09.30.2019 โ There has been some exciting changes on CD lately! We've added a new monarchy to the groups of cats on the islands, as well as restructured the boards a bit to allow for some space - thus, redrawing the map! We've also promoted Nifty to Global Mod! There are some auditions open right now for JungleClan Deputy as well as for all of the new Kingdom of Mokuhau high ranks - Artemis
09.12.2019 โ Unfortunately Elaedria is stepping down as administrator due to life being too busy to keep up! The site will be going through some restructuring in high ranks as well due to this. Effective immediately, the word count is now 100 minimum. Some more changes will be coming in the future - members have been emailed a survey to help us figure out what to change and how to get better. Thanks for your patience! - Artemis
WEATHER
Year 55, Scorching Sands 09.05.2019 โ The temperatures of the islands are a steady 98ยฐ F on land/ high 80s in water. There is almost no breeze, the sun is uncomfortably warm.
Prey during the day is pretty scarce due to the heat, however is quite active after the sun goes down.
The layout of the site (including the profile, mini profile and affiliate table) was created by Leap. The cbox plugin was created by Alanna. The concept, content and some additional coding of the site was built by Elaedria, Rosa and Artemis. The Warriors Cats series is the intelluctal property of Erin Hunter. Favicon from Freepik. All images found on Chasing Dusk are copyright their respective owners ยฉ
Lost in the dense jungles of scattered islands, facing perils unimagined by their ancestors, are three warrior groups - The traditional JungleClan, descendants of the original clans carried aboard a twoleg contraption from their home long ago and breaking new ground on old beliefs. Second, the curious TidalClan, made up of kittypets who chose to abandon their long since passed twoleg civilization ways for those of true felines. Lastly, the mysterious Tribe of Twisted Roots, hidden in the mist from others with their strange ways and a deeper knowledge of the land around them. Together they must learn how to take their fate into their own paws if they wish to survive this land of erupting mountains and roaring waters.
Join our crew and dive into an island-based Warriors roleplay - a twist on the original series by Erin Hunter. We are a semi-literate site with a minimum of 100 words per post.
Turtlehop emerged out of the shadows before him, and he took a moment to study her. How much did she know? How much did she realize? How much did the gods tell her? Did they tell her anything at all? Her smaller form revealed nothing. He wondered these things every day, but he was no closer at finding an answer.
โYes, of course,โ Sharksong answered automatically to her question. He always answered questions like those with a positive, even if it wasnโt the case. He wasnโt used to divulging potential weaknesses toโฆ anyone. It seemed like a strength at first, but with how he felt right now, it seemed like a weakness itself. Even if he wanted to talk about it, he didnโt have the courage to mention it. Neither did he have the courage to face herโor the godsโโdisappointment and disapproval with him. He just had to get on like normal. Somehow.
โIn fact,โ he began, casting her a winning smile as she sat up to inspect his ear, โIโve been feeling much better lately. I survived all the initial dangers, and my ear has to be healing by now, thanks to your care. I think Iโm ready to go back to my normal duties and assume my new ones. As long as you think Iโm ready.โ He stared at the healer imploringly, as if she would give her consent and leave it at that. He was almost hopefully thinking so, but it never was that easy. She probably had several tests she wanted to do, like giving him five different kinds of disgusting leaves and then making sure he could recite TidalClanโs recent history word for word. Something like that seemed a little absurd, but Sharksong wasnโt a healer nor her fledgling for a reason.
He shifted his weight around, praying to whatever was out there that Turtlehop was oblivious to his terrible sleep patterns and other growing problems.
369 words | Atari (ooc: this thread explains shark's mindset after the trial & his recovery in the mc den, which should help with this thread c: )
The last few days had rain interspersed with night, and Sharksong was left constantly miserable. His interaction with Newtstripe and Tinystar remained in his mind on replay; he couldnโt figure out how he felt about it. He only felt at ease when the sun was out, and his inability to sleep was still pathetic. He stayed out in camp as long as he could, talking with whoever listened about anything he could think of. He only returned to the walls of the church when he absolutely needed to. The one night it rained he didnโt sleep at all, hunched stiffly in one position until the sun rose.
The cobwebs swathed around his ear and head were a constant, physical, discomforting reminder that he was uncomfortable with everything now. He was lucky that he was good at keeping it to himself, because if he wasnโtโฆ He didnโt want to think about what a disaster he would cause.
Heโd done his best to keep up appearances around Turtlehop most of all. It was punishing to tell her he was feeling better when he wasnโt sure that was the case. A few white lies never bothered him before, but it felt different with this. He was the deputy and she was the healer. He had responsibility now, even if heโd done little else but schedule patrols. He wasnโt lying to Wavestep or tricking Ivorysplash anymore. Cats would depend on him to be truthful.
Regardless, Sharksong knew he had to keep convincing Turtlehop otherwise. He needed to be released from the healer den, needed to be allowed access to the territory. He couldnโt handle being trapped in camp anymore.
Decision set, he trailed towards the church, hanging reluctantly by the entrance. He closed his eyes and counted. He tried to place himself in the mindset that he had before the trial. Being himself was so easy then. Now he felt so lost that he didnโt even know how to gain that back. His deputy trial was supposed to be him proving himself, but he felt more unqualified than ever.
With a long sigh, Sharksong crossed the threshold into the healerโs den. โTurtlehop?โ he called, swallowing his uncertainty as he searched through the gloom.
With the hard moment over, Sharksong relaxed slightly as his nervousness slipped away. He still felt uncomfortable, like his insides were churning, but with the rain subsiding heโd only feel better, he hoped. Since when did anything set him back for long?
Newtstripeโs look was long, just enough so that he noticed it. He stared at the older tom, confused for a moment, though his expression remained unflappable. His smile slipped away at Newtstripeโs comments though, and it took all of Sharksongโs willpower not to immediately contradict it. To anyone, it was a logical and maybe even a thoughtful statement, and from what he knew of Newtstripe, that was exactly what it meant to be. The slight flatness of the tomโs tone felt off, but it seemed safe to assume that his mental state was overreactive and over imaginative. Since when would Newtstripe regard him negatively? They always got along.
โI suppose so,โ he relented in a tone that was a little too cheery. The danger of him succumbing late to his trial was over nowโฆ it had to be. He was almost back to normal physically, so didnโt it make sense for him to return to normal duties? The longer he stayed in camp, under Turtlehopโs watchful eye, the more he worried she would realize not all was what it seemed. If his newfound fears and nightmares were discovered, would it be regarded as a sign from the gods that he wasnโt fit to be deputy, after all?
His gnawing anxiety was briefly assuaged with Tinystarโs enthusiastic greeting. Sharksongโs smile was genuine this time around, and it felt like some of the pressure was lifted. He managed to keep it in place as she agreed with Newtstripe, even through the stab of unease that pierced his momentary relief with that agreement. Neither of them understood, if he stayed trapped in the camp any longerโ
He exhaled slowly. โHah, yeah, that trial was somethingโฆโ His voice dropped away as he looked past them, brows creased. When he blinked, the expression reset back to his usual friendly smile. The warm regard in Tinystarโs voice soothed him again. โIโm glad you two were there to support me. Thinking of my clanmates there to welcome me back kept me going.โ In truth, heโd thought little of anyone but himself during the trial. He was all but ready to give up. If anyone found out, would they really be proud?
There was no winning against his thoughts. It was hard to keep from fidgeting, hard to feel accomplished when he knew really what happened.
Dragonflyโs smile was slight. She was usually up this early, but it wasnโt a habit for her to go around talking about it, nor to stop with anyone on the way, so Ember wouldnโt know. โIโve had a lot to think about. Walking helps take off the stress.โ Her place as a navigator, her relationship with Monarch, her relationship with Oceanโฆ She walked on a narrow branch with it all. There were navigators who grumbled about her brotherโs rise to quartermaster, and she took note of every single one of those tribemates. She was aware that Ember fell in with that party, and part of her agreed with them. However, unlike Ember and the others, part of her also desperately wanted Monarch to succeed. And she wanted Monarch to succeed without losing himself in the process. Her brother was adept at advancing himself and showing himself favorably to those who mattered. To those who didnโt matter, wellโฆ
Dragonfly truly didnโt know what spectrum she fell upon. She tried to be Monarchโs voice of reason, to guide him away from a dangerous path, but it seemed like it caused more tension between them. She blinked her pale, jade-green eyes when she realized Stingray looked uncomfortable. Was something amiss? Before she could begin to speculate, a familiar scent carried on the breeze, and Monarch was there, framed by mangrove trees. Watching them. His sudden presence with the depth of her thoughts made her freeze, and her expression dropped.
She felt her skin prickleโhis gaze was inscrutable. And then it fell into easy comradery when he approached with a verbal greeting. His tail wave was so similar to her own mannerisms that it was almost jarring. She warily lifted her head in her own greeting, but she was more than happy to have the focus back on Stingray. Schooling her expression, she fixed her gaze on the witch. If he had something to mention, she could only hope that it would be something positive or even something neutral.
247 words (ooc: snowwhisker omg what are you doing xD)
Just as Orchidbloom was ready to leave the forsaken shipwreck, the scurrying of tiny pawsโof a lot of tiny pawsโseemed to echo all around them. It was only a moment later that she saw beady eyes glowing in the dim light, and her fur stood on end. How could they possibly get out of this? She looked at Cranefeather, and then Snowwhisker. She had to double-take when the tom started talking to the rats. She opened her mouth, as if to warn him against it, but nothing came out.
A rat launched itself at Snowwhisker, and before she could think to do anything, Cranefeather intercepted it. Its body thumped against the ground, and it didnโt move under her paws.
Orchidbloom was left no more time to process as the rats swarmed and closed in as a cohesive unit. Their ability to move together would have amazed her if she wasnโt one of their targets. She let out a screech and backed away, swiping to keep them out of reach. They had the advantage in numbers, though, so they broke her invisible barrier easily. Small, sharp teeth and claws tangled in her long pelt, and she bucked to try and loosen them.
There was no luck. Her claws sank into bodies as they came under her paws, and she pulled one off her shoulder, biting down until she heard a crunch. The rats were endless, and the beginnings of fear began to creep in her mind.
She wasnโt convinced that she didnโt disturb Anispine, but she didnโt contradict him. If someone woke her, she probably wouldnโt be the most pleased cat in the world. Would she say anything about it though? After a brief moment of thought, she realized she would. But that was simply her personalityโother cats probably wouldnโt, and she could see the appeal in deferring to courtesy. It was a nice gesture, but she didnโt want to waste time in blanket statements or false hopes. She wanted the hard truth, no matter how cold it was.
He did seem curious about what she wanted, though, and Orchidbloom could accept the truth in that. Someone with an idea at moonhigh hopefully had a good enough idea that warranted action on it. She hoped her idea was like that, but she couldnโt know for sure.
Orchidbloom sought words that would adequately describe what she wanted. โSometimes on patrols, unexpected things happen. Sometimes injuries result, and some are minor. It frustrates me that a simple injury, like a thorn in a pad, could disrupt a whole patrol. Or if weโre somewhere remote, it might be hard to get to you or Skinkpaw in time.โ She took a deep breath. โIโm interested in learning basic knowledge about herbs, if youโre willing to teach. Just enough so I can be of better use on patrols if something goes wrong.โ
Anispine had every right to refuse her. After all, he did have a new apprentice to focus on. She also had an apprentice to delegate time to now, so she understood, but being a mentor also gave her reason to be the best of her ability. She was a warrior though, and warriors didnโt need to know herbal knowledge. But in her eyes, it didnโt mean they couldnโt.
โI donโt expect this freely, of course. If you need something to make it worth the time you have to offset, Iโd be willing to do that. Hunting for you, teaching something I know in returnโฆ whatever youโd like.โ
220 words (I love shell too! I think these two will be fun together)
Shellpaw seemed to be studying her closely, though Tangpaw supposed jumping in the water was spectacle enough to draw eyes. She didnโt really mind though. She was having fun, and if someone had a problem with that, they could go elsewhere. Shellpawโs expression seemed more curious than annoyed or disturbed, so Tangpaw moved closer.
The other she-cat also moved forward though, and even spoke first. Tangpawโs face lit up and her grin was wide. โI was just having fun. Iโve been trying to doโฆ that, for days now. It took me a while to gather the courage.โ She was surprised when Shellpaw asked about her well-being, and she couldnโt help the laugh that escaped her. She didnโt know Shellpaw that well, but she wondered if she should start. The cream tabby seemed as good-natured as herself, and Tangpaw liked that.
โIโm fine. The drop was a little scary, but it was also exhilarating. Iโm glad I did it.โ She looked at Shellpaw closer. โWhat were you doing by that tree? Relaxing? Or were you thinking about something?โ Her head tilted slightly as she asked the question. Tangpaw received the impression that Shellpaw was almost glad for a distraction or some sort of company. If they were as alike as they appeared, she could imagine Shellpaw was thinking about something specific.
Tangpaw didnโt pay much attention to Duskleapโs noncommittal answers. She was busy watching the land go by as they walked to their destination. She was committing it to memory, waiting for something to happen that was worthy of sharing to Tunapaw whenever they exchanged stories next.
The abrupt word drew her attention to Duskleap. Swimming was something she wanted to learn. She tried it, but it was harder than it seemed. The edge of the lake quickly arrived at their paws, and Tangpaw looked down to study it as her mentor questioned her. She worked her jaw in silence as she thought of her answer. โIโveโฆ played around in it,โ she started. โAnd I have tried swimming before.โ The softness of the ground and the way her paws sank into it slightly seemed to confirm Duskleapโs statements. Did it change how they would be swimming? Tangpaw didnโt see how that would be the case, but she wasnโt about to rule anything out.
She followed after Duskleap into the lakewater. It was cold against the chilly morning air, and she felt a bolt of shock travel down her spine. It made her twitch as she held in a shiver. Forcing her legs forward, Tangpaw waded, and eventually hopped as the water got deeper, to her mentorโs side. "Itโsโฆ more challenging than it looks,โ she commented, hoping it would prompt Duskleap to start her lesson. As much as she wanted to train, she didnโt realize how much the cold threatened to dampen her focus.
Being cooped up in Turtlehop's den for days on end was a special kind of torture. He was bored after the first few days, but the healer was firm in her decision. Her warnings of infection, hypothermia and secondary drowning were stern, and he felt like a kit again, being confined to nest rest. When the daylight blurred to night, he felt strange, like he was sick and completely hollow inside. He grew quiet and his complaining ceased as darkness fell, and oddly enough, he couldnโt sleep. Night after night he felt the same way, but he refused to mention it. He didnโt know what was happening, but it didnโt seem worth bringing up. Sharksong became even more boisterous by day to keep up appearances, even though it felt like his energy was sapped. It was as if he was teetering constantly on a high plateau, ready to fall at any moment.
He dealt with the days of nothingness, dealt with the sleepless and haunting nights, even dealt with half of his head swathed in cobwebs. His patience was razor-thin though, and his tolerance for everything even thinner. It snapped when he found himself flinching against raindrops that fell one day. His anger and quiet despair flared into a maelstromโwho was he? How could TidalClan trust in a deputy that feared the rain? After that he demanded to have free reign of the camp, and he started forming patrols. Doing anything at all was cathartic, surprisingly, and wielding the power he fought for was a balm against his taunting thoughts. He visited the object he took from the shipwreck often in its new home at the Stone Wall, especially when his mind wouldnโt quiet. It was nicked and dulled and damaged with age, but at one point he could imagine it being wickedly sharp. What was it? And what was it used for? He had no way to know.
The rain continued to disturb him day after day, and he grew irritated. Still, he forced himself to walk around camp in it, even though it made his skin crawl. Sharksong shivered against the warm air, pacing a track into the damp soil as the drizzle began to subside.
Sharksong paused when he saw Tinystar on the other side of the camp. She waited for him to come home through the whole night of his trial, but he wouldnโt ask if it was out of hope or vigil. Finding her there felt like a dream, and that sense was only multiplied when he didnโt see her while he was trapped in Turtlehopโs den. He knew she still had her duties to attend to, but part of him wondered if maybe it was a dream after all. He started walking nearer without realizing it, and once he did realize, he was surprised when he feltโฆ nervous. Sharksong stopped to stare at his paws, conflicted. He heard chattering in the distance and looked up to see Newtstripe was suddenly there talking to her. Their tones were warm, happy, and that juxtaposition seemed to ping off oddly at his internal turmoil.
He clawed frustratedly at the cobwebs wrapped around his head to loosen and discard them. His shredded ear stung as the cobwebs close to it were jostled, though he didnโt dare touch those. He didnโt want to restart the bleeding. Breathing in shakily several times to collect himself, he plastered on a smile and approached.
โBeing able to leave camp? That sounds like a blessing.โ He speared his way into their conversation with practicedโand falseโconfidence. โI still havenโt been cleared to even leave camp yet.โ
Dragonfly was up early frequently. It was one of the quietest times, and she appreciated the silence by herself. While she was more solitary by nature, she did also enjoy conversation with one or two cats. Once it became a crowd, it was easy for her to grow overwhelmed. She could do it since she lived with others her whole life, but only for a short time. She didnโt know why, but it seemed like talking with many others at once was more tiring than running around the entire island. She liked running though, so she supposed it only made sense.
Her morning trek took her around the mangroves that anchored in their camp, but it wasnโt long before she moved beyond them. Dragonfly wandered where the territory took her, without much thought. She reveled in the feeling of movement without reason or destination. She only slowed down when she realized that she wasnโt the only tribemate out before dawn.
She opened her mouth to test the air. No-Salt Lake was nearby, as were two distinct cat scents. Silently and carefully, she trailed closer. Her eyes picked up silhouettes, and she identified them as Ember and Stingray. She moved to join them, tail raised in wordless greeting.
Coral & Shark - Iโm interested for some turbulence between them! I donโt think Shark would be truly hostile to her in the sense of the word, but heโd definitely play her game and subtly insult/tease her. I canโt see him being too upset though, he might find it fun.
Coral & Tang - I could see them getting along too! Since Coral is a little older I think Tang would go to her for advice or maybe ask to practice something new she learned. She might not notice her jealousy so it might be interesting to see how that plays out.
244 words (ooc: title made me laugh. also is this set before her mca ceremony?)
Hekili Lake was fast becoming one of Tangpawโs favorite spots on their territory. It wasnโt as expansive and threatening as the ocean, it wasnโt salty, and there wasnโt anything that would pull her to the depthsโฆ or so she thought.
She stood on a cypress tree branch that extended out past the lakeโs shoreline. She stared down at the gentle waves a sizeable distance below her, gathering her courage. It was something she was steadily preparing herself to do. If Tunapaw knew, she figured heโd be goading her on or joining her, so she didnโt mention it to him yet. Sheโd tell him after.
Taking a deep breath, Tangpaw stepped off the branch and closed her eyes. Her stomach lurched as she dropped towards the water, and she spun in her brief freefall. She yowled, half in excitement and half in fear, until the lakeโs surface cut off the sound. The water shocked her system and she felt it rush to her head. She felt pressure build up in her ears until she floated back up. Her head broke the surface, and she took a deep breath as she opened her eyes. Jittery with the adrenaline, she paddled lopsidedly back to shore, flopping down when her paws touched sand. She sighed contentedly, though when she took a brief look around, she realized she wasnโt alone. She saw a cat sitting in the shade, and she squinted to see who it was. It was Shellpaw.
At first, Tangpaw was confused at the announcement of another meeting. It wasnโt long since the first one, with the announcement of their new deputyโฆ so what could it be the second time around? It became clear only a few moments later. Tinystar called the meeting, then Turtlehop stepped forward. Was Turtlehop stepping down? Did she have an announcement from the Gods? Her thoughts were whirring in her mind, even before the healer spoke. She latched on to Turtlehopโs words, and she blinked in surprise. She was choosing a fledgling?
Tangpaw surveyed the clearing around her curiously, picking out all her denmates. Who could it be? Would it be someone young like them? Or would it be a someone who was already a fighter? She had a hard time believing that it could be, since fighter training was extensive. Could it even be possible that even after all that training, someone would want to become a healer? And a fledgling, at that? She shook her head.
She was briefly surprised when she heard Shellpaw called, but then at the same time she wasnโt. Shellpaw in the role somehow seemed to make senseโฆ The thought made her smile. It was easy for her to get along with the she-cat, and she enjoyed the rapport that they seemed to be building with each other. โShellpaw! Shellpaw!โ she cheered as loudly as she could.