RIVERCLAN GUIDE

[RiverClan]

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WRITTEN BY TIEIRLYS x x x CODED BY KARMEN x x x LAST UPDATED 10/31/25

petrichor and fresh rain highlight the scents of riverclan territory... stream-side dotted with ferns and pebbled shores. waterways are not in short supply, carving through the territory like well-worn passages from one landmark to another. the camp itself is a moted island, separated on all sides from the world beyond. given their constant dampness, riverclan is one of the least distinguishable scents in the forest, making them harder to detect than most..

traveling through the stream-littered paths leaves the coats of riverclanners in a constant state of damp hydration.. they are often meticulously groomed, with their diet of fatty fish keeping their coats smooth and shiny. they take grooming seriously, mostly because it is the fastest way to dry themselves but also because they generally consider themselves the most pleasant smelling and cleanest in the forest.

the typical riverclanner adorns pelts that mimic the territory around them; shades of gray, black and silver are the most common colorings and it's often regarded that spotted tabbies best blend into the pebbled shores and light-freckled rivers. because of this, cats with blue eyes and medium-toned pelts are considered conventionally attractive while tortoiseshells, reds and browns are more rare.

to accommodate their unique style of hunting, riverclan prioritizes teaching dexterity to better snap up quick-moving prey and the ability to slip quickly through the stream like they are fish themselves.​

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CENSUS x x x NEWS x x x BOARD x x x CONNECTIONS x x x CHARACTER PROFILES

RANKS

riverclan typically hosts their meetings under the light of the moon's glow… this is a habit formed from those that once dwelled in the Shipyard and witnessed the ocean's strong connection to the moon. ceremonies held in broad daylight are usually a sign of imbalance and uncertainty.

WARRIORS

. . . are those who have completed their training and have been given their warrior name by their clan leader. they are in charge of completing regular border patrols, hunting patrols, protecting the clan from threats, and nurturing the apprentices in their teachings to ensure clan survival. though an unofficial rank, senior warriors are those who've spent many moons honing their craft as warriors and raising up the younger generations to foster success for the clan. they are respected and are most likely to be selected to become life guards. by default all cats are warriors and warriors are expected to fight and defend their clan, but a warrior can opt to instead take on a specialized role unique to RiverClan:

WEAVERS

. . . Naturally adept crafters, these cats have honed in on unique levels of dexterity and are known for their skills in creating nests, weaving strong walls of reeds and even tend to be trendsetters in feline fashion- leafy eye patches, flower crowns and woven necklaces to name some of their iconic creations.

PEARL DIVERS

. . . With keen eyes and strong lungs, these cats are known for their ability to swim deep below the river's surface. RiverClan, with its penchant for beauty and aesthetic, often relies on Pearl Divers to find beautiful stones and other sunken treasures from the depths. They are also uniquely privy to complex underwater combat techniques, making them a deadly force near the waterside.

LIFE GUARDS

. . . are the chosen advisors of the current leader. these may be replaced under each new leader or may persist through multiple leaderships. they're often responsible for overseeing mass trainings, leading patrols, and offering counsel to the leader.

TERRITORY

SITE MAP

Click to see the entire map & travel times!​

CAMP

an island nestled in the heart of a river's embrace, the water-loving clan is firmly held on all sides by streams that deter intruders. dens are formed from woven reeds and ferns, and boulders shoved together to make sturdy walls. the leader dwells in the hollow of a willow tree's roots, climbing to the top of the stump to call for clan meetings. the camp is devoid of proper walls, lined instead by pebbled shores and thin bundles of reeds that reduce the whipping of the wind only barely.

ASH GLADE

an empty grotto of sand and dirt surrounded by a lush lining of ash trees.... this often goes purposed as a training ground for apprentices to practice their fighting skills or as a peacefully flat stretch of land to stretch and take solace in the shade during hotter months.

SUNSET MEADOW

this meadow of various flora is a veritable bounty of bright colors during the warmer months- a popular spot for land hunting and a great escape for lovers seeking a quiet, romantic moment. small mammals tend to flock here for the taste of floral morning dews but it is equally likely you'll find snakes with your same thinking slithering around... luckily, it's typically just garter snakes, nothing to fear... right?

PEBBLE FALLS

loud cascades mark the long dissent from the top of the falls and their pebbled shores.. if you travel a small ways upstream there are soaked river stones that make a stepping path towards Fourtrees but be warned... slipping off of them may see you taking a ride downstream that few survive. however... if you're willing to risk the pummeling waters just below the falls, it's said that great treasures are hidden at the depths of the waterfall's base. dive there at your own risk!

SUNNINGROCKS

a beautiful set of flat-top stones that warm in the rays of the sun. these are an exceptionally favored spots by queens and elders looking to ease their soreness with a pleasant sunbathing. they lay close to the river and were quickly claimed by the new clan as a spot to dry out after a nice swim. thunderclan patrols near this area. . . if you choose to share your sunbathing spot is up to you.

CLIMATE, FLORA & FAUNA

generally noted for their cool and mild climate. summer seasons rarely exceed 85*F(29*C) with winters that rarely fall below 30*F(-1*C). transitional seasons (spring and autumn) average closer to a chilly 45*F(7*C). noted year-round rainfalls are to be expected in a rainforest of its find, dropping five to eight inches(12-20cm) for each day it rains (averaging between six to eleven days per month). snow is rare, hardly reaching a single inch(2.5cm) even in the heart of winter. while these are not hard and fast rules for roleplay, it should summarize the general climate of our area!

general territory is described as a temperate rainforest

a real life locational mimic is dupont state forest, north carolina

BIRDS

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PREY [difficult] sapsucker, woodpecker [moderate] grouse, kingfisher [easy] warbler, thrush, wren, nuthatch, flycatcher, sparrow, crossbill, chickadee, meadowlark, grosbeak, whippoorwill, swift, veery, tanager

DANGEROUS various hawks, various owls, turkey, peregrine, harrier you know it's kinda funny this is getting updated on... HALLOWEEN!!! Also HBD BOOPAW! uhh this is make it look level with PREY yeah lol

MAMMALS

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PREY [difficult] groundhog, weasel, mink [moderate] rabbit, squirrel [easy] chipmunk, shrew, water vole

DANGEROUS moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, beaver, fox, raccoon, possum, skunk, porcupine, bat, bison, elk, mountain lion, various wolves, fisher, river otter leveling this with PREY

FISH, AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES

trout, splake, salmon, perch, chub, darter, madtom, herring, sandlance, halibut, warmouth, sucker, shiner, studfish, redbreast, bass, bluegill, bullhead, carp, catfish, crappie, eel, fallfish, jumprock, minnow, muskellunge, perch, piranha, pumpkinseed, quillback, redhorse, sculpin, shad, stoneroller, sunfish
rattlesnake, copperhead, pine snake, garter snake, brown snake, kingsnake, milksnake, rat snake, hellbender, dace, lizard, anole, skink, frog, salamander, turtle

PLANTS

rhododendrun, azalea, mountain laurel, spruce, fir, maple, buckeye, beech, ash, birch, oak, poplar, walnut, sycamore, hemlock, blackberry, raspberry, hobblebush, cranberry, elderberry, minniebush, honeysuckle, juniper, skunk cabbage, resurrection fern, rockcap fern, rose moss, virginia creeper, poison ivy, grapevines, rock gnome lichen, cain's reed grass, bittercress, ginseng, catchfly ​

POLITICS

SHADOWCLAN

[ ENEMIES ] RiverClan has not forgiven or forgotten what ShadowClan has done to them. Even if it has been moons since ShadowClan has dared to steal from their home or trespass, RiverClan is hostile towards them. Due to the significant distance between the clans, RiverClan sees no reason for ShadowClan to venture so close to their territory. In all honesty, the clan prefers it if the other would leave them alone. While nothing has occurred between the two clans since the herb heist, RiverClan remains vigilant. As much as they loathe ShadowClan, RiverClan does not want to fight with the other clan. Especially with Leafbare right around the corner. However, if they were forced to... RiverClan is more than eager to fight for their home. Many want nothing more than to sink their fangs or claws into a ShadowClanner.

THUNDERCLAN

[ NEUTRAL / STRAINED ] Even though the party hosted by ThunderClan at the Sunningrocks went well, many members of RiverClan do not trust ThunderClan. Especially ThunderClan's deputy Owlbark. Most if not all members of RiverClan despise the fact that Owlbark killed Rosebelly. Even if the ThunderClan deputy was in the right due to Rosebelly crossing into ThunderClan territory and striking first, all Riverclanners agree that he shouldn't have done so. Unfortunately, Owlbark's actions began to paint their neighbor in a bloodthirsty light to the clan. This was only made worse after hearing of a recent skirmish between ThunderClan and SkyClan. Many Riverclanners have begun to question Loonstar's judgement by keeping Owlbark as her deputy. In short, RiverClan feels unsafe around their neighbor. For now, the clan has decided to be vigilant in regards to ThunderClan.

SKYCLAN

[ NEUTRAL / STRAINED ] The two clans have come far from their awful initial meeting, but they are not considered allies. Ever since the first gathering, RiverClan has started considering who should be considered an ally or foe. Many members within the clan have reservations about aligning with SkyClan due to Hawkstar taking one of Juniperstar's (currently named Loonstar) lives during the first gathering. Others are curious to know and learn of a code that only SkyClan is aware of, seeing as SkyClan is the most organized of the clans. Riverclan as a whole is still in disagreement as to whether or not they should learn this code, but all members are in agreement when it comes to being wary of their neighbor. Especially after hearing of a recent skirmish between SkyClan and ThunderClan. For now, RiverClan strives to be at least cordial with SkyClan.

WINDCLAN

[ NEUTRAL ] The tension between WindClan's alliance with ShadowClan has lessened over time. This does not mean that RiverClan fully trusts WindClan. The clan is grateful for WindClan, as they traveled far to deliver them herbs. After all, the two weren't exactly friendly with one another. The distance between their clans not only decreases the chances of direct conflict, but also connection. It is this fact that made WindClan's gift all the more surprising. However, RiverClan wasn't going to turn down herbs. Especially with Leafbare arriving so soon. It is this moment that marks the beginning of RiverClan truly recognizing WindClan as their own group. Not an extension of ShadowClan. That being said, the distance between the two clans makes communication between them difficult. It also means that RiverClan is less concerned with the prospect of WindClan attacking them before Leafbare. Right now the clan is more focused on the tumultuous state of their neighbors. As a consequence they are unaware of the flood WindClan has experienced.

FAQ

When can a kitten expect to be apprenticed? (Since age rules are not across the board of all clans). Freedoms/restrictions

A kitten can expect to be apprenticed at 6 moons! Although there are times when Pikestar misses one kitten from time to time when it comes to pairing them with mentors. With the recent influx of kits it's been hard for him to keep track of all of them. However, he does try to quickly amend this with an apprentice ceremony or assigning a mentor to an apprentice without a mentor.

As for restrictions kits face within RiverClan? Very little restrictions. Considering that RiverClan's community generally cares for the safety of its kits, Pikestar sees little reason in creating specific laws to ensure their safety and enforce them. This may change in the future, but for now kits face few restrictions.

Therefore, kittens are allowed out of camp! HOWEVER, they must find a willing adult that would take them out of camp. An apprentice is not allowed to take a kit out of camp, even if it is a group of apprentices. Therefore, no matter how much a kit asks... Apprentices should refuse their request.

However, the system is not perfect and there are bound to be instances where a kitten sneaks out of camp unnoticed or is guided by an apprentice. The punishment for a kit who sneaks out of camp with no adult or apprentice will be camp bound for one moon. If there was an apprentice(s) involved, said apprentice(s) will be confined to camp for two weeks and be given unpleasant chores.​

Has Pikestar/RiverClan established any particular norms that (newcomers) should know

When it comes to patrols, RiverClan expects Frostmoth to assign them. It's not that Pikestar is banned from assigning patrols, rather that Frostmoth has assigned patrols from the very beginning. It seems odd for RiverClan as a whole to have someone other than Frostmoth arrange patrols every moon.

Pikestar does not fully manage RiverClan's medicine cat(s). He prefers that Jinglemoon fully manages the den, patients, and herbs. It feels wrong for the leader to overstep in something he has no knowledge in, but he is more than happy to support Jinglemoon when needed. If Jinglemoon asks for additional herb patrols, then it will be swiftly arranged. If any cat within the clan has some questions about patients or of certain actions from the medicine cat(s), he will gently refer them to Jinglemoon. The only thing he can answer (not confidently) would be the state of the clan's herb stores.

RiverClan takes borders seriously. Every cat within the clan knows the borders, and if they don't then they are shown them promptly. RiverClan respects borders out of their own safety. Cats within the clan do not want to be killed for crossing the border. It does not help that recently their two neighboring clans (ThunderClan and SkyClan) have gotten into a skirmish. The last thing RiverClan wants is to find themselves in a skirmish between either clan.

ShadowClan is met with hostility or with wariness. Even though some moons have passed since ShadowClan stole herbs from RiverClan, RiverClan has not forgiven them. Thankfully the two clans are not neighbors so they do not see each other often. However, the times they do run into each other are far from pleasant.​

Specialty ranks! How does a character become one? Is it a "career track" you have to choose in apprenticeship (weaver/pearl diver) and have to have a matching mentor for? And/or how willing is Pikestar to let cats switch between different ranks later in life + how often

Currently members who have a specialty rank are due to their exceptional skill in either weaving or swimming. By default any graduates are considered a warrior. There is no "career track" so to speak! Apprentices are not obligated to choose between the ranks of Pearl Diver or Weaver. However, if they want to pursue a specialty rank they are free to do so.

Typically apprentices are matched with mentors who would mesh well with them. Pikestar believes that not only should a mentor help an apprentice grow, an apprentice should make their own mentor grow as well. However, this does mean that there will be pairings where an apprentice may decide to pursue a specialty rank different from their mentor's own (if their mentor has a specialty rank). In this event, Pikestar would reassign the pair.

Pikestar is willing to let cats switch between ranks later in life and very often. He has no issue with warriors wanting to join specialty ranks, but will assign them to shadow someone for a moon. If a warrior asked to be a caregiver instead, he would be more than willing to let them become one. With the influx of kits they've experienced so far, he would be leaping for joy if someone decided they wanted to become a caregiver. Either way, he is willing to allow cats to switch between ranks because all ranks play a part in making RiverClan thrive.

However, Pikestar wouldn't allow a warrior to change from Weaver to Pearl Diver immediately after completing training for a moon. If a cat wanted to change from Weaver to Pearl Diver, it would have to be either after two training sessions from a weaver or three moons after completing their training. Although this may change with time, seeing as though no one has decided to change their specialty rank.

Rank changes Pikestar would NOT allow: a warrior asking to become apprentice/kit, a kit (younger than 6 moon) asking to become an apprentice/warrior/elder/caretaker, an apprentice asking to become a warrior (hasn't reached at least 10 moons and hasn't passed their assessment) or elder/caretaker. Pikestar would also refuse anyone who asks to become a lead warrior or to join the medicine cat team, seeing as he would like to avoid setting a precedent in which anyone who asks him personally is hired for Semi High Positions.​

What are the daily activities of cats within this specialty rank? Do they differ in daily activities from other ranks? How so? How do they fit within the structure of RiverClan

This is in the progress of being established in rp! However, what can be said for now is that the daily activities of cats within specialty ranks does not drastically differ in daily activities from other ranks. Those within the specialty ranks still complete regular border patrols, hunting patrols, protect the clan from threats, and nurture the apprentices in their teachings to ensure clan survival. However, cats with specialty ranks can opt out of patrols to do something else.

For those who are Weavers, they can opt out of patrols to instead focus their efforts to camp. Nests need to be changed and the reed walls of their dens need repair and reinforcement from time to time. If one den looks to be needing some attention, weavers will be asked if they could fix it. Outside of these tasks, weavers may spend their time coming up with new ideas in feline fashion. Leafy eye patches and flower crowns may not soothe hunger, but they may lift spirits!

For those who are Pearl Divers may opt out of border patrols to focus their efforts on hunting patrols instead. With their strong lungs and ability to swim deep below the river's surface, they can catch a bounty of fish! Although, there may be times where Pearl Divers decide to form their own patrols to collect treasures. They bring back beautiful stones and sunken treasure to lift clan spirits. Sometimes Weavers take some of these treasures to weave within the reeds of dens or arrange shiny rocks atop dens.​

 

[RiverClan]

LEADERSHIP GUIDELINES & RULINGS

Each leader will have their own ideas for what they expect of their clan, of what they believe in, of what rules are most important to follow and how they feel about other clans. They will also have different ideas for how a warrior should be named and conduct themselves, how apprentices should be treated etc...This will detail information on how the clan runs under the current leadership. To read back on former leaders you may check the next post and click the spoiler with their name!

Current Leader: @PIKESTAR played by @velou
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TRADITIONS

Pikestar's traditions are to be developed.

RULES

PIKESTAR while not strict, does not tolerate infighting between clanmates. He understands disagreements are impossible to stop, but he will ensure his best to create a space in which everyone can air their concerns without judgement. If argument becomes too intensive between parties, he will not be afraid to jump in and drag everyone to his den along with the council to decide what should be done. While he believes everyone should have to power to interact with each other freely (disliking others is not a crime), he puts an emphasis in understanding and respect. Anyone who continually disrespects those within the clan and refuses to at the very least try to be a little understanding will find themselves in his den. He will only offer them one more chance to turn things around. Should they refuse, he will cast them out from Riverclan. He will not sacrifice the wellbeing for his clan for one who purposely destroys it.

JOINING POLICY

RIVERCLAN's general political stance is GOOD. They tend to NEUTRALLY guard their border regularly, and see other clans generally with NEUTRALITY. In terms of allowing LONERS into the clan, PIKESTAR will expect adult-aged cats to attend patrols and prove their skills as hunters to contribute to the clan but is otherwise welcoming. In terms of allowing ROGUES into the clan, PIKESTAR will be untrusting. However, he will not deny them a chance. First, he will bring the rogue(s) to the council to ask whatever questions them deem fit and if a majority rule deems the rogue(s) unworthy, then he will respect the decision and said rogue(s) will not be allowed to join. In the event the majority says yes, rogue(s) will be offered a trial period of twelve moons to be monitored by another warrior until they prove trustworthy. Pikestar will be tentatively welcoming during their trial period. In terms of taking in CARETAKERS WITH/OR KITS, Pikestar is welcoming without much thought or inquiry necessary.

NAMING CONVENTIONS

PIKESTAR'S warrior naming conventions lean towards PERSONALITY and tend to use -song, -heart, -bloom, -fang, -trot, -splash, -burn, -feather, -howl, -cloud to name a few.

PIKESTAR would never give someone an insulting name. However, he is not one to deny someone from requesting themselves a questionable name. He will like to discuss it further and ask if they are sure of this decision. During a meeting he will fulfill the request, but not without stating the cat in question has asked for this name specifically to clear any misconceptions that he would purposely give such a cruel name.

PIKESTAR is open to renaming ANYONE who REQUESTS it within reason. Cats should not expect their name to change several times within a year.

all hail beebis the immortal fish