{$title} Pikestar announces some new changes in RiverClan.
Pikestar wastes no time in getting this moon's meeting started. "There are some important announcements I will be making in regards to RiverClan's future. However, I will be making them after today's ceremonies. We have plenty of them to get through so let's begin." Unlike past meetings, he didn't wait for his clanmates to settle. Starting as soon as two apprentices in particular rush to sit near the meeting stump.
He motions for Juncopaw to step forward with a flick of his tail. "Juncopaw, you have passed your assessment and have earned your place as a warrior of Riverclan. Your warrior name will be Juncohop." A smile curls from his lips. "For your tireless energy and for your commitment in not only towards the clan, but what you hold dear. I don't think I've seen another apprentice or warrior run around as much as you do." He can't help but chuff, "I remember trying to find you, but winded up running all over our territory."
A sudden wave of embarrassment hits him for giving into his ramblings. With a cough he continues, "As much as I envy your tireless energy, please don't forget to rest. Some knowledge can only be learned in the moments where we rest."
Then he quickly moves on to the next apprentice who is waiting to receive their warrior name, Bubblepaw. "Bubblepaw, you too have passed your assessment and earned your place as a warrior of RiverClan. The warrior name you will receive today is Bubblebounce." He could only hope that she liked it. It didn't sound as fierce as Sharkfrenzy, but he felt that it was a name that best represented her. "For your kindness and generosity. Even if nothing is given in return, you're always happy to lend a paw. And even when others may say mean things to you, you never let it get to you. Their unkind words and actions bounce off you."
It should relieve him honestly. How she is able to keep marching forward without the cruelty of others having an effect on her, yet he finds himself a little unsettled. In many ways she reminds him of himself. A younger, more unburdened spirit. Maybe that is why his tone shifts into something more serious. "Don't let anyone take advantage of your kindness." Where he failed… Maybe she could succeed? It would be an arduous path, but he had faith that if there was anyone who could accomplish such a feat, then it would be Bubblebounce.
With the two warrior ceremonies complete, he can't help but wonder if the former apprentices would grow to loathe him at the end of this meeting. However, he had bigger fish to be concerned about. Now let's name the new apprentices.
In the crowd he searches for Wavesong. She is surrounded by the kits that will be made apprentices today. Once he has located her, he quickly fixes his sights on Strawberrykit. "Strawberrykit, it's time for you to start a new journey as Strawberrypaw. Your mentor, who will help you on this journey will be Dogflicker." While Dogflicker may be opinionated at times, she is reliable. Easy to talk to as well, he has no doubts Strawberrypaw and Dogflicker will get along.
As for the next kit… He can't help but stare at them for longer than he would have liked to admit. Jasperkit was taken in by Wavesong, but if Wavesong had not insisted, the kit would have been made an apprentice a moon ago. At first he tried to push back, but eventually gave up when Wavesong made it clear that she would not budge. The last thing he wanted was a furious mother hissing at his door. Wavesong can be terrifying. ANYWAY! "Jasperkit, until you have completed your training you will be known as Jasperpaw. Silverspirit will be your new mentor."
What follows is a bout of silence, as if he was done assigning new apprentices to their mentors. However, a majority of the clan knew that there were more of Wavesong's kits who were ready to become warriors. Their mother looked at the leader with a questioning tilt of her head while the other kits groomed for the occasion waited. I have to take risks. Green eyes settle on Salmonkit.
"Salmonkit, from this day forward until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Salmonpaw. Your mentor will be Galerunner." While he does have some concerns in regards to how Galerunner would treat and train his new apprentice, he simply has to believe that the young warrior won't do anything too foolish. His questionable nature has raised a couple of brows in the clan. The most recent incident being his suggestion to let a kit fend for themselves in the forest. However, it wasn't as if the clan could avoid it forever. Someday Galerunner was going to train an apprentice whether they liked it or not.
For your sake, I hope you don't do anything rash. Wavesong won't be as forgiving as I.
Then, he turns his head to another of Wavesong's kits. "Otterkit, you will go by Otterpaw until you become a warrior. Torrentsky will be your mentor." With Torrentsky there are no doubts. He has full confidence that the young warrior will take care of his new apprentice and teach them the necessary skills. If there is something that Torrentsky doesn't like, he refuses to let it sit and fester. Although, that trait of his is something that the leader worries about. While he was willing to hear Torrentsky's concerns and rage regarding Howlingkit, he worries about affairs that require patience. Where charging ahead and demanding answers or finding them will cause more harm than good. Maybe with Otterkit you'll learn new things too.
Only two kits were left. Piranhakit and Troutkit. He's already decided who would take over their training, but he can't help but wonder if this was truly wise. Or how it would be taken by a particular warrior. In some ways it can be seen as a reward, while in other ways it can be seen as punishment. Regardless, only time will tell where this decision leads them.
"Piranhakit, it's time for you to begin your training as well. As Piranhapaw your mentor will be Rushingtide." He looks to the young warrior who he fought with earlier. In his gaze, there is no fury to be gleaned. It was as if their scuffle never occurred, but the scratches from that day say otherwise. He knows in his heart that the warrior loathes him for ruining his family. For taking his father and his sister away from him. To this day the leader wishes things were different, but wishing didn't change the facts. The only reason why Rushingtide remained in this clan was not out of kindness. He remained out of responsibility. If the warrior never forgave him, then at the very least he was able to train his brother as he saw fit.
His gaze lingers at the pair of brothers, now mentor and apprentice before averting his eyes to the last remaining kit. A kit who looked like their father as well. However, he felt that Troutkit took after more of Adder than the rest of Wavesong's children. Even Rushingtide himself.
"Troutkit, or rather Troutpaw as of now… I will be your mentor." While he is unsure of how the clan will take this news, he finds that he doesn't care. His reasons for taking on Troutkit as his own apprentice so soon after Iciclepaw are selfish. He can feel the scars given to him by Adder burning, as if hissing at him for deciding to go through with this decision. Don't worry. If everything goes as planned, everything will be taken care of.
With all the ceremonies tended to, he must now announce some important changes for their clan. Changes discussed among the council and what they ultimately agreed upon best suited the needs of their clan at this very moment. If they had complaints about it, then they were free to do so. However, some things needed to be done in order to ensure their future. Especially now, during Leafbare.
"As I mentioned earlier I have some important announcements regarding our future. Changes that will be made and followed in order to survive."
Murmurs begin. Put a stop to it.
"Our first concern is ensuring everyone is fed. With the river beginning to freeze in some parts and the concern of having no land prey… The first change will be that kits will be made apprentices earlier than six moons starting next moon. As of now it has been decided any kit who is five moons will be made an apprentice and assigned a warrior. If our situation becomes more serious then kits will be apprenticed at four moons."
Already he can feel heated gazes sent his way and the increase of murmurs doesn't help either. It should have been expected since the clan, despite all their differences, were fiercely protective when it came to kits. We don't have much of a choice. He raises his voice, "The second change is to graduate apprentices sooner. The earliest an apprentice can become a warrior is at ten moons, after passing their assessments. Otherwise, they will graduate at eleven moons."
The reaction now is mixed. Apprentices who became warriors at the age of twelve moons may feel bitterness, while those who were still apprentices may feel excitement at this new prospect. As for the warriors? He could not discern their opinion. Nevertheless, he felt the need to explain why these changes must be done. How this would combat the issue of not having enough prey.
"Both of these changes are made to ensure that every mouth in this clan will be fed and that we have more paws to gather herbs or materials to strengthen our nests."
A beat.
"The third change is that we will no longer be accepting any cat who isn't in dire need into our clan. We already have many mouths to feed and we are expecting more kits any moon now." While this change sounded reasonable, he knew that this would be unheard of in the past. Those who lived in the Shipyard welcomed everyone. No one was turned away. If anyone left the Shipyard it is because they themselves did so. However, this was not the Shipyard. Even if they hated this new change, it didn't mean RiverClan needed to completely abandon their welcoming ways. He did say those in dire need were allowed to join, but would the clan test him by bringing relatives? If so, unfortunately they would be turned away. Unless they were truly in need.
"The fourth and final change is that we will begin regular battle training. While food will remain our main priority, we can't ignore the possibility that SkyClan or ThunderClan may attack us. Or any clan for that matter, so we will strengthen our claws. That way our clan is better prepared for an attack, if any clan dares to ambush us during Leafbare."
He can't help but glance at Rushingtide. The warrior who asked him what he did when they were taken advantage of because of his weakness. This time I won't let it happen to us again. Not by my own paws.
"That is all for this meeting." Finally, Pikestar descends and quietly enters his own den. If anyone needed a word with him about the new changes in regards to the clan, then he would be waiting in the comfort of his own den.
He motions for Juncopaw to step forward with a flick of his tail. "Juncopaw, you have passed your assessment and have earned your place as a warrior of Riverclan. Your warrior name will be Juncohop." A smile curls from his lips. "For your tireless energy and for your commitment in not only towards the clan, but what you hold dear. I don't think I've seen another apprentice or warrior run around as much as you do." He can't help but chuff, "I remember trying to find you, but winded up running all over our territory."
A sudden wave of embarrassment hits him for giving into his ramblings. With a cough he continues, "As much as I envy your tireless energy, please don't forget to rest. Some knowledge can only be learned in the moments where we rest."
Then he quickly moves on to the next apprentice who is waiting to receive their warrior name, Bubblepaw. "Bubblepaw, you too have passed your assessment and earned your place as a warrior of RiverClan. The warrior name you will receive today is Bubblebounce." He could only hope that she liked it. It didn't sound as fierce as Sharkfrenzy, but he felt that it was a name that best represented her. "For your kindness and generosity. Even if nothing is given in return, you're always happy to lend a paw. And even when others may say mean things to you, you never let it get to you. Their unkind words and actions bounce off you."
It should relieve him honestly. How she is able to keep marching forward without the cruelty of others having an effect on her, yet he finds himself a little unsettled. In many ways she reminds him of himself. A younger, more unburdened spirit. Maybe that is why his tone shifts into something more serious. "Don't let anyone take advantage of your kindness." Where he failed… Maybe she could succeed? It would be an arduous path, but he had faith that if there was anyone who could accomplish such a feat, then it would be Bubblebounce.
With the two warrior ceremonies complete, he can't help but wonder if the former apprentices would grow to loathe him at the end of this meeting. However, he had bigger fish to be concerned about. Now let's name the new apprentices.
In the crowd he searches for Wavesong. She is surrounded by the kits that will be made apprentices today. Once he has located her, he quickly fixes his sights on Strawberrykit. "Strawberrykit, it's time for you to start a new journey as Strawberrypaw. Your mentor, who will help you on this journey will be Dogflicker." While Dogflicker may be opinionated at times, she is reliable. Easy to talk to as well, he has no doubts Strawberrypaw and Dogflicker will get along.
As for the next kit… He can't help but stare at them for longer than he would have liked to admit. Jasperkit was taken in by Wavesong, but if Wavesong had not insisted, the kit would have been made an apprentice a moon ago. At first he tried to push back, but eventually gave up when Wavesong made it clear that she would not budge. The last thing he wanted was a furious mother hissing at his door. Wavesong can be terrifying. ANYWAY! "Jasperkit, until you have completed your training you will be known as Jasperpaw. Silverspirit will be your new mentor."
What follows is a bout of silence, as if he was done assigning new apprentices to their mentors. However, a majority of the clan knew that there were more of Wavesong's kits who were ready to become warriors. Their mother looked at the leader with a questioning tilt of her head while the other kits groomed for the occasion waited. I have to take risks. Green eyes settle on Salmonkit.
"Salmonkit, from this day forward until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Salmonpaw. Your mentor will be Galerunner." While he does have some concerns in regards to how Galerunner would treat and train his new apprentice, he simply has to believe that the young warrior won't do anything too foolish. His questionable nature has raised a couple of brows in the clan. The most recent incident being his suggestion to let a kit fend for themselves in the forest. However, it wasn't as if the clan could avoid it forever. Someday Galerunner was going to train an apprentice whether they liked it or not.
For your sake, I hope you don't do anything rash. Wavesong won't be as forgiving as I.
Then, he turns his head to another of Wavesong's kits. "Otterkit, you will go by Otterpaw until you become a warrior. Torrentsky will be your mentor." With Torrentsky there are no doubts. He has full confidence that the young warrior will take care of his new apprentice and teach them the necessary skills. If there is something that Torrentsky doesn't like, he refuses to let it sit and fester. Although, that trait of his is something that the leader worries about. While he was willing to hear Torrentsky's concerns and rage regarding Howlingkit, he worries about affairs that require patience. Where charging ahead and demanding answers or finding them will cause more harm than good. Maybe with Otterkit you'll learn new things too.
Only two kits were left. Piranhakit and Troutkit. He's already decided who would take over their training, but he can't help but wonder if this was truly wise. Or how it would be taken by a particular warrior. In some ways it can be seen as a reward, while in other ways it can be seen as punishment. Regardless, only time will tell where this decision leads them.
"Piranhakit, it's time for you to begin your training as well. As Piranhapaw your mentor will be Rushingtide." He looks to the young warrior who he fought with earlier. In his gaze, there is no fury to be gleaned. It was as if their scuffle never occurred, but the scratches from that day say otherwise. He knows in his heart that the warrior loathes him for ruining his family. For taking his father and his sister away from him. To this day the leader wishes things were different, but wishing didn't change the facts. The only reason why Rushingtide remained in this clan was not out of kindness. He remained out of responsibility. If the warrior never forgave him, then at the very least he was able to train his brother as he saw fit.
His gaze lingers at the pair of brothers, now mentor and apprentice before averting his eyes to the last remaining kit. A kit who looked like their father as well. However, he felt that Troutkit took after more of Adder than the rest of Wavesong's children. Even Rushingtide himself.
"Troutkit, or rather Troutpaw as of now… I will be your mentor." While he is unsure of how the clan will take this news, he finds that he doesn't care. His reasons for taking on Troutkit as his own apprentice so soon after Iciclepaw are selfish. He can feel the scars given to him by Adder burning, as if hissing at him for deciding to go through with this decision. Don't worry. If everything goes as planned, everything will be taken care of.
With all the ceremonies tended to, he must now announce some important changes for their clan. Changes discussed among the council and what they ultimately agreed upon best suited the needs of their clan at this very moment. If they had complaints about it, then they were free to do so. However, some things needed to be done in order to ensure their future. Especially now, during Leafbare.
"As I mentioned earlier I have some important announcements regarding our future. Changes that will be made and followed in order to survive."
Murmurs begin. Put a stop to it.
"Our first concern is ensuring everyone is fed. With the river beginning to freeze in some parts and the concern of having no land prey… The first change will be that kits will be made apprentices earlier than six moons starting next moon. As of now it has been decided any kit who is five moons will be made an apprentice and assigned a warrior. If our situation becomes more serious then kits will be apprenticed at four moons."
Already he can feel heated gazes sent his way and the increase of murmurs doesn't help either. It should have been expected since the clan, despite all their differences, were fiercely protective when it came to kits. We don't have much of a choice. He raises his voice, "The second change is to graduate apprentices sooner. The earliest an apprentice can become a warrior is at ten moons, after passing their assessments. Otherwise, they will graduate at eleven moons."
The reaction now is mixed. Apprentices who became warriors at the age of twelve moons may feel bitterness, while those who were still apprentices may feel excitement at this new prospect. As for the warriors? He could not discern their opinion. Nevertheless, he felt the need to explain why these changes must be done. How this would combat the issue of not having enough prey.
"Both of these changes are made to ensure that every mouth in this clan will be fed and that we have more paws to gather herbs or materials to strengthen our nests."
A beat.
"The third change is that we will no longer be accepting any cat who isn't in dire need into our clan. We already have many mouths to feed and we are expecting more kits any moon now." While this change sounded reasonable, he knew that this would be unheard of in the past. Those who lived in the Shipyard welcomed everyone. No one was turned away. If anyone left the Shipyard it is because they themselves did so. However, this was not the Shipyard. Even if they hated this new change, it didn't mean RiverClan needed to completely abandon their welcoming ways. He did say those in dire need were allowed to join, but would the clan test him by bringing relatives? If so, unfortunately they would be turned away. Unless they were truly in need.
"The fourth and final change is that we will begin regular battle training. While food will remain our main priority, we can't ignore the possibility that SkyClan or ThunderClan may attack us. Or any clan for that matter, so we will strengthen our claws. That way our clan is better prepared for an attack, if any clan dares to ambush us during Leafbare."
He can't help but glance at Rushingtide. The warrior who asked him what he did when they were taken advantage of because of his weakness. This time I won't let it happen to us again. Not by my own paws.
"That is all for this meeting." Finally, Pikestar descends and quietly enters his own den. If anyone needed a word with him about the new changes in regards to the clan, then he would be waiting in the comfort of his own den.
-
The meeting agenda is below to get a quick gist of what happened during this meeting! Congrats to our new warriors and apprentices <3!
NEW RULES:
— Kits will be apprenticed at 5 moons starting next meeting
— Apprentices will be made warriors at 10 moons (earliest), 11 moons the latest
— Cats who aren't in dire need will be turned away from joining Riverclan.
— Regular battle training will begin to prepare for possible ambushes/battles from other clans
These changes will be updated to the RiverClan guide for future reference
NEW WARRIORS:
— Juncopaw -> Juncohop
— Bubblepaw -> Bubblebounce
NEW APPRENTICES:
— Jasperpaw -> Silverspirit
— Salmonpaw -> Galerunner
— Piranhapaw -> Rushingtide
— Troutpaw -> Pikestar
— Otterpaw -> Torrentsky
— Strawberrypaw -> Dogflicker -
PIKESTAR— leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
♱ 45 moons — he/him — ages realistically on the 1st — mentoring troutpaw
♱ speech is"#36D9AB"— thoughts are italics — attacks are underlined
♱ short haired silver mackerel tabby with green eyes
♱ peaceful & healing powerplay permitted — underline & tag when attacking
♱ penned by velou — kasaven on discord — open to plots & dms
