camp

BarkClan’s camp is a series of caves within a mountainside known as the Canopy Peaks. The camp is fortified by nearby creeks, though this causes the camp to occasionally flood during heavy rainfall. The camp is further fortified by brambles that are cared for and tended to by the warriors. Common decorations throughout the camp are flowers, ferns, tree branches, and other plant life. Peat is traditionally collected from the nearby fen and used to create torches that provide a light source, as well as warmth. Their leader’s den is a large crag with pillars carved atop it, aligned with the oracle’s den; during the Summer solstice, the pillars create a singular beam of light that illuminates the opening of the oracle’s den.

sequoia forest

The Sequoia Forest is right against BarkClan’s camp. It is full of old growth redwood trees, so tall they appear to touch the stars. The forest is atop a hillside, and has multiple creeks running through it, towards the riverine wetland. Near the tidal marsh stands the Dawn Sentinel, a giant redwood tree overlooking the entire territory. Ferns are an especially common ground cover within this forest. Towards the edge of the sequoia forest and beginning of the nearby wetlands, smaller redwoods are mixed in with various other types of trees. Amphibians and small mammals are the most common prey item within this forest.

dawn sentinel

The Dawn Sentinel is a giant redwood that is said to be as old as the territories themselves. Its trunk has intricate carvings up it, depicting stories so old the Clan cats do not recognize them; they stretch higher than any cat can seemingly climb. From the tree branches hang preserved parts (anything from paws, bones, pelts, and everything in between), referred to as relics, of revered past leaders; the higher up the relic, the older it is said to be. This tree is used by BarkClan cats to survey their territory, observe tidal patterns, and spot incoming attacks from the north, typically as a defense of the Star’s Fall when it is in BarkClan’s possession.

willow fen

The Willow Fen is a large wetland with multiple pools of standing water within large clearings. Sedges and mosses are extremely plentiful; the Willow Fen holds the most biodiverse plant life in BarkClan. The conifers within the fen are closer to the sequoia forest and the Star’s Fall than the edges of the water within the fen. Peat is gathered by BarkClan within this fen, and cats are buried within the fen as well. In the middle of the fen is a location known as the Floral Field. Compared to the nearby sequoia forest, this area is relatively flat. The plantlife thins out gradually as the fen gets closer to the nearby dunes. A higher diversity of waterfowl is found within this fen than other wetlands in BarkClan’s territory.

floral field

The Floral Field is a large field full of a rich amount of flowers, with a giant willow tree that looms over them. It is flushed up against the water of the fens, and occasionally floods when there is heavy rainfall. It is said by BarkClan oracles that the diversity and abundance of healthy flowers in the field is due to the bodies that are buried nearby. Many herbs that oracles use can only be found within this field.

riverine wetlands

The riverine wetlands are a large portion of BarkClan’s territory, and are dominated by multiple shallow pools within its floodplains. These pools sometimes dry out in times of drought, but are generally wet year round. These pools of water flow downhill, and sometimes form temporary rivers. Ferns, conifers, mosses, and reeds are common in this location of the territory. These wetlands are along the border with MarrowClan, stretching partially into their conifer forest. Dabbling ducks and shorebirds are semi-common in these wetlands, as are various amphibians.

tidal marsh

The tidal marsh is a marsh flushed against the ocean. While it is mostly full of pickleweed and salt-tolerant grasses, mangroves are semi-common, especially closer to the Willow Fen. The tidal movements of the ocean strongly affect this marsh; occasionally, it is entirely underwater. Shorebirds are the most common prey type in the tidal marsh, and large-scale hunts of them always occur there. Cats are to be careful near where the marsh meets the dunes, as Manchineel trees grow there; the sap within their bark, leaves, and fruit are all toxic, to the point of injury when one is standing under them during the rain.

dunes

The dunes are a large expanse of lightly rocky slopes and wind-blown sand. Beachgrass is the most common plant to encounter here, though large amounts of kelp wash ashore. Despite its barren seeming appearance, it is always teeming with life: shorebirds and seabirds are plentiful here. Hidden within the more rocky areas is the Clandestine Beach.

clandestine sands

Within the rockiest parts of the dunes, the Clandestine Sands are hidden by the crags. It is a short climb from the dunes into this beach, where water flows in through the ocean, but is completely hidden by rock and sand. The river through to the ocean is too far for any cat to swim through holding their breath. Many different fish and crustaceans can only be found within this strange formation.

canopy peaks

The Canopy Peaks are a small mountain range that BarkClan’s camp is flushed against. They are not particularly treacherous mountains until one ventures closer to the Sun’s Wrath, but they also are not particularly full of prey or herbs. Predators in these mountains are the most dangerous part of them, making most cats veer away due to their low value as territory. Towards the edge of the mountains, the Archway Rock stands.

archway rock

The Archway Rock is a rock formation that forms a clear arc towards the edge of the Canopy Peaks, near the south of MarrowClan territory. It is used as a way of scouting out the activities of MarrowClan cats, as well as being a place to speak in secrecy; it is not a commonly used lookout point, as the Dawn Sentinel is more advantageous. The Archway Rock is used most commonly during border skirmishes on the southern border.

petrified forest

The Petrified Forest is all that remains of an old sequoia forest, wiped away by an eruption of the nearby Sun’s Wrath. All the trees are made of petrified wood, and the ground is black, solid volcanic rock; as such, no new plants grow here. Deeper within the Petrified Forest is the Balebright. Due to the awakening of the Sun’s Wrath, lava now occasionally flows through this forest. It is mostly kept by BarkClan as a formality, as there is little use of the territory here, outside of the leader’s ritual.

balebright

The Balebright is a treacherous marsh within the Petrified Forest. Its waters are warmed by the volcanic activity, and are dangerous to fall into; it is said that the waters will open up and swallow unworthy leaders who venture into the Balebright for their rites. Steam is always rising off of these pools of water, and the air around them smells like sulfur. The mud is also said to bubble due to the heat. During the night, leaders say wisps of light float about and try to trick foolish cats into falling in the waters; it is considered to be cursed. Deep within the Balebright, near the base of the volcano, a single fern grows.

camp

MarrowClan’s camp is a group of caves tucked into a mountainside, fortified by sharpened and intricately carved bones. Common decorations within the dens include animal horns and paintings done with blood. Due to the cold nature of their camp, animal fat is traditionally collected from carcasses and used as candles for warmth as well as light. Their leader’s den is within a large crag, with crescents carved into the top of it, which appear to cradle the moon in them during the Winter solstice.

conifer forest

TThe conifer forest is thick, with a canopy that does not let a lot of light in, though it is almost always awake with bird songs. The most common conifers seen in the forest include cedar, pine, juniper, and spruce. There is an abundance of moss within, especially towards BarkClan’s territory, where standing pools of water run into the deeper parts of the forest. Small mammals and songbirds are the most common prey source here.

faering

The Faering is a ring of trees, aligned into a perfect circle. Due to a recent fire, the trees are completely barren and charred, but are still alive and standing. It is said those who wander into the Faering are cursed, due to the bones of a long dead leader being buried there; MarrowClan cats are expressly forbidden to enter. Within the center of the ring of trees typically grows rare plants, which are considered evil spirit’s temptations to lure cats inside.

ephemeral moor

The ephemeral moor is a large moor with few trees, and several small hills and depressions. Small meteorites are occasionally found here. When it rains heavily, dips in this moor become filled with water, and attract numerous invertebrates, amphibians, and birds, before later drying out. The most common prey items here are rabbits, or other burrowing rodents, like gophers. Within the moor, flushed up against the mountain side, are the hot springs.

hot springs

The hot springs are large pools of water that stay hot, no matter what season it is. A large rocky mound is found in the middle of the pools, where cats occasionally sun themselves. The water is used to soothe the aching joints of cats, though it is too hot to stay in for long.

woodland ravine

The woodland ravine is a mountainous ravine, formed after a large-scale rockslide that separated it from the rest of the conifer forest. Many tree trunks are knocked over across the ravine. Water runs through here during heavy rainfall, but otherwise it is dry, or has just a small creek. Mosses and ferns dominate this ravine, with the occasional tree still standing. As such, the ravine is not often trekked by MarrowClan cats. At the very end of the ravine is the Lover’s Pond.

lover's pond

The Lover’s Pond is a small body of water in the shape of a heart at the end of the woodland ravine. Flowers are common along the edges of the pond. It gets its name not only from the shape of the water, but because, due to its secluded location, budding lovers in MarrowClan will spend time together here.

star's fall

The Star’s Fall is a coveted waterfall that flows out from the Astrologer’s Peak and into the lake, with a bed of bioluminescent algae along its rocks. Rocks sit across the river that make for easy crossing back and forth. It sits at the edge of all three Clan’s territories. It is also near the Mooncave’s entrance. The water that flows from the falls is considered to be holy by ZenithClan. Most often, however, it is used for salmon fishing, algae collection, and sunbathing. This area is constantly fought over by the Clans.

black sand beach

Across the edge of the mountainside in MarrowClan is a rocky black sand beach. Few vegetation grows here, but kelp commonly washes ashore; as such, many shorebirds can be found along this beach. Further down the beach, against the mountains, lies a cave known as the Elysian Hollow.

elysian hollow

The Elysian Hollow is a glow worm cave with a small stream that runs through it. The entire cave always seems to be glowing, including the algae within the water. Stalagmite and jagged rocks are common, and make trekking into the deepest part of the hollow nearly impossible. The cave holds little territorial value, but is treasured by MarrowClan for its spiritual value.

ashen cliffs

The Ashen Cliffs are a treacherous mountainside that lies behind most of MarrowClan’s territory. The rocks within this mountainside are notoriously loose, and paths will lead to sudden, sheer drops. The mountains are not commonly frequented by those within MarrowClan, not only due to how dangerous navigating is, but due to the presence of predators and the occasional rogue. Near the edge of the mountains is a plateau of never melting ice, known as Lunae’s Mirror. There is a cliffside known as Petrel’s Roost where the mountains meet the ocean, but it is not claimed by MarrowClan.

lunae's mirror

A plateau of ice that never melts, tucked within the Ashen Cliffs. It reflects the moon perfectly, which is where it gets its name. It is not a long trek into the mountains to reach the mirror, so MarrowClan cats will occasionally visit for spiritual reasons.

camp

ZenithClan’s camp is located on a sun-shaped island off the coast, with various paths across the territory reaching it. The camp is large, but swaths of it are sometimes submerged at high tide. The dens are located within the crumbling ruins that are plentiful on this isle. The camp is not fortified by anything, but instead is reliant on the waters surrounding it for protection. Common decorations that can be found within the camp are braided seagrasses, seashells, and meteorites. Candles made from candlefish are used around the camp for lighting and warmth; these fish are buried to dry out along the beach before being used. The leader's den is located in the largest crumbling ruin, with a large spire carved into the top of it; the spire acts as a sundial, constantly casting a thin shadow across the camp throughout the day.

heliacal spires

The Heliacal Spires are a series of thin, loosely connected islands that radiate out like the sun’s rays, which lead to ZenithClan’s camp, the estuarine, and the edges of the ocean. Many are home to their own miniature ecosystems; many species of fish, amphibian, and insects can only be found on one specific spire. The three temples to the gods – the Aphelion, Parhelion, and Phelegthon temples – are found on three separate spires.

estuarine

The estuarine is a large grouping of pools and rivers full of brackish water, which often flow directly into the ocean. It is heavily affected by tides, and occasionally floods to the point ZenithClan cats must swim to the rest of their territory. It is abundant with sea ducks, shorebirds, and anadromous fish species. Pickleweed and mangrove trees are the dominant vegetation in the estuarine.

aphelion temple

The Aphelion Temple is a temple dedicated to the gods Lunae, Leporis, Auri, and Lyrus. The inside is dark, mainly illuminated by bioluminescent algae on the walls and floor. Certain flowers only bloom within this temple, under the shine of the moon. In the middle of the temple is a pit that holds a pond with a thriving ecosystem. Carved into the side of the temple is a crescent moon, which shines light directly onto the pond.
Across from the carving is a cold mural of the gods. Lunae curls around the moon, as Lyrus casts shadows across the world. Leporis stalks the shaded forest, meeting Lyrus' silhouette towards the edge. Auri peers down at crashing ocean waves from the mountains. The night sky is painted dark, with careful tending of the glowing algae used to represent stars and constellations.

parhelion temple

The Parhelion Temple is dedicated to the gods Solis, Orionis, Ceti, and Delphine. The inside is brightly lit, and ferns, among other plants, drape from the ceiling. In the middle of the temple is a stone fire pit, which never goes out. Carved into the side of the temple is a large sun, which illuminates the temple during the day.
On the opposite side is a warm mural of the gods. Solis curls over the sun overhead, with Delphine peering through leaves to the light above the trees. Orionis meanders his way through the forest, where the grass meets the beach. Ceti stands within the ocean, looking above to mountains peeking out from the treeline. This mural is decorated with fish scales, and glimmers when sunlight hits it.

phlegethon temple

The Phlegethon Temple is a temple dedicated to the gods Vis and Hyd. The inside is generally dark, with black coloured moss covering the walls and framing the art of the gods within. Carved into the side of the temple is a comet-like window, which allows sunlight or moonlight to shine onto the tar pit in the middle of the temple.
On the opposite side of the carving is a mural split between sickly grays and blood reds. Silhouettes of cats crying out line the floor, extending from the tar pit. Fire spreads across to the side featuring most of the red, where Vis sits within a burning tree. Ravens surround the sky around him, some blending into the black moss. Through the fire runs a river of blood, with gray, decaying corpses floating within. The sky transitions from a red to an overcast gray, where vultures circle, and the fire dissipates. Hyd stalks along the riverbank, leaving a trail of wilted flora. Vis' eyes glitter in the light, and upon closer inspection are adorned with fish scales.

astrologer's peak

The Astrologer’s Peak is a rock formation that connects the river that runs through the estuarine to the lake. It is not a generally treacherous climb up the rocks, but can be slippery after heavy rains. It is home to the caverns, the Mooncave, and the Star’s Fall; the water that flows through this formation is considered to be holy by ZenithClan. It is named for its reputation as an easy climb for those who wish to view the stars from a vantage point, as well as its connection to the Mooncave.

caverns

The caverns are a sprawling cave system that run deep within the Astrologer’s Peak. No cats have managed to document the entirety of the system quite yet. It is located where the estuarine and the Astrologer’s Peak meet. It is rumored that strange creatures live within the very depths of the cave, and that it may be cursed.

crescent isle

The Crescent Isle lies in the middle of the lake, with three easy paths leading towards it. Few conifer trees are located on the isle, though plenty of grasses and ferns are. In between two large trees lies a large meteorite with a flat top, which is used by leaders during gatherings. A fallen tree trunk lies to the side of the meteorite.

jagged tusks

The Jagged Tusks are large gorges within rocky ground that were caused due to a large earthquake. Deep within them, rivers run through them; when the nearby wetlands flood, they will sometimes flow directly into these gorges. Any cat who falls into them is surely dead. All vegetation near the Jagged Tusks is dead, though the area is frequented by vultures.

wound of the world

The Wound of the World is a large, slowly expanding sinkhole near the Jagged Tusks. Deep within it, an ecosystem can be observed; however, it is much too deep for any cat to explore within it; if any were to fall into it, they would be unable to come back out.

mooncave

Within the Astrologer’s Peak is the Mooncave. There is a pool of water that flows into the cave, creating a pool of water with a large odd looking meteorite in the middle. The meteorite is said to have been sent down from StarClan to guide the Clans to the territory. The top of the cave has two large open holes that appear like eyes, where the moon peers through on the full moon. Sometimes water from the river above will flow through these holes, but only when the river overflows. It is said when water flows through the openings that Lunae is especially sad. The oracles drink the water around the odd rock to commune with StarClan. To reach, it requires passing through MarrowClan and ZenithClan territory, but the area around it is considered neutral territory while oracles and leaders trek through it.

molten claws

The Molten Claws is the mountainside that surrounds the territories, and seems to stretch on forever. They are extremely treacherous to navigate; only loners with no other choice often brave these mountains. There are few resources to live off of in these mountains. They are named for their proximity to the Sun’s Wrath, and dark, black color.

sun's wrath

A large volcano right above the edge of BarkClan’s territory. It is too dangerous to trek extremely close to. It was dormant for cycles, but recently began erupting again; luckily, it is not violent, but instead simply continuously leaks lava into the ocean and the Petrified Forest.

pinnacles

The Pinnacles are a rocky cliffside located right next to the Sun’s Wrath, with odd formations that form spires upwards. They are the highest point of the Molten Claws for as far as any cat can see. They lead to a steep cliff that leads down into the ocean, but this trek is impossible for a cat to do.

solis' hearth

A large, deep pit within the mountains that continuously burns, even during rainfall. Few charred trees can be found near it. It always has a strange smell to it. It is said that a meteorite fell violently, causing the mysterious pit to form.

petrel's roost

A sheer cliff that drops off the Ashen Cliffs, into the ocean near the black sand beach. Despite being technically within MarrowClan’s territory, it is not marked as their territory, and is instead treated as neutral. It is named after the multitudes of seabirds that nest within the cliffside.