Shoreclan

Shoreclan is one of the four clans of the mountainside. It is led by Placidstar.

Description
Shoreclan territory covers a large swath of land bordering a much larger lake. Its cats are most often slim and sleek, and are known to be excellent swimmers. Their diets consist largely of fish, but they are more than capable of hunting small mammals and birds as well. When prey is more scarce they're also willing to stomach frogs, toads, salamanders, and other small amphibious creatures.

The lake Shoreclan lives so close to provides both food and protection to the cats. As their camp is up against the water's edge, invading cats are limited in the directions they can approach the camp from. In times of need they can also retreat to a small island of land a short ways out from their camp, an area accessible only by water and therefore much more readily accessible to the strong swimmers of Shoreclan than to the average cat. These protections have proved valuable, both in times of conflict with other clans and in times where Shoreclan has faced dangers from the nearby twoleg nests, particularly the dogs that live there.

Shoreclan cats tend to be even-tempered and relaxed, even in high-stress situations. Shoreclan lineages go back far and heritage is important to many of its cats. Kittypets and outsiders are rarely accepted into the clan unless under extenuating circumstances, partially because Shoreclan-bred cats are considered better-suited to a partially aquatic lifestyle.

Historically the clan has turned inward for self-preservation in times of conflict and has generally kept its borders closed to the other clans of the region. This has lent the clan an air of mystery, and many of the other clans have their own myths and tales on the nature of Shoreclan's cats.

The Fishing Tree
This enormous fallen tree creates a border on one side of the Shoreclan camp and extends partway into the water, creating an excellent spot for catching fish or relaxing and enjoying the cool breeze off the lake on a warm day.

Island
A small, overgrown island that rests in the middle of the lake. Shoreclan cats use this island for protection as well as an occasional hunting grounds when prey on the banks becomes scarce. Apprentices must swim to the island to prove their strength and stamina as part of their trial before becoming a warrior.

Clan History
Shoreclan has held the lake territory for as long as any cat can remember. From the beginning they have been wary of interacting with the other nearby clans, tending to keep to themselves and asking nothing of other clans so they will owe them nothing in return.

When Lucifer attacked and danger gripped the other clans of the mountainside, the Shoreclan cats made no move to attack or assist -- partially because they knew little of what was transpiring beyond their borders, and partially because they did not want to invite needless conflict. At this time, Shoreclan was under the leadership of Fogstar, Piperstar's predecessor and mentor. Shoreclan was able to largely avoid the conflict by keeping to themselves, as they had done for so many years. However, now that Fogstar has passed and Piperstar has taken the leadership role, she is beginning to doubt that neutrality is the clan's best option.