Marsh Colony

**Marsh Colony** is a group of cats that live in the marshlands. They are currently led by Hawkshell the Soaring Protector, Captain of Marsh Colony.

## Description

Marsh Colony cats specialize in slinking through the shadows of the marshes. They typically have wide paws and large frames to help them navigate through their territory, as well as hunt the animals that appear there. They also have thick coats that help to keep off bugs.

Marsh Colony is most active at dawn and dusk, as the conditions during the day and night are often too dangerous. Kittens are told stories about "bog monsters" to keep them from wandering off. Marsh Colony is more defensive of kittens due to them being the westernmost territory, furthest from the rising sun and Spirits to Come. They tend to have fewer births per season than the other Colonies and so they are fiercely protective of the nursery and kittens.

While toms are not barred from leadership roles by any means, Marsh Colony has a history of being led by mollies, the most recent one being Hawkshell. Much like Field Colony, Marsh Colony has an emphasis on community and family; they have strict customs around grooming each other and making sure all cats are clean. Marsh Colony cats are very close-knit and treat each other as family.

They prey on animals such as frogs, waterfowl, and the occasional turtle or minnow. While not noted to be particularly common, hawks have been on Marsh Colony territory, such as the one that scarred Hawkshell's left eye.

## Territory

Marsh Colony lives in the Marsh Lands, the swampy marshlands to the west of Alliance Lake. The Marsh Lands border the Field Lands on the edge of the cliffs to the lake, while their border with the River Lands cuts through a river that leads from the ocean to the lake.

Because their land is sloped, rainwater frequently collects on their territory, causing the wet conditions Marsh Colony cats have become accustomed to. Being westernmost from the lake causes their territory to be furthest from the rising sun. During the day, humidity can be too hot, while it is noted that the territory is difficult to navigate, especially at night.

Marsh Colony Base is in a clearing between two of the rivers that connect the lake and the ocean. An upturned tree stretches across the length of the base.

## History

### Hawkshell

Hawkshell's predecessor in unknown. Her current Council is comprised of her Second, Leafstorm, her elders, Rosethorn, Bramblefur, and Whitefire, and her envoys, Kestrelsnap, Indigoeyes, and Mousetail.

Hawkshell has ruled Marsh Colony for many months. She is strong and wise, having saved Marsh Colony and Oak Colony from an unnecessary rivalry by fostering a good relationship with their Captain, Elmtail. While on good relations with Field Colony, Hawkshell is a thorn in the side of River Colony's Captain, Rainfall. *More coming soon...*

## Trivia

* If Oak Colony cats cross the Marsh Border, Hawkshell and the Marsh Colony Council would be more likely to forgive them, as it was probably an accident due to the close alliance between Oak and Marsh Colony.
* The story of the "bog monsters" is said to have definitely had something to do with Wildfur and Patch.
* The Clan "ShadowClan" from the *Warriors* series became the Colony "Marsh Colony" in Clouded Moon's lore changes.

## Gallery

Marsh Colony's hierarchy at the start of Shifting Roots.Marsh Colony's size chart at the start of Shifting Roots. Art by TennelleFlowers.Marsh Colony's Captain, Second, herbalist, and envoys at the start of Shifting Roots, for better viewing. Art by TennelleFlowers.Marsh Colony's senior rangers at the start of Shifting Roots, for better viewing. Art by TennelleFlowers.Marsh Colony's younger rangers at the start of Shifting Roots, for better viewing. Art by TennelleFlowers.Marsh Colony's new-claws, kittens, and some of the keepers at the start of Shifting Roots, for better viewing. Art by TennelleFlowers.Marsh Colony's elders at the start of Shifting Roots, for better viewing. Art by TennelleFlowers.