HillClan

***Spoiler warning:** Plot and/or ending details follow.*

## Unique Skills

Experts at Climbing

Speed & Agility

Skill in Battle

## Book Appearances

Forest of Flames

**HillClan** is a large group of cats that live primary in a large sandy moor at the base of Highstones, with hilly plains throughout their territory. Their founding leader, Windstar, originally Wind That Stirs Fallen Leaves, got his name from his soft, silky pelt and his ability to run fast as the wind. He named the Clan after their hill-filled territory.

## Clan Character

HillClan cats are known to be loyal and clever. They pride themselves for their strength and skill in battle. Their history of leaders doesn't leave a good mark on them, having them known as one of the most bloodthirsty Clans. They can also be quite arrogant towards other Clans or their own kin, each battle beginning with their warriors filled to the brim with confidence. Their way of training is harsh, especially before an apprentice becomes a warrior.

They are seen by most cats as battle-hungry, ambitious, and ready to kill any cat that stands in their way for power. While it doesn't mean that most HillClanners will turn out that way, there are a rare few that will do exactly that. Their main prey are hares and rabbits, as well as mountain birds or any rodents they can find in the unclaimed and safer caves.

HillClan cats never back down from a challenge, enjoying fighting against other Clans, and like testing their limits.

## Territory

HillClan cats live in a large open area consisting mostly of hills. Their territory lays at the base of Highstones, where the Mooncave rests, far from the Twoleg's hiking spots as well. Landmarks in this territory include:

* **Camp -** A large sandy moor by the base of Highstones, surrounded by large pointed stones. Tunnels dug into the ground provide extra exits in case of surprise defenses or can be used for dens.
* **Spirit Tunnels -** A forbidden area for all except medicine cats and leaders chosen specifically by StarClan. It is said that any cat who had passed in the tunnels are unable to join StarClan, leaving their ghost to be seen by those blessed by the cats of StarClan.
* **Cougar's Nest -** A large den in Highstones where the cougar rests, having taken many cats' lives. Apprentices are sent here with a leaf, given the duty to sneak into the den and place the leaf in the cougar's nest before they can become warriors. This was cancelled by Mintstar.
* **Training Tree -** A sandy hollow with a large tree in the center, found by Blazestorm. Used for apprentices to practice hunting techniques and battle moves.
* **Mini-Gorge -** A crack in the earth, with a river running through, joining the large river in the center. Shared borders with SunClan and StreamClan.
* **Large Lake -** A lake right beside the mountain, a small waterfall pouring into it. Often called the **Blood Pool** due to how many cats lives were taken in the lake.

While the camp is not well hidden, it is well protected. There is always at least two warriors on watch, ready to attack any intruder. Although the Clan enjoy the open sky and mostly nice breeze, they all have dens in case of harsh weather or in need of hiding. There is a small stream of water running through camp from the Mini-Gorge, used as a water source, with fresh-kill kept on a long, smooth rock in between the stream and the walls of the moor.

The leader's den is dug under the tallest rock in the moor, called the Meeting Stone. Both the leader sleeps in the den and calls Clan meetings upon the stone. The nursery's den is dug on the walls of the moor and under Highstones into a stone cave, herbs kept organized in cracks in the walls. The nursery dug straight into the walls of the moor, the floor covered in dry grass and moss for comfort. There is a nest outside for any queens who wants to rest in the sun. The warriors mainly sleep in a corner of the moor, but retreat into a large den with many tunnels for entrances/exits for harsh weather or to hide. The apprentices are similar, but their tunnel is protected by gorse walls, keeping it more hidden. The elder's den is a deep scoop under the moor walls, the entrance protected and hidden by rocks.

## History

*Looking for a shorter overview? Find one here!*

Many seasons ago, the woods was originally a place of wilderness, where feral cat groups would live and fight one another. Many cats fell victim to horrid murderers, and prey would run low and be wasted due to how the cats constantly acted and wouldn't care for another. Two cats, Stone and Thorn, were brought to the forest by strange voices, their duty set to bring peace to the cats.

Both spoke greatly, convincing the cats of the forest to split into two, dividing both cats and territory evenly. MountainClan and LeafClan were created by this. Moons of peace passed. Stone and Thorn received nine lives from the voices, as well as their warrior names. They were greatly respected and were kind to one another. That is, until Thornstar's heart was corrupted with the words of dark cats whispering into his mind.

He declared war upon MountainClan. While Stonestar attempted an act of peace, Thornstar wouldn't listen. His entire Clan attacked, causing a battle to commend, and even more cats to perish and fall. Many lives were lost, but the most notable were Stonestar and Thornstar themselves, who had fought in a one-on-one and ended up killing each other in the end.

The remaining cats fought, without any leader to keep them in line. The proceeded battle was put short as Stonestar returned to the battlefield, his wounds gone and his form starry, as if he was already one with the sky. More cats similar to those who had died were with him, each without wounds and with stars on their pelts. He ordered them to organize the forest once again, and bring back the peace that was torn away from them unfairly.

With the surviving cats unable to survive, Stonestar brought it upon himself to decide who will lead the Clans, and who deserves eight more lives to protect it. Ashy Remains Of Fire, Ashstar. Striking Viper, Viperstar. Moon In Faraway Sky, Moonstar. Rain That Drops From Cloud, Rainstar. And Wind That Stirs Fallen Leaves, Windstar. They all worked together, collecting cats that were fit to both them and the territory, and split the land equally. The StarClan cats, led by Stonestar, helped them build their Clans and how to protect it for many moons to come.

*End of spoiler warning*