Open Backwritten Camp RiverClan SETTING SAIL — MEETING 2.28

[PIKESTAR]

{$title} Pikestar holds a meeting to name Riverclan's future deputy as well as its council

Everything was going to change from now on. He was lacking in many ways and that much he already knew. It was their run in with Skyclan that made him consider what should be their next steps. Seabriar had told him long ago that he must have a deputy, someone who he could trust in the event anything should happen to him or when he must leave them all to do something. He hadn't picked anyone yet, not wanting to thrust more change upon everyone. Their response to him being leader as well as receiving new names was taken poorly. I've given them long enough to get used to things. I can't wait anymore. Not with what happened with Hawkstar and with our other neighbor Thunderclan. At least nothing too bad happened with Thunderclan, so we have a chance of getting to know them properly.

He waited for until noon, passing the time by watching everyone go about their day. They would all be good candidates, but what's important? If anything he will be part of the council. No doubt about it, but would these cats mesh well? No. What matters is the future of our clan, not whether or not we get along. What skills should matter most? That's what I should be more concerned about. It was difficult nonetheless to narrow out who should help him lead Riverclan. It's time. The longer I think about it, the more I'll be uncertain.
It is almost becoming natural for him to scale the stump. There is less apprehension faced when having to hold the meeting, which is all due to the numerous times he held meetings for name changes alone. What will happen today is not as easy or simple though. What he will say will change the direction of where their clan is headed. One he hopes will be bright.

"Riverclan, gather. This not another name change meeting. Today's meeting will be a very important one. For all of us."

He waits for a sizable amount of cats to gather. Some who were not at all pleased their meals would have to be cut short. At least I didn't wake everyone up at sunrise...

"To start. We have two neighboring clans. Skyclan who is led by Hawkstar and Thunderclan who is led by Juniperstar. I was there personally to speak to Hawkstar along with a few others. Long story short, we are not in good terms with Skyclan. All they ask is to respect their borders, so none of you will cross their border. As long as our clans keep to ourselves and respect each others borders then everything should be alright."

He is not too sure of that to be honest, but Skyclan has not attacked them yet. If they wanted to it then they would've attacked long ago. This means they have time to prepare in the event that they would actually have to go to battle with another group. Not that he wants to. What use did they have in fighting with another clan for their territory? Especially one that lacked any water. Skyclan's taken up too much of our time. I'll deal with them later on. I also have that to announce.

"As for Thunderclan... They haven't been hostile with us, even though we technically trespassed. I plan to speak with their leader directly and hope our clans can get along."

He hopes that Juniperstar? As he's heard would be more kind than Hawkstar. He's not asking that they hold paws and spin in a circle or anything like that. All he would like is a nice conversation in getting to know the other leader. He wants it known from the start that there is no interest in violence or asking for favors. If he were to ask anything. I would simply be Juniperstar's time. That is all.

"Outside of learning about our new neighbors... I k-know. I know some of you, or maybe a lot. Lets be honest. I am lacking in many ways. I don't claim to be very leader like at all and it would be dumb to do so. I. Am rambling... Getting to the point, this is why I decided its time for Riverclan to have a deputy and a council. A deputy will be my second in command. Someone who I trust to lead you when something happens to me. As for our council, they'll be aiding both me and our deputy in making sure everything is running smoothly."

Picking who should be his second in command was not easy. However, he decided with this answer.

"Riverclan's deputy will be Frostmoth."

He is well aware of the cats who are looking at him as if he lost his mind. After all, Frostmoth is young. Younger than him, which meant the tom in question had little experience. It was bad enough that Pikestar himself was lacking, so why pick someone who was just as inexperienced. Why hadn't he chosen someone who had experience at the very least in planning and following through on plans? Someone who was firm? The older cats within our group were more resistant to change. Just like me. Frostmoth is young. He'll adapt to this life more quickly than someone much older. Torrentpaw's already gotten used to this new life and is even excited about it! I can't imagine how much easier it'll be for the younger cats in our group to adjust, especially when kits are born here. They wouldn't know any other life.

Frostmoth as their deputy is a risk that much is certain. He can't say he trusts the younger tom fully considering they really haven't talked much, so maybe the Starclanners who granted him his lives yowled in disagreement with this choice. I have nine lives. It's better to take this chance now rather than wait till its too late. Despite the fact that they hadn't talked much, he feels as though they'll get along. They'll have to get along regardless for the sake of their clan. After all, if anything were to happen to him... Frostmoth would be next in line to become leader. That is, if the younger tom remained his deputy for long enough.

As Pikestar had said earlier, he would be picking their council. Hopefully they would feel more reassured with the cats he selected. He clears his throat before continuing.

"A-as for our council, who will be known as life guards... Adderfang, Peachtrot, Pineheart, Russetfall, Foxtail, and Pigeonpearl. It would be a great honor if you would be part of Riverclan's council."

There were some questionable picks for the first Riverclan council. Foxtail was young. He could have very well been picked for deputy instead of Frostmoth. Pigeonpearl... Well, she was full of herself to put it lightly. Putting her in this position was a risk, considering it may inflate her ego a tad much (more than it already was). However, she was to the point. Words ever cutting. She just needed more refining. Peachtrot maybe a crime of being too kind. However, Adderfang, Pineheart, and Russetfall were all choices most should be happy about. It shouldn't be a surprise to Adderfang though. I kind of mentioned it earlier.

If anyone had any reservations about their new ranks and wanted to refuse, then he would respect their decision. He couldn't force them to do something they didn't want.

One thing is left now. No matter what, we need to start doing this. If Riverclan wanted him to stop speaking, unfortunately they would have to keep on wishing.

"This will be the final announcement of today's meeting, so bear with me. As you know we have apprentices. I've decided that a warrior should be assigned to an apprentice as a mentor to teach them the skills they need in order to survive and thrive within our clan. I will be pairing warriors with apprentices who I think will work well together. I will pair each apprentice the next meeting. If any of you have any reservations about the decision... Just know that Hawkstar has overseen each warrior's training and made each pass an assessment to become a warrior."

They should know what is being implied. Already their group knows how a good number (including Pikestar himself) could not hold their own in battle. To give them this piece of information is not to frighten. It is to make them aware of the gap they must close.

// This thread is set to take place canonically on the feb 28th! it was the same day that the deputy and council members were rolled out. weeps i know we're already in march i am behind

 

[Frostmoth]

Frostmoth is still not quite used to these meetings. He can't say that he dislikes them either, though. Pikestar being able to keep things running- or at least keep all of them clued in to what's going on- gives Frostmoth a sense of faith and community with RiverClan. The tomcat takes his place in the crowd next to his sister, Stormswirl, and sits quietly to listen. ThunderClan and SkyClan are unfamiliar names, but his curiosity is piqued by them. Other 'clans' with the same type of scheme as them give him faith that perhaps StarClan was real and Pikestar had been right all along. Frostmoth continues to listen as Pikestar announces that he thinks it's time he name a second in command. It isn't something that Frostmoth would have thought of himself, but he nods nonetheless and tries to think of all the cats who would be a good fit.

However, shock ripples through Frostmoth when Pikestar speaks his name, and in a moment of disbelief the young tomcat looks around as if someone else might own his name. But what he meets are the stares of his clanmates. Eyes that are approving, critical, concerned, or some other mixture of emotion. It confirms, somehow, that Pikestar is talking about him. Frostmoth snaps his gaze back up to Pikestar. It's a somewhat shoddy attempt for him to get himself back together after what he feels is a thousand eyes all over his pelt. 'Second in command...' Frostmoth thinks silently, fluffy tail thwacking against the ground in his own sense of distress 'How am I any more fit to lead than cats like Smokewreath or Adderfang?'

Though Stormswirl sits beside him, a rock through his shock and nausea, the bicolor scans the crowd in search of Smokewreath and Willowroot. Some other semblance of security. Other cats he can rely on. How is he supposed to be second in command? He hardly trusts many cats in RiverClan outside of his miniscule inner circle. Frostmoth tries to calm himself as Pikestar goes on to name the members of his council. He runs through their names and faces in his head, and supposes that he should be getting to know these individuals. As Pikestar concludes the meeting Frostmoth rises to his paws, but he is unsure of where to go. Though part of him wants to go as the leader why, another part of him feels that there is some unspoken duty to fulfill now. The coming days are sure to be full of conflict and confusion.

OH, MY GOD ★ MAKE ME IN YOUR IMAGE

• "SPEECH"
• ★ FROST — he/him, riverclan deputy, 17 moons
  — penned by carat, feel free to ping or dm for plots!
  — longhair black and white bicolor with blue eyes
  — peaceful powerplay ok! all interactions ok!
  
• penned by carat!

 

[Russetfall]

FALLING FOR THE PROMISE OF THE

EMPTINESS MACHINE

Russetfall had been made comfortable in what was the beginnings of the medicine cat's den, which was certainly a step up from the makeshift den that she had been sharing with the caregivers and their kits. At the very least it was quieter. It also afforded her a better view of the whole camp if she sat near the front. That's where she had been sitting when she spied Pikestar begin to climb the stump with a bit more grace compared to the last time he'd climbed up for a meeting. She wondered what he wanted to talk about now? More names? Or was he going to talk about their new neighbors that she'd heard about?

Ah, he was starting off with exactly that, good. They'd had no concept of borders and the like at the shipyard- they'd had no need for it. Who would want to try and take such terrible pickings for themselves anyway? ...With the new clan order (and how this skyclan had apparently reacted...) maybe it would be a good idea to establish patrols for their borders. She'd have to suggest it to Pikestar later-

Wait, what? Frostmoth would be Pike's second in command? He was even younger than her, what was Pikestar thinking? Why not Adder? Smoke or Willow or Lichen? At least they had experience. Once again before she can speak out her opinion Pikestar catches her off guard with her own name. A council. A group of cats to advise Pikestar and Frostmoth on matters of the whole clan. Her. A life guard on this council. She wasn't sure what to think of this.

Russetfall had seen more times than most what could happen when a leader was weak or another cat had leadership in mind over whoever currently led. Had seen how quickly a cat could turn on another for even the slimmest chance to call the shots or for the very thought that one was being plotted against. It was why she kept her distance from others even now, long after she'd left her original group. She...She didn't want to see that potentially happen here. If Riverclan collapsed in on itself like the gang of rogues she'd been born in had, she wouldn't let it be because she hadn't at least tried to keep things on the straight and narrow. Being part of Pikestar's council, his inner circle, could help with that. Even if this meant prolonging her leaving.

Narrowed green eyes scanned the crowd from where she sat at the entrance of Jinglemoon's den before meeting Pikestar's, a small nod of acknowledgement before a mouthed 'I accept' is thrown his way.

She would have to find a moment to speak to him and explain what she knew.

ITS BEEN DECIDED HOW WE LOSE

───────i only wanted to be part of something──────

• 
  Russetfall
  — Life Guard of Riverclan
  — She/Her
  "SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  — A Green-eyed Chocolate Mackerel Tabby With Low White
  #8a2c55

 

[Adderfang]

Trust. Something to be earned, not given, and lately, Adderfang found it difficult to maintain the flow of trust—especially between himself and Pikestar. Not that the tom hadn't earned it, but Adder worried. Worried about the impact of his choices and the harm they might bring, knowingly or not. Adderfang would, however, acknowledge the toms improvement since they started. Pikestar was trying and for now, that was enough.

He nodded quietly at the mention of the two clans. SkyClan, he had already the displeasure of meeting, but he only heard about the ThunderClan from those who had been there. His expression didn't shift at the mention of them. It came as no surprise. But his pelt twitched, a subtle sign of his discomfort with their new competition. That is what they were—not friends or allies—but cats vying for the same resources as they were. Give a little, impose some hardships, and they would push boundaries, no matter how good of terms they were with them.

At least something was being done to get them into a position to defend what they had. A second in command would be named. Someone to take Pikestar's place should anything happen to him. Adderfang could think of a few who would be suited for it. Preferably cats with knowledge, experience, and a level head.

What he did not expect (and at this point, he really should've stopped expecting anything normal from Pike) was for Frostmoth's name to be called.

The brown tom stiffened, head snapping to the young tom in the crowd. He was barely past his seventeenth moon. Pike was entrusting their future to a teenager?

That small twitch beneath his eye started up again. He really meant to visit Jinglemoon about that. Adder scooched a little closer to Wavesong, hoping that her presence could still the sloshing of his mind and the urge to open his mouth.

He supposed it was better Pike have any help, as inexperienced as it may be. Experience came with time, and that was something they did have, if nothing else. Frostmoth was thoughtful, less spurratic than Pike at times too. He was also quiet and well-mannered. Still, the whole thing drew a weary sigh from him.

He had more than a share of questions for Pike once the meeting ended. Unlike the last time, he would ask them in private—as not to demean his authority in front of others, or forbid, make a fool of himself again in front of his family.

Adderfang tamed the swirling of his thoughts and allowed his shoulders to slump. He would be calm and respectful. That was the example he wanted to lead for his kits and as much as was owed.

Then came the next names of the council Pike had decided to appoint. Adderfang was not surprised to hear his name called. He blinked slowly and then nodded his head. A few cats he didn't quite understand the reasoning behind, but that was hardly shocking compared to the ice bath of learning Frostmoth would be their deputy.

Adder tried to see the strengths of his peers rather than just the glaring weaknesses. Foxtail was soft, cowardly even, but he was motivated. He cared and pulled his weight when it mattered. Peachtrot was irritatingly idealistic sometimes, but she was always there to put in the work, especially when they had first started settling in. Pigeonpearl was arrogant but strong, quick-witted, and—begrudgingly—reliable.

The other choices, excluding himself, made him hopeful. Pine was steady and kept a level head even when things got rough. He looked after the kits, too. Russetfall could be prickly, but no more than himself, and she was levelheaded and willing to flex to any situation. Personal feelings aside, Adderfang was relieved to see something that resembled order forming in their growing community. In a way, their poor brush with SkyClan had done them some good. Let it encourage them all to do better.

If they were on better terms, he might've thanked Hawkstar. But that wasn't an option, so he would settle for the unexpected gift. When the announcements wrapped up, he rose to his paws with a stiff stretch, rolling his shoulders.

His gaze flicked toward Pikestar. He was already drawing attention, and Adderfang did not feel like pushing his way through a mob. Instead, he wove through rustling bodies to get to Frostmoth.

"Congratulations," Adderfang spoke evenly, sharp eyes studying his face. Frostmoth looked about as surprised as the rest of them. Deputy or not, he could expect no difference in treatment. Not everyone would approve of every decision Pike made, least of all him, and he would not pretend otherwise. Respect was also something that was not given easily, especially to someone younger than himself.

"You have much to aspire to. But… for what it's worth, I do think you have good foundations." He sniffed, his gaze veering past the bicolor tom. "Don't try to do everything yourself. Plenty willing to offer their knowledge and support, long as you aren't too proud to ask." The young tom would do well to draw on the experience of others rather than trying to learn everything on the go. But it was up to Frostmoth whether he even wanted to heed that advice.

___________________ There wasn't a wrong or a right he could choose 𓆟 He did what he had to do ________________

• "speech" - thoughts
  
  

• 

• Adderfang he/him & riverclan
  𓆟 Chocolate ticked tabby w/ amber eyes. Peppered with scars. Deep gash across the right side of his face exposing one canine slightly. Missing left ear.
  𓆟 Deep gravelly voice that might unsettle others.
  𓆟 Would and will kill a man.
  𓆟 Peaceful and healing powerplay permitted. For other powerplays, DM.
  𓆟 Fur smells faintly of river reeds and damp earth.
  
  
  penned by Scarlet​

 

[FOXTAIL]

Foxtail's ears prick up at the sound of Pikestar's voice, and the young tom sits himself up. He was relaxing in the sun before Pikestar called them to a meeting; taking in the warm sun on his pelt. He spent the morning out in the (mostly) unfamiliar territory, whether that be patrolling or hunting, but he was proud of himself for making it back to camp on his own. He felt he deserved a quick rest underneath the sun, as the weather is getting nice again, but Pikestar seemed to have different ideas. I'll nap later, I guess. Foxtail concludes quietly, as he stands up and pads over to the small crowd that forms at Pikestar's meeting place. His nap can wait, especially for such an important meeting— he can only wonder what it entails.

He takes his seat in the crowd, sitting near his two sisters. He glances their way, and his eyes flash in a way that words don't need to be spoken: What do you guys think Pikestar will announce? He looks at them for a moment longer, before his ears swivel in Pikestar's direction as the older, nervous, tom speaks up again. He turns his gaze back to the silver mackerel tabby.

Ah yes, they have neighbors. Foxtail feels relieved he wasn't apart of the patrol that met SkyClan; from what it sounds like... that clan doesn't appear to be very friendly. He feels surprised to hear that no fur went flying, but they certainly gave Hawkstar a bad impression during that first interaction at the border.... ThunderClan, on the other hand? He didn't realize they were trespassing, when Peachtrot found those shinny rocks. ThunderClan was far more understanding, and the patrol was able to use their words over claws. Juniperstar, as she called herself, wishes to meet Pikestar... and he hopes that's a good sign, that she wishes to meet with their leader.

Foxtail blinks at the next announcement that leaves Pikestar's maw. RiverClan needs a second in command, someone that can lead the clan if Pikestar is ever unavailable... someone else they can turn to. This second in command is expected to takeover leadership, in case the unthinkable ever occurs. He thinks of Smokewreath, Wavesong, and Adderfang— but Pikestar surprises him with the name that leaves his maw: Frostmoth. Frostmoth is young.... like him. He's inexperienced, also like him, but he feels like the black and white tom has a lot more maturity than he does. Stars, I couldn't imagine being selected for deputy, Foxtail thinks as he glances at their new deputy, and the look on their face shows how shocked Frostmoth appears to be. Their new deputy doesn't say a word, and Foxtail turns his gaze back to Pikestar.

Pikestar moves onto the council he mentioned; cats who will assist in helping run the clan... with Frostmoth looking over them. He expected the names he previously thought for deputy, to be considered as "life guards" instead. Pikestar begins to name his council, and he hears one name he was thinking of— but any thoughts about the rest of the council freeze, when he hears his own name. His fur bristles in surprise for a moment, as if Pikestar startled him. Wait, what? Foxtail's mind starts to race, as eyes fall onto him (and the other new council members). Pikestar wants me to be a "life guard"? Foxtail glances over at Coyoteclaw and Dogflicker, shock wide in his eyes. He wants me over Coyoteclaw? Over Dogflicker? Stars, he can feel his legs trembling already— there are so many qualifying cats on this council, and then there's him. What if RiverClan thinks he isn't cut out for such a responsibility?

He doesn't say a word, but he gives Pikestar a shaky nod. Most of what Pikestar concludes, is mostly met on deaf ears. He hears something about apprentices... and mentorship. But he doesn't listen to Pikestar's entire conclusion, and waits for their leader to dismiss them. As cats begin to pad back to what they were doing beforehand, Foxtail wonders if he can actually go back to his nap after all.​

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• 
  
  

  ---

  credit to Arsynne for the artwork <3​
• 

  FOXTAIL

  — warrior of riverclan, former shipyard cat
  𓆛 16 moons — he/him — ages realistically on the 25th
  𓆛 speech is

  "#d17a38"

  — thoughts are #da945f — attacks are underlined
  𓆛 cinnamon/chocolate tabby chimera w/ high white, and green eyes
  𓆛 peaceful & healing powerplay permitted — underline & tag when attacking
  𓆛 penned by vvin — vvinsoli on discord — open to plots & dms
  

 

[STORMSWIRL]

The monotony of clanlife was perfect for Stormswirl. She rose in the morning, scooped as many fish as she could from the frigid river, walked around their territory, and repeated it everyday. It was nice! She was making friends, too. Even now, sat in the crowd of RiverClanners, she felt comfortable and safe and known. She appreciated her brother's protective eye when they lived in the shipyard, but having so many more was a deeper comfort. Smokewreath and Willowroot and Lichentuft and Hazecloud and so many more. Their little duo had become something so much larger.

Stormswirl had been zoning out of most of the meeting and grooming her thick fur. She wasn't exactly interested in politics, and she hadn't personally met any of these other clans. She would let the older, more experienced cats take control of that. If she happened to be on a patrol and ran into another clan, she'd let anyone else handle it. Her tongue halted and her eyes flick to Frostmoth's face as his name is called to be deputy. He said nothing, and she could tell by his expression that he was as shocked as seemingly the rest of the clan. The cats around them - older and younger - stared with confusion and contempt.

Stormswirl waited until Pikestar had finished speaking before rising to her paws and nudging Frostmoth with her shoulder. A sly smile spread across her face and before she could open her mouth to praise him, Adderfang slid over to congratulate him. She had not really spoken to the tom before, but after his backhanded compliment and unwarranted advice, she wasn't sure she wanted to. "Well, I think he'll do great just because of who he is! Pikestar made a great choice," she chirped, headbutting Frostmoth's jaw.

keep on moving till i die ⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

• ooc: -
  

• 

  ☁︎ STORM
  ☁︎ RIVERCLAN WARRIOR
  ☁︎ 17 moons, ages every 15th of the month
  ☁︎ open to peaceful interactions
  ☁︎ "SPEECH"
  ☁︎ penned by muddly

• toyhouse
  playlist
  pinterest

 

[dogflicker]

Dogflicker sat dutifully with the rest of her newly brandished Clanmates, not drifting far out of Foxtail and Coyoteclaw's sight. A meeting of importance outside of more warrior names to give? Her tail thudded against the sandy ground, curious as she listened closely. There was still something holding Dogflicker back from embracing all of the change around here- and maybe it was just that. Change, an unstoppable tide rolling over the calm shores of her and her siblings lives. It wasn't something she could fight or stop within her power and truly, change made her feel useless.

Dogflicker's heard of their neighbors upon the patrols returns, finding herself unamused by the discovery for either. SkyClan sounded rude and prickly, while ThunderClan was far more understanding of mistaken border issues, it was still land to compete over. Pikestar didn't seem the type willing to fight for it if it came down to it, in her eyes. The tabby lacked in many aspects for what she wanted in a leader however, much to her surprise, it was something he willingly admitted to his own Clan.

Dogflicker looked between the faces of the cats around her as he carried on, tryng quickly to decipher the possibilities for who would rise to save their poor lily-livered leader.

Frostmoth is the first name from his lips. A tom no older than herself, and though Dogflicker was confident in her capabilities even she would shy away from such responsibility. They hardly had any experience in comparison to their peers... But onto the council, Pikestar rolled a list of warriors from his maw. Her brother among them, a smile reached her eyes as she looked to the boy with pride. She skipped up to him after the announcement settled over the crowd, nudging her head into his shoulder.

"What a hero you're making out to be." She gently teased, glancing around for Coyoteclaw. "Ah, mom 'n dad would be proud to see this. You're growin' up, little brother!"

​

OOC NOTES . ◭ . CHARACTER INFO

• ooc : —​

• ▵ chocolate/cinnamon chimera with high white, and green eyes
  ▵ littermate to foxtail and coyoteclaw
  ▵ mentoring ??
  ▵ mate to none ; peace powerplay allowed
  ▵ "speech"