WinterClan

WinterClan is a group of cats who live in the tundra, closely neighbored by SpringClan's meadow territory. Eagle, part of the clan's founders, was the very first leader of WinterClan, soon renaming herself Winterstar, following the naming of her clan.

## Description

WinterClan is one of the four clans of the Season Clans' territory. They live in the tundra, an area with sparse trees and a harsh climate. WinterClan cats are known for taking down prey way larger than them. Their adaptability and resilience is admired by the other clans, as they find ways to survive in a seemingly inhospitable place. Most of their prey consists of caribou, elk, deer, and occasionally seal, and they team up to bring larger prey down. WinterClan uses different hunting tactics than other clans, usually forming larger groups and taking more time to hunt, as their catches are much more fruitful and can feed the clan for days. WinterClan has a special role of Blacksmith, which is exclusive to their clan. The blacksmith takes on the role of being the primary provider of tools. Using cured pelts from caribou, hares, deer, and the like, they create useful tools like blankets and satchels to aid the clan on hunting missions. One of the most famous inventions of WinterClan, however, are their claw reinforcements. After a large piece of prey is eaten, such as a caribou, the blacksmith will harvest the bones and carve them tirelessly to make hollow reinforcements for warriors to put on their claws. These are only used for hunting, but other clans use WinterClan's claws of bone as incentive for their kits and apprentices to not wander off into unfamiliar territories. WinterClan cats can be recognized by their big size, long fur, and huge paws. Winterclan cats also often have long fur growing underneath their paws, used for traction on snow and ice.

## Territory

WinterClan lives in a snowy tundra, with scarce trees, herbs, and prey. Their territory neighbors SpringClan's, who they have an alliance with.

Landmarks in the territory include:

**WinterClan Camp** - A clearing surrounded by dunes of snow where WinterClan mainly lives. A small cave lies at the back of the clearing, providing shelter from harsh winds. While the cave is small, it's just roomy enough for the whole clan to sleep in. Dens are made in small divots in the ground and filled with down, moss, and pelts of prey to keep warm. Naturally occurring ledges of rock in the cave are used for storage, especially in the medicine den. A very small stream runs through the medicine den, providing easy access to drinking water and a paw washing station. During the day, WinterClan cats often reside in the clearing and use it as their main living space.

**Island Rocks** - Smooth, large rocks in the middle of a wide, rushing stream in WinterClan territory. Apprentices often dare each other to jump across the raging stream to them. Despite its danger, it offers a nice relaxation spot in the middle of a cold stream full of freshwater fish.

**Tall Rock** - A huge boulder 5 times the size of a cat. Apprentices use it in their games where they pretend to be clan leaders.

**Winterstar's Cavern** - A small cavern that the founder of WinterClan used as a camp in her early days of grouping together WinterClan. It isn't used anymore, but is still sometimes visited on patrols as it has fond memories attached to it.

**Starfall** - A large waterfall running down the side of a cliff on WinterClan territory into a small pond where freshwater fish are found. Stars reflect off the waterfall so perfectly, that there are rumors of StarClan cats who bathe in the cascade of fresh water.

## Eras

### **Winterstar**

Winterstar is the founder and first leader of WinterClan.

Winterstar, formerly known as Eagle, lived in a small group of feral cats who had been surviving in the wild for a few seasons. Growing up, she loved her home, but eventually, she became restless of its unchanging nature. Grouping together with her friends of similar age, Blossom, Palm, and Maple, they proposed an idea to the elders of the clan: They would evenly separate the cats of their assembly into four equal groups. In these groups, they would set out to each corner of uncharted territory, looking for a new place to live. A vote was held, and the elders voted in favor of the nomadic lifestyle the four younger cats were proposing. Each group and their leader found a habitat perfect for them. Eagle was immediately captivated by the barren lands of the tundra, seeing potential in its supposedly inhospitable environment. The groups met up once again and told the joyous news of the discovery of each of their new homes; and they agreed to name their four clans in honor of the four seasons that they had lived through together. Going back to the tundra, Eagle renamed herself Winterstar, and set up camp in a small cave that could hold her and her clanmates comfortably.

Winterstar was a bright and determined young cat who had a strong work ethic. She found little pleasures in the simple life of her home, and was happy to take on a more nomadic lifestyle in a place that would make her work for survival. Despite her strong beliefs, she never forced them onto her clanmates. She took on the burdens of survival and ensured her clanmates a comfortable place to stay. She was the first to come up with traditions like skinning prey and carving bone, traditions that would carry on from generation to generation.

Unlike more recent leaders, Winterstar was not granted with 9 lives. The Moontrail, where leaders and healers go to connect with StarClan and receive their lives, was not discovered until seasons later. Winterstar died bravely, defending her clan from an eagle attack, and ascended to StarClan.

### Yakstar

Yakstar is the current leader of WinterClan, succeeding Flipstar. Her deputy is Silverscale, and her healers are Icequill and Belugapaw.

Yakstar is a kind and determined leader with a strong work ethic. What she values most in a clan is honesty, and she believes that no matter how bad the situation, lies should never cloud their judgment. She is willing to sacrifice herself for others to keep her clan intact, and tries her best to remain on good terms with every clan. She believes that every cat plays an important role in clan life and welcomes any cat into the clan to live or stay, believing that any cat that can survive in such a harsh environment is worthy of living with their clan.

Yakstar is an analyst, and known to be very cautious. She would never purposely do anything to put her clan in harms way, and in this way, she is very selfless. However, being mates with the deputy does have its faults. She tends to agree with Silverscale easily, her opinion obscured by love. However, Icequill is her voice of reason and is quick to discuss things with her if they seem to get out of hand.

Yakstar is 144 moons old and has 4 lives left.

## Allegiances

See WinterClans current allegiances here.