Land History

> The history of the FourClaws territory, as it is referred to as by many, is extensive. Though many names and events have been lost to history, we're here to tell you all about them in this comprehensive guide to the history of FourClaws.
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## FourClaws official map

The map containing landmark locations of the FourClaws, made with Inkarnate.

The territory making up the lands the four clans Lavender, Silver, Jade, and Blue inhabit is often called "FourClaws", named for its gathering place and the four territories each with their own distinctions.

The lands consist of many rich resources and is abundant in water, meaning every cat of every clan likely has some swimming ability, be it small or great. The clans are separated by 4 individual rivers, varying in depth and current, with the biggest, deepest river being Bells End River that separates the Twoleg Place from the Clan lands. The clan lands are not often invaded by Twolegs, as most of them prefer not to chance the dangerous rivers, however there have been several instances of Clan cats encountering Twolegs in their territories, either on hiking trips or simply camping. But it is rarer than rare to see this, as most Twolegs tend to stick to the oak woods that border LavenderClan.

## **The FourClaws Early Days**

The vast territory that encompasses the realms of LavenderClan, BlueClan, JadeClan, and SilverClan is a land rich with history and natural wonders. Nestled with rolling hills, dense pine forests, and sprawling moors, it is a realm of diverse landscapes and untamed beauty.

Long ago, the land was uninhabited, with no signs of organized clan life. The rivers, flowing freely and their waters clear, acted as natural barriers, separating the land into distinct territories where life simply thrived on its own away from human eyes. It was beneath the watchful gaze of the moon that the clans emerged, drawn to the land for its vast resources, its hidden heart, and the promise of a better life for them all. Each clan was founded by a distinct leader and they have grown to thrive together within the passing moons.

Soon they discovered the hidden island, concealed by thick foliage and sheltered by towering trees, made accessible to the clans by stepping stones. This became their gathering place, a sacred ground where they would come together to share news, exchange knowledge, and renew their bonds. At the center of the island, a large rock stood that would soon be named the MoonRock, surrounded by four towering fragmented spires of dormant Moonstone, symbols of the four clans and their shared connection to the spiritual realm that held their ancestors in StarClan.

Throughout the ages, the clans faced their own trials and triumphs. LavenderClan, known for their serenity and herbal knowledge, thrived in the gentle forest of aromatic flowers that stretched across their territory. BlueClan, with their affinity for water and diplomacy, claimed dominion over the rolling, lush pine forest hiding away a vast, deep lake, utilizing their skills in adaptability and unity. JadeClan, deeply attuned to the mystical forces of nature, found solace in the vast rolling moors, guided by the wisdom of the spirits. And SilverClan, with their heavy pelts and fierce warriors, guarded the rugged mountains and cliffs, honing their battle skills and embodying unwavering loyalty.

The clans coexisted in harmony, respecting the boundaries set by the rivers that flowed between them. However, as time went on and the first clans finally were developed and began to settle in their respective territories, it became ever apparent that there was no Moonstone and no way to contact their ancestors in StarClan. In this time of grief for the clans, wars began to ravage. Not just clan and clan wars, civil wars within the four clans began to arise. The cats turned to their leaders to tell them what to do. Tensions were high. And so, a meeting was conducted with each of the four leaders beneath the light of a full moon.

Scouting the lands, they searched everywhere for a Moonstone, somewhere to possibly hold ceremonies and seek guidance from StarClan. In a cave located to the Northeast they found fragments of the elusive blue crystal, but they were dormant. No dreams could be shared. And the clan leaders began growing further bitter and exhausted with their attempts. Until the JadeClan leader heard something coming from inside a cave. A voice. Guided by the she-cat, the following leaders traversed into the cave with her. The cave ran deep underground and, lo and behold, a spring was found. A small lagoon of water sparkling with starlight and glowing in the light of the moon that poured in through an opening in the cavern ceiling being fed by naturally purified groundwater.

The Moonpool had been found. And on that night, each leader was finally able to commune with StarClan, gaining their lives, and finally becoming true leaders of their clans.

As the seasons turned and moons waxed and waned, the clans continued to thrive, shaping their territories to reflect their unique strengths and values. The land became a tapestry of diverse landscapes, where meadows met rivers, forests bordered moors, and mountains rose to touch the sky.

And so, the history of this vast territory is a testament to the unity and strength of LavenderClan, BlueClan, JadeClan, and SilverClan. Despite the rivers that separate them, they are forever bound by their shared Gatherings, the Moonpool's sacred waters, and the shared ancestry that echoes through their clans. They stand as guardians of their territories, stewards of their traditions, and embodiments of the untamed beauty that lies within their wide territory.

## **Landmarks**

Twoleg Place

* A gated neighborhood where Twolegs live with their kittypets and dogs. Number of Twoleg nests is approximately 14.

The Old Windmill

* A large windmill that sits outside the Twoleg place next to the site of an old torn down barn. This is a popular spot for loners and rogues to spend time.

Bells End River

* A wide, deep river where Kittypets escaping their Twoleg nests are said to drown while trying to traverse elsewhere. This river also acts as a divider from clan territories and the Twoleg Place.

The Twoleg Spirehouse

* A small, abandoned twoleg church near the Unclaimed Woods. Home to strange loner named Vega.

Unclaimed Woods

* A large forest full of oak trees. Cats do not traverse here due to Twolegs frequenting it as a campsite. Dogs often get loose here, so cats stay away to avoid their scents being trackable.

LavenderClan Camp

* A large flat area shaded and hidden by trees that LavenderClan calls home. Dens are made of woven sticks and branches, grass, moss, and other natural building material and are often decorated with flowers.

Serenity Lake

* A small lake located above the clan camp. A popular spot for medicine cats to gather water and other herbs that grow along the shore. This is also a place used by LavenderClan cats to prepare for certain ceremonies.

FlowerRun

* A stretch of flat land covered in lavender bushes. A popular spot for training and herb gathering.

Owl Tree

* A tree within the GreenTrees that's said to be home to a large Great Horned Owl. Kits and apprentices are advised to avoid the area when sunset nears.

GreenTrees

* The forest that blocks JadeClan from LavenderClan. Alder and oak trees grow abundant here.

JadeClan Camp

* A small raised piece of the moors that resembles a flat grassy plateau that JadeClan calls home. Dens are made of woven sticks and branches, grass, moss, and other natural building material and are often decorated with flowers or lichen.

Harerun Moors

* A stretch of rolling hills on the east side of the clan where ceremonies are traditionally performed. Training and hunting also occurs here.

Sleeping Water Monster

* An old twoleg boat that lays broken on the Southeast shore of the territory. Kits and apprentices are forbidden from going near it.

FourClaws

* The Gathering Place of all four clans, accessible to each through paths of flat stones in the river surrounding the small covered area. The MoonRock sits in the middle of the clearing for the leaders to sit upon. Deputies and medicine cats sit together underneath it. Four large crystals said to be dormant Moonstones surround the MoonRock, each representing a different clan.

LowWoods

* A large forest at the base of the mountains of SilverClan that's made up of silver pine trees. Prey such as whitetail fawns and hares are abundant here.

Unmarked - BearClaw Cave

* A cave deep in the Highstones that's home to a grizzly bear. Cats actively stay away from this cave, unless they have rolled in a scent masking substance before traversing near.

Silvermist Highstones

* The highest mountains in the range that makes up SilverClan territory, named for the abundant, thick mist that shrouds the peaks. Training is often performed here for older apprentices, 9 moons and older.

SilverClan Camp

* A large clearing surrounded by mountains and accessible through secret caves and mountain trails that SilverClan calls home. Dens are made of stone and are very old, having been made by the first cats of SilverClan and have thus lasted through the several years this clan has been active.

GreatPines

* A collection of the largest trees in the whole forest that makes up BlueClan's territory. Apprentices are commonly trained here as they start out their apprenticeship.

BlueLake

* The lake that gave this can it's name. It is incredibly deep and holds many fish, amphibians, and water birds, giving BlueClan a source of prey nearly year round. An island adjacent to it supplys as a fine fishing spot and training ground. Ceremony celebrations are held here.

Unmarked - ClearCavern

* An underwater cave that runs into the Moonpool cave. This is how BlueClan cats travel to the Moonpool for any reason.

BlueClan Camp

* Their camp was built inside a massive craterous dugout formed by the first cats of BlueClan that this clan has called their home for several moons. Dens are dug out from the walls of the camp and are reinforced with branches and stones to keep them from collapsing.

Stone Twoleg Bridge

* A very old abandoned stone bridge that has fallen to ruin over the last several years that provides the clans Silver, Jade, and Lavender access to the Moonpool.

SilverMouth Cave

* A cave surrounded by tall pine trees that leads to an underground pond called the Moonpool. A hole above allows for moonlight to shine through on the water. The cave entrance also possesses small fragments of an ancient Moonstone thought to have been extracted by Twolegs long ago.

Unmarked - Moonpool

* A large underground pond that is connected to a well of clear naturally purified groundwater, believed to contain the eroded fragments of the Moonstone that once resided inside the cave. The Moonpool is thus used by the clan cats to commune with their StarClan ancestors.

SunLands

* A gathering of connected islands that belongs to BlueClan. Cats will typically come here to practice diving, sun themselves, and gather herbs.