paws, the cat strikes repeated blow after blow without missing a beat, pummeling the enemy against the head and forcing them backwards. Very effective if paired with deep swipes.
*Duck and headbutt, duck under the enemies chest and slam your head up with full-force, balancing your weight in all four paws, to unbalance an enemy and bowling them over.
*Disabling yank, leap over the enemy and rear up on hind legs and, while turning, rake their back before planting your paws and sinking your teeth into their hind leg, jerking them backwards and pulling them onto their belly.
*Lightning strike, usually done by a patrol of cats, at minimum three. The signal is gave by the patrol leader, and cats hide within overgrowth. Cats will strike from one angle and vanish into the overgrowth before the cat has a chance to turn around, before another strike is hit on the opposite side. Repeat this move until the enemy flees, believing that they are outnumbered. Cats need to be quick, efficient, and strike hard and fast as to not be spotted and brought down, forcing the rest of the patrol to come in to save them, wasting energy that otherwise may be necessary for other tasks.
*Water-fighting, cats of Sunlit Prairies are descendants of the great Rippling Streams, and such there are very sparse moves that remain of their origin that are still taught occasionally to this day. However, only few cats with webbed paws can steady themselves in shallow rapids, forcing a cat into the water to fight them and use the weightlessness of the water to their advantage. Cats who cannot swim are usually not entrusted with fighting cats in the water, so it's usually only used as a final resort if a patrol is becoming weakened and may be at risk for losing. Water is unmerciful and dangerous, and few cats are reminded of this on a regular basis.
**Slap down, slap harshly down on the water with front paws to splash into the enemies' eyes, blinding them briefly.
**Water push-off, propelling your paws out from underwater, rear up on your hind-legs to surprise your enemy, getting them off-guard and easily being able to wrestle them into the water.
**Wrestle-and-release, grab your enemy and wrestle them until their head is below the water, where you then hold them down with your forepaws until they surrender. Cats not used to water may not know to hold their breath, and it usually has them surrendering rather quickly.
**Water feign, flick water towards the enemy to confuse them into preparing for an attack from the opposite angle, giving you the element of surprise when you leap seconds later from a different side.
=== Sentinel Specific ===
Sentinels are taught to fight in every terrain, and even dabble in some of the aquatic fighting as part of faint remaining training sessions, taught by cats who were trained by cats with lineage tying back to their ancient clans, passed down and down for generations. Sentinels are considered the bulk of their clanmates, and are the strongest and most resilient among them, with enough tenacity to withstand fighting for extended periods of time, and the ability to cope with doing what may need to be done to succeed. Sentinels are the main defense of their clan, and may rely on Tunnelers as a final resort if they are weakened, or if they are outnumbered may drive them into tunnels filled with an awaiting patrol.
Sentinels are taught to fight in every scenario possible. Driving cats onto a thunderpath if at risk for losing due to an ambush on the border, how to steady themselves in branches in high trees to easily succeed in a battle, and even hiding within the undergrowth to gain the upper hand at all times, Sentinels will force a win by any means necessary. They are trained to not surrender at any point, as it is their duty to give their life for their clan. If their clan is not in immediate danger however, mentors will advice their apprentices for their own well-being to give in. Cats not fighting to their full ability for their clan's sake may be treated with disdain by the cats that needed the defending. 
Attacks that utilize kicking debris into the eyes is usually looked down upon, as it's seen as unfair and cowardly to the Sentinels, though Tunnelers find this fair game, causing a bit of dispute between them. 
* Using distance to your advantage, when attacking on the moors from far away you can either intimidate or manipulate your enemy into making poor strategic decisions, and or fleeing. Spreading out your patrol will appear as a wall that cannot be crossed, and is seen as incredibly effective to scare off lone enemies or small groups of attacking rogues, or clumping together your patrol into a line behind you may make them over confident and choose to attack poorly.
* Attack both ends of a patrol first, apprentices are often trained to practice attacking groups of enemies, attacking the front half as well as the back and leaving cats in the center to spin around and defend either side, leaving them in disarray and often spinning around and making poor attempts at attacks due to confusion. 
* Reserve of fresh-fighters, always have enough cats to sit in wait of any clanmates who may be injured and fall back, replace them immediately with fresh force. This will make it seem as if the force is much greater and unrelenting.
* Feigned retreat and ambush, used when paired with Tunnelers, the Sentinels will begin the attack but fall-back, repeating until they've lead their enemy to tunnel systems where Tunnelers will then flood out and join the fight.
* Quick pinning move using the swinging momentum of the cat's hind quarters to slam the cats down in a coiling motion to pin them.
** Preferably done by an athletic enough cat, or one small enough to coil their body around, the cat will launch themselves, aiming towards the side of the victim's throat. Wrapping their arms around the victim's neck, the cat will swing their weight forward with full force and slam the cat down onto their side, their teeth yanking them down by their scruff while all the weight in their neck is brought down. The cat would have to use the weight of their body here, and would usually need to have caught the cat off-guard to fully utilize it, though it is incredibly effective if done correctly and puts the cat in a dangerous position.
*Fall from a branch and kick the enemy with the force of your fall as you land. Use your legs to kick off the enemy, off-balancing them and landing you in attack position.
* Bite and hold, you bite the enemy wherever you can grip, thick cheek/neck fur, limbs, tail, neck, or any amount of loose flesh/fur and hold on. Similar to the leap and hold but your claws remain free to fight.
*Shoulder pin, force your weight down onto the cats shoulders with your paws wrapped around them, forcing them into the ground to easily churn your hind legs into their spine or side.
*Underbelly slash, dip under and enemy and slash your claws under the enemy, before they have a chance to spin around, expecting you to come out the other side, back out from under them, and while they spin around grip their fur in your claws and force them to the ground.
*Body slam, final crushing move on an already wrestled and weak opponent, or one that is unprepared and dazed. Rear up on hind legs and bring the full force of your body weight down upon them, paws pinning something down to do enough damage to break bone. If not directly aimed, the target will have the air knocked from them, unless they rear up and then grapple them down to wrestle and then flip them under you.
*Leap and slash, a good and powerful attack, the cat will leap and swipe down the side of or the face of the opponent, doing intense damage.
*Partner fighting, cats who are used to training together (mainly Sentinels) are well versed in keeping their battle partner safe, forcing their flanks against one another and defending the other, creating a fierce offense on the back of the cat.
*Hold and collapse, leap onto the enemies' back and hold onto either side of their head with your forepaws, and with your hind legs knock their paws out from under them, making them easily defeated.
*Petal Dance, a move developed by Petaldance, and what she's named after. She uses an array of oleander petals alongside the herbs tied around her tail to "dance" in a storm of petals sent spraying around an enemy, confusing and blinding them temporarily. During intense battles, she even includes the seeds of oleanders in an attempt to poison her enemy during the attack. This move is quite effective for the molly, but isn't very well executed by any other cats, even when she attempts to train them to do so.
===== Effective Defensive Skillset =====
The defensive skillset utilized by a majority of all Sentinels. These skills are easy to pull off if trained on it and practiced consistently, and they are very effective.
* Swiping legs from under opponent. When leapt at or pinned, a Sentinel can cuff their fore-paws around the ankles or front paws of the cat and force their weight from under them while they're weight is uneven attempting to aim blows. Easily swaps the power position to the user when done properly, but can be easily useless if the cat's weight is fully supported on the limbs you swipe at, so it takes assessing the situation.
* Duck and twist, the cat will duck and then flip around back onto their paws to protect their belly from an oncoming attack. Only useful if not already pinned, unless the paws/weight is forced on them during the flip.
*Curl-up spring off, great for smaller cats when pinned, jerk your limbs up abruptly and force your paws under them, curl up against the enemy and slice your claws through their belly before forcefully shoving your claws in, releasing your upper body from their hold and possibly dismantling them if they've been shoved hard enough off. 
*Sun-blinding, Sentinels fighting on the moors may set their paws with their backs to the sun, forcing the enemy to face it to attack them, blinding them in the process. Can also be used in the forests, though it may be necessary to call a fall-back for the patrol to force the enemy to follow them into position.
*Wind-usage, stand with the wind blowing against you and towards the enemy, kicking up dust and debris and possibly off-balancing them from it's strength. When stalking make sure the wind is crashing over you, as to not give your scent away. Takes manuvering, but it's effective.
*Trunk-Spring, slide from branch down the side of a tree and leap from the trunk before you hit the ground, clearing over the head of an enemy and escaping, great for if a tree you're waiting in is surrounded.
*Reverse-Climb, begin to climb down a tree towards an enemy, as if you're about to attack. Begin to pace back up the tree, before possibly following with a trunk-spring.
*Shred, when pinned the cat will dig their claws in beginning where their forearms meet their chest, dragging up and then swapping to swipe down, clawing open their chest cavity in a quick succession of swipes and killing the target. Only used as a defensive ability if they're at risk of death theirselves, and not to be used without proper reason.
===== Ambush Skillset =====
A range of ambush-style specific fighting moves that are feasibly used by small, fast cats against a larger opponent. Ambush moves rely on stealth, the element of surprise, and disabling the enemy before they are given a chance to properly defend themselves. Cats who are deemed intelligent and observant may use these skills to assess an enemy before they make a plan to attack them, as is important for winning a fight that they wouldn't win otherwise had they fought their enemy as if on even ground. Ambush skillsets are considered defensive due to the intention to stay far back at all times, and able to flee and escape at the drop of a whisker if need be.
* Cats are taught to hide within the undergrowth, and determine safe areas for cover/recall when they may need time to rest/heal their wounds before their enemy has a chance to grab them, usually very effective in dense overgrowth or cluttered terrain. Cats may also use trees, 
** Swiping, cuffing, biting, or striking an enemies' limbs in weak areas, and or pulling or shredding the tail can easily make a cat's legs buckle beneath them, or send them fleeing due to pain.
*Sky-crusher, stay silent above the enemy until they've made it in pouncing range, leap and land squarely on top of them to force them down, catch them off-guard, and knock the wind from their lungs.
* Fall-slice, fall from branch with claws unsheathed, able to use full-force and deal maximum injury with the strength paired with how sharp your claws are. 
* Flip-over ambush, stay silent above the enemy until they've made it in pouncing range, pounce on top of them and use your legs to swipe their paws from under them, forcing them onto their belly so you can pin them until they've surrendered or escaped.
*Propel off, the cat, preferably one that's quite quick, will leap on and instantly right off a wall, tree, or another cat with precise accuracy to propel themselves towards the enemy with fierce, deadly force. Very effective when paired with a wound inflicted on the cat's neck by the fangs, but can also be used to force a cat off their paws and pin them.
*Major arteries in limbs/forepaws are taught to cats who wish to learn them, and claws are embedded into these spots and sliced open to cause major bleeding and intense pain. Great when used during an ambush attack if there are many enemies to send them fleeing faster than normal.
*Higher-ground advantage, cats are taught early to comprehend their surroundings accordingly and learn to differentiate between different sloping land. Attacking from the top of a hill for example will force an enemy to either fall-back or fight you head on up-hill, making it much more difficult for them and causing their enemy to drain in energy significantly.
=== Tunneler Specific ===
Tunnelers utilize the underground and thus have to be powerful with lack of sight when battling their enemies. They are used to the lack of vision, so Sentinels may force a battle into the tunnels for Tunnelers, who are trained and accustomed to the lack of sight, will be able to take advantage of their enemies' weakness and easily defeat them. They are also trained with several options from advanced and moderate skillsets, varying from mentor to mentor and the cat. Tunneler apprentices have to adjust and embrace the ability to feel and understand/move with the Earth as to not lose sight of their enemy. Most mentors will act as a body as the warmth of their opponent since it's a crucial factor when compared to the cool Earth, making it feasible that Tunnelers often train in groups more often than Sentinels.
Tunnelers are taught young that the tunnels are an advantage for the clan in many ways. If enemies are forced into them, or caught off-guard when lost and trying to attack using them, the tunnelers can easily surround a cat and batter them until they surrender, at which point they will then use the tunnels dug all the way to the border too force them off the territory. The scents in the tunnels are strong, and linger much more than they would above-ground, so cats unfamiliar with the system may believe these tunnels are always well-guarded, and due to the length travelled underground, it is often disorienting and gives a way to allow your enemy to go peacefully without a risk of showing them more of the territory for them to later use to their advantage. The tunnel leads straight to a thunderpath though, and the Tunnelers will then block the singular exit and form a wall, forcing the enemy to cross the thunderpath if they wish to escape them, sending blows aimed at them if they attempt to go any other way. This is taught and practiced with Tunneler patrols often, occasionally using a Mentor in place of an enemy to give apprentices an easier time understanding the motions than if they aimed blows into blackness.
A fight against a Tunneler is like trying to fight a wrapping darkness, and that's exactly how they train their apprentices to attack. There's some battles Tunnelers go completely unseen due to their stealth and backing away perfectly when necessary. They usually wrestle their opponent, forcing their muzzles into the mud or crushing their body to the ground, wrapping them in a splay of paws and slapping them like beavers with their tails. There's usually plenty of them, so attacks struck from either side are most common, but once a Tunneler has been grabbed they will tangle themselves with the opponent, causing lethal damage.
* Lack of sight and how to manage it.
** Tunnelers use any amount of ways to deal with this. Young apprentices are encouraged to be thoughtful, and stand incredibly sturdy as to not get caught off-guard, as it's easy to become confused on where your opponent may be. Cats in the tunnels are trained to listen to even the most quiet of sounds, and by immense exposure to the lack of sight, their vision worsens, but their hearing heightens. By forcing their body to adapt, they can seemingly pick up on even the most silent of sounds a cat can make, able to pick up on the patter of their paws and judge the distance to prepare themselves for the attack.
**It takes a very quiet and patient cat to be able to fully embrace this, and it's the reason why most cats prefer not to become Tunnelers, on top of the fact the the tunnels are also quite dangerous. Using training that listens for sound rather than relying on sight gives leway for all sorts of attacks, taking advantage of your opponents inability to cope with the circumstance to catch them off-guard and easily defeat them. They are trained to tread lightly, and sit patiently awaiting for the perfect moment to attack.
* Tunnelers are specifically aiming to make a target surrender, so attacks aimed at the neck/head are most common. They use sound sent on different sides of the tunnel to confuse the target, before aiming blows on opposite sides, quickly jerking side to side to dodge loose blows aimed towards the air, as if the darkness is swiping at them. Cat's being struck can easily be knocked over between blows while they're swiping at air if another cat is present, or by swinging their full weight into their side.
*Tunnelers are also experienced with utilizing their weight if cats are unaware that they're there. They will crush cats against the walls of the tunnels, silencing them as the air is forced out of them. They may also leap to flatten them or swipe their paws from under them.
*Night ambush, a common attack taught to apprentices and practiced thoroughly, keep hidden against the walls and make sure your scent is hidden, a signal is given by the patrol leader and cats will position themselves blocking escape routes, while the attackers will strike harsh blows aimed at their head to disorient them and confuse them, as they may be unaware entirely of the threat present. If the cat surrenders, let them through with a warning and escort them away.
*Eye-swipe, apprentices are taught early to use their claws more than their teeth, as it makes it much harder to be caught in a wrestle with an enemy that cannot reach you. Backing your body as far as you can so you're cloaked in darkness and your scent is masked, strike out with your forepaws at the enemy's eyes, attempting to swipe the mud and grit that may be on it into the eyes. Claws are used and sunken in during times more damage may be needed, though swiping dirt and debris in the eye is efficient as well. Temporarily blinds the enemy.
*Skull-smack, usually paired with other attacks when using alongside a clanmate. The cat on the opposite side of the enemy waits as they turn their head to face your clanmate, at which point you aim heavy blows at the back of their head, dazing them and doing heavy damage if claws are used. Occasionally tearing at the ears is also effective, though most Tunnelers prefer to aim heavy, painful shots quickly to the back of the head before backing against the wall to conceal themselves once more.
*Coil-over, if grabbed a Tunneler may begin to wrap their limbs around the enemy, digging their claws in and shredding all across the body with sharp claws while sinking their jaws in repeatedly to score the enemy until they forcefully scramble off or surrender. Great defensive and offensive move, but takes tons of energy to properly do.
*Throat-lock on, Tunneler specific killing tactic similar to how wild animals may be killed. Tunnelers will grab and lock their jaws into the neck of a target, not letting go until the target has collapsed. This move is effective and will kill the target, and is not to be used on clanmates or cats unless genuinely necessary.
*Tunnel-flooding, on occasion the tunnels will flood due to heavy rainfall. The tunnels are marked and cats are warned to steer clear of the tunnels in this case, as it's highly likely the tunnels may collapse, but Tunnelers in a pinch may drive their enemy into the tunnels, forcing them into the water and forcing them to surrender to be saved. Mud coats the fur of their enemy and the crumbling Earth is seen as a terrifying near-death experience, so Tunnelers attacking from outside to drive an enemy in is only used in specific threatening scenarios.
==== Utilizing Terrain ====
Sentinels are most experienced with dealing with battles in heavy snow, frigid temperatures with wind blasting them in the eyes, and dealing with heavy rainfall that creates a slippery and difficult to sense fight. Any amount of weather types can be utilized in plenty of different ways, and Sentinels take advantage of the horrid weather in Sunlit Prairies to their advantage during battle. 
==== Snow ====
Cats of Sunlit Prairies are trained to find snowdrifts and mark the area to alert clanmates of the whereabouts to avoid accidents. Utilizing these in battle would be bands of Sentinels lining up in a wall to force enemies into it, where they force them in, batting at them on all sides to ward them off escaping. They may also forcefully pin a cat by any means necessary before forcefully shoving their face into the snow, freezing their nose and eyes while also suffocating them before they finally stop fighting and surrender, 
== Wild Animals ==
Attacks from wild animals are a much more common fear for Sunlit Prairies cats, and there has been a passed down set of skills taught to most cats, also ranging in terms of complexity/how they may be interpreted and used by specific types of cats/skillsets in the midst of battle.
=== Fox ===
One of the more common threats for cats, these creatures have a musky scent and sharp snapping jaws. Cats are warned to stay clear of their face or any spot they can be grabbed, as their jaws are strong and capable of death. Young cats, and even on occasion cats out alone will be hunted by foxes, though when healthy and thriving they may be possibly scared off by large groups of cats, and a lone fox will never attack camp in the middle of Newleaf or Greenleaf. Hungry, ill, or nursing/foxes protecting their territory however are much more dangerous. They will only attack adult cats for sport when well/attack young cats as prey, while a desperate fox may attack any cat for prey. Any desperate fox is capable of mass destruction, though one in camp is terrifying, if the Sentinels and Tunnelers work together they can easily drive one off. 
=== Badger ===
Badgers are massive, beastly animals with a very strong scent. They are big, fully black with a white stripe on their face and a grey ticked pelt, with beady black eyes. They are blind during the day, and are relatively easy to flee from if the cat is able to climb a tree to escape, however out on the moors they can be extremely dangerous to encounter. Badgers are strong and can be warded off well when alone by a large group of cats, even at night when they are most aggressive and most terrifying. They kill cats for sport rather than prey, and will destroy life within seconds if attacked by the front or crushed under its weight. Cats have been trained to attack from the sides and leap away before they can be touched, and cats are warned to stay away from the front, because leaping directly at their face will lead to an immediate, and very quick death.
Cats will line up on the sides and strike together quickly, and as long as they stay out of range of the front swiping paws and sharp fangs they should be fine. Leaping onto the back of these creatures can also be effective, if not crushed by them knocking you against a wall. They can be driven back by constant pressure, and they usually won't stay if big enough a fight is put up, as it would take too much effort for them to kill anything that's fighting them.
=== Coyote ===
Coyotes are very dangerous and merciless wolf-like dogs that inhabit the moors on occasion. Packs have been forcefully driven out when they are found, but the coyotes will return and pick off singular cats who are not with a patrol. As soon as Coyotes are spotted, Trackers will alert their clan, and Trackers that would normally be alone travelling the forests are confined to patrols solely for protection against the dogs. They are commonly a dusty fawn color, with pale grey ticked markings with elongated snouts and spiky fur. Their jaws are powerful and capable of destruction, and due to cats being their prey it's common for apprentices to be picked off of patrols not ready for them, or even having them attack camp in an attempt to get at the kits.
Coyotes can be attacked and even killed by especially large cats, as done by Lavendersnow during a battle against them while she was still a Sentinel. They are warded off by large groups of cats, and as long as the cat is bushed out their fur and moving very quickly as to not be easily bit it's safe to assume a group of Sentinels and Tunnelers could chase off a coyote. A pack of them is incredibly deadly however, and obsessive attacks on them will cause them to become vengeful, and attack the camp repeatedly until they're chased off for good once more. Many casualties have occurred throughout the history of Sunlit Prairies to coyote attacks, so every cat is warned from a very young age to avoid them entirely at all costs, and let the Sentinels handle scaring them off and protecting you from them.
=== Stoat ===
=== Mink ===
Minks are small, weasel-like creatures with small, slick bodies and small rounded ears with black beady eyes. They are aggressive and harshly vicious when attacked, though they are not exactly hostile to cats. They steal prey though, and while they won't start a fight with a cat, cats may choose to attack them to steal their prey back or keep them from eating their prey. They can be dangerous and they are very quick, but they can be killed simply by picking them up, shaking them around, and biting down on their throat. They're quick though, so it comes apparent that wounds are common when fighting them, it's usually not worth it. On occasion they will infest the moors and Sentinels may choose to defend the hunters of the clan and chase them off, though the battle would be long and painful.
=== Rat ===
Rats are large oily-skinned grey and black creatures with slick bodies and beady eyes. Their bites are extremely painful and often carrying disease, and they are very strong despite it all, and usually come in large numbers. An infestation of rats is deadly and has been the cause of mass death over centuries of Sunlit Prairies cats, though a few of them can be seen as prey when it is scarce. They can be killed by biting them, shaking them, or throwing them against a wall, though a swarm of them enveloping any cat can be a death sentence. Large patrols should be the only ones handling rats.
=== Dogs ===
Dogs are massive, slobbery animals with broad, elongated faces, though this varies for each breed, and floppy ears. They are slobbery creatures and on occasion have very strong prey-drive, leading them to chase and kill cats. Every dog that Sunlit Prairies will encounter are usually twice or three times the size of a cat, with jaws strong enough to tear them apart if they so wish. Being chased by a dog can mean immediate death if cover is not taken, and for Sunlit Prairies cats there often isn't much cover. Cats are trained to dart to trees on the far side of the territory and hide within them, because dogs in camp could mean mass destruction and many deaths. Cats can usually outrun them if they haven't been caught off guard and have the energy to do so, but it is not at all plausible one cat could spin around and defend themselves from a dog. They are usually healthy and only out to kill for sport, and one chomp will be easily placed right into the head of a cat before they even have a chance to land a blow. Being shook is usually the cause of death, though many dogs will begin to tug on either side of the body by either the legs, tail, or head. 
Cats are advised as stated to retreat immediately upon scenting a dog, and if one begins to chase you then the trees will be the only safety you get. Dogs in camp mean a devastating loss, so cats are instructed to lead them far off.
=== Goose ===
Geese are cruel bird-like animals that are large to cats, with elongated necks and small heads and sharp bills with sharp teeth within them, similar to razors. They are cruel to cats and may chase them, but are not necessarily deadly. Their teeth hurt and may cause infection, but they can be warded off with swipes aimed at them. The only time a goose is at all very threatening to cats is when they are defending their young and or their mate, at which point they will begin chasing and attacking cats. 
Otherwise these animals are mostly harmless if padded past and unbothered. They likely could be killed, but it wouldn't at all be worth the struggle it would take to do so and the wounds that would be received.
=== Hawk ===
Hawks are incredibly dangerous, fierce predators to cats of Sunlit Prairies, especially to kits and small apprentices. They are massive birds with very strong bodies and wings that are usually brown in coloration, with sharp talons capable of lifting a cat up and taking off with them. Hawks can be scared and fought off by a few Sentinels, but if one is swooping down to attack a kit it's imperative that they immediately throw themselves to defend the kit at all costs, kits being pierced by a hawk's talons can cause massive damage to their small bodies, if not killing them. Hawks can be taken down and killed by especially large and agile cats, but it's very unlikely and will leave a cat battered and wounded, as they are not trained to take these down. They may need to be killed however in the scenario that it is attempting to take off with a clanmate.
=== Snake ===
Snakes are small, limbless reptiles with long bodies and sharp fangs, on occasion their bite is deadly if the snake is venomous. Snakes are avoided at all costs due to the possibility that some can be venomous, and the fact that the cats really don't have enough information on snakes to really handle them. The Nurse is trained to identify snake bites, to know whether or not they are venomous, and determine what will happen to the cat. Venomous snake bites will kill a cat, and snakes wrapping around the limbs of cats and choking them can also occur with large amounts of them. Singular, normal snakes however can easily be killed, but are usually just scared off to avoid being bit, since the cats don't exactly know which types can kill them.
=== Beaver ===
Beavers are massive, heavy brown creatures with big front teeth and flat paddle-like tails. They attack by slapping water, and they have very thick hide that makes them difficult to attack. During hot Greenleafs they may appear building dams, causing a draught around the territory of Sunlit Prairies, requiring the clan cats to hunt them down and destroy the dam. They rebuild it on occasion, stopping sometimes in the clan territory, and they prove to be quite aggressive at times, slapping and attempting to drag cats into the water to fight. Bites from their strong, jagged teeth can break bones and due to their thick bodies it's hard to harm them, so it's best to try and scare them off or lead them away while the dam is broken, though if caught cats can easily be killed by them. 
=== Owl ===
Owls are massive sharp-beaked birds of varying coloration that occasionally hunt cats during the night. They are common around the Farseer's Mantle, and seem to occasionally hunt over the moors for young apprentices that may be caught outside camp, or a kit sneaking around. The owl will swoop down and grab a kit or even full-grown cat if it wishes for prey or just to drop it from the sky. They can be attacked and warded off, though it's best to stay away from the grip of claws, and their wings are quite strong- being smacked in the face with them could easily daze a cat and leave them vulnerable. They likely couldn't be killed as they put up too drastic a fight, and it's best just to attack and scare them off when possible.
=== Bear ===
There is no feasible world in which any cat can take on a bear. Mentors teach apprentices the scent early, as Trackers will keep track of Bear scents when spotted and find and report the location to every cat in the clan. The leader will have one follow and report when the bear leaves the territory so it's whereabouts are known at all times. Mentors teach every apprentice that if a bear is encountered, they should flee immediately. They can climb trees, swim, and can kill a cat within seconds. Bears show no mercy and will chase down a cat, if spotted it is nearly impossible to escape. 
== History of Usage ==
Historically Restored/Upkept Knowledge
Valleystar's Reign
There was a coyote attack that claimed the lives of several cats, including but not limited to Cinderspots, Applebreeze, and Petalplum.
Dawnstar's Reign
Petalpaw attacks Sharpsun after she'd requested a training session, spoke poorly to the tom, and was later scared and violently insulted by him. She initiated the fight and attacked him with an ambush-like skill set where she stayed far out of reach, before she began to attack the tom primarily on his back. Sharpsun retaliated by kicking mud into her eyes several times, and handling her violently by the scruff, smacking her body against a tree until she fell unconscious and stopped attacking him.
The pair were later punished by Dawnstar for sparring, their punishment being caring for the nursery Queens and their kits, as well as a supervised apology.