ShadowClan

**ShadowClan** (colloquially referred to as **the North** by members of mainland Unova) is a country consisting of four separate islands in the continent of Unova.

Though the country has never been visited in setting, it serves as the background to several characters, and its political strife serves to typically mask the Southern troubles from foreign scrutiny. ShadowClan is notorious for its concurrent state of civil war, and often serves as a reassuring "at least we're not like that" message to citizens of the mainland Unova countries, which may explain why many folks refuse to leave in times of trouble.

## Geography

ShadowClan's four separate islands are all small to medium in size, all featuring similarly chilly climates and unforgiving landscapes. It is difficult for any wildlife or civilian to adapt to the environment of ShadowClan, and over 50% of each island remains in a natural state due to the inherent hazards of population.

### Havensreach

The self-proclaimed "capital" island, Havensreach is the safest island and likely the place most visitors would end up seeing. It is the only island to feature a proper beach, as it is furthest south, and its few mountains are the smallest of the four - leading to the construction of London, the country capital, at the base of one.

### The Cluster

Though it is referred to as one island, the Cluster is predominantly mountain range, with thick pine woods and fractured shores leading to the lowest population in the entire country. Most settlements are few and far between, and predominantly populated by hardy hybrid species. It is evident that the only reason the Cluster has survived so long is due to its sheer unforgiving cold.

### Pyrrhun

One of the few islands to lack a significant forest, Pyrrhun is not particularly noteworthy. It has the most viable farmland, and as a result, is known for its export of commodities abroad.

### Wyrmholde

Wyrmholde hosts the largest mountain of the country, known as the Dragon colloquially (as it has never been officially named). The mountain is cloaked in dense forest, and nigh impossible to climb alone. The rest of the island is similarly cloaked in forest, with conservation acts preventing the clearing of particularly rare species in order to protect the habitat of the island's rare beasts.

## Economy

ShadowClan is not as progressive in its market. Though the country has moved forward in its technology as the rest of Unova has, they still continue to use the somewhat archaic SP (Silver Piece) and GP (Gold Piece) currency system - with 15SP equalling 1GP. Most purchases for everyday items (such as food and public transport) cost 1-5SP, whereas large purchases such as houses are typically paid exclusively in GP. Banks exist to exchange currencies, but due to the fractured nation, it is unlikely that all banks offer the same favourable rates.

The elite of ShadowClan (the royalty of Havensreach and the Clan officials of the other three islands) are known to conduct large transactions for military supply and public service maintenance in EP (Emerald Pieces), with 100GP equalling 1EP. This was established once military spending reached a point where it became unfeasible to mine enough gold to smith the thousands of GP being spent on upkeep on a monthly basis.

In regards to international economics, 1SP equals 50 Unovan cents, 1GP equals $7.50, and 1EP equals $750.

## Government

Havensreach, the capital, is formally run by a monarchy. Though this monarchy is officially the head of state for the entire country, functionally, it only has jurisdiction over the one island, as the other three islands - each with a population that adds up to Havensreach's larger numbers - are comprised of independent Clan leaders. These leaders have formed an Union against the monarch, and are therefore considered a separate government trifecta in their own right.

## Conflict

ShadowClan's civil tensions have resulted in a perpetual cold war. It is impossible to travel between Havensreach and the other three islands without detainment on suspicion of aiding national threats. Though there is rarely any fighting for territory, the country is in a perpetual state of preparing for a war that may never come, keeping the other side at bay with the military strategy of Mutually Assured Destruction.

## Trivia

* ShadowClan is named after the same faction from Warrior Cats.
* It is subsequently largely populated by feline hybrids, especially in the Clan Union.
* ShadowClan's capital is named London, because it is funny.
* London is not a very nice place to be, even though it is the centre of Havensreach's authority.