09.30.2019 → 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 → 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 → The temperatures of the islands are a steady 98° 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.
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.
Description sentence: A small brown mackerel tabby she-cat with vibrant green eyes.
Appearance: Though it would not be used to describe her in any other way than physical, Taropetal is a rather delicately-built she-cat who doesn't particularly stick out in any memorable manner. Smaller in stature like many of her brethren in TidalClan, this fighter has not grown much since her fledgling days. Short limbs and baby-like features have stuck with her even into her prime moons as a fighter, with large ears and wide green eyes to compliment the small paws and sometimes too sharp tongue.
Her pelt is nothing to write home about either. A common tabby pattern covers her sandy brown fur with black stripes, unbroken across her flanks, limbs, and chest. She does have some varying shades of brown (such as lighter and more red around her facial features or reddish leather on her nose and paws) but for the most part, she blends into the background of the surrounding town and beaches and gets lost in the mix of brighter pelts.
Personality
Please list at least three positive and three negative traits for your character below.
Personality: Taropetal can be a complicated cat when it comes to her behavior. Both influenced and repulsed by her overall nondescript looks, how she acts depends entirely on how you treat her. Due to her upbringing and the disregard she was paid through her younger days, she's generally an independent soul. She is more than capable of occupying her time in her own manner without becoming bored and does not require the company of others to feel fulfilled. That being said, it can make for a distant and slightly apathetic attitude from her. She becomes close to very few and, unless their goals align with hers, she'll feel little reason to give them much thought. This is not to say she doesn't care; she's observant enough to see when something matters to someone and, if the individual is one she has been selective about and brought into her life, she will go above and beyond expectations to help that goal come to fruition. She just has difficulty applying it to her own ideas of what her life should be at times. Perhaps the most frustrating facet of her personality is her inclination for patience. While she can wait for seemingly forever for something to happen, others may find this manner much too slow for daily life. She looks to the far future and what she wants then rather than "living in the moment" - which has caused more than a few conflicts in her personal life. To make matters worse, this is a very stubborn she-cat. She will dig in her claws on what she wants and refuse to budge on them. Combined with her patience and general loner personality...It makes very few willing to put forth the effort to get to know her. Still, for those who do? They will often find a steadfast if conflicted friend who often has astute advice and is more than willing to be there during even the most difficult of times.
Skills & Combat
Please list at least three strengths/weaknesses your character may have, such as: hunting, fighting, swimming, healing, etc.
History: Taropetal has always been a lonely sort of soul, even from the beginning. Her birth was not an easy one; her mother and father were the kind who hadn't planned on having kits at their age and, as such, found themselves expecting during the worst season possible. All three were frail and too small, something that would follow the trio through their first days and through Tarokit's entire life. While her siblings were simply too fragile for the rough life that faced them and passed within the first couple of weeks due to complications, the single living kit of the litter isolated herself from her denmates. Whether this was out of fear or personal protection, she never said, and it was on her own that she passed into the care of a fighter as a fledgling.
At first, Taropaw thought life would be much the same - She kept her distance from her new rowdier and sometimes older peers, preferring to practice and train on her own. That is, of course, until one cat wormed his way into her life and never left. Or, at least, she assumed he wouldn't.
For whatever reason, Kraitpaw had seen fit to include the quiet she-cat in his family's doings and more often than not she would find her days filled with patrolling and mealtimes alongside the tom. Used to her isolation as she was, it took time for her to adjust but soon enough found herself enjoying the company...perhaps a little too much, as she found herself drawn towards them in ways she hadn't expected. While she was friends with the trio, she grew particularly close with the brothers. How close...well, she would never know, would she? She ignored the feelings for the most part - they were older than her and about to move on. What was the point?
It was with a heavy heart that she cheered them on as they gained their fighter status, leaving Taropaw alone in the den. Finishing her training was rather uneventful (even her trial of hunting on the edge of the island was more standard than anything), if lonely, and she was more than eager to join her friends in the den.
Though...something had changed. While Barnacleleap was more than happy to continue their friendship, it seemed that one of her other close friends wanted little to do with her. The now named Taropetal (so-called for her small build) was confused; had she done something wrong? She'd thought her and Kraiteye been getting close...closer than she wanted to admit she was to a friend. Had she read the situation so wrong?
Things only became more complicated when Barnacleleap confessed feelings for her, something the she-cat hadn't expected. To say she didn't return them would be a lie. She did! However, she wasn't sure if what she felt was as strong as it should be...and there was no way to really know now that her feelings for his brother were tainted with something new - anger. It seemed nothing was simple anymore. Still conflicted about how she felt, Taropetal avoided the question of mates entirely. She admitted, of course, that she liked Barnacleleap yet that was as far as things had gotten. After all, she still wasn't sure. She'd had a clear picture of what her future was supposed to be but this? This was not it.
Now, moons into her time as a fighter, Taropetal sometimes still feels like nothing more than a young fledgling once more, stuck with an indecisive heart and desperation for some kind of answer - Something that doesn't sit well at all.
Other Notes
Shop Purchases: N/A
Other: The on-off love interest of Barnacleleap. Adopted from frog !
Your character has been approved! Please be sure to sign your character up to the TAKEN NAMES AND CLAIM and add your character to your clan's allegiances before making your first in-character post!
The leader of your clan will assign you a mentor if you can't find one on your own! Use the channel on discord called 'mentor-apprentice-request' for that purpose.
Your character has been approved! Please be sure to sign your character up to the TAKEN NAMES AND CLAIM and add your character to your clan's allegiances before making your first in-character post!
Hey Jinn! Ivytide's looking great! She's going to be accepted as a warrior, pending deputy acceptance, so remember to go back and address her rank once the position is decided either way. As for the application itself, I noticed a couple of typos but nothing to worry about save "unbiased" in the personality paragraph. I think you meant to say biased at one point. Other than that, everything's good! Thank you so much!
Your character has been approved! Please be sure to sign your character up to the TAKEN NAMES AND CLAIM and add your character to your clan's allegiances before making your first in-character post!
Your character has been approved! Please be sure to sign your character up to the TAKEN NAMES AND CLAIM and add your character to your clan's allegiances before making your first in-character post!
Your character has been approved! Please be sure to sign your character up to the TAKEN NAMES AND CLAIM and add your character to your clan's allegiances before making your first in-character post!
Welcome to Chasing Dusk, and thank you for making your first character! Mantisclaw has definitely been through a lot, and I'm interested to watch her interactions in the future! Don't forget to go claim your bonus on the Grand Opening Thread!
1. Names and colors can be changed, just please discuss it with me first! 2. If you decide to take a character and later want to return them for any reason, let me know so they can be re-adopted. 3. If you become inactive or disappear for two weeks without explanation, I reserve the right to take the character back to be re-adopted. 4. No plots listed here are set in stone. They're simply ideas to get the ball rolling.
Shoalclaw is the proud, overly doting father to two sisters. In his eyes, his kits could do no wrong, no matter what their actions. He would defend them even if they were clearly in the wrong, and refused to hear a word against them. But was this because he was too concerned about his mate and his own life to realize they were spoiling the sisters? Or perhaps he truly didn't realize what was happening until later, when it was too late? Suggested traits: overindulgent, distracted, protective, defensive
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Puffinhop
40+ moons
warrior
mother
@seaoi
Puffinhop, a naturally quiet and reserved queen, was never quite certain what to make of her daughters. Both she-cats had been born with more personality than the queen knew how to handle and, as such, they were more in charge than she was at times despite her attempts at reining them in. She was only trying to keep them safe (after all, how could they know how frightening the islands could be?) and happy. Now that they're adults, do they still view their mother as someone who's just trying to ruin their fun? Or do they realize she was just trying to protect them from a world full of dangers? Can they grow closer, or will Puffinhop's concern keep the barrier in place? Suggested traits: Pessimistic, well-meaning, easily startled, loving
Cinnamonstep is the sister to Cocoafur. I imagine their relationship to go one of two ways: Either they're thick as thieves, each as much a troublemaker as the other, or they're more than happy to engage in sibling rivalry and rarely get along. Perhaps as a young kit Cinnamonstep was more than happy to help her sister in her schemes, perhaps even brainstorming some herself in order to further their interests. Or maybe she disapproved of Cocoafur's actions, choosing instead to be the model warrior and causing a rift between them. Suggested traits if friends: Arrogant, conniving, feisty. Suggested traits if rivals: Responsible, mature, overly critical
Full name: Hummingbird Flitting Through Raindrops, mother to Tempest and Cascade
Color and general personality are up to you, though her name might've come from having an unusually colored coat. I imagine that she is either a senior navigator or perhaps on the verge of guide by now depending on her final age. One thing of note for history: From a long line of "successful" cats - proud of her lineage and expecting nothing less of her children. Whether she thinks they reached their full potential or not is up to you!
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[attr="class","medicon2"]
Cascade
47 moons
navigator
sister
@user
Full name: Cascade of Roaring Water, sister to Tempest Rages at Night
Color and personality are up to you, though I imagine her and Tempest as being close and her being thoroughly unimpressed with his position; after all, he's her brother first before the commander. You decide on her relationship with her mother!
Description sentence: A lanky, chocolate-furred she-cat with bright green eyes.
Appearance: Cocoafur, as her name would suggest, is a feline who boasts a coat of a deep and rich brown, sleek and silky from a diet of jungle and sea wildlife. From nose to tail tip she is all the same solid color with no other defining markings along her pelt. Due to the manner in which she fights, she is free of scars as well, something she prides herself on.
This unmarked coat covers a frame that is tall and graceful. Considered lanky as a kit and apprentice, the she-cat has grown into her too large ears and paws and left her stumbling behind for the movements of a dancer. A whip-like tail serves as the opposite of her elongated muzzle, matching the long limbs that carry her. Do not misjudge her, however; though she looks frail, stealth is her ally, and she's learned to master the art of ambushing from the shadows even against opponents who outstrip her in strength.
Her eyes are more narrowed and slanted than round, and are the shade of green one would find in the grass or on jungle undergrowth.
Personality
Please list at least three positive and three negative traits for your character below.
Personality: To put it nicely, Cocoafur is nothing short of memorable. Lively and filled with an abundance of energy from the start, she is not a cat to sit and wait for action to happen. She is more willing to be up with the sun and out of camp doing something, anything, rather than observe those around her. This interest in discovering everything that their island has to offer has nurtured quite a courageous streak in her as well - though not impulsive, it isn't rare for her to see a battle or conversation through even if she's outmatched, and sharing her opinion no matter what the reception of it may be doesn't scare her. Of course, this does have its downsides. Rather scathing in nature and critical of those who "don't belong" with her group, her natural inclination is to look down on outsiders and thus be hostile towards any she doesn't recognize. To make matters worse, this warrior's idea of morals tends to be a little skewed; if she must do something to help her clan that may not necessarily be seen as honest or following ideals (such as manipulation or twisting of words), she won't hesitate (and probably lie about it afterwards).
Skills & Combat
Please list at least three strengths/weaknesses your character may have, such as: hunting, fighting, swimming, healing, etc.
History: For Cocoafur, life has been relatively easy. She was born in a litter of two at the height of the year, in a time where storms were few and prey was bountiful. Perhaps a little spoiled by her overindulgent mother and father, she was never an easy kit to handle. Loud and combative, willing to challenge anyone who would listen - Oftentimes if there was a ruckus in camp, this she-cat would be at the center of it. To say her kit days were a breeze would be nothing short of a lie.
Apprenticeship was not an easy stage either. Hoping to temper some of her wilder nature, she was paired with a warrior known for their patience and kind yet firm paw. Their personalities were not quite matched; too ready to become a warrior, Cocoapaw would push her mentor to the brink time and time again, running off on her own for training with those she thought more fitting of the title mentor. This led to trouble more often than not, causing the prickly she-cat to grow more defensive and generally disdainful of others around her as she aged. Still, her skills in tracking and love of exploration would shine through the overall negative attitude and, after many moons of trials and no love lost between her and her mentor, she would be granted the title of warrior...Something she hasn't held overly long as she is just 23 moons. Only time will tell whether this she-cat will eventually settle into place or continue to act out.
Your character has been approved! Please be sure to sign your character up to the TAKEN NAMES AND CLAIM and add your character to your clan's allegiances before making your first in-character post!
Your character has been approved! Please be sure to sign your character up to the TAKEN NAMES AND CLAIM and add your character to your clan's allegiances before making your first in-character post!
Tribe of Twisted Roots ∙ Commander ∙ Tom ∙ 48 moons
Appearance
Description sentence: A large tuxedo tom with white paws, a torn ear, and pale yellow eyes.
Appearance: A large cat even by Tribe standards, this tom towers over the heads of some of the smaller individuals who call the group their own. Well muscled and stocky, his height and sturdy frame make him a capable enemy bred of a long bloodline of Tribe cats. Carried too is the dark pelt most common for cats in their families, a standard tuxedo mix of black and white. Though most of his fur is dark, his belly, paws, chest, and the distinctive mustache markings around his muzzle are a clean white. Typically his fur is groomed and kept clean despite the small, scattered scars spread across his limbs. His most distinctive, however, is the jagged tear in his left ear, the result of the tip being torn off during a challenge to his leadership he faced the day he ascended to commander.
The leather of his paw pads is a soft pink while his nose is black as his fur, and his eyes are a pale yellow hue.
Personality: Vibrant. Fiery. Assertive. A simple few words to begin explaining the type of cat that Tempest is. A living, breathing representation of what the Tribe stands for, the echo of their ancestors. Even as a young kit his personality shown through, foreshadowing what was to come.
At his core, Tempest is nothing short of passionate about his Tribe, their care, and their Gods. He approaches everything he does with the sort of vibrancy and enthusiasm one would expect from a younger member. Yet do not take this lightly. Though his decisions are made primarily with a heavy pawful of emotion and gut feeling and seemingly on a whim, this would not be the case. Instead, each choice is carefully weighed, pitted against years of experienced calculation and similar situations. This observant nature has only aided his leadership, cloaking intelligence with an almost reckless front. Be warned - a front alone it is. Beneath the facade is a feline who is well-aware of what he is doing.
Of course, there are some downfalls to this sort of personality Tempest possesses. Bolstered by charisma and moons upon moons of luck, arrogance has risen in this tom. His ambition and strive to reach for more, to gain more for his Tribe, has led to an argumentative nature if pushed. Indeed, aggression will appear from time to time, threatening to mar his previous record of success. Passion, too, brings sins. Dedication to Gods - A downfall if one is not careful, can blind him to views that may differ from his own, making open-mindedness a difficult task at times.
Skills & Combat
Strengths: • Climbing • Fighting • Swimming
Weaknesses: • Agility • Hunting • Stealth
Combat: • Defense: 14 • Attack: 1d20+4
Character Background
Family: Hummingbird Flitting Through Raindrops (Mother, Navigator), Cloud Crossing the Moon (Father, Deceased), Cascade of Roaring Water (Sister, Navigator)
History: For Tempest Rages at Night, life started much as it does for every member of the Tribe. Born into a small litter of only two, the expectations their shoulders were heavy; they were the latest of a bloodline that found its roots to the very beginning of the group's long existence, with several prominent members such as commanders, quartermasters, and witches scattered throughout. His parents were valued navigators who had nothing by the highest hopes for their duo and their future, hoping that the pair would follow in the footsteps of their ancestors. For Tempest, the eldest of the two, this was simply not a problem. From a young age, listening to the stories the guides had of the Tribe as a whole and his family's part in it as well as watching the various cats in camp swap whispers of greatness, he was determined to make his mark on their history.
Along with his sister Cascade, he was made a swabbie at the appropriate age. Though his larger size made hunting and stealth slightly difficult, one would be hard pressed to find another as enthused about battle training or the waves surrounding their island. Often he and a band of swabbies would sneak away, play fighting and practicing as if they were the members of old who had to fight for their every pawstep of territory. Though tempers ran high at times and strong personalities were abound (For the Tribe was not known for meek individuals even then), Tempest would soon prove his worth as a leader by coming out on top more often than not. Still, these friends were enough to keep him in line and help temper the aggression that often rose all too readily in the tom.
After a successful ceremony and visit to the Island of Shadows, Tempest was accepted as a Navigator. Though young, he continued to push, proving himself on patrols (a determination that only heightened after his father passed away in an argument gone wrong) until he was recognized as a potential successor by the then commander. There were some who were wary of such an inexperienced cat becoming quartermaster; after all, the shadow of the tyrannical Wind still hung over the Tribe's long memory. Yet, determined not to be compared to such a being, Tempest made it clear that while ambitious, all he wanted was for the Tribe to succeed.
He would get his chance to prove this all too soon when, at 23 moons, the commander lost his last life unexpectedly. Though Tempest had done nothing to appear like Wind some still had their doubts; indeed, some were expressed with a pair of navigators challenged the young cat for leadership. These subsequent scuffles, though won by the still quartermaster, left their mark - a torn ear for Tempest and a reminder to those who opposed him that such encounters would be remembered. For though one member had accepted defeat the other had not, and only one of them swam back to the Tribe's camp once Tempest had received his lives.
Tempest has been commander for two years and the Tribe has benefited from these times of peace, though some are still fearful of a return to darker days with their unknown neighbors so close.
♀ Strike of Coiled Mamba ∙ 6 moons ∙ Jinn A small grey she-cat with thick black stripes/splotches and pale green eyes ↳ Navigator: Dragonfly Hovers Over Pond
The Guides
♀ Character Name ∙ Age ∙ @username Description sentence goes here
The Caretakers
♀ Character Name ∙ Age ∙ @username Description sentence goes here
The Tenderfoots
♀ Character Name ∙ Age ∙ @username Description sentence goes here
The Clan Statistics
♂ Tom Cats
♀ She-Cats
○ Non-Binary
Grand Total
5
5
0
10
Allegiances Registration Code
Please use the code below to register your character on the allegiances for the Tribe of Twisted Roots! Copy and paste it into a reply on this thread.
Each group is run differently and shaped by their leaders. The leader in the Tribe of Twisted Roots is called the Commander. Below are the current decrees of the Commander which act as the "code" for the clan since the Tribe of Twisted Roots does not have a Warrior Code. The current Commander is Tempest Rages at Night and his word is law.
Tempest Rages at Night's Decree
Belief Level: Tempest is the kind of cat that sees the Gods in everything he and his Tribe does. He puts great faith in the beings that have guided them for generations and endless moons, and will not be pleased if any of those following his leadership reject them. As for StarClan...He is aware of their existence due to the Island God's explanation of them yet believes much as his ancestors did - That the dead are just that and carry no power here. Relation with Gods: In Tempest's opinion, the Gods are vital to the Tribe's continued survival. They are to be revered and obeyed, respected and only challenged to prove oneself such as with the Swabbie Trial. Though there are no offerings to be presented, worship and observation of traditions pertaining to the Gods must be upheld no matter the situation. Relation with Ancestors: Ancestors are an interesting thing where Tempest is concerned. While they were important in life and their opinions to be valued, death is a finality that can not be ignored. After all, how can the cats of the past know the current struggles without living them themselves? What is the worth of advice if it's outdated or held back by the past? As far as he's concerned, each cat should be allowed to live his or her life as they choose, without worrying about the judgement of felines who have no power upon life itself. They are to be respected and remembered should they have lived well...but not obeyed without question. General Observation of Morals/Tenants: Though each cat is allowed to make his or her own decisions about certain things in life, one thing must be remembered - Tempest's word as Commander, much as those who came before him, must be heeded. According to tradition, the time for challenge has passed and he deemed worthy; thus, breaking any of his rules will certainly result in harsh punishment. Cats belonging to the Tribe must prove themselves and remember that the weakest link amongst them will define the entire Tribe. Thus training and remaining in high form is highly encouraged while laziness and a general reluctance to better yourself will be looked down upon. This extends into battle and protection of one's self. Should a cat behave bravely and fall in battle, they will be given the proper respects. However, if they are cowardly (such as running, hiding, etc.) and do not meet death with courage, they will be scorned and left for the scavengers. Another action that will label one as weak-willed is a forbidden romance. As the Tribe cats have been told for generations to avoid the large island cats, any romance with one would cause the offender to be exiled immediately. Should they be expecting kits/give birth to the kits before being discovered, they will be shown mercy and sent to the large island. If they are not, exile to the Island of Shadows is the traditional punishment. Kits themselves regarded as bad luck if born of a sour union and though they will be protected as they are delivered to the other half of the offending pair, they will not be welcome within the Tribe itself. As for borders, Tempest's understanding is loose at best. He sees the Tribe's refusal to visit the large island as a matter of mere convenience - The waters between them are choppy and often too dangerous to cross. It would not be reasonable most days to make the journey. However, should he become interested in the idea of expansion, he would not hesitate to cross over into another's territory. As a result, trespassers are more regarded as a curiosity than a threat...at least until they steal something that the Tribe considers their own such as prey. That is worth defending and, according to Tempest, extreme measures are allowed. Killing a fellow cat is not seen as a sin or against the rules if done in battle - Squirmishes, arguments, defending one's honor...all are acceptable situations in which death is allowed. Underhanded tactics are accepted as well - though less impressive should you be caught in the act (after all, how cunning can one really be if their secret plans can be brought to light?). The last matter that Tempest feels strongly on is the treatment of the very young or very old. Both must be protected - the young have yet to have a chance to prove themselves and are innocent while the elderly have earned respect and admiration due to the Tribe's aggressive nature making old age something of a prize that only the most skilled amongst them achieve. Relation with Other Groups: As of this moment, the Tribe has no connection with either Tidal or JungleClan, nor does Tempest have any interest in forging one. He and his Tribe are not even aware of the groups existing as two seperate entities; they just know the main island belongs to cats other than themselves and, for the moment, it will remain that way. Extra Info: Though he rules a Tribe that, at times, seems to thrive on chaos due to their tendency to take risks and fight amongst themselves, Tempest is by no means weak. Having taken leadership at a young age has hardened this tom against much of the world and, when ruled by ambition, aggression, and experience, is not a cat to be taken lightly.
This is the complete history of Tribe of Twisted Roots. This post will tell you how they came to be, a bit about their background and where it all fits in with the site's timeline.
General Tribe of Twisted Roots History
Year 1, Shrieking Storms A ship of pirates wrecks on the islands. Year 15, Scorching Sands The volcano erupts, wiping out the twoleg survivors. Year 16, Soothing Skies The Island Gods introduce themselves to the cats, leading to the creation of the Tribe of Twisted Roots. Year 19, Scorching SandsThe first leader of the Tribe, Sunrise over Treetops, passes away. Year 23, Soothing Skies The Trial to become a Navigator is created. Year 30, Soothing Skies New ships and cats arrive to the island, and the Tribe is ordered to stay away from them. Year 32, Screeching Storms Wind howling in Cavern breaks tradition and seizes control of the Tribe, bringing a halt to many of their traditions. Year 37, Scorching Sands Wind is overthrown. Year 50, Scorching Sands The volcano erupts again, enveloping the islands in thick ash. Year 53, Soothing Skies Tempest Rages at Night ascends to Commander of the Tribe of Twisted Roots.
The first of the cats arrived abord a ship that had found no luck navigating the choppy waters near the island. Crewed by pirates, the survivors of the crash soon developed a society that was nothing short of harsh and unforgiving. Ruthless, cunning, resourceful - All traits that the cats who'd been aboard the ship as rat chasers picked up from their twoleg counterparts. For fifteen years they survived, never alone, never together - An uneasy sort of existence.
The society's days were numbered. The dark mountain on the island of black rock came to life, spewing hot steam and ash into the air. Where the twoleg survivors of the shipwreck could not withstand the heat, the cats found shelter beneath the mangrove forests in the network of roots.
When the felines emerged into the altered environment, they were greeted by the ancient Island Gods who had presided over the larger felines for moons. With their guidance, the Tribe of Twisted Roots (named for the plants that had sheltered them) formed, taking Sunrise over Treetops, who received her lives after scaling Firebelly Mountain and peering into its depths, as their first commander.
After many moons of peace, Sunrise left the world and passed power onto Fish Leaping from Waves. To keep matters fair, Fish offered others the chance to take power, marking the first instance of the challenge tradition being utilized as a way to choose a new leader.
As the Tribe grew, so did its traditions. Their exploration of the islands had yielded one of dangers that would soon become an important part of each young cat's life. This Island of Shadows, so called for the nightmarish beings that lurked there, became a place for swabbies to prove themselves worthy of becoming navigators.
Life for the Tribe continued, though soon enough they would not be alone. History repeated itself as another ship came to the island. Carrying strange cats with ways unlike their own, the Tribe left them to their own devices, ceasing their adventures to the largest island to prevent any intermingling.
Already troubled by the presence of more cats, the Tribe would soon enter their darkest days. For the first time in the Tribe's long history, power was passed unfairly. A cruel navigator by the name of Wind howling in Cavern seized control by murdering the frail commander and elderly quartermaster. In an attempt to make his mark on the Tribe, he ordered that several of their time-honored rituals, such as keeping of the history and passing of commander through the challenge, were abandoned. As a result, several moons of history were forgotten, and the Tribe cats drifted far from their celebrated Island Gods.
After several moons of this tyranny, a navigator by the name of Heron standing in Moonlight led a coup in an attempt to save the Tribe and their culture. They succeeded; Wind was removed from power and exiled to the Island of Shadows while Heron took over. His moons would bring peace and stability back to the Tribe, returning them to the power they once were.
It was only through the strength of their numbers and faith that they survived the next eruption. Firebelly Mountain, silent for countless moons, brought forth bellows of smoke once more. It coated the island in thick fog and clouds for days on end, though there was one advantage - The Tribe's territory was truly hidden at last from that of the strange cats who seemed to not only survive but thrive on the larger island.
Not long after the smoke started to clear the Tribe's current leader, Tempest Rages at Night, ascended. Though he had been challenged for his spot as quartermaster and subsequent right to leadership, he had prevailed, earning the right to climb Firebelly Mountain and claim his lives.